Congrats to Steve Argue and his attorney, Tony Bole for a successful challenging of the "move-along" law passed a year ago by the Santa Cruz City Council on the impetus of Councilmembers Cynthia Matthews and Ed Porter.

HUFF and others felt this law was unconstitutional on its face. The government has no authority to limit or forbid freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to redress government grievances and freedom of the press absent a compelling health or safety issue.

A political table that is not blocking a sidewalk or otherwise causing harm for one hour does not suddenly become a hazard after 61 minutes. But the Santa Cruz City Council has proven it is eager to bend to the whims of downtown merchants who want only to commercialize Pacific Ave. and to limit or curtail completely non-commercial activities near their stores.

Thanks also to Matthew Hartough, who also was physically arrested on July 6th in solidarity with Steve Argue and to oppose this blatantly unconstitutional law. Matthew's arrest was the last arrest the SCPD attempted, so despite no change in the law until now, citizen opposition has had a positive deterrent effect.

Thanks also to Robert Norse for his diligence in bringing forth these issues and for his reporting as honestly and thoroughly on this issue and on many others that affect free speech issues.

I hope Mu appeals the decision Barton gave him.