Tonight I received a phone call from Jason as well as an e-mail account on the HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) e-mail list from HUFFster Becky Johnson:

Jason Paschal, psychic and tarot card readings,
received a move-along ticket on Oct 17th.

On Tuesday Oct 18th late in the afternoon, Paschal reports he was cited for "giving a psychic reading without a permit" by Sgt. Flippo. Flippo. Paschal says, was concerned that Pascal had "made a female UCSC student cry" with a critical prediction. This is an infraction ticket, with fines ranging from $50 and up.

When Pascal denounced Flippo for the harassment citation in strong language, Flippo conferred with a nearby citizen, who then, Pascal claims, at Flippo's instigation, filed a citizen's arrest for "disturbing the peace". This is a misdemeanor citation punishable by 1 year in jail and/or $1000 fine. Pascal's arraignment is Nov 22nd at 8:30 AM.

After he'd gone up to the "Hospitality Hosts" center to complain and was walking back, Jason reports he was fronted by an angry young man who began denouncing him and challenging him to fight for Jason's outspoken criticism of the SCPD, The challenger described himself as a police officer's son and eventually called police to accuse Jason of challenging him to fight. Jason reports the young white man had three companions with him.

Police arrested and handcuffed Jason, taking him to jail where he was held for four hours & his crystals, cards, and table confiscated (as well as his medical marijuana) as "evidence". Paschal estimates the crystals seized are worth thousands of dollars. He was charged with "disturbing the peace", a second misdemeanor.

Officer Kline, Mason reports, told Jason that they could not hold his medical marijuana at the jail, and that he could not have it even though he had a card for it, and that he might be able to secure it from the police department, if they didn't "flush it down the toilet."

Jason tried to counter-file a citizens arrest against the youth who, Jasons says, had told him " I'm going to come over and punch you in the face" Officer Kline reportedly told Jason he would take the arrest and cite the man, but Jason could not confirm that had happened.

Previously on October 11th, Jason reported he was approached by Officer Hoppe, who gave him a ticket for not 'moving along' after an hour because Hoppe had "received a complaint" because Jason had been smoking his legal medicinal marijuana. Jason said Hoppe did not give him an hour and refused to say who had complained.

Previously police have used Mayor Rotkin's "Move-Along" law to disperse an anti-war vigil (March 2003), arrest activists Mathew Harthog and Steve Argue (June and July 2003), and harass musicians (various times since).

Paschal also reports several weeks ago he was threatened by a man who specifically and repeatedly said he would kill him over a course of many minutes. Other threats included "get out of my town," according to Paschal. Officer Kline declined to cite the man or even check his ID, even though other witnesses also complained

Jason will be setting up tommorrow on Pacific Ave. in protest, and to raise money for
his legal defense. He encourages folks who witnessed this incidents to come by his table and leave their phone numbers and accounts.

Folks can also call HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) at 423-4833 and leave information.

He is also looking for legal help, folks with video and audio equipment, and asks people to generally keep an eye out since he fears police will resume action against him.

Two years ago Sgt. Butchie Baker repeatedly harassed Paschal two years ago. See "Jailing of The Reverend raises 1st amendment Issues" at santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/4055/index.php .