Curtis Reliford and about 20 supporters attended a court hearing today in front of Judge Almquist. It stemmed from an occurrence back in 2007 where Curtis Reliford, founder of the Follow Your Heart Action Network, parked his truck and trailer in front of Starbucks on Pacific Avenue in order to get a cup of coffee. He parked and then put money in two meters. The manager of Starbucks came out and harassed Curtis Reliford, claiming he was panhandling. She called the police to have him cited and went next door to get someone from The Vault to also harass Curtis. Police showed up, did not cite Mr. Reliford, and said he had done nothing illegal. There were no witnesses supporting Starbucks' claims, but there was at least one witness in court today supporting Curtis' version of the incident.

http://www.scsextra.com/story.php?sid=35165

In the Sentinel article, the manager claims Curtis went table-to-table asking for donations, though the witnesses all claimed he had just arrived and had not asked anyone for money, he just wanted coffee. Curtis decided to sue Starbucks for slander, claiming that they have tarnished his non-profit's reputation by calling him a panhandler. You can bet that, had Curtis been part of Salvation Army or Red Cross, this incident would not have happened. And since Curtis is black, some question whether this was race related.

Today in court, after brief statements by both attorneys, Judge Almquist dismissed the case on the premise that calling a charitable organization a "panhandler" was not going to hurt its reputation or influence how it conducts its business. Observers felt that Reliford's attorney, John King, had done a poor job on the case as he said little, mumbled and paused through his presentation to the judge.

Curtis Reliford started the Follow Your Heart Action Network to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. He has received the 2006 KSBW Jefferson Award, the American Red Cross' Good Samaritan Award, and the NAACP's Community Service Award.

Further action against Starbucks is being planned. Check back for a protest out front of Starbucks in two weeks. Please boycott Starbucks.