LISTENER WINS AGAINST KPFA LSB CHAIR

Richard Phelps, local attorney and chair of the KPFA Local Staton Board, lost in his effort to silence
80-year-old listener activist Jim Weber this week.

Weber, who passes out literature at each LSB meeting he attends, had targetted Phelps for criticism as
the titular leader of the "Peoples Radio" slate that controls KPFA.

Phelps, whose legal training appears to be from a mail-order law school in Texas (now decertified as a
law school), was told by the court that "Weber's writings are opinions, not facts". This means that Weber
has the right to express his opinions without fear of retaliation as threatened by Phelps.

The judge in the court gave the ruling that Phelps could, if he wished, appeal and pursue this matter in
Superior Court, with a jury and facing an attorney (presumably with a real law degree), but also indicated
to Phelps that it was likely that he would lose there as well.

In given the choice to drop the charges or go to a higher court, Phelps apparently took Weber aside and
demanded that if Weber would agree to stop publishing the criticisms, Phelps would not proceed to appeal
and take this no further.

Weber reportedly said, "We'll see you in court, then."

Phelps immediately asked the court to drop the charges, and dismiss the case.

No charges are now pending, and Weber is free to express himself without fear of threats, intimidation or
attack by Phelps.

This is a significant incident in the history of KPFA, as no LSB member or Chair has ever threatened a
listener/member for exercising free speech.

Phelps, as well as the "Peoples Radio" faction controlling KPFA, have long been adversarial towards anyone
who questions or criticizes their actions and policies.

Weber apparently offered an olive branch at the 2/18 LSB meeting, pointing out that the flier content was
never intended as personal, but as a critique of Phelps attempting to constantly 'demonize' his critics as
"Peoples Radio" policy dictates.

Phelps later in the meeting commented that he didn't "demonize" his opponents, he merely claimed that they
were anti-democratic and against transparency, making it clear that he intends to continue to be the subject
of Weber's opinions.

It is clear that the direction of KPFA is at risk with "Peoples Radio" in control, given their penchant of silencing
and intimidating those who do not agree with their core beliefs. It would seem that "Free Speech Radio" will
soon become "Free Speech As Approved Radio" instead.

KPFA listeners are asked to watch this situation and see if "Peoples Radio" truly represents you.