Are people who protest the Republican National Convention (RNC) terrorists? That is what hundreds of peaceful activists, including eight community organizers, are being accused of in the wake of the 2008 Republican National convention. One of the 818 people arrested during the protests is Santa Cruz resident, local activist and musician Jesse Forrey. An exclusive benefit dinner began at 6:00pm on March 1st at SubRosa (703 N. Pacific Ave) in Santa Cruz to raise money for Forrey's defense.

Forrey was an active part of the Santa Cruz community before his arrest. A UCSC alumnni, he provided child care, worked in local grocery stores, played music in local bands and taught classes through Free Skool Santa Cruz. He was one of over 300 people arrested on the first day of the RNC protests during massive police roundups designed to discourage free speech and political dissent. Unable to afford bail, Forrey was conditionally released and has been forced to remain in Minnesota, separated from his family and friends, while awaiting trial. Dedicated to social justice, he volunteers at the Second Foundation School and continues community organizing by working with the Community RNC Arrestee Support Structure, a group whose goal is "to ensure that all interested arrestees have the support necessary to fight their charges and stand up for free speech." Forrey is currently on "Trial Call," a system where he does not know when his trial will be but could receive a call at anytime telling him to be in court within 2 hours. Read more