Silencing the Drums

Brent Adams, community activist and drummer, goes to trial before "Bad News" Baskett for "Unreasonably Disturbing Noise"--a law used to clear away street performers downtown.

Adams reports Officer Winston ticketed him without warning apparently on complaint of the Penrose and Atack law firm, whose officers are above Borders Bookstore on the corner of Soquel and Pacific in the middle of the afternoon.

Winston gave Adams no opportunity to play more quietly, Adams says. When Adams addressed a crowd of folks listening on the issue, Winston decided to ticket him, punishing him for his critique of the law and police procedure.

Adams has a previous history of activism and has given many interviews--search for "Brent Adams" at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/brb-descriptions.html.

Adams gave a recent interview of this particular incident, which I hope to direct people to in the near future.

The local downtown Drum Circle--formerly adjacent to the Farmer's Market for a decade was driven away by police from that location and adjacent parking lots as well as a newer location across from CVS Pharmacy.

Another case in Baskett's court against homeless activists Robert "Blindbear" Facer and me for singing "Downtown" with homeless lyrics in front of the Bookshop Santa Cruz during the day can be found at http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/09/11/18658424.php.

Baskett's decision upholding "the heckler's veto" in that case is under appeal.