One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Occupiers Attempt Citizen's Arrest of San Diego's Mayor
Members of Occupy San Diego tried to make a citizen's arrest of their mayor, Jerry Sanders, but, alas, they were not successful.
The would-be bust took place following a news conference held by Sanders, and found about 20 members of the protest group waiting for the leader at his offices, only to find out he wasn't there, according to City News Service.
The want to make an arrest comes from an assertion by Occupy San Diego that a temporary name change of their city's Qualcomm stadium to "Snapdragon Stadium" to take part in a promotion for one of Qualcomm's products was illegal.
The group alleges Sanders committed embezzlement and calls the deal to change the name and host high profile events at the facility is emblematic of "sweetheart backroom deals" the occupiers wish to see no longer happening.
The group presented paperwork to officials at City Hall claiming taxpayers lost revenue when Sanders approved the name change for three football games in December without City Council approval. “He has committed a felony under state law,” said protester Martha Sullivan. “If the D.A. does not perform her official duties and prosecute this felony, which she’s responsible for, we intend to go to the state attorney general.”
Sponsored message
"Asking the receptionist for the mayor to come out" at Mayor Jerry Sanders' office (Photo via @OccupySD on Twitter)
"Harold Eisenga from the District Attorrney's office has told us he will look into the allegations!" Tweeted Occupy San Diego early this afternoon.
The Mayor was expected back in his offices later Monday, according to a spokesperson, however it is not clear if the occupiers intend on returning to make the arrest.
Sanders, a Republican, recently joined forces with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to form "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," an off-shoot group of "Freedom to Marry," a national organization that partners with local groups to push protections for same-sex couples to marry.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
