Updated 11/9/11: David Grajeda was released from custody on November 9, 2011, according to a message posted by David Grajeda on facebook.
LANCASTER – Friends, family members and associates of David Grajeda are asking the public to join them in an upcoming “Free David Grajeda Protest.”
The following is an excerpt from a press release titled “Citizens of Lancaster fight back!” which was being circulated by friends and family members of David Grajeda Friday:
David Grajeda
Mr. Grajeda is being subjected to continued harassment and retaliation by City Leaders as well as members of the Sheriff’s Department in Lancaster for his numerous complaints to these public officials; in direct violation of Mr. Grajeda’s First Amendment Constitutional rights… Mr. Grajeda is in possession of videos and audio recordings showing sheriff department personnel engaged in misconduct, as well as numerous other tapes showing harassment by the sheriff’s department and city officials directed at Mr. Grajeda for his continuing to speak out against these officials at public meetings.
The “Free David Grajeda Protest” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 12, at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail Twin Towers at 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA.
David Grajeda, a frequent speaker and critic at City Council meetings, was arrested on October 25th as he attempted to enter a City Council meeting. He was charged with a misdemeanor for disrupting a public meeting based on his actions at an October 12th Criminal Justice Commission meeting.
Family members say during the Criminal Justice Commission meeting, David Grajeda was speaking out against Public Safety Officer Lee D’Errico.
Maria Grajeda claims D’Errico, acting under the command of Mayor R. Rex Parris, assaulted David Grajeda at a prior City Council meeting. Maria Grajeda offered a video as proof of the assault. See the video here.
She says David Grajeda filed charges against D’Errico, but nothing came of the charges. When David Grajeda came to the Criminal Justice Commission meeting to complain about the assault, he was ejected from the meeting for disruption, Maria Grajeda claims.
He was then arrested for the incident 13 days later at a City Council meeting. David Grajeda’s bail was initially set at $5,000 for the misdemeanor charge, but was later raised to $25,000.
According to the LASD Inmate Information System, David Grajeda was transferred to Twin Towers Correctional Facility on October 27th, where he has remained to date.
His next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 16th, at the Antelope Valley Courthouse, according to the Inmate Information system.
A fund to assist David Grajeda in raising bail has been set up by his attorney, Amy Konstantelos. Those wishing to assist in this effort can visit the page here.
16 comments for "UPDATED: Protest to be held for jailed local activist"
VOICE OF THE PEOPLEsays
ACTUAL PRESS reease referred to in this story…..
PRESS RELEASE – Citizens of Lancaster Fight Back! .by Anita Wilson on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 12:30pm.Press Release
Citizens of Lancaster FIGHT BACK!
Citizens of Lancaster protest the arrest of Outspoken Community Activist David Grajeda.
Lancaster, CA – November 4, 2011: The Citizens of Lancaster are fighting back! A very outspoken Community Activist, David Grajeda, was arrested outside of Lancaster City Hall last Tuesday, October 25th. Mr. Grajeda is known for attending Lancaster City Council meetings and speaking out on corruption by the City Council and Sheriff’s Department in Lancaster. Mr. Grajeda was physically attacked at a prior City Council meeting but the sheriff’s department refused to make a report on the incident or take a complaint on the assault. Mr. Grajeda is being subjected to continued harassment and retaliation by City Leaders as well as members of the Sheriff’s Department in Lancaster for his numerous complaints to these public officials; in direct violation of Mr. Grajeda’s First Amendment Constitutional rights. At a Lancaster City Council Criminal Justice meeting several weeks ago, Mr. Grajeda was escorted from the building by sheriff’s deputies for speaking out on threats that were made against him and demanding accountability from City Council members. Mr. Grajeda is in possession of videos and audio recordings showing sheriff department personnel engaged in misconduct, as well as numerous other tapes showing harassment by the sheriff’s department and city officials directed at Mr. Grajeda for his continuing to speak out against these officials at public meetings. On October 25, 2011 Mr. Grajeda attempted to enter Lancaster City Hall for a public City Council meeting. He was immediately arrested by sheriff’s deputies on a warrant for disturbing a public meeting. Mr. Grajeda is now incarcerated in Los Angeles County Jail, in solitary confinement, with a $25,000.00 bond because he exercised his First Amendment Constitutional right to free speech.
The Citizens of Lancaster are tired of the corruption and disregard of civil rights by Lancaster City Officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They are taking their fight to the public. In the fight for justice for Mr. Grajeda, it has come to light that there has been a recent opinion by the Judgment by the Second District Court of Appeals, that has stripped even more civil rights from the citizens of California.
Miracle Star v. State of California{short title}, California Supreme Court Case #11-359 removes the right to compensation from every citizen in the State of California if they are injured or wronged by a government official, including law enforcement. Attorney Jeffrey Moffat of Lancaster is the counsel of record for this case. With the family of David Grajeda fearing retribution by City Officials and the sheriff’s department, it is unsettling to realize that if something should happen to Mr. Grajeda, there is no recourse for damages. Because of this court ruling, two petitions are being circulated to request that the U.S. Supreme Court hear this case.
■www.go.to/petition ■http://www.change.org/petitions/37m-californians-have-lost-their-civil-rights-fight-back. The situation in Lancaster is bleak. The City of Lancaster is being investigated by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for civil rights violations. The sheriff’s department is being investigated by the California State Attorney General along with Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris for censoring City Council meetings. The actions of these public officials are leaving all citizens with a bad taste in their mouths. The corruption and abuses in Lancaster are far worse than the recent scandal involving the City of Bell. Citizens in Lancaster are being attacked and retaliated against by law enforcement for speaking out and exercising their rights protected under the Constitution of the United States. The injustices and violations perpetrated by Lancaster City Officials, with the support of the sheriff’s department is having a devastating effect on the lives and wellbeing of the citizens residing in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley . A fund to help Mr. Grajeda raise bail has been set up by his attorney, Amy Konstantelos. (http://akonstantelos.chipin.com/free-david-grajeda-now)
R. Rex Parris’ days of freedom are numbered… and getting fewer!
davesays
I was arrested oct 22. sent to twin towers. I was attacked by a deputy. he damaged my back and currently am in horrible pain. when i was released rom the hostpital and sent back to jail i became suicidal. The officers there beat random inmates on a daily basis. I have lack the vocab to explain the details on the fear, pain and abuses that go on. i was in jail for 100 days. Those twin towers officer have NO CONSENT FOR THE LAW. You have no idea what happens in jail. Unfortunently i was expossed to this. very sad.
Marianne McCourtsays
There are ways to go about doing things and to petition the governing body for a redress of grievances, but going to a commission meeting and screaming your little head off at everyone there is not the way! It seems to me like this young man is doing this more to make a statement and less about seeking true justice. I watched all of his youtube videos and see a great deal of ego on display in most of them. I saw the one where he went to City hall and sat down with the man in the suite and tie (city attorney?) and David acted like a bloviating ass to the guy even though he was taking the time out of his day to meet with him. What does David do for work? Does anyone know? So far I have heard that he’s a pothead with no day job. Is this true? The whole time I lived in the Bay Area I never once smoked pot and I don’t understand the pothead logic. To me it just kills brain cells and trashes your mind and your body. I would like to know more about this David guy because it feels like we are trying to make a martyr out of him and if I am going to jump in behind that, I want to know more!
Eric Mooresays
What is he in for? I don’t think unemployment should be a factor we are at 19% here in the Valley, either we are unemployed ourserves or have someone in our family that is unemployed, as far as the pot, I don’t touch the stuff myself or alcahol, we should ban both, I believe they are both bad for you….
Eric Mooresays
I believe Lancaster Mayor Parris is a recovering drug addict am i wrong?
Stingersays
He has stated so publicly (I’m not so sure that he is really in recovery, though).
Aj goodmansays
Actually I believe that parris son was addicted to drugs not medical marijuana. Him or his son was addicted to Drugs…
Eric Mooresays
Wow this guy is a FREEDOM fighter, he is talking about Lancaster Mayors corruption, he has balls, not wonder he is in the clincker……. on a misdemenour, $25,000.00 bail, you need a stiff drink for that.
Palmdale_Stevesays
Not in my name, or probably the remainder of the adults in the AV (except Donks and other flavors of fruit loops).
Eric Mooresays
for what I am finding out this guys was questioning The Lancaster Mayor about Re-Development money and Kitty Zseto and that is when all hell broke loose, do you know anything about that? what is the big deal?
Note that the bail set for this is A MAXIMUM BAIL FOR MOST MISDEMEANORS, usually reserved for only the most heinous of misdemeanors (like sex offenses, crimes of major violence, significant weapons violations, etc.). Interestingly enough, the bail, as now set, is GREATER than the bail for such things as: Threatening death upon a Judge ($20K), Participation in criminal street gang activity ($15K), Assault on a public official ($20K), Battery upon a peace officer with injury ($20K), Sexual Battery ($20K), Aggravated Battery by Gassing Peace Officer ($20K), Assault With a Deadly Weapon ($20K), Unlawful Sexual Intercourse With Minor ($20K), Sexual Exploitation of Child ($20K), Burglary ($5K), Grand Theft of Cargo With Value Exceeding $950 ($2,500), Sex Offender on Campus – With Prior ($15K)…
Seriously, folks, when reviewing how the bail schedule is set in the State of Califonrina, does the bail on David Grajeda fit the crime that we are not being informed of here? Really?
Eric Mooresays
is there something about, exposing govement corruption? maybe your schedule there is not update, I just watched the tape of the meeting he interupted, if they can put this guy in jail for this with a bail of $25,000.00 and get away with it, then they can do it to any of us, just keep your lips close, just keep you lips close… no flys will go in I say
Stingersays
I find it just amazing that utilizing your freedom of speech in Lancaster is a substantially GREATER CRIME in the eyes of Parris, his lackey ‘commissioners,’ and his bought-off judges than PHYSICALLY ATTACKING AND INJURING A PEACE OFFICER!
Just amazing!
Stingersays
Marianne, your logic is impeccable – and by that I mean completely peccable! Let me see if I got this straight: You THINK (with no evidence to support such) that David MAY use pot, therefore he IS a pothead and has NO RIGHTS to speak at a public meeting of a government body for REDRESS about being HARASSED in a passionate form? By this illogical logic, I can say that YOU have NO RIGHTS to post because I THINK (with no evidence to support such) that you MAY use pot, which supercedes your RIGHT to FREE SPEECH about this subject. You know waht? Let’s take it further: According to MARIANNE’S LOGIC; because R. Rex Parris DID use COCAINE in the past (self-admittedly, I might add), he has NO RIGHT to be IN OFFICE – EVER!
Brilliant.
Look, I’m not gonna say that David isn’t an annoying person (’cause he is), but he was within his rights of free speech and redress of government under the Constitutions of the United States & California. I watched his tirade at the podium and I noticed that, in spite of the volume and tone of his comments, not one bad word was used, nor did he violate his limitations of time or give any significant resistance when he was illegally ejected from the room.
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE says
ACTUAL PRESS reease referred to in this story…..
PRESS RELEASE – Citizens of Lancaster Fight Back!
.by Anita Wilson on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 12:30pm.Press Release
Citizens of Lancaster FIGHT BACK!
Citizens of Lancaster protest the arrest of Outspoken Community Activist David Grajeda.
Lancaster, CA – November 4, 2011: The Citizens of Lancaster are fighting back! A very outspoken Community Activist, David Grajeda, was arrested outside of Lancaster City Hall last Tuesday, October 25th. Mr. Grajeda is known for attending Lancaster City Council meetings and speaking out on corruption by the City Council and Sheriff’s Department in Lancaster. Mr. Grajeda was physically attacked at a prior City Council meeting but the sheriff’s department refused to make a report on the incident or take a complaint on the assault. Mr. Grajeda is being subjected to continued harassment and retaliation by City Leaders as well as members of the Sheriff’s Department in Lancaster for his numerous complaints to these public officials; in direct violation of Mr. Grajeda’s First Amendment Constitutional rights. At a Lancaster City Council Criminal Justice meeting several weeks ago, Mr. Grajeda was escorted from the building by sheriff’s deputies for speaking out on threats that were made against him and demanding accountability from City Council members. Mr. Grajeda is in possession of videos and audio recordings showing sheriff department personnel engaged in misconduct, as well as numerous other tapes showing harassment by the sheriff’s department and city officials directed at Mr. Grajeda for his continuing to speak out against these officials at public meetings. On October 25, 2011 Mr. Grajeda attempted to enter Lancaster City Hall for a public City Council meeting. He was immediately arrested by sheriff’s deputies on a warrant for disturbing a public meeting. Mr. Grajeda is now incarcerated in Los Angeles County Jail, in solitary confinement, with a $25,000.00 bond because he exercised his First Amendment Constitutional right to free speech.
The Citizens of Lancaster are tired of the corruption and disregard of civil rights by Lancaster City Officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They are taking their fight to the public. In the fight for justice for Mr. Grajeda, it has come to light that there has been a recent opinion by the Judgment by the Second District Court of Appeals, that has stripped even more civil rights from the citizens of California.
Miracle Star v. State of California{short title}, California Supreme Court Case #11-359 removes the right to compensation from every citizen in the State of California if they are injured or wronged by a government official, including law enforcement. Attorney Jeffrey Moffat of Lancaster is the counsel of record for this case. With the family of David Grajeda fearing retribution by City Officials and the sheriff’s department, it is unsettling to realize that if something should happen to Mr. Grajeda, there is no recourse for damages. Because of this court ruling, two petitions are being circulated to request that the U.S. Supreme Court hear this case.
■www.go.to/petition
■http://www.change.org/petitions/37m-californians-have-lost-their-civil-rights-fight-back.
The situation in Lancaster is bleak. The City of Lancaster is being investigated by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for civil rights violations. The sheriff’s department is being investigated by the California State Attorney General along with Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris for censoring City Council meetings. The actions of these public officials are leaving all citizens with a bad taste in their mouths. The corruption and abuses in Lancaster are far worse than the recent scandal involving the City of Bell. Citizens in Lancaster are being attacked and retaliated against by law enforcement for speaking out and exercising their rights protected under the Constitution of the United States. The injustices and violations perpetrated by Lancaster City Officials, with the support of the sheriff’s department is having a devastating effect on the lives and wellbeing of the citizens residing in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley . A fund to help Mr. Grajeda raise bail has been set up by his attorney, Amy Konstantelos. (http://akonstantelos.chipin.com/free-david-grajeda-now)
A Facebook page has also been set up in support of Mr. Grajeda. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-David-G-NOW.
Stinger says
R. Rex Parris’ days of freedom are numbered… and getting fewer!
dave says
I was arrested oct 22. sent to twin towers. I was attacked by a deputy. he damaged my back and currently am in horrible pain. when i was released rom the hostpital and sent back to jail i became suicidal. The officers there beat random inmates on a daily basis. I have lack the vocab to explain the details on the fear, pain and abuses that go on. i was in jail for 100 days. Those twin towers officer have NO CONSENT FOR THE LAW. You have no idea what happens in jail. Unfortunently i was expossed to this. very sad.
Marianne McCourt says
There are ways to go about doing things and to petition the governing body for a redress of grievances, but going to a commission meeting and screaming your little head off at everyone there is not the way! It seems to me like this young man is doing this more to make a statement and less about seeking true justice. I watched all of his youtube videos and see a great deal of ego on display in most of them. I saw the one where he went to City hall and sat down with the man in the suite and tie (city attorney?) and David acted like a bloviating ass to the guy even though he was taking the time out of his day to meet with him. What does David do for work? Does anyone know? So far I have heard that he’s a pothead with no day job. Is this true? The whole time I lived in the Bay Area I never once smoked pot and I don’t understand the pothead logic. To me it just kills brain cells and trashes your mind and your body. I would like to know more about this David guy because it feels like we are trying to make a martyr out of him and if I am going to jump in behind that, I want to know more!
Eric Moore says
What is he in for? I don’t think unemployment should be a factor we are at 19% here in the Valley, either we are unemployed ourserves or have someone in our family that is unemployed, as far as the pot, I don’t touch the stuff myself or alcahol, we should ban both, I believe they are both bad for you….
Eric Moore says
I believe Lancaster Mayor Parris is a recovering drug addict am i wrong?
Stinger says
He has stated so publicly (I’m not so sure that he is really in recovery, though).
Aj goodman says
Actually I believe that parris son was addicted to drugs not medical marijuana. Him or his son was addicted to Drugs…
Eric Moore says
Wow this guy is a FREEDOM fighter, he is talking about Lancaster Mayors corruption, he has balls, not wonder he is in the clincker……. on a misdemenour, $25,000.00 bail, you need a stiff drink for that.
Palmdale_Steve says
Not in my name, or probably the remainder of the adults in the AV (except Donks and other flavors of fruit loops).
Eric Moore says
for what I am finding out this guys was questioning The Lancaster Mayor about Re-Development money and Kitty Zseto and that is when all hell broke loose, do you know anything about that? what is the big deal?
Stinger says
By the way, take a look at the bail schedule for misdemeanors (here is a link: http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/bail/pdf/misd.pdf ).
Note that the bail set for this is A MAXIMUM BAIL FOR MOST MISDEMEANORS, usually reserved for only the most heinous of misdemeanors (like sex offenses, crimes of major violence, significant weapons violations, etc.). Interestingly enough, the bail, as now set, is GREATER than the bail for such things as: Threatening death upon a Judge ($20K),
Participation in criminal street gang activity ($15K),
Assault on a public official ($20K),
Battery upon a peace officer with injury ($20K),
Sexual Battery ($20K),
Aggravated Battery by Gassing Peace Officer ($20K),
Assault With a Deadly Weapon ($20K),
Unlawful Sexual Intercourse With Minor ($20K),
Sexual Exploitation of Child ($20K),
Burglary ($5K),
Grand Theft of Cargo With Value Exceeding $950 ($2,500),
Sex Offender on Campus – With Prior ($15K)…
Seriously, folks, when reviewing how the bail schedule is set in the State of Califonrina, does the bail on David Grajeda fit the crime that we are not being informed of here? Really?
Eric Moore says
is there something about, exposing govement corruption? maybe your schedule there is not update, I just watched the tape of the meeting he interupted, if they can put this guy in jail for this with a bail of $25,000.00 and get away with it, then they can do it to any of us, just keep your lips close, just keep you lips close… no flys will go in I say
Stinger says
I find it just amazing that utilizing your freedom of speech in Lancaster is a substantially GREATER CRIME in the eyes of Parris, his lackey ‘commissioners,’ and his bought-off judges than PHYSICALLY ATTACKING AND INJURING A PEACE OFFICER!
Just amazing!
Stinger says
Marianne, your logic is impeccable – and by that I mean completely peccable! Let me see if I got this straight: You THINK (with no evidence to support such) that David MAY use pot, therefore he IS a pothead and has NO RIGHTS to speak at a public meeting of a government body for REDRESS about being HARASSED in a passionate form? By this illogical logic, I can say that YOU have NO RIGHTS to post because I THINK (with no evidence to support such) that you MAY use pot, which supercedes your RIGHT to FREE SPEECH about this subject. You know waht? Let’s take it further: According to MARIANNE’S LOGIC; because R. Rex Parris DID use COCAINE in the past (self-admittedly, I might add), he has NO RIGHT to be IN OFFICE – EVER!
Brilliant.
Look, I’m not gonna say that David isn’t an annoying person (’cause he is), but he was within his rights of free speech and redress of government under the Constitutions of the United States & California. I watched his tirade at the podium and I noticed that, in spite of the volume and tone of his comments, not one bad word was used, nor did he violate his limitations of time or give any significant resistance when he was illegally ejected from the room.