Humboldt Co. Sheriff Press Release:
On 03-28-2012, after receiving a copy of the Humboldt County Urgency Ordinance #2477 regarding Health and Safety issues and use of Humboldt County Courthouse property, Humboldt County Sheriff Michael Downey contacted the group in front of the courthouse. Many of this group had attended the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 27th, 2012. Sheriff Downey met with the group at approximately 10:00 a.m., passed out copies of the Ordinance, and attempted to answer any of their questions. Sheriff Downey requested the group comply with the new ordinance, and requested they remove their belongings, including signs on the fence which violated the new ordinance. Sheriff Downey told the group he would allow them until 4:00 p.m. to collect their belongings.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted by Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office Investigators contacted the group again on the Fifth Street Side of the Courthouse. The group had moved their table and chairs to the sidewalk, which is not covered by the ordinance. They were again requested to remove their signs from the fence and personal property, such as tarps. They were advised the signs and other property would be considered abandoned if no one claimed it. No one claimed the signs or other property. The deputies were told by the group they would not remove the signs, deputies then removed the signs and property that was in violation of the Emergency Ordinance. Immediately after the deputies removed the signs one of the members of the group, Patricia Ann Kanzler, 59 years from Eureka was witnessed by the deputies putting a sign back on the fence. She was asked to remove the sign and told if she did not she would be arrested. She refused and she was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for violation of Humboldt County Ordinance 2477, which is a misdemeanor, bail is $5,000.00. She was released on her
own recognizance.