Let our VOICES be heard -- our...

Let our VOICES be heard -- our FREE SPEECH is being denied! · Mobilize
*A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.* **Eastlake Village Marketplace, located on Otay Lakes Rd.** BACKSTORY: After being at the corner in front of Islands on Otay Lakes Rd. for over 16 months, our group has been told by the Sudberry Management team that "they" own the sidewalk and they no longer want us there! We had double the amount of protesters at the first ones, we reminded them that we are peaceful and that we will not be leaving until 11 so they will have to call the police The police arrived and waited in the lot until afterward to show the coordinator a map that included the sidewalks (as in: Sudberry owns it!!). He also advised that since that is NOT the norm, she should look into it. (I call non-emergency before each and every protest-they all know me). Thank you to all our detectives for doing all the legwork and the legal work ... turns out they were wrong ... the city owns the space! We showed up in greater numbers, and basically the cops never showed up for them ... same the following weekend - I chatted with the property manager afterward and she switched her story up a little bit ... said, that we are blocking the ADA ramp and that they could be sued! After our "detectives" once again did the research. Turns out their existing ramp isn't quite up to standards, but it isn't worth it to make a fuss -- on either of our ends. SO, that all being said -- we are still wanting greater numbers at this corner to show them that this community doesn't take kindly to having our First Amendment Right to peaceful protest being blatantly violated! So here is the updated plan - based on the last few weeks: **DO NOT PARK IN THE MARKETPLACE PARKING LOT! Unless you have a handicapped placard!** Do NOT buy one thing from any of their shops or restaurants. Instead, we park by Kohl's and meet right at that corner on Eastlake Blvd. Cross the street and just march to Island's on the "forbidden" sidewalk, march across the street to McD's and cross over to the Arby's and we can go back the same way and do it all over again. We do not step on the grass, we don't leave anything personal on the ground, we pick up after ourselves ... We keep it cleaner than we found it. **MOST IMPORTANTLY: STAY CLEAR OF THEIR RAMP! We refuse to let them intimidate us, so don't give them even 1 reason. We move out of the way of ANY passersby! Don't even wait for them to have to say "excuse me" ... just make plenty of room for them ... we smile and we are friendly (they might want to join us!) ... ESPECIALLY if a walker or a wheelchair or even just a bike needs to pass! Signs to consider - anything First Amendment/Free Speech themed ... maybe even call out Sudberry for trying to stifle us! We want the community to stay away from places that don't honor our basic first amendment right to free speech! **Remember that driving by and beeping counts as RESISTANCE! I can't say it enough, it's invaluable! I know gas prices suck, but if you are nearby, drive by a few times and make a TON of noise!** Also, this is for those of you who can't be physically on the streets, but you still want to RESIST from the comfort of your own home: How about calling one or more of the restaurants in the Food Court that sees and hears our protests weekly ... to remind them that we refuse to do business when our voices are being silenced! Here is the link for the names and the phone numbers: https://shopeastlakemarketplace.com/ I ask to speak to the lead manager .. we are polite, but right to the point ... *we used to support your business, but no longer* is your message and then tell them whatever your reason is that your money will no longer be spent ... Remember that lots of them are on OUR side (I know Luna Grill is with us, for instance ... I also know that Great Clips is NOT -the owner harassed us over a year ago and was a real live one! -- feel free to call Great Clips repeatedly .................). You don't need to give them your name, just tell them you are a customer and you are disappointed in their stance on free speech. The second part of this, is that if you can actually boycott as many of these places as possible, I guarantee the message will be heard! See you Sunday -- tell your friends! Make this the protest you come out and support for the next few weeks until they stop harassing us. More information to consider: *1 sign or whatever you can carry *plan on walking back and forth, so be comfortable *leave valuables in your car (license and cc or a few bucks if you want) *wear sunscreen AND your hat *clean up after your fur babies *don't forget your water bottles See you on the streets! Janine








