lots of people have asked us how we feel about the charges being dropped. i wish i could say “great!” ” wow, the city’s just so super duper great and wonderful and fluffy huggy kissy and full of love… today there were rainbows in the sky over oak park, and marshmallow clouds with dancing unicorns singing folk songs…”
but really, it feels more like the sword of damocles is hanging over our heads. if you don’t know the story of damocles, it’s worth looking up.
the whole crazy strange peculiar un-common/un-suitable way things played out just leaves us with a feeling of , “uh oh- what next?”
we weren’t actually cleared of any wrongdoing. the charges have not been settled in a way that gives us any assurance at all of them not coming back the second the media spotlight is off of oak park.
the dog charges are, should i say it? – just plain malicious.
no, i don’t think that any time a dog owner is cited for having an unlicensed dog, it is malicious. i think that if the city has contact with any dog- because it is stray, because it is menacing, because there have been complaints about it being aggressive- the city has a reason to check if that dog has been properly vaccinated against communicable diseases.
of course, the easiest way to check this would be to actually have an owner produce vaccination records. having to obtain a license, which one can only obtain after the owner proves (by showing vaccination records!) that the dog is vaccinated, just adds a layer of bureaucracy and a nice fee for the city.
so, why do i think that in our case this dog license charge is malicious? our dogs never had any contact with law enforcement officials. they were never arrested or charged with a crime- hahahaha- but seriously, they were not loose. they were not stray.they never hurt or tried to hurt anybody. they both have collars and tags. they are both well fed, well groomed, well maintained, and thoroughly spoiled. the code enforcer had to have seen them either in our LOCKED and fenced back yard, or in our house (we have a large window in the front).
the idea of the code guy snooping in our backyard or, worse, peering into the windows of our house is creepy- to say the least.
but back to why it is malicious: the only way for the code official to determine whether or not our dogs were licensed was to go through the city records and check. why would he have been looking this up? please remember that the dogs were clearly on our property and in our control at all times, so this is not a case of the city finding a dog and checking to see if they have it on record. the ONLY reason i can think of why they would have been checking on our dogs is to have more ammunition against us.
we failed to comply with their coercion to move the garden beds. so when they wanted to write out the ticket, they tried to dig up other dirt on us.
if you can think of another explanation, please please really do post it in the comments section. because i don’t want to be paranoid, but i have been over this in my head, and i really can’t think of any other reason at all.
so, we pay the license fees, we pay late fees, we get proof, and we take that proof to court.we show it to the prosecutor, the prosecutor makes a few notes, says ok, we sit down and wait for our case to be called in front of the judge.
judge calls us up- no mention of anything about the dogs. because it’s been settled. it’s been taken care of.
or so we thought…
because almost a month to the day after we paid for the dog licenses, the prosecutor decides to reinstate the ‘no dog license’ charges that we had already taken care of.
and it happens to be on the same day that they quietly and sneakily dismissed the garden charge- for now at least.
oh, yeah. because now they have 2 misdemeanors pending against me for the dogs, and they may or may not decide to pick up the prosecution over the vegetables after the prosecutor has had time to “review the ordinance”.
huh?????????????????
the part of the ordinance in question is one part of one sentence. it is a phrase. my 6 year old could read it, and everyone in the non-oak park government world seems to be able to understand it. but the prosecutor for the city of oak park- a man with advanced degrees, many years of experience practicing law, and hopefully at least a little common sense, now need time to ” review the ordinance”? does he think there is secret code embedded in it? is this like the davinci code or something? it’s not exactly hieroglyphics. it’s a phrase.
“…or suitable live plant material.” 5 words. not big words. not hard words. ambiguous words, yes, but what is there to review?
unless the city is buying time to see if there is anything else they can throw at us.
way to go, city of oak park. you’ve done a great job in the PR war so far. so now you’re gonna make this process even more long, even more drawn out, and even more ugly.
we fixed the dog licenses. we planted “decorative plantings”. our garden is literally full of “suitable live plant material”.
so do we really need to keep this hanging over our heads?
get real, oak park. i am willing to grant you a 1 or 2 day migraine, but 4 days??? my family is stressed, my phone is ringing around the clock, and my husband has had to take time off from work to try to help handle this mess. this is starting to try my patience.
sal
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:37:49
as someone else noted… shouldn’t they put all this energy toward fixing the deplorable library??
Cas Saint Denis
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:40:16
Just make sure your dogs are safe so the City can’t seize them. And watch out for false claims that your children are neglected or in danger.
Dave
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:43:25
Is there no way to force a trial on the veggies?
Cindy Collins
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:43:39
Sounds like harassment to me. Clear case of it. This isn’t going away for me. I live in Michigan and will be watching to see what they do. We must never let down our guard against government corruption. Too many Americans have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. To take it for granted would be a tragedy at the most monumental level. Hang in there. Meditate while gardening. We are taking notice and will come to your aid if needed. Election booths are wonderful tools to keep tyranny at bay.
Cindy Collins-A fellow (embarrassed) Michigander
foodiesleuth
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:43:43
Julie….take care when you go into the town proper net time to not jaywalk,,,,you might get sited for that next!
Melinda Klockziem
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:44:22
“so, we pay the license fees, we pay late fees, we get proof, and we take that proof to court.we show it to the prosecutor, the prosecutor makes a few notes, says ok, we sit down and wait for our case to be called in front of the judge.
judge calls us up- no mention of anything about the dogs. because it’s been settled”
So isn’t this called double jeopardy?
Sonya grob
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:44:34
Be sure you don’t park your car wrong in the street!
Jen
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:44:37
I have no idea why Oak Park is giving you so much grief on a garden, that I have no comment except to say I hope this nonsense is over soon and you and your family have a bumper crop of veggies. But regarding the dogs, I also was ticketed. They left the ticket on my front porch and then mailed me another ticket so I knew they were not kidding around. My dogs NEVER left the fenced yard or my house. They were never ever loose. When I explained that to the office he explained to me that licensing was mandatory for every dog and cat in the city whether inside or out. I knew that but thought I could get away with it since I thought mine were safely hidden in my back yard and house. I had no idea they had an officer that simply walked about the town looking for dogs in houses that were not registered. It would seem there would be more important jobs for this officer but I guess one rule is as important as the other. Not sure I believe that as my dogs certainly were not murders or child molesters but the law is the law. Good Luck with Oak Park, you may want to look for a house out of the city limits, I did and I am very happy with my dogs and veggies.
alyson
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:45:56
well, because nothing is ever all bad, the sword of damocles might have been covered by myths retold and myths retold with or without damocles is fantastic. check it out for fun stuff.
Maria Ginter
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:47:14
Hang in there, Julie. I so feel your pain (both in being persecuted and the migraine). Yes, persecuted – not just prosecuted. These people seem to be on a vendetta. Even the news people seem to scoff at them with an underlying tone in their voices.
I love your lawyer (smart and cute!). I hope he does go through every dog license violation citation and finds that they got warnings before a ticket.
Oak Park – leave Julie and her family alone. Sheesh. Enough already.
Re-write the damn ordinance with clear and nonambiguous (is that a word?) wording and be done with it.
We have your back, Julie. Take a deep breath, smell the roses and regroup.
We love ya!
jlee
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:47:47
I say again…Get it ALL in writing. Any dismissals, any pending charges, any stet docket decisions…the settled dog licensing, ALL of it.
Hope your headaches are dissolving into the huggy, fuzzy air of Oak Park!
Sabra
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:48:30
I hate to say it, but I am wondering what’s next myself…or who. Why do they need time to ‘review’ it? Simple…Greed. There is a war on food being grown at home & they want control over it, all of it. This isn’t over yet. It may be for you for now, but not for America in general.
teacupsmommy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:49:36
Is there any way I can email these people? They are totally trying to dig up dirt on you to just hassle you. And they are paid for this? Tax dollars pay for losers like this to act this way? City governments are whacked. Today, I had two futon mattresses picked up and thrown into the trash truck. Mind you, this is the same trash truck that comes around every week. Last week, they didn’t pick up the mattresses. Why you ask? Cause I had to go buy a special ticket to pay them to pick up these mattresses just to have them compressed in the same trash truck as the other trash. I was told they get picked up in a special trip by a different company. Go figure.
Tom
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:50:54
I live in Michigan and I will try an be there for any trial. Can’t promise anything but I will try.
Randy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:51:03
I orginally followed this story because I garden. At first I thought it all strange until I learn that you don’t license your dogs, and want to fight about that as well. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t know that their dog’s need a license. I kinda think you just want to cause problems – say f.u. to the authorities. Give up the poor pitiful me routine. It’s not working…
Fellow veggie gardner and dog owner
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:52:51
I believe that licenses for dogs are a way for dogs that do get lost/stray out of their yard to be reunited with their owners, assuming the dog wears the license tag. Licenses also establish legal ownership and responsibility for a dog if, say, a dog were to cause someone harm or be found to have been hurt or neglected. Certainly, it’s a fee for the city, though I doubt that with the issues cities sometimes have to deal with regarding dogs, it’s one that brings about a ‘profit’. Probably just covers the manpower necessary to make sure dogs are vaccinated and to check into problem dog complaints. Also helps municipalities check for compliance if they have breed specific bans or limits on how many dogs can reside at a residence before requiring a permit to operate a kennel. That said, I too, would wonder about the way the citation came about. However, as you stated, you were in the wrong, corrected the problem, paid late fees, etc. There should be no need for the two charges unless you refused to license the dogs, etc. In our town, one of our dogs had wandered off, been transported to the humane society, and after paying the appropriate fees for a ‘dog at large,’ the officer told us that he was required to check into licensing, but wouldn’t get around to it until the following week, giving us a strong hint to make sure the dog was licensed to avoid further citations and fees. I think your community needs to focus more on working with people than on ‘gotcha’ fines and charges. Hang in there–you have a lot of people supporting you! Re: Migranes–have you tried icy hot or Mary Kay mint bliss lotion on your temples and back of your neck? I hear they work great, especially in the early stages before the pain really sets in.
Joyce Bayer
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:53:52
I believe that the cliche is something to the effect of “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that someone isn’t after you.” Obviously, the city fathers (I know, that’s sexist.) have decided that persecuting (that’s not a typo) you is the only way for them to win vindication of their wrongheadedness.
Mitch Fields
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:54:28
Bravo for fighting this. The city should be encouraging more people to do the same as you did. I’d even go so far as to suggest you get a bunch of your neighbors to plant vege gardens too. Let the city try to arrest them all!
You could turn this into a business and help people grow their own food!
Best of luck to you!
teacupsmommy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:54:33
Hey Randy, they did license the dogs. She is just venting. Give her a break. You sound like a jerk with the pitiful me comments. You aren’t in the situation so you should be quiet until you go through it.
xiousgeonz
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:55:32
Hmmm…. perhaps you should join a foundation that Does Good For Your Town… (I’m trying to think of Totally Perpendicular ways to send the negativity going off into a different direction.) Perhaps you *should* find a gardening club… or a dog owner’s club…
Eve
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:55:35
Ah dear Julie, Might I suggest letting your dogs go visit relatives or someone they know until this clears up? I am like you, suspicious. “The powers that be” have been mightily embarrassed and put in a BIG spotlight. A friend in New Zealand emailed me about you and the goings on in Oak Park. She simply couldn’t believe it. So this is international and some people are looking foolish beyond words. I fear you have become a target for their revenge.
My heart goes out to you and yours. I’m sticking to the Facebook page until I’m sure all is cleared up, just in case. Unfortunately Oak Park will have a long time before it’s reputation is restored. How sad for all the other nice neighbors who live there. Sending positive thoughts, Hugs, Eve
Jennifer Feeney
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:56:15
Julie, we have a neighbor who is a lawyer threaten to sue us over our livestock. It was a matter of semantics and one person’s opinion against another. Their lawyer was drawing up papers, and then it just sort of went away. I’m always wondering when it’s going to rear it’s ugly head again. It was incredibly stressful and sad. Why do people want to harm others just because they feel they have power? I understand what you are going through. We stood our ground because we felt we were not breaking the law AND we felt that we had an inherent right to produce food on our land for our family. Basic American rights to life liberty and pursuit of happiness. Stand your ground and stand tall. You have many people behind you.
tempwayfarer
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:56:27
I have had some experience (in California) with cops and prosecutors and when you hear them say they have to “review the ordinance”, that means they are backing up because they know they messed up.
So chill Baby! Relax and take the weekend off.
In my humble opinion, you are causing your own headaches, and, having some experience with paranoia, I think you are half guilty on that charge (as am I 😉 and if you just stand back, stand down, enjoy a cold beverage, quit fighting for the rest of the weekend, I believe you will discover that the government will just make all this go away.
Relax, have some Faith (by which I mean The Force is with you) and stop making yourself crazy waiting for the next attack. That is not the path to happiness.
Sounds like you have so many battles going on, no sane person could deal with it all. My suggestion is just let everything ride, allow the government time to realize they can’t win this one (especially about the dogs) and just let everything sort itself out. Which it will without any effort on your part.
Just let go. That’s the trick. If you just let go, things work in your favor. You are working way too hard on all this legal stuff, which is of course just a bunch of cities and cops and prosecutors looking for money and power and control.
Seriously: Wash your hands in water, kick the dust off your feet, have an adult beverage, and if you stop fighting “them”, (reacting), you take away their power.
It’s all very Zen. Quit reacting and they have no grip on you. Your reaction gives them their power. Try ignoring them.
STOP FIGHTING! That just keeps the game going.
Fellow veggie gardner and dog owner
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:56:50
Ouch, Randy, that’s harsh. They DID license their dogs, and paid a late fee, and are STILL being charged. She admits they made a mistake on that!
mlh
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:56:50
Perhaps your dogs were looking out the window?
Yes, it does look like the code guy was looking for something else to get you. And you have dealt with the issue, and that should be the end of it. I agree.
But it does sound like you’re defendinng not having the dogs licensed in the first place because they’re well fed, neutered, not running loose, etc. I assume the law states they still have to be licensed, and the optics doesn’t look good that you are complaining about being charged with not licensing your dogs in the first place.
snoodledoodles
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:57:01
“my family is stressed, my phone is ringing around the clock, and my husband has had to take time off from work to try to help handle this mess. this is starting to try my patience.”
Harassment is what you are dealing with. Plain and simple. Sue the city for harassment, stress, loss of income and any thing else you can think of. I hate to say this, but, I have never heard of Oak Park prior to this, but me thinks Oak Park sucketh! They need to wipe out all the city officials and start new! They sounds like they are following Oakland, CA rules!
Katie Buie-Adam
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:58:27
I can completely understand your paranoia. I feel the same way at times, as I have had “friendly reminders” to remove my garden I had for two years, and take my deep freezer (with a lock) off my back porch. There was ZERO wording in the neighborhood manual on freezers on the patio, and we had prior permission for the garden. I feel like now, that my husband has gone to speak with them and had them drop the “rectify in 24 hours or else” threat, that they will be looking for something else, just because people in a position of power HATE to lose that power, even if they never had it to begin with. We are currently weighing our options for other housing (we live in military housing) as we want the Freedom (my husband was in Iraq for 15 months for what?) to grow, freeze, and decorate as we like. Luckily the town we are in is very private-property-freedom friendly.
PJ
Jul 14, 2011 @ 22:58:28
I don’t think they – your city government – quite yet realizes the transparency that the internet provides. They are looking foolish in every way and I think they really haven’t thought this through OR they’re just getting their pound of flesh. I’m sure that all the mail they’re getting is having an effect. Hang in there, you’ll come out the other side and your children will have learned so many valuable lessons.
Lis
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:00:30
Oh Julie! Hugs and support from Tennessee. The stress you must be under is unimaginable. I so admire your quiet strength through all of this.
You’re probably sick almost to death of anti-migraine advice, but the thought of anyone in that much pain for 4 days makes me a little weepy. My hand-help massaging shower head has been a migraine life-saver more than once. A cool water massage on my head, neck, and jaws has saved more than one hospital trip.
Perhaps the city owes you reparations for malicious infliction of emotional distress. 🙂
Kalika
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:01:01
In our neighborhood, no one is more of a bureaucrat than our dog control officer…
but try not to get too paranoid. Kalika
Melodie Moshure
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:03:04
Julie…just keep us all posted…
Just because the (oooopps had to remove this word because of the children) politicians at city hall dropped the case for now…does not mean that the rest of us are not going to stay logged in to your blog.
I’m sending you Reiki for your migraine. I know I’m getting one when my nose gets cold…and strangely enough sinus medication (even though I don’t have sinus problems) with pseudoephedrine would clear up my cold nose and cut back my migraine…but I had to go to bed with heat on my face and go to sleep…
I can imagine how worn out you and your family feel from this…
Just remember this…lots of us out here care about how you do…and I plan to keep in touch…keep on blogging and give your family and dogs a hug for me…
Lindsey
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:04:58
I have a cat without a license. The vet has never said anything about that. I don’t intend to get one. I’ve never been told I should. I have no idea whether my county does, but if they do, that’s just another fee they’d be collecting on me. For what? My cat is 100% indoors.
Julie got the license and paid the late fee. What’s your deal?
teacupsmommy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:05:11
She shouldn’t have to send her dogs off. I think she should document each thing these people do and write down the dates and times. Keep every letter they send and present them in court. If there is no record of anything about the dogs from before the garden issue, and tons after, even after the dogs have been licensed, i would present it ALL before the judge. The good thing about people like this is they make themselves look like idiots in an effort to justify their actions. They dig their own graves.
BlatantDisregard
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:06:49
Mrs. Bass, your attorney should really contact internal affairs, or whatever agency investigates government lawyers….any person in their right mind can see that you are being targeted for fighting back, and what they are doing is just trying to waste your time. You should really sue for harassment, which is clearly evident. I know when you get a job, you sign an agreement, that if your employer violates your rights, and you report them, that they can not fire you for doing so. Does the state have a similar thing?
thegardenrenegade
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:07:03
just to set the record straight, yet again- we are not fighting about the dog licenses. we paid the dog licenses. we paid a penalty on the dog licenses for not doing it at the right time. we fixed it.
the city is trying to re-open the dog licenses as a case, even though it has been taken care of. sorry you are no longer a fan. -julie
jessica
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:09:45
I honestly, would get my self a legal rep. of some sort. This seems like a harassment issue. Especialy with your husband having to take time off from work. This is not normal life stress!!! This is BLATANT! HARASSMENT!!! That is interfereing with you and your families well being! I wish you the best of luck and I also hope your Beautiful Garden Is doing well!
Janet Geuy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:10:34
Did you read the blog? Her dogs are licensed and vaccinated, and she provided the proof already.
teacupsmommy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:11:07
Julie,
Randy’s statement made me angry. Don’t listen. I know that you don’t know me but it really irritates me that he said what he said. I tend to go for the underdog. These city employees sound like jerks
teacupsmommy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:12:17
She wants to cause problems? They are the ones causing the problems and trying to make an issue out of dogs that are already licensed.
Katie Buie-Adam
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:12:52
Did you even read the post? She licensed her dogs a month late! She didn’t just NOT license them! They REINSTATED the charges, even though they are CURRENTLY licensed. Please, methinks YOU have an ulterior agenda on this board.
Kris
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:13:59
They get egg on their face from the media attention and I can assume the calls directly to them asking them if they have nothing better to do than go after a family that is doing nothing wrong. Now they obviously spy on your family to get anything and everything they can use against you. This isn’t some third world country…this is AMERICA! SHAME ON YOUR OAK PARK!
To the family I give my strength. Be strong and fight everything they send your way. Don’t let them win. You have so many people in your corner and it grows everyday someone else hears about your plight.
SR
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:14:41
I already have a fairly good size garden in my back yard, but if I were your neighbor I would install a garden in the front as well, in protest!
Was thinking the same thing...
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:14:48
Especially given the city official who has a daughter in the field of “child advocacy” that wrote a certain letter that was published.
Melodie Moshure
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:16:58
Okay all you Reiki guys…send Julie Reiki for her headache…and for her family to mend all the negative energy….
…and those who do not practice Reiki just close your eyes and send them happy thoughts and immagine a beautiful white protective light around their house and neighbors. You don’t have to send a message that you did it…
It’s called mass consciousness.
For some fun research go here:
http://noosphere.princeton.edu/
Priscilla
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:18:00
sounds like Oak Park may be planning to harass you until you spend all your money on legal fees and then decide to move out of town. you’d think gov’t would have better things to do than to be vindictive. If I lived in Oak Park, I’d complain to the mayor about poor allocation of funds that could be better spent improving roads, schools and institutions like the library and senior center.
if you already paid the dog license fees, it seems bringing this up again is a malicious attempt at defamation of character> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_assassination
if they are regrouping for yet another attack, with you waiting months not knowing when they will strike again, this is psychological abuse.
eventually, this likely will backfire and Oak Park will suffer years of derision for their treatment of a mother of 6 kids.
and 2 dogs.
johh
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:19:30
stick with alex jones and mike adams. any time the heat ramps up they will back you up. they are in it for the long haul. that doesn’t make your personal comfort zone any bigger but there are people that care and a whole lot of folks in circumstances similiar to yours. we live in very different times than we’ve grown accustomed to. good luck!!!
RumBoy
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:19:45
I mentioned this elsewhere, on Facebook, but it may bear repeating. If they insist on this harassment, I think you should take the fight to them. Start the process for getting the gov’t individual involved recalled and/or sacked.
Also, like others have mentioned, if you can take your dogs elsewhere for a while, that may be a good idea. Dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s. Don’t jaywalk. Don’t double park. In fact, don’t leave your car out anywhere where it can be got-at. Make sure you have enough tread on the tires….. Don’t give the bastards ANY excuse.
Whatever happens. Keep your chin up, and I hope it all works out right, for you and yours. Good luck, and god bless.
Derby
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:20:18
Like Tom, I will try to support you by attending any trial this organization puts you through. Stay strong and keep us posted!
Rita Langford
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:21:52
enjoy your vegetables ,they are worth the fight.And leave a zucchini on the city officials doorstep,or maybe not .They might get you for littering 😉
Penny Bast Davis
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:23:47
Hang tough, Julie. What you are doing is not just for giggles, to annoy the city, or even just for your own family; although you are providing a fantastic civics lesson for your children. The way this plays out will impact your neighbors and set a legal presedence (forgive my spelling) that may give families, that don’t have a back yard big enough for more than a single tomato plant, the opportunity to grow their own food. The left wants to help everyone to a better situation, and the right wants everyone to pull themselves up by their own boot straps. It seems to me that this should be something that both sides could agree on. I guess Dr. Phil is right when he says that “common sense ain’t as common as it used to be.”
Noelle Gannon
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:26:12
As a Master Gardener affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, I encourage you to contact your local Ag. Center, get the ‘residential’ Ag. agent to provide your lawyer some helpful “suitable plant material ” listings. MANY are watching this! I’ll help start a petition at my end. Signed, Florida Master Gardener and previous MI resident.
Kellie
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:27:28
I seriously hope you are considering a counter suit. Maybe you should file with Judge Judy! or Judge Joe Brown! Hope your migraine is fading away!
Penny Bast Davis
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:29:12
I’m in Tennessee, too. I will do whatever I can to keep the heat on Oak Park. In fact, I’m using your situation as part of our service on doing the right thing this weekend. When the media moves on to something new, we will collectively remind them that you are important to us, the viewers/readers/listeners.
Carol Wallace
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:35:18
Julie, I have migraines too and I know somewhat of the pain you are in. Bless your heart! It is just too much! Pull the plug on the phone, get a cell phone that only your closet friends, family and lawer knows the number, let your lawyer handle everything and do whatever is possible for you and your family to destress (and love those dogs!) I wish I had tons of money and I would send your family and your dogs on a nice vacation while hiring someone to water and guard your veggies. And, OH MY GOSH, I am a sister in crime! I too have veggies in my front yard. I hope next spring every yard for as far as you can see in your neighborhood has veggies going in their front yards. Maybe the Square Foot Garden guy could come to your town and give a workshop on making raised beds and what to plant. Hang in there…..lots of people are sending good thoughts your way.
April Alexander
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:35:31
I think you have every reason to feel paranoid Julie!! I went through a similar situation personally, though not with the city, but with an entity who we exposed big time for breaking the law. So of course they wanted to get back at us and destroy us in any way possible. It was a nightmare, putting it mildly. As others have mentioned, put everything in writing and be sure that everything you put out there in the media or otherwise is completely factual, not that it isn’t, but the city is looking for you to slip up, to mis-step, and it will take any opportunity to jump on it. It is extremely creepy that they obviously went hunting to try to find some dirt on you, (no pun intended.) They’re trying to vindicate themselves, and are only accomplishing digging themselves a bigger hole. As they old adage says, “Give them enough rope and they’ll hang themselves.” The fact that you have been totally honest about the dog licences gives them no leg to stand on. So let them do what they will. You are legally within your rights and you haven’t broken the law. You can always sue them for damages, both financial and emotional if they continue in this path. As some have already mentioned, at this point you probably have legal grounds to sue. Hang in there, try to take some time off for yourself. If you don’t have enough strength you can’t fight the battle! We have your back, and as you know someone much bigger does as well.
Noelle Gannon
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:35:58
well put.
mgizzi
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:36:19
jlee is correct. Get it ALL on Paper. This’ll be more ammo to shove………………
Isaac
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:36:51
Julie, you are an incredible person. I have admired your restraint and composure throughout this whole ordeal and it is just sickening to see good people such as your family have to suffer because of some over-inflated egos.
You’re right, the whole dog license thing is obviously vindictive and hopefully the continued spotlight will keep the pressure on the city officials and force them to see reason.
I do have to disagree with you on one minor point though. In many cities/counties (not sure if this is true for Oak Park) dog licenses pay for animal services and shelters for strays. The fewer people that pay for their licenses, the less money these shelters have, and the more animals they have to euthanize.
Again, I want to emphasize that I think you did absolutely *nothing* wrong, and have done more things right than many of us could claim when put in a similar situation. So hang in there, and hopefully justice will prevail!
Kathryn
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:36:55
Quite honestly, a lawsuit will be your only remedy if they don’t come to their senses. I worked for a city government a few years back and one fellow who complained about the City Manager’s performance at a council meeting, showed up at the next month’s meeting inquiring as to why Code Enforcement had been to his house isuing citations twice a week since the last meeting. In the lunchroom one day I made the naive statement, “that’s got to be a coincidence, right?” Laughter erupted and I had my answer. There’s an “us versus them” mentality that sets in and you are “them”. Just keep us posted…we promise not to abandon you!!!
Carol Wallace
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:38:43
OOPS! Forgive me for the typos, it is late and my head hurts too but I just had to check your site before I went to bed and wanted to leave words of encouragement. .
duskyb
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:39:33
As I said before, I think what started this whole debacle is they sent out the city agent to drive through town, spotting for code violations to write up purely to drum up a little windfall of “fine” revenue for the city, and they expected you to buckle, pay the fines and acquiesce.
I wonder if there is any way your attorney could look up information to see how many other violations were filed on the same day to cast doubt on the township’s motivations?
Clearly they were advised that they weren’t going to get anywhere on the garden case, and the only hope they have to discredit you and salvage their reputation as a government is to paint you as an irresponsible pet owner first, and then just irresponsible as a whole to lead a jury to believe you are the type to flagrantly ignore the laws.
Michael
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:39:40
I don’t know why we let psychopaths run things. This is classic psychopathic behavior that the city is displaying. Do you know if it’s one or two main people causing your problems?
Suzanne
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:41:02
Even if the city changes the wording in the ordinace wouldn’t you be “grandfathered” in regards to your vegatable garden since you started it before the ordinance change?
neona
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:47:00
Hang in there, sweets! Y’all are in my prayers. Much love from Texas. =)
And don’t forget the curative powers of chocolate- my go-to whenever I’m feeling stressed. Or depressed. Or it’s a day ending in “y”. 😉
walkerva
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:49:59
Well, don’t drink the adult beverage in the front yard! You’ll be arrested for public intoxication and drunk and disorderly conduct.
Julia
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:50:05
(Julie, don’t fret about guys like this. There’s always someone who hasn’t gotten the memo.)
Deborah Nichols
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:50:30
It sounds to me lke they are backing off hoping things will die down then they may decide to go after you. In readng the history the government of Oak Park has come off as being incredibly arrogant.
In my small city when these issues have come up (chickens) the minute we challenged them they realized they could not win and backed off. We have now become a really funky place with several small businesses that have spun off our big urban farming movement.
Pamela Ann Hathaway
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:53:23
Good grief you must be so exhausted. Please take care of yourself, your kids, your dogs, and your dear veggies. We (All of your happy bystanders)
are sending you lots of good thoughts/vibes/golden light.. what ever is needed. It’s okay to put us down for as long as you need to to reset, refocus. have a life. you’ve done an amazing thing but it has taken on a life of it’s own and while we all love reading your blog the last thing any of us want is to become a part of what is hurting you. Please don’t feel you owe us (your adoring fans) any energy, time, action. Be true to yourself. That’s all that is ever required.
Dave
Jul 14, 2011 @ 23:59:48
This argument that the City shouldn’t be spending the money on this completely misses the fact that the City is spending NOTHING on any of this. Anyone who issues a citation is already on the payroll and it takes about 5 minutes. They can’t have, collectively, spent even 8 hours on the whole project. The City Attorney is at his desk saying “get me when something happens”, the PR flack comes up with the idea over drinks at lunch, which he then puts on the expense account, the Bass’ address is already on a Word document and the secretary knows where it is and pulls it up in about 15 seconds. It costs them nothing.
Julia
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:01:41
Although the “irresponsible pet owner” thing will also come back to bite the city in the pants: Julie admitted she was wrong, paid her fine, and bought the license. So she’s clearly not just some rule-flouting anarchist trying to drum up trouble. The fact that her dogs were up to date on their vaccines AND that they were cited without any incident report (it wasn’t that the dogs were loose or had bitten anyone) is is also relevant should this be brought up in connection with the garden.
And from the news stories I read, I have to wonder about the political smarts, not to mention common sense, of Oak Park’s officials! Rulkowski, the mayor, and Chief High Daughter Newman– none of them seem to have any political acumen at all. Memo to Oak Park officials: the way to get yourselves out of a hole is to STOP DIGGING! The world IS watching, and so far, Oak Park appears to be run by buffoons.
Sheri
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:01:45
Randy, I only hope that you and your family never have to go through what this family is facing. I believe that our government, from city level to federal level, have too much control over our personal lives. I am not willing to give up control of my own home and yard without a fight. It pains me to see what our government has become. We should not have to live in fear of being in trouble for enjoying our own yard in the way we see fit. I don’t like some of the things that my neighbors do, but as long as they aren’t harming someone or causing a public danger, it’s their life to live as they want to. Your property rights end at your property line. As for the dogs, I think it’s just another way to get money out of citizen’s pockets. I think dogs should only be licenced if they have been proven to be a problem….another instance of too much government interference.
bethanyrae
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:03:14
getting everything on paper is essential. I’ve heard that even journals are acceptable, too. This blog seems to keep record of what’s going on. Keeping it in the public eye is good.
CmeLove
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:04:23
me and my family are following you… kind of wish I was there to help support you more. Please STAY STRONG. Even in your moments of questions, stay strong. Remember all the things so right with this. And all the things you are fixing along the way. Everyone cannot fight their own battles (because of their age, physical condition, mental health and so on), but you are MORE than capable. and you do it with such grace 🙂 They will probably do anything, but my hope is that you fight it to the end- and if they cross that boundary of “no return” you have the help on every level that you need.
And people will come out the woodworks with what they think – pick and choose what you let in – keep it positive and keep it pushing…
Strong, passionate people are rare nowadays and at times misunderstood… don’t worry about that- BREATHE….
Looking for this to turn out on the positive
Neon Vincent
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:05:44
I’m still following your saga and posting about it on my blog. Here is my latest installment.
Good, bad, and ugly news in Oak Park’s “War on Veggies”
I’m still 100% behind you and so are my students. They want to take a field trip out to your front yard.
Also, how would like to speak to my classes? i teach in Royal Oak and Southfield.
Sheri
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:09:11
bravo, well said…
Neon Vincent
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:09:17
Julie’s garden has become a campaign issue in the mayor’s race. Here is candidate Marian Meisner McClellan’s official response which was passed along to me by a friend.
“Oak Park is going through a very difficult time with record numbers of foreclosures, property values sinking, and crime an all too often occurrence and threat. Devoting scarce public safety resources to prosecuting a vegetable gardener does not reflect our needs.
Sadly, when Oak Park residents hear crime, they think of theft, arson, hate crimes, and burglary – not vegetable gardens. We need city leadership to focus on jobs, fighting crime, and building strong and safe neighborhoods.”
bethanyrae
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:11:21
I don’t think this is really “dismissed” and over with. The doggie stuff is keeping you on the line, but maybe without all the unwanted attached publicity. There are certain personality types who don’t/won’t give up, no matter how they’ve been shown to have overstepped and how it’s been shown to be a simple and wise matter to “reconsider.”
There are those who never “reconsider.” That might be who you’re dealing with here. If someone knows the personality type of the person who’s really in charge here, find out what makes them tick, and proceed accordingly.
These are desperate times in our state, and in our nation. We need to be able to wean ourselves off Walmart and welfare.
Cameron
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:16:04
I would investigate and make sure that “dropped charge” is really dropped…”somebody told your lawyer it was dropped…signed by some judge”? Um…wouldn’t it be lovely (not) to discover it wasn’t really dropped Dropped? Like when something wasn’t filed that should have been? You tell your lawyer if he’s willing, seeing this is pro bono, to stay on it for awhile longer. As for the dogs, keep an eye on them, and don’t leave them alone outside in the fenced in area if you are not home.
I swear, I’ve seldom seen such a mess as this is – all over a beautiful garden! This would probably not help that migraine, but as far as I am concerned, you ought to run for office against the mayor – you’d certainly do a better job and I suspect you’d win by a landslide!
On the other hand, I also suspect you never want to have anything to do with politics ever again after this.
Many hugs and prays from myself and my friends – we’re all following and pulling for you!
Patsy Miz Bee Brekke
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:28:26
It IS tiring, Julie, but hang in there! That’s their biggest tactic – to wear you down. Don’t despair! You have a WHOLE Nation supporting you! I myself am fighting for back yard chickens in my town and it’s insane how unreasonable these people can be about a person’s private property! Your battle is just steps ahead of mine – we are cheering you on as you inspire us!
Jennifer
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:28:36
But just see how much they charge for certified copies, FOIA requests, etc. 🙂
Kyoki
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:29:26
I know you’ve been getting loads of advice on the migraines. Try butterbur? It comes in capsules or tinctures at your local health food store, and sometimes it really eases the pressure. I have the science to back it up, but unless it’s pressing in your mind to know -why- it works, I won’t clutter your comments section. It’s fairly inexpensive. It takes a bit to work, and I would personally recommend following bottle instructions regularly for several weeks to get the full effect, but it doesn’t seem that your… ah… ‘trigger’ will be going away in the next few days, so it might be worth it to look into a long term plan.
Edna M. Williams, MS, DC
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:41:45
take the offensive and sue them in Federal Court…
Ryan Turpin
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:42:36
Very well said Penny. People like you and other readers on this blog(and Julie of course) are the people I hope and pray that my kids will grow up being associated with. Its sad that there is such a lack of passion for strangers now days. I really think this whole situation is going to bring about major change in our world and we are going to need the support of those with the passion for what is good for everyone not just them selves. I for one am not done working on making improvements to how we exist and how we love our neighbors. Thank you all( and Julie of course) i will never forget this experience as long as I live. -Ryan (the Guru) hahah
Vanessa
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:50:00
As for the dog thing most cities have laws stating all dogs must be licenced. And some towns will send animal control house to house to see if the dogs are licenced. This has happened to me once in CA. It wasn’t just me, it was everyone. I checked my city’s website and after checking through all the links it actually says that Animal Control will occasionally go house to house to check up on the dogs…. no joke. I found this just plain stupid since just driving my sister to school there are 2 houses in plain view that do not provide proper shelter for their horses. Were I live it gets over 100 degrees in the summer and below freezing in the winter so proper shelter is important. BUT I guess if they did anything and the owners couldn’t buy a shelter then the city would have to take the horses which would mean it would cost them money rather than making money…. I your case however they are just trying to get back at you some how. Just save all the paperwork stating that you paid and anything else dog related. Any judge will think the case is a waste since you paid the fees and licensed your dogs soon after the ticket.
roger
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:51:02
can you get 100 or more other homeowners to put veggies in their front yard so you can make veggies acceptable plant materials. By acceptable I mean common. LOL.
linda
Jul 15, 2011 @ 00:58:12
The people harassing you are making utter fools of themselves, and the world is watching as they dig themselves deeper into the hole of their own making. Keep taking the high ground Julie, as you have so scrupulously done so far. You have supporters around the world, sending well wishes and positive energy your way. Chin up. Cyber hugs to you and your family.
Alta M. Bardsley
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:00:08
Maybe you should refer this guy as a hire for the city of Oak Park…..his comment lends itself to the flawed attitudes of the Oak Park officials. I love your front yard. Green, weedless front lawns require much water and many chemicals resulting in wasted and polluted water. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I last saw Phoenix, Las Vegas and other towns built in the middle of deserts…..now the water required to keep those and other similar towns green is being pulled from the Colorado River, a river which is fast becoming depleted. I no little about your dog situation other than what I just read. I do feel all dogs AND cats should be licensed as a way to control animal diseases but you’ve evidentlly remedied the situation. It does indeed sound like Oak Park has a vendetta against you now that they’ve received poor PR, so I agree….be careful, be VERY careful! Good luck with your gardens!
Cat
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:01:48
Have your attorney subpeona the video from your last court appearance. It’ll probably show you showing the prosecutor your dog licenses.
Hang in there!
Richard Kuszmar
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:03:50
See they are not just people who disagree with you and doing their official duties. They are carrying out personal vendettas. you should withdraw your request to have their homes, family and personal lives off limits to the angry mob.
Erik
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:08:23
Sending you well-wishes and support from a fellow Oakland Countyer! I’m beginning to think that Oak Park city officials really do want their city to suck.
Hope your migraine gets better too.
Melodie Moshure
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:10:04
Sooo…Oakparks mayor is also the prosecutor?…Did I hear that right?…
His verbiage reeks of megalomania.
linda
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:10:24
p.s. July 15th is Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day. It seemed a fitting day to honor you on my blog, so I did. http://gardengirl-lintys.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-bloom-day.html
Chris
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:14:31
It’s things like this that make frontier justice make more sense to me. Your government has failed, continues to fail you and, while you’re alone and under siege, it seems logical that your last recourse is to defend yourself.
They have no place on your property trumping up charges. It seems pretty clear that they have absolutely no respect for you or fear of you. You effectively have no rights unless they grant them to you.
That isn’t the America we learned about in grade school.
BlatantDisregard
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:33:36
Well you are extremely immature, and grossly misinformed. She paid the citation, wasn’t given a warning before the issuance, and now they are trying to charge her with 2 misdemeanors, AFTER SHE PAID. They are on a personal vendetta against Mrs. Bass. Next time read before you chime in with lunacy.
Eric Glover
Jul 15, 2011 @ 01:46:46
I got my dogs taken away from me only because he was big. He never barked.. Nothing in the ordinances.
GaryL
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:04:14
Well said.
Yahuwnathan
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:12:18
I heard your interview on the Alex Jones Radio Show and live half-way around the world. I support you in this ideal of vegetable planting and the other ideals of freedom that you may incorporate. I hope just knowing that encourages you and adds validity to the time spent in this.
Tom Zsenyuk
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:14:57
Heard story on Alex Jones today. Good luck! I saw on some blogs questioning anti-semitism. I grew up downriver and fondly remember Oak Park for two things: great bagels & corned beef for the primarily Jewish community and the Zoo. So I really doubt the inference/question. Truly, good luck. It sounds so preposterous.
Tom Zsenyuk
Laguna Beach, Calif.
dartarro21
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:27:09
You should try to get each person in your neighborhood to grow a veggie garden in their front yard! Then it would most certainly be “common” 😉
tom says
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:34:36
Headaches/migraine: Stress of course is a big problem, but I found some relief by insuring my caffeine level was as consistent as possible. I would take a cheap 100mg caffeine tablet (see internet drugstores), break it in half, and take one with every meal. This includes avoiding all other sources of caffeine, which is very difficult to do with soft drinks and chocolate everywhere. Water is my drink, and chocolate is for my birthday only (yeah, sure!).
If desperate for headache relief, “Fiorinal w/ Codeine” is goofy fun, (includes aspirin, caffeine, and barbituate) but addictive three ways, so have to use a lot of self restraint to avoid use more than 2 days and sleep it off eventually. You learn to work with its effects eventually, but all the typical addiction problems with increasing tolerance (requiring raising doses over the years) are there.
Preventing headaches at the very first feeling of one coming on, Maxalt, the melt in your mouth kind, was effective for me. I do not like the idea of processing drugs throughout my body with so many with unknown side effects. But when dealing with migraines, we tend to throw the rules out. Topomax was prescribed by one doc, but the side effects and need to take continuously were not for me.
I love your blogging style(s?) and hope to read about your take on life well after this legal fertilizer blows over. Now I know why some people completely frontyard fence themselves in, here in southern California. Hope you find a way to avoid the headaches, with the first paragraph preventions the best for me. My stress really lowered when my crazy boss retired! And I worked for the City!
Harry (Hong Kong)
Jul 15, 2011 @ 02:41:58
Congratulations Julie! Your stand for food freedom is inspiring and important in keep the government out of our homes and gardens.
heather
Jul 15, 2011 @ 03:32:49
… it is just a way for the city/county to get money from people for nothing…I would check the records find about 100 people who got dog tickets and interview them and see if they were charged with the same misdemeanor as you and if there were any warnings first?? find any discrepancies between you all and the other people and you have grounds for harrassment, abuse of power, and discrimination………………..go kick some city A**!!
karyonlight
Jul 15, 2011 @ 03:37:51
great words of wisdom. this is exactly what I was trying to say on a facebook comment. Don’t stop fighting or you’ve given up your liberty. Fight the good fight and that is everything to do w/ your happiness. 1 Peter 2:16 as free and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness but as the servants of god. This is some good advise right here. Take load off of yourself and release the fear. Fear is false evidence appearing real! Feelings are important but not fact. Give your mind comfort and peace and let Gods will in your life. Send gratitude every thing will work out. Remove the hate that in itself is the biggest headache. KaryOn Light Energy , Amen
cagey
Jul 15, 2011 @ 03:38:22
Quick one here:
Yes, the city is trying to do the QB sneak.
Take the phone off the hook for a day. I used to get stressed from 100 work e-mails in one day, can’t imagine the load you’ve taken on.
Don’t feel compelled to respond to anything except for mail from the city.
Let your lawyer do the work for awhile. Take a breather.
johh
Jul 15, 2011 @ 03:48:18
I’m in my late 50’s and it is going to be a rare occasion when I vote for anyone over 35 anymore. I think the youngsters get it. they have the drive, the conviction and the guts to change the system. they are the ones really getting the screws put to them while the boomers just try to keep the system going long enough to get their bennies not worrying if anyone is left behind. with the boomer generation you get all that useless republcan / democrat stuff. urge the young to run and support and vote for them. the boomer generation is a lost cause.
Ravnis
Jul 15, 2011 @ 04:08:45
Might talk to your lawyer about filing a malicious prosecution case. The veggie case would be tough , but the dog case seems to fit to a tee.
Tricia Kuhn
Jul 15, 2011 @ 06:03:17
One wonders who people like you really are and if most of the negative feedback that is posted here isn’t like Ms. Newman’s article motivated by some hidden connection to the Oak Park city council.
If all it takes for some one to claim support that they never showed was withdrawn because of such a small and trivial matter then their support was as worthless as if it was never shown, because of course it wasn’t.
Please people remember,
Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt
americanbunker
Jul 15, 2011 @ 06:47:48
First – If your attorney hasn’t already advised you…
You need to see your doctor pronto. Your health should be your main concern right now, BUT ——
It is also extremely important for a licensed physician to legally document your recent migraines as associated with stress brought on by current events and interactions with Oak Park City officials. Do this now!! I cannot stress that highly enough.
Also important – install a simple outside surveillance system. That’s not being paranoid. It’s simply recognizing that you, your property, your home, and your animals have become a target of Oak Park. It is imperative that you have some recorded defense against any unfounded accusations.
Kenny
Jul 15, 2011 @ 07:01:21
Greetings from England.
Just remember your Latin “Non illigitamo carborundum ”
Good luck and watch your back
Kenny
Ginger Leigh
Jul 15, 2011 @ 07:13:53
Just sending hugs and positive thoughts your way. Hang in there!!
ERIK LEVINE
Jul 15, 2011 @ 07:39:23
you go julie bass. hopefully you’ll be the start of the “100th MONKEY”….
Glenn
Jul 15, 2011 @ 08:30:03
I left a comment on Alex Jones’ YouTube video and I’ll echo it here: Keep your wits about you and your situational awareness high. These seem like many other sociopaths in the employ of the State in their persecution of you, and people like that are capable of extraordinary cruelty.
They have a relatively unlimited budget, plenty of time to hatch new plots, and truckloads of guns. All it would take is for some ‘anonymous source’ to claim that you were up to something illegal, and the SWAT team would be dispatched. Their first outrage is very often to kill any pets on the property, claiming they were ‘in fear of their lives.’ No matter how ludicrous, they always seem to get away with their atrocities…there seems to be zero accountability for minions of the State.
Too, they have shown again and again that they’re perfectly capable of shoving machine guns in peoples’ faces as a matter of course, and all too often shooting them. Women, kids, pets, none seem to be immune. Perversely, the more outrageous their barbarous acts, the easier they seem to get away with them…it is truly Bizarro World.
This is not to try to inspire alarm or panic, but to be mindful of what these goons are capable of. You as a mere Mundane have committed the cardinal sins, in their view, of both lèse majesté and making them look bad in public, and I still find it hard to believe the sort of murderous fury those can inspire in some of these critters, going by what I’ve seen over the years.
I’d suggest getting multiple motion activated video cameras and salting them unobtrusively around your place. Being caught on video is these Nazguls’ only weak spot (so far), and even then if they decide to make a move you still have to get through it and make the evidence public before theyll think twice.
Good luck, stay safe and you’ll ride these rapids. I admire your stance and only wish more people would show as much spine…these are just overgrown bullies, and they always run away sniveling when confronted by someone willing to stand up to them…but you can’t let them aggress against you when there’s no one watching.
The Ludwig von Mises Institute’s motto is the quote from Vergil, ‘Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito,’ which means “do not give in to evil but proceed ever more boldly against it.” I can’t think of a better demonstration of putting this into practice than the way you’ve comported yourself during this…BRAVO!
Rose
Jul 15, 2011 @ 08:37:05
I just read about your struggles with the law on Linda aka Garden Girl’s blog, and wanted to join in supporting you. The charges against your dogs definitely sounds like a personal vendetta–do you have a journalist friend who could publicize this? The city deserves to be embarrassed again. This is politics at its worst–and I thought Illinois had the claim on that:)
suzyqfarmer
Jul 15, 2011 @ 08:41:27
I agree with you in theory Dave. I think what everyone calls “waste of money here” is really a simplified way to say waste of resources. These city employees and offcials are obviously wasting their time in pursuing these trumped up charges to this extent and could totally be figuring out legitimate tasks that progress Oak Park rather than gain it some pretty horrible notariety!
Your distaste with the symantic use of the words here is also wasted…
It’s just a shame that in this economy a little town that was probably a nice place to live is gaining a reputation of governmental tyranny and harrassment! Can’t be good for the town or it’s citizens in the long run.
Brenda
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:18:02
Don’t feel bad that the charges have been dropped. I think it is better not to appear in court. Even if you are found “not guilty” in a jury trial, the charge will appear on background checks, etc. if you ever are in the job market. (Of course due to your newfound fame, you may enter the job market through non-traditional means!) tempwayfarer gave you some good advice. Stop fighting, back off. Don’t escalate. The Oak Park officials have more or less admitted they made a mistake, accept their non-offered apology, and move on with your life. The dog thing will get fixed, it could have been a mistake.Try not to embarrass them too much with your future media appearances, let them save face, as much as possible, given their behavior. That is, if you want to continue living in Oak Park! What are you going to do next year, after they “fix” the ordinance to not allow vegetable gardens in the front yard? Will you be part of the committee that works on the wording of the new ordinance?
LittleVillageFarm
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:42:11
Don’t forget cats have to be licensed too. So, make sure all your your neighbor’s cats are registered with the city as well. That should spend a bit more of the tax payer’s dollars. Oh, and what about trash receptacles? Side walks? Remember, those are the responsibility of the home owner too…
Be strong. Hold the line Bass family.
:D& ❤ @U from Lathrup Village
Donna
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:45:31
Good idea! There must be a government oversite (sp?) committee out there somewhere.
Donna
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:49:13
Good point! They are raking in the moola at the tax payers expense, and spending it on lunch.
Donna
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:53:30
hummm I read somewhere about a person that donates food to humane society and dog shelters solely for the purpose for prolonging life.
Donna
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:55:57
just remembered, forgive this great-grandmother her lapse of memory, it was a program on tv extreme couponing about getting free dog food.
Melissa
Jul 15, 2011 @ 09:57:28
I don’t often feel compelled to comment on the blogs of others but I feel that this situation needs to have a favorable outcome not only for you and your family and the rest of Oak Park as well as your state and even our country.
I would like to make a suggestion for you to take to your lawyers, see what they think about it. File a counter suit. You mentioned that your husband is now having to take time off of work to help you deal with this ridiculous and unfortunate (or maybe it’s not, more on that in a minute) situation, sue for lost wages. Also keep ALL of your receipts and other documentation for EVERYTHING that you do in order to deal with the city’s bullies. While you are at it bill the city for their pipes that you had to foot the bill for in the first place. Take all of it in front of a judge, show the city that you aren’t going to be their patsy and make the city pay for the headache/emotional distress that they are so willfully causing you and your family. Don’t sit around waiting for the other shoe to drop, be aggressive and they should sit up and take notice that you are not one to be taken lightly.
I know that it is easy for all of us to sit here and tell you what you “should” and “shouldn’t” do but we are not in your shoes. You and your husband ultimately have to make the decisions that you feel are right or “suitable” to your family’s needs. None of us can do that for you. Having said that, I want to address what I said earlier in my comments, about this situation not being unfortunate. Yes it ROYALLY stinks that you have to go through all of this but the outcome of all of it will set a precedent for everyone else that wants to follow in your footsteps and turn their front yards into vegetable gardens as well. Fighting back will make them “sh*t or get off the pot” so to speak. They will have to rewrite the laws or drop the case. Rewriting the laws can be a very dangerous thing for them; it will become very political and will make or break elections for them.
If you roll over and submit to their bullying tactics they will win and EVERYONE that wants to grow their own healthy organic vegetables without fear loses. As a society we are allowing our government to get too big for our own good, liberties are being eroded one by one. With the demise of each right we have, we get closer and closer to a socialist police state. So I say stand tall (unless you are busy weeding your gorgeous garden of course), don’t back down from what you believe in. We need more people like you to fight for what is just; you are a pioneer in your own right.
Kayleen
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:17:01
The dog thing is most likely retaliation.
However my experience is that literally the community service officer (CSO) would drive around looking for signs of dogs/cats living at a residence and the go back and check their records to see if they were licensed. If you complied immediately there were no charges/fines. That’s my experience.
Keep fighting. There are things in the world worth fighting for and making sure big government doesn’t have total control is very important.
Kayleen
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:18:07
Of course once you are on their lists/in their records, then each year you have to follow through and get the licenses updated by the deadline or they will come out to check on you.
MAL
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:21:59
2 words; JURY NULLIFICATION
Push for a jury trial & have your lawyer inform the jury that they are not ruling on just the case but reveiwing the ‘law’/statue/code itself. The Jury has the right to veto the offensive legislation.
caught.net/juror.htm
Sparf vs US (156 US 51), the court ruled that although juries have the right to ignore a judge’s instructions on the law, they don’t have to be made aware of the right to do so.
Lisa Comfort- Albuquerque, NM
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:24:16
I would move-
No offense intended– but Oak Park sounded like a frumpy-dumpy tired conservative little piece of Americana before they satrted harrassing you…..
Let them have it. Move to a progressive liberal city.
Oak park could not possibly be worth all this stress.
Those at the heart of the campaign against you will get theirs in the end. Karma.
amy lynn
Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:15:02
Somehow i managed to get totally lost – dog charges? The last i heard was about the garden – help!?
Mara in Virginia
Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:19:28
When you and your family are good and sick of Oak Park, come live up the gravel road from us. There’s a nice house available for pretty cheap. It boasts upstairs/downstairs fireplaces, new kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, nice laundry room, a garage that could masquerade as a second house if it had to, a nice deck with trellised roof and several acres, much of them wooded and therefore maintenance-free. There are already plenty of gardens, including in the front yard. We would welcome you with open arms. Oh, and there are plenty of folks around here who would be happy to help you out with laundry when you’re not feeling up to it. When our city fathers and mothers and cousins and aunties aren’t minding their own damn business, they’ll listen to your complaints and do something about them for you. Believe it or not, such a place exists.
Jana Shockling
Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:38:54
Julie – I’m not an Oak Park resident (I reside in Canton), but I read about this absurdity through FB. Although this is difficult on you and your family I hope that you are able to keep plodding through this mess and come out on the winning end. As you said, they no doubt dug up dirt about the dog licenses in order to “get you back”. You humiliated the ordinance enforcer and stripped him of his perceived sense of importance so he feels compelled to try and make the statement that it is he, indeed, who has the power. There are many citizens behind you and most of us on the outside looking in can see that this is now a personal vendetta. The city should be embarassed that they’ve wasted tax payer’s money (certainly now when they have so little) simply to try and prove a point. I wish you the best of luck. May you be victorious.
Ethan
Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:39:03
“Oversight”… hopefully means overseeing, not overlooking, eh?
DawnB
Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:48:54
Hang in there! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Helpful energy and consciousness headed your way! Your lawyer is sharp and clever, and you will come out of this just fine.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:09:08
thank you, jana. it’s getting hard to not be paranoid…
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:09:16
The library is currently being renovated. I’m no fan of Oak Park officials but in the case of the library, the appearance is worse than the reality.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:11:36
fireplaces- you have hit on one of my dreams for a house! we have nice neighbors, but a nice city government sounds pretty appealing right now! maybe i will tell my husband to start looking for jobs in virginia!! 🙂
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:12:14
yep- i will post more about the whole fiasco soon- thanks for hanging in there with us…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:16:18
yep- we are on notice. thank you!
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:16:21
Julie, I’m sure all the migraine advice is giving you a headache but if you have any indicators of a migraine coming on, this works for me. As soon as I notice that I’m having visual anomalies, which in my situation usually precede a migraine by 12 to 24 hours, I start heavy dosing with aspirin. Most of the time that I do that it reduces the severity of the headache or prevents it entirely.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:19:06
ya- my friend told me that where she used to live, the code enforcement person would go around where the people weren’t home and knock on windows to see if any dogs would bark. if they did, he would search the records to see if everything was up-to-date on them. ugh. but we will definitely keep fighting- we are very lucky to have found a lawyer who is willing to stay with us through it all!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:21:58
we are not rolling over any time soon… about the law suit, we really haven’t wanted to go there, since we know oak park isn’t excalty rolling in money (who is these days?), but we will have to see what happens…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:23:27
thank you so much for that!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:24:21
ugh- you’re making me want to cry 😉 but thanks for the good wishes!
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:25:19
Actually, the city attorney is a private lawyer on retainer with the city. The more cases he brings, the more the city pays him. Whether or not the costs are new or sunk, they’re still costs.
As for salaried employees, in the real world, in the private sector, if you’re paying an employee and you make him or her do something, they can’t be doing something else, something possibly more productive. That’s an opportunity cost.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:26:07
no- the problem is that the charges haven’t been dropped- they have been dismissed for the time being, so the lawyer can look into more things we might have done wrong. and we are still going to court over the dog thing- even though we fixed it!! as far as stop fighting back, i’m sorry, but when they are coming after us like this, all we can do is fight back…
rajsanand
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:27:35
Demand resignation of the officials involved(that how we do it in our country) or else get them impeached. File Public interest litigation again them.
Also the entire Oak city public can file a case against the officials for misusing the tax payer money for frivolous law suits like these.
If they let you go its not enough they have to be removed from office and pay a price for attacking an innocent citizen.
They will strike back if you simply think that they taking back charges is a victory. It is not those scums are still running Oak city when they are not fit to be running it. OUST THEM!! .that will be sweet justice serverd
Jeremy Aitken
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:28:38
Julie, please allow yourself, your family, and community, to enjoy the sweet taste of victory.
You were right, your garden is legal.
That a prosecutor now needs to review an ordinance he was happy to prosecute with, shows incompetence, and demonstrates the capricious nature of your city officials.
Too bad for them you are an upstanding citizen, protected by constitutionally assured rights. Sure it upsets them to not be able to intimidate you, but as public servants, they must be willing to provide service, not arbitrary rule. If that is too much for them, well, time to get a new job.
Regarding that sword; as you do not inhabit the mayors chair, and never flattered the tyrants of Oak Park, I think a more fitting parable may be that of David and Goliath. Julie, and Oak Park, and the stone of truth and freedom, slung in good faith has done the trick.
Your garden is legal to the letter of the law. The dog license nonsense is a non starter.
Peace, love, and all the fresh veggies you can eat! 🙂
J
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:30:00
Neon, political indoctrination shouldn’t be part of education. When discussing this with your students, you have to remain impartial and let them see both sides. Yes, the city’s being ridiculous, but after watching unionized teachers bring their students to political rallies in Wisconsin, I’m very uncomfortable with the idea of teachers getting schoolkids politically active. It’s one thing to teach them current events, it’s another to take sides or encourage your students to take sides.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:35:38
wow- what an inspiring quote- i am honored by you connecting it to me! thanks for the other advice- i will run it by my husband…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:37:32
i put in a call to my doctor today- i can’t seem to break this migraine, so i called her so she can brainstorm other ideas. there is someone close my home that offered to give me a massage- i’m going to really try to work that into the schedule today! thanks for your concern; it is really appreciated! all the best- julie
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:42:10
Julie, please clarify something that was said on Ch. 2 news last night. They said that city officials said they’d drop the dog charges if you provided documentation that you renewed the licenses and paid a late fee. Is that the case? That doesn’t make any sense because they can easily check their records, like they did in the first place to see if your dogs were licensed.
Frankly, the sheer petty petulant childishness of the city officials is breathtaking. It’s like the school bully and cheat who refuses to admit that he lost the game despite his bullying and cheating. They’re like the Soviet Russians at an Olympic basketball game. “Do over” they cry.
I hope your attorney asks the judge to sanction city officials. It’s very curious that they kept you and your lawyer in the dark about dropping the garden charges while giving that information out to family members (who don’t even live in Oak Park) of city officials so those family members could conduct a misinformation campaign.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:42:24
hey heather- i took out some parts of your comment that might have been able to get you in trouble. i’m getting a litlle paranoid, but i don’t want anyone to get bothered pn my behalf… i did read them though- go, you!!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:43:23
ya- i don’t think it has anything to do with anti-semitism. at this point it just seems to be anti-julie-ism… although i literally have no idea why!!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:43:44
it sure does- thank you!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:48:06
i have friends and neighbors who are willing, but the way the city is dealing with me, i am pretty ceratin that all of my friends would be ticketed… i don’t want that to happen at all! but thanks for the idea- many people have said the same thing… take care- julie
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:50:52
oh man- you are probably right that we should look into it! as far as the mayor’s race, there actually is someone running against our current mayor, and she is supposed to be really great. we are going to meet with her and see where she stands on other issues (yes, ther are other issues in our city than my garden- LOL). if we like her, we will definitely get behind her!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:51:40
thank you for the good advice!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:52:39
hahahaha- i don’t actually drink, but you are probably right about what you said!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:53:26
oh, YEAH! i need to give my husband the heads up on that one!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:54:29
nope- not unless they specifically include a grandfather clause- which i’m guessing they wouldn’t at this point 🙂 not like they are out to do me any favors… 😉
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:55:39
i WISH i knew… but then again, i’m kind of glad i don’t, because i would just waste my mental energy being mad at them… groan…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:56:24
we are very forgiving of typos around here, in case you haven’t noticed 😉 hope your head gets better soon- headaches are awful, aren’t they???
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 12:57:45
Julie, check with Madelaine Tenenbaum, she’s a trained massage therapist and they live close by. Very common sense, not too much into the “woo”.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:01:32
how inspiring, jeremy!
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:05:10
Julie, it’s nothing personal about you per se. It’s that you dared to challenge their authori-tay. They’re mostly a bunch of petty despots drunk with the little power they have. You’ve met with Rulkowski. If he isn’t the definition of a passive-aggressive beta, I’d be shocked. In his personal life I bet he’s a wimp, that’s his affect, but in his professional life he’s a “CITY PLANNER”, someone who tells people what to do and sets standards. He’s important, dammit, and you’d better listen to him, or he’ll start to hold his breath and stomp his feet. Like I said, you’ve dealt with the man face to face. His contempt for city residents is just barely hid. Long ago I decided that if the price of annoying those contemptible fools is getting a few eye rolls and being thought of as a crazy fool, oh well, better to be a fool than to push people around.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:07:29
thank you, alta. just to clarify- we do think pets should not be spreading diseases. that’s why we have always had our pets vaccinated. but the city’s license idea does nothing to control disease; it only creates revenue for the city, first for the license fee, and then for the tickets they can give people if they find unlicensed animals. that said, we DID license our pets with the city, and we DID pay a late fee for not doing it on time. we have no arguement with the city over this issue- only that we have already taken care of it and now they are bringing it up again to be vindictive…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:08:33
yep- exactly what we have done!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:09:06
yes- it’s people like you who say such nice things that help keep us going!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:09:37
thank you- i am definitely trying hard to balance!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:10:12
oh, man… i can kind of see that happening here. and thanks for not abandoning me!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:11:44
thanks, sister-in-crime! love your idea about the square foot garden guy- maybe one of my blog readers will contact him 😉
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:12:34
🙂 -julie
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:13:56
thank you!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:14:25
they probably would … 😉
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:15:01
thank you- advice noted!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:15:21
thank you! 🙂
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:16:11
thank you for having my back!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:16:33
thank you!!!!!
Ronnie Schreiber
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:16:44
My father, o’b’m’, was a veterinarian. Obviously all of our pets that needed vaccinations were up to date with those, but I’m trying to recall if we ever got an Oak Park dog license for the pug we had for almost 20 years or for our keeshound.
The idea that I have to have a license from the city to own an animal is absurd. Let their be health laws that regulate vaccinations, sanitation and commercial animal operations, but the idea that I need a license to own a dog (or most any other kind of property) has no basis in reason.
It would be one thing if we’d be certain that city officials would use such licensing and registration to return lost or stolen pets. Unfortunately, we know that the city will instead use such regulations to prosecute pet owners should their animals get loose. If the code enforcement dept in Oak Park which handles animal control has ever returned a lost pet to its owner, I’d be shocked. Code enforcement is all about citations, tickets and revenue, not about helping city residents.
I don’t think that Oak Park Public Safety has a K-9 crew but if they did, I bet the city would exempt them from licenses, just like they exempt cops from most gun laws.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:17:02
thank you for sticking up for me!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:17:32
that’s what we are thinking, too… so sad…
Eva Plew
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:18:04
Warm, fuzzy thoughts and ongoing prayers to you from the 49th state! Hang in there! It must be tough to know what to do next, but the Lord will guide you. Whenever my older brother has problems in his life, he responds to it as a test. It is only a test, and you will not be given more than you can handle. As for your city government, it sounds as though the bunch of them are about to be replaced. Get out there and vote! We managed to get a senator re-elected on a write-in campaign, so I know you can get rid of the mayor! Blessings to you!
Cat
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:21:47
Good question Ronnie! I was wondering the same thing.
Julie – if you ever decide to move to the Big Island, our county has plenty room for gardens! In fact, the council was trying to enact a law that said you could NOT clear cut, except for ag.
Tova
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:24:31
I know they’re not migraines, but heat-induced headaches can make you feel even worse. As the temperature rises this weekend, make sure you stay hydrated but also eat foods with potassium and sodium; this will help.
GaryL
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:27:08
Ex Post Facto
adj. Latin for “after the fact,” which refers to laws adopted after an act is committed making it illegal although it was legal when done, or increasing the penalty for a crime after it is committed. Such laws are specifically prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9. Therefore, if a state legislature or Congress enacts new rules of proof or longer sentences, those new rules or sentences do not apply to crimes committed before the new law was adopted.
Heidi Dietrich
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:35:50
Julie, I have epilepsy and get migraines ALL the time. Here’s what works for me. A cold cloth or ice pack at the base of my skull. Also rubbing my temples. I also sold my hair so my shaved head has a nice fuzz on it that feels like a massage but that’s a little extreme. I take inderal for the migraines and caffeine does help. OOO and my massager at the base of my skull works too.
Heidi Dietrich
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:39:44
Oak Park would just LOVE this lady in Massachusetts. She’s a pole dancer and has one installed on her front lawn. And she lives across the street from the police station. People complained but she was allowed to keep it up. She just needs to dress less skimpily when she practices on her front lawn. I bet Oak Park would have a problem with that.
Julie Simpson
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:46:51
Careful of chocolate; it’s a migraine-trigger for me. Sadly.
One way to “fight” back is to disengage, drop the rope (in a tug-o’-war analogy). Let your lawyer handle as much as he is willing to handle pro bono. Take precautions, but nix on the paranoia. Put your energy into the positive: caring for your kids, dogs, veggies, and what must be a very patient hubby. Let the city officials hang themselves. And thank you for being an instrument of change, inadvertently as that began.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:48:33
OMG- i can’t even imagine… but i’ll bet the police don’t mind too much 😉
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:49:12
thanks, heidi- sorry to hear that you have migraines too; they are so disabling!!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:50:28
right- but we were told that city ordinances get updates, and then there is a certain time limit to come into compliance… so, the garden is not yet safe from it’s detractors…;) i still think this is so ridiculous…
Heidi Dietrich
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:53:24
Yea, I don’t think the police mind that much. ha. Thanks Julie for your understanding about the migraines. They are so horrible. I had a roommate once come in my room to check on me. She turned on the light and I felt like I got hit with an axe right in my forehead. I started screaming for her to turn off the light. I never really scream and told her in the middle I was sorry but it really hurt.
danielle
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:56:50
What part of that did you miss? she admitted fault in not licensing her dogs and too care of it within a reasonable time……
Tim in CO
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:17:00
I am one in a community of many who will keep informed on your issue. Rest easy knowing the voices will speak if this EVER comes back. Keep up the blog!
Julia
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:26:49
The wonderful and amazing and heart-warming thing about Julie’s story is it HAS brought together many people from divergent parts of the political spectrum. I’ve seen comments from environmentalists, from militia members, from people concerned about free speech issues, private property issues, organic food and sustainability issues In an era when the political landscape is so divisive and both “liberal” and “conservative” are considered epithets, I find hope that we can all get behind the appropriateness of a vegetable garden in the front yard.
placidair
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:28:09
I hate to add to the potential for paranoia here, but has it occurred to you that you actually do have a PITA neighbor who’s phoning this crap in? Just ONE obnoxious, nasty, jealous or resentful PITA neighbor complaining could be the source of all of this. They could have resented the kids in your front yard helping with the garden and complained, then when told they were going to let go of the garden complaint responded with something along the line of “I bet her dogs aren’t even registered” and sent whatever bureaucrat was involved on a mission. It may not just be the idiots at City Hall…. it could be an idiot neighbor too…..
Christy
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:35:30
I don’t think you’re being paranoid. These people are on a witch hunt, and they are using whatever they can to harass you. It’s ridiculous the lengths to which they seem willing to go as well. The thing about the dog licenses is stupid since it was taken care of IMMEDIATELY by you
Julia
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:35:57
I second the suggestion of getting a video for your front yard. I hate, hate, hate the paranoia that comes with such persecution, but as the saying goes, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.
Claudia W.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:36:50
Your garden in your front yard is beautiful. Well maintained and feeds your family too. What’s there to not like. It’s your yard and if you keep it trimmed and maintained, there should not be an issue with city government. What happened to going green? The government can’t have it both ways. In my city they chop all the trees down to build new homes we don’t need or want. Wildlife has no where to live and the heat index raises higher because the city government want more tax dollars to spend and spend and spend. We should all take better care of our natural resources. Trees are necessary and keep it cooler. Cement and blacktop streets make it hotter and it cost more to cool our homes. The new housing is filled with more people so streets become crowded and frustrating to navigate. In the mean time, city government is enticing new businesses to come to our city by giving them a 5 year tax break which comes back to the residence to make up the difference. Seriously?
Tamara
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:36:58
I haven’t read every comment so this may have already been said—If we all listen to the news, and by news I don’t mean the Associated Press, then we will hear that there is real trouble coming in our food supply. Food is getting more expensive and the supply is being affected by many things, including catastrophic weather. Overpopulation is making things worse. We rely on fossil fuels, pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified seeds and a dwindling water supply
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/04/20/time-water-running-out-for-americas-biggest-aquifer/
to get our food to us. In my opinion, it’s not a sustainable system. So learning how to garden on your own property or a neighborhood communal property is, in my opinion, a smart idea. It stops us from being completely dependent, like helpless children, on the local grocery store for everything. We’ve moved from a society that, in large part, knew how to grow our own food to one that is almost completely dependent on someone else for our basic needs. Growing up in rural America, almost every one I knew had a garden and pickled and canned their food–not any more
I would love to drive down my street and see beautiful produce gardens rather than short lawns that require watering and chemicals and are not eco-friendly. My hats off to you for fighting the good fight!
placidair
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:46:16
Also — have you tried the cayenne pepper with hot water on a q-tip headache killer? It actually works. You can find instructions on the internet if you search “cayenne pepper headache”. I use 1/8 tsp cayenne in 1/4 cup hot water, swirl the q-tip around in the water, squeeze the excess out of the q-tip (you do NOT want it dripping)…. gently insert it straight back into your nostril and rub it around back there, then do the other nostril with the other side of the q-tip — sounds scary, but it’s painless and it WORKS! But you don’t want to have it dripping down the back of your throat (learned that the hard way), and the worst side-effect I’ve had is a slightly numb upper lip for a bit. But it’s amazing how well it works on the headache.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:43:13
oh boy, i was right there with you until you said the part about up the nose! i was thinking to rub it on my temples or something! it’s so hard when you feel cruddy to even contemplate doing anything that seems like it would make you feel worse 😦
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:44:26
yeah- so sad…
Sheila
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:49:51
I’m sorry that this has happened to you and your family, Julie, but like Rosa Parks, you are standing for righting some ridiculous laws. I believe that people are mostly good and that some day these silly zoning laws will change. The video clip on the Jew and the Carrot really showed how laughably antediluvian the prosecution was in their sense of aesthetic displeasure. You go girl! Blessings!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:50:12
thank you so much! i will!!!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:54:10
yes- we’re good with the test- just hoping to be able to withstand the migraines! 🙂 -julie
lib
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:54:35
In such a drowntrodden area like Detroit, you would think Oak Park officials would try NOT to make their town look like a place no one wants to visit or live.
If Oak Park is ever mention to me, this is how I will remember it. And it is absolutely not your doing. It is the city employees. Now the latest dog misdemeanor case where there is no misdemeaor will make more people to laugh at this town. What are they thinking? I am afraid you are their latest target. Be very careful when you drive…those tickets are a fortune.In their small minds, they blame the media problems on you. I see this story all over CNN, HLN, and my local news in Florida. This town is a laughing stock….actually all over the world. You my dear, are the hero. Keep planting and eating healthy!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:56:19
nope- not defending or complaining. just explaining and giving context. we never made a fuss with the city, and we paid everything right away. sorry for any confusion. -julie
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:58:58
about the dogs, both of them have tags with our name and address on them in case they are ever lost for some reason. about the migraines, i have tried icy hot, but not the mary kay stuff- can i find that in a store?
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:59:56
wow- i think the contact info for the city officials is on the righthand side of the blog… thanks!
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:01:54
i didn’t see the clip, but i do thank you for your support! -julie
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:05:22
no- double jeopardy only applies once a case has been adjudicated “guilty” or “not guilty”. at least that is my understanding… the clause, i think says that one cannot be TRIED for the same crime twice, but we never had a trial on the dog issue- it was just taken care of and then not mentioned again. i guess you live and learn, huh?
thegardenrenegade
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:09:23
thank you so much!
Robert Puckett
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:31:57
😉
heather
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:27:01
as a owner of a small business I have been in court alot (getting payment) not being sued, but I have learned one thing, the person with the better story wins not always the person telling the truth….you need to bury them in evidence because that is what they will try to do to you , they will try to get as much irrelevant information against you so it looks like there is a mountain of eveidence against you even if their so called evidence is b.s. if I were you I would go an take pictures of as many properties as you can (from the street/sidewalk so you don’t trespass) say withing 5 miles or whatever you think is enough. look for falling down fences, peeling pain/falling off siding, garbage in the front yard dead/dying lawns, overgrown shrubs(specially if they block street veiw for turning or seeing traffic) any dead plant, any vegetable plants growing in sight, even if its just one tomato plant by the front door, I would look for broken down cars, things that have obviously not moved in a long time etc.. you need to make this look like a clear case of harrassment and show they are singling you out, by doing this not only will you win any case they can put up against you but you also put yourself in a good position for a lawsuit against the city for harassment, abuse of power etc
we race cars at a track that onetime after racing a street car out there for 4 years decieded my car had too dark of window tint, i argued and fought with the tech guy and he said his word was final, so I just went home and brought out a different car that had no tint to race for the day but while I was there I took photos of every single car out there with tinted windows went home and printed them (135 of them) then I went out and spoke to the owner of the track with all the evidence and explained to him if I couldn’t race with tint then neither could all 135 of these cars and slapped down the photos, do the math thats 135X25.00=$3375.00 X 2 times a month= a loss of $6750.00 it took them all of about 2 minutes to deciede we could race with the tinted windows and the tech inspector has a different job at the track for fighting and threatening me……even though according to their own rule book my windows are too dark the fact that they allowed it for everybody else and were only singling me out was all i needed to prove. once you have say 100 houses that are in violation average what their property taxes are times 100 and show the city what they loose by harrassing their townspeople and forcing them out:-) good luck to you, you have support from all over the country right now!! I love seeing a litle citizen take on the big bad city and making them look like the morons that they are I hope people loose their elected jobs over this!!!
Meghann Lahman
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:08:10
Sooooo Oak Park Officials and prosecuters and like wise apparentaly have no real work to do if they are hassling you over vegetables and dog liscenses. I mean really COME ON, all that prosecuter is doing is just looking absolutely ridiculous right now. The prosecuter might as well give up because all he is doing is making an @$$ out of himself.
Charges dropped against woman who grew organic garden, but new charges filed : TRUTH-MEDIA.INFO
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:37:40
Aimilie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:55:40
The one-word issue that is the most important here is [“or] SUITABLE [live plant material”]. What the prosecutor is probably reviewing is how he can, after the fact, designate what “suitable” consists of in this case, and hang you after all.
This is what Hitler did in the years before he came to power. Laws were written vaguely so that they could decree whenever they wanted to what it meant, and get someone whenever they wanted to. More and more laws in this country are written this way. Whether it is because we have truly stupid legislators, or truly evil ones, this should not be tolerated. Citizens need to read everything and hold their legislators’ feet to the fire and make them fix any vaguely written laws, otherwise we will all be hurt by them. This is a true globalist ploy to get exactly what they want by decree.
Dr. Dawn
Jul 16, 2011 @ 13:04:23
As a veterinarian, I would like to comment on the necessity of dog licenses. Dog licenses are required by cities / communities to assure that the dogs living in those communities are indeed vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is a HUGE public health concern and mandatory licensure and vaccination has gone a long way to limit rabies in the U.S. Rabies is such a serious concern, that countries that are rabies free (England, Australia and even our own state of Hawaii) have insanely strict rules about animals coming in to their countries and require things like 6mo quarantines to assure that rabies does not accidently get in.
And rabies is a real threat in this area. Just a couple of weeks ago, a rabid groundhog was found in Southfield, MI (a city adjacent to Oak Park). Last summer, several rabid skunks were found in Royal Oak, MI (another neighboring community).
And while the Bass’ are responsible pet owners and have their pets vaccinated for their own health and the health of their family, many people do not. And it is the “threat” of being ticketed, fined or having their dog confiscated that motivates a lot of people to vaccinate their pets. We see several clients a week that come in JUST for rabies vaccines JUST because they have to get their dog licensed. These same people don’t have their pets vaccinated against diseases like parvo which can easily kill their dog (but poses no threat to people) and parvo is a rampant problem in this area.
So it is in the public interest to assure all pets are vaccinated against rabies. The way that you track that is by having pet owners license their pets. The city charges a small fee for this license to cover their costs to maintain records, help fund animal control and enforce the license law. And to enforce the license law, random surveying of homes is needed. I know the rumor that the city of Warren was going door to door was the reminder I needed to update my dog’s license that I had lapsed on (though vax were up to date) I used to feel the same way about it just being another tax, but have come to understand the need for it.
In the Bass’ case, I feel that the city tacked on the dog license issue initially because they were looking for other petty things to find her in violation of. And I think the fact that the dog license issue is still an issue is just a case of bureaucratic stupidity and/or lack of communication between departments and probably isn’t a personal vendetta. That would imply that the city actually has the smarts and talent to pull off a “trick” like that. And I think we have all come to realize that the city of Oak Park is just not that smart… lol! In reality it was a new judge who was told to dismiss the yard violation and probably just saw the dog license bit and didn’t realize it was resolved and left it as an active violation. Though why it hasn’t been cleared up yet is a mystery. Unfortunately, it is probably still just continued incompetence but I wouldn’t put it past Oak Park to be dragging their feet on resolving it jus to continue to annoy Julie Bass.
Just to be clear, I still totally support the Bass family and know them to be stellar pet owners. But just wanted to put out there the legitimate reasons for dog licenses and enforcement of that code.
thehealer
Jul 16, 2011 @ 14:04:06
All you need to get rid of your migraine is increased oxygen intake. Go to an oxygen bar, or rent an oxygen tank, or spend several minutes taking slow deep breaths of fresh air.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 16, 2011 @ 23:13:58
i love it- cheap, easy, accessible- definitely worth a try!
Marisa Hansen
Jul 18, 2011 @ 01:55:43
Wow. I don’t know about your city, but in mine if any law enforcement hears a canine at a property they will knock on the door and request to see a license. If you aren’t home they will look up the address for any license issued. If a license wasn’t issued to that address they will come back and ticket you or impound your dog. I just moved here (today) and I’m hoping that since my dog is licensed in our old county that I’ll have a few days to comply. Other than that I can’t imagine why they are doing this thing with your dogs. However, a garden is perfectly legal in my front yard according to the city ordinance (specifically stated).
Brenda Williams
Jul 18, 2011 @ 10:44:27
I don’t live in michigan.I live in va.Richmond to be exact.Here we have an ordinance that allows extra scrutiny concerning breeds of dogs known for vicious tendancies.Pit bulls dobbies mastiffs[shepards?]and chows.Even if they are friendly and on private property.They will be looked at for vaccinations and penning violations much more closely.This is to prevent possible maulings and the complications of same. [rabies pennings done by animal control and unecessary euthanizations to animals concerrned]
Its also done to help prevent puppy mills from springing up.
Is this a repeat violation?From what I gather it isn’t.How far out of date were you[in licensing/vaccination]?Normally thirty to fourty five days would still fall into the reasonable category[Licensing].[Well if they were kept inside and only let out with someone watching them-vaccinations]
If you lived here here’s what would have happened.You would have been cited,done everything that you have already done,taken it to the licensing dept at city hall.After making sure that you ,your dog and the paperwork were legitimate the charge would have been dropped right then and there.The only way it wouldn’t is if a mauling took place[you would be charged with a crime]or repetitive[multiple times not just twice] citations.Even with repetative violations the first threat wouldn’t be jail.Its to discover If and why you are repeating the same violation.
This sounds like they are harassing you.It isn’t the ticket though.Its the insistance of taking it court even though you have complied.
thegardenrenegade
Jul 18, 2011 @ 18:29:36
wow, seriously? i would love to talk to your students- what do you teach? (i hope it is not capitalization, since we have all seen i’m a slacker on that… 🙂 )
thegardenrenegade
Jul 18, 2011 @ 18:39:55
hey ronnie- we have been pretty transparent with the media- that said, i can’t say specific things we may or may not be considering. legal strategy and all… but i will update everyone as soon as i can…
thegardenrenegade
Jul 18, 2011 @ 18:45:02
thanks a lot for clarifying all of that. it’s good to know the reasons behind the government doing what it does- that makes it a little easier to take 😉 and thanks for being on our side and saying nice things about us- always appreciated!! -julie
KimberlyJ
Jul 19, 2011 @ 11:27:52
I’m in the U.P. I don’t really know how I came across your fb page and blog but I have been reading and holy crap! Yes, this dog charge is because they aren’t getting their way with your garden. And I read in a later post (I’m reading them backwards) that they are closed on fridays due to budget cuts? WTF? But they have the funds to spend on stuff like this? Wow! Hope things have gotten better for you and you can get back to disturbing the peace with your tomatoes.
bethanyrae
Jul 19, 2011 @ 12:32:01
how much support do you have from Oak Parkers? This might be a good idea.
Michelle
Jul 19, 2011 @ 17:40:35
But wouldn’t it be great if some of they did try? Secreting a zucchini/courgette in a flower border, planting some runner beans on a trellis, putting in a few ruffly lettuces. Then, they could help make “suitable” encompass the increasingly “common” vegetables.
Or is it the raised beds that they object to? If they were planted with petunias, there would be no issue, but it is only because they have veggies in them that the problem arises?
As a local government worker, they make me cringe for their abuse of power. We are there to SERVE, not dictate our own personal preferences on others.