i would really like for people to read the post i wrote last night. i think it clears up misunderstandings, and it does a pretty good job of giving our position.
but some people still seem not to have the facts. i will try to briefly, and without too much commentary
1- the charges against us were not actually “dropped”. they were dismissed by some judge we have never heard of or seen. we hope this person is a real judge, and had the real authority to dismiss our case, but we are going to double-check on that today
2- the dismissal without prejudice means that the prosecutor can come back at any time and reinstate the garden charge as well (he has already reinstated the dog license charge, but i will get to that in a minute). there has been no final disposition of the case, so we can’t take a deep breath and relax.
3- the prosecutor wants more time to review the ordinance. not that he has given up on the garden charge. to the contrary, he wants more time to look things over. i think usually the prosecutor in normal cases would ask the judge for a continuance or an adjournment or something. why they handled it this way is a suspicious mystery…
4- we still have our same court date- july 26th. we still have to appear for a pre-trial, only this time it will be for 2 misdemeanors (the dogs), instead of 1 misdemeanor for the garden.
5- when we got the citation for the dog licenses we cleared it up right away. we went in that friday, only to find that our government is closed on friday due to budget cuts (!). we went back as soon as we were able the following week and took care of it. we paid the license fees. we paid late fees. we got proof from them that the dogs were current and paid up, and we took this proof to court and we showed it to the prosecutor.
6- our current and valid dog licenses were shown on at least on TV news program, and i’m sure were re-broadcast many times over. there is no controversy about whether or not our dogs are licensed. they weren’t current and now they are. that’s it.
7- i can’t think of anything else to clarify, but please keep the word out there that we are not off the hook. a lot of places have been printing and posting “charges were dropped!”- but that’s only part of the story, and gives the incorrect impression that we have won. that’s not true, and i really worry that if the focus goes away, they will renew their prosecution/persecution of us. please take it upon yourself to correct errors in other places and to spread the truth.
we can’t do this without you!!!! thank your continued support!!!!!!!!!!!! -julie
oakparkhatesveggies 
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:46:30
I hope I got the facts all correct in my post for today: http://adventuresofathriftymama.blogspot.com/2011/07/war-on-gardens-continues.html
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:49:40
Probably a tactic that Oak Park is using to bring the charges up later when media hoopla dies down
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:51:51
Snork… you will never clarify enough for people who have already decided you’re wrong — they’ll simply shift the facts to fit what they want to believe. That’s how we’re educated in the U.S. these days… those of us who still know how to critically think recognize what we see 😉
You Will Not Be Able To Please Everybody…. perhpas that’s probably the cosmic lesson this is set up to teach you 🙂 Figure out who you *do* want to please … as a buddy of mine taught me in college, “If you can’tbeat ’em, join ’em … but if they won’t let you join ’em… bleep ’em.”
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:53:35
I do agree — they are hoping this will fade. Hmmm… I think it *can* fade for a spell — but people won’t forget — it used to be too much work to keep up with things, but nowadays it’s more work to Unsubscribe to something 🙂
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:54:55
Thanks for the clarification. Stay strong! You are pioneers in urban homesteading and sustainable living.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:55:24
If the charges get re-instated on the garden issue, I’d let the survival podcast know.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:58:58
if the media hoopla dies down and they reinstate the charges I am sure it wont be hard to get the media back on board. Then the city will look even worse for how they handled it
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:59:07
Julie good luck on this. Just remember you’ve got this whole group of people around the world interested, not to mention the media, so if this gets uglier, you have a lot of support. Meanwhile, I wonder if there’s anyone in your town who is interested in starting a local petition to change the code and clarify that growing vegetables in the front yard is acceptable, as they did in Toronto recently after a similar case. Oak Park readers? A citizen petition and showing up at your next city council meeting with a large group of organized voters would go a long way towards letting your elected officials know that you mean business. They can’t be happy about this negative publicity. Julie needs you all to fight this silliness. Again, good luck. Don’t let these guys get you down. There’s a lot of goodwill coming your way from ordinary people everywhere.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 13:59:32
Julie,
We’re keeping the petition open over on Care2 until this all gets resolved and you don’t have to worry about it any longer —
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/oak-park-hates-veggies/
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:05:52
“i really worry that if the focus goes away, they will renew their prosecution/persecution of us.”
I was wondering just yesterday whether that might be the exact reason they made the “dismissal” move – hoping to let the publicity die down so they could spring it on you again at the hearing, or later. (Then again, I’m overly suspicious when it comes to things like this.)
We’re still supporting you and spreading the word. Stay strong & hang in there!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:06:59
This has got to be the most bizarre thing i’ve ever heard! City hall picking on a religious mother of six who grows vegetables in her yard and licenses her dogs a few days late. That’s it?!?!?!? All this energy and time focused on you when there are drug dealers, prostitutes, drug users, abusers, burglers, trespassers, thieves, etc. out and about in the community! I’ve been reading your blog for days now, and I still shake my head in disbelief. Surely the city is aware of how absolutely foolish they look. At any rate, hopefully this will be over soon and y’all can get back to your lives.
My best to you all, and especially to your daughters, my former 5th grade students.
Chana Rogow
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:10:30
Hang tough, Julie. People who have followed this story are paying attention. Your city government should know that if you send up a flare there is a growing network of media and individuals who will notice and respond.
Wishing you the best and watching for trouble….
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:10:34
I have written to 3 people in your city administration and asked them to apologize to the country, and to help other homeowners to grow their own “Victory Garden.” I hope more people can suggest positive solutions to them and that they will put on their “big girl panties” and do what needs to be done.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:15:15
It’s bad enough when bullies work for free. These people get paid to be bullies, and victims must pay to defend themselves. Kindergarten shouldn’t be this hard.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:17:04
If I lived in Oak Park, I would have started my own front yard veggie garden by now, I hope people all over your town do so, and people will work to get the ordinance removed. In my town it would not be a problem people have cows, horses, hay fields, and whatever else they want in their front yards. My garden happens to be in the side yard because it is a better location. I think you’ll find the support you have received so far will return again if they decide to take this up again. Best of luck with the dog charges.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:22:30
The next election cycle, you should campaign against those involved by putting up signs “Veggies against _______ for _______”. Or heck, run for office yourself — it’s sounds like you have a lot more to offer than those already in place do.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:23:38
Good luck honey, we’re rooting for you!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:23:57
Julie, I’d like to see the actual charges. Don’t you have a scanner?
Why don’t you file a motion to dismiss with the receipt for the license as exhibit?
Or have you already done so?
Is your attorney no longer helping you?
It is odd that there would be court proceedings for not having a dog license when you immediately paid the fee and fine.
Where is the actual CITY CODE with the procedures for what is to be done when someone has unlicensed dogs and then paid the fee and fine?
You’re all stressed out and I’d be happy to support you, but I need the COURT FILINGS, the summons, the complaint, etc. to determine what is really going on.
I’m not familiar with YOUR court rules, but in most courts you would simply file the motion to dismiss. It’s MUCH better to do everything in writing than to go to hearings! A lot less stressful too.
“Somebody” should do the research to see how others with similar violations were prosecuted. As many posters have mentioned, you might have claims against the city.
Post the documents and I’ll do a little research, but without the actual complaint there’s nothing I can do.
Christine
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:33:29
I am sorry I said dropped. Yes dismissed is a totally different affair. I just read an article about air fresheners which use chemicals that have been proven to cause respiratory problems. I know this is not directly linked to your case, but with out natural plants and flora we are poisoning ourselves and the ones around us. On another note children do not out number adults at this point are you seeing the connection I am making. Another point is that now they want to take obese children from parents. This is not just about your garden love. They want to make it impossible to live the way we want or should be. They want to slowly poison us, control us we as a nation are 30% dumber than we were 30 years ago. At any rate your case is where we start. God is using you let your light shine and do not drop this gauntlet. We are all counting on you and giving our full support.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:38:50
Julie: So sorry for your trouble! You ARE courageous! Keep up the good fight!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE research something called “Agenda 21″…..it will help you understand why this is happening to you.
Go to freedom21.org -or- americanpolicy.org
If we do not stop Agenda 21 (from the UN) from infecting our local governments and communities, your struggle will be commonplace for us all!
Hugs,
L in TX
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:39:39
OK, we the people, show up at Oak Park’s next Council meeting in a stability of support, for the victory is in grasp Ms.Bass; only if the flagwaver has a Army behind them.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:40:59
How can it be that humans are so cruel and vindictive to each other? I despair
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:44:23
God Bless you and thank you for standing up to the city tyrants!!!
Florida
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:48:34
Julie, I agree. Just file a motion to dismiss. It shouldn’t even get to the point of going to a hearing. I am also surprised that your attorney hasn’t done this for you. You have complied with the city ordinance, and therefore, the city has NO standing to charge you with anything.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:52:36
Julie, I very much admire how you are standing up to these spiteful lunatics, yet I am concerned that they will never stop. My intuition is to sell your property and to relocate to a vegie-friendly area. I am purposefully not listing all the other devious, unethical stuff that officialdom might engage in because I don’t want to give them any ideas.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:53:02
Amazing…absolutely amazing. Makes me glad I live in the country!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:54:00
Just more of the same: bloodsucking lawyers, cum politicians, cum judges, cum bureaucrats making sure THEY have jobs. http://chrisjslater.blogspot.com/2011/07/thats-not-way-we-do-things-in-canada.html?spref=fb
Jul 15, 2011 @ 14:54:49
This is a copy of the email that I sent to the mayor….
Rapes, robberies, thefts, assaults, burglaries, auto thefts, arsons are all serious crimes that are worthy of investigation and city resources. A veggie garden in a front yard is not. If you were any kind of a leader you would be ashamed of the way you allowed the city to handle this. You would be embarrassed that the city was wasting any of its resources on this. You would have redirected the efforts toward closing unsolved cases, preventing personal and property crime and you would not have allowed this to become a hot ticket across the country.
The median household income of your residents is under $50,000 according to the statistics posted on http://www.city-data.com/city/Oak-Park-Michigan.html and has fallen since the year 2000. You have less than 3 law enforcement officers per 1,000 people and you allow your department(s) to harass a family growing vegetables. According to the same website, 14.2% or your residents live in poverty and you allowed a family who grows vegetables to be harassed/prosecuted/persecuted.
Why is it that your city officials are not returning phone calls? Is it because they’re too busy trying to find charges that will “stick” to Julie Bass? Why do you permit city officials to NOT return phone calls, especially when they concern a mess that you allowed and condoned?
Your actions are shameful and your inaction is dishonorable. You have the opportunity here to do the right thing and you refuse to embrace the hard right over the easy wrong; another sign of a weak leader. An apology is required, but under you, your heavy handed ways, your short-sightedness and your definition of criminal….it will never be offered to Mrs. Bass. Almost ten years of leading “The Family City”, and this is how you’ll be remembered; the mayor who hated veggies. You state in your Mayor’s Message that “operations have been severely curtailed in the current fiscal year because of the struggling economy, and the same problems that already have necessitated cutbacks continue to take a heavy toll. Our capacity to deliver citizen services very likely will be even further compromised in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2011. The same monetary problems that are plaguing all of Michigan’s municipalities are continuing, and some are trending even worse. Revenues still are shrinking, while costs expand. Contingency planning for the 2011/2012 Budget, for which another multimillion- dollar shortfall is projected, already is underway.” You’ve chosen to use some of your shrinking revenue to bully a woman into moving her garden when you know that the economy is struggling. Doesn’t logic make you conclude that if the city of Oak Park is finding necessitated cutbacks are taking a heavy toll, then Mrs. Bass and other citizens are dealing with the same heavy toll? Does your short-sightedness know no bounds? Mrs. Bass knew “What further steps must be implemented in order to ensure continued financial survival…” which is why she planted a garden.
It is my hope, and the hope of most of the rest of the country, that Mrs. Bass receive her apology and full adjudication of not guilty on everything, including the dogs!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:09:38
On the fox interview, the city prosecutor says the garden charges are dismissed “it’s moot”, or close to that. Maybe next week your lawyer could get that in writing in a proper legal fashion, so you have peace of mind going forward.
I do believe you have a victory, and they are trying to rain on what should be your parade.
They have nothing on you, your dogs are legal, your garden is in compliance with the law, and you and your family and the community at large have won.
Sour grapes from petulant city officials, will pass, there are more pressing issues. I bet they will stay far far away from you in the future. No one likes looking like an ass, but they did it to themselves.
Some have suggested participating in the creation of a new by-law expressly permitting gardens like yours, sounds great, but might have to wait for some post election fresh blood to make sure it is done in good faith.
You have kept to the high road and remained civil in the face of this stupidity, again congratulations, and good luck with your garden!
J
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:10:18
You will always have my support.
This issue does bring up more concerns then what is seen at face value some even think it has to do with the bill s510. I know it sparked a lot of interest from my husband and I as he supports you as well. We have some veggies in our front garden and no room to have some out in the back yard (to small and with a big dog myself he does need a place to poo. But we need more and are working on our plans for next year to have even more veggies out front and on the side of the house. I just hate to rely on others.
I know it’s hard but you do need to relax a bit. Gardening is a lot of work and with the outside stress you have being piled on you daily. Sweeite go take a overdue nap. all of this will still be here in an hour.
Julie through of this i’m sure your meeting a ton of Great people. I just want to thank you for bringing a lot of stuff back to light for me again. Not that i was depressed but i forgot what i was fighting for .. so thanks for reminding me through your post through your thoughts ideas and strength. and from the bottom of my heart Thank you!
We got your back!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:12:23
I’ve edited my post to reflect the correct legal jargon Julie. Thanks for emphasizing the point that dismissing without prejudice is not the same as dropping the charges. I certainly understand your concern in the world of short attention spans we live in.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:18:40
thank you so much for the nice things you said! – julie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:21:26
If they’ve left themselves this loophole, it means they are worried. It means you’re winning! Keep it up (not that they’d let you stop now anyways!)
Good Luck on the 26th!
Jeff Rubarth
Redford, Mi
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:27:46
I certainly would like to see a scanned copy of the dismssed without prejudice or whatever document. If it was dismissed, why would you still have a court date? Also, judges are extremely egotistical. Why would YOUR judge permit another to poach in his bailiwick behind his back?? And over-ride him? NOT plausible! Definitely not regular. Good luck! Stay vigilant!!!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:39:14
wow- this is powerful! you should consider sending it to local papers here; i imagine the person who is challenging the mayor would appreciate it! thank you for sticking up for us! -julie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:40:14
thanks for that- i think they have enough bad ideas on their own ;0
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:41:29
he was trying to file a motion to dismiss! the court clerk would not accept it because she said the case had already been dismissed- that is how we even found out about it!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:42:26
Dog license?
Our owners desperately want us mundanes to understand that we have NO God given inalienable rights. NONE!
Every breath we take, every action we engage in, is merely a permission than we must grovel for, purchase outright, and jump through hoops like trained monkeys to get.
The great mystery, in my mind, are the jack booted thugs that swear an oath to uphold the Constitution but have never seen a tyranny that they are not willing to enforce and will even kill you to do so if necessary.
“Anonymous is legion. We do not forget. We do not forgive.”
http://www.whatis-theplan.org/forum
New Charges in the Oak Park Veggie Garden Madness | The Agitator
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:45:55
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:49:28
you are entirely welcome- and thanks for having my back! i can use all the posse i can get!!! 🙂
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:49:37
thanks!!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:49:53
thank you!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:50:23
yep…
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:50:36
🙂 thanks!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:50:51
thanks!! -julie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:51:18
thank you so much!!! it’s is so inspiring to know that people have our backs!!! -julie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:52:50
perfect- thank you!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:53:25
oh gosh- i WISH we were even on the same plane as real homesteaders!! 😉
Jul 15, 2011 @ 15:57:42
I would go to Jack Spriko as a preemptive thing. I think he would be very interested in your story. It needs to be told to the whole country.
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:35:02
I think keeping the petition open is a very good idea!…I realised, yesterday, that I had not signed it…You are close to the 30,000 signatures and I hope it goes way over that.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 16:48:05
You may wish to contact the fb site: Small Government. They are saying that the charges were “dropped.” Thought you should know. Hang in there.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:14:51
Good on you Julie. You are winning this thing so don’t fret; and the net has your back. If they try to let it die out and then go round for another try they will discover a ready-primed group of supporters happy to dump on their asses from a great height.
Meanwhile, give yourself a break and look back on what you have achieved here.
You have revealed a level of idiocy and corruption in your local city administration that most people would not have expected.
You have taught said admin that the citizens are NOT to be trifled with and that they have real and effective power that they can bring to bear.
You have also revealed a sense of community that runs far beyond the street you live on and is there for you when you need it (I bet THAT was a surprise)
One thing I haven’t seen is how your neighbours have responded to all this. Have any of them made contact with you, started digging their own front gardens, contributed in any way to your defence?
A word of warning and advice. There is one thing someone will think of and that is vandalism, a thug with a trail motorbike could do a lot of damage to your garden really quickly. Get a webcam and mount it in your front window and pout a sign up on your letter box suggesting that anyone coming on to your property should smile for the internet.
As we say in my country Kia Kaha. Be strong.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:18:40
Your city officials should be worried, the governor is looking for ways to take over local governments, boot people out and appoint his own (mine). Also he is trying to take over a school system that has a surplus of monies.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:21:21
I meant my city is in jeopardy.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:44:20
Hi Julie,
Our site just posted a story to clarify. http://healthfreedoms.org/2011/07/15/charges-not-dropped-for-growing-garden/
We truly support you and send thoughts and prayers your way – Blessings and good health!
If you want an interview when it’s convenient for you I’m more than happy to but only if it doesn’t disrupt things more – I can only imagine!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your courage!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 17:57:22
Time to go on the offensive.
While the garden/dog issues will resolve themselves in your favor short-term, the underlying ordinance (and verbal wishes of Mr. Rulkowski) that started the ball rolling still exists. The City did not want the garden/ordinance issue to be raised in a formal court hearing because they knew they would lose and that the ruling of the court in your case would make any future attempts to ban yard gardens more difficult if not illegal.
Get as many of your supportive Oak Park gardeners to attend the next city council meeting. Contact all individuals or groups which currently have similar gardens planted as future ordinance changes and enforcement will effect them too. Contact the City to find out the process of getting an item on the agenda. Find out the formal process for reviewing and amending ordinances.
You and your pro-gardener Oak Park voters should start the process that will result in the rewriting of the offending ordinance (and other ordinances that may impact your gardening activities).
I can assure you that the Mayor, Mr. Rulkowski, and their cronies are already plotting to quietly alter the ordinance to make it enforceable with regard to their desires. You need to make the process public and transparent with gardener input and support.
You have many thousands of supports from around the world who are rooting for you! However, only the Oak Park electorate can vote for or against the Mayor and Council and their staff and ultimately change the ordinances that discourage urban gardening, yard gardening, or individual food production on residential lots.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 18:19:29
Julie I am the co-host and co-producer for a world wide talk radio show on blog talk radio called Talk America USA!. We go world wide with well over 350 million people on our 2 hour show as co-producer I would like to invite you to be a guest on our show please contact me for details. To tell your story on our show.
Thank you
Talk America USA!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 18:30:00
Julie,
I have sent a letter to the mayor of your city. I truly hope it helps, and I will continue to follow your blog. Hopefully they will end it like decent human beings and stop crying over spilled milk like babies. The childish antiques of government never ceases to amaze me–truly!
Respect and well wishes for you,
Allison C.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:00:46
Saw today that the organization Slow Food USA has picked up your story and is communicating it to it’s 200,000+ supporters. They are tweeting Oak Park updates and are followed on Twitter by some of the most well known food writers, food policy analysts, celebrity chefs and sustainability enthusiasts. I hope support for you continues to pour in and that this story spreads to every corner of our country. I know this probably isn’t how you would have chosen to have your “15 minutes of fame”, but your struggles may help many people who turn to victory gardening as a means to supply their families with simple, healthy food. Sending you good chi from Maryland from a fellow victory gardener!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:22:03
oh, wow- it is almost unbelievable how far this has gone! if there is a way to communictae with the, please tell them i said thank you!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:26:23
thank you for telling me- honestly i am so slammed that i can’t get to every website that has this or other worng information out there- but if you could take care of it, or maybe someone else here reading the blog can- that would be such a big help. thank you! -julie
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:13:10
Julie
It’s http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/contact_us/
Slow Food USA National Office
20 Jay Street, Suite M04
Brooklyn, NY 11201
info@slowfoodusa.org
Tel: 718 260-8000 or 877-SlowFoo(d)
Fax: 718 260-8068
Office Hours: M-F 9:30AM – 5:30PM ET
Best of luck to you.
Joe
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:17:53
So it would be okay if she were an atheist? Should “religious” people get better treatment?
Sorry- it’s a sore point for me.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:22:08
Me too and I am a Christian. Most Christians IMHO look down their nose at non-Christians even though Christians are some of the worse people I have ever met. I would rather judge people by the way they act and not what organization they claim to follow. Actions have always spoken louder that words.
http://jtittiger.blogspot.com/2011/04/traditions-of-men.html
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:30:21
Some more thoughts:
** It is common to dismiss with prejudice and it is not usually done in order to take up the charge later. However, I wouldn’t put it past this crew.
** Don’t take any of this lying down. Make them KNOW that you will fight like your life depends on this. Again, go on the offensive. Decide what you want the outcome of this to be and push forward toward that goal. If your attorney doesn’t agree with this tactic and would prefer you to strike a passive note, get another attorney. Those tactics do not worth with people like you’re up against. Get a bulldog until you get the charges dropped for good and have let them know you are a force to contend with. I’m not being sexist, but I have seen more women attorneys than men who don’t have any qualms about being bulldogs. Decide the outcome you want and don’t stop pushing until you are satisfied with the result, then back off.
** Be aware that you can sue them for damages, both the City and each of them INDIVIDUALLY. Suing them individually means they will have to hire their own attorneys with their own money. Believe me, none of them wants to, or has the funds to defend themselves in a case they will probably lose, and lose their careers too. (The city probably doesn’t have the money for this either.) This is true whether you have a case or not. Just the fact that they will have to shell out all that money in their defense is an issue for each of them. KEEP A JOURNAL on the DETAILS of the stress of your family, doctors expenses, and everything that happens during this time. Don’t keep this a secret. Let them know you are aware you could take this path and that you are preparing for it if it becomes necessary. Let them know it is up to THEM and their actions whether this action is taken or not. You can do this without ever actually telling them personally, but through the press, blogs.
** Again, your attorney needs to investigate whether the city has ever taken this type of action against dog licensees. They should not be targeting you for harassment. When you find out, if they do not take this action, make it public, put it in the local media.
** Also, did they write you a citation for the dogs? Did you sign it? It may be that if they didn’t, they are in violation of the law themselves, and this case could be dismissed as a matter of law. Your attorney should check this out. What is the local law?
** Remember, you have a lot of people behind you, and it’s growing! You can get the donations yo need if you actually have to sue them.
** Do not play the victim. Turn it around on them and make them victims of their own evil. Say when you think of them, “Whatever negativity you send to me, bounce off of me and return to you.” Take your power, and make things right with it — simply because it is the right thing to do!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 20:46:01
I like your attitude and going on the attack is the only way to deal with these criminal thugs.
I however differ with your advice on getting the charges dismissed because as long as this law in on the books they could refile the charges for a new infraction. Perhaps going to a trial and appeal if necessary would be a better route?
Jul 15, 2011 @ 21:35:41
This was my worry as well!! That they would go behind closed doors and change the ordinance and THEN slam you all over again. DEFINITELY be proactive on this…don’t get lulled into complacency! It may be that you need to take a break and just re-cooperate for awhile but then come back fighting!
Behind you in Alberta Canada!!
Jul 15, 2011 @ 21:39:00
Jul 16, 2011 @ 08:35:56
Julie — I just want to second the notion that you don’t need to worry about the media/internet attention dying away, and then the city sneaking in and doing something underhanded. If anything crummy happens regarding your garden, all you need to do is contact the bloggers/Facebook pages who have been following your situation, and the whole thing will get fired up again. The infrastructure is there in the online urban homesteading community to support you. You won’t have the re-invent the wheel on this one.
Jul 16, 2011 @ 12:21:42
Julie, I’ve only recently become aware of your veggie vs city problems. It’s a stunningly ridiculous situation (with the city officials deserving as much ridicule as possible).
Like others here, I strongly believe you will win. However, the city officials will do their best to cover their asses to save face…(lol, that phrase came out differently than I intended, but it somehow seems funnier and more appropriate, so I’ll leave it as-is).
Because you have such a wonderful writing style, maybe you’ve found your calling. The old saying that the pen is mightier than the City (or something like that), maybe this blog can turn into a book…and maybe even a regular podcast.
Have you ever heard of “Flattr”? It might be one way of helping to fund this blog.
You have found your voice, you have a marvelous style and personality, and now you have a following of great supporters. I have an idea that there may be FAR more people facing, in their own cities, the same (or similar) issues that you are facing now. Your blog could be a place for them to contact in order to get more people to know about them.
How many people just give up in the face of stupid city ordinances? We’ve heard of you, because you refused to quietly be bullied. But we don’t know how many people never spoke up for fear of the same type (or maybe worse) bullying.
Anyway, it’s just a thought. Sometimes Life has a serendipitous way of pointing us in new directions. Maybe your new voice could help others find their own.
I do hope…no, I truly believe!…you will not only win this battle, you’ll have found strengths and an inate creativity that you never knew you had before. Creativity is just another garden to cultivate, and you seem to have all the necessary tools to do so.
I wish you well, and hope to see you keep writing, long after those bozos at city hall have faded into oblivion.
JC Carpenter
Jul 16, 2011 @ 17:00:24
Hi Julie – I started a second letter writing campaign for you, this time to the City of Oak Park about the dog license issue. If they pull more crap on you we will do another one, and I will spread the word on the TBUH page, (of almost 10,000 likes now btw), who will then spread the word via fb, blogs, and the web. You know I have your back, as does the urban homesteading community. This will NOT go away for the city of Oak Park until they completely leave you alone on both issues. I’m continuing to post your blog posts on TBUH, and on my blog as well, so people know it’s not over. We’re aware that the city backed off on the charges just so they would be removed from the media spot light, but we’re onto them! Hang in there, and know that we’re not done yet either. Hope you’re having a good migraine free weekend!
Jul 16, 2011 @ 17:15:15
The plan?
http://www.whatis-theplan.org/forum
“Anonymous is legion. We do not forget. We do not forgive.”
Jul 16, 2011 @ 18:37:25
Public Safety Director – John Mc Neilance
psafety@ci.oak-park.mi.us
I suggest we “campaign” with this gentleman to see if he as the Public Safety Director can clear the dog registration issues up and maybe he’ll be smarter than the other Oak Park City employees. Or maybe second petition?
Jul 16, 2011 @ 18:46:03
sorry, 2nd response – I emailed the DOPS for OP today.
Aloha Mr. Mc Neilance,
I respectfully ask that as the Director of Public Safety you intervene with the issue of Julie Bass and her dog registration. She registered them, and paid a late fee, and has copies of same. She provided the originals to the OP prosecutor who saw them and noted them.
This silliness has to stop somewhere. I suggest you take a step forward as the Director of Public Safety and do the right thing. I have police officers in my family so I know you have to follow the rules but someone from the City of Oak Park needs to step up to the plate, and I am hoping it is you.
Respectfully,
Catherine Dumond
Jul 16, 2011 @ 23:18:48
thanks, JC! i originally started this blog to try to find people who were having similar problems so they could give me advice. it has grown into something completely different (and amazing!)- and it took me a good long time to find those people… but if this blog can help someone else to have the courage to do the right thing, then it was all worthwhile! thanks again for your nice post! -julie
Jul 16, 2011 @ 23:46:33
that’s great- thank you!! -julie
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:12:02
I would also recommend getting in touch with ‘The Survival Mom’ http://www.thesurvivalmom.com . She is really cool, and also has her own podcast. As an urban prepper, I support ya.
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:29:13
just read it- it was great! thanks! and we are putting a link on our blog to the petition for the man in BC who is facing 6 months jail time- OMG!!!!!!!! this would be hard to believe if it wasn’t actually happening!!
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:32:00
thank you, chana- it’s completely absurd, but it’s amazing how many people have come to support us!! we’ll just hope common sense prevails…
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:43:02
i don’t have a scanner, and our attorney is helping us, but if you are curious, fox 2 news showed the actual warning, the actual ticket, and then (more recently when the dog charges came up again) they filmed the paid receipts for dog licenses. i’m pretty sure that a lot of the news footage was broadcast over and over again by multiple sources, so you should be able to see it. they were not able to give me any book of codes or ordinances or anything at the city office- they didn’t even think anything existed that citizens could have… the dog license thing said section 14. don’t know of what… the garden “violation” was 1716 A5. hope that helps! -julie
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:47:05
we still have a court date because of the dog license charges. most of the news organizations that have been out to our house have taped (and i think shown!) all of our relevant documents. how could the judge allow this? i have no idea! how could this happen? i wish i knew. highly irregular indeed!
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:50:03
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhm- that’s me taking a deep breath. you are right, of course. thanks for keepig a clear head! -julie
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:51:41
thank you thank you thank you, april!! in case i forgot to tell you this on the phone, you are awesome!!!! -julie
Jul 17, 2011 @ 00:53:22
what an interesting idea! please post again if you get a response- i am very curious as to what he would say. thanks!! -julie
Jul 17, 2011 @ 12:47:51
It is ridiculous to regulate what people choose to plant on their property. As long as it’s not overgrown with noxious weeds, you should be able to plant whatever you want. Living in the northwest across the river from Portland, OR, I sometimes forget that other people in the Country haven’t already overcome the obstacles and prejudices to front-yard gardening. Out here it is actually becoming the vogue thing to garden in the front yard and raise bees and chickens in the city. Homes with lawns still dominate, but lawns are becoming more and more out of sync with goals to become more sustainable. Even our County government removed their lawns and replaced them with native plantings. It has saved them something like $50,000 / year in mowing, fertilizer, herbicide, and irrigation costs. Lawns are still necessary for sports fields and open space active and passive recreation, but due to it’s costly up-keep and tendency to pollute surface and groundwater with chemicals, it should be used only where necessary. Using your land to grow food, especially perennial food, is one of the highest uses you can put your land to in an urban environment. An edible landscape typically provides many of the functions of a native landscape and it provides fresh, local food for the homeowner. If all the urban green space could be gardened, it would take pressure off of some of the rural lands for food production and allow some of it to be restored to wildlife habitat. Also, it would provide a secure food source right where people live. Yesterday, I had egg sandwiches from my own chickens with spinach I’d picked in my front yard. I have gardens in my front and back yard. Eventually, I will convert the front yard to dwarf fruit trees, berries, and perennial greens, but this year I’m growing veges. Also, when people are struggling in this economy, it is not practical to restrict their ability to provide a little extra for their family. Our society needs to move away from the culture of waste and that includes wasted space.
Jul 17, 2011 @ 13:07:49
Thanks, Julie. I posted the video and my thoughts here:
http://highdesertpermaculture.org/blog/2011/07/15/oak-park-prosecutor-pursuing-dog-licencing-charges-against-julie-bass-after-dropping-illegal-veggie-gardening-charges/
It’s been a long time since I ran across codes that were NOT online.
Your attorney mentions in this video that the statute requires that you didn’t pay prior to court action. That would of course make sense. If so, the city and prosecutor are in deep doodoo.
You have no idea how lucky you are to have an apparently competent attorney willing to work pro bono for you. Of course he WILL get paid if you successfully sue the city and you’ll get a check for your migraines and hassles too.
If they violated their own codes to harass you, it would be very difficult for them to prevail in court.
Christine
Jul 17, 2011 @ 15:42:49
First of all, I use baking soda and vinegar in my drains all the time. I dump in some baking soda, then pour vinegar over it, wait until the bubbling stops, then pour in more vinegar, until there’s no more bubbling. Then flush it with hot water. Since you have a garbage disposal, once the mold smell is gone, drop some citrus peels in and grind them with hot water. You’ll even smell it a bit in the room – ummm, I love the smell of lemons!
Re tomatoes – pinch away! If they’re really tall, I wouldn’t take that much off the top, but a couple of inches wouldn’t hurt anything, especially if they’re around a foot high. If there are lots of leaves, you can thin it out a little bit, for air circulation and to let the light in.
Don’t know what else you have planted, but if you have anything that you don’t eat the fruit of (lettuce, most herbs, cabbage, etc.) you don’t want them to flower and go to seed. If you see flowers forming, or if the lettuce or cabbage start to grow a spike in the middle, cut it off. This is more likely to happen when it’s hot. The plants want to produce seeds and die, so you want to prevent seeds from forming. The same thing goes with other vegetables – make sure you pick as soon as the fruit is ripe, so the seeds don’t get a chance to mature.
Growing vegetables can be a one way ticket to jail | I Believe In Butter
Jul 18, 2011 @ 09:00:37
Jul 18, 2011 @ 12:27:48
Julie – I keep damp rid under all of my sinks, it really helps with the musty smell we get (older house, southern Indiana humidity, not a good combo). Good luck with the garden and dogs too!
Jul 18, 2011 @ 18:13:59
you have been so great, and your thoughtful comments are always appreciated! thanks for being here!- julie
Jul 18, 2011 @ 18:15:05
aw, april- you have been SO great- what else can i say???
Vague Law + Vindictive Law Enforcement? Hide Your Veggies! | Legal News
Jul 18, 2011 @ 20:08:17
Jul 19, 2011 @ 01:47:42
Jul 25, 2011 @ 20:03:19
I would like to help with the court issue so we can slam dunk this thing …
If they are loosing their composure…. that is how you no you are wining
they need your co-operation to win ..do not give it to them and keep asking question for now…… also do not understand anything they say…
start to speak with then only by mail never over the phone….. this will help for now
until we can talk
Aug 25, 2011 @ 00:15:14
I really liked the article, and the very cool blog