The mix of supporters gathered in front of the Stanislaus County Courthouse on February 1 were from all walks of life. More than thirty nurses, teachers, students, social service providers, outreach workers, volunteers, and other community members showed up ready to raise awareness about the importance of harm reduction in the valley. Each had their own reasons for being there, but one thing was constant. They care about progress and efficient solutions. They care about people. The rally and outreach event was organized in an effort to draw attention to the critical issue of syringe access in Stanislaus County. It also served to gather supporters in unity with two volunteers arrested at a high risk area syringe exchange program in April 2009. The volunteers were back in court to hear Judge Ricardo Cordova's ruling on the use of a medical necessity defense in their upcoming trial.
Although the Modesto Bee referred to the group as "angry", in reality the public health supporters were poised and focused on promoting health and wellness for Stanislaus County . The message was loud and clear that public health and prevention must be valued over politics and moral arguments - clean needles SAVE MONEY and SAVE LIVES. The peaceful crowd offered educational materials to passers by, speakers shared their POV, community members were engaged and discussed their compelling stories with volunteers, and a variety of media outlets took interest in the activities out front of the courthouse. Reactions to the group were mixed and debates ensued, but there were no confrontations.
Inside Department 8, Judge Ricardo Cordova postponed his decision on whether a defense of medical necessity could be used when the defendant's face their jury starting March 23. He stated the need to explore the issue further. Evidence was discussed, including undercover audio and video tapes that had only just been turned over to the defense team weeks earlier. An interview with one of the volunteers that aired several months earlier on the Berkeley radio station KPFA was also discussed and then deemed admissable. The DAs also requested that Judge Cordova consider other items besides syringes such as cotton balls, sterile water, and sterile cookers (standard harm reduction tools) in the definition of 'paraphernalia'. This was met with firm argument from the defense and an obvious stirring in the crowd followed. Judge Cordova will revisit the issue at the next hearing.
Barring any further delays, the defendants and their supporters will be back in Department 8 on March 1 at 1:30 PM to hear the judge's ruling on medical necessity and the disputed paraphernalia issue. Although there will not be any organized activities planned in front of the courthouse, please join others inside the courtroom as a show of solidarity in support of public health and safety, prevention, and overall community wellness!
Barring any further delays, the defendants and their supporters will be back in Department 8 on March 1 at 1:30 PM to hear the judge's ruling on medical necessity and the disputed paraphernalia issue. Although there will not be any organized activities planned in front of the courthouse, please join others inside the courtroom as a show of solidarity in support of public health and safety, prevention, and overall community wellness!
