FILE PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | News from SouthPasadenan.com | BLM organizers/protesters Fahren James and Victoria Patterson
The City of South Pasadena announced today that it has reached a settlement in a high-profile civil rights lawsuit filed in October 2021. The case, brought by plaintiffs Fahren James and Victoria Patterson, focused on the rights of the First Amendment and has now been settled for $500,000.
Legal representation for the City of South Pasadena was provided by the law firm of Carpenter, Rothans & Dumont. In a move to resolve the litigation, the City Council authorized the settlement amount, which was agreed upon by both parties.
While specific details of the case have not been made public, the settlement marks a significant resolution in a case that has garnered considerable attention both locally and nationally. The lawsuit raised important questions about the protection of First Amendment rights, which guarantee freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition.
The settlement reached between the City of South Pasadena and the plaintiffs demonstrates the City’s commitment to address and resolve legal disputes in a timely manner. It’s unclear at this time how the settlement will affect future First Amendment cases in the area or across the country. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
From the City of South Pasadena:
“The City of South Pasadena has settled a civil rights lawsuit filed in October 2021 by plaintiffs Fahren James and Victoria Patterson. The case was handled on behalf of the City by Carpenter, Rothans and Dumont. With the interest to resolve this matter, the City Council authorized the settlement amount of $500,000.”
Background (from The South Pasadenan) CLICK HERE for previous reports
NOV. 16, 2022: According to one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Laboni Hoq, the City neglected to train its police force on policies and practices for handling hate crimes, which led to the violations. The City Council’s investigation supported 21 of 53 administrative complaints against nine officers regarding the demonstrations, but it remains unclear whether any personal action has been taken in response.
SCREEN: BlackLivesMatterSouthPAsadena | Protester Fahren James speaks with SPPD Officer Smith
The lawsuit also involved allegations against BLM opponents Richard Cheney and Joseph Richcreek, who were accused of attacking the plaintiffs. The court dismissed the arguments of Cpl. Wise and Sgt. Ronnie that they couldn’t arrest Cheney or Richcreek because of state law requiring an officer to witness a misdemeanor.
SCREEN: BlackLivesMatterSouthPAsadena | Protester Fahren James speaks with motorist Richard Cheney as he is parked on the sidewalk during an incident Saturday, Oct. 3, in which protesters say Cheney nearly hit James and possibly other pedestrians.
South Pasadena seeks dismissal of BLM protesters’ civil rights complaints
