Suppression of Knowledge

On the Thursday prior to my recent proposed Daylighting Expedition I received this phone call (slightly edited)

Hello Mr. Benney, my name is Ben Guzman, I’m a police Lieutenant with the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department.

I was advised that you may be intending to host a hike this Saturday at Morgan Territory.

I just wanted to let you know we know.

I want to make sure you’re aware that there are Ordinance 38 rules about violating district regulations.

We don’t allow people to do certain things like using different bike trails, dogs off leash, architectural features and ecological features protection, and things like that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I can tell from your hike description is that you probably would be in violation of some of those ordinances and state laws if you go with your plan.

Also we have permitting issues and liability issues as well.

As far as I can tell I don’t think you have a permit for this hike so that is also a concern for us.

You will be in violation of our ordinance and state laws. I’m a police lieutenant. Thank you

In 2017 I ran into the same difficulties and did apply for a Special Event Permit to lead informational hikes.

The 8 Limitations included:

Any mention of sites on CCWD property is not permitted and you cannot direct or encourage anyone in the group to go into CCWD property.

Information discussed on the walks must be restricted to the mortar sites; no other types of cultural sites or places should be pointed out or discussed.

I responded:

Although I could reluctantly agree to some of the 8 limitations listed here I am withdrawing my request for a Special Event Permit to conduct bedrock mortar walks with my friends in the East Bay Parks.

In particular, responding to items 7 and 8, it is my purpose to raise awareness of Native American history in the East Bay hills and to freely discuss information and knowledge we have accumulated in this regard.

In 2007 I wrote:

The coordinated, calculated, clandestine policy of suppressing knowledge of Native American Indian sites is to my mind an injustice that needs to be corrected.

As a starting point to change this culture, which I feel materially diminishes the importance of our shared California history and heritage, I am posting short articles at www.eastbayhillpeople.com.

I believe the public needs to experience these sites in order to understand their importance and relevance to our lives today.