SOUTH CENTRAL FARMERS

URGENT UPDATE – Media Opportunity




Tuesday, July 11



Horowitz Watchman Brutalizes Farm Supporter Days Before Hearing



Recovery of South Central Farmers' Personal and Religious Objects Denied



7/11/06 - Los Angeles, CA -- On Monday, June 10th at approximately 4:30 p.m. a community supporter of the South Central Farmers was assaulted outside the farm by a security guard hired by land developer Ralph Horowitz. The farmers have been trying for weeks to recover personal property including religious objects remaining on the farm since the eviction, many of which were destroyed and dug under by Mr. Horowitz's bulldozers when they flattened the farm July 5th and 6th.



Under lawyers' permission and at the contractor's request, volunteer Steve Murphy (age 39), was legally authorized as a 3rd party individual to be on the property. Lawyers on both sides had arranged for the recovery of what remained of farmers' and supporters' personal belongings inside the devastated farm.



"I spent 3 hours going through the farm without incident; it was like the ruins of a war zone." said Mr. Murphy, "I was crying as I picked up backpacks, farmers' tools and one farmer's daughter's tattered notebook. I was overwhelmed with

feelings of despair looking at the devastation of what had once been a lush green refuge."



The assault occurred when another security guard came onto his shift and ordered Mr. Murphy off the farm, in violation of the agreement. "I saw the security guard become verbally aggressive, some words were exchanged between the two. The guard pursued Mr. Murphy to the outside of the farm and then struck his face repeatedly," said Jorge Garcia-Luna, a witness to the assault. Mr. Murphy sustained a major head injury, concussion and his nose was broken in two places.



The head of security on site did nothing to intervene with either the verbal assault or ensuing violent physical attack. Responding L.A.P.D. officers discouraged a shaking [distressed] Mr. Murphy from filing a citizen's arrest. Additional officers arriving on scene later ticketed a farmer for littering when he was picking up paper bag luminarios used around the farm to light the way for vigil walkers.



"I think it's sad and ironic because everyone associates high crime rates and gangs with South Central and yet the only conflict and harassment that has happened to me since I have been at the farm has come from Horowitz's security and the police," said Robert Fofrich, a young community supporter of the farm who was hurt by both the L.A.P.D. and Mr. Horowitz's security at the time of the bulldozing.



"Yesterday's violent attack is yet another example of the brutality that farmers and farm supporters face," said Alma Soto, another volunteer and supporter. "From the traumatic eviction, to the brutal bulldozing, to this; we have remained

peaceful and still have been choked, beaten and ridiculed by the police and Horowitz's hired thugs. When can we begin to heal?"



This assault came two days before the court case that will challenge the legality of the city's sale of the farm to developer Ralph Horowitz.



All above-mentioned are available for interview with the press. Contact Media contacts.



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