City, officer vindicated by judge in rights case

A federal court judge has rejected the claim of a demonstrator that his civil rights had been violated when he was cited for obstructing a Laguna Beach sidewalk in the summer of 2007

Twin Peaks resident Jeffrey White sued the city and Officer Andrew Peck, who issued the citation, but he failed to make his case.

“Federal Court Judge James Selna found the city and police conduct passed constitutional muster,” City Atty. Philip Kohn said.

White, who identified himself as the nominal head of Survivor of the Abortion Holocaust, was among about 50 demonstrators waving signs and graphic photographs July 7, 2007, at Main Beach Park.

He was cited after he allegedly refused Peck’s request to move a few feet off of the sidewalk on to the grass at Main Beach Park to avoid obstructing pedestrians.

Selna issued a 23-page opinion rejecting White’s claim that his civil rights had been violated.

Photographs submitted on behalf of the plaintiff showed the obstruction, Kohn said.

Selma granted the city’s motion for summary judgment.

“It was a significant legal victory,” Kohn said.