"BUSTED FOR BUSKING"

 

RAY JASON, IJA'S SAN FRANCISCO STREET JUGGLER,

ARRESTED AUGUST 11

 

On August 11th the police arrested me while performing my Juggling act. They charged me with begging and public nuisance. I spent 4 hours in City Prison before Maria [Maria Addonizio---new member this month --Editor] could bail me out. We were never able to determine what the motivation behind the arrest was i.e. the individual policemen acting on their own initiative, a local businessman, a local resident, somebody at City Hall, or what.  However their strategy backfired. I got a lot of support from people, the press, and the media, so it should, hopefully, be more difficult than ever for them to hassle street performers.

 

Robert Shields' (street mime) lawyer defended me and the D.A. dismissed the charges at the arraignment. In order to publicize the case and strengthen public support I returned to my regular corner as usual on Friday the 17th (4 days before arraignment) but dressed in convict's stripes with a ball and chain.

 

Three TV news departments were there along with photographers and reporters from both the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner. Got some excellent favorable coverage.  Herb Caen ran 2 helpful items In 8 days.  At this point it appears like a victory for street performers. I certainly hope so.    

--RAY JASON