Full Notification

On Wednesday, 6-3-20, at approximately noon, a group of approximately 40 protesters peaceably assembled along sidewalks at the intersection of Sebastopol Avenue (Highway 12) and North Main Street (Highway 116) in Sebastopol. Within about an hour, the group had increased in size to approximately 200 people.

The protesters appeared to be in compliance with all traffic and other laws and did not obstruct the roadway.

At one point, members of the group asked the Sebastopol Police Department for permission to block the entire intersection for a period of nine minutes, in memory of George Floyd. The intersection is one of the most heavily traveled in west Sonoma County.

The Sebastopol Police Department obliged them.

At approximately 1 PM, Acting Chief of Police Greg Devore and Sergeant David Ginn used a patrol vehicle to block the intersection and patrolled the intersection on foot, in order to make it safe for the protesters to gather in the center of it for the event.

After approximately nine minutes, the protesters willingly moved back to the sidewalks and the roadway was re-opened for vehicle traffic.

The Sebastopol Police Department would like to reinforce our commitment, along with all of Sonoma County Law Enforcement, to protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest, and would like to thank all who participated for respecting the law and protesting without violence.

Press release by Sergeant David Ginn