VivirCinco

After city council woman for East Pueblo decided (her alone) that the Cinco de Mayo parade would be shut down a group of concerned and active residents decided to take on organizing and moved ahead.  This parade has been bringing smiles to kids and adults for over 6 years.  We felt it was the one celebration EAST could embrace especially given the population is 50% Latino.  After many attempts to stop the parade the Chief of Police handed down orders for us to have 40 barricades 6 ft tall by 8 ft wide (Type 3's).  No other parade in the history of parades in Pueblo has had this restriction put on them.  In light of the arbitrary and unrealistic demands, we decided to keep planning and moved ahead without a signed permit.  The day before the parade and after the biased city newspaper ran an article about us having an "illegal parade" all the schools, marching bands, city officials (including our grand marshal) had to refuse to march with us.  In the afternoon on the Friday before a barricade, company came forward to donate the needed barricades.  The permit was issued, but then at 4:50 that day word came from Chief Velez that the barricades "where not big enough" and the permit revoked.  With only 10 minutes left of the final working day we were not able to get help and decided for forge ahead with the parade.  Our permit was placed on the vehicle and the procession began. The Cinco de Mayo parade was a huge hit, with low rider cars giving quite a show.  We had our liability insurance, park permit; free pony rides for kids, free food and plenty for the kids to do.  At the start of the parade 4 pillars of the community joined to lead the procession, making a strong statement for the Eastside.  Since the parade and only after getting the Human Relations Commission involved investigating, the chief has cited me twice for having a parade without a permit and obstructing traffic.  However, that was not enough...he's now cited me 6 times, limited my evidence, and quashed my witnesses.  This is a huge abuse of power and the people of East Pueblo are fighting back.  This case will reveal how poor people are treated with much harsher demands.  I'm not sure why we were targeted but the truth will be told and go on record. Perhaps the chief is friends with councilwoman?  Regardless, a couple weeks ago chief Velez went in front of our City Council meeting to ask for rules to be put in place that he told us were already laws/rules.  I videoed that meeting and inserted documents to prove our case.  With all the restrictions being place on us, we need $2000 to hire a good lawyer to fight for the people.  Please help us fight back.

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