July 23, 1998
Nora M. Manella
U.S. Attorney
Central District of California
312 North Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Ms. Manella:
I am writing to request that your office launch an investigation into possible violations of federal law by the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles City Attorney and the Los Angeles Department of Airports in connection with the barring of petition-gatherers last weekend from the annual air show at the Van Nuys Airport.
As you may be aware from news media accounts, dozens of Valley VOTE volunteers went to the Van Nuys Airport, which is owned by the Department of Airports, to collect signatures for a petition regarding secession of the San Fernando Valley from the City of Los Angeles.
According to Jeff Brain, an organizer of the petition drive, the volunteers were escorted off the airport property by security guards who said they were being removed because airport management disagreed with their petition. He also says volunteers were told they could not enter airport property while wearing Valley VOTE T-shirts.
Mr. Brain informs my office that when he contacted the airport security detail, he was told the Los Angeles City Attorney's office approved of this decision.
On Tuesday, July 21, 1998, the City Council directed the City Attorney's office to investigate this matter and prepare a report. However, I am concerned that the City Attorney's office has a conflict of interest in this case, in view of indications it may have approved of the barring of the volunteers.
Therefore, I am requesting that your office consider an investigation into whether the above-mentioned parties violated federally protected rights secured by the First Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, the Voting Rights Act and any other applicable federal law.
I am not advocating any position regarding the merits of Valley independence itself. That is a decision that should be left to the residents of the San Fernando Valley. However, I believe the proponents of Valley independence should not and do not forfeit their federally protected First Amendment rights the moment they enter onto publicly owned property. Indeed, the government must vigorously protect thoserights.
Your favorable consideration of this request is greatly appreciated. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely, HOWARD P. "BUCK" McKEON Member of Congress HPM/df
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