No charges over debacle at the health care reform debate

The LA County District Attorney's Office announced last week that it will not file criminal charges against Charles Cox for his role at the August 27 health care reform debate. Citing a California Supreme Court decision on freedom of speech at public meetings, the DA's Office determined that Cox's disruptive actions did not warrant criminal charges.

"It is clear that many in the room were disturbed by the acts of Mr. Cox, but it is unlikely that ... can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt [in court]," according to a charge evaluation worksheet from the DA's Office.

Two weeks ago, the DA's Office declined to file criminal charges against organizer Rudy Mann, who was cited for battery at the debate upon the request of Cox. Cox claimed to Claremont police that he was assaulted by Mann at the meeting.

Tomorrow night, the city council will hear a full report from Claremont Police Chief Paul Cooper about the incident and the police's response. Residents have complained over the Police Department's lack of presence at the meeting and perceived unfair treatment by investigating officers.

Update on the Health Care Debate altercation

Claremont's town hall debate on health care reform was marred by a mix-up between one of the debate's organizers and a visitor to the event.

The Claremont Police Department has been investigating the matter and last week filed a report with the District Attorney's office. Police expect to hear back later this week from the DA's Office whether charges will be filed against one or both parties.

Outside of the debate, Charles Cox, 21, of Riverside claims that organizer Rudolph Mann pushed or otherwise assaulted him, causing him to fall to the ground and hurt his knee. (I hope he has health insurance.) See the photo above.

Cox wanted Mann arrested for the assault, while Mann wanted Cox arrested for disturbing the meeting. Nobody was actually arrested, but Mann was cited by police.

Cox is reportedly a member of the radical "Christian, pro-life activism organization" called Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust.

Click here to watch footage of Cox captured at the Town Hall debate in Alhambra.

It seems Cox, wearing the same sweaty blue shirt he was wearing at Claremont's town hall debate, likes to draw attention to himself and his cause. In the video, a man appears to punch/push Cox for his excessive chanting while speakers are trying to address the crowd.

I'll have an update on the DA Office's decision as soon as information is available.

Town Hall meeting on health care reform

Expect a lively debate tomorrow night in the Padua Room at the Hughes Center. A panel of local politicians will be debating national health care reform. Panel members include Russ Warner, democratic candidate for congress in the 26th district, Sally Stevens of the League of Women Voters, John Cobb of Progressive Christians Uniting, Sandy Hester of AARP, Mark Ramos of United Food and Commercial Workers and Gar Byrum, speaking for Health Care Co-ops.

Organizers say Congressman David Dreier, who opposes the reforms, was invited. I'm guessing he will be a no-show.

Although I would be interested in attending, I will also be a no-show for the meeting. The COURIER will have another reporter cover the debate.

I will be on vacation for the next 2 weeks. I'm flying today to Vienna and will be traveling around Austria to visit some friends and family. I may post a few photos or tidbits while I'm away but for Claremont news, you'll have to wait till I get back.