Chico 10-09-03



	NAC Advisory Chico, California October 9, 2003

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******************************************************************** NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE ADVISORY ****************************************************************** http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC/ ****************************************************************** DATE : October 9, 2003 SUBJECT: Chico anti-nudity ordinance defeated TO : All naturists Dear Naturist, By a 4-3 vote of its city council, the City of Chico, California has rejected a new anti-nudity ordinance. Municipalities consider nudity restrictions with alarming frequency, but this was a special and significant instance. Unlike most others, the Chico proposal did not come as a reaction to adult entertainment. Instead, the proposed Chico ordinance was a direct attempt to ban recreational nudity on public land. Portions of Bidwell Park are traditionally used for skinny-dipping and nude sunbathing. Eliminating nudity there was the sole reason for the ordinance, and recreational nudity on public land became the specific target and focus of the public debate. The Naturist Action Committee played an important role in the defeat of the proposed ordinance. NAC board member and California attorney Charles Harris provided the City Council with informational material and testified before the Council's Internal Affairs Committee on September 9. NAC board member Don Stanton, also a California lawyer, met individually with Chico City Attorney David Frank. Stanton testified against the ordinance in a public hearing held before the City Council on October 7. Local public involvement was a key to the defeat of the proposed measure. Citizens testified convincingly concerning the normalcy and inherent inoffensiveness of mere nudity. The Chico Police Department currently enforces California state law concerning indecent exposure. Police act only upon the receipt of a complaint, and nudity is illegal only if it involves sexual intent. In recent comments, Chico Police Chief Bruce Hagerty recalled having received only one complaint about nudity. A SIGNIFICANT VICTORY The win in Chico is important because the proposed ordinance was a direct assault on the responsible nude use of public lands. The Naturist Action Committee recognized the need to act quickly and vigorously, and NAC is pleased to have been a part of this victory. HELP NAC CONTINUE TO HELP NATURISTS!** The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. NAC is a volunteer nonprofit organization that relies on the grass roots participation and financial support of naturists who understand that individuals working together can make a difference. Won't you take a moment to help NAC by sending a generous donation? You may send your donation to the address below, or you may call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard or Visa. NAC PO Box 132 Oshkosh, WI 54903 Thank you for choosing to make a difference! Naturally, Bob Morton Chairman & Executive Director Naturist Action Committee --------------------------------------------------------------- Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903 Executive Dir. Bob Morton - <ctnudists@aol.com> Board Member Don Stanton - <dfs@sunset.net> Board Member Charles Harris - <harrisnaturist@comcast.net> Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - <naturist@sunclad.com> --------------------------------------------------------------- \| Top \| \| Return to Current NAC Advisories \| Return to NAC Home Page \|