Fundraiser Settlement Update

Many of you have asked about the outcome of the incident that occurred at a fundraiser on Francine’s behalf in June 2009.  In a settlement announced Monday, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore will apologize to the women who filed a related lawsuit and there will be changes in law enforcement procedures for how noise complaints will be handled in the future.

Francine is pleased that the parties could bring this to a close with an agreement including the steps that will be taken in the future to respect the civil rights of people in their homes. She believes it important for all of us to be vigilant and informed about our civil rights.

For more perspective on the settlement below are a few highlights from and links to some of the local coverage:

North County Times – County settles lawsuit in Busby fundraiser

“This was not a Republican or a Democratic issue,” Barman said during a news conference at the attorney’s office in San Diego on Monday. “This could have happened to anybody.”

San Diego Union Tribune – Sheriff has lots to apologize for in fracas at fundraiser

“Deputies cannot, for example, just walk into a quiet house uninvited and arrest the owner for failing to provide information such as one’s age. They can’t haul someone to jail for a misdemeanor except under specific conditions.”

It is important for all of us to be vigilant and informed about our civil rights.  Personally, I have learned a lot from this experience and will continue to be a strong advocate for protecting our civil rights as a member of Congress.

-Francine Busby