Pasadena : Zinzun Report May Be Aired

The Board of Directors is considering asking City Atty. Victor Kaleta to release a confidential report on a violent confrontation between police and activist Michael Zinzun in June, 1986. The 60-page report was prepared by attorney Edwin J. Wilson as part of an internal investigation and has not been released to the board or the public.

Zinzun and about 35 supporters met with the board this week to urge the city to release the report. The board agreed to hold a special meeting with Kaleta on Monday to determine the legality of the release.

Zinzun, who said he was blinded in one eye during the confrontation, also asked that misdemeanor charges against him be dropped. In addition, he urged the board to establish a citizens panel to review police activities and to end the use of choke holds.

Zinzun has been charged with hitting a police officer and inciting a riot in connection with the incident. Two other residents, Stevie Rivers and Frank Anthony Taylor, face charges of obstructing an officer. Officers Christopher Vicino and James Ballestero have been charged with misdemeanor counts of using excessive force in beating Rivers during the confrontation at the Community Arms apartment complex in northwest Pasadena.