SIMI VALLEY : Police Issue Permit for Klansman’s Rally

With several strings attached, Simi Valley Police Chief Lindsey P. Miller on Wednesday issued a public assembly permit to an avowed Ku Klux Klan member who wants to hold a rally Feb. 20 at the East County Courthouse.

Miller announced that he would issue the permit, which is required by the city, to klansman John Varela of Bakersfield. Varela said he wants to show support for the four Los Angeles police officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney G. King.

But certain conditions must be met before the rally is held, Miller said.

Foremost, Miller said in a prepared statement, federal or state officials must supply enough law enforcement officers to “provide for the protection of (Varela) and his demonstrators.”

Arguing that Simi Valley police alone cannot protect Varela and his supporters from counterdemonstrators, city officials have requested extra officers from state and federal agencies but have received no reply.

Miller said he will cancel Varela’s assembly permit unless the city is assured at least five days before the rally that federal or state police officers will be sent to back up Simi Valley’s officers.

Miller also has limited the rally to the East County Courthouse’s plaza and said the assembly, including setup and cleanup, must be conducted between noon and 1 p.m. Any signs, banners and flags must be “supported by wooden sticks one half inch in diameter or less with blunt ends.” And Varela and his supporters must be escorted to and from the assembly area by police, he said.