Hmmmm. I think I have to side with her. This really was, apparently, done in support of a political statement. There is no sign it was harrassment. Of course, being in the 9th Judicial Circuit, they probably would create a new right to own a government provided horn for homeless people so they may exercise their rights.
"violating a California Vehicle Code section prohibiting the use of horns except "when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation'' of vehicles or as part of a theft- prevention system."
Using your automotive horn to express support for protesters isn't what it was designed for.
You can side with her, but you'll be on the wrong side. Horns are for emergency traffic communication. They aren't for letting your date know you are out front, and they are for "high-five-ing" protesters even if their signs urge you to break the law.
She is guilty of breaking the law and will be held accountable, unless they want to rewrite the law on the spot to protect people that agree with protesters.
What if she had been arrested for firing a gun in the air or set off firecrackers because the protesters' signs urged her. Would that be protected speech?
I'm with you and I'n flabbergasted at the people here supporting citizens getting tickets for blowing the horn!
Seems the only rights we have is the right to behave as the Goverment wants us to and everything else is punishable.
geez, there ain't a tunnel I've been thru that hasn't heard my horn blowing. I blow my horn in support of many parades, pickets marches ect.
...shortly before midnight...
Blowing one's horn,even in the middle of the day, can be very annoying.The Claremont is in a residential neighborhood.I hope the ticket sticks.Is this woman actually claiming that the signs on the side of the road made her do it?
Nobody prevented her from honking her horn. The BPD simply cited her in accordance with state law. Would you prefer that the Berkely police not uphold the law?
I'm with you generally, but here is the relevant part of the article--the honking was "shortly before midnight."
Claiming honking at midnight is political speech is akin to claiming breaking into houses and stealing TVs is rage against the machine. Makes for a nice soundbite but it's complete and utter b.s. You can protest at a time when you're not completely disturbing the peace. Most people are asleep at midnight.