Reggae: Past, Present and Future

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Mateel Community Center Statement Concerning Reggae On The River Court Action

March 7, 2007. Redway, CA.

On March 6, 2007, the California Superior Court declined to issue an ex parte temporary restraining order requested in mid-February 2007 by the Mateel Community Center (MCC). That order would have helped the MCC to immediately proceed with plans for Reggae on the River 2007 without interference from the proposed event Reggae Rising. This competing event is being promoted by People Productions and landowner Tom Dimmick for the same site on the same dates that the MCC has held their event for the past twenty-three years. People Productions has been producing the event under contract for the MCC for the past thirteen years.

"Obviously, the MCC is dismayed regarding the temporary restraining order and we are preparing for a longer struggle to fend off the takeover of our community event as we move past this first step in the legal battle, " said executive director Taunya Stapp. The ruling states that "… plaintiff has not at this juncture established great or irreparable injury will result, nor that pecuniary compensation would not afford adequate relief." Importantly, it does not say that MCC would not likely prevail on the merits, only that money damages would fully compensate the MCC if it is successful in the underlying lawsuit.

The MCC maintains that it holds a valid lease with Mr. Dimmick and will prevail in the preliminary injunction hearing set for March 26, 2007. A separate order from the California Superior Court orders People Productions, Carol Bruno, and Tom Dimmick to explain to the judge why they should not be enjoined at the upcoming hearing. We have been and we remain the applicants on the event permit from Humboldt County Planning Department. As it stands, the alternate proposed event, Reggae Rising, does not have a Conditional Use Permit nor have they applied for one.

We had hoped we could bring a quicker end to the community’s current plight over Reggae on the River through the restraining order. Now we head to the preliminary injunction where actual evidence will be given and each side in the dispute will be heard. We thank the community for the wonderful support received and acknowledge the dedication of the board, staff, volunteers, coordinators, and members of the public who have continued to give so much to the effort to retain Reggae on the River for the community’s benefit.