Dear Editor,
Ono may seem like a remote tiny town west of Redding but its residents are mad as hell and won’t take it anymore, to quote Peter Finch in the blockbuster movie, Network. Ono citizens claim their constitutional rights are being violated. Building code inspectors, deputy sheriffs and fish and game wardens have been invading private properties without warrants. They walk around locked gates and ignore No Trespassing signs.
Ono locals are fighting back. No public demonstrations, no marches to the County Seat. Residents are defending their rights by posting new “No Trespassing”signs produced by the National Association of Rural Landowners. The sign warns “NO TRESPASSING without the owners’ express verbal or written authorization. This includes any and all Government Agents except in case of a fire or medical emergency.”
The sign cites USC Title 18, Sections 241 and 242, and the 4th and 14th Constitutional Amendments as well as other statutes. It admonishes “all public officials, agents or persons to abide by the Supreme Law of the Land, the U.S. Constitution and the ratified amendments thereto.”
Ono residents fear abuse of police power and hope the signs will give any overly aggressive government authority pause. The sign is clear, concise and states the law. One resident bought six signs. Another has posted four of them. It remains to be seen if Shasta County government officials will honor the signs and the constitution. Will their prying be thwarted by the language of the law of the land?
Lennie Copeland
Ono, CA
