Arcata’s reputation as a progressive university town was called into bitter question at the Oct. 16 city council meeting, following the arrest and restraint of a young black man on the Plaza.
Objections to the way police carried out the arrest dominated the meeting’s public comment period and a city councilmember has pledged to pursue formation of a police oversight committee.
The controversy stems from an Oct. 8 police response to the Plaza, where 21-year-old Arcata resident Michael Steelman was using a barbecue.
According to an Arcata Police Department press release, Steelman said he intended to sell food and became “increasingly agitated” when he was told open fires and food sales are illegal without a permit.
