📅 May 21st – Community Presence Summary
🕘 9:50 AM – Arrival and Setup
I arrived at the sidewalk outside Vista Planned Parenthood and observed two anti-abortion protesters in position wearing matching peach-colored shirts. One, whom I’ve heard referred to as Elizabeth in past weeks, was speaking into a headset microphone near the driveway entrance. Another woman, unfamiliar to me, was standing on the storm drain platform and also using a speaker and mic. A third individual — a man named Scotty, who does not wear the group’s peach shirts but frequently appears affiliated with them — was also present with a microphone and speaker setup.
🏳️🌈 10:00 AM – Community Table & Visibility Actions
After decorating my vehicle with Pride flags and affirming signs, I positioned myself at the corner of the concrete storm drain. I brought a megaphone to amplify my thank-you messages and well-wishes to patients, passersby, and staff. Two other volunteers joined with an additional mic and speaker.
🗣️ Behavior Observed: Interpersonal Dynamics
At multiple points throughout the hour, I heard Scotty comment that I was “too close” to his fellow protestor and state that I was “gonna get touched.” Given previous experiences with unwanted contact by members of that group, I asked if that was intended as a threat. He replied, “It would be horrible.”
Around that time, the woman on the storm drain stopped using her microphone entirely. I did not observe her attempting to interact with patients walking past her or into the facility. At one point, she filmed me while stating, “I do not consent to using my image or likeness online.” I responded by noting that she was in a public space, where there is no legal expectation of privacy. I also clarified — as I always do — that I do not follow individuals, and I stop recording if they retreat from public space.
🎤 Public Discourse and Responses
At one point I asked Elizabeth for her thoughts on a national story involving Adriana Smith in Georgia. Initially, she stated that she was not familiar with the case. I expressed concern, suggesting that public advocates should be informed about current events. She later acknowledged awareness but declined to comment. She later said “I don’t care” regarding the fetus and Adriana Smith.
(This exchange was recorded and is included on my TikTok account for documentation.)
🧾 Misinformation Observed
I also reviewed the group’s printed materials, which refer to “8-week-old babies” and “10-week-old children.” I asked the individuals present to clarify if they understood the difference between gestational age and postnatal age. They maintained that there is no difference between a fetus at 8 weeks gestation and an 8-week-old infant. This reflects language inconsistent with established medical definitions.
🕚 11:00 AM – Wrap-Up
Around 11:00 AM, the protestors departed. Our community team finished shortly after.
🧾 Notes
- All observations occurred from my position on public property, during a peaceful presence event.
- Any quotes are based on direct observation and/or contemporaneous video.
- This account is offered in good faith to document public events, support accountability, and promote community transparency.