Halstead Political Sign Prosecution Mercifully Over--Now We Need to Ask Ramos Why Did he Waste Staff on a $2.00 sign??

Larry ("Lawrence") Halstead, local (to Barstow) democratic political activist and former candidate for the Barstow City council, was cited in December of 2008 with petty theft for allegedly taking the then-Barstow Mayor Dale's $2.00 re-election sign and wooden stake out of the ground on election day. The "he done it" witness, a staunch Dale supporter allegedly saw Larry doing the deed by looking out of his/her rear view mirror a football field away. Putting aside the historical acrimony between now former Mayor Dale and Mr. Halstead (and Halstead's steadfast denials of doing the deed), the DA's office prosecuted Mr. Halstead for a little less than 2 1/2 years (13 scheduled pre-trials and 6 trial days) under PC 484A (the shoplifting statute). Result, while the jury was out, Mr. Halstead reports, the case "settled" on an infraction on a no contest basis (the loud public noise charge--funny that Judge apparently suggested that). If anyone wonders why there have been budget cuts to essential staff & related support at the DA's office, take a look at People v Halstead (MBA 8011856) and ask Mike Ramos why oh why was this even filed? Good news--Larry picked up 3 more friends on Facebook (3 of the jurors in his case). Bad news, the case probably cost the taxpayers $20,000 in court & DA staff time.