Hi everyone,Well, we are finally making some serious headway. I spoke with Kate Dyer (Nanci Clarence’s law partner) Wednesday night to put together an exact chronology of Sparky’s life, explaining the purpose of particular moves, job changes, and travel. The prosecution has been trying to paint this picture of a guy that has multiple addresses, constant travel, domestic and abroad, and inaccurate details such as a living in SF for the last 4 yrs. (it’s been nearly 8 ), and no previous work history prior to the pot club (isn’t that an oversight). At the end of the day = their justification for declaring him a high flight risk and evidently a threat to the community. When I heard that, I asked if they “had seen him?” I assured them that Sparky was a guy who was a man of his “tribe” so to speak. The thought of fleeing the country would be an exile that I truly believe would be harder for
Sparky than prison. I can say that with confidence just looking at Oscar and having talked with Sparky just yesterday after a week and a half in jail. I also told Kate he considered his domestic trips to see the Redskins (almost all of his recent travel) similar to someone making the treks to the Oakland coliseum for the Raider’s games.

Thursday morning they submitted the much more factual and detailed report to the court and as most of you know now, made a deal with the prosecution for his bail.

The bond is a significant amount–$1million—but can be satisfied with the posting of a combination of property and “sureties.” Both Harry Trunnel (Sparky’s stepfather) and a friend in SF have agreed to put up their homes for the bond. We are now looking for people willing to be “sureties” to reach the bond amount.

A “surety” is someone who comes to court, and while not posting actual property or cash, signs a bond that secures the individual’s release. If the individual makes all court appearances, the bond is extinguished at the end of the case, and there is no cost. Please consider signing on to such a bond. This will require you to go to Court and sign in a court proceeding after acknowledging that you knowingly are taking the risk of signing the bond. (the risk being enforced only if Sparky flees the country) In practical terms, it would be fantastic if you could come to SF to do this next Tuesday when we have court at 9:30, but it can also be done in a court near your home (the optics are obviously more persuasive here in SF, but for those living out of town certainly understandable).

Please NOTE: The prosecution and defense have agreed upon these bail terms and definitely allows Sparky’s release on bail upon the judge’s blessing.

When Nanci Clarence called me with the great news, I immediately signed on as a “surety”. There are quite a few people that I am waiting to hear back from that I hope will do the same. Including the property, if we can get at least 8 sureties, then each only needs to pledge $100,000, the minimum amount for a surety, and of course, the more people, the more convincing it is to the judge. I don’t mean to make light of a $100,000 surety. But there is no credit check or impact on one’s credit. In fact, it doesn’t cost us anything! They don’t want financial records or copies of your taxes, simply a promise! A promise, that if Sparky flees the country the govt. can hunt you down and hound you until they get paid.

People, Sparky would never ever do that. Period! You may or may not agree with what Sparky has been doing for business. Truthfully, I don’t know that any of us really know the exact ins & outs of what he has been doing. It certainly wasn’t something I even wanted to know about. Believe me, I think he has a very, very long road ahead of him. But, knowing Sparky the way I do, I know that Sparky will face this head on. If we make these pledges of surety, he will show you the loyalty of a golden retriever and then some. If we get enough people and can exceed the court’s requirement, just imagine how empowering that would be for Sparky and how much more comforting that would be for everyone making the pledge!! Let’s make the prosecution sweat a little!

Getting Sparky out of jail, albeit on bail, is the first small step that we can make for him. Once he is out on bail he can take it from there. This could very easily go on for years. I’m sure Sparky will practically have a law degree by the time it’s over. But listen, that is his burden. One he was willing to take on when he got into this. Our job as friends is to show our support and have faith in him. In the scheme of things, I don’t think it’s asking too much. Please, everyone, consider it very seriously. The impact will be profound.

Thank you all for your continued care and concern,
Most Sincerely,
Tracy Rose
Gallery FLUX