[Noisebridge-discuss] Stolen food at Noisebridge yes or no?

[Sai Emrys]

I think that publicly discussing or condoning illegal activities (such
as receiving stolen goods[0], which is a felony) is an incredibly
stupid idea that puts Noisebridge in danger of very serious liability.

We can't completely control what other people do, but if we know or
should have known that goods are stolen we are legally obligated not
to receive them in any way.

I don't think there's any room for OFFICIAL discussion that disagrees
with this policy.

Any further UNOFFICIAL discussion of this issue should take place in
person ONLY.

- Sai

[0] To quote CA Penal Code:

496.  (a) Every person who buys or receives any property that has
been stolen or that has been obtained in any manner constituting
theft or extortion, knowing the property to be so stolen or obtained,
or who conceals, sells, withholds, or aids in concealing, selling,
or withholding any property from the owner, knowing the property to
be so stolen or obtained, shall be punished by imprisonment in a
state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year.
However, if the district attorney or the grand jury determines that
this action would be in the interests of justice, the district
attorney or the grand jury, as the case may be, may, if the value of
the property does not exceed nine hundred fifty dollars ($950),
specify in the accusatory pleading that the offense shall be a
misdemeanor, punishable only by imprisonment in a county jail not
exceeding one year.
   A principal in the actual theft of the property may be convicted
pursuant to this section. However, no person may be convicted both
pursuant to this section and of the theft of the same property.
[...]
   (c) Any person who has been injured by a violation of subdivision
(a) or (b) may bring an action for three times the amount of actual
damages, if any, sustained by the plaintiff, costs of suit, and
reasonable attorney's fees.
   (d) Notwithstanding Section 664, any attempt to commit any act
prohibited by this section, except an offense specified in the
accusatory pleading as a misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment
in the state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year.