Quad regulars told to cease and desist

On Monday morning, Santa Monica College's main campus is quiet. At 9:59 a.m. the only audible sounds are the murmurs of those who haven't had enough coffee to deal with the day yet. At 10:01 a.m. the quad is still quiet, eerily quiet, as if something is missing.

The quiet is due to the absence of Manuel Anderson Henriquez's music sharing program, which was discontinued after the Santa Monica College Police Department delivered a cease and desist order this past Thursday.

During the student activity hour, officers approached Henriquez, and Milton "Sarge" Hall, creator of the event "Word Warz" both of which are unsanctioned by SMC, and presented both students with a copy of the SMC Civil Disturbance and Demonstrations policy along with the order.

The two were approached after a report was filed with Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Tuitasi that a violation of the policy was committed.

According to SMC Administrative Regulation 4430, any event with amplified sound requires a permit from both the Dean of Students and the Events Office.

Associated Student Director of Publicity Michael Greenberg said that the reason for the regulation on amplified sound is to keep classes from being disrupted. Both Greenberg and AS President Ty Moura do not feel that Henriquez's boombox meets the requirement for amplified sound.

"The key is disrupting classes and Manuel does not disrupt classes," Greenberg said.

SMC Police Sgt. Mark Kessler confirmed that there have been multiple complaints against Henriquez, however he could not confirm the nature of the complaints.

Both Henriquez and Hall have attempted to procure the necessary permits, however neither has been successful yet.

"We are not out here to cause trouble. I understand that [the administration] is focused on academics but student life is important as well," Hall said.

Hall has conducted his "Word Warz" events every Thursday during the fall semester, and Henriquez for the four years he has attended SMC, both without a permit.

Before bringing his music sharing program to SMC, Henriquez ran it at Los Angeles City College for three years, and was visibly upset when asked about the future of his program.

"I don't want it to end like this," Henriquez said wiping a tear from his eye. "I will stop music sharing when I transfer or when I turn 30. I have always had music in my heart and this is my opportunity to share it."