Guilty verdict in Yosemite filming case
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 7:34 pm
http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story ... y_no=25082
Guilty verdict in Yosemite filming case
Published: November 27, 2007
By MIKE MORRIS
The Union Democrat
Sonora artist Lorenzo Baca is facing big time trouble following his recording of the film "Yosemite Big Time."
During a trial that concluded earlier this month, Baca was found guilty of entering an off-limits Native American roundhouse in Yosemite National Park and making a commercial film in the park without a permit. He is facing up to a year in prison and $10,000 in fines.
"The question is, why has the government spent almost six years and thousands and thousands of dollars to prosecute me over misdemeanors?" said Baca, reached for comment Monday.
Baca — who refers to himself as a Native American educator, spiritual leader and cultural journalist — said he entered the roundhouse in the summer of 2002 to record his "low-tech" film.
"I didn't do anything wrong," he said.
According to a criminal complaint, Baca — who did not have a permit to film — is credited as being the film's producer, writer, director and narrator.
The 30-minute film shows Native American dance ceremonies, interviews with park employees and Baca entering "the cultural resources by stepping over official government signs directing persons to stay behind the barrier," the complaint states.
A park ranger said Baca entered the roundhouse in Yosemite Valley's Indian Village and narrated the film while inside. Entering the roundhouse and sweat lodge is limited to ceremonial use. The buildings are posted with signs advising the public to "stay behind the barrier," and entrances are blocked with barricades, according to the complaint.
Baca said he wonders why people are not allowed to enter the roundhouse, yet they can walk through and photograph the historic Yosemite Valley Chapel.
"The roundhouse is just a replica, a tourist attraction, that was built in 1973 by a white guy under the direction of another white guy," he said.
Attempts to settle the case were not successful.
Baca's trial in Yosemite Valley's courthouse began in August, but was continued until mid November because of issues with his health. Judge William Wunderlich delivered his verdict on Nov. 16.
The date for a sentencing hearing will be set Dec. 18, said Laurie Yu, the courtroom's deputy clerk.
"What can I do about it?" Baca asked. "I really don't think that if a white man had done what I did they would have pursued it as far as they have. I really do believe that my civil rights were violated. It's just history repeating itself."
Baca said the case in Yosemite stems from another involving the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.
The Me-Wuk tribe sued Baca more than four years ago after learning that he was selling videotapes and compact discs, dubbed "California Me-Wuk Songs," without permission.
The two parties reached an out-of-court settlement in early 2005 that stated all CDs and videotapes had to be returned and destroyed.
"Yosemite Big Time" was sold in the park and the film was screened in March 2004 at a Palm Springs theater, according to the criminal complaint.
Contact Mike Morris at mmorris@uniondemocrat.com or 588-4537.
