Legal Costs- Samantha Luna
Donation protected
https://www.facebook.com/100011186974336/posts/596918417357719/ My name is Samantha Luna. In the past few days, I have received hundreds of loving messages asking me to create a Go Fund Me account. I appreciate everyone who has supported me with their kindness and words of encouragement. There are people all over the world, from Australia to Nigeria, from New York to Holland reaching out to me to show their genuine care. I am filled with emotion to think how many beautiful souls are out there. It restores my faith in humanity. I was hesitant to make this Go Fund me account because I didn't want people to lose focus on the real matter at hand, but at the request of all the generous people who have suggested the need for one to cover my legal costs, I decided there's nothing I could lose by making one. Anything helps and is much appreciated. There have been rumors that I have a lawyer representing my case pro bono, however I can confirm they are false and Kathleen Bryson is unable to take my case. As for the negative and hateful comments on here, depicting me as the antagonist in this situation, all I can say is everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I pray that none of these said people ever have to deal with watching their mom, sister, or daughter be treated so unfairly. There are REAL criminals out there, committing REAL crimes, I am not one of them. To all the hateful people, I send nothing but love and positive energy your way.
This past weekend I attended Oyster Festival, a popular event in Arcata, California that occurs annually where hundreds of people come together to enjoy live music, beer, oysters, and to support local vendors from the community. On Saturday, June 16th, 2018 I was enjoying my time with friends, dancing, singing and simply having fun. I never thought our day would be cut off so abruptly. Later in the evening we were pulled over for a traffic stop, we honestly thought we’d get a ticket and be on our way. Unfortunately the videos included above show how our situation took a turn for the worst and two of us ended up arrested, me over being accused of lying about my name. I am grateful everything was caught on video.
Although I cannot release a detailed statement to the media at this time, I will say this. We are ALL humans, regardless of a job or a badge. We ALL deserve to be treated with respect rather than instilling intimidation and fear to people who pose no real threat to the community. It is natural instinct to want to resist out of fear and confusion when feeling attacked and helpless and there is no need for excessive force from “Peace Officers” we should feel protected by. Many out there have called me an “entitled, spoiled brat who must have always been handed everything and got what [she] deserved”. Some have said I “deserved to be shot or sent back to Mexico”. I don’t blame those people for having their opinions as they do not know anything about me. To them, I am just another person in a video gone viral. However, the truth is, I was raised by a single, very hard working mom. We were never wealthy. I was taught the value of hard work from a very young age. I began to pay rent in high school, when I successfully held my own business creating a profit of $15,000 over the course of 2 years while also keeping a part time job AND balancing 6 AP classes. I was an honors student at Eureka High School, I dedicated myself to my grades and achieved everything I set my mind to. Before graduating, I earned the California Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in three languages. Believe when I say, I have had nothing before and I have never depended on help from the government for anything. I bought my first cars by myself, I’ve worked three jobs at a time before while still attending college and paying all my rent and bills. Thankfully, there are many loving people who have crossed paths in my life and been there to support me every step of the way.
Although as of now, I cannot afford tuition to Stanford, I know one day I will fulfill every dream I’ve ever had of becoming a successful lawyer. I refuse to let this situation impede me from reaching my future plans. I believe in justice and I have faith that one by one we can improve the system, so long as we stand together and do not simply conform with the mentality that things aren’t capable of change. We are better than this as a society! Please do not let this matter go unnoticed and help me make an impact on the world we live in.
This past weekend I attended Oyster Festival, a popular event in Arcata, California that occurs annually where hundreds of people come together to enjoy live music, beer, oysters, and to support local vendors from the community. On Saturday, June 16th, 2018 I was enjoying my time with friends, dancing, singing and simply having fun. I never thought our day would be cut off so abruptly. Later in the evening we were pulled over for a traffic stop, we honestly thought we’d get a ticket and be on our way. Unfortunately the videos included above show how our situation took a turn for the worst and two of us ended up arrested, me over being accused of lying about my name. I am grateful everything was caught on video.
Although I cannot release a detailed statement to the media at this time, I will say this. We are ALL humans, regardless of a job or a badge. We ALL deserve to be treated with respect rather than instilling intimidation and fear to people who pose no real threat to the community. It is natural instinct to want to resist out of fear and confusion when feeling attacked and helpless and there is no need for excessive force from “Peace Officers” we should feel protected by. Many out there have called me an “entitled, spoiled brat who must have always been handed everything and got what [she] deserved”. Some have said I “deserved to be shot or sent back to Mexico”. I don’t blame those people for having their opinions as they do not know anything about me. To them, I am just another person in a video gone viral. However, the truth is, I was raised by a single, very hard working mom. We were never wealthy. I was taught the value of hard work from a very young age. I began to pay rent in high school, when I successfully held my own business creating a profit of $15,000 over the course of 2 years while also keeping a part time job AND balancing 6 AP classes. I was an honors student at Eureka High School, I dedicated myself to my grades and achieved everything I set my mind to. Before graduating, I earned the California Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in three languages. Believe when I say, I have had nothing before and I have never depended on help from the government for anything. I bought my first cars by myself, I’ve worked three jobs at a time before while still attending college and paying all my rent and bills. Thankfully, there are many loving people who have crossed paths in my life and been there to support me every step of the way.
Although as of now, I cannot afford tuition to Stanford, I know one day I will fulfill every dream I’ve ever had of becoming a successful lawyer. I refuse to let this situation impede me from reaching my future plans. I believe in justice and I have faith that one by one we can improve the system, so long as we stand together and do not simply conform with the mentality that things aren’t capable of change. We are better than this as a society! Please do not let this matter go unnoticed and help me make an impact on the world we live in.
Organizer
Samantha Luna
Organizer
Eureka, CA