City of Salida v. Juchem

The City of Salida threatened to enforce its sign code against resident and business owner Debra Juchem, who displayed an antiwar sign on the side of her building.

The sign said: “Kill one person and it’s MURDER. Kill thousands and it’s FOREIGN POLICY. STOP THE IRAQ WAR NOW!”

Ms. Juchem contacted the ACLU for assistance after Salida officials informed her that she would be prosecuted for violating the sign code if she did not take down her sign.

ACLU attorneys wrote to the Salida City Attorney explaining that the Salida sign code and the threatened prosecution of Ms. Juchem violated the First Amendment.

Salida officials agreed to withdraw their threat of prosecution and further agreed to consider revisions to the City's sign code.

"Salida backs down; City dodges lawsuit with ACLU," The Mountain Mail, September 14, 2006