Saving The Marmion Teepee

If you drive along Monte Vista Street, as it curves into Marmion Way at the base of Mount Washington, take a moment to glance up towards the West.  Yes, that is a teepee.

The teepee's owner is Shauna Turner, a registered native American Indian.  Shauna's goal is to create an inner City American Indian Sanctuary here.  The teepee has been used for ceremonial purposes to aid American Indians on the path to recovery from drugs and alcohol.  The property is also being used to cultivate and propagate native California flora and fauna.

Recently Shauna was cited by the Department of Building and Safety and ordered to take down the teepee.  The community rose up in support of the teepee with a concentrated email and letter writing campaign.

Thanks to that support, the city has agreed that there is no issue with the teepee, and that it may be used for religous and ceremonial practices.  They further stated that the farming and gardening can continue on the lot, as long as all "trash and debris" is removed.  Many community members came out last weekend to help remove recycling items.  Some folks discovered antique treasures.