27 May 2000
By Karin Marriott Staff Writer
The accident near the Church of Scientology's film studio that killed a San
Jacinto girl last week drew the attention of a frequent church protestor from
Palo Alto.
Keith Henson picketed Friday in front of Golden Era Productions near
SanJacinto, saying he believes the church did not use proper safety
precaustions to prevent the late-niite accident that killed 16year old Ashlee
Shaner.
Golden Era Manager Ken Hoden said the church had nothing to do with the
accident.
Ashlee was killed May l7 after the car she was driving collided with a
tractor on Gilman Sprins Road at the east end of the church's compound.
The tractor was driven by an employee of a contractor hired by Golden era to
do work at the church's studio . There were no warnings posted to direct
trafic around the tractor.
Henson, 57 said he picketed in front of the studio because of "their" blatant
disregard for human life and the fact that they'll do a huge job in covering it
(the accident) up."
Hoden said the church has been working for years to improve safety on Gilman
Springs Road, also called Hwy 79, by installing a median to slow traffic and
building pedestrian tunnnels under the road.
The contractor, Redlands-based TaseCo Corp., was doing work for the church but
Hoden said church officials do no give contractors direction. "In other words,
the accident had nothing to do with Golden era Productions
or our employees," Hoden said.
Henson has picketed Church of Scientology sites across the nation, and was the
target of a restraining order by Hoden. A judge later ruled Henson could not
be blocked from going near the film studio. Henson said he would like to see the
church reformed or disbanded.
(Karin Marriott can be reached by phone at (909) 487-5230 or by e-mail at
kmarriott@pe.com
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