Peter has been much in the news lately, and much mentioned in Mudcat. I saw an article in our local paper this morning recounting an incident in 1960 in which he was involved. It seems that the school board in San Diego, learning that Pete was about to perform for a student group at Hoover High School, attempted to cancel the event and prevent his appearance. It seems they were fearful of the "fallout," given the climate of the times, from Pete's days of dealing with the McCarthy era hearings and investigations. San Diego, at that time, was a very heavily conservative bastion.

The ACLU intervened and he did perform. However, it took until this year, 2009, for a formal apology to be given to this tireless activist and performer by the current board. Undoubtedly, they were motivated by the recent accolades he has been given and his recognition by the new administration. Sad, but true.