OK, here's the promised update on the party... apologies to those just hearing about this now, heaven knows I'm not always the most organized or timely person.
In December 2005, I was set up in a sting operation conducted by the Fremont Police Department and arrested for prostitution. It makes me angry that they count on sex workers and their clients being ashamed and embarrassed, and I decided to fight the charge rather than rolling over and quietly accepting the bullshit plea bargain "deal" they offered me to make it go away. Unfortunately the system is designed to chew you up and spit you out unless you have a lawyer, and the public defenders in Fremont don't give off the greatest customer service vibes. I was lucky enough to find a legal angel who was willing to defend me for less than many would ask, but my legal costs through trial (now scheduled for Sept. 24 after a year and a half of various court delays) will still be about $5000. So I'm putting on a little party to hopefully defray part of that bill.