My name is Jake, and I’m a resident of Imperial Valley.

Recently, I was named in a lawsuit for speaking out about a proposed hyperscale AI data center project in our community.

Like many others, I participated in public discussions about this project—asking questions, sharing concerns, and engaging in conversations about how it could impact our environment, infrastructure, and quality of life. This included speaking publicly and posting online about issues that affect all of us.

Now, I’m facing a lawsuit tied directly to that speech.

I believe strongly in the right for everyday people to speak on matters of public concern—especially when it comes to projects that affect our homes, our resources, and our future. California law includes protections for this kind of participation, and I am preparing a legal defense to assert those rights.

This is not something I expected, and defending against it requires experienced legal representation and significant resources.

I’m raising funds to help cover:

Legal defense costs

Filing and court expenses

Representation by attorneys experienced in First Amendment and anti-SLAPP law

If you believe that people should be able to ask questions, speak openly, and participate in decisions that affect their community, I would truly appreciate your support.

Even if you’re not able to donate, sharing this campaign helps more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for standing with me.