The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

However, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer says he will block a constituent’s emails, and the city attorney is backing him. First Amendment experts say Dyer may have that right.

AJ Rassamni, president of the Blackstone Merchants Association and also a 2026 city council candidate, sent several emails in recent months to Dyer, city councilmembers, and other city leaders, mainly about the homeless issue.

In the latest chain of emails starting Friday, Sept. 5, Rassamni discussed the city’s homeless removal policy with Dyer and other city leaders.

Later that day, Dyer and City Council President Mike Karbassi asked Rassamni to go through their chiefs of staff.

Rassamni responded that while he respects t

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