John Penley, a longtime East Villager, used to be a news photographer — frequently shooting for The Villager — and was known for his hot news tips. Lately, however, he’s turned into a newsmaker in his own right, protesting against allegations of police harassment of the Tompkins Sq. Park homeless two summers ago and now trying to organize a Yippie campout in East River Park during the Republican National Convention. The city has denied the Yippies a camping permit, but Penley says they plan to camp out regardless.
