Goodbye Biotech: A Week of Events in San Diego (6/17/08)
San Diego, a major center for biotechnology, was named the top biotech cluster in 2004 - it hosts 500 biomed businesses which employ almost 40,000 people and is claimed to have an $8.5 billion economic impact on the region each year. As a consequence, the political, economic, educational and corporate media elites grovel at the feet of this cash fountain.
Obscured by all this cheerleading are the issues of exploitation and destruction that form the core of the biotech industry, including greed, co-optation and annihilation of traditional farming, disregard for food safety, and bioweapons. The biotech industry is holding their major bureaucratic capitalistic gathering at the San Diego Convention Center June 17-20, and groups in San Diego have organized a series of events to provide the space for opposition to the industry to be expressed, including:
Documentary Screening: King Corn Mon June 16 6pm Libertalia 3834 5th
Reclaim the Streets
Tue June 17 3pm
Rally at SD City College/Park and A
Film Screening: BioJustice 2001 Wed June 18 6:30pm City Heights Free Skool 4246 Wightman
Say Goodbye to Biotech Party! Thurs June 19 1-7pm Children's Park Across from Convention Center, Downtown:
---1pm Food Not Bombs Lunch and Really Really Free Market
---2-4pm Workshops
---4pm Microbiologist Mike Copass
---5-7pm Entertainment, Games, Noise!
Zombies Swarm San Diego Thurs June 19 8pm Gaslamp District, Downtown
San Diego Indymedia welcomes eyewitness accounts, photos, audio, video and other forms of documentation of this week's events from members of our communities. Click on Publish>> at the top of the right column.
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Stop Biotech! (6/11/08)
kindle writes: "Just like other capitalist bureaucratic gatherings such as the ones of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Democratic and Republican Conventions (DNC/RNC), BIO is unable to go anywhere without the confrontation of mass protests and demonstrations. On June 17th - 20th, San Diego will become a foreground for community and resistance building outside the confines of business as usual."
"The safety of genetic engineering is sloppy, imprecise, and extremely unpredictable and has no scientific basis. Institutes of biotechnology and nanotechnology are developing new weapons and war machines to continue the costly and unending wars waged by the United States throughout Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Companies such as Monsato and DuPont will be present at this years BIO Convention, showcasing biochemical weapons to federal agencies and other paramilitary forces. Delegates of the WTO, FTAA, NAFTA, and other advocates of globalization are constantly manipulating and devising strategies to protect capital and profit of biotechnology companies. The greedy interests of government and corporations will be well represented at the BIO Convention with hopes to further their capitalist agenda."
"Throughout the week we will seek to reclaim the commons and demonstrate the alternatives to biotechnology and capitalist greed. Let this be our opportunity to disrupt and counter their convention to let it be known that biotechnology is not welcome in San Diego." --Read More from kindle--
Reclaim the Streets
Tue June 17 3pm
Rally at SD City College/Park and A
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NO to Blackwater (06/10/08)
San Diegans' battle to shut-down Blackwater's new foothold on the West Coast, just blocks from the Cal-Mex border in Otay Mesa, California is heating up. Blackwater opened the facility under clouds of subterfuge and obvious circumvention of local laws, finally using a temporary restraining order issued by a Federal Judge appointed by President George HW Bush, to muscle their way into the facility and avoid public hearings, environmental review and traditional public scrutiny. Last year, community members were successful in blocking Blackwater's attempt to build a 800-acre training facility in Potrero, California, also near Mexico's border. --Read More from Peace Resoure Center of San Diego--
Community Forum on Stopping Blackwater West
Tuesday, June 10 7pm
Unitarian Universalist Church 4190 Front St Hillcrest
Blackwater Panel Discussion with Jeremy Scahill
Wednesday June 11 9:30-11am
The FRONT 147 W San Ysidro Blvd
Stop ICE Raids: SpeakOut and Emergency Forum at UCSD (05/20/08)
Last Thursday (05/15/2008), I.C.E. raided a bakery in Pacific Beach, and detained at least 18 workers. Two human rights observers (affiliates of UCSD) documenting the activities of I.C.E. during this raid were threatened with arrest, aggressively questioned, and one particularly hostile I.C.E. agent took their video camera away from them.
A bakery employee who was not detained, although questioned and released, is also a current UCSD student. Soon after the raid in Pacific Beach, I.C.E. agents reappeared at the apartment of this student on the UCSD campus and subjected him to extensive interrogation and a search of his living space. After finding nothing, they left the UCSD campus, apparently with the logistical support of campus police and UCSD administration.
This series of alarming events is tied together by one common thread, the immoral and fascistic federal policy of increasing I.C.E. raids designed to strike fear into communities, divide families and undermine social protest. --Read More from VozFronteriza--
Thursday May 22 @ UCSD:
SpeakOut 11am-1pm, Library Walk
Emergency Forum 7-9pm Warren Lecture Hall Room 2113
Download the Flyer || More Info
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Say Good-Bye to Biotech! (5/19/08)
The Biotechnology Industry already has a huge presence in San Diego, but come June 17-20 they plan on taking over. Their international annual convention is being held at the downtown Convention Center on Harbor Dr. They will be discussing the usual BIO subjects: how to commodify the world's food production, genetically modify crops to disrupt sustainability, profit from human and non-human animal illnesses and torture, create weapons and the wars to sell their products, spin their unethical choices and buy public officials to fulfill their agenda. If you have $2300 I encourage you to attend and learn just how they plan to shape our world! But......
If you don't have that $2300 laying around to waste on watching scientists and capitalists patting themselves on the back speaking of ways to profit from the destruction of nature, visit the free autonomous counter convention in the downtown Children's Park, across the street from the Convention Center, on June 19th, 1-6pm. Enjoy free hot meals provided by Food Not Bombs, take some food to your family from the distribution point, pick up/drop off free goods or donate/take advantage of the free services during the Really (Really!) Free Market, learn about and embrace a sustainable future at one of the multiple workshops taking place throughout the day and network with the groups in San Diego that are working to make that future possible. --Read More from a-- || More Info
Say Goodbye to Biotech! Shindig Thurs June 19, 1-6pm Children's Park (across from convention ctr), downtown
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California Supreme Court Rules Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Violates the CA Constitution (5/15/08)
From the 4-3 decision: "...we conclude that the purpose underlying differential treatment of opposite-sex and same-sex couples embodied in California’s current marriage statutes the interest in retaining the traditional and well-established definition of marriage cannot properly be viewed as a compelling state interest for purposes of the equal protection clause, or as necessary to serve such an interest.... we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest. Accordingly, we conclude that to the extent the current California statutory provisions limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, these statutes are unconstitutional." The case resulted from appeals following the court's previous decision overturning SF's granting of marriage licenses to non-hetero couples in 2004.
Although many are celebrating (i can hear whoops as i type this), numerous queers regret the diversion of attention and resources from broader queer and social justice issues to the narrow question of state-sanctioned marriage. Check out the decision: here (pdf)
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"National Public Safety" Paramilitaries Invade Hillcrest / Paramilitares de “National Public Safety” Invaden Hillcrest (05/12/08)
"National Public Safety", a San Diego County based private security corporation, made their presence known in Hillcrest today. NPS "officers", in full outfit (based on the US Border Patrol outfit) including guns, handcuffs, radios and mace, patrolled University delivering letters to the business owners of Hillcrest. NPS has ambitions to militarize San Diego streets in the name of profit. Offering their "clients" intimidating officers, cruisers and holding-cell vehicles with future plans of obtaining helicopters. The next Hillcrest Business Association meeting is Tuesday, May 13 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Joyce Beers Community Center (1220 Cleveland Ave.) if wish to let the members know how you feel about privatized quasi-paramilitary forces in the community. --Read More from Scar Media Collective--
“National Public Safety” (Seguridad Publica Nacional), una corporación privada de seguridad basada en el condado San Diego, mostró su presencia hoy en Hillcrest. “Agentes” del NPS, de uniforme completo (basado en el uniforme de la patrulla fronteriza de EEUU) incluyendo armas de fuego, esposas, radios, y spray pimienta, patrullaron la avenida University, repartiendo cartas a los comerciantes de Hillcrest. NPS tiene ambiciones a militarizar las calles de San Diego en el nombre de ganancias. Ofrecen a sus clientes agentes atemorizantes, coches patrullas, y vehículos con celdas de detención, con planes de obtener helicópteros en el futuro. La próxima reunión del Hillcrest Business Association (Asociación de Negocios de Hillcrest) es el martes, 13 de mayo, de 5:00 a 6:30 por la tarde al Centro Comunitario Joyce Beers (1220 Cleveland Ave.) si quiere compartir con los miembros sus pensamientos sobre estas fuerzas cuasi-paramilitares privatizadas en la comunidad. --Leer Mas por Colectivo Scar Media--
National Public Safety Corporate Website || Main Office: 892 East Madison, El Cajon | North County: 110 Escondido Ave Suite 103, Vista
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SDPD and Border Patrol Collaborate on Arrest in City Heights/Policía y patrulla fronteriza se colaboran en una detención en City Heights (05/08/08)
At approximately 10 am on Thursday, May 8, a woman was stopped by SDPD officers at the corner of University and Euclid in City Heights. Soon after being detained by the SDPD, several Border Patrol and SDPD vehicles arrived on the scene. She was then arrested, transferred to Border Patrol custody and taken away. Neighborhood residents said that for the past four or five days, the Border Patrol has been seen driving along University Avenue and even setting up checkpoints at the intersection of University and Winona. --Read More from city heights copwatch--
El jueves, 8 de mayo, aproximadamente a las diez de la mañana, policías del SDPD pararon a una mujer en la esquina de University y Euclid en City Heights. Poco después de la detención, llegaron varios vehículos de la patrulla fronteriza y SDPD. Ella estuve detenida, trasladada a la custodia de la patrulla fronteriza, y sacada. Residentes del vecindario dijeron que por los cuatro o cinco días pasados, la patrulla fronteriza ha estada vista manejando a lo largo de Avenida University y aun estableciendo puestos de control en la cruce de University y Winona. --Leer Mas por city heights copwatch--
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From Indybay: San Francisco Protests Against ICE Raids (05/06/08)
On Friday, May 2nd, immigration agents conducted a large-scale raid at taquerias across San Francisco and the East Bay. Agents arrested about 60 employees at several locations of the El Balazo chain.
ICE claims that it targets those involved in criminal activity and doesn't do random enforcement. But most of the Balazo employees had no criminal records. They were arrested for the crime of working to support their families.
On Monday May 5th, immigrant rights activists marched on the I.C.E office in San Francisco to protest the raids. --Read More on Indybay--
El viernes, 2 de mayo, agentes de inmigración realizaron una redada de gran escala en taquerías a través de San Francisco y la Bahía Este. Los agentes detuvieron unos 60 empleados en varias ubicaciones de la cadena El Balazo.
Algunos trabajadores han estado puestos en libertad pero obligados a llevar tobilleras electrónicas mientras que esperen sus vistas de deportación. Otros todavía están encarcelados. Muchos estuvieron interrogados sin representación legal.
ICE afirma enfocarse en los que tienen vínculos con actividades criminales y no hacer aplicación al azar. Pero la mayoría de los empleados de Balazo no tenían antecedentes penales. Fueron detenidos por el crimen de trabajando para alimentar a sus familias.
El lunes, 5 de mayo, activistas de derechos inmigrantes se manifestaron en la oficina del ICE en San Francisco para protestar las redadas.--Leer Mas por Indybay--
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May Day March for Immigrant Rights (05/04/08)
On International Workers Day, several hundred demonstrators rallied and marched from City College to Pantoja Park in downtown San Diego in support of immigrant rights, specifically: legalization for all; to stop the raids and deportations; for the right to dignified work for all, the right to migrate, the right to a just and equitable education, and the right to live in peace. A small group of minuteklan attempted to create a disturbance, but failed. A public assembly was later held at Chican@ Park.
International Workers Day began as a commemoration of the Haymarket Martyrs, who were falsely accused and convicted of involvement in the explosion of a bomb that killed a cop in Haymarket Square in Chicago on May 4, 1886. At the conclusion of a rally in favor of the eight hour work day on that date, several hundred cops charged a dwindling crowd at the rally, ordering them to disperse. A bomb was thrown into the advancing cop lines, killing one cop and prompting the cops to start shooting into the crowd indiscriminately, killing at least four demonstrators and an additional six cops, and wounding scores. Eight anarchist labor organizers were tried in the death of the first cop killed by the bomb - George Engel, Adolph Fischer, Albert Parsons and August Spies were executed, Louis Lingg committed suicide shortly before execution, and Samuel Fielden, Oscar Neebe and Michael Schwab were pardoned by the Illinois governor. A ninth, Rudolph Schnaubelt, escaped arrest. The bomb-thrower was never identified, but speculation has centered around agents from the Pinkertons, a private paramilitary force employed by wealthy elites to suppress labor organizing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
El Día Internacional de los Trabajadores, varios cientos de manifestantes se reunieron y marcharon de City College al Parque Pantoja en el centro de San Diego para apoyar los derechos inmigrantes, específicamente: legalización para todos, un fin a las redadas y deportaciones, el derecho a trabajo dignificado para todos, el derecho a migrar, el derecho a una educación justa y equitativa, y el derecho a vivir en paz. Un grupo pequeño de minuteklan trató de crear un alboroto, pero fracasó. Más tarde, se celebró una asamblea publica en Chican@ Park.
El Día Internacional del Trabajadores empezó como conmemoración de los mártires de Haymarket, que fueron acusados falsamente y condenados por implicación en la explosión de una bomba que mató a un poli en la plaza Haymarket en Chicago el 4 de mayo, 1886. Al final de un mitin a favor del día de trabajo de ocho horas en esa fecha, varios cientos de polis atacaron a una muchedumbre menguante en el mitin y ordenaron que ellos dispersen. Una bomba fue tirada en las líneas de polis, matando a un poli y les provocando a disparar indiscriminadamente a la muchedumbre, matando a por lo menos cuatro manifestantes y seis polis, e hiriendo a muchos. Ocho sindicalistas anarquistas fueron juzgados por la muerte del primer poli asesinato por la bomba- George Engel, Adolph Fischer, Albert Parsons y August Spies fueron ejecutados, Louis Lingg se suicidó antes de la ejecución, y Samuel Bielden, Oscar Neebe, y Michael Schwab fueron indultados por el gobernador de Illinois. Un noveno, Rudolph Schnaubelt, evitó arresto. La persona que tiró la bomba nunca se identificó, pero especulación se ha enfocado en agentes de los Pinkertons, una fuerza paramilitar privada empleada por las elites ricas para suprimir actividades sindicalistas a fines del siglo diecinueve y principios del siglo veinte.
San Diego: May Day 2008 Photos | History, Rally and March Video | Minuteklan Goons Video
US: Rochester || Boston || Seattle || Santa Cruz/Watsonville || Arcata || San Francisco || New York City: 1 | 2 || Houston | Olympia: 1 | 2 || Tucson || Boston || Los Angeles || San Francisco Bay Area
Globe: Jakarta || Columbia || Greece || Belgium || Estrecho || Istanbul || Madrid || Trondheim || Russia || Glasgow
West Coast Ports Closed to Protest Iraq War: Portland | Seattle | Los Angeles
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Donate to Help Support Indybay and CMI Chiapas! (4/20/08)

Indybay has been hosting San Diego Indymedia's content since October of last year. Centro de Medios Independientes Chiapas has been hosting reports on the struggle in Chiapas since February, 2001. Please donate what you can to help our friends in the Bay area and Chiapas keep operating.
With much love... San Diego Indymedia
Donate to Indybay! ||| Donate to CMI Chiapas!
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Arizona Bill would Outlaw MEChA and Courses that Denigrate "American" Values like Capitalism (4/20/08)
Arizona public schools would be barred from any teachings considered counter to democracy or Western civilization under a proposal endorsed Wednesday by a legislative panel. Additionally, the measure would prohibit students of the state's universities and community colleges from forming groups based in whole or part on the race of their members, such as the Black Business Students Association at Arizona State University or Native Americans United at Northern Arizona University. Those groups would be forbidden from operating on campus. --Read More from kilo--
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radio.indymedia.org returns to the web (4/17/08)

After an absence of over a year because of a dysfunctional server, radio.indymedia.org and its archives are back. radio.indymedia.org is the Indymedia network's global radio site, including links to grassroots independent radio projects around the world, a live internet radio directory, an aggregated listing of sound files published to Indymedia sites around the world, and open publishing of radio news and content.
The return of radio.indymedia.org has particular significance for San Diego, as it was the repository for many years of programs from the activist radio station radioActive sanDiego, including nationwide and local coverage of protests against the bush inauguration, programs from Radica Radio to the Al Uh Looyah Show to Resistance Remixed to The Children's Hour to Lying Media Bastards to Temporary Autonomous Zones, DJs from Aymara to (DJette) Aporetics to lotu5 to Onto, and much, much more. A rich section of San Diego's history has come alive once again (or something like that), thanks to the hard work of the of techies at radio.indymedia.org
radioActive sanDiego Archives ARE BACK!!! | radio.indymedia.org | search for radioactive content
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New Trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal is Denied (3/27/08)
On March 27th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit rejected all of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s demands for a new trial. In 1982 Jamal was convicted of the murder of Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in a trial where most African American jurors were systematically excluded and where critical evidence that would have proved the defendant’s innocence was excluded. The State of Pennsylvania has been ordered to hold a new sentencing hearing within 180 days. In that hearing the jury's decision will be limited to a finding of either life imprisonment, or execution by lethal injection. Jamal’s attorneys will appeal the Third Circuit's decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. --Read More from Indybay--
Campaign to End the Death Penalty | Mobilization to Free Mumia | Journalists for Mumia || Protests: Oakland | NYC | SF | Philadephia
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All Nations Healing Through Music Festival - Peace + Dignity Journey Benefit (3/21/08)
The Peace and Dignity Journeys are six month spiritual runs originating in Chickaloon, Central Alaska and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, traveling through hundreds of Indigenous communities, and meeting in Panama. The goals include reuniting the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere and healing the individual Indigenous communities by helping to reconnect these communities with their spiritual practices and traditions. One strand of the run will pass through San Diego in July, with the runners staying at Chican@ Park.
Four members of the San Diego community will participate as core runners in 2008, three on the northern route leaving May 1 and one on the southern route, leaving April 1. Runners Gabriella and Arturo talked about the run and their past experiences:
Gabriella - "We could just hear the drums from far away while we were running. We got closer, one of the songs we could hear was called the Warrior Women Song, of the Secwepmec Nation. We get there but there was all elder women with the drums, and I am used to seeing the brothers with the drums. It was so powerful - however late we get there, the community is anxious to receive us, they're excited and pumped up and singing for us... At the end, all the elder women on the fourth verse of the song, they held their fist up - we are one people, we are all united, we are all warriors."
Arturo - "I remember running with the main staff, it's called the Eagle Staff. Three o'clock in the morning, I wasn't prepared to run, I was just going to help with the food. One of the brothers, he put me on the spot, Jose, it's really dark, you couldn't see nothing, he said 'Who's Arturo?' ... He told me 'Look at that staff, that's the Eagle Staff, I want you to pick that up.' I was like -that's an honor dude. I went over and grabbed it in a good way. When someone really puts me out there like that, I humble myself, I really humble myself, because to grab something like that, it's a blessing to be a part of that."
All Nations Healing Through Music Festival - Peace + Dignity Journey Benefit
Saturday, March 22 6pm (doors open 5pm)
MAAC Charter School 1385 Third Avenue, Chula Vista
ALL AGES $10 Red Warrior Drummers, Kumeyaay Bird Singers, Olmeca, Cihuatl-CE, War Club, Raiz Muzik, Guerrilla Queenz, Tierra Y Libertad, Indigenous Radio, DJ Poncho, MC Ras Pablo Aztlan
Video (Gabriella and Arturo) | Video (Berta) | Benefit Flyer | Peace and Dignity Journeys Website
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San Diego War Profiteers (3/20/08)
from b: Corporate nano/bio tech industries have a major presence in San Diego. As well as other defense contractors profiting from the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan:
Science Applications International Corporation/SAIC (10260 Campus Point Dr) //Corporate HQ
General Atomics (3550 General Atomics Ct, 3483 Dunhill St) //Corporate HQ
Qualcomm (5775 Morehouse Dr)
Bechtel (1230 Columbia St)
Bearing Point (7676 Hazard Center St)
CACI (1455 Frazee Rd #100, 2251 San Diego Ave #B126)
Lockheed Martin (3302 Pacific Hwy, 501 W Broadway #260)
Northrop Grumman (17089 Via del Campo)
General Dynamics (2789 Harbor Dr)
Raytheon (8080 Dagget St)
United Technologies (10180 Telesis Ct)
Computer Sciences Corporation/CSC/Dyncorp (4045 Hancock St)
Stevedoring Services of America (1090 Water St)
Wells Fargo (501 W Broadway #1300)
MCI/WorldCom (3949 Ruffin Rd)
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San Diego Indymedia Volunteer Recruitment Presentation (3/16/08)
San Diego Indymedia is looking for volunteers! If you are interested in participating, come to Chicana Perk on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30pm for a presentation that will cover -- background on Indymedia and the San Diego Independent Media Center; projects San Diego Indymedia is currently working on and future directions; how to post articles, photos, audio and VIDEO!; how you can plug in as a volunteer; and how you can work towards becoming a member of the San Diego Indymedia collective.
Tuesday March 18 6:30pm
Chicana Perk 129 25th St Sherman Heights
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San Diego Indymedia Needs Laptops! (3/16/08)
San Diego Indymedia is seeking donations of Mac laptops (G4 with usb 2.0 and later) to loan to community/activist groups to help increase participation in media making, and, in particular, to help increase access to video production through San Diego Indymedia's Video Project.
If you have a laptop you would like to donate, please contact us at
imc-sd AT lists.indymedia.org
or leave a message on our voice mail:
619.378.O946
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Film Shorts at THE FRONT Friday March 14 (3/13/08)
As part of International Womyn's Month, THE FRONT will be showcasing film shorts on Friday, March 14 at 6:30PM, including: And if Iron Stand In Our Way (Womyn crossing the border), California Coalition Against Poverty, Beyond the Bling: Going Back to the Roots of Hip-Hop, Cafe en La Calle, Arte en Barrio Logan, Artificial Border and Keep it Alive; Keep it Real (Oaxaca).
THE FRONT 147 San Ysidro Blvd Fri March 14 6:30PM | More Info
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Education Not Arms March 11th Protest at School Board (3/13/08)
Students from Mission Bay and Lincoln High School continue to organize and protest the tracking of students into JROTC courses, as well as the existence of weapons training facilities on school grounds. Two students and one parent spoke during the public testimony portion of the March 11th school board meeting and about forty students protested in front of the building. Alex Velarde, a Lincoln High School student, spoke of being misled when enrolled in JROTC and forced to remain in the program until the end of the semester. Petitions with 1000 signatures were given to the board. There was an indication from some board members that they were willing to put the issue on their agenda in the future.
However, more pressure may be needed and activists intend to continue organizing. Petitions continue to circulate and supporters can sign at Chicana Perk Cafe (129 25th St in Sherman Heights) or download a petition (return by mail). Also, there will be outreach efforts taking place at a number of upcoming events, including this Saturday's anti-war rally in City Heights... new volunteers are welcome and appreciated! --Full Report from n--
Previous Report and Video | Photos 2/12 | Photos 3/11 | Website | Petition (pdf: es/en) | Flyer (pdf: es/en) | E-mail: ujimainstitute@yahoo.com
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El caso de Juan ha sido resuelto/Juan's Case is Resolved (3/13/08)
Juan Esteban Ruiz fue arrestado durante el Campamento Contra las Fronteras en la frontera entre los EE.U.U. y México el 11 de noviembre de 2007, mientras tocó el tambor, en otras palabras, ejercer sus derechos a la libertad de expresión, asamblea pacifica, y la reparación de daños especificado por la primera enmienda de la constitución de los Estados Unidos. El fue acusado de dos cargos de asaltar un agente federal. Este cargo fue reducido a "interferir" con un agente federal. Su caso ya esta cerrado. --Leer mas--
Juan Esteban Ruiz was arrested during the No Borders Camp at the U.S./Mexican border on November 11, 2007, while playing the drum, in other words, using his rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances specified by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He was charged with two counts of assaulting a federal officer. The charge was reduced to "interfering" with a federal officer. The case is now closed. --Read More--
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Education Not Arms! Demonstration February 12 (3/11/08)
On February 12, a mixed group of students, parents, educators, and community members protested the existence of rifle ranges in San Diego schools, as well as the practice of tracking of lower-income students into JROTC programs, often done without the informed consent of students or their parents. The protesters attended the beginning of the school board meeting, and four participants addressed the school board during the time reserved for public comment. It remains to be seen whether the school board will make the issue an agenda item for a future board meeting, which would be the first administrative step necessary for addressing the problems. When the public comment time ended, the board members moved on to their agenda items while the protesters walked out and held a demonstration outside the building.
A subsequent protest was held at the board meeting on March 11 (information forthcoming...) More info: projectyano.org/educationnotarms
Video: protest, four speakers, interview with corporate media (español): 12 min, 26 sec; 46 mbytes.
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South American Anarchists and Anti-Militarists Say NO to War (3/08/08)
The threat of armed conflict involving the governments of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela has mobilized anarchists and anti-militarists across the continent, in words and in action, to repudiate what would be a monstrous aggression by state powers against our peoples.
We don’t need another war. We, conscientious objectors and antimilitarists from Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean together, categorically refuse to participate in belligerent escalades that will lead to a war that, again, will attempt to divide us. We have enough with hunger, corruption, rampant militarism, the obscene military budget, insecurity, the continuous violations of human rights by our governments, for them to give us yet another armed conflict...
The only solution to the governmental madness is the people, a revolutionary tide that will run over the demagogues, the populists and those who sell their mothers on both sides of the border, dedicated to building a strong civil society from below, independent of that power that always tries to perpetuate itself, a self-managed society, revolutionary by vocation and nature, without blinding leaders, internationalist and in solidarity, that recognizes that the people of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador are brothers for many reasons, brothers in suffering, brothers in their desire for peace and justice. For starters, nothing would be better than not being deceived by war proclamations and totally rejecting war among states, any war except class war. --Read More from Anarquistas y antimilitaristas--
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Peace and Dignity Journeys 2008 Benefit Concert (2/19/08)
The Peace and Dignity Journeys are six month spiritual runs originating in Chickaloon, Central Alaska and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, traveling through hundreds of Indigenous communities, and meeting in Panama. The goals include reuniting the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere and healing the individual Indigenous communities by helping to reconnect these communities with their spiritual practices and traditions. One strand of the run will pass through San Diego in July, with the runners staying at Chicano Park.
A series of events in March will treat different aspects of the Peace and Dignity Journeys from the perspective of San Diego Indigenous communities and participants. According to San Diego Runner Berta, "This run is the representation of everything that is around me, all the love, all the struggles that have been happening, all the sacrifices that people have been making... I can take the time off to be able to pray with them, to carry this prayer of so many years, of all this exploitation, all this pain. To be able to take this prayer all the way down to Panama, to carry their prayer, that is the least thing I can do. It is a very beautiful thing, I feel extremely blessed to be able to that."
Peace and Dignity Journeys Benefit Concert
Cultura Profetica (Puerto Rico) Alika (Argentina) and Quinto Sol (East LA)
Wednesday February 20 8PM
World Beat Cultural Center 2100 Park Blvd Balboa Park
$12 Adv $15 Door ALL AGES
Video (Berta) | Benefit Flyer | March Events Flyer | Peace and Dignity Journeys Website
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Journalist Assulted By County Officials at News Conference (2/18/08)
San Diego slid ever further into a police state last Thursday, February 15, as independent journalist and blogger, Pat Flannery, was assulted and thrown out of a press conference at the Westgate Hotel. Under the eye of San Diego Sheriff William Kolender and apparently directed by the District Attorney herself, a county official grabbed Flannery, without warning, and shoved him out of the room.
While the corporate media stood by, Flannery was ejected from the public, open press conference as he filmed DA Bonnie Dumanis endorse fellow San Diego Oligarch, Judge Jan Goldsmith, for City Attorney.
Flannery, who has been critical of the DA's heavy-handedness and unethical dealings with a Chula Vista businessman, also runs a blog where he exposes the good ol' boy network downtown, which depends on wealthy CEO's and developers for slush funds. --Read More from Rocky Neptun--
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Marcha Migrante III at the Canadian Border (2/14/08)
UPDATE (2/16): 2/14 Great to see MECHA and Brown Berets alive and well in Idaho where we meet with Padre Jesus and community leaders to inspire and be inspired …no small potatoes here…SI SE PUEDE ! After a powerful lunch meeting we continue East/South on our way to Utah…another long drive…we are quickly winding down our journey...
2/15 Salt Lake City, Utah…a return to the snow covered wonderland, where I spent many a long weekend screaming down the mountains I now am joined by the remaining magnificent seven; Estela, Marta, Vicente, Danny, Roberto, Pablo and yours truly as we scream in unison SU VOTO ES SU VOZ. We meet with local leaders and community members, including local elder of the Church of Later Day Saints…encourage to be more supportive of immigration reform (after all Mexico did give Mormons SANCTUARY, when they were being persecuted in the US) and we also meet with Utah’s Bishop who now heads the bishops national committee on Immigration. We are very encouraged by their words, as their support of our cry for justice, grows every day.
2/16 Off to Las Vegas y manana SAN DIEGO!
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2/12: Off to Canadian Border ELVIRA ARELLANO DENIED VISA AS SHE LANDS IN CANADA !!! Elvira not welcome!!! Something is terribly wrong with this picture. Sleepless in Seattle but MARCHA MIGRANTE continues as we make it to Blaine (border with Canada) ..after days of snow and rain the roads open up…the sun likes us and we like the sun…as we get to Peace Arch Park…we meet our brethren from Canada and other countries…at the international border..the park is open on both sides and we join in the center to share stories, prayers, unity”la gente Unida, jamas sera vencida”
We discuss with sadness the raids and separations of families. Elvira Arellano will not be with us as she was denied entry once she arrived in Vancouver…but Elvira calls us and inspires and tells us she will meet caravan at the US/MEXICAN border upon our return on Sunday February 17 @ 1:00pm. --Read More from Enrique Morones--
Previous Reports: San Diego | Sacramento | Los Angeles | Portland
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ALF Direct Action: USA, Mexico, Spain, Germany, UK and Netherlands (2/12/08)
Recently, concerned citizens rescued 47 rats who were apparently part of a breeding program at Scripps 'Mercy' Hospital in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. We entered through an unlocked door and found these beautiful innocent creatures living in squalor. Eight were crammed into each tiny barren cage. Their white fur was matted in urine and feces. Their babies were to be stolen from them and tortured in useless experiments, but now they are in loving homes where they will spend the rest of their lives as individuals, rather than research tools to be discarded when no longer necessary.
Who are the terrorists in this situation: those who peacefully rescue neglected beings from abuse and cruelty, or those who terrify, torture and destroy innocent life? --Read More from Animal Liberation Underground--
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Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. (2/10/08)
Remembering Black History, this past month we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of struggle and love for humanity. This event, sponsored by the King Chavez coalition for Justice and Unity, took place on January 21, 2008 in the community of Encanto, San Diego, California.
On a day that stopped raining to permit some rays to shine... food was shared and Mumia Abu-Jamal's message on this holiday was heard. Together we heard speakers from the unions, the community and then we listened to MLK Jr's speech on Vietnam. Then the event ended with some future events in mind, music and poetry. --Read More from Carlos--
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Longfin Smelt Moves Closer to State Endangered Status (2/10/08)
The California Fish and Game Commission in San Diego today voted 3-0 to designate the longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), a native fish that has dropped to record low numbers in the San Francisco Bay-Delta and is nearing extinction in other northern California estuaries, as a "candidate species." This is the first step toward a formal listing as an endangered or threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, according to a press release from a coalition of three environmental groups.
The abundance of longfin smelt, a cousin of the delta smelt, plummeted to a record low in 2007, according to the Department of Fish and Game's fall midwater trawl survey. The longfin smelt population collapse occurs within the context of the dramatic decline of delta smelt, juvenile striped bass, threadfin shad and other species.
Scientists believe that the number one cause of the food chain collapse is massive increases in water exports from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta since 2001, followed by toxics and invasive species. The state and federal governments exported a record 7,000,000 acre feet of water from the California Delta to subsidized agribusiness and southern California in 2007. --Read More from Dan Bacher--
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Update on Marcha Migrante III (2/10/08)
Thanks to the 200 or so people that came to see us off on the Historic MARCHA MIGRANTE III. We even had the rejected minutemen of Caltrans fame seeing us off! (great video for CALTRANS TO SEE) Aztec dancers, prayers, Mexico’s Human Rights Commission and more that 50 organizations represented in a rousing send off of two dozen autos on our 4500 mile journey (one mile for every known death on the border). Our first stop as tradition, was the Holtville Cemetery where 600+ of our more than 10,000 brethren who lost their lives since October of 1994 (when Operation Gatekeeper began) are buried.
When we arrived in Coachella late at night on Saturday the villagers were there to receive us with the warmth and charm that only a small town can deliver. We went to sleep at midnight then were suddenly awakened (5:00 am) by half the town with “las mananitas”, musica de danza, mariachis, flowers, food and even a short skit prepared by the locals in appreciation of our work and MARCHA MIGRANTE III. A wake up call we will remember fondly for the rest of our lives. --Read More from Enrique Morones--
Reports: Los Angeles | Portland
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Reflections on the Mujeres Discussion: Feminismo y Que at Enero Zapatista (1/20/08)
A week into 2008, I attended the first discussion of this year's Enero Zapatista at Chicana Perk [San Diego, CA]. Coming in from a long day of work, I neither knew what to expect nor had I had a moment to give it thought. What I found was pleasantly surprising and inspirational. A group of more than a dozen folks came together for the Mujeres Discussion: Feminismo y Que - the group itself was diverse in some ways, not in others, but certainly offered a variety of perspectives and experiences...
What I cannot emphasize enough is that throughout the discussion, a constant theme was violence. Without patriarchy, almost all participants noted, violence worldwide, from wars to domestic violence, would exist on an incredibly lower level. What was great was that both men and women discussed their relationship to this violence. I think that it would be impossible or, at least worthless, to discuss patriarchy without talking about how overwhelmingly prevalent violence against women is in this and every culture in the world. Rape and sexual assault, partner violence and more were brought up. And, what was incredible was that as people spoke, they seemed to really come from a place of day-to-day experience that was so valuable for the rest of the group to hear. What woman doesn't think about what her weapon is if she's walking down the street alone. How many of us carry mace or other means of defense? It's a given. What was again incredible, in addition, was that men talked about the threat of violence that they experience which I feel is not discussed enough. --Read More from owl--
Previous Enero Zapatista Coverage: Opening Night
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11 to 1 to Acquit, But It's Re-trial for Medical Marijuana Patient Nathan Archer (1/17/08)
I am a medical marijuana patient and born and raised in San Diego. Last year (2007) I went through a jury trial that ended up with the numerical breakdown being 11 to 1 to acquit on both counts alleged against me. This year (2008) I am being re-tried for the same crime. My next trial is on Jan 22, 2008 Division 11 8:30 am at the Superior Court of San Diego Central Division (on Broadway)...
I am requesting your assistance in organizing a class action law suit against San Diego County. Including but not limited to Qualifiable Medical Marijuana Patients, their Care Givers, their Doctors and non-patients land owners who have had their freedom and/or property threatened to be seized or seized by San Diego County.
We can get organized and unite. It isn't often that we have a case with such clear prosecutorial misconduct to work with. --Read More from Nathanial D. Archer--
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San Diego's Corporate Owned Mayor Exposed! (1/16/08)
This is a tale of two cities. A San Diego of wealth and privilege, where corporate welfare, through CCDC and other city departments, abounds, and taxes on the rich are the lowest in the nation. And the other city, where those of us who work struggle with dangerous roads, obscene rent and low wages. -- Read More from Rocky Neptun--
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Latino Rights Coalition Says ‘Basta Ya!’ to Hate Crimes (1/12/08)
In November 2007, the FBI reported that the number of ethnicity-based hate crimes in San Diego County doubled from 2005 to 2006. Although official statistics are not yet available for 2007, the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes prosecutor says Latinos are the primary target. Local law enforcement estimates that Latinos, regardless of immigration status, were the victims of approximately 75% of the reported hate crimes committed here last year. These victims include both documented and undocumented immigrants as well as U.S. citizens.
With local fringe groups like the San Diego Minutemen spewing anti-Latino invective, and presidential candidates exploiting the “immigration issue” as a means of diverting attention from social, economic, and foreign policy issues, it is probably safe to say that Latinos’ safety is increasingly at risk. A North County coalition of Latino rights groups has had enough. --Read the Full Story by Diane--
Related: The Minuteman Highway? | Vandalism Anyone?
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San Diego Indymedia Video Project (1/10/08)
San Diego Indymedia has initiated a project to increase access to and encourage the use of video to document and share struggles in the many communities of the San Diego region.
The current components of this project include:
•Providing video cameras to activist groups (we currently have eight to loan).
•Skill sharing with activist groups on video editing software (currently iMovie and Moviemaker), and working to provide laptops and internet access (using our mobile media unit) on an episodic basis.
•Providing a noncommercial, noncorporate outlet (no to you-tube!) for community video reporting. In addition to the newswire on San Diego Indymedia*, we are publishing a (currently) monthly compilation of excerpts from video posted to the newswire, San Diego Indymedia N O O Z R E A L, with plans to screen N O O Z R E A L in communities where access to the internet is limited.
We are working on the following additional components:
•Obtaining video editing workstations that can be placed in community acessible locations.
•Incorporating basic open source online video tools into the new website.
If your activist group is interested in participating in the SDIMC Video Project or you would like to volunteer, write us an e-mail at imc-sd AT lists D0T indymedia D0T org or leave a voicemail message at *67.619.378.O946.
*currently generously being hosted by Indybay, and soon to be hosted on our new locally-based drupal website
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Enero Zapatista Opening Night (1/09/08)
A packed Chicana Perk, with many new faces, hosted the opening night of Enero Zapatista on Saturday, including a screening of the film Zapatista as an introduction to the EZLN and the autonomous Zapatista communities, a discussion-format update on the current situation in Chiapas, awesome music from Son Sin Fronteras and energizing, inspiring dance from Mujeres en Resistencia.
The next event in the month long series is Human Rights Now! Stop The Raids! California Coalition Against Poverty Event & Concert with Three Fifths Human on Saturday, January 12 at 7 PM -- Chicana Perk 129 25 St (xImperial) Sherman Heights.
Video in three parts:
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Sherman Heights Resists Border Patrol Violence (1/07/08)
On Saturday, over forty community members in Sherman Heights met in the cold rain and wind to protest the reckless, violent apprehension and beating of a young man by the border patrol the previous day.
According to a witness, two border patrol agents, one in a car and one on foot, were chasing three young men in the vicinity of 28th and L Street Friday morning. The agent in the car was driving recklessly, at high speeds, including running up onto a sidewalk. At one point in the chase, the agent was trapped between two vehicles in a narrow street. After a period of time apparently deemed sufficient for the young men to run away, one of the blocking vehicles moved, and the agent backed up at high speed out onto L (?) Street. Meanwhile, the agent on foot was chasing one of the young men, who appeared to be exhausted from running, towards this spot. The border patrol agent in the car jumped out, grabbed the young man by his shirt and threw him from the sidewalk onto his stomach on the ground in the street, without regard for traffic. The agent then picked the young man up by the shirt, and threw him back towards the sidewalk, where his head struck the curb. At this point, community members started to approach the scene, yelling at the agent to stop beating the young man. The agent quickly put the young man into the car and drove off. Apparently, the other two young men escaped.
"[The border patrol agent] was just racing... He didnt even care if would run over a kid... He just ran into the sidewalk, that's how reckless he was driving. Somebody could have been crossing the street, he was just driving so reckless. That is what made me angry."
At the demonstration, speakers talked about the toll that border patrol and police violence takes on communities and families, the relationship of this violence to the border and regional and global issues, and the need to organize the community for resistance.
For reasons only a far-right wingnut would understand, fox news interviewed noted human rights abuser SDPD captain Chris Ball, who apparently was heading up SDPD's represssion efforts at the demonstration. Undercovers were taking pictures of protesters. --Video 35 mbytes 9 min 53 sec--
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Enero Zapatista (1/04/08)
Eventos todo el mes sobre los zapatistas y como engrandeser la consiencia sobre la filosofia zapatista en conecion con nuestras luchas locales. Estos eventos son oranizados por colectivos, organizaciones, y individuales de La Otra San Diego que son adherentes de La Otra Campana y que trabajan de abajo a la izquierda. Estamos trabajando para crear un mundo donde quepan muchos mundos.
A month long event to talk about Zapatismo and raise awareness about how this philosophy connects to our local struggles. These events are put together by local collectives, organizations and individuals in La Otra San Diego, all adherents of La Otra Campana, who are working from below and to the left. We are working to create a world where many worlds fit.
Sponsered by: La Otra San Diego, Colectivo Zapatista San Diego, California Coalition Against Poverty, San Diego IndyMedia, Colectivo Zapatista Tzajalek 32, City Heights Free Skool, O.R.G.A.N.I.C. Collective, No Borders Camp and Cafe en la Calle.
Screening of Film Zapatista, Discussion, and Performers Son Sin Fronteras & Mujeres en Resistencia: Saturday January 5, 6:30PM -- Chicana Perk 129 25 St (xImperial) Sherman Heights
Flyer || Calendar of Events: jpg | text
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San Diego's 2007 Titans of Conscience (and its Piss-Ants Too) (1/03/08)
Everyone has lists at year-end. Here is mine. Both for the four most wonderfully vital members of our activist community, whose very lives reach out and create change by their depth and breadth: Enrique Morones, Carol Jahnkow, Scott Dreher and Danae Kelley. Also, the four worst San Diegans: Susan Davis, Tom Story, Bonnie Dumanis and Valerie O’Sullivan. For me, they are piss-ants; selfish, little, grubbing insects.
Let's all work hard this new year to make peace, justice and environmental sustainanbility happen. --Read More from Rocky--
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Envisioning a Solidarity-Based Response to Disaster (12/29/07)
On December 10, Activist San Diego hosted a discussion about an activist strategy for approaching disaster, reflecting on the racist response to the October wildfires in San Diego County, in which migrant and indigenous workers and families were ignored by government-sponsored aid organizations and targeted by law enforcement.
Participants talked about the successes and frustrations of the impromptu efforts to provide for the migrant communities affected by the fires, the role of the Red Cross, and individual responses versus group efforts aimed at countering systemic racism in government and organizations. Some advocated developing alternative mechanisms separate from government or NGOs, as in the Chican@ Park-centered efforts in October; others suggested that the resources of well-funded organizations and government agencies should be mined and directed towards the aims of activists, and that government be held accountable for their failure to provide for an important and vulnerable segment of San Diego's population.
Further discussions are planned. --Read the Partial Transcript--
San Diego Indymedia Guide to Fire Coverage || Reports on Response to the Fires from American Friends Service Committee and San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium
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Let's get down to it, because it's gonna have to be said. FUCK MYSPACE. I've been waiting to see a punk critique of MySpace for a good long time now, and maybe I've been looking in the wrong places, but finally I decided "fuck it, I'm gonna give it a shot." ... The first and most flagrantly offensive thing about MySpace is who is behind it. MySpace is owned by a huge media conglomerate called the NEWS CORPORATION... that owns over 200 media outlets, including... the FOX NEWS CHANNEL This corporation is owned by a man named Rupert Murdoch, a staunch supporter and financial contributor to the Rupublican Party. The company makes roughly 25 BILLION DOLLARS a year. --Read More From An Awesome Critique by SpoonBoy--
Related: Myspace, blogs, and online networks are like a dream for police investigators. Where they used to have to go out and interview people, check records, walk the street, now they merely have to go online. Investigation from the convenience of their offices. --Read More of Do Police Read Indymedia (and Myspace, etc.)? by RT-- on Santa Cruz Indymedia
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Precisely at the beginning of the school's vacation period, the radiozapote collective is being threatened with removal from our space... These events are occurring in a national context in which our social circumstances are being transformed in favor of the interests of the current military-dominated government in the sale of the country's natural resources. With the decision to impose someone who didn't win at the ballot box, there is an intensification of the persecution and hostilities against critical, dissident sectors that have taken positions against official policies, as this new context is being created. The persecution is also directed against the free, independent, community news media, as well as human rights defenders and activists from any number of organizations and collectives. --Read More from the Radio Zapote Editorial Committee-- || Radio Zapote
Related: Plan México Moves Forward - Soon after Felipe Calderón pointed out that in México ‘there is no dirty war,’ the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies met to approve generally the Reforma Judicial. This was done in the name of ‘combating delinquency,’ and will serve to legalize a police state elements of which have already been imposed. Included in the Reforma are provisions for the legal execution of breaking and entering houses, arbitrary detention, access to confidential data of the accused, and holding defendants without the ability to communicate, among other things. The importance of this is not only the annulling of important guaranteed individual rights, but also that it is a path towards a type of repression where human rights and justice, bit by bit, slide further away from the already dispossessed. --Read More from Global Indymedia--
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A group of medical marijuana patients from across California filed a legal brief today using two new legal arguments that oppose San Diego County's attempt to challenge the state requirement to implement an identification card program for qualified medical marijuana patients and their primary caregivers. The patients' brief, filed by Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a nationwide medical marijuana advocacy organization, came only days after the City of San Diego filed an amicus, "friend of the court," brief in support of patients and in opposition to the county's legal challenge.
"With a recent appellate court decision rejecting the argument that federal law preempts state law and now support from the City of San Diego," said ASA Chief Counsel, author of the patients' brief filed today. "We're in a prime position to prevail." Elford continued, "The shame is that the County of San Diego continues to waste valuable time and taxpayer money at the expense of seriously ill patients in California." --Read More from Americans for Safe Access--
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Lakota Sioux Indian representatives declared sovereign nation status today in Washington D.C. following Monday’s withdrawal from all previously signed treaties with the United States Government. The withdrawal immediately and irrevocably ends all agreements between the Lakota Sioux Nation of Indians and the United States Government outlined in the 1851 and 1868 Treaties at Fort Laramie Wyoming.
“In order to stop the continuous taking of our resources people, land, water and children- we have no choice but to claim our own destiny,” said Phyllis Young, a former Indigenous representative to the United Nations and representative from Standing Rock. Parts of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana have been illegally homesteaded for years despite knowledge of Lakota as historic owner. Lakota representatives say if the United States does not enter into immediate diplomatic negotiations, liens will be filed on real estate transactions in the five state region, clouding title over literally thousands of square miles of land and property.
In the face of the colonial apartheid conditions imposed on Lakota people, the withdrawal from the U.S. Treaties is necessary, for reasons including: Lakota men have a life expectancy of less than 44 years, lowest of any country in the World; Lakota infant mortality rate is 300% more than the U.S. Average; tuberculosis rate on Lakota reservations is approx 800% higher than the U.S average; alcoholism affects 8 /10 families; Median income is $2,600-$3,500/year; 1/3 of homes lack basic clean water and sewage, 40% lack electricty; unemployment rate is 85% or higher; teenage suicide rate is 150% higher than U.S national average; our Lakota language is an Endangered Language, on the verge of extinction. --Read More--
More info: lakotafreedom.com
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Comment from ali: "...there were serious questions raised about the disparity between the two sides of the camp and even though the trailer highlights a "unification", this was far from true. I hope that the video makers will include some of the criticisms that were present during the camp in the hope of making the next camp a better and more powerful one. I hope that the documentary will include footage and interviews and reflections from the MX side of the camp and from the cross border meeting where a lot of these ideas were expressed..." --Read More--
videos from the no borders camp: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
legal update and recent media | no borders camp newswire | noborderscamp.org
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from Rod Coronado: On December 14th, before Judge Jeffery Miller in Federal Court in San Diego, I entered a guilty plea to one count of distribution of information related to the assembly of explosives and weapons of mass destruction [related to an answer to a question at a 2003 talk in Hillcrest about an arson for which Coronado was convicted and spent time in prison]. This was the one count I have fought for almost two years now and for which I faced approximately five to ten years in prison if found guilty at trial. In September of 2007, a jury instead voted 8-4 for acquittal and in the ensuing weeks, prosecutors in the case informed us that they would seek an additional indictment in Washington D.C., for a speech I delivered at American University in January, 2003. In exchange for a guilty plea in the San Diego case, the U.S. government has agreed to ask only for a one year prison sentence, drop pending charges in Tucson for my possession of raptor feathers and not to indict me in D.C. I am not required to testify against anyone else in any other investigations, and hopefully this plea agreement will once and for all grant me closure in a well-known campaign of repression against me for my past involvement, association and support for covert campaigns against environmental destroyers and animal abusers. It has long been my desire to put my past behind me and instead build a sustainable existence for myself, my wife, Chrysta, and two children, Anheles and Maya. --Read More from supportrod.org--
supportrod.org || greenscare.org || ecoprisoners.org || greenisthenewred.com || portland indymedia greenscare page || previous coverage: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
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The anarchist subculture is rich with innovations and discoveries. We possess a wealth of information that few outside are ever exposed to. The smallest spark is all that is needed to ignite some people's minds. Our spells are easy to pass on. Once they are in the hands of others, they can grow beyond our wildest dreams. The Realm of the Shadows must become a little brighter. Our intentions should be clear to everyone and we should confidently explain ourselves to all who ask. We should be exactly who we are and never compromise our desires. Magic is so appealing, so alluring, that the smallest use of it can change the world.
One of our biggest threats right now (aside from the threat of the government) in the US comes from the Liberals. They act as an extension of the State and its designs. As long as the government can trick the Liberals into hating witches and wizards, any meaningful resistance will be forbidden not only by the enemy's laws but by those around us who “represent” the “left.” The government is good at using its population against itself and has done so superbly for decades. Liberals, under our enemy's spells, believe violence done to the State is wrong and that violence against us from the State is justified. This logic PERFECTLY serves the purposes of the State and has been intentionally conditioned into the population of the US in order to prevent a revolution. The US government, scared of the quickly disintegrating situation, is attempting to pass laws which will criminalize ALL real dissent and pacify the population. This cannot be allowed to take place. If the Liberals continue to trust the government, anyone who engages in Magic will become a “terrorist.” -- Read More from International Anarchist Conspiracy--
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The No Borders Camp, as defined by those involved, has always been about the process. High priority goals were to build relationships and, indeed, a network or networks of radical folks opposed to borders; folks fighting against this border and for freedom of movement; for an end to detention and deportation, for a world free of racism and xenophobia and so much more. The process of this project and any future work comes from an anarchist, anti-authoritarian base that honors collectivity. I hope that like the groups and individuals I work with locally, all those involved seek accountability for their words and actions...
The question to me really is: are we ready to be responsible? Am I ready to be accountable? I think our movements will not survive otherwise. Before, during and after the camp, this has always obviously been in reference to organizers and participants of all kinds. Now that the camp has happened, I think this also, specifically should apply to anyone engaging publicly with the project, most notably in writing. --Read more from owl--
borderowl's no borders camp blog | no borders camp newswire | noborderscamp.org
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T
he San Francisco Peaks are a unique mountain ecosystem which are managed as public lands in Northern Arizona. The Peaks are held Holy by more than 13 Indigenous Nations. A small ski area is threatening expansion and attempting to make fake snow from treated sewage effluent filled with harmful contaminants. A coalition of tribes and environmental groups have unified to prevent the environmental destruction, community health hazards and extreme desecration that would be caused by the proposed development. Although the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the ski area plan, the case will be reheard in Pasadena on December 11th, 2007. --Read More from Indigenous--
Uprising Radio (KPFK 11/20) || Uprising Radio (KPFK 12/7) || SAVE THE PEAKS! Vigil March Rally in LA Tuesday! || Background from Arizona Indymedia: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 || savethepeaks.org
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Activists from the Bay Area are asking concerned individuals to help in creative ways with this campaign: "McCarthy Building Companies of San Francisco is now seeking subcontractors for the Li-Ka-Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, where thousands upon thousands of animals will suffer in vain.."
San Diego Office: 6165 Greenwich Drive Suite 340 92122 858/784-0347 (phone) 858/784-0380 (fax) sd@mccarthy.com (e-mail) --Read More--
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Oct-Nov N-O-O-Z-R-E-A-L PART ONE | PART TWO
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If bill S. 1959 is passed, and becomes law, your words and actions could be considered terrorism. S. 1959 EVISCERATES FREE SPEECH, and empowers the government to declare ANYTHING they deem an "extremist belief system" to instantly make you a ’terrorist’ and resulting in stripping of US citizenship, torture, and/or execution, with no habeas corpus rights, no ability to challenge even in the US Supreme Court. Critical Mass and other Activism DOES NOT make us TERRORISTS! Let’s spread the word on this bill to other locals and make the calls to get it stopped! --Read More--
"H.R 1955: the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 recently passed by the Housea companion bill is in the Senateis barely one sentence old before its Orwellian moment: It begins, “AN ACT - To prevent homegrown terrorism, and for other purposes.” Those whose pulse did not quicken at “other purposes” have probably not read George Orwell’s essay, 'Politics and the English Language'...” --Read More from Robert Weitzel--
"I dont think theres any limits placed on who can be targeted by this particular act. I think certain groups have already been singled out, like folks that are fighting against some of the globalization measures that are happening. And I think that is really going to be scary..." Kamau Karl Franklin from the Center for Constitutional Rights --Read More of a Report by Democracy Now!--
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The most recent victim of this state repression is Nancy Mota Figueroa, member of the August 1 Coordinator of Oaxacan Women (COMO in its Spanish initials). Nancy was part of the historic taking-over of Canal Nueve, a state-run television station. On August 1, 2006, hundreds of Oaxacan women marched to a state media building to demand that the mass media tell the truth about what was occurring on the streets of Oaxaca. When their demands were denied by directors of the state television and radio stations, the women decided to take ov