MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL September 4, 2008 – Today is the final day of the RNC in St. Paul. While corporate focuses on the events inside the convention center and ignores the continuing police violence toward demonstrators outside the center, independent media channels are getting the story out. This past week has seen some outrageous violations of citizen’s civil rights in the Twin Cities. A series of raids overseen by the FBI, HLS, and other agencies on activists and journalists took place in advance of the RNC. In the street police have been extremely violent toward peaceful demonstrators. Police have used a wide range of weapons Legal aid groups estimate close to 350 known arrests of demonstrators to date. Only 50 of which have been released. Some have been held for over 60 hours. And there are some very disturbing reports that some people have been tortured while in jail by their captors; the ramsey county sheriffs department. Last night a small march after a Rage Against the Machine concert was attacked by police and about 50 people were arrested. More protests are planned for today and there are fears of more police violence and human rights violations.

Breaking news from St. Paul: Twin Cities Indymedia
Indymedia.US: RNC Day 2: Mass Arrests and Jail Resistance | RNC Day 1: Category (A) Hurricane Hits Downtown St. Paul

From the LA-IMC newswire:
RNC 8 Charged with "Conspiracy to Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism
Amy Goodman & 2 DN! Producers Arrested at RNC!
Journalists including DN! producer targeted by FBI in St. Paul by Mary Turck
Welcome to Minnesota: Out of town activists pulled over by police at gunpoint

DENVER Mon, August 25, 2008 – The Democratic National Convention begins today in Denver and LA Indymedia reporters are in Denver to cover street protests and counter-convention events throughout the week. Sunday morning saw about 1,000 people march from the State Capitol Building to the Pepsi Center. Later in the afternoon decentralized protests snaked their way though the downtown area briefly occupying some street intersections. Reports from Denver: Report and photos from DNC in Denver | DNC Rally, Stop the War by Marcus

UPDATE: Tues, August 26th – Police violence brought an end to peaceful protests in Denver Monday night. There are numerous reports of unprovoked police attacks on peaceful demonstrators. Pepper spray reported used by police. Hundreds of people were penned in near the Civic Center Park and many arrests occurred there during the anticapitalista march. VIDEO: DNC Protest, Monday August 25, 2008 – Denver | Webcam video of some of Monday Night’s Arrests in Denver

UPDATE:Wed. August 27th - There were some tense moments at the Unconventional Denver convergence space this morning when police set up a perimeter around it and attempted to enter and search the building. Security at the space demanded a search warrant when police asked to enter the space. Legal aid was called to the scene immediately where video and written accounts were taken. Police were unable to obtain a warrant and left after some time, but not before arresting 2 activists outside the center. It is unclear what the charges were. Fears of a full scale raid were raised later in the day when police parked multiple SUVs and other vehicles with multiple detachments of riot police outside the center. But no raid occurred. At this time the center is open and operating.

In the afternoon a Rage Against the Machine concert concluded with fans marching to the Pepsi Center. Rage band members are said to have joined the march the march lead by Iraq Veterans Against the War. An Estimate 3,500 people took part in the march.

About 50 vets who have served in Iraq marched in full uniform to the Pepsi Center and demanded that the police let them in to speak to Obama. The stand off with riot police and uniformed veteran made for an ironic image. The vets stood their ground and there are reports that two of them were allowed into the convention and were able to deliver their list of demands to someone on the Obama campaign staff. The Iraq war veterans are demanding that Obama, if elected, order an immediate end to the war and bring all troops home.

There are unconfirmed reports of a few arrests of protesters during the march but no details on the charges. At a Critical Mass ride 3 people were arrested; it is unclear what the charges were. There have been no reports of police violence on the scale of Monday night's unprovoked police attack at the civic center park. About 120 known arrests of protesters have been made so far this week. Tomorrow is the last day of the convention and more protest actions are expected. From the news wire: DENVER Under Police Siege by Marcus | Cell phone photos of IVAW/Rage march in Denver

Latest news: DNC in DNV Dispatch from the streets of denver

MP3 audio: DNC in DNV - Eye Witness to Police Violence

For more Indymedia coverage see: IMC-US and Colorado Indymedia

August 12 was the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of Haitian human rights activist Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine. Thus, the Ad Hoc Working Group for Haiti stepped up its pressure on the local Brazilian consulate—in conjunction with actions around the world, including ones in England, Guyana, and Haiti itself. Between 20 and 22 demonstrators were counted, and a 92-year-old passerby raised her walker in support

Story and pictures: Local Actions on One-Year Anniversary of the Kidnapping of Haitian Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine by Ross Plesset

August 20, 2008 – A coalition of immigrants right groups are calling for a national day of protest at ICE detention centers nationwide this Friday, August 22nd. At issue is the brutality of recent ICE raids against immigrant communities and workplaces as well as inhumane conditions and human rights violations at ICE detention centers. Coordinated demonstrations are planned for 4 pm Friday afternoon at ICE centers around the nation.
From the Newswire: LA area ICE Detention Center Locations
More information from the calendar: Stop the raids protest/vigil fight for migrant rights by Tania Torres

LOS ANGELES August 19, 2008 - Four so called “undocumented students” called the “Underground Undergrads” spoke at a community forum last week at Remy’s on Temple, in historic Filipinotown. The Forum sponsored by the UCLA Labor Center and Remy’s on Temple Art Gallery featured the UCLA undocumented immigrant students who told their stories on how undocumented students get by and the problems they face.

From the Newswire: Out Of The Shadows - Underground Undergrads Speak Out by the Echo Park Community Coalition

LOS ANGELES, August 12, 2008 - The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) based in the United States calls on the US-Arroyo Regime to stop its military offensives against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) armed forces in the Central Mindanao areas and resume peace talks now. According to media sources in the Philippines, more than 160,000 people have been affected by the fighting between the AFP and the MILF in six towns of central Mindanao. At least 60 AFP troops have been killed since the week-old fighting erupted. From the Newswire: STOP THE MILITARY OFFENSIVES, RESUME PEACE TALKS NOW! by AJLPP

Update: AJLPP Calls for The Resumption of Peace Talks, Warns of US Intervention

LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2008 - Residents of the Wyvernwood Community in Boyle Heights, are organizing to stop plans to demolish 1,178 units of affordable housing in the historic district and replace them with 4,400, primarily luxury units. The project and others proposed in the Boyle Heights area threaten to displace an estimated 6,000 people if approved.

The tenants have vowed to fight against any development plans that will result in demolition of historic buildings, displacement of any tenants, loss of rent controlled units or rent increases, loss of green space or have adverse impacts on traffic and congestion.
From the Newswire: Boyle Heights Residents Come out to oppose move

On July 2, Angelinos overcame the City-planned divides between rich and poor, cultural differences, and even broke through language barriers in the fight to restore the South Central Farm. When the developer proposed a diesel-spewing warehouse distribution center for the site, Farmers and Farm supporters threw a wrench in the cogs of City Hall and won a round in the fight to force Horowitz to do an Environmental Impact Report: they forced a twenty-one day delay for more public comments, and gained a glimmer of hope to restore the Farm. The fight between the people and developers' grip on City Hall could be decided by this Wednesday, July 23, 2008, the new deadline for public comments and the second hearing, a week or two later on the tenth floor of City Hall, in front of a small advisory board.

From the Newswire: Save the Farm. Deadline: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 by Leslie Radford
GOOD NEWS FOR THE SOUTH CENTRAL FARM by South Central Farmers
Saving the South Central Farm: Listening to the Land by Juan Santos and Leslie Radford

SANTA MONICA, July 16, 2008 – The run on Indymac Bank, continued into its third day this Wednesday. The branch on Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica has started issuing numbers to customers wanting to withdraw money from their accounts. Today, the doors to the bank were guarded by two security agents. Customers were only allowed entry when their number was called. Over 500 people have been issued numbers at this one branch to meet with bank officers to try and secure their life savings.
From the Newswire: MP3 Audio: Interviews with Indymac Customers

July 2, 2008: Former Santa Monica Green Mayor Mike Feinstein spoke against approving a warehouse on the land of the South Central Farm, and the conflict such approval would have with the Los Angeles General Plan Framework, at the City of Los Angeles Hearing Agenda.

Also, Linda Piera-Avila (County Councilmember, Green Party of Los Angeles County) spoke against approving a warehouse on the land of the South Central Farm, and the negative air quality impacts it would have.

Videos: VIDEOS: South Central Farm - Feinstein, Piera-Avila oppose warehouse at Farm by Mike Feinstein

Related article: South Central Farm Shows Alternative to Industrial Ag Monocultura

There was a lot of consciousness about the event itself, and quite a bit of discussion about the meaning of the Fourth of July and the whole concept of “Independence” in light of how many people have historically lost their freedom so that some could call themselves “Free”. Another interesting discussion was the idea promulgated by the media, (at whose behest?) … that Black and Brown people are at war with each other. The lie to that supposed idea was obvious in the parking lot of Self-Help Graphics where people of all colors, (whites included), celebrated, if not their independence, their unity and solidarity in the face of common challenges…and enemies.
Full story: THE FARCE OF JULY AT SELF-HELP GRAPHICS by Anna Kunkin

[Opt. Ed. Feature] - After Sen. Barack Obama, clinched the nomination to be the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2008 election, he began taking on bum advice. He is also running “scared” and it’s only July! No wonder the GOP’s standard bearer, Sen. John McCain, is smiling more these days. Sen. Obama, the supposed “Candidate of Change,” is fast reprising Sen. John Kerry’s losing, timid, don’t-rock-the boat strategy of his 2004 White House race against Dubya. As I write, Sen. Obama, who inspired millions in the primaries, is caving in on issue after issue. This is the same candidate who gave the appearance of strong resolve in smashing the Democratic Party’s Political Machine in Maryland last February. (1) Today, he’s looking like he’s part of that Old Boys’ network. From the Newswire: Barack Obama Is Taking On a Lot of Bum Advice by William Hughes | | The Odds of Change: A Statistical Look at Our Democrat’s Voting Records by Debbie Morgan | | Obama: Just Another Lie

LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2008 – It has been two years since the South Central Farmers were forcibly evicted and their farmland destroyed. While most all of the farmers have found new land to till they have not lost hope that the site at 41st and Long Beach will some day grow food again. The fight for the land where the farm once was is not over. The farmers are now organizing to stop the city from granting a building permit for developer Ralph Horowitz's proposed construction of a truck depot and warehousing complex on the site. They are asking supporters to come to a planning commission hearing this Wednesday, July 2 at 10:00 am at Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring Street, Room 1020

From the Newswire: July 2nd - Stop warehouse on old South Central Farm Land

LOS ANGELES, June 23, 2008 - The Los Angeles activist community is mourning the sudden passing of long time local human rights activist, Don White. Don was discovered dead in his apartment by friends this Saturday. The cause of his death is unknown at this time.

Public memorial services have been arranged for August 10th at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, see: Sun Aug 10: Celebrate the Life of Don White for details.

Don White was the director of CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador) and for many years active in the local Salvadoran community. Reports from the newswire: BREAKING: Local Activist Don White Found Dead

Readers share memories of Don: Don White Presente...With Love by Anna L. Kunkin | | Don White: My Recollections and Pictures since 1985 by Carl Gunther | | Don White - La Lucha Continua! & Don White March 15 by Hugh Stegman | | Companero Don White, PRESENTE! by AJLPP | | Roberto Lovato: Companero Don White, Presente! by Roberto Lovato | | JFAV and the Filipino Community Salutes Companero Don White

Req. for Donations for Don White Funeral Guest

VIDEO Don White Addressing a Los Angeles Antiwar Rally in March of 2005

AUDIO MP3 Audio of Don White at Anti-Reagan Protest

Next weekend, Friday June 27th to Sunday June 29th is the LA Social Forum. Billed as “a weekend of building bridges between LA-based campaigns for social justice, environmental action, criminal reform, election fairness, gender equity, political power and cultural expression.”

The conference kicks off Friday evening at 6 pm on the campus of USC. Over 70 workshops on a wide range of issues will be offered during the weekend. The Los Angeles Independent Media Center is among those groups holding a workshop, see: LA Indymedia Workshop.

“The Los Angeles Social Forum is a place where Southern California activists will meet and share power, plans, perspectives, and ideas while building a network for peace and social justice.” For more information please see: LASocialForum.org

NEW: Commentary on the Forum: [Opt. Ed.] "Outreach" or Alliance Building? by Michael Novick | | An Open Letter Regarding the LA Social Forum and Leftist Organizing by Tom Louie

CALIFORNIA, June 17, 2008 – Hundreds of marriages of same sex couples took place yesterday as the state of California officially ended discrimination based on gender. This Saturday, June 21st, more civil ceremonies will be conducted all day long in West Hollywood Park from 8 AM to 8 PM. While people are celebrating now there is concern about an anti-gay proposition on the ballot this November. A coalition of homophobic fundamentalist groups claim they have enough signatures for a measure that would amend the state constitution to ban same sex marriage. But for now wedding bells continue to ring throughout the state.
Reports from the newswire: VIDEO: Same-Sex Marriages: Orange County, California, USA

LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2008 – Over 40,000 Los Angeles teachers sacrificed an hour of their pay to protest the proposed state budget cuts on Friday. The hour-long protests were held in front of the schools as students entered the campus and administrators were relegated to supervising children.

At Belvedere Elementary School in East Los Angeles, about 300 parents, teachers and students banged drums, shook maracas and hoisted bilingual signs reading "Save our schools," some hand-lettered in crayon and marker. "This affects all of us in the state. It's worth losing an hour [of school] if it gets kids Schwarzenegger's attention, because if they take everything away that would be worse," parent Lizbeth Roman, 25, of East L.A. said in Spanish as she marched with her three children, chanting, "More money for education!"

VIDEO: LA School Teachers Stage 1 Hour Walkout

6/6 Los Angeles Teachers Strike; General Strike Needed

Teachers Strike In LA by Echo Park Community Coalition

New report with photos: L. A. Teachers Fight Cuts in Education Budget by jlr - builder123

LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2008 – A group of about 50 people gathered today at Olvera Street and marched to the downtown federal building for a demonstration against the ongoing ICE raids in local communities and workplaces. The raids are tearing families apart when undocumented parents are seized and deported leaving their US born children behind. ICE raids have been increasing in scale and brutality. There are reports of violence and human rights violations by ICE officers during recent large scale raids locally and in Iowa this month. From the Newswire: VIDEO: Stop the Raids Demo | | Photos: Stop the ICE Raids Protest

The UCLA Clothesline Project is a student organization that aims to stop sexual violence. The project strives to take that first most difficult step: to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and raise awareness about a crime where it’s the victims that are made to feel guilty and ashamed.

Rape survivors are invited to make t-shirts about their experience and hang the shirts on a clothesline. For many it is a brave step they take toward speaking out about their histories with sexual violence. Families and friends of victims are also welcome to create t-shirts.

Most sexual assaults go unreported and the problem is more widespread than many realize. Even when the crime is reported the victim is often blamed for instigating the attack. Rape is also systematically used as a weapon of war by governments around the world. And the so called developed nations like the US are no exception to this.
From the newswire: Stop Rape: Breaking the Silence and The UCLA Clothesline Project by Survivors Ally

SANTA ANA, May 15, 2008 - Labor unions from Orange County and San Diego County gathered at the Civic Center in Santa Ana to protest Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new round of budget cuts. Deep cuts to public education, health care, welfare recipients, law enforcement, parks, probation departments, and the disabled are expected. Massive layoffs of certificated and classified employees in school districts throughout California have already occurred. Report From the Newswire: Santa Ana Labor Rally: HEY, ARNOLD! NO BUDGET CUTS! by df

Related article: IS CALIFORNIA REALLY BROKE? by Alex Walker

NEW VIDEO: Hey, Arnold! No Budget Cuts 4 CA Education: Segerstrom Hi Students & Teachers Speak Out by df

Related - Video: Cal state LA students protest budget cuts with sit in, Part 1 | | Part 2