Wed Apr 13 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
UFW Tries to Silence Boycott Driscoll’s Activists at Cesar Chavez March
Wed Apr 13 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
Activists Ask United Farm Workers: Which Side Are You On?
On April 3, members of Watsonville Brown Berets (WBB) traveled to Salinas to attend the annual Cesar Chavez March and Rally presented by United Farm Workers (UFW). WBB were joined by members of Familias Unidas por la Justicia (FUJ), an independent farmworker union in Burlington, Washington fighting for a union contract, and initiators of the boycott against Driscoll's. Although advocating for farmworkers' rights seems like it would be warmly welcomed by UFW, that was not the experience for WBB and FUJ members.
Wed Apr 13 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
State of Mexico Riot Police Raid San Francisco Xochicuautla
Wed Apr 13 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
New Attack Against Otomí Community and Its Forest Arouses Widespread Repudiation
On Monday, April 11, 2016, around 800 State of Mexico riot police at the service of Grupo Higa laid siege to the Otomí community of San Francisco Xochicuautla, destroyed the camp set up in defense of the forest, used heavy machinery to illegally tear down the house of Dr. Armando García Salazar, and violently dragged out at least 25 men, women and children who were inside the house, including 64-year-old Isabel Hernández, a member of the Supreme Indigenous Council of Xochicuautla.
Tue Apr 12 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Housing State of Emergency Declared in Oakland
Tue Apr 12 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
City Council Passes 90-Day Rent Increase Limit But Fails to Pass Temporary Eviction Freeze
Oakland renters have been facing nearly 1,000 evictions per month. Rents have skyrocketed and the median rent is currently $3,000 per month. Housing activists have been pushing for a temporary freeze on evictions and rent hikes to protect tenants from the massive upheaval. On April 6, the Oakland City Council responded by voting unanimously to support a 90-day moratorium on rent increases, but failed to pass a temporary freeze on evictions.
Sun Apr 10 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
San Francisco Police Execute Homeless Man
Sun Apr 10 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Despite SFPD Deescalation Claim, Jose Luis Gongora Shot Down in Under 30 Seconds
On April 7, a homeless man, Jose Luis Gongora, allegedly brandishing a knife, was executed by SFPD. Surveillance camera video shows police cars rolling up, cops getting out and approaching Jose Luis off-camera. Police claimed they attempted to deescalate the situation, but the video shows two cops approaching Jose Luis with a shotgun pointed at him and shouting at him. The cop with the shotgun can be heard firing four "less lethal" bean-bag rounds at Jose Luis before at least one of the cops shoots and kills him. On April 9, SFPD raided a nearby tent encampment on Shotwell Street, knocking over objects with sticks, including several memorial candles that lined the front of Jose Luis' tent which is still at the scene.
Fri Apr 8 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
26 Arrested at Drone War Base in Nevada
Fri Apr 8 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
Resistance Continues at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada
On April 1, at Creech AFB in Indian Springs, Nevada, morning traffic was diverted by dozens of peace and justice activists attempting to shut down the armed drone attack program through nonviolent civil resistance. Twelve peaceful resisters were arrested at the two main gates of Creech. Another six were arrested at the main East Gate while blocking the entrance with "crime scene" tape, referring to the criminal activity of weaponized drone terrorism conducted at Creech, killing thousands of non-combatants and civilians over the past decade.
Fri Apr 8 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
March 39 and Counting… Nuit Debout and the New French Uprising
Fri Apr 8 2016 (Updated 04/20/16)
Vive la Révolution! A New Generation is At War with the System
The spirit of resistance has captured the imagination of a new generation in France, as youth-led opposition to neoliberal labour “reforms” has spiraled into full-on rejection of the whole capitalist system on the street and squares. The situation took on a new dimension after the general strike and day of action on March 31. There was a call for people not to go home afterwards but to stay on the streets, beginning a wave of overnight “Nuit Debout” occupations that has spread from Paris across France and into the Iberian peninsular, Belgium and Germany.
Wed Mar 30 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Oakland Justice Coalition Pushing for Radical Change at the Ballot Box
Wed Mar 30 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Grassroots Effort Under Way for New Oakland Police Commission, Tenant Rights, $20 Min Wage
Community activists working independently on separate ballot measures have come together under the umbrella of the Oakland Justice Coalition. Together, the three measures they propose would radically transform police accountability, renters' protections, and the minimum wage in Oakland. On March 24, Oakland Justice Coalition members made a formal announcement of their intentions in front of Oakland City Hall. The canvassing kickoff will be held on April 2.
Tue Mar 29 2016 (Updated 04/19/16)
City Bulldozes Beach Flats Community Garden for Seaside Company
Tue Mar 29 2016 (Updated 04/19/16)
Beach Flats Gardeners Remain Committed to 2016 Planting Season Despite Losing Land
A bulldozer rumbled into the Beach Flats Community Garden early Thursday morning, March 24, tearing out mature fruit trees and nopales plants that city staff had earlier promised would not be touched, and damaging an already strained relationship between the City and community. Despite the loss of land, fruit trees, and nopales, the Beach Flats Gardeners are committed to making the best of the 2016 planting season.
Sun Mar 27 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
California Apartment Association Stalking the Tenants' Rights Movement
Sun Mar 27 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
CAA Opposes Rent Controls in Oakland, Alameda, San Jose, Mountain View, and Other Cities
The California Apartment Association (CAA) has been meddling in the affairs of city after city in Northern California in an effort to stop any and all renter protections being promoted by renters, tenant activists, and their supporters. The same day that Oakland tenant activists filed a ballot initiative to strengthen renter protections called the Renters Upgrade, the CAA announced that they were keeping an eye on things, and are coming up with their own plan to counter the tenants' movement efforts.
Sun Mar 27 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Killing of Freddy Centeno Caught on Fresno PD Body Cameras
Sun Mar 27 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Family of Freddy Centeno Files Lawsuit Against Fresno Police for Wrongful Death
On March 23, the family of Freddy Centeno filed a lawsuit against the Fresno Police department alleging that officers Zebulon Price and Felipe Miguel Lucero acted beyond the limits of their authority when they shot Freddy seven times on September 3, 2015. Freddy was unarmed, carrying a spray nozzle to a garden hose. The officers opened fire less than six seconds after they exited their cruiser. The shooting left Freddy in a coma for twenty-three days before he passed away.
Sat Mar 26 2016 (Updated 04/16/16)
Farmworkers on West Coast Tour: Boycott Driscoll's from Border to Border
Sat Mar 26 2016 (Updated 04/16/16)
Washington State Farmworkers Launch West Coast Tour in Solidarity with San Quintín
Familias Unidas por la Justicia (FUJ) has embarked on an historic 28-day tour of the West Coast to organize a major offensive on the world’s largest berry distributor, Driscoll’s Berries. The local independent farmworker union, based in Burlington, WA, is touring the coast at a crucial moment in their campaign for a union contract at Driscoll's supplier Sakuma Brothers Farms. Driscoll’s and Sakuma are feeling pressure from a growing amount of boycott activity. On Thursday, March 31, there was a major action at Driscoll’s headquarters in Watsonville.
Thu Mar 24 2016 (Updated 04/21/16)
Agricultural Pesticide Use Up 10% in Monterey, 9.4% in Santa Cruz
Thu Mar 24 2016 (Updated 04/21/16)
CA Department of Pesticide Regulation Releases Results of Annual Pesticide Use Reporting
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation released the results of annual pesticide use reporting – the only reporting like it in the country – offering a glimpse into what potentially hazardous pesticides are being used in the state. Despite fewer plantings and crop loss due to the drought across the state, hazardous pesticide use increased in some counties. From 2013 to 2014, in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, such pesticide use increased 10.0% and 9.4%, respectively.
Tue Mar 22 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Oakland Real Estate & Business Conference Shut Down
Tue Mar 22 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Protesters Crash Oakland Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Set to Feature Mayor Libby Schaaf
Before 8am on March 18, over a hundred housing activists caught the Oakland Chamber of Commerce off guard at their "Oakland is open for business" breakfast for real estate developers. Protesters were able to completely shut down the 2016 Economic Development Summit at the Kaiser Building on Lake Merritt before Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf could even give her opening remarks.
Wed Mar 23 2016 (Updated 04/21/16)
Chemicals Used in Acidization Threaten Water Supplies
Wed Mar 23 2016 (Updated 04/21/16)
Acidization Study Finds Oil Companies Using Dozens of Hazardous Chemicals in CA Wells
Oil companies use dozens of extremely hazardous chemicals to acidize wells in California, raising water contamination and public-safety concerns, according to a new study in the Journal of Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry. The University of California-Los Angeles study, which has national significance because it seems to be the first ever to examine the toxicity of acidization chemicals, finds that almost 200 different chemicals have been used in the process.
Sun Mar 20 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Community Call for "Public Land for Public Good" Ignored by Oakland City Council
Sun Mar 20 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Oakland Council Approves Second UrbanCore Luxury Tower Proposal for E12th St Parcel
On March 15, the Oakland City Council approved moving forward with the latest iteration of luxury housing at the E12th Street parcel, public land that was created when the roads and bridges around the south end of Lake Merritt were recently reconfigured. Housing activists showed up at City Hall and successfully shut down the meeting, but the council then held their discussion and vote privately in Mayor Libby Schaaf's office. Critics vow to keep the fight alive for "public land for public good." A final vote on the proposed sale to UrbanCore will happen later this year.
Tue Mar 15 2016 (Updated 03/30/16)
Students Occupying Katehi's Office at UC Davis Refuse to Back Down After 21 Days
Tue Mar 15 2016 (Updated 03/30/16)
Growing Number Call for UC Davis Chancellor Katehi to Resign, Including Assembly Members
Students at UC Davis have been occupying Chancellor Linda Katehi's office and holding tight since Friday, March 11, demanding that Katehi resign or be fired. Administrators escalated their response with threats of suspension and even expulsion if occupiers do not vacate the building. Demonstrators are also calling for the hiring process to be redesigned "so that UC Davis students and workers are not only a part of this process, but a major deciding body in the selection and confirmation of a new Chancellor."
Sun Mar 13 2016 (Updated 03/14/16)
Protect Monterey County Takes Another Step Towards Fracking Ban
Sun Mar 13 2016 (Updated 03/14/16)
Signature Gathering Help Needed for Anti-Fracking Ballot Initiative in Monterey County
On February 23, Protect Monterey County gathered at the steps of the old court house in Salinas to announce the delivery of their notice of intent to circulate the petition: "Protect Our Water: Ban Fracking and Limit Risky Oil Operations Initiative." The group is now seeking signature gathering help to put the anti-fracking Initiative on the ballot in Monterey County for November 2016.
Sun Mar 13 2016 (Updated 03/14/16)
Disappearance of Goats, Rabbits at Santa Cruz Biotechnology Raises Questions
Sun Mar 13 2016 (Updated 03/14/16)
Exodus of SCBT Goat and Rabbit Inventories Coincides with Enforcement Actions by USDA
A recently released United States Department of Agriculture inspection report from January 2016 discloses that Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. (SCBT), one of the world’s largest producers of animal-derived research antibodies, has eliminated its entire inventory of goats and rabbits. An inspection conducted by the USDA just six months prior revealed an inventory of 3,202 goats and 2,471 rabbits. The disappearance raises questions about the facility's future.
Sun Mar 6 2016
Cannabis Patient John Mazula Found Not Guilty in San Diego
Terrie Best of San Diego Americans for Safe Access writes: On March 1, the prosecution began its case against John Mazula, who was being charged with manufacturing medical cannabis concentrates. The case came down to whether the process John used to extract cannabis concentrate made use of butane gas or not. Without hesitation each juror at the table one-by-one pronounced John not guilty. Then they discussed why. The jurors blamed the police. They knew the case was poorly put together with no evidence to convict John.
Wed Mar 2 2016 (Updated 03/27/16)
Boycott Driscoll's Action at Whole Foods Market in Santa Cruz
Wed Mar 2 2016 (Updated 03/27/16)
Workers Who Grow, Harvest, and Pack Driscoll’s Berries Struggle Against Systematic Abuses
On February 26, demonstrators gathered at Whole Foods Market in Santa Cruz to protest Driscoll's, the largest berry distributor in the world with a history unjust labor practices and repression of union organizing. Founded in the Pajaro Valley in 1904, Driscoll's is a privately held company with headquarters in Watsonville. Production of Driscoll’s berries extends into 22 countries.
Sun Feb 28 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Saving Midtown: San Francisco Renters on Strike
Sun Feb 28 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
New Documentary Examines the Story of the San Francisco Midtown Rent Strike
Since August 2015 the residents of Midtown Park apartments in the Fillmore district have been on a rent strike. Theirs is the largest rent strike in San Francisco since 1978. The residents are fighting the city who claims to own the property, they are fighting the non-profit Mercy Housing California who manages the property, and they are fighting the larger forces of displacement that have left only 5.8% black population in the city.
Sat Feb 27 2016 (Updated 03/01/16)
Protesters Face Off with FBI in Digital Privacy Battle
Sat Feb 27 2016 (Updated 03/01/16)
Demonstrators Insist FBI Wrong to Want to Break into Phones
On February 16, a US District Court in California, responding to an FBI request, ordered Apple to write an entirely new operating system for its iPhone, one that would give Federal authorities full access to encrypted private information on those phones. Protesters in the Bay Area cities of San Francisco and Palo Alto organized demonstrations saying the FBI demand would set a dangerous precedent and threaten the safety and security of millions of iPhone users worldwide.
Tue Feb 23 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
California's Police Bill of Rights Challenged in State House
Tue Feb 23 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
New California Bill Promises Increased Transparency in Law Enforcement Misconduct Records
The California Police Bill of Rights as it is known today could be on its way out if California SB1286 becomes law, shining increased light on police misconduct in the state. Police "unions" and lobbyists like the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) are expected to fight to maintain the secrecy that currently shields their bad behavior — and legislators historically tend to kowtow to their wishes. The public, however, clearly wants greater access to police records.
Sun Feb 21 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Anti-BDS Bills Introduced in California Legislature
Sun Feb 21 2016 (Updated 04/18/16)
Nationwide, New Laws Seek to Suppress Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Campaigns
Israel’s defenders in the U.S. have intensified their efforts to stifle criticism of Israeli government policies with new bills and laws seeking to censor or punish advocacy in support of Palestinian rights. In California, two anti-BDS bills were introduced by Assembly member Travis Allen. AB 1551, the “California Israel Commerce Protection Act”, would prohibit the state from investing in businesses and institutions that comply with boycotts against Israel or Israeli-controlled territories. AB 1552 would prohibit the state from contracting with entities that engage in what he calls “boycotts due to discrimination and bigotry.”
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The Garden and the Freeway
Saturday Apr 23rd 11:40 PM
Farm defenders occupy the Gill Tract again to halt construction indefinitely
Saturday Apr 23rd 5:15 PM
Water rates will increase to pay for Delta Tunnels
Saturday Apr 23rd 2:27 PM
Humpback whale successfully disentangled by California Whale Rescue network
Friday Apr 22nd 11:36 PM
For-profit affordable housing developers target the Bay Area
Friday Apr 22nd 8:11 PM
AFT 2121 (City College strike)
Friday Apr 22nd 10:23 AM
Workers “never” have a right to witness mediation, California says
Thursday Apr 21st 11:30 PM
Pacific Avenue: Freedom Of Press At Its Finest
Thursday Apr 21st 9:49 PM
Farm labor board rules Gerawan guilty of ‘extensive’ and ‘illegal misconduct’
Thursday Apr 21st 9:26 PM
Nice Pick Justice turnout at court in Fresno
Thursday Apr 21st 5:51 PM
Judge again says ALRB and UFW colluded on litigation strategy
Thursday Apr 21st 5:36 PM
LA Times report validates Pick Justice’s positions about UFW & ALRB
Thursday Apr 21st 5:22 PM
Oakland double-crosses tenant and affordable housing activists
Wednesday Apr 20th 2:17 AM
Bill Forcing Public Vote on Delta Tunnels Passes Key Committee
Tuesday Apr 19th 6:14 PM
Groups Support Bill Calling For Public Vote On Delta Tunnels
Tuesday Apr 19th 12:20 PM
Oakland proposal to redefine affordable housing harms the poor
Monday Apr 18th 5:49 PM
San José is in a housing crisis and needs your help!!!
Monday Apr 18th 2:33 AM
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This Week in Palestine, April 22nd, 2015
Friday Apr 22nd 10:59 PM
Rights advocates meet PEN Director to discuss call to drop Israeli government funding
Friday Apr 22nd 10:35 AM
UFW wins election to represent 240 farm workers at Ventura County companies
Thursday Apr 21st 4:35 PM
Argentina Returns to Bond Market after Debt Settlement
Thursday Apr 21st 8:41 AM
Australian environment ministers agree urgent action needed on climate change
Thursday Apr 21st 2:33 AM
Police evicts No Border Camp in Greece
Wednesday Apr 20th 5:13 AM
Academic Peer Review: Simon Springer and ‘Anarcho-Geography.’
Tuesday Apr 19th 7:01 PM
NPR's Marketplace: The Voice of Loanshark Capitalism
Tuesday Apr 19th 4:12 PM
Puerto Rico's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Congress Debates Legislation
Tuesday Apr 19th 9:23 AM
Philippines: Rodrigo Duterte’s One-Man Revolution and the CPP
Tuesday Apr 19th 12:45 AM
SPLC survey: Presidential campaign leading to widespread fear, bullying in schools
Sunday Apr 17th 3:00 AM
Education Opportunities for Incarcerated Persons - Bridging the Gap
Saturday Apr 16th 1:38 PM
A law offers relief to families struggling to care for serious mentally ill loved ones.
Saturday Apr 16th 10:09 AM
This Week in Palestine, April 15th, 2015
Friday Apr 15th 10:23 PM
RNs Welcome Bill to Step Up Public Safety for Patients in Hospital ‘Observation'
Friday Apr 15th 3:58 PM
House Republicans Convene to Discuss Puerto Rico Legislation
Friday Apr 15th 7:37 AM
West Coast Fisher Denied Endangered Species Act Protection in Bow to Timber Industry
Thursday Apr 14th 3:32 PM
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Truth is the First Casualty of War: Karabakh and Media Misinformation
Friday Apr 22nd 12:21 PM
The Socialist Equality Party Announces 2016 Candidates
Friday Apr 22nd 12:09 AM
We Can Phase Out Fossil Fuels Within a Decade, Study Says
Wednesday Apr 20th 10:32 AM
Former FBI Agent Pens Novel Based on Fictional Experiences in the Animal Rights Movement
Tuesday Apr 19th 10:58 PM
When it's so dirty itself?
Tuesday Apr 19th 4:14 PM
Death Row calling...4-19-16 Mouse Report
Tuesday Apr 19th 1:45 PM
The Steep Cost of Tax Dodging
Tuesday Apr 19th 6:52 AM
Andy's At It Again In Cahoots With SEIU Pres Mary Kay Henry And Airbnb
Tuesday Apr 19th 4:22 AM
GOP Congressman Tim Murphy of PA Seeks To Denight To Refuse Toxic Medications
Monday Apr 18th 2:30 PM
Whole or in part by children
Monday Apr 18th 1:32 PM
Do your homework on Clinton
Monday Apr 18th 9:03 AM
911 Families Should Focus On Those Who Caused WTC Bombing, Not Saudi Arabia.
Monday Apr 18th 7:43 AM
One human being is equal to a hundred animals?
Monday Apr 18th 2:42 AM
Kevin Cooper call from death row
Sunday Apr 17th 5:24 AM
The Several Crucifixions Of Jackie Robinson, Number 42
Saturday Apr 16th 7:56 AM
The Shortwave Report 04/15/16 Listen Globally!
Thursday Apr 14th 5:37 PM
UC Davis spent thousands to scrub pepper-spray references from Internet
Thursday Apr 14th 12:17 PM
Open Newswire...
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