October 22nd Coalition in the San Francisco Bay Area October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a Generation

Ké Huelga Radio writes: Mexico is bleeding. Along with the so-called "war against drug-dealers" we see the whole Mexican territory turn olive green. The militarization is part of the global war driven by the United States, which began with the 9-11 events and created new enemies: terrorism and drug trafficking. Attuned with the Lords of the north, the Mexican government has launched its own war creating a police-ruled state and criminalizing social protest.

On July 19th, approximately 80 to 100 people rallied in the parking lot of the Walnut Creek courthouse in support of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. Counter-protesters, estimated to number about 200, showed up to demonstrate for Oscar Grant and other victims of police brutality. The rally was prompted by the conviction of Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter in the New Year's Day 2009 shooting death of train rider Oscar Grant.

Wes Modes returned to Santa Cruz County Court on July 16th. This high-profile infraction case, claimed by supporters as harassment of Modes, a well-known anarchist activist, stems from his alleged participation in the Last Night DIY New Year's parade on December 31st, 2009, as well as a knowledge that the 2009 parade did not receive a permit. A ruling in the case is expected shortly after August 9th.

On July 9th, people gathered at the corner of Pacific Ave. and Cooper St. in downtown Santa Cruz to protest against police murder and the unjust verdict in the trial of Johanes Mehserle, and to express solidarity with protesters in Oakland. About two dozen demonstrators held signs and engaged pedestrians. The demonstration drew reactions from tourists, locals, and the police.

On July 22nd, San Francisco's Submission Gallery will host a benefit for Marie Mason, a long-time activist in the environmental and labor movements from Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2008, Marie was arrested on federal charges of property destruction and later sentenced to almost 22 years in prison, the longest term of any "Green Scare" prisoner. Activists and former prisoners Linda Evans, Jeff Luers, and Karen Pickett will share their experiences and perspectives on Marie's case.

The U.S. District Court in San Jose has thrown out the indictment of four animal rights activists who were charged with violating the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, because the government did not clearly explain what, exactly, the protesters did. The case is not over, however. The government can still re-indict the defendants with an amended bill of particulars that clearly outlines their alleged actions.

On July 8th, former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Oscar Grant on January 1st, 2009 in Oakland, California. Mehserle was led away from the courtroom in handcuffs and is now in custody. His sentencing was expected on Friday, August 6th, but has now been delayed at the defense's request. Involuntary manslaughter can carry 2 to 6 years, with up to 10 added for a gun enhancement. Sentencing and other motions are now on the court calendar for Friday, November 5th at 8:30 a.m. In Oakland, thousands of people took over the intersection of Broadway and 14th for a protest which started shortly after the 4PM verdict and lasted until late in the evening. Over fifty protesters were arrested. Protests also took place in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Fresno, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Bloomington Indiana and elsewhere.

Since July 4th, a couple dozen people have been protesting the Santa Cruz Sleeping Ban by camping each night from 8pm - 8am at the County Courthouse. Organizer Ed Frey says that the demonstration aims to "convince local and national government to stop breaching the peace, especially that of peaceful sleepers, and to instead use resources to discourage violence and warfare in all its forms."

According to Staff of SubRosa Cafe, there was a break-in and burglary at their space in downtown Santa Cruz in the early hours of June 26th. Someone broke a window, took some stuff from the backroom and a small amount of money left in the register. A small portion of the SubRosa collective, who were dealing with the aftermath and cleanup, decided that they do not want to pursue charges against the person who was arrested. SubRosa Staff say, "We see this as another symptom of capitalism--some people have nothing and feel desperate enough to break in to spaces that also, it turns out this time, have nothing."

For weeks, as the trial of Johannes Mehserle for the murder of Oscar Grant has progressed, city leaders have been stirring up fears of "outside agitators" bringing trouble to Oakland should Mehserle be acquitted or found guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter rather than the maximum now available, second degree murder. Corporate television stations have been running near daily coverage of Oakland police preparing to quell riots, while local non-profits have been disseminating talking points geared toward "inoculating" Oakland youth from their own feelings of anger. In Oakland, a community gathering has been called for 14th Street and Broadway at 6pm the day the verdict is announced. For further updates, see the next related Indybay feature.

On June 1st, family, friends, and community activists gathered in front of Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malleys office in Oakland to demand a vigorous prosecution of Johannes Mehserle for the murder of Oscar Grant. The next day jury questionnaires were handed out in Los Angeles Superior Court, and after numerous motions have been heard in pre-trial hearings and a jury which includes no African Americans was selected, the long-awaited trial began with opening statements on June 10th. On June 14th, the LA Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant made a call — "All Out to the Courthouse" &#8212 and hundreds rallied for justice. In Oakland, a mass community gathering has been called for 14th Street and Broadway at 6pm the day of the Mehserle verdict.

Positive Loiterer writes, "When Take Back Santa Cruz first appeared as a response to a gang-related stabbing of a high school student last year, it seemed reasonable enough. Why not have an organization dedicated to making our community safer, largely through encouraging people to spend more time 'positively loitering' in public spaces? Before long, however, it became clear that TBSC had a fairly narrow vision of what safety means, and from whom Santa Cruz should be taken back."

On Friday, May 28th at 1:30pm in Dept 2 at 701 Ocean St. in the court of Judge Burdick, Free Skool Santa Cruz, Last Night DIY, Trash Orchestra, and SubRosa activist Wes Modes goes on trial for 6 infractions, 5 of them nearly 2 years old, in what appears to be a joint action by D.A. Bob Lee and City Attorney John Barisone. At 12:30pm on the steps of the courthouse, there will be a rally in support of Wes, as well the freedom of assembly and community-generated events.

On Sunday, May 23rd, community members held a vigil from 11am to 1pm in Oakland's Frank Ogawa Plaza to mourn the death of Aiyana Jones and all victims of police violence. Seven-year-old Aiyana Jones was shot and killed by police on May 16th during a no-knock raid on her family's Detroit home. The incident was filmed by the crew of the reality TV cop show The First 48, which had been following the Detroit Police Department. A lawyer for the Jones family claims that the footage contradicts the police account of the incident.

Four armed deputies attempted to visit SubRosa on May 19th. SubRosa was closed at the time, and the deputies told SubRosa's neighbor that they wanted to talk to staff about "worker's comp issues." One of them was an inspector in the Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office. Apparently, this makes good on the DA's promise to investigate SubRosa for any connection with the May Day property destruction.

After 8 years, 13 locations and over 150 free films to the community, Guerilla Drive-In is being targeted by the Santa Cruz Police. On May 14th, local film The Jesus Factor by Cheri Lovedog, showing under the Soquel Ave bridge, was shutdown by Santa Cruz police officers before it even started. This is the second time in two weeks that the authorities have shut down the screenings.

San José residents report that during Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year police conducted daytime checkpoints, issuing numerous citations and arresting Latino drivers. They diverted cars from the downtown area, effectively evacuating the city center and shutting down street celebrations for two nights. Many residents are wondering how the city can afford thousands of hours of police overtime pay for extreme enforcement actions on Cinco de Mayo while the city faces a budget crisis.

In the recently released itemized receipts for repairing Kerr Hall, following an occupation of the building in November 2009, there appears to be evidence that the UC Santa Cruz administration filed a claim for damages that occurred, and may have been reimbursed for the costs. This implies that the UCSC students being held responsible for participating in the occupation are being charged for expenses that have been covered by the UC's insurance policy. This raises questions about the validity and legality of those restitution charges.

The world premiere screening of La Vie en Verte: The WAMM Movie will take place on Wednesday, May 12th, 6:30pm at the Riverfront Theater, as part of the Santa Cruz Film Festival. La Vie en Verte documents the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM), a "collective of patients and caregivers [who have been] providing hope, building community and offering medical marijuana on a donation basis" for over a decade. In the film, we meet Valerie and Mike Corral, and follow their journey as they dedicate their lives to offering compassionate care despite the antagonism of the brutal federal government. Valerie and Mike Corral will be at the screening, in addition to directors Charlie Hall and Bevin-Bell Hall.

On April 27th, people believed to be paramilitaries affiliated with the ruling party of Oaxaca ambushed an international aid caravan en route to the autonomous town of San Juan Copala, Oaxaca. At least two people are reported dead. The caravan was carrying food, water, and other basic necessities to the town, which has been subject to a paramilitary blockade that has prevented anyone from entering or leaving the community since January.