Justice for Salvador Zepeda! No More Stolen Lives!
For immediate release: Contact (Eng./Spanish):
February 21, 2009 Allegra Padilla 323.369.9662
**For Immediate Release: Vigil Today for Salvador Zepeda Alarcon, 18 year old murdered by Sheriffs in East Los Angeles 5pm-7pm**
On November 30th Salvador Zepeda was murdered by the Sheriffs in East Los Angeles in cold blood a block away from his home. He was coming from a party, and his neighbors witnessed the police kill him and then plant a gun on him. He was only 18 years old, and his family is fighting for justice. The East Los Angeles Sheriffs Department continues to harass the community and intimidate them, they wish to silence the wrongful murder and have arrested 16 people from the same neighborhood, most of them youth. The family has a current lawsuit pending on the Sheriff’s Department.
East Los Angeles, CA, February 21st, 2009. There will be a vigil today from (5-7pm)called for by the Zepeda family, and organized by supporting organizations and the community at on the corner where Salvador (or Chava, all of his friends called him) was slain, on Humphreys Ave. and Folsom St. in East Los Angeles. Leading up to the vigil, organizers as well as community members have been harassed and intimidated by the same Sheriffs department.
The sheriffs have tried to slander the character of Chava by saying that he was a gang member, but he was someone who was known and loved by all in this neighborhood. Maribel Zepeda, Salvador’s sister, said, "I want his story to be out there, and not forgotten. The police are just going to try and brush it under the rug. We want justice for Chava."
Organizers from the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, ADELANTE, the Guerrilla Chapter of Cop Watch Los Angeles, have put out the call to different community organizations to be there to support the families who suffer from this brutality and harassment on a daily basis in effort to demand justice for all lives stolen by law enforcement nationally and internationally.
The community of East Los Angeles along with the families who have been victims of police brutality and police murder will be at the vigil to say, "No more stolen lives." The community organizations will be there to support the families and to support grassroots efforts to stop these injustices that are being committed by all law enforcement agencies and officers nationally and internationally.
For more information please contact:
Or visit: www.copwatchla.org, copwatchlosangeles.blogspot.com
This vigil is sponsored and organized by:
October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a Generation, ADELANTE, Cop Watch Los Ángeles - Guerrilla Chapter, Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
###END###
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
East L.A. Sheriffs Harass Organizers: Justice for Salvador Zepeda
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009Spanish.jpg
On Wednesday February 18th, 2009 members of the October 22nd Coalition and Cop Watch Los Angeles - GC / Revolutionary Autonomous Communities were doing outreach in the East Los Angeles Community, for the vigil that will take place Saturday, February 21st for Salvador Zepeda who was murdered in cold blood by the Sheriffs on November 30th, 2008. In the same community where Salvador (Chava) was killed, the same sheriffs that murdered him continue to harass and intimidate the community. When passing out fliers we witnessed Officer Subler go up to a young Chicano and harass him after he was given a flier for the vigil, at a nearby gas station. The officer asked him what he had in his hand and continued to ask him questions about it. When we started to film and observe he came up to the young woman who is a member of the October Coalition and begin to intimidate her and pulled on her bag, trying to get her bag which contained fliers for the vigil. After we filmed him he wanted to get our names and birthdates and threaten to detain us for filming him. He later left after giving us his name, and after he saw that we knew our "rights."
People in the community have called us and told us that the intimidation and harassment has been growing, and we see this as a means to scare them from coming out to the vigil to demand justice for Chava, and for the terrorism that they're living under on the daily basis in their neighborhood. It is important that people come out to the vigil on February 21st at 5pm, to show solidarity and support the families in this community. We need to continue to build a popular movement against the violence that is coming down from the state on our working class communities of color.
The pot luck that was supposed to happen Friday February 20th has been canceled and we will meet on the day of the vigil at 3pm.
To view more footage of Subler (East L.A. Sheriffs Department) harass organizers go to:
www.copwatchla.org
http://copwatchlosangeles.blogspot.com/
revolutionaryautonomouscommunities.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0w65GCOG8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1zPqPcUIQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlK1v47bp-8
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009Spanish.jpg
On Wednesday February 18th, 2009 members of the October 22nd Coalition and Cop Watch Los Angeles - GC / Revolutionary Autonomous Communities were doing outreach in the East Los Angeles Community, for the vigil that will take place Saturday, February 21st for Salvador Zepeda who was murdered in cold blood by the Sheriffs on November 30th, 2008. In the same community where Salvador (Chava) was killed, the same sheriffs that murdered him continue to harass and intimidate the community. When passing out fliers we witnessed Officer Subler go up to a young Chicano and harass him after he was given a flier for the vigil, at a nearby gas station. The officer asked him what he had in his hand and continued to ask him questions about it. When we started to film and observe he came up to the young woman who is a member of the October Coalition and begin to intimidate her and pulled on her bag, trying to get her bag which contained fliers for the vigil. After we filmed him he wanted to get our names and birthdates and threaten to detain us for filming him. He later left after giving us his name, and after he saw that we knew our "rights."
People in the community have called us and told us that the intimidation and harassment has been growing, and we see this as a means to scare them from coming out to the vigil to demand justice for Chava, and for the terrorism that they're living under on the daily basis in their neighborhood. It is important that people come out to the vigil on February 21st at 5pm, to show solidarity and support the families in this community. We need to continue to build a popular movement against the violence that is coming down from the state on our working class communities of color.
The pot luck that was supposed to happen Friday February 20th has been canceled and we will meet on the day of the vigil at 3pm.
To view more footage of Subler (East L.A. Sheriffs Department) harass organizers go to:
www.copwatchla.org
http://copwatchlosangeles.blogspot.com/
revolutionaryautonomouscommunities.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0w65GCOG8w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1zPqPcUIQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlK1v47bp-8
Friday, February 6, 2009
Justice For Salvador Zepeda! Justicia Para Salvador Zepeda! Feb. 21st
Justice for Salvador Zepeda Alarcon
February 21st 5pm-7pm
Humphreys and Folsom (near Floral and Ford) in East Los Angeles
On November 30, 2008 Salvador (18 years old) was shot on his way home from a party in East Los Angeles by LA County Sheriffs. Witnesses saw the police plant a gun after they murdered him. 16 people have been arrested following his death to silence the community, but we continue to shout "No More Stolen Lives."
To endorse action contact:
(323)446-7459
Justicia por Salvador Zepeda Alarcon
Febrero 21 5pm-7pm
Humphreys y Folsom (cerca de Floral y Ford) en el Este de Los Angeles
Salvador (18 anos de edad) fue asesinado el Noviembre 30, 2008 por los Sheriffs del condado de Los Angeles. Testigos vieron que la policia le plantaron una pistola despues de matarlo. 16 personas han sido arrestadas para silenciar la comunidad, pero sequimos gritando, "No Mas Vidas Robadas."
Para unirte a esta marcha (organizacion o individuo) llama al:
(323)446-7459
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009. jpg
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009Spanish. jpg
February 21st 5pm-7pm
Humphreys and Folsom (near Floral and Ford) in East Los Angeles
On November 30, 2008 Salvador (18 years old) was shot on his way home from a party in East Los Angeles by LA County Sheriffs. Witnesses saw the police plant a gun after they murdered him. 16 people have been arrested following his death to silence the community, but we continue to shout "No More Stolen Lives."
To endorse action contact:
(323)446-7459
Justicia por Salvador Zepeda Alarcon
Febrero 21 5pm-7pm
Humphreys y Folsom (cerca de Floral y Ford) en el Este de Los Angeles
Salvador (18 anos de edad) fue asesinado el Noviembre 30, 2008 por los Sheriffs del condado de Los Angeles. Testigos vieron que la policia le plantaron una pistola despues de matarlo. 16 personas han sido arrestadas para silenciar la comunidad, pero sequimos gritando, "No Mas Vidas Robadas."
Para unirte a esta marcha (organizacion o individuo) llama al:
(323)446-7459
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009. jpg
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/Salvador2009Spanish. jpg
A-Cafe Windchime House Saturday February 7th
Saturday February 7th
Windchime House (8848 Pico Vista Rd, Pico Rivera, CA)
Potluck. Free event.
The Guerrilla Chapter of Cop Watch LA will be showing a short clip from the film "We're Still Here, We Never Left" (Revolutionary Autonomous Communities) and will do a short workshop on how to build a Cop Watch in your neighborhood.
Starts at 5PM.
Schedule:
Intro/Games 5:00 - 7:00PM
Workshops/Presentations/Skillshares 7:00 - 9:00PM
Acoustic Musical Acts 9:00 - 11:00PM
We're trying to get one of the bike co-ops around LA to do a
presentation about who they are, what they do
and how to start a bike co-op and we're also trying to get the
Whittier Food Co-op to do a similar style presentation
and there might be a DIY skillshare about something more hands on.
The musical acts lined up are:
Jake
Men Unlearning Rape
cdxx
SeanHomemade
Black Sparrow Press
and the Starburst Crystal Ensemble
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/acafewindchime. jpg
. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/acafewindchime. jpg
Windchime House (8848 Pico Vista Rd, Pico Rivera, CA)
Potluck. Free event.
The Guerrilla Chapter of Cop Watch LA will be showing a short clip from the film "We're Still Here, We Never Left" (Revolutionary Autonomous Communities) and will do a short workshop on how to build a Cop Watch in your neighborhood.
Starts at 5PM.
Schedule:
Intro/Games 5:00 - 7:00PM
Workshops/Presentations/Skillshares 7:00 - 9:00PM
Acoustic Musical Acts 9:00 - 11:00PM
We're trying to get one of the bike co-ops around LA to do a
presentation about who they are, what they do
and how to start a bike co-op and we're also trying to get the
Whittier Food Co-op to do a similar style presentation
and there might be a DIY skillshare about something more hands on.
The musical acts lined up are:
Jake
Men Unlearning Rape
cdxx
SeanHomemade
Black Sparrow Press
and the Starburst Crystal Ensemble
http://i120. photobucket. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/acafewindchime. jpg
. com/albums/o193/copwatchla/acafewindchime. jpg
CHECK-A-PIG | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Cop Watch Los Angeles
check-a-pig
________________________________________
CHECK-A-PIG | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
TYPES OF STOPS
It is very important that you understand why an officer is stopping someone and what their rights are when they are stopped. Determine exactly what kind of stop the officer is making.
Consensual Stop
This is when the cop approaches and begins talking to you. The cop may even ask to see your ID. You don’t have to show it. Ask the cop “Am I free to go?” or “Am I being detained?” You don’t have to talk to the cop or even remain in the area unless the cop says “No, you can’t go” and has a reasonable suspicion to detain you. However, the cop doesn’t have to tell you why you are being detained.
Detention
The police are allowed to detain you if they have a “reasonable suspicion” to believe that you have committed or are about to commit a crime. The officer must have some reason for stopping you. They can’t just say that you don’t look like you live in the neighborhood or that they “had a hunch”. The detention should be limited in its purpose and scope. They can conduct a pat search of the outside of your clothing in order to check for weapons, but you DO NOT HAVE TO CONSENT TO A SEARCH of your pockets or bags. You do not have to answer any questions except to identify yourself and give your address.
Arrest
This means that you are in police custody and you are being charged with a crime. You will be thoroughly searched as part of the booking process. You have a right to know why you are being arrested. Penal Code section 841 says that “The person making the arrest must, on the request of the person he or she is arresting, inform the latter of the offense for which he or she is being arrested”. Even though police often won’t tell you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Don’t give up these rights.
TYPES OF VIOLATIONS
Infractions
These are minor offenses such as jaywalking, illegal parking, open container of alcohol in public, being in certain parks after curfew, being a minor in possession of spray paint or large marking pens, etc. When an officer sees this kind of activity, s/he can ask to see ID. If you have ID and you do not have any outstanding warrants, the cop should just write you a ticket and be done with it. If you don’t have ID on you, the cop HAS THE OPTION OF TAKING YOU TO THE STATION TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR SIMPLY WRITING YOU A TICKET AND LETTING YOU GO. This is up to the officer. You aren’t supposed to have to go to jail for in- fractions in and of themselves. You would not expect to be searched during this kind of stop.
Misdemeanors
These are crimes punishable by up to a year in jail such as shoplifting, trespassing, resisting, delaying or interfering with an officer in the course of his/her duty. Expect that you will be searched, arrested and taken to jail until you are arraigned, bailed out or released on your own recognizance. There are certain misdemeanors where the officer has the discretion to write you a citation or to take you into custody. Remember-don’t talk to the officer about your case and do not discuss it with folks you meet in jail. Sometimes people in jail can be used to get information about your case (informants).
Felonies
These are major crimes punishable by a year or more in prison. Murder, rape, robbery and many drug related crimes are considered to be felonies. Expect that you will be searched thoroughly and will be in custody at least until you are taken before a judge and allowed to enter a plea (this is arraignment).
LEGAL INFORMATION
Answering Questions
Legally, when a person is arrested or detained by a police officer, he or she does not have to answer any questions to the officer other than to provide a name and address. You have the right to remain silent, but DO NOT lie to a cop. That is a crime.
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
Penal Code Section 148.a states that “every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs (any police officer) in the discharge or attempt to discharge” of his or her duty, is punishable by fine or imprisonment. The police will often threaten COPWATCHers with this charge, but remember you do have the right to observe as long as you are not attempting to interfere with the officer.
Use of Force to Effect Arrest
Section 835.a of the Penal Code explains that the only “legal” use of force by an officer is that used in order to attain an arrest. “Any peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.”
Assault by an Officer
Police brutality is defined in the Penal Code as, “Police breaches of due process guaranteed by the physical abuse of citizens without legitimate cause.” Section 149 of the Penal Code makes it illegal for a cop to assault or beat any person “without lawful necessity.”
Police Search Powers
Police may detain someone if they have “reasonable suspicion” that specific facts connect that person to a specific crime. In this case, the cops can also pat someone down to feel for a weapon, and if they feel something that feels like a weapon, they can go into that person’s clothing to look for it. Otherwise the cops can only search someone’s pockets, back pack, or belongings if that person:
• Has been arrested for a specific crime,
• Has a search clause as a condition of probation, or
• Gives the police permission, which nobody is obliged to do.
Police Seizure Powers
Police may not confiscate someone’s belongings unless they are illegal or that person has been arrested for a crime. If possessions are confiscated, the California Penal Code entitles the owner to a receipt (1535) and a return of the possessions after the resolution of the case (1537). Any evidence obtained through the seizure may be suppressed from being used in court if the seizure was illegal. (1538.5)
Gang Profiling
Sometimes cops use petty laws to stop people in order to take their pictures. These photos are often used to create files on people and to portray people as “gang members”. Detaining people to take photos merely because they are suspected gang members is impermissible. (People vs. Rodriguez (1993) 21 Cal.App.4th 232.)
RESPONDING TO AN OFFICER
It is important in these cases that your response is loud enough for the video camera to pick up so it can be used as evidence.
1. They refuse to give you their name and badge number
Reply: California State Penal Code Section 830.10 states that all employed peace officers in the jurisdiction of the State of California must give proper identification by either their name or badge number to any California citizen inquiring.
Reference: 830.10. Any uniformed peace officer shall wear a badge, nameplate, or other device which bears clearly on its face the identification number or name of the officer.
2. They question your right to observe
Reply: Our right to watch from a reasonable distance and record your activity as a public officer is protected under the U.S. Constitution and federal law under the citizen’s right to “freedom of assembly”.
3. “You’re resisting arrest.”
Reply: No, we’re not. No one here is using or threatening to use physical force against any officer here, nor are we creating any substantial risk of causing you physical injury.
Reference: 835a. Any peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.
4. “This is an unlawful assembly.”
Reply: No, it’s not. We are not starting a riot. We are not recklessly using physical force or violence or threatening to use force or violence.
Reference: 407. Whenever two or more persons assemble together to do an unlawful act, or do a lawful act in a violent, boisterous, or tumultuous manner, such assembly is an unlawful assembly.
Note: According to CA Penal Code Section 726 and 727, officers must give a warning to “disperse” before actually arresting people who are “unlawfully assembled.”
726. Where any number of persons, whether armed or not, are unlawfully or riotously assembled, the sheriff of the county and his or her deputies, the officials governing the town or city, or any of them, must go among the persons assembled, or as near to them as possible, and command them, in the name of the people of the state, immediately to disperse.
5. “You’re committing disorderly conduct.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not refusing any order to disperse. We are stepping away as you requested, we’re not in your way, and we’re not obstructing public safety. We are standing a safe distance away.
6. “You’re obstructing a public thoroughfare (street, sidewalk, etc).”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not willfully and maliciously obstructing the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk, or other public place. We are not creating a public hazard or an inconvenience. We are performing a public service.
Reference: 647c. Every person who willfully and maliciously obstructs the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk, or other public place or on or in any place open to the public is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Nothing in this section affects the power of a county or a city to regulate conduct upon a street, sidewalk, or other public place or on or in a place open to the public.
7. “You’re interfering with a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not obstructing, resisting, or delaying you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Reference: 148. (a) (1) Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician, as defined in Division 2.5 (commencing with Section 1797) of the Health and Safety Code, in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
IN CASE OF ARREST
If you are arrested, the police must tell you why you are being arrested. You will want to get the badge number of the officer who is arresting you and remember- you have the right to remain silent. Don’t talk about your case to anyone except your lawyer- there are lots of video cameras and informants in jail! The court must provide you with a lawyer if you can’t afford one. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before arraignment. If you are arrested, you will be searched with or without your permission. As soon as possible, and in no case later than three hours after booking, you have the right to three phone calls: to a friend or relative, to a lawyer and to a bail bondsman.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
1 (877) 8 NO COPS
WWW.COPWATCHLA.ORG
copwatchla@riseup.net
www.myspace.com/copwatchla
check-a-pig
________________________________________
CHECK-A-PIG | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
TYPES OF STOPS
It is very important that you understand why an officer is stopping someone and what their rights are when they are stopped. Determine exactly what kind of stop the officer is making.
Consensual Stop
This is when the cop approaches and begins talking to you. The cop may even ask to see your ID. You don’t have to show it. Ask the cop “Am I free to go?” or “Am I being detained?” You don’t have to talk to the cop or even remain in the area unless the cop says “No, you can’t go” and has a reasonable suspicion to detain you. However, the cop doesn’t have to tell you why you are being detained.
Detention
The police are allowed to detain you if they have a “reasonable suspicion” to believe that you have committed or are about to commit a crime. The officer must have some reason for stopping you. They can’t just say that you don’t look like you live in the neighborhood or that they “had a hunch”. The detention should be limited in its purpose and scope. They can conduct a pat search of the outside of your clothing in order to check for weapons, but you DO NOT HAVE TO CONSENT TO A SEARCH of your pockets or bags. You do not have to answer any questions except to identify yourself and give your address.
Arrest
This means that you are in police custody and you are being charged with a crime. You will be thoroughly searched as part of the booking process. You have a right to know why you are being arrested. Penal Code section 841 says that “The person making the arrest must, on the request of the person he or she is arresting, inform the latter of the offense for which he or she is being arrested”. Even though police often won’t tell you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Don’t give up these rights.
TYPES OF VIOLATIONS
Infractions
These are minor offenses such as jaywalking, illegal parking, open container of alcohol in public, being in certain parks after curfew, being a minor in possession of spray paint or large marking pens, etc. When an officer sees this kind of activity, s/he can ask to see ID. If you have ID and you do not have any outstanding warrants, the cop should just write you a ticket and be done with it. If you don’t have ID on you, the cop HAS THE OPTION OF TAKING YOU TO THE STATION TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR SIMPLY WRITING YOU A TICKET AND LETTING YOU GO. This is up to the officer. You aren’t supposed to have to go to jail for in- fractions in and of themselves. You would not expect to be searched during this kind of stop.
Misdemeanors
These are crimes punishable by up to a year in jail such as shoplifting, trespassing, resisting, delaying or interfering with an officer in the course of his/her duty. Expect that you will be searched, arrested and taken to jail until you are arraigned, bailed out or released on your own recognizance. There are certain misdemeanors where the officer has the discretion to write you a citation or to take you into custody. Remember-don’t talk to the officer about your case and do not discuss it with folks you meet in jail. Sometimes people in jail can be used to get information about your case (informants).
Felonies
These are major crimes punishable by a year or more in prison. Murder, rape, robbery and many drug related crimes are considered to be felonies. Expect that you will be searched thoroughly and will be in custody at least until you are taken before a judge and allowed to enter a plea (this is arraignment).
LEGAL INFORMATION
Answering Questions
Legally, when a person is arrested or detained by a police officer, he or she does not have to answer any questions to the officer other than to provide a name and address. You have the right to remain silent, but DO NOT lie to a cop. That is a crime.
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
Penal Code Section 148.a states that “every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs (any police officer) in the discharge or attempt to discharge” of his or her duty, is punishable by fine or imprisonment. The police will often threaten COPWATCHers with this charge, but remember you do have the right to observe as long as you are not attempting to interfere with the officer.
Use of Force to Effect Arrest
Section 835.a of the Penal Code explains that the only “legal” use of force by an officer is that used in order to attain an arrest. “Any peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.”
Assault by an Officer
Police brutality is defined in the Penal Code as, “Police breaches of due process guaranteed by the physical abuse of citizens without legitimate cause.” Section 149 of the Penal Code makes it illegal for a cop to assault or beat any person “without lawful necessity.”
Police Search Powers
Police may detain someone if they have “reasonable suspicion” that specific facts connect that person to a specific crime. In this case, the cops can also pat someone down to feel for a weapon, and if they feel something that feels like a weapon, they can go into that person’s clothing to look for it. Otherwise the cops can only search someone’s pockets, back pack, or belongings if that person:
• Has been arrested for a specific crime,
• Has a search clause as a condition of probation, or
• Gives the police permission, which nobody is obliged to do.
Police Seizure Powers
Police may not confiscate someone’s belongings unless they are illegal or that person has been arrested for a crime. If possessions are confiscated, the California Penal Code entitles the owner to a receipt (1535) and a return of the possessions after the resolution of the case (1537). Any evidence obtained through the seizure may be suppressed from being used in court if the seizure was illegal. (1538.5)
Gang Profiling
Sometimes cops use petty laws to stop people in order to take their pictures. These photos are often used to create files on people and to portray people as “gang members”. Detaining people to take photos merely because they are suspected gang members is impermissible. (People vs. Rodriguez (1993) 21 Cal.App.4th 232.)
RESPONDING TO AN OFFICER
It is important in these cases that your response is loud enough for the video camera to pick up so it can be used as evidence.
1. They refuse to give you their name and badge number
Reply: California State Penal Code Section 830.10 states that all employed peace officers in the jurisdiction of the State of California must give proper identification by either their name or badge number to any California citizen inquiring.
Reference: 830.10. Any uniformed peace officer shall wear a badge, nameplate, or other device which bears clearly on its face the identification number or name of the officer.
2. They question your right to observe
Reply: Our right to watch from a reasonable distance and record your activity as a public officer is protected under the U.S. Constitution and federal law under the citizen’s right to “freedom of assembly”.
3. “You’re resisting arrest.”
Reply: No, we’re not. No one here is using or threatening to use physical force against any officer here, nor are we creating any substantial risk of causing you physical injury.
Reference: 835a. Any peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.
4. “This is an unlawful assembly.”
Reply: No, it’s not. We are not starting a riot. We are not recklessly using physical force or violence or threatening to use force or violence.
Reference: 407. Whenever two or more persons assemble together to do an unlawful act, or do a lawful act in a violent, boisterous, or tumultuous manner, such assembly is an unlawful assembly.
Note: According to CA Penal Code Section 726 and 727, officers must give a warning to “disperse” before actually arresting people who are “unlawfully assembled.”
726. Where any number of persons, whether armed or not, are unlawfully or riotously assembled, the sheriff of the county and his or her deputies, the officials governing the town or city, or any of them, must go among the persons assembled, or as near to them as possible, and command them, in the name of the people of the state, immediately to disperse.
5. “You’re committing disorderly conduct.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not refusing any order to disperse. We are stepping away as you requested, we’re not in your way, and we’re not obstructing public safety. We are standing a safe distance away.
6. “You’re obstructing a public thoroughfare (street, sidewalk, etc).”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not willfully and maliciously obstructing the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk, or other public place. We are not creating a public hazard or an inconvenience. We are performing a public service.
Reference: 647c. Every person who willfully and maliciously obstructs the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk, or other public place or on or in any place open to the public is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Nothing in this section affects the power of a county or a city to regulate conduct upon a street, sidewalk, or other public place or on or in a place open to the public.
7. “You’re interfering with a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not obstructing, resisting, or delaying you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Reference: 148. (a) (1) Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician, as defined in Division 2.5 (commencing with Section 1797) of the Health and Safety Code, in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
IN CASE OF ARREST
If you are arrested, the police must tell you why you are being arrested. You will want to get the badge number of the officer who is arresting you and remember- you have the right to remain silent. Don’t talk about your case to anyone except your lawyer- there are lots of video cameras and informants in jail! The court must provide you with a lawyer if you can’t afford one. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before arraignment. If you are arrested, you will be searched with or without your permission. As soon as possible, and in no case later than three hours after booking, you have the right to three phone calls: to a friend or relative, to a lawyer and to a bail bondsman.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
1 (877) 8 NO COPS
WWW.COPWATCHLA.ORG
copwatchla@riseup.net
www.myspace.com/copwatchla
Cop Watch Update -- Organize the Block!
Cop Watch Update -- by the Guerrilla Chapter of Cop Watch L.A.
Police murder is continuing on a daily basis from L.A. to Oakland, while bombs are dropping on Gaza.
The only way to hold the police accountable is to take back our neighborhoods and organize your block to observe the police and take direct action. We don't need a police state and their prison industrial complex. We need a Cop Watch culture, to stop police terrorism.
FTP All day, Every Day!
====================================================
CopWatchLA.org is currently down due to lack of funds.Please help donate to keep CopWatchLA.org online, https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=1734997
CopWatchLA will be back up shortly!
Please donate to help us with our hosting costs!
CopWatchLA.org serves as more than just a web site but a communication network and national mobile alert system!
=====================================================
Cop Watch LA Members Interviewed on the new issue of Modesto Anarcho:
http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2009/01/19/mafinal.pdf
====================================================
URGENT CALL!!!! "EAST L.A. UNDERSIEGE" "WE DEMAND THE SHERIFFS TO STAND DOWN"
18 year old salvador zepeda, was gunned down and tortured
4 houses away from his home
To the east not even 3 blocks away the CHP Station to the north less then 4 blocks
Central Station of the Great Empire Sheriffs Dept.
A small community stands alone surrounded by freeways and main streets eastern
And floral. As you drive by and blink you would miss it
Predominately Chicano Latino families.
The chilling story of a young man in his early
Thriving years of life are gone. Loved by many, known as a young man that was seen as a happy Go lucky kid, had no priors of violence.
I stop and wonder why was he killed so brutally
What could he have done? As the palabra went out into the streets and the community.
..."The neighborhood is hot, worse then a fire cracker". Don't go there!
The stories got worse as I attempted to find out who is this young man who are his
Parents and worse of all I felt in my gut a great injustice being committed. I wasted no
Time and began’ to call my sources many eager to find out and assist.
Nearly 2 weeks went by
I finally received some good leads and decided to go in myself...... ........
It was true and much more.
I saw the flowers and the love of a community standing in mourning for this young man. As I parked those standing near moved quickly and began walking away,
I called out and they kept moving fast,
I knew this was not a natural way to perceive someone asking them to come. So I followed them and said I want to help you, I am not your enemy here is my card I need to speak to the family.
Immediately after they opened up I was asked to come in.
I Felt the spirit of the young man and others about, but a peace that I had finally found
The place I had been looking for.
A beautiful family the room filled with young women and children, sad
And in question, their eyes red filled with tears mourning for their lost.
The mother I could see was strong and in pain full of questions and desperate
For answers. Others were not certain if I was a spy
Or if in fact I could assist. The stories that came to my ears were confirmed,
And horrifying
This community is under siege
And not by another gang. Nor is this place in another country of war this is here in the USA Califas. EAST LOS ANGELES
A small community in an unincorporated place.
The face of the children in fear, the women concerned and nearly paralyzed, fumed with anger of Injustice.
One young lady stated, " They Come Every Day with their helicopters and sweep the streets beat on our young People, we are all traumatized" .
The children once would say hello to the police are now in fear and you could see they
Are confused and do not trust them".
The East Los Angeles Sheriff Dept is holding this community hostage.
An unarmed young man had been harassed by one sheriff in particular,
Witness’s state that the young man was
Eventually gunned down, tortured and beat this young man Salvador Zepeda... eyewitness testify that 16 people were
Arrested as of today, on trumped up charges. Some cannot be located..... ..
This is an Urgent Call For Help" those of us that know of someone pls.
I need you to help us Help Them..... There have been continued sweeps,
Harassment, beatings and arrests to date.
Sheriffs continue to drive by and mock the death of the young man.
There is fear in the small streets
Of East Los Angeles. Not Iraq!!Our back yards.
To support and take action Contact:
Allegra Padilla allegra_padilla@hotmail.com
Amanda Perez aperez552003@ yahoo.com
Joaquin Cienfuegos morph3030@yahoo.com
=======================================
PRESS RELEASE – Brown Berets de Aztlan, Riverside County CA. 1/27/09
On January 21, 2009, Annette Garcia, a mother of 6 and a member of the Brown Berets de Aztlan, was shot and killed by a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy in the presence of her children. Annette was born October 25th 1980, and was raised in Indio, California. She was well known throughout the Riverside County by the thousands of people her life touched, she will be deeply missed.
Annette was holding a knife but posed no imminent threat to anyone. She was shot from a short distance as she was walking away. Her husband and children were detained by the Sheriffs department trying to force a statement from them without the presence of their lawyer. Further details cannot be given until an official statement is released by the witnesses.
This is considered a wrongful death and is being protested by the Brown Berets as another senseless murder b y the Riverside County Sheriffs department. The Riverside County sheriffs have had a long history of abuse and officer involved shootings, this being their latest in a series of shootouts that have left many families mourning and asking why.
Annette joined the Brown Berets in 2008 seeking to better her life and serve in her community. The Brown Berets were created in 1967 in response to the widespread police abuse that was affecting the Chicano communities throughout the southwest. Education, ending gang violence, serving the community, and protecting the Chicano community are the main priorities of the Brown Berets. It is ironic how a member of an organization that is committed to fighting police abuse was killed by a police officer.
It has been over 35 years since any of our members have been killed by a police officer. We mourn the murder of such a notable member of our organization and for this cause we are announcing a candlelight vigil to be held on Thursday, January 29th beginning at the Bobby Bonds Park in Riverside, CA. at 5 pm and marching to the Riverside County jail in Downtown Riverside. A march and protest will be held on Saturday, January 31st in the same location starting at 10 am, with a press conference being held at 1 pm.
An account has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses. Donations can be sent to: First National Bank of Southern California
Routing # 122240751
Checking20acct # 002126443
Any support you can give, whether volunteering your time or monetary support, will be greatly appreciated.
THURSDAY JAN. 29TH:
Candlelight vigil and Press Conference at Cesar Chavez Community Center in Riverside (University Ave., two blocks west of Iowa Ave.
All actions have been called by Brown Berets de Aztlan, Riverside Chapter.
SATURDAY JAN. 31ST:
Rally and Protest at Cesar Chavez Community Center at 10m
1pm (same day) Press Conference.
March route not determined yet, possibly will meet at 10m, march downtown to police station, with press conference there at 1pm.
Contact Number: David 619-886-5334
============================================
Please comment and repost
The Oscar Grant interview with his cousin
http://www.blockreportradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=260&Itemid=27
The Donte Story interview with his uncle
http://www.blockreportradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=259&Itemid=27
--
The Minister of Information JR
POCC Block Report Radio
www.blockreportradio.com
===========================================
Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times *SHOOTING:* Investigators in August examine the scene where Inglewood police killed a homeless man after a witness reported seeing him with a gun. It turned out to be a toy. A TIMES INVESTIGATION Inglewood police have repeatedly resorted to deadly force [image: Shooting scene] Email Picture.. Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times *SHOOTING:* Investigators in August examine the scene where Inglewood police killed a homeless man after a witness reported seeing him with a gun. It turned out to be a toy. A Times investigation shows that the problem of Inglewood police officers shooting unarmed suspects isn't new. By Jack Leonard and Victoria Kim December 28, 2008 One summer evening in 2005, an Inglewood police officer stood with his gun aimed at a schizophrenic man who had been stopped for drinking beer in public. The officer ordered Jule Dexter to put his hands on the hood of the police car, but Dexter's baggy pants started slipping.
==========================================
Three officer-involved shootings in L.A. County this weekend
--------------------
A suspected gang member is killed in Compton after allegedly pointing a gun at deputies, and two people are wounded in other incidents.
By Ari B. Bloomekatz
January 26 2009
Three officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles County left one man dead and two suspects injured this weekend, authorities said Sunday.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shootings26-2009jan26,0,6246662.story
==========================================
http://www.ktla.com/landing/?blockID=190054&feedID=171
Long Beach Police Shoot Armed Man During Traffic Stop
KTLA News
January 19, 2009
LONG BEACH -- Long Beach police shot a man Monday after he brandished a weapon and fled on foot from a traffic stop.
The man was driving on Studebaker Road north of East Second Street around 1 p.m. when officers pulled him over, said Long Beach police spokesperson Sgt. Dina Zapalski.
The man "got out with a weapon" and ran, Zapalski said. Officers gave chase, and ultimately fired and wounded the man.
He was taken to a hospital, but no report on his condition was immediately available. His name has not been released.
The police are now conducting an internal investigation.
=========================================
http://cbs5.com/local/San.Jose.Police.2.911534.html
KPIX http://cbs5.com
Second SJPD Officer Involved Shooting In 3 Days
A San Jose Police Officer shot and wounded a man who attacked him, the second officer-involved shooting by San Jose police in three days.
Related Stories
Gunman Dies In Bloody SJ Police Standoff (1/17/2009)
A person was transported to a hospital after being shot by a police officer early Sunday morning following an altercation near a local nightclub, according to the San Jose Police Department.
At about 12:50 a.m., an officer patrolling the downtown area of South Second and San Fernando streets was notified by security and management staff of Loft Bar and Bistro, located at 90 S. Second St., about a group of people walking away from the area who were making threats and assaulting employees inside the nightclub, according to police.
The officer attempted to stop the group about three buildings down from the nightclub, and a confrontation followed involving two members of the group, police said.
According to witnesses, the officer Tasered one of the suspects during the confrontation, and another suspect started to attack the officer, police said.
The officer shot the alleged attacker, who was transported to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, police said.
======================================
Upland officials and residents concerned over day labor site
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 01/14/2009 05:18:53 PM PST
UPLAND - Day laborers waiting to be picked up for various odd jobs outside of the Home Depot on Mountain Avenue may not be able to do so for much longer.
The small group of workers has drawn the attention of activist groups, local residents and, recently, Mayor John Pomierski as well as council members.
"What happens with day-labor sites is they congregate every day," said Raymond Herrera, member of the Minuteman Project based in Laguna Hills. "They end up drinking, urinating and we have seen them flash us and grab their crotch and things of that nature."
Herrera and fellow activist Robin Hvidston, an Upland resident, have been tracking day-labor sites forming throughout Southern California.
A few weeks ago, Hvidston said she initially noticed the day-labor site outside the Home Depot at 250 S. Mountain Ave.
"Upland already had one very established day-labor site on Grove Avenue," Hvidston said.
"We've got new homes in our city that don't seem to be selling. If we're a town with two day-labor sites, the homebuyer can go down the road and buy a comparable house in a town that doesn't have day-labor sites."
Herrera and Hvidston addressed the issue at Monday's City Council meeting.
"I believe the entire council shares my concerns, and I would venture to say they were as surprised as I was to hear that was happening at Home Depot," Pomierski said.
"I can't speak for everybody, but I can anticipate that we're all very concerned about this, and we're not going to mess with it very long."
During the council meeting, Pomierski and council members expressed interest in an ordinance that was passed in Lake Forest that allows private-property owners to be able to request loiterers be removed by police.
Residents can expect to see an item addressing the presence of day laborers on a future agenda for a council meeting, Pomierski said.
Home Depot maintains a policy of non-solicitation at its stores by people and organizations not affiliated with the company, said Kathryn Gallagher, senior manager of communications for The Home Depot, in an e-mail.
"In the interest of safety and convenience, our policy prohibits people from loitering or otherwise creating or causing safety risks to our associates or customers," Gallagher said.
"The Home Depot continues to work with local governments as they lead in the development of enforcement policies to address violations of non-solicitation policies that protect the business community."
Day laborers have congregated for a few years at the intersection of Grove and Arrow Route on the border of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga.
Herrera and Hvidston have been monitoring the site and are concerned that another site in Upland would have a negative impact on the city.
"If you go to Rancho Cucamonga on Grove and Arrow, you will see the day labor site, you will see what is coming to Mountain Avenue. We have seen many cities like this," Herrera said. "At the Rancho Cucamonga site, we've found broken crack pipes, syringes and there are beer bottles everywhere."
=================================================
REPOST!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call for Maliki Shakur Latine! End medical neglect!
* Black Panther * Community Activist * Muslim * Prison Organizer * Prisoner of War
Demand from state officials,
In regard to inmate Maliki Latine #81-A-4469
at Great Meadow Correctional Facility,
Maliki Latine's diet must be corrected immediately! He is not diabetic but he has life-long multiple food allergies which require a very specific diet as documented and mandated by the doctors in NY State Department of Corrections since 1983. I am deeply concerned about his health at this time.
518-474-8390 NY Governor David Paterson
518-457-7072 NY DOCS Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lester Wright
Maliki Shakur Latine- 81-A-4469 - has long-standing dietary needs that have been well-documented by doctors, medical staff, Department of Corrections officers, and a multitude of concerned outside observers since 1983. The sustained incapacity of Great Meadows to provide a humane and healthy diet for Mr. Latine, who is highly allergic to many common foods, is troubling.
Who is Maliki Shakur Latine?
Maliki Shakur Latine is a Bronx-born community activist who has served in organizations such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party. Latine was driven underground by repeated arrests and FBI repression, including the infamous Panther 21 frame-up, until charged with wounding a police officer in a Harlem shoot-out. Latine is currently serving 25-to-life as a Prisoner of War in Great Meadow Correctional Facility where he serves as Secretary of the Inmate Liaison Committee and helps to represent the concerns of prisoners to the administration. His role in raising concerns as well as in helping to plan a Family Day helped to land him in Segregated Housing Unit (SHU) where he is on a harmful and inappropriate diet pending a transfer to a Medium security facility.
Read more at http://www.abcf.net/prisoners/latine.htm
Background on the dietary needs and negligence. . .
Mr. Maliki Latine has been put on a "Controlled B" limited-carbohydrate diet requested on August 26, 2008. This particular therapeutic diet would be appropriate for a patient with diabetes but it is inappropriate and harmful for Latine who does not have diabetes but rather, multiple food allergies. In efforts to address this problem, Mr. Latine has complained to medical staff, "sick-call" nurse, and filed three grievances with no response. Latine has a life-long history of allergic urticaria associated with various foods (high titers of IgE antibodies against foods).
He is allergic to:
peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, oranges, peaches, strawberries, black pepper, mustard, wheat, pork, and coffee.
Numerous doctors working in NY Department of Corrections have recommended that these foods be avoided, that a special meal plan be followed, that Latine receive vitamin supplements, and that he be allowed to prepare his own food. His restrictive diet has included Ensure supplements, goats' milk, tuna, rice, potatoes, and bananas. This diet was instituted successfully at Clinton Correctional Facility by allowing Mr. Latine to prepare his own food under the instruction of Food Service Administrator John T McCloud. A facility such as Downstate or Sing Sing should be able to accommodate Mr. Latine's needs without a problem.
Mr. Latine's dietary needs have been documented in the following correspondences available upon request if not on file in your office:
December 19, 1983 recommendation to Clinton Correctional Facility by Dr. James A Phills / August 26, 1986 memorandum to Auburn Correctional Facility by Dr. Raymond Broadus/ July 15, 1993 NY DOCS Therapeutic Diet Order Form by Dr. Recht/ July 17, 1993 Memorandum to Clinton Correctional Facility from John T McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ February 16, 1999 Clinton Correctional Facility Allergy Evaluation by Dr. Jocelyn Celestin/ August 2, 2000 Clinton Correctional Facility Interdepartmental Communication by John T McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ September 28, 2001 and November 20, 2001 Interdepartmental Communications to Great Meadow Correctional Facility by Dr. Albert Paolano/ November 29, 2001 Letter to Mr. Maliki Latine from Lucien J Leclaire Jr, Deputy Commissioner, NY DOCS
In Solidarity,
ANARCHIST BLACK CROSS FEDERATION
local contact- arcata.abcf@yahoo.com
ABCF.net
=======================================
Contact: Rebecca Robles rebrobles1@gmail.com
Angela Mooney D'Arcy angela.ucpp@gmail.com
www.savepanhe.org
ACJACHEMEN SACRED SITE PANHE SAVED! U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SAYS TOLL ROAD NOT IN NATIONAL INTEREST
PANHE, San Clemente, CA—Members of the Acjachemen Nation, the United Coalition to Protect Panhe (UCPP), and our allies in the environmental and social justice movements celebrate a tremendous victory today. The Native American sacred site Panhe and San Onofre State Park will remain protected thanks to a decision from the U.S. Department of Commerce issued earlier this morning. The Secretary of Commerce upheld the California Coastal Commission decision regarding the Transportation Corridor Agency's proposal to build a six-lane toll road in a popular state park and camp ground and one of the most historically significant sacred sites of the Acjachemen people.
"Our hearts are filled with gratitude today. I am grateful for the support of UCPP members and our allies. This victory would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our tribal community members, Tribal Nations, and our allies such as the Native American Heritage Commission, The City Project, the Sierra Club, California State Parks Foundation and others," said Rebecca Robles, UCPP co-founder and co-director.
Angela Mooney D'Arcy, co-director for UCPP said, "Today is a significant day for Panhe, the Ancestors, the Acjachemen people, San Onofre, and the millions of people who enjoy this state park and camp ground every year. However, this process is not over. On behalf of the United Coalition to Protect Panhe, we call upon the TCA to suspend all litigation and federal lobbying activities and instead focus its resources on studying reasonable alternatives to the toll road."
Louis Robles, Jr., Acjachemen tribal member said of the decision, "The voices of our Ancestors have been heard. This is an incredible victory for Panhe and for Indigenous peoples everywhere."
Background:
UCPP is a grassroots coalition of Acjachemen people dedicated to the protection of our sacred sites. Panhe is an Acjachemen sacred site and is listed on the California Sacred Lands Inventory maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission, is eligible for listing as a Traditional Cultural Property, and is part of the San Mateo Archaeological District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. San Onofre remains one of the most popular state parks and is visited by nearly 2.5 million people every year. The toll road would have devastated Panhe and San Onofre. In February 2008, the California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to block a toll road that would have caused severe and irreparable harm to Panhe and destroyed San Onofre, the fifth-most visited park in California. When explaining her decision before the crowd of over 3,000, Coastal Commissioner Mary Shallenberger said that the impacts of the proposed toll road on the Acjachemen people were reason enough to deny the road.
To obtain a copy of NOAA's press release on the Commerce Department Decision go to http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20081218_tca.html ..
Police murder is continuing on a daily basis from L.A. to Oakland, while bombs are dropping on Gaza.
The only way to hold the police accountable is to take back our neighborhoods and organize your block to observe the police and take direct action. We don't need a police state and their prison industrial complex. We need a Cop Watch culture, to stop police terrorism.
FTP All day, Every Day!
====================================================
CopWatchLA.org is currently down due to lack of funds.Please help donate to keep CopWatchLA.org online, https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=1734997
CopWatchLA will be back up shortly!
Please donate to help us with our hosting costs!
CopWatchLA.org serves as more than just a web site but a communication network and national mobile alert system!
=====================================================
Cop Watch LA Members Interviewed on the new issue of Modesto Anarcho:
http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2009/01/19/mafinal.pdf
====================================================
URGENT CALL!!!! "EAST L.A. UNDERSIEGE" "WE DEMAND THE SHERIFFS TO STAND DOWN"
18 year old salvador zepeda, was gunned down and tortured
4 houses away from his home
To the east not even 3 blocks away the CHP Station to the north less then 4 blocks
Central Station of the Great Empire Sheriffs Dept.
A small community stands alone surrounded by freeways and main streets eastern
And floral. As you drive by and blink you would miss it
Predominately Chicano Latino families.
The chilling story of a young man in his early
Thriving years of life are gone. Loved by many, known as a young man that was seen as a happy Go lucky kid, had no priors of violence.
I stop and wonder why was he killed so brutally
What could he have done? As the palabra went out into the streets and the community.
..."The neighborhood is hot, worse then a fire cracker". Don't go there!
The stories got worse as I attempted to find out who is this young man who are his
Parents and worse of all I felt in my gut a great injustice being committed. I wasted no
Time and began’ to call my sources many eager to find out and assist.
Nearly 2 weeks went by
I finally received some good leads and decided to go in myself...... ........
It was true and much more.
I saw the flowers and the love of a community standing in mourning for this young man. As I parked those standing near moved quickly and began walking away,
I called out and they kept moving fast,
I knew this was not a natural way to perceive someone asking them to come. So I followed them and said I want to help you, I am not your enemy here is my card I need to speak to the family.
Immediately after they opened up I was asked to come in.
I Felt the spirit of the young man and others about, but a peace that I had finally found
The place I had been looking for.
A beautiful family the room filled with young women and children, sad
And in question, their eyes red filled with tears mourning for their lost.
The mother I could see was strong and in pain full of questions and desperate
For answers. Others were not certain if I was a spy
Or if in fact I could assist. The stories that came to my ears were confirmed,
And horrifying
This community is under siege
And not by another gang. Nor is this place in another country of war this is here in the USA Califas. EAST LOS ANGELES
A small community in an unincorporated place.
The face of the children in fear, the women concerned and nearly paralyzed, fumed with anger of Injustice.
One young lady stated, " They Come Every Day with their helicopters and sweep the streets beat on our young People, we are all traumatized" .
The children once would say hello to the police are now in fear and you could see they
Are confused and do not trust them".
The East Los Angeles Sheriff Dept is holding this community hostage.
An unarmed young man had been harassed by one sheriff in particular,
Witness’s state that the young man was
Eventually gunned down, tortured and beat this young man Salvador Zepeda... eyewitness testify that 16 people were
Arrested as of today, on trumped up charges. Some cannot be located..... ..
This is an Urgent Call For Help" those of us that know of someone pls.
I need you to help us Help Them..... There have been continued sweeps,
Harassment, beatings and arrests to date.
Sheriffs continue to drive by and mock the death of the young man.
There is fear in the small streets
Of East Los Angeles. Not Iraq!!Our back yards.
To support and take action Contact:
Allegra Padilla allegra_padilla@hotmail.com
Amanda Perez aperez552003@ yahoo.com
Joaquin Cienfuegos morph3030@yahoo.com
=======================================
PRESS RELEASE – Brown Berets de Aztlan, Riverside County CA. 1/27/09
On January 21, 2009, Annette Garcia, a mother of 6 and a member of the Brown Berets de Aztlan, was shot and killed by a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy in the presence of her children. Annette was born October 25th 1980, and was raised in Indio, California. She was well known throughout the Riverside County by the thousands of people her life touched, she will be deeply missed.
Annette was holding a knife but posed no imminent threat to anyone. She was shot from a short distance as she was walking away. Her husband and children were detained by the Sheriffs department trying to force a statement from them without the presence of their lawyer. Further details cannot be given until an official statement is released by the witnesses.
This is considered a wrongful death and is being protested by the Brown Berets as another senseless murder b y the Riverside County Sheriffs department. The Riverside County sheriffs have had a long history of abuse and officer involved shootings, this being their latest in a series of shootouts that have left many families mourning and asking why.
Annette joined the Brown Berets in 2008 seeking to better her life and serve in her community. The Brown Berets were created in 1967 in response to the widespread police abuse that was affecting the Chicano communities throughout the southwest. Education, ending gang violence, serving the community, and protecting the Chicano community are the main priorities of the Brown Berets. It is ironic how a member of an organization that is committed to fighting police abuse was killed by a police officer.
It has been over 35 years since any of our members have been killed by a police officer. We mourn the murder of such a notable member of our organization and for this cause we are announcing a candlelight vigil to be held on Thursday, January 29th beginning at the Bobby Bonds Park in Riverside, CA. at 5 pm and marching to the Riverside County jail in Downtown Riverside. A march and protest will be held on Saturday, January 31st in the same location starting at 10 am, with a press conference being held at 1 pm.
An account has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses. Donations can be sent to: First National Bank of Southern California
Routing # 122240751
Checking20acct # 002126443
Any support you can give, whether volunteering your time or monetary support, will be greatly appreciated.
THURSDAY JAN. 29TH:
Candlelight vigil and Press Conference at Cesar Chavez Community Center in Riverside (University Ave., two blocks west of Iowa Ave.
All actions have been called by Brown Berets de Aztlan, Riverside Chapter.
SATURDAY JAN. 31ST:
Rally and Protest at Cesar Chavez Community Center at 10m
1pm (same day) Press Conference.
March route not determined yet, possibly will meet at 10m, march downtown to police station, with press conference there at 1pm.
Contact Number: David 619-886-5334
============================================
Please comment and repost
The Oscar Grant interview with his cousin
http://www.blockreportradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=260&Itemid=27
The Donte Story interview with his uncle
http://www.blockreportradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=259&Itemid=27
--
The Minister of Information JR
POCC Block Report Radio
www.blockreportradio.com
===========================================
Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times *SHOOTING:* Investigators in August examine the scene where Inglewood police killed a homeless man after a witness reported seeing him with a gun. It turned out to be a toy. A TIMES INVESTIGATION Inglewood police have repeatedly resorted to deadly force [image: Shooting scene] Email Picture.. Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times *SHOOTING:* Investigators in August examine the scene where Inglewood police killed a homeless man after a witness reported seeing him with a gun. It turned out to be a toy. A Times investigation shows that the problem of Inglewood police officers shooting unarmed suspects isn't new. By Jack Leonard and Victoria Kim December 28, 2008 One summer evening in 2005, an Inglewood police officer stood with his gun aimed at a schizophrenic man who had been stopped for drinking beer in public. The officer ordered Jule Dexter to put his hands on the hood of the police car, but Dexter's baggy pants started slipping.
==========================================
Three officer-involved shootings in L.A. County this weekend
--------------------
A suspected gang member is killed in Compton after allegedly pointing a gun at deputies, and two people are wounded in other incidents.
By Ari B. Bloomekatz
January 26 2009
Three officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles County left one man dead and two suspects injured this weekend, authorities said Sunday.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shootings26-2009jan26,0,6246662.story
==========================================
http://www.ktla.com/landing/?blockID=190054&feedID=171
Long Beach Police Shoot Armed Man During Traffic Stop
KTLA News
January 19, 2009
LONG BEACH -- Long Beach police shot a man Monday after he brandished a weapon and fled on foot from a traffic stop.
The man was driving on Studebaker Road north of East Second Street around 1 p.m. when officers pulled him over, said Long Beach police spokesperson Sgt. Dina Zapalski.
The man "got out with a weapon" and ran, Zapalski said. Officers gave chase, and ultimately fired and wounded the man.
He was taken to a hospital, but no report on his condition was immediately available. His name has not been released.
The police are now conducting an internal investigation.
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http://cbs5.com/local/San.Jose.Police.2.911534.html
KPIX http://cbs5.com
Second SJPD Officer Involved Shooting In 3 Days
A San Jose Police Officer shot and wounded a man who attacked him, the second officer-involved shooting by San Jose police in three days.
Related Stories
Gunman Dies In Bloody SJ Police Standoff (1/17/2009)
A person was transported to a hospital after being shot by a police officer early Sunday morning following an altercation near a local nightclub, according to the San Jose Police Department.
At about 12:50 a.m., an officer patrolling the downtown area of South Second and San Fernando streets was notified by security and management staff of Loft Bar and Bistro, located at 90 S. Second St., about a group of people walking away from the area who were making threats and assaulting employees inside the nightclub, according to police.
The officer attempted to stop the group about three buildings down from the nightclub, and a confrontation followed involving two members of the group, police said.
According to witnesses, the officer Tasered one of the suspects during the confrontation, and another suspect started to attack the officer, police said.
The officer shot the alleged attacker, who was transported to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening, police said.
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Upland officials and residents concerned over day labor site
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 01/14/2009 05:18:53 PM PST
UPLAND - Day laborers waiting to be picked up for various odd jobs outside of the Home Depot on Mountain Avenue may not be able to do so for much longer.
The small group of workers has drawn the attention of activist groups, local residents and, recently, Mayor John Pomierski as well as council members.
"What happens with day-labor sites is they congregate every day," said Raymond Herrera, member of the Minuteman Project based in Laguna Hills. "They end up drinking, urinating and we have seen them flash us and grab their crotch and things of that nature."
Herrera and fellow activist Robin Hvidston, an Upland resident, have been tracking day-labor sites forming throughout Southern California.
A few weeks ago, Hvidston said she initially noticed the day-labor site outside the Home Depot at 250 S. Mountain Ave.
"Upland already had one very established day-labor site on Grove Avenue," Hvidston said.
"We've got new homes in our city that don't seem to be selling. If we're a town with two day-labor sites, the homebuyer can go down the road and buy a comparable house in a town that doesn't have day-labor sites."
Herrera and Hvidston addressed the issue at Monday's City Council meeting.
"I believe the entire council shares my concerns, and I would venture to say they were as surprised as I was to hear that was happening at Home Depot," Pomierski said.
"I can't speak for everybody, but I can anticipate that we're all very concerned about this, and we're not going to mess with it very long."
During the council meeting, Pomierski and council members expressed interest in an ordinance that was passed in Lake Forest that allows private-property owners to be able to request loiterers be removed by police.
Residents can expect to see an item addressing the presence of day laborers on a future agenda for a council meeting, Pomierski said.
Home Depot maintains a policy of non-solicitation at its stores by people and organizations not affiliated with the company, said Kathryn Gallagher, senior manager of communications for The Home Depot, in an e-mail.
"In the interest of safety and convenience, our policy prohibits people from loitering or otherwise creating or causing safety risks to our associates or customers," Gallagher said.
"The Home Depot continues to work with local governments as they lead in the development of enforcement policies to address violations of non-solicitation policies that protect the business community."
Day laborers have congregated for a few years at the intersection of Grove and Arrow Route on the border of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga.
Herrera and Hvidston have been monitoring the site and are concerned that another site in Upland would have a negative impact on the city.
"If you go to Rancho Cucamonga on Grove and Arrow, you will see the day labor site, you will see what is coming to Mountain Avenue. We have seen many cities like this," Herrera said. "At the Rancho Cucamonga site, we've found broken crack pipes, syringes and there are beer bottles everywhere."
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REPOST!!!
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Call for Maliki Shakur Latine! End medical neglect!
* Black Panther * Community Activist * Muslim * Prison Organizer * Prisoner of War
Demand from state officials,
In regard to inmate Maliki Latine #81-A-4469
at Great Meadow Correctional Facility,
Maliki Latine's diet must be corrected immediately! He is not diabetic but he has life-long multiple food allergies which require a very specific diet as documented and mandated by the doctors in NY State Department of Corrections since 1983. I am deeply concerned about his health at this time.
518-474-8390 NY Governor David Paterson
518-457-7072 NY DOCS Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lester Wright
Maliki Shakur Latine- 81-A-4469 - has long-standing dietary needs that have been well-documented by doctors, medical staff, Department of Corrections officers, and a multitude of concerned outside observers since 1983. The sustained incapacity of Great Meadows to provide a humane and healthy diet for Mr. Latine, who is highly allergic to many common foods, is troubling.
Who is Maliki Shakur Latine?
Maliki Shakur Latine is a Bronx-born community activist who has served in organizations such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party. Latine was driven underground by repeated arrests and FBI repression, including the infamous Panther 21 frame-up, until charged with wounding a police officer in a Harlem shoot-out. Latine is currently serving 25-to-life as a Prisoner of War in Great Meadow Correctional Facility where he serves as Secretary of the Inmate Liaison Committee and helps to represent the concerns of prisoners to the administration. His role in raising concerns as well as in helping to plan a Family Day helped to land him in Segregated Housing Unit (SHU) where he is on a harmful and inappropriate diet pending a transfer to a Medium security facility.
Read more at http://www.abcf.net/prisoners/latine.htm
Background on the dietary needs and negligence. . .
Mr. Maliki Latine has been put on a "Controlled B" limited-carbohydrate diet requested on August 26, 2008. This particular therapeutic diet would be appropriate for a patient with diabetes but it is inappropriate and harmful for Latine who does not have diabetes but rather, multiple food allergies. In efforts to address this problem, Mr. Latine has complained to medical staff, "sick-call" nurse, and filed three grievances with no response. Latine has a life-long history of allergic urticaria associated with various foods (high titers of IgE antibodies against foods).
He is allergic to:
peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, oranges, peaches, strawberries, black pepper, mustard, wheat, pork, and coffee.
Numerous doctors working in NY Department of Corrections have recommended that these foods be avoided, that a special meal plan be followed, that Latine receive vitamin supplements, and that he be allowed to prepare his own food. His restrictive diet has included Ensure supplements, goats' milk, tuna, rice, potatoes, and bananas. This diet was instituted successfully at Clinton Correctional Facility by allowing Mr. Latine to prepare his own food under the instruction of Food Service Administrator John T McCloud. A facility such as Downstate or Sing Sing should be able to accommodate Mr. Latine's needs without a problem.
Mr. Latine's dietary needs have been documented in the following correspondences available upon request if not on file in your office:
December 19, 1983 recommendation to Clinton Correctional Facility by Dr. James A Phills / August 26, 1986 memorandum to Auburn Correctional Facility by Dr. Raymond Broadus/ July 15, 1993 NY DOCS Therapeutic Diet Order Form by Dr. Recht/ July 17, 1993 Memorandum to Clinton Correctional Facility from John T McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ February 16, 1999 Clinton Correctional Facility Allergy Evaluation by Dr. Jocelyn Celestin/ August 2, 2000 Clinton Correctional Facility Interdepartmental Communication by John T McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ September 28, 2001 and November 20, 2001 Interdepartmental Communications to Great Meadow Correctional Facility by Dr. Albert Paolano/ November 29, 2001 Letter to Mr. Maliki Latine from Lucien J Leclaire Jr, Deputy Commissioner, NY DOCS
In Solidarity,
ANARCHIST BLACK CROSS FEDERATION
local contact- arcata.abcf@yahoo.com
ABCF.net
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Contact: Rebecca Robles rebrobles1@gmail.com
Angela Mooney D'Arcy angela.ucpp@gmail.com
www.savepanhe.org
ACJACHEMEN SACRED SITE PANHE SAVED! U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SAYS TOLL ROAD NOT IN NATIONAL INTEREST
PANHE, San Clemente, CA—Members of the Acjachemen Nation, the United Coalition to Protect Panhe (UCPP), and our allies in the environmental and social justice movements celebrate a tremendous victory today. The Native American sacred site Panhe and San Onofre State Park will remain protected thanks to a decision from the U.S. Department of Commerce issued earlier this morning. The Secretary of Commerce upheld the California Coastal Commission decision regarding the Transportation Corridor Agency's proposal to build a six-lane toll road in a popular state park and camp ground and one of the most historically significant sacred sites of the Acjachemen people.
"Our hearts are filled with gratitude today. I am grateful for the support of UCPP members and our allies. This victory would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our tribal community members, Tribal Nations, and our allies such as the Native American Heritage Commission, The City Project, the Sierra Club, California State Parks Foundation and others," said Rebecca Robles, UCPP co-founder and co-director.
Angela Mooney D'Arcy, co-director for UCPP said, "Today is a significant day for Panhe, the Ancestors, the Acjachemen people, San Onofre, and the millions of people who enjoy this state park and camp ground every year. However, this process is not over. On behalf of the United Coalition to Protect Panhe, we call upon the TCA to suspend all litigation and federal lobbying activities and instead focus its resources on studying reasonable alternatives to the toll road."
Louis Robles, Jr., Acjachemen tribal member said of the decision, "The voices of our Ancestors have been heard. This is an incredible victory for Panhe and for Indigenous peoples everywhere."
Background:
UCPP is a grassroots coalition of Acjachemen people dedicated to the protection of our sacred sites. Panhe is an Acjachemen sacred site and is listed on the California Sacred Lands Inventory maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission, is eligible for listing as a Traditional Cultural Property, and is part of the San Mateo Archaeological District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. San Onofre remains one of the most popular state parks and is visited by nearly 2.5 million people every year. The toll road would have devastated Panhe and San Onofre. In February 2008, the California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to block a toll road that would have caused severe and irreparable harm to Panhe and destroyed San Onofre, the fifth-most visited park in California. When explaining her decision before the crowd of over 3,000, Coastal Commissioner Mary Shallenberger said that the impacts of the proposed toll road on the Acjachemen people were reason enough to deny the road.
To obtain a copy of NOAA's press release on the Commerce Department Decision go to http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20081218_tca.html ..
People Murdered in 2008 by Law Enforcement in Los Angeles
People Murdered in 2008 by Law Enforcement in Los Angeles
Rest in Peace victims of Terrorism
Murdered in 2008 by Law Enforcement in Los Angeles
Edwin Arevalo, 22 – February 29
Cypress Park – Shot while Running from police. Never shot at police. Was killed by Metro Division of LAPD
Ruben Walton Ortega, 23 – July 1
Shot in the back by Inglewood police. He had no gun. He was holding up his pants and was shot because police thought he was reaching for a gun.
Kevin Wicks, 38 – July 21
Inglewood police responded to the wrong home for a domestic dispute call. When he opened the door, they thought they saw a gun and shot him. He was killed by Brian Ragan
Byron San Jose, 25 – February 27
Was shot by LAPD after a car chase. He was a passenger in a car that looked like the car that the police were pursuing. They mistook a mic stand that he was holding for a gun.
Roketi Su'e, 46 – May 17
Murdered by Long Beach Police while they were trying to arrest him. He was already subdued after succumbing to a beating. He was shot while he was on the ground. He had no weapons. The 40 + neighbors who witnessed everything were outside and upset, so police called a tactical alert and locked down the neighborhood.
Marco Gomez, 31 – May 2
Shot and killed by Eric Rose and Kevin Raines of Newton Division of LAPD (who also oversee downtown LA). He never shot or threatened the police. He was seated and could not hear their commands to get up.
Ilda Ebe Grasso, 52 – June 10
Was shot when she was pulled over by Highway Patrol in Alhambra. They claimed to have seen a weapon, but it was her grandchild's toy in the car.
Sergio Sedillo, 26 – April 2
Killed by LA Harbor Police Department in Wilmington. He went out guns blazing.
Jonathan Taylor, 24 – April 11
Shot outside El Segundo Theatres in a shoot out with the police.
Bryan Moore, 26 – June 26
Murdered by Compton police while running away from them. He had no gun.
Michael Byoune, 19 – May 11
Was shot and murdered while riding in the passenger seat of a car. They were in the drive thru of Rally's in Inglewood when police thought they heard gunshots, so they riddled their car with bullets. No guns!
Jason Geggie, 26 – July 31
He was an off duty LAPD. He was killed by Long Beach police for not putting away his gun.
Maurice Cox, 36 – March 1
Killed after fleeing a hit and run that he was involved in. He fled the police and ran into a bank parking lot where the police shot him to death because they could not catch up. The incident was caught on tape by Alex Alonzo
Glen Boldware, 47 – January 4
He was followed by police in an unmarked car for "stealing lumber from a yard". When Mr. Boldware stopped his car and stepped out, the police shot at him. He had no gun.
Michael Cho, 25 – January 1
La Habra police shot and killed this unarmed artist after they claimed to have been threatened by a tire iron. Mr. Cho was shot 10 times. He had no tire iron. The man the police were looking for was spotted elsewhere with a tire iron.
Christian Portillo, 35 – July 23
Murdered by Sherriffs in front of his home in Lennox. He was waiting in his car for his girlfriend when the sheriff crept up beside him. Sherriffs claimed he reached down for something when he was shot, yet he was shot point blank in the heart. No gun, no drugs were found anywhere near him. Sherriffs also claimed that he was wanted drug dealer, yet everyone knew he was not.
Eddie Felix Franco, 56 – August 31
Was a homeless man on Market St. in Inglewood. When police attempted to "sweep" him off of Market St., he refused. They asked him to put his hand in the air, but he refused. He never acted violently, or had a weapon, hut he was killed for not obeying orders. The many bullets from the Inglewood police hit a passerby and Mr. Franco's dog.
Eric Liebowitz, 35 – August 5
Mr. Liebowitz was killed at his home in Encino. Police claim he had a shotgun and attempted to shot at them.
Richard Dale, 54 – April 19
Torrence police reported to his home for complaints of loud music two times in one night. When they arrived the music was off. On the second trip, they claim that Mr. Dale came out and attempted to shoot them.
Carlos Castillos, 22 – February 16
He was killed by Rampart division of Los Angeles police. After being profiled for a crime, police asked him to drop his gun, but claim that he pointed it at them. He was killed at 3:30 pm on an intersection near MacArthur Park when children are walking home from school.
Mohammad Usman Chaudhry, 21 – March 25
Was murdered by police in Hollywood. He was a sleep by some bushes on the street in Hollywood. When police approached him, they claim that he produced a knife and stabbed one of them. Mr. Chaudhry was shot to death. Police did not report if they had beat him before he was shot to death.
Deshoun Torrence, 18 – July 12
He was injured by homeowners during a residential robbery. When Long Beach police arrived they placed him in the back of the squad car rather than in an ambulance. Mr. Torrence died in police custody due to the injuries before his arrest.
Glenn Patrick Rose, 25 – May 13
Killed by CHP in Pomona after a car theft. He was shot as he was trying to flee. Police claim to have been threatened by the car.
Daniel Leon, 22 – February 21
Was killed by Los Angeles police in Highland Park. He was said to have shot a man walking with his 2-year-old daughter. According to police, when police stopped Leon, he pointed an AK-47 at them
Edwin Rivera, 20 – February 7
Was killed after a stand off with police. Mr. Rivera was mentally ill and killed his family members.
Ryan Gonzalez, 26 – March 5
Mr. Gonzalez intervened on an argument that was turning violent between and off duty police officer and his wife off of Melrose avenue. When he tried to stop the abuse, the off duty officer shot and killed him.
Samuel Om, 21 – May 13
Mr. Om was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. When he was stopped, he got out of the car and was shot by the CHP. The police claim he got out and pointed a gun at them.
This information was compiled by artist Ami Motevalli for her art installment in:
http://www.18thstreet.org/futureofnations/WarAsaWayofLife/index.html
Here's a picture of her installment with faces of people murdered by the police carved into it:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/artinstallment.jpg
Rest in Peace victims of Terrorism
Murdered in 2008 by Law Enforcement in Los Angeles
Edwin Arevalo, 22 – February 29
Cypress Park – Shot while Running from police. Never shot at police. Was killed by Metro Division of LAPD
Ruben Walton Ortega, 23 – July 1
Shot in the back by Inglewood police. He had no gun. He was holding up his pants and was shot because police thought he was reaching for a gun.
Kevin Wicks, 38 – July 21
Inglewood police responded to the wrong home for a domestic dispute call. When he opened the door, they thought they saw a gun and shot him. He was killed by Brian Ragan
Byron San Jose, 25 – February 27
Was shot by LAPD after a car chase. He was a passenger in a car that looked like the car that the police were pursuing. They mistook a mic stand that he was holding for a gun.
Roketi Su'e, 46 – May 17
Murdered by Long Beach Police while they were trying to arrest him. He was already subdued after succumbing to a beating. He was shot while he was on the ground. He had no weapons. The 40 + neighbors who witnessed everything were outside and upset, so police called a tactical alert and locked down the neighborhood.
Marco Gomez, 31 – May 2
Shot and killed by Eric Rose and Kevin Raines of Newton Division of LAPD (who also oversee downtown LA). He never shot or threatened the police. He was seated and could not hear their commands to get up.
Ilda Ebe Grasso, 52 – June 10
Was shot when she was pulled over by Highway Patrol in Alhambra. They claimed to have seen a weapon, but it was her grandchild's toy in the car.
Sergio Sedillo, 26 – April 2
Killed by LA Harbor Police Department in Wilmington. He went out guns blazing.
Jonathan Taylor, 24 – April 11
Shot outside El Segundo Theatres in a shoot out with the police.
Bryan Moore, 26 – June 26
Murdered by Compton police while running away from them. He had no gun.
Michael Byoune, 19 – May 11
Was shot and murdered while riding in the passenger seat of a car. They were in the drive thru of Rally's in Inglewood when police thought they heard gunshots, so they riddled their car with bullets. No guns!
Jason Geggie, 26 – July 31
He was an off duty LAPD. He was killed by Long Beach police for not putting away his gun.
Maurice Cox, 36 – March 1
Killed after fleeing a hit and run that he was involved in. He fled the police and ran into a bank parking lot where the police shot him to death because they could not catch up. The incident was caught on tape by Alex Alonzo
Glen Boldware, 47 – January 4
He was followed by police in an unmarked car for "stealing lumber from a yard". When Mr. Boldware stopped his car and stepped out, the police shot at him. He had no gun.
Michael Cho, 25 – January 1
La Habra police shot and killed this unarmed artist after they claimed to have been threatened by a tire iron. Mr. Cho was shot 10 times. He had no tire iron. The man the police were looking for was spotted elsewhere with a tire iron.
Christian Portillo, 35 – July 23
Murdered by Sherriffs in front of his home in Lennox. He was waiting in his car for his girlfriend when the sheriff crept up beside him. Sherriffs claimed he reached down for something when he was shot, yet he was shot point blank in the heart. No gun, no drugs were found anywhere near him. Sherriffs also claimed that he was wanted drug dealer, yet everyone knew he was not.
Eddie Felix Franco, 56 – August 31
Was a homeless man on Market St. in Inglewood. When police attempted to "sweep" him off of Market St., he refused. They asked him to put his hand in the air, but he refused. He never acted violently, or had a weapon, hut he was killed for not obeying orders. The many bullets from the Inglewood police hit a passerby and Mr. Franco's dog.
Eric Liebowitz, 35 – August 5
Mr. Liebowitz was killed at his home in Encino. Police claim he had a shotgun and attempted to shot at them.
Richard Dale, 54 – April 19
Torrence police reported to his home for complaints of loud music two times in one night. When they arrived the music was off. On the second trip, they claim that Mr. Dale came out and attempted to shoot them.
Carlos Castillos, 22 – February 16
He was killed by Rampart division of Los Angeles police. After being profiled for a crime, police asked him to drop his gun, but claim that he pointed it at them. He was killed at 3:30 pm on an intersection near MacArthur Park when children are walking home from school.
Mohammad Usman Chaudhry, 21 – March 25
Was murdered by police in Hollywood. He was a sleep by some bushes on the street in Hollywood. When police approached him, they claim that he produced a knife and stabbed one of them. Mr. Chaudhry was shot to death. Police did not report if they had beat him before he was shot to death.
Deshoun Torrence, 18 – July 12
He was injured by homeowners during a residential robbery. When Long Beach police arrived they placed him in the back of the squad car rather than in an ambulance. Mr. Torrence died in police custody due to the injuries before his arrest.
Glenn Patrick Rose, 25 – May 13
Killed by CHP in Pomona after a car theft. He was shot as he was trying to flee. Police claim to have been threatened by the car.
Daniel Leon, 22 – February 21
Was killed by Los Angeles police in Highland Park. He was said to have shot a man walking with his 2-year-old daughter. According to police, when police stopped Leon, he pointed an AK-47 at them
Edwin Rivera, 20 – February 7
Was killed after a stand off with police. Mr. Rivera was mentally ill and killed his family members.
Ryan Gonzalez, 26 – March 5
Mr. Gonzalez intervened on an argument that was turning violent between and off duty police officer and his wife off of Melrose avenue. When he tried to stop the abuse, the off duty officer shot and killed him.
Samuel Om, 21 – May 13
Mr. Om was pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving. When he was stopped, he got out of the car and was shot by the CHP. The police claim he got out and pointed a gun at them.
This information was compiled by artist Ami Motevalli for her art installment in:
http://www.18thstreet.org/futureofnations/WarAsaWayofLife/index.html
Here's a picture of her installment with faces of people murdered by the police carved into it:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/artinstallment.jpg
Su lema es la autodefensa contra las instituciones opresivas
Su lema es la autodefensa contra las instituciones opresivas
Por Jorge Tiscareño Diario HOY 213.237.4341 jtiscareno@hoyllc.com
1 de mayo, 2008
Los Ángeles -- Uno a uno, cerca de una decena de jóvenes, en su mayoría latinos, llegaron el miércoles por la noche a una estación de radio ubicada en North Hollywood con el objetivo de promocionar una celebración que se llevará a cabo hoy de 4:00 de la tarde a 10:30 de la noche en el Parque MacArthur, con motivo de las marchas proinmigrantes del día.
Sin decir mucho, los jóvenes se fueron acomodando dentro de la cabina de grabación y comenzaron a discutir sus estrategias para informar a la comunidad sobre sus derechos. A pesar de que el grupo esta compuesto por jóvenes de ambos sexos, de aspecto relajado, este no es un grupo ordinario. Estos jóvenes pertenecen a la organización Copwatch LA Guerilla Chapter, cuyo objetivo es el de "combatir la opresión por parte de los gobiernos en contra de las comunidades más necesitadas".
De día, estos jóvenes se dedican a trabajar como cualquier otro miembro de la comunidad, pero por la noche y durante su tiempo libre, se dedican mayormente a vigilar a las autoridades para que no cometan abusos en contra de la comunidad. Sin embargo, dijeron sus miembros, su principal objetivo es el de crear un cambio social entre los mas necesitados.
"Nuestra misión es la de crear un movimiento social, donde la comunidad se pueda organizar, tener autogestión, autonomía y autodefensa en contra de las instituciones opresivas y cambiar las situaciones de la comunidad", dijo Joaquín Cienfuegos, miembro de Copwatch LA Guerilla Chapter, que forma parte de Comunidades Autónomas Revolucionarias.
Esta no es la primera vez que estos jóvenes harán acto de presencia en las marchas del 1 de mayo. También participaron el año pasado, donde, según ellos, fueron víctimas del abuso policial al que fueron sometidos varios participantes y periodistas.
"Nosotros no causamos ningún disturbio, fue la policía la que nos atacó", dijo Cienfuegos.
Es por eso que esta vez se organizaron de forma diferente: en vez de apoyar la marcha, decidieron planear un evento en el que la comunidad pueda exponer sus problemas y preocupaciones de una forma pacifica, aseguraron. Durante el evento se mostrará un vídeo sobre los disturbios ocurridos el año pasado entre agentes del Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles (LAPD) y manifestantes. También habrá comida y música en vivo.
"MacArthur Park es un espacio que tiene mucha historia entre la comunidad latina, ahí fue donde la comunidad fue atacada el año pasado. La policía les negó sus derechos y queremos asegurarnos que la policía no cometa la misma violencia", dijo Nadia Khan, quien colaboró con la organización Copwatch para llevar a cabo el evento.
Por su parte, José Maciel, Director del Parque MacArthur, indicó que tanto el LAPD como la Ciudad, ya tomó las medidas necesarias para evitar disturbios y aseguró que el parque estará vigilado todo el tiempo para garantizar la seguridad de los participantes del evento.
"El Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles va a instalar un centro de comando en el parque de las 6:00 de la mañana hasta la media noche para asegurarnos que nada suceda. Además, la división general de servicios encargada de patrullar el parque, también estará en alerta", dijo Maciel.
Por Jorge Tiscareño Diario HOY 213.237.4341 jtiscareno@hoyllc.com
1 de mayo, 2008
Los Ángeles -- Uno a uno, cerca de una decena de jóvenes, en su mayoría latinos, llegaron el miércoles por la noche a una estación de radio ubicada en North Hollywood con el objetivo de promocionar una celebración que se llevará a cabo hoy de 4:00 de la tarde a 10:30 de la noche en el Parque MacArthur, con motivo de las marchas proinmigrantes del día.
Sin decir mucho, los jóvenes se fueron acomodando dentro de la cabina de grabación y comenzaron a discutir sus estrategias para informar a la comunidad sobre sus derechos. A pesar de que el grupo esta compuesto por jóvenes de ambos sexos, de aspecto relajado, este no es un grupo ordinario. Estos jóvenes pertenecen a la organización Copwatch LA Guerilla Chapter, cuyo objetivo es el de "combatir la opresión por parte de los gobiernos en contra de las comunidades más necesitadas".
De día, estos jóvenes se dedican a trabajar como cualquier otro miembro de la comunidad, pero por la noche y durante su tiempo libre, se dedican mayormente a vigilar a las autoridades para que no cometan abusos en contra de la comunidad. Sin embargo, dijeron sus miembros, su principal objetivo es el de crear un cambio social entre los mas necesitados.
"Nuestra misión es la de crear un movimiento social, donde la comunidad se pueda organizar, tener autogestión, autonomía y autodefensa en contra de las instituciones opresivas y cambiar las situaciones de la comunidad", dijo Joaquín Cienfuegos, miembro de Copwatch LA Guerilla Chapter, que forma parte de Comunidades Autónomas Revolucionarias.
Esta no es la primera vez que estos jóvenes harán acto de presencia en las marchas del 1 de mayo. También participaron el año pasado, donde, según ellos, fueron víctimas del abuso policial al que fueron sometidos varios participantes y periodistas.
"Nosotros no causamos ningún disturbio, fue la policía la que nos atacó", dijo Cienfuegos.
Es por eso que esta vez se organizaron de forma diferente: en vez de apoyar la marcha, decidieron planear un evento en el que la comunidad pueda exponer sus problemas y preocupaciones de una forma pacifica, aseguraron. Durante el evento se mostrará un vídeo sobre los disturbios ocurridos el año pasado entre agentes del Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles (LAPD) y manifestantes. También habrá comida y música en vivo.
"MacArthur Park es un espacio que tiene mucha historia entre la comunidad latina, ahí fue donde la comunidad fue atacada el año pasado. La policía les negó sus derechos y queremos asegurarnos que la policía no cometa la misma violencia", dijo Nadia Khan, quien colaboró con la organización Copwatch para llevar a cabo el evento.
Por su parte, José Maciel, Director del Parque MacArthur, indicó que tanto el LAPD como la Ciudad, ya tomó las medidas necesarias para evitar disturbios y aseguró que el parque estará vigilado todo el tiempo para garantizar la seguridad de los participantes del evento.
"El Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles va a instalar un centro de comando en el parque de las 6:00 de la mañana hasta la media noche para asegurarnos que nada suceda. Además, la división general de servicios encargada de patrullar el parque, también estará en alerta", dijo Maciel.
The History and Experiences of Cop Watch Los Angeles
The History and Experiences of Cop Watch Los Angeles
COP WATCH LOS ANGELES
Written for the International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest.
http://www. revolutionprotestencyclopedia. com/overview. asp
Joaquin Cienfuegos
Cop Watch LA/Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
joaquincienfuegos@gmail.com
Word Count: 761
Cop Watch is a North American activist network dedicated to monitoring and documenting police brutality and harassment in various cities. Although the first group to call itself "Copwatch" emerged in Berkeley, California in 1990, the tactic of using citizen patrols to observe the conduct of the police can be traced back to the Black Panthers, the Brown Berets, the Los Angeles Chapter of SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee),and the Deacons for Defense and Justice in the South. The activities of Cop Watch chapters range from photographing, videotaping, and publicizing instances of police abuse and harassment, to holding "Know Your Rights" workshops and other events to arm people with information about their own communities, as well as to develop alternatives to policing and prisons. While some chapters have a non-interference policy when it comes to police and are largely focused on the watching part, other Cop Watch groups have taken a more militant stance.
Cop Watch LA (CWLA) is one such group that extends its activities beyond passive observation. According to their mission statement, "CWLA is a program dedicated to the struggle that will end police terrorism through collecting information on and observing police activity, by offering support to those caught in the criminal injustice system, fighting for change without a reformist consciousness, and working side-by-side with oppressed communities to create revolutionary alternatives to policing, prisons, and all systems of domination, oppression and exploitation."
On July 11th, 2005 the Los Angeles Police Department murdered 19 month-old Suzie Lopez Pena in Watts, California. At the time the Los Angeles Chapter of the Southern California Anarchist Federation (SCAF-LA) was organizing and holding meetings in South Central Los Angeles at Chuco's Justice Center, a community center that houses the offices of the Youth Justice Coalition, Critical Resistance, and the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality. In response to the Pena murder and the recent LAPD murders of Devin Brown, Deandre Brunston, and Gonzalo Martinez, SCAF-LA joined the "Stop Terrorism and Oppression by the Police Coalition," out of which Cop Watch LA was born.
After SCAF-LA disbanded, the working class youth of color members of SCAF-LA created the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities (RAC), whose aim is to define and organize around principles of autonomy, self-determination, self-organization, mutual-aid, revolution, and self-defense. The alliance of RAC and CWLA created a more revolutionary type of police monitoring group because it upheld the idea that the community itself had to take up the tactics and strategy of organizing and defending themselves from the occupying force -- police and all law enforcement agencies of the state. Heavily influenced by the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, The Ejercito Zapatista por Liberacion Nacional (EZLN), the Magonista Movement, the Horizontalist movement in Argentina, the Especifista anarchist tendency, and other revolutionary indigenous movements throughout the world, RAC and CWLA presented their guidelines, goals, and mission to the community. One of the central organizing principles of CWLA – that members couldn't patrol in a community they didn't live in or weren't invited to by the people who live there – led to the diccusion of CWLA local chapters in South Central Los Angeles and Long Beach, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, Watts, Santa Ana, and other parts of the city. They also built alliances and strong communication ties with organizations doing similar work in Los Angeles (eg. Los Angeles Community Action Network, the Black Riders Liberation Party, the Youth Justice Coalition, Frente Contra las Redadas, as well as the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement in New York and the Move Organization in Philadelphia.
CWLA has participated in the defense of the South Central Farm, supported the Cardenas family who filmed their relative being beaten by two Hollywood cops while choking him, observed the police at the May 1st, 2007 immigrant rights march (which was brutally attacked by the police), and initiated a learning process to deal with internal conflict by holding talking circles to heal the community while maintaining the struggle.
SEE ALSO: Anarchism, United States; Argentina, social and political protest, 2001-2007; Black Panthers; Latin American Punk Rock and Protest; Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC); Zapatistas, EZLN and Chiapas uprising;
References and Suggested Readings
Cop Watch LA (2005) Cop Watch LA. Available at www.copwatchla.org (downloaded June 1, 2008).
Greene, H.T. (2000) Understanding the Connections Between Race and Police Violence. In Markowitz, M.W. and Jones-Brown, D.D. (Eds.) The System in Black and White: Exploring the Connections Between Race, Crime, and Justice.
October 22 Coalition (1999) Stolen Lives: Killed by Law Enforcement. New York: October 22 Coalition.
Walker, S. (2005) The New World of Police Accountability. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
COP WATCH LOS ANGELES
Written for the International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest.
http://www. revolutionprotestencyclopedia. com/overview. asp
Joaquin Cienfuegos
Cop Watch LA/Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
joaquincienfuegos@gmail.com
Word Count: 761
Cop Watch is a North American activist network dedicated to monitoring and documenting police brutality and harassment in various cities. Although the first group to call itself "Copwatch" emerged in Berkeley, California in 1990, the tactic of using citizen patrols to observe the conduct of the police can be traced back to the Black Panthers, the Brown Berets, the Los Angeles Chapter of SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee),and the Deacons for Defense and Justice in the South. The activities of Cop Watch chapters range from photographing, videotaping, and publicizing instances of police abuse and harassment, to holding "Know Your Rights" workshops and other events to arm people with information about their own communities, as well as to develop alternatives to policing and prisons. While some chapters have a non-interference policy when it comes to police and are largely focused on the watching part, other Cop Watch groups have taken a more militant stance.
Cop Watch LA (CWLA) is one such group that extends its activities beyond passive observation. According to their mission statement, "CWLA is a program dedicated to the struggle that will end police terrorism through collecting information on and observing police activity, by offering support to those caught in the criminal injustice system, fighting for change without a reformist consciousness, and working side-by-side with oppressed communities to create revolutionary alternatives to policing, prisons, and all systems of domination, oppression and exploitation."
On July 11th, 2005 the Los Angeles Police Department murdered 19 month-old Suzie Lopez Pena in Watts, California. At the time the Los Angeles Chapter of the Southern California Anarchist Federation (SCAF-LA) was organizing and holding meetings in South Central Los Angeles at Chuco's Justice Center, a community center that houses the offices of the Youth Justice Coalition, Critical Resistance, and the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality. In response to the Pena murder and the recent LAPD murders of Devin Brown, Deandre Brunston, and Gonzalo Martinez, SCAF-LA joined the "Stop Terrorism and Oppression by the Police Coalition," out of which Cop Watch LA was born.
After SCAF-LA disbanded, the working class youth of color members of SCAF-LA created the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities (RAC), whose aim is to define and organize around principles of autonomy, self-determination, self-organization, mutual-aid, revolution, and self-defense. The alliance of RAC and CWLA created a more revolutionary type of police monitoring group because it upheld the idea that the community itself had to take up the tactics and strategy of organizing and defending themselves from the occupying force -- police and all law enforcement agencies of the state. Heavily influenced by the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, The Ejercito Zapatista por Liberacion Nacional (EZLN), the Magonista Movement, the Horizontalist movement in Argentina, the Especifista anarchist tendency, and other revolutionary indigenous movements throughout the world, RAC and CWLA presented their guidelines, goals, and mission to the community. One of the central organizing principles of CWLA – that members couldn't patrol in a community they didn't live in or weren't invited to by the people who live there – led to the diccusion of CWLA local chapters in South Central Los Angeles and Long Beach, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, Watts, Santa Ana, and other parts of the city. They also built alliances and strong communication ties with organizations doing similar work in Los Angeles (eg. Los Angeles Community Action Network, the Black Riders Liberation Party, the Youth Justice Coalition, Frente Contra las Redadas, as well as the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement in New York and the Move Organization in Philadelphia.
CWLA has participated in the defense of the South Central Farm, supported the Cardenas family who filmed their relative being beaten by two Hollywood cops while choking him, observed the police at the May 1st, 2007 immigrant rights march (which was brutally attacked by the police), and initiated a learning process to deal with internal conflict by holding talking circles to heal the community while maintaining the struggle.
SEE ALSO: Anarchism, United States; Argentina, social and political protest, 2001-2007; Black Panthers; Latin American Punk Rock and Protest; Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC); Zapatistas, EZLN and Chiapas uprising;
References and Suggested Readings
Cop Watch LA (2005) Cop Watch LA. Available at www.copwatchla.org (downloaded June 1, 2008).
Greene, H.T. (2000) Understanding the Connections Between Race and Police Violence. In Markowitz, M.W. and Jones-Brown, D.D. (Eds.) The System in Black and White: Exploring the Connections Between Race, Crime, and Justice.
October 22 Coalition (1999) Stolen Lives: Killed by Law Enforcement. New York: October 22 Coalition.
Walker, S. (2005) The New World of Police Accountability. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Show for the Southern California Anarchist Conference Shutdown by the Police/Support El Centro
Member of the Guerrilla Chapter of Cop Watch LA
On December 16th, 2007, the show that was part of the Southern California Anarchist Conference at a community space called El Centro de Accion Popular in Boyle Heights.
From the beginning of the show there was police monitoring the event. Two helicopters passed by the Centro and circled the center shining their light down on the parking lot and the top window of the warehouse. Hours later, two black-and-white cars came to ask that the cars that were double parked be moved (and people moved them).
Half an hour later about six black-and-white police cars and more than 10 police officers from the Hollenbeck Police Department (as well as a Union Police truck -- the center is across the street from a Union Police Station) showed up at the door asking to come in to see how many people were in the warehouse. The officer in charge, Sergent Gutierrez, was insistent that he be let in without a warrant to see how many people were inside the event. The organizers were forced to make a quick decision, so to protect the space and the people at the event we said we wouldn't let them inside.
The police then called the fire department to come in and see if they can shut down the event. The fire department showed up and came inside the event along with the LAPD. The fire department called a fire inspector to come to see if they can shut down the event. Fire inspector Hernandez also came into the space taking pictures with his digital camera and then called the chief of the fire department to make the decision. Chief Clemons showed up minutes later to say that the event had to be canceled due to a fire hazard. The space does not have a door at the back of the building so they said they are not allowed to have any sort of events there in the future. They are not allowed to have more than 10 people, if they violate this they will be fined. The organizers had to explain to Clemons that it is a community space safe for children in the community so they wouldn't condemn the building.
This was an act of state repression, and that is clear. The LAPD was looking for any excuse to shut the event down, and to attack the community center. First they came because of the parking. They couldn't say it was a noise violation because the space is not near a residential area. So they try to say that the space is a commercial building and it's not fit to have shows, according to Pig Gutierrez.
There was also a detective in civilian clothes who came out from across the street from an abandoned building, who was watching to see who was coming in and out of the event. When we took a picture of him, he asked if we have ever been to the space before, and he said he had seen us there before. This shows that the police have been watching the space for a while now. They used the Southern California Anarchist show as an excuse to attack the work of the Centro.
The Centro de Accion Popular has English classes for the community and does community, educational, and cultural events out of the center. They will not be able to do all that anymore until we are able to make the space "fire safe" and add another door in the rear. They had an event scheduled for Saturday, December 22nd to commemorate the massacre in Acteal, Chiapas, but that will have to be moved (more information on location later - either at the East Side Cafe in El Sereno where another event for Acteal is scheduled earlier or the SpaceArk Gallery in Highland Park). They are also looking for a space to use.
We need to defend the Centro de Accion Popular. There will be a show organized in January to raise funds for expenses that are needed for the Centro to reopen (put on by the Organizing Collective of the Southern California Anarchist Conference).
El Comite de Pro-Democracia en Mexico (an organization that runs El Centro de Accion Popular) can be contacted at: lacomite@aol.com, elcomite@cpdmla.org
=============
A message from El Comite
This is a call to all activists whom are familiar with El Comite and the work and space they provide for us. As you may or may not know Sundays Anarchist conference at the Comite was interrupted and sanctioned by the city of L.A.
The Comite is not allowed to have any more events or more than 10 people in the facilities due to bullshit they (the state) made up, which means that all those of you whom want to have an event to raise funds for your causes ca no longer do it!!!
Now my proposal to you is that we need to maintain a space for community events and those of you whom have used the facilities before...if you really are down with the movement should help out our friends at the Comite to find a space to continue to have something for our community.
It is sad to know that many of us talk of revolution, consciousness, etc etc, but when our comrades are in need we don't give a damn. The comrades at the Comite need our help
will you answer the call? help us find a space where we can continue to have community events as it has been done in the past.
Any questions or concerns? let me know.
In Solidarity
El Comite de Pro-Democracia en Mexico (an organization that runs El Centro de Accion Popular) can be contacted at: lacomite@aol.com, elcomite@cpdmla.org
=================
Picture from the Original Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party -- Southern California Anarchist Conference 2007 -- Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0757.jpg
Hollenbeck Officer De La Cruz
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0759.jpg
Hollebeck Officer Harden (threatened to give us tickets for walking on the street for helping a band with their equipment)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0760.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0763.jpg
Police wasting our time (notice also the Union Police Truck)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0761.jpg
Fire Inspector Hernandez (taking pictures of the event)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0765.jpg
Hollenbeck Sergent Gutierrez with Fire Department
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0764.jpg
Detective in Civilian clothes
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0768.jpg
Detective with the police
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0769.jpg
Detective with Sergent Gutierrez
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0770.jpg
Officers there from Hollenbeck:
Lin
De La Cruz
Sergent Gutierrez
Harden
Chavez
Hollenbeck Police Car Numbers:
87765
87912
87297
87122
Union Police Truck License Plate Number:
5MRB893
Fire Department:
Chief Clemons
Fire Inspector Hernandez
On December 16th, 2007, the show that was part of the Southern California Anarchist Conference at a community space called El Centro de Accion Popular in Boyle Heights.
From the beginning of the show there was police monitoring the event. Two helicopters passed by the Centro and circled the center shining their light down on the parking lot and the top window of the warehouse. Hours later, two black-and-white cars came to ask that the cars that were double parked be moved (and people moved them).
Half an hour later about six black-and-white police cars and more than 10 police officers from the Hollenbeck Police Department (as well as a Union Police truck -- the center is across the street from a Union Police Station) showed up at the door asking to come in to see how many people were in the warehouse. The officer in charge, Sergent Gutierrez, was insistent that he be let in without a warrant to see how many people were inside the event. The organizers were forced to make a quick decision, so to protect the space and the people at the event we said we wouldn't let them inside.
The police then called the fire department to come in and see if they can shut down the event. The fire department showed up and came inside the event along with the LAPD. The fire department called a fire inspector to come to see if they can shut down the event. Fire inspector Hernandez also came into the space taking pictures with his digital camera and then called the chief of the fire department to make the decision. Chief Clemons showed up minutes later to say that the event had to be canceled due to a fire hazard. The space does not have a door at the back of the building so they said they are not allowed to have any sort of events there in the future. They are not allowed to have more than 10 people, if they violate this they will be fined. The organizers had to explain to Clemons that it is a community space safe for children in the community so they wouldn't condemn the building.
This was an act of state repression, and that is clear. The LAPD was looking for any excuse to shut the event down, and to attack the community center. First they came because of the parking. They couldn't say it was a noise violation because the space is not near a residential area. So they try to say that the space is a commercial building and it's not fit to have shows, according to Pig Gutierrez.
There was also a detective in civilian clothes who came out from across the street from an abandoned building, who was watching to see who was coming in and out of the event. When we took a picture of him, he asked if we have ever been to the space before, and he said he had seen us there before. This shows that the police have been watching the space for a while now. They used the Southern California Anarchist show as an excuse to attack the work of the Centro.
The Centro de Accion Popular has English classes for the community and does community, educational, and cultural events out of the center. They will not be able to do all that anymore until we are able to make the space "fire safe" and add another door in the rear. They had an event scheduled for Saturday, December 22nd to commemorate the massacre in Acteal, Chiapas, but that will have to be moved (more information on location later - either at the East Side Cafe in El Sereno where another event for Acteal is scheduled earlier or the SpaceArk Gallery in Highland Park). They are also looking for a space to use.
We need to defend the Centro de Accion Popular. There will be a show organized in January to raise funds for expenses that are needed for the Centro to reopen (put on by the Organizing Collective of the Southern California Anarchist Conference).
El Comite de Pro-Democracia en Mexico (an organization that runs El Centro de Accion Popular) can be contacted at: lacomite@aol.com, elcomite@cpdmla.org
=============
A message from El Comite
This is a call to all activists whom are familiar with El Comite and the work and space they provide for us. As you may or may not know Sundays Anarchist conference at the Comite was interrupted and sanctioned by the city of L.A.
The Comite is not allowed to have any more events or more than 10 people in the facilities due to bullshit they (the state) made up, which means that all those of you whom want to have an event to raise funds for your causes ca no longer do it!!!
Now my proposal to you is that we need to maintain a space for community events and those of you whom have used the facilities before...if you really are down with the movement should help out our friends at the Comite to find a space to continue to have something for our community.
It is sad to know that many of us talk of revolution, consciousness, etc etc, but when our comrades are in need we don't give a damn. The comrades at the Comite need our help
will you answer the call? help us find a space where we can continue to have community events as it has been done in the past.
Any questions or concerns? let me know.
In Solidarity
El Comite de Pro-Democracia en Mexico (an organization that runs El Centro de Accion Popular) can be contacted at: lacomite@aol.com, elcomite@cpdmla.org
=================
Picture from the Original Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party -- Southern California Anarchist Conference 2007 -- Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0757.jpg
Hollenbeck Officer De La Cruz
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0759.jpg
Hollebeck Officer Harden (threatened to give us tickets for walking on the street for helping a band with their equipment)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0760.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0763.jpg
Police wasting our time (notice also the Union Police Truck)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0761.jpg
Fire Inspector Hernandez (taking pictures of the event)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0765.jpg
Hollenbeck Sergent Gutierrez with Fire Department
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0764.jpg
Detective in Civilian clothes
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0768.jpg
Detective with the police
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0769.jpg
Detective with Sergent Gutierrez
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o193/copwatchla/CIMG0770.jpg
Officers there from Hollenbeck:
Lin
De La Cruz
Sergent Gutierrez
Harden
Chavez
Hollenbeck Police Car Numbers:
87765
87912
87297
87122
Union Police Truck License Plate Number:
5MRB893
Fire Department:
Chief Clemons
Fire Inspector Hernandez
La Policia Comunitaria en Guerrero, Mexico
La Experencia de La Policia Comunitaria en Guerrero, Mexico
Gloria Muñoz Ramírez, San Luis Acatlán. Guerrero. Agustín maneja el camión que recoge a los comisarios y comandantes de la Policía Comunitaria que asistirán a la asamblea regional (que por falta de quórum finalmente no se realizará), en la comunidad de Espino Blanco, en la Montaña guerrerense. En el camino descompuesto por las recientes lluvias, Agustín rememora los asesinatos, asaltos y violaciones que se cometían por esta carretera y sus veredas hace más de una década. "Zona de ratas", se leía en un letrero que, cínicamente, los delincuentes colocaron en el camino de San Luis Acatlán a Santa Cruz El Rincón.
Entre 1992 y 1995 se vivió en la Costa Chica y la Montaña de Guerrero la más despiadada ola de violencia de la que se tenga memoria. Ante la indiferencia y muchas veces complicidad de las autoridades con la delincuencia organizada, en 1995 los pobladores hicieron asambleas, discutieron y, finalmente, decidieron hacerse cargo del problema organizando su propia policía comunitaria que, sin sueldo ni recompensas, montó guardias día y noche por veredas y caminos, empezó a detener a los delincuentes y los puso a disposición de las autoridades. Era el inicio de la conformación de un sistema comunitario de seguridad que, doce años después, enfrenta nuevos retos, entre los que destacan la participación de la mujer, la autosuficiencia y la consolidación de las subsedes que acerquen más a los pueblos y el proyecto de comunicación comunitaria.
El 15 de octubre de 1995 se realizó la asamblea fundacional de la Policía Comunitaria en Santa Cruz El Rincón, el mismo lugar donde a mediados de abril de 2006 recibieron al subcomandante Marcos y a la caravana de La Otra Campaña. Zona de tlapanecos y mixtecos (principalmente), región de extrema pobreza y de movimientos rurales legendarios, la Costa Chica y la Montaña de Guerrero protagonizan hoy una de las experiencias más notables de la autonomía indígena que exige el respeto del Estado mexicano. Han mostrado eficacia y honestidad y se les sigue amenazando. Actualmente el ayuntamiento de San Luis Acatlán pretende reactivar órdenes de aprehensión en contra de algunos de sus miembros, una amenaza constante desde que se integraron.
Durante los primeros años los policías indígenas mejor conocidos como "los comunitarios", quienes eran recibidos con gritos y porras en los pueblos, como los Robin Hood o los Pancho Villa de la Montaña, disminuyeron la delincuencia de manera significativa, enfrentando en todo momento no sólo las amenazas de los gobiernos estatal y municipales, que nunca han terminado de aceptarlos, sino la corrupción de los órganos encargados de la administración de la justicia, razón por la que 1998 decidieron crear la Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias, es decir, un sistema de prevención y procuración de justicia. Ya no se trataba sólo de atrapar delincuentes, sino de legitimar el derecho tradicional y perseguir y sancionar delitos del fuero común (robo, asalto, violación, asesinato, abigeato, entre otros).
El camión de carga sale de la sede la Coordinadora Regional, ubicada en el barrio de San Isidro, en el municipio costero de San Luis Acatlán (cuna y tumba del guerrillero Genaro Vázquez), y recorre parte de la Montaña por una carretera completamente destruida, aunque tiene poco que fue inaugurada por el entonces presidente Vicente Fox. Junto al volante viaja Paula Silva, la única mujer que en estos momentos forma parte de alguna de las tres áreas de trabajo del sistema: (la Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Indígenas, la Figura Jurídica y el Comité Ejecutivo; además están los consejeros y el cuerpo de la policía comunitaria).
El pasado 22 de marzo se integraron por primera vez tres mujeres a la Coordinadora Regional (órgano que se encarga de recibir las quejas, analizar las denuncias, expedir las órdenes de aprehensión y rendir los dictámenes ante la Asamblea Regional, es decir, ante los pueblos adscritos por voluntad propia al sistema, quienes siempre tienen la última palabra). Desafortunadamente, las tres fueron destituidas por tomar posición en un caso de brujería en Tilapa (la brujería, por cierto, no está contemplada en el Reglamento del sistema).
El año pasado se formó, también por vez primera, la Comisión de Mujeres. "Eran dos compañeras que tenían el trabajo de invitar a más mujeres de los pueblos a participar en la organización, pero la Comisión desapareció, o por lo menos ahorita no trabaja".
"Es muy importante que haya mujeres en la Coordinadora, sobre todo por que hay casos de mujeres golpeadas en los que los hombres se favorecen entre ellos. Hay veces que se denuncia una agresión a una mujer, viene toda golpeada por su marido y se detiene a los dos por pleito. Es injusto", se indigna Paula.
Las mujeres, dice Paula, "también queremos ser policías, o mejor comandantas y estar armadas". Pánfilo Rodríguez Solano, de la Coordinadora Regional, confirma el reto: "Tiene que haber una mayor concientización. La ventaja con ellas es que no tienen el problema del alcohol y la verdad es que sí son más decididas".
Otro reto actual de la Policía Comunitaria es lograr la autosuficiencia. No hay recursos y con los ayuntamientos varía la relación según quien gobierne. "Ahora que ya se ha conseguido bajar la delincuencia" --dice Pánfilo-- "se necesita hacer productivo el proyecto de la Policía Comunitaria, hacerlo autogestivo, para no andar pidiendo caridad".
La última violación a una mujer se dio hace más de cuatro años y el asalto en carretera que se recuerda es de hace 5 años. El abigeato aún existe, pero ya en menor medida. Hoy los retos son distintos: "Tenemos que ver cómo vamos a seguir creciendo, cómo nos vamos mantener y por eso estamos viendo proyectos para sembrar cereales, frijol, hacer milpa y otras cosas. Se trata de solventar los gastos de transporte de la policía, el sustento de las personas que están de tiempo completo y los gastos de la oficina".
Otro desafío es la consolidación de las subsedes, pues se ha crecido territorialmente y la sede de San Luis ya queda muy lejos. Empezaron en 2 municipios y ahora tienen presencia en 56 comunidades de 10 municipios. Son 672 policías comunitarios. "Al crecer se vio la necesidad de crear subsedes que van a empezar a operar el 15 de octubre, una en Espino Blanco, municipio de Malinaltepec; y otra en Citlaltepec, en Metlatonoc. Se trata de acercar a los pueblos, que tengan una oficina cerca donde tratar sus problemas".
En el patio de la sede de la Coordinadora hay un detenido que será trasladado a Tilapa, donde se unirá a un grupo de nueve hombres que pagan sus delitos con trabajo comunitario. La comunidad los alimenta y les ordena las tareas. Hoy están pavimentando. "En los usos y costumbres indígenas no se paga con encierro, sino que se tiene que reparar el daño y ofrecer servicio a la comunidad. Ésa es la reeducación, como la llamamos nosotros", explica Emilio Cano, otro miembro de la Coordinadora.
El pueblo entero se involucra y, en el caso del joven detenido por haber matado "por equivocación" un caballo, los dueños piden la reparación del daño y es la propia familia del muchacho la que exige por lo menos dos meses de reeducación.
Ésta es la Policía Comunitaria, cuyo reto principal es "no alejarse de los pueblos y seguir obedeciéndolos". Así se preparan para los festejos del doceavo aniversario, pero, primero, "hay que limpiar la casa y resolver los problemas internos", como dijeron en la reunión de Espino Blanco, presidida por Emilio, Pánfilo, Ciriaco y Jesús.
Mas Articulos: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/09/17/oja-portada.html
www.policiacomunitaria.org/
Gloria Muñoz Ramírez, San Luis Acatlán. Guerrero. Agustín maneja el camión que recoge a los comisarios y comandantes de la Policía Comunitaria que asistirán a la asamblea regional (que por falta de quórum finalmente no se realizará), en la comunidad de Espino Blanco, en la Montaña guerrerense. En el camino descompuesto por las recientes lluvias, Agustín rememora los asesinatos, asaltos y violaciones que se cometían por esta carretera y sus veredas hace más de una década. "Zona de ratas", se leía en un letrero que, cínicamente, los delincuentes colocaron en el camino de San Luis Acatlán a Santa Cruz El Rincón.
Entre 1992 y 1995 se vivió en la Costa Chica y la Montaña de Guerrero la más despiadada ola de violencia de la que se tenga memoria. Ante la indiferencia y muchas veces complicidad de las autoridades con la delincuencia organizada, en 1995 los pobladores hicieron asambleas, discutieron y, finalmente, decidieron hacerse cargo del problema organizando su propia policía comunitaria que, sin sueldo ni recompensas, montó guardias día y noche por veredas y caminos, empezó a detener a los delincuentes y los puso a disposición de las autoridades. Era el inicio de la conformación de un sistema comunitario de seguridad que, doce años después, enfrenta nuevos retos, entre los que destacan la participación de la mujer, la autosuficiencia y la consolidación de las subsedes que acerquen más a los pueblos y el proyecto de comunicación comunitaria.
El 15 de octubre de 1995 se realizó la asamblea fundacional de la Policía Comunitaria en Santa Cruz El Rincón, el mismo lugar donde a mediados de abril de 2006 recibieron al subcomandante Marcos y a la caravana de La Otra Campaña. Zona de tlapanecos y mixtecos (principalmente), región de extrema pobreza y de movimientos rurales legendarios, la Costa Chica y la Montaña de Guerrero protagonizan hoy una de las experiencias más notables de la autonomía indígena que exige el respeto del Estado mexicano. Han mostrado eficacia y honestidad y se les sigue amenazando. Actualmente el ayuntamiento de San Luis Acatlán pretende reactivar órdenes de aprehensión en contra de algunos de sus miembros, una amenaza constante desde que se integraron.
Durante los primeros años los policías indígenas mejor conocidos como "los comunitarios", quienes eran recibidos con gritos y porras en los pueblos, como los Robin Hood o los Pancho Villa de la Montaña, disminuyeron la delincuencia de manera significativa, enfrentando en todo momento no sólo las amenazas de los gobiernos estatal y municipales, que nunca han terminado de aceptarlos, sino la corrupción de los órganos encargados de la administración de la justicia, razón por la que 1998 decidieron crear la Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias, es decir, un sistema de prevención y procuración de justicia. Ya no se trataba sólo de atrapar delincuentes, sino de legitimar el derecho tradicional y perseguir y sancionar delitos del fuero común (robo, asalto, violación, asesinato, abigeato, entre otros).
El camión de carga sale de la sede la Coordinadora Regional, ubicada en el barrio de San Isidro, en el municipio costero de San Luis Acatlán (cuna y tumba del guerrillero Genaro Vázquez), y recorre parte de la Montaña por una carretera completamente destruida, aunque tiene poco que fue inaugurada por el entonces presidente Vicente Fox. Junto al volante viaja Paula Silva, la única mujer que en estos momentos forma parte de alguna de las tres áreas de trabajo del sistema: (la Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Indígenas, la Figura Jurídica y el Comité Ejecutivo; además están los consejeros y el cuerpo de la policía comunitaria).
El pasado 22 de marzo se integraron por primera vez tres mujeres a la Coordinadora Regional (órgano que se encarga de recibir las quejas, analizar las denuncias, expedir las órdenes de aprehensión y rendir los dictámenes ante la Asamblea Regional, es decir, ante los pueblos adscritos por voluntad propia al sistema, quienes siempre tienen la última palabra). Desafortunadamente, las tres fueron destituidas por tomar posición en un caso de brujería en Tilapa (la brujería, por cierto, no está contemplada en el Reglamento del sistema).
El año pasado se formó, también por vez primera, la Comisión de Mujeres. "Eran dos compañeras que tenían el trabajo de invitar a más mujeres de los pueblos a participar en la organización, pero la Comisión desapareció, o por lo menos ahorita no trabaja".
"Es muy importante que haya mujeres en la Coordinadora, sobre todo por que hay casos de mujeres golpeadas en los que los hombres se favorecen entre ellos. Hay veces que se denuncia una agresión a una mujer, viene toda golpeada por su marido y se detiene a los dos por pleito. Es injusto", se indigna Paula.
Las mujeres, dice Paula, "también queremos ser policías, o mejor comandantas y estar armadas". Pánfilo Rodríguez Solano, de la Coordinadora Regional, confirma el reto: "Tiene que haber una mayor concientización. La ventaja con ellas es que no tienen el problema del alcohol y la verdad es que sí son más decididas".
Otro reto actual de la Policía Comunitaria es lograr la autosuficiencia. No hay recursos y con los ayuntamientos varía la relación según quien gobierne. "Ahora que ya se ha conseguido bajar la delincuencia" --dice Pánfilo-- "se necesita hacer productivo el proyecto de la Policía Comunitaria, hacerlo autogestivo, para no andar pidiendo caridad".
La última violación a una mujer se dio hace más de cuatro años y el asalto en carretera que se recuerda es de hace 5 años. El abigeato aún existe, pero ya en menor medida. Hoy los retos son distintos: "Tenemos que ver cómo vamos a seguir creciendo, cómo nos vamos mantener y por eso estamos viendo proyectos para sembrar cereales, frijol, hacer milpa y otras cosas. Se trata de solventar los gastos de transporte de la policía, el sustento de las personas que están de tiempo completo y los gastos de la oficina".
Otro desafío es la consolidación de las subsedes, pues se ha crecido territorialmente y la sede de San Luis ya queda muy lejos. Empezaron en 2 municipios y ahora tienen presencia en 56 comunidades de 10 municipios. Son 672 policías comunitarios. "Al crecer se vio la necesidad de crear subsedes que van a empezar a operar el 15 de octubre, una en Espino Blanco, municipio de Malinaltepec; y otra en Citlaltepec, en Metlatonoc. Se trata de acercar a los pueblos, que tengan una oficina cerca donde tratar sus problemas".
En el patio de la sede de la Coordinadora hay un detenido que será trasladado a Tilapa, donde se unirá a un grupo de nueve hombres que pagan sus delitos con trabajo comunitario. La comunidad los alimenta y les ordena las tareas. Hoy están pavimentando. "En los usos y costumbres indígenas no se paga con encierro, sino que se tiene que reparar el daño y ofrecer servicio a la comunidad. Ésa es la reeducación, como la llamamos nosotros", explica Emilio Cano, otro miembro de la Coordinadora.
El pueblo entero se involucra y, en el caso del joven detenido por haber matado "por equivocación" un caballo, los dueños piden la reparación del daño y es la propia familia del muchacho la que exige por lo menos dos meses de reeducación.
Ésta es la Policía Comunitaria, cuyo reto principal es "no alejarse de los pueblos y seguir obedeciéndolos". Así se preparan para los festejos del doceavo aniversario, pero, primero, "hay que limpiar la casa y resolver los problemas internos", como dijeron en la reunión de Espino Blanco, presidida por Emilio, Pánfilo, Ciriaco y Jesús.
Mas Articulos: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/09/17/oja-portada.html
www.policiacomunitaria.org/
Los de Abajo:Vigilantes de Policia (Cop Watch LA Entrevista en La Jornada - Mexico)
Los de Abajo
Gloria Muñoz Ramírez
losylasdeabajo@yahoo.com.mx
Vigilantes de la policía
Cop Watch LA, los vigilantes de la policía, es la respuesta organizada de comunidades oprimidas que con libretas y cámaras de video en mano y, sobre todo, poniendo sus cuerpos como escudos, registran y difunden la brutal represión policiaca que se ejerce contra las personas de color, de origen latino o afroamericano, en las calles de Los Ángeles, California, y en otras ciudades donde "la raza" predomina. Con influencias del movimiento de las Panteras Negras y del zapatismo, Cop Watch es, ante todo, "una organización comunitaria integrada por gente oprimida que vive en condiciones neocoloniales".
Joaquín explica: "Estamos organizados horizontalmente. Realizamos acciones directas contra la brutalidad policiaca, pero tratamos de conectar esta táctica con un movimiento más amplio para obtener la autonomía y autodeterminación y así construir la infraestructura para la autodefensa en nuestras comunidades".
"Se trata –añade Josefina– de ayudarnos mutuamente frente a las fuerzas represivas, como la policía o el ICE (nuevas siglas de la migra), que tratan de llevarse a nuestra gente, de meterla a la cárcel o a los centros de detención. Nosotros nos comunicamos cuando hay redadas, chequeos, o chotas en patrulla… nos comunicamos cuáles son los peores policías, nos informamos cuando alguien está detenido para tratar de librarlo de esa situación, para que haya menos de nuestra gente en las cárceles y los centros de detención. Y cuando caen, pues para ver cómo sacarlos".
Para Manuel, "Cop Watch es una organización pero también es la comunidad en sí misma, cuando ella vigila a la policía… Todas las personas en Los Ángeles, en Pomona y en todas las ciudades donde hay raza, ellos ya entienden lo que es Cop Watch, pero participan sin saber que hay una organización, ellos lo hacen porque entienden que hay peligro cuando uno está frente a la policía…"
Aquí, en Los Ángeles, donde la raza es mayoría, los policías "no conocen a nuestra gente ni nuestra lucha, y detienen a personas que parecen criminales, generalmente gente morena, muchas veces hombres de pelo rapado que ellos califican como criminales, y los hostigan 24 horas al día, cada vez que están en las calles. Pero no sólo los hostigan, sino que los agreden y llegan a asesinarlos, y nadie dice nada porque mucha de nuestra gente se la pasa entre el trabajo y la casa y la única fuente de información que tienen es la televisión, y lo que ven es que tal criminal hizo tal cosa, y que la policía puede asesinar impunemente. Así que cuando nosotros estamos en la calle, y no en la casa viendo esta propaganda, podemos mostrar lo que realmente pasa en nuestros barrios. Esto lo informamos hablando en las comunidades, poniendo videos en YouTube, MySpace, CopwatchLA.org, donde explicamos lo que realmente sucedió. En los puntos de chequeo no están buscando gente borracha, están buscando indocumentados para quitarles el auto. Ese es el gran negocio".
Cop Watch es la recuperación del sentido comunitario, es crear lazos y alternativas. Es no dejarse y, al mismo tiempo, construir autonomía en el mero corazón del monstruo.
Gloria Muñoz Ramírez
losylasdeabajo@yahoo.com.mx
Vigilantes de la policía
Cop Watch LA, los vigilantes de la policía, es la respuesta organizada de comunidades oprimidas que con libretas y cámaras de video en mano y, sobre todo, poniendo sus cuerpos como escudos, registran y difunden la brutal represión policiaca que se ejerce contra las personas de color, de origen latino o afroamericano, en las calles de Los Ángeles, California, y en otras ciudades donde "la raza" predomina. Con influencias del movimiento de las Panteras Negras y del zapatismo, Cop Watch es, ante todo, "una organización comunitaria integrada por gente oprimida que vive en condiciones neocoloniales".
Joaquín explica: "Estamos organizados horizontalmente. Realizamos acciones directas contra la brutalidad policiaca, pero tratamos de conectar esta táctica con un movimiento más amplio para obtener la autonomía y autodeterminación y así construir la infraestructura para la autodefensa en nuestras comunidades".
"Se trata –añade Josefina– de ayudarnos mutuamente frente a las fuerzas represivas, como la policía o el ICE (nuevas siglas de la migra), que tratan de llevarse a nuestra gente, de meterla a la cárcel o a los centros de detención. Nosotros nos comunicamos cuando hay redadas, chequeos, o chotas en patrulla… nos comunicamos cuáles son los peores policías, nos informamos cuando alguien está detenido para tratar de librarlo de esa situación, para que haya menos de nuestra gente en las cárceles y los centros de detención. Y cuando caen, pues para ver cómo sacarlos".
Para Manuel, "Cop Watch es una organización pero también es la comunidad en sí misma, cuando ella vigila a la policía… Todas las personas en Los Ángeles, en Pomona y en todas las ciudades donde hay raza, ellos ya entienden lo que es Cop Watch, pero participan sin saber que hay una organización, ellos lo hacen porque entienden que hay peligro cuando uno está frente a la policía…"
Aquí, en Los Ángeles, donde la raza es mayoría, los policías "no conocen a nuestra gente ni nuestra lucha, y detienen a personas que parecen criminales, generalmente gente morena, muchas veces hombres de pelo rapado que ellos califican como criminales, y los hostigan 24 horas al día, cada vez que están en las calles. Pero no sólo los hostigan, sino que los agreden y llegan a asesinarlos, y nadie dice nada porque mucha de nuestra gente se la pasa entre el trabajo y la casa y la única fuente de información que tienen es la televisión, y lo que ven es que tal criminal hizo tal cosa, y que la policía puede asesinar impunemente. Así que cuando nosotros estamos en la calle, y no en la casa viendo esta propaganda, podemos mostrar lo que realmente pasa en nuestros barrios. Esto lo informamos hablando en las comunidades, poniendo videos en YouTube, MySpace, CopwatchLA.org, donde explicamos lo que realmente sucedió. En los puntos de chequeo no están buscando gente borracha, están buscando indocumentados para quitarles el auto. Ese es el gran negocio".
Cop Watch es la recuperación del sentido comunitario, es crear lazos y alternativas. Es no dejarse y, al mismo tiempo, construir autonomía en el mero corazón del monstruo.
Cop Watch Los Angeles - South Central: In Defense of Our Muslim Sisters and Brothers
Fight Racial Profiling and White Supremacy
Cop Watch Los Angeles - South Central Chapter: In Defense of Our Muslim Sisters and Brothers. Fight Racial Profiling and White Supremacy.
In sight: In danger from the U.S. Imperialist War on the World
The U.S. Imperialist war on the world continues to escalate and their plans at home grow more dangerous. These attacks target us all not just our Muslim brothers and sisters but all our communities. Recently the LAPigD publicly announced the legalization of racial profiling in order to protect white privilege and capitalist interest. They announced their plans to map and identify Muslim communities throughout Los Angeles. They later came out and said that, due to public pressure, they would reconsider such a plan. However, those of us who know anything about this imperialist establishment are well aware of double speak where they say one thing and do another. We are well aware of the LAPD track record on telling the truth or inability to do so. Just recently they publicly announced plans not to tow vehicles of undocumented drivers and went on to change the policy 2 days later.
Amerikkka's history is a story of lies and deceit, murder and genocide. A disgusting record of committing genocide on the peoples of the Americas, the enslavement of our African brother and sisters, the Jim crow laws, the Chinese exclusion act, the brazero program, the swift Raid etc etc etc. The LAPigD did not fall far from the tree bred with a history of racism and violence that have terrorized our communities since their inception. Our brothers and sisters who are driven from their homelands by the effects of neo-liberal policies only to live in fear from the police and immigration, find no peace as pawns of this empire that exploits them for their labor and devalues them as human beings referring to them as "illegals" or "aliens".
We should not forget the actions of this government during World War 2 when they uprooted and relocated more than 120,000 Japanese people in amerikkka from their homes and sent them to internment camps. Now our Muslim brothers and sisters are being targeted and put at risk by xenophobic security forces who view all people of color as the enemy.
We will not sit silently while there is oppression and racism. We will not only stand in solidarity but defend our Muslim brothers and sisters who are being scapegoated just like we stand in solidarity with colonized people who are being rounded up by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). We will wage resistance and take direct action against the police state.
All Power THROUGH the People!
Cop Watch LA - South Central
Cop Watch Los Angeles - South Central Chapter: In Defense of Our Muslim Sisters and Brothers. Fight Racial Profiling and White Supremacy.
In sight: In danger from the U.S. Imperialist War on the World
The U.S. Imperialist war on the world continues to escalate and their plans at home grow more dangerous. These attacks target us all not just our Muslim brothers and sisters but all our communities. Recently the LAPigD publicly announced the legalization of racial profiling in order to protect white privilege and capitalist interest. They announced their plans to map and identify Muslim communities throughout Los Angeles. They later came out and said that, due to public pressure, they would reconsider such a plan. However, those of us who know anything about this imperialist establishment are well aware of double speak where they say one thing and do another. We are well aware of the LAPD track record on telling the truth or inability to do so. Just recently they publicly announced plans not to tow vehicles of undocumented drivers and went on to change the policy 2 days later.
Amerikkka's history is a story of lies and deceit, murder and genocide. A disgusting record of committing genocide on the peoples of the Americas, the enslavement of our African brother and sisters, the Jim crow laws, the Chinese exclusion act, the brazero program, the swift Raid etc etc etc. The LAPigD did not fall far from the tree bred with a history of racism and violence that have terrorized our communities since their inception. Our brothers and sisters who are driven from their homelands by the effects of neo-liberal policies only to live in fear from the police and immigration, find no peace as pawns of this empire that exploits them for their labor and devalues them as human beings referring to them as "illegals" or "aliens".
We should not forget the actions of this government during World War 2 when they uprooted and relocated more than 120,000 Japanese people in amerikkka from their homes and sent them to internment camps. Now our Muslim brothers and sisters are being targeted and put at risk by xenophobic security forces who view all people of color as the enemy.
We will not sit silently while there is oppression and racism. We will not only stand in solidarity but defend our Muslim brothers and sisters who are being scapegoated just like we stand in solidarity with colonized people who are being rounded up by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). We will wage resistance and take direct action against the police state.
All Power THROUGH the People!
Cop Watch LA - South Central
Summing Up Our Experiences at the South Central Farm
Summing Up Our Experiences at the South Central Farm
Cop Watch Los Angeles
A struggle that will always be in our minds and hearts is the South Central Farm. The farmers along with their supporters, including Cop Watch LA, continue to fight today. The South Central Farm represents many things to us, and we built many relationships with people who were from many different communities. Many of us threw ourselves into this struggle and put our lives on the line because of what the farm represented, the potential that existed, and the movement that was being built.
South Central has had to deal with racism, poverty, pollution, police brutality, and substandard education (tracking youth into prisons instead of higher education). In spite of this, the community continues to find ways to resist and fight neo-colonialism.
After the 1992 rebellion, the city of Los Angeles gave the food bank 14 acres of land, located on 41st and Alameda, that had been acquired through the courts from property owner Ralph Horowitz, for a community garden to be started. A part of an old building foundation remained on the land and much repair and clean up was necessary. Improvements were made by members of the community, and the garden was divided into 360 plots of land and has since been worked collectively by 360 families. In 2003 the city sold the community garden back to Horowitz.
The South Central Farm is more than just a community garden. The farmers were an example of a community building autonomy and relying on each other instead of an oil-driven, war-mongering, white-supremacist-patriarchal-capitalist system that refuses to take care of us. What the farmers are still establishing is a system of mutual aid in which property is owned and worked collectively, and people feel a sense of responsibility to each other. They embodied the spirit of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Furthermore, the South Central Farmers combat stereotypes that poor people of color are lazy and are too ignorant to take care of themselves. They have founded a community based on self-determination and started a grass roots movement of economically oppressed working class people of color (in particular Mesoamerica ). Their efforts and their victories could give hope and inspiration to subjugated people across the globe.
The situation of the South Central farm is the perpetuation of the white
supremacist theft of our Indigenous lands and cultures. It is a reflection of what has gone on throughout history (in particular Native Americans, people of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Hawai'i, Haiti and so on) and what is going on all over the world today (Chiapas, South Africa, Palestine etc.). Land people use to grow food is being usurped by corporations who exploit the land and indigenous people for profit. Developers like Ralph Horowitz, policies like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), and Plan Puebla Panama , and organizations such as WTO (World Trade Organization), and IMF (International Monetary Fund) exploit resources while forcing people off land that they have deep connections to, and that is central to their livelihood. Under the capitalistic agenda of these developers and organizations there is no future for us, or coming generations.
This is the reason many of us dedicate ourselves and our lives to safeguarding the South Central Farm and build relationships with farmers, families, and everyone who supports this struggle. Cop Watch LA was one of the organizations that attempted to be there when it mattered, and we wanted to support by helping with whatever resources and skills we have as an organization. As an organization we have an analysis and a particular strategy, but we did not try to impose it on other people. Our approach is to take initiative, and participate in dialogue.
Even though the struggle is still alive, especially the idea of self-sustainability, growing healthy food in the community, and collective ownership of land or the re-taking of land, there were some defeats. As an organization we have discussed this and want to share our thoughts with others so we won't keep repeating mistakes; we take the liberation process seriously and approach every struggle that way. We practice criticism and self-criticism in the most constructive way possible to advance our movement.
The leadership at the farm put in work, and had good intentions, but they also made mistakes, which we hope to discuss. We think that a lot of the initiative of the people was stifled by the leadership at the South Central Farm. A question we would like to raise is, why did the leadership get defensive and attacked anybody who brought up concerns with them? Isn't part of being an appointed delegate/leader/spokesperson is to listen, and take back concerns to the rest of the membership?
The leadership was called out at several meetings by different individuals, including members of Cop Watch LA, but the individuals who brought up serious concerns were alienated from the farm and attacked by the farm leadership. Mainly the concerns that were raised were around the dynamics that existed in the encampment, where rich white people, celebrities, and corporate media were welcomed and local community, people of color, and other oppressed sections were not necessarily accepted. There was power dynamics that were authoritarian, and as well as race and class dynamics that put all power in the hands of the rich white celebrities. This existed in every aspect of the encampment, even down to the maintenance work. People of color, especially working class women of color, were made to cater to the white celebrities.
All of the supporters had to fall in line with the leadership's particular strategy and their tactics, which included waiting, relying on just the courts, relying on the corporate media, giving leadership to white middle and upper middle class liberals and environmentalists, and the exclusion of the community of South Central in general and the Black community in particular. What happened to the people that fought against the incinerator to be built on the plot of land on 41st and Alameda before it became the South Central Farm? Many of the original supporters were pushed away for similar reasons, and the leadership would just use the excuse, "We are appointed by the farmers to represent them."
We think this question is important, and the difference between bourgeois/capitalist nationalism and revolutionary nationalism should be further discussed. The unity between Brown and Black people in particular, and people of color in general, against white supremacy and imperialism is strategic for the liberation of oppressed nations, peoples, and humanity as a whole. Revolutionary nationalism is the process of oppressed people and nations gaining their self-determination, autonomy, and liberation as a people. This is an important and necessary step to the liberation of humanity, as we create communities and a society in our vision as oppressed people. Cop Watch LA, being part of the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities; uphold this process as we move further into the liberation of humanity and all oppressed people.
The unity of Black and Brown people is an important and a strategic alliance, especially in a community like South Central, where this neo-colony is made up of 99.9% (rough estimate) Black and Brown people, and where we have more in common with each other than we have in common with the white-male-capitalist-imperialist power structure. Black and Brown unity poses a big threat to this system, that's why those with institutional power work hard to divide people of color, and the Black and Brown in particular in Califas, Aztlan, and all other neo-colonies.
What happened at the farm was what we see as bourgeois and petty-bourgeois nationalism, where the Brown leadership chose to unite with the White communities, and created in their mind, a "strategic" alliance with White people. Brown leadership pushed out the Black community, because they saw the South Central Farm struggle as ONLY a Brown struggle, which help to isolate them from an entire oppressed community in the region. The Brown leadership sought to gain reforms, or power, through the current political, economic and social system of white-supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism-imperialism, and colonialism. They sought to make friends with the ruling elites (including Black and Brown elites, in particular Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa) in Los Angeles, thinking that those were the people we needed to have unity with to save a precious resource to the community of South Central (or for their own rugged individualist motives). This is what we mean by bourgeois nationalism. Bourgeois nationalism is in no way revolutionary, and at most will only gain concessions from the state and charity from the privileged communities.
We feel that at the South Central Farm (SCF) there existed an opportunity to build a popular movement, if the people were unleashed and allowed to take the initiative. People had even proposed holding popular assemblies at the farm to help give the movement a more direct-democratic character and give the movement some infrastructure. Leadership could have also been collectivized, where the farmers were trained to speak for themselves and given leadership skills, but that did not happen. Many people from the South Central community were called outsiders or pushed out while white upper middle class liberals, environmentalists, and celebrities were welcomed, given the spot light, and put in leadership positions. The struggle then became theirs. We feel that leadership and responsibility needs to come from the most oppressed and the oppressed communities as a process of building autonomy, self-determination, and self-organization. Those with privilege or from privileged communities should be allies to our oppressed people and our oppressed communities, and organize in their own communities as well.
Cop Watch LA upholds direct action as a tactic, and the idea that our community has the right to defend itself by any means when it comes under attack by the state, and all its enforcers (including developers/neo-colonialists). One of our best defense is the community itself. This is why we strive to build base in oppressed communities, where we live, so the community can have ownership of the struggle. This is evident in other parts of the world, from Oaxaca and Atenco in Mexico to Argentina : if the community feels like the movement is in their interests or that they have ownership of land, they will fight to defend it. This is our strategy, and we took initiative to do outreach in South Central, but it was too late, and we didn't get much support. The SCF was isolated and most of the supporters did not come from the community, so it was easier for the state to attack the farm. We have to rely on ourselves for defense not on the courts or the corporate media; they are not institutions that serve the people, and in fact, they are institutions that serve the government and corporations. Marches , the courts, and the corporate media can be used as a tactic, but we cannot be dependent on them (learning from the past). Our strength lies in our self-organization and institutions that come from the people.
The blame should always be put on our enemies, which in this case are: Antonio Villaraigosa, Jan Perry, Ralph Horowitz, and law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs. They would rather see us starve, kill ourselves, and imprisoned rather than being self-sustainable and independent of the state. There is a low intensity war being waged on our communities; we will always be in struggle until we are free.
Cop Watch LA
*Cop Watch LA continues to support the South Central Farm and we take part in organizing the Tianguis Cultural on the 1st Sunday of every month. The Tianguis Cultural helps bring healthy food to the community while providing an atmosphere of a resistant culture with music, speakers, art, information booths and vendors.
** The mistakes that were made at the farm and the overall criticism, is in part our mistakes as well and a self-criticism. Even though we had called things out, our approach still needs work, and our organization is learning as we walk. Any criticism that is put out is in no way an attempt to say that we have all the answers, or that we have the correct strategy. We want to enter in dialogue and put our position out there to be discussed.
***Excerpts were used by a statement put out by members of Cop Watch LA and Students for Social Change of Santa Monica College entitled, "Why We Need to Support the South Central Farm."
Cop Watch Los Angeles
A struggle that will always be in our minds and hearts is the South Central Farm. The farmers along with their supporters, including Cop Watch LA, continue to fight today. The South Central Farm represents many things to us, and we built many relationships with people who were from many different communities. Many of us threw ourselves into this struggle and put our lives on the line because of what the farm represented, the potential that existed, and the movement that was being built.
South Central has had to deal with racism, poverty, pollution, police brutality, and substandard education (tracking youth into prisons instead of higher education). In spite of this, the community continues to find ways to resist and fight neo-colonialism.
After the 1992 rebellion, the city of Los Angeles gave the food bank 14 acres of land, located on 41st and Alameda, that had been acquired through the courts from property owner Ralph Horowitz, for a community garden to be started. A part of an old building foundation remained on the land and much repair and clean up was necessary. Improvements were made by members of the community, and the garden was divided into 360 plots of land and has since been worked collectively by 360 families. In 2003 the city sold the community garden back to Horowitz.
The South Central Farm is more than just a community garden. The farmers were an example of a community building autonomy and relying on each other instead of an oil-driven, war-mongering, white-supremacist-patriarchal-capitalist system that refuses to take care of us. What the farmers are still establishing is a system of mutual aid in which property is owned and worked collectively, and people feel a sense of responsibility to each other. They embodied the spirit of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Furthermore, the South Central Farmers combat stereotypes that poor people of color are lazy and are too ignorant to take care of themselves. They have founded a community based on self-determination and started a grass roots movement of economically oppressed working class people of color (in particular Mesoamerica ). Their efforts and their victories could give hope and inspiration to subjugated people across the globe.
The situation of the South Central farm is the perpetuation of the white
supremacist theft of our Indigenous lands and cultures. It is a reflection of what has gone on throughout history (in particular Native Americans, people of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Hawai'i, Haiti and so on) and what is going on all over the world today (Chiapas, South Africa, Palestine etc.). Land people use to grow food is being usurped by corporations who exploit the land and indigenous people for profit. Developers like Ralph Horowitz, policies like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), and Plan Puebla Panama , and organizations such as WTO (World Trade Organization), and IMF (International Monetary Fund) exploit resources while forcing people off land that they have deep connections to, and that is central to their livelihood. Under the capitalistic agenda of these developers and organizations there is no future for us, or coming generations.
This is the reason many of us dedicate ourselves and our lives to safeguarding the South Central Farm and build relationships with farmers, families, and everyone who supports this struggle. Cop Watch LA was one of the organizations that attempted to be there when it mattered, and we wanted to support by helping with whatever resources and skills we have as an organization. As an organization we have an analysis and a particular strategy, but we did not try to impose it on other people. Our approach is to take initiative, and participate in dialogue.
Even though the struggle is still alive, especially the idea of self-sustainability, growing healthy food in the community, and collective ownership of land or the re-taking of land, there were some defeats. As an organization we have discussed this and want to share our thoughts with others so we won't keep repeating mistakes; we take the liberation process seriously and approach every struggle that way. We practice criticism and self-criticism in the most constructive way possible to advance our movement.
The leadership at the farm put in work, and had good intentions, but they also made mistakes, which we hope to discuss. We think that a lot of the initiative of the people was stifled by the leadership at the South Central Farm. A question we would like to raise is, why did the leadership get defensive and attacked anybody who brought up concerns with them? Isn't part of being an appointed delegate/leader/spokesperson is to listen, and take back concerns to the rest of the membership?
The leadership was called out at several meetings by different individuals, including members of Cop Watch LA, but the individuals who brought up serious concerns were alienated from the farm and attacked by the farm leadership. Mainly the concerns that were raised were around the dynamics that existed in the encampment, where rich white people, celebrities, and corporate media were welcomed and local community, people of color, and other oppressed sections were not necessarily accepted. There was power dynamics that were authoritarian, and as well as race and class dynamics that put all power in the hands of the rich white celebrities. This existed in every aspect of the encampment, even down to the maintenance work. People of color, especially working class women of color, were made to cater to the white celebrities.
All of the supporters had to fall in line with the leadership's particular strategy and their tactics, which included waiting, relying on just the courts, relying on the corporate media, giving leadership to white middle and upper middle class liberals and environmentalists, and the exclusion of the community of South Central in general and the Black community in particular. What happened to the people that fought against the incinerator to be built on the plot of land on 41st and Alameda before it became the South Central Farm? Many of the original supporters were pushed away for similar reasons, and the leadership would just use the excuse, "We are appointed by the farmers to represent them."
We think this question is important, and the difference between bourgeois/capitalist nationalism and revolutionary nationalism should be further discussed. The unity between Brown and Black people in particular, and people of color in general, against white supremacy and imperialism is strategic for the liberation of oppressed nations, peoples, and humanity as a whole. Revolutionary nationalism is the process of oppressed people and nations gaining their self-determination, autonomy, and liberation as a people. This is an important and necessary step to the liberation of humanity, as we create communities and a society in our vision as oppressed people. Cop Watch LA, being part of the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities; uphold this process as we move further into the liberation of humanity and all oppressed people.
The unity of Black and Brown people is an important and a strategic alliance, especially in a community like South Central, where this neo-colony is made up of 99.9% (rough estimate) Black and Brown people, and where we have more in common with each other than we have in common with the white-male-capitalist-imperialist power structure. Black and Brown unity poses a big threat to this system, that's why those with institutional power work hard to divide people of color, and the Black and Brown in particular in Califas, Aztlan, and all other neo-colonies.
What happened at the farm was what we see as bourgeois and petty-bourgeois nationalism, where the Brown leadership chose to unite with the White communities, and created in their mind, a "strategic" alliance with White people. Brown leadership pushed out the Black community, because they saw the South Central Farm struggle as ONLY a Brown struggle, which help to isolate them from an entire oppressed community in the region. The Brown leadership sought to gain reforms, or power, through the current political, economic and social system of white-supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism-imperialism, and colonialism. They sought to make friends with the ruling elites (including Black and Brown elites, in particular Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa) in Los Angeles, thinking that those were the people we needed to have unity with to save a precious resource to the community of South Central (or for their own rugged individualist motives). This is what we mean by bourgeois nationalism. Bourgeois nationalism is in no way revolutionary, and at most will only gain concessions from the state and charity from the privileged communities.
We feel that at the South Central Farm (SCF) there existed an opportunity to build a popular movement, if the people were unleashed and allowed to take the initiative. People had even proposed holding popular assemblies at the farm to help give the movement a more direct-democratic character and give the movement some infrastructure. Leadership could have also been collectivized, where the farmers were trained to speak for themselves and given leadership skills, but that did not happen. Many people from the South Central community were called outsiders or pushed out while white upper middle class liberals, environmentalists, and celebrities were welcomed, given the spot light, and put in leadership positions. The struggle then became theirs. We feel that leadership and responsibility needs to come from the most oppressed and the oppressed communities as a process of building autonomy, self-determination, and self-organization. Those with privilege or from privileged communities should be allies to our oppressed people and our oppressed communities, and organize in their own communities as well.
Cop Watch LA upholds direct action as a tactic, and the idea that our community has the right to defend itself by any means when it comes under attack by the state, and all its enforcers (including developers/neo-colonialists). One of our best defense is the community itself. This is why we strive to build base in oppressed communities, where we live, so the community can have ownership of the struggle. This is evident in other parts of the world, from Oaxaca and Atenco in Mexico to Argentina : if the community feels like the movement is in their interests or that they have ownership of land, they will fight to defend it. This is our strategy, and we took initiative to do outreach in South Central, but it was too late, and we didn't get much support. The SCF was isolated and most of the supporters did not come from the community, so it was easier for the state to attack the farm. We have to rely on ourselves for defense not on the courts or the corporate media; they are not institutions that serve the people, and in fact, they are institutions that serve the government and corporations. Marches , the courts, and the corporate media can be used as a tactic, but we cannot be dependent on them (learning from the past). Our strength lies in our self-organization and institutions that come from the people.
The blame should always be put on our enemies, which in this case are: Antonio Villaraigosa, Jan Perry, Ralph Horowitz, and law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs. They would rather see us starve, kill ourselves, and imprisoned rather than being self-sustainable and independent of the state. There is a low intensity war being waged on our communities; we will always be in struggle until we are free.
Cop Watch LA
*Cop Watch LA continues to support the South Central Farm and we take part in organizing the Tianguis Cultural on the 1st Sunday of every month. The Tianguis Cultural helps bring healthy food to the community while providing an atmosphere of a resistant culture with music, speakers, art, information booths and vendors.
** The mistakes that were made at the farm and the overall criticism, is in part our mistakes as well and a self-criticism. Even though we had called things out, our approach still needs work, and our organization is learning as we walk. Any criticism that is put out is in no way an attempt to say that we have all the answers, or that we have the correct strategy. We want to enter in dialogue and put our position out there to be discussed.
***Excerpts were used by a statement put out by members of Cop Watch LA and Students for Social Change of Santa Monica College entitled, "Why We Need to Support the South Central Farm."
Que Hacer Si Un Agente de Inmigracion L@ Para
Que Hacer Si Un Agente de Inmigracion L@ Para
Cop Watch Los Angeles:
Que hacer si un agente de Inmigracion l@ Para:
- Si ven oficiales de inmigracion llamen a sus familias, amigos o a COPWATCH
para alertar a su comunidad
Como Protegerse con la apliacion de las leyes de inmigracion en California:
Conozca sus derechos
- Los Oficales de inmigracion no pueden entrar a las areas privadas/su hogar/su automovil, al menos de que tengan un permiso especial ( consentimiento) dado por un individuo autorizado por la clinica, o por una orden judicial (allanamiento).
- Si un agente de inmigracion se acerca a usted en publico, como un estacionamiento de automoviles, NO CORRA. Usted puede ser detenido si sospechan que esta tratando de escaparse.
- No responda a ninguna pregunta de un oficial de inmigracion.
- No le diga al agente de inmigracion donde nacio, su nacionalidad, o cual es su estato inmigratorio. No firme ningun papel o documento.
- No le muestre a un agente sus documentos personales, sus documentos de inmigracion o cualquier tipo de indentificacion que demuestre de que pais es usted. Si el agente le pide documentos, simplemente responda, "Quiero hablar con un -abogado".
- Un agente de inmigracion no lo/a puede obligar a responder a sus preguntas. Si por alguna razon usted es detenido/a, tiene el derecho de permanecer callado/a y pedir un abogado. Siempre RESPONDA QUE NESCESITA HABLAR CON UN ABOGADO!!.
- Asegurese que nunca hande con documentos falsos
- En algunos Estados, usted tendria que decirle su nombre a un ofical de la policia que lo detiene, pero no a un agente de inmigracion. Pero en el estado de California, en ningun momento tiene que responder a preguntas y tiene todo el derecho de permanecer callado..a.
Si te arrestan aqui hay unos numeros donde usted puede encontrar mas informacion:
*ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Director del Sur de California
(213) 830-7900
*Centro de detencion de inmigracion en San Pedro
(310) 241-2300
*Centro de detencion de inmigracion en Lancaster
(661) 940-3555/ corte (661) 942-8633
*Para saber si usted tiene una audencia con un juez de inmigracion
(vas a ncesitar su numero "A" que es su caso de inmigracion)
(800) 898-7180
*Para poner fianza si te lo ofrecen:
Gonzalez y Gonzalez (213) 628-8888 o National Bail Bonds (800) 244-9030
Contactos:
Cop Watch Los Angeles:
1 877- 8 NO- COPS (1-877-866-2677)
Cop Watch Los Angeles:
Que hacer si un agente de Inmigracion l@ Para:
- Si ven oficiales de inmigracion llamen a sus familias, amigos o a COPWATCH
para alertar a su comunidad
Como Protegerse con la apliacion de las leyes de inmigracion en California:
Conozca sus derechos
- Los Oficales de inmigracion no pueden entrar a las areas privadas/su hogar/su automovil, al menos de que tengan un permiso especial ( consentimiento) dado por un individuo autorizado por la clinica, o por una orden judicial (allanamiento).
- Si un agente de inmigracion se acerca a usted en publico, como un estacionamiento de automoviles, NO CORRA. Usted puede ser detenido si sospechan que esta tratando de escaparse.
- No responda a ninguna pregunta de un oficial de inmigracion.
- No le diga al agente de inmigracion donde nacio, su nacionalidad, o cual es su estato inmigratorio. No firme ningun papel o documento.
- No le muestre a un agente sus documentos personales, sus documentos de inmigracion o cualquier tipo de indentificacion que demuestre de que pais es usted. Si el agente le pide documentos, simplemente responda, "Quiero hablar con un -abogado".
- Un agente de inmigracion no lo/a puede obligar a responder a sus preguntas. Si por alguna razon usted es detenido/a, tiene el derecho de permanecer callado/a y pedir un abogado. Siempre RESPONDA QUE NESCESITA HABLAR CON UN ABOGADO!!.
- Asegurese que nunca hande con documentos falsos
- En algunos Estados, usted tendria que decirle su nombre a un ofical de la policia que lo detiene, pero no a un agente de inmigracion. Pero en el estado de California, en ningun momento tiene que responder a preguntas y tiene todo el derecho de permanecer callado..a.
Si te arrestan aqui hay unos numeros donde usted puede encontrar mas informacion:
*ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Director del Sur de California
(213) 830-7900
*Centro de detencion de inmigracion en San Pedro
(310) 241-2300
*Centro de detencion de inmigracion en Lancaster
(661) 940-3555/ corte (661) 942-8633
*Para saber si usted tiene una audencia con un juez de inmigracion
(vas a ncesitar su numero "A" que es su caso de inmigracion)
(800) 898-7180
*Para poner fianza si te lo ofrecen:
Gonzalez y Gonzalez (213) 628-8888 o National Bail Bonds (800) 244-9030
Contactos:
Cop Watch Los Angeles:
1 877- 8 NO- COPS (1-877-866-2677)
May Day 2007 Statement / Primero de Mayo 2007 Declaración
May Day 2007 Statement
Cop Watch Los Angeles
On May 1, 2007 (May Day), Cop Watch Los Angeles participated in the march
and rally organized by MIWON (Multi-Ethnic Immigrant Workers Organizing
Network) in MacArthur Park. Our role during the march was to observe and
document police harassment and brutality, and to defend the people in the
community as well, at the request of MIWON organizers. As the police began
their attack on peaceful protestors, Cop Watch Los Angeles and other
community members directed families to safety, acting as a buffer between
police and the people.
At no point did Cop Watch LA provoke the mass beating and shooting of
demonstrators that occurred on May 1st. There is no justification for the
actions of the Los Angeles Police Department. In some cases, community
members attempted to defend themselves as they were being brutalized,
acting on their human instinct of self-preservation, by throwing water
bottles or food; this level of defense is far removed from the injurious
rubber bullets, beanbags and tear gas being fired indiscriminately into a
park filled with thousands of people, including families, children and
elders.
The attack commenced when the police disturbed a sacred indigenous
ceremony by plowing their motorcycles into the participants. Armed with
only angry words, Cop Watch LA members and the community took on a
defensive position during the assault and posed no offensive physical
threat to the police's weapons and technology. Cop Watch LA does not
control the imagination and will of other young people who want to take
any sort of action against the police, or imitate our organization in an
undisciplined manner. Our role was to defend those people and stand with
them. Members from Cop Watch LA were heard saying, "We need to get
children out of here, the police are about to attack." There is also video
footage of members putting their bodies on the line for the people to get
them out of harm's way.
Many organizations and media outlets have begun to place blame on youth
and anarchists, asserting that throwing trash necessitates a full-scale
police assault on peaceful protestors and families. Video footage from
numerous angles and at several locations clearly discredits those
accusations – it is unmistakable that the police are at fault.
Contacts from the Mayor's office have confirmed that the attack on
protestors and the community of Pico Union was pre-meditated due to the
desire to test out months of counter-terrorism training and last year's
embarrassment, when the LAPD could not stop the people from taking the
streets.
The strategy by the LAPD, the media, and even some "progressive"
organizations has been to focus on Cop Watch LA as the direct cause of the
May 1st incident is an attempt to get the people on the side of the state
and to isolate CWLA from the communities we live in and organize in. This
is the same tactics that were used by COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence
Program) to destroy organizations like the Black Panther Party, American
Indian Movement, and other groups who focused on making fundamental change
in society. Today as we live under the Patriot Act, these tactics of the
police state continue to go after anybody who resists the status quo. We
hope that organizations and individuals don't fall into the divide and
conquer methods of the state.
The scapegoating of anarchists today is reminiscent of 1886 Chicago
Haymarket Square Massacre in the first May Day ever celebrated, where
police instigated a massacre during a worker's strike. The state blamed
the anarchist organizers and railroaded eight innocent people into prison
and hung four (while the other committed suicide).
We must also hold the organizers, organizations, and individuals who are
falling into this accountable. We have to stand on the side of the people,
not the police state.
The mayor Antonio Villaraigosa found himself in El Salvador, on a trip,
while this attacked happened right in the middle of the biggest
concentration of Central American people outside of Central America. Then
he has the nerve to guarantee Chief William Bratton a second term. They
are both responsible for implementing this type of policing and repression
that our communities are facing today.
This attack is not unprecedented! It has happened before and will happen
again – until we put a stop to it. In communities where populations are
predominantly working class or unemployed people of color, police abuse
and harassment is an everyday occurrence. For years, our communities have
struggled to overcome oppression at the hands of those sworn to "protect
and serve." Still, death tolls and brutality cases continue to climb in
the neighborhoods of South Central, Compton, Watts, Pico Union, Maywood
and Boyle Heights.
Cop Watch's main goal is to put an end to the injustices that plague our
streets and to oppressive institutions like the Los Angeles Police
Department.
We stand on the side of the people and always will.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
May 8, 2007
¡Ya Basta!
Statement Signed and Supported by:
Asians for Jericho / Mumia
East Side Café
Garden Action Collective
Lea Chavez
Los Angeles – Anarchist Black Cross Federation
National Chicano Moratorium Committee
People's Network In Defense of Human Rights
People of Color Caucus – Peace and Freedom Party
Puerto Rican Alliance
Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
Students for Peace and Social Justice – Cal State Fullerton
Unity Mission to Free the Eight
Youth Justice Coalition
Q-Team
F.U.R.I.A.
The Sickly Season -- Notes From Mictlan
To be included in this statement, please contact us at:
copwatchla@riseup.orgPrimero de Mayo 2007 Declaración
de Cop Watch Los Angeles
Primero de Mayo 2007 Declaración
de Cop Watch Los Angeles
El Primero de mayo del 2007, Copwatch Los Angeles tomó parte en la marcha
y la reunión organizada por MIWON (Red Organizadora de Trabajadores
Multiétnicos de Inmigrantes) en McArthur Park. Nuestro royo durante la
marcha fue observar y documentar el abuso policial, por invitación de
MIWON.
Cop Watch en ningún momento provoco el ataque policial que ocurrió el
Primero De Mayo.
Cuando la policía empezó a atacar manifestantes pacíficos, Cop Watch y
otros miembros de la comunidad dirigieron las familias a lugares seguros,
actuando como una pared, separando la policía y la comunidad. El nivel de
brutalidad usado por agentes policiales no es tolerable.
Indiscriminadamente las balas de goma, palizas y gas lacrimógeno fueron
usados en un parque llenó de miles de personas, inclusive familias, niños
y ancianos. No hay justificación por las acciones del Departamento
Policial de Los Angeles.
Muchas organizaciones y medios de comunicación han comenzado a colocar la
culpa en la juventud y grupos anarquistas, afirmando que la juventud
provocó el asalto, en cual no se ve en ningun video,de numerosos ángulos y
en varias ubicaciones. Los videos desacreditan claramente esas
acusaciones.
Es inconfundible que el ataque policial fue premeditado. Nuestros
contactos en la oficina del Alcalde han confirmado que el ataque en contra
manifestantes y la comunidad de Pico Union fue debido al deseo de probar
meses de entrenamiento de contra-terrorismo.
¡Pero estos ataques no son los primeros! En areas donde poblaciones son
predominantemente minorías de clase obrera, el abuso de policía y
hostigamiento son un hecho diario. Durante años, nuestras comunidades han
luchado por vencer la opresión en las manos de esos que han jurado a
"servir y proteger". Todavía, la muerte toca y los casos de brutalidad
continúan subir en los vecindarios del Sur Central, Compton, Watts, Pico
Union, Maywood y Boyle Heights. Esto a sucedido antes y van a suceder otra
vez hasta que nuestras comunidades lo pongamos fin.
Las metas principales de Cop Watch son terminar con las injusticias que
plagan nuestras calles y a las instituciones opresivas como la Policía de
Los Ángeles.
Nosotros estamos al lado del pueblo y siempre estaremos.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
May 8, 2007
¡¡Ya Basta!
Esta denuncia esta firmada y apoyada por:
Asians for Jericho / Mumia
East Side Café
Garden Action Collective / Colectivo de Accion de Jardín
Lea Chavez
Los Angeles – Anarchist Black Cross Federation
National Chicano Moratorium Committee
People's Network In Defense of Human Rights / Red para la Defensa de los
Derechos Humanos del Pueblo
Partido para Paz y Liberacion – Caucus para Gente de Color
Puerto Rican Alliance / Alianza Puerto Riqueña
Revolutionary Autonomous Communities / Comunidades Autonomas Revolucionarias
Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
Students for Peace and Social Justice – Cal State Fullerton
Unity Mission to Free the Eight
Youth Justice Coalition
Q-Team
F.U.R.I.A.
The Sickly Season -- Notes From Mictlan
Para unirse a esta denuncia mándelos un correo electrónico a:
copwatchla@riseup.net
Cop Watch Los Angeles
On May 1, 2007 (May Day), Cop Watch Los Angeles participated in the march
and rally organized by MIWON (Multi-Ethnic Immigrant Workers Organizing
Network) in MacArthur Park. Our role during the march was to observe and
document police harassment and brutality, and to defend the people in the
community as well, at the request of MIWON organizers. As the police began
their attack on peaceful protestors, Cop Watch Los Angeles and other
community members directed families to safety, acting as a buffer between
police and the people.
At no point did Cop Watch LA provoke the mass beating and shooting of
demonstrators that occurred on May 1st. There is no justification for the
actions of the Los Angeles Police Department. In some cases, community
members attempted to defend themselves as they were being brutalized,
acting on their human instinct of self-preservation, by throwing water
bottles or food; this level of defense is far removed from the injurious
rubber bullets, beanbags and tear gas being fired indiscriminately into a
park filled with thousands of people, including families, children and
elders.
The attack commenced when the police disturbed a sacred indigenous
ceremony by plowing their motorcycles into the participants. Armed with
only angry words, Cop Watch LA members and the community took on a
defensive position during the assault and posed no offensive physical
threat to the police's weapons and technology. Cop Watch LA does not
control the imagination and will of other young people who want to take
any sort of action against the police, or imitate our organization in an
undisciplined manner. Our role was to defend those people and stand with
them. Members from Cop Watch LA were heard saying, "We need to get
children out of here, the police are about to attack." There is also video
footage of members putting their bodies on the line for the people to get
them out of harm's way.
Many organizations and media outlets have begun to place blame on youth
and anarchists, asserting that throwing trash necessitates a full-scale
police assault on peaceful protestors and families. Video footage from
numerous angles and at several locations clearly discredits those
accusations – it is unmistakable that the police are at fault.
Contacts from the Mayor's office have confirmed that the attack on
protestors and the community of Pico Union was pre-meditated due to the
desire to test out months of counter-terrorism training and last year's
embarrassment, when the LAPD could not stop the people from taking the
streets.
The strategy by the LAPD, the media, and even some "progressive"
organizations has been to focus on Cop Watch LA as the direct cause of the
May 1st incident is an attempt to get the people on the side of the state
and to isolate CWLA from the communities we live in and organize in. This
is the same tactics that were used by COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence
Program) to destroy organizations like the Black Panther Party, American
Indian Movement, and other groups who focused on making fundamental change
in society. Today as we live under the Patriot Act, these tactics of the
police state continue to go after anybody who resists the status quo. We
hope that organizations and individuals don't fall into the divide and
conquer methods of the state.
The scapegoating of anarchists today is reminiscent of 1886 Chicago
Haymarket Square Massacre in the first May Day ever celebrated, where
police instigated a massacre during a worker's strike. The state blamed
the anarchist organizers and railroaded eight innocent people into prison
and hung four (while the other committed suicide).
We must also hold the organizers, organizations, and individuals who are
falling into this accountable. We have to stand on the side of the people,
not the police state.
The mayor Antonio Villaraigosa found himself in El Salvador, on a trip,
while this attacked happened right in the middle of the biggest
concentration of Central American people outside of Central America. Then
he has the nerve to guarantee Chief William Bratton a second term. They
are both responsible for implementing this type of policing and repression
that our communities are facing today.
This attack is not unprecedented! It has happened before and will happen
again – until we put a stop to it. In communities where populations are
predominantly working class or unemployed people of color, police abuse
and harassment is an everyday occurrence. For years, our communities have
struggled to overcome oppression at the hands of those sworn to "protect
and serve." Still, death tolls and brutality cases continue to climb in
the neighborhoods of South Central, Compton, Watts, Pico Union, Maywood
and Boyle Heights.
Cop Watch's main goal is to put an end to the injustices that plague our
streets and to oppressive institutions like the Los Angeles Police
Department.
We stand on the side of the people and always will.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
May 8, 2007
¡Ya Basta!
Statement Signed and Supported by:
Asians for Jericho / Mumia
East Side Café
Garden Action Collective
Lea Chavez
Los Angeles – Anarchist Black Cross Federation
National Chicano Moratorium Committee
People's Network In Defense of Human Rights
People of Color Caucus – Peace and Freedom Party
Puerto Rican Alliance
Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
Students for Peace and Social Justice – Cal State Fullerton
Unity Mission to Free the Eight
Youth Justice Coalition
Q-Team
F.U.R.I.A.
The Sickly Season -- Notes From Mictlan
To be included in this statement, please contact us at:
copwatchla@riseup.orgPrimero de Mayo 2007 Declaración
de Cop Watch Los Angeles
Primero de Mayo 2007 Declaración
de Cop Watch Los Angeles
El Primero de mayo del 2007, Copwatch Los Angeles tomó parte en la marcha
y la reunión organizada por MIWON (Red Organizadora de Trabajadores
Multiétnicos de Inmigrantes) en McArthur Park. Nuestro royo durante la
marcha fue observar y documentar el abuso policial, por invitación de
MIWON.
Cop Watch en ningún momento provoco el ataque policial que ocurrió el
Primero De Mayo.
Cuando la policía empezó a atacar manifestantes pacíficos, Cop Watch y
otros miembros de la comunidad dirigieron las familias a lugares seguros,
actuando como una pared, separando la policía y la comunidad. El nivel de
brutalidad usado por agentes policiales no es tolerable.
Indiscriminadamente las balas de goma, palizas y gas lacrimógeno fueron
usados en un parque llenó de miles de personas, inclusive familias, niños
y ancianos. No hay justificación por las acciones del Departamento
Policial de Los Angeles.
Muchas organizaciones y medios de comunicación han comenzado a colocar la
culpa en la juventud y grupos anarquistas, afirmando que la juventud
provocó el asalto, en cual no se ve en ningun video,de numerosos ángulos y
en varias ubicaciones. Los videos desacreditan claramente esas
acusaciones.
Es inconfundible que el ataque policial fue premeditado. Nuestros
contactos en la oficina del Alcalde han confirmado que el ataque en contra
manifestantes y la comunidad de Pico Union fue debido al deseo de probar
meses de entrenamiento de contra-terrorismo.
¡Pero estos ataques no son los primeros! En areas donde poblaciones son
predominantemente minorías de clase obrera, el abuso de policía y
hostigamiento son un hecho diario. Durante años, nuestras comunidades han
luchado por vencer la opresión en las manos de esos que han jurado a
"servir y proteger". Todavía, la muerte toca y los casos de brutalidad
continúan subir en los vecindarios del Sur Central, Compton, Watts, Pico
Union, Maywood y Boyle Heights. Esto a sucedido antes y van a suceder otra
vez hasta que nuestras comunidades lo pongamos fin.
Las metas principales de Cop Watch son terminar con las injusticias que
plagan nuestras calles y a las instituciones opresivas como la Policía de
Los Ángeles.
Nosotros estamos al lado del pueblo y siempre estaremos.
Cop Watch Los Angeles
May 8, 2007
¡¡Ya Basta!
Esta denuncia esta firmada y apoyada por:
Asians for Jericho / Mumia
East Side Café
Garden Action Collective / Colectivo de Accion de Jardín
Lea Chavez
Los Angeles – Anarchist Black Cross Federation
National Chicano Moratorium Committee
People's Network In Defense of Human Rights / Red para la Defensa de los
Derechos Humanos del Pueblo
Partido para Paz y Liberacion – Caucus para Gente de Color
Puerto Rican Alliance / Alianza Puerto Riqueña
Revolutionary Autonomous Communities / Comunidades Autonomas Revolucionarias
Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research
Students for Peace and Social Justice – Cal State Fullerton
Unity Mission to Free the Eight
Youth Justice Coalition
Q-Team
F.U.R.I.A.
The Sickly Season -- Notes From Mictlan
Para unirse a esta denuncia mándelos un correo electrónico a:
copwatchla@riseup.net
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