Grannies Rage at Capitola Military Recruitment Center

Protesters lined 41st Avenue with signs and banners calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq and supporting military resisters. The Raging Grannies of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Womens International League for Peace and Freedom led people upstairs to the Army recruiters. The Grannies had planned to speak with the recruiters, but they were denied entry into recruitment office. The recruiters informed the Grannies that they "do not qualify to join the Army, but are welcome to send care packages to the soldiers." Ruth Hunter of the Raging Grannies quipped back that she did not like the sexist nature his statement.

At least two Capitola police officers monitored the demonstration. Army recruiters called the police to clear the door to the recruitment office which was being blocked by Ellie Foster and Jan Harwood of the Raging Grannies. A commanding police officer was called to the scene before any arrests were made. The property manager was also called so that he could officially and politely request that the Grannies clear the door. This request was witnessed and video recorded by officers from the Capitola Police Department. Officer Andrew Dally then read a short statement, three times over a period of about five minutes, on behalf of the people of California and declaring an unlawful assembly. The demonstration ended with ten people arrested for nonviolent civil disobedience, including David Hofvendahl and his sixteen year-old son, Trevor, as well as eight members of the Raging Grannies.

A press release by the organizers has been published, with photographs, here:
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/26/18430845.php