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Act Now! Police File Charges Against Watsonville Brown Berets for Peaceful Protest
Watsonville Police charge Brown Berets for peaceful action!
PLEASE PASS WIDELY! IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED!
Open letter To The Community: Help the Brown Berets Get Charges Dropped for Peaceful Action on March 25 in Watsonville, CA
On Saturday, March 25, 2006 Watsonville saw the largest March for Peace and Justice in the history of the city. Documented and Undocumented Workers, families and allies marched in total solidarity with Anti-War Activists, led by Fernando Suarez Del Solar, Pablo Paredes and Medea Benjamin in a 2,000+ citizen, strong & peaceful march though the city of Watsonville. It was beautiful.
The route had been pre-planned and sent to the police. Crowd security was provided by the Watsonville Brown Berets. The Berets also are part of the nationwide coalition, “The Alliance for Human Rights,” the group which decided to make March 25 a national day of action against HR4437. This new, abusive, immigrant-bashing legislation is heading for the Senate on Tuesday which, among many awful things…would make simply being illegal in this country a felony. There have been marches, walkouts and various actions across the country over the past week in practically every state. The momentum to Saturday’s march had been building.
With so many people, we could never have taken the sidewalks solely. We marched down one lane on four lane roads…with two lanes heading in each direction. We marched in only the furthest right hand lane and on the sidewalk. Traffic was still moving in both directions. People stayed inside the line of the one lane the whole time.
Yet, after the march, the Watsonville Police Department targeted one organizer (a Brown Beret) and wrote him a citation with 8-10 counts against him, including criminal charges. We are still waiting for the ticket to arrive in the mail, what we know we have learned from one policeman and the news. They will also be charging the Brown Berets for police overtime. This was an effort to show people that “…they can’t do whatever they want to,” in the words of the Watsonville Police.
The people wanted to march in the streets, they have that right. The extent of the crowd demonstrated the power of the immigration issue and the passion of the people. The Brown Berets did not expect or bring that many people. Residents came from everywhere to use the opportunity to be heard. This has been a silent population until now. Silent because they are working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so Americans can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege we are accustomed to.
As concerned and compassionate citizens, it is our duty to ensure that no one who organized or participated is ever a scapegoat or vilified on behalf of the powers that be. It is our responsibility to stand up and demand the Watsonville Police view their job that day as one of public service. That service being to protect the people in the streets. We had peaceful demonstrators, our own security yet the Watsonville Police insisted on assigning 10 cops and various vehicles to our march. This was not requested or necessary. We marched in Salinas right afterwards with NO POLICE SECURITY and we were fine.
PLEASE HELP THE BROWN BERETS FIGHT THE CHARGES AND THE POWER STRUCTURE WHICH IS TRYING TO “TEACH US ALL A LESSON.”
ACT NOW!!!! Call Captain Manny Solano: (831) 768-3300 (leave message) or (831) 750-2943 (cell phone) and tell him to simply, DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST THE BROWN BERETS, financial and criminal. Also, his e-mail is: msolano [at] ci.watsonville.ca.us
Write letters to the Santa Cruz Sentinel and Register Pajaronian immediately, they have both covered the story. Condemn the Watsonville Police Department for charging us with fines and citations for simply leading the people safely on a very emotional issue.
We have no money, we do everything through volunteers and small, in-kind donations. Please help us.
In Community Solidarity,
The Watsonville Brown Berets
brownberets [at] msn.com
Open letter To The Community: Help the Brown Berets Get Charges Dropped for Peaceful Action on March 25 in Watsonville, CA
On Saturday, March 25, 2006 Watsonville saw the largest March for Peace and Justice in the history of the city. Documented and Undocumented Workers, families and allies marched in total solidarity with Anti-War Activists, led by Fernando Suarez Del Solar, Pablo Paredes and Medea Benjamin in a 2,000+ citizen, strong & peaceful march though the city of Watsonville. It was beautiful.
The route had been pre-planned and sent to the police. Crowd security was provided by the Watsonville Brown Berets. The Berets also are part of the nationwide coalition, “The Alliance for Human Rights,” the group which decided to make March 25 a national day of action against HR4437. This new, abusive, immigrant-bashing legislation is heading for the Senate on Tuesday which, among many awful things…would make simply being illegal in this country a felony. There have been marches, walkouts and various actions across the country over the past week in practically every state. The momentum to Saturday’s march had been building.
With so many people, we could never have taken the sidewalks solely. We marched down one lane on four lane roads…with two lanes heading in each direction. We marched in only the furthest right hand lane and on the sidewalk. Traffic was still moving in both directions. People stayed inside the line of the one lane the whole time.
Yet, after the march, the Watsonville Police Department targeted one organizer (a Brown Beret) and wrote him a citation with 8-10 counts against him, including criminal charges. We are still waiting for the ticket to arrive in the mail, what we know we have learned from one policeman and the news. They will also be charging the Brown Berets for police overtime. This was an effort to show people that “…they can’t do whatever they want to,” in the words of the Watsonville Police.
The people wanted to march in the streets, they have that right. The extent of the crowd demonstrated the power of the immigration issue and the passion of the people. The Brown Berets did not expect or bring that many people. Residents came from everywhere to use the opportunity to be heard. This has been a silent population until now. Silent because they are working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so Americans can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege we are accustomed to.
As concerned and compassionate citizens, it is our duty to ensure that no one who organized or participated is ever a scapegoat or vilified on behalf of the powers that be. It is our responsibility to stand up and demand the Watsonville Police view their job that day as one of public service. That service being to protect the people in the streets. We had peaceful demonstrators, our own security yet the Watsonville Police insisted on assigning 10 cops and various vehicles to our march. This was not requested or necessary. We marched in Salinas right afterwards with NO POLICE SECURITY and we were fine.
PLEASE HELP THE BROWN BERETS FIGHT THE CHARGES AND THE POWER STRUCTURE WHICH IS TRYING TO “TEACH US ALL A LESSON.”
ACT NOW!!!! Call Captain Manny Solano: (831) 768-3300 (leave message) or (831) 750-2943 (cell phone) and tell him to simply, DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST THE BROWN BERETS, financial and criminal. Also, his e-mail is: msolano [at] ci.watsonville.ca.us
Write letters to the Santa Cruz Sentinel and Register Pajaronian immediately, they have both covered the story. Condemn the Watsonville Police Department for charging us with fines and citations for simply leading the people safely on a very emotional issue.
We have no money, we do everything through volunteers and small, in-kind donations. Please help us.
In Community Solidarity,
The Watsonville Brown Berets
brownberets [at] msn.com
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To: Mark Schlosberg, Northern California ACLU Director
Mark Stone, County Supervisor
I know you have lots to do, but you can see that we have a serious problem in our county with police repression of first amendment protected activities (a microcosm of the country in general, no doubt). This is why we have been appealing to county supervisors for a countywide policy on first amendment activities, as well as individual city councils.
Indymedia article forwarded. I hope the Brown Berets will follow up with a call to the NC ACLU.
Mark Stone, County Supervisor
I know you have lots to do, but you can see that we have a serious problem in our county with police repression of first amendment protected activities (a microcosm of the country in general, no doubt). This is why we have been appealing to county supervisors for a countywide policy on first amendment activities, as well as individual city councils.
Indymedia article forwarded. I hope the Brown Berets will follow up with a call to the NC ACLU.
Dear Captain Solano, just want to let you know that I've contacted the county and the Northern California ACLU about charges filed against the Brown Berets.
photo by Jeff Paterson, Not in Our Name
Thousands Join Mexico to SF March in Watsonville to Demand Peace and Justice
http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/03/1810885.php
The Autonomous Chapter of the Watsonville Brown Berets
http://brownberets.info
The Emergence of the Watsonville Brown Berets
http://brownberets.info/history
A group of students from Watsonville inspired by the legacy of activism decided to resurrect the Brown Berets April 6, 1994. This was due to similar conditions that existed in 1967 and the gang related murders of two young people, Jessica Cortez (age 9) and her brother George (age 16). “We were a group of young people who were tired of injustices in our community and the lack of political representation. We decided to educate and take power for ourselves,” said Luis Alejo one of the group’s founding members.
In order to address the increasing gang violence, the Watsonville Brown Berets organized an annual march that passed through all the different barrios in order to bring the message of Peace and Unity. They believed that through cultura and activism young people involved in gangs could redirect that energy into more constructive avenues. In addition, the group established a meeting location in which young people could learn to organize and learn about their history (the version that is usually excluded from textbooks). It is in this small “classroom” that strategies and ideas are exchanged to effectively create local change.
A few of their (numerous) actions and battles include the Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta school naming campaign, address police harassment, affordable housing, counter-military recruitment, college-bound mentoring and academic support, and local political elections. The group has established firm relations with other progressive community organizations such as Students Against War (UCSC), Barrios Unidos and the Resource Center for Non Violence of Santa Cruz. In 2004, the Watsonville Brown Berets activated Liberation School, which provides tutoring, and career guidance as well as an extensive revolutionary library.
Watsonville city counsel member and activist Oscar Rios said, “ The Watsonville Brown Berets have been one of the strongest youth organizations in this community and have led by example by providing our young people with constructive alternatives and the tools to make progressive change.”
On May 27, 2005, the Watsonville Brown Berets organized their fourth annual Youth and Power event, which took place at the Vets Hall in Watsonville. Over 400 young people were in attendance. The event featured counter-military recruitment activist Fernando Suarez del Solar. Over 20 organizations hosted information tables providing literature about college opportunities as well as political, community and environmental activism. There were musical performances by La Plebe, Here Kitty Kitty, Universal Language and Watsonville’s own punk rock band Los Dryheavers. “It is events like this that empower our young people and remind them that their voice is a powerful weapon,” said Brown Beret member Jennifer Laskin.
Today, the Brown Berets continue to provide a voice to the voiceless in Watsonville and continue to address a wide range of issues of social, political and economic inequality. They also continue to organize and train young people to be the leaders of today in their community and work to create positive social change. Mexikah Tiahui
Jonathan Alcantar
June 1, 2005
Thousands Join Mexico to SF March in Watsonville to Demand Peace and Justice
http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/03/1810885.php
The Autonomous Chapter of the Watsonville Brown Berets
http://brownberets.info
The Emergence of the Watsonville Brown Berets
http://brownberets.info/history
A group of students from Watsonville inspired by the legacy of activism decided to resurrect the Brown Berets April 6, 1994. This was due to similar conditions that existed in 1967 and the gang related murders of two young people, Jessica Cortez (age 9) and her brother George (age 16). “We were a group of young people who were tired of injustices in our community and the lack of political representation. We decided to educate and take power for ourselves,” said Luis Alejo one of the group’s founding members.
In order to address the increasing gang violence, the Watsonville Brown Berets organized an annual march that passed through all the different barrios in order to bring the message of Peace and Unity. They believed that through cultura and activism young people involved in gangs could redirect that energy into more constructive avenues. In addition, the group established a meeting location in which young people could learn to organize and learn about their history (the version that is usually excluded from textbooks). It is in this small “classroom” that strategies and ideas are exchanged to effectively create local change.
A few of their (numerous) actions and battles include the Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta school naming campaign, address police harassment, affordable housing, counter-military recruitment, college-bound mentoring and academic support, and local political elections. The group has established firm relations with other progressive community organizations such as Students Against War (UCSC), Barrios Unidos and the Resource Center for Non Violence of Santa Cruz. In 2004, the Watsonville Brown Berets activated Liberation School, which provides tutoring, and career guidance as well as an extensive revolutionary library.
Watsonville city counsel member and activist Oscar Rios said, “ The Watsonville Brown Berets have been one of the strongest youth organizations in this community and have led by example by providing our young people with constructive alternatives and the tools to make progressive change.”
On May 27, 2005, the Watsonville Brown Berets organized their fourth annual Youth and Power event, which took place at the Vets Hall in Watsonville. Over 400 young people were in attendance. The event featured counter-military recruitment activist Fernando Suarez del Solar. Over 20 organizations hosted information tables providing literature about college opportunities as well as political, community and environmental activism. There were musical performances by La Plebe, Here Kitty Kitty, Universal Language and Watsonville’s own punk rock band Los Dryheavers. “It is events like this that empower our young people and remind them that their voice is a powerful weapon,” said Brown Beret member Jennifer Laskin.
Today, the Brown Berets continue to provide a voice to the voiceless in Watsonville and continue to address a wide range of issues of social, political and economic inequality. They also continue to organize and train young people to be the leaders of today in their community and work to create positive social change. Mexikah Tiahui
Jonathan Alcantar
June 1, 2005
To read my comments go here: http://www.pagesincolor.com/blog-35.html
For more information:
http://www.pagesincolor.com/blog-35.html
I have a couple of issues with the way the Berets are portraying themselves all warm and fuzzy like.
"We marched down one lane on four lane roads…with two lanes heading in each direction. We marched in only the furthest right hand lane and on the sidewalk. Traffic was still moving in both directions. People stayed inside the line of the one lane the whole time."
This is not true. Traffic was completely blocked on Mains St and Beach St. while the march was happening. I was stuck in my vehicle on Main St. for 20 minutes. I guess you have the right to march but I don't have the right to get back to work on time. My boss didn't see it that way but he's probably a racist bastard.
"Residents came from everywhere to use the opportunity to be heard. This has been a silent population until now. Silent because they are working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so Americans can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege we are accustomed to."
Also not true. As I sat in my car contemplating what a racist fascist I must be simply because I am white, I observed nothing that remotely resembling the description above. The marchers were 95% high school kids. Kids who for the most part appeared to be pretty stoked about the extended lunch. They marched right by my idling (20 mins) car (not hybrid) and I was able to hear there conversations. Go figure! They were talking just like I did when I was that age. In general, they could care less about being activists and really wanted to know who was talking shit, who thought who was hot, a dog, a bitch...etc. Meanwhile, their parents where "working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so" there kids "can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege" they "are accustomed to." I saw lots of posers, cell phones and bling bling. That's about as deep as it got.
How's that saying go? "Be careful what you wish for."
Here's the deal Brown Berets. If you are going to incite this behavior, you better get ready to deal with the response. I don't mean from the police, I mean from the people you stir up. The America you seam to be trying to break down you just might inherit some day. Do you really want a country that you can't control? This is a free country. You are welcome here, just like my ancestors were about 100 years ago. But it won't be easy. You must do the work that is required to make the transition and contribute to a free society rather than ruin it. Remember, with great freedom comes great responsibly. Don't blame others for your lack of planning. That's not responsible.
"We marched down one lane on four lane roads…with two lanes heading in each direction. We marched in only the furthest right hand lane and on the sidewalk. Traffic was still moving in both directions. People stayed inside the line of the one lane the whole time."
This is not true. Traffic was completely blocked on Mains St and Beach St. while the march was happening. I was stuck in my vehicle on Main St. for 20 minutes. I guess you have the right to march but I don't have the right to get back to work on time. My boss didn't see it that way but he's probably a racist bastard.
"Residents came from everywhere to use the opportunity to be heard. This has been a silent population until now. Silent because they are working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so Americans can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege we are accustomed to."
Also not true. As I sat in my car contemplating what a racist fascist I must be simply because I am white, I observed nothing that remotely resembling the description above. The marchers were 95% high school kids. Kids who for the most part appeared to be pretty stoked about the extended lunch. They marched right by my idling (20 mins) car (not hybrid) and I was able to hear there conversations. Go figure! They were talking just like I did when I was that age. In general, they could care less about being activists and really wanted to know who was talking shit, who thought who was hot, a dog, a bitch...etc. Meanwhile, their parents where "working 12-16 hour days in the fields, hotels, and factories so" there kids "can enjoy the lifestyle and economic privilege" they "are accustomed to." I saw lots of posers, cell phones and bling bling. That's about as deep as it got.
How's that saying go? "Be careful what you wish for."
Here's the deal Brown Berets. If you are going to incite this behavior, you better get ready to deal with the response. I don't mean from the police, I mean from the people you stir up. The America you seam to be trying to break down you just might inherit some day. Do you really want a country that you can't control? This is a free country. You are welcome here, just like my ancestors were about 100 years ago. But it won't be easy. You must do the work that is required to make the transition and contribute to a free society rather than ruin it. Remember, with great freedom comes great responsibly. Don't blame others for your lack of planning. That's not responsible.
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