South Central Farm Solidarity Actions

Stop bothering people with this nonsense. If you are so concerned, then go to LA and make a nuisance of yourself there. I imagine 99% of the people in Santa Cruz that you bothered with this crap had no idea what you were refering to. Sorry, but your cause does not resonate outside with the rest of us.

Although I am sympathetic along with your concerns about the farm worker eviction, I felt that the protest was conducted in a senseless ignorant manner. Perhaps you should focus energies on reaching those directly responsible for the eviction (corporate and govt. bureaus) instead of pissing people off in the morning on their way to work. I watched the demonstration from Emily's Bakery and spoke with several people after, and no one was sure what was being protested and why. Better luck next time, AL

For bringing this issue to the forefront of the public mind in other parts of California. It means a lot to us.

this was an awesome action. to the person who 'had no idea what it was about' as he watched from emilys bakery: can you read? did you not notice that the people who were blocking the intersection were holding signs? how was their action unclear? or if the signs didnt clarify that it was being done with south central farmers, rather than talk shit while eating your cressaunt, you could have (god forbid) TALKED to one of the protesters. life is easy when all you do is criticize peoples actions from the comfort of your computer chair, ay?

The farmers need more people with your courage and experience in direct action.
There are some very dedicated people there now, but more are needed. Please consider a road trip.

Farmers are now camping outside the farm on the street. Old city laws against sleeping on the sidewalk were repealed two months ago in the city. So, the farmers and their supports are still maintaining a 24 hour watch should bulldozers return. The initial bulldozing done on the day of the raid has been halted because it was done without the required permit from the city. Lawyers for the farmers are contesting the issuance of a permit. But should a permit be issued the farmers vow action to block bulldozers entry to the farm.
If bulldozers come they will need help with barricades and people like those pictured here. If possible please consider coming to the farm.

About 1/3 of the farm was damaged on Tuesday, but many plots are still OK and that which was damaged can be replanted. The farm can still be saved. All is not lost.
The fight to save the farm is NOT over. It has just reach a critical new level. People are needed at the farm now more than ever.

In response to the mocking and dismissive comments posted by "09283409":

That you call the issue 'nonsense' and 'crap' betrays where you are coming from right away. Sure, many of the people that we 'bothered' with conversations and flyers had not heard of the situation until we brought it up - that's the point. And actually, a lot more people than we expected are already informed and concerned. As I understand it, the intent of these actions was to raise awareness about the eviction of the farm, and to send a message to the farmers and occupiers of the farm that we care, that we are angry, that we support their struggle. I would say that the many actions taken by supporters in Santa Cruz have been successful in terms of these two goals.
By support I mean both in terms of immediate aid such as spreading word, pestering politicians, & coming to the farm to join the occupation, and in the broader sense that we will continue a common struggle for free land, community autonomy and human dignity in our own lives, through creative and destructive direct action against capitalism, against the corporate recolonization of the world.
The comments from "AL" that the demonstrators were 'senseless' and 'ignorant' are obviously baseless and not in need of response. You suggest that people should focus their energy on the people responsible for this travesty in LA -- well, don't assume that those sorts of avenues are not already being pursued. If you have concrete suggestions of how to put pressure on those motherfuckers or make their lives hell, by all means share your ideas.

more articles can be found on the wikipedia entry for south central farm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_central_farm

The same thing that South Central is going through is going to happen here in San Jose/Santa Clara. It is a 17 acrea pices of "Prime Framland" the the STATE of California owns (not a private individual). The state is in the process of selling the land to housing developers. We needs you help here too. Please contact the group: mailto:info@savebarec.org. We can make a real difference with this urban farm in the Bay Area. Thanks!

http://savebarec.org/

Although there might have been more strategic places to do this action... I'm not from there so what the hell do i know... the more strategic places around here would likely bring higher jail time etc.... Rock on.... below is a message from the farm... We're Taking Back the Farm! Come to the Farm and stand in solidarity with us as we continue with the 24 hour vigil to take back the Farm. We have lost our supplies and personal belongings. We need donations of new supplies and food for both volunteers and Farmers as we continue to hold down the perimeter of the Farm should earth movers come. Small bulldozers have already torn through the plots but it is far from lost. On July 12, the Farmers and community will go to court to fight the legality of the sale of the land. This is not the end...

I am trying to get down to the farm today (Tuesday). I spent some time down there earlier this month and need to go back. I dont have much money for gas but do work at Trader Joes and have some food to trade as well as good company. I will be sitting at the entrance ramp to Route 1 South at the end of Ocean Street. Si Se Puede amigos! Lets mobilize and save this place. Thanks much
Sean