From racist attacks targeting Lodi, California’s Muslim community, to attempts to silence and imprison political activists in San Francisco and San Diego, dissent and freedom of speech are under attack. As government repression in general increases, so does the use of the federal grand jury to intimidate, incarcerate and render impotent activists across social movements. In recent years, pressure on the animal rights, environmental justice, anti-war and anarchist movements has increased exponentially. Government officials seem anxious to pin the label “terrorist� on anyone that is effectively campaigning against injustice. At a recent hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, John E. Lewis, Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division of the FBI, testified that, “Investigating and preventing animal rights extremism and eco-terrorism is one of the FBI’s highest domestic terrorism priorities.�

Activists and people of color are not the only people being persecuted, lawyers are feeling the heat as well. On Febuary 10, 2005, New York civil rights attorney Lynne Stewart was convicted of conspiracy, providing material support to terrorists and defrauding the US government. Yet, Stewart never provided any financial support, weaponry or any other concrete aid for any act of terrorism. No act of terrorism is alleged to have resulted from her actions. Lynne and her supporters argue that all she did was represent her client effectively as a good attorney should.

audio: New York Human Rights attorney Lynne Stewart interview

updates:
San Diego: Judge to Hear First Amendment Objections
San Francisco: Reprieve for Activists

resources: FBIwitchHunt.com || Just Cause Law Collective || National Lawyers Guild || No Compromise

In a vote-by-mail election set for August, 2005, Santa Cruz residents will be asked to approve another utility tax. Of all the things to tax, essentials are the worst possible choice. Whether you're rich or poor, you still have to flush the toilet.

The proposed 3 to 12% utility tax comes on top of a 7% utility tax and is made worse by a massive, multi-year, 124% increase in city water rates, not to mention a backward water pricing scheme that already has small users paying up to 580% more per gallon than big users.

As usual, Santa Cruz City Council calls itself progressive but doesn't behave that way. Please join me in voting no on Measure X.

[ No on X ]

Call for Solidarity with Animal Advocates and Others Subpoenaed

Ten Bay Area residents, who include animal advocates, alternative media members, prisoner rights activists, and members of the greater Bay Area progressive community, have been subpoenaed to a Federal Grand Jury in San Francisco. The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22nd. Supporters of the Bay Area residents, as well as all those who seek to defend and keep free speech rights, have been invited to attend on a show of solidarity with those subpoenaed. The hearing will take place at 9am in the Federal Courthouse at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco. The date is subject to change, so people who plan to attend are encouraged to check FBIwitchHunt.com for updates. Animal Liberation supporters believe that the grand jury is an effort to intimidate them. Read More

In addition, as of 6/20, at least eight activists in San Diego have received grand jury subpoenas, and the Activist San Diego house in City Heights was visited by three federal agents. Read More || Audio

Listen to Grand Jury Teach-in Audio | Fault Lines story

Read More on Indybay's Animal Liberation News Page

Supreme Court Bans Medical Marijuana Everywhere!

Monday, June 6th: Today the Supreme Court ruled against state medical marijuana laws. The decision paves the way for DEA raids on patients and their caregivers. In our own community the Wo/men's Alliance for Medicinal Marijuana faces the possibility of another raid on them and their medicine.

Show your support for WAMM and medical marijuana by coming to the clock tower downtown Tuesday June 7th at 5pm. Please wear black.

"When citizens require protection from their own government and need to cloak in secrecy acts of compassion for the sick and dying, you have found the very definition of tyranny. Acts of tyranny by the government over the people will not be tolerated by the people, not now, not ever. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law."

-- Valerie Corral (WAMM Co-founder)

Read more on Indybay's Drug War News page

Photos: Supreme Court Decision Protested at the Town Clock
Photos: PIX: 6/7 MedMJ Protest
Audio: Rockin' the Boat: Supreme Court Rules Against Medical Pot

Action Day for a Better California Rallies Against Governor's Reforms

Pajaro Valley AFT 1936 Committee on Political Education organized a rally at the Plaza in Watsonville on May 25, which included students, teachers and their supporters. The theme of the demonstration was Broken Promises + Broken Schools = Broken Dreams. About 100 people where part of the energenic protest against Arnold and his neglect for youth and education in Watsonville. The rally was part of a statewide day of protest against Governor Schwarzenegger and his so-called "reforms." Photos: 1 | 2 || Audio

In Sacramento, more than 25,000 people, including teachers, nurses, firefighters and labor unions, rallied against Governor Schwarzenegger and his broken promises to public services. Country Joe sang "I Feel Like I'm Fixing to Die," his famous anti-Viet Nam War song. The crowd enthusiastically sang along in the heat. Representatives from the so-called special interests groups spoke and told their powerful stories and demanded that Arnold keep his promises to California. An airplane flew the message "California is not for sale!" Read more... || Reportback and Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 || Audio

In Los Angeles, about three thousand public employees attended a rally, “Action Day For a Better California,� in Downtown LA at Pershing Square. Parents, teachers, registered nurses, firefighters and police officers showed up to display their discontentment about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's policy agenda shortchanging them and their children." Reportback and Photos: 1 | 2

Read more on Indybay's Education page

Why Harper is an American tool for turning Canada into US colonial enclave

Recall Arnold Schwarzenegger!

PLEASE FORWARD:

Fighting Evictions in New Orleans

Hundreds of people have been evicted everyday from their houses in New Orleans. Investors and developers are rushing to take advantage of the crisis, overshadowed by a criminal negligence by the Bush Adminstration.

Come hear Jeremy Prickett, an organizer with Labor's Militant Voice, speak about the work he has been doing in New Orleans fighting evictions through direct actions, and how people here in Santa Cruz can help these efforts.

Jan 17, Tuesday 8pm, at the Women Center, UCSC.