Feature Archives

Parts of California's Central Valley endured 10 days or more in a row of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees in mid-July. Some 100 people perished in the heat, the majority of them senior citizens whose bodies don't cool themselves as well as younger people. Thousands of animals died on farms: over a million "pounds" of poultry, and thousands of cows, primarily dairy cows. Extra-hot temperatures, growth in the state's $5 billion dairy industry, and fewer rendering plants to dispose of the animals combined to cause a crisis for farmers in the state.

Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (SYMVCD) sprayed portions of Davis with the pesticide 'Suspend SC' without timely warning to residents in area, including Arroyo Park, West Area, Drainage, and the cemetery this past week.

According to Stop West Nile Spraying Now (SWNSN), the effectiveness of adulticide spraying to prevent West Nile disease is questionable at best. The group is also concerned about the harmful effects on people and animals. People will protest the aerial spraying on Wednesday, August 2nd at 7pm.

LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2006 - Judge Helen Bendix rejected all the farmer’s claims in the case South Central Farmers vs. Ralph Horowitz and the City of Los Angeles today. Attorneys for the farmers say they will appeal the decision to the appellate court. The verdict does not come as unexpected, Judge Bendix has ruled against the farmers in the past only to be overturned in appeal.

Russian social activists are calling upon the world to protest massive violations of basic freedoms in Russia that occurred in the leadup to the G8 meeting and on July 15th. They are asking for support for imprisoned activists and journalists.
On July 15th, the "Group of 8" (G8) richest industrialized countries began a three-day gathering in St. Petersburg, Russia to plot their continued commodification and domination of the planet. The intended focus of the gathering was "Energy Security," which promopted people to declare that July 15th would be an International Day of Direct Action against Climate Change and the G8. The Davis Anti-Biotech Coalition will be distributing info about SB 1056 at 9am on Monday, July 17th outside of the USDA building in Davis. Protests are also being held in London, Washington, DC, and Russia.

Jeremy Underhill writes: The serene isolation and beauty of Arana Gulch is threatened by two miles of eight foot wide paved trails and a suspension bridge over Hagemann Gulch. As one of Santa Cruz's last untouched wilderness areas we need to keep it free of roads! It is a beautiful escape from our modern suburban lives and can be easily accessed by anyone. Bikes can be easily ridden through right now and bike paths if needed could be put through the already developed harbor adjacent to Arana Gulch. It does not cause any biker more than five minutes inconvienence to save this undeveloped land. Also the native endangered Tarplant is threatened by this development.

Come to the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 11th at 7:00pm at City Council Chambers 809 Center St. Read more

Bulldozers entered the South Central Farm in Los Angeles early on July 5th to tear up the farmers' plants-- in spite of the fact that the farmers and community have a scheduled July 12th court date to fight the legality of the sale of the land. Several protesters were extracted from inside the farm, where they had been using their bodies to stop the bulldozers. Hired security guards inside the farm have been working with police to keep farmers and their supporters out of the farm. July 7th through 10th will be South Central Farm International Solidarity Days. There was a solidarity rally at the Grand Lake Farmers Market in Oakland on Saturday, July 8th ( Photos | Audio ), and a rally and parade was held in Santa Cruz on Sunday, July 9th ( Photos: 1 | 2 | Audio )

Critical Mass is a monthly, community bike ride to celebrate cycling and to assert cyclists' right to the road. Critical Mass has no leaders, and no central organization, it's an unorganized coincidence. A movement of bicycles in the streets. Show up to the clocktower in downtown Santa Cruz the last Friday of each month at 5pm with your favorite human powered transportation for a celebration of life and bicycles! Bring all of your friends and family for a wonderful ride around Santa Cruz. Critical Mass leaves at 5:30pm. Read more

Audio: Santa Cruz Critical Mass PSA

Photos from 2006 Santa Cruz Critical Mass Bike Rides: February, April and May