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Fall, 2003Everyone's favorite radio monopolizer, Clear Channel, sponsored Halloween in the Castro this year. Clear Channel are the same folks who brought us this spring's pro-war rallies and own over 1200 radio stations; Along with Wells Fargo and a host of other companies, they officially sponsored the event, which included 14 gated entryways, a search upon entrance, and a three dollar "donation." A resolution introduced by Supervisor Bevan Dufty on July 1, 2003, was adopted by the Board of Supervisors to make Halloween in the Castro an official City event. This opened avenues for corporate sponsors of the notorious spontaneous street party. Reports: 1 | 2 | 3 | See halloweensf.com for details
On Mon 5/6, the SF Board of Supervisors will decide whether Clear Channel, through its subsidiary Adshel, will be allowed to control the city's proposed new "pedmounts," kiosks to replace newsracks. Media activists will be there to raise hell against yet another Clear Channel monopoly. The corporation would have the right to decide what publications are distributed through the new news racks, pay no fees to cover the City's administrative costs, and be permitted to put enormous ads on the backs of the racks. A press conference denouncing the move will be held at City Hall at noon.

Action alert | Bay Guardian article | Media Alliance on KMEL/Davey D. | Salon.com on Clear Channel
The Senate is on the verge of passing legislation that would give federal prosecutors extraordinary powers to shut down raves or other musical events in yet another backwards step in the so-called "War on Drugs." The bill would increase the poorly-named "crack house statute," enabling the government to shut down clubs where drugs are found even if the owner isn't involved in any way. The legislation ostensibly is aimed at "protecting children" and "reducing drug use," but instead is another form of regulating where and how mostly young people can converge and enjoy themselves. Additionally, organizations doing harm reduction work in the rave community could potentially be barred from giving out the information that ravers need to stay safe. Details

Dancesafe | Drug Policy Alliance | Full text of bill
"Young folks are listening to KMEL, not the news, " said Nicole Lee, organizer for Let’s Get Free. "We need the station to include the voices of our youth leaders, not blame them, and be willing to look at the public policies that are the root causes of the problems in our communities." Looking at root causes is not something that the corporate media is accustomed to doing, and KMEL, a Clear Channel station, is no exception, who last year fired popular host Davey D after he dared to question the patriotic party line after 9/11. A new report put out by media activists Media Alliance and the Youth Media Council details the extent to which KMEL ignores the most basic issues of its largest target demographic. Full report | Media Alliance | Youth Media Council |
Ed Rosenthal speaking at the People's Park anniversaryOn 4/27, People's Park celebrated its 34th year in existence with a festival of music, politics, and history. Speakers ranged from Ed Rosenthal to Barbara Lee, representatives from the Emma Goldman Papers and the Arab Anti Discrimination Committee to East Bay Food Not Bombs and the X-Plicit Players. The small square of green land on the south side of UC Berkeley's campus has been a lightning rod of protest for a wide range of political causes, an important one being over who owns the park. An international campaign has been launched in an attempt to purchase the land from the UC Regents, who have done nearly everything in their power to "clean up" the park by encouraging the harrasssment and arrest of the homeless that inhabit the land, given that there are few other places open in Berkeley to go.

PeoplesPark.org | Photos: 1 | 2
pattismith2_jun15_tn.jpg Thousands gathered in Berkeley on 6/15 to listen to punk rock heroine Patti Smith and others during an anti-war benefit concert for ANSWER.

Photos & Video: 1 - 2 - 3 | Why Patti Smith Mattered
The 5th annual 911 Power to the Peaceful Festival drew over 30,000 to Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, September 6. Originally called 911 because of the emergency nature of the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Power to the Peaceful now reflects the desire to be rid of "terrorism and the war on terrorism," in the words of organizer and musician Michael Franti. Over 100 social and political organizations were represented at the Festival, and a good time was had by all. Photos: 1 | 2
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