Feature Archives

Eric McDavid has now been in jail, pre-trial, for 15 months. He has been in Total Separation, or solitary, that entire time. Since their arrest, his co-defendants (Zachary Jenson and Lauren Weiner) have agreed to testify against him, in a case that has been based on the reports from a paid FBI informant. In contrast, Eric has stood by his principles during his incarceration - including enduring a grueling two week hunger strike to get vegan meals. A hearing in his case has been scheduled for April 16th in Sacramento. May 5th and 6th, 2007 will be a weekend of international solidarity to help raise awareness about his case, as well as funds for his legal expenses.

Workers at a Fresno Convalescent hospital in Fresno are fighting for a living wage. Today they held an informational picket line.

Animal rights and welfare groups have joined Stockton residents in opposing the development of a massive egg factory farm. "The last thing that the Stockton area needs is another factory farm poisoning our community, polluting our environment and abusing animals," stated resident Karen Courtemanche. Despite numerous past complaints against Olivera, the San Joaquin County Planning Department is planning to grant the approval for the farm without an Environmental Impact Report.

Author Norman Solomon and peace mom Cindy Sheehan spoke at the Sacramento for Democracy meeting on Wednesday, April 4. The title of the talk was "Meeting the Historic Challenge: War, Peace and the 2007 California Democratic Convention." Norman is a nationally syndicated columnist on media and politics and a newly elected delegate to the State Democratic Party from the 6th Assembly District.

Threatened workers, the majority of whom are Latino, are striking CMC Rebar of Fresno for unfair labor practices. CMC workers in Fresno voted in their Union more than eight months ago. Despite certification by the NLRB, the Union has not been recognized by CMC Rebar. There was a press conference Tuesday, March 27th at 12:00 p.m. at 2914 Argyle Ave. in Fresno

On March 22, five veterans – among seven people arrested at the office of Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) Thursday as they read the names of those killed in Iraq – said today they will fight those charges, and intend to subpoena the democrat as a witness in their trial.

Cesar Chavez Day was Saturday, March 31st. In Fresno, the Committee Cesar E. Chavez CO-CE-CHA held the 14th Annual Cesar Chavez Celebration. This year, the theme of the march was to stop all anti-immigrant raids. In Sacramento, there was a march at Southside Park and in San Francisco there was a march starting at 24th and Potrero. Many other events were planned around the state, including marches in Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Bakersfield, Salinas, and Oxnard. Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927. He led successful strikes and boycotts that resulted in the first industry-wide labor contracts in the history of American agriculture.