Feature Archives

8/10/04: Flags facing the Merced Veteran's Memorial, and outside of the old Merced county courthouse were burned in the middle, and then placed upside down before being replaced up the flag pole the 1st of August. Veterans spotted the flag, and an investigation has been underway in Merced since Monday August 2nd. Many in the press have allready cried for harsh punishment. On Friday August 6th however, Kyle Moore was brought in. Moore, a 20 year old homeless person, reportedlly burned the flags to protest homelessness and poverty in America. His bail has been set at the amount of $50,000, according to local news in Modesto. To call the jail where Mr.Moore is being held, you can call (209) 385-7575 (Ex. 0).

7/28/04: As Dick Cheney arrived in Bakersfield on Tuesday, a rally was held outside the Kern Fairgounds. The labor union United Farm Workers (UFW) held a strong showing along with Peace Bakersfield, and other associated Bakersfield groups and concerned citizens. Pictures here.

7/23/04: The Fresno Center for Nonviolence presented their annual Way of Peace awards on July 18, 2004. Each year local activists are honored for their outstanding work for peace and social justice. This year's honorees told the gathering about their passion for social change, what motivates them, and what keeps their hopes alive. Each one received a plaque. During the presentation participants listened to powerful poems, songs were shared, and inspiration given to encourage everyone to work just a little harder in the year ahead. See a video of the honorees, and one of poetry. Pictured at left is Margaret Hudson.

8/01/04: The United Farm Workers union held a march in Fresno today. Over 400 union members and their allies protested the intimidation of farm workers through immigration raids and called for support of the AgJobs bill which will allow undocumented field laborers to earn permanent legal status. The march, the first held by the UFW in Fresno for many years, is an indication of the unions interest in having a greater presence in this area.

7/17/04: While protests outside of Ringling Brothers continued, the protests seems almost over shadowed by the reality of the death of Clyde the Lion. According to a Peta report to the USDA with information compiled by a whistleblower, "Clyde, died in his transport cage in a poorly ventilated boxcar while the circus was traveling from Phoenix, Ariz., to Fresno, Calif. The circus was crossing the Mohave Desert, where temperatures reached at least 100°F on Monday, July 12. Peta is calling for a USDA investigation to be brought against Ringling Brothers, and for charges to be filled. Fresno Voices for Animals has also issued a statement.
Statements Issued: 1, 2.

7/15/04: There is a wide frustration among people in Sacramento interested in progressive politics, environmental issues, urban planning, security/defense, etc. and the struggle to get the word out through the local media including the Sacramento Bee. Various groups have decided to "build" the indy media community from the ground up by hosting more "Posting Parties" here at Access Sacramento and other sites in the community. The first posting party will take place on July 24, the second on August 6th.
More info on Posting Party Locations/Times

7/15/04: Ringling Brothers used a wide variety of tactics to try and stop the large, colorful, and effective protest put on by Fresno Voices for Animals (FVA), and a wide variety of other groups throughout their stop in Fresno. Animal liberationists succeded in many people turning away from the Circus, and many people tried to get refunds on their tickets after learning of the abuses inside. Banners were also dropped, and street theater was performed. Balloons and stickers where handed out to young children with various anti-Circus messages, with Circus management responding by taking the balloons away and releasing them. An undercover Ringling Brothers video was played to people passing by, and through out the day a Circus worker tried to stand in front of the TV to block the screen. Perhaps most frightening was the fact that a multi-person crew of undercover secruity agents was monitoring the entire protest, and taking pictures of protestors.
Photos:1, 2 | Reports:1, 2 Sierra Nevada Earth First! Solidarity Statement
Background Info on Ringling | July 17th!Send Ringling Out of Town Protest! Video:1, 2