Feature Archives

CAPS is throwing a Sunday, December 3rd benefit show with speakers to observe the International Day of Solidarity With Political Prisoners at Balazo 18 Gallery, 2183 Mission St, San Francisco, with doors at 5pm. The evening will include the bands Eskapo, Masacre, Myth of Progress, Chest Full of Arrows, and Slash & Burn; speakers about the Green Scare, the Black Panther Grand Juries, Oaxaca/San Salvador Atenco (Mexico), Palestine, and the Philippines; as well as an art display by local artists. All proceeds will go towards prisoner support.

Over a year ago, "Nicole," a 22-year-old Filipina, was gang raped and tossed aside by six U.S. Servicemen outside of a club in Subic Bay, Olongapo City (a former U.S. naval base site). On November 26th, GABRIELA Networkheld a vigil for “Nicole.” Photos People gathered at 4pm at the Dewey Memorial in SF's Union Square, to light candles for "Nicole" and others who have been brutalized by rape and other forms of violence against women. babae sf has called for an action in support of "Nicole" to be held from 5-6:30pm on Monday, November 27th at the SF Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave. GABRIELA reports that the alleged perpetrators should receive a verdict in their trial this week.

The day after Thanksgiving is often called "Black Friday," because as people start their holiday shopping, many stores' balances move "into the black." Anti-capitalist activists call the day after Thanksgiving Buy Nothing Day. The Bay Area has a tradition of holding rowdy protests on that day. As Indian People Organzing for Change says, "Buy Nothing Day isn't just about changing your habits for one day. It's about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste. Consumerism is desecrating the earth and its resources. Thousands... everywhere will take a 24-hour consumer detox as part of the 14th annual Buy Nothing Day." Events that were listed on Indybay took place in cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Emeryville. On Saturday, the monthly Really, Really Free Market will take over Dolores Park from 12pm to 4pm.

While most of America focuses on the turkey they will eat on Thanksgiving, animal rights activists cannot forget the poor conditions millions of turkeys are forced to live in every day. Animal activists do not begrudge the celebration of family and friends on Thanksgiving, partaking in the camaraderie of the day themselves, but they are actively working to improve the living conditions of turkeys and/or to encourage the public to consider more humane animal-free alternatives.

On Tuesday, November 21st, attorneys for jailed indymedia journalist and video blogger Josh Wolf appeared before Federal District Court Judge Alsup to argue for Josh's release from federal prison; the request was denied. This 90+ day imprisonment is believed to be unprecedented for a journalist who refuses to hand over information to a grand jury. Josh is one of dozens of US political prisoners who will not be with their loved ones for the holidays. A benefit for Josh was held at Balazo in San Francisco on December 7th.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic, commonly referred to as vinyl, is one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. On November 12th, the Raging Grannies demonstrated in the SF Bay area against PVC, which is found in shower curtains, consumer packaging, and even rubber duckies. Video & Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

At noon on Tuesday November 14th, in front of the Federal Building a press conference was held as part of the release of the Western Regional Advocacy Project's (WRAP) report called, "Without Housing: Decades of Federal Housing Cutbacks, Massive Homelessness, and Policy Failures." In seven cities across the country similar press conferences were held, including ones in Seattle, Washington, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photos