Feature Archives

In San Jose, people will gather for a protest at the Mexican Consulate (115 4th y St. John at 2pm and at 540 N. 1st St. at 3pm) today from 2-7pm, and on Saturday, November 4th, a 6pm prayer vigil and rally, followed by a screening of films from Oaxaca, at Mi Pueblo Market at Story and King Roads.
At 5pm on Tuesday, October 31st, hundreds of people protested at the Mexican Consulate to condemn the repression in Oaxaca. Fake blood was thrown on the door of the consulate and one person was arrested. ( Photos: 1 | 2 ). Protests and vigils were held at Mexican consulates all over the world starting in the morning on Monday Oct. 30th. List In SF, protesters met Monday at the Mexican Consulate (532 Folsom St) at 7am ( Photos: 1 | 2 | Video ), and 5pm.
Reports from Oaxaca: 10/31: Photos | 10/30: Text by Tristan | Photos and text by Danielsan

On Sunday in Oaxaca, tanks and large machinery were used in the government in efforts to tear down barricades. Thousands of women, children, and men were in the streets, enduring attacks with tear gas and other chemical weapons. There were reports that several protesters were killed by the police, including one child. Many who have been abducted are being taken to Ixcotel Penitentary and military camps and are being beaten there. They are also raiding and destroying homes in Oaxaca, as happened in Atenco.

A film screening will be held at Station 40 on Wednesday night at 7pm, with funds raised going to people in Oaxaca.

On October 25th, Judge Charles Breyer dismissed three counts involving marijuana cultivation against Richard Watts, ruling that the U.S. Attorney's Office had violated the Speedy Trial Act. Judge Breyer, who sentenced Ed Rosenthal to one day in jail after the previous trial, openly challenged Assistant U.S. Attorney George Bevan several times about the federal government's justification for retrying Mr. Rosenthal and Mr. Watts. Attorneys have to submit several documents before a December 6th appearance about how to proceed with the case.

On October 26th, Gabriel Meyers was told that the DA's office can proceed with the felony criminal charge that Meyers attempted to lynch himself at the anti- G8 demonstration in July of 2005. Meyers said that he feels that the government is "railroading and scapegoating" him. Gabe's next court date will be Friday, December 15th in Department 22, 850 Bryant St. in SF, at 9am, and opening arguments in the trial will be held within 60 days. Gabe is the only person who faces criminal charges from the July 8th, 2005 anti-G8 protest in which an SFPD officer was injured. Gabe's report from 12/8 court date

The San Francisco Bay Area is a Mecca for vegetarians with nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants in the region. Bay Area Vegetarians (BAVeg) sponsors the annual "Best of Veg" survey to recognize the top vegetarian restaurants in the area and to raise awareness of how easy it is to dine with compassion and good health, vegetarian-style. The public is encouraged to dine at vegetarian restaurants of their choice and vote for their favorites in several categories through November 15th.

On Monday, October 16th, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of San Francisco City Hall to call for an end to what they describe as officially-sanctioned depopulation of the poor and people of color from their neighborhoods in Bayview Hunters Point, Western Addition, the Mission, and South of Market. Reports: 1 | 2 | Photos

Sunday, October 22nd was the 11th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a Generation. Events were held in cities all over the country, with people wearing black and remembering the names of people who have been killed by law enforcement. An update to the book "Stolen Lives: Killed by Law Enforcement" was released on October 22nd. In San Francisco, a 2pm rally was held at Haight and Stanyan. Hundreds marched to Jefferson Square Park for a second rally. Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Video: 1 | 2 In San Jose, people whose lives have been directly impacted by police use of force and repression spoke out at an indoor event in the late afternoon. In Fresno, people marched from Justice Corner to N street and Mariposa for a rally and vigil. Photos

On Sunday, October 8th at 9:00am, maritime workers and other trade unionists picketed Hornblower Yachts at Pier 33 in San Francisco. Photos | Video They planned to return at 4am on Monday to picket the boats that ferried people to Alcatraz for the Indigenous People's Day commemoration. Alcatraz Cruises, part of the anti-union Hornblower Yachts, took over the contract to run the Alcatraz ferry service using non-union crews. The IBU and the MMP, unions that represent workers there, have been negotiating with Hornblower owner Terry Macrae. At issue is whether the captains or "senior" deckhands, who comprise half the workers, can be union members.