Feature Archives

UPDATE: Check out audio and photos from the event.

Indybay has not only survived but thrived for ten years now. On Saturday, November 13th, 2010, Indybay will be acknowledging everyone who has contributed over the last decade to the many projects of the SF Bay Area and Santa Cruz Independent Media Centers. From 1pm to 6pm, we'll be hosting a media conference with an exciting and diverse line-up of speakers, panels, and workshops focusing on independent media's role in social and environmental justice movements. From 8pm until midnight, we are throwing a benefit party with radical musicians. Come and celebrate this milestone with us at the historic Continental Club in West Oakland.

Protests took place on July 29th throughout Arizona, and around the U.S. and Mexico, against attacks on immigrants. These protests happened the day that Arizona's anti-immigrant law, SB1070, went into effect. There were actions in San Francisco, Oakland, and other cities throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The day before, federal judge Bolton blocked several of the most controversial aspects of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect.

On July 19th, approximately 80 to 100 people rallied in the parking lot of the Walnut Creek courthouse in support of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. Counter-protesters, estimated to number about 200, showed up to demonstrate for Oscar Grant and other victims of police brutality. The rally was prompted by the conviction of Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter in the New Year's Day 2009 shooting death of train rider Oscar Grant.

The U.S. District Court in San Jose has thrown out the indictment of four animal rights activists who were charged with violating the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, because the government did not clearly explain what, exactly, the protesters did. The case is not over, however. The government can still re-indict the defendants with an amended bill of particulars that clearly outlines their alleged actions.

On July 8th, former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Oscar Grant on January 1st, 2009 in Oakland, California. Mehserle was led away from the courtroom in handcuffs and is now in custody. His sentencing was expected on Friday, August 6th, but has now been delayed at the defense's request. Involuntary manslaughter can carry 2 to 6 years, with up to 10 added for a gun enhancement. Sentencing and other motions are now on the court calendar for Friday, November 5th at 8:30 a.m.

In Oakland, thousands of people took over the intersection of Broadway and 14th for a protest which started shortly after the 4PM verdict and lasted until late in the evening. Over fifty protesters were arrested. Protests also took place in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Fresno, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Bloomington Indiana and elsewhere.

Iraq Veterans Against the War, SF, write: The flag is a symbol of our unity and the blood sweat tears of those that came before us. The flag also has a purpose, some times it is a beacon or a message a warning that something is wrong. Jacob Crawford and Josh Wolf write: While millions across the United States of America celebrate freedom (for some), a flag [was burned] to send the statement that many are still waiting to reclaim true freedom.

For weeks, as the trial of Johannes Mehserle for the murder of Oscar Grant has progressed, city leaders have been stirring up fears of "outside agitators" bringing trouble to Oakland should Mehserle be acquitted or found guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter rather than the maximum now available, second degree murder. Corporate television stations have been running near daily coverage of Oakland police preparing to quell riots, while local non-profits have been disseminating talking points geared toward "inoculating" Oakland youth from their own feelings of anger. In Oakland, a community gathering has been called for 14th Street and Broadway at 6pm the day the verdict is announced. For further updates, see the next related Indybay feature.