Feature Archives

On Tuesday, June 27th, the Berkeley City Council voted to include an initiative advocating the impeachment of George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney on the Berkeley municipal ballot this November. The ballot initiative was introduced by Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. Citing the High Crimes, the ballot initiative calls on the City of Berkeley to petition all members of the United States House of Representatives and all members of the California State Legislature to bring articles of impeachment against the President and Vice President. Several resolutions calling for impeachment have passed in cities around the country, but a ballot initiative allowing voters to weigh in on the issue is unique.

The city of San Jose is roiling in a scandal involving its mayor, Ron Gonzales, who has been indicted on charges of felony bribery. This latest scandal, according to New America Media commentator Raj Jayadev, fits right into the narrative of San Jose in the post-dot-com era.

The 26th protest against the Bohemian Grove took place on July 22nd. The mile-long march into the grove was stopped by layers of California Highway Patrol officers just before the gates to Bohemian Grove but that did not prevent the strength of the demonstration from being heard inside. Photos

On the Fourth of July, patriotic Americans everywhere celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and time with their families. This year, some celebrations were interrupted by reminders that the United States does not give freedom to everyone. One activity was nearly made illegal this summer: burning the American flag. An amendment backed by the Bush administration to give Congress the power to “ban desecration of the American flag” received one vote less than was needed for passage. Fourth of July protests in the Bay Area reminded people that US imperialism in the Middle East is causing detention, torture, and death for many. Santa Cruz held its 2nd Annual Old Time American Flag Burn at Seabright Beach. Photos

The District Attorney who won fame and beat an attempted recall for filing a lawsuit against timber giant Pacific Lumber in 2003 won re-election June 6, 2006. After a bitter race between Gallegos and his police-supported challenger, Worth Dikeman, Gallegos walked home with nearly 53% of the vote.

The relationship between the DA’s office and law enforcement was a central issue during the campaign. Gallegos, who did not seek endorsement by law enforcement, cited rules by the American Bar Association that state “prosecutors should take care to avoid any relationships with the police that might cast doubt on the independence and integrity of the office of the prosecutor.”

Dikeman’s close relationship with law enforcement failed to capture voter support. Dikeman’s campaign manager, Dave Parris, is an investigator for the Eureka Police Department.

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Eureka, CA - A ballot initiative was approved that will prohibit large out-of-county corporations from making political contributions in Humboldt County elections. The initiative was inspired by two separate corporate-funded campaigns in Humboldt County where hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent to push corporate interests.

Vice-President Dick Cheney will be in Sacramento on May 22 in the morning, and in Stockton on May 22 in the afternoon, to support Congressman Richard Pombo's bid for re-election. Various groups are calling for various showings of opposition towards both Cheney and Pombo.

Information for Sacramento here.

Information for Stockton here.