Vandenberg Update

(San Luis Obispo, CA) On Saturday, May 19th over 300 people turned out at Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate, voicing their opposition to counterinsurgency spy satellite technology, national missile defense and the use of military force as a tool for corporate imperialism. Activists rallied for several hours, listening to speakers and musicians, before crossing the street for civil disobedience. During a tense stand-off with military riot police, which included a water cannon, attack dogs and the threat of pepper spray, twenty-four people were arrested for crossing onto base property. The remaining demonstrators formed a large circle on the other side of the street to discuss further action. In an apparent suspension of 1st amendment rights, base security personnel forced participants to their vehicles and ordered them to disperse immediately.

Back at the base camp that night, tactics were discussed for the backcountry security-zone occupation. It has been reported that several dozen people have returned from, or are still in various parts of the military base. It is also assumed that many more affinity groups will attempt to infiltrate the base's rough terrain over the next several days. Four people ware arrested on county property early this morning and have supposedly been charged with trespassing on the base. With security level at "Def. Con. Bravo," a clear stopping of "business as usual," participants are considering actions at Vandenberg AFB a huge success.