From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Wed Jan 25 2006
Council votes to continue to do nothing about police spying (again)
City Council Votes for Police to Police Themselves
the policeman spies
while the council does nothing
a winter leaf falls in the breeze
There was a motion before the city council proposed by councilmember Tony Madrigal to request an independent investigation into police spying. The council perhaps signalled it's intentions by placing the motion on the afternoon agenda of their regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting, rather than the more well-attended evening agenda.
There were a good many public speakers raising issues with the police internal audit and calling for the independent investigation. Additionally, people called for full disclosure of any past spying and for a strong binding ordinance limiting police powers to monitor political and community groups.
The public records contain emails that show that most everyone in the police department management from Chief Howard Skerry to Deputy Chief Kevin Vogel on down to Lt. Rudy Escalante knew about the undercover officers. Additionally, there were communications to and from high-level police from the city manager's office, the downtown development association, and even Mayor Cynthia Mathews herself.
In short, the council voted again to do nothing and trust the police to police themselves. But we will not let up pressure until citizens can express their free speech and free assembly rights without fear that a cop is lurking in their midst.
Audio: FSRN: SCPD Spying Update
Photos: Santa Cruzans Speak Out Against Police Infiltration and for an Independent Investigation
previous coverage: "Just Us" Action Against SCPD Spying || Police Infiltrate Peaceful Parade Organizers
while the council does nothing
a winter leaf falls in the breeze
There was a motion before the city council proposed by councilmember Tony Madrigal to request an independent investigation into police spying. The council perhaps signalled it's intentions by placing the motion on the afternoon agenda of their regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting, rather than the more well-attended evening agenda.
There were a good many public speakers raising issues with the police internal audit and calling for the independent investigation. Additionally, people called for full disclosure of any past spying and for a strong binding ordinance limiting police powers to monitor political and community groups.
The public records contain emails that show that most everyone in the police department management from Chief Howard Skerry to Deputy Chief Kevin Vogel on down to Lt. Rudy Escalante knew about the undercover officers. Additionally, there were communications to and from high-level police from the city manager's office, the downtown development association, and even Mayor Cynthia Mathews herself.
In short, the council voted again to do nothing and trust the police to police themselves. But we will not let up pressure until citizens can express their free speech and free assembly rights without fear that a cop is lurking in their midst.


previous coverage: "Just Us" Action Against SCPD Spying || Police Infiltrate Peaceful Parade Organizers
2023-05-31
Reactionary "Street Art" Campaign Backed by Billionaire Michael Moritz Targeted by Graffiti Artists
Police State & Prisons
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| Drug War
| Arts + Action
| San Francisco2023-05-27
Long-Time Industry Goal Is to Hamper CEQA by Expanding Exemptions, Limiting Challenges
Front Page
| Environment & Forest Defense
| Central Valley
| East Bay
| North Bay / Marin
| California
| Government & Elections2023-05-25
Critics Say Bankruptcy Stiff-Arms Sexual Abuse Survivors by Limiting Their Options in Court
Front Page
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| Education & Student Activism
| East Bay2023-04-25
Tradition of Revolutionary Protest Continues in Paris and Across France as Labor Fights On
Front Page
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| Labor & Workers
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| International
| Government & Elections2023-04-21
Protests Continue Despite US Supreme Court Allowing Access to Abortion Pill Temporarily
Front Page
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| Womyn
| San Francisco
| South Bay
| East Bay
| Peninsula
| California
| U.S.
| Government & Elections
| Santa Cruz Indymedia2023-04-17
Big Oil Sponsors Dinners and Awards for California Journalists, Gets Favorable Mentions
Front Page
| Environment & Forest Defense
| Media Activism & Independent Media
| Central Valley
| California
| Government & Elections2023-04-14
Drag Activists March in San Francisco Against Nationwide Anti-Trans/Queer Bills
Front Page
| Health, Housing & Public Services
| LGBTI / Queer
| San Francisco
| U.S.
| Government & Elections2023-04-01
National Day of Protest Against the War in Ukraine Demands Human Needs Be Met
Front Page
| Anti-War
| San Francisco
| International
| Iraq2023-03-25
Climate Justice Protest at Wells Fargo Rages as Major Storm Slams San Francisco
Front Page
| Environment & Forest Defense
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| San Francisco
| U.S.2023-03-06
Protestors Call on Merced DA to Prosecute Cruelty at Foster Farms, Not Animal Rescuers
Front Page
| Police State & Prisons
| Central Valley
| California
| Animal Liberation2023-03-02
California Legislation Under Consideration to Establish a Windfall Profits Cap for Oil Refiners
Front Page
| Environment & Forest Defense
| Global Justice & Anti-Capitalism
| East Bay
| California
| Government & Elections
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network