On June 24, Alberto Tovar, a recent graduate of Cal-State Monterey Bay and a Salinas local, was arrested for challenging military recruiters at a Día de la Famila celebration at the Salinas Sports Complex. Having recently completed a 30-page report on recruitment of poor people of color by the military, Tovar asked why recruiters promise kids health and educational benefits if they sign up, but don’t talk to them about the risks of combat. Tovar faces numerous charges, including "disturbing the peace," "criminal trespass," and "possession of a dangerous/deadly weapon" (a trendy bracelet from Hot Topic). Additionally, the Monterey County D.A. added "disorderly conduct for public intoxication" even though Tovar was never tested to see if he had been drinking. Read More

The charges are much more severe than those received by the Raging Grannies arrested at the Capitola recruitment center two days later. Alberto was held in a Salinas jail for 8 hours, while the Grannies were taken to the Capitola police station and released.

Donations for Alberto's anticipated legal expenses can be sent to: Attorney Miguel Hernandez, 40 Central Ave., Salinas, CA 93901. Note: Donations should be marked clearly that they are for the Alberto Tovar Defense Fund.