Calendar
Hosted by SURJ – Oakland/Bay Area
Yes to Asylum Seekers! Sanctuary for all! No to White Supremacy! Join us as we line the streets and create a human billboard calling for human rights for all asylum seekers. We are outraged at the deaths at the border, the caging and kidnapping of children and the horrific conditions inside the detention centers. We call for an end to family separation, an end to detention centers and an open border for all those seeking asylum.
The mobilization is part of national protests, Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Detention Camps, which will mobilize thousands of people to detention camps across the country.
Most migrants to the U.S. risk a tortuous journey, arrest, detention and family separation because they face even greater dangers at home. The tragic photos of migrants who have died pursuing asylum also show us their love for family, the desperation they feel, their courage and resolve, and the humanity we share. They are leaving their homes because of brutal conditions including violence, poverty and climate change. The US has a long and ugly history of destabilizing progressive governments in Central America and around the world while empowering tyrants to do its bidding. The US created the conditions which the migrants are fleeing. And now those same powers are implementing even crueler ways to deter and deport as many asylum seekers as possible. To Trump and his base “make america great again” translates to “make america white”.
Gather with us on July 13th. Bring your signs and your energy!
Please also join our Art Build on Sunday 7/7. Email for location, time and more information about the Art Build: mobilization@surbayarea.org
The US & Global Fight Against Privatization & Outsourcing
The destruction of our public services and privatization of public education is a serious issue for all working people. The US Post Office, Social Security, the FAA, NRC, and many other Federal and State agencies are threatened with privatization and outsourcing.
In San Francisco, the privatization of SF City jobs and the outsourcing of public jobs at UCSF and UC is an ongoing battle for workers and their unions.
This conference will discuss how workers from all public service unions can come together for education and a national political education campaign to stop privatization and outsourcing.
This is not just a US issue but a critical issue as well for working people throughout the world. The world corporate economic institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, both controlled by the US government, have demanded that countries privatize their public services and deregulate their economies in order to get loans.
This conference will have reports on privatization and outsourcing in San Francisco, the US, and around the world.
Sponsored by UPWA.info
https://laborfest.net/event/the-us-global-fight-against-privatization-outsourcing/
Join us for Print Pubic’s closing reception with t.w.five’s Mural Walk Tour and Sergio De La Torre & Chris Treggiari’s The Sanctuary City Print Shop!
MURAL WALK TOUR @ SAN PABLO AVENUE
t.w.five’s murals aim to inspire and connect people. For Print Public they installed three outside murals along San Pablo Avenue. and a gallery installation with quotes of unity and love from various sources including lyrics from East Bay musician/poet Michael Franti.. In their own words they describe their project and process: “… like everywhere else in the Bay Area changes in demographics are also present. Finding random empty wall spaces here and there, we felt that they were perfect canvas to leave a visual impact in colorful palettes and messages. Hopefully people who pass or drive by will feel like these pieces are inspiring surprise elements in their daily paths.” Their murals are located at Flooring Alternatives (2901 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley), Art’s Automotive (2871 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley) and Bob’s Machining Company (2735 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley).
THE SANCTUARY CITY PRINT SHOP @ FLOORING ALTERNATIVES
Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari’s The Sanctuary City Print Shop is an ongoing project looking at Sanctuary Cities, ICE raids and their effect in the Bay Area immigrant community. Through conversations with local nonprofits and their constituents, this new iteration created pop-up printing events at various locations along San Pablo Avenue and in the expanded Bay Area. The project’s goal is to amplify these voices – using posters to get these messages out up and down San Pablo Avenue. In the Kala gallery, messages are directly silkscreen-printed on the wall with a timeline video showing qualitative and quantitative research surrounding the sanctuary ordinance and immigration issues beginning in 1989, when San Francisco became a sanctuary city, until present day. They also installed a banner “The Country of The Immigrant is Here” on the side wall at Flooring Alternatives (2901 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley), directly across the street from the Kala Gallery where they will be facilitating printmaking activities.
CHECK BELOW FOR LOCATIONS OTHER THAN FOR 7/6 and 7/7
SF Mime Troupe’s play – Using the classic pirate novel Treasure Island as its inspiration the show is the story of Hawkins, a civil servant in San Francisco, who accidentally stumbles upon the plans of a developer, L.J. Silver. Through bribery, and label brutality, Silver is overriding all the clear health, safety, and human concerns regarding developing Treasure Island for his own greed.
Written by Michael Gene Sullivan with Ellen Callas, Marie Cartier, Keiko Shimosato Carreiro.
Music by Michael Bello, Lyrics by Daniel Savio.
Co-Directed by Wilma Bonet with Lisa Hori-Garcia.
TREASURE ISLAND features Mime Troupe veterans Lizzie Calogero, Keiko Shimosato Carreiro, Michael Gene Sullivan, as well as returning performers Andre Amarotico and Brian Rivera
Other East Bay dates and locations:
- Frances Willard/Ho Chi Minh Park
Sat, Jul 13th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Sun, Jul 14th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Hillegass Ave. & Derby St., Berkeley
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
Post show discussion on 7/13
- Lakeside Park / Lake Merritt
Wed, Jul 31st @ 7:00 PM (Music 6:30)
Thu, Aug 1st @ 7:00 PM (Music 6:30)
Edoff Memorial Band Stand, Oakland
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
In front of the Edoff Memorial Band Stand - Live Oak Park
Sat, Aug 3rd @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Sun, Aug 4th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Shattuck Ave. & Berryman St., Berkeley
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
Post show discussion on 8/3
Reading for June 15th Meeting: Introduction and First Chapter of ‘Take Back the Economy.’
Reading for July 13th Meeting: Fourth Chapter: Take Back the Market.
What can we, as individuals do, to seek a more just, sustainable and equitable world?
“Take Back the Economy dismantles the idea that the economy is separate from us and best comprehended by experts. Instead, the authors demonstrate that the economy is the outcome of the decisions and efforts we make every day. The economy is thus reframed as a space of ethical action – something we can shape and alter according to what is best for the well-being of people and the planet.
“The book explores what people are already doing to build ethical economies, presenting these deeds as mutual concerns: What is necessary for survival, and what do we do with the surplus produced beyond what will fulfill basic needs? What do we consume, and how do we preserve and replenish the common – those resources that can be shared to maintain all? And finally, how can we invest in a future worth living in?”
Strike Debt Bay Area hosts this economics-oriented, non-technical book discussion group, meeting approximately once a month. The first month’s discussion was about the introduction to and first chapter of ‘Take Back the Economy’ by J K Gibson-Graham, Jenny Cameron and Stephen Healy. The second month’s discussion is about Chapter 4 of the book: Take Back the Market. It’s easy to catch up, the Intro and First Chapter are easy reading. All are welcome!
The book is available via online (e.g. Minnesota Press), the introduction is available via ‘Look Inside’, and a few copies exist in local libraries.
Bring your questions, comments and intellectual curiosity!
“Take Back the Economy is the single most farsighted and practical work enlightening us on the path to a steady transition toward a genuine postcapitalist world…” – Arturo Escobar, University of North Carolina
Monthly interfaith prayer meeting, held on second Sundays, dedicated to healing.
The Bahá’í community of Oakland is organizing this gathering for the community to connect, share prayers, writings and poems from all spiritual traditions, reflect and recharge and build coalitions interested in healing.
Come share prayers, quotes, poems, and favorite passages from your scriptures with us. Simple breakfast will be served.
Doors open: 10:00 AM
Refreshments served: 10:00-10:30 AM
Prayers: 10:30-11:30 AM
Discussion and socializing: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
“Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” ~ Bahá’u’lláh
“Remember the saying: ‘Of all pilgrimages the greatest is to relieve the sorrow-laden heart.'” ~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Help create stand-out visuals for a key rally in the campaign to get coal out of Richmond! And get this classy t-shirt! On July 18 we need a huge crowd to tell the Planning Commission to approve the proposed ordinance to phase out all coal handling in Richmond in three years. Banners and signs and more, oh my!
All volunteers get this classy No Coal in Richmond t-shirt (soon to be seen on TV) while supplies last, on the condition that you wear it to the rally.
Sun, Jun 16, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cuba”s Democracy
Constitutional Referendum and grassroots political processes.
Cuba is always described as a “dictatorship” by the mainstream media and the U.S. government, thus providing a pretext for the economic blockade and talk about regime change. But Sharat G. Lin found a remarkable democratic process in the recent Constitutional Referendum in Cuba and months of nationwide discussions involving millions of voters. (Awaiting confirmation)
Sun, Jun 30, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Fascism What It Is and How To Fight It
“Fascism: What It Is and How To Fight It” – a two part talk including a historical overview of the events leading up to the rise of fascism in Europe leading up to WWII, and a political analysis of the failures of the communist movement at the time in preventing it. This all in light of the current rise of white supremacy and fascist movements in the U.S., Europe and Latin America and the lack of a united left movement to fight it. Supplemental handouts will be available, including a timeline. Presented by Peoples Alliance members Bill Bowers and Tova Fry (both former WWP) : Bill leading with the historical overview and TovaFry following with the political analysis, largely based on Trotsky’s work of the same name.
Sun, Jul 7, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Reading Capital
This is part of a continuing discussion of Capital, reading, paragraph by paragraph from the Penguin edition (1967). We’ve finished Chapter One (after one year) and are now working our way through Chapter 2: The Process of Exchange, p. 178.
Sun, Jul 7, 2019: 12:45-1:45 pm
Planning Session
We get together after the morning session on the first Sunday of every month to discuss things in general and plan the schedule for our Sunday Morning at the Marxist Library forums. This is an open meeting. Everyone is welcome to help plan our future sessions. Please come with suggestions and concrete plans. Also, please review our web site to familiarize yourself with our current proposals. Newcomers and Old Timers welcome.
Sun, Jul 14, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
General Elections in India:
Modi’s Fascism vs. Social Democrats and the Left
Modi has completed 5 years in power, with his BJP having a majority in the Indian Parliament. In 2014, Modi won on the slogan of “Be with everyone, development for everyone” in the background of major corruption scandals in the last 5 years of the 10 years that Congress Party ruled (2004 thru 2014), with Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Party President.
Modi moved rapidly to consolidate power in his hands, ousting or sidelining veteran leaders in his own Party. Under his 5 years of rule, “cow protectors” have become emboldened. Several incidents of lynching of Muslims have taken place, religious bigotry is openly practiced, and assassinations of several public intellectuals, all secularists, have taken place while he mostly sat silently over such egregious violations of civil rights. Further he has tried to create a militarist posture and sought to portray himself as a strong PM, who is willing to take on the terrorists based in Pakistan aggressively. His policies of “demonetization” of 1916 created a great deal of small business distress. Unemployment is at 45 year high and farm distress and farmer suicides continue. But the mass media, now privately owned, and funded by big capital has helped create him as a “the man of the people”.
Raj Sahai will present his views on what is beginning to boil under the surface of a seeming “all is well” scenario presented in India in the mass media and projected and globally.
Sunday Morning at the Marxist Library
Sun, Jun 30, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Fascism: What It Is and How To Fight It.
“Fascism: What It Is and How To Fight It” – a two part talk including a historical overview of the events leading up to the rise of fascism in Europe leading up to WWII, and a political analysis of the failures of the communist movement at the time in preventing it. This all in light of the current rise of white supremacy and fascist movements in the U.S., Europe and Latin America and the lack of a united left movement to fight it. Supplemental handouts will be available, including a timeline. Presented by Peoples Alliance members Bill Bowers and Tova Fry (both former WWP): Bill leading with the historical overview and TovaFry following with the political analysis, largely based on Trotsky’s work of the same name. Questions and comments will follow the presentations with time limits as needed to ensure that as many people as possible can express their views or ask their questions.
Sun, Jul 14, 2019: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
General Elections in India:
Modi’s Fascism vs. Social Democrats and the Left
Modi has completed 5 years in power, with his BJP having a majority in the Indian Parliament. In 2014, Modi won on the slogan of “Be with everyone, development for everyone” in the background of major corruption scandals in the last 5 years of the 10 years that Congress Party ruled (2004 thru 2014), with Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Party President.
Modi moved rapidly to consolidate power in his hands, ousting or sidelining veteran leaders in his own Party. Under his 5 years of rule, “cow protectors” have become emboldened. Several incidents of lynching of Muslims have taken place, religious bigotry is openly practiced, and assassinations of several public intellectuals, all secularists, have taken place while he mostly sat silently over such egregious violations of civil rights. Further he has tried to create a militarist posture and sought to portray himself as a strong PM, who is willing to take on the terrorists based in Pakistan aggressively. His policies of “demonetization” of 1916 created a great deal of small business distress. Unemployment is at 45 year high and farm distress and farmer suicides continue. But the mass media, now privately owned, and funded by big capital has helped create him as a “the man of the people”.
Raj Sahai will present his views on what is beginning to boil under the surface of a seeming “all is well” scenario presented in India in the mass media and projected and globally.
CHECK BELOW FOR LOCATIONS OTHER THAN FOR 7/6 and 7/7
SF Mime Troupe’s play – Using the classic pirate novel Treasure Island as its inspiration the show is the story of Hawkins, a civil servant in San Francisco, who accidentally stumbles upon the plans of a developer, L.J. Silver. Through bribery, and label brutality, Silver is overriding all the clear health, safety, and human concerns regarding developing Treasure Island for his own greed.
Written by Michael Gene Sullivan with Ellen Callas, Marie Cartier, Keiko Shimosato Carreiro.
Music by Michael Bello, Lyrics by Daniel Savio.
Co-Directed by Wilma Bonet with Lisa Hori-Garcia.
TREASURE ISLAND features Mime Troupe veterans Lizzie Calogero, Keiko Shimosato Carreiro, Michael Gene Sullivan, as well as returning performers Andre Amarotico and Brian Rivera
Other East Bay dates and locations:
- Frances Willard/Ho Chi Minh Park
Sat, Jul 13th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Sun, Jul 14th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Hillegass Ave. & Derby St., Berkeley
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
Post show discussion on 7/13
- Lakeside Park / Lake Merritt
Wed, Jul 31st @ 7:00 PM (Music 6:30)
Thu, Aug 1st @ 7:00 PM (Music 6:30)
Edoff Memorial Band Stand, Oakland
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
In front of the Edoff Memorial Band Stand - Live Oak Park
Sat, Aug 3rd @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Sun, Aug 4th @ 2:00 PM (Music 1:30)
Shattuck Ave. & Berryman St., Berkeley
Ticket Info: FREE (Suggested donation $20)
Post show discussion on 8/3
How does zionism, settler-colonialism, apartheid and military occupation shape the respective conditions of the Palestinian people today and over the past 70 years? Activists are caught between the immediate urgency to address daily injustices and longer term visions for a Palestinian state. What we need is to sustain both the short term resistance, and build the longer term vision. At this precarious moment, with Trump’s Steal of the Century looming, it’s time to put the “solid” into solidarity through pragmatic demands such as BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) and one-state/one person/one vote.
Noura Khouri has worked for nearly the past two decades as a human rights activist, campaign strategist and community organizer. She has lived in Palestine, where she gained invaluable campaign and human rights experience, and in Egypt, where she went to witness the revolution. Prior to that she led the Middle East Peace Program for the American Friends Service Committee, as well as many successful field campaigns for other organizations, including: the War Resister’s League/Stop Urban Shield Campaign, Green Party of Alameda County, Peace Action West, International Solidarity Movement and Badil Resource and Refugee Rights Center, and more. She now is an Organizer with Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy (FAME) — where she is excited to be working within the intersections of faith, labor and community — to build bridges and destroy walls.
Green Sundays are a series of free public programs & discussions on topics “du jour” sponsored by the Green Party of Alameda County and held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Snacks are potluck. Vegetarian and vegan snacks are always welcome, but we appreciate whatever you can bring! The monthly business meeting of the County Council of the Green Party follows, at 6:45 pm. Council meetings are open to anyone who is interested.
Please bring your friends Sunday and FORWARD to people you think would be interested. You may sign up for low volume Green Party of Alameda County announcements by e-mailing:
greenpartyalamedacounty-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
PLANET PEOPLE PEACE
before profit!
OCCUPELLA will be singing at the TAX THE RICH RALLY EVERY MONDAY from 5-6 on upper Solano Ave. in front of the (closed) Oaks Theater. Songbooks are provided.
(We’ll also be LEADING SONGS ON JULY 13 at NOON in Civic Center Park (across from Berkeley High and old City Hall). The City of Berkeley will officially recognize the human rights abuses at the border.)
Downtown Oakland TANC Poster Distro! TANC’s prolific Ministry of Propaganda has turned out several amazing poster designs by now, and we’ll be asking downtown businesses, schools and organizations to put them in their windows!
Two starting times:
4:00PM for Cafe Distribution
6:00PM for Bar Distribution
Meet at Tamarack to split up and head out! All are welcome — please message us if you’d like more info/to coordinate!
Item 7.7 on the Agenda [consent]
Adopt An Ordinance (1st Reading) Amending Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 9.64 To Prohibit The City Of Oakland From Acquiring And/Or Using Face Recognition Technology.
A trailblazing ordinance requiring climate-friendly, all-electric new construction in Berkeley is going before the City Council for its first public reading. The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Kate Harrison, would phase out installation of polluting gas infrastructure when issuing permits for new buildings—an important step toward clean, healthy, and affordable homes for Berkeley, and potentially other communities that follow Berkeley’s example.
This first council hearing is critical and will set the stage for a final vote later this summer. Come show Berkeley’s elected representatives that the community supports climate-friendly, gas-free construction.
Some background from our friends at the Sierra Club:
In Berkeley, 27% of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions come from the use of gas in the residential and commercial building sectors. Berkeley has set ambitious emission reduction goals, but the city is 18 percent behind its 2020 target. Building electrification is an essential strategy to curb climate and air pollution and will play an important role in helping the city meet these goals.
Electric infrastructure is powered by increasingly clean sources. Berkeley’s municipal buildings are powered by 100% carbon free electricity, and electricity for privately-owned buildings is 85% carbon free at a minimum. Shifting to electric power in the city’s buildings dramatically lowers greenhouse gas emissions by cleaning up emissions at the source of generation.
All-electric buildings can save homeowners money by lowering utility bills. Modern, high-efficiency electric heating technologies like heat pumps can cost less up-front than their gas counterparts—especially when installed during new construction—because there’s no need to extend costly gas pipelines and infrastructure.
Powering local homes and buildings with cleaner energy will improve public health by eliminating a substantial source of indoor air pollution. Gas appliances release dangerous toxins like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, leading to air pollution levels in some homes that would be illegal if measured outside.
Join your comrades of East Bay DSA for a showing of Raoul Peck’s 2017 film, “The Young Karl Marx”. Due to time constraints, we’ll be starting sharply at 7PM, so arrive on time!
Adopt an Ordinance Amending Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 2.99 to Prohibit City Use of Face Recognition Technology (Item Contains Revised
Material)
From: Councilmember Harrison
Recommendation: Adopt an ordinance amending Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter
2.99 to prohibit the City from acquiring, retaining, requesting, accessing, or using: (1)
any face recognition technology, or (2) any information obtained from face
recognition technology.
Rally and Press Conference: 5:30 PM
Planning Commission meeting: 6:30 PM
Come support Richmond residents suffering from health problems aggravated by coal and petroleum coke dust! Turn out for a key rally before the Planning Commission meets to consider the Richmond Coal Ordinance, which prohibits new coal operations on private land in the city, prevents existing facilities from expanding, and provides for a graduated phase-out of coal operations.
We are urging the Planning Commission to recommend approval of this ordinance with a phase-out period of three years. A three-year phase-out will safeguard terminal workers’ jobs and allow the terminal enough time to convert their operations to safer bulk commodities. The commission’s recommendation will then go before the City Council in September.
This ordinance is designed with a rock-solid legal basis for getting rid of coal. It relies on the city’s police powers to regulate businesses in the interest of residents’ health and safety.
If you are a Richmond resident and want to speak at the hearing, please contact action@sunflower-alliance.org and put “Planning Commission testimony” in the subject line. This is your chance to voice your experience, or that of family members, of suffering health problems such as asthma and COPD.
If you live outside Richmond, come to support Richmond residents — and to help stop one of only three coal-export terminals on the West Coast. Exporting coal enables climate catastrophe!
No Coal in Richmond has collected 1,600 signatures on a letter to the City Council urging them to act to end coal and petroleum coke handling and storage at the Levin-Richmond Terminal. We already suffer from the areas’s highest levels of asthma and other health problems caused by bad air quality.
To read the ordinance and learn more about the health effects of coal and petroleum coke dust, please visit the No Coal in Richmond website: https://ncir.weebly.com/.
