You’ve become a member of the Democratic Socialists of America at an incredible time in the history of American socialism. It’s 2018, and socialism is ascendant. More and more people are standing up to say that they’ve had enough with a system that puts profit over people, that puts the wealth of the few over the dignity and flourishing of the many.
Come on out to learn more about democratic socialism and get involved in our local activities here in the East Bay. New members and not-yet-members are welcome!
If you like, stick around for the canvassing event launching nearby! These back-to-back events are the perfect opportunity to jump into East Bay DSA!
Please join us for our regular biweekly meeting of the Sunflower Alliance. We’ll discuss ongoing eco-campaigns and plans for the future. Newcomers and old friends welcome — we need your participation and your voice. Come early to hang out and share a potluck lunch.
Potluck lunch: 12:30 PM
The Occupy Oakland General Assembly meets every Sunday at 3 PM at Oscar Grant Plaza amphitheater at 14th Street & Broadway near the steps of City Hall. If for some reason the amphitheater is being used otherwise and/or OGP itself is inaccessible, we will meet at Kaiser Park, right next to the statues, on 19th St. between San Pablo and Telegraph. If it is raining (as in RAINING, not just misting) at 3:00 PM we meet in the basement of the Omni Collective, 4799 Shattuck Ave., Oakland. (Note: we meet at 3:00 PM during the cooler months, once Daylight Savings Time springs forward we tend to assemble at 4 PM).
On every ‘last Sunday’ we meet a little earlier at 2 PM to have a community potluck to which all are welcome.
OO General Assembly has met on a continuous basis for over five years! Our General Assembly is a participatory gathering of Oakland community members and beyond, where everyone who shows up is treated equally. Our Assembly and the process we have collectively cultivated strives to reach agreement while building community.
At the GA committees, caucuses, and loosely associated groups whose representatives come voluntarily report on past and future actions, with discussion. We encourage everyone participating in the Occupy Oakland GA to be part of at least one associated group, but it is by no means a requirement. If you like, just come and hear all the organizing being done! Occupy Oakland encourages political activity that is decentralized and welcomes diverse voices and actions into the movement.
General Assembly Standard Agenda
Occupy Oakland activities and contact info for some Bay Area Groups with past or present Occupy Oakland members.
Occupy Oakland Web Committee: (web@occupyoakland.org)
Strike Debt Bay Area : strikedebtbayarea.tumblr.com
Berkeley Post Office Defenders:http://berkeleypostofficedefenders.wordpress.com/
Alan Blueford Center 4 Justice:https://www.facebook.com/ABC4JUSTICE
Oakland Privacy Working Group:https://oaklandprivacy.wordpress.com
Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity: prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/
Bay Area AntiRepression: antirepression@occupyoakland.org
Biblioteca Popular: http://tinyurl.com/mdlzshy
Interfaith Tent: www.facebook.com/InterfaithTent
Port Truckers Solidarity: oaklandporttruckers.wordpress.com
Bay Area Intifada: bayareaintifada.wordpress.com
Transport Workers Solidarity: www.transportworkers.org
Fresh Juice Party (aka Chalkupy) freshjuiceparty.com/chalkupy-gallery
Sudo Room: https://sudoroom.org
Omni Collective: https://omnicommons.org/
First They Came for the Homeless: https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-they-came-for-the-homeless/253882908111999
Sunflower Alliance: http://www.sunflower-alliance.org/
Bay Area Public School: http://thepublicschool.org/bay-area
San Francisco based groups:
Occupy Bay Area United: www.obau.org
Occupy Forum: (see OBAU above)
San Francisco Projection Department: http://tinyurl.com/kpvb3rv
Join the Ecology Center for a theatre screening of the new documentary film Abundant Land, followed by a rich discussion and Q&A about traditional Hawaiian land management practices with the film’s director, Natasha Florentino, and Makena Silva, Native Hawaiian, social worker, and advocate.
Abundant Land is a one-hour documentary about the Hawaiian community on Moloka’i opposing the biotech industry’s use of the island’s land, water, and other resources to test genetically engineered seeds. The film shows the rich legacy of traditional Hawaiian land management and farming self-sufficiency– as well as the vital forces of resistance upheld by indigenous communities. Abundant Land also offers a historical look at the intrusion and political underpinnings of chemical-intensive farming in Hawaii while portraying the power of the heritage and traditional ecological knowledge in the fight for clean and safe air, water, and land.
Meeting of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ Ad Hoc Committee on Urban Area Security Initiative, charged with reconstituting and rethinking Urban Shield.
The committee was established by the Board of Supervisors in March 2018 in response to sustained community concerns about Urban Shield, which is funded in part by UASI grants from the Department of Homeland Security, and coordinated by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
The Board of Supervisors decided in March, 2018 that 2018 would be the last year the county would approve Urban Shield, as currently constituted, and asked the Ad Hoc Committee to make recommendations to the Board on the UASI-funded emergency preparedness training and exercise in 2019 and beyond.
The agenda will include a presentation and Q/A with county emergency preparedness officials (from ACSO, Public Health, and Social Services); a discussion of criteria for weighing recommendations; and a presentation about community-based emergency preparedness initiatives.
Agendas and materials for each meeting are posted at http://www.acgov.org/board/calendarcom.htm
Protest the towing and impoundment of otherwise homeless people’s RVs from the streets of Oakland.
Sponsored by United Front Against Displacement, the Landless People’s Alliance, and the Here and Now Collective
Decades Long Oakland Residents had the RVs they live in towed in mass on Tuesday, October 23. At least 15 were seized at the time from the area bordering Raimondi Park. In the last two weeks many have been forced to live on the street. Join them in demanding the city return the RVs.
As police towed the RVs last week, they told several residents “Don’t Let Us See You in Oakland Again.”
The residents are demanding a return of RV-Homes, an apology from Mayor, and a freeze on the city’s offensive against unhoused people.
Given minutes to leave their RVs and vans, residents tried to grab what they could before the vehicles were towed. Like refugees fleeing for safety, the RV owners were forced to throw possessions out of their doors and windows onto piles on the sidewalk. Many did not have time to secure key material, including at least one resident, who lost his identity papers in the towing.
Following the towing, residents camped out in the surrounding park were warned that OPD would be coming for them in subsequent weeks.
For a video of the tows in progress see: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qBIz8vory3g
More info:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541837129562482/permalink/561249587621236/
Co-Sponsored by the United Front Against Displacement, The Landless
People’s Alliance, and the Here and There Collective
In front of Oakland City Hall, 14th Street between Washington and Broadway
Who: Residents living in at least 15 RVs in West Oakland, many of whom have lived and worked in the surrounding community for decades, saw their vehicles impounded by the police last Tuesday. Others are being threatened by police to leave encampments in the area. Together they have formed a group “United Front Against Displacement.”
Decades Long Oakland Residents now forced to live in RVs because of skyrocketing housing prices were told last Tuesday by Oakland PD “Don’t Let Us See You in Oakland Again” as the cops towed their vehicles.
Given minutes to leave their RVs and vans, residents tried to grab what they could before the vehicles were towed. Like refugees fleeing for safety, the RV owners were forced to throw possessions out of their doors and windows onto piles on the sidewalk. Many did not have time to secure key material, including at least one resident, who lost his identity papers in the towing.
On the previous Friday, city workers had placed stickers on the RVs demanding that they be moved by the following Tuesday. This presented a problem for many vehicles which did not have working motors.
So the residents came up with a plan. Those without working motors would get a tow Tuesday morning out of the site by a neighbor with a working RV and with a fifth wheel hitch on the back.
However, police prevented this from happening by targeting and towing away the working vehicle first. They justified doing so on the grounds that the driver did not match the person on the vehicle’s registration. The message then to crestfallen residents was clear—OPD was intent on seizing their effective life lines, rendering them homeless in the process.
Following the towing, residents camped out in the surrounding park were warned that OPD would be coming for them in subsequent weeks.
The residents are demanding a return of RV-Homes, an apology from Mayor, and a freeze on the city’s offensive against unhoused people.
At a smaller protest last week on Monday, mayoral spokesman Michael J.
Hunt told protesters he would try to release the RVs. Without concrete
results however, residents pledged to be back the following afternoon.
This incident is the latest in a new trend of stepped up attacks on the city’s unhoused and homeless in the area by city authorities. On Friday, October 20, prompted by complaints by the owner of neighboring Soundwave Studio (two blocks from the site of the RV towing), eight police officers arrived at the Wood Street homeless encampment. Several residents in the encampment demanded to see legal notices from police, and then chanted at them “Hell No We Won’t Go.” The cops left that time.
“They’ll be back” several residents remarked however.
For more information, contact: Kelly at 925-413-5244
email: WeWontGo@riseup.net
Because of the COVID pandemic we will be meeting virtually via Zoom on the first Monday of the month.
Meeting ID: 828 0976 4186
The Oscar Grant Committee Against Police Brutality & State Repression (OGC) is a
grassroots democratic organization that was formed as a conscious united front for justice against police brutality. The OGC is involved in the struggle for police accountability and is committed to stopping police brutality.
In alliance with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) we organized the October 23, 2010 labor and community rally for Justice for Oscar Grant. On that day the ILWU shut down the Bay Area ports in solidarity. Our mission is to educate, organize and mobilize people against police and state repression. Sisters and brothers! The Oscar Grant Committee invites you to join us in this vital struggle.
We meet on the 1st Monday of each month
You can join our discussion list by sending a blank (doesn’t even need a subject) email to
oscargrantcommittee-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
Join us to watch the election returns, discuss local, state, and national politics, and otherwise have a great time! We’ve done a lot of work this year, and now it’s time to party. So come and join in the fun! And if you’re able to, potluck snacks and drinks are encouraged. See you on Tuesday evening!
Express your green ideas and “like” us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenpartyofalamedacounty/
Regardless of whether you voted…
No matter who wins…
Come November 7, the day after the midterms, Trump/Pence remain at the helm
of a fascist program of white supremacy, misogyny, and xenophobia
Help wake and mobilize the one force that can stop a fascist America —millions of people in the streets saying NO! to The Trump/Pence Regime.
Join us for a fun-filled evening with food and drinks as we celebrate and appreciate the incredible work of our members and allies. With all of you we were able to achieve some amazing victories this year that includes passing historic criminal justice reform laws, shining a light on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and laying the groundwork to repeal Oakland’s racist and unconstitutional loitering law.
We look forward to more victories together as we continue to build safe, healthy and strong communities… but on November 7, let’s party!
Check out our Facebook page for more information
Investing in Sanctuary:
Freedom to Stay, Freedom to Move, Freedom to Return
In a post-9/11 world, more than 70 border walls have been erected across the globe. The rights of migration, mobility, and movement are under attack and we must defend the freedom to stay, freedom to move, and freedom to return. Come learn about border walls, those who are profiting from them, and celebrate international resistance taking place around the world to defend human dignity and resistance to walls in their many forms. The event will include speakers live music and photo exhibitions..
Speakers:
Nellie Jo David organizes for indigenous human rights and autonomy on the imposed U.S./Mexico borderlands intersecting the Tohono O’odham Nation. Nellie is from Ajo, Arizona, traditionally Hia-Ced O’odham territory. Nellie was inspired to raise awareness on border issues upon witnessing the increased militarization of her community. She dedicates her work to migrant justice issues and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and wildlife along the border. Nellie obtained her J.D. with a certificate in indigenous law and policy from Michigan State University in 2014.
Lara Kiswani is the executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), a grassroots organization working to address economic, social, and political impacts of anti-Arab racism by organizing Arab and Muslim communities around principles of justice and self-determination for all. A Palestinian born in the Bay Area, Lara completed her undergraduate studies at UC Davis, where she helped establish the Middle East/South Asia minor. She earned an MA in Education at San Francisco State University where she is a lecturer in the department of Ethnic Studies.
And more…
Moderator:
Rev. Deborah Lee: Deborah Lee serves as the Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, an organization that connects people of faith to the work of social justice. IM4Human Integrity builds faith-rooted solidarity, direct actions and advocacy in partnership with frontline communities dedicated to immigrant justice and ending the criminalization of people of color. They currently support and foster a Northern California Sanctuary Network of over 50 congregations who are responding to the wave of migrant youth and families and the detention and deportation crisis.
This event is one of several hundred international events promoting a World Without Walls this November. Co-sponsors include:
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
Oakland Community Organizations
Bay Area Sanctuary Network
East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy
Skyline Community Church – United Church of Christ
Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church
Ecumenical Peace Institute
First Congregational Church of Oakland Prophetic Public Witness Team
O’odham Anti-Border Collective
Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
NorCal Friends of Sabeel
American Friends Service Committee
CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area,
Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM),
AROC: Arab Resource & Organizing Center
Jewish Voice for Peace – Bay Area
Middle East Children’s Alliance
You can also support this event and donate at:
www.im4humanintegrity.org/worldwithoutwalls-donations
Want to get involved with SURJ Bay Area? Come learn about our current work and activities. SURJ moves white people to act for justice, with passion and accountability, as part of a multi-racial majority.
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Alameda County’s Town Hall on Public Charge will bring together more than 125 local service providers and community members from across Alameda County. The Town Hall, which will be held in Oakland’s Preservation Park, will provide participants with the opportunity to:
Translation and light refreshments will be provided. During registration, please be sure to complete the SurveyMonkey link to let us know if you have a specific language and/or childcare need.
RSVP: Click on Image!
https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
Donald Trump just crossed a red line, violating the independence of the investigation pursuing criminal charges in the Drumpf-Russia scandal and cover-up.
Drumpf putting himself above the law is a threat to our democracy, and we’ve got to get Congress to stop him.
We’re mobilizing immediately to demand accountability, because Drumpf is not above the law.
Please make note of the date, time, and description below to confirm that the host is able to organize the event on such short notice! In general, rallies are suggested to begin @ 5 PM local time. But individual local events may vary—please confirm details on your event page.
Once you sign up, make sure to invite friends to join you at the event!
Note: If you choose to attend an event, you agree to engage in nonviolent, peaceful action, to act lawfully, and to strive to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who may disagree with our values.
Mark your calendars! We're hosting TWO Public Banking 101 sessions in November–one at Alley Cat Books, and one @DSA_SF. We hope to see you there 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/8Sg3u7g293
— SF Public Bank (@sfpublicbank) October 25, 2018
On September 8th, over 250,000 people on all (!) 7 continents stepped up to demand tangible action on climate change from their elected officials. Hundreds of frontline communities led the way, building momentum and urgency for this fight. So we’re asking: What do we do now? Where do we direct this precious and palpable strength and energy?
After RISE, the Global Climate Action Summit, Sol2Sol Summit, and the hundreds of other events, we’ve taken a beat and are ready to pick up the reins again. On November 8th, join the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition’s Fall Convening to find out how to best use your limited time and energy. We will also share an array tangible projects that your talents could boost. Join us as we vision and move towards a new world, starting right here in our own communities!
Register here.
The new Racial & Criminal Justice Committee of the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club invites everyone to our next meeting on Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m. at 1256 Monterey Ave., Berkeley (half a block north of Monterey Market). We are meeting jointly with members of Indivisible Berkeley, Democratic Socialists of America, and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights who also are organizing on racial and criminal justice issues. We’ll celebrate and/or commiserate briefly about the election results and then focus on how to move forward on the local and state levels.
Bay Area Landless Peoples Alliance:
Regional meeting of landless activists of the San Francisco Bay Area
On Oct. 28, 2018, the far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was elected as Brazil’s next president. Bolsonaro is a retired military officer who pines for the days of Brazil’s military dictatorship and openly advocates torture and murder of political opponents.
Please join us for a discussion on this topic with veteran socialist organizer and founding member of PSOL in Brazil, Pedro Fuentes. We’ll talk about the factors leading to Bolsonaro’s rise, the threat his movement poses, and how socialists can fight back. We’ll also discuss the connection between Bolsonaro and the resurgence of the far-right in the US and elsewhere.
Pedro Fuentes was born in Pergamino, Argentina, and began his activism there as a teenager, when he and his brother joined a high-school student movement to reform the schools called Movimiento de Accion Reformista. Later, in the 1960s, he joined Palabro Obrera, led by the Argentine Trotskyist Nahuel Moreno, and organized in the factories in his city. In 1971, his older brother, Luis Enrique Pujals, was one of the first to be “disappeared” by Argentina’s dictatorship for his activity in the Partido Revolucionario de los Trabajadores (PRT). Soon after, Pedro was forced to flee Argentina and lived in exile for the duration of the dictatorship and beyond, traveling across Latin America and Europe and embedding himself in socialist movements wherever he went.
Eventually he moved to Brazil and in 2000 began organizing with Movimento Esquerda Socialista (MES), then a tendency in the Workers Party (PT). In 2003, the PT introduced anti-worker pension reforms supported by Brazil’s right wing parties. A number of dissenting PT deputies, including MES leader Luciana Genro, voted against the reforms and were subsequently expelled from the PT. Pedro joined these expelled leaders in founding PSOL as a left alternative to the PT. For many years he served as PSOL’s secretary of international relations, though he has recently stepped back.
See the recommended readings for this special event
L.A. Kauffman discusses How to Read a Protest: The Art of Organizing and Resistance
When millions of people took to the streets for the 2017 Women’s Marches, there was an unmistakable air of uprising, a sense that these marches were launching a powerful new movement to resist a dangerous presidency. But the work that protests do often can’t be seen in the moment. It feels empowering to march, and record numbers of Americans have joined anti-Trump demonstrations, but when and why does marching matter? What exactly do protests do, and how do they help movements win?
In this original and richly illustrated account, organizer and journalist L.A. Kauffman delves into the history of America’s major demonstrations, beginning with the legendary 1963 March on Washington, to reveal the ways protests work and how their character has shifted over time. Using the signs that demonstrators carry as clues to how protests are organized, Kauffman explores the nuanced relationship between the way movements are made and the impact they have. How to Read a Protest sheds new light on the catalytic power of collective action and the decentralized, bottom-up, women-led model for organizing that has transformed what movements look like and what they can accomplish.