Calendar

Please join us in sharing a bounty of Thanksgiving fare. Bring (safely preserved) leftovers*, a special dish you want to share* – or just your good appetite! Whether you have a dish to share* or not, we invite you to join us as we break bread in the spirit of loving community. If you can, please help us set up tables and chairs before, and put them away afterward. In between, join in the bounty provided by members and friends. Members, friends, neighbors, and the wider community are welcome!

*If you bring a dish, please also bring a printed list of all ingredients so those with allergies, interactions and dietary restrictions can enjoy the dishes they can eat and avoid those they can’t eat.

We trust you’ve recovered from holiday feasting because tomorrow, Sunday November 26 between 1 and 3 PM, Indivisible East Bay is having a Friendsgiving potluck in lieu of our monthly All Member meeting.

Please join us. Bring your friends and a dish to share! RSVP and map here. Free.

What else is IEB up to? Here’s this week’s newsletter, and our Giving Thanks article.
Image copyright NPR

“Three Strikes and You’re Out” that’s the no-nonsense message California voters sent to repeat felons when the nation’s toughest sentencing law passed by a landslide in 1994. Designed to keep repeat offenders off the streets, “Three Strikes” won largely because of a frenzied media campaign led by two fathers of murdered children, Mike Reynolds and Marc Klaas. What began as an alliance forged by grief became a bitter rivalry as Klaas and Reynolds found themselves on opposite sides of a controversial battle.

The film tells the story behind the passage of “Three Strikes” and poses profoundly important questions about our political process, the role of the media, and our reliance on prisons to address problems of crime in our society. Written, produced, and directed by Michael J. Moore, the documentary follows an extraordinary sequence of events – from murders to manhunts to win-at-all-cost political campaigns  focusing on two ffathers united by tragedy but driven apart by conflicting ideas of social justice.

Through revealing archival news footage and candid interviews with Reynolds, Klaas, and other key players in the battle over “Three Strikes,” including judges, legal analysts, and state officials, The Legacy illuminates both sides of this issue and reveals how criminal justice policy is debated and promoted in today’s media-saturated political climate. Despite the predictions of prison alternative advocates, (who pointed to the state’s already overcrowded prisons, and argued that creating new facilities would plunge California taxpayers deeply into debt for decades to come), politicians on all sides scrambled to climb on board the tough-on-crime bandwagon. The “Three Strikes” victory put California at the forefront of a national trend of prison growth. By June 1998, one in five California inmates were sentenced under Three Strikes. Ninety percent of those sentenced actually had only one prior “strike” and were sentenced for nonviolent crimes in 81% of those cases.

Growing awareness of America’s failed experiment with mass incarceration has prompted changes at the state and federal level; but America maintains its distinction as the world leader in its use of incarceration, including more than 1.3 million people held in state prisons around the country.  Since the majority of people in prison are sentenced at the state level rather than the federal level, we must understand the policies and the day-to-day practices that contribute to this statistic.

Two years after it was signed into law, California’s controversial “Three Strikes and You’re Out” law has resulted in an imprisonment rate for African Americans that is more than 13 times that of whites. The underlying motive for this law, with its primary target being black men from 18-24 years old, brings our focus to the systemic racism, and devastation of black communities, practiced in the United States.

“If one were writing a law to deliberately target blacks, one could scarcely have done it more effectively than ‘Three Strikes,’ ” said Vincent Schiraldi, executive director of the Center On Juvenile and Criminal Justice in SF. “It can truly be said that ‘Three Strikes’ is California’s apartheid.”

http://articles.latimes.com/1996-03-05/news/mn-43270_1_african-american-men

http://www.lao.ca.gov/2005/3_strikes/3_strikes_102005.htm

http://www.pbs.org/pov/thelegacy/

http://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/color-of-justice-racial-and-ethnic-disparity-in-state-prisons/

https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2017.html

East Bay DSA’s bimonthly informational meeting will be held at the California Nurses’ Association space in downtown Oakland. Following a one-hour orientation for new members, we will host an informational meeting on the topic of SB 562 and Medicare-for-All, featuring Michael Lighty, director of public policy for the California Nurses’ Association. Stay tuned for more information.

After the strong showing in Oakland on November 14, Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf and OPD chief Anne Kirkpatrick got nervous and pulled a fast one, scheduling a special council agenda item on November 28 to discuss the ICE Raid and consider an OPD request for total impunity to work with HSI/ICE going forward – before the public hearing on December 5th – and before CM Kaplan and Brook’s resolution for non-cooperation with ICE can be heard. The Bay Area needs to respond. So come out on the 28th.

On August 16, HSI/ICE conducted an AM raid on the 700th block of 27th Street in West Oakland with OPD assistance. The raid was advertised (erroneously) as a search warrant for the sexual trafficking of juveniles, biut there were no actual allegations of sexual abuse, no juveniles were removed from the home and the solitary arrest was for being undocumented. The 25 year old arrestee is now in the deportation process. At an October 5th investigation and hearing that the OPD Chief did not attend, Oakland’s Privacy Commission concluded that the raid violated Oakland’s sanctuary city policy and several statements made by OPD chief Anne Kirkpatrick about the raid were false.

Video of the hearing is here. https://oaklandprivacy.org/2017/10/06/privacy-advisory-commission-investigation-of-oakland-ice-raid-concludes-violation-of-sanctuary-city-policy/

East Bay Express coverage is here:
https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/oakland-police-chief-made-false-statements-about-ice-raid/Content?oid=9793923

City Council members Desley Brooks and Rebecca Kaplan have now set this item for a committee hearing with the OPD Chief in attendance only to have the Mayor and City Council President do an endaround and try to rush authorize ongoing OPD cooperation with HSI/ICE.

Oaklanders and other Bay Area residents who want sanctuary legislation taken seriously around the Bay should attend. We need to put a stop to this. #DeportICE.

#DeportICE  #DeportICE  #DeportICE  #DeportICE

Fight like your world depends on it.

Al Gore’s sequel to ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’

Free popcorn!

A recent study found that, in the U.S., the median white households net wealth was 13 times greater than the median Black households and 10 times greater than the median Latinx households. Differences in level of education, marital status, full- or part-time employment or consumption habits did not come close to explaining this shocking difference, commonly termed the racial wealth gap.[1]

Where did the racial wealth gap come from, and what can we do about it? In the absence of a government-level program of reparations, how can we participate in the economy in ways that fight racial inequity instead of reinforcing it?
This workshop, facilitated by members of the SURJ-Oakland/Bay Area Fundraising Committee, aims to share information about the origins of the racial wealth gap and create space for thinking through how individuals can leverage wealth to undermine, rather than support, the structures of white supremacy. We emphasize the development of a reparations mindset, a broadly applicable approach to our personal and financial lives that centers our relationships to racial privilege and the racial wealth gap. Finally, facilitators will discuss how they bring this mindset to their SURJ fundraising work and how organization-level work around money can serve the cause of racial justice.

SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice), Bay Area chapter, is part of a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice through community organizing, mobilizing, and education. However, all are welcome at this workshop regardless of identity. We are asking for $5-$20 donation, sliding scale, which will go to support one or more of our partner organizations led by people of color. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Building Accessibility: There are two entrances to Sierra Club Office building on Webster and 21st, both of which are accessible for mobility devices. The building has an elevator, and the kitchen space, conference room, and restrooms can also all accommodate mobility devices.

Scents: The Sierra Clubs space endeavors to offer a scent free environment; however as the Club is currently transitioning towards the use of only scent free products, we cannot guarantee an entirely scent free space. We ask everyone to please arrive at meetings fragrance free to support access for folks who experience multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies. This means using only body products and laundry detergent that say fragrance free or unscented on the label and do not have scented ingredients.

Restrooms: Restrooms are currently labeled in a gender-binary way. The Sierra Club is working on changing this and has an office policy that all restrooms are available to anyone, regardless of lived or perceived gender identity. We ask that folks choose the restroom that is right for them, and that no one question a persons chosen restroom.

Our weekly PARTY to get this hackerspace together, to provide a venue for those things that otherwise cannot be worked out through day-to-day practice.

Potluck! – bring your own tasty dish!

Community Rally and Press Conference + SF Board of Supervisors Committee Hearing

Wednesday, December 13th – Save the Date!
Community Teach-In about Urban Shield

Interested in learning about what Urban Shield is, the work of the coalition, and how to get involved? On Wednesday, December 13, SURJ San Francisco will be hosting a public Community Meeting on Policing and Urban Shield. There will be time to hear about what organizing against Urban Shield has looked like, next steps, and how you can support us in achieving a people’s victory over Urban Shield. We encourage organizations and community members in SF to attend this gathering so that we can all be well informed and best positioned to organize and win.
When: Wednesday, December 13th, 7-9pm
Where: ACLU Northern California Office
39 Drumm St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Facebook page
 

Our mailing address is:
Stop Urban Shield Coalition
www.stopurbanshield.org
Alameda County, CA 94606

A Celebration of Abundance & Community During Challenging Times. This year’s FAIR combines a wide variety of activities provided by a wide variety of groups that were SMOKED OUT by the North Bay fires in October. The FAIR will be opened by a blessing offered by the Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow Committee.

Here’s a partial list of the activities that will follow:
FOOD CONTEST, hosted by the BYA Youth Gardeners
SEED SWAP, hosted by Transition Berkeley
SWAP with CROPS, COTHING, BOOKS hosted by Transition Berkeley at NOON
DIY Garden Exhibition, hosted by Spiral Gardens
HEALTH FAIR (Spanish/English), hosted by Multicultural Institute
EMERGENCY Evacuation Prep, hosted by BFD and Berkeley Disaster Prep Neighborhood Network
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS, by SlingFin Expedition Gear
COOK BOOKS (see sample) will be distributed by the Berkeley Community Gardening Collective
KIDS FUN ZONE, hosted by the Rec Divison
ADULT FUN ZONE, hosted by a variety of groups
FOLK DANCING, hosted by Melvin Mann
SOUND HEALING Instrument Petting Zoo, hosted by Emile Janse & Jordan Blake
POETRY NOOK, hosted by many
CARTOONS for our Times, hosted by Damon Guthrie
FRESH TACOS by familia Chavez
In addition, there will be a speech by Mayor Jesse Arreguin and poetry reading by City of Berkeley Poet Laureate Rafael Jesus Gonzalez.

COURSES (15 minutes each)
To encourage exploration of the community, there will be a morning and afternoon session of 15-minute courses, demarked with the sounding of a GONG. The course list keeps growing, but so far, here’s the preliminary list: Pimp My Bug Out Bag, Intro to Tai Chi, Intro to Mindfulness Meditation, Intro to Cyber Security, Intro to IRA Accounts, Intro to Acupressure, Sound Healings. Intro to Moving Qi, Intro to Feldenkrais, Intro to Exercising Your Memory, Intro to Portuguese, Duct Tape First Aide

Transition Berkeley’s First Saturday North Berkeley Crop, Book and Clothing Swap will be held at the RESILIENCY FAIR, Please bring crops, plants, seeds to share and clothing and books in good condition to Transition Berkeley’s table at the Resiliency Fair. Meet old friends and new, help create a strong sustainable community.

Answering the Call of Love: Immigration Policy and our Response

Dear Beloved Community,
Because of the interest shown by our loving congregation in the current immigration policy,  we want to share some good news with you:

On the first Saturday of each month the
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity and the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition
sponsor a Vigil at the West County Detention Center in Richmond, CA.

On Saturday, Dec.2, UU Oakland will be leading this Vigil and YOU are warmly invited to
join with us to answer this call of love and  stand in solidarity with our immigrant friends and neighbors.

Join Pastor Jacqueline and Lay Members as we lead this monthly VIGIL.
These vigils have been ongoing for over 4 years.  It is our honor to lead in December.

–        For the immigrants held in detention in our backyard (Richmond), many pre-trial who cannot afford bail.

–        For the millions of other people disproportionately black and brown  incarcerated by our racially biased, unjust criminal justice system.

–        In solidarity with those impacted by detention, incarceration and deportation  – and with other people of faith.

If you or someone you know, are directly impacted by our current immigration laws, detention or deportation policies and you would be willing to share your story at the vigil, please contact Lauren Poole (lpoole53@gmail.com).

We need more hands organizing the vigil.  Please contact Lauren if you are interested in helping.

Looking for new ways to show up for racial justice? Interested in how we can build our capacity and leverage our grassroots power to support the Movement for Black Lives Policy platform and the legislative priorities of our POC partners?

Please join the SURJ Policy Working Group on Saturday December 2nd from 1:30pm to 4:30pm for an interactive legislative advocacy workshop. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works in California, including how to track bills, lobby your legislator and bring your voice to the political process. All levels of experience are welcome!

In addition to practicing new skills and learning how lobby visits fit into the legislative process, we will hear from special guests Justin Rausa, Senior Field Representative for Assemblymember Rob Bonta, on the power of constituent office visits and Zoe Wilmott, the Manager of Advocacy and Programs from Essie Justice Group, on the journey of SB10, California Money Bail Reform Act of 2017 and the role lobby visits play in campaign strategy.

Please RSVP as space is limited.

 CHIAPAS SUPPORT COMMITTEE

We are hosting 2 speakers from Oaxaca. They will talk about Marichuy’s campaign for president and the aftermath of the September 7 earthquake. Art from the Zapatista Communities will be on display.

Home of the Compañero Manuel blog on the Zapatistas & Mexico
Chiapas Support Committee (CSC) News & Announcements

A Huge Thank You to everyone who supported us by attending the screening of Zapatista Moon!

Below are 3 opinion articles that explore the social and political changes in our society. Enjoy!

!. The end of democratic societies in Latin America – Raúl Zibechi reflects on what he considers the erosion of the cultural and political bases of democracies, faced with the brutal social polarization that is being experienced and asks why a new right has emerged so reactionary that it has torn apart the social fabric from the United States to South America. He says the cause is the extractive model and the Fourth World War. A good read!

En español: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2017/10/13/opinion/021a1pol

2. Revolt and Confrontation – Gustavo Esteva expands upon the question of fascism raised by Zibechi, defines the “us” and the “them,” and has some thoughts on the concept of dignity.

En español: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2017/10/23/opinion/020a1pol

3. From the end of the cycle to the consolidation of the right – Zibechi goes into more detail as to how changed in economic production contribute to changes in political alliances. He emphasizes that social movements of the left must adapt to the changes in the social subjects of their organizing.

En español: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2017/10/27/opinion/016a1pol
______________________________

To honor Woods’ memory, on December 2nd at 3:30pm, a memorial march will begin at Third and Armstrong and will end at the site where he was killed.

Parents of victims killed by police have been invited and will be given seats of honor at the front of the rally.  An altar will be constructed in memory of Woods and other victims of police violence including, Idriss Stelly, Kenneth Harding, Derrick Jones and Jessica Williams.

Civil rights attorney John Burris and Officer Joel Babbs, who has gone on record about the racist practices of the police department will speak at the rally. Awon Ohun Omnira will perform a ceremony for Woods, sung in the Yoruba language and accompanied by Bata drums.

Come celebrate the release of the first edition of
“ABO: a queer prisoners comix anthology”
with all $$$ from the comic benefiting the artist’s commissary fund

Peep some art from incarcerated comrades, make a comic, write a holiday card to a new pen pal, & listen to some jamz by…

COPYSLUT
HEARTILLERY
+1 TBA

Fundraiser for Black & Pink and the next edition of ABO

Don’t miss “GENERATION ZAPPED”, the important just released documentary on how to reduce wireless tech risks!
Learn the facts and how to minimize associated risks during this technological revolution.
Today we encounter a hundred thousand times the level of radiation from wireless technologies than we did decades ago.
Safety standards are outdated.  Prolonged exposure to Radio Frequencies (RF) affect health, from links to breast and brain cancer, to associations with infertility and genetic mutations related to autism/ADHD, to new illnesses such as Electrical Hyper-Sensitivity (EHS).
“A wifi classroom is like the inside of a microwave oven set at very low power. Children are exposed to that wifi radiation 6 hours every school day, 5 days a week.” – Magda Havas, Save the Date

Discussion afterwards led by:
Lloyd Morgan, Senior Research Fellow, Environmental Health Trust, Retired Electronic Engineer, and
Ellen Marks, Director of the California Brain Tumor Association
Opening remarks by BFUU Social Justice Committee co-chair Phoebe Sorgen
For more info: http://generationzapped.com/

A project of WIRED (WIreless Radiation Education & Defense) and the BFUU Social Justice Committee
Wheelchair accessible.