Occupy Humboldt will be using the winter break to re-energize, strategize, and build support networks for what we know will be a very active Spring. Join us for the Rally of the People, by the People, for the People on Thursday, December 8th. On December 9th, we will roll up the tent demonstration!
Occupy Humboldt has warned that police in riot gear are forming up around the courthouse and may be getting ready to raid Occupy Eureka or Occupy Arcata!
Two protesters were arrested today at the Occupy Arcata protest site. The trouble started when officers tried to give a ticket to a protester for having a tent. Police arrested him after he refused to sign the ticket. One other activist was also arrested for reasons that are not clear. Both were taken to Humboldt County Jail. Police took the one tent that was at the site. Now there are several tents. The police action seems to have galvanized the activists and brought more community support. Here is a video of the incident:
Early this afternoon protesters from Occupy Humboldt staged short sit-ins at the Chase Bank on 7th Street and at Wells Fargo Bank on G Street in Arcata. The activists sat on the floor and meditated for five to ten minutes, then got up and left before police arrived. Police caught up to them on G Street and talked to them for awhile. I'm not sure what was said.
A protest encampment at the HSU is entering it's second night at the lawn below the Art quad. Earlier in the day Occupy Humboldt and Occupy Arcata marched on the Arcata Plaza in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protests that started three weeks ago in New York and have since spread nationwide.
I noticed this new article about marijuana in Humboldt, in the La Times. I urge everyone to vote yes on Prop 19, as I think it is a necessary step if there is to be the social progress that our species needs in order to survive.
The turnout was smaller, due to rain, at this year's annual celebration of cannabis culture. Police and the City Manager seemed to do more to discourage the unpermited festival than in previous years, but it was the steady rain all day that kept the attendance down. Still, the people that showed up seemed to be enjoying the event.
Tad Robinson, the well known homeless rights activist and local blogger, is entering the second week of a hunger strike. He went to jail last Sunday to serve out a 35 day sentence after an incident during public comment at the January 27 Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting. He started fasting on October 20 at the last Board of Supervisors meeting. Meanwhile some of his supporters are holding a 24 hour vigil for him on the Arcata Plaza.
The massive goverment action unfolding this week in Humboldt is called "Operation Southern Sweep". The latest rumors are that they are going after dispensaries, despite theiir statements to the press that targets would be commercial and not 215 related. Here is a link to an article in the LA Times.
I just took these photos at 1658 Virginia Way in Sunnybrae. Some of the agents were wearing FBI windbreakers, while others were from other agencies. One was a Postal Dept. inspector.
Numerous sources are confirming the rumors about drug raids in Humboldt by federal agents. The North Coast Journal has photos of them taken early this morning at the River Lodge in Fortuna. Eric Kirk has reports of them being in Redway. Early reports suggest that the feds are fanning out in every direction. The Humboldt Herald says they are also headed east on 299.
Vegan activists set up a table at the North Coast Co-op in Arcata today, while the Humboldt Grassfed Beef organization grilled burgers in the parking lot and gave them out for free. Granny Green Genes in the video explains why they were there.
On Tuesday, I will be voting for Paul Pitino for County Supervisor from the third district. Having watched Paul for years as an Arcata City Councilman, I believe that he is the most progressive candidate and has lots of experience dealing with local issues. If there is a runoff between Plumley and Lovelace, I will vote for Mark Lovelace in November. For more information about Paul visit http://paulpitino.org/
Last night, candidates for Third District County Supervisor answered questions at the Veterans Memorial Building in Arcata. Candidates Mark Lovelace, Paul Pitino, and Bryan Plumley participated in the Forum that was sponsored by The Arcata Eye, KHSU, and the Arcata Chamber of Commerce. Lovelace raised the issues of integrity and consistency as an issue that ought to be addressed. Mark's campaign manager told me that the remark was an allusion to Plumley giving different responses depending on what group he was talking to. Pitino put emphasis on the issue of campaign finance reform, noting that he has refused to take contributions and endorsements, has not put up signs, and has spent only $200 so far. Plumley said that he might be the only solar powered stockbroker, but Lovelace noted that Bryan had nothing to do with the solar panels being installed on the building where Plumley's business is located. Lovelace and Pitino agreed on many issues whereas Plumley takes a more conservative, pro-growth position. The General plan update is an example with Mark and Paul favoring option A, and Bryan supporting option B. Among the topics covered were: trails, port development, climate change, jobs, HSU growth, and homelessness. To stop global warming Lovelace called for walkable communities, Pitano for a better bus system, and Plumley for green building standards. More debate videos are at http://www.youtube.com/user/arcatareporter
Thousands of people sent up a huge cloud of pot smoke at 4:20 pm today at the Arcata 420 Fest at Redwood Park. More photos can be found at my photoblog.
The 2nd annual Building Green Communities Conference is taking place today at the Arcata Community Center. Plan It Green is a local group of engineers, planners, builders, contractors, architects, and other professionals dedicated to green community planning and design. Plan It Green’s mission is to encourage the adoption of economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable practices in Humboldt County and to facilitate their implementation through education, collaborative partnerships, and technical assistance.
The Spooner Tree-sit was raided in the last couple of days and PL climber Eric Shatz was seen there yesterday. Much of the sitter's gear and supplies have been taken. Grizzly Creek State Park has been announced as the location for the Action Camp that starts tomorrow. Help is needed to defend this huge ancient redwood tree and the grove around it. For more info go to http://mattolewild.blogspot.com
