CAMPGROUND STRUGGLE

The struggle for a homeless campground is no new thing.
So is the mechanical, persistent and relentless official movement to crush such campgrounds or turn them into super-regulated prison-like areas that serve only a few. Back in 1996, Becky Johnson explored the refusal to reopen the Coral St. Open Air Shelter.
Three years before the City Council’s useless Homeless Issues Task Force final report in 2000 (http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/bds/Govstream/BDSvData/non_legacy/agendas/2000/20000502/PDF/020.pdf), she and other HUFF activists struggled to get the poverty pimpster Citizens Committee for the Homeless [CCH] (numbering Darrell Darling and Paul Lee among others) to restore the Coral Street Open Air Shelter.
That campground served 200 people at its height and was located on the site of the current Page Smith Community House, what was known back in 1996 as the “back forty”.
It was destroyed by the City Council in collusion with the CCH in violation of agreements made with the campers organization SOS (Save Our Shelter).
Part of the story was recorded by dissident CCH (and active HUFF) member Becky Johnson at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/StreetSpiritSantaCruz/016.For%20The%20Poor,A%20Campground%20Is%20a%20Illegal%20Dream=12-96.pdf and
pp. 123-127, Street Shit Sheet’s ##151a, 152 .
CACH is caught in the same snare as activists “working in the system” were then.
Even temporary and partial initiatives by city officials are only prompted by Direct Action from activists and homeless people themselves.
Thus the San Lorenzo Campground opening of 2017-2018 during the winter happened after homeless people began camping in numbers along the Post Office fence after City Manager Bernal and Chief Mills had driven them away from City Hall’s Survival Sleepers protest.
And last year Ross Camp was “created” because sleepers on the beach were driven first to Depot Park by Mills, and then to Ross. But it was the de facto formation of a campground at San Lorenzo and Ross that required the City (finally) to put in portapotties and wash stations and provided a focus for community attention.
This year’s situation is no different—arguably worse.
“Progressives” are in full flight under pressure from phony Recall and Investigation distractions. They are responding to bad advice to “keep a low profile” as the winter looms for those outside.
Accordingly no attempts are even being made to force Mayor Watkins to agenda-ize long-delayed items like selective police enforcement, survival encampments, and opening bathroom facilities. Those who should be sitting-in in Cummings office with long overdue demands are nervously debating Recall opposition stratagies.
And meanwhile renters are fleeing the city as Brown nervously warms her chair while pal-ing up with Cummings for crumbs (reopening the City Hall bathrooms for a trial trial month period).

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming city bureaucrats and politicians gather:
Parks and Recreation meets today 9-9 at 4 PM at City Hall (tell them No to the Curfew, Open the bathrooms (city-wide at night, to all at Louden Nelson). Neither of which are on their agenda, just the De La Vega Golf Course and the Harvey West Pool–as a rush to fill out Watkin’s agenda for the next day at City Council.
CACH (Community Advisory Committee on Homelessness) has another wheel-spinning activist-distracting meeting at 6 PM Tuesday 9-10 at (of course) Louden Nelson Center. Near the same time as…
7:30 PM 9-10 City Council (the Cummings-Watkins majority) is poised to push through a Beach curfew running homeless folks in tents there off to nowhere.
11 AM Wednesday 9-11 Conscience and Action/HUFF meet to plan next Direct Action in the wreckage of City Council’s Tuesday meeting (or perhaps to celebrate a minor victory) at Sub Rosa Cafe 703 Pacific
9-13 Caravan to Monterey to support the Salinas Homeless Union in their 9 AM Court Appearance in Dept. 13 Superior Court demanding an injunction to stop the Sherwood Park sweeps. Call 831-423-4833 for more info.

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams today (9-8-19) at 9:30AM at www.freakradio.org: Curfew Crackdown at the Main Beach on the Council Agenda Tuesday 9-10, Hassles and Pushback at Louden Nelson, and a Flashback from 9-30-99 !

KEEP OUR CREAKY VOICES COMING !


Free Radio Santa Cruz is waiting with $300 for info leading to a 10′ X 10′ studio space with bathroom, internet, and electrical access–either indoors or out (we’ll build a structure).  We’re also seeking a transmitter space where we can put up an antenna–a backyard, a multistory home, a high tree–help us spread the word.   Help us so we can help you!


Tonight’s show streams at freakradio.org and archives at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html  
Additional archives of the two Drew Glover meetings will be posted at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html soon.




On today’s show:
  • More Homeless Removal to Nowhere: the Main Beach Curfew on City Council’s 9-10 Agenda at 7:30 PM
  • Voices of the Victims from the Red Church Chow Line 9-4
  • CACH Capers–Pleading to the City Council Latest Excuse for Delay
  • Direct Action At Louden Nelson Last Tuesday Part Two
  • “Wake ‘Em Up” Wes White Reports on the Thrice-Delayed Sherwood Park Homeless Hearing 9 AM 9-13 in Monterey
  • Targeting Louden Nelson Resters in the Morning: the SCPD’s New Parks and Rec Wreckers at Work
  • Eli’s Teeth-Grinding Ground Report on Denial and Discrimination


Flashback to September 30, 1999
  • Oral Communication 9-28: Steve Argue, David Silva
  • Recent Hate Crimes in Santa Cruz: 9 Victims in 2 Weeks
  • Ryan, the Skateboarder, ticketed for walking his board, subsequently harassed.
  • “Max” reports on anti-homeless assaults & “Host” harassment
  • Court Capers: Edward de Bolt on Street Sweeps, Richard Quigley on Sheriff Shenangans
  • Citizens Police Review Board Stalemate
  • Silva and Skidmark Bob on SCPD’s Power Push in the Lefever Assault on Steve Argue
  • Cited for Sitting on the Base of the Tom Scribner Statue

Stories Local and Distant


WHAT YOU CAN DO BETWEEN SHOWS:


  • Show Up Shouting at the 7 PM City Council Meeting 9-10 to Defeat the Latest “Run the Homeless Off the Main Beach” Campaign by the Police, the Rangers, and Dear old City Manager Martin Bernal
  • Sign Up for Direct Action to “Open the Bathrooms Now!” Action at San Lorenzo Benchlands 2:30 PM Today 9-8 at the Mime Troupe’s Final Performance of “Treasure Island”.
  • Support Alternative Survival Camps and Squats in the Wake of the City Council “Away on Vacation” Abdication as Homeless People Face Police Lies and Turn-Aways from Shelter.
  • Join the Ross Camp Lawsuit Seeking Damages–Whether you were at Ross Camp or Not: Protect Survival Camps Everywhere! Contact Barracuda Mama at 831-431-7766 or Visit the Union of the Homeless table 4-6 PM at the Saturday and Sunday Food Not Bombs Meals at the Main Post Office
  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, NOT Poverty-Pimp Posturers– Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s–and Deter Police Harassment by being On Call to Document It.
  • Additional Needs for Community Samaritans!–More Needs: Potable Water for Drinking and Grey Water for Washing, Laundry Access so Clothes Don’t Mildew, a Drainage System Against the Rains, More Space in Additional Spots, Monitor and Expose Cop Crackdowns
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s Day/Night Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action,Santa Cruz Union of the Homeless documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.

  •  Check out The Santa Cruz Community, Santa Cruz Homeless Advocates & Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz, Monterey County Homeless Advocates, SNAIL, HEART Disabled Homeless People,  & Power Surge Tenants Rights on Facebook
  •   Exchange information with other supporters there to generate more communication and better solutions in the future.
  •   Listen in to Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides at freakradio.org Thursdays 6-8 PM, Sundays 9:30 AM- 3 PM
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless or local businesses!

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams tonight (9-5-19) at 6 PM at www.freakradio.org: CACH Supporter and Community Activist Rafael Sonnenfeld. Peels of Protest Inside and Outside Louden Nelson…and more!

INFO ON A STUDIO SITE BRINGS CASH;
INFO ON A TRANSMITTER SITE BRINGS LOVE
PICK YOUR POISON
$300 REWARD for info leading to a 10′ X 10′ Free Radio Santa Cruz studio space.

We need access to a bathroom, internet, and electricity.–either indoors or out (we’ll build a structure if necessary).

We’re also seeking a transmitter space where we can put up an antenna–a backyard, a multistory home, a high tree–help us spread the word.   


Tonight’s show streams at freakradio.org and archives at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html

Keeping Up the Pressure: Open the Bathrooms ! 2:30 PM Sunday September 8th San Lorenzo Park

We will be flyering and inviting folks to join future events prior to and after the the Mime Troupe performance.

The issue: reopening the Louden Nelson bathrooms. (See “Demonstrators Keep the Restrooms Open at Louden Nelson Center” at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/09/03/18825952.php). As well as opening the San Lorenzo park bathrooms at night. The City’s 1000-2000 homeless have no actual bathroom facilities (though three very limited portapotties) for nighttime use currently.

Santa Cruz City Council has ducked the issue of reopening the Louden Nelson bathrooms and passed it to their talk shop, the CACH (Community Advisory Committee on Homelessness). At their Tuesday meeting, they avoided any action on the issue in spite of the City Council’s direction.

Digesting the Two Protests at 1220 River and Louden Nelson– 11 AM Sub Rosa at 703 Pacific, followed by the woeful warriors of HUFF Wednesday September 4th !

CONSCIENCE AND ACTION IDEAS  9-4-19

Note:  Agenda Ideas are simply suggestions and subject to change and addition from anyone in the group.  They cover a wide range of possibilities.

  • Announcements: Choice of Action Items; Timekeeper & Time Limits; Vibes Guy 
  • Louden Nelson Bathroom Protest Success: 8-27 Council Implications; Upcoming Council Meeting; Glover Pre-Meet Friday 5:30 PM
  • Continuing the Posner Organizing Efforts along with Homeless Union organizing
  • 1220 Protest Aftermath and Campground Organizing
  • Any City Council Issues to be Raised for Agenda or Plans for September 10th?
  • Ross Lawsuit and Union Organizing Report: Phone a Cop Proposal
  • FREE Mime Troupe Show Sat & Sun Sept 7-8 2:30 PM San Lorenzo Park “Treasure Island”  Union Table Organizing There?
                                                


For HUFFsters

  • Announcements: Including Brief Summaries of Agenda Items
  • Further Action on C & A Items
  • Street and Campground Report
  • August 29th Monterey Court Hearing 1200 Aguajito Rd for Salinas Injunction Against Cop Harassment at Sherwood Park 1:30 PM
  • Chief Mills Latest Responses on Choke-Holds, Rape Kits, and the SCPD Bathroom
  • Updates: Stepping Up in Santa Cruz Poverty Pimp PR Checking: Eli and Laura Report; Helping Homeless Union Tabling
  • End of Recycling Report
  • Public Records Updates: Bathroom Data–Norse and Colby’s Data  Some at https://cityofsantacruz.sharefile.com/d-s34d2fddbfc2468da

End Bathroom Banditry! Restore Community Access to the Louden Nelson Bathrooms: Direct Action Protest Tomorrow 1:30 PM Tuesday September 3

Direct Action Protest

Liberate the Locked Lavatories at London Nelson (aka Louden Nelson) Center
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
1:30 PM
301 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Come at 1 PM to Help Make Signs, Set-Up
Demand Open Bathrooms !
•    Parks and Recreation [P&R] Supervisor Iseth Rae continues to
keep the public Louden Nelson bathrooms closed to all but “program
participants”.
•    Her boss P&R Director Tony Elliot, his boss City Manager
Martin Bernal, and the City Council majority, headed by Vice-Mayor
Justin Cummings continue to deny the elderly, the ill, the disabled, the
homeless, and the general toilets, reversing decades of free access.
•    Public Records show no documentation justifying the year-long
closure  other than the usual vandalism caused by an increase in use.
This was prompted by the closure of homeless facilities and Bernal’s
institutional failure to provide more bathrooms city-wide.
•    Activists from Conscience and Action, Homeless United for
Friendship & Freedom, Food Not Bombs, the California Homeless Union and
other groups are continuing the Freedom Sleepers “Give a Shit” campaign
from 2017, demanding decent and fair bathroom access.
•    Louden Nelson Staff claim the “nearby” police station
bathrooms are accessible; however police say they are only open when the
Community Room is in use—which is irregularly.
•    Rae additionally backs a dangerous and discriminatory
“homeless are dangerous” narrative with fences around the park, a First
Alarm guard, and a new set of restrictive regulations
•    Appeals to Elliot, Rae, Bernal, and the City Council have been
shined on or ignored for over a year. Councilmember Drew Glover’s direct
attempts to have City Council open the bathrooms have been indefinitely
delayed by Mayor Watkins and Vice-Mayor Cummings.

Council Locks Out Elders, Disabled, and Poor from Louden Nelson Bathrooms: Protest Tomorrow 9-2 Tuesday 1:30 PM at Louden Nelson Center 301 Center St.

A City Council meeting that lasted to 11 PM or shortly thereafter last Tuesday night (8-27) featured long anecdotal presentations by London (Louden) Nelson Community Center [LNCC] Supervisor Iseth Rae and her boss Parks and Recreation chief Tony Elliot. A long line of speakers and a list of organizations tried with no success to reason with the Council.  Senior, disabled, homeless, & basketball players will continue to be excluded from the Louden Nelson bathrooms.

Come to LNCC tomorrow and support an immediate “open bathrooms” policy !

august_31st_flyer.pdf_600_.jpg
AGENDA MANIPULATIONS,PUSHBACK BY THE PUBLIC, SILENCE FROM THE PROGRESSIVES
Mayor Watkins whittled down a long line of speakers at Oral Communications at 7 PM, a number in support of Councilmembers Krohn and Glover. Some attacked the Glover-Krohn recall, with charges the paid signature gatherers were involved. Others denounced the public smear of Glover and Krohn embodied in the months-long “investigation”. Another singled out City Manager Bernal’s latest memo of last week instructing staff not to communicate with Glover except through him and the staff heads.

Krohn attempted earlier in the day to move the Council Meeting Calendar back to its position near the end of the agenda, from which Watkins had moved it in June. His motion failed 3-4.

Neither he, Krohn, nor Brown attempted to require the Mayor to bring back survival encampments, the selective enforcement against homeless people of infractions, a public process for setting the agenda, or other matters raised months ago by Glover.

Any of these items could have been proposed for forced inclusion on the next agenda by motion and majority vote….


LONGER STORY, COMMENTS, AND FLYER CAN BE ACCESSED AT https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/09/02/18825901.php

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams today (9-1-19) at 9:30AM at www.freakradio.org: Blue-Clad SCPD Bullies Hit the Post Office Sleepers, Part 2 of the River St. Campground Protest, City Council’s Shit-in-the-Bushes Solution; 1989 KZSC Flashback

KEEP OUR CREAKY VOICES COMING !


Free Radio Santa Cruz is waiting with $300 for info leading to a 10′ X 10′ studio space with bathroom, internet, and electrical access–either indoors or out (we’ll build a structure).  We’re also seeking a transmitter space where we can put up an antenna–a backyard, a multistory home, a high tree–help us spread the word.   Help us so we can help you!


Tonight’s show streams at freakradio.org and archives at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html
Additional archives of the two Drew Glover meetings will be posted at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html soon.


On today’s show:
  • Officer Bailey and his Armed Companions Falsely Cite Steve Irving & two others at the Fence Next to the Main Post Office, then Scare Away Other Unhoused Folks at the Town Clock
  • Former Ross Camp Roughrider, now Riverstreet Camp Refugee Rosemary gives Part 2 of the Protest Interview outside the closed gate at 1220 River St.
  • The Watkins Treatment: More School-Marming the Public at Oral Communications 8-27
  • The Public protest & the “Progressives” sell out leaving the London Nelson Lavatories locked
  • RV Family Life Under Fire: Spirited Squawks from Barracuda Mama Alicia Kuhl
  • Even more here and there, if you’re listening.
Before there was a Free Radio Santa Cruz…Flashback to Unarchived Rebroadcasts of KZSC’s Coverage of Soupcrime Arrests June 1989
  • A young Keith McHenry on the early days of Food Not Bombs
  • Slyshoes Sandra Loranger, Soupserving Scofflaw, on the eve of her Santa Cruz trial.

Stories Local and Distant

    • York Covers the Council’s  Cowardly Crap-Out on the Louden Nelson bathrooms

https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2019/08/28/public-access-to-santa-cruz-bathrooms-a-continuing-debate/

WHAT YOU CAN DO BETWEEN SHOWS:

  • Join the “Open the Bathrooms Now!” Action at London (Louden) Nelson September 3rd 1:30 PM.
  • Support Alternative Survival Camps and Squats in the Wake of the City Council “Away on Vacation” Abdication as Homeless People Face Police Lies and Turn-Aways from Shelter.
  • Join the Ross Camp Lawsuit Seeking Damages–Whether you were at Ross Camp or Not: Protect Survival Camps Everywhere! Contact Barracuda Mama at 831-431-7766 or Visit the Union of the Homeless table 4-6 PM at the Saturday and Sunday Food Not Bombs Meals at the Main Post Office
  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, NOT Poverty-Pimp Posturers– Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s–and Deter Police Harassment by being On Call to Document It.
  • Additional Needs for Community Samaritans!–More Needs: Potable Water for Drinking and Grey Water for Washing, Laundry Access so Clothes Don’t Mildew, a Drainage System Against the Rains, More Space in Additional Spots, Monitor and Expose Cop Crackdowns
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s Day/Night Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action,Santa Cruz Union of the Homeless documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.

  •  Check out The Santa Cruz Community, Santa Cruz Homeless Advocates & Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz, Monterey County Homeless Advocates, SNAIL, HEART Disabled Homeless People,  & Power Surge Tenants Rights on Facebook
  •   Exchange information with other supporters there to generate more communication and better solutions in the future.
  •   Listen in to Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides at freakradio.org Thursdays 6-8 PM, Sundays 9:30 AM- 3 PM
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless or local businesses!