Author Archives: huffsantacruz

HUFF calls for food prep/server volunteers for joint activist effort spreadheaded by Food Not Bombs as City “leaders” promise in-place shelter but provide none. NO Noon Meeting Today at the Sub Rosa

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Food Not Bombs [FNB] field worker Keith McHenry reported this morning (April 1st) that the City/County under the misleadership of City Manager Martin Bernal’s PR fluffer Susie O’Hara has still not forwarded the Permit that SCPD Chief Mills is repeatedly threatening closure of FNB over.  McHenry predicts the meal will move from its current swampy isolated spot in back of the Court building at 701 Ocean St. and/or in San Lorenzo Benchlands to a more centrally located accessible area downtown by noon today.
McHenry calls for food preppers and servers to help at the Vet’s Hall at noon today and in the days to come. 

No Motel vouchers have reportedly been given out by the City and County which, according to CACH activist Rafa Sonnenfeld are pondering, postulating, and preparing a Thursday response, which Sonnenfeld speculates is tied up in “financial considerations” of cost.  As the virus spreads. 

Meanwhile fenced off psuedo-triage centers around town (such as Lot 17 near the sports stadium), the parking lot next to the Calvary Episcopal (Red) Church, the area adjacent to Depot Park, the parking lot next to University Copy on Front St., and other such “holding pen” areas remain closed. 

Portapotties and washing stations are reportedly insufficiently cleaned and often lacking soap, toilet paper, and paper towels.   The only disability portapotty in the City is behind a locked fence at 1220 River St. next to a line of unused and inaccessible portapotties there.  The last time a disabled portapotty was publicly available was at Camp Phoenix last November, when it was paid for by FNB and the Santa Cruz Homeless Union before being hauled away by the police under a hastily fabricated “trespass” complaint.  HUFF IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO DO A DAILY CHECK AND REPORT IN ON THE VARIOUS PORTAPOTTIES AND PRIMITIVE GARAGE BATHROOMS (often lacking privacy) throughout the City.

Organizations across the country are calling for a Rent Strike to begin today.  McHenry reports folks are reporting illegal evictions are already occurring locally. 
HUFF WILL BE ORGANIZING BY PHONE TO PREPARE POSSIBLE PROTESTS DEMANDING IMMEDIATE FACILITY ACCESS (i.e. Motel rooms) before the only option  is quarantine areas.  CONTACT US AT 831-423-4833 IF YOU’D LIKE TO HELP OR WANT TO PROVIDE REPORTS.
WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING WAYS TO DIRECTLY SUPPORT SAFE PROTESTS BY RENTERS, EMERGENCY WORKERS DEMANDING DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS, &, OF COURSE, FOLKS OUTSIDE DEMANDING BASIC HEALTH/HOUSING OPTIONS.  SUCH AS BY CAR PROTESTS AS IS BEING DONE IN OTHER CITIES. 

Street Spirit newspaper distribution operations are currently suspended, but the Berkeley vendor center is still reportedly  looking for ways to provide some interim support for vendors whose sales lifeline has been cut off.  When HUFF hears, we’ll let the few vendors we have down here know.
Frequent local updates can be found on Facebook under Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs, Santa Cruz County Homeless Advocates, Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz,
The Union of the Homeless is slating a National Conference Call for tomorrow if anyone has issues they want me to bring up. 

The wandering HUFF coffee canister used to supply morning coffee to those outside which “walked away” last week has been recovered cowering in the Vet’s Building.

Updates from the “Ignore Them Until they Disappear or Die Off” Genocide Zone in Santa Cruz

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Updates from the “Ignore Them Until they Disappear or Die Off” Genocide Zone by Robert Norse (rnorse3 [at] hotmail.com)
Monday Mar 30th, 2020 5:47 PM
While City & County officials who live indoors postulate, ponder, and predict, no safe shelters, sanitary shithouses, or reliable food services have opened up to replace those shut down. HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) critic passes on some updates and the latest in-the-field reports from Food not Bombs still-serving-under-fire foodster Keith McHenry. Chief Andy Mills’ police and Sheriff Hart’s deputies keep flouting federal and state guidelines by “moving along” homeless survival-in-place encampments and food servers with threats and arrests. City Manager Martin Bernal’s Bureaucrats lock bathrooms, and preventing those outside from taking shelter. City leaders remain silent or facilitate this toxic insanity.

Homeless folks are crowded into the few shelters in conditions that spread COVID-19. We must do what the leaders only talk about before it’s too late.

UPDATES FROM A LOCAL FOOD NOT BOMBS ACTIVIST

Yesterday [3-29] “Amazon, Instacart Grocery Delivery Workers Demand Coronavirus Protection And Pay” on East Coast at https://www.npr.org/2020/03/30/823767492/amazon-instacart-grocery-delivery-workers-strike-for-coronavirus-protection-and-?

Today [3-30]
11 a.m. Join the Global Rent & Mortgage Strike April 1st
see “Rent Strike Nation” at https://newrepublic.com/article/157081/rent-strike-nation-coronavirus?

3:55 p.m. We need books for people to read since those of us who live outside cannot charge their phones. We also have a lot of bread that is amazing at the Benchlands behind the Santa Cruz County building. Thanks

4:10 p.m. Still at the Benchlands sharing food. We are almost the only food and water in Santa Cruz for the hundreds without housing. The city portable toilet is overflowing so we are using the bushes until we dig a pit toilet. Tell people in Santa Cruz that we have food, water and lots of bread in San Lorenzo Park behind the county building near Water Street. We want to end service at 7 today. Thanks

HUFF Howlings
Coming Tomorrow: Community Health Demands Immediate Occupation of Vacant Buildings to Stop COVID-19 Outside

Endless promises and reassurances, evasions and lies, by the highly paid homelessness “experts” who have funneled money into very limited and expensive homeless “services” that exclude or recycle the majority of the 1000-2000 homeless people outside in the City.

These excuses and justifications–and those in power who use them–now threaten the health of the entire community.

At the national level we have two sold-out national parties that have passed another huge corporate trillion dollar giveaway. (See “Why Are Progressives Voting For Ultimate Screwing Of America?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfOPSq705To,
“How Bernie and Warren Sold Us Out Over Stimulus Bill” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsPjPmDzN8w)

We’ll no doubt hear more reassuring words from Supervisor Zack Friend. he’s “hosting” [and you’re paying for] a telephone town hall with Mimi Hall, director of the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, to discuss the latest updates on COVID-19 and take your questions. The session will run from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Information: 831-454-2222 and use meeting ID 145384.,

….But are the County Buildings bathrooms, sinks, and showers open for community (and particularly homeless) use while Zack comfortably relieves himself on the community while the officials he funds continue to deny vital services?

Needs: While we’re waiting for shelter-in-place access to the many vacant motel rooms,
…..a regular check on the availability of toilet paper, towels, soap, water at the few portapotties outside.
…..the immediate 24-opening of parking garage bathrooms, and other more civilized facilities currently unused,
…..and, of course, occupation of vacant office, apartment, and other buildings as emergency shelter-in-place, and quarantine space,
…..the release of prisoners from the local jail in the current crisis before they become the epicenter of a new epidemic,
……commandeering and distribution of vital food and supplies to unhoused, renters, and others growingly in need in the current crisis. See https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/24/this-is-life-or-death-homeless-families-reclaim-vacant-homes-to-survive-virus-outbreak?

Do we wait for the concentration zones for the homeless–frightening alternatives reportedly being set up in other cities such as Las Vegas? See https://www.fox5vegas.com/coronavirus/parking-lot-at-cashman-center-opens-as-temporary-homeless-shelter/article_613927c0-7139-11ea-a802-536e3067a76c.html?fbclid=IwAR1MDfnuaoleJgkgn-PXXH8Yk9j3KwX85NMHtl2_0epKK6WLi7ZdOkBtu0o

On the other hand, psuedo-shelters such as the Salvation Army’s Laurel Street serve as useful containment and quarantine centers when the inevitable COVID-19 cases break out–cases that could yet be prevented with adequate distancing–say in motel rooms.. Seattle’s KIRO news reports on this crisis at https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/three-seattle-area-shelters-close-after-resident-tests-positive-covid-19/Z3YXVZPJ2BG3DNUN4QYPQX7LZM/?fbclid=IwAR3SsHfm-5uVrXAy5Sh68eq4abTUrhdSt7qIl3SRPmRInmg1zqHN9a6OWOE

LOOKING BACK IN DISGUST
XXXX Homeless providers Cooper and Russell were arrested and released several days ago to move them along from their (legal) sidewalk spot at the complaint of the nearby bank. Their survival gear was seized and has not been returned.

XXXX Mills cops posted the Town Clock and served McHenry with a Cease-and-Desist letter, then fencing off to stop food serving there. On 3-28, they served McHenry with a letter demanding he stop feeding until “getting a permit” in the San Lorenzo Benchlands, after forcing the meal from its safer location in back of the courthouse to the marshy rainsoaked Benchlands.


WHAT WE CAN DO
We need to distribute maps of vacant buildings, unused restrooms, and provide an honest listing of actual food and survival equipment spaces.

Volunteer at noon at the Vet’s Hall to help cook for the Benchlands meals.

Democracy Now gives a (very) brief mention of authorities ignoring these needs in New York City at https://www.democracynow.org/2020/3/30/nyc_homelessness

Check out Facebook for Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs, Santa Cruz County Homeless Advocates, and Wes White (for Salinas & National Updates)

Free Radio Santa Cruz on-the-Net Interview with Keith and others outside at http://huffsantacruz.org/lost/1%20FRSC%203-29-20.mp3 Regular updates at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .

MAKE AND READ COMMENTS AT  https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/30/18831951.php

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides streams today (3-29-20) at freakradio.org Updates from Salinas, Berkeley, and the Streets of Santa Cruz with City-wide Reports from the Cold, Wet, Hungry, and Angry & a Flashback to June 19, 2003

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FREE RADIO NEEDS A HOME!   BOTH A STUDIO SITE AND A TRANSMITTER SITE !   EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY AND YOURSELF BY HELPING US OUT !

WE’LL REWARD YOU WITH $300 IF YOU FIND US A STUDIO SPACE WE CAN RENT

WE’LL EMBRACE YOU (AT 6′) IF YOU CLUE US IN ON A TRANSMITTER SITE LOCATION !

CONTACT US WITH UPDATES AT 831-423-4833 

Free Radio Santa Cruz stands ready to dole out $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!

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

ON TODAY’S SHOW:
​   

*** “Scope it Out” Scott Graham Reviews the City Council’s 1st “No Public or Public Comment Allowed” Meeting

*** “Diehard” Draco on the View from his Van as the City’s Services Shut Down or Remain Locked

*** “Katzenjammer” Keith McHenry Faces Sheriff’s Threats to Shut Down the Only Daily Homeless Food Service in Town

*** “Trailblazer” Thomas Updates Us on the Association of Faith Communities Latest Miniscule but Well-Funded Program

***  Julio T., “Anonymous”, Angel, Cooper & Russell Reporting from the Struggling FNB Survival Stand 3-27-20

*** “Whip ’em Into Shape” Wes White Chimes in from Salinas on “Move Along’s” and “ID Checks” There

*** “Bark and Balm” Brent Adams Levels Criticism and Praise at County Officials and FNB

*** “Cornerstone” Carol Denney on Berkeley’s Bad Times With Worse Ahead

***  James-in-the-Sunshine Passes on the Latest from Berkeley and Santa Cruz as He Shuttles Between Them

FLASHBACK TO JUNE 19, 2003

*** Demanding the 2003 City Council Oppose the Iraqi War

*** In-studio interview with “Travelin'” Tom Noddy on his Juggling Arrest in Santa Cruz

                                                                                                                                   more later to be posted at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides netcast streams tonight 3-26-20 at 6 PM at freakradio.org: Reports from those outside facing the Plague–Sunday 3-22 Interviews at the Town Clock; Police Attack and Rob Cooper d’Angelo; Motels Evicting Vulnerable Homeless

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Check out the show at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .  The show’s content will be described in more detail at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/

New postings and interviews from the last few days at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html
See Plague Files 1,2, and 3.  And Future Plague Files yet to be posted.


ON TODAY’S SHOW

xxx Draco reports on possible police-initiated eviction of homeless paying customers from Santa Cruz Union sponsored motels.

xxx “Catch Up” Kevin’s reports from San Lorenzo Benchlands–the latest refuge of the Union/FNB/HUFF COVID-19 Survival Center


xxx Cooper reports on the seizure of herself, her disabled partner, and her property by City police in violation of the CDC and state directive to leave homeless encampments alone….and more !



TAKE OUR MONEY, PLEASE !   
STUDIO SITE REWARD STILL AVAILABLE !


Free Radio Santa Cruz stands ready to dole out $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!

HUFF shifting to in-the-field support and reporting: HUFF members aiding Food Servers & Hotel Shelter Providers as City “leaders” lie and stall. NO Noon Meeting Today at the Sub Rosa

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As of mid-day March 24th, police chief Andy Mills posted “Vacate by 9 AM March 25” Notices around the Town Clock’s COVID-19 Relief Center, jointly staffed by Food Not Bombs, SC Homeless Union, HUFF, and other community volunteers. 

The Center has been operating 24 hours a day, serving food and supplies to those outside as City Manager Bernal, Mayor Cummings, City PR Megaphonestress Susie O’Hara, and Police Chief Mills have continued to ignore, harass, and/or misinform the community.  

Yesterday’s “no public allowed” City Council meeting defeated two attempts by the dying Progressive majority to (1) call an emergency meeting within 48 hours to address homeless shelter and health issues being ignored at the Tuesday Council meeting; and (2) strengthen and lengthen the fluffy light and unenforceable eviction moratorium proposed by Mayor “Can’t Help” Cummings and Vice-Mayor “Merry Malice” Myers.

For the last two nights, SC Homeless Union has taken the lead in distributing overnight motel vouchers paid for privately at that location (and last night from a parking garage).  See https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2020/03/24/santa-cruz-homeless-activists-draw-coronavirus-shelter-battle-lines/ for a slanted Sentinel take on the distribution.
While denouncing a “lack of the 6′ safe distance” at the voucher distribution on 3-23 and using that as the pretext to “cease and desist” order the vital Town Clock support center, Mills’s police cited an activist for marking out 6′ intervals on 3-24 in the parking garage for the 2nd voucher distribution. One hypocritical hand washes the other.
Street Spirit newspaper distribution operations are currently suspended, but the Berkeley vendor center is looking for ways to provide some interim support for vendors whose sales lifeline has been cut off.  When HUFF hears, we’ll let the few vendors we have down here know.
Frequent local updates can be found on Facebook under Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs, Santa Cruz County Homeless Advocates, Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz, and HUFF.  As well as occasionally at indybay.org/santacruz.
If anyone has seen the wandering coffee canister used to supply morning coffee to those outside which “walked away” yesterday, please ask it to come home!  



ACTIONS, RESOURCES, & CONSIDERATIONS from a HUFFster’s perspective

  • Check at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html to hear a series of phoned-in reports from different activists and workers–which should be posted shortly and will be updated daily if possible.
  •  City Manager Martin Bernal provided a handful of portapotties  City-wide and cold water washstands after refusing to do so for months, but maintained nighttime closure of bathrooms in parks in spite of the emergency situation and repeated calls and e-mails.   Nor has the County acted to provide basic sanitary facilities for the poorest outside, though it has financial and organization resources to do so.
  • City agencies have thwarted or denied Food Not Bombs, the Depot Project, Bagels on Bikes, HUFF, and other organizations their attempts to establish such vital resources.
  • Recent shutdowns at the Library, Louden Nelson, the Metro, the publicly sponsored Bookshop Santa Cruz, closed restaurants and businesses make this situation ever more dangerous both for folks outside and the broader community.
  • No motel or hotel rooms are yet available for the 1000-2000 homeless outside who want and may need them to shelter more safely and securely in spite of government directives and financial grants.
  • The inadequate “normal” charitable activities of those working with churches, social services, etc. have been cut back or closed–many of the staff of these organizations are over 60 and particularly vulnerable to the corona virus.
  • Normal donations to those directly seeking survival money through “panhandling” have been discouraged or criminalized under the new emergency regs, enacted without public discussion or vote.
  • Public transportation options have been restricted or shut down, making access to what limited resources there are even more problematic.
  • Mayor Cummings has issued no calls for an emergency Council meeting to pass elementary measures already done in other cities like a moratorium on evictions and rents.
  • City Manager Martin Bernal & the City Council majority have a long history of resisting the expansion of basic services for the less privileged in town.
  • Supervisor Coonerty and the Board of Supervisors have declined to provide county-wide resources in an equitable and sensible fashion.
  • The health of the community depends on our community action through a direct and united response.
  • Up to now we have seen how “concerned” and “effective” local authorities have been in meeting the needs of renters and those outside.
  • Meekly following the dictates of authority in this crisis has not in the past, nor likely in the future, to be a wise, health-providing, and productive course.
  • We must confront directly, clearly, persistently, loudly and immediately to secure the basic survival needs of the community in the current crisis.
  • With washed hands and care to keep physical distance, bring food and yourselves to the noon food serving to sustain the survival effort and take the necessary future steps.
  • Contact Food Not Bombs (575-770-3377), HUFF (831-423-4833), or the Santa Cruz Homeless Union (831-431-7766) if unable to come for health or other reasons. (454-2200) and you wish to help.

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides streams today (3-22-20) at freakradio.org Updates from Salinas, Berkeley, and the Streets of Santa Cruz with Wes White, Keith McHenry, Rafa Sonnenfeld, Carol Denney, and Brent Adams; and a Flashback to March 19, 2000

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IN TIMES OF CRISIS, FREE RADIO HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE!  LET’S RECOVER THAT POWER !

WE’LL REWARD YOU WITH $300 IF YOU FIND US A STUDIO SPACE WE CAN RENT

WE’LL EMBRACE YOU (AT 6′) IF YOU CLUE IS IN ON A TRANSMITTER SITE LOCATION !

CONTACT US WITH UPDATES AT 831-423-4833 

Free Radio Santa Cruz stands ready to dole out $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!

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

ON TODAY’S SHOW:
​   

*** “Whip Back the Woebringers” Wes White Reports on the Salinas “Persecution as Usual” Procedures Largely Oblivious to the COVID-19 Crisis

*** “Katzenjammer” Keith McHenry Tired and Tireless on the Struggle for Solidarity and Survival Support Down at the Town Clock and Around Town

*** “Roll Along” Rafa Sonnenfeld Reports from Lot 17, the “Triage Encampment” Set Up for a Day near the Sports Arena to Remove the Post Office Camp

*** “Cornerstone” Carol Denney Gives a Phone Report on the Black, the Grey, and the White in Berkeley

*** “Backstory” Brent Adams on the City’s “Response”.

FLASHBACK TO MARCH 19, 2000:

*** Fighting to expose the proposed Dolphin-Lee housing removal plan (later known as the Nueva Vista Project)

*** Coral-ing the Creeping code enforcement threat with Scope-it-out Scott

*** Councilmember Krohn defends Nueva Vista

*** Steadfast Steve Argue and Carlos Lopez report from inside the county jail

*** Julie Lee Constanza Gomez, daughter of the owner of the Lee apartments, in studi- guest

*** Scott challenges City Council for Not Standing Up to Bloated Police Budget and maintaining undemocratic procedures

*** “Battling” Bob Lamonika phones in on Rent Control & other issue

Act Locally or Regret Later

  •  
  • Join the 24-Hour Food Not Bombs, Santa Cruz Homeless Union, HUFF, Community Center at the Town Clock
  • Mingle (at a distance) tonight with Union of the Homeless activists 3-22 near the new Food Not Bombs  meal site at the Town Clock 5 PM 
  • Support the Demand for Motel Vouchers (indoor shelter) for the entire homeless population during the crisis.
  • Prepare for peaceful Direct Action to enact this health measure if City Manager Bernal, Mayor Cummings, and Chief Mills continue to Stall.
  • Look for Updates on Tuesday’s “Shitty” Council Meeting beginning at 2 PM Tuesday 3-24
  • Contact Bathrobespierre Robert for final word on whether the Wednesday HUFF meeting will be happening or postponed 3-25
  • Demand “Bad News” Bernal Order His Cops to Stand off and Allow Homeless Activists to Reopen Camp Phoenix, remain where they are without molestation (stop the sweeps!), and/or allow for self-run triage zones now that Governor Newsom has declared that area surplus space to be designated for homeless use.
  • Denounce the latest cosmetic “See, We Have Shelter” lie with the opening of the Armory–which doesn’t allow bike access and ignores the majority of 1000-2000 outside, spending ridiculous sums of money to shelter a few, while really providing protective cover to the City Council and Board of Supervisors for essentially doing nothing for the great majority and allowing Mills’ police-and-rangers to threaten campsites with seizure and arrest.
  • Contact Chief Mills at amills@cityofsantacruz.com  to demand fundamental changes such as that seized survival gear be available for reclaiming during regular business hours, not just 6 hours as week.  See https://www.indybay.org/uploads/2019/12/18/police_protest_flyer_12-18-19.pdf
  • Hold accountable City Hall NIMBY enablers at all public meetings:  Former Mayor Martine Watkins, New Mayor Justin Cummings, City Manager-for-Life Martin Bernal, His Wrecking Crew of Abuse Enablers Susie O’Hara and Megan Bunch, Police Chief Andy Mills, & City Attorney Tony Condotti  for Inciting the Ross Camp Destruction,  Subsequent Deaths, & the Friday Nov 15th Demolition of Camp Phoenix (the renewed Deseire Memorial Survival Encampment in back of Ross) with a campaign of lies to the community regarding “adequate shelter options”.
  • Remember Deseire Quintero–Killed by City Indifference, Negligence, and Malice in Closing the First Ross Camp Without Any Adequate Shelter!  Support Survival Campgrounds, Empty Building Takeovers This Winter Wherever They Happen.
  • Take peaceful action to open up buildings for Emergency Shelter as well as an end to harassment citation of folks surviving outside under “trespass on public property”, “closed area”, “public nuisance” and “blocking the sidewalk” pretexts;
  • Witness, oppose, and document police and ranger harassment using “closed areas”, “blocking the sidewalk”, “public nuisance”, “public trespass”, and “illegal lodging” to get around the Boise v. Martin “No shelter? No tickets!” decision.
  • Demand City Manager “Mangler” Martin Bernal and SCPD Police Chief  “Ambushmaster” Andy Mills account for their destruction of Camp Phoenix ignoring City Council’s required Standard Operating Procedures for closing encampments and violating their own admission that “trespass” could not be properly applied to the survival sleepers

·  Sign up at the SCHU Table at the Food Not Bombs meals to find more direct and effective ways to support the next homeless-run encampment.  Contact the Union at 831-431-7766.  Union meets 5 PM Sundays at Front & Water St.  Phone: 431-7766  DONATE SURVIVAL GEAR SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS AT FOOD NOT BOMBS

·  Document Homeless Discrimination & Sign Up for Direct Action to “Open the Bathrooms Now!” Action by contacting the SC Union, HUFF,  Conscience & Action, or the Give-A-Shit Campaign

·  Provide Direct Support to Survival Camps & Squats as City Council Ignores the Shelter Emergency; Skip the Poverty Pimp Entrepreneurs

·  Post Your Documentation of Police and Ranger “Move Along” Mischief or Pass it on to Barracuda Mama at 831-431-7766

·  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, Laundry Access so Clothes Don’t Mildew, and 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 by 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, Bay Area Landless People’s Alliance, and more on Facebook..then go out and do something!
  •   Read Updates and Post Them on Santa Cruz Indymedia at https://www.indybay.org/santa-cruz/
  •   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
  •   Hear archived shows at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .  Call in with street reports and commentary: 831-335-4844
  •   If you must, expropriate items from corporate & chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless or local businesses!

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides netcast streams tonight 3-19-20 at 6 PM at freakradio.org: Interviews at the Homeless City Center Today and Yesterday with Evictions Threatened for 10 AM Friday 3-20

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Check out the show at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .  The show’s content will be described in more detail at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/

New postings and interviews from the last few days at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html
See Plague Files 1,2, and 3.


TAKE OUR MONEY, PLEASE !   
STUDIO SITE REWARD STILL AVAILABLE !


Free Radio Santa Cruz stands ready to dole out $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!

Dated Updates on the Current Homeless Crisis

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by Robert Norse (rnorse3 [at] hotmail.com)
Thursday Mar 19th, 2020 9:26 AM
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/19/18831665.php

Some things are changing quickly. Others (sadly) not at all–such as the City’s failure to provide the most elementary sanitary services such as porapotties, washing stations, and bathrooms (many of them now shutting down). The following e-mail I sent out as a replacement for my usual Wednesday HUFF meeting yesterday. Audio updates will be posted between times at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html . Since Sunday evening March 15th , Food Not Bombs, HUFF, the Santa Cruz Homeless Union and others have supplied volunteers, food, and supplies for distribution to the community–particularly folks outside without safe reliable shelter. Hats off to Lucero Luna, Keith, Kevin, Elise, Fish, and many others who have sustained this effort.

We’ll be gathering, some of us by phone, at the Town Clock at noon today to assist the on-going survival supplies center.

Please observe 6′ separation. Gloves and masks will be available for food distribution workers.

ACTIONS, RESOURCES, & CONSIDERATIONS from a HUFFster’s perspective

*** Check at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html to hear a series of phoned-in reports from different activists and workers–which should be posted shortly and will be updated daily if possible.
*** City Manager Martin Bernal has not yet met concerns the City has closed and ordered closed places supplying toilet and hand-washing access in spite of the emergency situation and repeated calls and e-mails. Nor has the County acted to provide basic sanitary facilities for the poorest outside, though it has financial and organization resources to do so.
*** City agencies have thwarted or denied Food Not Bombs, the Depot Project, Bagels on Bikes, HUFF, and other organizations their attempts to establish such vital resources.
*** Recent shutdowns at the Library, Louden Nelson, the Metro, the publicly sponsored Bookshop Santa Cruz, closed restaurants and businesses make this situation ever more dangerous both for folks outside and the broader community.
*** No motel or hotel rooms are yet available for the 1000-2000 homeless outside who want and may need them to shelter more safely and securely in spite of government directives and financial grants.
*** The inadequate “normal” charitable activities of those working with churches, social services, etc. have been cut back or closed–many of the staff of these organizations are over 60 and particularly vulnerable to the corona virus.
*** Normal donations to those directly seeking survival money through “panhandling” have been discouraged or criminalized under the new emergency regs, enacted without public discussion or vote.
*** Public transportation options have been restricted or shut down, making access to what limited resources there are even more problematic.
*** Mayor Cummings has issued no calls for an emergency Council meeting to pass elementary measures already done in other cities like a moratorium on evictions and rents.
*** City Manager Martin Bernal & the City Council majority have a long history of resisting the expansion of basic services for the less privileged in town.
*** Supervisor Coonerty and the Board of Supervisors have declined to provide county-wide resources in an equitable and sensible fashion.
*** The health of the community depends on our community action through a direct and united response.
*** Up to now we have seen how “concerned” and “effective” local authorities have been in meeting the needs of renters and those outside.
*** Meekly following the dictates of authority in this crisis has not in the past, nor likely in the future, to be a wise, health-providing, and productive course.
*** We must confront directly, clearly, persistently, loudly and immediately to secure the basic survival needs of the community in the current crisis.
*** With washed hands and care to keep physical distance, bring food and yourselves to the noon food serving to sustain the survival effort and take the necessary future steps.

Contact Food Not Bombs (575-770-3377), HUFF (831-423-4833), or the Santa Cruz Homeless Union (831-431-7766) if unable to come for health or other reasons. (454-2200) and you wish to help.

Check http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html for recent audio interviews and reports from the street under Plague Reports.

The twice-weekly Bathrebespierre’s Broadsides show also archived at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html will feature ongoing commentary and news-ish updates Thursdays 6-8 PM and Sundays 9:30 AM to 3 PM on the stream of Free Radio Santa Cruz at freakradio.org .

http://www.huffsantacruz.org.

HUFF Meeting for Wednesday 3-18 Cancelled: HUFF members to aid Food Servers at Town Clock’s Santa Cruz Homeless Union COVID-19 Relief Center at NOON today

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Since Sunday evening March 15th , Food Not Bombs, HUFF, the Santa Cruz Homeless Union and others have supplied volunteers, food, and supplies for distribution to the community–particularly folks outside without safe reliable shelter.  Hats off to Lucero Luna, Keith, Kevin, Elise, Fish, and many others who have sustained this effort.
We’ll be gathering, some of us by phone, at the Town Clock at noon today to assist the on-going survival supplies center.
Please observe 6′ separation.  Gloves and masks will be available for food distribution workers. 

ACTIONS, RESOURCES, & CONSIDERATIONS from a HUFFster’s perspective

  • Check at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html to hear a series of phoned-in reports from different activists and workers–which should be posted shortly and will be updated daily if possible.
  •  City Manager Martin Bernal has not yet met concerns the City has closed and ordered closed places supplying toilet and hand-washing access in spite of the emergency situation and repeated calls and e-mails.   Nor has the County acted to provide basic sanitary facilities for the poorest outside, though it has financial and organization resources to do so.
  • City agencies have thwarted or denied Food Not Bombs, the Depot Project, Bagels on Bikes, HUFF, and other organizations their attempts to establish such vital resources.
  • Recent shutdowns at the Library, Louden Nelson, the Metro, the publicly sponsored Bookshop Santa Cruz, closed restaurants and businesses make this situation ever more dangerous both for folks outside and the broader community.
  • No motel or hotel rooms are yet available for the 1000-2000 homeless outside who want and may need them to shelter more safely and securely in spite of government directives and financial grants.
  • The inadequate “normal” charitable activities of those working with churches, social services, etc. have been cut back or closed–many of the staff of these organizations are over 60 and particularly vulnerable to the corona virus.
  • Normal donations to those directly seeking survival money through “panhandling” have been discouraged or criminalized under the new emergency regs, enacted without public discussion or vote.
  • Public transportation options have been restricted or shut down, making access to what limited resources there are even more problematic.
  • Mayor Cummings has issued no calls for an emergency Council meeting to pass elementary measures already done in other cities like a moratorium on evictions and rents.
  • City Manager Martin Bernal & the City Council majority have a long history of resisting the expansion of basic services for the less privileged in town.
  • Supervisor Coonerty and the Board of Supervisors have declined to provide county-wide resources in an equitable and sensible fashion.
  • The health of the community depends on our community action through a direct and united response.
  • Up to now we have seen how “concerned” and “effective” local authorities have been in meeting the needs of renters and those outside.
  • Meekly following the dictates of authority in this crisis has not in the past, nor likely in the future, to be a wise, health-providing, and productive course.
  • We must confront directly, clearly, persistently, loudly and immediately to secure the basic survival needs of the community in the current crisis.
  • With washed hands and care to keep physical distance, bring food and yourselves to the noon food serving to sustain the survival effort and take the necessary future steps.
  • Contact Food Not Bombs (575-770-3377), HUFF (831-423-4833), or the Santa Cruz Homeless Union (831-431-7766) if unable to come for health or other reasons. (454-2200) and you wish to help.

Government’s Reaction to COVID-19: Cops and Commands Not Common Sense Services

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S.C. County Issues Shelter-in-Place with No Shelter or Facilities for Those Outside by Robert Norse (rnorse3 [at] hotmail.com)
Monday Mar 16th, 2020 8:22 PM
Several hours ago the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency followed up on actions by San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties declaring much public assembly a misdemeanor. Meanwhile acting City czar Martin Bernal has declined to provide portapotties, open bathrooms, provide vacant hotel and motel rooms, or declare an eviction moratorium for folks outside and hard-pressed renters inside.


EMERGENCY ORDER WITH NO PUBLIC INPUT OR HEARING
The March 16 six-page ordered by County Health Officer Gail Newel & Assistant County Counsel S. Kelley goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday March 17th.

It can be read in full at https://www.santacruzhealth.org/Portals/7/Pdfs/Coronavirus/Shelter in Place Order March 16 2020.pdf?

The order requiring people to “self-isolate” in their residences does “exempt” homeless people (Section 2). “Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from this Section but are strongly urged to obtain shelter, and governmental and other entities are strongly urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible and to the maximum extent practicable.”


IN THE WAKE OF CITY NEGLIGENCE AND OBSTRUCTION
County, City, University, State, and Federal authorities have done nothing to expand concrete on-the-ground facilities (such as vacant buildings, unused motel and hotel rooms, even campground space). Nor have they provided the most basic sanitation services near the larger encampments, instead maintaining the closing of even some of the limited bathrooms available part-time (the Library, Louden Nelson, the city-funded Bookshop Santa Cruz’s bathroom).

Attempts by Food Not Bombs, the Depot Project, and others to secure permits to provide portapotties and hand washing stations have been actively obstructed by city authorities.


THE ORDER MAY THREATEN FOOD NOT BOMBS
The current Food Not Bombs/Union of the Homeless presence at the Town Clock is also implicitly threatened by various provisions of the “Emergency Declaration”.

For instance on p.4 under Section 10, subsection f, further subsection xiii, we read “…Food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided or at any other gathering spot.” which sounds like a perfect pretext to shut down Food Not Bombs food servings.


SUSPENSION OF THE CONSTITUTION?
On p. 2, Section 2 provides provides “All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or living unit are prohibited except as expressly permitted in Section 10.”

Section 10 does not permit, for instance, public gatherings to petition the government for redress of grievances (say, the lack of bathroom facilities and decent shelter for the hundreds outside).


WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
I suppose if you show up with your chef’s hat and gloves as a food provider, you may be able to argue an exemption to the First Amendment suspension if the sheriffs or cops show up to escort you “home”.

I encourage members of the community to demand loudly and clearly for the protection of the broader community that such facilities and shelter be made available immediately as an option for those outside. This can be done on-line, by facebook, and through twitter, of course, and should be, but there’s no substitute for physical presence.  I personally have recent health problems at an age where I’m particularly vulnerable, so I’m struggling with my own responsibility and response.   At this time I’m trying to avoid contact to slow the virus spread and protect myself and those in my household. 

Apparently endless e-mails, notes, and Council meeting pleas have no impact on Bernal, Cummings, and the other worthies who sit on piles of money (and now emergency provisions).

It falls on the community to take peaceful but forceful Direct Action to protect the health not just of those outside, but of the entire community before it’s too late.
http://www.huffsantacruz.org.
COMMENTS AND UPDATES CAN BE MADE AT https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/16/18831598.php
OR TO ME DIRECTLY AT RNORSE3@HOTMAIL.COM .