Monthly Archives: October 2022

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 10-30-22 streams at freakradio.org 9:30 AM-3 PM and will archive at huffsantacruz.org at 9:30 AM Benchlands Interviews aplenty Flashback to November 20, 2005

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On today’s 10-30-22  show:

  • Deconstructing Mayor Brunner’s “report” to City Council [10-25]  on the City-County Two-by-Two Committee as she covers inaction with generalities and pretty hopes.
  • [10-23]  Long-timer Billy Joe Lowry compares earlier times at the Benchlands with now,  critiques the “alternate shelter” at the Armory & Overlook
  • [10-25]  Teena—a nurse’s quick sad observations;
  • [10-25]  Dreamcatcher interviewed on the Footbridge by the UCSC video crew and me; Rita bringing her UCSC crew to document her outrage;  Law student Rebecca joins Rita’s anger.
  • [10-29] “Red” on grim times (deaths, overdoses, rapes, thefts) from her personal experience in the Benchlands and ill treatment at the Armory.
  • [10-29]  ChoosenKnine raps on Benchlands bullshit; Monica living outside but visiting the Benchlands
  • [10-29]  Dreamcatcher’s “beat the bulldozers” moving plans to beat the 11-1 demolition, thoughts on Benchlands couples, and more
  • [10-29]  Kazoo on his early departure from the Benchlands; Justin’s caustic spotlight on SCPD abusers and kind words for Bathrobespierre.

Flashback to 11-20-05  show

  • Food festival folks reportedly gathering Hurricane Katrina funds
  • Poet Duck from Sacramento, Mikey Rat on squatting in Santa Cruz, Sienna from S.F. a UCSC psych student on yuppie prejudice.
  • Co-Host Anita Henri reports on the new Greenway medical marijuana dispensary
  • Musical interlude: “Children in a Cage” from Morgan Firestar’s No String Attached
  • Leprechaun David on Potter’s Hand  meals at Vet’s Hall
  • Michale Jean Sullivan plays Uncle Ray in the Mime Troupe’s Doing Good–Interview
  • A few verses of the HUFF song “Downtown” with S.C. Homeless lyrics
  • Henri on S.C. Public Works Department’s smearing of homeless recyclers as Scavengers.
  • “Scope it Out” Scott Graham on the Redemption Center Closing
  • Brief bits on the Metro Strike, a critique of SEIU leadership by Tim O’Hearn

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides Show 10-27-22 will stream and archive shortly after 6 PM today. Flashback to January 10, 2008

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As usual, the show will archive at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html, and will play on the net at www.freakradio.org . 

Brief written descriptions of many of these shows (so you know what you are getting into) are posted at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/.  

Your friends can also sign up to receive advance notice of the content of the twice-weekly shows by e-mailing rnorse3@hotmail.com and asking to be put on the HUFF e-mail list.


On today’s 1-10-08 Flashback:

  • Poetry from legendary Berkeley street poet Julia Vinograd
  • New Year’s Eve Report from Pacific Avenue: Aquarius—ticketed for Sleepcrime in a Parking Garage, Swami. J.R.
  • Bathrobespierre Robert  and Fresno activist/journalist Mike Rhodes interview Nesh at the UCSC treesit
  • Phone call discussion of nanotechnology weaponry, LBam  spraying—it’s impact on the homeless.
  • “Supportive criticism” of indybay.org/santacruz censorship
  • New Years Eve Copwatch continues
  • Lawrence MacGregor (“Blue”) on cops invading his tent for drug bust.
  • “Mr. TV” discusses a potential lawsuit
  • SCPD’s refusal to provide legally required documents—offended by an visible audio recorder.
  • https://www.counterpunch.org/2008/01/09/inside-the-martial-law-act-of-2006/

HUFF meets today (Thursday 10-27) Sub Rosa Courtyard next to the Bike Church 703 Pacific 10:45 AM-12:30 p.m. Post-Benchlands–Correcting the Narrative

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Lots of info and chatter: free coffee, cookies, and carrots as we cook up a counter-narrative and answers to the City’s lies about shelter/housing availability.   Focus on homeless accounts, civil liberties, and resistance through exposure.  Bring your own ideas and items. 

HUFF Meeting  10-27-22 

Agenda Prospects:

  ++++  Time keeper; Pass-arounds aplenty; street reports  

  ++++  Benchlands Bulldozing Report: Phase 7 on 10-25 and Phase 8 upcoming   

  ++++  Armory Conditions and Concerns: Watcher wanted!

  ++++  Organzing against Demolition: lawsuit, lobbying, protest, and organizational strategies to resist future sweeps: dividing up the sign-up lists.

   ++++  HUFF at UCSC organizing—and report from the video journalists

   ++++  Strategies for Fighting Likely Future Post-Benchland Demolitions (Loudmouth Tactics, Self-Starter Legal Options, Contact & Follow-Up, Community Support Gathering, Narrative Corrections Publicly) 

   ++++  Last City Council Report—if anyone went or watched.

   ++++  Monitoring Homeless Violence & Info Posting Board at FNB: Volunteer?

    ++++  Felton Follies against the groundsleepers; service cutbacks there—a report

   ++++  City Mangler’s Quarterly Report (from 10-25 Council Meeting)   https://ecm.cityofsantacruz.com/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewDocument/CMFYI%20262%20-%20QUARTERLY%20GRANT%20REPORT%20-%20FISCAL%20YEAR%202022%20AS%20OF%20JUNE%2030%2C%202.pdf?meetingId=1981&documentType=Agenda&itemId=26904&publishId=37881&isSection=false

Part 1:  https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/FRSC%2010-13-22.mp3 (58 minutes into the file)

Part 2:  https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/1%20FRSC%2010-16-22.mp3 (30 minutes into the file)

   ++++  Eyes to check out Santa Cruz new Overlook RV Camp and state of RV security after OVO defeat at Coastal Commission:   Watcher? 

   ++++  St Louis judge rules against free food distribution:

https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/redlich-st-louis-ruling-ca8.pdf

https://www.courthousenews.com/panel-rules-against-church-leaders-who-gave-bologna-sandwiches-to-homeless/

   ++++  New Footbridge Services Update: Report on FRSC at HUFF archives: https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/1%20FRSC%2010-23-22.mp3 (69 minutes into the audio file)

      ++++  Possible Homeless Reports from Sausalito, Sacramento, and elsewhere  

    ++++  Possible Mad Power Committee Report (if any)Conservatorship threats, out-of-county deportation, Reiss protections; Carvalho update, Prepping for the C.A.R.E. courts and the current crushing of crazies.  If our weary researchers have researched

    ++++  Homeless Expenditures—State & City  Watcher?

              November issues of Street Spirit and Street Sheet will be available at the UN Association at 903 Pacific Ave.as well as at the Sub Rosa Cafe next to the Bike Church or by contacting HUFF at 831-423-4833.

Correcting the Story: San Lorenzo Benchlands Demolition to begin 9 AM on Tuesday 10-25

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Contrary to what was posted in Jessica York’s recent Sentinel Story, the time of the Tuesday October 25th demolition of the next–to-the-last segment of the San Lorenzo Benchlands Survival Camp will be at 9 AM not at noon. In a story posted October 20th on the Sentinel’s website at https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2022/10/19/santa-cruz-may-complete-homeless-camp-closure-by-early-november/ ,

Jessica York wrote “After Tuesday’s closure, just two encampment “zones” remain, city Homelessness Response Manager Larry Imwalle said Wednesday. Another estimated 22 occupants of the next Zone 6 also were given notice of closure, set for noon on Oct. 25. At the current rate of one zone closure a week, Santa Cruz’s phased camp closure strategy may be complete as early as the first week in November.”

However the City’s “Benchlands Restoration Project Updates” dated October 20th states:
“A planned, phased closure of San Lorenzo Park Benchlands is underway for restoration. The Benchlands will be closed in segments, and affected people will receive outreach support prior to the closure of each segment. Below is an update on what services are ongoing during the closure process and what can be expected in the coming weeks.”

“UPDATES
+++ On Tuesday October 25 at 9:00 AM, the area between the City’s two fence lines, south of the pedestrian bridge will be closed.
+++ The City aims to post notifications for closures one week in advance of the closure date.”
….
ONGOING SERVICES
+++ The City aims to offer each person residing at the Benchlands an alternative sheltering option., The City currently has shelter capacity at the City Overlook at the Armory.”

————————————————
COMMENTARY BY NORSE
Missing from the Updates is any reiteration of City Manager Matt Huffaker’s commitment to the public and City Council that demolition work would pause if the City does not have accessible and adequate shelter. At no time have the bulldozers and police with boltcutters snapping tent poles and tearing down emergency shelters stopped.

Nor is the City storing property such as usable tents, canopies, lean-to’s, and other survival gear—some of it reportedly donated by the community in the absence of City and County action.

Storage of seized property is required by state law for at least 60 days if not longer.

The City has never had shelter for the total number of people living in the Benchlands, as required by the Martin v. Boise federal case. Nor is the Overlook actual indoors shelter as required.

If the City’s postings on the portapotties adjoining the campground are to be believed, the deadline is three hours earlier at 9 A.M. on Tuesday October 25th.

In the past (December 2020), the City’s attempt to drive away the homeless from San Lorenzo Park was countered by Direct Resistance from housed residents and a subsequent Injunction which created the Benchlands campground for next year and a half.

Some activists are gathering names for a potential action to recover damages and stop the next sweep. City-wide repression is likely to come as the City moves to enforce its new Sleeping Ban (the CSSO–Camping and Services Ordinance). With the Benchlands forcibly bulldozed and fenced off, scores if not hundreds will move to the parks, the pogonip, the neighborhoods, and the downtown area.

Contact HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) if you wish to support this effort at 831-423-4833. For more information: http://www.huffsantacruz.org

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 10-23-22 streams at freakradio.org and will archive shortly after at huffsantacruz.org 9:30 AM-3 PM Benchlands Brutality Noon Tuesday 10-25; Brent Adams Interview Flashback to December 7, 2008

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On today’s 10-23 show:

  • Day Before the November 18th Benchlands Demolition: David and Cloud Report No Notices and Police Cutting Tent Poles Early
  • “Backstory” Brent Adams on the Closing of Footbridge Services
  • Badnews briefs from Counterpunch’s Jeffrey St. Clair: https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/10/21/roaming-charges-duck-soup-vincent/
  • “Scope it Out” Scott Graham on City Mangler Matt Huffaker’s Quarterly

On the 12-7-08 Flashback: 

  • Bathrobespierre and Terrible Thomas soon joined by Shadow Mayor Rotkin discuss UCSC free speech repression, homeless Sleeping Ban persecution, street performer repression & other issues.
  • Copwatch Chowdown UN Human Rights Declaration 60th Anniversary SleepOut on the sidewalk in front of what is now Forever Twenty-One
  • Needle exchange/HIV prevention activist Penelope Jernberg in-studio guest
  • Rotkin fields criticisms of tasering those in restraints, no executive salary cuts for higher officials, over-policing downtown, heckler vetos against street singers, Metro Center repression, etc.
  • More on the 12-6 Copwatch Chowdown
  • Call-in’s from  Germany’s Nick “Windswept” and downtown worker Beth
  • City Council news and blues: critique of new Councilmember Madrigal
  • Coral Brune Cruzmos—sleepban protester, Free Radio broadcaster, video documenter, and food provier on the SleepOut.
  • Bill, artist and sleepcriminal, speaks from the SleepOut

Interested in helping scout out a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order] such as saved the San Lorenzo Survival Encampments in December 2020?   Call HUFF  at 831-423-4833.  A distant hope but not completely out of reach.

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides Show 10-20-22 will stream and archive shortly after 6 PM today. Featured: Voices from the SEIU Strike; Awaiting Devastation in the Benchlands, Cooper’s Daycamp on the Sidewalk

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As usual, the show will archive at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html, and will play on the net at www.freakradio.org . 

Brief written descriptions of many of these shows (so you know what you are getting into) are or will shortly be posted at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/.  

Your friends can also sign up to receive advance notice of the content of the twice-weekly shows by e-mailing rnorse3@hotmail.com and asking to be put on the HUFF e-mail list.


On today’s 10-20-22 show:

  • SEIU Strike–Day One 10-17–What was the original deal and why was it rejected.  A brief chat with SEIU’s Victor.
  • Unionist Joe Thompson on the Starbucks Organizing
  • Ian Newman, Communications Specialist, elaborates
  • Jaya, street jeweler, on the Benchlands and the broader Santa Cruz street scene
  • Joy Schendeldecker, activist and mayoral contender
  • 10-17 Richard, former homeless good samaritan,  delivering help to the Benchlands
  • Daniel Belgard & Gary: Footpath Moments
  • Jack, Benchlands refugee, reports on the cop carousel spinning him back and forth from here to Texas.
  • Clearheart Cooper on life near the Town Clock

HUFF meet Thursday 10-20 Sub Rosa Courtyard next to the Bike Church 703 Pacific 10:45 AM-12:30 p.m. More Benchlands Demolitions on the way

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Lots of info and chatter: free coffee, cookies, and carrots as we cook up a counter-narrative and answers to the City’s lies about shelter/housing availability.   Focus on homeless accounts, civil liberties, and resistance through exposure.  Bring your own ideas and items. 

HUFF Meeting  10-20-22 

Agenda Prospects

  ++++  Time keeper; Pass-arounds aplenty; street reports  

  ++++  Benchlands Bulldozing Report on the Destructive 11th   

  ++++  Armory Conditions and Concerns: Adriaane Knox perhaps

   ++++  Phonebanking; Homeless & Refugee Lawsuit Prep;  Connection Project 

   ++++  Strategies for Fighting Likely Future Encampment Demolitions (Loudmouth Tactics, Self-Starter Legal Options, Contact & Follow-Up, Community Support Gathering, Narrative Corrections Publicly) 

   ++++  Sheriff Psuedo-Accountability Proposal; Stupevipers Last Meeting Report

   ++++  Monitoring Homeless Violence & Info Posting Board at FNB: Volunteer?

   ++++  Legal Cases Updates Grants Pass, S.F., Chico Volunteer?

   ++++  Next S.C. Shitty Council Meeting:

   ++++  Latest City Mangler Report (from 10-11 Council Meeting)  

Part 1:  https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/FRSC%2010-13-22.mp3 (58 minutes into the file)

Part 2:  https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/1%20FRSC%2010-16-22.mp3 (30 minutes into the file)

   ++++  Eyes to check out Santa Cruz new De La Viega RV Camp:   Watcher? 

   ++++  Oakland’s Wood Street (Cob-on-Wood) still being dismantled:  http://www.woodstreetcommons.com/ 

   ++++  New Footbridge Services Update: Report on FRSC at https://www1.huffsantacruz.org/lost/FRSC%2010-20-22.mp3  after 6 p.m. 10-20

      ++++  Possible Reports from Sausalito, Sacramento, and elsewhere  

    ++++  Possible Mad Power Committee Report (if any)Conservatorship threats, out-of-county deportation, Reiss protections; Carvalho update, Prepping for the C.A.R.E. courts and the current crushing of crazies.  If our weary researchers have researched

    ++++  Homeless Expenditures—State & City  Watcher? 

    ++++  Shelter Vacancies & Conditions Watcher? 

    ++++  NIMBYs:  https://www.facebook.com/Santa-Cruz-CA-Keepin-It-Real-2162553480648277/  Watcher? 

              October issues of Street Spirit are still available at the UN Association at 903 Pacific Ave.  October Street Sheets won’t be available likely until next month. 

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 10-16-22 streams at freakradio.org and will archive shortly after at huffsantacruz.org 9:30 AM-3 PM More Demolishing on 10-18; Phase 5.2 Crushing coming 9 a.m. Tuesday 10-18 Flashback to November 1, 1998

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On today’s 10-16 show:

  • https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/10/12/another-day-at-peoples-park/
  • City Mangler Huffaker’s substitutes field praises, duck questions from a compliant City Council on the Benchlands Destruction
  • Katzenjammer Keith of FNB surveys a busy weekend
  • [10-10 or so] Abbi gives a positive report on her continuing Armory stay.
  • [10-11] Benchlands Demolition observers Sea Otter and others comment
  • [10-11] Caveman signs up for prospective lawsuit stopping future sweeps and says no to Armory homeless shelter restrictions and policies.
  • (10-11) Mike S., Ross camp lawsuit veteran on the current destruction.
  • [10-13) Lookout  forum of Santa Cruz Mayoral Candidates: Joy Schindeldecker vs. Fred Keeley.

On the 11-1-98 Flashback: 

  • Bathrobespierre endorses 3 candidates for 1998 Council election
  • Peter McWilliams, Medical Marijuana user and Federal target, released from custody on conspiracy charge.
  • Lengthy interview with John Malkin, writer, police review activist, and former Santa Cruz Citizens Police Review Board member tells all.
  • Mama Indy, roaming gypsy and mom, describes police abuses in Garberville and elsewhere on the road.
  • Jolly Rogers Comedy Troupe Satire–“Corporate Car Race”
  • Skidmark Bob’s local Copwatching Halloween report
  • Bathrobespierre’s flyer: “Dial 911 to report Hackeysackers on Pacific”
  • “Hot Rod”, aka John Rapaport on his vehicle seizure by Officer Seiley
  • Kelly and others on the mass hackeysacking ticket on Pacific.

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides Show 10-13-22 will stream and archive shortly after 6 PM today. Featured: Attorney Russell Brown on the Santa Barbara homeless lawsuit; City Mangler’s Report

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As usual, the show will archive at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html, and will play on the net at www.freakradio.org . 

Brief written descriptions of many of these shows (so you know what you are getting into) are or will shortly be posted at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/.  

Your friends can also sign up to receive advance notice of the content of the twice-weekly shows by e-mailing rnorse3@hotmail.com and asking to be put on the HUFF e-mail list.


On today’s 10-13-22 show:

  • Santa Barbara civil rights attorney Russell Brown on the City’s attack on homeless RV dwellers and the ongoing lawsuit.
  • Part one of Assistant City Manager Laura Schmidt’s “Progress Report” on the latest destruction (Phase 5) in the Benchlands

Saturday Noon 10-15 “Say No to Nukes” Rally Town Clock Pacific and Water Streets

HUFF meets tomorrow (Thursday 10-13) Sub Rosa Courtyard next to the Bike Church 703 Pacific 10:45 AM-12:45 p.m. 6th Benchlands Demolition Deadline 9 a.m. Tuesday 10-18 (date uncertain)

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Gather round the gab circle; consume coffee, cookies, and carrots as we cook up a counter-narrative to the City’s fables about its “helpful homeless policies.”   Focus on civil liberties and strategies of resistance.  Bring your own ideas and items. 

HUFF Meeting  10-13-22 

Agenda Prospects

  ++++  Time keeper; Pass-arounds aplenty; street reports  

  ++++  Benchlands Bulldozing #5 Report; Resistance Meeting Report     

  ++++  Armory Conditions and Concerns: Adriaane Knox 

   ++++  Volunteers for Phonebanking Homeless & Refugee Lawsuit  Prep Connection Project 

   ++++  Strategies for Fighting Likely Future Encampment Demolitions (Loudmouth Tactics, Self-Starter Legal Options, Contact & Follow-Up, Community Support Gathering, Narrative Corrections Publicly) 

   ++++  Superdupester’s 10-18 meeting 9 AM on sheriff review 

   ++++  Monitoring Homeless Violence Posting Board at FNB 

   ++++  Status of Legal Cases Defending Homeless Encampments: Grants Pass, S.F., Chico. 

   ++++  Last Shitty Council Meeting: City Mangler Report 

   ++++  Eyes to check out Santa Cruz new Outlook RV Camp:   Watcher? 

   ++++  Oakland’s Wood Street (Cob-on-Wood) still being dismantled:  http://www.woodstreetcommons.com/ 

   ++++  New Footbridge Services Update? Watcher? 

   ++++  Serf City Times: Check It Out for Surprisingly Positive Homeless content:  https://serf-city-times.constantcontactsites.com 

      ++++  Possible Reports from Sausalito, Sacramento, and elsewhere  

    ++++  Mad Power Committee Report (if any)Conservatorship threats, out-of-county deportation, Reiss protections; Carvalho update, Prepping for the C.A.R.E. courts and the current crushing of crazies.  If our pooped researchers have done anything. 

    ++++  Homeless Expenditures—State & City  Watcher? 

    ++++  Shelter Vacancies  Watcher? 

    ++++  NIMBYs:  https://www.facebook.com/Santa-Cruz-CA-Keepin-It-Real-2162553480648277/  Watcher? 

    ++++  Armory Conditions and Concerns: Adriaane Knox—Volunteer to Connect 

              October issues of Street Spirit are NOW available at the UN Association at 903 Pacific Ave.  October Street Sheets won’t be available likely until next month.