Tag Archives: Homeless

Broken Promises, Buses to Nowhere: the City Council’s Homeless Solution–the Nationwide “Homeless Bound” Scam

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NOTES BY NORSE:   “Liberal” SCPD Chief Andy Mills showed up at the Ross Encampment last week around the time “Abatement” notices were being posted, to give warnings.
            If you live in distant towns, you will be given (one-way) tickets; if you live in outside Santa Cruz City Limits, you will be forced to leave; if you live in here, you will be evicted by March 15th.  You will never be allowed to form another Ross Camp style survival encampment again.   These were his words as remembered by Mama Shannon, a long-time homeless activist and resident of Ross Camp and as reported to me last night
            Thanks to the key vote that killed a proposal to restore last year’s rent freeze and just eviction protection law, hundreds of Ross camp residents are facing loss of their lodging, belongings, privacy, and safety.  New Councilmember Justin Cummings voted with the Mathews-Watkins majority  to back a slippery City-County plan to offers phantom floor spaces and uncertain prospects of future shelter.  Why?  A cosmetic cover for the joint City-County “eliminate the eyesore” Ross Camp which prompts anxiety from nearby housed residents and tourist-seeking businesses at the Gateway Plaza.
              Cummings made an apparent promise on February 12th that the announced “abatement” might be altered at the February 26th or March 12th Council meetings if it became (even more) obvious that there was insufficient shelter to meet the needs of the Ross residents.  However he also voted for the provision that allowed for closure notices to be posted immediately and has not responded to repeated requests tostop the forced eviction until real guarantees can be provided.
              Santa Cruz also uses the deceptively-termed “Homeward Bound” as part of its one-way-trip-to-nowhere plan to lawlessly deport homeless folks, often in collusion with law enforcement authorities, social service “providers”, business interests, and courts.  This provides the charade with both humanitarian and legal cover.  Last year’s Boise v. Martin decision makes laws that enable arresting homeless folks for sleeping, resting, sitting or lying likely unconstitutional here.
              The makeshift Ross Camp Community was created largely by the unhoused themselves. This was prompted in part by the shameless reduction in even token winter shelter space.  In part by city staff betraying promises to keep open the small and cramped River St. Camp until next April (while actually closing it in October=–thank you  City Manager Martin Bernal, Susie O-Hara and Tina Shull).  And partly by the inevitable explosion of the local homeless population as rents escalate, jobs disappear, and services shrink.
               Police and rangers may have had a plan to use the camp as a concentrating device.  Numerous survival sleepers report being (illegally) driven to the camp under (false) threat of arrest and property seizure.  However, once there, saner and more compassionate heads in the community began to provide food and shelter support.  The City and County were forced by the numbers to provide minimal portapotty, trash, and needle disposal services.
                Keith McHenry of Food Not Bombs announced a nonviolent direct action campaign to establish temporary survival campgrounds in downtown parking garages  (See “This is a Homeless Emergency” at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/02/15/18821195.php )
                 Tomorrow (Tuesday February 19th) is a Special City Council meeting behind held at the Harvey West Clubhouse  326 Evergreen St. at 9 AM where there will be a brief public comment period (http://scsire.cityofsantacruz.com/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1230&doctype=AGENDA).
                   Wednesday Conscience and Action meets at 11 AM at the Sub Rosa Cafe followed by HUFF at noon to firm up strategies.  Councilmember Glover is reportedly going to be going to an open meeting that night at the Felton Community Hall  6191 Highway 9 in  Felton (6:30 – 8 PM)
                  The Guardian article below documents how widespread the homeless-dumping practice is throughout the U.S.  For more details, video, and commentary, go to https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2017/dec/20/bussed-out-america-moves-homeless-people-country-study .

2-17-19 Sunday 9:30 AM-3 PM at www.freakradio.org Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides: Current Events Carousel–Interviews with Keith McHenry, Alicia Kuhl, Dan McGuire, & Others Around the Ross Camp Crackdown

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 Free Radio Santa Cruz still offers a reward of $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  

On the show today:

  • “Katzenjammer” Keith Suggests Immediate Emergency Camping Areas for Those Facing Ross Camp “Abatement”
  • Historic “Protect the Poor” Pottinger Decision Dismantled in Miami
  • Cops Kill Another Black in Vallejo:  https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Vallejo+Shooting&t=h_&atb=v64-6&ia=news
  • “All Speed Ahead” Alicia Pushes Back Against the City Council’s “Dump the Ross Camp” Decision
  • Local Democratic Socialists Walk the Walk Out at Ross
  • “Heart on the Line” Dan McGuire on his Ross Camp Support
  • Brent Adams Says “Clear the Camp” and Do It Right.
  • Mixed Memories of “Sharin'” Sherry Conable
  • Voices Unheard at the February 12th Council Camp Close-Down
  • Rethinking the Cummings Conundrum

News Nesteggs from Santa Cruz Fulltimer Vandweller Julie & Bathrobespierre Robert:
  • Bring Signs, Blankets, and Bodies to City Council’s Open “Retreat” 2-19-19 Tuesday at Harvey West Clubhouse to Stop the Ross “Abatement”.
  • Join Campquest 2019–the Search for Survival Shelter in Empty Buildings and Parking Garages
  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, not Poverty-Pimp Posturers–Winter Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s
  • Community and City Council Take Note!–Ross Camp 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 a 2nd spot
  • Demand Immediate Council/Supervisor Support for the Hundreds of Refugees Outside in Freezing Weather
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s 24 Hour Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action, Monterey County Homeless Advocates,  and other activists in documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.
  •  Check out Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz  on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HomelessOutsideSantaCruz/ for updates.
  •   Read Updates and Post Them on Santa Cruz Indymedia at https://www.indybay.org/santa-cruz/
  •   Back up homeless efforts to organize either in protest or to demand adequate and accessible facilities.
  •   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: 831-423-4833.
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless!

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams tonight (2-14-19) at 6 PM at www.freakradio.org

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 Free Radio Santa Cruz still still offers a reward of $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
On tonight’s show:
  • Preliminary Report: Protest and 2-12 City Council Homelessness Session
  • Ross Camp Report on the Eve of the 2-12 Council Meeting
  • Drew Glover and John of the Association of Faith Communities on the Delayed Glover-Krohn proposals
  • Alicia Kuhl on the Aftermath of the 2-12 Council Carousel

In the Wake of the Council Sell-Out of the Ross Camp: Conscience & Action at 11 AM; HUFF at noon: All at the Sub Rose Wednesday February 13

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Conscience and Action meets at 11 AM; HUFF meets at noon; times are flexible.  Both meetings are open.


Agenda Suggestions for 2-13


CONSCIENCE AND ACTION ADDICTS

  • Alternatives for Organizing and Resistance to the Mass Eviction of Ross Beginning Today
  • Update and Response to the Blockaded Bathrooms Situation
  • Truth Squad Activity to Counter City Staff Lies About Available Ross Alternatives
  • Holding the Mayor Accountable for her Abusive Council Behavior Toward Council and Public
  • Wresting the $10 million from poverty pimps:  Action at the HEAP, HAP, or COC HQ.
  • Restoring rights of & safe parking for folks whose homes are on wheels: More Organizing
  • Meeting with Martin the Mangler– suspend ticketing under Sleeping Ban-type laws.
  • Emergency laundry and shower access for the broader homeless community and Ross.
  • Action targeting a real estate profiteer in conjunction with tenant organizations
  • Organizing mass support for the upcoming February 26 meeting at City Council around students, immigrants, elderly, differently-abled, and youth groups and an attempt to reverse the February 12th Demolition of the Camp Decision.

    For HUFFsters

  • The Ticket-and-Tow Racket–the Latest Chapter
  • Polling and Organizing RVsters and Vehicle Dwellers with Alicia and Cynthia
  • Update on Berkeley activists defending People’s Park against new attacks.
  • Confronting Council Crapola—sustaining and expanding restored public comment under Mayor Martine Watkins by action from the “Progressive 4”
  • Tenants in Trouble—demanding real data from the Task Farce, organizing with students, renters, elderly, disabled groups to establish mutual power and solidarity.
  • Connections and Union of the Homeless Outreach to Campers in and out of Ross
  • Homeless (Lack of) Service Center Update–Changes or More of the Same: an Examination of the latest answers from workers inside.
  • SCPD: demanding revelation of surveillance devices throughout the City, police records on use of force, selective enforcement, racial profiling.  Protests to open the property room during regular SCPD hours daily.
  • MHCAN:  A New Regime with Pleich gone as Executive Director?
  • Report from the state Union of the Homeless  and upcoming Stockton/Sacramento protests.

Protest and Evening Battle Likely at City Council -Tuesday 2-12-19

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NOTES BY NORSE:   This article by Councilmember Glover and attached commentary gives some important background on the evening session coming up at City Council for Tuesday night.  A speak-out and protest outside Council chambers will begin at 6:15 PM with food supplied by Jumbogumbo Joe Schultz of India Joze.
                 Originally, the protest was intended to focus on continued harassment by SCPD and P & R rangers harassing and citing homeless folks in public places, with some reports that folks living in their own camps were being driven to the Ross Camp.  Though the Ross Camp has been provided with some more (but still inadequate) facilities in the last month, it is still badly overcrowded and under severe pressure from raging neighbors.
                 In response, HUFF called for additional campgrounds, laundry and shower services, and the end to citations for being in a park after dark, reopening public bathrooms during the day and at night city-wide, and protecting the rights of those whose homes are their vehicles.
                 Councilmembers Glover and Krohn were rebuffed on rent control/just eviction and then by the City Manager and Mayor Watkins for not putting homelessness on the last January Council meeting.  In response, Glover mobilized his interns to propose 6 measures in consultation with homeless activists, and folks from Ross Camp and the RV community itemized in the PDF’s attached to his Indybay story  “The Fierce Urgency of Now”.
                  Glover and Krohn may have a 4-person majority on City Council not just to pass the homelessness resolutions, but also to rein in Mayor “One Minute” Martine Watkins censorship proclivities which were in full foul flower at the last Council meeting.  Speaking times were reduced to one minute, speakers were excluded, speakers were interrupted, and oral communications was crunched and contracted in her desire to “welcome” a foreign delegation from Japan.  There was little protest if any from the “Progressives” at the January meetings.
                   Unless members of the audience demand it vocally, there’s no guarantee we won’t see a repeat of this disgraceful performance on February 12th.  Folks need to come in numbers, ready to speak out, unroll sleeping bags, hold up signs, and stand their ground.
                    Note that there is no mention of rent control or just eviction, just a fig leaf proposal for yet another Task Force that will babble while tenants and their supporters get driven out of town.
                    Review Glover’s article and the attached documents.  Check also the “Flyer for 2-10-19 City Council Protest” which gives more details.
                    Come on down to City Council on Tuesday at 6:15 PM.  Form connections with folks at the Ross Campground.  Contact City Council by e-mail (citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com )or phone (831-420-5020) .  And contact HUFF at 423-4833 or rnorse3@hotmail..com to be advised of upcoming flash protests and to resist the demolition of the Ross Campground.
The Fierce Urgency of Now
by Santa Cruz City Councilmember Drew Glover
Friday Feb 8th, 2019 10:45 PM
This Wednesday I went to the “Ross Camp” with some of the interns that work with me at the Resource Center for Nonviolence to get an update on the situation and to engage people in a conversation about poverty. As we arrived we met Mel Nunez, a dedicated advocate for the poor and representative from our local faith communities. [Photo: The view of the Ross Camp from the River Street side.]
sm_ross_camp_gateway_plaza_santa_cruz.jpg
original image (1280×720)
We joined him in passing out anti-microbial “Bombas” socks, fresh apples, salad greens, spinach and water. It was almost immediately after we arrived that people began to approach us expressing their need for food, materials and clothing…
Story continues at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/02/08/18821045.php and the comments that follow.

2-10-19 Sunday 9:30 AM-3 PM at www.freakradio.org Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides: Tough Up the Trembling Hearts–City Council Protest Tuesday Feb 12 at 6:15 PM; Part 2- Santa Barbara Peter Marin’s Struggle; ACLU Awards Tenant Activist; Flashback to 10-27-96

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 Free Radio Santa Cruz still still offers a reward of $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  

On the show today:

  • Will the Progressives Fight Back against “Mincemeat” Mayor Watkins Agenda Censorship this Tuesday?
  • Part 2 of “Pushback” Peter Marin’s Santa Barbara Struggle for Rights, Dignity & Services
  • “Back ’em Up” Berger’s Address to the Assembled ACLU Elders As they Award her the Hammer of Justice Award
  • Roars of Righteousness and Rage from the Red Church Food Line

Flashback to the October 27, 1996 Show

  • Bring Signs, Blankets, and Bodies to City Council 2-12-19 Tuesday to Demand Homeless Survival not Deportation
  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, not Poverty-Pimp Posturers–Winter Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s
  • Community and City Council Take Note!–Ross Camp 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 a 2nd spot
  • Demand Immediate Council/Supervisor Support for the Hundreds of Refugees Outside in Freezing Weather
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s 24 Hour Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action, Monterey County Homeless Advocates,  and other activists in documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.
  •  Check out Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz  on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HomelessOutsideSantaCruz/ for updates.
  •   Read Updates and Post Them on Santa Cruz Indymedia at https://www.indybay.org/santa-cruz/
  •   Back up homeless efforts to organize either in protest or to demand adequate and accessible facilities.
  •   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: 831-423-4833.
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless!

Sunday 2-3-19 9:30 AM-3 PM at www.freakradio.org Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides: Councilquake Coming on 2nd Tuesday; Have a Heart for Homeless Survival on Valentine’s Day

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On the show today:

The entire show will be archived sometime Sunday at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html under Latest Show – 2/03/19

Flashback to the April 26, 2015 Show
  • Cannabis Advocates Alliance advocate Pat Malo on the successful Referendum organizing effort that turned back Board of Supervisors Cultivation prohibition 4 years ago.  Additional back-and-forth with Steve Pleich and Lighthouse Linda Lemaster
  • Phoenix, the Heavenly Harpist, strums and plucks.
  • Spring 2015 Red Church Interviews: Nancy E, Ray T.,
  • More Interviews: the fight Against the 24-Hour Homeless Camping Ban on Fern, Limekiln, and Coral Streets, Patrick’s Earlier Ross Camp Report,
  • Still More Interviews: Hutch the Lone Wolf, Friend, John Seized by 5 Cops near the Starbucks Sidewalk, Sonny and Pooch Mary Jane with Boardwalk Bust by 6 Cops, 62-year old Joe Reyes—ticketed!
  • A snatch of an interview between John Malkin and Chris Hedges.

  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, not Poverty-Pimp Posturers–Winter Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s
  • Community and City Council Take Note!–Ross Camp 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 a 2nd spot
  • Demand Immediate Council/Supervisor Support for the Hundreds of Refugees Outside in Freezing Weather
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s 24 Hour Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action, Monterey County Homeless Advocates,  and other activists in documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.
  •  Check out Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz  on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HomelessOutsideSantaCruz/ for updates.
  •   Read Updates and Post Them on Santa Cruz Indymedia at https://www.indybay.org/santa-cruz/
  •   Back up homeless efforts to organize either in protest or to demand adequate and accessible facilities.
  •   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: 831-423-4833.
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless!

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams tonight (1-31-19) at 6 PM at www.freakradio.org

Posted on by

Free Radio Santa Cruz still still offers a reward of $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
On tonight’s show:
  • Poor People’s Campaign features Tenant Activist “Rough Road” Rick, Cynthia Berger up Felton Way.
  • Red Church Renegades: Patrick, Travis, Joyful Heart, Todd J., Steve C.
  • Ross Camp Report:  “All Speed Ahead” Alicia, Bathrobespierre Robert, Ernest Rosenthal, Puddentain, The Regulator.

Sunday 1-27-19 9:30 AM-3 PM at www.freakradio.org Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides: Tips and Tidbits from Wes White, Brent Adams, Steve Pleich, Alicia Kuhl & Bathrobespierre Robert

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 On the show today:

  • More Tidbits from the Tail End of the Martin Luther King Day Confab
  • “Whip ‘Em Into Shape” Wes White Reports on Union of the Homeless’s 4-City March
  • White Officer Winston Tasers Black Alan Black to Death–and Gets Away With It.
  • Video of the Last Minutes of Alan Black’s life: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anton-black-case-calls-for-independent-investigation-of-teens-death-during-police-struggle/
  • “Act Now” Alicia Kuhl’s Updates on RV Harassment
  • “Bureaucrats Beware!” Brent Adams Reflects on the Nearby Ross Camp
  • Sips from downtown Lips: Frank Coronary and the HeartAttacks, Angela, Mathew,
  • James W. Loewen–“Lies My Teacher Told Me About Christopher Columbus”
The entire show will be archived sometime Sunday at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html under Latest Show – 1/27/19

Check-It-Out Chatter and Chidings from Santa Cruz Vandweller Julie (Check her out on facebook at RV Fulltimers)

  • Donate to Existing Homeless Encampments, not Poverty-Pimp Posturers–Winter Survival Demands Blankets, Water, Tarps, Portapotties & Trash Pick-Up’s
  • Community and City Council Take Note!–Ross Camp 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 a 2nd spot
  • Demand Immediate Council/Supervisor Support for the Hundreds of Refugees Outside in Freezing Weather
  • Support Food Not Bombs,  the Warming Center’s 24 Hour Storage Program, HUFF, Conscience and Action, Monterey County Homeless Advocates,  and other activists in documenting, providing resources, & publicizing the situation.
  •  Check out Homeless Outside in Santa Cruz  on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HomelessOutsideSantaCruz/ for updates.
  •   Read Updates and Post Them on Santa Cruz Indymedia at https://www.indybay.org/santa-cruz/
  •   Back up homeless efforts to organize either in protest or to demand adequate and accessible facilities.
  •   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: 831-423-4833.
  •   If you must, expropriate items from chain stores.  Don’t steal from vulnerable fellow homeless!

Bathrobespiere’s Broadsides radio show streams tonight (1-24-19) at 6 PM at www.freakradio.org

Posted on by

 Free Radio Santa Cruz still still offers a reward of $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).  Help us so we can help you!


Tonight’s show streams at freakradio.org and archives at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html
On tonight’s show:
  • “Minicemeat” Martine Watkins Cuts Down Oral Communication to 1 Minute, cuts off speakers short of the 30 minute time, and excludes speakers from Public Comment on the Just Eviction Law: a “Progressive” City Council in Action?
  • Martin Luther King Day Capers–Chief Mills leads a parade of self-congratulating liberals ignoring local issues of racism, homeless harassment, and police abuse
  • Bits and Pieces from Here and There–Tune in and Find out!