UPDATED Nomination Slate For Redwood ACLU Board Of Directors

(NOTE: The Board of Directors, by unanimous vote on December 16, added three candidates to the original slate of full-term Director candidates approved by a unanimous vote of the Board on November 18. ACLU members may further petition the Board until January 12, 2009 to be included on a slate of one-year term Director candidates.)

Annual Election held on January 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in Eureka

Current Redwood ACLU Boardmembers Minerva Williams, Greg Allen and Charles Douglas are midway through their two-year terms on the Board of Directors, and are thus not subject to this election.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AT LARGE SEATS
- two year terms -
CHOICE VOTE FOR 8

Peter Martin (incumbent)

Jack Munsee (incumbent)

Roger Herick (incumbent)

Bill Henneberry (incumbent)

Christina Allbright (incumbent)

Cathy Dryfuss

Stephen Davies (incumbent)

Steve Bridenbaugh

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AT LARGE SEATS
- one year terms -
CHOICE VOTE FOR 4


_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

By submitting a letter to the Board (with 5 signatures of ACLU members) at least 15 days before the Annual Meeting, a Redwood Chapter member may petition the Board to be included as a candidate on the ballot. Members may make additional nominations from the floor at the time of the election to run as valid write-in candidates.

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday Dec 16th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, December 16th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; labeling and distribution of the next Chapter Newsletter; an update on the investigation into the election irregularities at HSU; review of election reform efforts including the upcoming election reform forum; finalizing our Patriot Award winner and plans for our Annual Meeting; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Letter Regarding Sectarian Prayer At Eureka City Council Meetings

Redwood ACLU
PO Box 292
Eureka, CA 95502

November 25, 2008

Mayor Virginia Bass
Eureka City Council
531 K Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Dear Madam Mayor:

It has come to our attention that at the August 19th meeting of the Eureka City Council Pastor Rick McRostie of the First Covenant Church delivered a Christian prayer which was definitely sectarian. Since then, it is our understanding that other City Council Meetings have included a prayer. In Marsh v Chambers the US Supreme court ruled that if a legislative body chooses to open its meetings with a prayer, such prayer must not be "exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief". The prayers before the legislature that were upheld in the Marsh case were non-sectarian, in other words, the prayers were not specific to any particular religion.

We would appreciate it if you would inform us as to what measures will be used to ensure that in future meetings prayers if used are non-sectarian. This issue was litigated against the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina after the Board refused to take the advice of their own attorney to ensure that future invocations were non-sectarian. The Board lost this case and was enjoined to ensure that all future invocations are to be non-sectarian.

We would be glad to consult with you as to how to uphold your oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Sincerely,

Christina Allbright
Chair, Redwood ACLU

:cja
cc: Councilmember Larry Glass
Councilmember Mike Jones
Councilmember Jeff Leonard
Councilmember Linda Atkins
Councilmember Frank Jager
City Attorney Sheryl Schaffner

Outreach Committee Meets Tues Dec 9th Noon

All ACLU members in good standing are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Outreach Committee of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU.

We're meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at Noon at our office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q in Old Town Eureka.

The Outreach Committee, as the name suggests, is dedicated to enhancing the outreach of the local ACLU in diverse communities, especially the ongoing tabling program to sign up new members and get the word out on local issues and initiatives like police review, election reform, illegal surveillance and more. Outreach also concerns the chapter newsletter (which is mailed to all local ACLU members), coalition-building work with other like minded individuals and groups, and social networking events such as the Arts Alive! events held last year.

The Outreach Committee is also looking to work with a prospective new intern to phone bank our 800+ local ACLU members and get a weekly tabling campaign going at local stores and farmers' markets. We're looking for other good ideas too from members like you, so show up, speak up and get involved!

If you're unable to make the meeting, please leave your suggestions on our hotline at 442-4419 or e-mail redwoodaclu@hotmail.com .

Nomination Slate For Redwood ACLU Board Of Directors

Annual Election held on January 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in Eureka

Current Redwood ACLU Boardmembers Minerva Williams, Greg Allen and Charles Douglas are midway through their two-year terms on the Board of Directors, and are thus not subject to this election.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AT LARGE SEATS
- two year terms -
VOTE FOR 8

Peter Martin (incumbent)

Jack Munsee (incumbent)

Roger Herick (incumbent)

Christina Allbright (incumbent)

Stephen Davies (incumbent)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AT LARGE SEATS
- one year terms -
VOTE FOR 4


_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

_________________________
(write-in name of Redwood ACLU member)

By submitting a letter to the Board (with 5 signatures of ACLU members) at least 15 days before the Annual Meeting, a Redwood Chapter member may petition the Board to be included as a candidate on the ballot. Members may make additional nominations from the floor at the time of the election to run as valid write-in candidates.

Redwood ACLU Thanks Humboldt County Supervisors For Conceding Unconstitutionality Of Measure T

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Redwood ACLU Thanks Humboldt County Supervisors
For Conceding Unconstitutionality Of Measure T

At the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, American Civil Liberties Union, local civil rights leaders thanked the entire Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for voting to settle the lawsuit against Measure T, admitting its unconstitutionality on the grounds of First Amendment protections for free speech and Fourteenth Amendment grounds of equal protection.

“The ACLU has constantly attempted to extend all constitutional safeguards to all persons,” said Redwood ACLU vice chair Greg Allen. “Measure T on its face sought to limit speech and was clearly an attempt to limit constitutional rights to some persons. We’re glad that the Board of Supervisors realized that Measure T litigation was un-winnable and expensive and we’re pleased that the Board responsibly decided to cut huge losses to the county at a relatively early stage of the proceedings.”

Allen went on to defend the duty of Supervisors to face reality in terms of what a protracted set of appeals would cost local taxpayers.

“With any organization of any kind, be it public or private, there is a requirement that the board exercise ordinary prudence in all transactions, and it’s apparent that the Board of Supervisors has made a decision on the advice of counsel,” he said. “It is further clear that counsel in this litigation did not believe the county could prevail. Congratulations to the Board of Supervisors for being prudent and responsible.”

Allen represented the Redwood ACLU at a Town Hall Meeting held by Eureka Councilmember Jeff Leonard at the Wharfinger Building last week, where election reforms which could survive constitutional muster were considered. Local civil rights leaders are planning an election reform forum just after the new year where a diverse panel of local activists, attorneys and government officials will discuss various means of improving local elections, including but not limited to campaign contribution caps, instant run-off voting and the reform of district elections for local offices.

“We’re not only interested in opposing ill-fated campaign finance measures, but in fostering healthy and open dialogue on what kind of reforms can actually work and can actually bring together our community instead of dividing it,” Redwood ACLU chair Christina Allbright said. “We look forward to building bridges and moving past the failed legacy of Measure T towards lasting reforms which enhance voter rights instead of taking them away.”

For more information, call the ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419 or visit redwoodaclu.blogspot.com.

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Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday Nov 18th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, November 18th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; review of the latest developments in the court case against Measure T; labeling and distribution of the next Chapter Newsletter; an update on the investigation into the election irregularities at HSU; review of election reform efforts including the lawsuit against Measure T; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Redwood ACLU On Measure T: KMUD News

Redwood Chapter, ACLU vice chair Greg Allen discusses the American Civil Liberties Union's support of a lawsuit to strike down Measure T as an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.

The interview was conducted by Redwood Community Radio (KMUD) news director Cynthia Elkins the day after a restraining order was not granted against Measure T as filed by two Humboldt County-based firms who wished to contribute to a local campaign.

While the restraining order was not granted, the enforcement of Measure T was halted by an injunction granted by the Federal District Court in San Francisco the following week.

Greg Allen discusses the legal problems associated by Measure T, which were a result of being poorly drafted in the first place by its proponents from Democracy Unlimited and their political committee, the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights.

Greg Allen also points out the absurdity of attempting to challenge the state law concerning corporate personhood as a legal construct by passing a purely local ordinance, and describes the tactics undertaken by Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap and others from the pro-Measure T campaign to attack critics and stifle dissent.

PRESS RELEASE: Redwood ACLU To Hold Civil Liberties Debate For Arcata City Council Candidates

The Redwood Chapter, ACLU is returning to its tradition of hosting well-fought and open debates between candidates for local office, as it has in the past for candidates contesting seats on the Arcata City Council and the Northern Humboldt Union High School District.



For the second time, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will include the Arcata City Council contests in a debate on local civil liberties issues as well as on other community concerns. The event will be held on Monday, October 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the D Street Neighborhood Center in Arcata.



The debate format is to start off with a few questions concerning the issues the Redwood Chapter advocates for in the community, followed by questions solicited via notecard from members of the public in the audience. There will be time for rebuttals between candidates in order to foster a vigorous debate, although we also ensure equal time for all the candidates to speak their peace.



The debate is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so community members with questions are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

PRESS RELEASE: Redwood ACLU To Hold Civil Liberties Debate For Eureka City Council Candidates

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release



Redwood ACLU To Hold Civil Liberties Debate
For Eureka City Council Candidates



The Redwood Chapter, ACLU is returning to its tradition of hosting well-fought and open debates between candidates for local office, as it has in the past for candidates contesting seats on the Arcata City Council and the Northern Humboldt Union High School District.



For the first time, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will include the Eureka City Council contests in a debate on local civil liberties issues as well as on other community concerns. The event will be held on Monday, September 29th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Humboldt Bay Water Building, located at 7th and J St. In Eureka.



A “meet and greet” with the invited candidates (Polly Endert, Linda Atkins, Frank Jager, George Clark) will be held just beforehand at 6:00 p.m., where the candidates and other community groups are invited to table with their literature and other materials of civic interest.



“As an organization that always refrains from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, we are in a unique position to provide common ground for dialogue and discussion,” said Redwood ACLU chair Christina Allbright in a letter to the candidates.



The debate format is to start off with a few questions concerning the issues the Redwood Chapter advocates for in the community, followed by questions solicited via notecard from members of the public in the audience. There will be time for rebuttals between candidates in order to foster a vigorous debate, although we also ensure equal time for all the candidates to speak their peace.



The debate is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so community members with questions are strongly encouraged to arrive early.



For more information, call the new ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419 or visit redwoodaclu.blogspot.com.



-- 40 --

PRESS RELEASE: Redwood ACLU Calls For Support Of Lawsuit Against Measure T

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Redwood ACLU Calls For Support
Of Lawsuit Against Measure T

At the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, American Civil Liberties Union, local civil rights leaders made a formal request for legal aid in support of the lawsuit filed by local businesses seeking to overturn the unconstitutional Measure T. The Redwood ACLU had already taken a position against Measure T on First Amendment grounds of freedom of speech in their Local Election Reform policy approved some time ago.

The case against Humboldt County’s enforcement of Measure T is currently in front of the Federal District Court of Northern California in San Francisco, and although an attempted Temporary Restraining Order against Measure T was not granted today, a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22.

“This judicial review is already engendering some bizarre and intemperate reactions from the proponents of Measure T, who have sent out letters to every candidate in local elections this fall seeking to compel them to conform to Measure T whether it meets constitutional muster or not,” stated Redwood ACLU chair Christina Allbright in a letter to the Chair of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Northern California. “The silence of our local legal community and civil activists on this matter thus far has been deafening, despite the clear and obvious constitutional flaws contained in the measure...We cannot overstate the grave peril we perceive our free speech rights in local elections to be in.”

The letters in question, sent out by the pro-Measure T political committee initiated by Democracy Unlimited and known as the “Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights,” was signed by Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap and sent to local candidates, even including her opponent in Eureka’s race for Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. The letter likened opponents of their campaign finance-related ballot measure to those who supported slavery and oppose women’s suffrage and the labor movement.

“The proponents of Measure T and especially the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights by their Co-Chair Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, are renewing the same tactics used in the 2006 election to stifle any dissent regarding the constitutionality of Measure T,” said Redwood ACLU vice chair Greg Allen. “An examination of statements made by Sopoci-Belknap at the Democracy Unlimited website again attacks those with differing legal opinions. This policy has been continued by the HCCR in a letter signed by Sopoci-Belknap, herself a candidate for public office, to direct all candidates for public office in Humboldt County, including her own opponent, to support Measure T even if it is held unconstitutional by the district court.”

In the interests of disclosure, Sopoci-Belknap’s opponent in her Water Board race is Stephen Davies, a local attorney who is on the Board of the local Redwood Chapter ACLU as well as on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. Davies abstained from voting on the stance taken today due to his current status as a candidate for public office, and the ACLU remains neutral in regards to his campaign (in accordance with standing ACLU policy against supporting or opposing candidates for public office).

A response from the ACLU-NC on the question of an amicus brief is expected later this week. The Redwood Chapter of the ACLU is also considering the co-sponsorship of a forum on local election reform, both concerning the failure of Measure T and hopes for more constructive reform efforts, to be held after the upcoming general election in November.

For more information, call the new ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419 or visit redwoodaclu.blogspot.com.

-- 40 --

Relevant links:
http://redwoodaclu.blogspot.com
http://community.pacificlegal.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=685&srcid=685
http://duhc.org/PLF-Measure%20TComplaint.pdf
http://duhc.org/MeasureTlawsuitPR8-29-08.html

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday Sept 16th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, September 16th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; labeling and distribution of the next Chapter Newsletter; an update on the Arcata police review campaign and efforts on behalf of civilian review for other local law enforcement agencies; review of election reform efforts including the lawsuit against Measure T; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Redwood ACLU Nominating Committee Meeting Fri Aug 29 Noon

The Nominating Committee of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet on Friday, August 29th at 12:00 at our offices at 917 Third Street, Suite Q, Eureka.

The task of the committee is to set a date for the Annual Meeting of the Redwood Chapter, to produce a slate of candidates for election or re-election to the Board of Directors for the chapter, and to review nominees for the Patriot Award, which will be put to a final vote of the board next month.

The current members of the nominating committee include three currently serving Boardmembers (Christina Allbright, Charles Douglas and Maria Hershey), plus two ACLU members-at-large who are not on the Board (Xandra Manns, Jamie Rose). All ACLU members in good standing are welcome to attend and deliver their input as well.

For more information, write back to this address or call the Redwood ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419.

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday Aug 19th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, August 19th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; labeling and distribution of the next Chapter Newsletter; an update on the Arcata police review campaign and efforts on behalf of civilian review for other local law enforcement agencies; review of a letter to the Affiliate and other ACLU chapters concerning the efficacy of hand-counted paper ballots and other election reform efforts; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Outreach Committee meets Tues Aug 12th Noon

All ACLU members in good standing are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Outreach Committee of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU.

We're meeting on Tuesday, August 12th at Noon at our office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q in Old Town Eureka.

The Outreach Committee, as the name suggests, is dedicated to enhancing the outreach of the local ACLU in diverse communities, especially the ongoing tabling program to sign up new members and get the word out on local issues and initiatives like police review, election reform, illegal surveillance and more. Outreach also concerns the chapter newsletter (which is mailed to all local ACLU members), coalition-building work with other like minded individuals and groups, and social networking events such as the Arts Alive! events held last year.

The Outreach Committee is also looking to work with a prospective new intern to phone bank our 800+ local ACLU members and get a weekly tabling campaign going at local stores and farmers' markets. We're looking for other good ideas too from members like you, so show up, speak up and get involved! If you're unable to make the meeting, please leave your suggestions on our hotline at 442-4419 or e-mail < redwoodaclu@hotmail.com >.

LAST CALL for submissions to Redwood Liberty News

This is the LAST CALL for submissions for the next edition of our chapter
newsletter, the Redwood Liberty News (formerly known as the Redwood
Libertine). The deadline is FRIDAY, AUGUST 8TH AT 4:00 P.M.

Any civil liberties-related topic is fair game for your analysis and
criticism, anywhere from 200-600 words. You can also submit a "letter to
the editor" for our new feature, Letters of Liberty, if you'd like to
respond to anything in our previous issue or anything else your local
Redwood Chapter, ACLU is up to (or should be up to). Anything submitted
which won't fit in this next issue will be saved for our Fall newsletter,
so don't hold back!

We'll be having a meeting of our Outreach Committee on Tuesday, August
12th at Noon at our local Redwood ACLU office (917 Third Street) to get
the newsletter ready for mail-out to our 800+ ACLU members in the Del
Norte, Humboldt, Western Trinity and Northern Mendocino areas.

E-mail your column or letter to redwoodaclu@hotmail.com today!

Redwood ACLU Outreach Committee Meeting Tuesday July 22nd Noon

For the first time this year, the Outreach Committee of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will be holding a meeting! All ACLU members in good standing are welcome to attend.

We're meeting on Tuesday, July 22nd at Noon at our office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q in Old Town Eureka. We're considering making this a regular meeting time (the fourth Tuesday of the month) for this committee.

The Outreach Committee, as the name suggests, is dedicated to enhancing the outreach of the local ACLU in diverse communities, especially the ongoing tabling program to sign up new members and get the word out on local issues and initiatives like police review, election reform, illegal surveillance and more. Outreach also concerns the chapter newsletter (which is mailed to all local ACLU members), coalition-building work with other like minded individuals and groups, and social networking events such as the Arts Alive! events held last year.

The Outreach Committee is also looking to work with a prospective new intern to phone bank our 800+ local ACLU members and get a weekly tabling campaign going at local stores and farmers' markets. We're looking for other good ideas too from members like you, so show up, speak up and get involved! If you're unable to make the meeting, please leave your suggestions on our hotline at 442-4419 or e-mail < redwoodaclu@hotmail.com >.

PRESS RELEASE: Redwood ACLU Endorses Youth Protection Act

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Redwood ACLU Endorses Youth Protection Act

At the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, American Civil Liberties Union, local civil rights leaders formally endorsed ballot measures in Arcata and Eureka which would prohibit the recruitment of minors into any branch of the armed forces within these respective cities.

“If people under the age of 18 are not allowed to vote, then why should they be subjected to scientifically-refined propaganda designed to lure them into the armed forces?” said Redwood ACLU chair Christina Allbright. “The military has no business targeting children as young as 11 with their invasive recruiting practices. These tactics clearly violate internationally accepted norms of behavior, and local voters should assert the value of human rights by adopting these measures.”

The Arcata measure is set to come before the City Council in Arcata tomorrow night, where officials have the choice of adopting the act outright, or sending it to the voters in November. The Eureka measure is still in circulation and signatures are likely to be submitted within the next week. ACLU organizers discounted the claim that these measures would inhibit the ability of military recruiters to engage in lawful conduct.

“A person should be an adult before he can volunteer to kill or be killed in an imperialist war,” said Redwood ACLU treasurer Peter Martin. “We should protect children from manipulation by military recruiters, since, if a person agrees to enlist, he or she gives up many constitutional rights that civilians enjoy.”

The ACLU of Northern California recently published a report produced in part by 23 high school students from across the state who investigated the myths of military recruitment and military service as part of the Howard A. Friedman Education Project. “The Truth Behind The Camouflage” is available for review and download at the Affiliate website, aclunc.org, and is also linked to by the Redwood Chapter’s website, redwoodaclu.blogspot.com.

“Studies have shown how military recruiters disproportionately target poor children and children of color with their exaggerated promises of educational and financial assistance which often fail to materialize,” said Redwood ACLU boardmember Maria Hershey. “Incidents of coercion, deception and even sexual abuse by recruiters have been documented, and if career politicians in Sacramento and Washington are too beholden to the military-industrial complex to take action on behalf of common decency and the rule of law, then our local communities will do so.”

The National ACLU has also produced a more recent report for submission to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, “Soldiers Of Misfortune.” This report chronicles US violations of an international protocol forbidding the use of child soldiers as well as the abuse of foreign child soldiers captured overseas, including the imprisonment of a 15-year-old boy in the Guantanamo Bay military prison where the ACLU claims he may have been subjected to torture.

For more information, call the new ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419.

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Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday June 17th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, June 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter; an update on the Arcata police review campaign and efforts on behalf of civilian review for other local law enforcement agencies; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Marriage Equality Rally Friday May 16th Noon

An organizer with the Humboldt Chapter of Marriage Equality, USA just announced (on KMUD News this evening) a rally in support of today's California Supreme Court ruling which struck down Prop. 22 as unconstitutional (which may lead to the legalization of marriage equality in the state). The ACLU of Northern California was staunchly opposed to Prop. 22 and celebrated today's ruling (as you can read all about at aclunc.org), although there is concern about a possible ballot measure in November which could amend the state constitution to re-install the ban.

The marriage equality event is set for tomorrow (Friday) at 11:45 a.m. at the County Courthouse in Eureka. Unlike Arcata and the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, the City Council of Eureka rejected a resolution affirming support for marriage equality (despite an outpouring of support for the resolution from many community members, including some local Redwood ACLU activists), thus this continues to be an issue for this community to face. If you're in the Eureka area during lunch hour tomorrow, please come out and show your support for civil rights in our community!

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday May 20th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, May 20th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter; consideration of ballot measures opposing the recruitment of minors by the military; an update on the Arcata police review campaign and efforts on behalf of civilian review for other local law enforcement agencies; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Redwood ACLU Expresses Concern Over Planned Police Tactics At Redwood Park “4/20 Protest”

Saturday, April 19, 2008


PRESS RELEASE


For Immediate Release



Redwood ACLU Expresses Concern Over Planned Police Tactics At Redwood Park “4/20 Protest”


At the regular monthly meeting of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU Board of Directors on Tuesday, local civil rights leaders expressed concern over proposed police tactics to be used against nonviolent demonstrators at the annual “4/20 protest” at Redwood Park in Arcata this Sunday.


In particular, Boardmembers were alarmed by media reports quoting Arcata Police Department captain Tom Chapman, who allegedly is planning vehicle barricades around Redwood Park to block access to the public on April 20, even though no permits have been filed to require such an action.


“No one is contesting the reasonable enforcement of parking restrictions, much less preventing drivers from operating vehicles while they’re under the influence,” said Redwood ACLU chair Christina Allbright. “But the planned presence of barricades, command posts and a massive influx of out-of-town law enforcement officers begs the question of what is an appropriate level of response to an essentially nonviolent demonstration.”


This latest escalation of police tactics comes on the heels of the recent filing of the Arcata Police Review Act of 2008 by Redwood ACLU vice chair and Arcata attorney Greg Allen, which would establish an independent civilian-run police review commission for the APD. The official Title and Summary is due back from Arcata’s City Attorney this week, to be followed by signature-gathering efforts aimed at putting the measure on the ballot for Arcata voters in November.


“These recent statements constitute a pre-emptive declaration of war by the APD against peaceful protesters who want to see changes in how our society treats the use of cannabis,” Allen said. “Especially considering the City’s plans to increase sales taxes, how is the cost of this over-reaction justified in terms of benefit to public safety?”


In addition to asking for the presence of Independent Observers at the protest, the Redwood ACLU also voted unanimously to direct one of its Boardmembers, local attorney Peter Martin, to submit a Public Records Act request to the City of Arcata to discover how much the law enforcement actions associated with the “4/20 protest” would cost, including all overtime paid out to APD personnel and any outside police agencies. Boardmembers also wanted to know why restroom facility access was “cordoned off,” as stated in recent media reports.


“This could be a case of entrapment, when you deny access to restroom facilities, and then threaten people with arrest when nature calls,” said Redwood ACLU boardmember Minerva Williams.


For more information, call the new ACLU Hotline at 707-442-4419.


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Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday April 15th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, April 15th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the status of the proposal to create a multi-jurisdictional SWAT Team for Arcata, Eureka, HSU, Fortuna and Trinidad; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter; re-consideration of a local election reform policy; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 442-4419 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

HRC FORUM: Police Review In Humboldt County Thursday April 10th 7pm

The Humboldt County Human Rights Commission is holding a Public Forum on the future of Police Review in Humboldt County on Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Supervisors' Chamber of the Humboldt County Courthouse, 525 5th Street, Eureka. The forum will be moderated by the Humboldt County League of Women Voters and will feature time for public comment as well as presentations from law enforcement officals, police accountability experts and civil rights leaders both local and from across Northern California, including:

Bob Aaronson, Independent Police Ombudsman, City of Davis

Christina Allbright, Chair, Redwood Chapter of the ACLU and Spokesperson, Coalition for Police Review

Barbara Attard, Independent Police Auditor, City of San Jose

Kay Howden, Police Officer, City of Eureka

Garr Nielsen, Chief of Police, City of Eureka

Gary Phillip, Sheriff of Humboldt County

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Tuesday March 18th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Tuesday, March 18th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the proposed Arcata/Humboldt County SWAT Team; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 215-5385 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

ACLU FORUM: Does Arcata Need A SWAT Team? Thurs. Mar. 27th 6-8pm

PRESS ADVISORY

Monday, March 24, 2008

Does Arcata Need A SWAT Team?

This question and more will be explored at an upcoming forum in Arcata, whose police chief has previously stated he thought it was a "good idea" for a county-wide SWAT Team to operate in Arcata and throughout Humboldt County.

While the event's sponsors are not necessarily against a SWAT Team, questions of use-of-force policies, weapons procurement and conditions under which such a team would be deployed remain unanswered, especially in light of the deployment of a county-wide team of officers who broke up a pro-homeless protest in Arcata last year.

The forum will also discuss the upcoming November election, in which activists hope to see an Arcata Police Review Act on the ballot, which would create an independent civilian review board for the Arcata Police Department.

The forum, sponsored by the Redwood Chapter ACLU and the Coalition for Police Review, will include speakers and plenty of time for open comment and discussion for local residents. It will be held on Thursday, March 27, 6 p.m. at the Arcata Branch Library, at the corner of 7th and F Street behind Arcata City Hall.

For more information, call CPR spokespersons Greg Allen or Christina Allbright, or visit redwoodaclu.blogspot.com or coalitionforpolicereview.info.

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Thursday February 14th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Thursday, February 14th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on the proposed Arcata/Humboldt County SWAT Team; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter, which was supposed to go out last month but for a lack of submissions; reports from Chapter officers and committees; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 215-5385 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.

Redwood ACLU Board Meeting Thursday January 17th Noon

The Board of Directors of the Redwood Chapter, ACLU will meet Thursday, January 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the ACLU office at 917 Third Street, Suite Q (between J & K Streets) in Eureka.

The agenda will include an update on proposed spy cameras on the Arcata Plaza; consideration of plans for the next Chapter Newsletter in January 2008; reports from Chapter officers and committees; consideration of the request by the Voter Confidence Committee for support of a policy to require the use of hand-counted paper ballots in Humboldt County elections; review of ACLU Arts Alive! events; and consideration of other items which Boardmembers or at-large members may bring up.

Board meetings are open to all ACLU members in good standing. Please call 215-5385 or drop by our office for more information or to request the inclusion of a new item on the meeting agenda.