In a surprise move to anyone watching City of Berkeley politics, City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley resigned (as reported on Berkeleyside) one hour after the scheduled City Council Closed Session with one agenda item: city manager evaluation. -more-
Ignoring her great Sikh tradition, which reveres all life, Nikki Haley, in a misguided attempt to ingratiate herself with Israel, has urged the Israeli military to “kill all Palestinians.” This callous stance was made evident during her recent visit to Israel, where she inscribed “Finish them” on an artillery shell. -more-
On May 23, 2024, the Berkeley People’s Alliance (BPA) filed a complaint with the City of Berkeley’s Fair Campaign Practices Commission against “Californians for Safety and Security,” a right-wing PAC based in Sacramento and funded entirely by the Berkeley Property Owners Association, the Los Angeles police union, and the Personal Insurance Federation Committee. The PAC recently launched numerous hit pieces against City Council candidate Soli Alpert. -more-
When I finally came up for air this weekend from my non-city related projects to check what was happening in the world, I tuned in to Ayman on MSNBC to hear about AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) pouring a flood of money into elections to defeat progressive Democrats and bolster conservative Israel-friendly Democrats in Democratic districts. -more-
The recent decision by Ireland to officially recognize Palestine as a state, joining Norway and Spain, is a landmark moment deeply connected to Ireland's long history of colonization and famine. This move, celebrated by many on the streets of Dublin, reflects Ireland’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian people and its decades-long experience of oppression. Catherine Connolly, an independent member of the Irish parliament, eloquently expressed this sentiment, highlighting the frustration that it took so long for this recognition to happen but celebrating it as a significant step towards peace. -more-
The recent announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to halt the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority (PA) represents an excessively cruel response to a population already enduring a brutal occupation. This decision, coming on the heels of Spain, Norway, and Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood, further exacerbates the dire fiscal crisis facing the PA. These funds, collected by Israel under longstanding agreements, constitute a vital part of the Palestinian budget, especially as international aid dwindles. Smotrich's move threatens to plunge the PA into deeper financial instability, undermining its ability to provide essential services and pay civil servant salaries. This decision is not just a retaliatory measure against European recognition of Palestinian statehood but also an attack on the livelihood of Palestinians who are already suffering under severe economic and military pressures. The humanitarian impact is profound. Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, over 500 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, and more than 100,000 Palestinian workers have been barred from entering Israel, leading to widespread unemployment. Daily life is further disrupted by increased raids, road closures, and stricter checkpoints, choking the economy and exacerbating tensions. Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with other officials, especially our own government, continues to ignore the broader context of the brutal occupation and collective punishment. The PA’s financial collapse could lead to greater unrest and instability, not only in the West Bank but in the broader region, further diminishing the prospects for peace. It is imperative that the international community, including our own government, reconsider its support for policies that perpetuate suffering and impede progress toward a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. -more-
The Occupation of the Anna Head School Conjures Quotes
A Free Speech Movement vet turned military historian offered the following response to the news that a group of agitators had seized control of the empty Anna Head School:
What brilliance. To occupy a burnt-out building, as revenge for Al Shifa. Right! Right after a victory is won, see if you can destroy it.
As Von Clausewitz pointed out: "Against stupidity, no amount of planning will prevail."
As David Hilliard of the BPP once said: "There ain't no difference between a pig and a fool.
Jim Peake once described such as "semi-professional provocateurs—they aren't paid, but ought to be."
As Sun T'zu said:"Tactics, without strategy, is the noise that precedes defeat."
Who ARE these people?
Were the Campus Arrests Legal?
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In recent media coverage, Israeli journalist Yehuda Shlezinger's reaction to images of Palestinians enjoying a Gaza beach starkly highlights a broader, troubling trend in Israeli society. Appearing on Israel’s Channel 12, Shlezinger expressed intense revulsion, advocating for severe retribution against Palestinians, reflecting a shift towards a more hardened, dehumanizing attitude among many Israelis. -more-
Momanomics
In the afterglow of Mother's Day, a report from the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) casts a somber shadow over the economic plight of America's moms. "Did you know," CHN Action begins, "74% of mothers are working moms?" According to the stats, 43% of White moms, 49% of Latina moms, 64% of Native moms, and a whopping 79% of Black moms are "the major breadwinners of their families."
This institutionalized "motherhood penalty" leaves millions of working moms earning an average "lifetime wage" that is $237,000 less than the average wage pocketed by men. And that means 20% less payback from Social Security retirement benefits.
CHN has a solution: "a national paid family leave program that would allow more moms to stay in the workforce while cutting down on career penalties for mothers." Currently, only 27% of private sector workers benefit from paid-family-leave programs. And only 6% of low-wage workers (mainly women of color—and mothers) have access to paid-leave support.
Colbert Clobbers; Kimmel Klobbers
When it comes to dumping on Trump, the Battle of the Late-Night Comedy Kings continues to surge. In the latest use of conjured taglines to brand their late-night episodes, the two hosts continue to deliver. But, while Colbert remains competitive, it's Kimmel who rules as Caption King. Here are last week's offerings:
Colbert: "Eye of the Stormy." "Gag, You're It." "Wormaggedon" (a ref to JFKJr's brainworm).
Kimmel: "Porn Star Witness," "Lepre-Con Man," "Count Flatula," "Founding Farter."
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Judge Aileen Cannon's decision to indefinitely postpone trump's trial for stealing and mis-handling government secrets is an attack on Justice. Not bringing the former president to account for his dangerous behavior also attacks our national security. With boxes of top secret documents stacked in his bathroom and elsewhere, there is no accounting for who may have seen sensitive military secrets. Indeed, we don't know whether the former president tried to trade some of those secrets for his personal benefit, as befits his character and previous schemes.
Prosecutor Jack Smith ought to call for a replacement judge. The judge's bias favoring trump has been exposed by several of her decisions that were subsequently reversed by the higher Appellate Court. American voters need to know before the election whether this candidate engaged in traitorous disregard for our national security. Top secrets about nuclear weapons and foreign agents must be kept secret.
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People’s Park Historic District Advocacy Group and Make UC A Good Neighbor submitted on April 29, 2024 a Public Records Act (PRA) request to UC Berkeley due to the recent registration of a Native American site adjacent to People’s Park (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). UCB hasn’t disclosed any of the information about this site. Results of any subsequent investigation, subsequent discussions, or writings about it within UCB have not been shared with the public.
In response to the PRA request on May 7, 2024, UC Berkeley acknowledged it was holding responsive documents, but did not plan to produce this potentially highly significant information for 10 weeks.
There is urgency in the request because UCB is awaiting a State Supreme Court decision that could come at any day allowing initiation of construction at People’s Park. Before any construction begins at the park, the nature of the Native AMerican site must be determined by appropriate and thorough archeological investigative techniques and testing.
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The major harm that mountain biking does is that it greatly extends the human footprint (distance that one can travel) in wildlife habitat. E-bikes multiply that footprint even more. Neither should be allowed on any unpaved trail. Wildlife, if they are to survive, MUST receive top priority!
What were you thinking??? Mountain biking and trail-building destroy wildlife habitat! Mountain biking is environmentally, socially, and medically destructive! There is no good reason to allow bicycles on any unpaved trail!
Bicycles should not be allowed in any natural area. They are inanimate objects and have no rights. There is also no right to mountain bike. That was settled in federal court in 1996: https://mjvande.info/mtb10.htm . It's dishonest of mountain bikers to say that they don't have access to trails closed to bikes. They have EXACTLY the same access as everyone else -- ON FOOT! Why isn't that good enough for mountain bikers? They are all capable of walking....
Why do mountain bikers always insist on creating illegal trails? It's simple: they ride so fast that they see almost nothing of what they are passing. Therefore, they quickly get bored with any given trail and want another and another, endlessly! (In other words, mountain biking is inherently boring!)
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The long-standing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has continuously evolved since 1948, raising critical questions about the nature of oppression and the right to resistance. This discourse often labels one group, the Israelis, as the oppressor, and the other, the Palestinians, as the oppressed. -more-
The resignation of the City Manager, Dee Williams-Ridley wasn’t the only surprise on May 6, 2024. -more-
< I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the reporting and editorial practices surrounding the December 28 article, "Screams Without Words," which detailed allegations of widespread sexual violence by members of Hamas on October 7. This piece has significant implications, especially given its utilization by Israeli leaders and Western allies to justify a military campaign in Gaza. -more-
I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent resignation of Hala Rharrit, an esteemed diplomat from the State Department, who took a courageous stand against the United States' militaristic approach in the Gaza Strip. -more-
"If you're going to take away the money, then you should take away the label." --the words of a long-deceased friend, an activist in mental health with a spotty reputation and background. And he was on spot with that comment. It was his response to the griping of taxpayers who don't want to foot the bill of paying the livelihood of mentally ill disabled people. -more-
As reported by the World Food Program (WFP) Chief, Cindy McCain, there are alarming signs of famine spreading rapidly throughout the territory, particularly in northern Gaza. -more-
Make Some Noise for Peace
Don't let a few raindrops get in the way: There's a big Stop Genocide rally set for San Francisco's Ferry Building Plaza at the Embarcadero today from 12:30 to 2.
The organizers, a raucous team of radical rascals previously known as RACCOON have just announced their latest free-speech event—calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Now known by the moniker MegaMouth Rebels, MMR's pre-protest posters promise the "Let Gaza Live" event will feature "Chants! Noise! Art! Angry Speech!" And when it comes to making noise, MMR isn't kidding. Their open-air auditory assault promises to include "8 megaphones, 7 air horns, 6 soccer trumpets, and chalk."
For the erudite in the crowd, MMG promises a "Palestinian Culture Quiz with Watermelon Prize!" And for the iconoclasts on hand, MMG plans a hands-on attraction called: "Tomato-Tossing at Bibi / Netanyahu Image."
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More Tents, Less Tension: The Sprawl at Sproul
With the news that a pro-Palestinian/anti-genocide occupation of the Sproul Steps was underway, I donned one of my tattered, decades-old Free Speech Movement T-shirts and trotted off to reconnoiter with some of my fellow FSM vets to show my support for the current generation of student protesters.
Recent days had been filled with apocalyptic scenes of police crackdowns as peacefully protesting students (and some faculty) were being falsely accused of supporting Hamas and promoting anti-Semitism, I was concerned that I might find Sproul Plaza playing host to a hoard of campus, city, and state cops, sheriffs, and troops.
Instead, the visit to the "tent-in" at Sproul Hall was a refreshing break from the plethora of video clashes that have been flashing on media screens from colleges and universities across the nation. Instead of another crackdown involving pepper-spray, batons, tasers and tie-downs, the tent city on the sanctified "free speech steps" of Sproul Hall was calm, quiet, and kempt.
Instead of hand-to-hand tussles with the fuzz, students were writing slogans on the Sproul Steps with an array of colored chalk. Instead of lines of chanting students, a single loudspeaker was placed on the steps, above the seated and passing students. Instead of a line-up of fiery orators, a series of calm, pre-recorded addresses streamed from the amplifier—somewhat garbled by a background noise that sounded like a weed-whacker. (Intentional electronic interference?)
Everyone was in good spirits, including a few homeless souls who visited the support tents to pick up some free fresh fruit. And, topping if off, the Cal Band's horn-and-drum team showed up to perform the Golden Bears' fight song and a stage-worthy rendition of ABBA's "Dancing Queen."
And there was much information available in handouts, flyers, and posters. One handbill advised hummus-lovers: "Don't dip into Israeli Apartheid." Instead, boycott Sabra and Tribe brand spreads. The pro-active pamphlet also contained a recipe for home-made hummus next to a photo of a picket sign reading "No Justice. No Chickpeas."
With all the violence at Columbus, Yale, Austin, USC and UCLA, it was a relief to see the authorities at UCB responding with non-confrontational acceptance. It looked like the lessons of the Free Speech Movement had left a lasting legacy here in Berkeley—an abiding respect for protest and debate limited only by the constraints of "time, place and manner." An exemplary model for other citadels of learning.
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The following statement of support from veterans of the 1964 Free Speech Movement was delivered to the occupation site on the steps of Sproul Hall on behalf of the Free Speech Movement Archives (www.fsm-a.org).
In the fall of 1964, the administration of the University of California at Berkeley, under external political pressure and spurred on by an administrator who was working with the FBI, attempted to ban political speech or activity on campus.
This resulted in a 3-month struggle, which gave birth to the Free Speech Movement, a successful campaign that organized the campus and culminated in massive peaceful civil disobedience, resulting in a complete victory for free speech rights.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed the depressing spectacle of university administrators at USC, Columbia, and NYU buckling under to external political pressure and attempting to silence voices demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid for civilians. A valedictorian was prevented from addressing the graduating class, peaceful protests have faced mass arrests of students and faculty, faculty firings and student suspensions.
We urge these administrators to get off their knees, and stand up for free speech and academic freedom on the campuses it is their duty to lead and protect. Without the free exchange of ideas, there can be no learning, only indoctrination. The prohibition of ideas can only be for one reason; there is no way to rebut them with facts or logic. Invoking police power to close discussion is an admission of intellectual bankruptcy.
We applaud the development of a rapidly growing campus movement all over the country in solidarity with USC, Columbia and NYU. Free speech must be defended, now as it was in our time.
Free Speech Movement Archives Board
Jack Radey, President; Anita Medal, Treasurer; Bettina Aptheker; Robert Cohen; Susan Druding; Lee Felsenstein; Barbara Garson; Jackie Goldberg; Steve Lustig: Lynne Hollander Savio; Gar Smith; Barbara Stack
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“Confessions” under torture are inadmissible and at $13 million per prisoner an appalling waste of taxpayer funds. -more-
We are sorry to hear of Larry Bensky’s death on May 19. To learn more about his amazing life and achievements, go to:
https://kpfa.org/featured-episode/larry-bensky-may-1st-1937-may-19th-2024
https://current.org/2024/05/larry-bensky-correspondent-and-anchor-for-kpfa-and-pacifica-dies-at-87/
There will be a memorial gathering at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, June 13, 4 pm.
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I hate to say I told you so, but… I wrote this as a Berkeley Daily Planet editorial just about 20 years ago, in April of 2004.
“The ancient Greeks told stories about the history of the world as they knew it which are still a useful way to predict what will happen to humans in the modern world. Hercules, half man and half god, was one of the central figures in Greek mythology. Like Superman in the 20th century, he dedicated his career to stamping out evil wherever he found it. One of the labors, or heroic tasks, of Hercules was killing the legendary Hydra.
“Whoever is calling the shots in Israel today would be well advised to study the lesson of Hercules and the poisonous Hydra, depicted below.
“According to Bullfinch, ‘the Hydra had nine heads, of which the middle one was immortal. Hercules struck off its heads with his club, but in the place of the head knocked off, two new ones grew forth each time.’
“At the moment, Israeli leaders are engaged in the seemingly futile task of cutting off the heads of Hamas. They can be sure that for every leader they assassinate, two will grow in his place.
[Note to my faithful Zionist correspondents: we are not talking about morality here. We are talking about strategy and logic.]
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This month I have six mystery/thriller novels to recommend and one to avoid. There wasn’t a sure-fire winner in April, as there was in March with Tana French’s The Hunter. This month’s novels shared a common flaw: their endings were convoluted. -more-
Worth Noting:
The date of the next Budget and Finance Committee special meeting to complete the biennial FY 2025 and FY 2026 Budget is not posted or scheduled. Check the City website for late announcements and meetings posted on short notice at: https://berkeleyca.gov/
The agenda for the next regular scheduled City Council meeting on June 4, 2024 is available for comment. Use the link and choose the html option to review agenda items individually or pdf to see the entire packet as one document. or go to the agenda listed at the end of the calendar.
https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas
Worth Noting:
The City Council worksession/special meeting on November Ballot initiatives was previously tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 4 pm. This meeting is now listed in the Agenda and Rules packet as tentative Friday, May 24 with no time. No City Council official day and time is posted for the Ballot initiative meeting on the City Council agendas webpage. Check the city website home page https://berkeleyca.gov/ after Tuesday or go directly to the council agendas page https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/city-council-agendas.
All City Council meetings and Council Committee meetings are offered in the hybrid format (in person and by videoconference on Zoom).
Goto meetings are in bold and underlined. Home owners should check the insurance webinar.
Worth Noting:
Nice weather is here, before you go out and make all kinds of gardening mistakes check out the resources on Bringing Back the Native Garden Tour including the YouTube channel with Douglas Tallamy on why to use native plants, Erin Diehm on how to make your windows bird safe and garden tour videos, https://www.bringingbackthenatives.net Then go to Calscape restore nature one garden at a time to choose plants and find nurseries that specialize in native plants. http://calscape.org
Note bolded meetings:
Worth Noting:
Busy week, City Council returns from recess on May 7, 2024. The council agendas for May 7 and May 14, plus the Agenda Committee draft Council agenda for the May 21 council meeting make this Activist’s Calendar very long (sorry)
Worth Noting:
May 4 and May 5 are the free in person Bringing Back the Natives Garden tours from 10 am – 5 pm. Visit gardens planned around butterflies, hummingbirds, and caterpillars (baby bird food). Previewing the gardens online before going out is highly recommended. Saturday East Bay bayside cities list 42 gardens open to the public (all are private gardens except (1) the pollinator pathway). Sunday - Inland cities list 18 gardens (all are private except (1) the John Muir Historic site).
Hydra-Headed Hamas Redux 05-05-2024
New: HUMAN RIGHTS DISPATCH:Nikki Haley Jagjit Singh 05-30-2024
SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Tents,Taunts&Tensions Gar Smith 05-27-2024
New: A BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S DIARY:Dark Money in District 4? Kelly Hammargren 05-24-2024
New: HUMAN RIGHTS DISPATCH:
Recognizing Palestine: A Historic Step Rooted in Ireland's History
Jagjit Singh
05-24-2024
New: HUMAN RIGHTS DISPATCH:
Israel’s response to Spain, Norway, and Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Jagjit Singh
05-22-2024
New: SMITHERSCRAPS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Protests,Roasts&Reckonings Gar Smith 05-22-2024
HUMAN RIGHTS DISPATCH: Goliath Seeking to Annihilate David Jagjt Singh 05-19-2024
SMITHERSCRAPS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Moms,Memes&Memos Gar Smith 05-14-2024
New: Justice Denied,
Our Security at Risk
Bruce Joffe
05-14-2024
New: Delay in Revealing Potential Findings of Native American Significance in the Vicinity of People’s Park Harvey Smith 05-13-2024
New: Stop the Berkeley Bike Park
Mountain Biking and Trail-Building Destroy Wildlife Habitat!
Mike Vandeman, Ph.D.
05-13-2024
HUMAN RIGHTS DISPATCH: Resisting Jagjit Singh 05-12-2024
A BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S DIARY, week ending May 6 Kelly Hammargren 05-11-2024
Shoddy Journalism:
copy of letter sent to the New York Times
Jagjit Singh
05-09-2024
Esteemed diplomat from the State Department Resigns over Gaza Policy Jagjit Singh 05-05-2024
MENTAL HEALTH: Words Matter Jack Bragen 05-05-2024
Famine Causes Genocide in Gaza Jagjit Singh 05-04-2024
SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Free Speech Edition Gar Smith 05-04-2024
SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces: Tents,Tenets&Tensions Gar Smith 05-01-2024
Free Speech – 1964 and 2024 Sent by Gar Smith 05-01-2024
Close Guantanamo and Release All Prisoners Jagjit Singh 05-01-2024
Updated: Berkeley City Manager Resigns Kelly Hammargren 05-06-2024
Larry Bensky
May 1,1937-May 19th, 2024
05-24-2024
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Registration Kelly Hammargren 05-01-2024
April Novels Bob Burnett 05-02-2024
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR: May 26-June 2 Kelly Hammargren 05-26-2024
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR:May 18-26 Kelly Hammargren 05-19-2024
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR, May 12-19 Kelly Hammargren 05-11-2024
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR, May 5-12 05-04-2024
THE BERKELEY ACTIVIST'S CALENDAR, April 28-May 5 Kelly Hammargren 05-01-2024
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