Check out this awesome video (found at the Tucson Citizen's Three Sonorans' blog). Photos by Chris Summitt; words by Raul Alcaraz...
Showing posts with label Tucson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tucson. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Signs of Resistance at TUSD: VIVA LA RAZA!!!
The post is from the Tucson Citizen Three Sonorans Blog, written, I believe, by David Abie Morales.
The photos are mine, from the TUSD HQ protest yesterday afternoon. What an amazing crowd was there - hundreds and hundreds of young people, old people, hippies, queers, Brown Berets (in uniform)...and over 100 cops.
This is a good account of the public highlights...I'm just too exhausted to write my own right now.
-----------The Tucson Citizen: Three Sonorans Blog---------
To begin with, my phone battery died at around 5:30, as the meeting was starting.
No email/text/facebook until now, 8 hours later. 60 text messages and 66 facebook alerts. So to all my friends, no I was not arrested, and yes I’m alright.
I was inside the TUSD board room capturing video and didn’t know what was going on outside until I was debriefed afterwards. Well, I knew a little bit from those around me who still had juice on their phones. In addition, I went through two camcorder batteries.
Why does the Southern Arizona Leadership Council have leaders that compromise on justice and racist attacks on Mexican-Americans in Tucson?
Preliminary thoughts: John Pedicone royally messed up tonight. There was about a hundred cops there, all armed, some in riot gear, and one would think they were at a G8 meeting, not a local school board meeting.
Not even top elected officials like Richard Elias could get inside. Full pat-downs, metal detectors, and cops after cops after cops.
There was cops in the back board room, a wall of cops of about 5 in front of the board, another wall of cops at the back, more cops in the lobby, and more cops outside to get in, and several dozen outside protecting a barricade of the building.
Helicopters, riot gear, and police everywhere you looked.
This is what a leader from Oro Valley, where John Pedicone lives, thinks of Tucsonans. All a bunch of thugs and criminals. The cops were not there to protect and serve us the community, they were there to arrest us the community.
There were arrests, there was police brutality, and there were other extreme violations of rights.
All of this I will cover more in depth tomorrow. It is still surreal to me. John Pedicone actually ordered the arrest of Lupe Castillo, one of our most loved professors, elderly and disabled. The cops brought her to the ground. Her crime?
Free speech.
This is an example of how Pedicone and Stegeman do not understand the community. Treating her like they did was like beating up our abuelita, our loved grandmother.
Pedicone crossed the line tonight. Lots of veteranos were there tonight that were involved in the student walkouts in the 1960s. They said this is the worse they have ever seen it, even worse that the civil rights movement of the 60s.
And all of this conflict of Ethnic Studies is created by Mark Stegeman and John Pedicone.
It is a crisis that need not exist, but exists solely through the stubbornness of Mark Stegeman and the racially insensitive (or just flat out racist) leadership of the Vice President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. For myself, SALC’s reputation has been forever tarnished, and I want nothing at all to do with anything they do. From urban renewal and destroying La Calle, to destroying Mexican-American Studies today, this is not the kind of “leadership” I want leading us.
I have many thoughts, and I will explore them in more detail tomorrow, but I will leave this with one final thought for tonight.
John Pedicone needs to resign.
No email/text/facebook until now, 8 hours later. 60 text messages and 66 facebook alerts. So to all my friends, no I was not arrested, and yes I’m alright.
I was inside the TUSD board room capturing video and didn’t know what was going on outside until I was debriefed afterwards. Well, I knew a little bit from those around me who still had juice on their phones. In addition, I went through two camcorder batteries.
Why does the Southern Arizona Leadership Council have leaders that compromise on justice and racist attacks on Mexican-Americans in Tucson?
Preliminary thoughts: John Pedicone royally messed up tonight. There was about a hundred cops there, all armed, some in riot gear, and one would think they were at a G8 meeting, not a local school board meeting.
Not even top elected officials like Richard Elias could get inside. Full pat-downs, metal detectors, and cops after cops after cops.
There was cops in the back board room, a wall of cops of about 5 in front of the board, another wall of cops at the back, more cops in the lobby, and more cops outside to get in, and several dozen outside protecting a barricade of the building.
Helicopters, riot gear, and police everywhere you looked.
This is what a leader from Oro Valley, where John Pedicone lives, thinks of Tucsonans. All a bunch of thugs and criminals. The cops were not there to protect and serve us the community, they were there to arrest us the community.
There were arrests, there was police brutality, and there were other extreme violations of rights.
All of this I will cover more in depth tomorrow. It is still surreal to me. John Pedicone actually ordered the arrest of Lupe Castillo, one of our most loved professors, elderly and disabled. The cops brought her to the ground. Her crime?
Free speech.
This is an example of how Pedicone and Stegeman do not understand the community. Treating her like they did was like beating up our abuelita, our loved grandmother.
Pedicone crossed the line tonight. Lots of veteranos were there tonight that were involved in the student walkouts in the 1960s. They said this is the worse they have ever seen it, even worse that the civil rights movement of the 60s.And all of this conflict of Ethnic Studies is created by Mark Stegeman and John Pedicone.
It is a crisis that need not exist, but exists solely through the stubbornness of Mark Stegeman and the racially insensitive (or just flat out racist) leadership of the Vice President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. For myself, SALC’s reputation has been forever tarnished, and I want nothing at all to do with anything they do. From urban renewal and destroying La Calle, to destroying Mexican-American Studies today, this is not the kind of “leadership” I want leading us.
I have many thoughts, and I will explore them in more detail tomorrow, but I will leave this with one final thought for tonight.
John Pedicone needs to resign.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Prepare the prey for prison profiteers: New 5,000-prisoner RFP Released.
Via the good folks at KTAR.com. What a bizarre headline.
Funny they don't mention the Christmas Eve escape attempt at ASPC-Tucson/Manzanita. Think that still hasn't hit the mainstream press? No one ever talks about it...
More on all this another time. Here's just the news, for now.
Prison break prompts call for more prison beds
KTAR.com
AP - January 27, 2011
PHOENIX -- State officials have released a revised request for 5,000 additional private prison beds following a months-long review prompted by three inmates' escape from a privately operated state prison near Kingman last summer.
Corrections Director Charles Ryan canceled the original request for proposals last September, saying it needed stronger requirements on security and operations to avoid repeats of the July 30 escape.
The three violent offenders who broke out have been apprehended. Two face charges of murdering an Oklahoma couple in New Mexico while on the loose.
Ryan has said the Kingman prison was riddled with security flaws that the department's oversight failed to detect.
The department released the new 186-page request for proposals for providing beds for minimum- and medium-security male inmates on Monday. A 14-page amendment was released Wednesday.
The new request includes detailed provisions on security, including ones requiring both random and scheduled perimeter checks of prisons. The original, now-canceled version didn't have those specifics.
The Kingman escapees were able to avoid the prison's scheduled perimeter patrol by timing its movements, enabling them to cut through fencing. They had made getaway arrangements with an alleged accomplice by using a telephone tossed into the prison yard, authorities said.
Also, the department said the revision include new requirements for reporting of problems, expanded evaluation criteria for proposals additional sanctions for violations, including those that pose a risk to public safety.
Under the state's request, proposals can be for the entire 5,000 beds or submitted in increments of 500. It said the state wants 2,000 beds available by April 2013 and an additional 3,000 by April 2015.
The request said the state could provide state-owned land at existing prison complexes in Florence, Buckeye, Litchfield Park and Yuma available for use.
The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 24.
The Kingman escape became an issue in last year's gubernatorial race, with Democratic nominee Terry Goddard running a television spot attacking incumbent Gov. Jan Brewer in connection with the Kingman prison break.
Two of the three escapees and an alleged accomplice are charged with murdering Gary and Linda Haas of Tecumseh, Okla., in eastern New Mexico's Guadalupe County, and the Goddard ad questioned whether Arizonans should feel safe with Brewer as governor.
Brewer, a Republican, was elected to a full term on Nov. 2.
The 5,000-bed expansion program was authorized under a 2009 law.
Arizona's prison system houses approximately 40,000 inmates, including nearly 5,300 in private facilities. Those include 2,200 at the Kingman prison. The state's public prisons house approximately 34,700 inmates, above the design capacity of just over 31,000.
Funny they don't mention the Christmas Eve escape attempt at ASPC-Tucson/Manzanita. Think that still hasn't hit the mainstream press? No one ever talks about it...
More on all this another time. Here's just the news, for now.
----------------
Prison break prompts call for more prison beds
KTAR.com
AP - January 27, 2011
PHOENIX -- State officials have released a revised request for 5,000 additional private prison beds following a months-long review prompted by three inmates' escape from a privately operated state prison near Kingman last summer.
Corrections Director Charles Ryan canceled the original request for proposals last September, saying it needed stronger requirements on security and operations to avoid repeats of the July 30 escape.
The three violent offenders who broke out have been apprehended. Two face charges of murdering an Oklahoma couple in New Mexico while on the loose.
Ryan has said the Kingman prison was riddled with security flaws that the department's oversight failed to detect.
The department released the new 186-page request for proposals for providing beds for minimum- and medium-security male inmates on Monday. A 14-page amendment was released Wednesday.
The new request includes detailed provisions on security, including ones requiring both random and scheduled perimeter checks of prisons. The original, now-canceled version didn't have those specifics.
The Kingman escapees were able to avoid the prison's scheduled perimeter patrol by timing its movements, enabling them to cut through fencing. They had made getaway arrangements with an alleged accomplice by using a telephone tossed into the prison yard, authorities said.
Also, the department said the revision include new requirements for reporting of problems, expanded evaluation criteria for proposals additional sanctions for violations, including those that pose a risk to public safety.
Under the state's request, proposals can be for the entire 5,000 beds or submitted in increments of 500. It said the state wants 2,000 beds available by April 2013 and an additional 3,000 by April 2015.
The request said the state could provide state-owned land at existing prison complexes in Florence, Buckeye, Litchfield Park and Yuma available for use.
The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 24.
The Kingman escape became an issue in last year's gubernatorial race, with Democratic nominee Terry Goddard running a television spot attacking incumbent Gov. Jan Brewer in connection with the Kingman prison break.
Two of the three escapees and an alleged accomplice are charged with murdering Gary and Linda Haas of Tecumseh, Okla., in eastern New Mexico's Guadalupe County, and the Goddard ad questioned whether Arizonans should feel safe with Brewer as governor.
Brewer, a Republican, was elected to a full term on Nov. 2.
The 5,000-bed expansion program was authorized under a 2009 law.
Arizona's prison system houses approximately 40,000 inmates, including nearly 5,300 in private facilities. Those include 2,200 at the Kingman prison. The state's public prisons house approximately 34,700 inmates, above the design capacity of just over 31,000.
Monday, January 17, 2011
"The rope that lynches" in the Deep Southwest.
Happy Martin Luther King Day, Arizona!
To the rest of America:
Please boycott this racist state before our fear and hate kill anyone else.
To the rest of America:
Please boycott this racist state before our fear and hate kill anyone else.
Tucson School Board meeting, January 2011.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/WhatABCs for more on the state's continuing efforts to "stop La Raza...", and the lame new state Superintendent of Education leading it. The old superintendent behind HB 2281 is our new Attorney General. See, you just can't get into state executive office here without exploiting fear, racism, and hate - then you can help outlaw your opposition, and insure that your offspring inherit the state.
Anyway, as I said, Happy Martin Luther King Day. Youth like Westli are our greatest hope.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/WhatABCs for more on the state's continuing efforts to "stop La Raza...", and the lame new state Superintendent of Education leading it. The old superintendent behind HB 2281 is our new Attorney General. See, you just can't get into state executive office here without exploiting fear, racism, and hate - then you can help outlaw your opposition, and insure that your offspring inherit the state.
Anyway, as I said, Happy Martin Luther King Day. Youth like Westli are our greatest hope.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Infórmate, Prepárate, e Únete!: SB 1070 Tucson Events
Border Action Network Supporters:
SB 1070 is scheduled to come into effect on July 29th. Border Action Network has scheduled the following events in preparation for the implementation of this law. We invite you and whoever you think would be interested to attend!
First on Saturday, July 17th from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon, Border Action Network's Policy Director Jaime Farrant will hold an update on the legal situation of SB 1070 and brief us on the most recent news.
Second, on Friday, July 23rd, at 6:00 p.m, an immigration attorney from Tucson, Mo Goldman, will speak about the U.S immigration process and answer relevant questions.
Third, on Saturday, July 31st, at 6:00 p.m., B.A.N. member Griselda Moya-Flores will offer a class on basic traffic laws.
All of these
events will take place at the B.A.N headquarters office at 842 S. 6th Ave (approximately the intersection of 6th Ave and 19th St) in Tucson, AZ.
Thank you so much for support! We hope you can attend and Inform Yourself, Prepare Yourself, and Unite!
With gratitude,
Border Action Network Staff
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apoyantes de Acción Fronteriza:
La ley SB 1070 se va a poner en efecto el 29 de Julio. Acción Fronteriza ha programado tres eventos en preparación para la implementación de la ley. Los invitamos a ustedes y sus familiares y amistades que estén interesados en asistir!
Primero, sábado, 17 de Julio, de las 10:00 de la mañana al mediodía, nuestro Director de la Política Jaime ofrecerá una plática sobre las noticias más recientes de la ley SB 1070.
Segundo, el próximo viernes, 23 de Julio, a las 6:00 de la tarde, abogado de Tucson, Mo Goldman, va a hablar y contestar preguntas sobre el proceso de inmigración en los EEUU.
Finalmente, sábado, 31 de Julio, a las 6 de la tarde, un miembro de nuestra organización, Griselda Moya-Flores va a ofrecer una clase sobre las leyes de tránsito y manejo.
Todos estos eventos van a tener lugar en nuestra oficina en 842 S. 6ta Ave. (la esquina de Ave 6ta y 19th St.) en Tucson, AZ.
Muchísimas gracias por todo su apoyo! Esperamos que puedan asistir y Infórmate, Prepárate, e Únete!
Con agradecimiento,
Acción Fronteriza
SB 1070 is scheduled to come into effect on July 29th. Border Action Network has scheduled the following events in preparation for the implementation of this law. We invite you and whoever you think would be interested to attend!
First on Saturday, July 17th from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon, Border Action Network's Policy Director Jaime Farrant will hold an update on the legal situation of SB 1070 and brief us on the most recent news.
Second, on Friday, July 23rd, at 6:00 p.m, an immigration attorney from Tucson, Mo Goldman, will speak about the U.S immigration process and answer relevant questions.
Third, on Saturday, July 31st, at 6:00 p.m., B.A.N. member Griselda Moya-Flores will offer a class on basic traffic laws.
All of these
events will take place at the B.A.N headquarters office at 842 S. 6th Ave (approximately the intersection of 6th Ave and 19th St) in Tucson, AZ.
Thank you so much for support! We hope you can attend and Inform Yourself, Prepare Yourself, and Unite!
With gratitude,
Border Action Network Staff
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apoyantes de Acción Fronteriza:
La ley SB 1070 se va a poner en efecto el 29 de Julio. Acción Fronteriza ha programado tres eventos en preparación para la implementación de la ley. Los invitamos a ustedes y sus familiares y amistades que estén interesados en asistir!
Primero, sábado, 17 de Julio, de las 10:00 de la mañana al mediodía, nuestro Director de la Política Jaime ofrecerá una plática sobre las noticias más recientes de la ley SB 1070.
Segundo, el próximo viernes, 23 de Julio, a las 6:00 de la tarde, abogado de Tucson, Mo Goldman, va a hablar y contestar preguntas sobre el proceso de inmigración en los EEUU.
Finalmente, sábado, 31 de Julio, a las 6 de la tarde, un miembro de nuestra organización, Griselda Moya-Flores va a ofrecer una clase sobre las leyes de tránsito y manejo.
Todos estos eventos van a tener lugar en nuestra oficina en 842 S. 6ta Ave. (la esquina de Ave 6ta y 19th St.) en Tucson, AZ.
Muchísimas gracias por todo su apoyo! Esperamos que puedan asistir y Infórmate, Prepárate, e Únete!
Con agradecimiento,
Acción Fronteriza
Friday, July 10, 2009
ADC Inmate Death: Edgar Vega, 16 y.o.
Tucson, Ariz.- At about 7 p.m. Thursday, Edgar Vega, 16, collapsed in the kitchen of the minor’s unit at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson.
Correctional officers immediately responded and began CPR on Vega, who was unresponsive. Vega was taken to Kino Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Vega showed no obvious signs of trauma and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Vega was convicted of aggravated assault for a May 2008 incident and sentenced to 5 years. He came to the Department of Corrections in March.
Vega’s next of kin was notified Thursday night.
(Posted to the ADC Website today)
---------------------------------
Postscript: This kid - convicted and sentenced when he was just fifteen - died far from his family in a juvenile section of an American adult prison. He was convicted of aggravated assault (for which we have no details), and instead of deporting him, a Maricopa county judge decided to incarcerate him for five years in Arizona (at a cost of $55-60/day).
One way or another we're going to spend money on undocumented youth so long as their economy is destroyed and our employers seek to exploit their cheap labor. Is this really what we want to be spending our "immigration" money on? Incarcerating undocumented youth instead of educating them?Chances are, had he finished high school (instead of been compelled to live undocumented underground, so to speak), he never would have ended up in prison.
PASS THE DREAM ACT. Give youth like him HOPE enough to finish high school and shoot for college - instead of for some cops' head.
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