Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, August 7th, the city of Tijuana bulldozed the houses of the community of "Cerro Maravilla, Puerto al Futuro" (Magnificent Hill, Door to the Future). For the past five days I have been in Tijuana, accompanying members of the community in a sit-in at city hall, documenting their struggle and their negotiations with the city. I have been with them 24/7, both at city hall and on their land, and seen first-hand the destruction wrought by the demolition. For an account of of the past week's events read Beth Bird's article at: http://la.indymedia.org/news/2002/08/18392.php

The community is asking for donations of tents (even old, beat-up ones), tarps, and other means of shelter. Negotiations with the mayor have broken down, so they have abandoned their sit in and returned to their land, where they are camping out as they seek a resolution to their situation.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in San Diego are acting as a drop-off point for donations of material goods, and money to purchase these supplies. AFSC is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. It has programs all over the world that focus on issues related to economic justice, peace-building and demilitarization, social justice, and youth.

Donations can be sent or dropped of at:

American Friends Service Committee

3850 Westgate Place

San Diego, CA 92105

619-233-4114

Contact Leticia Jimenez at the above number, or at LJimenez@afsc.org for more information about donations.