by Debbie LeAnce
Friday, Jun. 23, 2006 at 9:47 AM
Spirits are high South Central Farm. Encampment persists, and strategies in play to win back the farm~
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An update from the farm from Tues. June 20th:
About 50 protestors demonstrated and spoke out at City Council meeting calling on council that there is still room for them to allow the farmers to return to their crops, and speaking out about "sweetheart deals" between city council members and developers.
More mobilization is set for this Friday's council meeting, as well as events all weekend at the farm including concerts and farmers market on blocked off Martin Luther King blvd. (perimeter of farm).
The encampment is growing steady with more organization and cooperation by the day. Similar to the encampment inside the farm--every day or two upon my return, I am stunned at how much this community of people cooperating and working together from all sorts of backgrounds can put together bringing harmony and direction in the midst of the on-going struggle for the 350 families + to have the right to return to their land.
Campesinos can be seen watering the plants outside the farm, and at least 50 people per day are still there, some camping, some visiting, bringing donations, strategies, and hope.
Others are struggling as to find ways to keep the crops watered from outside our metal barrier of the fence and hope to find access to hoses and water supply to be able to reach crops over fence and keep them alive.
Strategies are also in line involving environmental, legal, and political pressure to ensure this land is returned to those who have worked it and loved it for the last 14 years.
This land continues to represent the most significant cultural landmark in all of L.A., and certainley beyond, for the movement, community, and unquantifiable cultural preservation and diversity it continues to provide, even while the public is locked out and left on the sidewalk for now.
