About forty peace activists from multiple groups gathered at the local Rite-Aid in the Valley Village area of the San Fernando Valley and paraded over to the home of Congressman Howard Berman May 26th to express their outrage over his NON-VOTE on the supplemental Iraq appropriations bill. Activists say they have repeatedly met with Berman to try to turn around his hawkish views and votes on the war and have been largely unsuccessful.

Organizer Marlene Jenson from Neighborhood Peace and Justice led the way with large banners that said "Diplomacy Not Warfare" on "Don't Attack Iran" and "Out of Iraq." Other activists from the district included members of Progressive Democrats of America, Valley and L.A. Chapters, Progressive Caucus CDP, Valley Democrats United, and So. Cal Grassroots. Some unaffiliated neighbors joined in. Others walked by and said "at least he supports Israel."

Berman's district, California's 28th, extends from San Fernando and includes the Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, Van Nuys, and North Hollywood. Bordering on the south is Mulholland Drive, taking in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and the Hollywood Hills. Berman represented much of this area for a decade in the California Assembly in the '70s and in Congress in the '80s. Berman has represented much of this area in the California Assembly in the '70s and in Congress since 1982.
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Time for a dog kiss from Piper as peace activists from multiple groups in the San Fernando Valley gather in front of Congressman Howard Berman's home in Valley Village on Sat, May 26,2007. Berman did NOT VOTE on the supplemental Iraq appropriations bill HR2206 that funds the war without timelines for withdrawal. From the left, Michelle Hutchins, organizer Marlene Jenson, Lee Frank, Michael McCue (getting kissed), Joye Swan.
Photo: (c)2007 Linda Sutton