Los Angeles Indymedia : Activist News

A series of demonstrations drew attention to one of the biggest (and least-discussed) government welfare programs: the Military Industrial Complex. Although Boeing was the main target, demonstrations also occurred in front of Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. By late afternoon, there were about 50 participants. That number increased to approximately 75 by early evening. Most response from vehicular traffic seemed positive.

Emphasis was placed on the staggering amounts of public money spent on weapons (over 50% of government spending) while people here and abroad suffer from hunger, disease, and illiteracy. And despite the huge Military budget, various demonstrators observed that they do not feel any safer. Various participants also spoke out against the current U.S. military build-up in the Pacific—against America's greatest trading partner, China. There was considerable emphasis, too, on flying drones. “We are in secret wars in Yemen [and] Pakistan,” read a widely-distributed leaflet. “There will soon be thousands of weaponized predator drones in the United States airspace.”

Story and photos: Occupy the Military Industrial Complex (report back) by Rick Panna

Jacob Gutierrez, a Tongva, has a lot on his plate right now. The last science center in the LA Unified School District is "on the chopping block" due to budget cuts in education. (LAUSD originally had six.) This facility has been a resource for everyone in the community, especially children. It contains several gardens, consisting of over 80 native plants and fruit trees. Native wildlife is drawn there, including blue butterflies. There are also over 150 animals that children can visit, all rescues. Oftentimes they have been confiscated by the U.S. Government at the southern border and would have been killed were it not for the Center.

Just up the street is the site of Shwaanga (Ken Malloy Regional Park), one of the largest Tongva villages in pre-Spanish times, a site which has been suffering from pollution in recent centuries. In pre-European times, people would travel by boat from islands including Pimu (Catalina Island) and numerous inland communities via canoelike boats plying rivers, as well as different parts of the California coast. Among other things, Shwaanga was known for its fresh water. Now the water is heavily polluted and needs to be cleaned up.

Story and photos: San Pedro: Science Center Endangered/Tongva Village Site Revitalization by R. Plesset, Science Center photos by Isabel Avila (http://www.isabelavila.com)

RIVERSIDE (California) - Friday, May 18, 2012 - Police arrested a woman for observing a checkpoint Friday evening. The community responded in protest, occupying the area in front of Robert Presley Detention Center overnight, marching, and demanding the release of our comrade. The woman was released to the hospital at approximately eight o'clock Saturday morning, despite having suffered an epileptic seizure some nine hours earlier. Full Story: Police arrest copwatcher during checkpoint, Occupy Riverside responds by Rockero

Carlos Montes, longtime anti-war, Chicano rights and immigrant rights activist is facing multiple felony charges. The trial begins this Tuesday, May 15 the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Jess Sundin of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression says, "Carlos is the target of an FBI frame up."

Supporters are being asked to rally outside the Los Angeles courthouse and help to pack the courtroom this Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at 8:00 at the Criminal Courts Building, 13th floor, Department 100 210 West Temple Ave, downtown Los Angeles Full Story by Tracy Molm || Updates: The Time is Now to Support Carlos Montes, Beloved Chicano Activist by Stephanie Weiner | Veteran Chicano activist's home raided by agencies by Ernesto Arce

More photos from Carlos Montes Arraignment and Protest in Alhambra, California by Robert Stuart Lowden

On May 5, demonstrations were held world-wide to draw attention to the dire consequences and continued threats of climate change. Here in Los Angeles, banners were displayed on freeways (pictures have been posted at 350.org). Other local events happened in Pasadena; Arcadia; Palm Springs; San Diego; and in Eagle Rock, where 11 people participated in a climate vigil. Signs were displayed and flyers distributed.

Two of the participants (both residents of Eagle Rock) recently converted their homes to solar and were advocating it to passersby. The State of California still has financial incentives in place.

Story and pictures: Climate Impact Day in Eagle Rock by R of the Northeast LA Radical Neighbors | | More coverage: by Jan Freed