Last week we shared that the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission voted in favor of holding public hearings on the Los Angeles Police Department’s use of Suspicious Activity Reporting, gang injunctions and other public safety issues.
This is a step forward and an opportunity for us to hold the HRC accountable in making sure they follow through with their commitment and hold the LAPD accountable for a policy that further criminalizes our communities with no transparency. It is one more mile-marker on our way to rescinding Special Order 1 and terminate the iWATCH “See Something, Say Something” program.
Thanks to the community members and coalition members who stepped up to provide testimony, this decision is getting some media attention. On Monday, L.A. Activist wrote a post about the HRC decision and the Coalition’s push.
Some of the people who were present at the October 10th Human Relations Commission meeting shared their thoughts at the coalition meeting on Tuesday. Here’s some of the feedback:
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The community made the Commission feel the pressure,
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There were gender politics at work inside the Commission,
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We need to keep the pressure on and define these public hearings on SAR and gang injunctions,
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This is an opportunity to reach out to more groups and broaden our base,
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People should reach out to commission members.
Now is the time to keep building momentum. Next steps were discussed at the coalition meeting on Tuesday. There is lots of community outreach and education that needs to happen in preparation for these hearings. You can help by organizing outreach in your communities, school, and organizations.
“Follow the Coalition”
The Stop LAPD Spying Coalition will have a presence in the media and at community events in the coming weeks. Here is the latest information for you to share or come out and support.
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Wednesday October 23rd 5 pm: on Internet Radio killradio.org
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Saturday October 26th 2pm visit our table at S.T.A.Y.’s Ride for Freedom: Say No to Gang Injunctions Mass Bike Ride at Echo Park.
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Wednesday November 6th 7 pm: Community event – “LAPD Spying: Civil Liberties, Homeland Security, and the Israeli Connection.” Iman Cultural Center, 3376 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034 – General entrance $10, students $5, No one turned away
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Thursday November 14th 6:30 pm: Community event – “LA vs NSA – How to Push Back Against Warrantless Spying.” Huntington Center at St. Sophia Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006 – Free entrance
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Friday November 15th 10:15 am: Asian Americans Advancing Justice Conference at Biltmore Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles – Registration required
Next Coalition Meeting: Tuesday November 19th at 6:30 PM. Location to be confirmed.