Santa Ana, CA – On March 8, over 80 people gathered at Santa Ana’s Memorial Park to rally for International Women’s Day. The attendees raised flags and signs in support of LGBTQ rights, Palestinian liberation, and reproductive rights.

The crowd erupted in chants of “When women’s rights are under attack what do we do? Stand up! Fight back!” and “Mujeres unidas jamas seran vencidas!” as emcee and Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) member, Rain Mendoza, kicked off the rally.

Mendoza opened the event by saying, “It is important for us to continue commemorating this day as we continue to fight for our rights and for our lives. That is why you will always find us, working-class women and queer people, in the heart of the struggle.”

The stage was lined with signs called for supporting the women of Gaza, stopping the deportation of mothers, and protecting trans rights. Erika Armenta, wife of Noe Rodriguez, who was killed by the Santa Ana Police Department on December 1, 2024 spoke about his murder. Armenta stated, “Since his life was taken, I have to act as a mother and father to my daughters. They will never see their father again because the Santa Ana police chose violence instead of de-escalation.”

Armenta continued, “When you look at the families fighting for justice across the country, you will see wives, daughters, mothers, sisters. We are left to pick up the pieces of police killings. We are left to balance being mothers and fighters for justice.”

Armenta also raised her demands for the unedited police report and the body cam footage of Rodriguez’s killing to be released, along with new police policies of de-escalation and bilingual instructions from officers. She has been asking SAPD for the report since his killing and they have not given it to her. Rodriguez spoke only Spanish, but SAPD gave orders only in English and shot him over 30 times. CSO OC is supporting her with these demands as a part of their 24/48 Police Accountability campaign.

Maria Torres from Nuestras Manos started with “Arriba las mujeres!” She spoke about being a mother to three wonderful children and being an organizer for domestic workers for more than 25 years.

Torres stated, “I am a leader and community organizer. I am a proud member of Nuestras Manos. We are here to help you with any situation you may be dealing with your employer, like wage theft or any other issue. We will walk with you through the issue and teach you your rights as a worker.” She read a poem dedicated to women field workers, saying that she wanted to read it to honor women field workers who, like her grandmother, barely learned how to read or write. She ended with “Fuck you Trump, we are here, and we are not going anywhere!”

FRSO’s speaker, Diana Terreros, then spoke on Trump’s attack on women and trans rights through executive orders and court cases that eradicate reproductive healthcare for women, narrowly define sex and gender and ban trans women from women’s sports. She linked these actions to the ruling class defending their interests as capitalists: “The U.S. ruling class will continue to repress and punish anything that does not fit into the patriarchal, heterosexual nuclear family model that is essential to capitalism. We cannot rid the world of patriarchy and LGBTQ oppression while there is still a ruling class to benefit from it.” With a rallying call to the attendees, she concluded “the path forward for true women’s liberation, true LGBTQ liberation, and an end to national oppression is socialist revolution!”

Speaking on the Trump administration's attacks on trans women and trans rights, Michelle Darmary from Alianza Translatinx said that these policies “create a climate of fear where every step outside feels like a perilous journey.” She stated, “They may try to bury us, but they do not know that we are seeds, seeds planted in the fertile soil of resistance, watered by the tears of our ancestors, nourished by our unwavering love of our community, we will rise.” She ended with a powerful stance as a trans woman. “We will not be silenced, we will not be erased, we will not be denied, we are women, we are trans and we are here to stay.”

Then, Folk for Falastin, who strive to embody the Palestinian resistance through the preservation of their culture, gave a powerful and beautiful musical performance interspersed by chants of “Free! Free! Palestine!”

Manaal Subhani from CSO OC spoke on immigration by saying that the state needs immigrants as a labor force, but “immigrants cannot be reduced to workers for the United States. Immigrants contribute to innovation, culture and society. Immigrants are people, that’s why they matter! That’s it.” Subhani also spoke on the work of the Orange County Rapid Response Network, which significantly reduced the number of transfers from county jails to ICE custody, from 492 people in 2019 to just 17 in 2022, adding, “this is what we can do when we act united for change.”

The rally presented a strong call of solidarity among the different areas of struggle for women’s liberation. CSO OC will continue to fight for Chicana liberation through the fronts of community control of the police and immigration. Follow them on Instagram at cso.oc, Facebook at Orange County CSO, or reach them through email at orangecountycso@gmail.com.

The event was organized by CSO OC and featured speakers from the domestic workers group, Nuestras Manos, Orange County’s first trans-led organization; Alianza Translatinx, Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and CSO OC along with a musical performance from Folk for Falastin. Resources and know your rights cards were shared at a table by OC Rapid Response Network.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay #CSOOC

Santa Ana, CA – Más de 100 miembros de la comunidad, activistas y organizadores se congregaron en Santa Ana para protestar contra la inauguración de Donald Trump el 20 de enero.

A pesar de las frías ráfagas de viento, la multitud llenó la intersección de S Bristol Street y W McFadden Avenue, un lugar en el que la gente se ha congregado durante años, como en la primera inauguración de Trump o durante la Rebelión de George Floyd.

Erica González de Chicanxs Unidxs (CU) dijo: “Estuve en estas calles en septiembre de 2017 con mis cuatro hijos, todos menores de 14 años, para manifestarnos contra la administración Trump por poner a los niños en jaulas y separar a las familias en la frontera. Fue durante esa manifestación que sentí el poder de la comunidad por primera vez. Aquí estamos todos estos años después, excepto que esta vez estamos mucho más organizados y mejor preparados”.

Rachael Pozos de TransLatinx habló sobre el peligro que representa Trump para la comunidad LGBTQ y afirmó: “Somos parte de esta comunidad. Quieren segregarnos y silenciarnos, pero nosotros también alzamos la voz. Exigimos que se siga aplicando la terapia de reemplazo hormonal. No vamos a dar marcha atrás: al contrario, ¡vamos a luchar!”.

En su segundo gobierno, Trump probablemente aumentará el gasto policial y la represión de los movimientos populares. Durante su campaña sugirió una dura represión del movimiento de solidaridad con Palestina, y en su primer gobierno respondió a la Rebelión de George Floyd con una fuerte represión. La semana pasada, el Departamento de Justicia de Trump sugirió detener los decretos de consentimiento que exigen reformas en los departamentos de policía de todo el país.

Donna Acevedo-Nelson habló sobre su hijo, Joel Acevedo, que tenía solo 21 años cuando fue asesinado por el Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, y afirmó: “Mi hijo Joel fue arrastrado, golpeado, esposado y luego fue dispararon en la parte de atrás de la cabeza. La policía cambió su historia varias veces. Ellos mienten. Ellos van a los medios. La gente cree lo que lee en el periódico y siempre hay más en la historia”.

Los manifestantes, visibles para los autos que pasaban, sostenían carteles que decían: “¡Acusen! ¡Condenen! ¡Manden a estos policías asesinos a la cárcel! ¡Todo el maldito sistema es culpable!”.

Emma Gottfried de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario (CSO) habló sobre la ola de asesinatos perpetrada por la policía de Anaheim y Santa Ana a lo largo de los años. En diciembre, el SAPD mató a Noe Rodríguez momentos después de llegar a la escena, dando órdenes solo en inglés y disparando al menos 30 balas incluso mientras él se desplomaba.

Gottfried dijo: “CSO ha lanzado nuestra campaña de rendición de cuentas policial ‘24/48’. Estamos luchando por una mayor transparencia, exigiendo la divulgación pública de los nombres de los oficiales cuando están involucrados en mala conducta o en un tiroteo dentro de las 24 horas, y por la publicación de imágenes sin editar del incidente dentro de las 48 horas. ¡Las familias merecen ver lo que sucedió y saber quién estuvo involucrado para que podamos hacerlos responsables!”. Los manifestantes ondeaban carteles que decían: “Justicia para Noe Martínez Rodríguez”.

El activista laboral Manaal Subhani advirtió sobre el legado de Trump de atacar a los trabajadores, afirmando: “Durante su presidencia, Donald Trump debilito sistemáticamente las protecciones de los trabajadores y los sindicatos. Su Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales se puso repetidamente del lado de las corporaciones en detrimento de los trabajadores, lo que dificultó la formación de sindicatos y facilitó su descertificación”.

Subhani continuó, “¡Los trabajadores construyeron esta ciudad, los trabajadores dirigen esta ciudad y los trabajadores lucharán contra la administración Trump y la administración policial!”

Abraham Quintana, de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad (OSCL), reforzó la importancia de la lucha de la clase trabajadora, dijo, “Los multimillonarios dependen de nuestro trabajo para sus ganancias. No es Elon Musk en la línea de ensamblaje construyendo esas camionetas feas y explosivas. No es Gavin Newsom ahí fuera combatiendo incendios forestales. ¡Son los trabajadores!”.

Quintana habló de la tarea de la OSCL de construir un partido político de la clase trabajadora multinacional, diciendo: “En lugar de vivir en un mundo donde vivimos para hacer ganancias para los multimillonarios, podemos construir una sociedad que satisfaga las necesidades de todos y ponga el poder en manos de la clase trabajadora en lugar de las manos del 1%”.

Sandra de Anda, coordinadora de la Red de Respuesta Rápida del Condado de Orange (OCRRN), animó a la multitud a llamar a su línea directa si se detecta ICE en Santa Ana (714-881-1558). Advirtió a las personas que verifiquen correctamente los avistamientos para evitar el pánico y compartió sobre su trabajo de defensa participativa para detener y reducir las detenciones, deportaciones y encarcelamientos.

Sandra de Anda dijo: “Estamos aquí para recordar que la gente común puede organizarse: madres, hermanos, todos pueden aprender cómo sacar a sus seres queridos de las jaulas. ¡Ahora es el momento de que la gente común haga cosas valientes!”.

Los manifestantes ondeaban carteles que decían “No a las deportaciones”, “Protejan a los inmigrantes” y “No muerdan la mano que los alimenta”. La multitud gritaba: “¡Arriba, arriba con la liberación! ¡Abajo, abajo con la deportación!”.

Vinny Mansoor, de la Red Comunitaria Palestina de los Estados Unidos (USPCN) destacó la importancia de la solidaridad entre los diferentes movimientos y dijo a la multitud: “¡No logro ver la diferencia entre un niño en una jaula en California y un niño en una jaula en Gaza! ¡Nos están arrebatando a nuestros hijos y tenemos que permanecer unidos!”

Erick Landeros, de Guerrero, una organización solidaria que apoya la Revolución Democrática Nacional en las Filipinas, conectó la lucha entre los inmigrantes de Santa Ana con los pueblos oprimidos de todo el mundo: “Desde aquí en Santa Ana, con las familias migrantes de la clase trabajadora, hasta Palestina, México y las Filipinas, todos nos enfrentamos a un enemigo común: el imperialismo estadounidense”.

Jensen Walsh, de los Socialistas Democráticos de América del Condado de Orange (OCDSA), llamó a la audiencia a la acción y dijo: “En este momento, estamos movilizados, pero lo que debemos hacer es organizarnos para una mayor movilización en el futuro”.

La multitud marchó alrededor de la intersección, levantando carteles en el aire y gritando por encima del fuerte viento y el tráfico. El ánimo estaba alto mientras la gente protestaba contra la administración de Trump. La manifestación destacó la importancia de la solidaridad entre todas las luchas populares y la importancia de unirse a una organización para una lucha organizada a largo plazo contra esta administración.

El evento fue organizado por CSO OC en coalición con CU, OCEJ, USPCN, OSCL, OCDSA, TransLatinx, Guerrero y OCRRN.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #CSOOC #USPCN

Newport Beach, CA – Oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana (SAPD, por sus siglas en inglés) persiguieron y luego mataron a José Velásquez, de 45 años, en Newport Beach el sábado 1 de febrero, alrededor de las 7 a.m.

Al menos siete patrullas y un helicóptero policial persiguieron a un vehículo hasta el muelle de Newport, con los policías llegando con las puertas de sus patrullas ya abiertas y con las armas en la mano mientras desaceleraban hasta detenerse. Dispararon más de una docena de tiros antes de dar cualquier orden verbal y antes de que muchos espectadores tuvieron tiempo de huir del muelle.

Los espectadores dijeron que Velásquez conducía tranquilamente y no parecía tener intención de lastimar a nadie. También describieron haber sentido miedo cuando comenzaron los disparos y tener que proteger a sus hijos, y sentirse traumatizados después.

El SAPD declaró que Velásquez era sospechoso de un homicidio en Menifee, California, en su intento por justificar el tiroteo imprudente. El SAPD lo persiguió desde Santa Ana hasta Newport Beach después de recibir una llamada por asistencia del Departamento de Policía de Menifee.

Junto con los dos departamentos de policía, estaba presente un camión de la oficina del fiscal de distrito (DA, por sus siglas en inglés) del condado de Orange. Cuando miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario del Condado de Orange (CSO OC, por sus siglas en inglés) intentaron hacer preguntas, el personal del DA no fue claro sobre el motivo de su presencia y refirieron a los miembros al Departamento de Policía de Newport.

El SAPD alega que se recuperó un arma de fuego, pero el Departamento de Policía de Newport (NPD, por sus siglas en inglés) también bloqueó el acceso público a todo el muelle, haciendo imposible que el público observara la escena. La policía también tiene un historial de hacer alegaciones falsas sobre sospechosos que portan armas de fuego – por ejemplo, en los casos de Steve Salgado, asesinado por el SAPD en enero de 2017 y Brandon López, asesinado por el Departamento de Policía de Anaheim en 2021.

Este es el segundo asesinato cometido por el SAPD en sólo 62 días. Noe Rodríguez fue asesinado el 1 de diciembre de 2024. La policía llegó al lugar después de recibir una llamada sobre un hombre con un rifle caminando en el centro de Santa Ana. Llegó la policía y, en menos de cuatro minutos, comenzó a disparar casi 30 balas contra Rodríguez. El objeto que sostenía resultó ser una réplica. No intentaron desescalar la situación y dieron órdenes sólo en inglés, a pesar de que Rodríguez solo hablaba español.

Miembros de CSO OC acudieron al lugar para investigar ambos tiroteos y hablar con los testigos. Si sabe más sobre lo que sucedido o tiene evidencia, o si conoce a la familia de José Velásquez, comuníquese con CSO OC al 714-367-6350 o en Instagram @cso.oc.

En ambos casos, el SAPD reveló información mínima sobre los tiroteos y ninguna información sobre los oficiales involucrados. CSO OC está construyendo una campaña para exigir transparencia al departamento de policía de Santa Ana, llamada la Campaña 24/48.

David Pulido de CSO OC declaró: “Estamos exigiendo que los nombres de los oficiales involucrados se divulguen dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a un incidente crítico y que el video sin editar se publique dentro de las 48 horas. Las familias merecen algo mejor cuando sus seres queridos son asesinados o lastimados. Merecen saber qué sucedió y quién es responsable”. Si estás interesado en unirte a este esfuerzo para exigir transparencia al departamento de policía, comuníquese con CSO OC.

#NewportBeachCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #KillerCops #CSOOC

Newport Beach, CA – Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) officers chased and then killed 45-year-old Jose Velasquez in Newport Beach Saturday, February 1, at about 7 a.m.

At least seven police cruisers and one police helicopter pursued a vehicle onto Newport pier, with police pulling up with their squad car doors already open and guns drawn as they slowed to a stop. They fired over a dozen shots before issuing any verbal commands and before many bystanders had time to flee the pier.

Bystanders said Velasquez was driving calmly and didn’t seem to have an intention of hurting anybody. They also described feeling fear as gunshots started and having to shield their children, and feeling traumatized after.

SAPD stated Velasquez was a Menifee, California homicide suspect, in their attempt to justify the reckless shooting. SAPD chased him from Santa Ana all the way to Newport Beach after receiving a call to assist from the Menifee Police Department.

Along with the two police departments, an Orange County district attorney’s office truck was present. When members of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) tried to ask questions, DA’s people were not clear about their reason was in being there and they referred members to the Newport Police Department.

SAPD claims a firearm was recovered, but Newport Police Department (NPD) also blocked public access to the entire pier, making public view of the scene impossible. Police also have a history of making false claims about suspects having firearms – for example, in the cases of Steve Salgado, killed by SAPD in January 2017 and Brandon Lopez, killed by Anaheim PD in 2021.

This is SAPD’s second killing in only 62 days. Noe Rodriguez was killed on December 1, 2024. Police arrived on the scene after being called about a man with a rifle walking in downtown Santa Ana. Police arrived and in less than four minutes began shooting nearly 30 rounds at Rodriguez. The item he was holding turned out to be a replica. They did not try to de-escalate the situation, and they gave commands only in English, although Rodriguez spoke only Spanish.

Members of CSO OC went to the site to investigate both shootings and talk to witnesses. If you know more about what happened and have evidence, or if you know the family of Jose Velasquez, contact CSO OC at 714-367-6350 or on Instagram @cso.oc.

In both cases, SAPD revealed minimal information about the shootings and no information about the officers involved. CSO OC is building a campaign to demand transparency from Santa Ana's police department, called the 24/48 Campaign.

David Pulido of CSO OC stated, “We are demanding that the names of the officers involved are released within 24 hours of a critical incident and unedited video released within 48 hours. Families deserve better when their loved ones are killed or hurt. They deserve to know what happened and who is responsible.” If you are interested in joining this effort to demand transparency from the police department, contact CSO OC.

#NewportBeachCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #CSOOC #KillerCops

Santa Ana, CA – Over 100 community members, activists and organizers rallied in Santa Ana to protest the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20.

Despite cold gusts of wind, the crowd filled the intersection of S Bristol Street and W McFadden Avenue, a location people have rallied at for years, such as on Trump’s first inauguration or during the George Floyd Rebellion.

Erica Gonzalez of Chicanxs Unidxs (CU) said, “I stood on these streets in September 2017 with my four kids, all under the age of 14, to rally against the Trump administration for putting kids in cages and separating families at the border. It was during that rally that I felt the power of community for the first time. Here we are all these years later, except this time we’re much more organized and better prepared.”

Rachael Pozos of TransLatinx spoke on the danger posed to the LGBTQ community by Trump, stating “We are part of this community. They want to segregate and silence us, but we are raising our voices too. We demand that hormone replacement therapy continue to be carried out. We are not going to back down: on the contrary, we are going to fight!”

In his second administration, Trump will likely ramp up police spending and repression of the people’s movements. During his campaign he suggested harsh crackdowns on the Palestine solidarity movement, and in his first administration he responded to the George Floyd Rebellion with heavy repression. Last week Trump’s Department of Justice suggested halting consent decrees requiring reforms of police departments around the country.

Donna Acevedo-Nelson spoke about her son, Joel Acevedo, who was only 21 years old when he was killed by Anaheim Police Department, stating, “My son Joel was dragged, beaten, handcuffed and then shot in the back of the head. The police changed their story a few times. They lie. They go into the media. People believe what they read in the newspaper and there’s always more to the story.”

Protesters visible to passing cars held signs that read, “Indict! Convict! Send these killer cops to jail! The whole damn system is guilty as hell!”

Emma Gottfried from Community Service Organization (CSO) spoke about the killing spree by Anaheim and Santa Ana police over the years. In December, SAPD killed Noe Rodriguez moments after arriving at the scene, giving commands only in English and firing at least 30 bullets even as he collapsed.

Gottfried said, “CSO has launched our ‘24/48’ police accountability campaign. We are fighting for more transparency, demanding the public releasing of officer names when they are involved in misconduct or a shooting within 24 hours, and for releasing unedited footage of the incident within 48 hours. Families deserve to see what happened and know who was involved so we can hold them responsible!” Protesters waved signs saying, “Justice for Noe Martinez Rodriguez.”

Labor activist Manaal Subhani warned of Trump’s legacy of attacking workers, stating, “During his presidency, Donald Trump systematically undermined worker protections and unions. His National Labor Relations Board repeatedly sided with corporations over workers, making it harder to form unions and easier to decertify them.”

Subhani continued, “Workers built this city, workers run this city, and workers will fight back against the Trump administration and the cop administration!”

Abraham Quintana of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) reinforced the importance of the working class struggle, stating, “The billionaires depend on our labor for their profits. It's not Elon Musk on the assembly line building those ugly, explosive trucks. It's not Gavin Newsom out there fighting wildfires. It’s workers!”

Quintana spoke of FRSO’s task of building a political party of the multinational working class, saying, “Instead of living in a world where we live to make profits for the billionaires, we can build a society that meets everyone’s needs and puts the power in the working class's hands instead of the hands of the 1%.”

Sandra de Anda, coordinator of the Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN), encouraged the crowd to call their hotline if ICE is spotted in Santa Ana (714-881-1558). She cautioned people to correctly verify sightings to avoid panic and shared about their participatory defense work to stop and reduce detentions, deportations and incarcerations.

Sandra de Anda said, “We are here as a reminder that everyday people can organize: mothers, hermanos, everybody can learn how to get their loved ones out of cages. Right now is the time for regular people to do courageous things!”

Protesters waved signs that read “No to deportations,” “Protect Immigrants” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” The crowd shouted, “Up, up with liberation! Down, down with deportation!”

Vinny Mansoor of the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) stressed the importance of solidarity across different movements, telling the crowd, “I find myself for the life of me unable to see the difference between a child in a cage in California and a child in a cage in Gaza! Our children are being taken from us and we have to stand united!”

Erick Landeros of Guerrero, a solidarity organization supporting the National Democratic Revolution in the Philippines, connected the struggle between immigrants in Santa Ana with oppressed peoples around the world: “From here in Santa Ana with migrant, working class families, to Palestine, to Mexico, to the Philippines, we all face a common enemy: U.S. imperialism.”

Jensen Walsh of Orange County Democratic Socialists of America (OCDSA) called the audience to action, stating, “Right now, we are mobilized, but what we must do is organize for greater mobilization in the future.”

The crowd marched around the intersection, hoisting signs in the air and shouting over the gusty wind and traffic. Spirits were high as people raged against the Trump administration. The rally highlighted the importance of solidarity between all of the people’s struggles and the importance of joining an organization for long-term organized struggle against this administration.

The event was organized by CSO OC in coalition with CU, OCEJ, USPCN, FRSO, OCDSA, TransLatinx, Guerrero and OCRRN.

#SantaAnaCA #PeoplesStruggles #Immigrantrights #InJusticeSystem #LGBTQ #Palestine #AntiWarMovement #Environment #CSOOC #CU #OCEJ #USPCN #FRSO #TransLatinx #Guerrero #OCRRN

Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC) has begun investigating the shooting, door knocking in the area to find out more information. The organization hopes to find the victim’s family to support them in their struggle for justice.

This police killing is similar to the recent killing of Noe Rodriguez Martinez, also in his 30s, by Santa Ana Police Department on December 1 near Broadway and 1st Street. The scene of his murder is still scarred with nearly 30 bullet holes where police sprayed him with gunfire for allegedly holding a non-lethal airsoft gun. Similarly, the names of the officers and more details about the killing have not been released.

These killings and the lack of information released to the public regarding them highlight Orange County’s lack of police accountability and transparency. While both Santa Ana and Anaheim have police oversight bodies, they currently lack the power to hold police accountable when they kill. CSO OC is in the process of building a campaign in Santa Ana to demand transparency and accountability, including releasing officer names after police killings.

If you have any information regarding either shooting or you are interested in being involved in the campaign, you can call CSO OC’s hotline at 714-367-6350 or contact them via social media @cso.oc on Instagram and Orange County CSO on Facebook.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #CSOOC

Santa Ana, CA — El 1 de diciembre, dos oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana (SAPD) dispararon y mataron a un hombre en el centro de Santa Ana cerca de Broadway y calle 2. SAPD declara que la gente llamó para informar de que un hombre estaba cargando un rifle. Casi 30 agujeros de balas marcan la pared donde le dispararon por sostener lo que resultó ser una pistola de aire comprimido no letal.

El nombre de la víctima no ha sido publicado pero reportes han dicho que el hombre era “hispano”, en sus treintas y declarado muerto cuando llegó al hospital.

El próximo día, miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario en Orange County (CSO OC) empezaron a distribuir volantes para alcanzar la familia de la víctima y crear conciencia sobre el asesinato. Mucha gente camina en Broadway sin saber que pasan un sitio de ejecución.

Menos personas saben del sitio a solo una cuadra de distancia en el estacionamiento de CVS, donde SAPD asesinó a Miguel Chavez en 2022, un inmigrante salvadoreño desarmado. Al menos ocho oficiales persiguieron su vehículo hacia el estacionamiento y lo rodearon con las armas en la mano. Los oficiales Jonathan Chavez y Sean Anthis dispararon tres balas de “poca letal” hacia Miguel Chavez, y el oficial Mark Shifflett mandó su perro policial contra él. Chavez murió dos días después por las mordidas. La muerte fue declarada un homicidio por el forense, pero los tres oficiales fueron exonerados de toda culpabilidad por el Fiscal de Orange County, Todd Spitzer, dos años después del asesinato.

En Santa Ana, la policía está en gran parte protegida de la responsabilidad. Los “Reportes Criticales de Incidentes” que ellos deben compartir dentro de 45 días suelen difamar a la víctima y justifican las acciones de la policía. Aunque Miguel Chavez no tenía record criminal ni historial de consumo de drogas que pudieran usar en su contra, los oficiales decían que vieron un arma, pero no se encontró ninguna. Mientras tanto, estos reportes no requieren que se compartan los nombres de los oficiales. Como resultado, cuando las familias afectadas y el público están más desesperados por respuestas, no se enteran de qué oficiales son responsables ni de su historial de violencia.

Por eso, CSO OC está en el proceso de crear una campaña para exigir que el SAPD publique los nombres de los oficiales después de que la policía mata a alguien. Rain Mendoza, miembro de CSO, dijo, “Nuestra demanda proviene de las familias afectadas y de nuestro estudio sobre la política policial en Santa Ana. La demanda es parte del proceso paso-a-paso en el que les quitamos el poder a los policías que nos reprimen y nos matan, y devolvemos ese poder al pueblo.”

Para participar en la campaña de CSO OC por la rendición de cuentas de la policía, comunícate con nosotros a través de nuestras redes sociales @cso.oc en Instagram, Orange County CSO en Facebook, o envíanos un correo electrónico a orangecountycso@gmail.com.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #CSOOC

Santa Ana, CA – On December 1, two officers from Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) shot and killed a man in downtown Santa Ana near Broadway and 2nd Street. SAPD stated that people called about a man loading a rifle. Nearly 30 bullet holes scar the wall where he was shot for holding what turned out to be a non-lethal airsoft gun.

The name of the victim has not been released but reports state that the man was “Hispanic”, in his thirties and pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

The next day, members of Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC) began flyering downtown Santa Ana to reach the victim’s family and to spread awareness about the killing. Many people walk down Broadway unaware they are passing an execution site.

Fewer people know about the site just one block away in the CVS parking lot, where SAPD shot unarmed Salvadoran immigrant Miguel Chavez in 2022. At least eight officers chased his vehicle into the lot and surrounded him with guns drawn. Officers Jonathan Chavez and Sean Anthis fired three “less-lethal” rounds into Miguel Chavez and Officer Mark Shifflett sicced a police dog on him. Chavez died two days later from bite injuries. The death was ruled a homicide by the coroner, but all three officers were cleared of wrongdoing by Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, two years after the killing.

In Santa Ana police are largely shielded from accountability. The “Critical Incident Reports” they must share within 45 days smear the victim and justify police actions. While Miguel Chavez had no criminal record or history of drug use to be used against him, officers said they saw a weapon, but no weapon was found. Meanwhile, these reports are not required to share officer names. As a result, when impacted families and the public are most desperate for answers, they don’t learn about which officers are responsible or about their history of violence.

That is why CSO OC is in the process of building a campaign to demand that SAPD release officer names after police killings. Rain Mendoza, a member of CSO, said, “Our demand comes from impacted families and our study of police policy in Santa Ana. The demand is part of a step-by-step process in which we take power from the police who repress and kill us, and we give that power back to the people.”

To get involved in CSO OC’s police accountability campaign, reach out to us on our social media, @cso.oc on Instagram, Orange County CSO on Facebook, or email us at orangecountycso@gmail.com.

#SantaAnaCA #InJusticeSystem #ChicanoLatino #CommunityControlofthePolice #CSOOC

Santa Ana, CA – On Wednesday, November 6 almost 30 community members and activists united to call people to action following Donald Trump’s election. The rally was held on the intersection of Bristol and McFadden, where hundreds protested in 2020 after the killing of George Floyd.

Abe Quintana of the Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) kicked off the rally by stating, “Trump’s victory is the result of the built-in failure of the two party system,” and “both the Democrats and Republicans can never bring real change to our everyday lives as working people.”

David Pulido of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) then spoke about what a Trump presidency will bring, stating, “We can expect attacks on the immigrant community. We can expect attacks on labor rights. We can expect attacks on reproductive and LGBTQ rights. We can expect the use of police to repress people’s movements, and more police killings. And we can expect the administration to continue supporting Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people.” He called people to action, stating “we who live in the belly of the beast of the U.S. empire have a responsibility to all who suffer from its policies abroad” to organize and fight back.

Maria Ceja from Tenants United Santa Ana (TUSA) spoke about their victory in winning rent control for Santa Ana. She emphasized that it took years of work and fighting against the police association, apartment association, and real estate association that are all backed by millions of dollars. Ceja stated, “I would like to note that this work would have not been possible if it hadn’t been for the years and years of work and dedication and the blood, sweat and tears of community members here in Santa Ana.”

Patricia Flores from OC Environmental Justice (OCEJ) urged people to act without waiting for help from politicians and non-profits, stating, “My only hope is that the people who were waiting for a savior still in 2024 will use this opportunity to organize in their communities to make sure we never have to wait for a savior again.”

Protesters then picketed intersections, chanting “Not another nickel, not another dime! No more money for Israel’s crimes!” and “Don’t let cops run this city!” as cars passing by honked in support.

Emma Gottfried of CSO OC spoke of Trump’s election and the likelihood of the expansion of police power and repression. She spoke of CSO OC’s campaign to hire an Independent Oversight Director (IOD) for the Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission. The commission was established two years ago but has not performed any investigations due to the lack of an IOD. Gottfried stated “Santa Ana deserves better! When the police commit crimes, they need to be held accountable. The people of Santa Ana deserve a functioning police oversight body. That is why we are demanding that the city council appoint an independent oversight director.”

Protesters then chanted “SAPD, KKK, IDF they’re all the same” and “La migra, la policia, la misma porqueria!”

Stef Dorantes of CSO OC closed out the rally with a strong call to action, “We cannot let them weaken our resolve. We have to let our fierce love for one another drive us to struggle. We must unite and struggle for liberation for all of us because politicians won’t do that for us! We must come together to fight for an end to the genocide! We need to come together and fight for our rights! We need to come together and fight for police accountability! So please join us at CSO OC and we can struggle together!”

The rally was organized by CSO OC and endorsed by TUSA, OCEJ, US Palestinian Community Network, FRSO, OC Environmental Justice, and more. To get involved in CSO OC’s campaign for police accountability, email orangecountycso@gmail.com or contact us on Instagram @cso.oc.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #CSOOC

Fullerton, CA – On Friday, September 6, over 30 family members, community members and activists joined a vigil to demand justice for Alejandro Campos Rios. The vigil was held outside of a McDonald’s restaurant where Rios was murdered by Fullerton Police Department on March 6 while experiencing a mental health crisis.

Connor Atwood with Dare to Struggle kicked off the vigil by stating, “For six months the killer cops have gotten away with it. For six months, they have not released the names of the officers that pulled the triggers. For six months they have not been fired from FPD. And for six months, while we should have been getting justice ,these killer cops have continued to walk the streets. We’re here to say no, we’re here to demand justice for Alejandro!”

Chants of “Indict, convict, send these killer cops to jail! The whole damn system is guilty as hell!” and “FPD you can’t hide, we charge you with homicide!” began on a busy street where traffic passing by honked in support.

Yvonne De La Torre, Campos’ partner, read a letter from his granddaughter Jazmyne, who just had her tenth birthday. She wrote: “I miss you so much. My wish was to bring you back, that’s how much I love you and miss you. I’m really sad you are not here with me. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye.”

De La Torre then spoke about Rios. “He didn’t deserve what he got. He still had a lot of life; he had just turned 50 in January, but Fullerton PD chose to take his life instead of helping him. They could’ve talked him down, but they chose to shoot and kill him right here in front of the McDonald’s. All because he had a mental illness crisis at that moment. We’re here to seek justice. Something needs to be done about all these killings that are happening by police departments from all counties. We need to unite to make a change because this can’t happen anymore!”

Melissa Miramontes, who grew up with another victim of police terror, Hugo Cachua, then spoke to demand justice for him, stating, “He was murdered by an off-duty medical leave police officer from LAPD who was not in uniform. He was not in a police vehicle, but yet this pig decided to kill our brother for a fender bender.”

Miramontes urged the community to take action before these killings continue, stating, “This can happen to you! Never did we think this would happen to us! It can happen to your family! Fuck the crooked ass cops and fuck whoever stands with them! Justice for our families! Justice for the people who are gonna lose their fucking lives in the future! May the cops pay! Don’t let it be your family!” She asked for the community to sign their petition.

David Pulido with CSO Orange County then spoke and described the recent killings by FPD. Pulido stated, “The Fullerton Police Department has killed at least five people since 2020, three of them this year. Lorenzo Roger Hills III was killed July 15, Scott William Thompson March 25, and Alejandro Campos Rios that very same month on March 6.” He stated that in order to get justice for those killed, “We need community control of the police. We must claw back power and put it into the hands of the people. We do want justice and we have to take that power back however we can. We want to demand justice for Alejandro Campos Rios, that the names of the officers who killed him be revealed, and that they be convicted and jailed!”

#FullertonCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #Feature

Santa Ana, CA – On August 10, nearly 40 people packed into the Studio of El Centro Cultural de México to hear five panelists speak on a wide range of topics affecting Chicanos. This event, commemorating the 54th Chicano Moratorium, was organized by Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC).

Before the panel began, Diana Terreros, a founding member of CSO OC, led a chant to honor and remember the name of Abigail Lopez, who was tragically murdered at the hands of Anaheim Police Department in 2023.

A special video presentation from Frank Chapman, executive director of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), kicked off the panel, where he went over the history of the struggle for community control of the police and how to build a mass movement to fight for it. As part of that struggle, he stressed the importance of working with impacted families by saying “most families victimized by police crimes aren’t calling for abolition. They want justice right now. We fight with the families to achieve that justice. They are demanding that the police are held accountable.”

The panelists covered topics ranging Chicano self-determination, community control of the police, the struggle for Palestinian liberation, the working-class and immigration struggles.

When the panel was asked “Why do some of us use ‘Chicano’ and not ‘Latino’ or ‘Mexican American’?” Rain Mendoza, a member of CSO OC, spoke on her personal experiences growing up with Mexican parents, stating that she did not “connect with Mexican culture in that way, I didn’t grow up there” and she uses the term Chicano as “it’s more political, there is a history of struggle there, a people’s struggle.” When asked about the demand for Chicano self-determination she stated, “As a people we are so very oppressed and historically have been so, culturally, economically and politically – we need self-determination and the political power to live our lives the way we want to live them.”

On the question of working-class struggles through history, Michelle Sanchez, former chair of MEChA de UCI, traced the rights of workers to their current status. She explains that workers had to “fight for the right to be considered human.”

When asked why most U.S. politicians continue to unwaveringly support Israel, Sylvia Hernandez of Nuestras Manos, a domestic workers’ rights advocacy group, emphasized, “War is and always has been a business; our communities gain nothing from this transaction.” It is crystal clear to workers that while the U.S. supports a genocide, we are the ones stuck with the bill.

This event was CSO OC’s first local Chicano Moratorium event and was composed of panelists from Nuestras Manos, MEChA de UCI, Centro CSO, CSO OC and Chicanxs Unidxs. CSO OC is looking forward to hosting more forums of public discussion to aid in the fight for Chicano self-determination and community control of the police. If you are interested in joining in these fights join CSO OC. Follow them on Instagram at cso.oc, Facebook at Orange County CSO, or email at orangecountycso@gmail.com.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #ChicanoMoratorium #CentroCSO #CSOOC #NAARPR #feature

Irvine, CA – “We demand amnesty for student protesters!” said a Palestinian student organizer at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Gaza solidarity encampment. “We’ve made it clear that we are not leaving until all of our demands are met. If anything, the student suspensions have only made us more determined to stay and hold our ground, because this fight is bigger than us. It’s a fight against genocide and our tuition money going towards the weapons that are murdering Palestinians by the Israeli government!”

She was one of many voices rallying the community to defend the encampment from campus administration, who suspended numerous students, including three members of the encampment’s negotiating team on Wednesday, May 8. She explained that negotiations are on hold, since the administration suspended members of the negotiation team and is not negotiating in good faith.

Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) member Daniel Jimenez spoke about the bravery of the student activists, “The students within the encampment give me lots of hope and encouragement. Their spirits remained high even after the news of the shameful suspension of some of their peers by UCI, which sparked more passion and fire to their flame. I am proud of them – they are risking possibly their whole life and career simply for standing against genocide. May they remain strong and keep on regardless of the consequences!”

Dr. Haifaa Younis, an obstetrician and gynecologist returning from seven months of medical practice in Palestine, was invited to speak on the horrific conditions Palestinians face due to Israeli attacks and starvation tactics. The contrast between medical practice in the West and in occupied Palestine was sharp, as she described how physicians lacked basic tools like monitors, blood pressure cuffs, or even gloves, which had to be used repeatedly while operating on several patients. “You really have to be extremely creative to save lives there,” said Younis.

Younis spoke of a woman in her seventies who came in, “then there comes in three girls whose house was just bombed. There were four; one girl was dead. So, you have enough to handle one patient. They looked at me and said, if the old woman dies, she’s 75. She’s lived her life. We can save only one.” Ultimately, one of the girl’s arms was amputated and the other’s leg was saved.

Younis also spoke of the incredible resilience of the Palestinian people.

Emma Gottfried of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) said, “It was powerful hearing Dr. Younis speak about the strength and spirit of the Palestinian people, who are undergoing intense and extreme hardship due to the IOF's genocidal attacks. How families who lost everything are still surviving in the face of such conditions.”

A central theme of Younis’s speech was on international solidarity. Describing the work of students in the U.S., Younis said, “You have lit a fire which is spreading across the whole world,” and that “fighting for others is what makes us fully human.”

Tarps were rolled out as the sound of prayer filled the nighttime campus. A student organizer reaffirmed her commitment to the cause, stating, “We’re here because there’s not only been a genocide but also 76 years of occupation. An occupation that has murdered over 35,000 people, and that’s not even counting the people under the rubble or who haven’t been found, or whose bodies are completely gone! The students are going to stay here. The students are going to fight. And even if everyone quit, I would be the last person standing here because I’m Palestinian, and I’m also a human being.”

#IrvineCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #StudentMovement #FRSO #CSOOC

Santa Ana, CA – On Wednesday, May 1, over 100 people gathered to rally and march for International Workers Day at El Centro Cultural de Mexico. The event brought forth demands such as legalization for all of the undocumented, community control of the police, solidarity with Palestine, permanent rent control, and more.

The rally began with community members hearing about the origins and the significance of May Day. It started in Chicago in 1886 when workers were striking for an eight-hour workday, among other demands. They were attacked by police and four strike organizers were publicly executed.

After the opening rally, the march began as the crowd took to the streets chanting, “Free Palestine!” and “la migra, la policia, la misma porqueria!”

The first stop was in front of the Santa Ana Police Department where David Pulido, a member of Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC) brought attention to a police gang that is forming in the Major Enforcement Team. Pulido stated, “MET officers sexually assaulted a fifteen-year-old girl at a family restaurant. The Department of Internal Affairs sabotaged the investigation, and no officers were held accountable.”

Daniel Jimenez, another member of CSO OC, talked about the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) and the funding they provide to council members’ campaigns, including $209,332 for Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. A cardboard cutout of her with devil horns and a “for sale” sign could be seen in the crowd as Jimenez stated, “If councilmembers don’t vote the way the POA likes, they fund recall campaigns against those members.” He and Pulido underscored the need for community control of the police to prevent this corruption and lack of police accountability.

Diana Terreros, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), spoke about the connection between May Day and immigrant rights struggles. Torreros stated, “The more rights immigrant workers have, the less the capitalists will be able to exploit them and other workers. To fight this super exploitation, we must demand legalization for all of the undocumented. This will give immigrants rights and protections without requiring them to become citizens of a country who is responsible for the destabilization of their home countries.”

At a stop in front of Black Panther Park, Maria Torres, a speaker from Nuestra Manos, a domestic workers organization, stated, “I invite you to not forget this day as the beginning of the fight for workers. Join local organizations to continue standing up for and learning our rights. If we do not fight, we do not win.”

Carlos Perea, a speaker for Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice, spoke about the recent wins the residents of Santa Ana have acquired, including rent control, a police oversight commission and more, despite the corrupt councilmembers. He shouted “Shame on Mayor Amezcua for selling out her community! Are we going to stand for that?” and the crowd enthusiastically responded “No!”

Another stop was made in front of a statue of Alex Odeh, a Palestinian-American activist who was killed in Santa Ana in 1985 after a Zionist-planted pipe bomb detonated when he opened the door to the office of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. At this stop, a statement from the Palestinian Youth Movement was shared where they stated, “We appreciate those who have taken action in any ways that they could to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause,” and called for continuing to boycott and disrupt U.S. companies that are funding and aiding Israel.

The crowd returned to El Centro Cultural de Mexico to enjoy live entertainment that consisted of baile folklorico and poetry readings. One poem from CSO OC member Rain Mendoza addressed the recent collapse of a Baltimore bridge leading to the death of six immigrant workers, highlighting again the connection of International Worker’s Day and immigrant rights.

The event was put on by a coalition of organizations including: El Centro Cultural de Mexico, Colectivo Tonantzin, CSO OC, Orange County Environmental Justice, Chicanxs Unidxs, VietRISE, FRSO, and others.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #Labor #ImmigrantRights #MayDay #FRSO #CentroCSO #CSOOC

Fullerton, CA – On March 6, Fullerton Police Department (FPD) killed Alejandro Campos Rios with bean bag projectiles and a taser. Age 50 and homeless, Rios was dancing and apparently under the influence but not posing any threat. One officer fired a taser while another shot five bean bag shotgun rounds at Rios, who collapsed bleeding and clutching his body. Rios was pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital.

FPD has not released the names of the officers who killed Rios, who were put on administrative leave but returned to work later that week. A member of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) submitted a Public Records Request on March 20. In response, FPD said they would give a Community Briefing within 45 days of the incident, but that there were “numerous delay provisions” for the release of the officers’ names. Their names have still not been released.

Meanwhile, on March 25, FPD shot and killed Scott William Thompson outside a Wells Fargo bank. Thompson, age 57, allegedly demanded money from the bank and threatened to detonate a bomb if his demands weren’t met. Police killed Thompson when he left the bank. The bomb turned out to be a harmless replica and Thompson was unarmed.

These back-to-back killings and lack of accountability for the officers is unsurprising given that FPD has killed several people in the last several years with no consequences for the killer cops.

Just four years ago, on May 27, 2020 FPD killed 34 year old Hector Hernandez on his front lawn. His hands were raised and empty, and he was following officer commands when Corporal Jonathan Ferrell sicced his K9 on Hernandez. Groaning in pain, Hernandez defended himself with a knife from his pocket, and Ferrell shot Hernandez twice. The city of Fullerton paid $8.6 million to Hernandez’s family in a settlement, but OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer refused to file criminal charges against Ferrell.

On July 5th, 2011, FPD killed Kelly Thomas, who was homeless and struggling with mental illness. He was unresponsive to officers but showed no aggression. Two officers struck Thomas with batons, four officers pinning him down. He was tasered and bludgeoned by officers Jay Cicinelli, Joseph Wolfe and Manuel Ramos. Thomas died five days later at a hospital. The City of Fullerton paid $4.9 million to Thomas’s parents in settlements. While officers were charged, Ramos and Cicinelli were found not guilty on all charges, and charges against Wolfe were dropped.

The ACLU found that of the 142 police shootings in Orange County from 2010-2020, the District Attorney declined to charge officers in all cases, 24 of those cases under Spitzer.

This pattern of police killings with no accountability shows why we need community control of the police in Orange County. Chicano, African American, and other oppressed nationality lives will continue to be lost without it. We need the power to decide what happens to killer cops, the power to approve or deny policing policies that will impact their neighborhoods, the power to decide how much of their money goes to policing and more. CSO OC is a Chicana-led local grassroots organization that fights for peoples’ demands and control over killer cops. If you are interested in joining CSO OC, reach out to orangecountycso@gmail.com or @cso.oc on social media.

#FullertonCA #OCCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #CommunityControlOfPolice #CSOOC #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #Feature

Santa Ana, CA – “Capitalism has no interest in ending women’s oppression because it benefits from it! We must eradicate gender-based oppression at its source,” declared Rain Mendoza to over 30 attendees at Community Service Organization Orange County’s (CSO OC) first International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 9.

Chants of “When women’s’ rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” and “Si tocan a una, respondemos todas!” filled the park as community members and leaders alike gathered around the stage. Speakers addressed their demands for International Women’s Day including reproductive rights, LGBTQ liberation, equal pay for equal work, ending gender violence, and standing in solidarity with the women of Palestine.

Emma Gottfried, member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), spoke on the history of International Women’s Day, explaining how it originally commemorated the labor struggle of garment and needle workers of New York City in 1908. Gottfried also spoke on reactionary attacks on LGBTQ people across the country and in California, explaining that recently defeated bill AB 1314 “would have forcibly required teachers and faculty members to out children to their parents if, while they are in school, they identify with a different gender then they were assigned or engage in activities designed for the opposite sex”. Similar bills have since passed, endangering trans youth. Gottfried ended with a call to action, “We have to fight for systematic change for full LGBTQ liberation!”

Diana Terreros, member of CSO OC spoke of a California law that until 2010 legally allowed forced sterilizations of countless Chicana, African American and other oppressed nationality women. She ended her speech with a demand, “We need comprehensive reproductive rights that include not only the right to abortion but also the right to have children without economic barriers and an end to forced sterilizations.”

Jenny Bekenstein, shop steward and active member of the Teamsters union, bridged the roots of International Women’s Day in the labor struggle to the present. She spoke about the recent UPS contract fight. “Because we posed a credible strike threat, the company gave into almost all of our demands a week before the strike was going to happen.” She explained the significance for women, pointing out “the part-time classification has the most women because they have to take care of their families and take on the household work. We were at minimum wage and we won a 50% wage increase over the next five years.”

Noor Aljawad, member of the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), described how islamophobia paints Muslim men to be “barbaric oppressive creatures,” and Muslim women to be “agentless, powerless and oppressed.” She pointed out the hypocrisy stating, “there is fake concern for humanity and liberation of Muslim women that has historically been used to justify killing Muslim people.” Referring to Israel, she asked, “If they care about queer rights and women’s rights, why are they so willing to kill them en masse?”

The event went on with more chants, “When Palestinian women are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!”

Jay Perez recounted heroic stories of women in her personal life defending other women from male violence, statiang, “May we all fight for each other the way my mom fought for a stranger. May we be as fearless and unstoppable as the woman that protected my mom. May we not hesitate to scream and shove and fight back at the forces oppressing us with everything we have!”

The event was organized by CSO OC and included attendees and speakers from USPCN, OC Environmental Justice, Sullivan en Accion, and FRSO.

#SantaAnaCA #OCCA #CA #WomensMovement #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #InternationalWomensDay #Palestine #CSOOC #USPCN #OCEJ #FRSO

Anaheim, CA – “You join the heroes who stood up and said, ‘War? Not in our name! Death? Not in our name! Money toward genocide? Not in our name!’” declared Kareem Youssef, member of the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), to a crowd of over 20 protesters in front of a Super King Market on March 3.

The action was part of the larger “Boycott Sadaf” campaign, whose goal is to remove Sadaf Food products from grocery stores. Sadaf Foods is a Zionist company that sources its products in occupied Palestine and tries to normalize the state of Israel.

Activists took the parking lot chanting, “Super King, hear our voice! Zionist food is not a choice!” and “Not another nickel, not another dime! No more money for Israel’s crimes!”

They were confronted by security guards who tried to intimidate them into moving out of the parking lot, but Youssef and others asserted their right to protest Super King market for shelving Sadaf Food products. As seven police SUVs and one motorcycle officer poured into the lot, another organizer from USPCN said he had spoken with the manager of Super King before staging this action, and the manager sent him to customer service. “How ridiculous! They want us to go through a bureaucracy when we tell them to stop funding genocide, when we tell them that you’re profiting off of the stolen food while our people are starving in Gaza, while children are starving! And instead, they call the cops on us. Shame on Super King! Shame on Sadaf! Boycott Sadaf!”

Diana Terreros, member of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated that “CSO stands in unequivocal solidarity with the Palestinian resistance against the occupation of Israel, who is committing a genocide and has been dispossessing Palestinians for 75 years.” She also spoke on the recent victory of the Boycott Sadaf campaign in Garden Grove, where an action forced Harvest Fresh market to deshelve its Sadaf products just 30 minutes into the rally. Terreros stated, “We will keep fighting against these Zionist corporations! Our struggles as Chicanos and Palestinians may be different, but we are united against the common enemy of U.S. imperialism, and together we can win.”

Even as the police tried to violate protesters’ First Amendment rights, activists urged customers to boycott Super King until the manager made a contractual agreement to deshelve its Sadaf Food products. Some customers even joined the ranks of activists, taking up signs and shouting back at police and security. The police were forced to stand and watch.

Palestinian flags waved in the lot as Youssef closed the boycott action by warning, “We will be checking on different stores seeking Sadaf across Southern California until every single one of these Southern California stores removes Sadaf Foods from their shelves! Because this is what we can do to make an impact and to address Zionism ourselves, and show them that people power, just us, is enough to cost Sadaf millions!”

The boycott was organized by USPCN, and it included activists from Free Democratic Movement for Palestine, Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, the Palestinian American Women’s Association, Community Service Organization Orange County, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO).

#AnaheimCA #International #AntiWarMovement #MiddleEast #Palestine #BDS #USPCN #AlAwda #PAWA #CSOOC #FRSO