KBBF RadioLand By Serena Makofsky — March 2020
By Serena Makofsky
The ICE arrests that took place in February in Santa Rosa sparked controversy. They occurred while people were attending hearings for other reasons at the Sonoma County Superior Court. Julie Johnson, reporting in The Press Democrat, noted, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made the arrests in defiance of a new state law barring civil immigration arrests at California courthouses, a statute that does not strip federal agents of their authority to conduct missions but makes clear the state’s intent. The action also comes four days after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced the agency will participate in ICE’s escalating immigration enforcement across the country in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies and called out cities including San Francisco.”
A local grassroots group, the North Bay Rapid Response Network /Norte de la Bahia Red de Respuesta, dispatched volunteer legal observers to witness ICE activity. The organization then broadcast a key message on social media channels: “Please know your rights. Remember we are here for each other. Power not panic.”
This same organization has been instrumental in creating and distributing the Know Your Rights flyers and cards. Their volunteers staff a hotline serving Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. Anyone who spots ICE agents in these localities can call the hotline at 707-800-4544 and the network will disseminate the information.
Volunteers at KBBF have also been busy organizing. Their message: “Fuera la Migra del Condado de Sonoma!” Programmer Ana Salgado, who works with Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services (VIDAS), hosted a meeting at the station’s HQ to brainstorm solutions.
KBBF Stars Shine at Sonoma County Museum
The Museum of Sonoma County’s exhibit “From Suffrage to #Me Too” showcases remarkable local women who have instigated change. Among the notable women honored are board president Alicia Sanchez and programmer Elaine B. Holtz, who’s Women’s Spaces show highlights political and cultural figures of interest.
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