Santa Rosa Snippets by Elaine B. Holtz - August 2019
“Close The Camps” Protests held at Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
We have seen the images and heard the stories coming out of child detention centers in finding out that children are being denied soap and toothbrushes, crowded into unsafe condition, separated from their families, subject to cruel treatment that leads to lasting trauma and some are dying in custody or dying with their parents as they cross the Rio Grande. This horror inspired MoveOn.org to rally the nation to stand up and protest against this human rights violation. In Santa Rosa,
The first event was on July 2 where over 300 people gathered at noon in Courthouse Square in solidarity with 185 cities that were taking this action across the United States. There were three demands made by the protesters, 1) close the camps, 2) not one more dollar for family detention centers 3) and deportation and to bear witness and reunite families. Saybrah Breeair, a member of Indivisible Sonoma County attended the rally and said, “I am protesting the inhumane detention and the taking of children from their parents who are seeking asylum in the United States.” During the protest participants were shouting, “Close The Camps.” As I listened I could not believe all this was happening in my country.
The second event was on July 12 was also organized by Indivisible Sonoma County in solidarity with, “Lights for Liberty Vigil,” www.lightsforliberty.org. It was estimated over 550 people attended. As I walked through the crowd talking with people I got a sense of anger, frustration and disappointment yet a strong belief that, We The People will be heard. Of all things during the protest I ran into my sister, Evelyn Holtz. I was surprised to see her as she is not one to attend protests. I asked her what she thought and why she was participating. “It is disgusting what is happening at our Southern Border, taking kids from their parents, I am here because I want it stopped and want it stopped now,” she said. For me it summed up the feelings many had for showing up. A special shout to Indivisible and to all of you who attended. In my mind there needed to be 10,000 mothers attending, why do I say that is because “I believe what happens to one mothers child can happen to any mothers child.” I pray one day we all see “we are on planet, one people, one heart.” (From the Song “Pale Moon” by Becky Hobbs)
Comite´ Vida (Life Committee) Volunteer Immigration Defense Action Program (VIDAS) Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services [VIDAS] was founded by Legal Director Richard Coshnear, and paralegals Marina Ordonez and Suzy Becerra in 2014. VIDAS is a nonprofit immigration law office that offers low cost and no cost immigration legal services. In 2017 they hired Executive Director, Margaret Flores McCabe. Their mission is to educate and mobilize residents of Sonoma County about legal and social justice issues affecting the lives of immigrants and our entire community for positive action.
Projects and Actions by Comité VIDA are: Organizing County residents to urge the Sheriff to end collaboration with ICE and suggests if you see ICE call the rapid response network hotline:v707 800-4544. VIDA collaborates with the North Bay Immigrant Youth Union (NBIYU) on Deferred Action and organizes individuals to lobby the State to improve the “Trust Act.” On January 1, 2014, the California TRUST Act became law and prohibits a law enforcement official from detaining an individual on the basis of an ICE hold after that individual becomes eligible for release from custody under state law. http://www.smdp.com/new-california-law-creates-protections-for-immigrant-tenants/166756 Other actions include organizing the Annual May Day March and Rally and the Annual Posada and toy drive.
VIDAS has been instrumental in getting Sonoma County law agencies to accept the Mexican Matricula ID along with encouraging and supporting immigrants to lobby in Sacramento. Contact Information: VIDA’s office: 576 So. B Street, Suite IC, Santa Rosa. Telephone # 707-523-1740.
City of Santa Rosa Hires New Chief of Police
The City of Santa Rosa hired veteran Rainer Navarro as the cities Chief of Police. Navarro officially filled his post on August 1. Navarro has served his entire 27-year law enforcement career with the Santa Rosa Police Department – including the last four years as Captain.,
Navarro has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sonoma State University in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College. Navarro is married to his wife Diedre, and they have two adult children.