Los Angeles Indymedia : Activist News

The destruction of a hill in Echo Park would make way for four three-story homes. Both PLUM and City Council approved the project despite failure to meet all CEQA requirements (i.e., a threatened species, the black walnut tree, is on the premises) and objections of some 50 neighbors. Instead, a developer in San Jose, California is being favored.

The land in question has long been known by the community as Kite Hill and has been valued as one of the few remaining undeveloped spaces left in Los Angeles. Red tail hawks frequent the area often, and one neighbor saw the mountain lion P-22 there.

The case is expected to be heard in court in a few months. Meanwhile, the developer could choose to start demolition of the hill at any time depending on how confident he feels of the legal outcome.

Full story and photos: Echo Park Residents Sue LA Over Controversial Development by Friends of Kite Hill

It's been a year since women in America enraged by the rhetoric and appalled at the threats of the coming Donald Trump administration gathered by the millions throughout cities and towns across these United States. They exercised their constitutional rights personally in overwhelming numbers at the First Women's March.

So, here we are again on the streets of America one year later, in the streets of Downtown Los Angeles, California for The Second Women's March.

Story and picture galleries: Women of L.A. Rise Again to Denounce Trump by Robert Stuart Lowden

More pix and coverage: Women's March L.A., 2018 by R.P.

David Braun of Californians Against Fracking and the Rootskeeper said, "I think it's notable that 20 million pounds of hydrochloric acid and 10 million pounds of hydrofluoric acid were used in Los Angeles County in a 3 year period in oil extraction operations."

California is the nation's "green leader" and Governor Jerry Brown is the country's "greenest governor," right?

That is the narrative promulgated by state officials, public relations experts and writers who gush about the Governor's frequent speeches at international climate conferences. The reality on the ground here in California is much, much different.

In fact, California is the third biggest oil producing state in the country and Big Oil is the largest corporate lobby, dominating the Governor's Office, the Legislature and the regulatory agencies.

Full story: Report reveals L.A. oil cos. have used 49,000 tons of toxic chemicals since 2013 by Dan Bacher (for Indybay)

The Eagle Rock Peace Vigil began in November of 2002. Like the many other weekly vigils that existed all over Southern California (listing of vigils circa '03 included with story), it was against the then-looming invasion of Iraq. In subsequent months and years signs have addressed other issues while still emphasizing war.

Full story and photos: The Eagle Rock Peace Vigil Marks 15 Years by R.P.

The organizers of the event, activists with the Defend Movement, had originally planned their action in response to a plan by the extreme right to hold an "America First" rally in Upland in coordination with the ACT for America nationwide day of action. The "American Congress for Truth" is the nation's largest Islamophobic group. Defend was supported by the faith-based Rise Against the Wall, which roots its anti-Trump activism in Christianity. Both are new groups that formed in the wake of the rise of Trumpism.

When the national organization decided to cancel all public actions for the day and to hold instead an "online day of ACTion," the Upland rally was also canceled. Other factors--namely, the inability of organizers to obtain a permit and the threat of a counter demonstration, liked served as further persuasion.

Despite the cancellation of the ACT rally, the Defend Movement opted to proceed with their rally, which they dubbed "United4Love2," having previously "United for Love" in Yucaipa in response to a similar rally planned by the extreme right there.

Story and photos: Activists Opposing White Supremacy Rally Despite Cancellation by Rockero