Redwood Curtain CopWatch, based in the north coast of California, is part of a larger movement of self organized CopWatch groups throughout the US. Our local efforts seek to intervene in the drastic rise of the presence, militarization, and violence of the police, and build support networks based on self-determination, caring, and concrete needs.
Eureka Police Department
Response to Outrageous Gov't Premise for Police Action Against Occupy Eureka
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 2:24pmJan 7, 2011
Open Letter to Humboldt County District Attorney, Paul Gallegos:
We have reviewed your November 2, 2011 email to the Humboldt County Sheriff, County Counsel, and the County Administrative Officer in which you direct that the tents of Occupy Eureka be removed from the front of the Humboldt County Courthouse. The “go get 'em” email, obtained through a California Public Records Request, instigated, with no legal basis, the November 7 militarized raid, arrests, and civil rights violations by the Eureka Police Department [EPD] and the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department (and presumably the subsequent raids, arrests, and civil rights violations) and creates a conflict as you attempt to prosecute people arrested in those raids and related police actions. Most egregious, however, is that your email to the County is a malicious work of “shock and awe” deceit that should be retracted immediately. You wrote of Occupy Eureka protesters as if they might be terrorists with “explosives” in their tents. Redwood Curtain CopWatch is outraged and disgusted at your dangerous, wholly unfounded, and secret implications regarding non-violent Occupy Eureka protesters. Undoubtedly, thousands of people who will learn of your disingenuous and inflammatory Nov 2 email and the subsequent similar emails will also be appalled and offended by your actions.
Stop the Attack on Civil Rights at Occupy Eureka
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 12/20/2011 - 11:02amPlease phone and email the numbers & addresses below!
*Demand Return of All
Property including Signs,
Literature,Banners.*
*Insist the Police Respect
Our Right to Protest,
Stop Abusing Us & Stop
Occupy Eureka Persists In Strength Despite Ongoing Arrests and Police Repression (Dec19,2011)
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 12:00pmEureka, CA: The first trial of an arrested Occupier (Eureka) is over. The Humboldt County prosecutor's case revolved around the arrest of the demonstrator for videotaping Eureka police officer, Michael Guy, when he approached the Occupy Eureka site at 4am. After officials jailed the person who was filming for eight days, wasted the impoverished county's money, and spent nearly two weeks in court claiming that the videotaping woman's behavior put the officer in grave danger, a jury voted ten-to-two for acquittal. The case was dismissed.
Eureka Government Blatantly Supports KILLER Cops: Johnson, Harpham, Winkle, Laird, Whitmer
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 10:50amSWAT kills: Beware returning officers, Mike Johnson and Rocky Harpham
On April 14, 2006, Mike Johnson and Rocky Harpham, working for the Eureka Police Department SWAT, shot Cheri Moore EIGHT times, killing her. Both officers left the area- Rocky Harpham to Texas. Soon after, former Humboldt County Risk Managment agent, Kim Kerr, left Humboldt for employment in Ione, CA. She promptly brought Johnson and Harpham there to be officers in Ione. The people of Ione were unaware of these cops' past, but learned quickly of their violent ways through experience. In Ione, Johnson became Chief and Harpham became Seargent.
Redwood Curtain CopWatch has received calls from several people regarding Johnson and Harpham's really abusive behavior in Ione. (One call over 2 years ago said "They are acting like Nazi's on our streets') And NOW THEY ARE COMING BACK HERE!!
Over $4.5 Million Awarded By Jury in Wrongful Death Case Against Eureka Police
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 8:23pmFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
Eureka Officers Viciously Beat Martin and Left Him to Die in Jail Cell
Eureka, CA: A jury delivered a resounding victory for plaintiffs in a police misconduct civil rights case by awarding the total sum of $4,575,000 against the City of Eureka and Eureka police officers Adam Laird, Justin Winkle, and Gary Whitmer for the death of Martin Cotton II. Punitive damages were assessed against the three officers. Mr. Cotton, a 26 year-old man living on the streets died of blunt force head trauma. The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys Dale K. Galipo and Vicki I. Sarmiento of Los Angeles County, were Mr. Cotton's 5 year-old daughter and his father. The jury found that Officers Laird and Winkle used excessive force, and that all three officers failed to provide medical care.
Another Bunk Occupy Eureka Arrest, 4:15am Dec 26th
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 12/26/2011 - 12:00amThis morning, the Eureka cops came and took another Occupier away. Sgt. Guy (the cop who falsely arrested Verbena for filming and incessantly lied during her successful jury trial) arrested Martin Katz for a warrant. But here's the thing (similar to Anne): He had gone in on his own days ago when he was showed up for court and was not on calendar. He had the piece of paper this morning when he was arrested that showed that he had made a date for December 28th. This "warrant" crap is simply another illegal and deliberate move by Gallegos (and the cops he tries so hard to please) to pick people off from Occupy Eureka.
SPEAK OUT!
Bunk X-Mas Arrest at Occupy Eureka
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 12/25/2011 - 12:00amAnne Rian, a stalwart Occupier, was arrested this morning at Occupy Eureka, supposedly for a warrant. Missing a court date would be the only reason for a warrant. However, the District Attorney's office told us that Annie did not have court until January 5th.
Eureka Police Officer Cress, who has stolen many of our signs in the past and used to show up daily at the Occupy, made the arrest today, December 25th.
The jail told Anne that she is going to be in solitary, even though solitary or "maximum" is supposed to be for people who have problems with other people in the jail- it is not for people to be put in simply because they were arrested during political activity. The jail guards (Sheriff's Dept) have told her that she will be in there for up to five days (lies, intimidation) and has told her several different charges/reasons she was arrested on a warrant- so that is not clear.
Sat 12/17: Occupy Eureka Celebrates OWS 3 Month Birthday with New Free Speech Kiosk
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 12/16/2011 - 1:18pm
Occupy Eureka invites you to the Humboldt County Courthouse to attend our unveiling of our new information kiosk as we call out for justice and equality for the 99% through the exercise of our first amendment rights. This event is part of a movement-wide call to "re-occupy" in the wake of coordinated attacks and subsequent evictions of occupations across the nation and around the world.
VICTORY AGAINST POLICE TERROR IN EUREKA
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 09/24/2011 - 6:24pmMartin Cotton Family Awarded Over $4.5 Million in Trial Against Eureka Police (VIDEO included)
This link will also bring you to the video-taped interview from after the verdict. Video is also below.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/23/18691150.php
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/23/18691150.php
Greetings,
The resounding jury decision could not have happened without the years of dedication by Redwood Curtain CopWatch; the courage, strength, and graciousness of Marty Cotton Sr.; the critical solidarity and organizing of the Oscar Grant Committee; the generosity of a few righteous Oakland attorneys; the networking and sharing of resources by Berkeley CopWatch; the bravery of the civilian witnesses to tell the truth; and the sharp, brilliant, hard work from the Cottons' attorneys, Vicki I. Sarmiento and Dale K. Galipo.
CURRENT! Civil Rights Trial in Oakland about Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton II
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 12:37amTRIAL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 at 8:30am
[RALLY at 7:30am on 12th, first day of trial]
Trial Wed (9/14), Thurs (9/15), Friday (9/16), Wed (9/21), Thurs (9/22)
8:30am- 2:30pm
Must have U.S. ID or Passport to go in
READ UPDATES: 1 2 Hear Interview 9/16 4
August 9th is COTTON DAY; Remembering Martin Cotton & Resisting Police Violence
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 07/07/2011 - 11:00pmMartin F. Cotton II was BEAT TO DEATH by Eureka Police and Humboldt Sheriff's on August 9th, 2007.
Please join us Tuesday August 9th, 2011 in Remembrance of Martin Cotton and in Resistance to the injustice system that took his life.
Martin Cotton won't be forgotten! Stop Police Brutality
---1:00pm RALLY in front of the Courthouse in Eureka
and Walk to the Boardwalk for peaceful REMEMBRANCE of Martin
We have plenty of signs, some from past demonstrations and a bunch from folks in the Bay area- sent in support of Justice for Martin Cotton!
Then, later on...
---6:00pm "Tell It Like It Is!” Open Mic: Survival Stories about Police Violence
at Synapsis 47 W 3rd Street, Eureka
Documented Police Brutality Anniversaries: Aug 7, Aug 8, Aug 9
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 08/08/2011 - 2:11pmPolice State Continues to Expand.
If we don't confront it now, then WHEN?
August 7, 2010: Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputies Murder Robert Garth in Blue Lake
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/08/08/18655719.php?show_comments=1#18655924
http://www.youtube.com/user/RedwoodCopWatch#p/u
August 8, 1978: Philadelphia Police Try to Kill MOVE Men, Women, and Children at MOVE Home; Police Kill One of Their Own and Lock Up Nine MOVE Members "for Murder"; The MOVE 9, U.S. political prisoners, have been in prison since 1978
Freezing Weather and Eureka Cops Continue To Terrorize People in the Bush
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 10:21 AM
To: Garr Nielsen
Subject: homeless and freezing weather
Dear Chief Nielsen,
Again I must complain about the work that [Murl] Harpham and Sanchez do out in the bush. Sanchez wielding a machete around homeless people who's only "crime" is poverty and Harpham with his ridiculous "holier than thou" attitude do nothing to bring real safety or respect to this community.
Yesterday these officers walked out to a camp that has been kept clean and without heavy drugs, etc.and told the people there that they must be out by 1pm today or their camp would be destroyed with the machete Sanchez held. Where are
these people to go?
We have freezing weather upon us. There is no plan for sheltering on an emergency basis and the housing plan of this city clearly discriminates against the poor, so more homelessness is on the way. What is the plan to "control" the
larger numbers when the financial meltdown finally hits?
Resist the Police State. Don't Join It!
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 03/13/2011 - 10:59pmEureka Police Department begins citizen’s academy
22 February 2011
The Eureka Police Department has developed a citizen’s police academy.
The EPD press release announcing the academy says it was created to forge a stronger partnership between citizens and the police department by educating the community in law enforcement issues and police department policies and procedures. The academy is also a means for participants and police personnel to share information and ideas about the police profession.
The academy will include a variety of topics, demonstrations, tours and hands-on experience and will be facilitated by members of the police department with expertise in the topic area.
The department is accepting applications for the citizen’s police academy, which is scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 22, and will run for seven weeks on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
UPDATE: Trial For Police and Sheriff's Murder of Martin Cotton II Scheduled for Sept 12, 2011
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 9:02pmPlease begin or continue to
*organize in the Bay area for the trial,
*send donations so Humboldt residents can attend the trial in Oakland,
*invite CopWatch to do a presentation regarding Martin's death,
*and fight police brutality in your region!
Contact us at (707) 633-4493 or
through email at copwatchrwc@riseup.net
Relatos Zapatistas Interviews Redwood Curtain CopWatch re Martin Cotton, Jan 2011
January 3, 2011 Interview
http://radiozapatista.org/?p=1261&lang=en
Please note that the Civil Trial, Siehna Cotton and Martin Cotton I v. Eureka Police Department and Humboldt County Sheriff's Department has been postponed beyond January 10, 2011. The new date has yet to be set by the Court.
Eureka Cop With M-16 in the Center of Town Thinks He's in a Video Game
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 1:16pmREPORT FROM MORNING OF JAN 13, 2011
This morning, about 8:20am, I saw a Eureka cop park a police vehicle on 4th St. (Hwy 101) between N and M, across from Laudry Land. When I saw him park, I also observed another Eureka Police Department (EPD) vehicle go toward 3rd Street in the same area. The sole cop in the parked car got out, grabbed his M-16, and walked to the corner of M and 4th. There, he stood near a bush, behind the corner of a building, looking like he was hiding. The young cop and his big gun were in plain view from across the 101 (4th St) where I was- and several other people noticed him and the weapon. There were no people around or near the building corner and bush that he was hiding behind, no one coming at him from any direction, I asked him "What are you doing?" He looked at me (from across the street of course) and it seemed like he thought he was in a game of hide-n-seek. I told him "There's no one there."
Jan. 4, 2011: Four Years Since 18-Year Old ZACHARY COOK Was Killed By Eureka Cop
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 01/04/2011 - 1:30pm
ZACHARY: Remembered and Loved by many!
On January 4, 2007, Eureka Police officer Terry Liles shot Zachary 16 times, killing him. Zachary had just turned eighteen years old. Zachary left behind many friends and family who adored him. Liles continues to be a Eureka Police Officer, now a detective. Liles has continued his terror, harassing Zachary's young relatives and friends.
Just two months before Liles shot Zachary, he murdered, by fatally shooting in the heart, 16 year old Christopher Burgess. Liles also continued to terrorize the Burgess family and Christopher's friends.
Seeking HELP Regarding a Short Informational Tour before Martin Cotton Trial
Submitted by copwatch on Wed, 11/24/2010 - 11:11amThe civil trial in Oakland: Siehna Cotton et al. v. Eureka Police Dept. and Humboldt County Sheriff's Dept. has been POSTPONED. Please keep your eyes and ears out for the new date, some time after February!
A couple of us from Redwood Curtain CopWatch want to travel to the Bay Area (and points between and around here and there) to talk to groups of people about what happened to Martin Cotton, to invite people to the trial, and to help connect the conversations and struggles that our communities are engaged in regarding police brutality. [See below for links about events planned so far] We are looking for ideas, suggestions, and help in our organizing to make presentations and participate in gatherings and conversations regarding state violence, in these days leading up to the trial. Beginning on December 13th and probably running for two or three weeks, we want to have a full schedule in the Bay Area and thereabouts. Can you help? Perhaps, for instance, you could book us to make a presentation where you live, publicize our visit and the upcoming trial, and/or inform us of events and discussions already planned in your area.
ORGANIZING & CONNECTING Around Upcoming Civil Trial in Oakland: Cotton v. Eureka Police and Humboldt Sheriff's
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 03/13/2011 - 12:20pmThe federal civil trial regarding the deadly beating by police of Eureka homeless resident, Martin Cotton, was postponed (We learned mid-December) . The new date was set for September 12th.
Now there is more time to organize.
We have been getting together with groups and individuals in the Bay area to spread the word about Martin Cotton and the trial. Also, we've been connecting to strategize and talk about how our communities are struggling against police violence. And how we can strengthen our efforts. So far, while the situations we are dealing with are so intense, our encounters in the Bay area have been enriching experiences!
Martin and his daughter Siehna
The Killing of Cheri Lyn Moore
The killing of Cheri Lyn Moore on April 14, 2006 tragically illustrates the failures of a misguided and bureaucratized “public safety” system. In this writing we deliberately refer to Cheri Lyn Moore by her first name, as her friends and family do, and we acknowledge her as a real, feeling, dynamic human being; we want to counter the objectifying and criminalizing references made by media and police, calling her "Moore", and devaluing her life by repeatedly describing her through only the claims made by the police who murdered her.
August 9th is Cotton Day- Remembering Martin Cotton II and Protesting Police Violence
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 6:58pm
Details soon.
If you are interested in organizing for August 9th [Cotton Day] or in hanging up and handing out fliers for August 9th, please call Redwood Curtain CopWatch at (707) 633-4493.
Eureka Cops Plan Raids of Houseless People's Sleeping Spots ; Raids Will VIOLATE Human & Constitutional Rights
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 07/17/2010 - 11:22amThe word is that raids will begin on Monday, July 19th. Cops hunt down outside-sleeping people every night, but these raids will be broad-sweeping and perhaps more orchestrated.
These raids will violate the rights of the houseless people. There are no legal, free-of-charge places to sleep in Eureka (or Arcata), so there are no options for almost all people who have no shelter except to sleep where they can find a hidden piece of ground. Then ya gotta be able to protect yourself from the rain, wind, cold, dew.
This is not a new situation. But all too often, people who are housed dismiss the reality of the situation by simply saying, "Well, there are homeless shelters for them to go to." That is completely INACCURATE.
City of Eureka. Eureka Cops Bully Houseless Youth
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 10:51pmThe City of Eureka proves itself again to care more about pushing its weight around, stealing, towing, searching, seizing, than it does about YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO PLACE TO LIVE.
