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.
indybay
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.
2011 in Photos: From the Front Lines of the Bay
Submitted by copwatch on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 8:41pmOver the past few years, a skeptical optimism began to emerge among those in this country who had defined themselves in open antagonism towards capital and the state. It seemed possible that maybe, just maybe, the terrain of struggle was finally shifting and the balance of forces would slowly tip in our favor.
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.
Derrick Jones, Murdered by Oakland Police Nov 8, 2010
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 11/30/2010 - 12:11pmProtest After OPD Kills Derrick Jones
Thu Nov 11 2010 (Updated 11/29/10)
Derrick Jones - Another Oakland Police Department Murder 
Derrick Jones was shot and killed by the Oakland Police Dept on Monday November 8th 2010 on the 5800 block of Trask Street. On November 11th protesters took to the streets to protest the murder of another unarmed man by the police. Family members of Jones and Oscar Grant joined a demonstration at 5815 Bancroft Way (near 58th Ave.) before marching to the Fruitvale BART station, the site of Grant's fatal shooting. BART shut down the station for several hours during the evening commute because of the protest.
West Coast Days of Action Against State Violence! April 8-9
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 04/05/2010 - 9:37pmfrom Indybay
Portland Actions Inspire Call-Out from the Bay to the Sound: No More Police Killings!
After the recent uprisings in Portland in response to two police murders, a call has gone out for "West Coast Days of Action April 8th and 9th, From the Bay to the Sound: No More Police Killings!" The call to action reads in part: "Organize protests and autonomous actions in your own city!" Announced actions thus far include non-violent civil disobedience at Embarcadero BART station in San Francisco on April 8th and a march against police brutality in Seattle on April 9th.
Read MORE here: http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/node/418
