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.
police murder
January 1st, 2012: Oscar Grant 3rd Anniversary Memorial March and Rally
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 11:40pmJanuary 1st, 2012: Oscar Grant 3rd Anniversary Memorial March and Rally
Stand Up to the Watchdogs of the 1%--Your Local Police Department!
1pm March from Oscar Grant Plaza at 14th & Broadway to Rally at Fruitvale BART
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.
The Largest Street Gang in America [VIDEOS]
Submitted by copwatch on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 11:19pmThe Militarization Of The US Police Force
Video
Posted June 28, 2011
KMUD Show Discusses Richardson Grove Action Now, Martin Cotton Trial, and Redwood Curtain CopWatch
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 9:46am2011 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.
Wed, Dec 21st: Homeless Persons' Memorial Day (Eureka & San Francisco)
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 12/16/2011 - 1:13pmWe will be, in Eureka, honoring Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. Your suggestions, candles, names of people who have passed on, and your participation on the 21st are encouraged. We will have a table on the Old Town Gazebo at 2:00pm. Then, we may take an honoring walk through Old Town. Candlelight vigil at 7:00pm at Occupy Eureka in front of the Courthouse/Jail.
Email copwatchrwc@riseup.net. SF event flier below.
Please honor this day and night appropriately wherever you are. And remember, every other day of the year. Struggle with the People on the Streets!
Longest Night of the Year
Martin Cotton Civil Trial Press Conference, Sept. 21 (with VIDEO)
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 09/22/2011 - 9:00pmVICTORY 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.
Martin Cotton Trial Radio Interviews Sept. 21, 23rd, 25th
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 11:09pmKPFA
94.1 KPFA.org
The Morning Mix with JR - September 21, 2011 at 8:00am
Martin Cotton Trial Interview begins at 39:23 minutes
Martin Cotton Trial Interview begins at 39:23 minutes
Fullerton Cops Criminally Charged For Beating Homeless Man To Death
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 11:59amTwo police officers in southern California have been charged in the beating death of a mentally ill homeless man. Over the course of nearly 10 minutes, the victim, 37-year-old Kelly Thomas, was tackled, hit with a baton, pinned down, punched repeatedly in the ribs, kneed in the head, tasered four times, and then struck in the face with the taser itself eight times. Prosecutors say the officers continued the assault even after Thomas stopped struggling and a pool of blood formed around him. Officer Manuel Ramos has been charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and could face life in prison. A second officer, Jay Cicinelli, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and using excessive force; he faces a maximum sentence of four years. The remaining three officers involved in the killing have not been charged.
Sept 21: PRESS CONFERENCE OUTSIDE CIVIL RIGHTS TRIAL, ABOUT FATAL POLICE BEATING OF MARTIN COTTON
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 1:23pmoutside Oakland Federal Courthouse
1301 Clay Street, Oakland
Press Conference after court in last days of jury trial: Siehna Cotton et al v. City of Eureka
Read Sept. 20 Press Release
CIVIL RIGHTS TRIAL ABOUT FATAL EUREKA POLICE BEATING OF MARTIN COTTON CONCLUDING THIS WEEK
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 11:54amFor Immediate Release Sept. 20, 2011
Short Update (9/14/11) from Martin Cotton Trial in Oakland: Eureka Cops Beat Him To Death
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 10:50pmClosing Arguments on Thursday, Sept 22nd!
Currently, the civil rights trial about the August 9, 2007 police murder of Martin Frederick Cotton II is in its last few days. The Eureka Police beat Martin Cotton brutally- in fact- beat him to death in broad daylight, in front of the Eureka Rescue Mission and many (other) houseless people. The civil trial, brought by Martin Cotton's father, Marty Cotton, and Martin's young daughter, Siehna Cotton.
Support for the Cottons has been wonderful from the Oscar Grant Committee, Redwood Curtain CopWatch, and Transport Workers Solidarity Committee.
On Wednesday (9/14) and Monday (9/12), two Eureka cops have been testifying, Justin Winkle and Adam Laird.. Thursday, EPD Officer Gary Whitmer.
September 13, Update on Civil Trial About Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 09/13/2011 - 2:12pmMEDIA UPDATE & CLARIFICATION*: September 13, 2011
Jury Seated and First Testimony Heard in Civil Trial About Fatal Police Beating of Martin Cotton
Oakland, CA: On the morning of September 12, 2011 in U.S. District Court, Northern District in Oakland, CA, a seven person jury was sworn in to hear the civil trial brought by the family of Martin Frederick Cotton II, who was killed by a fatal police beating in Eureka, California four years ago. Supporters and members of Redwood Curtain CopWatch and the Oscar Grant Committee Against Police Brutality rallied outside the courthouse early in the morning, spreading the word about the trial about to occur, speaking out against state brutality, and holding signs "Cops Beat Martin To Death. Justice For Martin Cotton!"
"The harder path is creating a more just society..." August 20, 2011 Letter by Mary Moore
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 08/20/2011 - 2:17pmLetter To the Editor: Press Democrat August 20, 2011
[Regarding Article "Santa Rosa Mayor Defends Kids Handling SWAT Weapons" Read below]
It is useless to try logic with people who have become so desensitized that they don't instinctively react with outrage at the idea of our local police using guns and tanks in an attempt to "reach the community" through its children via the "cool" factor as was just done in South Park.
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
Read About Police Murder of Hupa Man, Peter Stewart: Alford v. County of Humboldt et al
Downloadable below is a court filing on behalf of Peter Stewart's mother. It opposes the cops' attempt to get the civil rights case against them dismissed -before a trial happens. The document goes into more detail about the police murder of Peter Stewart in June 2007.
Local cops burned a house down, knowing that they would kill Peter Stewart inside.
Important Download: http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/files/Opp_MotionToDismiss10_28_10.pdf
Also, here is the First Amended Complaint (what the lawsuit is about): http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/files/1st_amendComplaint_10_15_09.pdf
**If you have trouble downloading these documents, feel free to call CopWatch at (707) 633-4493.**
Oct 22nd & 23rd, DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY!
Submitted by copwatch on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:41pmPlease join Redwood Curtain CopWatch on Saturday, Oct 22nd in front of the Humboldt Courthouse/Jail in Eureka for a Know Your Rights workshop!!
Gather and March from Highland Park on Sunday, October 23rd in Memory of Christopher Burgess and in Protest of Police Violence!
UPRISING! Why People Are Rioting In Britain (August 13, 2011)
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 08/20/2011 - 5:03pmThis article should be read after: Rage at the police hits the streets of north London
Police Brutality and Tory Attacks Caused the Riots
The riots that swept large parts of London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol last night are an explosion of bitterness and rage.
This is what happens in a society of deep and growing inequality, where there are great pools of unemployment and poverty, where there is systematic police harassment and racism, and where many young people feel they have no future.
Just as with the student protests last year, it is the “lost generation” created by the Tories who are at the centre of these struggles—although many older people were also involved.
Black Teen Shot in Back By San Fran Police, Left to Die On Sidewalk July 16, 2011
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 07/23/2011 - 9:06am[VIDEO may contain content that is inappropriate for some to watch]
When police stopped a teenager stepping off the T-train to show his transfer as proof he’d paid his fare – $2 at most – he ran from them. They shot him as many as 10 times in the back and neck, according to witnesses. For many long minutes, as a crowd watched in horror, the boy, who had fallen to the sidewalk a block away, lay in a quickly growing pool of blood writhing in pain and trying to lift himself up as the cops trained their guns on him and threatened bystanders.
READ: http://sfbayview.com/2011/why-should-you-die-for-a-transfer/
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
Sept. 13 in Oakland: Oscar Grant Committee Presents Forum on Police, Racism, Brutality and Violence
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 8:49pm
SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
TIME: 7:00PM
OSCAR GRANT COMMITTEE PRESENTS
A FORUM ON POLICE, RACISM,
BRUTALITY AND VIOLENCE
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
Fullerton Police Beating: Witness Interview
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:16amThis sounds much like what Redwood Curtain CopWatch was told by witnesses to the Eureka police beating Martin "Fred" Cotton II in August 2007.
