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.
Redwood Curtain CopWatch
Disorganized (or deliberately inept?) Humboldt DA's Office, Resulting In Systematic Threats to Civil Liberties
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 12/22/2011 - 1:48am[The 32 names of people arrested have been omitted from the below message for the purpose of this website post]
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.
KMUD Show Discusses Richardson Grove Action Now, Martin Cotton Trial, and Redwood Curtain CopWatch
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 9:46amHumboldt Juvenile Probation Department's “Undocumented Persons” Policy VIOLATES CIVIL RIGHTS
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 07/31/2011 - 7:21pmHere is a link to the letter below, in its entirety:
http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/files/Letter to Probation 7.26.11 .pdf
To view the rest of the letter, go to
http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/node/867
Thurs, Oct 13th EMERGENCY Eureka Rally: Support Prisoner Hunger Strike - Demand End to Torture!
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 10:04amSupport the Prisoner Hunger Strike -
Demand an End to Torture
October 13th Rally in Solidarity
A Reading of Prisoners' Letters
Thursday Oct 13th 3:00–7:00pm Urgent RALLY In Solidarity With Prisoner Hunger Strike!
In front of the Humboldt County Courthouse and Jail!
825 5th St. Eureka, CA
Wear Orange, if possible!
Sat & Sun (10/1 & 10/2) Show Support for Prisoner Hunger Strike Outside Pelican Bay!
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 09/30/2011 - 3:42pmCalifornia prisoners are on hunger strike again! The hunger strike that started on July 1 of this year in support of 5 demands, has been resumed by thousands of prisoners at Pelican Bay, Calipatria, CCI Tehachapi, Centinela, Corcoran, Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, Ironwood State Prison, Salinas Valley State Prison.
The prisoners say that the California Department of Corrections has retaliated against prisoners for participating in the strike and made only nominal policy changes in response to the strike. Prisoners say it is necessary to continue to put pressure on the CDCR to meaningfully change long-term solitary confinement policies and practices. Up to date information can be found at http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/.
Oct.5th Sacramento Demo: Support the Prisoner Hunger Strike! End Long-Term Solitary Confinement
Submitted by copwatch on Thu, 09/29/2011 - 10:29pmOctober 5th: in Sacramento
12pm to 2pm
CDCR Headquarters,
1515 S St.
More info call: 415-238-1801
Support the Prisoner Hunger Strike! Support the Five Demands!
All out to Sacramento!
In SOLIDARITY, a group of us will be leaving Eureka on Tuesday night (10/4) to participate in the Oct.5th demo. We'll stay the night in Oakland and rideshare with Bay Area folks to Sacramento on Wednesday morning! We will return to Eureka on Wednesday night (10/5).
If you want to go, please contact Redwood Curtain CopWatch at 707.633.4493 or email copwatchrwc@gmail.com.
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.
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
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!"
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!
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
Humboldt District Attorney and Jail Have Regular Practice of Violating Rights
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 06/18/2011 - 11:30pmMay 20, 2011 Sent Via Email
RE: Mr. Brandon Dyer
To District Attorney of Humboldt County, Paul Gallegos:
This email is a follow-up the message I left on Ms. Shoshani's voice mail at
or about 2:50pm today, May 20, 2011. I am contacting you to, once again,
inform you of the laws that require you to file charges against someone
in the custody of the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF)
within the statutory time; otherwise or that person's extended custody
due to your failure to bring them in front of a magistrate or judge and
the HCCF's failure to release them, is a misdemeanor and violation of
the person's civil liberties.
Mr. Brandon Dyer was arrested on the night of Wednesday, May 18,
2011. He needs to be brought to court TODAY, Friday May 20, 2011, or be
released from the HCCF. The CA Penal code section 825 (a)(2)
specifically mandates:
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."
Know Your Rights Training - Jan 22, 2011 in Eureka
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 01/08/2011 - 6:28pm
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING
How To Handle Encounters With Cops
Saturday, Jan 22, 2011
1:30pm - 5:30pm
FREE
ALL AGES
SNACKS
Training will be at PARC [Peoples' Action for Rights & Community]
in the Q Street alley
between 3rd and 2nd St.
Eureka
Hosted by Redwood Curtain CopWatch (Fliers below)
Call 707.633.4493 for more information.
Letter of Support for Prisoners On Strike! from Redwood Curtain CopWatch and PARC
December 17, 2010
To The Prisoners of the Georgia Department of Corrections
To Elaine Brown
To Concerned Coalition to Respect Prisoners’ Rights
To The Georgia Department of Corrections
To Governor Sonny Purdue
KMUD News: Humboldt Residents Trying to Bring RACIAL PROFILING to Attention of District Attorney
Submitted by copwatch on Tue, 12/14/2010 - 9:22pmSeeking 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.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Training in CRESCENT CITY, Saturday, Nov 27th
Submitted by copwatch on Sun, 11/21/2010 - 8:53pm
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: How To Handle Encounters with Police
hosted by Redwood Curtain CopWatch and Del Norte Watch Dogs
Saturday, Nov 27th
1:30pm - 5:30pm
FREE
All Ages Welcome
Snacks/Lunch
The workshop will be at 1401 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City
For More Info Call (707) 457-2098
Open Letter to Humboldt D.A. Paul Gallegos Regarding RACIAL PROFILING, Requesting a Meeting
October 27, 2010
Re: Open Letter About Racial Profiling Incident
Dear Mr. Gallegos,
We are writing in regards to a serious issue of police misconduct that occurred in September of this year and we believe represents an appalling pattern by the Arcata Police Department. Specifically, we are alarmed by the treatment that “Rosa”* endured as she was the victim of racial profiling and intimidation by the Arcata Police officers, subsequent to her witnessing them conducting an arrest. Her observation of the police's violent treatment of another person resulted in the officers targeting and harassing her, and arresting her without cause or due process. This woman, our friend, is a petite, middle-aged woman of color. She is well known in the community as a hardworking person and a caring mother and grandmother. Given her reputation, any circumstances that would lead to an arrest seem highly unlikely and indicate some other motive.
2010 National Days of Action To Stop Police Brutality: Art, Photos, Media
Submitted by copwatch on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 11:58pmLocally and All Over the Country
Brothers of Chris Burgess, killed by Eureka cop 4 years ago, Oct 23rd
Christopher Jan 6 1990 ~ October 23 2006
California Street, Eureka CA October 23, 2010
Know Your Rights Workshop - SATURDAY, August 28th
Submitted by copwatch on Sat, 08/21/2010 - 1:27am
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Training
How to Handle Encounters With Cops
Saturday, August 28th
1:30-5:30 pm
at Peoples' Action For Rights and Community
Q St. Alley between 3rd and 2nd
ALL AGES
FREE
SNACKS
Hosted by Redwood Curtain CopWatch
Call (707)633-4493 for more info.
Sheriff's Officers Opened Fire On Robert Garth: "The cops didn't even give him a chance," says witness neighbor.
Humboldt County Sheriff Officers shot and killed Robert Garth in the morning of Saturday August 7, 2010. CopWatchers and friends of the Garth family went to Blue Lake, after learning of the shooting. We took lots of video and photos. We want here to share what we learned, in brief.
First this: As we write this post (Saturday night, August 7, 2010), we anticipate two things. The first is that the media (i.e. Thadues Greenson of the Times-Standard who was in Blue Lake) will parrot, stating as fact, the police story. That's what the media ALWAYS does.
