Compiled by the El Reportero’s staff
The Berkeley (California) City Council passed Resolution No. 64,803 — N.S. recommending “Universal and Unconditional Amnesty for Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan War Military Resisters and Veterans Who Acted In Opposition to the War for Matters of Conscience.”
It was adapted, with some changes, from the original resolution passed by the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission on Nov. 2, 2009.
The resolution recommends that all military personnel, serving since Oct. 7, 2001, be granted Universal and Unconditional Amnesty amounting to forgiveness for all convictions or pending charges of desertion or Absence Without Leave (AWOL) or Unauthorized Absence (UA) if such leave or absence is determined to be caused by matters of personal conscience in op- position to the illegal wars in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and/or Pakistan. It also recommends that military personnel who have been convicted of charges stemming from their exercise of free speech regarding their opposition to the wars in Iraq and/or Paki- stan since Oct. 7, 2001 be granted amnesty for those convictions. And it supports granting amnesty for all veterans with less than honorable discharges for absence offenses determined to be due to personal conscience regarding opposition to the wars commencing on or after Oct. 7, 2001 and that those veterans have their discharges automatically upgraded to honorable discharges or to general under honorable conditions and that those veterans be granted all benefits otherwise due to them. Contact: Bob Meola (510) 644-1102; bob@couragetoresist.org.
Cities in San Mateo County debut car-free “Streets Alive”
San Mateo County announced today the launch of Streets Alive, the County’s inaugural open street event. Streets Alive will transform public places in the county into car-free outdoor spaces for people to play, walk, bike, run, roll and rediscover the uniqueness of their communities. Cities throughout the county will host the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 11.
“Streets Alive’s premise is simple — leave the car at home and walk, bike, or skate to the Streets Alive hub nearest you,” said Supervisor Carole Groom. “In the process you’ll get some exercise, spend quality time with friends and family in a community setting, and — should you happen to stop into a shop or two along the way — promote your local economy. It’s a great way to get healthy and connected with your neighbors.” added Groom.
