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Road to Racial Equality in Redwood City

Peninsula 360 Press

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2021.06.29

By Ignacio Dominguez. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

In an effort to create a pathway to racial equality, the City of Redwood City is recreating a reflection of the diversity of the city and its residents through a new mural, which will be downtown across from the city's bookstore.

The project supported by the Redwood City Council, Redwood City Arts Commission, and the Racial Equity Steering Commission was presented to the public on Wednesday, June 16 with an invitation to the community to participate and promote their ideas for this new mural.

The purpose of this first meeting held by the city was to hear opinions, suggestions and to introduce the purpose and location of the new work. The presentation was led by Ashley Quintana and Erin Ashford along with 8 committee members.

A commitment was made to the city and the community to promote social justice and enhance community togetherness by inviting artists and design teams to make this mural a true communication.

At the first meeting, the organizing committee was introduced, and the search for an artist on issues of social justice and racial equality, fundamental to this project.

In the wake of the recent months of protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer, and the clear call for a more inclusive country, Redwood City has joined with the community to raise its voice with this mural.

The committee will meet again next Wednesday, July 28th to analyze their proposals and the work of artists interested in these themes.

The city is inviting artists from all levels of the Bay Area along with people of color, and people from underserved communities to apply to be part of this new mural, which will be open until July 8.

For more information about the new mural and call for entries you can visit, https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/racial-equity-mural

Human Rights Watch urges Colombia's government to respect human rights

Peninsula 360 Press

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2021.06.29

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Human Rights Watch urges Colombia's government to respect human rights

By P360P Editor

Members of Colombia's National Police have committed "extremely serious" abuses against mostly peaceful demonstrators during protests that began in April 2021, Human Rights Watch said.

In light of this, the Colombian government should take urgent steps to protect human rights and initiate a thorough police reform to ensure that officers respect the right to peaceful assembly and that those responsible for abuses are brought to justice, the organization said.

Human Rights Watch called directly on the government of President Iván Duque, including the director of the National Police, to take immediate steps to ensure respect for and protection of human rights and to begin to redress the harm perpetrated against thousands of people who expressed their views.

These damages, the organization said, were the unequivocal condemnation of human rights violations, including cases of excessive use of force and sexual violence by police officers, as well as cases in which they failed to take action to stop attacks against demonstrators.

It is therefore necessary, he said, to present an apology, on behalf of the Colombian state, for police abuses committed during the protests.

In addition, ensure that all government officials avoid using language that could be perceived as stigmatizing to protesters, and ensure that the police, including the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD), protect peaceful protests, do not disperse them, and prioritize mechanisms that do not involve the use of force in all their actions to lift blockades.

In turn, it has called on them to prioritize disciplinary investigations into police abuses, at least those committed since the 2019 protests, and commit to publicly and regularly report on the progress of these investigations.

Disciplinary investigations should ensure the accountability of officers who committed abuses during the protests, as well as unit and police commanders in charge of operations who may have ordered such abuses or who may be responsible for failing to take adequate measures to prevent crimes or hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

On the other hand, he called for the suspension of the use of kinetic impact projectiles and the Venom until an independent review is conducted on the risk of these weapons, the protocols for their use and the training police officers have received to use them.

Also, provide reparations, as well as access to health services, to victims of police violence, including comprehensive services for victims of sexual violence.

Since April 28, thousands of people have taken to the streets in dozens of Colombian cities to protest a proposed tax reform. The government withdrew the proposal a few days later, but demonstrations continued over issues including economic inequality, police violence, unemployment and lack of adequate public services.

Police have repeatedly dispersed peaceful demonstrations arbitrarily and used excessive and often brutal force, including the use of lethal ammunition.

"The human rights violations committed by the police in Colombia are not isolated incidents of undisciplined officers, but the result of deep structural failures," said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, at the time.

"Serious reform is needed to clearly separate the police from the military and to ensure adequate oversight and accountability to prevent these abuses from happening again or going unpunished," he added.

The organization has pointed out that although most of the protests have been peaceful, some individuals have committed serious acts of violence, such as burning police stations and attacking police officers, two of whom have been killed.

Cause of gray whale death in SF still unconfirmed

Pamela Cruz

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2021.06.29

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Cause of gray whale death in SF still unconfirmed

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]/Bay City News

The death of a gray whale that washed ashore last weekend in San Francisco remains a mystery after experts performed a necropsy on it Monday.

The cetacean's death is the 14th since April, the most in the region since an unusual mortality event was declared in 2019, according to the Marin Headlands-based Marine Mammal Center.

Scientists reported Tuesday that they could not confirm the cause of death after a necropsy Monday afternoon at Ocean Beach, but they took samples from the whale for testing and that may help experts understand the whale's history.

"Gray whales are sentinels of ocean health, so conducting this research is essential to better understand how human activity and changing environmental trends are affecting this species," said Dr. Padraig Duignan, director of pathology at the Marine Mammal Center, in a statement.

"While the death of this whale remains a mystery, the large number of dead gray whales in the San Francisco Bay Area reinforces the need for us to continue to conduct both live whale watching research and necropsy investigations so that this critical data can be shared with key decision makers," he added.

This Monday, scientists were able to discover that the whale was a 45-foot adult female whose body condition was average based on the cape and blubber reserves.

The whale had multiple fractured vertebrae, but no nearby bruising or hemorrhaging, so scientists believe it was struck by a ship after it died from another cause.

The scientific team discovered very little food in the whale's stomach, and also noticed that the whale was heading north towards the food-rich Arctic waters at the end of the season.

An unusual mortality event, declared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has been ongoing since 2019, because higher than usual numbers of gray whales in poor body condition have been coming ashore throughout the species' migratory range, according to the Marine Mammal Center

Scientists at the center have found that malnutrition, entanglement and ship strikes are the most common reasons whales have been found dead in the Bay Area in recent years.

Other reasons include harmful algal blooms, disease, predators and human interaction.

"Adult females with young are usually the last to migrate north to summer feeding grounds in Alaska. However, this adult female showed no signs of having recently nursed a calf," Maoe Flannery, senior manager of bird and mammal collections at the California Academy of Sciences, said in a statement.

He added that there is hope that samples taken during the necropsy will shed "some light" on the reasons behind their late journey north and any potential ailments that may be affecting the gray whale population.

Arrangements are being made to bury the whale at Ocean Beach, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Redwood City man arrested for attempted kidnapping of teenage girl

Pamela Cruz

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2021.06.29

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Redwood City man arrested for attempted kidnapping of teenage girl

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]/ Bay City News

Police arrested a 35-year-old man last week for allegedly trying to kidnap a teenage girl from a coffee shop, the Redwood City Police Department said Monday.

Officers responded around 6:45 p.m. Friday to the Teaspoon store at 2361 Broadway after receiving reports that the man, identified as Brandon Yamagata, approached a 16-year-old girl in front of the store and grabbed her arm in an effort to pull her away.

A third person who allegedly witnessed Yamagata pinning the girl down intervened and told him to leave her alone, according to Redwood City police.

The man then allegedly followed the girl into the coffee shop and attempted to grab her arm and put it around her back. The bystander intervened a second time and managed to get him to leave. After the incident, officers arrested Yamagata, who was identified as the suspect who took the girl, and booked him into the Maguire Correctional Facility in San Mateo County.

Persons with additional information about Yamagata may contact the Redwood City Police Department tip line at (650) 780-7110 or Detective Sgt. Nick Perna at (650) 780-7672.

Minimal possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccine

Pamela Cruz

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2021.06.29

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Minimal possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccine

To Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

The potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are minimal relative to its benefits.

While vaccination is well underway in San Mateo County, there are still some who have not received it, and in some cases it may be due to fear of the reactions it can cause.

COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting SARS.CoV-2. Possible side effects are normal signs that your body is making antibodies (protection against the disease).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in some cases these side effects can affect your ability to perform daily activities, but they should go away in a few days, and some people have none at all.

Common side effects

In the arm where you received the injection: pain, redness and swelling.

In the rest of your body: tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.

Tips to alleviate side effects

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated. You can take them if you don't have any specific contraindications.

However, it is not recommended to consume them before vaccination as a preventive measure.

To reduce pain and discomfort in the arm, it is only advisable to apply a clean, cool, damp cloth to the area and to use or exercise the arm.

To reduce the discomfort caused by fever, the CDC suggests drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly.

You may experience more intense side effects after a second dose than you did after the first dose, but these are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away in a few days.

When to call the doctor?

If the redness or tenderness at the injection site gets worse after 24 hours.

Also, if side effects worry you or don't seem to go away after a few days.

If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine and think you might be having a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.

Carl Nassib, first active NFL player to come out as gay

Josué Karim Moreno

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2021.06.29

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Carl Nassib, first active NFL player to come out as gay

By Joshua Karim. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

"I just want to take a brief moment to say that I'm gay," were the words of Las Vegas Raiders defensive wing Carl Nassib, who marked a milestone in the 100-year history of the National Football League (NFL) by becoming the first active player to openly declare his sexual preference.

Nassib's announcement was made from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where via a video on Instagram he noted that "I had been meaning to do this for some time, and now I feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest."

"I think representation and visibility is very important. I really hope that one day videos like this and the whole process of making it public just won't be necessary," the player said.

In the Instagram post Nassib, who came to the NFL in 2016, drafted by the Cleveland Browns, thanked his family, coaches, teammates and the league for all the support they have shown him.

We're proud of you, Carl

Just moments after Nassib's statement, the Raiders team also posted a brief, but very emotional comment via their Twitter account, "We're proud of you, Carl."

Thus, a large number of messages of support and solidarity were not long in coming, such as the statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who said that the NFL family is proud of Carl for sharing his "truth with courage".

"We share his hope that someday soon, statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We wish Carl the best of luck in the upcoming season," he said.

Meanwhile, Raiders owner Mark Davis said in an interview with ESPN that "it's 2021, all power to Carl. It doesn't change my opinion of him as a person or a Raider.

California Governor Gavin Newsoom also tweeted that "representation matters. Thank you, Carl Nassib, for your incredible courage."

It is worth noting that in Carl Nassib's video, he also points out that he donated $100,000 to the Trevor Projectwhich has been working for 23 years to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ children under the age of 25.

First active gay NFL player

Nassib came to the Raiders in 2020 on a three-year, $25 million contract in free agency, including $16.75 million guaranteed. Last season, the defensive back totaled 2.5 catches and one interception in 14 games.

It should be noted that Michael Sam was the first gay player to be drafted by the NFL in 2014, when the then-St. Louis Rams selected him 249th overall in the Dfraft.

However, Sam was cut by the team at the end of the championship of that year without playing any game in the regular season, then he was signed by Dallas Cowboys, where he also did not participate in the regular season.

"THEY'RE KILLING US", the cry of the people that will haunt Iván Duque forever

USA USA and World

Peninsula 360 Press

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2021.06.29

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By P360P Editor

The cry "They are killing us" still echoes through the streets of Colombia. Those three words are and will be the voice and the claim of millions of Colombians towards President Iván Duque, who after 55 days of protests, has given no truce to a people who demand justice.

On April 28, 2021 began a series of protests in the South American country, due to the tax reform of President Ivan Duque, announced last April 15.

The government did not take kindly to this, and in response to the protesters, decreed a curfew and ordered military forces into the streets to disperse them with tear gas and violence.

Social media was the beacon and loudspeaker for hundreds of family members and friends searching for missing relatives and friends, several of whom remain missing to this day.

Colombians then called for a national strike that increased demonstrations.

Iván Duque Márquez did not stop any of the actions that led to disappearances, murders, and rapes, among other human rights crimes reported in cities such as Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Bogotá, and Manizales.

According to TremorsThe NGO that has been in charge of registering and documenting police violence practices through its platform "GRITA" and in assisting victims and connecting them with the administration of justice through "Policarpa", as of June 16, identified 4,285 cases of violence by the security forces, not including cases of disappearances.

The cases, he noted, were recorded between 6:00 a.m. on April 28 and 12:00 p.m. on June 16, 2021.

Within these cases, he pointed out that it was possible to clarify 43 homicides allegedly committed by members of the security forces.

Another 21 murders are in the process of being verified, of which six are in the process of clarifying whether the alleged perpetrator belongs to the security forces, four are attributable to armed civilians in which there are indications of possible involvement of members of the security forces, eight are in the process of verifying the scene and context of the event, and three are in the process of verifying the complaint.

Also, in a statement, the organization pointed out that they have registered 1,468 victims of physical violence, 70 victims of eye assaults, 215 victims of gunshots, 28 victims of sexual violence, and 8 victims of gender-based violence.

Similarly, 1,832 arbitrary detentions against demonstrators, 734 violent interventions in the framework of peaceful protests, 30 cases of use of Venom weapons by the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD), and 41 cases of respiratory ailments due to the firing of tear gas.

Tremors said that as of 15 June, 93 urgent search mechanisms remained active.

Although the tax reform bill was withdrawn, the demonstrations have continued in various areas now under the pain of the arbitrariness that has caused the Esmed to the population who decided to raise their voices.

On the other hand, the Sustainable Solidarity Law was the straw that broke the camel's back. Millions of Colombians are against the mishandling of the health crisis by COVID-19, coupled with the lack of employment and poverty.

Housing Inequality Escalates in California

Peninsula 360 Press

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2021.06.29

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Housing Inequality Escalates in California

Cristian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

In recent years, the housing problem has increased throughout the state of California, especially in its downtown and residential areas. Finding affordable housing is now a mission impossible due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the phenomenon of undocumented migrant residents who are unable to find government housing assistance.

In addition, the issue of delinquency is growing among those who rent housing; individuals or families who live in housing by renting are now unable to pay the high and increasing rents and, therefore, face the ever-present possibility of receiving an eviction notice if the amount fixed by the landlord of the property is not covered. The possibility of continuing to pay rent in the current context suggests the possibility that many people may end up migrating from the communities where people feel identified, which often breaks the pattern of lifestyles.

Ethnic Media Services, therefore, convened a briefing with experts to address the major issues facing California state government in addressing the pressing needs of low-income families and individuals in obtaining affordable, decent housing and, where appropriate, support for tenants in obtaining, including rent remissions.

Tina Rosales of the Western Center on Law & Poverty called for more investment in fair housing organizations in the community, and noted the importance of increasing the availability of "mainstream solutions and services for people on the street. "It's important, too, to have government support for rental assistance," she added.

Francisco Dueñas, executive director of Housing Now, indicated that there are at least 730,000 homes in rent arrears, totaling 3 billion dollars in debt in the state of California, with an average of 4,400 dollars per rental property. Alarmingly, he said that 8 out of 10 renters in arrears lost their jobs due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the National Equity Atlas.

Homelessness, Dueñas said, causes emotional health problems in 83 percent of cases, and 78 percent of households with housing problems have experienced COVID-19 in one of their members.

Sara Kimberlin, of the California Budget and Policy Center, said that the COVID-19 pandemic only brought to light a problem that existed before the health emergency; however, she points out that the housing problem in California is a structural problem. He emphasized that the information provided by Francisco Dueñas will serve to make known "what are the long-term governmental solutions" that can make a difference in contrast to the current situation.

Currently, said Sara Kimberlin, there are "57 proposals that could generate a great change in terms of new housing policies" in California in the long term, including the solution to homelessness. "Within this crisis, there are great opportunities that need the support of different sectors of the population".

San Jose's La Pulga's future uncertain

Peninsula 360 Press

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2021.06.29

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By Ignacio Dominguez. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

For over 60 years, La Pulga de Berryessa in San Jose has become a landmark for the Hispanic community throughout the Bay Area. The location is home to more than 400 migrant merchants of Latino and Asian origin for whom their only source of income is their storefront.

But now it faces an uncertain future after the San Jose City Council presented a development plan that was discussed during the last meeting on Tuesday, June 22 and continued into the next day.

The Berryessa BART Urban Village plan, approved by the Council, would use 61.5 acres on Berryessa Street for a commercial and 3,450-home development project that would leave 5 acres available for La Pulga, or one-third of the site, leaving hundreds of merchants without space in this new project.

Roberto González, president of the Association of Vendors of La Pulga de San José, along with other merchants and activists, protested against the project with marches and hunger strikes in order to reach an agreement with the owners and the city authorities.

The owners of the La Pulga location, the Bumb family, promised a year's notice prior to the eviction date, and the creation of a support fund of more than $2.5 million for more than 400 merchants. If the project were to pass, the San Jose La Pulga Vendors Association would ask the Bumb family for a five-year contract plus a fund of $$28 million.

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A vote was expected at last Tuesday's meeting but was postponed to next week on a 6-5 vote, as the Council was unable to come to an agreement.

With that time left until the next meeting, Roberto Gonzalez explained, "We are very hopeful that these actions we took and the support of the community, which we appreciate from the bottom of our hearts, we will continue to push for a win-win agreement."

For merchants like Humberto Ramos owner of "La Sonrisa de Cheque" who has been in La Pulga for 4 years it is inexplicable how they can undo something so quickly.

"I hope they come to a situation that is facilitated for us and understand that this is a Hispanic heritage. This market is over 30-40 years old."
Humberto Ramos, owner of "La Sonrisa de Cheque".

This Monday at 5:30 p.m. the San Jose La Pulga Vendors Association will have a community event to support their future. On Tuesday there will be a meeting with the San Jose City Council where there will be no public present.

"We will all be watching for that vote. Their responsibility is to the people of the town and not the corporations or developers," said Roberto Gonzalez, President of the San Jose La Pulga Vendors Association.

For more information, you can do click here.

Not a day, not a month. A Life of Pride

Pamela Cruz

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2021.06.29

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To Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

June 28th is Pride Day, marking the date when the first Pride march took place in New York City in 1970. However, different communities celebrate Pride Day on different days throughout the month.

With Pride Month 2021 just a couple of days away, here are some important facts and figures about the fight for diversity around the world.

Why is it called "Pride" day or month?

The term might be more closely related to the English word, "Pride," which makes sense as the intrinsic dignity of every human being that should not be affected by sexual behavior or orientation.

And the basic notion of "LGBT Pride" is that no one should be ashamed of who they are, whatever their gender, sexual orientation or sexual identity. Wow, we're talking about LGBT dignity.

History of Pride Month. The Gay Club that broke down walls

Yes, it was June 28, 1969. The U.S. National Weather Service called that summer night especially hot. It was. The NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, prompting bar patrons, staff and neighborhood residents to riot on Christopher Street.

There were many who witnessed such acts among them a black, trans and bisexual woman, Marsha P. Johnson, who led the movement to continue for six days with protests and confrontations.

The message was clear: the protesters demanded the establishment of places where LGBT+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.

However, much of the beginnings of Pride Month are credited to bisexual activist Brenda Howard. Known as "The Mother of Pride," Brenda organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade a year after the Stonewall Riots. This eventually morphed into what we now know as the New York City Pride March and was the catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches around the world.

A long way to "Oz".

During the 1950s and 60s, gays and lesbians in the United States faced a hostile legal system.

Every state in the country, with the exception of Illinois, criminalized homosexual sex between consenting adults in the private sphere.

In 1961, an adult charged with the crime of having consensual sex with another adult in the privacy of his or her home could face a light fine or up to five, ten, or twenty years, even life in prison.

By 1971 twenty states maintained "psychopathic sex" laws that permitted the detention of homosexuals for that reason alone. In Pennsylvania and California sex offenders could be locked up in mental institutions for life, and in seven states they could be castrated.

Castration, emetic therapy, hypnosis, electroshock therapy and lobotomies were used by psychiatrists to try to "cure" homosexuality during the 1950s and 1960s.

Early homophile groups in the United States sought to demonstrate that homosexual people could fit into society, and fostered a culture of non-confrontation between homosexuals and heterosexuals.

Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to officially recognize Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. Then, from 2009 to 2016, Barack Obama declared June LGBT Pride Month. In May 2019, Donald Trump recognized Pride Month with a tweet announcing that his administration had launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, though critics have pointed out that actions speak louder than words.

President Joseph Biden declared, like his Democratic predecessor, June as LGBT Pride month.

About the rainbow. A flag to cover everyone

It was gay politician Harvey Milk who asked a talented designer friend, Gilbert Baker, to design an all-encompassing symbol to wear at the 1978 San Francisco Pride Parade.

Baker's design is said to be inspired by Judy Garland's song "Over the Rainbow," which, rumor has it, was played when the cops raided the Stonewall Inn.

The original version of the flag had eight stripes. Soon after the pink and light blue colors were suppressed due to the difficulty of production. Each shade has a meaning: pink, sex; red, life; orange, healing; yellow, sunlight; green, nature; blue, art; light blue, harmony; and violet, human spirit.

Today there is a large and diverse amount of information and literature that allows us to learn more about the movement, the history and the struggle for human and sexual rights of the LGBT community.

There is even material suitable for talking to children and teenagers about sexual diversity, such is the case of the YouTube channel Kids That's nice, which has a series of videos aimed at young people and children over the age of seven and explores different aspects of human sexuality.

While it is true that several countries and cities have declared June as the month of Pride as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall riots, June 28th is celebrated as International LGBT Pride Day -lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-, also known as Gay Pride Day or simply Gay Pride.