The publication for politics and perspectives Volume 1 Issue 2

California to overtake the UK as 5th Largest Economy soon

California Approves Autonomy Initi ati ve for Signature Gathering Interview with Pro Indepen- dence Candidate in Assembly disti ct 40 .

H���������, C� �� W��� B��� THE GRIZZLY 1 TTopics Grizzly Staff California Commands World’s Fifth Largest Economy...... 4

Wildlife and Antiquities...... 6 Managing Editor: Andre Santana

Contributing Editors: Kevin Hile and Cynkay Morningsong Make or Break – Catalonia votes 10-1 for Independence...... 8 Cover: Will Bakx (Photo), Isaac Ing (Logo), Matthew Vitale (advertisements) California Approves Autonomy Initiative for Signature Gathering...... 11

Interviews with the Editor: Mark Parker...... 13

California National Party at Politicon...... 22 Editor’s Note Dear Readers: Dear Readers: Headcoverings in Califonia ...... 24 “The Grizzly” is not the sole publication of the California National Par- ty (CNP), it is the publication for the whole California Independence Movement (CIM). We will give a voice to any organization or individual interested in the concept of independence, including Democrats and Re- publicans who may be interested in the concept. The CNP is the party that Benefits for Progressives if California Gained More Independence...... 26 is most interested in more independence and autonomy for California, so they get a lot more attention here than other parties. In this edition, we showcase an interview for a Democrat who is pro-independence for Cali- fornia. This publication is not pro Democrat or Republican, it is exploring Border: a Semi-Porous Membrane...... 31 all the issues with independence including all the actors involved regard- less of party affiliation .

Andre Santana California and Net Neutrality...... 33 Managing Editor

THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 2 3 California Commands World’s Fifth Largest Economy goods easily with Canada, Mexico, and Asia. real estate gouging. “It’s the economy, stupid.” That was the 1992 Golden State is not just rich, it’s well-rounded. presidential election campaign slogan for All of this industry takes resources to run—hu- Every country faces challenges, and this is Bill Clinton’s White House run, and it is still When people think of California, most draw man and natural—and California is up to the especially true for newly formed nations. relevant in today’s politics. No political ef- images of tourism (Disneyland, Pismo Beach challenge. With a diverse workforce (about 33% The bottom line, however, is that Califor- fort of any significance can anticipate success golfing…), Hollywood, and perhaps the wine of employed workers are Hispanic, which might nia has established, prosperous industries; without the money to back it, including the country and . All are important, be why California is more tolerant of immigra- a large work force; natural resources; and growing secessionist movement. but agriculture is the backbone of the state. tion from the south than other states) of about all the seaports, airports, and rail systems America’s Bread Basket isn’t found in the 21 million people, the unemployment rate has needed for vibrant trade. Several U.S. states have petitions circulating been holding at about 5%. When it comes to Midwest or the Great Plains, but in Califor- And that ain’t stupid. that call from independence from Washing- nia’s Central Valley. According to the USDA, energy needs, the state is on a path toward run- ton, including Vermont, New Hampshire, in 2014, California produced $54 billion in ning on 100% renewables in the next generation 1 http://www.usgovernmentspend- Texas, and, of course, California. But al- agricultural products, while the runner-up or so. And, while water needs are a concern, a ing.com/gdp_by_state though Texas has a sizeable GDP of about state, Iowa, had $30.65 billion. Included in combination of improved water conservation $1.64 trillion, California blows them all away this total is the fact that California is the coun- (the recent drought has shown that residents 2 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis with an estimated economic output for 2017 try’s leading milk producer. Nineteen percent are able to lower usage by 25% to 30%5), more 1 2 3 http://www.californiadairypress- of $2.71 trillion . That’s up from $2.6 trillion (over 40 billion pounds) of milk are produced desalination plants (which are becoming more in 2016. here annually.3 And the Golden State not only efficient each year), and stronger efforts to store room.com/Press_Kit/Dairy_Industry_Facts In 2016, California surpassed France’s GDP, produces fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy, it water underground could well alleviate the 4 https://ucanr.edu/repositoryfiles/ and toward that year’s end it also passed that also processes it at over 4,500 food and bever- problem. ca2016a0011-162257.pdf of Great Britain, moving California up from age plants, which is over twice what runner-up Reporters and pundits who pontificate about sixth to fifth place in the world. Only Germa- New York state has. In 2014, nearly 830,000 the impossibility of an independent California 5 http://www.latimes.com/local/ ny, Japan, China, and the United States have people worked in California agriculture in lanow/la-me-ln-july-urban-water-savings- 4 point to some harsher realities about the state, burlier numbers to boast. some capacity. of course. One is the housing market. Housing 20150827-story.html That puts the Golden State on the firmest costs, especially along the coast, are skyrocket- ground of any of her 49 sisters for having a ing, pricing average families out of the Ameri- viable economy independent of the rest of the can Dream. This could spell economic instabili- nation. ty for many who might be making decent wages but not enough to purchase a home in a major city. The other factor is the division between liberal Port of Oakland http://www.globaltrademag.com/ coastal and metropolitan areas versus the more politically conservative regions of northern Cal- Next, let’s look at high tech. California is the ifornia (north of Sacramento and the Bay Area) home of such world-changing companies as and the Central Valley. Critics feel there would Apple Computer, eBay, and Google. It is also be considerable conservative flight from a free a leader in medical technology. The reason for California to states such as Texas, and this could both can be found in the state’s superior higher impact the workforce here. education institutions composed of the Univer- sity of California and California State systems, This is true—to a degree—but while individu- CALIFORNIA CONNECTED TO NIGHT LIGHTS OF THE WEST COAST AS THE SUN RISES. als and families might be bothered enough by SKEGBYDAVE/GETTY IMAGES as well as many other universities, colleges, Kevin Hile is a freelance writer and editor based in and community colleges. Sacramento policies to leave, they can’t take the Cathedral City, California.He has authored books on land with them. Agriculture will stay. High tech California like The Handy California Answer Book And it’s not just the size of California’s econ- Other major industries include automobile, companies need skilled IT people, and those omy but also its diversity that would help sta- airplane, and other machinery production; people love to live in areas such as Silicon Val- bilize it as a young nation, should CalExit be- pharmaceuticals and chemicals; and, of course, ley, not a windswept Plains state. As for chal- come a reality. From agriculture to high-tech tourism. Geographically, the state is ideally lenges such as housing prices, a free California and from tourism to natural resources, the placed along the Pacific Rim to trade all these would be more able to implement controls on THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 4 5 An enlightening look at the Golden State, people, and culture. Wildlife and Antiquities As a child, I loved going on our family vaca- a good way. tions. Most of these trips involved visiting The Handy California Pollution poisons plants, water and air. Power family members in other states, and we would plant and industrial emissions affect the air often visit one or more of the national parks and water quality, as do the tailpipe emissions of North America along the way. As a result, I caused by millions of cars traveling through Answer Book developed a deep love of the land, the history, and near the parks every year. Mountain by Kevin Hile and the beauty of this country. bikers, motorboats, and snow mobiles all take ISBN: 978-1-57859-591-4 In California alone, we have 28 national parks their toll on the environment as well. Many of Kindle ISBN: 978-1-57859-624-9 and national onuments. The oldest of our the parks are lacking in transportation systems ePub ISBN: 978-1-57859-623-2 parks, Yosemite, was given to the protection that would allow us to enjoy our national PDF ISBN: 978-1-57859-622-5 of California during the Civil War by Congress heritage while keeping human impact to a and President Lincoln. In 1890 it, along with minimum. 464 pages Sequoia National Forest, were officially named Water issues affect the rivers and other habi- 120 B/W Photos & Illustrations as National Parks. The newest of our parks, tats of fish and wildlife. Without enough clean Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monu- 7.125” × 9.25” water to sustain waterways, fish don’t spawn ment, was created July 10, 2015 by President Trade paperback $21.95 and land becomes vulnerable to erosion, Obama. eBooks $18.99 slides, and the effects of too little water to keep the park healthy.

California! The country’s most populous Invasive species wreak havoc on these areas of pristine nature. Plants and insects hitchhike state. The home of the entertainment in with tourists and run amok in the delicately industry, Silicon Valley, beaches, redwood balanced ecosystems, sending native species forests, and so much more within its on a downward spiral towards extinction. 163,695 square miles. Its people, industries, Allowing livestock to graze on these lands politicians, climate, and allure captivate the world and draw millions of visitors each further pollutes the water sheds and results in the loss of native grasses and plants. year. Exploring the state’s fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy California Answer Book takes an in-depth look at this diverse state by America’s national treasures, both in state answering more than 1,100 intriguing questions, including: and out, are facing threats from many fronts. How did “Eureka!” become the state motto? Why is a grizzly bear on the state flag Climate change is one of the biggest concerns. when no grizzlies exist in California? Was the coast of California ever attacked by With the droughts that have afflicted Califor- pirates? Can you eat the snails you find slithering in your backyard in California? nia over the past several years, many trees have become weakened and vulnerable to fire, pests, and disease, resulting in wildlife migration from protected zones into human Available online and at better bookstores everywhere. inhabited areas. www.visibleinkpress.com Wildlife management is a huge challenge. Sequoia National Park Unfortunately, iconic species that are pro- tected within the parks, lose that protection Our current political environment operates when they step outside of the borders. Unless in favor of fossil fuels, corporate rights above wildlife corridors are maintained outside of civil rights, and the out and out war against the parks many species find themselves inter- nature and the environment. One of the big- acting with their human neighbors, and not in gest challenges to our park system involves THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 6 7 Make or Break – Catalonia votes 10-1 for finding money in local, state, and national legislation and policy for the National Parks budgets to protect, expand, and maintain our Conservation Association. “Public lands are Independence national park system. owned by all Americans. By calling into ques- On the Ramblas pedestrian promenade of tion these sites, they are calling into question I met up with author and Barcelona resident, this vibrant Catalan capital, tourists buy- native Californian Liz Castro in a local cafe to Some of these parks contain museum ar- part of the American story that is manifested ing souvenirs at kiosks scarcely notice the tifacts – 45 percent of which haven’t even hear her take on the lead up to this historic in these sites.” headlines of the local and Madrid papers. vote. been catalogued. The buildings are crumbling While there is no provision in the Act itself Counting down the days to a decisive sec- and in desperate need of repair. Without ond Independence Referendum on October In her excellent book Many Grains of Sand et funding, much of the cultural and historical for reversal, and shrinking or revoking des- 1, and framed in headlines like a World Cup al Liz describes in detail the people-powered value of these sites will be lost forever. ignation would most likely require an act of soccer score - 1-0, voters will answer the push for independence from 2006 onwards Congress, we should expect that there will question: Do you want Catalonia to be- that sideswiped the politicians and advanced come a day when this will be fought out in come an independent state in the form of the cause. Creative campaign tactics and low- the courts. a republic?’ A majority Yes vote, combined cost events such as hands across the province, with a credible turnout, would simulta- candlelight vigils, flash mobs, student strikes Those of us in California who want to see our neously create a Catalan state, take it out and pot banging have all advanced the cause. public lands protected must take action to let of the Spanish monarchy, and change the our representatives know that this is im- map of Europe. portant to us and to our children’s children, who deserve wild places to visit. Ecological diversity is not only a right of the planet and all who live here, it is also necessary to the health and well-being of us all. We are not separate from our environment. We must

Berryessa National Park be willing to stand up for our brothers and sisters, regardless of their species. The biggest, and most dangerous, threat We need each other. to our national parks is the current nation- al administration and the executive order “The movement for independence is remark- signed by Trump that puts under review 8 of ably democratic and broad, which is a testa- California’s 12 national monuments. This is ment to its maturity.” Liz tells me. “It has cre- an attempt to privatize public lands for the ated a space for discussion with hundreds of benefit of a few corporations. conferences and meetings between Catalans of the left, centre, and conservative stripe.” The act he has called into question is the She says that a win for the Si! Campaign will Antiquities Act. This law gives the president On July 2, I arrived in Barcelona. From bal- lead to an immediate declaration of indepen- of the United States the authority to create conies and rooftops, the red, yellow, and dence by the Generalitat regional government national monuments from federal lands to blue striped “Estrellada” flag flies along- on Oct. 3. She smiles as I tell her about the in- protect significant natural, cultural, or sci- side “Si!” Yes, banners for the referendum. dependence movement in California and how entific features. The Antiquities Act resulted The latest polls show the province evenly the Catalan struggle has inspired our activists. from concerns about protecting mostly pre- divided with a slight majority supporting the holding of the referendum. The Madrid The next day, I visit Communications Director historic Native American ruins and artifacts – Charles Fouget in the bright, modern offices of collectively termed “antiquities” – on federal government continues to stonewall on the vote, claiming it is unconstitutionality, and the Esquerra Republicana, a left-wing Catalan lands in the West. making both real and veiled threats against party founded in the early 1930s. Resurrected after the Civil War and the Franco years, the “What they are doing is undermining one the Catalan regional government, led by Cynkay Morningsong is a freelance a feisty and determined President Carles Esquerra pulls in 15-20% of the vote in region- of the United States’ most important con- al elections, holding 10 seats in the Catalan servation laws and politicizing national writer based in Sonoma County, CA. She Puigdemont. On a blazing- hot afternoon, can be contacted as a freelancer at this link. parliament. Proportional representation gives monuments in a way that they frankly don’t https://www.conversionfreelancer.com/ deserve,” said Ani Kame’enui, director of THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 8 9 smaller parties like the ER seats and a say, un- the marchers. President of the California Freedom Coalition like the bloated American two-party system, (CFC). where the big boys can only agree to keep Leaving Barcelona, I drive 1.5 hours north to California Approves Autonomy Ini- third parties out. Ripoll, a 1000-year-old town high in the Cat- alan Pyrenees, near independent Andorra. tiative for Signature Gathering Here the Estrellada flag flies high and large, California voters are more underrepresented from mountain tops, hung from cliff faces, now than voters in any state at any point in painted on huge rocks. Over fine Catalan wine San Jose, CA: The Attorney General of Cali- American history. The Electoral College, two and roasted artichokes we chat with locals fornia has released the circulating title and Senators per state, and a strongly gerryman- at an outdoor restaurant. The sentiment is summary for Initiative 17-0005, California’s dered House of Representatives has had the strong for independence and the consensus Future: A Path to Independence. The state’s cumulative effect of reducing the value of a is united. Concern remains over how Ma- assigned title and summary is as follows: Californian vote to a mere fraction of that cast drid might respond, but the country folk are CALIFORNIA AUTONOMY FROM FEDERAL by individuals in other states. “In very real quietly determined and ready. In the medi- terms we are second-class voters in the Unit- eval town, Muslim women in veils and chil- GOVERNMENT. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL dren walk below banners reading ‘Refugees AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. ed States,” said Tim Vollmer, Chief Strategist of the CFC. “This was made vividly clear in the Welcome,’ underlining the fact that this is a Repeals provision in California Constitution tolerant and open nationalism that will still 2016 election when three million of our votes promote open borders to Spain and France stating California is an inseparable part of the were deemed irrelevant and secondary com- United States. Directs Governor, in consulta- Charles describes for me the spectrum of Cat- should freedom be achieved in October. Cali- pared with tens of thousands of votes cast in alan and Spanish politics, and he outlines how fornians should follow events here closely and tion with those members of Congress who other states.” the Esquerra gets campaign and operational learn from our Catalan allies. Vasca Catalun- represent California, to negotiate continually funding through member dues, percentages ya! greater autonomy from federal government, of parliamentarian salaries, and state subsi- up to and including agreement establishing In addition to calling for ever greater autono- dies. He projects optimism, both for Catalonia California as a fully independent country, my from the current U.S. federal system, the now and for California in the future. provided voters agree to revise the California initiative calls for reforms within California’s Constitution. Creates new state commission to “You have in California the chance for a his- own system of government. “This initiative toric start by showing your ability to innovate,’ research and make recommendations on ways will spur California to get its own act together Charles remarks; something the Catalans have of increasing California’s autonomy and inde- and organize itself in a way that befits a mod- certainly done in their vision of an indepen- pendence. ern democracy,” said Dave Marin, Director of dent and economically viable state. Everyone Research and Policy. “Our elected officials in in the offices snaps up the CNP stickers and Sacramento and on the local level are the only cards I have and offers us best wishes of sup- The proponents now have 180 days to collect real political representation that we Califor- port and solidarity at the end of my tour. 585,407 valid signatures to qualify the initia- nians have. It is time for them to take this role On Friday at 7 p.m., in the monumental Plaça tive for the Nov 2018 ballot. far more seriously and to bring California into Catalunya at the north end of the histor- the 21st Century.” ic pedestrian Ramblas boulevard, I join the weekly walk of Si! activists through the Gothic Proponents of the initiative argue that Cali- District. With multi-coloured Si! flags and a Sven A. Serrano, now a California exile in Asia, fornia’s relationship with the United States is “It is time that everyone recognizes that it’s distinct lack of Catalan ‘Estrellada’ banners first discussed forming a California political almost a textbook case of taxation without not acceptable to discount Californians’ votes. (‘we are beyond that now,’ one moustachioed party in the early 80s while working for the representation. “The U.S. government siphons California is more than a state of the U.S.; it’s senor tells me) the mostly older, middle aged Sierra Club’s PAC. He lives in Shanghai. off billions of dollars a year from California’s a nation, and it should act like one. This initia- group weave their way through the medie- economy with very little positive impact for val cobblestoned alleys before arriving at the Liz Castro’s excellent Many Grains of Sand tive will direct the State to make further prog- (2017) and a companion book of documents its citizens. Our infrastructure is crumbling, ress on this front,” said Neil Longhurst, Chief Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the Barcelona City our schools are failing, and our tax dollars are Hall. They circle the building several times, and essays in both English and Spanish, Financial Officer of the CFC. chanting loud and proud their fervent wish for What’s Up with Catalonia (2013) are available instead being used to bomb people in oth- a free and independent Catalonia. The antici- through www.cataloniapress.com and should er countries. It is time that Californians take pation in the air is strong, palpable, and con- be required reading for all California activists. back control of our own tax dollars and in- The proponents of the initiative are adamant tagious as passers-by shout encouragement to vest in our entire state,” said Steve Gonzales, that it is not designed to politically antagonize THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 10 11 or abandon other regions of the U.S. Rather, Interviews with the editor it is aimed to start a necessary reordering of a politi cal process that no longer works. “Some people argue that the Electoral College is nec- Mark Parker: First Pro-Independence California Democrat Run- essary to protect the politi cal parti cipati on of small and rural states. However, the answer to ning for State Assembly in District 40. that problem cannot be the near total disen- reason why Donald Trump sleeps in the White franchisement of voters in the larger states,” House. It’s also why we don’t have decent univer- says Vollmer. “We need a nati onal consensus sal healthcare, why our children attend under-fund- to fi x this growing crisis of politi cal underrep- ed public schools, why there is a student-debt resentati on and we feel this initi ati ve is an im- crisis, and why we have the most extreme inequal- ity between rich and poor of any of the advanced portant and necessary step in that directi on.” democracies So ready or not, here I come.. About The California Freedom Coaliti on: The CFC is a not for profi t, non-parti san organiza- California’s 40th State Assembly District ti on that was formed to educate and advocate for the voti ng rights of California. We are a Mark Parker Andre Santana grassroots organizati on dedicated to ensuring that California and its nearly 40 million citi - Q) What qualifi cations do you have to zens and residents have a truly proporti onate run for offi ce, and what inspired you voice and vote in electi ng a nati onal govern- to run for offi ce? ment that refl ects their values, intenti ons and A) First, I should say that I’ve yet to fi le with the expectati ons. Please visit our website at cal- Secretary of State, so I’m not an offi cial can- freeco.org. didate. There are a few technical details still to be sorted out (like whether or not to accept voluntary spending limits), but I hope to make it offi cial by this fall. Then I can start spending money and accepting donations on behalf of a Steve Gonzales campaign. With that disclaimer out of the way, I admit that California Freedom Coaliti on I have no good answer to the fi rst half of your question. The law states that I’m qualifi ed to [email protected] represent the 40th Assembly District if elected. Beyond this, what can I add without sounding like a politician? The facts are: I have little money, no celebrity, few connections. My family isn’t even crazy about my running, just because of the toll poli- tics is known to take on families. San Bernardino County and cities Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga I’m running to raise taxes on the rich to save our ,Redlands, and San Bernardino democracy from the tyranny of the rich. What qualifi cations could I possibly possess that they and their surrogates will not trash?

Nevertheless, someone has to advocate for a popular rebellion against the corrupting in- fl uence of extreme wealth. It’s essentially the THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 12 13 Current assemblymember on the richest 1% by some $400 billion ● The first is wholly new to California: and the next richest 9% by another $100 a 5% wealth tax on estates with a (R) Marc Steinorth–Rancho Cucamonga billion. My goal is to see us ultimately Think of it like this: Compare how a net worth above $20 million. This Population (2010) increase the size of the state budget to billionaire uses one million dollars in tax alone will bring in $200 billion about one-third of state GDP, from $200 income to how ten middle class families per year to the state treasury. 462,470 billion this year to around $800 billion (in spend one million dollars divided equally 2017 dollars) ● The second is an increase in state Registered voters into $100,000 each. For the billionaire one million dollars represents a few income tax rates on household income over $400,000 per year 229,591 hours of his yearly income. For the ten ($200,000 for individuals) to 53%. That still leaves us slightly behind much of families it represents the produce of an entire year’s labor. The billionaire This tax increase is worth around Northern Europe, in terms of government $200 billion as well. Demographics spending as a percentage of GDP, includ- doesn’t need to spend any of that one ing federal spending in the state. But this million dollars. He may live on the in- 35.57% White program will transform California, virtually terest alone. So he deposits the million somewhere, usually outside of the state, Outrageous! – you say? Maybe not... The 11.08% Black eliminate poverty, stabilize our democracy, reduce inequality, and stimulate economic wherever he can get the most return for millionaires and billionaires who have to 42.34% Latino growth. While the numbers are large, we the least worry and effort. In contrast the pay this tax can deduct state income taxes are a large state with many urgent needs ten families will take their portion of the from their federal income taxes. So nearly 8.95% Asian that have built up over several decades. million and buy housing, food, clothing, half of their income above $400,000 will be left to them unscathed. It might also be 0.65% Native American education, entertainment, etc, spending most of that million dollars in California, worth making the point that an annual in- 0.37% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander which in turn benefits other Californians. come of $400,000 is six times that of the So why raise taxes so dramatically specifi- median household income in California. So cally on the rich? What I describe is an incontrovertible 0.28% other macroeconomic fact. It just doesn’t fit save your tears. There are more deserving 0.75% remainder of multiracial 1. To fully fund essential public ser- conveniently into the myth that the rich victims. vices. are “job creators.”

2. To address income and wealth What might we do with all of this money? Party Affliation disparities caused by 40 years of Now groan as they might over having Here are a few ideas: 40.31% Democratic stagnant wages for 80% of Califor- nians. to pay higher taxes, most of the more 33.75% Republican moderately wealthy will stay in Califor- 3. To cut taxes paid by 80% of Califor- nia, since they can’t earn the same kind ● Pay for universal single-payer 21.04% No party preference nia’s taxpayers. of income and lifestyle for themselves health care. anywhere else in the world. Those of this 4. To bring the rich under the rule of class who do leave will likely be older, ● Pay for a Guaranteed Minimum In- law. come (GMI) of $35,000 per year to 2016 California’s 40th State Assembly making room for highly skilled young professionals. every Californian working 28 hours district election 5. To strengthen California economi- or more per week as an employ- cally and politically. Primary election results ee, independent contractor, small business owner, farmer, returning (D)Abigail Medina 36,524 50.5 It’s also worth noting that tax evading student, etc. Will raising taxes on the mega-wealthy millionaires can’t take their real estate (R) Marc Steinorth 35,814 49.5 drive them out of the state? with them. To compensate for whatever ● Provide free college tuition and losses we sustain in income and wealth- vocational training. General Election tax revenue, I will work hard to pass a constitutional amendment allowing us ● Offer student debt relief. (R)Marc Steinorth 76,537 50.6 Yes and no... Many of the very, very rich, to tax property held by parties outside of the top one-tenth of one percent, will leave ● Reduce class sizes by half in our (D) Abigail Medina 74,589 49.4 the state at much higher rates than we the state. But they don’t really live here public K-12 schools. do today. anyway. If they do leave, their absence ● Provide up to one year of paid pa- will result in a net gain for California’s rental leave upon the birth or adop- Q) What are the key points to your economy, since most of the wealth and Increasing taxes on the wealthiest 1% tion of a child, and 30 days paid platform you are running on? income extracted from California by these vacation based on the GMI. individuals is exported to investments and is our first and most important test as a tax shelters around the world, never to be democracy in this period of prolonged ● Modernize our public infrastructure. crisis. There are two major facets to my A) My highest priority is raising taxes seen by California again. One-Percent Tax Plan: ● Reform our criminal justice system THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 14 15 based on the Norwegian model. nation within a nation? made, foreign or domestic. We must get ecutive. On the other hand, they may find this through our thick skulls: This president their spines and push back against Trump. ● Subsidize and control rents to 25% cannot be trusted to fulfill his sworn duty Failing a discovery of moral character, I of income for those earning less to protect and defend. He is an existential don’t think Congress can survive not im- I think with Trump we’ve crossed the than $120,000 per year. A) threat to the people of this state and our peaching Trump. Their future is not bright Rubicon. Full self government for Califor- freedom. under the best of conditions, but refusing ● Help struggling homeowners re- nia is inevitable. The question is timing. A to remove so incompetent and corrupt a structure the repayment of their lot of work has to be done to prepare the president as this is institutional suicide. mortgages to 25% of income. state, to solidify its identity as a social de- mocracy, or we will simply import all of the The elevation of Donald Trump, com- ● Help Californians trade up to ze- bined with Congress’s refusal to remove ro-emission vehicles. societal ills that currently plague the United States as a whole. For example, California him from office, should be interpreted as If Congress is still intact as a coequal ● Offer complete student loan for- has the most billionaires of any state in the a forfeiture by the federal government of branch when our time for independence giveness and housing assistance union. These people should be viewed as federal supremacy in the states. Hence the comes, we should make a good faith effort to doctors, nurses, teachers, police predator oligarchs in waiting, who need to need to empower our state government to negotiate a restructuring of our relation- officers, firefighters, social workers, be taxed into submission to the will of the with the authority to nullify federal authority ship with the federal government, be that etc, who are willing to work in un- people or driven out of the state. Either is within the state. Further, the present gov- independence or autonomy, through the derserved areas or needed special- fine by me. They really do take more than ernment in Washington should be officially mechanism outlined in Article IV, Section ties. they give. This is true even of the so-called declared by our state government to be in Three of the US Constitution. If Congress “benign” billionaires like Gates and Buffet. a condition of insurrection against the Con- is no longer constitutionally operational, ● Reduce the cost of homeownership stitution, as well as hostile to our personal we should reach out to neighboring states, by cutting property taxes on own- welfare. The highest law of the land should negotiate with whomever we can, espe- er-occupied primary residences remain the US Constitution. It’s the only cially at the Pentagon, and try to arrive at Since before the American Revolution, valued at $750,000 or less. thing restraining Trump at the moment. an amicable separation. power has always derived from the states, But how much good can it serve when two ● Reinvest in public libraries. expressed through their elected represen- of the three branches of government are tatives. As the federal government contin- no longer fulfilling their duty to uphold it? ● Build a broadband public wireless ues to unravel and conduct itself unlaw- We must also respect the demands of That’s a question for which we have no network accessible anywhere in fully, state governments must intercede continental security. We really do live in a answer yet. If possible I am for preserving California for free. on behalf of their people and defend their dangerous world. That is not just a cliche. the Union. But if not, I am for saving Cali- There is no shortage of enemies. Indepen- ● Recommit to public broadcasting by democratic institutions. In other words, we fornian democracy at all cost. dence is not a magic pill that will create creating a new statewide corpora- should prepare ourselves for more con- world peace for California. We must re- tion for media in the public interest frontations with the federal government. main vigilant and coldly realistic about all modeled after the BBC. The worst is yet to come. We must be prepared to provoke and threats to the security of the whole United ● These are just some of my spend- press our right to self government. Yes, the States, not just California. That said, we federal government is powerful. However, can’t forever be enslaved the US mili- ing priorities. If elected I will introduce legislation to there is very little that Washington can do tary-industrial complex. establish a procedure by which the state W to prevent a state the size of California Q) hat do the Democrats need to legislature may nullify federal authority from assuming all governing responsibili- Q) Considering you are a Bernie- do on Healthcare in California? within our borders in specific cases, includ- ties, where there exists a vacuum of legiti- ing Supreme Court rulings. Additionally we crat, and not against Indepen- Fully fund single-payer. If that’s not mate authority, for the protection of its peo- A) should set ground rules for how federal dence, do you think the DNC will politically possible, create a public option ple. From there the state government may agencies operate within the state, and be fair to you? to run concurrently with the private system assume control over the interior, coastline, create a court of human and civil rights to until single-payer is politically viable. Then regulate air control, monitor borders, man- try and punish violators. we need to go after the greed and corrup- age immigration, etc. tion in our system that makes it the most A) I don’t expect anything from the DNC. expensive healthcare in the world. There’s They won’t start to pay attention to me The state also needs to be prepared to until I win. If I start winning, they can throw no question that we will have to do this in This is a process that could take years or defend herself from whatever malicious the kitchen sink at me, and it will be of no stages. My highest priority is that there be happen in a matter of months, depending schemes the Trump regime has planned effect. By then these ideas will have an no interruption in patient care. upon the pace of events outside our con- for us. For this reason I will propose the energy of their own, and nothing will stop trol. We do not know what the future holds. formation of a system of community de- us. I plan to carry this message as far as I Q)What is your opinion on the For example, at present, we only have a fense, staffed by volunteers who are fully possibly can. All the way to the governor’s issue of gaining California more marginally functional Congress. In three armed, equipped, and trained to protect office if the opportunity makes itself avail- independence, whether that is as years that branch of government could our neighborhoods and cities from what- able. This isn’t a career choice for me, it’s shrink into total insignificance or function independent nation, or as a west ever threats may arise, natural or man- a mission. Starting from zero at my age is coast Scotland, also known as a as nothing more than a puppet of the ex- THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 16 17 Photos of District 40 Source Brittany Ann Pettengill not easy. But what else should I do with A) Most interesting? I would like to say my remaining years? our diversity, but there is a dark side to that. We are diverse but we can also be shockingly isolated from each other. The 40th Assembly District includes the only “blue zone” in the United States, centered around the Seventh Day Adventist com- munity in Loma Linda, where there is one of the highest concentrations of centenar- ians in the world. Just a few miles away to the north is San Bernardino, a city that is struggling in every imaginable way. Statis- tically it has been compared to Detroit. Ex- treme poverty beside sublime abundance. We can do better.

1) How do you feel about President We are also vulnerable to automation. A Trump? huge percentage of our population works in logistics and transportation. Robots have the potential of turning this dis- I think I’ve already answered this question. trict into a wasteland. This is why I’m so However, I will add this: committed to the Guaranteed Minimum Income, student debt relief, housing afford- ability, and education in general. And we must start working on these issues now, A lot is made of his relationship with Putin. before the crisis hits. But after seeing Trump in power now for six months, he strikes me more as a Boris Q) What do you think we can do Yeltsin character. A selfish, impulsive, to help the rural parts of Califor- morally depraved, corrupt buffoon. In the long term, I’m much more worried about nia that feel they are ruled by the what will follow Trump. Trump’s ineptitude tyranny of the majority? is buying us time. Were he a more effi- cient autocrat like Putin, many of us would already be dead or in jail. So thank your A) Much of what we’ve already discussed higher powers for small blessings and take will help, but more should be done. First, this time prepare for the worst, because the coastal cities need to respect the when it strikes we probably won’t see the demands of rural life, whether they under- blow coming. stand what that really means or not.

I also see this moment as an opportunity. How we govern matters too. I want to be Let the Republicans cut taxes and spend- the kind of legislator who is known for re- ing in Washington. They have never been specting his limits, but who is also known very good at it anyway. California is more as a man who acts on the knowledge than able to take care of herself, raise her people share with him. Whether you’re own taxes, create her own programs. a teacher, farmer, business owner, col- lege professor, my first question is almost Q)What is it about your home in always going to be, “What do you need to District 40 that you think is most get the job done right?” I think that kind of interesting? attitude will go a long way toward building trust across the state.

THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 18 19 Andre Santana is the managing Editor of “The The cities also need to become wa- graduated. Tend to be a bit of an autodidact. Grizzly”. He is a longtime California native from ter independent. Nothing – and I mean I prefer to do things myself when possible, Vacaville and parts of the Bay Area, he is an NOTHING! – has done more to alienate like repairing my own cars and roasting my Army Veteran that serves as a public policy ana- rural Californians from the rest of the state own coffee. lyst for the CNP. than the exploitation of rural resources by faraway municipal powers, often by nefar- ious means. The cities have a moral re- I have known clinical depression, religious sponsibility to become water independent, exhilaration, creative euphoria, and med- however expensive and challenging the itative calm. I have been a Baptist and a transition may be, and return water rights Buddhist. When I was young, I wanted to to the rural communities from which they be a pastor. (I would still like to do that job if were taken generations ago. I could find enough people to join a church without a god. Tricky that...) Last year I spent eight days with a monk who labored Loma Linda Medical Center, Amer- If you want state unity, that’s what it’s go- for 20 years in a Chinese prison camp, sent icas only Blue Zone hopsital heart ing to take. there by Beijing for his participation in the Tibetan resistance. He gave me a Tibetan C Q)Is California overly capitalistic? name, although I don’t remember what it is off the top of my head.

A) No. The corruption of pseudo-capitalist institutions is a problem. Crony capitalism I’ve learned from hard experience that the is a societal menace. Banks too big to fail most valuable thing in the world is a healthy continue to be a threat. But real, inventive, mind. I’ve known too many people who have energetic entrepreneurial capitalism is not hurt themselves over the years, some by an issue. We need more of it. suicide, because they didn’t make mental health a priority.Trump was my wakeup call. Q) Is there anything interesting So much of his movement is energized by about you that voters should deep emotional pain. I didn’t realize how know? Do you have any special sick the body politic was until that night in Smiley Library in Redlands skills or interest that people might November. I just assumed Hillary was going find interesting to try and get to to win, like most others, and that we were in for more of the same. That was my mistake. know you better? I’m here talking to you now, to do what I can to make up for that error in judgment.

A) I’m 53. Married for 27 years to the same woman. As long as I’ve known her she has Mark can be found on social media on face- been a teacher. We dated for a week and book and twitter. then got engaged. Six months later we were married. We have two adult children, Facebook 20 and 18. https://www.facebook.com/HoratioCincinna- tus I started my first business when I was in Twitter my early twenties. It was so successful Twitter: @HoratioCin that I thought making money would always be that easy. My next business venture a University of Redlands few years later would teach me otherwise.

I’ve worked as a shoemaker, a writer and editor, a factory worker, a real estate agent, a WalMart associate, and a stay- at-home dad. I went to college but never THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 20 21 California National Party at Politicon long-term goal might be a long shot and that we This weekend at Politicon in the Pasadena so proud watching Matt engage the convention might have not have the answers and solutions Convention Center, volunteers from the crowd that at times, I could only stand back and right now at this very moment, but the one California National Party came from across listen. He was fearless in diving into debate and thing that we would never run out off would be to talk to people about stayed respectful but relentless with every single willpower and as long as people like myself, Matt, our nascent organization that they have heard person who wanted to dismiss and downplay the Don and her were willing to commit ourselves about and to answer their questions about concept of an independent California. I watched and our time to working for independence, that independence. Billed as “the Coachella of his genuine and earnest approach with each we could get there in the future. She smiled, politics”, the nonpartisan event in its third year person who came up to our booth, and over the shook my hand and thanked me for my time. running, attracted large crowds from California two days of the convention, I became convinced and farther away to panels and discussions led that having more enthusiastic and passionate by pundits and opinion makers such as Chelsea young leaders like him in the party that our drive Handler and , and Ana for independence might will not stall. Kasparian, and the team from Pod Save America. All across the spectrum from the Young Turks to the Young Americans, both contributors and convention goers came in a wide swath across the political spectrum from red caps to pink hats and every party in between. Cosplayers dressed as Abraham Lincoln and Inauguration Day Kellyanne Conway made their way across the convention floor in front of exhibitions from Black Lives Matters, the ACLU of SoCal, League of Women Voters, Turning Point USA, and Muslims for Progressive Voters. And volunteers from the CNP tried to interact and talk with as many of these people as we could.

Don Gomez (Left) and Matthew Vitale (Right) Mike Mendez, is a third gneration native Californian from Oceanside, and a third generation U.S. Marine. As a I had one conversation this weekend which, volunteer in the CNP, he is helping to organize his county almost encapsulated all the work I’ve done chapter and working with the Hispanic Network. He in the party since last year and the future of believes power and politics belong to the people and wants to build a better state for his family and friends. effort of the CNP. I was speaking to a young woman named Laura, who had heard about the movement and wanted to learn more about our organization. As I answered her questions, she nodded but, seemed hesitant. I prodded her about her concerns and she told me that she liked the idea and wanted to support us, but she did not see how realistically we could compete with Don Gomez traveled from , along with the two-party system and that it might be a losing his wife to attend the convention, Matthew Vitale, cause. I told her that I understood her concerns the chair of the chapter, and myself and that I had heard them from people before. took every opportunity to shake hands, exchange How could we achieve our goals without deep information and listen to everyone’s concerns and coffers, rich donors, celebrity endorsements or issues with our work for independence. I was a statewide infrastructure? I admitted that our THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 22 23 The 2017 California National Party Con- vention will feature special guest speak- er and renowned activist Cindy Sheehan as well as panels, working groups, and National Leadership elections.

August 13th, 2017 10:00 AM Betty Ong Rec Center 1199 Mason Street , CA 94108

Join us to help shape the future of our party and of California. Register here: https://californianational.party/2017-convention/

THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 24 25 to another person when there is per- ed to a blanket statement of the overall value HHEADCOVERINGS IN CALIFORNIA ceived commonality. When I put the of our tribe and made to feel that someone veil on in the Iranian restaurant, I felt knows better than us, it is maddening and Recent discussion over laws prohibiting wom- an easing of tension between my male treating us as though we are children and making the statement than it does the colleagues and me. They related to me not mature, thinking adults. When we as en covering their heads in Europe has prompt- person wearing the clothes. That is a ed discussion on the CNP Facebook page more easily. It wasn’t that I stopped observers make blanket judgements about a different issue and should be treated as being me, rather they found something group we are passing judgement on that en- about how California might feel about the veil. such. We should not build a California Having traveled around the world and lived familiar that bridged helped us interact tire group. We rank them and somehow find based on lowest common denominators more easily. them unworthy. Anyone finding themselves overseas, I am familiar with many different and worse-case scenarios. dress styles.The first argument goes some- expressing sentiments as to what or woman thing like this: people should dress similarly should or should not do, is passing judgement to the people in the culture they are living in on women as a group. California should not The third argument touches closer to write blanket statements for entire groups. We or visiting. Certainly having visited some Arab home for me as a woman, and that’s the countries I have experienced this personally. should be progressive enough to let people be one that says that veils and face cover- who they are. Visiting Saudi Arabia meant covering myself ings are a form of oppressing women. completely. When I did business in the UAE in People making this argument point to And trust them. the nineties, I went to an Iranian restaurant places like Saudi Arabia, and groups like and was informed by colleagues I would have Hamas where women who do not cover to wear a veil if I decided to go. I chose to, and themselves are punished, sometimes I’ll share a bit more on that in a moment. in extreme ways. In our discussion, I found myself arguing with a man who felt that anyone who covers their face is People who make this argument believe that being forced to do so, and as the woman living in or visiting the West means not wear- I was arguing that this was not the case. ing a veil. The problem with this is that it Because here’s the thing, being a Mus- Nazreena Kammel Riza on Instagram assumes a monoculture, which certainly isn’t lim is no more monocultural thing than true of the United States. Every tribe has its being Christian. Many of these dressing own look. The local climate, cultural vibe, and conventions are more about the cul- I once attended an Emirati wedding socio-economic status all greatly influence ture of origin of the person and Islam where all the women were veiled until dress. So to argue that someone from anoth- has adapted to those conventions as they went to a separate room. At first, er culture should “dress like us” is misleading much as the culture has adapted to the I felt odd as the only western woman, at best and potentially confusing. If one’s pre- religion. But it is more often a personal until I joined the other women and vailing reference for appropriate dress is reli- choice than not. And this is where the became just one of a couple hundred gious, then that is as valid as any other peer topic begins to resonate personally for women dressed for a wedding. They group, isn’t it? me as a woman and as someone trying did not change, but my sense of com- Joyce Tompsett has been living in Northern to build a better . fort and other changed. So yes, seeing California for a decade now. She currently lives someone dressed differently from us in with her husband, son and 4 cats in the Central The second argument is an interesting one our culture can be disconcerting. But Valley. Previously she lived in Europe for a decade involving security; it says something like, ‘if I This really isn’t about Muslims. There that is the problem of the perceiver, and traveled the world. Her career has been in cannot see your face and your body, how do tech marketing roles, but she thinks of herself as a are Jewish and Christian sects who have not the perceived. foodie yogini who’d rather be outdoors. I know you are who you say you are, and that argued well into the 20th century for you aren’t concealing a weapon?’ This is a women to be veiled. There are religious very situation specific argument. People have organizations today that require wom- Really, this boils down to a woman’s been concealing weapons and identity with en to cover their heads, faces or both right to dress as she chooses. It is clothing for a long time. This is nothing new. in some manner. In some ways it’s just enough that women everywhere are This argument ultimately says more about human nature to feel uncomfortable judged by how they dress. We are the paranoia and trust issues of the person with someone who looks different. It exhausted by it, regardless of back- is much easier for someone to relate ground. When we are further subject- THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 26 27 Benefits for Progressives if Califor- for every tax dollar they send to Washing- When we earn our independence and we’re ton, Louisiana receives back $1.78, no longer carrying the weight of failed Ameri- California Will Be Free To Demonstrate The nia Gained More Independence receives $1.66, West Virginia receives $1.76, can policies, we will be free to build California Success Of Our Policies and received back $2.02 in federal into the “shining city on a hill” that the United When I make the case for California’s inde- aid – wow! It’s ironic that the problems we face in Califor- States always aspired to be, but never quite pendence among my progressive friends, nia are used as evidence of why our progres- achieved. California’s example will be proof there are two types of objections that I most sive policies don’t work, when a big part of positive that a society can be healthy, happy, commonly hear. our problem is that we’ve never had a chance and economically robust while embracing di- to prove out our beliefs without carrying the versity, inclusiveness, and liberal social values. American monkey on our back. The first type of objection is that the disso- lution of the United States is something that Independence Will Actually Give Us More could never – or should never – happen. What if we could keep our tax dollars here at Leverage To Affect Red State Policy home – no bankrolling foreign wars of aggres- While it’s true that California’s departure from sion, no propping up failed American states – the United States would have a grave effect and instead we spent our money on building The second type of objection comes from on electoral math, the fact is that right now, a top-flight education system, universal health people who may not feel strongly opposed to our federal system in general and California’s care, and badly needed upgrades for our infra- the concept of independence, but who claim systemic underrepresentation in particular structure? that California’s departure from the United make it nearly impossible for us to have any States would amount to a betrayal of pro- meaningful influence on the social policies of gressive voters and vulnerable communities red states. living in other parts of the United States. California’s struggle would be transformed into success, and we would be able to provide a positive case study for progressive values – Imagine, however, that California gained inde- These so-called “red states” rail against pro- not only for economic policies but for social I’ll save my rebuttal to the first objection pendence and took our rightful place among gressive tax codes, pontificate about self-reli- values as well. Too often the same people who for another time. Today, I would like to ad- the economies of France, Britain, and Ger- ance and ending the welfare state, and spew are railing against progressive tax codes are dress this second objection, in the hopes of many – and together we formed trade agree- venom towards California and our awful liber- also championing conservative social values demonstrating why California’s independence ments or political unions that would only al policies, yet they are the ones who, in ac- – they’re in favor of severely restricting immi- is actually in the best interest of progressives admit additional countries if they met our tual fact, are failing to pull their own financial gration, they oppose any measures to cre- everywhere, whether or not they live within standards for human rights and environmental weight – they are benefitting from our nega- ate racial parity, and they want to take away California’s borders. stewardship. tive cash flow. As long as California taxpayers women’s rights and civil rights for the LGBTQ continue to foot the bill for these states, we community. are allowing them to persist in the illusion California Is Bankrolling Failed Conservative that their conservative political ideology is a As long as we are a systematically weakened Policies voice within the greater United States, we success. When the cash flow dries up and they When we bring up the comparative success have virtually no leverage to protest or influ- Californians are paying more in federal taxes have to stand on their own feet, they will be of progressive nations like Germany and the ence the social policies in, say, Texas or South than the state receives back in federal aid – in forced to reevaluate their choices. Scandinavian countries, the rebuttal we are Carolina. As a separate nation negotiating fact, only 78 cents of every dollar comes back met with is that the success of those countries with our peers, we could use sanctions, trade to us. (Source: TaxFoundation.org) could never be replicated here, because our embargoes, or aid agreements (i.e. both sticks Don’t believe me? See the example of Kan- population is so “diverse”. That’s coded lan- and carrots) to encourage retrograde Ameri- sas, whose economy has been decimated by guage for saying only hetero-normative white can states to meet normal standards of 21st However, states with failed conservative conservative policies for decades until finally people can have nice things. I don’t know century society – for example, capping carbon policies are being propped up by federal aid, the lightbulb went on this summer. Now even about you, but I am beyond frustrated with emissions, guaranteeing LGBTQ rights, or end- receiving far more in spending than they pay Kansas Republicans are in favor of implement- this nonsense argument, and ready to prove ing police brutality. in taxes. Here’s just a quick sample of states: ing a more progressive tax code. (Source: New how wrong it is. Kentucky receives back $1.51 in federal aid York Times) THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 28 29 Border: a Semi-Porous Membrane case of the U.S. and Mexico, the border both exists and doesn’t exist. It’s a semi-porous membrane.” For these reasons, progressives and vulner- able communities living in red states should be cheering for California’s independence. * * * * As soon as we have it, we’ll be in a far better A couple months ago, I found myself in Tijuana translat- position to champion for their protection. ing for a group of filmmakers. They had been filming a documentary about borders and migration around the Turns out, the Trumpists were right. (Sort of.) world, and came to the San Diego - Tijuana border region There is, indeed, a massive movement across the bor- in time for an international concert. der that causes disease, poverty, and crime! For de- The event took place in Playas de Tijuana, a qui- cades, the people suffering the consequences have et beach community that juts up against the border. The been powerless to stop it. Unfortunately, however, a conductor of the Dresden City Orchestra, who grew up in wall won’t have any effect on it. I’m talking about a the shadow of a different wall, flew in from Germany for mass migration from north to south—the movement the event. The stage stood next to the triple-layer fence, of U.S. businesses into Mexico. complete with high-tech motion sensors, cameras, and Maquiladora assembly-line factories appeared an imposing gray tower that would be the envy of Sau- along the southern side of the border en masse after ron himself. When we peered through the chain link and NAFTA was signed. In the 23 years since the free trade stared across the 10-meter stretch of No Man’s Land, we agreement, many of these factories have been guilty of saw a group of anti-immigrant activists on the other side. gross human rights violations: sexual harassment, sto- They stood facing the massive border wall and—with no len wages, union busting, polluting the neighborhoods sense of irony—held signs reading, “MR. TRUMP: BUILD of their workers with toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, the THAT WALL!” companies running these factories make a fortune, The wall extends right out into the ocean, a line paying poverty-level wages and avoiding regulation. of vertical metal poles that cut the waves neatly in two. The fertile valleys of San Quintin and Maneade- “We took down our wall,” said Markus Rindt, the German ro, Baja California, belong almost exclusively to U.S. conductor. “I hope they do the same here.” agribusiness. The land is in Mexico, of course. The As the physical backdrop to the crews camera workers are Mexican. The tomatoes, zucchini, chiles, shots, the wall was also the focus of their interviews. Ti- and strawberries are grown in Mexico. But they don’t juana residents were unanimous in their comments: stay in Mexico—they flow north, across the border. So do the profits. “The wall is offensive.” For the millions of dollars produced by the “It’s an act of aggression.” workers in San Quintin and Maneadero, the border “I feel that it’s a hateful gesture towards our na- does not exist. The money flows north, out of Mexico tion. It’s like they can’t even stand to look at us.” and into the U.S. As the sun dipped into the Pacific Ocean and the The wall doesn’t keep those profits in Mexico. filmmakers packed up their gear, Mikhail, the director, It doesn’t keep those tomatoes and strawberries in pulled me aside. “Let me ask you a question as devil’s ad- Mexico, stimulating the national economy and keep- vocate, David,” he said, taking a drag from his cigarette. ing prices low for local consumers. But if one of those “What’s the problem with this wall? I mean, borders ex- workers tries to follow the flow of capital northward, ist. This is the place where one country ends and another they will bump against a wall. For human migrants, the Amber is a sixth generation Californian who grew up in border exists. the Bay Area and has lived in nearly every corner of this begins. So what’s so bad about a wall?” beautiful state. She currently resides in rural , where she works as a communications strate- “Here’s my biggest problem with the wall,” I an- gist and spends much of her free time supporting pro- swered. “It’s not just that it is offensive or hateful or ag- * * * * gressive causes. gressive, although it certainly is all those things. My prob- lem is that it’s just plain illogical.” “I see what you mean.” Mikhail gestured towards If we look at the last century of relations be- the row of steel poles sticking out of the water. tween the U.S. and Latin America, it becomes even more obvious that the border has never really exist- “I mean more than the general idiocy of trying to ed—at least, not in any way that would protect those cut the ocean in two,” I said. “I mean that, in the specific in danger. THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 30 31 Read more about unfair trade and migration in “Into the Serpent’s Head,” available on Ama- zon. Where is the wall that will defend Latin Amer- Or find it on www.holyghoststories.comigra - ican nations from U.S. aggression? When the CIA top- tion in “Into the Serpent’s Head,” available on pled the democratically elected presidents of Guate- Amazon. mala and Chile, where was the border then? Where was the wall when U.S. soldiers invad- ed Grenada? When the School of the Americas trained military death squads, did the wall keep them from returning to their home countries to torture and mur- der? Did it prevent the U.S. from supporting the Con- tras in Nicaragua, or the bloodthirsty paramilitaries in Colombia and El Salvador? When millions of Yankee dollars flowed into the coffers of the military dictators in Uruguay, Brazil, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, where was the border? When it is convenient to U.S. military and busi- ness interests, the border is a border; otherwise, it simply doesn’t exist. The border is an optical illusion. Now is the time for California to lead by exam- ple. Our homeland has the chance for a fresh start. We can create a trade policy, an immigration policy, and a foreign policy that is based on mutual respect and humanity. The brutal track record of the United States does not need to be ours—we can set our own path.

David J. Schmidt is an author, translator, and proponent of immigrants’ rights and fair trade. He has published several books in Spanish and English, including the series “Into the Serpent’s Head,” an account of his travels in the coffee-farming community of Oaxaca, Mexico. He splits his time between San Diego, California and Mexico City. His personal blog is: www.donguero.blogspot.com THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 32 33 that the FCC did not have the authority to enforce those rules, as well as by a massive California and Net Neutrality upswell of support from the public and Meanwhile, large digital companies Internet-based companies. But the Trump have already begun to throw in the Administration’s new FCC chair, Ajit Pai, towel. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently intends to remove Internet service providers conceded, while speaking with Recode’s from Title II regulations, effectively disabling Peter Kafka, that he believes that “The Of the many challenges that today’s net neutrality rules and allowing for private Trump FCC is going to unwind the rules generation of Californians must face , companies to get an advantage for faster no matter what anybody says.” Hastings is the fight for a free and open Internet has service and giving a disadvantage for smaller banking on the hope that ISPs will “accept proven to be one of the most complicated. companies. Pai, a former lawyer for Verizon, the principles,” but he also confesses that Since its inception, the Internet has seeped seemingly wishes to finish the work his many California companies are unconcerned its way into the lives of nearly everyone in previous employer started and hobble any because “we’re big enough to get the deals the world. No other communications tool in regulations on Internet providers and mobile we want.” Sadly, the same cannot be said for history has had such a profound and intimate carriers. What this theoretically could mean smaller, start-up competitors in any industry. effect upon businesses and society. It is a for the Internet, at worst, is that ISPs like If a site is unable to afford the fees, they will Samuel Verwiel is a life-long resident of Riverside CA powerful tool to be used for the prosperity AT&T and Comcast could take full reign of not be able to provide the most efficient and doesn’t care” for your opinion of it”. He can most of all Californians. the Internet with superfast and high quality Internet service, effectively shutting them out of the market. likely be found atop Mt. Rubidoux or in the bowels of It is the Internet’s deep connection internet connections. AT&T users will enjoy Twitter.” to our daily lives that makes net neutrality services like Hulu at a premium quality, Net neutrality has been a boon not such a vital principle. The idea that data, while their competitors Netflix and Amazon only to small businesses, but also to many regardless of its origin or properties, is to will have their speeds throttled or outright artists and single-owner entrepreneurs. It be treated equally by your ISP (Internet blocked. Android phones will only allow the has allowed independent musicians and Service Provider) has provided the equal Lyft app, while iPhone owners will need to filmmakers, for example, to get equal time footing necessary for businesses and use Uber because Apple has a deal with and attention on sites such as YouTube, communities to thrive no matter their them. Meanwhile, small start-ups will be at a Etsy, Steam, and Patreon, or to attract disadvantage. financial resources, creating the Internet of new patrons to their websites. Removing today that we all know and (mostly) love. Pai insists that there was no evidence net neutrality will shut the door on such Social media is a near necessity. Sites like that providers were breaking any principle creativity, leaving music, film, and other arts YouTube and Patreon provide new platforms of Net neutrality before the switch to to be dominated by mega corporations like for artists to create and profit from their Title II and that such concerns are merely Viacom, Time Warner, and Gannett. Faced work, and streaming broadcasts on Netflix hypothetical. He maintains that ISPs can with higher fees or slower, restrictive speeds, and Hulu have transformed how we watch be trusted to not violate established, these creative voices will be silenced by the television. As of right now, consumers can informal rules. But many cite a now-famous media Goliaths. In California, where smaller access any service’s content without it example of mobile carriers T-Mobile and operations rose 20 percent from 2009 to being deliberately slowed down or unfairly Verizon refusing to allow the mobile wallet 2014, according to an Otis Report, this will prioritize by your ISP. platform Google Wallet on their phones be stifling. and other devices. There is also a list of Whether it’s a question of corporate alleged violations published by the pro-net control over our digital experience or being neutrality group Free Press. extorted by ISPs, net neutrality is our only savior. If society will not regulate ISPs, then we risk ISPs regulating society.

That ideal was made policy in 2010, and then it was strengthened in February 2015 by the FCC, which decided to reclassify ISPs under Title II is a desingation that makes it a common carrier protecting net neutrality ,rather than the Title I under the less regulated general provisions, allowing private companies to get faster internet for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai testifying before a various reasons. This decision was motivated Senate subcommittee on May 11, 2016, by a lost lawsuit to Verizon that determined when he was a commissioner. THE GRIZZLY THE GRIZZLY 34 35 w California’s Future: A Path to Independence

Caleb Castaneda, Adjunct Faculty | Philosophy Coll

ege Caleb Castaneda,

htt ps://www.californiafreedomcoaliti on.com/

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