Thread: Group plans protest at site of monument

http://www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0%2C1 ... %2C00.html


Group plans protest at site of monument

Baldwin Park artwork has touched off furor

By Christina L. Esparza , Staff Writer

BALDWIN PARK -- World- renowned artist Judy Baca came to Baldwin Park about 13 years ago and had a vision for a piece of art to best reflect the city's history.
She interviewed city officials and residents of all races, socioeconomic backgrounds and beliefs.

Then she built Danza Indigenas, a monument that stands at the Metrolink station.

It was designed to reflect the combination of the indigenous tribes who lived in the area and the European settlers who moved in, Baca said.

She took quotes from residents, she said, and engraved them on the monument.

The monument reflects "the ambiguity of different opinions,' Baca said.

Now, those carved quotes are causing a stir not only in Baldwin Park but across the state, as a Ventura-based anti-illegal- immigration organization declared war on the monument. The group claims such quotes as "It was better before they came' are seditious and promote a radical belief in returning California to Mexico.

"I'm offended by the language as an American,' said Joseph Turner, executive director of Save Our State.

However, Baca said Turner and his organization have it all wrong. The "It was better before they came' quote was actually from a white man talking about Mexican immigrants.

The quote could come from anyone, she said. It could be the native people talking about Spanish settlers, the first wave of Mexican immigrants referring to the second wave and so on.

"This piece is about opinions, ideas and diverse points of view,' she said. "This is not an individual's expression.'

Save Our State members plan a protest at the monument from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, but they won't be alone.

Several Baldwin Park residents have said they plan to make a counterprotest to what they call outsiders causing an unwanted stir in their city.

"They're trying to add racial problems,' Councilman Bill Van Cleave said of the organization. "Don't bring it to Baldwin Park.'

City officials said they have been bombarded with hateful, racist e-mails concerning the monument. Even if it wanted to, the city cannot take down or alter the art without Baca's permission.

She said she would not grant that permission.

Councilman David Olivas said he supports keeping the monument, which was paid for by the city with $30,000 in matching funds from the former Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, as it reflects the diversity of the city.

"What they're afraid of is change,' Olivas said of Save Our State. "The face of Southern California is changing. It's the American dream. We must embrace change.'

Save Our State became active in December, Turner said. Its main mission is to end illegal immigration.

With an estimated 300 members, Turner said the organization is growing with such high- profile events as the monument dispute and its successful efforts to remove billboards from a Spanish-language newscast that referred to "Los Angeles, Mexico.'

The group holds demonstrations about once a month, Turner said.

"We are a small group,' he said. "We have to fight little battles in the meantime.'

But some argue the group spurs racism and is itself anti-American.

Baca called the organization a "contemporary Klan' that promotes racism.

"The worst parts of us as human beings should never be encouraged,' Baca said. "Spewing hatred is not American. ... It's a mistaken notion that history begins when you walk in the door.'

Turner denied he is a racist, and said although the monument is art open to interpretation, it doesn't mean it's right.

"History changes,' Turner said. "It's possible something that is acceptable today will be unacceptable tomorrow.'

-- Christina L. Esparza can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2472, or by e-mail at christina.esparza@sgvn.com .

"Save Our State members plan a protest at the monument from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, but they won't be alone."

We wish them well and be safe with a great turn out.

Patriots:

I have received extremely credible information that the Brown Berets, led by Augustin Cebada, will be counter protesting at Baldwin Park.

Please note that this group has a violent reputation and history. Please reference the Westwood July 4th riots for more background information.

I want a peaceful demonstration and SaveOurState and the Baldwin Park Police Department have worked in good faith to ensure that a peaceful event does transpire.

However, we will not be intimidated. Nor will we retreat in fear. Make no mistake: if attacked, we will defend ourselves.

Please make preparations.

http://www.fightbacknews.org/2003winter/brownberets.htm

more opposition:

http://la.indymedia.org/news/2005/05/126289.php

last week:

http://www.saveourstate.org/forums/inde ... topic=1602

Keep us posted as soon as possible. take lots of photos.
Be SAFE

Originally Posted by Charlesoakisland

Keep us posted as soon as possible. take lots of photos.
Be SAFE

Not only photos, but video needs to be shot. IF (God forbid), there is a violent outbreak, you damn well want to have ALL video of it, before, during and after. DO NOT shut the camera down. Do NOT stop the video. Video breaks (no matter how small) cause tape to lose credibility in court (if it happens to go that far).

For video, it is best to have someone "not associated" with the event, tape from "afar", but close enough to make out faces CLEARLY. If the person looks like media, they (usually) are left alone. If the person "looks" to be part of the group, then they are also targeted (at times), and often end up with a less than ideal tape. If there are more than 2 camera, then embed one (with the group), and make sure one (2 is better), are 20-30 foot away, and are taping the group, and any counter group. NOTE do not converse with the camera ppl, as that is a dead give away that they are "with" you. They must "appear" to be either against your group, or a disinterested party.

Be safe all, Husker.

Good point

If you are the praying sort...feel free to send one up us.

Good luck! Wish I was there! Brown Berets, my patoot!

Any updates on how this went yet? I'm hoping to hear some good new!

Considering we were outnumbered 500-50, in a town that is 85% hispanic and only had one person admitted to the ICU...I guess you can consider it a success.

you can read a ton, view pics and watch video at the SOS forums. see link below in sig line.