I watched the crowd from the fourth floor of a nearby building as protesters walked from Chester Avenue, coming from the north. After about a half an hour of hearing yelling from down on the street, I decided to take a break from work and wander down into the crowd. This was Day 3 of the student protest of HR4437. I was soon to witness anger from passing motorists and bystanders, and even from protesters. Both sides showed restraint, but possibly only because there was a large police contingent, stronger than before, and who contained the protesters to some extent, keeping them off the streets at least, and blocking the street with road blocks just in case some students decided to defy the police force. When I finally made my way down, the crowd was beginning to slowly head east on Truxton Avenue.
Near Chester Avenue and Truxton stood a few counter-protesters. Students from the main body of protesters heckled one man who stood and waved an American flag and a sign. Another man with an American flag I saw being interviewed by KUZZ.
I followed along and asked several students where they were from. “South High,” said at least six kids. One student said he was from West High. He was wrapped in an American flag.
“Aren’t the schools on lockdown today?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“What’s going to happen to you when you go back?”
“Expulsion.”
“How did you get away from school? Did anyone try to stop you?”
“A lot of us didn’t go to school today. Some kids hopped fences.”
I wandered with the crowd to see one man passing out yellow signs about a rally. A little further on I saw a lady wearing sunglasses, a long-sleeved blue shirt and a cell phone attached to her hip like a six-shooter. She started yelling at the students.
Angry heckler...
“Get out of here! Go back to fucking school! You don’t love your country if you carry the Mexican flag!”
There were arguments by a group of counter protesters as well who turned and quickly grew angry.
Angry protesters...
The protesters showed restraint, with one girl saying, “We need to move, I don’t want to get arrested.” Along with the Chicano pride there seemed a mix of anger, steadfastness, determination, and the energy of youth. Hecklers on either side seemed to be pushing emotional buttons that triggered American pride and an enthusiasm to protest.
Soon, a man in a passing truck yelled, “Get the fuck back in school, dumb asses!”
I got angry that people would just yell like that. I’m not dumb. I know a lot of yelling was racially motivated on both sides. Chicano Pride often overwhelmed the multi-ethnic immigration issues in the crowd, whereas passing motorists were often non-Chicano who yelled explicatives. I saw the same thing on day two by a city worker. Sure, there are many Latinos against the protest, but what I witnessed was often a judgemental attitude, of people angry kids weren’t in school.
I don’t blame the crowds for being mostly Latino. We live in the Central Valley, an area rich in Latino heritage. California is a strong Latino state, so it makes sense that the forerunners in the valley protests are of the same heritage. Perhaps a better organized event would have reached more strongly out to other ethnic groups to co-march. Either way, if in the crowd long enough, and if one took the time to talk to the students, people would find many were walking for a multi-ethnic cause, even though there was a healthy dose of anger that seemed to escalate from the appearance of more hecklers and a few counter protesters.
Three of my favorite photos of the protest so far:
Day 1: My favorite protest shirt reads, "Suck my balls, Bush." I just thought it was funny. I actually don't hate Bush. Well, not that I love him either...
Day 2: Look at these prideful faces.
Day 3: This is quite a flag moment.
Kern Radio photos.
Dusty gives a nice link to one of my Jagels photos.
Just prior to the day of the world’s final viewing of Buck Owens, there will be a scandalous performance at McGee’s in the Ice House. That’s tonight, Friday night. Oh sure, Brit Pop, dreampop, alternative lounge, unlucky London Llama Jammas—whatever you want to call it, it is not country music. And I don’t think there is going to be a Buck Owen’s tribute, which is scandalous in itself. Although, let me point out that tonight the scandals reign supreme in this steakhouse with an attitude. Oh yes, The Dalloways are going to launch their epic controversy in song with a ditty titled, “Kenny Filthy”. That comes just a few weeks after Dirty Spanglish covered the Filthies, “Donut Shop” at a local Bakersfield Frosty King burger joint.
I held back in a recent interview with Kenny Mount in Buck City Episode 31. I could have started the whole Dalloways-Filthies war there—and probably should have—as the tensions are mounting over just what Gary Enns might say in a nearly 8-minute britty gritty rock opera about one of Bakersfield’s own rural rock punk kingpins. Just what could be said? What kind of lyrics is Gary pouring over? and what scandalous news does he have about Kenny ‘Motor’ Mount that an exposing piece of music is the result?
I’m showing up. I thought the student protest was near riotous today, but tonight if Kenny Mount steps foot into McGees, we could see some kind of tragic episode…
Here’s the press release I was tipped off with:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Gary Enns
Telephone: 661-331-5000
Email: info@dalloways.com
Website: http://www.dalloways.com
Hi Res:
http://www.dalloways.com/pages/sub/about/photographs.htm
LIVE MUSIC EVENT: THE DALLOWAYS PERFORM THREE SETS IN
BAKERSFIELD
DATE: Friday, March 31
VENUE: McGee’s at the Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93301
TEL: (661) 323-8730
BAND: The Dalloways
TIME: Three sets! Start times: 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 PM
COST: Free!
DETAILS: California dreampopsters The Dalloways
perform three sets at fine dining establishment and
club, McGee’s at the Ice House. The Dalloways will
perform standards off their full length CD Penalty
Crusade, play choice covers by Tears for Fears, The
Smiths, and House of Love, and debut new tunes,
including the scandalous and tragic “Kenny Filthy.”
For more information on The Dalloways and this
performance, visit http://www.dalloways.com.
Here's a firsthand account from a Bakersfield High School student protester sent in to me today about his experiences during the protest on Day 1:
Jordan Fisher's Account of the Bakersfield student protest - Day 1:
Tuesday the 28th
6:00 PM- I go to Target and spend 4 dollars on a large piece of white posterboard and a thick ended sharpie.
6:45 PM- I arrive back at home and fashion my sign, which reads "Without Mexicans California is Screwed"
Wednesday the 29th
7:00 AM- My alarm goes off.
8:30 AM- I get out of bed and take a shower, taking care to pick out my Rage Against the Machine shirt.
9:30 AM- I arrive at school, where things are clearly in a heightened state of tension- police officers were everywhere and every entrance and exit to the school where heavily monitored. after searching forever, I finally found a spot in the forbidden staff lot, but since the day was about rising up and fighting the power, I figured it wouldnt kill anyone to park in a teachers spot.
9:45 AM- After taking a look around to see if kids were actually going to stay until 10 and then leave, I determined they weren't, grabbed my sign, and met a few friends. One of my friends also made a sign (which was impractically wordy and impossible to read) and on her way to her car to get it, we ran into the principal. Being part of the upper tier of educational kids at BHS (we did forensics, journalism, ACA DEC, etc.), Mr. Reese was no stranger to us and addressed us by name when he told us that we were not to take our cars, but we were free to exit campus via campus way out on to H street.
10:30 AM- After some confusion regarding our marching route, we finally arrived at the courthouse. The march overall was a unique experience. As a white kid, I was unsure what the reaction would be, but I found that it really didnt make a difference - they were just happy to see that I was there to support the cause. People were orderly, stayed on the sidewalks, and kept positive about what they set out to do.
10:45- Things finally got started with the megaphones and such, although they werent nearly loud enough and the speaking didnt necessarily get the message out that it could have. A lot of peole really liked my sign, and when they called for representatives from schools to speak, I took it upon myself to get up there and say a few words. All I really had to say was that it wasnt a cause that just mexican people should be fighting for, and that it would affect people of all races. My main point however, was that walkouts are only so effective - if you really want to make a difference, the best thing you can do is write to your local congressman and most importantly, get out and vote.
11:20- Things pretty much disbanded, everone decided we were going to march to CSUB and we headed back to campus where I had to jump the fence when no one was looking to get my car. myself and two friends who didnt quite feel like marching to CSUB from downtown was desirable once again left campus and went on a quest to find something to decorate my car with to show we were part of the brigade. We settled on colored electrical tape, as it was the best Pep Boys had to offer, and crafted slogans such as " Viva Freedom" "USA" and "I {heart} Mexicans!" in various colors on the windows and taped my sign to the back of my car.
12:00- We caught up with the crowd again, and by this time they had made it to the corner of stockdale and new stine. We drove up and down, honking and waving and cheering until the police started to make shifty eyes at the fact that there was someone hanging out of my sunroof while I was driving, so we decided that the day called for some mexican food.
12:45- We went to the Los Hermanos on Gosford and Stockdale and finished our food just as the crowd was making its way across the intersection. We rejoined them, driving along with them and honking and cheering, and when they finally made it to CSUB we hunted down a parking spot and joined the protest again. this time, there was a proper PA system, and everyone could hear- again I took it upon myself to represent my school and spoke a few more times, restating my encouragement to become active politically and to get out and vote, and I also thanked the police officers who dedicated their day to making sure we safely made it from downtown to CSUB.
2:20- things finally wound down, and we headed back to school. in my mind, it was a successful day.
However, I do have a new message. Although I think it was great that we got everyones attention with the walkout, go back to school. At this point, it's only costing the school money, and you, your education - not mention the thousands of dollars being wasted paying officers overtime to make sure you dont riot. What we need to do now is write to the government officials who actually vote bills down and represent us and really make a difference. I'm not saying the fight is over, but if you want to win, this is the next step.
Thanks,
Jordan Fisher (Senior, BHS)
You can subscribe to the Buck City Podcast. Go to iTUNES and check it out... or plug in the feed to a player.
Or you can just download the MP3 of episode #33: 'Unity Podcast on BUCK CITY #33: student protest day 1'
Lydia 'Chanclas' Gonzales of Mas Magazine
DJ Matt from Bakotunes Radio on Bakotopia.com
Episode 33:
In the first unity podcast between Buck City, Bakotunes Radio and Cheesedoodle Productions, N.L., DJ Matt and Lydia 'Chanclas' Gonzales get together at the CSUB Student Union building and talk about the Bakersfield student protest on March 29, 2006.
You can subscribe to the Buck City Podcast. Go to iTUNES and check it out... or plug in the feed to a player.
Or you can just download the MP3 of episode #32: 'Buck Owens' drummer talks about Buck's final performance'
Dave Wulfekuehler reminisces...
The image of Dave I took at the May, 2005 statue
unveiling outside of the Crystal Palace
in Bakersfield, California
Episode 32:
Dave Wulfekuehler talks to N.L. Belardes about Buck's final performance
Hear Dave talk about how he met Buck Owens
Listen in to Dave talk about backstage at the statue unveiling
Discover what Buck Owens meant to Dave and how Buck's toughness was an inspiration
Find out about the eerie night outside of the Crystal Palace after Buck Owens' last show...
(images coming soon!)
On Wednesday at the Rabobank Ed Jagels stood giving an interview with channel 17 (I didn’t hear the interview but you can read Bako Carpetbagger’s views on the interview and his post on the protests). I snapped some photos of the Jagels’ interview then went and saw the massive contingent of protesters heading down Truxton Avenue toward the Rabobank. The students walked briskly and stalled at a corner red light while students around me held up signs toward the large mass of students across the street. I could hear police sternly telling students to stay on the sidewalk. Over on California Avenue I had taken a few photos of students in the street as the police yelled for them to get back on the sidewalk. I recognized one police officer as Deron Miller. I haven't talked to him in some time, but I knew him for years. We played a lot of basketball and hockey together...
Outside the Rabobank the student masses literally poured into the area around me and around the fountain. I took a few photos and saw excited reactions from students as they observed me with the camera. I noticed a high energy from students who cheered at the media, whether me with a camera, or toward other media folks. Students were definitely motivated by attention, creating media awareness, and the excitement and energy all around. I then walked over to where Ed Jagels stood giving the interview and began taking photos.
It was just moments later that students moved into the area where Ed Jagels was giving an interview. One young Latino seemed to bump Jagels as he swung a large Mexican flag right in view of the camera; which was right behind Jagels. And then a few pairs of students with flags moved into the area, which may have brought an end to the interview, because Jagels looked around, seemingly overwhelmed and the interview soon ended. He grimaced and then shook the reporter’s hand while at least two Mexico flags were swung nearby as students carrying them danced around his immediate vicinity.
After the news crew peeled away there was a strange moment as I watched Jagels in a judgmental pose with his arms held behind his back, and then crossed in front of him as he observed kids in a near chaotic situation: running, chanting, and some actually jumping into the fountain. He turned away during those moments as if disgusted, and then as if in his own quiet way, turned back around and stared as if taunting the very energy of the morning to dare get more chaotic.
Jagels then spoke with a few men, one in a light blue shirt and dark grey slacks. He walked to a probation department car, spoke a few words, and then talked to a few more folks. He walked back onto the sidewalk and looked into the crowd in the direction of one young girl who had run into the fountain. The same girl and another soon followed. Just then Jagels cupped his face with his hand. A smirk nearly hid beneath his shadowy grasp, but still peeked through enough to be captured in a photo moment.
I did an interview with some students after that. They seemed to have an idea that they were taking a stand for immigration while not knowing all the facts. But then, this was an awareness raising day. Days later many of the participating students hopefully will learn a lot about immigration and the HR4437 amnesty bill they were protesting. Later at the bell on Truxton Avenue a speaker informed many of the protestors why such a march was so important.
After my interview with Buck Owens’ drummer, Buckaroo Dave Wulfekuehler at Jags Coffeehouse across the street from the Rabobank, I walked west to see many protesters were still congregating up and down Truxton Avenue. Many of them had poured onto Truxton Avenue. An hour had gone by, and I was shocked to see so many students and police. I heard police had taken up positions on surrounding buildings. One witness said that police on the buildings didn’t seem overly concerned and were observed laughing and talking (Laughing doesn't mean they weren't doing their jobs. In the unity podcast you will hear some thanks for the BPD keeping control of the walkout).
I called Matt Munoz at that time to come down to the protest. He literally ran down the street from where he lives downtown to see what was going on. I headed to the downtown bell to find the War Day’s Director and many others, including one protester who stood holding the American flag upside-down. I did another interview, made some comments, and then left the protest to go eat lunch and do a few tasks at my regular downtown job. I eventually headed to CSU Bakersfield with Bakotopia friend, Matt Munoz in Chanclas' truck to where many protesters had driven over and even walked. Another reporter, Gabriel Martinez from Mas Magazine followed in another car. I sat in the back spare seat and we drove up Stockdale Highway toward the university and made small talk along the way. Except for Matt who snacked on an energy bar that Chanclas gave him from a blue bag.
We parked in a lot on the northeast side of campus, got out and saw many tired faces as students were leaving the protest on long walks back to their schools. Many students had already walked for miles and their trek wasn’t over—you could see it in their faces—and others in their slow gate as they made their way to Stockdale Highway.
Near the Student Union building Matt talked to the grandson of Dolores Huerta for a few moments. I saw CSUB professor, Dr. Santos talking to a few students and then we eventually made our way into the Student Union building where historic UFW photos had been placed on easels. There was going to be a Teatro Campesino performance that night, written by a student from North Carolina. We finally made our way to get some beer, and where we could do a unity podcast discussing the day’s events.
The unity podcast itself was one-of-a-kind. Matt and I swung microphones around as each of us spoke, and we all joked and talked for some time until I accidentally lost a huge portion of my podcast. I thought the power had gone out in my recorder. We found an outlet where inside hung a very fat and nasty black widow. Those who know me understand my deathly fear of them: the 1999 Halloween death bite at a hockey game. Chanclas poked the spider out of its hiding place with a pen and all was well.
I wrote a few spider poems when in the hospital while on Morphine and Phenobarbitol and feeling trapped. Here are a few I wrote just as I left the hospital and headed into the Tehachapis, wondering about poison and life:
1.
I began reading Cain’s Book again…
Trocchi, lying on his bunk, “under the influence of heroin, inviolable.”
The golden mountains we ascend towards the desert, inviolable;
Under patches of light and low lying rainclouds from a Pacific storm.
Having bedraggled over the coastal range, in their beauty, leaving the system.
On Phenobarb and Valium, head spinning.
Perhaps the black widow toxin is inviolable, creeping still,
Along the scows in my veins.
2.
I’m out of the hospital.
Me and my morphine, leaving the system.
We head under a bulging grey cloud to the mountains.
Shadows move over golden burnt foxtails.
Darkness over the freeway.
Cars like venom. Did I almost really die?
I asked to.
Thrashing on the gurney.
Toxin exploding in mad blood moments.
A boxer on the side of the road.
Autumn says, “He’s going to get killed.”
And then gone…
we pass vineyards where rattlesnake hunters sneak for dens
…and citrus groves, where sunlight and the grey cloud hover.
And up towards the desert, where poison lurks.
I couldn't help but to think about such poems while Chanclas poked at that spider. I wondered about the toxic moments of a student protest, and if efforts would be poisonous in the end or an anti-venom for such a cause. Who knows? Time will reveal what will happen for all immigrants. The issue is hot and nearly toxic in debates.
Rain sprinkled on us as we sat outside. Another group sat at a nearby table where one young man fell onto a chair. He tumbled and we laughed. Grey-white clouds rolled across the campus sky as we grew cold. Even the beer didn't seem to help warm us as we spoke and recorded our own interviews on a historic first day of student protests in Bakersfield.
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