Public Comment

The City Council will hold--at long last--a Worksession on Drone Policy, tonight. This is a special meeting before the regular 7pm Council meeting. 

Peace and Justice along with the Police Review Commission, supported by ACLU, EFF, BORDC, and Alameda County Against Drones will make presentations in favor of strict restrictions particularly on police acquisition and use of surveillance drones. 

Drone proponents are muddying the water by claiming the the FAA has authority over the skies. Local civilian leadership, however, can and must direct its own police force. It must defend civli liberties and privacy of Berkeley residents, and ensure that only appropriate and safe technology is acquired and used. 

Your participation is much appreciated. 

WHEN: 5:30 to 7pm
WHERE: Council chambers, 2134 MLK Jr Way
See: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Clerk/City_Council/2014/04_Apr/City_Council__04-29-2014_-_Special_Meeting_Agenda.aspx 

ALSO: 

The NAACP is calling on all allies and supporters to attend the Council meeting beginning at 6:30 pm. 

"Berkeley NAACP plans to address the City Council about the NAACP Town Hall Summary report [on racial discrimination in health, housing, education, law enforcement, and employment] and recommendations that were put forth to the council. On November 19, 2013 at the Berkeley NAACP City Council Work Session, Council members agreed to convene an Ad HOC committee to study the Town Hall report and make recommendations to the full City Council.

"We expect council members to keep their word and convene an Ad HOC group and take Action on the recommendations in the NAACP Town Hall Summary Report."Also on tonight's agenda: 

* a joint proposal by Commission on Labor and Peace & Justice to dramatically lower the threshold requiring sweatshop-free certifications to $1,000 contracts from the previous $25,000. We have city manager support, so this is likely to pass!