Posts in Minneapolis Issues Forum
Greetings,
That is simply not accurate. Look, I don't relish having to argue these sorts
of things,
but feel compelled to continually as these sorts of things keep going largely
unchallenged.
First of all, Seattle is twice the size of Minneapolis with some quite
distinctive differences
in terms of demographics so I view this comparison as just not all that
compelling. Secondly, to toss "facts' out there that are continually held forth
as if they were some sort
of reliable source is just not the way to come up with meaningful response and
policy that
gets us somewhere. Minneapolis, again, has the worst record for Police
Misconduct of
any major police department in the United States---in terms of departments of
comparable
size...and that assertion is based not on testimony from community blogs, it
comes from
the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics and I previously
provided
references for that assertion.
In another, related set of problems, racial disparities in Minnesota in
multiple justice
aspects, are amongst the worst in the USA--according to the Sentencing Project
My *personal* take. We've been looking into this issue because never in this forum's 12 plus year history has any elected official in Minneapolis been accused of violating open meetings laws for sharing information on this forum, asking a question, or sharing an opinion. I would guess in any format if you said that you will absolutely vote a certain way before a public meeting intended to gather input on an issue, you could get in trouble. My personal take, I am not a lawyer, is that under the logic that more than a quorum of a public body cannot read/be subscribed to the same _public_ and openly accessible online forum (we uniquely list the names of registered members who can post) if another member posts IS exactly the same as you all receiving and reading the same newspaper. This isn't live. This isn't an electronic meeting using voices in real-time. It might be faster than a paper. Does the open meeting law prohibit your from writing a letter to the editor or being interviewed and quoted by the traditional media? Does the open meeting law prohibit a quorum from listening to you as a guest on a radio call in show or discussing issues at a candidate debate while an incumbent? We (this forum) are a collaborative community press and the last time I checked, Minnesota had a great first amendment. When you were elected did you lose your free speech rights? That said, there are things you can't or shouldn't say about public business outside of public meetings, but until someone gets hauled into court for being open and transparent and living in my personal opinion the intent of our open meeting laws expressed by our courts, I say be a democrat. Seriously, take that $300 fine for the greater good. This is very much my own opinion and not an official position of E-Democracy.org. I also do think there is a huge problem with potential PRIVATE online exchange among elected officials and e-mails being sent to elected officials that aren't publicly archived (in California many local governments have real-time archives of e-mail being sent by staff to elected officials with meeting prep information, etc. and some have public archives of constituent messages being sent to an inbox for all members of a body.) I also personally believe, just as Karl Rove got in trouble for using a non-White House e-mail account while on government time from the White House, absolutely no public business should be conducted using private e-mail addresses. All public business must be in the government e-box and retained/archived/disposed of properly under state laws. I have lots more to say on this issue - but in general, if e-government/Government 2.0 is just one-way and all the interactivity is external to actual public processes, we will kill democracy. The people are moving more and more of their democratic participation online and government MUST follow and accommodate participation anytime, anywhere with decorum in a real and integrated way in public processes or say good by to a truly democratic society. In-person public meetings at a certain time and place are far more discriminatory today alone without adding complementary online components. The is no equality in the equal opportunity to not be able to participate in-person due to your job, disability, children, transportation, etc. More: http://stevenclift.com/?p=152 Steven Clift On my own behalf Note: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/openmtg.pdf Minnesota Open Meeting Law The Minnesota Open Meeting Law1 requires that meetings of governmental bodies generally be open to the public. The Minnesota Supreme Court has articulated three purposes of the law: • To prohibit actions being taken at a secret meeting where it is impossible for the interested public to become fully informed about a public board’s decisions or to detect improper influences • To assure the public’s right to be informed • To afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body2 ... That sounds exactly like the purpose and intent of this forum!!!
When I was in Seattle, I worked hard on all the police brutality stuff. I threw
years of my life into it. And I considered it work worth doing. I still do.
Believe it or not, Tom, we're not THAT far apart on many of these police
issues.
But guess what? That work has helped me realize Minneapolis is no better and
certainly no worse than metropolitan areas of similar size. In fact, our city
is much farther along in reform efforts than many other cities and you know who
has been responsible for a lot of that? Dolan.
Reform takes time. But Dolan is making progress. The confirmation hearing will,
in effect, hold his feet to the fire but he's going to get confirmed.
Is that tomorrow? Is he going to get confirmed tomorrow? I think he will. Too
bad I won't be there with my signs. I'll be there in spirit.
Let me be the first to say "Congratulations, Chief Dolan!"
Sunday FORK THE FIRE fundraiser. http://www.forkthefire.org/ I was raised 5 blocks from 50th and bryant and the fire brought back memories of that great *** small business *** 'corridor'. After the 1st shot, I wasn't able to watch the incineration of a building i had known since the early '50's (thankfully spared, the Malt shop was and is still a fond memory). strib had an article last week on the fundraiser for the restaurant. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/86237832.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUqEiaDUiacyKUUr today i received an email from one of our local restaurants.... who is also participating. AL VENTO. 34th ave so and east 50th street....on 50th between minnehaha park/lrt and lake nokomis. In addition, our new 'to die for' truffles, petite fours, salad/soup/sandwich 3 TIERS BAKERY (a few feet south of al vento) is providing support services for the event. AV's sunday schedule is a very nice brunch and dinner. They will be selling $5 tickets for a Chef's dinner for 4....knowing jonathan and his staff, the winner is in for a treat ...not shirking an off the menu challenge, his staff goes the extra mile for vegetarians ! http://www.alventorestaurant.com/index.asp http://www.3tierscakes.com/ <email obscured><email obscured> Altho i hadn't been to heidi's or blackbird (mobility constraints), these businesses must have done alot 'right' to elicit such wide spread support among their peers and the sw community. Hope the community doesn't forget the other two small business that were destroyed ( a locally made product retailer and a jeweler). best wishes, cheryl luger nokomis east “I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.” --- Jonathan Swift
It is good to see a Commissioner interested in hearing from citizens. The Open Meeting law was intended for transparency, but is easily abused by actions such as:Actions contained in voluminous staff reports, approved by consent in committee and board meetings.Hiring an attorney and negotiating contracts (including union contracts) in settlement or mediation of an issue (closed records due to client-attorney privilege.The interpretation that sending an email that could be read by other commissioners violates the Open Meeting law is crazy. The US Constitution protects speech and the "press" -- so can the Legislature truncate those rights because other members might read the news? -- Jim Spensley MinneapolisOn Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:40:07 EST <email obscured> wrote:> I wanted to say something about dog parks and the >proposed smoking ban in > parks, and concession taxation, but I can't. > > It may seem counterintuitive, but open meeting >requirements and good > governance are sometimes at odds. > > (The open meeting laws are so problematic for electronic > communication > that The League of Minnesota Cities recommends that >public officials never > send email.)> > > > The open meeting laws, as the courts have interpreted >them, would > theoretically prohibit two Park Board Commissioners >posting comments that other > Commissioners might read.> > I would like to find a way to bring both sunshine and >common sense to a law > that was crafted before email and electronic >communication became so > prevalent.> > I think e-democracy can be a great venue for electeds to >have an > opportunity to really open up the process of >deliberation and public comment and > more importantly show a real discussion that can frame >important policy > choices.> > I would like to find a way of updating and changing the >law to enhance > electronic democracy rather than inhibit needed >dialogue. > > I would like to find a way of exempting public discourse >like e-democracy > forums from the restrictions of the open meeting law.> Thanks,> Scott Vreeland> Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board> Commissioner District # 3> (612) 721-7892> > Scott Vreeland> Seward, Minneapolis> Info about Scott Vreeland: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/scottvreeland> > View all messages on this topic at: >http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/1KEvBaLKq6ULugmp3vT7yD>
Nicholas Kastner, 12/12/2008 Roseville man says Minneapolis police beat him during his arrest A Roseville man who spent three weeks in jail for his role in parking ramp burglaries is suing the city of Minneapolis. By ROCHELLE OLSON, Star Tribune Last update: September 4, 2009 - 9:56 AM http://www.startribune.com/local/east/57115637.html Derryl Jenkins, 2/19/2009 Tale of the tape in arrest Police say the force they used was reasonable and that Derryl Jenkins resisted. Jenkins and his lawyer say a squad-car video shows brutality. By ROCHELLE OLSON and DAVID CHANEN, Star Tribune staff writers Last update: August 17, 2009 - 8:12 AM http://www.startribune.com/local/53308937.html Ira Stafford, 8/14/2009 Tasered during traffic stop, Minneapolis man asks why A police video shows an altercation unfold in the August incident. Internal affairs is investigating. By MATT McKINNEY, Star Tribune Last update: March 8, 2010 - 11:16 PM http://www.startribune.com/local/87033977.html The Minneapolis City Council votes tomorrow on the reappointment of Chief Dolan. Please contact the council to oppose: <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured>; <email obscured> Tom Cleland Golden Valley http://tomstream.blogspot.com/2010/03/brutality-videos.html
"edible twin cities" has done a nice job writing up NE eateries and twin cities community gardens in the spring 2010 issue. http://www.edibletwincities.net/ the issue isn't yet on line (only by subscription) ... however it is available at some bakeries/coffee shops (complimentary). i know i've seen it 'free' at other locations (maybe coops ... can't remember). 'on line edition' has selected articles from past issues and click recipe link for recipes using local produce. if you can't afford the subscription...should be on-line after the Summer 2010 issue is out. a nostalgic moment....pg 40 has 1935 and 2010 photos of ne corner of central and lowry ne. best wishes, cheryl luger nokomis east "I never wornder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.” --- Jonathan Swift
I wanted to say something about dog parks and the proposed smoking ban in
parks, and concession taxation, but I can't.
It may seem counterintuitive, but open meeting requirements and good
governance are sometimes at odds.
(The open meeting laws are so problematic for electronic communication
that The League of Minnesota Cities recommends that public officials never
send email.)
The open meeting laws, as the courts have interpreted them, would
theoretically prohibit two Park Board Commissioners posting comments that other
Commissioners might read.
I would like to find a way to bring both sunshine and common sense to a law
that was crafted before email and electronic communication became so
prevalent.
I think e-democracy can be a great venue for electeds to have an
opportunity to really open up the process of deliberation and public comment
and
more importantly show a real discussion that can frame important policy
choices.
I would like to find a way of updating and changing the law to enhance
electronic democracy rather than inhibit needed dialogue.
I would like to find a way of exempting public discourse like e-democracy
forums from the restrictions of the open meeting law.
Thanks,
Scott Vreeland
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Commissioner District # 3
(612) 721-7892
FRIDAY, MARCH 12 <b>HEADLINES</b> Pawlenty budgets exhibit racial bias http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/32072 by Charles Hallman, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced in February that deep cuts in aid to local governments and funding for health and human services, along with a six-percent average cut in funding to other state agencies, is needed to balance this years state budget. The disproportionately painful impact of his proposed cuts on communities of color is just the latest development in a consistent pattern of racial bias in the Pawlenty administrations choice of budget targets. Resurrecting the light rail http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/32070 by James Nord & Katherine Lymn, Minnesota Daily Upon its completion in 2014, the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit line will reconnect the Twin Cities in a way that has been missing for 60 years. <b>INSIDE THE DAILY PLANET</b> MOVIES | From Runaways to pilgrims, the Walker showcases "Women With Vision" http://tcdailyplanet.net/node/32030 by Lydia Howell, TC Daily Planet The Walker Art Center's 17th annual Women With Vision Film Festival<http://calendar.walkerart.org/canopy.wac?id=5538>, March 12-27, reveals that education and drama are not mutually exclusive. History resonates in family histories. Iconic symbols reveal political, religious and personal values. At this year's festival, lines between factual and fiction film making seem to blur; often features having documentary-like elements and documentaries are as dramatic as fiction. THEATER | Swedish rhapsody: *Mamma Mia!* at the Orpheum http://tcdailyplanet.net/node/32054 by Jean Gabler, TC Daily Planet *Mamma Mia!* opened on Tuesday for a six-day run at the Orpheum Theatre. I had not seen the stage production or the movie and did not even know the story line. It was clear from the beginning of the show that in that respect I was in the minority: the audience enthusiastically applauded each song. Nobel laureate offers advice for peacemakers at Augsburg College http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/31953 by Robert O'Connor, TC Daily Planet Maathi Ahtisaari, the former President of Finland and recipient of the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize, brought words of advice to those gathered at Augsburg College on the weekend of March 5-7.He advised would-be peace makers to go beyond the elite and engage everyone involved. "We should especially engage women at all levels of the peace-making process," he said."Peacemakers should not be neutral, but they also should not give the impression of being unfair." (See related article: At Augsburg, photos depict the Karen community With Our Eyes <http://tcdailyplanet.net/node/32022>.)
What a great resource. I liked how you could sort on the types of
crime. I especially like the mapping feature and the side bar to ID
specific items. Wonder how much programming work it was to put it
together and what is cost them.
John Ferman
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Kingfield Neighborhood
<email obscured>
Auto Zone to potential replace Car Wash on James and Broadway in Nomi I went online as saw the Property current zoned as OR2/High Density Office Resid District(`99) at http://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/PiApp/GeneralInfoRpt.aspx?PIN=19516 Although I would like to get rid of the car wash, does this meet the West Broadway Alive plans that the community approved and would it be appropriate for the site. I recieved an email that "The Planning, Zoning, and Development Committee did vote to recommend that the board writes a letter of support for the rezoning. After hearing about their willingness to meet the West Broadway Alive design guidelines (such as more windows—“eyes on the street”, hire from the neighborhood, and become involved with the WBC safety and security initiatives the Committee felt they could be a good neighbor on the corridor. However, the Board has not voted on this yet, They will do so tomorrow" Please contact to voice approval or disapproval West Broadway Business and Area Coalition 911 West Broadway, Suite 1 Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-353-5178 612-353-5181 fax www.westbroadway.org Todd Heintz, Jordan
Anyone know if Minneapolis or Hennepin County is exploring this idea? http://www.seattlecrime.com/911 Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.Org Follow me - http://twitter.com/democracy New Tel: +1.612.234.7072
The news report that I saw on TV re: Code Yellow, though I don't remember which
station, showed a picture of Ramsey Junior High School. Truth to tell, I
wouldn't know North High if I tripped over it.
List members,
I received the Code Yellow information as well because my grandchildren are in
the MPS system. As an African-American woman I fully understand what Steve and
Jeremiah are saying. And I do not believe for a minute that any of us are
overdramatizing the issue.
Some of you may not think that race and class matters as much in this day and
age, but I have found it to be that way more often than not. Images speak
volumes. So what if North High School may have been closer. I believe a little
extra effort on the part of KARE could have been made to not add to the
misconception that all violent roads do not point in the direction of North
High School.
Hopefully, there is no next time. But if there is, KARE 11 should at least make
the effort to think twice about the images they portray.
Pamela Taylor
Kingfield
Resource Center of the Americas Weekly Event Update AMERICAS.ORG Donate online at: http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Resource-Center-Of-The-Americas ************************************** Weekly Event Calendar Index Hosted or Co-Sponsored by the Resource Center: 1. Intercambio Language Exchange - Mar. 13 2. Coffee Hour: 1810-1910-2010: Will the Mexican Revolution Come Again? - Mar. 13 3. Cuban Film Series 2010 - Mar. 4 thru Apr. 8 4. Coffee Hour: Ecuador- Center of the World, Center of Human Trafficking - Apr. 3 5. Now offering Spanish classes in Highland Park - Beginning Spanish Level 1 registration open for Highland Park - Apr. 13 Other Community Events and Announcements: 6. Learn Haitian Creole 7. NE 2nd Avenue - a dynamic look at what it is to be an immigrant in the USA - Mar. 11-13 8. Immigrant Rights Freedom Seder at Jewish Community Action - Mar 14 9. Chile concert fundraiser - Mar. 14 10. March on Washington, DC to Demand Immigration Reform - Mar. 21 11. Celebrate Mexican Consultate website launch - Bicentennial of Mexican Independence and Centennial of Mexican Revolution - Mar. 26 12. Dream and Act with Immigrant Freedom Network - Apr. 8 Events brought to you in part by: COMMUNITY SHARES OF MINNESOTA: A workplace giving organization that turns up the heat. On discrimination. On situations that reinforce poverty. On attitudes that look the other way at inequality. GLACIERS CAFE: Located in the RCTA building and known for award winning frozen custard, with a full menu of healthy and delicious fast food including sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups and chilies. RCTA Members receive 10% off at Glaciers! NORTHERN SUN: An independent, locally-owned national mail order business and retail store providing "products for progressives" since 1979. RCTA Members receive 10% off at Northern Sun! ************************************** 1. Intercambio Language Exchange - Mar. 13 Saturday, March 13th Noon - 1:30pm At the Resource Center of the Americas Come and join us for the weekly language exchange! The intercambio welcomes speakers of English and Spanish at all levels of learning. You will be provided with a brief introduction to the topic and a handout with useful terminology to aid you in your discussions. After introductions we will spend 45 minutes in Spanish and the final 45 minutes in English. ¡Ven y únese a nosotros en el intercambio semenal! El intercambio da la bienvenida a los hablantes de inglés y español a todos los niveles de aprendizaje. La facilitadora les dará una introducción breve y repartirá un folleto explicativo para ayudarles en los discursos. Charlaremos por 45 minutos en español y luego pasaremos a inglés. In order to sustain the intercambios and other programs at the Resource Center of the Americas there is a suggested donation of $5 for this event. No donation is required, but please donate if you are able. Para preservar a este programa y los demas que ofrece el RCTA hay una donación sugerida de $5 para este evento. Donar al centro no es requirido pero se lo agradece. 2. Coffee Hour: 1810-1910-2010-- Will the Mexican Revolution Come Again? - Mar. 13 Saturday, March 13th 10:00am-11:45am At the Resource Center of the Americas Presented in Spanish with brief English summaries. Cycles of Revolution in Mexico. Description coming soon Speaker: John Ross has been reporting on Latin America social conflict for 50 years. In 1993, he broke the story of the impending Zapatista rebellion. Ross, a Mexico City resident for the past 25 years, has just published his 10th book “El Monstruo - Dread & Redemption in Mexico City.” CONTACT John Ross <email obscured> 3. Cuban Film Series 2010 - Mar. 4 thru Apr. 8 Cuban Film Series 2010 7:30 PM at St. Anthony Main Theaters on Historic Main Street by the River Co-Sponsored by the Resource Center of the Americas Mar. 4 thru Apr. 8 Tickets $6.00 or a pass for for 5 - purchase at the door March 4th Clandestinos -by Fernando Perez Satisfying as both a political thriller and a love story, this feature film by Fernando Perez is so naturally realized that it avoids being didactic even as it commemorates events of the Cuban revolution. Anti-Batista activists move from one safe house to another, trying to elude a relentless police commissioner. Their leader (Luis Alberto Garcia), hardened by prison and torture, is suspicious of nearly everyone but gradually falls for his newest recruit, a headstrong idealist (Isabel Santos of EL Benny). The climactic rooftop chase is well choreographed and edited, and Edesio Alejandro’s surging score recalls early Isaac Hayes. Also know as Living Dangerously. In Spanish with subtitles. 103 min. *Round table Panel discussion of film after screening at Pracna on Main (next to theater) lead by U of M political Science professor August Nimtz who is currently researching material for a documentary film on the subject of the Civilian front of the Revolution in the cities of Cuba. March 11th El Benny Music and dancing were like drugs in Cuba in the 1950s and Benny More was the most intoxicating entertainer of that time, according to Jorge Luis Sanchez’ colorfully entertaining new biopic “El Benny.” Screened in competition at the Locarno International Film Festival following its world premiere in Havana on July 22, the film depicts More as a man of the people whose swinging mambo-infected jazz made him a household name in Latin America. With a soundtrack featuring top-line Cuban performers, the film is cut from the same cloth as hit musical biographies “Ray” and “Walk the Line” and, given the chance, it should make a substantial claim on that audience. Wear your dancing shoes! *Round table panel discussion lead by Gloria Rivera, a professional Cuban singer and musician and Rene Thompson, Cuban dancer and musician well recognized in the Americas for their talents and knowledge of Cuban Music history. March 18th The Last Supper by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea The Last Supper is set on a sugar plantation in late 18th Century Cuba during the Easter Holy Week. The story is based on a real event from 18th-century Cuba. In the first part, we glimpse the world of the plantation owned by a Count (Nelson Villagra), complete with his employees, overseers and African slaves (Luis Alberto Garcia, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Mario Balmaseda, Idelfonso Tamayo, and Julio Hernandez, Samuel Claxton). In the extraordinary middle section, the Count picks 12 slaves at random to share a feast with him in honor of the Last Supper, with himself as the benevolent Christ-figure, in order to teach the slaves a lesson in the humility and grace of our Lord. They don’t quite understand what they’re getting into, but everyone has a good laugh when the master washes and kisses the feet of his slaves. Alea’s adroit handheld camerawork in the fields is traded for an elegant zoom at the dinner table, dollying back for a rectangular composition and then forward again to the center, where the Count is passing himself off as Christ: “This is all for you,” he announces to his guests, but it’s really all for him, a way of alleviating the subjugator’s guilt while reinforcing his superiority. Wine is the great equalizer, as Chaplin and Clair understood, so both castes speak their piece during the meal, oral history modulated into debate – African anecdotes are vividly acted out, Villagra counters with the idea that freedom is not happiness and dozes off after casting as the supper’s Judas the maimed runaway (Samuel Claxton), who refers a tale of decapitated Truth. It’s an audacious undertaking by one of Cuba’s greatest directors, and the gamble pays off handsomely. Books can state facts and offer descriptions, however, this movie provides the opportunity to see deeper than what history books and stories can tell. Alea is probably best known for his extraordinary 1968 film “Memories of Underdevelopment” which provided a jaundiced intellectual’s view of the Cuban Revolution. March 25th The Waiting List Mixing sharp social commentary and comedy, director Juan Carlos Tabio’s (STRAWBERRY & CHOCOLATE) WAITING LIST brings together a cast of characters who possess drastically different personalities, but who find much in common while they wait (and wait, and wait) for a bus to Santiago. As each person enters the terminal, he or she must sign a waiting list for the next bus. Reflecting the unwieldy nature of Cuban socialism, the line grows longer, and the only buses that seem to stop are full or broken down. In contrast, Tabio also effectively portrays the hardy nature of his subjects and by extension, the hopes for a smoother governmental system. As the passengers get to know each other better, romance develops, friendships form, and everyone gets scammed by a man (Jorge Perugorria) who pretends to be blind for a chance at the top of the list. As they suffer together, the group sets about creating a more welcoming bus stop–an undertaking that echoes Cuban governmental calls for grassroots efforts toward community improvement. *Discussion of the film will be lead by Professor Gary Prevost, St. John’s University Political Science Dept you will lead a discussion on Cuba’s social democracy ad the People’s Power government. April 1st Viva Cuba by Juan Carlos Cremata Malberti In a tale akin to Romeo and Juliet, the friendship between two children is threatened by their parents’ differences. Malu is from an upper-class family and her single mother does not want her to play with Jorgito, as she thinks his background coarse and commonplace. Jorgito’s mother is a poor socialist that is proud of her family’s social standing. She places similar restriction on her son. What neither woman recognizes is the immense strength of the bond between Malu and Jorgito. When the children learn that Malu’s mother is planning to leave Cuba, they decide to travel to the other side of the island to find Malu’s father and persuade him against signing the forms that would allow it. Juan Carlos Cremata’s two young stars are captivating, real naturals the camera can’t resist. You’ll remember them and their final moments on screen and worry about them long after you’ve left the theater. Viva Cuba won 34 national and international awards in all. April 8th Suite Havana Fernando Perez’s masterful 2003 documentary is all the more lyrical for his decision to bypass narration and (for the most part) dialogue. Through a gradual accretion of contemplative shots, Perez interweaves studies of a diverse selection of Havanans, including a railroad worker, a peanut vendor, a ballet dancer, and an architect. A lyrical, meticulously-crafted and unexpectedly melancholy homage to the battered but resilient inhabitants of a battered but resilient city, Perez’s “Suite Habana” fuses fiction and documentary, making its point with poetic evocation. The surprisingly watchable delight strikes universal chords. Shunning the sun ‘n’ salsa cliches of La Isla. Havana’s weathered facades and seafront bear mute witness to the ebb and flow of its people’s lives and the persistence of their dreams. Ruling Communist Party newspaper Granma praised it as “one of the most important films in the history of Cuban cinema.” In his sermon on a recent Sunday, a Catholic priest urged his parishioners to go and see “Suite Habana” for its “eloquent and revealing images of daily life in Cuba today.” 90 min. 4. Coffee Hour: Ecuador-Center of the World, Center of Human Trafficking - Apr. 3 Saturday, April 34d 10:00am-11:45am At the Resource Center of the Americas Speaker: Loida Carriel Espinoza, Journalist and Deputy Director of Paz y Esperanza – Ecuador. Presented in Spanish Description: According to a 2007 USAID report, “Ecuador is a location, source, transit and destination country for persons trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor and begging.” The majority of those trafficked are children. The number of people vulnerable to being trafficked has increased in Ecuador due to its economic crisis and the social dislocation of people from rural to urban areas. Indeed, since the 1990’s almost 12% of the total population has emigrated to Europe and the United States; and, Minnesota is home to one of the largest Ecuadorian populations in the U.S., estimated at 10,000-15,000. Ms. Carriel will discuss the social problem of human trafficking in Ecuador and the work being done by Paz y Esperanza, an international faith-based human rights organization, and others to combat human trafficking in Ecuador. About Paz y Esperanza Paz y Esperanza is known as a leader in the field of human rights in Latin America, and was a leader in establishing the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It seeks access to justice for the most excluded sectors of society through the promotion of their rights, the defense of abused women and children, citizenship education, sexual education in churches, legal reform and monitoring of the legal system. In 2009, Paz y Esperanza opened its Guayaquil, Ecuador office to provide services to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The Minnesota-based non-profit, Peace and Hope Partnership International, collaborates with Paz y Esperanza to provide legal, aftercare and other services to people victimized by injustice in Peru and Ecuador. For more information contact: Colleen Beebe, Peace and Hope Partnership International, (612) 728-9118 <email obscured> or visit www.peaceandhopeinternational.org. 5. Now offering Spanish classes in Highland Park - Beginning Spanish Level 1 registration open for Highland Park - Apr. 13 Beginning Spanish Proficiency Level 1 Saturdays 9:00am-11:00am April 17th - June 19th (10 weeks) Registration Closes 4/13 Held at Gloria Dei Church in Highland Park $198 for Members $220 for Non-Members Stresses simple conversation and vocabulary for everyday use. By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves in the present tense and conjugate ar, er, ir and irregular verbs. Assumes no prior exposure to Spanish. Class Dates: April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22 (off May 29); June 5, 12, 19, 26 Register now 6. Learn Haitian Creole Free Haitian Creole class every Tuesday during the convo hour( 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.) at Hamline University in Robbins Science Center, Room 005. For more info, please contact Dr. Adrien at <email obscured>. " Dr. Adrien is a native speaker of Haitian Creole. As a graduate student at Tulane University, he was very instrumental in teaching, creating and designing the Tulane Haitian Creole Program for almost a decade. 7. NE 2nd Avenue - a dynamic look at what it is to be an immigrant in the USA - Mar. 11-13 Pangea World Theater, Teatro del Pueblo, and Intermedia Arts present: NE 2nd Avenue Written and performed by Teo Castellanos -a dynamic look at what it is to be an immigrant in the USA- March 11-13, 2010 8:00pm at Intermedia Arts Video trailer, more info, at: http://pangeaworldtheater.org/performances/ne-2nd-avenue/ Tickets ($15/12) at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98402 Series C in the Political Theater Festival www.TeatroDelPueblo.org (Series A & B at Gremlin in St. Paul Feb 25-March 7) Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, Teo Castellanos is an actor, writer and director who works in theater, film and television. He is author of War, Revolution, and the Projects a one man trilogy, which he has toured on the east coast, as well as his one-man show NE 2nd Avenue based on Miami characters. NE 2nd Avenue won the prestigious Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland. You can also catch him on the silver screen opposite John Leguizamo in Empire. He is Artistic Director of Teo Castellanos D-Projects, a contemporary Dance/Theater company whose original work fuses world cultures, religion and music, examining social issues through performance. Teo Castellanos D-Projects has toured South America, China and is currently touring in the U.S. with their latest work Scratch & Burn. He is currently Executive Producer of Miami Project Hip Hop (MPH), an annual event that honors Hip Hop roots and aesthetics. NE 2nd Avenue is a compilation of characters that make Miami their home. A jitney (small Caribbean bus) becomes a metaphor for a journey that takes the audience through the bumpy streets of the city. The work conveys, with poignancy and humor, the profoundly rich and textured mix of Miami, in which distinct Cuban, Haitian, Jamaican, Puerto Rican, Jewish, LGBT and African American influences emerge yet, interestingly enough, frequently in ways that reveal evidence of, often denied, cross-pollination. NE 2nd Avenue brings voice to Miami’s marginalized urban populations, exploring underlying issues of racism and social injustice, acknowledging the differences among us and ultimately discovering the common threads that bind us together. 8. Immigrant Rights Freedom Seder @ Jewish Community Action - Mar 14 Save the date for Jewish Community Action’s eighth Immigrant Rights Freedom Seder! Each year, we invite people from religious, immigrant, labor, and ethnic communities to retell the story of Passover. Together, we commemorate the Jewish festival, while coming together in support of immigrant communities’ current struggles, and in support of comprehensive immigration reform. If you have joined us in the past to eat, pray, sing, and tell stories, you know what an inspiring event this is. This year’s seder comes at a particularly important time: One year into a new presidential administration, we anticipate that Congress will be debating comprehensive immigration reform—reform that could reunite families, provide a path to legalization for millions of undocumented immigrants, provide worker protections, and create a humane system for future immigration. In addition, the seder will occur in the midst of the the Liberian community’s struggle for legal residency in the U.S. All of us can join together at the Seder to mark our commitment to the collective struggle for human rights. This year, our Immigrant Rights Freedom Seder will be: 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 14th, 2010 Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul In addition to making plans to attend the seder, please consider becoming a table sponsor. While the seder has never been a fundraising event, Jewish Community Action’s goal is to make it self-sustaining, and you can help. Your contribution of $125 sponsors a table for eight participants. You can fill the table with your friends, family members, or colleagues. Or, you can donate the empty seats back to Jewish Community Action, so that we can offer them to individuals unable to pay the full $18 individual admission. 9. Chile concert fundraiser - Mar. 14 This Sunday March 14, 5:30-11pm @ Picosa, with live salsa band Sensacion Latina Cost: $10 There will also be a raffle. 10. March on Washington, DC to Demand Immigration Reform - Mar. 21 MARCH FOR AMERICA: Sunday, March 21st, 2010 Today we are at a pivotal moment in the history of this nation. We are faced with a choice. We can do nothing, and watch as our families and communities continue to be torn apart by the broken immigration system; watch as profiteers continue to take advantage of people desperate for work; watch as due process is taken away from our understanding of justice; and watch as our leaders work on economic solutions that simply aren’t bold enough to turn this country around. Or we can stand up for our families and our communities. Join 100,000 people from across the country at the March for America in Washington DC on March 21st. It is up to us. We are marching: This is your call. We need you in DC to show our collective power and energy. Join the March for America. Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 21st. Enclosed in this packet you will find more detailed logistical information regarding the March for America, and how your organization can be part of this historic event. For more info: Church World Service <email obscured> Doug Mork - <email obscured> Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, <email obscured> Jewish Community Action, <email obscured> Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, <email obscured> Any of the above can help. 111. Celebrate Mexican Consulate website launch - Bicentennial of Mexican Independence and Centennial of Mexican Revolution - Mar. 26 The Consulate of México in St. Paul, MN is honored to invite you to the official launch of web site for the Bicentennial of the Independence of Mexico and Centennial of the Mexican Revolution, in Minnesota. Friday March 26th of 2010, 12:00 pm Midtown Global Market Lake St & 10th Ave Minneapolis, MN55407 Come and let yourself be delighted with the music of Mariachi Mi Tierra and the traditional dance of Folkloric Group México Azteca as well as meet visiting Mexican film director Natalia Almada This website will allow access to all cultural activities, gastronomic events as well as showcases of music and film throughout 2010. Come and stay to enjoy the food and shops at the Midtown Global Market after the event. There will be special offers at various restaurants! *** El Consulado de México en St. Paul, MN tiene el honor de invitarles al Lanzamiento de la página web del Bicentenario de la Independencia de México y Centenario de la Revolución Mexicana, en Minnesota Una ventana que permitirá anunciar todas las actividades culturales, gastronómicas, de música y cine, entre otros, durante el 2010 ¡Contaremos con la música del Mariachi Mi Tierra y el Ballet Folklórico México Azteca! y de la cineasta mexicana Natalia Almada Viernes 26 de marzo de 2010, 12:00 pm Midtown Global Market Lake St & 10th Ave Minneapolis, MN55407 Ven y quédate a almorzar en el Midtown Global Market después del evento ¡Habrá grandes descuentos en varios restaurantes! 12. Dream and Act with Immigrant Freedom Network - Apr. 8 My Dream Day on Campus - College Access for All Thursday, April 8, 2010 7:00am – 2:00pm Arrive at 7:00am at the Coffman Memorial Theater (first floor) We invite students and teachers to participate in our 6th annual Student Day gathering! On this day Latino, immigrant and allied youth will come together at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus to share their personal her/histories of immigration and to advocate for access to higher education. Students will have an opportunity to learn about public policy, practice civic engagement, enhance their public speaking skills, network with their peers, attend a college fair, and connect with decision makers at the University. Students will also get a packet full of college-going information including an updated list of scholarships for immigrant youth and a handout with the 25 Flat-Tuition colleges immigrant youth can attend at in-state-tuition rates. The morning program will showcase spokenword performances by immigrant youth, student speakers, and a video connection to other states organizing for equal access to education. If you have questions or want more information, please contact Alessandra or Karina at 651-287-0660. PRE-REGISTRATION is required. If you want to participate in this year’s college-access event, you and your school must pre-register by Thursday, March 25, 2010. Please download and fill out the “Student Day Registration Form,” once your registration form is completed, email it to karina at immigrantfreedomnetwork (dot) org by March 25, 2010: http://groups.google.com/group/immigrant-freedom-network/files About the Resource Center of the Americas The Resource Center of the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1983. We're a cross-cultural education provider with a particular focus on the close connection between the U.S. and Latin-America and building understanding between Latino and non-Latino communities. Today much of our education outreach is to faith and community groups to discuss issues related to immigration, learning about the "push-pull" forces that force mass migration and the human toll on families. Our programs include: Spanish Classes Topical Social & Economic Justice Classes Coffee Hours Movie Nights Intercambio Language Exchanges Latino Voices Panel Discussions Find us us at 3019 Minnehaha Ave, Suite 20, one half block south of lake Street. Free parking is available on Minnehaha Avenue. Some of our classes are held at the Wilder Center in St. Paul, near University and Lexington. Learn more at AMERICAS.ORG or contact us at <email obscured>.
Please keep post contents within the forum scope. The most recent posts
involving song lyrics or links to YouTube music are not within the forum scope
and therefore are a violation of the forum participation rules.
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Sincerely,
Matt Perry
East Harriet Farmstead
Forum Manager
Did you seriously admit to listening to Amy Grant?
For the rest of you that also needed some good Minneapolis Music to wash away
the really bad Christian pop, enjoy!
Farheen Hakeem
Powderhorn
This looks like a great resource from which to base substantive conversations. How often are departments required to update their report and is the a "real-time" dash board envisioned for this kind of reporting? Steven Clift See: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/results/index.asp From: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/results-oriented-minneapolis/resultsminneapolis.asp Results Minneapolis Progress Conferences Results Minneapolis is a management tool the City uses to systematically track performance toward achieving the City’s five-year goals and 2020 vision. A review panel of City leaders meets with a different department head each week (meeting calendar) to track progress and discuss strategies on key performance measures. By regularly tracking performance data at these “progress conferences,” City leaders identify areas where the City is excelling, as well as opportunities for improvement. After several years of business planning and performance measurement, Results Minneapolis provides the next step in institutionalizing a results-focused, accountable and more transparent government. Department Reports Below are latest reports for each department as PDF documents: * 311 (Jan 2010) * 911/311 (July 2009) * Business Information Services (February 2010) * City Assessor (December 2009) * City Attorney (January 2010) * City Clerk (March 2009) * Civil Rights (September 2009) * Community Planning and Economic Development (February 2010) * Convention Center (November 2009) * Finance (September 2009) * Fire (March 2010) * Health and Family Support (September 2009) * Human Resources (October 2009) * Intergovernmental Relations (June 2009) * Police (January 2010) * Public Works Transportation & Internal Services (October 2009) * Public Works Departmental & Utilities (March 2010) * Regulatory Services (December 2009) Multi-Department Reports The following reports address subjects that cross City departments and are created with the input of multiple departments. * Goal: Premier Destination (December 2009) * Goal: One Minneapolis (November 2009) * Goal: Connected Communities (February 2009) * Goal: Enriched Environment (April 2009) * Goal: A Safe Place To Call Home (June 2009) * Healthy Housing/Foreclosure Prevention (May 2009) * Meet Minneapolis (September 2008) * NORTHforce (December 2008) * Sustainability (August 2008) * Youth Violence Prevention (June 2009) Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.Org Follow me - http://twitter.com/democracy New Tel: +1.612.234.7072
There are currently 56 members of the facebook group, Doug Mann for Minneapolis School Board http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115926637354&ref=ts -Doug Mann, King Field
Education is a right, not a privilege!
A quality public education for all on an equal basis!
Partial endorsement list
Rogier Gregoire, Ed.D. (Harvard Univ.)
Past member, editorial board of the Harvard Educational Review
Farheen Hakeem,
Co-chair, US Green Party
Leola Seals
Past president, Minneapolis Branch of the NAACP
Danene Provencher
2006 Green Party candidate for MN Lt. Governor
Doug Mann #1 with U of MN students in 2008.
In the 2008 general election, in a field of 6 candidates seeking 3 seats on
the Minneapolis School Board, Doug Mann had the highest vote totals in 3
precincts around the U of MN where most or all voters were U of MN students.
Critical reforms
No more revolving door for teachers:
End the practice of firing and replacing most teachers during their
post-hire probationary period
Eliminate watered down curriculum tracks:
Arts for Academic Achievement is a program used successfully to boost
academic achievement in the Minneapolis Public Schools, but is not used to its
full potential as a tool to eliminate watered-down curriculum
Essay
The racial test score gap is largely a reflection of the quality of
education to which students have access. It is an education access gap.
A widening racial test score gap since the mid-1980s has been accompanied
by increased racial segregation and inequality related to harmful policies
and practices that have a disparate on students of color, such as the
promotion watered-down curriculum tracks (students of color are
over-represented in
the low tracks) and the practice of firing and replacing teachers during
their multi-year, post-hire probationary period (which results in high
concentrations of new teachers and super-high turnover rates in schools where
students of color are over-represented.
Corporate-style K-12 reforms, marketed as No Child Left Behind under Bush,
and still promoted by Obama have failed to fix the state-run school system.
NCLB utilizes high-stakes testing as part of a mechanism to shut down
state-run schools and push students into charter schools. The NCLB agenda
includes
reintroducing merit pay for teachers (pay-for-performance), and eliminating
tenure, seniority, and due process rights for teachers.
In 2004, about 2/3 of new public school teachers in the US worked in
schools where black and Puerto Rican students were over-represented, and more
than
40% of new public school teachers either quit or are forced out of teaching
within 3 years of entering the profession. Sources: Minnesota Public Radio
website, closing the gap. National Education Association.
-Doug Mann, King Field neighborhood
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