Speaking To The Sacramento City Council

Prepared to speak on Item 14 at the Sacramento City Council on strengthening Sanctuary City provisions in Sacramento.

Here I go!

 

Hypocrisy of the Right Regarding Arms

@westmoreland_pops The silence of 2A advocates is deafening! #minnesota #law #secondamendment #freedom #thebackforty ♬ original sound - Will Westmoreland

These Are Our Sacramento Protesters!

Favorable coverage, with video:

Outside the John Moss Federal Building, demonstrators participated in one of many anti-ICE protests occurring across the country. The scene was filled with the sounds of flags waving, cars honking, and people chanting.

Allen O'Brien, an anti-ICE protester, said, "If I had one giant ask of the whole country, my biggest one personally...if we can't abolish ICE yet, we need to abolish for-profit detention centers."

When asked what they would say to the Trump administration, a protester named Faygo responded, "Abolish ICE."

Jayden Crandall, another anti-ICE protester, said, "I want to come out here to stand for my community, because everyone around me is so important to me and I think that even people with the opposing views, for me, I still want to fight for it because I love everyone around me, and I want everyone to be free to live in a life that they want to pursue."

..."ICE has killed a US citizen and I feel so heartbroken that we've been so divided by fake lines that divide this land that we've come to kill each other," Crandall said.

When asked if there was anything positive about ICE, Amanda M. said, "No. I believe that ICE has not functioned correctly since its inception."

Thomas O'Brien, another protester, said, "No child should be afraid to go to school. No family should be afraid to go to a house of worship. No person should be afraid to go to the hospital. So until everybody can go about their lives, unafraid, that's what we're going to be out here for."

A Visitor's Tale

It was a quiet Monday evening at Camp for Justice, but at one point a visitor arrived to tell us a compelling tale. The visitor had been at this very location on November 4, 2025, when several ICE agents came out of the pedestrian gate, out to where protesters had gathered. The agents then began addressing the protesters, like "We understand that you have the right to protest outside this facility, etc." Suddenly the agents tackled several protesters and dragged them into the John Moss Federal Building. 

The agents proceeded to ask the visitor what he characterized as a series of "the dumbest questions ever," including who was paying him to protest. He could hear them talking on the phone to a superior about their video of the arrest, which they characterized as unclear and blurry and perhaps unsuitable as evidence. The visitor began loudly complaining about his ankle, slightly-injured when the ICE agents tackled him, which he played up under the circumstances. He threatened to sue ICE. He was taken to a hospital for medical assistance and presented with a citation, which he signed with "Fuck ICE." Several hours after his arrest he was released. 

The interesting thing to me was the visitor was able to show us on his phone a compelling video of the arrest, taken by someone else. The video once resided on TikTok (and apparently Instagram as well) but was removed from social media. Apparently the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enough pull with the social media platforms to censor anything that it deems provocative. Something to know! We can't see everything on social media that we need to see. 

What works best when in taken into ICE custody? Be the loudest squeakiest wheel ever! Stoic, silent compliance is a BAD idea! Welcome to 1984!

The Sacramento Bee Interviews Scott

The Sacramento Bee interviews Scott:

A man who was assaulted two weeks ago while protesting outside the federal building where Immigration and Customs Enforcement operates in Sacramento continued to demonstrate Sunday, the day after the killing of a second Minneapolis protester. 

“We’re losing all of our constitutional rights,” Scott Stauffer said about the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti.

Getting To Know One Another

Here's my sign from early November: "Who Murders Fishermen? Bad Guys, That's Who!"

Becoming a member of the protesting class has meant meeting a variety of new people.  It also has meant that these new people get to meet me too.  Last summer, the average age of protesters was fairly old - forties through sixties - and relatively easy to meet.  These days, however, the average age is much younger - in the twenties. So, the affability gap between me and the average protester has grown over time, simply because of age and different lived experiences.

The initial impression I make on people seems to be that of a dotty old guy.  Hoka wicasa described the process.  Paraphrasing him: "I asked someone 'Who is that old guy with the signs?' The other person replied, "Oh, he's a protester from way back.'"  Hoka wicasa then had a question for me.  "I saw that sign you had, and I didn't understand it.  I want to ask you: Do you have a problem with fish?"  I laughed, and replied, "Yes! Have you ever seen fish? Those big eyes, those open mouths! OMG!"

The problem, of course, is that it's hard to keep up with forced march of the fascist Trump Administration.  My sign was on the cutting edge of politics early in November, 2025, when fishing boats were being attacked off the coast of Venezuela and Columbia.  Now, late in January, 2026, two-and-a-half months later, my sign is just a confusing, cringey relic from the remote past.  So it goes.

Last night, milling in the dark on 7th Street, Scott had to corral dotty old me a couple of times. because I was wandering too far from the group.  These predatory ICE beasts deliberately target the weakest members of the protester herd, and that could be me under the right circumstances.  When the four ICE thugs opened the pedestrian gate, protesters retreated.  Not me: I stood my ground and tried to engage them in conversation, as I had earlier conversed with the more-amiable Sac PD cops.  Maybe a bad idea, but you've got to face your fears.

Most of the protesters on 7th Street wore black clothes and had black face coverings.  I could appreciate their reasons for doing so, but I had decided last summer to be as public as possible and not use face coverings unless absolutely necessary.  A young man approached me in the dark and said this was the time and place when face coverings were a good idea.  He might have been right!  He had a spare face mask, which he gave me.  We talked, and he described his Instagram page and prepper mentality.  He was prepared to disappear if the heat got too hot, and vanish overseas.  Under those circumstances I might be a sitting duck.  That's what happens to dotty old people.

A local fascist with the handle "Matthew916" wandered on the fringe of the group doing his TikTok Live for his Placer County friends as we shouted out insults.  He retreated to where the Sac PD cops were. Little coward.

ICEy nights in downtown Sacramento in January.

Signs From The Sacramento Resistance

John Moss Federal Building in downtown Sacramento, where ICE has their field headquarters and where there is a makeshift jail.

Across the street from the John Moss Federal Building is a monument dedicated to Greek immigrants to the U.S.

The pipes are leaking at St. Joseph's Cemetery. I bet ICE is to blame.

Protesters gathered at the John Moss Federal Building on January 24, 2026.

Tommy and Allen arrive to help set the world right.

Hoka wicasa and the Dakota Exiles Horse Ride

 

The anti-ICE protests in Sacramento have benefitted considerably from the presence of Hoka wicasa, who moved to California fairly-recently and to Sacramento for the moment. He is Dakota Sioux and better-known from the Dakota Exiles horse ride.

 

Busy Day - January 24, 2026

Busy day. Three demonstrations. Sunrise and Greenback (50 people-probably a record for them), Howe and Arden (100 people-definitely a record), and downtown at the John Moss Federal Building (70 people when I arrived, but increased to 140 in minutes).

A Song In Honor of Alex Pretti - Hoka wicasa - Outside ICE's Sacramento Field Office - January 24, 2026

 

Protesters milled outside the side gate on 7th Street at the John Moss Federal Building in Sacramento, CA, not long after an ICE van departed on business. Sacramento police closed the street to traffic in response. We expected the van to return carrying prisoners, but we didn't know when that would happen, so we waited. 

I talked to four Sacramento police department cops, just to gauge their mood. They seemed pretty relaxed. 

At one point, four ICE cops came out of the building, out of a pedestrian gate to remove debris that had been placed there that might restrict entry to the facility. One of them carried a gun that looked like it could shoot pepper balls. I was closest to the gate, so I said good evening to them. They ignored me. 

The street was still closed, so when I finally left, about 10 p.m., I did four donuts outside the gate in my car. Nothing loud - no screeching tires - but still, a bit of contempt for these people. Here's a forlorn song by Hoka wicasa in honor of the memory of Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis.

ICE Out Forever Protest March - January 23, 2026

 

This is the portion of march from the John Moss Federal Building to Cesar Chavez Park in Sacramento, CA. Video includes going through the short tunnel on 5th Street, heading to J Street, next to Golden One Arena. I was lagging behind, with cops closing behind.

Howe at Arden Protests - January 17 & 24, 2026

 

January 24, 2026

   

January 17, 2026

The Stupidest People on the Face of the Earth

Mr. Global’s take on American soybean farmers echoes mine. Seriously, the stupidest people on the face of the entire Earth.

@mrglobaltoo #soybeans #farmer #farms #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - Mr Global

Watching "Trainspotting"

Lately, I've been watching old movies on VHS tape. I've seen movies I overlooked over the years, including "Spaceballs," "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," and "La Femme Nikita." 

Alas, the videotape unraveled while I was watching "Trainspotting," the 1996 movie directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ewan McGregor, about the glories and pitfalls of heroin addiction in Scotland. I didn't get to see how the film ends. 

Even worse, the VHS tape player doesn't work anymore. If I can't figure out this technical problem, against my will, I may be propelled out of the past. I will be one angry geezer, forced to deal with modern technology. 

I'll have to watch "Trainspotting" again, hopefully sometime soon, with subtitles, so I can figure out more than every third word, or so. 

Best scene ever: "The Worst Toilet in Scotland." My analogy: Trying to recover from MAGA by using elections alone is like trying to recover from heroin addiction by using expensive opium suppositories.

 

Particulate Air Pollution Formation Going Hog Wild in Sacramento Right Now

Particulate air pollution is a big problem in the Sacramento area at the instant. 

I queried the Purple Air website for raw PM2.5 levels, particulate air pollution smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m^3), the size that most-affects lung function, averaged over one day. 

The 24-hour national standard is 35 ug/m^3, so it's concerning we have levels around 50 ug/m^3 right now. You might be able to notice the bad air from your scratchy throat. 

So, what gives? These particles are made mostly of ammonium nitrate. Particulate formation is often ammonia-limited in the summertime, but around here, under foggy wintertime conditions, that limitation is removed. The atmosphere goes hog-wild. There is plenty of ammonia and nitric acid and since one's a base and one's an acid they readily get together. Soon the air becomes filled with particles. 

Here is AI's summary regarding particulate formation in the San Joaquin Valley (which is the same process that occurs elsewhere in California, including the Sacramento Valley): 

- - - 

Key Findings on Wintertime PM2.5 and Ammonia Nitrate-Driven Pollution: 

High winter PM2.5 concentrations (often exceeding 35 (ug/m^3) are largely driven by the combination of NOx (from traffic/industry) and NH3 (primarily from agricultural sources) to form ammonium nitrate. 

Limiting Factors: While the San Joaquin Valley has an excess of ammonia, NOx reductions are more effective than NH3 reductions in lowering wintertime ammonium nitrate levels. 

Seasonal Peaks: PM2.5 concentrations in the Valley peak during winter due to stagnant air, fog, cold temperatures, and increased wood burning, with ammonium nitrate concentrations being three times higher in December than in June. 

Regional Differences: In the SJV, ammonia is typically in excess, whereas in the South Coast Air Basin (LA region), wintertime PM2.5 may show different, more ammonia-limited characteristics due to regional differences in emissions. 

Factors Influencing Winter PM2.5 Levels 

Meteorology: Inversions, cold temperatures, and lack of rain trap pollutants, creating elevated, multi-day episodes. 

Emission Sources: Key sources include residential wood burning (organic carbon) and ammonium nitrate formed from NOx and agricultural ammonia. Contribution of Ammonia: 

Despite being often NOx-limited, ammonia is still crucial to the inorganic PM2.5 mass; studies show that over 50% of inorganic PM2.5 in California is linked to anthropogenic ammonia.

Dakota Tipi and Drumming - Camp Justice - January 19, 2026

 

Hoka wicasa at the drum.

Trump Train Thugs Pay A Visit - January 17, 2026

 

 Video was posted on Reddit from last Saturday's Trump-Train attack on one of our own at Camp Justice, at the John Moss Federal Building on N Street. I learn several things from the video: 

1.) We need to make sure that when we have multiple demonstrations occurring at nearly the same time that people are not left shorthanded at any time at any location, 

2.) The Trump Train stopped and nearly-blocked N Street, creating conditions suitable for their attack, 

3.) On the flip side, because the Trump Train is so bulky, it becomes easier to add roadblocks and prevent the entire Trump Train from leaving the scene.

 

Group of MAGA supporters attack an anti-ICE protestor with baseball bats and smash up his van
byu/m-prov inSacramento

My Signs - Howe and Arden - January 17, 2026

John Moss Federal Building - January 15, 2026

Time To Check In With My Relatives

Oh, Gawd!!! Oh well, at least he's a relation by marriage rather than by blood....:

Former state police officer Corey Newman, 30, of Edgewood, had been charged in June with criminal sexual contact with a minor. It was also revealed in court Thursday that Newman was fired when he was charged, and at the time, state police were investigating him for stalking women.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, he would have been sentenced to as little as five years of probation and would also have to register as a sex offender for life. 

But, in court Thursday, his attorney didn't want the former officer to have a felony record, and a judge threw the agreement out, forcing a possible trial.

 

 

Hmmm, this story is 2.5 years old. I thought he was pretty well-respected, in part due to this 2022 incident:

As the officer approached the vehicle, Saldivar got out of the vehicle and locked the doors. The officer asked Saldivar to stand on the passenger side of his marked patrol vehicle while he got some information. Saldivar walked over to the officer’s patrol unit and then reached for a black object that he had concealed in his jacket pocket. The officer immediately created distance and drew his duty weapon, but Saldivar charged the officer and tackled him. 

During the attack, the officer fired at least one shot from his duty weapon striking Saldivar. After the gunshot was fired Saldivar continued to fight the officer and tried to grab the officer’s gun. As the two struggled, Saldivar bit the back of the officer’s arm. At this point, Saldivar had managed to retrieve a gun from his jacket. He was holding the gun in his hand, attempting to chamber a round into the weapon. Officer Newman wrestled the suspect’s gun away from him and threw it to the side.

He's got a nice smile...

@benjaminus16

♬ original sound - user3739519190161310 - benjaminus16

We Walk Alone

When we walk the neighborhood late at night, Jasper the dog is vigilant, particularly when we are being stalked by other animals. Tonight, the stalking animal was a cat. Jasper wouldn’t let the cat approach. 

Two nights ago, though, the stalking animal was a skunk. I didn’t mind the skunk. I like the company of skunks, provided they aren’t agitated. They’re pretty social animals. Last summer a skunk ran across the street to join us, as far as I could tell, because it was lonely. 

But Jasper is not as tolerant as I am, and so, we walk alone.

Demonstrating Yet Again Sunday Evening, January 11, 2026

, at the John Moss Building, at ICE’s N Street gate, in downtown Sacramento.

We have a tempestuous relationship with the noise-hating people who live in the apartments across the street. They've been tossing eggs, limes, and even a potato at us. Nothing like a potato from the 10th floor to ruin your day.

A Visit To Arthur Murray's

For Rachel's birthday we went to take a beginning dance lesson at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio on Manzanita in Carmichael. I've always enjoyed the atmosphere in ballroom dance studios, and I wasn't disappointed. Lessons are too expensive right now, but we can dream.

Opening Night, "Legally Blonde," DMTC, January 9, 2026

The most difficult thing to deal with for the last 5.5 years, since June 10, 2020, has been being exiled from Davis Musical Theatre Company (DMTC).  Much of my social life revolved around the theater company, and so I lost contact with many, many acquaintances (exacerbated by Covid, of course).  

Much has happened in the last 5.5 years.  Steve and Jan Isaacson, the founders of the theater company, first separated and then divorced, throwing the theater company into an extended period of leadership chaos.  Jan was also apparently sidelined from directing musicals and the Young Performers' Theater (YPT).  Other unrelated crises occurred too, including a scandal that damaged the theater's reputation in the local theater community.

Then, about a month ago, the improbable apparently happened.  Steve Isaacson himself was booted from his own theater.  As well as being Producer he was also Treasurer, and there are questions about money that may take time to understand.  

Steve is now out.  Kyle Jackson, and Brian and Kimmy McCann, are in.  

(I always knew that a succession would be terribly difficult, given how tenacious the grip of the Isaacsons was, and I'm grateful there's new dawn after the chaos.  It didn't have to be this way.  The whole company could have cratered.)

Having heard some of this a few days ago and sensing an opportunity, I went to opening night of "Legally Blonde."  And sure enough, I was welcomed back by the powers that be.  Bygones will be bygones, and I have an opportunity to resume normal relations with the folks at DMTC.

Plus, "Legally Blonde" is a fun show too!

The Chronicles of Ice Pick - Protests on January 10, 2026

I got just one picture from today's protests: 1.) Sunrise and Greenback from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (with Rachel), and then, 2.) Howe at Arden from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

I can't believe the stamina of some of the younger folks. They were back downtown this evening at the John Moss Federal Building for more protesting. 

But I do like this video. I have a bit of legend surrounding myself, and it's growing. I have the nickname 'ICE Pick.' This is how legends start!

@taterrtatii This is not a left or right issue! It’s a human rights issue!!!! No person, guilty or innocent, deserves to be unalived in the streets without accountability. We are protesting for justice, transparency, and safety for our communities. Every Saturday 12-2pm join us on Howe and Arden! This protest was started by @O’Brien Goes Potatoes ♬ original sound - tatiana 🇱🇦✨ 🇵🇷🌺

Hells Bells, Renee Nicole Good's Murder - Protest at Fremont Park Followed by March to the John Moss Building - January 7, 2026

 

At Fremont Park, 15th and Q Streets.  About 300 people here.

   

What the news media reported about our adventure.

Some vandalism, including ripping out the flowers from a planter in front of ICE's HQ on Capitol Mall and throwing the flowers in front of the door.

Memorial to Renee Nicole Good at ICE's N Street gate.

My new signs for the evening.

Demonstration at 15th and L St., Near The State Capitol - January 6, 2026

A small demonstration for the day.

Jerry, and his boa, is a long-time Sacramento protester, often found at 16th Street and J Street protests over the years.  I've got his picture elsewhere on my blog. probably from 15 years ago, or so, for the No H8 campaign..

Protest Piggy on Instagram, and her brand-new costume,

Photo opportunity in front of the California State Capitol as we decide whether to head to the I Street Bridge over the Sacramento River, or not.

As we waited for a decision, I got distracted by this guy, and his camera crew.  He appeared to be a candidate for office, and the camera crew wanted him to run across the street - a vigorous look for a campaign ad.  But things are always harder than they look.  The camera crew wanted him to run very, very slowly across the street, but that's hard to do.  Instead, he was running like a regular person, and that's not what the camera crew wanted.  So, multiple takes.  Eventually the protesters decided we didn't have the numbers for the I Street Bridge, so we returned to where we had started.