The University of California (UC) has managed the two oldest and largest nuclear weapons labs since their creation nearly 60 years ago. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have been at the forefront of the research and design of all nuclear weapons in the U.S. arsenal. University employees even created the bombs that dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Over the last five years, the UC has partnered with such multi-national corporations as Bechtel Group and BWXT to continue managing the labs as a limited liability corporation.

As classes are starting up again on UC campuses across California, the movement for a nuclear free UC is also starting up again. A new avenue to demand accountability from the university is emerging – students & alumni pledging to withhold post-graduate support through an online campaign, until the UC takes action:

http://www.thepoint.com/campai…

Five reasons the UC should sever ties to the labs:

– The UC is implicitly endorsing non-compliance with the UN Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty by participating in the creation of new nuclear weapon technologies.

– The nuclear industry is notorious for its devastating environmental and health impacts.

– Nuclear weapons testing and waste disposal from the labs is a major factor in the ongoing genocide of Native American peoples today. The Nevada Test Site and the proposed waste disposal site at Yucca Mountain are both on Western Shoshone land.

– Bechtel Group, UC’s lab-management partner, has a long history of irresponsible environmental practices and human rights violations. Currently, they are one of the largest profiteers of the Iraq War.

– UC holds no real control over research directions or policy at the labs nor does the funding they receive from the Department of Energy go towards anything but the labs themselves. Their management is in name only and simply acts as a stamp of legitimacy for the nuclear weapons, military-industrial complex.

Calling all UC students & alumni – take a stand now against nuclear development and corporatization at your school. Show the UC how you feel about being complicit in the nuclear industry by joining the “No Nukes at the UC” campaign:

http://www.thepoint.com/campai…

OK, now! Are you ready to join me at DFA-OC tonight?

Special Guest: John Perez, Political Director of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 324, to discuss current contract negotiations with Albertson’s, Von’s and Ralph’s. Other items: Presentations on peace actions, blogging in CA (by Calitics’ own atdleft!!), resolutions to be voted on at State Convention, media presentation and more. For collection, bring household items or gift cards for Beverly House, a home for 18-21 year old emancipated foster women.

So would you like to learn more about the gorcery workers’ negotiations? Do you want to find out what YOU CAN DO IN ORANGE COUNTY to end the war and create a more peaceful planet? Do you want to ACTUALLY MEET ME TONIGHT??!!

OK, OK. I know I don’t really matter… But YOU DO! So come on over to DFA tonight, and get your fill of democracy… AND ACTION! : )

Do you want to hear for yourself what Cindy Sheehan has to say about the Iraq War, George Bush, and the process of impeachment? And oh yes, would you also like to hear The Nation’s John Nichols talk about impeachment?

Well, tonight is your night if you’ll be in South Orange County! I noticed this again in the OC Democrat Weekly:

Please join The Nation Magazine political writer and best-selling author JOHN NICHOLS for discussion of his new book THE GENIUS OF IMPEACHMENT: The Founders’ Cure for Royalism With Introductions by MIMI KENNEDY, PDA [Progressive Democrats of America] National Advisory Board Chair and now added Special Guest CINDY SHEEHAN, Peace Mom and PDA National Advisor Board Member.

So are you free tonight at 7:00 PM? Want to go to the Aliso Viejo Library? This is your chance to speak with the one and only Peace Mom about how best to hold this Imperial President accountable.

_

For more pics from the Huntington Beach peace vigil, as well as some thoughts on what happened last night, please follow me after the flip…

We began at the corner of Main Street and Walnut Avenue in Downtown Huntington Beach. I chatted with a few of the protesters for the first few minutes about all the lives that have been lost since Bush began this war four years ago, and about what it would take for this nation to recover from all the damage that has been caused since Bush took us to war. The vigil got off to a slow start… Until one of my friends from DFA arrived, and suggested that we move up one block to Main and PCH, at the base of the pier.

Once we reached the pier, a few more of my DFA friends arrived. At the same time, pedestrians were stopping to tell us about their relatives who were fighting a war that they no longer believe in, and why we need to end this war soon. Also, dozens upon dozens of motorists were honking in support of us and in opposition to any more pointless war as they were speeding up and down PCH. We were all surprised by all the support we were receiving from passers-by.

All in all, I must say that I was quite heartwarmed by what happened last night. I was surprised to see all the people who volunteered their Monday night to join us in Downtown Surf City to protest four years of this maddening war. I was astounded by all the support that we received from everyone around us. And yes, I was quite grateful to join many of my fellow protesters and friends afterwards at Smokin Mo’s to talk about DFA business.

But still, I’d feel much, much better if this war were over…

(Many thanks to my dad for taking all these great photos, and to local blogger Joe Shaw for providing the video.)

Next week marks the fourth anniversary of Bush’s invasion of Iraq, and during this weekend, people from all over California will be hitting the streets, calling for an end to this terrible war. Today at 12:00 PM, you can join me and hundreds of others Orange County peace activists at Pioneer Park in Garden Grove…
OR you can go to the LA rally for peace at Hollywood and Vine. I’ll tell you what happened at Garden Grove later today, after I come home from the march and rally.

And then on Monday, MoveOn is organizing candlelight vigils throughout the nation to mark the fourth anniversary of the war, as well as all the lives that have been lost over the last four years.

Follow me after the flip for times and locations of today’s rallies and Monday’s vigils…

First off, here’s the info on today’s rallies:

“US Out of Iraq Now” Rally with Ozomatli

Summary:
You know, one a them protest things. There’s this war in Iraq, don’t-cha know.
Description:
Ozomatli will perform at 12 noon at the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Then there will be a march to Hollywood and Highland for a rally.
Where:
Hollywood and Vine
Los Angeles, CA

When: 12:00 PM

OC for Peace March and Rally

Summary:
Come join the Orange County Peace Coalition at Pioneer Park in Garden Grove as we commemorate the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, and as we demand an end to this war.
Description:
We will have speeches by local
progressive activists, entertainment
by local musicians, a plane flying
over us carrying a “Stop Funding War”
banner, and a march to Rep. Loretta
Sanchez’s office nearby, urging her
to work in Congress to fully fund the
safe exit of our troops from Iraq.

Where:
12722 Chapman Ave
Garden Grove, CA
92840
When: 12:00 PM

And next, here’s a list of all the MoveOn sponsored candlelight peace vigils in Orange County and Long Beach:

19 Mar 07:00 PM Candlelight vigil for peace
South Coast Plaza
Anton and Bristol
Santa Ana/Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions: 405 to Bristol (North) to Anton (first street). You’ll see the crowd.
Description: It is a corner across from the most exclusive shopping area in OC and is very handicapped accessible.

19 Mar 07:30 PM IRAQ CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
ALTON @EAST YALE LOOP
71 FALLINGSTAR
IRVINE, CA 92614
Directions: 405 FRWY EXIT JEFFRY, NORTH TO ALTON,LEFT ON ALTON TO EAST YALE LOOP. LEFT AND GO 2 STOP SIGNS TO FALLINGSTAR. LEFT TO END OF STREET AND PARK. WALK THROUGH PARKING LOT TO REAR. CONDO#71 IS BEHIND REAR GARAGES ON RIGHT.
Description HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. NO PETS.

19 Mar 06:00 PM candlelight vigils
Main Street walnut
200 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Directions: Look for candle lights on main street at 6pm on Monday March 19th on Main and Walnut, please join us.
Description We’re trying to have as many vigils as possible across the country, here in Huntington Beach we will be honoring our troops in Iraq, and the veterans who have already returned home.

19 Mar 07:00 PM Anniversary Vigil
Culver and Michelson
Irvine, CA 92612
Description This is a busy corner with handicapped access.

19 Mar 08:00 PM candlelight vigil to end the war
fullerton park plaza, wilshire btwn harbor and pomona
301 N Pomona Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
Description: now more than ever, on the 4th anniversary of our aggression in iraq, we need to stand united for peace and justice, and call for an end to this horrific war. bring our troops home now!!

19 Mar 07:00 PM Iraq War Anniversary Vigil
Rossmoor aka Los Alamitos
12422 Oak Way Drive
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Directions: From Katella, Take Los Alamitos Blvd. south. Turn RIGHT at Bradbury, Go approx 3 blks to Montecito, TURN LEFT, pass Main Way to next street Tucker. Turn RIGHT on Tucker, at first street, Blume, Turn LEFT. Take Blume as it curves to the right until you get to Rush Park. The first St. on the left is Oak Way. Turn LEFT.
Description we have one dog, 2 cats. The dog will be in time out, closed room

19 Mar 07:00 PM 4th Anniversary Iraq Invasion Vigil
2nd and Nieto Streets, Belmont Shore, CA
(in front of Washington Mutual)
Long Beach, CA 90702
Directions: Second and Nieto Streets in Belmont Shore (Long Beach Suburb). In front of Washington Mutual bank on public sidewalk.
Description Monday night vigil marking 4th anniversary of Iraq invasion. Same site as my usual Friday night vigils. Bring Signs/flags.

19 Mar 07:00 PM Peace Vigil
In Front of V.A. Hospital
N.E. corner of PCH & 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
Description: Let’s bring our own peace filled presences to the north east corner of PCH and 7th Street, in front of the V.A. Hospital at dusk on the 19th. Our intention will include honoring those inside. I’ll have more to say after I’ve read MoveOn’s materials and determined exactly what time it will be dark enough for a candle light vigil….please bring candles.

19 Mar 06:00 PM Iraq War 4-year Anniversary Vigil
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directions: Main Beach (corner of Ocean Avenue and PCH) in Laguna Beach.
Description: Please join us at Main Beach (corner of Ocean Avenue and PCH) in Laguna Beach. We’ll solemnly honor the sacrifices made by more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers. We’ll contemplate the path ahead. And we’ll call on Congress to force a change in direction. Please bring signs and candles.

19 Mar 07:30 PM Light One Candle
Brea United Methodist Church, Lambert at State College
480 N. State College Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
Directions: Exit 57 Freeway at Lambert(West). Go one block west and turn right onto State College, then turn right again into the church parking lot. Gathering site is on the north lawn.
Description: An outdoor candlelight gathering in the grassy area just north of the Brea United Methodist Church. Handicap accessible.

19 Mar 07:30 PM Peace Vigil
Mary Statue– Redondo and Ocean Blvd.
Corner of Redondo and Ocean Blvds.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Description: This is to be a peace vigil and mediation to commemorate the sad anniversary of the war in Iraq. We will remember those who have lost their lives, their livelihoods, and hold for that no more lives will be lost. Please bring a candle–tall candles in glass jars can be left at the site. Also, bring flowers, and feel free to write your prayers for peace, which can also be left at the site.

19 Mar 06:00 PM Iraq War 4th Anniv. Candlelight Vigil
Kaleidoscope Mall (Crown Valley and the 5 Freeway)
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Description: A Candlelight Vigil will be held for fallen soldiers on (hopefully) both sides of Crown Valley Parkway near the Kaleidoscope Mall near the 5 Freeway. It is handicap accessible and parking if not in the K. Mall, then behind the gas station next door. Washington Mutual has plenty of parking.

To locate other candlelight peace vigils, go to MoveOn’s action page. And please, wherever you are, go out and make peace this weekend.