G-20 is done; Thank You Protesters and Leaders

Hello World Family,
Well, things are wrapping up here in Pittsburgh; the G-20 leaders and their attaché are leaving and life will get back to normal here in the shire-just in time for the high school football games and Saturday soccer games in the region.

Pamela’s Pancakes once again reigned supreme with a visit from the First Lady, Michelle Obama in Millvale this morning. I understand the Japanese Prime Minister also got some pancakes, but even the President didn’t know how he pulled it off;)

There have been 81 arrests over three days-14 on Wednesday, mostly Greenpeace people who pulled off that daring banner display on the West End Bridge; only a few yesterday until evening where in the Oakland area of the city some folks just got stupid breaking out windows, and some police pushed bicycle riders. Everybody should have behaved better, we think. Just one today during the very large protest of thousands of people, all expressing their concerns in a democratic fashion, and everyone walking away with all parts in-tact.

KUDOS

First to the people of Pittsburgh-you are truly special. The definition of what is really super-you do what you do best: stepping up when needed and working so hard and being so patient during this entire process. From leaders to laborers, everyone did a fantastic job.

There was a broad, diverse group of visitors from around the world, and it seems that a splendid time was had by all. Thank you, visiting Brothers and Sisters for being so kind while you were here. We respect your voice and appreciate your energy. Our blessings go with you as you travel home. We wish you peace, joy, and increased prosperity as you continue your struggles back home on issues we all care about. Be strong, and know that you are never alone.

Thank you security forces who came from everywhere to help keep our house safe. We are gloriously glad that you will go home to your families no worse for wear, and secure within yourselves that you did a great job. Travel safely, and be ever vigilant in your police work where you live. Remember to see each person you meet as a brother or sister, and treat them with respect, even when they forget to do the same. Take the high road.

G-20 Leaders: We are impressed with some decisions you made during this event, particularly with no longer giving subsidies to fossil fuel industries. This is a grand opportunity to begin to transition our global communities into a place where we all can live in harmony with the planet, encourage enfranchisement that respects all people and populations, and enjoins our abilities and creativity to make products and conduct prosperous industry with a heart as well as a head.
This is a good beginning-there is much work to do; let’s all get to work.

The preparations for this week have been exhausting for many. Thank you protest organizers, peace leaders, environmental organization activists, and regional planners for your hard work. You have done an incredible job, and deserve high praise. Congratulations on a job well done.

We would also like to personally thank all of you: those that marched, those that planned, those that prayed, whether here in the region or on the other side of the earth. It has been our continuous prayer that all would be well, and healing would manifest in mind, heart and action. We thank you for your words, thoughts, prayers…whatever you put forth that provided positive energy for the highest, best outcomes is greatly appreciated.

These times are not easy. There is so much to do. Let’s continue to be mindful of our best purposes-to thrive and help others to do so.

We can never in words truly express our gratitude to all who made this event so peaceful. We can simply and with the greatest of sincerity say, thank you. Thank you, all.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Greenpeace drops banner off West End Bridge in Pittsburgh

Hey Family,
It's Falcon with a bold move by Brothers and Sisters at Greenpeace. Check this out!

The World is Ready for a Strong Climate Treaty
Greenpeace Activists Greet G20 Leaders with Massive Banner on Pittsburgh Bridge

Pittsburgh, United States — Greenpeace activists rappelled off of a Pittsburgh bridge with a massive banner displaying our message to G20 leaders gathering for tomorrow's summit. The banner takes the form of stylized "road sign" that warns of the political maneuvering and delay that have put a international climate treaty in jeopardy as the world enters the final stretch on the road to Copenhagen.



"It is imperative that developed world leaders do not fail again in Pittsburgh. They must put money on the table to support developing countries" said Damon Moglen, Greenpeace USA's global warming campaign director. "It is also critical for G20 leaders agree to kick-start economic recovery through clean energy investment. Both of these elements are vital to achieve a good deal in Copenhagen and avert catastrophic climate change."

B-PEP Events in Pittsburgh this week

Hello Family,
For those of you in Pittsburgh, here are some additional important events that should not be missed. Please see the details below.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

DON'T MISS THIS… The Peoples' Summit
Black Political Empowerment Project

--MONDAY September 21 - 7:00 p.m.
"Ending Poverty, Reversing Economic Decline in Our Communities"
NEW HAZLETT THEATER (North Side) 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Between Ridge St. and East Ohio St., below Federal St. in East Park

Special Guests: Privilege Haangandu (Jubilee Zambia/Jubilee USA), Tim Stevens (Black Political Empowerment Project), Carl Redwood (One Hill), John Canning (North Side United), Molly Rush (Thomas Merton Center), Maria Somma (United Steel Workers)

--TUESDAY September 22 - 7:00 p.m.
"Another World is Possible"
20th CENTURY CLUB (Oakland) 4201 Bigelow Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15213

1 block from Pitt's Cathedral of Learning (behind Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall)
Special Guests: John Tarka (President, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers), Leo Gerard (President, United Steelworkers), Benedicto Martinez (National Officer, Authentic Workers' Front), Jihan Gearon (Diné (Navajo)/African-American organizer), Jeremy Scahill (award-winning author and investigative journalist), and others.

BE SURE TO ATTEND: The First Annual International Peace, Justice, and Empowerment Summit, September 22nd, 2009, 9am-4pm

Townhall Meeting and Banquet with Dr. Ron Walters, 5-8pm
--September 23rd, 2009, 9am-4pm

Hosanna House, (807 Wallace Avenue), Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Keynote by: Dr. Ron Walters
Video Presentation by: Dr. John a. Powell
Extensive workshops and panel discussions by grassroots organizations and activists from all over the world!

The International Peace, Justice, and Empowerment Summit

The G20 Summit of nations will meet in Pittsburgh, PA on September 24th and 25th following the London Summit of April 1st of this year, when it met in the context of the financial crisis, in an attempt to stabilize global financial markets. These Summits are closed-door meetings organized and attended by financial representatives from 19 of the richest and most influential nations and their decisions affect the economic trajectory of our world for generations to come…

Sadly, nowhere in the final communiqué issue by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the host of the April meeting, were measures proposed to shield disadvantaged communities around the world who were already under stress before the financial crisis provided even steeper challenges of survival. Indeed, the G7, the
antecedent of the G20, had been so criticized for creating structural criteria for the dispensation of funds to poor countries that activists and others from the private sector intervened in its discussions and stated that what was done to alleviate poverty was grossly insufficient and to demand added effort.

Since then, meetings of the G20 have met with enormous protest from progressive forces, calling on participating members to acknowledge the needs of the disadvantaged populations in their respective nations.

Therefore, in the effort to constructively empower and engage our disadvantaged communities, and those who advocate for them:

The Community Empowerment Association along with the National Council of Urban Peace and Justice presents:

The First Annual International Peace, Justice, and Empowerment Summit
September 22nd, 2009
9am-4pm
Townhall Meeting and Banquet with Dr. Ron Walters
5-8pm
September 23rd, 2009
9am-4pm
Hosanna House
(807 Wallace Avenue)
Pittsburgh, PA
Keynote by: Dr. Ron Walters
Video Presentation by: Dr. john a. powell
Extensive workshops and panel discussions by grassroots organizations and activists from all
over the world!

This Summit is a foundation for serious action and interaction, not merely a protest site. Our teachings and workshops will focus on the nature of the crisis faced by disadvantaged populations of color everywhere; from the many blighted communities in Pittsburgh, to the shanty towns of Brazil.

By elevating discussions of the G20 beyond the narrow aspects of the health of financial markets, into addressing problems such as poverty, housing, employment, education, climate change, urban infrastructure, health care, economic development, we seek to remind the world that the issues pertinent to the survival of disadvantaged peoples are also an essential part of the long-term answer to
national and global viability.

We are calling all professors, students, activists, grassroots organizations, business owners, politicians, and concerned citizens to participate in this action oriented Summit of the following goals:

1. To examine the intersectionality of local and global communities of color, addressing issues such as:

a. The effect of the global financial crisis on the poorest countries, most of which are on the African Continent
b. The impact of globalization on urban economic opportunity
c. Urban youth violence, and the prison industrial complex
d. Urban blight and the lack of neighborhood capital and investment
e. The access of disadvantaged peoples to the proposed “green economy”

2. Raise consciousness to the public about the myriad ways that communities of color are exploited locally and globally

3. Take steps to resurrect the important bond that has ceased to exist between the national and international struggles of people of color

4. Compare the "best-in-class models" of grassroots initiatives and pathways out of poverty so that we may replicate and learn from these models

5. Continue to communicate and organize with this newly formed community and network of progressives to further our work in racial and social justice

6. Determine the role of the White House Office on Urban Policy in addressing the urban crisis while developing a list of policy recommendations for the administration.

To register and find out more information about The First Annual Peace, Justice, and Empowerment
Summit please visit www.CEAPittsburgh.blogspot.com, or contact us!


SAVE THIS DATE:
October 3 at 2 PM --The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is featuring the upcoming documentary on Nate Smith, "What Does Trouble Mean? Nate Smith's Revolution." This 56 minute feature documentary follows the journey of a black laborer and his unexpected evolution into a charismatic leader who forced integration of Pittsburgh's construction trade unions in the late 1960's and 1970's. It's a tremendous story, and was produced by the Robert Morris University Center for Documentary Production & Study.
This great documentary that will appeal to people of all ages! We want to get as many people to come as possible.

Nate Smith and his family will be attending the film

G-20 Schedule of Awesome Community Events

Hello World Family,
Welcome to Pittsburgh! The weather is beautiful, although some rain may move in over night for you family members camping out. Stay warm and dry.

Here is a list of some very important activities, and we need some PLACES TO STAY for our family guests. If your church has space in the basement, yards, etc. for those who are coming to celebrate their voice and vision, we need you. Details are below.

From my Brothers and Sisters in the Three Rivers Climate Convergence (I love that name):
UPDATE: JUST RELEASED!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2009
Contact: Kim Teplitzky, 267-307-4707, kim.pgh@gmail.com
NOTE: For questions about actions or to confirm information, please contact Kim Teplitzky as an official source for all 3RCC inquiries, additional spokespeople are listed below for climate/ environmental specific inquiries
3 RIVERS CLIMATE CONVERGENCE ACTIONS DEMAND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL CLIMATE AND ECONOMIC CRISES
Convergence at Schenley Park serves as base camp for a series of workshops, film screenings, actions and events in response to the International Coal Conference and G-20
The 3 Rivers Climate Convergence kicks off Monday at Schenley Park for a week of action, education and organizing demanding sustainable and local solutions to the climate and economic crises.
The Convergence, being held at the Schenley Park Overlook Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 10pm is a hub for people and organizations demanding environmental and climate justice, demanding solutions that empower rural, Indigenous, and economically disadvantaged communities to overcome the toxic pollution and land grabs of our dirty energy dependence.
“The Coal Conference and the G-20 are a series of closed door meetings designed to further the same destructive systems that caused our current economic and climate crises,” said Kim Teplitzky, a Coordinator with 3RCC. “We want an end to these failed polices and institutions and instead solutions that value the health and safety of the 6 billion people of the world, not just the wallets of the few profiting from polluting our land, air and water.”
The group is demanding a swift move beyond coal and other dirty energy sources, including nuclear power that pollute and destroy land and communities here in Pennsylvania and around the world. Instead, they are advocating for clean energy solutions that will create jobs by jump-starting local economies.
“Because of longwall mining, Southwestern Pennsylvania is essentially being treated as an energy sacrifice zone. We provide “cheap” coal to a nation hungry for energy, while bearing a disproportionate amount of the environmental, health and economic costs to our citizens and communities,” said Raina Rippel, Director of the Center for Coalfield Justice.
The Convergence will feature workshops, films, art and demonstrations of sustainable alternatives, including a solar power array, a screening of the new movie “Coal Country” with speakers from directly impacted communities in nearby Ohio and West Virginia and trainings on “The True Cost of Coal”. See the full Convergence schedule below for more details.
The biggest challenge the Convergence currently faces is the denial of city permits for overnight camping, even in the face of precedent set by other groups who have camped in the parks overnight. The denial has caused a housing crisis for the hundreds to thousands of people expected to arrive this week who will be forced to the streets without the safe alternative housing space the Convergence was planning to set up at the park.
3 Rivers Climate Convergence is a collaboration of local and national individuals and organizations. Our purpose is to organize the voice of climate and environmental justice resistance and a vision for sustainable alternatives to the International Coal Conference and G-20 meetings in Pittsburgh from September 21-25, 2009.
For more information: 3riversconvergence.org On twitter: pghclimatecamp

3 RIVERS CLIMATE CONVERGENCE
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sunday Sept. 20
2pm-5pm Coal Country Film Screening, with Elisa Young, SE Ohio activist featured in the film
UPitt 120 David L. Lawrence Hall

10am-4pm Artbuild at CMU fence, as part of the G20 Artspace – a student project

Monday Sept. 21 – Welcome to Coal Country
7am-11am Convergence Site Set-up (good b-roll, background story opportunity)

10am-5pm Workshops at the Convergence, including “Decolonizing Your Mind”, “Health and Safety for Activists” and “Non-violent Direct Action”

10am-6pm 3 Rivers Climate Convergence banner and “Skills for the New Millennium” permaculture bus and display of sustainable and alternative living practices, including live chickens
At the Women’s Coalition Tent City at Point State Park, free lunch served at 12noon

11am-5pm Longwall mining tours led by the Center for Coalfield Justice
Departing from the Overlook at 11:30

12:18pm Flashmob “Wake up Call”
Penn Ave/7th St. Food Court

1pm Action on the Northside – Details TBA on Monday morning, call Kim for more info

4pm Climate Roundtable at USW Building – 3RCC focus on ensuring the voice of climate justice is present in the discussion

7pm “Coal Country” screening at Melwood Screening Room, followed by a reception at the Sierra Club office at 425 N. Craig St.

9pm-11pm Equinox Ritual – “calling for the sequestration of greed and the liberation of abundance” at Convergence space, Schenley Overlook

Tuesday Sept. 22 – This is Climate Ground Zero: Day of Actions for a Coal Free Future
8am Action Downtown – Details TBA on Monday night/Tues am, call Kim for more info

9am-4pm Rolling anti-coal actions downtown

1pm Action Downtown – Details TBA on Tues morning, call Kim for more info

10am-6pm 3 Rivers Climate Convergence banner and presence at the Women’s Coalition Tent City at Point State Park, free lunch served at 12noon

Wednesday Sept. 23 – Beyond Green Jobs, Building Sustainable Economies
9am-5:30pm Workshops at the Convergence space and “Skills for the New Millennium” permaculture bus and display of sustainable and alternative living practices

4:30 Youth Convergence and Critical Mass bike ride and caravan to the Clean Energy Jobs Rally
Meet up at Schenley Plaza, across from the Cathedral

4:30 Climate Justice convergence – Getting Beyond Green Jobs, alt organizing for Clean Energy Jobs Rally
Meet up at Steel Plaza on Grant and Sixth

Thursday Sept. 24 – Our Climate is Not Your Business
9am-2pm Workshops at Convergence site

2pm Youth Press Conference – Global Youth Voices for Climate Change Solutions, featuring the founder of the Indian Youth Climate Network, Executive Director of Energy Action Coalition (U.S. and Canada), Avaaz.org, Sierra Student Coalition and Pittsburgh Sustainability Alliance
At the media hub in the August Wilson Center for African American Culture
980 Liberty Avenue

2:30pm “Our Climate is Not Your Business” Climate Justice Contingent of G20 Resistance Project march
Meet up 40th and Penn

Friday Sept. 25 – United Voices for Global Solutions
11am Climate Justice feeder contingent to the People’s March (lots of great visuals, art displays and a drumming group)
Meet up at CMU lawn at Forbes and Melwood


3 RIVERS CLIMATE CONVERGENCE SPOKESPEOPLE

Raina Rippel - 724-229-3550 - Longwall mining, impacts on SW PA Communities

Raina Rippel has over nine years of experience researching and working on energy and environmental public health issues. She was previously the Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Maine, and helped build coalitions around climate change and other progressive issues. During her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, she spent six months in Newcastle, Australia, where she witnessed daily lines of 35 or more coal ships on the horizon, living next door to one of the busiest coal ports in the world. As an avid supporter of climate change prevention and mitigation, she eagerly witnessed Australia's sign-on to the Kyoto protocol, and believes firmly that the local is the global, particularly when it comes to the devastating effects of coal as our number one energy source in America.
Dea Goblirsch – 914-960-2197 – Mountaintop removal, impacts on Appalachia, importance of non-violent direct action
Dea Goblirsch is an activist and writer based out of Rock Creek, West Va whose work with Climate Ground Zero has included doing off-site action media and co-writing the content for the website. She has written for Our Truths/Nuestras Verdades, Bitch Magazine, and most recently covered mountaintop removal coal mining for the Earth First! Journal. She studied at Oberlin College for two years, pursuing a major in environmental studies and spending a summer taking Spanish courses in Chile, before deciding to take a year off to seek her education in the real world. She is currently an organizer with the Three Rivers Climate Convergence and will be returning to West Virginia in October to work with Climate Ground Zero and Coal River Mountain Watch.

For the following, please contact Hallie Boas, on her mobiles 203 247 3756 or 415 336 6590

Anna Pinto - Climate Change, Gender Justice, Indigenous Rights
Anna Pinto is the Secretary and Programme Director of CORE (Centre for Organisation, Research and Education), an indigenous peoples' policy research and advocacy organization based in the North East of India. Anna has been an active member of the Indian Women's Movement for over two decades. She will speak about the intersection between climate change, gender issues and indigenous rights. Anna will tour the Northeast U.S. in September to help mobilize participation in actions and events that will take place in Pittsburgh during meetings of the G-20. While the leaders of the twenty richest countries meet about the financial crisis and the climate crisis, activists representing diverse movements will convene in Pittsburgh to expose the common root causes of the financial crisis and the climate crisis and link them to war as well as the other crises we face: including food, water and biodiversity.

Jihan Gearon - Impact on poor communities, connections to global finance to environmental Injustice
Jihan Gearon, is Diné (Navajo) and African American. She is Tódích'ií'nii (Bitter Water) clan, and her maternal grandfather is Tl'ashchí'í (Red Bottom People) clan. Jihan's family is from the community of Old Sawmill and she grew up on the eastern part of the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Jihan is the Native Energy Organizer at the Indigenous Environmental Network, a member of the Steering Committee of the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative and on the Coordinating Committee of the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. Jihan will be speaking about the impacts of climate change and fossil fuels on poor communities and communities of color in the United States; and about the intersection between the financial crisis and the climate crisis and connections with the struggle for environmental justice in the U.S. She will be speaking in the industrial Midwest on a tour beginning in Pittsburgh during the G-20 talks at the end of September and ending in Detroit one week later.

Anne Petermann
Anne Petermann is the Executive Director of Global Justice Ecology Project, and the Coordinator of the STOP GE Trees Campaign. She is also the North American Focal Point for the Global Forest Coalition. She has been involved in the international and national climate justice movements since 2004, when she co-founded the Durban Group for Climate Justice. In 2007 she co-founded Climate Justice Now! at the Bali UN Climate Conference. And in 2008 co-founded the North American Mobilization for Climate Justice. Anne speaks around the world against socially and environmentally destructive "false solutions" to climate change, specifically focusing on the destructive social, ecological and climatological impacts of genetically engineered trees, and second generation biofuels made from wood. She has presented around the world on the subjects of climate justice, GE trees and second generation agrofuels at capacity-building trainings for indigenous peoples, and at conferences including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Forum on Forests and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She is the author of a report on genetically engineered trees, published in 2001, and is also a co-author of a major report on the impacts of agrofuels on forests and forest dependent peoples, published in 2008.

Lidy Nacpil
Lidy is currently Regional Coordinator of Jubilee South Asia/Pacific Movement on Debt and Development (JS APMMD). She served as International Coordinator of Jubilee South for 9 years, from 1999 until recently. She is also Vice President of the Freedom from Debt Coalition of the Philippines, Member of the Board of Director of the Development Group for Alternative Policies, and with the South Council for 50 Years is Enough. She started her activism in 1980 campaigning against the Marcos dictatorship, and contributing to the development of the women's movement. Her husband was killed by the military in 1987, leaving Lidy alone with her young daughter; In 1993, she began her anti-debt and economic justice work and is now considered one of the leading resource persons on the subject.
###

--
Kim Teplitzky
Coal Campaign Coordinator
Sierra Student Coalition
412.802.0811 - office
267.307.4707 - cell
Skype: kim.teplitzky
Twitter: kim_t

As the Int’l Coal Conference and the G-20 descend on Pittsburgh,
people from around the globe will converge to show
that another, sustainable world is possible. We will resist the
corporate lobbyists and political leaders who profit from the
pollution of our land and demand solutions that empower and
strengthen our communities.
We are United For Environmental Justice

Featured events include:
climate action camp•
sustainable living fair
renewable energy demos
workshops•food•music
films•direct action

Workshops, Trainings, Art, Movies and More Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday check out www.3riversconvergence.org
for the full schedule

Sunday:
•Coal Country Film Screening on Mountain Top Removal in Appalachia 2pm
120 David Lawrence Hall (3942 Forbes Ave), University of Pittsburgh
(www.coalcountrythemovie.com)
Monday: Welcome to Coal Country- End Long wall Mining in
Western PA.
•Citizens Coal Council Bus tour of Coal Mining effects on Greenfield County
Departing from XXX at 11am
•Wakeup Call Flash Mob @penn/7th corner food court (set your cell phone
alarm) 12:18pm http://tinyurl.com/pgh1218
•Flash Dash Against Coal For meet up 12:30 at North Side of PNC Park
•Put The Alliance For Climate Protection On The Hot Seat- ACP/USW
Climate Roundtable at Steelworkers headquarters 4pm 5 Gateway Center-
Show up with climate justice questions.
•Coal Country Film Screening on Mountain Top Removal in Appalachia 7pm
Melwood Screening Room 477 Melwood Ave
(www.coalcountrythemovie.com)
•The Age of Stupid (film) World Premier- 7:30pm Pittsburgh West Showcase
Cinemas 301 Park Manor Dr

Tuesday:

This is Climate Ground Zero: Day of Protest
against the coal industry in Pittsburgh
•8am meetup at the park at Grant and 1st street in Downtown.
•Noon meetup at Steel Plaza, Grant and 6th Street

Wednesday:

•Alliance for Climate Protection and United Steel Workers Rally For Clean
Energy Jobs with Joan Jett, Kathy Mattea- Doors at 6pm Point State Park
•Youth Convergence/Meetup and Critical Mass/Caravan to PSP- 4:30pm
Schenley Park Plaza
•Climate Justice Meetup for concert- Getting Beyond Green Jobs- 4:30pm
Steel Plaza, Grant and 6th Street.

Thursday:•

Our Climate is not Your Business! Climate Justice Contingent of the G20
Resistance Project march 2:30pm 40th St and Penn Ave. (Unpermitted)

Friday:•

Climate Justice Feeder March for the Peoples’ March to the G-20 leaving
from Carnegie Mellon University Lawn 11am
For a full schedule of all G20 events and updates check out:
www.g20media.org

THE PEOPLE'S SUMMIT
http://www.peoplessummit.com/page/full-schedule

The primary sponsors of the Peoples’ Summit are a partnership of educators and advocacy groups concerned with peace and social justice. They include:

Global Solutions Pittsburgh
State Senator Jim Ferlo (PA 38th District)
Three Rivers Community Foundation
The Thomas Merton Center
United Steel Workers
National Organization of Legal Services Workers (UAW Local 2310)
Project to End Human Trafficking



REMP Upcoming Events:
September 25, 2009: B-PEP Moment: 25 Years Anniversary Awards Dinner Rev. J.A. Williams Evening of Recognition at the Churchill Country Club, 800 Beulah Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Join us as we honor Tim Stevens with our highest recognition award for 20 years of continuous service to the church and community and Celeste Taylor for her commitment as a civil rights activist and Dr. Marilyn Barnett for her contributions in the field of education. Come out and enjoy the excitement Tickets: $40.00
Call 412-330-4622 with any questions.

Don't forget to get your tickets to join us in Point State Park for our Rally for Clean Energy Jobs
Doors open at 6pm. Join The Sierra Club, Blue/Green Alliance and other organizations and unions for this event. There will be fun as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform! Get your green on, and come let the world's leaders know what you want. After all, they do work for us...at least they are supposed to;)

Everyone be cool out there, and respect each other. We all have a job to do; let's honor each other with the spirit of understanding, even if we are on polor opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to opinions and policies. Remember, there really is no US and THEM; there is only WE.

Stay strong and safe.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Pittsburgh: From the Secret Service

Press Release
September 8, 2009
Contact: (202) 406-5708
GPA 10-09
SECURITY INFORMATION FOR THE PITTSBURGH SUMMIT ANNOUNCED

First phase includes plans for perimeter near David L. Lawrence Convention Center
(Washington, D.C.) – The United States Secret Service in cooperation with its local, state and federal security, public safety and military partners, is developing the overall security plan for the Pittsburgh Summit. The summit will take place Thursday and Friday,
September 24 and 25, 2009.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the Pittsburgh Summit as a
National Special Security Event (NSSE). When an event is designated an NSSE, the
Secret Service assumes its role as the lead federal agency for the design and
implementation of the operational security plan. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as a number of other federal, state and local agencies, will play a critical operational role in securing the summit and resources will be deployed to maintain the necessary level of security. These same agencies have been involved in developing the overall security and transportation plans for the summit.
The first phase of closures announced today affect the area near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. In addition to these temporary restrictions, the City of Pittsburgh
will be announcing a more comprehensive transportation plan in the coming days.
Additional announcements are expected in mid-September regarding temporary closures
near the Phipps Conservatory and other possible event sites.
The following security and transportation measures will be in place for the Pittsburgh Summit in and around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center:

Secure Restricted Zone: A map detailing the secure restricted zone is attached.
Beginning at 8 p.m. on September 23, 2009, through 8 p.m. on September 25,
2009, the secure restricted zone will be put in place in downtown near the David
L. Lawrence Convention Center. Information on the security zones will also be
available online on the City of Pittsburgh’s new website at www.g20safety.org.

www.secretservice.gov

Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety is developing a comprehensive
downtown-area transportation plan which will be put into effect September 24 -
25. The city expects to release this comprehensive plan the week of September
14, with the primary goal of keeping Pittsburgh safe while still ensuring that
downtown residents, businesses and guests are accommodated to the largest
extent possible. When announced, the transportation plan, along with maps and
other safety information, will be posted on the city’s official summit information
website, www.g20safety.org. Currently, individuals may sign-up via the website
to receive emergency e-mail and text alerts, as well as up-to-date information

Checkpoints: There will be checkpoints to facilitate pedestrian access for
members of the public to businesses and residences on Penn Avenue and 10th
Street. Credentials are not required to enter the pedestrian access area.
Individuals entering these areas within the secure restricted zone will be screened
using magnetometers prior to entering the area. Checkpoints will be located at:
o 9th Street and Penn Avenue
o 10th Street and Liberty Avenue

Prohibited Items: As a security precaution the following items will be
prohibited from the pedestrian access areas within the secure restricted zone:
firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons of any kind and any other items
determined to be a potential safety hazard. Surrendered items will not be returned
or available for pick-up.

Airspace Security: An interagency airspace security plan will be implemented
to provide secure airspace over the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. A Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory listing enhanced restrictions was
released on August 24, 2009 (amended August 31) and can be accessed online at
www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=59419. Pilot inquiries should be directed to
the Special Operations Support Center, available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT at 202-
267-8276.
It is anticipated that several Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) will be issued in
support of the temporary flight restrictions for this event. All aircraft operators
should check NOTAMs frequently throughout this event for possible changes and
to ensure they are aware of the latest procedures.

Water Security: There will be an enhanced security presence on the waterways
around Pittsburgh. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port will establish a
waterside security zone starting at 6 a.m., September 24, which will be in effect
through 10 p.m., September 25.

www.secretservice.gov

Navigation will be restricted in the entire width of the rivers from the West End
Bridge (mile marker 0.5) on the Ohio River to the South Shore Marina (mile
marker 1.8) on the Allegheny River to the 10th Street Bridge (mile marker 1.5) on
the Monongahela River. Persons and vessels shall not enter into, depart from, or
move within this security zone unless specifically authorized by the U.S. Coast
Guard Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated representative.
Coast Guard related inquiries should be directed to Lt. Sue Kerver at (504) 671-
2020, with specific inquiries concerning the security zone directed to Lt. j.g.
Douglas Kang at (412) 644-5808 ext 2108. For emergencies, the U.S. Coast
Guard can also be hailed via VHF-FM Channel 16.

###
EDITOR’S NOTE: For questions concerning this release, please contact the United
States Secret Service Office of Government and Public Affairs at 202-406-5708.
Questions regarding media credentials and other event-specific questions should be
directed to the White House and/or State Department.

ALL G-20 PERMITS HAVE BEEN APPROVED!

Hello World Family,
BREAKING NEWS! As of noon today, all G-20 public permits have been approved! All parks will be used that were applied for, and the march is also approved! HUGE VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY!!!

This is why America can be cool! When we all work together, use our voices, use some logic, and keep our hearts and minds open, we can find an accord. Yes, there will be conditions...

Point State Park is only available 9am-11pm-no overnight camping. We still don't know where the march on Friday will end in downtown; that is still going to be figured out, but it will happen with approval!

Other issues like who is paying for all this and additional police begin approved to come in rom other cities was also on the docket today, all the figures seem to be all coming together.

More news is pending, and things will be in flux for awhile, but we here at Falcon and Dove just had to share the good news!!!

Everyone, be proud of your hard work!!! It was excellent! I am so proud of all my Brothers and Sisters who worked so hard on this. I am proud of our officials who worked diligently and consistently in front of, and behind the scenes to make this a reality.

World-you are gregariously welcomed to Pittsburgh to share ideas, protest, and engage in democracy during the G-20. You are invited to not be disruptive nor distructive. This is our house, and we want you be comfortable, but we don't want you doing anything that will bring harm to us or our children. Be kind, engage, enlighten, but do not disrespect our hospitality.

There will be many, many local eyes and ears and hearts in this sacred place: honor it with your presence, your love, your insight, and your wisdom.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

City of Champions Becomes a G-20 Police State? Oh, No We Can't

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here, reporting directly after returning from a meeting of coalition forces of labor groups, spiritual groups, environmental groups, veterans groups, and more to say that even though no permits have been approved for the public for the G-20 period in Pittsburgh Sept. 24-25, 2009, our voices will be heard! This is our house, and we will be heard.

Here's the thing: It's our right. It's our constitutional right. Americans have watched their rights widdled away by government during the past decade, and this is another example of a good idea gone bad. Want to protect the public? Allow them to participate in the Democratic process that is our right as Americans. Here's what I mean...

Turning Point State Park into a staging area for law enforcement is, in a word: dumb. There's a reason my ancestors didn't base themselves in what is today the Golden Triangle: you're a sitting duck down there. This is the space that law enforcement will plan and stage? The point furthest from everything else in downtown Pittsburgh, including the Convention Center? Seriously? Well, a malcontent wouldn't have to be in downtown to do damage; they could pick you off from the West End!

This is not good; let the people have the park...every park; staging should be done in strategic places all over downtown, and preferably, underground. Yeah, I know soft targets in the park? Better locals with local knowledge a double the sets of eyes in Pittsburgh on every bridge, buffer, underpass, tunnel, overpass and hillside than some out of town law enforcement who are going to have a crash course in familiarizing themselves with the streets, topography and terrain in a month's time. Yes, I said that. If permits were issued to the organizations who applied, there would be 100,000 pairs of eyes with local knowledge, working with law enforcement 'cause this is OUR HOUSE! This is OUR HOME! You think we are going to let some troublemakers mess up our town? Oh, no we won't!

If the approach is to treat this like a natural disaster, I have a suggestion: bring in the aid BEFORE the storm hits! Your aid is your people; the people.

This is not just a political issue; it is a moral one. This is a sacred place; the confluence of The Three Rivers is a sacred force of power and prayer. That spot belongs to the people. ALL THE PEOPLE.

This is the City of Champions. WE are champions because we invite all peaceful people into our borders as family and friends. We are all Brothers and Sisters. Isn't that what Falcon and Dove have said since we started this blog?! We honor our differences and the opportunity to share our perspectives. We are not going to allow those with distracted tendencies to undermine our messages of peace, tolerance, and our constitutional right to do what we will do. We will also not allow our city, our home, our front yard to become District 9. We will walk, talk, and act. That is how democracies work, and that is how it will work in Pittsburgh during the G-20. WE will see to it.

We are all shareholders: veterans, politicians, clergy, environmentalists, union members, bloggers, firefighters, police, EMS, and teachers. We all have an investment in this event, and we all have something to gain...and to lose. There will be drama to be sure, but if we focus all our collective efforts, this will be an extraordinary opportunity to share. Why the elitism? Why the separation? What are we really afraid of? NOTHING! WE THE PEOPLE are not afraid.

We are taking a stand for our children and our grandchildren. We are honoring our ancestors with our hands, our voice, and our walk.

As Peter Gabriel once said in a song about a strong freedom fighter, Steven Biko, "The eyes of the world are watching now".

So are our children.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove