Upcoming events in Gainesville FL Feburary 1999

Upcoming ...
February 1999

Impressions of Cuba on the 40th anniversary of the revolution. On Wednesday, February 24, Dan Harmeling, teacher and community activist, Stefan Harmeling, University of Florida Medical student, and Kathie Sarachild, feminist author and organizer, all first-time travelers to Cuba, will report on their trip. Their trip was arranged by Global Exchange, a group which has been organizing visits to Cuba for diverse Americans as a challenge to the U.S. government's ban on most travel to and trade with the U.S.'s socialist neighbor. The program will start at 8 pm at the Civic Media Center, 1021 W. University Ave.. (373-0010). For more information on Global Exchange, contact them at (415) 255-7296 or Global Exchange, 2017 Mission St., Suite 303, San Francisco, CA 94110.

A Living Wage Strategic Planning Workshop will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10-2 p.m. at the Carpenters Hall, 1910 NW 53rd Ave. Bruce Nissen of the Miami-Dade Living Wage Coalition and the Center for Labor Research and Studies, Florida International University will speak. Bruce Nissen has written extensively on Living Wage initiatives throughout the country. Bring a dish for a potluck lunch. The event is sponsored by the Living Wages Coalition. For more information, call Emily at 376-7479.

The Schwartzkopf Two--two of six protesters who were arrested for chanting "Schwartzkopf Lies, Gulf Vets Die" when the general received an honorary degree from UF, will be tried on February 24 at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 2B at the County Courthouse. The trial was originally to be in January but it was moved forward because the prosecutor wasn't ready. The prosecutor and the judge made a deal whereby the Two, Ernesto Longa and Howard Rosenfeld, will not receive a jury trial. In exchange, the judge cannot convict them, he can only acquit them or withhold adjudication, "A victory of sorts," Longa commented wryly.

Firefighfers union members conduct an informational picket in front of City Hall on February 1. The union, was appealing to City Commissioners to keep their contract the way it is. Management had tried to impose open-ended internal investigations and restrictions on when the workers could take their leave. Money was a minor issue in the dispute. Cindy Divan (I), a lieutenant in the Fire Department, said "A lot of the things they're trying to take away were negotiated over the years. We gave up raises to get that stuff." Negotiations continue with the City Commission at press time. One picketer held a sign, "We protect you, who protects us?"