Citizens organize against surveillance in Morongo Basin
“It’s so nice to see many of our local citizens take the time to show up here today. I hope things we learn here together remind you why we are called “private citizens” and why our elected representatives are called “public servants.” The spotlight was never supposed to be on us, but full transparency of our government’s actions are absolutely crucial to a functional democracy.”
That opening statement was read by Dana Balicki, one of the organizers of the Anti-Surveillance Workshop held Saturday afternoon at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Deflock Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms hosted the event, two grassroots groups dedicated to educating and organizing against surveillance efforts in the hi-desert. These include Automated License Plate Readers, also referred to as Flock cameras, which are posted throughout major intersections in Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley. The solar-powered devices capture photographs of the rear of passing vehicles, highlighting identifying information including license plate numbers, cars’ make, model, color, bumper stickers, any notable dents, and rust. This information is stored in a database accessible by the system owner or law enforcement.
Approximately 40 Morongo Basin residents attended the workshop throughout its 3-hour duration. Food, soda water, and note-taking supplies were provided; after some housekeeping, the organizers presented an overview of Flock surveillance in the Morongo Basin. The format was collaborative and accommodating; attendees regularly contributed their thoughts and experiences throughout the presentation, and organizers, including Caileen Brandt and Paula Durrant, also answered individual questions about Flock cameras.
Elliot Balsley, an organizer from Deflock Twentynine Palms, listed actions that local groups have taken so far.
“We’ve been making lots of public comments in every council meeting. We published a website, deflock29.org, that has a whole bunch of facts and Q&A to help rebut some of the common arguments. We circulated a petition on change.org that has over 1,000 signatures, and then this Yucca Valley crew made their own separate petition that has almost 1,000 signatures as well. We presented to the 29 Palms Rediscover Business Association and are continuing to write letters to Dawn Rowe, Jay Obernolte, and the City Council. There are two bills right now on the Federal level, one in the House and one in the Senate, that would severely limit mass surveillance.”
Following the presentation, attendees rotated through three breakout groups that focused on Freedom of Information Act Requests, contacting local representatives, and other communities where citizens have successfully petitioned to remove Flock systems. Organizers mentioned concepts for future events with Deflock Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, as well as the schedule for upcoming Town and City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings. Even when Flock is not on the agenda, attendees can voice opinions during public comment.
The event concluded with a reflective moment; each attendee was asked to describe their feelings about the workshop and movement in one word. As we went around the room, several words made multiple appearances: “inspired,” “hopeful,” and “community.”
