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Defending the Beach BonfireIntroductionPolice Quash Summer 06 Bonfire Letter to Park Service Letters of Support Winter 06 Bonfire Wrap-Up Summer 07 Bonfire Ritual Click graphic at right for a diagram of our bonfire plans
Solstice Beach Bonfire Ritual - Thursday June 21, 2007
Reclaiming Practices Nonviolent Response to Bonfire ThreatSolstice Bonfire at held at traditional San Francisco siteJune 23 - Here's a follow-up on the Summer Solstice 2007 bonfire at San Francisco's Ocean Beach. On the legal front, the Solstice Ritual was uneventful. About 200 people attended, and we did a walk-through of our "bonfire defense plans". For details, click graphic-link at top of page. We were never visited by any authorities. A couple of helicopters flew overhead at one point, and everyone waved and cheered. The helicopters were seen again later, way up by the Cliff House. I doubt they had anything to do with us. At one point we saw suspicious figures on the dunes, watching us -- but someone said they'd seen people leaving our ritual and climb the dunes, so we figured it was friendly folks. About 11pm, the 25 or so left decided to declare victory. We blessed the fire, and Ross and Phoenix shlepped buckets of water to douse it. As we left, a small group of carollers was seated along the dunes singing "Lugh the Sun King." I never knew who it was, but it was very pretty. I thought the bonfire defense went really well, we now have maybe 300 folks who've done a walk-through. My secret hope is, next time there's direct action around the war, etc, Reclaiming can take our bonfire model to another site. I'm hoping our walk-throughs are demystifying these sorts of actions, and showing folks that there are multiple roles, not just lock-down blockaders. Thanks to everyone who took part. Unless the park service suddenly gets religion and recognizes our bonfire rights, we'll probably want to do another walk-through at Winter Solstice. So if you haven't taken part yet, you'll get another chance. Solstice Beach Bonfire Ritual - Thursday June 21
Reclaiming Plans Nonviolent Response to Bonfire ThreatRitual planners schedule Solstice Bonfire at traditional siteAfter the 2006 Summer Solstice bonfire was extinguished by Park Service police, local Reclaiming folks met to organize anonviolent response for future rituals. Plans have included a variety of responses, ranging from a letter-writing campaign to a nonviolent circling of the bonfire. Planners have appealed to the Park Service (GGNRA) to abstain from interfereing with our Solstice rituals. As of June 1, 2007, we have no commitment from them. San Francisco Reclaiming plans to hold its Summer Solstice bonfire on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at our traditional location on Ocean Beach near Taraval Street, despite an attempt by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to ban bonfires on most of the beach. In the event that authorities attempt to prevent or extinguish the bonfire, we have planned a multi-faceted, nonviolent response, which we practiced at Winter 2006 Solstice and plan to repeat each Solstice as necessary. Our plans take into account the wide variety of needs and commitments. Some people (known as "rocks") will surround the bonfire. Others (called "trees" and "mists") will be singing, dancing, and holding energy for the entire space. Click here for a diagram of our bonfire plans We will walk through our plan prior to the ritual. Each person can choose to be a Tree, Rock, or Mist. Planners will also organize several folks to be Winds (who speak to authorities if need arises) and Sheepdogs (graces who facilitate movement, songs, etc). On a signal, the Trees will move toward dunes and form a forest. Trees chant, sing, and help keep a positive energy flowing through the whole space. Trees have access to easy exit if necessary. Rocks will link arms around the firepit. Rocks run a small risk of arrest. Mists float around the periphery, dancing, chanting, and keeping energy moving. Mists also run a small risk of arrest. In preparation for this part of the ritual, please bring songs, drums and other instruments. Costumes and colorful cloth are also welcome. If you have questions, contact SFRPC@yahoogroups.com. Click graphic below for a diagram of our bonfire plans
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