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Sam Popowsky EBA Atheist of the Year
At our Solstice Dinner in December Sam Popowsky was awarded the EBA Atheist of the Year Award for 2006. Sam has consistently been there to represent us at our booths at street fairs. He has also regularly made contributions to our discussions at the meetings, not one of which he has missed since he became a part of our group several years ago. His insight and energy is much appreciated.
West Coast Regional Atheist Meeting A Huge Success! The first West Coast RAM took place in Fostor City on June 24, 2006. We had planned on 100 people showing up, and were concerned that we might not get that many. Instead we had 141 people, and the meeting was delayed while we negotiated with management of the Hotel on how we could accommodate so many people. In the end no one was turned away, although some had to stand. Attendees were treated to nationally-known speakers with stimulating presentations.
American Atheists California Director Presents Annual Awards, December 2005
Dave Kong, California State Director for American Atheists, presented the 2005 awards at the San Francisco Atheists meeting on December 17. Sacramento Atheists and Other Freethinkers received a group award for their annual Special Event, Freethought Day. Michael Doss received a Pioneer Atheist award for founding Orange County Atheists. David Fitzgerald, of San Francisco Atheists, received a Special Event award for his leadership role in the All-Atheist Weekend. Finally, Larry Hicok, the Coordinator of East Bay Atheists, received a Dedication Award for his work to promote American Atheists and Atheist activism in the Bay Area.
Newdow Wins Another Pledge Suit
A federal judge ruled last week that the recitation of the religionized Pledge of Allegiance in public schools violated the U.S. Constitution, and said that he was prepared to issue injunctions to three California school districts in order to halt the daily recitation of the pledge. It was the latest round in a series of cases filed by California Atheist and physician Michael Newdow that have been winding through the court system. (Click here for the full story.)
Mike Newdow Again Challenges "Under God" in the Pledge, January 3, 2005
Mike Newdow has filed another lawsuit against the inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge in public schools. This time he is joined by eight other custodial parents and their children, eliminating the excuse the Supreme Court used the last time, that he did not possess custodial rights. His suit was filed at the Ninth Circuit Court in San Francisco, where he won his earlier suit against the Pledge. He also filed a federal suit a week earlier challenging the use of chaplains at presidential inaugurations. Unfortunately the Pledge complaint states that "plaintiff Michael Newdow is a minister, having been ordained more than twenty-five years ago." Newdow feels that for atheists to have the protections of the First Amendment, they must be a religion. This is contrary to the position of American Atheists and the Atheist Law Center, which insist on the complete separation of religion and government. Still Mike should be supported for his courageous fight against government support of religion in this country.
California Director of American Atheists Presents Yearly Achievement Awards, December, 19, 2004
Dave Kong, California State Director of American Atheists presented 5 awards to California atheists who distinguished themselves in 2004. EBA leaders were privileged to receive two of them. Especially noteworthy is the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Tom Maley, as this award is not often made. Mark Thomas - Voice of Reason 2004 In recognition of his growth as an activist and spokesperson for the Atheist movement, including leading Atheists of Silicon Valley, organizing demonstrations, and significant media appearances. Roger Schlueter - Affiliated Group Volunteer 2004, Humanist Society of Santa Barbara Phil Paulson - Atheist of the Year 2004 Tom Maley - Lifetime Achievement Award 2004 Larry Hicok - Pioneer Atheist 2004 (The actual idea for the rally came from John Miller of Florida, but I promoted it enthusiastically. Larry)
Restore the Pledge Rally in San Francisco, March 24, 2004
On March 24, 2004, the day Dr. Michael Newdow presented his "Under God" case to the US Supreme Court, San Francisco Atheists hosted a rally for the All-American Pledge on the steps of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. East Bay Atheists was active in both the organizing for this rally, and participation in the rally. Larry Hicok gave a speech representing EBA. This page, from our sister organization, San Francisco Atheists, is an excellent collection of both speeches and photos from the event. | ||||
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