WAVE 07-05-16

1

Portland elementary the road at the intersection of
school principal charged Broadway and Westbrook
Street around 8 p.m. on June
with OUI 6. The car had run out of gas.

June 20, 2016 According to police, officers
CBS 13 detected an odor of alcohol
when speaking with Kennis-
PORTLAND (WGME) - A Port- ton.
land elementary school prin-
cipal has been charged with She was taken to the Cumber-
one count of operating under land County Jail and released
the influence. on bail.

South Portland police confirm Interim Portland School Su-
that they arrested 55-year-old perintendent Jeanne Crocker
Dawn Kenniston of Scarbor- said she had no comment be-
ough. Kenniston is the princi- cause this was a personnel
pal at Hall School in Portland. issue.

Police say they found a vehi-
cle stopped in the middle of

Deputies release SRO's that a student had been shot and 2
account of Southside the principal had walked with the
High School shooting student back to his office. Braylin D'Andre Scott, 17, was
charged with unlawful carrying
June 23, 2016 The deputy said he began yelling of a pistol, disturbing schools,
CBS 5 News for students to get back inside and carrying a weapon on
the school and went inside while school property. Investigators
GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) two other school employees said Scott did not fire the gun.
- The Greenville County Sheriff's began rounding up students.
Office has released the incident The injured student was also
report from an accidental shoot- In the principal’s office, the charged with the same offenses
ing on Southside High School's deputy saw the victim sitting in a but was not identified due to his
campus in May. chair with blood coming from a age.
hole in his chest, according to
On May 13, officials said a teen the report. When the deputy On May 27, deputies announced
at the school suffered a gunshot asked what happened, he said two additional arrests.
wound when a firearm dis- the teen told him that someone
charged inside a backpack. FOX shot him. A 16-year-old was charged with
Carolina requested the incident unlawful carry of a firearm on
report under the Freedom of In- The principal was already on the school property. Another 16-
formation Act to learn more phone with 911 and the deputy year-old was also charged with
about what happened following then called his sergeant and ad- sell/delivery of a firearm to a per-
the shooting. vised that the school was going son under age. Their names
on lockdown and requested have not been released.
According to the report, the backup because a student had
school resource officer stated been shot and there may be a
that he had just entered his of- possible active shooter situa-
fice, which is located beside the tion.
lunch room, when a student ran
in and stated the deputy was He then reportedly ran to the
needed right away in the neigh- front office and advised school
boring room. officials to lock down the school.

As soon as he entered the lunch Some students and teachers
room, the deputy said he saw were still outside and he then ad-
kids running toward the front vised them that no one was to
door while others shouted “he’s enter or leave the school.
been shot” and “he’s dead."
The juvenile victim was rushed
The deputy then followed a line to the hospital, officials said. Ad-
of students outside where an- ditional manpower then arrived
other school official advised him and the investigation was
launched.

Police uncover drug He pointed to a clear bag on the table 3
trafficking operation in front of him, filled with about 5,000
involving C.P. High Xanax tablets recovered during the in- Three juveniles have also been ar-
vestigation. It's believed high school rested in connection with the sale of
June 25, 2016 students bought Xanax pills for any- narcotics in and around the high school,
NWI.com where between $10 to $20 each, he he said. More arrests are expected.
said.
CROWN POINT — Calling the arrest of Crown Point Police Chief Peter Land
a 20-year-old accused of dealing pills to Velvok in February was charged with said Wednesday his officers periodically
area high school students “the tip of the dealing in narcotic drugs, a class 2 conduct K-9 sweeps of Crown Point
iceberg,” Lake County Sheriff John felony. He was later charged in May for High School in cooperation with the ad-
Buncich announced Wednesday the dealing in a controlled substance, a ministration, he said.
uncovering of a massive drug trafficking class four felony.
operation centered around Crown Point “But I could have never envisioned this
High School. Since Velkov’s arrest, the Lake County massive [trafficking operation] taking
Sheriff’s Drug Task Force has uncov- place,” Land said.
Petar Velkov, of Crown Point, was ar- ered additional evidence and suspects. Since January, the sheriff's drug task
rested Feb. 27 for his alleged involve- force has tallied more than 230 arrests
ment in the drug trafficking operation. “It’s frightening that this is going on in and charges, recovered 21 firearms re-
our schools … that this individual and lating to drug and gang activity, and
Velkov was believed to be working with his cohorts, who are still under investi- seized drugs estimated to be worth
a network of others, both juveniles and gation, had such a volume of business. more than $457,000.
adults, to supply marijuana, narcotics It’s thousands and thousands of dol-
and other pills to area students, and on lars,” Buncich said.
university campuses statewide and in
the Region. The investigation so far has led to the
seizure of more than $65,000 in drugs
Peter Velkov and cash. Police seized more than five
pounds of marijuana, 300 grams of
THC oil, about 5,000 Xanax pills, 100
other pills, and more than $20,000 in
U.S. currency associated with the
crimes.

Velkov allegedly bought the drugs by
mail order. Drugs were shipped to Indi-
ana from as far as Georgia, California
and Washington, Buncich said.

“It has mushroomed to the point where The 20-year-old is also accused of tak-
it’s somewhat unbelievable the amount ing part in drug peddling to students at
of drugs that were sold,” Buncich said Indiana University-Purdue University In-
during a news conference Wednesday. dianapolis, Purdue University Lafayette,
and Indiana University in Bloomington.

“This is not just a kid buying a joint or
something,” Buncich said. “The time
has come for an intense investigation.”

4

5

MOSQUITO-Borne Diseases

During the summer months, the New
Jersey Department of Health urges res-
idents to take precautions to protect
against mosquito-borne diseases, and
avoid excessive sunlight and heat.

Mosquitoes carry several types of infec-
tious diseases including Zika, West
Nile, Dengue, and Chikunguya. The
Zika Virus has received substantial
media attention in recent months.

According to the US Centers for Dis- with an infected man can become in- viruses spread by the same type of
ease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80 fected with Zika. mosquitoes. See your healthcare
percent of people infected with Zika do provider if you develop the symptoms
not experience any symptoms, while How do people get Zika? described above and have visited an
the remaining 20 percent usually have People most often get Zika through the area where Zika is present. If you are at
mild symptoms over several days. bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This risk, your healthcare provider may order
is the same mosquito that spreads blood tests to look for Zika or other sim-
While the Zika Virus is likely not life dengue and chikungunya. People can ilar viruses.
threatening for healthy adults, it may also get Zika by having unprotected sex
cause serious birth defects such as mi- with an infected man. What is the difference between Zika,
crocephaly. The New Jersey Depart- dengue and chikungunya?
ment of Health has a number of What are the symptoms of Zika? All of these viruses cause similar symp-
resources to help prepare for increased About one in five people develop symp- toms, but certain symptoms suggest
mosquito activity and prevent mosquito- toms and infection is usually mild. The one disease or another. Most Zika pa-
borne diseases. most common symptoms are fever, tients have skin rashes; Most dengue
rash, joint pain or red eyes. Other com- patients have a higher fever and more
Frequently Asked Questions mon symptoms include muscle pain severe muscle pain; Most chikungunya
and headache. Symptoms usually patients have a higher fever and more
What is Zika virus (Zika)? begin two to seven days after being bit- intense joint pain in the hands,
Zika is a viral infection that is usually ten by an infected mosquito and last feet, knees, and back
spread by the bite of an infected mos- several days to a week. Hospitalization
quito. It can sometimes be spread by and deaths from Zika are unusual, but ZIKA Virus
having sex with an infected man. Out- a nerve disorder, Guillain-Barré Syn-
breaks typically occur in tropical Africa drome, can rarely follow an infection.
and southeast Asia. In May 2015, Brazil The biggest concern is related to birth
reported the first outbreak of Zika in the defects that have been seen when
Americas. Zika is now present in many pregnant women become infected.
tropical areas. It has not yet been
spread in the continental United States. How is Zika diagnosed?
The symptoms of Zika are similar to
Who gets Zika? those of dengue and chikungunya,
Anyone who gets bitten by an infected which are diseases caused by other
mosquito, or who has unprotected sex

6

What is the treatment for Zika? How can Zika be prevented by avoid- fore a planned trip.
There is no specific treatment for Zika. ing mosquito bites?
Symptoms are treated by getting rest, No vaccine or preventive drug is avail- What is the risk of Zika in preg-
drinking fluids to prevent dehydration able at this time. The best way to pre- nancy?
and taking medicines such as aceta- vent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites Mounting evidence supports a link be-
minophen or paracetamol to relieve when traveling to an area where Zika is tween Zika and microcephaly, a birth
fever and pain. Aspirin and other non- present. defect that is a sign of incomplete brain
steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs development, and possibly other prob-
(NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, 1. Use an EPA-registered insect repel- lems such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
should be avoided until dengue can be lent. Many insect repellents are safe for The rate of these complications is not
ruled out to reduce the risk of increased pregnant women and children to use, known but is being studied further. It is
bleeding. but be sure to check the product label unknown how to prevent these possible
for any warnings and follow the instruc- pregnancy complications, but unin-
Can people with Zika pass the illness tions closely. tended pregnancies can be prevented.
to others?
Zika needs a vector (a means of trans- 2. When indoors, use air conditioning, How can sexual transmission of Zika
portation) to infect people; generally, window screens or insecticide-treated be prevented?
that vector is the mosquito. However, mosquito netting to keep mosquitoes CDC recommends that men with a
Zika virus has been found in semen and out of the home. pregnant partner should use condoms
person-to-person sexual transmission every time they have sex or not have
has been documented. Travelers to an 3. Reduce the number of mosquitoes sex for the duration of the pregnancy.
area with Zika should continue to take outside the home or hotel room by emp- To be effective, condoms must be used
steps to prevent mosquito bites for tying or routinely changing standing correctly from start to finish, every time
three weeks after they leave the Zika- water from containers such as flower- during sex. This includes vaginal, anal
affected area to avoid spreading the pots, pet dishes and bird baths. or oral (moutht-to-penis) sex
virus, even if they do not feel sick. Only
one in five infected people develop 4. Weather permitting, wear long 1. Couples with men who have con-
symptoms. Zika virus can be found in sleeves and pants when outdoors. firmed Zika or symptoms of Zika should
the blood of an infected traveler and consider using condoms or not having
passed to another mosquito through For information on how best to be pro- sex for at least six months after symp-
mosquito bites. An infected mosquito tected against all diseases related to toms begin. This includes men who live
can then spread the virus to other peo- travel, visiting a clinician with expertise in or traveled to areas with Zika.
ple. in travel medicine is recommended be-

3. Couples with men who traveled to an
area with Zika but did not develop
symptoms of Zika should consider
using condoms or not having sex for at
least eight weeks after their return in
order to minimize risk.

Couples who do not want to get preg-
nant should use the most effective con-
traceptive methods that they can use
consistently and correctly, and they
should also use condoms to prevent the
sexual transmission of Zika.

7

How long should I wait to get preg- http://www.state.nj.us/health/lh/docu-
nant? ments/lhdirectory.pdf)
For women and men who have been di-
agnosed with Zika virus or who have 3. NJ Department of Health:
symptoms of Zika including fever, rash, http://www.nj.gov/health
joint pain or red eyes after possible ex-
posure to Zika virus, CDC recom- 4. Centers for Disease Control and
mends: Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
1. Women wait at least eight weeks
after their symptoms first appeared be- 5. CDC Travel Health Notices:
fore trying to get pregnant. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

2. Men wait at least six months after 6. For the most updated information for

their symptoms first appeared to have timing of pregnancy after Zika exposure

unprotected sex. and

For men and women without symptoms 7. prevention of sexual transmission,
of Zika virus but who had possible ex- visit the CDC website:
posure to Zika from recent travel or sex-
ual contact, CDC recommends www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s03
healthcare providers advise their pa- 25-zika-virus-recommendations.html
tients wait at least eight weeks after
their possible exposure before trying to This information is intended for educa-
get pregnant in order to minimize risk tional purposes only and is not intended
to replace consultation with a health
care professional. Adapted from Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention
and Pan American Health Organization.

Where can I get more information on ZIKA
Zika? Cases
in N.J.
1. Your health care provider

2. Your local health department (direc-
tory of local health departments in NJ:

8

CDC’s Response to Zika

Stop mosquito bites. Don’t stop outdoor activities.

Protect yourself from Zika

Zika is a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes,
so if you’re outdoors, protect yourself from bites.

Know before you go

Zika is not being spread in the continental United
States at this time. As the mosquito season begins,

nd out areas where Zika is spreading:
www.cdc.gov/zika/geo

What to take with you STOP the spread NO!

Š EPA - registered insect repellent (Look If you have been in an area
for these ingredients: DEET, picaridin, with Zika
IR3535, OLE, or PMD)
Š Watch for symptoms.
Š Long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Call your doctor immediately
if you get sick.
Š Clothing and gear treated
with permethrin. Š If you’ve been in an area with Zika,
use insect repellent for 3 weeks
Š A tent to sleep in after travel.
(if mosquitoes can get to
where you’re sleeping.) Š Use condoms when you have sex.

Protect yourself Zika symptoms
and your family
Many people with Zika don’t know they have it. The illness
Š Use insect repellent. Reapply as is usually mild with symptoms lasting about a week.
directed. Remember to apply sunscreen
rst and then insect repellent. The most common symptoms are:

Š Cover exposed skin when possible. Red eyes Fever
Rash
Š If you’re camping or sleeping Joint pain
outside, use a tent.
Repellent
Š Dress kids in clothing that covers arms
and legs.

Š Cover strollers and baby carriers with
mosquito netting.

Š Spray repellent onto your hands to apply
to a child’s face. Don’t use repellent on
babies younger than 2 months old.

Š Do not use OLE on children under 3.

June 10, 2016

CS266248A www.cdc.gov/zika

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES Because heat-related deaths are pre- 9
ventable, people need to be aware of
Heat-related deaths and illness are pre- who is at greatest risk and what actions lems. Doing too much on a hot day,
ventable yet annually many people suc- can be taken to prevent a heat-related spending too much time in the sun or
cumb to extreme heat. Historically, from illness or death. The elderly, the very staying too long in an overheated place
1979-2003, excessive heat exposure young, and people with mental illness can cause heat-related illnesses. Know
caused 8,015 deaths in the United and chronic diseases are at highest the symptoms of heat disorders and
States. During this period, more people risk. However, even young and healthy overexposure to the sun, and be ready
in this country died from extreme heat individuals can succumb to heat if they to give first aid treatment
than from hurricanes, lightning, torna- participate in strenuous physical activi-
does, floods, and earthquakes com- ties during hot weather. Air-conditioning Heat stroke occurs when the body is
bined. In 2001, 300 deaths were is the number one protective factor unable to regulate its temperature. The
caused by excessive heat exposure. against heat-related illness and death. body's temperature rises rapidly, the
If a home is not air-conditioned, people sweating mechanism fails, and the
People suffer heat-related illness when can reduce their risk for heat-related ill- body is unable to cool down. Body tem-
their bodies are unable to compensate ness by spending time in public facilities perature may rise to 106F or higher
and properly cool themselves. The body that are air-conditioned. within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can
normally cools itself by sweating. But cause death or permanent disability if
under some conditions, sweating just Summertime activity, whether on the emergency treatment is not provided.
isn't enough. In such cases, a person's playing field or the construction site,
body temperature rises rapidly. Very must be balanced with measures that Heat exhaustion is a milder form of
high body temperatures may damage aid the body's cooling mechanisms and heat-related illness that can develop
the brain or other vital organs. prevent heat-related illness. This pam- after several days of exposure to high
phlet tells how you can prevent, recog- temperatures and inadequate or unbal-
Several factors affect the body's ability nize, and cope with heat-related health anced replacement of fluids. It is the
to cool itself during extremely hot problems. body's response to an excessive loss of
weather. When the humidity is high, the water and salt contained in sweat.
sweat will not evaporate as quickly, pre- What is Extreme Heat? Those most prone to heat exhaustion
venting the body from releasing heat are elderly people, people with high
quickly. Other conditions related to risk Conditions of extreme heat are defined blood pressure, and people working or
include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, as summertime temperatures that are exercising in a hot environment.
heart disease, mental illness, poor cir- substantially hotter and/or more humid
culation, sunburn, and prescription drug than average for location at that time of
and alcohol use. year. Humid or muggy conditions, which
add to the discomfort of high tempera-
tures, occur when a "dome" of high at-
mospheric pressure traps hazy, damp
air near the ground. Extremely dry and
hot conditions can provoke dust storms
and low visibility. Droughts occur when
a long period passes without substantial
rainfall. A heat wave combined with a
drought is a very dangerous situation.

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Even short periods of high tempera-
tures can cause serious health prob-

Heat cramps usually affect people who each hour. 10
sweat a lot during strenuous activity.
This sweating depletes the body's salt QUICK Warning: If your doctor gener-
and moisture. The low salt level in the ally limits the amount of fluid
muscles may be the cause of heat CARDTM you drink or has you on water
cramps. Heat cramps may also be a pills, ask how much you should
symptom of heat exhaustion. Protecting Workers drink while the weather is hot.
Sunburn should be avoided because it from Heat Stress
damages the skin. Although the dis-
comfort is usually minor and healing Heat Illness Don't drink liquids that contain
often occurs in about a week, a more Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The alcohol, or large amounts of
severe sunburn may require medical at- most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat sugar - these actually cause
tention. illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and you to lose more body fluid.
heat rash, should also be avoided. Also avoid very cold drinks, be-
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by cause they can cause stomach
excessive sweating during hot, humid There are precautions your employer should take cramps.
weather. It can occur at any age but is any time temperatures are high and the job involves
most common in young children. physical work. Heavy sweating removes salt
and minerals from the body.
Risk Factors for Heat Illness These are necessary for your
• High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, body and must be replaced. If
you must exercise, drink two to
no breeze or wind four glasses of cool, non-alco-
• Low liquid intake holic fluids each hour. A sports
• Heavy physical labor beverage can replace the salt
• Waterproof clothing and minerals you lose in
• No recent exposure to hot workplaces sweat. However, if you are on
a low-salt diet, talk with your
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion doctor before drinking a sports
• Headache, dizziness, or fainting beverage or taking salt tablets.
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out,

collapse, or have seizures (fits)
• May stop sweating

To Prevent Heat Illness, Your Employer Should

• Establish a complete heat illness Wear as little clothing as pos-
prevention program. sible when you are at home.
Choose lightweight, light-col-
• Provide training about the hazards ored, loose-fitting clothing.
leading to heat stress and how to Sunburn affects your body's
prevent them. ability to cool itself and causes

• Provide a lot of cool water to workers
close to the work area. At least one pint
of water per hour is needed.

For more information: OSHA 3154-06R 2014 a loss of body fluids. It also

Occupational causes pain and damages the
Safety and Health skin. If you must go outdoors,
Administration

www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742) protect yourself from the sun

by wearing a wide-brimmed

hat (also keeps you cooler)

During hot weather you will need to in- along with sunglasses, and by putting
crease your fluid intake, regardless of on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the
your activity level. Don't wait until you're most effective products say "broad
thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on
in a hot environment, drink two to four their labels) 30 minutes prior to going
glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids out.

11

On June 15, the US Department of
Homeland Security released the sec-
ond National Terrorism Advisory Sys-
tem (NTAS) Bulletin.

In light of the Orlando shooting on June
12, this Bulletin discusses homegrown
violent extremists who can attack with
little notice. The NTAS Bulletin de-
scribes current developments and gen-

eral trends regarding terrorism threats.

Current Advisories Bulletin

National Terrorism Advisory System
Bulletin - June 15, 2016

In December, we described a new We are in a new phase in the global
phase in the global threat environment, threat environment, which has implica-
which has implications on the home- tions on the homeland. Particularly with
land. This basic assessment has not the rise in use by terrorist groups of the
changed. In this environment, we are Internet to inspire and recruit, we are
particularly concerned about home- concerned about the “self-radicalized”
grown violent extremists who could actor(s) who could strike with little or no
strike with little or no notice. The tragic notice. Recent attacks and attempted
events of Orlando several days ago re- attacks internationally and in the home-
inforce this. Accordingly, increased pub- land warrant increased security, as well
lic vigilance and awareness continue to as increased public vigilance and
be of utmost importance. This bulletin awareness.
has a five-month duration and will ex-
pire just before the holiday season. We
will reassess the threats of terrorism at
that time.

Feds update guidance for outer thigh — through the clothing if 12
EpiPen use: 3 key changes necessary.
According to the criminal complaint,
If you have students with allergies, Teacher, school board both Anderson and Gilbert were shown
you’ll want to take a look the feds’ latest member charged with failing the video on April 26 at Aliquippa Ele-
guidance. mentary School.
to report child sex abuse
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration A report was made to authorities the
(FDA) recently issued new instructions June 27, 2016 next day after the vice principal was
for proper use of the EpiPen, EpiPen Jr News 11 WPXI made aware of the incident and con-
and other epinephrine devices. tacted school officials, law enforcement
ALIQUIPPA — A substitute teacher and and Pennsylvania Child Line.
In a nutshell, here’s what you need to a school board member in the Aliquippa
know: School District are facing charges of Under Pennsylvania law, school per-
failing to report child sexual abuse. sonnel and individuals who play an in-
1. Hold the leg firmly in place. Reports tegral part in regularly scheduled school
of lacerations and embedded needles Aileen Gilbert, a school board member, programs are mandatory reporters of
— especially when injecting an uncoop- was arraigned Monday afternoon. suspected child sex abuse.
erative child — have prompted this There is a warrant out for Ahna Ander-
change. Many children kick when re- son, a substitute teacher. Anderson and Gilbert are charged with
ceiving an injection, and holding the leg violations of the “persons required to re-
steady will help reduce the chance of in- According to the Beaver County district port suspected child abuse” statute and
jury. attorney, two female students showed endangering the welfare of a child.
Anderson a cellphone video depicting a
2. Hold the injector firmly in place for a sex act between a 12 year old girl and FBI investigates threat
count of three seconds. Count slowly. an older student and didn’t immediately against Berkeley school
This is down from the previous 10-sec- report it to school officials, police or the
ond guideline. state. after teacher's
counterprotest at rally
3. See a doctor for signs of infection at Court paperwork said one of the stu-
the injection site. Examples of red flags dents told investigators that Anderson June 29, 2016
include persistent redness, warmth, asked her to show Gilbert the video be- East Bay Times
swelling and tenderness. Getting a se- cause Gilbert was working on a pro-
rious infection at the injection site is gram to address that kind of behavior BERKELEY -- Federal authorities in-
rare, the FDA said. It’s more common by students. vestigated anonymous threats made to-
when the injection was in the buttock ward a Berkeley school Monday after
(which can lead to gangrene). For this one of its teachers protested against a
reason, always inject the child in the neo-Nazi rally in Sacramento where
seven people were stabbed.

The threats came after Yvette Felarca,
a social studies teacher at Martin Luther
King Jr. Middle School, was identified
not only as a participant in the counter-
protest of the rally, but one of the people
who initiated the violence, pushing and
shoving a man to the ground, according
to videos of the incident posted online.

Felarca, 46, is a leader with By Any Following the rally, By Any Means Nec- 13
Means Necessary, an Oakland-based essary defended its actions on its web-
organization that describes itself as a site. Felarca's actions at the rally have
"militant anti-fascist group" that uses a spurred calls for her dismissal by critics
variety of tactics, including violence, to "The neo-Nazis are not rallying to on the online news site Berkeleyside
spread its message. The leftist group merely talk and listen to each other and who complained that her violent, in-
was behind some of the violence during then go home," the group wrote. "They your-face message has no place in the
the Black Lives Matter protests in 2014, want to use this rally to recruit new classroom, especially at a school
including looting in downtown Berkeley members and organize for racist at- named after an activist who preached
that left dozens of storefronts smashed tacks, beatings, murders and genocide. for social change through nonviolence.
as well as Occupy Oakland. She has Other parents said teacher advocacy is
taught at Berkeley Unified for about In one video of the incident, a woman fine and good, but not when it employs
eight years, according to Mark Coplan, who appears to be Felarca is captured more militant tactics.
a district spokesman. yelling at rally participants, then shoving
and punching a male marcher. Other "I support the teachers' right to speak
"We got an anonymous, vulgar email to counterprotesters can then be seen and act and use all of her First Amend-
the principal that said that if we didn't pushing the protester and kicking him ment rights, but I'm distressed to read
fire her they would come into the school repeatedly. reports that it was the leftist protesters
and hurt kids," Coplan said Tuesday, that initiated the violence," said Cyndi
adding that the district decided to not Reached by phone, Felarca denied en- Berck, a mother of a Berkeley Unified
alert parents because students are on gaging in any violence and blamed School District student. "A person like
summer vacation. statements by presidential candidate that should not be an educator. It
Donald Trump for the "racist dema- crosses the line in terms of modeling
The FBI looked into the email and as- goguery that gives Nazis a green light." behavior."
sessed it as a low-level threat, Coplan
said. As a precaution, children attending "These are racists who are sore that Coplan, the district spokesman, said
two separate summer camps at the white people in this country are becom- Felarca would not be disciplined or ter-
school were relocated to another loca- ing a minority; they are the ones who minated because she did not violate the
tion and a police officer stationed out- stabbed a whole bunch of people," Fe- state education code.
side. larca said. "We organized in the coun-
terdemonstration and are glad we were "It's one thing if it was during a school
"Student safety is our primary concern able to stop these fascists." day, but she is on vacation," Coplan
and we are working with Berkeley po- said. "We don't have any authority or
lice to determine if there is anything fur- She added that she did not believe that business to judge what an employee
ther that can be done," Coplan said. hate speech should be protected by the does in her off time."
First Amendment.
The chain of events was set in motion He added that the district is aware of
last Sunday when Felarca was part of a the teacher's extracurricular activities
counterprotest at a rally at the state but has not seen anything to "indicate
capitol organized by The Traditionalist that Felarca carries these views over to
Worker Party, a white nationalist group. the classroom. And we are watching for
During the event, counterprotesters, in- that."
cluding members of By Any Means
Necessary, began pushing and shov- But that could change if charges are
ing, causing a melee, according to filed against her, Coplan said. The Cal-
news reports. Seven people were ifornia Highway Patrol, which protects
stabbed and two critically injured, ac- the state capitol, is investigating the in-
cording to the Los Angeles Times. cident, said spokesman Officer George
Granada.

WAVE July 5, 2016