Occupy Oakland
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Occupy Oakland | |||
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Part of the Occupy movement | |||
![]() Occupy Oakland on November 2, 2011 | |||
Date | October 10, 2011 – Present Day (4721 days) | ||
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Status | On Going | ||
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No Central Leadership
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Occupy Oakland is a series of demonstrations including the occupation of space, some public and some private, that began in downtown Oakland at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in front of Oakland City Hall in Oakland, California on October 10, 2011. It is allied with the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City and is one of several Occupy movement sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. Other sites included Occupy San Francisco, Occupy San Jose and Occupy Cal.
Occupy Oakland began as a protest encampment at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. It was cleared out by multiple law enforcement agencies on October 25, 2011.[4] That evening when protesters tried to reclaim the site, clashes between police and protesters resulted in multiple injuries and over 100 arrests. Scott Olsen, an Iraq war veteran, suffered a skull fracture allegedly caused by a police projectile. His injury came to national attention and became a rallying cry for the Occupy movement.[1] The site was re-occupied by protesters the next evening. The general strike brought thousands of demonstrators to downtown Oakland for a day of action, including a march to the Port of Oakland which was forced to shut down operations. That evening, clashes between protesters and police again occurred when protesters occupied a vacant building in downtown Oakland. Two more protesters, one of whom is an Iraq War veteran, were seriously hurt by police and both actions were captured on video. Investigations into the alleged police misconduct are being conducted by the Oakland Police department, the ACLU, and the National Lawyers Guild.
Law enforcement once again cleared the protest encampment at Frank Ogawa Plaza on November 14, 2011. Mayor Jean Quan’s decision to allow the police intervention resulted in the resignation of the mayor's unpaid legal adviser Dan Siegel and Deputy Mayor Sharon Cornu.[5] Other protest encampments were created and subsequently dismantled by law enforcement. The last encampment at Snow Park was cleared after an early morning raid on November 21, 2011. The movement was left with no physical presence occupying any public space overnight in the city of Oakland.[6] On November 29, demonstrators began a 24/7 vigil at the plaza.[7]
On January 28, over 400 protestors were arrested. [8]
Occupation sites
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Ogawa_Plaza.png/220px-Ogawa_Plaza.png)
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First occupation
The first occupation lasted for 15 days from October 10 to October 25. Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, was symbolically renamed "Oscar Grant Plaza" by the protestors, referring to Oscar Grant, a young Oakland man killed by a BART police officer in 2009, an incident that became the catalyst for major protests during 2009 and 2010.[9]
The occupation of Frank Ogawa Plaza officially began at 4 p.m. on October 10, 2011, with a rally attended by hundreds of supporters. This rally was held in tandem with Indigenous People's Day, both as a statement of solidarity and an expression that this action firmly situated itself against colonialism and nation states.[citation needed] The first general assembly, an open democratic meeting based on Occupy Wall Street's New York general assembly, was held in the plaza amphitheater at 6 p.m. and a couple dozen protesters set up tents that evening.[10] The amphitheater continues to be used as the general assembly location on Sundays at 2 p.m., and Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6 p.m.[11]
Occupy Oakland planned and organized a number of direct actions including marches and rallies and guest speakers to build support for the movement. On October 14, protesters participated in a short march during rush hour.[12] The following weekend, around 2,500 people, including actor and activist Danny Glover, came out for a Saturday march and rally to show their support for Occupy Oakland.[13] On October 17, the three American hikers recently freed from an Iranian prison made their first West Coast speaking appearance at Occupy Oakland, drawing an audience of around 300 people.[14]
A diverse array of people inhabited the camp, ranging from students and professionals to unemployed workers, homeless people, and veterans.[15] The camp grew to roughly 150 tents that were used for both camping and to provide essential services to protesters and visitors. A "miniature city" evolved complete with a kitchen, library, a bicycle-powered media center, and children's village. The grass was strewn with straw and walkways were created using wooden pallets and boards.[16] There were tents dedicated to arts and crafts, medical attention, supplies, and conflict resolution. Activities were scheduled throughout the day including committee meetings, discussion groups, and yoga classes.[17] Actor and activist Danny Glover spoke at a rally on October 15.[18] Hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco donated food, supplies, and tents to the protesters the night he played a concert in town.[19] The grandnephew of labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez got married at the site on October 20, 2011. Mateus Chávez and his fiancé Latrina Rhinehart had not planned to be married at a protest encampment, but as supporters of Occupy Oakland, it made their wedding "that much more meaningful." [20]
On October 22, protesters held a rally at the plaza, marched from the plaza to Snow Park and protested outside a branch of Wells Fargo.[21]
October 25 police raid & evening protest
At 4:30 a.m. on October 25, 2011, police officers in riot gear arrived at the plaza to clear the encampment.[4] About two hundred protesters attempted to defend the camp with a make-shift barricade consisting of crates, metal police barricades and dumpsters. There are undocumented reports that some protesters threw bottles, plates, and other kitchen items as police entered the camp.[22] Two local NBC reporters described the raid as "violent and chaotic at times."[23] After initially reporting that campers threw tear gas canisters, Interim Police Chief Howard Jordan admitted that tear gas and baton rounds[disambiguation needed] were used to evict peaceful protesters. One protester saw and heard a flash bang grenade in the moments before the raid, though Jordan claims they were M-80 and M-1000 firecrackers thrown by protesters.[23] The post-raid scene was described by reporters for the Oakland Tribune as looking like a "hurricane-struck refugee camp."[22] 79 people were arrested, most for unlawful assembly and illegal lodging.[4][24] Police erected metal barricades around the perimeter of the encampment, which they had destroyed, as 200-300 protesters gathered around them chanting.[25] The Oakland Police department along with 500 officers from 17 local law-enforcement agencies participated in the morning raid and evening protection of the plaza under a "mutual aid" agreement. Many officers from the various agencies refused to display identifying badges or name tags, and also refused verbal requests to identify themselves. Officers were from the police departments of Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, San Jose, San Leandro, and Union City, as well as the San Francisco Sheriff's Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, Alameda County Sheriff's Office, Solano County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, and the University of California Police Department.[24][26][27][28]
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At 4 p.m. between 1000 and 1500 people including clergy, students, and union members gathered at the downtown Oakland Public Library for a rally and march back to the plaza to reclaim the space.[31][32] At the rally, one reporter noted that "there was a feeling that the way the city responded to the camp was not only out of proportion to the problem, but that it was kind of a waste of money and energy that could be going to address these other issues."[33] On their way, they headed to the Oakland Police Department to protest, and were blocked by a line of police in riot gear. There was a brief standoff and after a police officer forcefully arrested a woman, some protesters threw paint on the police.[34] At 6 p.m. riot police began firing tear gas at the marching protesters.[35] The protesters continued to regroup and, at one point, sat down with linked arms in the intersection of 14th and Broadway near the plaza.[35] They were declared an unlawful assembly and told to leave or be subject to chemical weapons.[34][36] The march continued around the city until about 9:30 p.m. when the protesters returned again to the plaza which was barricaded and guarded by 100 riot police wearing gas masks.[36] Some protesters threw water bottles and other objects at the police. Police issued dispersal orders then again fired tear gas cannisters, baton rounds[disambiguation needed] and possibly flashbang grenades and CS gas at the crowd.[26][36][36][37]
Oakland police chief Howard Jordan denied the use of flashbang grenades and said that the explosions came from M-80 firecrackers thrown by protesters.[36] Both witnesses and reporters from The Guardian described these explosions as looking and sounding like flash-bang devices, and video shows no evidence of demonstrators throwing explosive devices, but plenty of evidence showing police doing so.[31][36][37] Because of the presence of 17 other law enforcement agencies assisting the Oakland police department, Oakland city officials are not aware of exactly what weapons were being used by these outside police agencies, including possibly rubber bullets.[citation needed]
Iraq War veteran Scott Olsen suffered a skull fracture caused by a projectile that witnesses believed was a tear gas or smoke canister fired by the police.[38] He was rushed to the hospital by other protesters, who were shot at with unknown police projectiles while attempting to aid him.[39] At least two other protesters were injured.[1] The American Civil Liberties Union and National Lawyers Guild are calling for an investigation into the use of excessive force by Oakland police.[40] While police had arrived prepared to use batons, chemical agents, beanbag and rubber bullet rounds, they failed to arrive with any medical personnel to attend to injuries.
Oakland resident Spencer Mills live streamed the night's events which provided video footage seen by over 60,000 viewers.[41]
Second occupation
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The day after the police raid, October 26, between 1,500 and 3,000 people gathered peacefully for a speak-out and general assembly in the plaza's amphitheater.[42] The grassy area of the plaza was empty and surrounded by chain link fences. The general assembly voted to organize a general strike for November 2.[40] The fences were torn down by protesters chanting, "Whose park? Our park!" and one tent was erected.[42] Mayor Jean Quan issued a statement urging non-violence and asked that there be no overnight camping; however, the city did not take steps to prevent the re-occupation.[43]
The plaza was re-occupied for 18 days, from October 26 to November 14, and the "miniature city" grew to about 180 tents. An interfaith tent and a medical tent staffed by the California Nurses Association were among the new additions to the second occupation.[44][45] The re-occupation of the plaza inspired documentary filmmaker and activist Michael Moore to visit the site on October 28, 2011. He encouraged the crowd of 1,000 by saying, "We've killed despair across the country and we've killed apathy." [46][47] That same day, pro-democracy protesters in Egypt marched from Cairo's Tahrir Square to the U.S. Embassy in solidarity with Occupy Oakland. [48]
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Thousands of protesters gathered at the plaza on November 2 to participate in rallies, marches, and teach-ins designed to empower citizens and to draw attention to economic inequity and corporate greed as part of the 2011 Oakland General Strike.[49] The Port of Oakland, the fifth busiest port in the United States, was shut down after an several thousand people blocked the entrances to the port.[50][51] The police presence was minimal during the day. After some demonstrators occupied a downtown Oakland building, the police presence increased leading to late-night clashes between the demonstrators and police. 103 people were arrested.[52]
On November 10, the one-month anniversary of the Occupy Oakland demonstration, a man was fatally shot about 25 yards away from the encampment.[53] Occupy Oakland medics responded to the victim until the police and paramedics arrived. Initially, there were mixed reports about whether the people involved in the shooting were connected to Occupy Oakland,[53][54] and many occupants felt that the incident had unfairly become a catalyst for their removal. Police later determined that the victim, 25-year-old Kayode Ola Foster, was indeed an Occupy Oakland participant, but only for the previous few days, as was one of two possible murder suspects.[55][56] In response to the shooting, demonstrators observed silence, prayed, and held a candlelight vigil for the victim led by one of the camp chaplains.[57]
The city of Oakland distributed notices of violation to protesters for three days from November 11 through November 13. The notices stated that the protesters were in violation of the law by lodging overnight, obstructing the use of a public park, and making fires in a public park.[58] In the early hours of November 14, approximately 700-1000 police dismantled the camp as supporters protested peacefully. Police made about 20 arrests, 14 of whom had been praying all night in the camp’s interfaith tent.[59] Though the camp was cleared, a continuous presence at the plaza has been attained by demonstrators in one of the plaza trees.[citation needed]
Snow Park and Veterans Camp
Snow Park, a small park beside Lake Merritt, was established on October 18 with about two dozen people occupying the park after Frank Ogawa Plaza had filled up with tents.[60][61] The Snow Park protesters initially spent time maintaining the grounds of the park.[17] They were removed from the park by law enforcement on the morning of October 25, an hour after Frank Ogawa Plaza was raided. Six protesters were arrested.[4] The camp was reestablished with one tent erected on October 26 or 27.[62] The encampment grew to about 20 tents by November 13.[63] On November 21, 100 campers peacefully left Snow Park after law enforcement arrived.[6]
About seven protesters with set up camp in front of the Veterans Memorial Building near the intersection of Harrison and Grand on Veterans Day, November 11.[59] They were cleared out by law enforcement on November 14.[64]
19th and Telegraph
After the occupations at the Frank Ogawa Plaza, Snow Park, and Veterans Camp were removed by law enforcement, Occupy Oakland briefly occupied a vacant lot in the Uptown neighborhood in downtown Oakland from November 19 to November 20. Demonstrators took down fences and set up tents, hung banners, and had an impromptu dance session in the rain, powered by a sound truck. Some nearby residents were opposed to the new occupation location.[65][66]
Local government reaction
The reaction of local politicians and city officials was mostly positive at first. In fact, Oakland councilwoman Desley Brooks was among the protestors sleeping in tents on the inaugural night of the encampment.[67] Councilwoman Jane Brunner expressed support for the movement by stating, "It's about time people are speaking up." [10] Mayor Jean Quan visited the protest site the next day on October 11, 2011, and "condoned the occupation".[68] City administrator spokeswoman Karen Boyd said that the city's plan was to let the protesters stay "As long as they are peaceful and respectful of the rights of all the users of the plaza.".[69] Bay Area U.S. Congress members Barbara Lee and Pete Stark also released statements of support.[67]
The Alameda County Health Department inspected the camp on October 19.[69] The next day, October 20, the City of Oakland published and distributed an official notice of violation citing the camp for fire, safety, and sanitation hazards.[70] The city issued violation notices threatening arrest for the next few days.[71][72][73] The 300 to 400 demonstrators "appeared determined not to leave" and countered that "complaints about rats, drug crimes and violence in the area of 14th Street and Broadway went unchecked before they arrived."[74]
In response to the mayor's support for the November 2 general strike, the Oakland Police Officer's Association issued an open letter to the citizens of Oakland expressing "confusion" about Mayor Quan's decision making.[75] The open letter took issue with Mayor Quan's decision to allow public employees to participate in the upcoming general strike:
[T]he Administration issued a memo on Friday, October 28th to all City workers in support of the “Stop Work” strike scheduled for Wednesday, giving all employees, except for police officers, permission to take the day off. That’s hundreds of City workers encouraged to take off work to participate in the protest against “the establishment.” But aren’t the Mayor and her Administration part of the establishment they are paying City employees to protest?
On November 5, the City Council met to consider a resolution by council member Nancy Nadel in support of the Occupy Oakland encampment. After listening to over 100 members of the public, the council postponed its vote until November 15.[76]
On November 9, five members of the Oakland City Council, Desley Brooks, Ignacio De La Fuente, Pat Kernighan, Libby Schaaf, Larry Reid, two dozen clergy, and Oakland business owners held a press conference calling for the immediate eviction of Occupy Oakland. The group alleged that the ongoing protest had harmed the economy of downtown Oakland, and cited reports of fire hazards in the camp. Occupy protesters interrupted the press conference by chanting, "We are the 99 percent of Oakland." The council members counter chanted: "Occupy Oakland must go." The press conference ended earlier than anticipated.[77] There are questions as to the legality of this gathering of council members, as restrictions exist which require published notice of this many council members gathering at one place.[citation needed]
Incidents of alleged police misconduct
Scott Olsen head injury
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On October 25, 2011, Scott Olsen, a 24-year-old former Marine and Iraq War veteran, and a member of Veterans for Peace, suffered a skull fracture caused by a projectile that witnesses believed was a tear gas or smoke canister fired by the police.[38][80]
A video by protesters shows the explosion of what appears to be a flash-bang device thrown by one officer near protesters attempting to aid Olsen.[81] The Associated Press later reported that it was not known exactly what kind of object had struck Olsen or who had thrown or fired it, but that protesters had been throwing rocks and bottles.[82] The Guardian reported that a projectile found near where Olsen fell was a so-called "bean bag round".[81] Olsen was rushed to the hospital by other protesters, who were fired upon with unknown police projectiles while attempting to aid him.[39][83] Doctors said that he was in critical condition. At least two other protesters were injured.[1] The American Civil Liberties Union and National Lawyers Guild are calling for an investigation into the use of excessive force by Oakland police.[40] However, the investigation by the Citizens Police Review Board is expected to last several months.[84]
Olsen served two tours of duty as a data network specialist in the Iraq War, was awarded seven medals (including the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal), and received an administrative discharge as a lance corporal in November 2009 after serving four years.[85] While still an active-duty servicemember, Olsen created a website called "I hate the Marine Corps" as a forum for "like-minded grunts to vent". Despite the site's title, Olsen insists he doesn't in fact hate the Marine Corp, nor does he regret his enlistment.[86]
About 2,000 people held a candlelight vigil for Scott Olsen in front of Oakland City Hall on October 27, 2011.[87] He was released from the hospital around November 10, and is gradually recovering from his injuries but has difficulty speaking. On November 14, he posted a statement on a social networking site stating, "After my freedom of speech was quite literally taken from me, my speech is coming back but I've got a lot of work to do with rehab."[88] A video interview with Olsen, the first since his injury, was published November 28, 2011, on the San Francisco Bay Area Independent Media Center web site.[89] In short order, Olsen was subsequently interviewed on three nationally televised cable news shows: MSNBC's The Ed Show (Nov. 29),[90] MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show (TV series) (Dec. 1)[91] and Current TV's Countdown with Keith Olbermann (Dec. 2).[92]
Scott Campbell shooting
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Shortly before 1am on November 3, Oakland resident Scott Campbell was shot by police using a less-lethal round while he was filming a stationary line of police in riot gear, hours after the 2011 Oakland general strike. The apparently unprovoked shooting was documented by the resulting point-of-view video from Campbell's own camera.[93] Geoffrey Alpert, a criminal justice professor from the University of South Carolina said watching a video of the incident left him "astonished, amazed and embarrassed" and that "unless there's something we don't know, that's one of the most outrageous uses of a firearm that I've ever seen."[94]
Kayvan Sabeghi beating
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Kayvan Sabeghi, a 32-year-old local business owner and former U.S. Army Ranger, was hit with a baton numerous times by a police officer then arrested on the evening of November 2, 2011.[95] As police handcuffed him during his arrest, Sabeghi declared his veteran status to a nearby KTVU TV-2 news camera, claiming: "I had two tours in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan."[96] However, U.S. Army spokesman Troy Roland said on November 11 that the Army has no record of Sabeghi being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.[97]
Sabeghi was charged with resisting arrest and remaining at the scene of a riot, although no riot had occurred. While in police custody, he complained of severe pain and asked for medical treatment but was transferred to Highland Hospital 14–18 hours after his arrest. Sabeghi underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen and remained in the intensive care unit.[2][95]
The organization Iraq Veterans Against the War, to which Kayvan Sabeghi does not belong,[98] issued a statement on November 4 alleging that "police struck Sabeghi with nightsticks on his hands, shoulders, ribs and back, and that in addition to a lacerated spleen he suffered from internal bleeding."[99] The Oakland Police Department is "investigating the incident."[95]
Susie Cagle arrests and imprisonment
Although she was clearly wearing a press pass, Journalist Susie Cagle was arrested in the early hours of November 3 and spent 14 hours at 2 different jails.[100] She was charged with failure to leave the scene of a riot. Journalists' rights in the United States are constitutionally protected through the First Amendment. Cagle is one of several journalists covering the Occupy movement that have been arrested.[101] Additionally, Cagle reported having been subject to and witness to mistreatment of protestors during her imprisonment.[102]
Cagle was again arrested while covering an Occupy Oakland march on January 28, 2012.[103]
Protesters injured by car
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During the evening march to the Port of Oakland as part of the general strike on November 2, the driver of a silver Mercedes-Benz was headed south on 11th Street when he encountered a stream of protesters walking along Broadway. Cell phone video footage shows the driver of the Mercedes attempting to drive through the intersection honking at a protester to move, Lance Laverdure, who then responded by stopping in front of the Mercedes and began hitting it on the hood.[104] The driver hit the gas and both Laverdure and a nearby protester, Margaret So, were hit by the car and sustained leg and ankle injuries. Nearby witnesses then surrounded the car as emergency personnel attended to the protesters. During this time, the driver switched seats with the passenger, but switched back before police arrived.[citation needed] The driver was questioned by BART police and released, angering witnesses who called for the driver's arrest.[105] The two protesters suffered leg and ankle injuries and were taken to Highland Hospital. On November 11, the two victims held a press conference alleging that the incident was a criminal act and questioned why the Oakland Police Department had not prosecuted the driver. Victims said that nine days after the incident, they still had not been contacted by police. Lance Laverdure told press that, "We want this person arrested for the attempted murder of myself and Margaret".[104]
Solidarity with local Occupy movements
Occupy Oakland protesters have joined the Occupy Cal demonstrations at UC Berkeley.[106]
Chronology of events
Weeks 1 - 4 (October 10 - November 6)
Occupy Oakland began on October 10, 2011, with a rally attended by hundreds and protest encampment of a couple dozen tents at Frank Ogawa Plaza.[10]
On October 15, 2011, around 2,500 people, including actor Danny Glover, came out for a Saturday march and rally to show their support for Occupy Oakland.[13]
A second camp with about two dozen people was set up on October 18 at Snow Park near Lake Merritt.[107]
From October 20 through October 24, the City of Oakland distributed official notices to the protesters citing "violence, assaults, threats and intimidation", among other complaints, and, forbidding lodging overnight.[108] The demonstrators "appeared determined not to leave" and countered that "the rats, drug crimes, and violence in the area of 14th Street and Broadway went unchecked before they arrived." [74]
On October 25, 2011, police officers in riot gear from various Bay Area law enforcement agencies cleared the plaza and Snow Park during the early hours of the day.[4] That evening, as protesters attempted to re-occupy the plaza, violence between the police and protesters resulted in Iraq War veteran Scott Olsen's head injury.[34]
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Between 1,500 and 3,000 people gathered peacefully at the plaza on October 26, 2011. The plaza was re-taken by protesters with at least one tent erected that evening. The general assembly voted to organize a general strike for November 2.[40][42]
About 2,000 people held a candlelight vigil for Scott Olsen at the plaza on October 27, 2011.[109]
Representatives of Occupy Oakland held a press conference detailing plans for the general strike on November 2.[110]
The Oakland Police Officer's Association issued an open letter to the citizens of Oakland expressing "confusion" about Mayor Quan's decision making in relation to the general strike.[75]
Thousands of protesters gathered at Frank Ogawa Plaza to participate in rallies, marches, and teach-ins designed to empower citizens and to draw attention to economic inequity and corporate greed as part of the 2011 Oakland General Strike.[49]
A downtown Oakland Wells Fargo branch closed for business because of roughly 100 immigrant rights protesters who marched from Occupy Oakland's encampment to protest the bank's connection to companies that run immigrant detention centers.[111]
Weeks 5 - 7 (November 7 – November 27)
On November 7, Occupy Oakland accepted a $20,000 donation for urgent medical and legal expenses from Occupy Wall Street. The money was deposited into an Occupy Oakland lawyer's Wells Fargo bank account. The Occupy Oakland general assembly approved the decision to hold the money temporarily in a Wells Fargo account to be used immediately for bailing out jailed protesters. When the group's status as an unincorporated association is approved, the money will be transferred to a local credit union. This deposit was seen by some news outlets and some Occupy Oakland protesters as hypocritical because just a few days earlier, Occupy Oakland had protested against Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo spokesman Ruben Pulido said, "If this report is true, it demonstrates that even Occupy Oakland understands — firsthand — the value and service that Wells Fargo provides its customers. Wells Fargo welcomes the 100 percent of Americans to allow us to help them meet their financial needs."[112][113] Occupants of Oakland clarified this as a result of a decades long policy of corrupt government officials restricting banking options by allowing large banks and other corporations to write legislation to increase their own profits. The processes by which groups may set up account
On November 10, the one-month anniversary of the Occupy Oakland demonstration, a man was fatally shot about 25 yards away from the encampment.[53]
In the early hours of November 14, approximately 700-1000 police dismantled the camp as supporters protested. Police made about 20 arrests, 14 of whom had been praying all night in the camp’s interfaith tent.[59]
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Dan Siegel, Mayor Jean Quan's city hall Legal Adviser, resigned in protest, announcing, via Facebook: "No longer Mayor Quan's legal adviser. Resigned at 2 am. Support Occupy Oakland, not the 1% and its government facilitators."[59] That same day, Oakland Deputy Mayor Sharon Cornu resigned her post as well.[59]
On November 15, the Occupy Oakland website released a flyer and information about a planned "Mass Rally & March" through Oakland due to take place November 19[114] to "expand the Occupy Movement". The website states the flyer was created in response to calls by the Occupy Oakland General Assembly convened on 11.11.11.[114]
On the morning of November 21 the last Occupy camp at Snow Park was dismantled by the city. For the weeks after this raid, protesters have also continued to occupy the plaza by maintaining a small kitchen to feed hungry people, and an information table to keep people informed. The city chose to authorize an emergency expenditure of $300,000 to employ VMA, a private security force, to guard the mud being created by constant sprinkler watering by city hall. The contract with VMA has expired.
Weeks 8 - 11 (November 28 – December 19)
On 5 December, city council attempted to approve a request for $500,000 per month expenditure for continued beefed up private security, while twenty five to several hundred demonstrators continue to occupy the space at OG Plaza.[6]
On December 12, the Port of Oakland was again shut down as Occupy Oakland participated in a west coast shut down of ports. Those occupations asked for the blockade to be extended. At the Port of Oakland, hundreds of protesters stayed overnight and successfully stopped the 3AM shift of ILWU workers from going to work. Port Blockade organizers communicated with ILWU representatives and decided that any further picketing would result in damage to the relationship between ILWU and Occupy Oakland. The crowd dispersed peacefully with no arrests or even police presence. [115]
January 2012
On January 24, U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson issued a ruling in Allen v. Oakland critical of the Oakland Police Department.[116] The court found that "[Oakland Police Department] finds itself woefully behind its peers around the state and nation". The ruling increased the authority of a court-appointed monitor, requiring the Police to consult with the court-appointed monitor over future changes to personnel and policy. If the Oakland Police Department fails to comply with the court ruling, Oakland Police Department could be placed in a federal receivership ("federal takeover"). [117][118][119]
January 28
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On January 28, members of Occupy Oakland had planned a 'move-in' day to occupy a vacant building and establish it as a "social center".[121][122] One reported target for occupation was the long-vacant Kaiser Convention Center.[123] Earlier in the day, police fired smoke, teargas and beanbags at standoffs near Oak and 10th.
Police first attempted mass arrests near Telegraph Ave and William St. This attempt failed when allegedly kettled protestors were ordered to disperse. As police moved in on the kettled marchers, the marchers overturned a chain link fence and fled across a vacant park. The march continued heading up Telegraph towards 20th.[124]
Police again stopped the march on Broadway between 23rd and 24th. This second attempt at kettling was successful. Police announced over loudspeaker to the kettled crowd: "Marchers, you have failed to disperse after several lawful orders. You are now under arrest". There were about 400 arrests at Occupy Oakland on January 28.
Critics alleged that police engaged in kettling and failed to issue the required audible dispersal order prior to mass arrests.[125][126] Several journalists reported being arrested or placed in restraints. [127][128] In response, The Newspaper Guild released a letter protesting Oakland Police's "unacceptable interference with journalists covering Occupy Oakland and resulting law enforcement actions."
Later that night, a separate group of protestors, at a different location entered and vandalized City Hall. [129]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "Occupy Oakland: Tear gas & flashbang grenades". RT. October 26, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
- ^ a b Randewich, Noel (4 November 2011). "Army veteran injured in Oakland clashes with police". Reuters. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
- ^ http://news.yahoo.com/oakland-cleans-400-arrested-protests-024749055.html
- ^ a b c d e Bulwa, Demian (October 25, 2011). "Police clear Occupy Oakland camps, arrest dozens". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
- ^ Walter, Shoshana (November 14, 2011). "2 Top Quan Aides Resign". The Bay Citizen. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
- ^ a b c Kane, Will (November 21, 2011). "Police clear out last Occupy Oakland camp". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ Colin, Chris (November 30, 2011). "A teepee grows in Oakland". Salon. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
- ^ http://www.mediaite.com/online/occupy-oakland-protestors-break-into-city-hall-burn-flags-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-crowd/
- ^ Abraham, Zennie (October 30, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: The Oscar Grant / Frank Ogawa Plaza Issue". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c Kuruvila, Mattai (October 11, 2011). "Occupy movement in Oakland, SF housing protest". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
- ^ "Occupy Oakland". Retrieved November 21, 2011.
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{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Johnson, Scott (October 19, 2011). "Life at Occupy Oakland attracts range of characters". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ Bernard, Sara (October 24, 2011). "A day in the life of Occupy Oakland". KALW. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
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- ^ Bender, Kristen (October, 22 2011). "Freed American hikers speak to Occupy Oakland on Monday night". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Farooq, Sajid (October 13, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco Donates to Occupy Oakland". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
- ^ Johnson, Scott (October 22, 2011). "Officials escalate efforts to remove Occupy Oakland protesters from City Hall". Inside Bay Area. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
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- ^ a b Bender, Kristen (October 25, 2011). "Early morning police raid ousts Occupy Oakland". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
- ^ a b Farooq, Sajid (October 25, 2011). "Occupy Oakland Shut Down". Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b "Additional Details Regarding OPD's Enforcement in Frank Ogawa Plaza and Snow Park, October 25, 2011" (PDF). City of Oakland. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
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- ^ a b "Palo Alto police involved in 'Occupy' incident". Palo Alto Online. October 27, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "The Hunt for Rubber Bullets at Occupy Oakland". The Bay Citizen. October 26, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Community raises concern with Berkeley police, UCPD involvement in Occupy Oakland". The Daily Californian. October 27, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|newspaper=
(help) - ^ "Raw Video: Protesters Clash With Oakland police". Associated Press. October 25, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
- ^ "Occupy Oakland: teargas fired at protesters". London: The Guardian. October 26, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
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- ^ Kim, Mina(Reporter) (October 25, 2011). [1] (Audio production). Oakland: KQED.
{{cite AV media}}
: External link in
(help)|title=
- ^ Miner, Casey (October 26, 2011). "The scene at Occupy Oakland". KALW News. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
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- ^ a b "Police and Occupy Demonstrators Clash in Oakland". KQED NewsFix (blog). October 25, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f Wollan, Malia (October 26, 2011). "Police Fire Tear Gas at Occupy Protesters in Oakland". The New York Times. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: More than one of|work=
and|newspaper=
specified (help) - ^ a b "Iraq War Vet Hospitalized with Fractured Skull After Being Shot by Police at Occupy Oakland Protest". Democracy Now. October 27, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
- ^ a b Henderson, Peter; Randewich, Noel (October 29, 2011). "Oakland protesters plan march, mayor apologizes". Reuters. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
Olsen, 24, [...], was struck in the head by a tear gas canister fired on Tuesday by police, protest organizers said.
- ^ a b Adam Gabbatt (October 26, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: Iraq war veteran in critical condition after police clashes". London: The Guardian. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Bender, Kristen (October 26, 2011). "Occupy Oakland protesters return downtown to claim Frank Ogawa Plaza". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ [2]
- ^ a b c Fagan, Kevin (October 27, 2011). "Occupy Oakland protesters regroup - Iraq vet hurt". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
- ^ Bulwa, Demian (October 28, 2011). "Some tents reappear at Occupy Oakland site". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
- ^ Kuruvila, Matthai (October 29, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: inspiration, frustration at return". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ Fagan, Kevin (November 12, 2011). "Occupy Oakland campers defy city demand to leave". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
- ^ "Michael Moore: Occupy movement "killed apathy"". CBS News. October 29, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ "Michael Moore Speaks at Occupy Oakland, October 28, 2011". Vimeo. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
- ^ "Egyptians March for Occupy Oakland". NBC Bay Area. October 28, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
- ^ a b Wells, Matt (November 2, 2011). "California protesters shut down Oakland port". London: The Guardian News Blog. Retrieved November 3, 2011.
- ^ "Video Report from Streets of Oakland: First General Strike in City Since 1946 Shuts Down Major Port". Democracy Now. November 3, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
- ^ Bulwa, Demian; Kuruvila, Matthai; Fagan, Kevin (November 2, 2011). "Occupy Oakland throng closes down port". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 3, 2011.
- ^ Siddique, Haroon (November 2, 2011). "Occupy Oakland general strike – Thursday 3 November". The Guardian. London. Retrieved November 3, 2011.
- ^ a b c Walter, Shoshana (November 12, 2011). "Occupy Oakland and News Media Coexist Uneasily". New York Times. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
- ^ Kaste, Martin. "Occupy Oakland Movement Tries To Regroup After Shooting". NPR. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
- ^ Romney, Lee (November 13, 2011). "Shooting victim is tied to Occupy Oakland". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Schwartz, Carly (November 14, 2011). "Kayode Ola Foster, Man Slain Near Occupy Oakland, Was A Camp Resident". Huffington Post. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ "Shots fired near 'Occupy Oakland,' one dead". KGO-TV. November 13, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
- ^ "Bulletins Distributed to Occupy Oakland Demonstators". City of Oakland. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Bender, Kristin J. (2011). "Occupy Oakland Live Blog: Police outnumber protesters at Ogawa plaza". Mercury News. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Alston, John (October 18, 2011). "'Occupy Oakland' takes over a second park". KGO. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ Bulwa, Demian (October 19, 2011). "Occupy Oakland looking to expand". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
- ^ Anthony, Laura (October 28, 2011). "'Occupy' tents back up in Frank Ogawa Plaza". KGO-TV. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
- ^ Kristin J., Bender (November 12, 2011). "Police hand out another round of Occupy Oakland evictions". Mercury News. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
- ^ "Live Blog: Some SF occupiers pack up belongings". Contra Costa Times. November 16, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ "Defiant Occupy Oakland occupies new encampment at 19th and Telegraph". Oakland Local. November 19, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ Dreier, Hannah (November 20, 2011). "Occupy SF ralliers peaceful; police clear new Occupy Oakland camp". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
- ^ a b Maher, Sean (2011). "Councilmember camps overnight with Occupy Oakland protesters". Contra Costa Times. Oakland Tribune. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ "Wide Range Of Causes Fuel 'Occupy Oakland' Protests". CBS San Fransico. CBS Local Media. 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b Maher, Sean (October 19, 2011). "Rats and drugs mar Occupy Oakland tent city, officials say". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ City of Oakland. "Notice to Vacate Frank Ogawa Plaza, October 20" (PDF). Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ City of Oakland. "Notice of Violations and Demand to Cease Violations, October 21" (PDF). Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ City of Oakland. "Notice of Violations and Demand to Cease Violations, October 22" (PDF). Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ City of Oakland. "Notice of Violations and Demand to Cease Violations, October 24" (PDF). Retrieved November 24, 2011.
- ^ a b Fagan, Kevin (October 22, 2011). "Occupy Oakland says it's not going anywhere". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Fagan, Kevin (November 2, 2011). "Oakland police union: 'We are confused' by Quan". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
- ^ "Tense Meeting Reveals Deep Divisions over Occupy Oakland". The Bay Citizen. November 4, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ Kuruvila, Matthai Occupy protesters shout down Oakland council San Francisco Chronicle November 9, 2011
- ^ "Occupy Oakland video: Riot police fire tear gas, flashbang grenades". Russia Today. October 25, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
- ^ "Occupy Oakland video: Interview with Scott Olsen About His Injury from the Police Attack on October 25th, 2011". Dave Id Indybay.org. November 27, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- ^ Flock, Elizabeth (October 27, 2011). "Iraq veteran Scott Olsen now in 'fair' condition". blogPOST. Washington Post. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ a b Gabbatt, Adam (October 26, 2011). "Scott Olsen injuries prompt review as Occupy Oakland protests continue". The Guardian. United Kingdom. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
- ^ "Iraq war vet injured during Oakland protests". Boston.com. October 26, 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) [dead link] - ^ Edwards, David (2011). "Marine Veteran Injured by Non-Lethal Rounds at Occupy Oakland". Veterans Today. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Gabbat, Adam (November 1, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: police to be investigated over Scott Olsen injury". The Guardian. London.
- ^ "Occupy vet worked by day, protested by night". CBS/AP. October 27, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "War veteran injured in Occupy protest says he's 'lucky'". USA Today. November 28, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ Wilkey, Robin (October 28, 2011). "Scott Olsen Vigil Attended By Thousands, Mayor Quan Booed". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "Scott Olsen makes first public statement since Occupy Oakland injury". The Guardian. London. November 14, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
- ^ "Interview with Scott Olsen About His Injury from the Police Attack on Occupy Oakland: video". Indybay.org. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
- ^ "Exclusive "Occupy" interview: Scott Olsen". MSNBC. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "Injured 'Occupy' Marine on the future of the movement". MSNBC. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "Occupy Wall Street: Iraq vet Scott Olsen on what he hopes the movement will achieve". Current. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ Experts: "Occupy" video shows excessive force
- ^ Josh Richman (2011). "Experts in police use of force shocked by Oakland video". Republished by Mercury News. Oakland Tribune. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c Gabbatt, Adam (November 18, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: footage shows police beating 'peaceful' Iraq war veteran". The Guardian. London. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ "Oakland General Strike Police Beat 2nd Iraq War Veteran with Baton Violently, Veteran Hospitalized". Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "Injured Elevation 66 Co-owner, Questions Remain". El Cerrito Patch. November 11, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ Lamarche, Pat (November 8, 2011). "Army Sniper to Riot Police: Just Say "No, I'm Not Going to Shoot."". Huffington Post. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ Gabbatt, Adam (November 4, 2011). "Occupy Oakland: second Iraq war veteran injured after police clashes". The Guardian. London. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
- ^ Daetz, Ama (November 3, 2011). "Journalist arrested while covering Oakland protest". KGO-TV. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ "Human Rights Group Condemns Journalist Arrests At Occupy Protests". The Huffington Post. November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ [3]
- ^ Occupy protests in Oakland and New York: a weekend of police clashes
- ^ a b Lee, Vic (2011). "Protesters hit by car press for driver's arrest". East Bay NEws. abclocal. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Kuruvila, Matthai (November 3, 2011). "Mercedes hits 2 Occupy Oakland protesters". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
- ^ "Occupy Oakland protesters march to Berkeley". Associated Press. November 15, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
- ^ Alston, John (October 18, 2011). "'Occupy Oakland' takes over a second park". KGO. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
- ^ McCleese, Tihanna (October 20, 2011). "'Occupy Oakland' protesters given ultimatum". KGO. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
- ^ Wilkey, Robin (October 28, 2011). "Scott Olsen Vigil Attended By Thousands, Mayor Quan Booed". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "Oakland braces for Occupy movement's call for general strike". Los Angeles Times. November 1, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ Wohlsen, Marcus (November 5, 2011). "Protesters close down Oakland Wells Fargo branch". AP - San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ Occupy Oakland makes $20K deposit at Wells Fargo, San Francisco Examiner, November 8, 2011
- ^ Occupy Oakland Protesters Deposit Funds At Wells Fargo After Bank Attacks, CBS News, November 9, 2011
- ^ a b c Bruce Paul (2011). "Occupy Oakland Blog: Saturday Nov 19 Day of Action: Into the Streets!". Retrieved 17 November 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ "U.S. News - Occupy disrupts Pacific ports; arrests in Seattle, NYC, Houston". msnbc.com. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
- ^ "What Could a Weekend of Violence Mean for the Occupy Movement?"Oakland Police Face Federal Takeover Due To Excessive Force"Oakland Police Department Only Weeks Away From Being Placed Into Federal Control"
- ^ Oakland Police Face Federal Takeover
- ^ Fulltext of 24 Jan 2012 ruling in Allen v. Oakland
- ^ Discussed re OccupyOakland , on The Young Turks 1/30/2012, by Mayor Quan on KQED 1/30)
- ^ Occupy Oakland 1/28/12 footage
- ^ http://occupyoakland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/move-in.png Move-in Day Flier
- ^ http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-738326?hpt=hp_bn1
- ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/30/us/california-occupy/?hpt=ibu_c2
- ^ Mass Arrest Attempt at Telegraph & 19th
- ^ Protestor report (purported) What Really Happened at Occupy Oakland
- ^ KQED - Occupy Oakland Arrests
- ^ KQED - Media caught up in Occupy Oakland Arrests
- ^ Mother Jones - "Journalists—Myself Included—Swept Up in Mass Arrest at Occupy Oakland"
- ^ AP - Occupy Oakland Protestors Arrested
External links
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