#OccupyCal UCB Chancellor Birgeneau resigns! Let's win all our demands - BAMN mtg Thursday

From: Ronald Cruz
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Subject: VICTORY: UCB Chancellor Birgeneau resigns! Let's win all our demands - BAMN mtg Thursday
To: Ronald Cruz


Victory for the Movement—Birgeneau Resigns!

Keep Fighting to Win All Our Demands!

BAMN Meeting Thursday (3/15) 7:00 pm, Room 141 Giannini Hall, UCB

 

In a major victory for the new student movement, UC-Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau announced today that he will resign at the end of the year. (BAMN press release below.) This has been one of the top demands of the movement. What we now need to do is fight to realize the other demands of the movement: doubling underrepresented minority student enrollment at UCB, dropping the charges against protesters, and reversing the fee hikes, cuts, and privatization at UCB.

Come to BAMN’s meeting this Thursday. Our proposed agenda is to plan two major initiatives this spring:

A. Direct Action on April 6 to demand (1) the end to the political witch-hunt and that UCB and the District Attorney drop the criminal charges against November 9 protesters and (2) immediate doubling of underrepresented minority student enrollment at UCB for this year’s incoming class.

B. Coordinating a slate for UC-Berkeley student government: the Defend Affirmative Action Party (DAAP). We need leaders in the ASUC who will be the voice of the movement to defend public education and who are committed to building the movement.  Come to Thursday’s meeting and learn more about running and supporting the DAAP slate.

- Yvette Felarca, Northern California coordinator of BAMN (Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary)

BAMN PRESS RELEASE:

Movement celebrates victory today: UC-Berkeley chancellor forced to resign

Students also demand that Birgeneau withdraw the criminal charges filed against Nov. 9 protesters before he leaves
 
BAMN and other movement activists are celebrating the movement’s victory today forcing the resignation of UCB Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.

At the press conference will be YVETTE FELARCA, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit brought against UC-Berkeley for police brutality from November 9, BAMN’s Northern California coordinator, and now a defendant facing criminal charges from Birgeneau and the Alameda County District Attorney for being at the November 9 protest.

“The new student movement demanding the preservation of public education and the restoration of affirmative action has won a major victory today,” Felarca said. “Chancellor Birgeneau’s resignation has been one of the top demands of the movement ever since he authorized police to beat me and countless other protesters who were standing up for public education on November 9, 2011. Birgeneau had to go. No chancellor can survive after doing what he did to his own students.”

“Birgeneau’s resignation is a confession that his policies of privatization, police brutality, and prosecutions have been a disaster,” said Monica Smith, BAMN attorney representing many protesters from November 9. “Before he leaves, he needs to withdraw the criminal charges he has brought against November 9 protesters and bring this political witch hunt to an end.”

“This victory is the result of the increased social power that students now have to determine the character of our education and the policies of this society,” said Matt Williams, UC-Berkeley senior and BAMN organizer. “On April 6, 2012, students will take direct action to double underrepresented minority student enrollment for the fall class and demand that all charges stemming from the November 9 protest be withdrawn and dropped—UC-Berkeley is a public university and must be democratically run and opened up to all of California.” 

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this came from the BAMN email announcements list.

#OccupyTheMail #NationalSolidarityCall from #OWS

So we were brainstorming because the United States Postal Service union came up to ask for support and solidarity on March 17th. As you know, March 17th is the 6th anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, so we said that we would stand in solidarity with them but it'll be a busy day...

A few of us got to brainstorming...
What could we do to show solidarity to a huge union that stands in support of us?

The idea:
Get an #Occupy Pen pal!  (Or 2 or 3)
Write a letter!
Send it! 
Write #OccupyWallStreet or #OccupyOakland or #OWS or #OO on the back!

Ideas that we are working on:
Create some kind of preparation kit to give to people who are interested
Include:
Postage stamps (Custom Occupy Stamps, or maybe have a stamp drive to get stamps for interested parties)
Post Cards (Have a postcard drive or custom made Occupy postcards)
A pen + Paper
Possibly an address that we can give to a potential pen pal!
As long as the USPS can tell that it's from Occupy, we feel that it will build great support and community with this particular Union, and since they seem to be very involved with a lot of the communities that they deliver mail to could prove to be a good form of outreach as well. They'll see the occupy name on every letter that is being sent (and we can even add a message like #OO Stand in Solidarity with the USPS or something on the back) So that they know we are doing what we can to support them. 

Imagine if everyone #Occupier was to send out at least one letter per week (or even two to three!) to another #Occupier. What kind of message would that send to the United States Postal Service as a message of solidarity from us to them? 

Launch Date: March 17th

Final Comments on #OOMedia - Bottom Line. SO WHAT?!

Ok fine. I see I have to write a response to this #OOMedia shit even if I don't want to.

Here it is. First of all, I don't even care that much. I'm autonomous media and from an outside perspective it just looks like a bunch of people who stopped getting along had a power struggle and this is what came of it. However, let me touch on a couple more points because after this I'm done and don't want to hear anything else about it. I would RATHER FOCUS ON THE POLITICAL PRISONERS THAT NEED TO BE FREED!

1) The media committee was. Legitimized by the consensus process of GA. That means a group of people came together to ask permission to do shit they could be doing on their own anyway.

2) the GA approved the group and they colaborated to build a site. That site is official because it was put together by the legitimized media group.

3) SOME writers came together and wrote an article weak in the facts department and heavy in the pointing fingers at an individual within the movement. That was wrong. With the gravity of this situation and the accusations being INDIRECTLY made, more research should have been put in AND when the facts were FOUND (more than 1 confirmation of this) those facts that were in opposition of the article were denied/rejected/not published and it was pursued anyway.

Now comes the issue of accountability

Should the individuals who signed it be held accountable? Well if that were an option it might have been employed, however, because some wish to remain anonymous we have no clue who that is.

Why are people defending them rather than saying it was wrong? There has still been no apology. Everyone is attacked who think this was childish and foolish by not the individuals who are known to have written and publish it, but others in the media group. This makes me wonder if you are the anonymous ones.

Also, for all the talk of abuse. It constantly seems that the self proclaimed pacifists are the ones constantly waging rhetorical war on those they do not agree with which is both hypocritical and decidedly more dangerous to the sustainability and growth of the movement. This is people breaking up the movement on their own.

With the "transparency" and openness of Occupy, or at least what Occupy is supposed to be there are several infiltrators, undercover agents etc in our midsts. Guess what? You probably don't know who the hell they are! Stop all this constant fear mongering and fighting.

Imagine what we could be accomplishing if we weren't all biting each others heads off over articles on the Internet while vicious lies are printed all the time anyway.

Federal Receivership: Good or Bad for Occupy Oakland?

There has been a lot of talk about federal receivership for the Oakland Police Department in the past few weeks, and considering much of the readily available content online via YouTube, various blogs, and live streams, many would say that is a well deserved fate for many recorded incidents.


Thinking about all the defensive statements from Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and Police Chief Howard Jordan, one would be inclined to think that the Occupy Oakland protesters are really crazy and/or violent and should be jailed, or forcibly put in mental institutions for their behavior. It’s unfortunate that these same individuals have the power to send out highly publicized press releases that broadcast their damaging statements against people demanding social change and governmental responsibility at the very least.


However, there are some interesting facts that I have yet to see covered on CNN, or other means of Corporate Media....


For More please visit: http://ripperhollow.com/federal-receivership-good-bad-occupy-oakland/

@BellaEiko Speaks on Measure Y - #J17 #OakMtg

So here is a copy of my speech to City Council on Jan 17th. Hope you like and go out to speak at your next City Council Meeting. It doesn't guarantee that things are going to get fixed right away but it does help hold the people you voted for responsible for the decisions they make.

Another Note on #BlackBloc & #PropertyDamage w/in the #OccupyMovement

‎"One does not and cannot 'negotiate' with brutality, nor give it the benefit of the doubt. The moral absolute should be: if and when, in any dispute, one side *initiates* the use of physical force, that side is wrong--and no consideration or discussion of the issues is necessary or appropriate." - Ayn Rand

Black bloc should not be blamed for self defensive tactics after first being pressed by OPD. The more people who are brave enough to see the violence first hand, and get caught up in it may change their perspective. Those who use physical force against nonviolent Occupiers are wrong. Any defensive action taken is not, and should not be unexpected. It should also not be judged.

Property Damage

It is a movement against corporate greed. Why are people defending banks, coffee conglomerates, and car dealerships that are being targeted by some protesters? Personal property should be off limits as the movement is fighting for economic justice. Thus fighting for the people. Let's discuss what black bloc really is and what it isn't. That clarification must be made. Let's also continue the what is self defense conversation. I think that's the way to clear this entire mess up.

I could be wrong, but let's give it a try before we let the movement die because of it.

About the fact that property damage hurts the under paying jobs of the 99%

Yes this is true.it is an unfortunate backlash of fighting against the 1% who is in control of many of the jobs that a catering to a systematic oppression based on the fact that people aren't being paid a livable wage. So by trying to hurt the profit of corporations, there are going to be 99%ers put in the crossfire so to speak. This is why we need to build more bridges.

If more people were willing to make sacrifices to have the movement sustain then the major actions, and some other tactics may be slightly more accepted. Not only that but I have a new question. What about how the rigid nonviolent stance otherizes and mutes the voices of those who have been systematically oppressed so long that they want to protest in ways tht you aren't comfortable with? Is this going to be how the movement becomes the house divided and the law enforcement agencies that are corrupt and the government and corporations can just watch people fight among theirselves; creating yet another distraction so that the bigger problem is not focused on and can be modernized yet again when our attention is on each other instead of corporate greed and governmental corruption?

I just want to find balance, be inclusive and work on all the problems. I don't think we should be judging each other so much as trying to understand each other. Work together instead of fighting.... That's what benefits us most in my opinion.

A New Perception on #FTP & #BlackBloc within #OccupyOakland

Well, I've been sitting here thinking about the events on Saturday Jan 28th and I can't help but see how there may have been a perception shift within Occupy Oakland and the BlackBloc tactics that have been so controversial in the past. Before we can get into the shift, lets first talk about the original perception.

From what I gather talking with Occupiers and sitting at some general assembilies, there were mixed emotions. Some people were adamantly against the blackbloc tactics while others thought it was a little cool even though they wouldn't do it themselves and of course there were the outright supporters. After the start of FTP (Fuck the Police march held every Saturday night)in response to the violence the Oakland Police Department has subjected the Occupy supporters to during the course of the almost 6 month old protest; the divide in opinions about blackbloc tactics deepened. This happened because of the bottle throwing that made many marchers be kettles by police and then chased several blocks by riot police. I think this divide is organically dissipating.

On Saturday many peaceful protesters who were not necessarily supporters of the blackbloc tactics seem to be more grateful for the shields, vinegar, malox and other defensive supplies that come from the blackbloc tactics as well. I saw the march to move in turn into a FTP march because of the violence that the protesters encountered. I almost think it helped merge the people who were previously split because now some people who have been against some tactics are aware of the fact that they are not against them all. Here may be the organic beginning of a warmer embrace to the diversity of tactics :)

Not that I'm for violence. I'm not, but I'm not a pacifist I do think I have the right to defend myself in the event of severe violence. Especially if it is unjust, like I didn't commit a violent crime deserving of a violent response. I'm sure most feel that exact same way, and the way the march turned into FTP hours before it was scheduled because of what was happening was pretty telling in my opinion. I think this push into acceptance will allow for more a more open minded approach to the decisions made within the movement from this point on.

A good example of preemptive decision making, it seems equally fortunate that the General Assembly decided to move to 19th & Telegraph because there was a statement that almost 100 protesters that were arrested on Saturday are also under a threat of a stay away order. Well. Unfortunately the stay away could be from the entire area of Downtown Oakland. That s a new blog post altogether though so I'm going to move on.

The point that I wanted to make with this blog is that Occupy is a truly inclusive movement. There is room for all types of different autonomous action as long as it has the same goal. When the militarization of the police department is successfully dealt with Occupy Oakland is going to probably look more like Occupy Wall Street, but may be forced to approach it differently than other occupations. There needs to be a discussion about what property damage is, what violence is, and what self defense is.

Once these different conversations get started, I can imagine that many people would start to see how their viewpoints may actually be more similar than they all believe. Making it to where the infighting about FTP and blackbloc tactics will quiet down. They might quiet down because the understanding that self defense is necessary will be understood. Those who are more responsible will understand that there isn't much that you can do about people who want to throw bottles and fruit randomly after being tear gassed or having smoke grenades thrown at them. People will start to understand that the political movement that has corporate greed as a target, might break a window at Bently or Starbucks. Spray paint the City Hall where abusive orders come out of from the Mayors office with obscene messages that are sure to be seen since the heartfelt cries of concerned citizens & Occupiers are ignored at City Council meetings, and through the form of emails and complaints to representatives and the Internal Affairs department of the Oakland Police Department.

Although I understand these tactics, I don't partake in them. I just can understand and without criminalizing those who feel strongly enough for that to be their desired way of protesting. I can understand that some may also feel as if picket signs get ignored because the world is so well adjusted to injustice. Maybe that is a part of the "imagine a new world" scenario. The one in which instead of sitting there like sheep, people are fighting back in any way they can to secure economic justice. To address police misconduct all the way to the abusive department policies and the way rights are infringed upon while protesting against governmental corruption and corporate greed.

My Response to the Official Oakland City Council posting about #J28

The first thing I would like to say is that yesterday was about giving back to the community. In my opinion, it was a symbolic action as it should have been known that the Oakland Police Department would enforce eviction. I didn't expect them to even allow possession of any property, that becomes the understatement of the year after the events from last night.

In response to the official statement, I am going to first put what was said and then give a response. These statements can be found at http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/ceda/documents/pressrelease/oak033083.pdf

1) "Ms. Santana outlined the damage that protesters inflicted to Oakland’s historic City Hall which included breaking an interior window to a Hearing Room, tipping over and seriously damaging the historic model of City Hall, destroying a case containing a model of Frank Ogawa Plaza, breaking into the fire sprinkler and elevator automation closet, stealing the flags from the grand staircase landing and burning one flag in front of City Hall."

No where in here does it say that children's art was destroyed. I'm also hard pressed to find images of the destruction of children's art released to mainstream media. Also, upon several of my own interviews I found out that the doors to City Hall were open (as they usually are before 9pm on a Saturday). There is usually a guard on staff, and the later it gets MOST of the doors are locked but not all. So I'm more inclined to believe the claims of Occupiers at this point than the Mayor. This seems to be dependent upon her credibility which is fading with me and many in the city of Oakland.

About the "damage inflicted to Oakland's Historic City Hall" most of the people feel like their Civil Liberties are being destroyed by the government, so any burning of the flag, or symbolic way of expressing disrespect for the very government that is supposed to protect the rights that the people feel are violated is not only to be expected, it also seems appropriate (not to mention the Supreme Court ruled it was Constitutional and the was Civil Linerties are being trampled on I can understand the protest). There have been people who have sustained broken bones, been beaten, dragged through the street, arrest and violated through intrusive searches, pepper sprayed, teargassed, snatched off the street and arrested for nothing (like really, not the guilty nothing. The real just walking down the street nothing). Press is even being arrested for filming and trying to comply to aggressive officers giving very unclear orders. Not only that but let's be real here, a building window and a statue are not people so why use such a sensitive way to describe the property damage? These are tax payers who broke the window, and their tax dollars will obviously fix it. Regardless of what people think, most within the support circle of Occupy do have jobs and if they are paying for the police to sit around and play angry birds until the next impending raid, then I guess they are willing to chip in on a window too.

The fact that people don't know why things are getting broken is what surprises me. How much can people take really? I guess the Oakland Police Department and Mayor Quan are determine to find out.

2) "The City’s Public Works staff has been working diligently throughout the day to remove offensive graffiti by power washing the hardscape in Frank Ogawa Plaza, removing debris from City Hall and Plaza area and fixing the damaged sprinkler system."

Some of the "offensive graffiti" was also things like The photo that I just tried to upload from this iPad (hope you can see it) saying all you need is love. Many of the drawings were done by children, and adults. These are the community projects happening. What is not said is how all of those drawings were power sprayed off the sidewalk, but all the trash and dirt that was kicked up from the crevices in the sidewalk were allowed to just sit there in a pile to be cleaned by whomever took it upon themselves to do so as the city workers trucks pulled away. It all seemed like a waste, because the obscene language was spray paint and it wasn't coming off.
An interesting thing to think about is oil based chalk... But I'm sure they have some sort of fancy tax dollar cleaner to get it all up regardless.

About the broken sprinkler system. It needs to be broken. The amount of water that is being sprayed into the stupid lawn is turning it into a mud pit where only the huge rats can run over. It's disgusting, and a big waste of money ESPECIALLY knowing how much water bills are these days. It's these type of tactics that are not exactly working, nor are they cost effective. Why is it that the flowers and the garden weren't allowed to stay? Instead have a mud pit that serves no purpose except keeping people off of it in a public park? It doesn't quite make sense...

3) "“It became clear that the objective of this crowd was not to peacefully assemble and march, but to seek opportunity to further criminal acts, confront police, and repeatedly attempt to illegally occupy buildings,” said Chief Jordan.
Chief Jordan also noted that the response to Occupy activities was accomplished while the department received 1,776 calls for service – including 482 calls to 911 – and while maintaining the City’s ongoing strategy of addressing violent crime in the 5% of Oakland neighborhoods where 90% of the crime occurs. “Personnel and resources dedicated to Occupy reduce our ability to focus on public safety priorities,” said Chief Jordan."

Ok so the whole march was about a move in to a secret building. It was an occupation. College student Joshua Hewitt was escorted off of campus from Chabot College for passing out flyers inviting people to check it out if they were interested. So it didn't "become clear" that was how the march was portrayed. People were marching to the occupation of a building. Even on the flyer, it starts to talk about the fact that there are more vacant homes than homeless people. If that's not clear, then whoever is investigating Occupy needs to go back to school, assuming that the school that's offering classes isn't full and defunded. While Mr. Jordan claims that the demand for presence is needed at Occupy and that it reduces the ability to cover crime elsewhere, he seems to forget that the Oakland Police Department has long since stopped responding to public safety before an hour was up years ago. In some cases, not even showing up. So to claim that Occupy is the reason, is to place all the fault of a traditionally irresponsible police department on a movement that has only been around for a few months. IF the police had been doing their job and protecting the people in Oakland all this time, why did all of these people continue to show up? I think that the people of Oakland are desensitized to the violence in a way that allows them to say it happens every day anyway, so they might as well come fight against it with Occupy. For people who are supposed to protect and serve the community, it sure seems like many in the community do not regard them as public servants to say the least.

4) "Yesterday, a crowd of 500 protesters unsuccessfully attempted to break into the historic Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, members of the crowd charged skirmish lines at Oak Street and pelted officers with bottles, metal pipe, rocks, spray cans, improvised explosive devices and burning flares. The Oakland Police Department deployed smoke, tear gas and beanbag projectiles in response to this activity."

Ok so I had a lot of fun until I realized the march was about to be split up and have no choice but to funnel through the Laney Junior College campus in Oakland on 9th & Fallon. By fun I mean riding on the truck and filming a really good view of the crowd who were all dancing and singing, eating, talking and otherwise socializing. Once the crowd funneled through the college because of police blockades on every other possible route, we were met by the police in riot gear divided by a deep trench. The police had on their riot gear minus the shields at this point, and we're announcing that gathering by the Henry J Kaiser building was an illegal assembly. Coupled with that announcement was a threat of physical force and the use of chemical agents which would likely lead to injuries. We were given 1 minute to vacate an area that took more than 5 to leave.

Before anyone could really leave because of how large a crowd was present, the officers deployed a smoke bomb, or grenade. I don't know what it's called, it I'm sure those of you who have seen video have seen the white smoke. That is the smoke bomb that I'm referring to, which I later found out was military grade. This did not motivate people to leave the area, even though they were planning on moving on. The threat of violence made people stay, which I understand. It was civil disobedience. Someone got pretty mad and threw an orange at the police, while others tore down a fence. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not the most agreeable person after having a smoke bomb shot at me. I think some of the people there felt the same way. So you see, the protesters threw fruit after being shot at. I'd say it's pretty clear who the aggressors were.

After that there was another blockade when protesters left the area father about 5-10 minutes. The police were there every step of the way, very aggressively snatching people down, beating people with batons and shooting rubber bullets at the make shift shields made from garbage can halves. I saw a woman get thrown to the ground right in front of me and an officer run up and draw a large rifle, shotgun looking thing on her. I begged him not to shoot her at which point and time he raised up his gun and trained it on me. I screamed for him not to shoot again. This was all happening so fast, and as press standing on the sidewalk with my press pass, I couldn't believe that we would be chased down for documenting the event. I put all of this here so that people can know that the violence was not on belhlaf of the protesters on many occassions, but the officers.

5) "After ignoring a dispersal order, at approximately 6:30 pm, protesters invaded the YMCA and were arrested.
Simultaneously, a different group of protesters burnt an American flag in front of Oakland City Hall before breaking into the historic building and damaging property. Arrests were made"

Ok so, in front of the YMCA there was a dispersal notice given. Yes there was. [CORRECTION, THERE WAS NOT A DISPERSAL NOTICE, THERE WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT STATING THAT PEOPLE HAD NEGLECTED TO DISPERSE AND WOULD BE ARRESTED, ]However, it was also very clear at that point that the police had no intention upon letting people go the entire night. Both 23rd as well as 24th & Broadway were blocked off by several police officers in a line backed by more vehicles on the 24th side than 23rd. Many people rushed up to the stairs of the YMCA while others stayed out in the street and on the sidewalk in front. Media (by media I mean Citizen Journalists) were in the crowd scattered about to get footage for viewers. Interestingly enough there are a lot of stories saying that people broke into the YMCA this is not true. There is video footage of people begging to get in and being let in, not breaking the door down.

So the protesters found a way to disperse, that is the point here because the police did not provide a way. Another interesting fact is that the only thing that was declared as unlawful assembly was at Henrey J Kaiser, 19th & Telegraph (protesters had to tear down the fence to disperse because a way was not provided at that instance either) and then later at 14th & Broadway. The police just said they would arrest people in front of the YMCA, they were not given a chance to leave. The sad part about what im saying is, the police chased people around and turned a peaceful assembly into a frantic chase. Where the protesters had to beg to be let in so that they could have a chance to escape to safety. This is called systematic oppression, especially when the mayor and interim make statements to criminalize the people they are oppressing while put in a position to help and protect the citizens. Not to mention a total violation af 1st Amendment rights.

6) "The City of Oakland received mutual aid from the following law enforcement agencies: the California Highway Patrol; Sheriff’s Departments of Alameda County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, San Francisco County and Marin County; the cities of Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Pleasanton, San Francisco and Union City/Newark; and the University of California-Berkeley"

The city of Oakland has to pay $1000/day/officer for the Alameda County Sherrfis Department. There were several of them there. I was told by the PIO (Thomason I believe) that if it is emergency mutual aid the it comes as no cost. I will have to look into this when I don't have homework and there isn't an Occupy event or impending raid to film. I don't even want to get into how much it costs for every one else. But it makes me think, was this Mayor Quans way of getting help for FTP without paying for it if this is true?

Chabot College and Hayward residents, know that Hayward police came tonight in swat vehicles and full on riot gear. So the next time Occupy Oakland shows up in support of something in Hayward, or does an action there don't be mad. This is not the first time the Hayward Police department has come to give mutual aid in Oakland related to Occupy matters. Know that this has not gone unnoticed.

Berkeley, I couldn't have sworn that the mutual aid contract between you and Oakland was done and over with. What were you even doing there? Is it because you had such a great experience the last time you handled this situation? The presencen of this department had to be one of the most surprising.

Anyway, it's almost 2 in the morning and I have school. I just wanted to clear up a few facts from what I saw the entire time I was out there I will be happy to elaborate and invite comments always. Thank you to all who watch my stream and read the blog.

Occupy Oakland Caravan to Longview Preparation Meeting- Sunday 4.30 at 410 14th st

Occupy Oakland Caravan to Longview Preparation Meeting- Sunday 4.30 at 410 14th st

Hello Caravaners! Occupy Oakland will be caravaning  to Longview, WA to join Occupy Portland, Occupy Seattle, Occupy Olympia, and Occupy Longview to blockade the notorious EGT ship who is busting Longshormen jurisdication. EGT is a multinational grain exporter rsponsible for economic and enviromental devastation around the world. While the date for the arrival of the ship in Longview is uncertain,it IS approaching quickly!!  Here in Oakland we need to have a preparation meeting to get ready for our caravan. We will be meeting Sunday January 22nd at 410 14th st, between Broadway and Franklin, at 4.30 (after the GA).

In this meeting we will discuss everything - how we'll be alerted, how the actual caravan will be organized and who is going with who, where we'll meet, what to bring (and not bring), what to expect during the day of action in Longview, etc. We will be hosted by Occupy Longview and Occupy Portland who are very excited to take action with Occupy Oakland!
Every chance you can get, tell people to sign up or donate at on our website occupytheegt.org !!

Thanks, see you all on Sunday!

Infighting - Occupy Obstacles

So I have been thinking of what could be a good blog topic this time around and I landed on the idea that the perceived "infighting" is something that needs to be addressed, especially since Occupy Oakland is very much in the public eye.

Much of the communication between people who support Occupy tends to happen in person, over the phone and... yeah you guessed it online. Twitter, Facebook, various blogs (including mine) as well as many other social networking sites like Ustream, Tumbler etc. provide ways to get messages across. One thing that seems to be forgotten from time to time is the fact that the limited space for expressing yourself accurately through the medium of online forums is not always the most effective to get the full scoop. I say this leading up to the fact that misunderstandings and small disagreements can get blown out of proportion. This does not mean that the people who are talking online harbor resentment for each other or any other negative feelings. This is the dialogue that people are continuing to work towards a solution.

It's the same thing as misinterpreting a text message or anything else where a person is not able to assess the tone that is accompanying the message being read. Interpretation on behalf of readers can change the context of what is being said. It is especially true for people who are just following the publicized conversation and aren't aware of contributing circumstances and motivating factors pertaining to the conversation. Many of you who follow my blog also follow my Twitter and YouTube, some of you may even be my personal friends on FaceBook or family members know that this has happened with me as well as many others. However, what is not often publicized is the way everyone comes back together to still work on the same projects to reach their common goals. Just like with any family (Occupy family included) there are going to be misunderstandings coupled with many ups and downs, this will probably continue to be something that happens when protesting against an abusive and oppressive government (it's very stressful work you know). The bond that is constantly being built by the community is only strengthened when people can have disagreements and come back together. This is the bond that also keeps Occupy alive.

Occupy is a very strong and alive movement across the globe, and the bonds that are forged during these hard (and admittedly sometime joyful) times are the bonds that will keep the movement alive in the face of all types of opposition. In my own personal experience, I have developed friendships that have motivated me to not go home when I saw them unjustly arrested. More motivated for fight for them as my friends now than random people in my community. I am more willing to hear their concerns and my wanting to work with them to resolve problems is intensified. I'm sure that this is happening with more than just me and at many more places than just Occupy Oakland. So much so that I now have people in various states and countries that I now communicate with on a consistent basis. We don't agree on everything and sometimes we need to have a debate over core beliefs so that we can work towards a solution. How else are so many people with so many different perspectives and personalities supposed to work things out if they can't first go through the very difficult challenge of overcoming their differences?

This is the reason why I say the infighting shouldn't have so much of a negative response from the people who see it. The only thing that needs to be done is people coming together to mediate, not help blame and take sides and point fingers. This is counter productive. Nobody is perfect, I've been guilty of the very same actions. This is something that we all not only need to be aware of but also actively work towards employing the mediating tactic instead of allowing ourselves to become the house divided. Remember, we are people united and we will not be defeated. Period. The chant doesn't say that we are people united and when I disagree with you we're going to fight and divide.

At the end of the day, fueling the infighting just sabotages the efforts of people who are trying to help the movement sustain, and as long as this is a movement for the people against an abusive, oppressive and corrupt government and corporate greed spread around like a well traveled flu virus we should all do what we can to make the movement not only sustainable but productive and working towards fixing the problems of the community. Since Occupy is not about the top down approach, it makes sense that cities like Oakland are fighting against major issues, but it has to focus on the local structural inherencies that are blocking access to the issues at the "top" that are actively being used to perpetuate the abuses of the current government.

So the fighting about focusing on certain issues needs to stop, saying that Occupy Oakland and Occupy Wall Street are separate needs to stop (Oaklanders came out in support of OWS originally but were met by the militarization of the police department, thus a local issue needs to be fixed before the two can totally merge, but they are a part of each other), diversity of tactics being a problem needs to stop and the conversation about the diversity of tactics being the solution needs to be the more popular one. I'm hoping this blog can help change the perspective of some as my perspective on this has changed, thus the reason for this blog. Like I said to the Oakland City Council last night: Let's all let go of our own personal agendas and truly work towards a solution (paraphrase).

The Occupy Oakland General Assembly & Autonomous Action Endorsement

Now I'm aware of the fact that I am not one of the individuals that have been with Occupy Oakland since the beginning (I came in about November 2nd as many did in support of the General Strike) but I have been a major supporter, ustreamer, and blogger since I started coming. The one thing that I quickly noticed was the General Assembly and I really liked it. I mean let's face it as a Parliamentary Debater, I can appreciate direct democracy breaking out on the amphitheater steps of "Frank Ogawa Plaza" (otherwise named Oscar Grant Plaza by Occupy). However, as time went on the GA started to lose its sparkle to me, and many others. So much so that it is been a little difficult to continue to make quorum. Initially I had written a proposal to change the GA process to be more inclusive, but I can't sit at EVERY GA with 2 more people from my proposal writing group to wait for our turn to read the proposal. The process seems to have gone from the decision making process of "Occupy Oakland" as a whole, to the place for theoretical debate and a breeding ground for more autonomous actions.

This is a good thing and a bad thing for multiple reasons, keep in mind that this blog is my opinion combined with things that I have seen and heard from my experiences. That does not make me the final word on anything, but I think it's important that people remember that as they continue to read. Anyway, this is a good thing because it gives room for people to get together and do the things they feel as if are needed to further the movement and/or help the community. That is a great thing because as I've said many times before I feel like diverse tactics should be embraced not used as a tool to divide the house. Also, it gives room for these different actions to be applied in different areas and for people to support them while still having the Occupy Movement not loose momentum. That part is wonderful, but there is a down side. It's unfortunate but it is my belief that more people need to realize this fact as forewarned is forearmed. It's an apparent fact to me that being a part of the 99% movement means that I will not agree with the tactics of everyone all of the time. That doesn't mean that my opinions don't matter, or that the movement has left me as an individual behind. With groups like TAC using their right to autonomous actions, there are bound to be people who disagree with the ideas that the group is employing. If so, don't criticize in a way that you will not be heard. Instead offer constructive criticism that doesn't finger point and degrade the efforts of college aged young people who are doing their best. Either that or form your own committee and start employing your own tactics to work towards the same goals. No need to fight among ourselves.

I got a little off topic here, but I find it difficult to discuss the GA without talking about the highly controversial group (TAC) within Occupy Oakland that has been recognized officially. Basically after checking out the GA and supporting several actions that came out of the GA, I went to NYC for Thanks Giving, came back and TAC was the surviving face of the Occupy Oakland movement. While I was gone, these young individuals had made the news for the foreclosure on 18th & Linden, shortly after they had combined forces with just Cause and the Black Panther Party without GA consensus.. just autonomous action and people seeing the effort and wanting to help. The teaming up with other organizations lead to the takeover of the property on 10th & Mandela in Oakland, and then another encampment simultaneously on 20th & Mandela. Now, although there is some good discussion and interesting questions that are brought up at GA, it seems to stop there with many people voting on things and going home waiting for them to magically happen. Meanwhile disappearing through the planning process without coming to meetings or giving feedback and then giving harsh and mostly undeserved commentary after the fact. To these GA attendees I shame you.

I shame because Occupy Oakland has not had any other successful largely publicized encampments since the take down of Frank Ogawa (Oscar Grant Plaza), even though there has been a vigil and a 24 hour presence there. 24 hours of citizens protesting and Oakland Police officers standing around, playing angry birds, and occasionally harassing Occupiers with the tax dollars of the citizens paying them to do it. With every single GA being rushed and giving what seems like the same amount of allotted speaking time (1 minute) like the City Council meetings is almost hypocritical to the anti establishment element of the movement. I have spoken to several people who feel the same way, and there are those who no longer attend but just decide to support in the way that they can saying "let the theorists have their debate" referring to GA. The thing is that it's easy for the divide to be placed when the GA is nowhere near as inclusive as it pretends to be. With proposals coming up in the queue randomly and having to be present with at least 3 of the writers upon the calling of the proposal is already frustrating enough. However, when GA barely makes quorum every night, a lot doesn't get decided anyway.

Without successful autonomous actions, Occupy Oakland would not still be going as strong as it is, giving the freedom to all individuals to represent themselves and take action towards solutions to the issues plaguing their communities. It has to work this way because the same things that work in lower economic areas are not going to work in the suburbs. So with Oakland having east & west then Piedmont, Claremont and the Oakland Hills, there are obviously going to have to be different tactics used, and not all of them are going to be approved at GA. It actually kills me how some people "support" Occupy until people protest in a way that they don't like. It drives me crazy, divorce the culture in a real way. Stop demanding that others submit to your hedgemonic influence and just be happy that we are working towards a common goal and that we are WINNING. Or form your own committee and events instead of being mad at those who are trying to make a difference. This is the way that we can still all pursue the same goal and don't have to conform in order to "fit in" as a citizen with an opinion.

I have heard recent complaints about the way the finances seem to be tied up in bureaucratic red tape. Many (who will remain nameless because I have not received permission to use their names) have complained that they have not been able to be reimbursed for things they have done (like bail themselves out of jail) and some committees saying that they have not received their stipend every week. Likewise there have been rumors of several donations from Occupy Wall Street in the amounts of $25,000 and $30,000. It is not clear to me and others if there is a total of $55,000 in donations given or if it was the initial $25,000 donation and another for $5,000 for a total of $30,000. This is causing frustration among some supporters especially when it comes to bail money and funds for food etc. I plan to see what else I can find out about this particular subject, but the point that matters to me is the fact that there is obviously a divide between SOME of those willing to put their bodies on the line for what they believe in and those who discuss the actions in theory/planning. I have to wonder certain things like why isn't there a National Occupy Movement bail fund or agency even? Why is the GA that struggles for quorum and is not the most inclusive of what I will call the front line voices the one that makes the decisions and votes on how the money will be spent and/or the approval processes of the finance committee. It's unfortunate to see such a scuffle breaking out within Occupy over the funds that are donated. Shows how there are problems with the effects of capitalism even when actively working to protest against abusive capitalism.

In my own personal opinion, I really wish that the 2 could merge. I will be posting a proposal on my blog because I simply don't think the now 2 day a week GA would provide a process in which even I would be able to get multiple people to be present at every single meeting waiting until our proposal comes up to be read and discussed and voted on. Not that I think 2 days a week is even enough. I feel like the GA is already rushed and that we should have more time to get the word out about proposals before they are discussed as far as pros and cons or friendly amendments. Rushing through things and deciding them in 1 night while claiming to have the voice of the community is a little far fetched. In order for there to be a successful plan there must be agents of action and agents of enforcement. those two need to be able to work together. Period. Hopefully, this all gets worked out and the movement can continue to sustain itself.

The Truth About Occupy Oakland - the Tactical Action Committee

When I first came out to an Occupy Oakland event it was the November 2nd General Strike. I mean, as a Oakland resident, how could I not join and go check out this historical event? So I went and spent over 9 hours hanging out and chilling with some friends of mine. I had promised to go watch my little cousin later in the evening so I went home. 15 minutes later, I'm home and watching OakFoSho's Ustream and I see the Oakland Police Department teargassing, shooting rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd. There were librarians and teachers, students and Grandmothers. There were disabled individuals and CHILDREN in the crowd. I was appalled at the response of the PUBLIC SERVANTS and how they violently subjected protesters to this type of oppression.

Now I know that some people don't agree with the tactics of "Occupy" but people need to realize that they are a part of Occupy without doing anything. Your bank account and your financial position within current society dictates if you are an Occupier or not. Basically if you can't survive for a while without going to work. If you have to cut back and can't afford to purchase a lobbyist or have a political candidate do exactly what you want them to do based on persuasion through massive donations, then you are a 99%er, you are Occupy. Unfortunately too many people don't understand this fact and so there is a lot of criticism which makes the job of the mainstream media easy because of the misrepresentation that is easily accepted. We as a society have to stop being so well adjusted to the blatant injustice in our societies.

Anyway... about the Occupy Oakland Tactical action committee.. these are some individuals, some who have been singled out, who are in my opinion more the active face of the Occupy Oakland movement. Don't get me wrong, the general assembly is definitely the most "political" aspect of Occupy as an organized movement as a whole. However, there is a lot of bickering and decision making that happens at GA that most people aren't willing to put their bodies on the line and enforce the things that they have decided. Not to mention that most nights it is hard to meet quorum. I will admit that there are several times that I have been at the GA but been participating in other discussions with some people who are more willing to actually engage in action. The problem is that there is not a merging of the two. People who are holding down space at a foreclosed home or at an encampment can't exactly get a laptop to email in a proposal, or wait every night to see when their proposal will come up in the queue. It's not exactly the most efficient process. So the thing that most don't understand is that all that happens is that someone has an idea, and if the community supports it then they come out. It's unfortunate that the people who keep coming out in significant numbers are being ignored. Occupy Oakland Tactical Action Committee (TAC) is one that fits into this unfortunate position but still pushes on.

The Tactical Action Committee is one that continuously keeps up with their ideas and decides to stick with them regardless of the opposition in the way. I for one respect their resilience and their ability to stay strong and vigilant in the face of state oppression. Prior to covering the story of this committee of Occupy Oakland, I have seen the ugly face of oppression to the point that I now experience the oppression that I have discussed in theory and by affiliation but never really first hand until now. On Wednesday Jan 4, 2012 there was a General Assembly and a friend of mine as well as some members of TAC and some other Occupiers were having a conversation about the class structure of America and how it was organically created during the colonization period and brainstorming on ways that the economy and government could be better. In the middle of this conversation we were rushed by 17 police cruisers and more officers in riot gear than I could count. Now the immediate response was to run but we had no clue where to go as we were in a public park and had no idea where was safe and where wasn't. I probably should have wen't home, but I was curious because I had kept hearing about the violence and so now I had an opportunity to really see for myself. My friend Nneka decided to stay and help me film what was happening. When we went back filming, we were aggressively escorted to the curb by officers being told that we needed to go over here or else they would arrest me. Nneka listened and stayed on the corner of 14th & Broadway while I walked to the bart station entrance to try and get a better view of what was happening. Just then, Nneka was arrested for obstruction of justice. For standing in the same spot some officers had just escorted her to. Later she was charged with maliciously obstructing a walkway. What kind of crap is that? How is that even possible?

TAC decided that they wanted to have a march in theory for the police response. It's obviously been systematic, they have been targeted because they serve as a motivational force and the people most willing to stand up in protest for what they believe in. That is a very bold powerful statement to the people who have been protesting and believe in the message against capitalism and state oppression. It would benefit the police who are now protecting others outside the community and making money off of the community to silence the voices that will not back down to the school yard intimidation tactics of throwing water on people from the upstairs of the police building to beating women off of their bikes while riding by holding up a peace sign. People have a right to protest without being subjected to oppression by the police especially in public places. TAC makes you ask some interesting questions while looking at their work. Like why is it that as an adult I have a curfew in a city park? Why can't I carry on this conversation or stay and finish playing chess or meditating or whatever? Why is it that the city can't find the money to keep the schools open (never mind the quality of them) but it can find $450,000 or more to focus on silencing the voices in the community that want to feed the homeless and rectify the things gone wrong in our society?

I'm not saying that there are not other side groups that are trying to go out into the community and do outreach work with an Occupy focus, but TAC is the committee that I believe is continuing the against the system, stand up for your rights, power to the people, fight oppression non conformist spirit that Occupy is built on. It's unfortunate, but only makes sense that a motivational group such as this is targeted by the very oppressive force that they are fighting against. That's why the criticism of the Fuck the Police day marches need to stop being criticized. I do think if you're willing to throw a bottle at the police, you should be willing to accept the consequences. However, I understand that is part of the tactic to hide in the crowd, and that people who believe in the cause will still back up those who are mad enough to damage some property or harmlessly throw a glow stick at the Kevlar of a "peace" officers riot gear. Whatever the case is, the over militant excessive force that is being used in the targeting of a group who just wants to help the community is once again absurd.

There is not much to say about this group that people don't already know. The thing that I like to focus on is that they are not perfect much like all of us. The difference is that they are constantly willing to push forward, always willing to make a plan and enforce it to help the community members that have been disenfranchised for far too long. At that point how can you really judge their actions if you have not inserted your opinion and offered your help? Much of the frustration that is now seen is from a lot of criticism from those who benefit from the struggle, but don't want to participate and constantly criticize those who sustain the movement.

Something to address the issue of The Port of Oakland not being able to "afford" the strikes.

Boots Riley

Regarding the full page ad that the Port Of Oakland took out to write a letter against the December 12th West Coast Port Shutdown.

The Port Of Oakland does NOT represent the workers at the port.
They represent the corporations.
The Port Of Oakland are the ones whom the workers battle with over pay and benefits.

When The Port Of Oakland says: "We cannot afford to be shutdown again", the "we" they are referring to are international shipping companies, like SSA, half-owned by Goldman Sachs.


If the 1% can't afford shutdowns like this, we're on to something.

The 1% co-ordinated nationwide brutal attacks on the Occupy Wall Street movement. We are taking the battle to them.

This is in solidarity with Longshoremen in Longview, WA, who are battling against the international grain exporter, EGT, who is using union-busting tactics against the workers.

Longshoremen will not lose pay with the blockade. We will create a "safety issue" by being there. The arbitrator will rule it unsafe for workers, since this is an action not "officially" sanctioned by ILWU. Therefore, the longshoremen will go home with pay.

This is also in solidarity with the underpaid, largely immigrant truck drivers, whose fight for higher wages and benefits have been thwarted by Goldman Sachs.

The big bosses will always tell you that it's against your own best interest to fight them. Don't believe the hype.

The Voices of Occupy!!

Now before anyone gets all anxious, I'm not claiming to be the voice of Occupy, but I think that all the signs that are at an Occupy event show the voices of the people. Things that they have been saying for far too long with hardly any representation. People are tired of being quiet and/or screaming out but not being heard. Have you had any similar thoughts?

West Coast Port Shut Down! 12/12/11

Ok so the time has come again! I am so incredibly happy that Occupy has decided to shut down the port. It was so successful last time that it has been organized on a larger scale!

According to http://westcoastportshutdown.org/ "We're shutting down these ports because of the union busting and attacks on the working class by the 1%: the firing of Port truckers organizing at SSA terminals in LA; the attempt to rupture ILWU union jurisdiction in Longview, WA by EGT.  EGT includes Bunge LTD, a company which reported 2.5 billion dollars in profit last year and has economically devastated poor people in Argentina and Brazil. SSA is responsible for inhumane working conditions and gross exploitation of port truckers and is owned by Goldman Sachs.

EGT and Goldman Sachs is Wallstreet on the Waterfront" stated Barucha Peller of the West Coast Port Blockade Assembly of Occupy Oakland.   

"We are also striking back against the nationally' coordinated attack on the Occupy movement. In response to the police violence and camp evictions against the Occupy movement- This is our coordinated response against the 1%. On December 12th we will show are collective power through pinpointed economic blockade of the 1%."

If you are interested in meeting

to help organize. There are meetings

being held every GA day at 5pm. 

At Frank Ogawa Plaza

(a.k.a Oscar Grant Plaza)

14th & Broadway D.Twn Oakland

BLACK FRIDAY - OHLONE LAND - EMERYVILLE PHOTOS!

Ohlone Land & Black Friday

Today was officially Buy Nothing Day in Emeryville on Shellmound at the Bay Street Mall. Most people either do not know, or have chosen to ignore the fact that the Ikea as well as the Bay Street Mall were built on Ohlone burial land. This is a disturbing fact because I couldn't imagine the burial site of my loved ones being trampled on my eager consumers wanting to fund the very companies that desecrated the land. If more people would take the time out to really consider this from another perspective, I don't think this area would be so busy with shoppers. I think that this would be a good place to mention that some of the protesting was successful because there were a couple cars that I saw merge out of the turning lane to enter the shopping center while honking their horns in support. Thinking back on this now, I am happy that some people were attracted and intrigued enough by the spectacle of people and what they were saying to make a conscious decision to not support this shopping center.

Although I have not attended any of the previous Buy Nothing protests that have been held since the opening of this shopping center, I was told by several people there that this was a larger turnout than usual. I think that is because this particular Buy Nothing Day was endorsed by both Occupy Oakland and Occupy SF. Seeing that the Occupy Movement supports this as well shows that this movement is about community and reaching out to all of those who have experienced oppression, including but not limited to our indigenous brothers and sisters. Furthermore, I tried to go back and find articles about the bodies that were being found as IKEA was being built and I have to pay to access them. For those of you who do not understand the "money does not equal speech" argument check this out. You have to have money to access information and/or to put information out. Pay to check out the article here

I know that there are people out there who are still cynics but realize how you can make your money work for you. Don't spend the money where the company is more concerned about profit over people. Mom and Pop stores hire people too, but they can only afford to hire so many people when they have to compete with large corporations that can afford to have lower prices. Naturally the lower prices attract shoppers, but at what cost really? What happens when those small business can no longer stay afloat? Even though every major mall is not built on a sacred burial ground, shopping at these establishments still hurt the community because it empowers them. Being a consumer nation, we can create a shift but we have to be a conscious people and hold our government, corporations and ourselves accountable.

OPD Starts "The Thanksgiving Potty Police-Riot of 2011"

Since when has it been acceptable to do this to people. I haven't been "waiting" for this to happen to people I know, but Rasta and Marsha have been nothing but nice to me ever since I started following the Occupy Oakland movement. I remember meeting their son and everything. Now I didn't see any provocation that should have lead to an arrest and grabbing Rastas hair like that! I give major props to Marsha for standing (or laying) by her husbands side and doing her best to protect him! I can't believe that this is an appropriate response on Thanksgiving when people are trying to celebrate. I think it's humane to offer some bathrooms to people, so I'm not understanding why violence was the proper way to handle this.

Furthermore, What was his crime? Why was he being arrested? Why doesn't the "establishment" just allow bathrooms? I have to get down there today and see the aftermath of this madness and support the Black Friday movement with Occupy. I hope this doesn't happen to me, but it seems like people who are doing nothing wrong tend to get caught up in the violence a bit. Too sad a reality to live in. I hope to change that someday.

UPDATE: RASTA HAS AN ARRAIGNMENT COMING UP ON MONDAY 11/28/11 AT 2PM IN DEPARTMENT 112 AT THE WILEY MANUEL COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN OAKLAND ON 7TH AND WASHINGTON. PLEASE COME SUPPORT!!!

I was thinking to myself after writing this blog and I still don't understand why people deserved this type of response when it was a free Thanksgiving dinner being provided and people were just trying to use bathrooms. cracking down on free holiday meals?! Seriously?! Where is the spirit that is supposed to accompany these holidays? Is this the true spirit in America put right before our eyes? It's ironic to me that this act of violence would occur on Indigenous People's Day, when people were peacefully breaking bread. What exactly are we to be thankful for? The consistent abuse to the same minority people that have been the very backbone of this country? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm an American and I love my country but things have been allowed to go too far for too long. So, I'm sitting here head still spinning from watching this video and wondering to my self YET AGAIN what the hell were the police thinking? Furthermore, why aren't more people pissed off enough at this response to come do something about it? Why are we as a people so well adjusted to injustice?

An interesting point was brought up to me in conversation at the occupy SF movement last night. The fact that most people don't want to admit that they have been (and continue to be) a part of the problem. I know that it's a hard thing to do, but overcoming denial is the 1st step to any solution. We have to be patient with people (and trust that's a hard thing for me to do, I understand you impatient people out there) but awareness and the direct democratic process that is being pursued takes time. Like decades maybe. So get used to the Occupy Movement. It's not going anywhere any time soon, because it's inherent in every aspect of our lives. Once we ALL see that, the change will come. Until we all start to open our eyes and really get involved to make the change, we are going to keep seeing things like this no matter how upset it makes you feel while watching.

Before the Occupy Movement I would always say things like "I'm not going to do this or that because no one else would do the same for me." I don't tend to feel that way as of lately. The sense of community makes me want to stand up even more so than I did before. It doesn't have to be every man and woman out for themselves, and it shouldn't be. Everyone who sees this video should support the Occupy Movement in some way. If the people who stand up for your rights are imprisoned and beat to the point of exhaustion or maybe even death, who will help you when all of your rights have been taken away? If we continue to let things like this happen to others, it will not be long before it happens to us. So fight when you see injustice, stand up for what you know is right. Don't let the tv lie to you, come check things out for yourself. Come support the people who are fighting for you. 

Occupy Oakland & East Bay Labor Day of Action PHOTOS!!