Occupy Oakland!

by Sharon Peterson (shalynne [at] pacbell.net)

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM

Photos of Occupy Oakland -- Day 1 (10/10/11).

Despite the drizzle and mist, Oakland's Frank Ogawa Plaza (re-named "Oscar Grant Plaza" for the duration, and rightfully recognized as part of the Ohlone tribal lands), had filled to near-capacity by 6pm. The occupation was timed to coincide with Indigenous People's Day. Newstrucks abounded; all the major stations, and some less major, were there. Can't wait to see the coverage. (UPDATE: Just caught KTVU-2's 10:00 News. We were the top story, and the report's pretty good ... great interviews!) All ages and just about every ethnicity were represented. This IS Oakland, wide awake. Walnut Creek gets its turn this Wednesday, 10/12/11, and next Wednesday, 10/19/11 -- corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard & Main Street (Bank of America) -- 4:00pm.

§Upgraded Sign

by Sharon Peterson

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM

This woman "stole" the sign from an Occupy Wall Street sign that's going around on the 'Net.

But she also did her own research, and came up with a more accurate (and more depressing) dollar figure.

I say her sign isn't stolen ... it's an upgrade.

§The Art of Protest -- I

by Sharon Peterson

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM

Veteran protesters make their point.

§The Art of Protest -- II

by Sharon Peterson

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM

Youthful protesters do the same.

§Speaking of Art ...

by Sharon Peterson

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM

original image (871x331)

Supporters of hunger-striking prisoners hold the biggest signs in the Plaza. "SHU" is official-speak for "Special Housing Unit." English translation, "solitary confinement."

The group URL is:

PrisonerHungerStrikeSolidarity.wordpress.com

(Both signs are hand-painted!)

Among other groups present were the Progressive Women's Network (see photo below), the California Nurses' Association and the Green Party of Alameda.

§Progressive Women's Network

by Sharon Peterson

Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:06PM