Occupy Oakland Plans New Encampment, City Prepared To Make Arrests
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- As Occupy Oakland protesters gear up for three separate events taking place Saturday, city leaders say that they are prepared to prevent overnight lodging.
"As always, the City of Oakland is committed to facilitating peaceful forms of expression and free speech rights while protecting personal safety and property," a statement issued by the city Friday night read.
The statement advised residents and those traveling in the Oakland area Saturday that the events may result in street closures or transit delays.
City officials said that information updates would be provided at www.oaklandnet.com.
According to the Occupy Oakland website, a mass day of action is planned for Saturday that will involve establishing a new encampment at an empty lot at 19th Street and Telegraph Avenue adjacent to the Fox Theater in the city's Uptown neighborhood.
Mayor Jean Quan has said that she supports freedom of speech but that camping on city property, which is illegal, is a separate issue.
A "no trespassing" sign was posted at the empty lot last night and would subject those who enter the lot to possible arrest or criminal prosecution.
Occupy Oakland members also plan to construct a garden in Frank Ogawa Plaza and will meet at 11 a.m. before the scheduled 2 p.m. rally and march.
The idea for the garden, which is "for the community, by the community," was agreed upon at Wednesday's General Assembly, according to the Occupy Oakland website.
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