Gov. Brown Vows To Help Battle Port Of Oakland Shutdowns

OAKLAND (KCBS) – Governor Jerry Brown said that it won't take the National Guard, but he's ready to help Oakland Mayor Jean Quan keep the port open the next time Occupy Oakland tries to shut it down. The end of year meeting with reporters was the first time that Brown spoke out on the Occupy movement.

Brown was responding to Quan's statement that she might not be able to keep the port open again in the event of another protest. Brown, who used to be mayor of Oakland himself, said that he would do anything short of sending in the National Guard to make sure that it's business as usual at the port.

KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:

"I'd give whatever help was needed," said Brown. "We don't look to the Guard for police work except under extreme emergencies. However, there are resources under mutual aid and in Oakland. With some leadership and some imagination, not only can they keep the port open, but they should keep the port open."

Brown declined to assess Quan's performance, saying that she doesn't need any more critics. He wouldn't say whether or not he would vote to recall her from office.

Brown said that he's not sure he can capitalize on the impact of the Occupy movement to raise taxes on the rich.

"I do think that politicians are listening, but in terms of some programmatic agenda – that has not been articulated, and I don't think it ever will be," said Brown.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)