SF Protest At Twitter HQ To Focus On Corporate Benefits Vs. Public Needs
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A group was gathering in downtown San Francisco Monday afternoon to call for city and state officials to shift support from technology companies and other corporations to students, families and public education.
The march was starting in front of Twitter headquarters at 1355 Market St. at 4:30 p.m. and then continuing along Market Street with a stop at an apartment building where many residents are facing eviction and ending at the Westfield San Francisco Centre on Market and Fifth streets.
Following a rally outside the shopping mall, there will be holiday caroling with "alternative" lyrics, focusing on the so-called "1 percent," according to organizers.
The protest was taking on various issues including saving City College of San Francisco, which is dealing with accreditation issues; stopping evictions of longtime, working class residents; demanding affordable housing; and supporting the public school system.
A Day of Protests Against San Francisco Tech Companies
Protest organizers said the city needs to reset its priorities, and that an imbalance of support for tech companies that receive benefits, such as the infamous Twitter payroll tax break in 2012, is harming residents, students and families.
The march, rally and vigil were part of a "National Day of Action to Reclaim the Promise of Public Education" taking place with teacher unions across the country.
The event was organized by the United Educators of San Francisco and has support of 20 other organizations, including the San Francisco Labor Council, San Francisco Rising, the San Francisco Tenants Union, the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121, which represents City College of San Francisco faculty, Jobs with Justice and others.
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