Occupy Marchers Take to the Streets of Downtown L.A. for a Second Time
Eric Richardson / blogdowntown
Police form a line to keep protesters from Occupy LA on the sidewalk.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — There were three arrests this afternoon as marchers from Occupy L.A. returned to Downtown streets that were shut down for much of the morning by an earlier march.
That Good Jobs LA march resulted in 23 arrests, 21 of them scripted by union organizers. This afternoon's march lacked an LAPD permit, and police quickly made their presence felt.
As the march reached Grand Central Market on Broadway, LAPD officers formed walls on both ends of the block. There were several tense moments as officers moved in and bottled protesters up on the sidewalk.
Three arrests were made before tensions eased and protesters moved on to their next location.
"I don't see things things escalating here," said marcher Rich Slaton. "Most of the violence has been due to individual elements that have infiltrated their way into a peaceful movement. Anybody who's actually out here for Occupy isn't out here to be violent. They're out here to have a message heard, to contribute to a conversation."
Commander Andrew Smith of LAPD said that unlike the morning march, this afternoon protest did not follow the proper protocol.
"When you're not permitted, you need to stay on the sidewalk and you need to obey all laws," Smith said.
"We'll continue to monitor the protest, just like we always do. In case somebody decides to break the law again, we'll provide them the opportunity to go to jail."
Many marchers moved on to Bank of America Plaza after the Broadway confrontation.
Mario Teran on November 17, 2011, at 02:55PM – #1
After watching some of the coverage of the Occupy crowd, I'm starting to realize their big issue. One look at them and you can see the majority of them are completely unemployable. That's the reason the OWS douche bags need the government to pay their bills and support them.
film rob on November 17, 2011, at 03:05PM – #2
Wow. mario I'm from the south, my of many family and friends would same about you because of your name. Looks like these are the same everywhere. Not cool.
Simon Hartigan on November 17, 2011, at 07:23PM – #3
Some people just like the protest lifestyle. I just wish this group wouldn't act like they're out to make the life of the 99% better, they're just annoying most of us. We Are the 99%, now give us our park back and let the mayor continue approving mass transit projects and bike lanes for the rest of us. I hear the top 1% of OWS might be coming out to LA for winter? Good, give the airplane corporations the business or the oil corporations.
LAofAnaheim on November 17, 2011, at 10:10PM – #4
From initially having only 24% against the #ows movement, now it's 45%. You're losing the message by doing dumb stuff like this. And hurting the business at Grand Central Market? WTF? Honestly, wtf? Like they're the 1% that's corrupt. This is getting ridiculous. (http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/11/occupy-wall-street-favor-fading.html)
Infamousme on November 18, 2011, at 07:56AM – #5
@Simon @LaofAnaheim: Couldn't agree with you two more. The first week of Occupy LA was actually a bit exciting. It was good to see our First Amendment rights were still alive and well. It was good to hear actual dialogue for those affected given in an intelligent manner.
The weeks since have been anything but exciting as the camp spirals downward into filth and ignorance. Walking through during week 2 I heard, "I can't live without my daily Starbucks, who wants some" to which I heard at least 8 requests...down with corporate America indeed.
Week 3 or 4 I saw some taking a dump next to a tree.
Week I don't know I heard two folks conversing, "As long as I get free food I'm staying, it beats waiting in line at the mission"
Worst of all.....the police closed the dog park on 2nd between Spring/Main out of fear the occupiers would take up camp there. We have 2 large green areas in DTLA, one is now a cesspool and the other is closed for fear of it becoming a cesspool. I am the 99%, I agree with the movement in that change is needed, and I think its time to move on
Toby A on November 18, 2011, at 05:48PM – #6
I Live In Downtown.I have a job and I pay taxes.
I have been inconvenienced More by Films in the area than I have by OWSLA.
I have been witnessed Homeless defecate on any thing imaginable all across DTLA, 5th and spring being my main area.Human and dog waste is what leads most buildings and Chrysalis enterprises clean the streets daily.
I am a dog owner, the loss of green space effects my daily routine.the park was closed for a day.
The camp is not a cesspool.it has bathrooms.the grass is dead.but will grow back.
The people who may have other motives in the camp,are surrounded by people who are trying to make things better,and are extremely smart and passionate people.
Sitting and watching a General Assembly is the Most Frustrating and Hopeful thing I think some one could watch.
The best thing I have heard said about the camp and the GA is that "This is most people first Pure Democracy" And I would agree with That.
I do and will support the movement,
99% #OWS #OWSLA
Simon Hartigan on November 18, 2011, at 08:42PM – #7
Toby A pretty much sums up the OLA "movement". He glorifies it from every angle acting like there is nothing wrong and then makes it about attracting attention by adding Social Media magnets to his post. He also doesn't really mention anything other than the "movement" itself so therefore adding very little value to the apparent cause and goal of said "movement". Hey Toby A, if you're gonna yell hash tags, can you please do that rather than wake up your fellow 99% in the middle of the night? And question, do you even know what 99% means anymore? You're claiming to represent a group that didn't ask you to represent them, you represent at best half of the 99% so you might want to call your group the 55% because that's at best your support based on recent polls. But by all means, stay there and give the major news corporations, who are owned by the giant corporations you despise, an outlet to more viewers which puts more money in their pocket. Then while you're at it, cause more public disturbances that'll further increase the already increased local police bills and other services such as landscaping that the 99% will have to pay. And oh, by all means continue to stay there and march through the communities of the 99% banging on windows which will lead to lower property values of the 99%. You guys are just totally full of it and need to seriously reconvene to think about exactly what it is you want accomplished because you're on a downward spiral after an initial short-lived public support. Think about what is means that you're claiming to support a group that is quickly growing annoyed by your "movement".
Also don't get too emotional trying to muster up a response to this and remember, the 99% isn't necessarily against some of the things you're trying to promote, we're just against this "occupy movement" because it's becoming obvious to more and more people that you're only effecting the 99%. It's the 99% that are growing tired of it and are calling the cops to remove you from our parks, not the 1% doing that. More and more of the 99% are supporting the police that you claim to be representing the 1%. You're losing focus on reality and are starting to behave like the 1%. And no, I'm not a spokesman of the 99%, but neither are you, but notice how easy it was for me to act like I am? Think about that.
Toby A on November 19, 2011, at 09:49AM – #8
this is the (un)glorified version:)
I'm not a spokesman for anything never claimed to be.
my intention is to tell you what I have seen and done, compared to what I have read and seen reported.That's it.
Its a good point not to get too emotional.
55%...majority still,
My basic point is come down to city hall.see for your self,around 7:30 everyday, General assembly voice your concerns,if you don't... well that's that :)
Freedom of choice I enjoy it as well,
Have a wonderful day: ) I'm glad that people care.
OWS #OWSLA #99%