Yesterday, I went down to the civic center in downtown San Diego. It was my first time there since the protest started about a week ago. Follow me across the jump for what I saw.
The last couple weeks have been insanely busy for me(thanks, organic chemistry!). I have been following the protests, but hadn't been able to make it down there until yesterday.
I got downtown around 4pm. A long walk from my "cheap" $5 parking to the civic center. Saw a lot of homeless people on the way. More than I remember being downtown, sad. Also there were some protesters or curious parties walking to the occupation as well.
I got there just at the right time to see the occupiers marching back to the civic center. It was very dramatic, there must have been well over 500 all marching, escorted by motorcycle cops. Pretty hard to miss!! The civic center sure looks different than I remembered!
Based on the news coverage, I was expecting to see a bunch of homeless kids that looked like there were bussed in from Portland(where young people go to retire!). What I saw was a very diverse group even including businessmen, firefighters etc. Of course there were some "hippies" too. It's a protest.... In California.
Talked to some folks with a diverse array of complaints and grievances. There were a few conspiracy nuts. I felt bad for the "Israel did 9/11" guy, must be lonely, but I guess it's not as lonely of a delusion as believing that you are Napoleon. Most everyone else was able to share a feeling that we all share the same interests and are in this together. Saw lots of interesting signs.
I am glad that I made it, hope it isn't the last time. I expect our overlords to find new and creative ways to try and end the occupations.
Here is some bonus video of what happened the day before I was there. You can see SDPD macing and assaulting peaceful protesters(even macing the camera at one point).
Another video of the same event. You can clearly see SDPD assaulting protesters and knocking them to the ground. This includes cops knocking down women half their size. Hope it makes them feel manly.
All apparently because the protesters had some tents up and some tables?