Occupy San Diego appeared at the weekly City Council meeting today to speak during public non-agenda items. Not only was Occupy given very little time to speak (3 minutes), but during that time almost the entire City Council walked out.
But the Occupiers gave a helluva fight; video and more below the fold:
Since they wouldn't give us more time to talk, OSD had written up a very intelligent and concise speech. Jersey, the woman who spoke on everyone's behalf then led a Mic Check, and the entire statement was read by about 100 Occupiers!!! It was the most amazing activist moment I have ever experienced. Goosebumps and a lump in my throat. It was beautiful.
However, about midway through the reading, almost the entire City Council got up and walked out. Big hat tip to Councilwoman Marti Emerald, however -- she not only stayed throughout the entire presentation, but she told the cameraman to turn and film us. She was also trying to keep her colleagues in the room. Please go to her website and give her some love!!
The only video I have so far is posted on an Occupier's Facebook Page; if any more video turns up I'll add it. You really, really must see it.
I am also trying to get text of the statement that was read; I'll post as soon as I can.
1:18 PM PT: Here are the members' emails & phone numbers, and what they did (to the best of my knowledge) during the statement:
District 1
WALKED OUT
Councilmember Sherri Lightner
619.236.6611
Email: sherrilightner@sandiego.gov
District 2
NOT PRESENT/NOT SURE
Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer
619.236.6622
Email: kevinfaulconer@sandiego.gov
District 3
NOT PRESENT/Intentionally left before OSD statement
Councilmember Todd Gloria
619.236.6633
Email: toddgloria@sandiego.gov
District 4
WALKED OUT
Council President Tony Young
619.236.6644
Email: anthonyyoung@sandiego.gov
District 5
WALKED OUT
Councilmember Carl DeMaio
619.236.6655
Email: carldemaio@sandiego.gov
District 6
WALKED OUT
Councilmember Lorie Zapf
619.236.6666
Email: loriezapf@sandiego.gov
District 7
STAYED IN SUPPORT!!!
Councilmember Marti Emerald
619.236.6677
Email: martiemerald@sandiego.gov
District 8
NOT SURE
Councilmember David Alvarez
619.236.6688
Email: davidalvarez@sandiego.gov
2:18 PM PT: WOOHOO!!! Top of the wreck list - holy cow!!
Thanks to all the great dedicated occupiers of OCCUPY SAN DIEGO!!! Keep up the fight!!
3:21 PM PT: YouTube video... but unfortunately I still can't find video of the walkout. all of them so far have been focused on the crowd at the moment council walked out. I will keep searching!!!!
3:54 PM PT: Important update: I want to be very clear!!
None of the videos I have posted show the walkout because it happened during the mic check
The only vids I can find are focused on the crowd during the walkout, not on the council.
I will keep looking for video... It did happen. I was there.