Occupy Rallies At Democratic Convention

The day started at the Civic Center, aka 'Freedom Plaza' and proceeded with a march to 5th and E Street in the gas lamp district of downtown San Diego. Here occupiers put down soap boxes and stood on top of them, reading of events that happened a 100 years ago on the same corner. How the Wobblies who fought for free speech and equal rights, were persecuted, beaten and prisoned by the police. I talked about how women deserve equal rights, equal pay, equal say and the right to choose what to do with their bodies. Others spoke about the NDAA bill recently passed, that banks got bailed and people did not.

We rallied on the corner for an hour and then marched over to Children's Park, where we were greeted by many people. We rested for a short time and regrouped to march over to the convention center. There were about 150 plus people that participated in the rally at the convention center where the Democratic Convention was being held. We chanted 'Shits fucked up, shits fucked up and bullshit.' People attending the meeting were in awe of the amount of people that showed up for the occupy movement. Another chant was 'Democrats come out we have something to talk about.'

One man did come out and talk to us. He said he was running for the 50th district and wanted us to know he supported us and has even attended some of our rallies and functions. He said 'there are al ot of people inside that are for you, but there are also a lot of people inside that are against you.' He said that he would fight for what we stand for and want out of our politicians. Many other people gave us thumbs up and talked to us. Overall people seemed to be receptive of our messages and what we stood for. Many also talked about their concern for the NDAA bill.

After the rally the group marched through gas lamp on 5th street up to Balboa Park for lunch, GA, breakout sessions and dinner. The food was awesome and people had showed up all the way from Occupy Napa. A bus load of about fifty people showed from Occupy LA and many other occupations had occupiers present. It was a successful day and showed the solidarity between groups in the Southern California area. The Democrats have now been woken up in California that Occupy is still here. We have great concerns about what is going on in Congress and we are not going away.

Free Speech Fight Still 'Alive' In San Diego 100 Years Later

Do you really believe America is the Land of the Free? Not even speech is free anymore. It comes with a price tag, go directly to jail if you don't obey. Wednesday Feb 8, protesters from Occupy San Diego gathered on all four corners at 5th and E Street in downtown San Diego's, gas lamp district around 5pm. Standing on top of soap boxes like the Wobblies did a 100 years ago, speaking about the same injustices that continue today.

These injustices are police harassment, intimidation, corruption in politics, the banking industry, how corporations are not people and should not be allowed to put their money into the political arena. How Corporations should pay their fair share of taxes and provide a living wage to employees, not minimum wage. This problem starts at home where people are taught how to behave and treat others Things don't change, when the system stays the same, or when people stay the same.

At 6pm local labor unions and other groups joined Occupy San Diego. The SDPD blocked off 5 Street at F Street and detoured traffic, so we could gather in the middle of the street. The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO headed this event. The Labor Council is a coalition of 133 local unions that represent more than 192,000 working families in the region. Lorena Gonzalez the Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of this council was the first speaker and reved up the audience.

Two young men, one playing the banjo and the other a guitar, played intermittently through the event, bringing fun and lightness with song, to the evening. Many speakers spoke about, the violence that happened a hundred years ago on the same day. This year was more subdued, with only one man placed in handcuffs for not dispersing, when asked to by the SDPD.  The event ended with the Women's Occupy Occupella singing, 'Occupy your mind,' 'Vote, vote, vote your rights,' and a couple other songs.

It was a successful evening, ending with a young man mic checking, the occupy movements grievances through a bull horn, with people on all corners repeating what he was saying. At this point about ten cops stood right in front of the protesters mic checking on the southwest side of the street. People of all ages and racial ethnicity's attended the event and left feeling satisfied with what they heard and participated in.

A few news channels showed up, but not that many. It takes citizen journalist these days to tell the real stories. This evening was another indication occupy is here to stay and will stand up and fight for their freedom to speak out about the gross injustices in this country and around the world. Freedom is not free and probably never will be. Don't let the SDPD, or any police officer intimidate you, not to protest and use your voice for the good for all.

Occupy SoCal Conference Info., Ride Share, Couch/Room Share

Be part of making history in 2012. The Democratic Convention is headed to San Diego and Occupy San Diego and many other Occupations through out Southern California are gearing up for a day of action, marches, rallies, workshops, music, food and fun. This is an event not to miss and a great way to find out what the occupy movement is all about. Don't be shy, afraid or timid. It's time to pull those activist boots, hats and signs out of your closet and participate in the new civil rights movement called 'Occupy.'

The fun begins at 9:30am at the Civic Center 'Freedom Plaza' in downtown San Diego. The event will proceed up to Balboa Park on 6th Street (Stay tuned for exact directions). Parking options: at Horton Plaza located a couple blocks from the Civic Center, you can park for three hours for free, as long as you validate your ticket in machines located through out the plaza (no purchase is necessary). You can drop people off at Civic Center and park your car at the Balboa location and be shuttled back to Civic Center. A day bus/trolley pass is $5.

Click on the red through out the article for more information. Occupy San Diego SoCal Summits list of events and times. Join us for the whole day or show up when you can. Bring family and friends and introduce them to Occupy. If you are driving down from other areas in Southern California and have room to pick occupiers up go to Occupy Ride Share or if you need a ride from any where to San Diego also go to Occupy Ride Share. If you are looking for a couch or room to crash for the night, go to Occupy a Couch/Room and if you have a couch or room to offer, also go to Occupy Couch/Room.

F11 held Saturday Feb. 11, is the first SoCal Summit of 2012 and will be an event you will not want to miss. If you have never been to an Occupy event, this is the one to check out. If it's been a long time since you have participated in occupy, due to whatever, come back and join us. At least ten other occupations are sending people down to participate in this day of action. Meet new friends, eat two meals for free, that will be prepared by health conscious people, march with your favorite signs, speak out in open mic, attend a GA, listen to music, attend workshops and find out what Occupy stands for and has planned for the coming months.

Occupy SoCal Conference Sat. February 11, 2012

First Occupy SoCal Conference this Saturday, to be held in San Diego. The event begins at the Civic Center and will consist of marches, free speech speak outs on corners through out San Diego, break out groups, lunch, GA, dinner, socializing, music and open mic.

Occupy San Diego is still here. We are not going anywhere. We have a mission, to make change happen, no matter the work involved or how long it takes. We know it takes passion, purpose and power in numbers to change things. We know we have to work with other occupations.

Join us and start using your own voice and tell your story. We all have had different upbringings and experiences in life and will not always agree on everything. But what we can agree on is, all people deserve a decent life, happiness, health care, shelter, food, clothing and love.

Review of The 1st Occupy San Diego Summit

Yesterday I walked from the civic center up to Balboa Park, to the Centro Cultural de la Raza. The round building use to be a water tower, now painted with bright colors and used as a cultural arts building for the community. Inside the building was a commemorative of the Wobblies, who in 1912 stood on free speech boxes, on the corners of downtown San Diego. The first corner they stood on was 5th and E street. This coming Wed. Feb. 8th at 6pm there is a reenactment of the 1912 free speech fight. (Click for info here).

A 100 years later, a new free speech group has entered the arena, standing up and speaking out against the injustices and broken governmental system in America. They are called Occupy. Yesterday commenced the first Summit of Occupy San Diego. Workshops were held inside and outside the Centro Cultural de la Raza. Lunch was served at noon, with donated pizza's, salads, baked goods, fresh fruit, sandwiches, cookies, goodies and lots more. The day long event of workshops and food was FREE!

Where can you go to workshops and eat for free these days? Nowhere! Speakers donated their time, because they believe in the occupy movement and want to share their knowledge. People like Judy donate food, especially healthy food, because they believe Big Ag, Big Pharm and Big Insurance are the problem. These big companies feed crap to the poor, then the poor take pills to help the crap digest and when their body systems breakdown, they need insurance they do not have to see a doctor. A viscous circle of abuse by big business.

The Saturday GA (General Assembly) was held at 1pm inside the cultural building. About a 100 people circled around the moderator and speakers. A mic was used, that many from the occupy movement feel is not needed. But when the group grows they need to think about a few things. When speaking, having people to your back does not work well. They cannot hear you or see what you might be presenting, so they could miss out on important things you might have to say. Also many people have hearing problems and when a mic is not used or properly used the same would be true.

The GA began with comments from the audience of what they look forward to in the occupy movement. Big events that are coming up are, March 1st when students plan on walking out of classrooms at colleges around the country. May 1st when the 99%, walk out of their job for the day to show the 1%, they don't own anyone. Raul Carranza and his continued efforts to make the medical field wake up, to his need for a 24/7 care taker and all others in his situation. Creating more summits for the general public.

People talked about sustainability and how we can make that happen. A FM Radio Station that is occupy related. Many people talked about the need for outreaching to the public on who and what we are about. Brian talked about the need to be reflective and develop strong individuals, with a whole lot of internal strength. Hex talked about systemic change inside and outside the system. Dave talked about the need for yard signs, flyer's, and shirts with occupy on them. Martha about a cultural celebration and to think globally and the importance of a living wage.

It was a day full of ideas, learning, making new friends and eating good food. If anyone thinks the occupy movement is going away, they are wrong. If anyone thinks the occupy movement is about destruction and violence they are wrong. It is about people coming together creating a new community, that helps, cares and shares with each other. It is a movement that is strong and is developing strong individuals that will stand up and fight back against injustice and corruption at all levels. 'We are occupy, we are never gonna die, when you try to take our stuff, were only gonna multiply.'

Occupy San Diego 2012 Summit Saturday Feb. 4th Starts @ 9:30am

Occupy San Diego's first 2012 Summit. Come learn, listen and find out what we are planning for the year ahead. Speakers on many subjects are lined up through out the day. Attend a GA (General Assembly) and learn the consensus process and how meetings are run.

Visit us @: http://www.occupysandiegocounty.org/
Facebook @; www.tinyurl.com/7vzwvd8

It's time to join the fun and start speaking out and standing up to the political corruption, banking corruption and demanding the 99% have a decent life. The workshops are free.

San Diego DA Bonnie Dumanis Orders SDPD to Crackdown on #OSD

The truth comes out. Last night at Occupy San Diego I learned from a police officer, who really is calling the shots and ordering excessive force and discrimination against #OSD. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. Last night was student night at the opera and thousands of high school aged kids filled the civic center. Lined up in groups waiting to see 'Salome.'

I walked over to see why two SDPD officers were asking for id, from a young man. I stood close to hear what the issue was, when approached by another blue coat who asked what I was doing. I said 'hanging out.' He informed me that the adults in charge of the kids going to the show, asked the SDPD to make sure the occupiers did not have contact with the kids. Interesting.

Another man from our group James, was over at the front entrance to the plaza and telling kids to think for themselves, as they walked into the theater. He was verbally attacked by an angry older white man that told him 'if you weren't doing anything wrong the police would not bother you.' James also learned that the SDPD had been informing the kids, that occupiers were against liberal arts and theater. Wow, that is a bunch of crap!

While the kids waited outside for the doors to the theater to open, some of the gutsy occupiers started drawing on the ground with colorful chalk. A couple nights ago a couple occupiers were given citations for chalk art, as the SDPD explained to them it was toxic and harmful to the environment. Last night something else happened. The SDPD used Bleach to remove the chalk art! Another contradiction in their charade of insanity and making up their own laws.

Now we know San Diego DA Bonnie Dumanis is one of the ring leaders, in shutting down #OSD. Bonnie Dumanis has her eyes on Jerry Sanders mayoral seat. Could Bonnie Dumanis, Jerry Sanders and police chief Lansdowne be the clowns making up their own laws and discriminating against people standing up and speaking out against political, judicial and corporate corruption happening in this state and country? Yes!

Concerned Citizens Bring SDPD's Behavior To Citizens Review Board

What will it take to stop the harassment, intimidation and out right abuse of authority by the SDPD? It will take a new watch dog group called Occupy. Since October 7, 2011 Occupy San Diego has been battling the SDPD and their dirty dog tactics and utter discrimination against a group of people wanting to bring change to a corrupt system. Last night about forty occupiers from San Diego attended the citizens review board meeting held at the Malcom X library on Market Street.

Not only has the occupy movement in San Diego witnessed and first hand experienced the abuse of power by the SDPD, they have seen how the homeless in San Diego are being picked on and pushed out. Who is directing this violent behavior? The mayor, city council, the chief of police, who is it asked Ray Lutz? Because the orders have to come from somewhere. Ray Lutz also told the board members that out of the hundred and fifty plus arrests, most of the charges have been dropped or our pending and have a year to be submitted. So what the police are doing is stealing the occupiers money, playing games with the judicial system and blatantly harassing people.

About fifteen speakers spoke to the board members with purpose, passion and conviction about their concerns that the SDPD has serious issues of police brutality and discrimination problems. Fish brought to the attention of the board that police officers need a psyche evaluation. Mike Garcia told the board he was arrested for sitting in a chair and handing out flyer's. Stephanie Jennings told how she was tackled and thrown to the ground, because she touched the yellow caution tape. Mike a veteran spoke about how he took an oath as a military officer to defend foreign and domestic terrorist.

In Hartford CT three officers and one sergeant were arrested by the FEDS yesterday, for racial profiling and abuse to mexicans. So this problem is not just in San Diego, but country wide. I know that being a police officer is not easy and they have to deal with many people that pose a threat. But at the civic center people are sitting in circles discussing how to make this country and world a better place. Not how to blow it up or violently attack the police. We did not come here to fight the police, but to fight corruption in politics, corporations and the banking industry. Nothing to do with the police. But they have shown they are also corrupt and need to be held accountable for their actions.

It was a successful evening. I left feeling we were effective in getting some board members to understand the SDPD are discriminating against a political group. They have been using excessive force and they need to be addressed with repercussions to those that have abused their power and authority. I have also seen how the homeless are being kicked around and oppressed by the SDPD. That is why they cannot get out of their situation. So if you are a concerned citizen, join the new watch dogs in town, Occupy San Diego.

San Diego Citizens Review Board On Police Practices

Occupy San Diego has been dealing with police officers who have gone beyond their duties and authority. These police officers who took an oath to protect and serve, have been more apt to harass and intimidate. Last night I was planning on staying at civic center, due to the rain. About 10 people situated themselves under the over hang on the west side of the plaza. There were a few homeless people not connected with Occupy San Diego sleeping about a hundred feet down from us.

Myself, Panther and Angel were laying down on top of my sleeping bag, covered with coats to keep us warm. At around 10:30PM two officers in a car come rolling in and tell us from their car with the window down that we cannot sleep or lay down. These officers proceeded to drive down where the other sleepers were and informed them they could not sleep. Two of the homeless people packed their stuff and rolled it out of the civic center, on a cold, dark rainy night. I thought the police were to protect and serve, at least thats what it says on the car doors!

Ernie who has been bringing coffee, hot chocolate and tea in the evening was on his way out when this happened. He offered to bring us some hot water in plastic bottles so we could keep it on our bodies for heat. When Ernie arrived back at the plaza Panther and Star had gotten into a arguement and it was escalating. Other people were getting involved and the noise increased. I knew the police would show up and they did. Five to six officers four women and at least one man.

They told us we had to leave or be arrested for placing things on the ground. I asked a women officer whose name is Clark what code we were breaking if we put things down and she could not tell me and said she did not have time to discuss it with us. Another short little black haired cop who thinks her shit doesn't stink got fiesty with me and I did not want to lash out, so I turned around and walked out of the plaza. We had no cameras or phones to video what was happening at the time.

This morning I walked back into the civic plaza and saw two officers standing outside by their cars. I walked up to them. One was the officer that did not want to tell me the code for placing things on the ground. I went up to her and asked her name and badge #. She was reluctant at first and then I told her I was going to the police review board this evening and needed this information. She then asked my name and I said 'Lynn.' I called her officer and she said I am a sergaent. I told her I did not know the difference and she was just a police officer and officer Clark got mad and had a ego. She did not like being called police officer.

Folks what kind of world do we really live in? A very sad world were people harm and cause others to suffer because they have power trips, lie and like to destroy others. Tonight their is a citizens review board happening and all people that have been excessively harassed and intimidated by the SDPD need to show up and tell their stories. Something needs to change in San Diego and we can make that happen.

Where: Malcom X Library / Valencia Park
Just east of Euclid and Market
Address: 5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
When: 6:00PM

Whose Body My Body

Today a group of energized and passionate people gathered at the civic center in downtown San Diego, to rally for abortion rights. Today is the 39th anniversary of Roe vs Wade. Abortion rights have been targeted by the extreme right church going thugs who think my body is their body! It's Not! We were all given a life to decide how we will live it and what we can do with our bodies. What makes me foam at the mouth more than anything is, men who have the balls to tell me what I can do with my body. Hell no they gotta go!

I like the saying 'keep your messiah out of my vagina.' Four speakers gave us an overview of the battle women have been fighting to keep abortion legal and safe. This article by the ACLU talks about the bad year for reproductive rights and justice. After the speeches around 90 men and women of various racial backgrounds hit the streets and marched toward Horton Plaza with signs and slogans such as 'whose bodies our bodies, whose rights our rights' we heard.

As we approached Horton Plaza a young security guard walked toward the people carrying the banner and tried to tell them they could not march there. They proceeded to march and she again tried to get them to move while calling for back up. We did not listen to her and continued to walk passing by Starbucks and Sam Goodies and reaching fourth st were we took the streets again. Women cheered on the sidewalks and honked their horns.

We marched to fifth st and it was a little quiet, except for one bar where everyone was watching football. My sign said something about the 1% and a man in the bar pointed to my sign and said that was him. As we marched toward the plaza the police finally caught up with us and followed us back to the civic center. Upon arriving back at the civic center a few friends who did not march greeted us. We finished the day with speakers personal stories and convictions about their beliefs in why abortion is not a crime. Whose body, my body!

Occupy Job Bank

Are you looking for work? So am I. I started occupying at Occupy San Diego October 11, 2011. Since then, I have volunteered many hours with the occupation doing a variety of odd jobs. I made a choice in my life not to get a job because of a personal challenge going on in my life. I decided last week, I would try one more time to see if that challenge had subsided and venture back out in the job market.

I applied last Tuesday, to work at a golf tournament the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and did not hear back from them. The next day I went into businesses in downtown San Diego asking if they were hiring and had no luck. The next day I made a sign that read 'Employment Wanted Now' and stood on Broadway and 2nd st. One man asked what kind of work I was looking for and if I had a resume, other people wished me good luck and one jerk said 'they are hiring at Wendy's!'

Yesterday at Occupy San Diego's GA we broke up into groups and discussed things we would like to see implemented in Occupy San Diego. I brought up the idea of a Occupy Job Bank. Many people waved their hands in the air as a gesture of 'good idea.' I also mentioned the idea of Occupy Job Bank Protest, where people carried signs that read 'Hire me for' and then listed skills they had or positions they were looking for and pass out resumes, on busy corners in downtown San Diego.

Other idea's that came up were to make crafts and sell them at local farmers markets. I want to work, I just had enough of a personal issue that was affecting my work situation. I am going to try one more time and so can you. If you are looking for work leave a comment about what you are looking for. If you are looking for workers, leave a comment about what type of work you need. Let's work together to make this happen.

Occupy San Diego Benefit Concert Friday 1/20/12 @ 7:30PM

Liquid Blue is an independent recording and touring act based in San Diego, California. Featuring Scott Stephens and the sensational BlueGirls trio, the seven-member act has performed in more than 100 countries on 7 continents a world record... Read @:  Zvents

Location: World Beat Center 2100 Park Blvd, SD
Phone: 619- 230-1190
Price: $5
Age: All Ages

Occupy The Courts In San Diego Friday Jan. 20, 2012

We hope that you can join us tomorrow for “Occupy the Courts”, a national day of action mobilizing people on efforts to amend the US constitution to end corporate personhood and restrict corporate influence on government and politics.

·         WHEN: Friday, January 20, 2012, 12-1 PM

·         WHERE: Federal Courthouse, 880 Front Street, SD 92101 (just south of Broadway) as part of Move to Amend's national day of action.

·         WHAT: Speakers, including Marjorie Cohn, Lori Saldana, and Mike Aguirre and a performance by the Occupellas

·         RSVP: here

·         HELP US GET FOLKS THERE. Pam, Dianne, Joanna, Evie, Susan, and others organized this terrific event. Make them proud!

As a reminder, our website is: www.WomenOccupySanDiego.org and our facebook page is:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Women-Occupy-San-Diego/186573081428143

We have a lot more going on. We plan to start regular monthly meetings shortly. The Occupellas are performing regularly. We are supporting occupiers in Civic Center with food, supplies, and runs to the showers/laundry. We are bringing the Move to Amend Tour to San Diego on February 28^th. And more. See the website for details and contacts for the various projects.

We hope to see you soon.

Day 1: Get A Job

If you are a participant in the Occupy movement and have ever marched with a sign or protested on a corner, someone has probably yelled at you "Get a job." Many people in the movement have jobs. Others like myself don't. Personal circumstances in my life, stopped me from getting a job. I spent many hours volunteering for Occupy San Diego since October 11, 2011. Many people have been more than generous delivering food for us. Others have given money specifically for me. But it is not enough to get a room and feed yourself on.

So it is time to get a job. I went on craigslist and saw my dream job. Working at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. What could be a better way to re institute myself in the work arena, than serving drinks and food to some hot golfers? I emailed the ad and received a reply. I replied back and then set up an interview in Del Mar. With no car, I took bus 50 to bus 101 and was dropped off on PCH. I walked 1.5 - 2 miles to get to the Hampton Inn for the interview. We all filled out a bunch of paper work, listened to Jamie's spiel and then were told we could go. Four to five hours to get there and back to get a job!

Its been at least 24 hours since the interview and they start working tomorrow. Doesn't look promising, but who knows maybe some people won't work out. The job was only for 10 days or so, but it would have been a start. Today I pounded the pavement again. I went into businesses in downtown San Diego asking if they were hiring. Some said no, others maybe, some yes. These days businesses have online applications, some want a hand delivered resume and others have their own applications to fill out. I am making a list of all places I have been and filled out resumes or applications for.

When you are homeless you have obstacles such as where to take a shower, store your bags and belongings and get copies of your resume printed with no money, but a big smile? I have a BA from Long Beach State in Physical Education. I owned and operated a successfully coffeehouse for five years. I have five years experience with toastmasters winning speech contests and developing skills for leadership. I have been writing blogs since 2008. But great challenges have put me on the street.

The next time someone tells me to get a job, I can say how many applications I have filled out and interviews I have been on. My new sign will say on one side "Employment Wanted Now." The other side, the number of resumes I have sent out and interviews I have been on. When someone tells me to get a job, I will tell them, give me a job or shut the blank up!

Martin Luther King Jr's Dream Is Still Alive At Occupy

Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." I talked to a man named Michael that marched in the MLK parade in Long Beach, CA on Saturday. He told me it was a very exciting day for him. Occupiers from encampments through out southern California showed up in solidarity. They marched through the streets in Long Beach that passed the most oppressed and poverty stricken, called 'The Ghetto.'

People were lined up in masses, cheering us on and chanting, 'We are the 99%, We are the 99%." These are the real 99% in this country. The Black, Hispanic and Asians that live below poverty level. People that clean houses, wash cars, work in fast food chains or wall marts. People that make minimum wage which calculates to $16,000 a year, when a CEO makes $16,000 an hour. It was a stark contrast between marches, through gas lamp in downtown San Diego, where people are eating and drinking at nice restaurants. These people where standing in front of run down apartments, homes and businesses.

He could see it in their faces and hear conviction in their voices, that Martin Luther King Jr's dream was not finished. It was flourishing again, with another movement called Occupy. Injustice and inequality still prevails in America. Democracy is not going to the polls every four years. It is taking direct action and making democracy work for all Americans. That is what the Occupy movement has been doing, from Wall Street to your street since September of 2011.

On Sunday Occupy San Diego marched in another MLK parade this time on Harbor Dr. in downtown San Diego. There were about 200 vibrant marchers that stood in solidarity with Veterans for Peace, Occupy the Hood, Occupy El Barrio, and Occupy San Diego. As we marched down Harbor Dr. we chanted 'Hey hey, ho ho corporate greed has gotta go, Hey hey ho ho, corporate greed has gotta go.' People where yelling Occupy and chanting along with us. It was the most powerful reception I have seen from bystanders, since the New Years Eve march.

Grandmas, grandpas, kids, parents, excited to see us, read our signs and chant with us. These are the people that need our voices to radiate to congress, mayors, city council members telling them we will not sit down and shut up. We are the people, not corporations. We have voices and they must be listened to. And if you are not willing to listen to us, we will Mic Check you, to get your attention and let you know. "We are Occupy, we are never gonna die, when you try and take our stuff, we will only multiply. We are Occupy, we are never gonna die, when you try to kick us out, we will only multiply."

My Farewell To Terrorists and Why I Occupy

Have you ever had a terrorist in your life, that just would not go away? A terrorist is someone, or a group of people that wreck havoc on your life. They lie, torment and participate in emotional, mental and financial abuse towards you, while demanding it is all your fault. I have been dealing with venomous terrorists in my life, for twelve years. It is time to put an end to their blatant lies and abuse and reclaim my life today, how about you??

Life is short, and can be very unfair. People lie and lies create a tangled web of insanity that can subtract many years from your life. This is your life, no one elses. You get to choose how to live it. Control destroys, just look at how corporations treat their employees! Is your boss, partner or friend controlling? If so, they are the terrorist in your life.  Many people grow up in dysfunctional homes and carry those traits to other relationships, creating a viscous cycle of nightmares and chaos. Stop the insanity now.

How am I going to make this happen and you can also. First action, stop communicating and ignore those involved. If they don't give a damn about you, don't give a damn about them. Second action, find people you trust and feel confident, are in your best interest. Be cautious, but not extreme in this process. Third action, take baby steps each day, to move forward, not backwards. Look for work, write, exercise, spend time with mentors. Take actions that will add to your life, Not subtract from it.

Today I am saying farewell to all who have participated in anyway, adversely towards me and my life, so can you. No matter the why, it is not acceptable to control any one's life, ever! One thing I am sick and tired of hearing is 'It is gods plan.' Folks if you believe in god, that is your choice. I don't! I believe people need to stop using their instant garbage disposal, 'god' and start being accountable for their actions. Then and only then, will things change in this world. Religion is a cop out, to your misbehavior.

I came upon the Occupy movement after landing in San Diego. I had just spent the summer in Minnesota and then went on a short journey to Washington D.C., Baltimore, MD, and took the greyhound down through VA, TN, and MO where I visited an old friend that worked at a coffeehouse I owned. I have experienced the power of corrupt judges, lawyers and people. What has gone on in my life for the last 12 years is beyond my comprehension, but I have convictions people get what they give.

My passion for occupy continues, even though there are challenges within the Occupy San Diego Movement. Just because you might look good, does not mean your life is a bowl of cherries. In fact is could be utter hell. I have compassion for the people on the street, because I know it is not always your fault that you landed there. Others actions can play a big part in the whole picture. What I do know is, people lie like cowards and someday might be accountable for those lies. That's why I occupy! So should you.

SDPD Assualt on Women

Yesterday as we marched into a busy civic center, after a long march that began at Children's Park in downtown San Diego we encountered the massive police force that surrounded us on the march. They placed yellow caution tape between occupiers and people that were heading into to see Jerry Sienfeld at the civic theater. This divide was another indication of the discrimination the SDPD has against Occupy San Diego. In the process of this event women that had come to civic center plaza last night to sing Occu-Pella had just finished and were caught between this caution tape.

Stephanie a middle aged women, nicely dressed, accidentally bumped into a police officer. He arrested her immediately. Her charge was 'battery on a police officer' and bail is set at $10,000. Shortly after this incident another women was taken down to the ground and aggressively handled by many SDPD. They were twisting and turning her arms and hands while she lay fast first into the concrete. She was not resisting, as the officers roughly handled her. I tried to get her name as the officers escorted her out of the plaza, but she did not say anything.

Before the march the SDPD warned us that people could be cited and arrested for drums and musical instruments, but did not give us specific codes we would be breaking. They also stated if people littered and put pamphlets anywhere you could also be cited or arrested. It is getting to the point of, what can we do? During the march as we turned off Broadway and headed south on 1st st past the federal building, a man came dashing into the march and grabbed Chaplain Ron's sign and pushed him to the ground. He was not getting up, but the police told us we needed to continue marching or be arrested. An ambulance arrived on the scene and I hear he was taken to the VA hospital.

Last night as we sat around the civic center a fire truck pulled up and walked over to a few occupiers. They helped Angel up and walked him to the ambulance that arrived on the scene. I over heard a police officer talking to a fireman, he said the SDPD has not been able to do their job for the citizens of San Diego, due to them, having to watch the occupation. Shortly after I went by and told the officer we did not need to be watched and he said in a very aggressive tone 'yes you do'. I reiterated we did not need to be babysat and again he said we did. This officer believes we are the terrorist. I said what about those on your patrol that harm women? One SDPD was recently convicted of how many accounts of abusing women? He shut up!

It is time for men and especially women to stand up against this kind of brutality by police officers. Our protest is about the corrupt 1% hiding in their big homes, who are the real criminals of this country. But their money keeps them safe and out of jail. Is is not acceptable for police officers to use the force they did to arrest these women last night. It is an utter abuse of authority and power on these individuals and they need to be held accountable for their actions. If you think you are safe because your life has not unraveled yet, beware. One day things could change and you might understand why and what we are fighting. Stop the assault by SDPD on women NOW!

3 Month Anniversay March for Occupy San Diego Jan 7, 2012

Occupy San Diego is Marching from Childrens Park to Civic Center on Jan. 7, 2012 at 5:30pm. Bring signs and as many people to support this event. Childrens Park is located by the trolley tracks across the street from the convention center in downtown San Diego.

2012 A New Year's Eve March to Remember For Occupy San Diego

Word had it there was a New Year's Eve Party at Ocucpy San Diego. People brought soup, turkey, dressing, salad, dessert and drinks around 8pm. About thirty hungry occupiers were gathered in Freedom Plaza at this time, excited about the viddles they saw heading to the eating area. Humidity was 80%, with fog lingering low, leaving a chill in the air. But that did not stop Occupy San Diego protesters from celebrating. The number of occupiers waned, ebbing and flowing. A march was scheduled for 7:30, but was pushed back until just before midnight. Watching the live stream from Occupy Wall Street, protesters in San Diego were elated to witness Zuccotti Park being reoccupied by OWS. This boosted their spirits for a march they will remember on New Year's Eve 2012.

Last minute signs were made and it was  11:45pm time to head to the streets chanting, "Whose Streets, Our Streets, Whose Streets, Our Streets." We headed south on 3rd st. towards Broadway. People were cheering for us and joining us. We turned left on Broadway and then made a right on 4th st.. The crowds lined up on the street, were in awe. Some excited, giving us thumbs up and peace signs, others joined us and a few hater's booed and gave us thumbs down. As we made a left at Rock Bottom Brewery and headed to 5th, 100's of people flocked to see what was going on.

At 5th, we circled the intersection and held up traffic, the crowd went wild, yelling Occupy. People didn't know what to do. People were packed like sardines on all four corners of the intersections watching this event happen. The popular consensus I felt was, people were happy to see us and believe in what we stand for. We headed north on 5th and chanted, "Whose Year, Our Year, Whose Year Our Year." People of all races and cultures started running into the streets chanting with us. It was a continual ebb and flow of people joining us. It was obvious many were timid, due to the enormous police presence in the area. But even more obvious is the support I saw on the sidelines as we marched up 5th to Broadway.

We made another march through gas lamp with just as much steam and passion. This time even more people jumped in, shouting 'Out of the bars, into the streets, Out of the bars, into the streets. Momentum picked up, our numbers grew and it looked like 1000's of people were going to join us. But when they saw butt loads of Gestapo's, with guns and batons on their belts, they freezed up and probably decided going to jail, was not on their list of things to do, on the eve of 2012. The Gestapo showed up on their bikes, and it was obvious they were getting irritated. We headed back to Freedom Plaza, with a feeling of jubilation, knowing the year 2012 will be 'Our Year.'

Updated: Another Attack by SDPD on The Homeless and Occupy San Diego

This morning at 5:20 under a bridge located by the downtown jail four blocks away from occupy, as I am wrapping up my sleeping bag and tarp, around the corner comes two black and whites, lights flashing. On the north side of the street three blue coats jump out of their car, on the south side,two blue coats jumped out of their car. Within seconds the officers were corralling us like cattle, to a seated position. I gathered my things and started walking behind two other guys already striding ahead. An officer yelled out to me, 'sit down'. I stopped and asked why they got to go, and again tried walking away and asked "was I being detained' and the officer said 'yes' and if I kept walking he would arrest me. So I put my things down and sat on the ground. He said we were being detained for illegal lodging and I told them about code 647 (e).

Across the street one man was body searched and another reading the Illegal Lodging code 647 (e) to the officers, as they continued to glare, their bright cop car spot light on a few individuals. The blue coats took many pictures of us. When they handed us our tickets on the south side of the street, officer Berhalter badge #6208 took a mug shot of you. The car they were driving had the license 1190517. I asked the blue coat clowns if everyone on both sides of the streets received citations and some said yes and others didn't want to say. I spouted off a little and asked if anyone had a camera for videoing or pics. Randy did, but said his battery was low.

As I sat there, detained for almost two hours I laughed at the inhumane actions of circus clowns, carrying guns and batons guarding us like extremely dangerous terrorists. Insisting they had to act like Nazi's for their own safety. What about my safety officer, from corrupt police officers abusing their power and privileges harming weak and vulnerable people in the wee hours of the morning? Specifically targeting people, because of their association with the Occupy Movement. I asked the blue coats if they just decided to take it upon themselves to attack this morning, or was it a higher ranking person. They stated it was a couple judges in the buildings above. I wonder who those judges are? Or was it someone else who ordered the entrapment.

During this event the homeless person that was reciting the Illegal Lodging code 647 (e) also told people about an attorney in town, working on a big case against the city and shouted out his name. Lawyer Dreher located at 835 Fifth Ave., Ste. 202. I plan on getting a hold of this person next week. Many people had to go to the restroom and were not allowed. People on the north side of the street were up and gone, while those on the south side watched all five officers, including one Sargent, act like little kids playing a game. Two blue coats tried to write tickets while two others glared towards us, hands on their belts close to their guns.

There was a homeless man in a wheel chair, with amputated legs above the knee and prostheses on both, given a ticket. Another to a homeless man named Mike, who had worked for craft foods for 16 years and was let go when Phillip Morris bought it. A man who just bought a plane ticket to go back and get married to his fiance in Ohio. About 35-40 people all together on both sides of the street. Many of the homeless don't want to go to shelters because of all the rules and regulations. It is understandable. Many of the shelters are faith based and people don't want to have to be subjected to religion while they get their lives back on track. I, being one of them. I am an atheist and I am a good loving person. It's my life and your life is yours.

It sounds like about half the people received tickets this morning, for being unfortunate, disabled, dislocated, destroyed by people and a broken system. What does it look like when the blue coats show up like storm troopers, at 5:20am harassing people that have just slept outside, under a bridge, five feet away from a 60 mph trolley, a large fan that blares loud consistently and many others without walls? Pathetic human beings!

Updated: I had been sleeping in this location for, four nights, never once given a warning by any officer regarding breaking the law and Illegal Lodging code 647 (e). Each night that I slept at this spot people showed up with gifts. These are the givers of life concerned about their brothers and sisters on the streets. They brought Christmas cookies, socks, water, tacos, coupons, crackers, sandwiches and fruit. Tonight when they arrive, it will be empty, no one to help and be of service too. There is a better solution to the homeless problem than, harassment and intimidation. It is called Love.