Moon
10-31-2011, 10:22 PM
Saturday, protesters will start occupying Sebastopol in the plaza near Whole Foods.
View Full Version : Occupy Sebastopol starting
Shepherd
11-02-2011, 08:09 AM
I have reservations about the phrase "Occupy Sebastopol" and the message that it might send to some people. I certainly support a presence here in our town for those of us participating in Occupy Wall Street. I think we want to get our money out of the big banks and into credit unions and local banks here. I think we should make it clear that we support local merchants and businesses in Sebastopol, some of whom already have signs up supporting Occupy Wall Street. GoLocal!
I also want to add that I think we should support local government and not demonize them. I was at last night's Santa Rosa City Council, which was a standing room only audience of occupiers and their allies. It was a very civil exchange and the elected officials were very supportive. It was a major victory, in my opinion, for the Occupy movement. I think that how we frame what we are doing will determine how many of the 99% we are able to mobilize.
I have been recently studying the mass mobilizations in Chicago in l968 at the National Democratic Convention, where I was one of the protestors, and the l999 Seattle actions against the World Trade Organization. I think that major mistakes were made by a few activists that provoked police violence. I hope that does not happen here and that the occupations remain non-violent.
I am eager to see how the general strike goes in Oakland today. It is an ambitious and risky tactic, which might work. KPFA-FM at 94.1 will be broadcasting from the strike today at 10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. I plan to be back at Occupy Santa Rosa this afternoon for its General Assembly.
I would welcome any further details on the proposal below, especially what time this presence is scheduled to begin.
Shepherd
Saturday, protesters will start occupying Sebastopol in the plaza near Whole Foods.
I also want to add that I think we should support local government and not demonize them. I was at last night's Santa Rosa City Council, which was a standing room only audience of occupiers and their allies. It was a very civil exchange and the elected officials were very supportive. It was a major victory, in my opinion, for the Occupy movement. I think that how we frame what we are doing will determine how many of the 99% we are able to mobilize.
I have been recently studying the mass mobilizations in Chicago in l968 at the National Democratic Convention, where I was one of the protestors, and the l999 Seattle actions against the World Trade Organization. I think that major mistakes were made by a few activists that provoked police violence. I hope that does not happen here and that the occupations remain non-violent.
I am eager to see how the general strike goes in Oakland today. It is an ambitious and risky tactic, which might work. KPFA-FM at 94.1 will be broadcasting from the strike today at 10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. I plan to be back at Occupy Santa Rosa this afternoon for its General Assembly.
I would welcome any further details on the proposal below, especially what time this presence is scheduled to begin.
Shepherd
Saturday, protesters will start occupying Sebastopol in the plaza near Whole Foods.
peggykarp
11-02-2011, 12:15 PM
I have reservations about the phrase "Occupy Sebastopol" and the message that it might send to some people. I certainly support a presence here in our town for those of us participating in Occupy Wall Street. I think we want to get our money out of the big banks and into credit unions and local banks here. I think we should make it clear that we support local merchants and businesses in Sebastopol, some of whom already have signs up supporting Occupy Wall Street. GoLocal!
I also want to add that I think we should support local government and not demonize them. I was at last night's Santa Rosa City Council, which was a standing room only audience of occupiers and their allies. It was a very civil exchange and the elected officials were very supportive. It was a major victory, in my opinion, for the Occupy movement. I think that how we frame what we are doing will determine how many of the 99% we are able to mobilize.
I have been recently studying the mass mobilizations in Chicago in l968 at the National Democratic Convention, where I was one of the protestors, and the l999 Seattle actions against the World Trade Organization. I think that major mistakes were made by a few activists that provoked police violence. I hope that does not happen here and that the occupations remain non-violent.
I am eager to see how the general strike goes in Oakland today. It is an ambitious and risky tactic, which might work. KPFA-FM at 94.1 will be broadcasting from the strike today at 10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. I plan to be back at Occupy Santa Rosa this afternoon for its General Assembly.
I would welcome any further details on the proposal below, especially what time this presence is scheduled to begin.
Shepherd
The Occupations have never been against local governments and no one thinks they are. But in every occupied town and city there are branches of the big banks that have come to symbolize the greed of the 1%. Every Occupation amplifies the message to the powers that be: We have HAD it!
I also want to add that I think we should support local government and not demonize them. I was at last night's Santa Rosa City Council, which was a standing room only audience of occupiers and their allies. It was a very civil exchange and the elected officials were very supportive. It was a major victory, in my opinion, for the Occupy movement. I think that how we frame what we are doing will determine how many of the 99% we are able to mobilize.
I have been recently studying the mass mobilizations in Chicago in l968 at the National Democratic Convention, where I was one of the protestors, and the l999 Seattle actions against the World Trade Organization. I think that major mistakes were made by a few activists that provoked police violence. I hope that does not happen here and that the occupations remain non-violent.
I am eager to see how the general strike goes in Oakland today. It is an ambitious and risky tactic, which might work. KPFA-FM at 94.1 will be broadcasting from the strike today at 10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. I plan to be back at Occupy Santa Rosa this afternoon for its General Assembly.
I would welcome any further details on the proposal below, especially what time this presence is scheduled to begin.
Shepherd
The Occupations have never been against local governments and no one thinks they are. But in every occupied town and city there are branches of the big banks that have come to symbolize the greed of the 1%. Every Occupation amplifies the message to the powers that be: We have HAD it!
Sara S
11-03-2011, 07:29 AM
When I suggested that we Occupy" that corner, I was thinking about Chase proposing to put a "big bank" on that CVS corner; isn't that part of the plan?
The Occupations have never been against local governments and no one thinks they are. But in every occupied town and city there are branches of the big banks that have come to symbolize the greed of the 1%. Every Occupation amplifies the message to the powers that be: We have HAD it!
The Occupations have never been against local governments and no one thinks they are. But in every occupied town and city there are branches of the big banks that have come to symbolize the greed of the 1%. Every Occupation amplifies the message to the powers that be: We have HAD it!
Shepherd
11-03-2011, 08:50 AM
Hi Sara,
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
When I suggested that we Occupy" that corner, I was thinking about Chase proposing to put a "big bank" on that CVS corner; isn't that part of the plan?
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
When I suggested that we Occupy" that corner, I was thinking about Chase proposing to put a "big bank" on that CVS corner; isn't that part of the plan?
Peace Voyager
11-03-2011, 11:05 AM
<table id="yiv1959574767bodyDrftID" class="yiv1959574767" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="yiv1959574767drftMsgContent" style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;">https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20111102/ARTICLES/111109898
Occupy Sebastopol planned for Saturday
By BOB NORBERG (https://us.mc1134.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected])
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:19 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:19 p.m.
Sebastopol is bracing for an Occupy Sebastopol event on Saturday, when demonstrators plan to take over the town plaza.
The event was announced on fliers distributed around the city on Wednesday and Thursday and at online social media sites.
The City Council is holding a special meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. today to discuss the demonstration and the potential impacts on public safety, health and welfare.
“In other communities there have been issues, and it was the city manager’s desire to get the council input should it be more than a Saturday afternoon gathering,” said Police Chief Jeff Weaver.
He is not expecting violence, but it would be a problem if the demonstrators stayed overnight, which would interfere with the Sunday farmers market when vendors and merchants begin arriving at 2 a.m...
*****
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr></tr><tr><td style="font: inherit;" valign="top">Thanks for sending this Mary.
Interesting times.
As I said in my last message; extra-ordinary times, call for extra-ordinary ordinances.
For starters Public Works will need to shut off the sprinklers, which should be done when it rains anyway.
FYI; I have advocated for our region to focus on the Federal, State & County gov, and County seat, Santa Rosa, not each city.
There is a lot of what the Occupy is advocating for, which helps cities like Sebastopol.
I suggest the Sebastopol City Council follow the lead of Santa Rosa.
Please forward this message, and my last to them, the City Manager and Lawyer, Fire and Police Chiefs.
Good luck sorting it out.
:waccosun: May peace prevail for all.
Colleen Fernald
Sebastopol, CA
--- On Wed, 11/2/11, Mary Gourley <[email protected]></[email protected]> wrote:
Subject: Special City Council Meeting of November 3 2011
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 2:45 PM
FYI
Sebastopol City Council Special meeting RE: Occupy Sebastopol, today, 1/3/11, 3-5 PM at the Sebastopol Youth Annex on Morris Street.
Mary Gourley
City Clerk
City of Sebastopol
7120 Bodega Avenue
Sebastopol, CA 95473
707-823-1153 - Phone
707-823-1135 - FAX
[email protected]
</td></tr></tbody> </table> </td></tr></tbody></table>
Occupy Sebastopol planned for Saturday
By BOB NORBERG (https://us.mc1134.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected])
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:19 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:19 p.m.
Sebastopol is bracing for an Occupy Sebastopol event on Saturday, when demonstrators plan to take over the town plaza.
The event was announced on fliers distributed around the city on Wednesday and Thursday and at online social media sites.
The City Council is holding a special meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. today to discuss the demonstration and the potential impacts on public safety, health and welfare.
“In other communities there have been issues, and it was the city manager’s desire to get the council input should it be more than a Saturday afternoon gathering,” said Police Chief Jeff Weaver.
He is not expecting violence, but it would be a problem if the demonstrators stayed overnight, which would interfere with the Sunday farmers market when vendors and merchants begin arriving at 2 a.m...
*****
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr></tr><tr><td style="font: inherit;" valign="top">Thanks for sending this Mary.
Interesting times.
As I said in my last message; extra-ordinary times, call for extra-ordinary ordinances.
For starters Public Works will need to shut off the sprinklers, which should be done when it rains anyway.
FYI; I have advocated for our region to focus on the Federal, State & County gov, and County seat, Santa Rosa, not each city.
There is a lot of what the Occupy is advocating for, which helps cities like Sebastopol.
I suggest the Sebastopol City Council follow the lead of Santa Rosa.
Please forward this message, and my last to them, the City Manager and Lawyer, Fire and Police Chiefs.
Good luck sorting it out.
:waccosun: May peace prevail for all.
Colleen Fernald
Sebastopol, CA
--- On Wed, 11/2/11, Mary Gourley <[email protected]></[email protected]> wrote:
Subject: Special City Council Meeting of November 3 2011
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 2:45 PM
FYI
Sebastopol City Council Special meeting RE: Occupy Sebastopol, today, 1/3/11, 3-5 PM at the Sebastopol Youth Annex on Morris Street.
Mary Gourley
City Clerk
City of Sebastopol
7120 Bodega Avenue
Sebastopol, CA 95473
707-823-1153 - Phone
707-823-1135 - FAX
[email protected]
</td></tr></tbody> </table> </td></tr></tbody></table>
Shepherd
11-04-2011, 04:46 AM
Following is the PD article on the Sebastopol City Council meeting yesterday. I would welcome any first person accounts from those who might have been there.
Let me say that in my opinion what started out at Oakland on Wed. by a general strike that shut down the port was a major victory. That was seriously tarnished by a small violent group starting fires and damaging small businesses. Such actions reduce rather than increase involvement by members of the 99% in this movement. I understand the frustration of those activists who strike out in such ways, but I feel it important that we remain peaceful, which has been the agreement of Occupy Wall Street.
I appreciate the way that the Occupy Petaluma people went directly to their City Council before their Oct. 29 action and explained their intentions. This facilitated a cooperative event. I wonder why those who started "Occupy Sebastopol" apparently were not public at yesterday's meeting and willing to discuss their intentions. I can see how this would threaten elected officials and others. Let's attract as many allies as we can, rather than worry our local governments, who are not the problem.
I share Councilmember Patrick Slater's concern with drug and alcohol use. I was also at an Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly on Wed. where police across the street apparently were arresting people for alleged use of drugs, whom some told me were occupiers. I think that we need to refrain from such illegal behavior that also taints the movement and not support it. The official policy of Occupy Santa Rosa is against drug and alcohol use at the camp. They have been self-policing there, which helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
I do want to make a correction in the following article. It says that only Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Sonoma County's two biggest cities, have been the sites of occupations. In fact, on Oct. 14 there was a large and peaceful gathering in the town of Sonoma, which apparently did not evolve into an encampment. It has been my experience that when there is adequate information and preparation, more people tend to come.
I love Sebastopol, its plaza, its farmers market, and its many ways of being, so I plan to be there on Sat. and participate in what I hope is direct democracy where people engage in dialogue and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
The Sebastopol City Council held a special meeting Thursday to discuss how to respond to protesters if they begin camping in the town’s plaza this weekend.
City officials have been left guessing about the intent of “Occupy Sebastopol” organizers since finding fliers earlier this week calling for protesters to convene at the plaza Saturday with signs, food and tents.
The fliers — along with similar posts online — have raised worries of an encampment developing similar to Occupy Santa Rosa, in a central part of the city’s downtown.
“No one has stepped up from the Occupy Sebastopol movement so we don’t have direct information,” Mayor Guy Wilson said. “There’s a lot of speculation.”
So far protesters in Sonoma County have appeared only in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
Any camping in Sebastopol downtown could cause an immediate conflict with the Farmers Market, which begins setting up in the plaza in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Council members discussed how to respond if campers arrive, including a suggestion to offer them alternative sites to stay; that idea was shot down for liability reasons.
Camping in city parks, including the plaza, is against Sebastopol ordinances, but council members shied away from endorsing a crackdown.
“I think we ensure a good turnout if we say they can’t occupy the plaza,” said Michael Kyes, the city’s vice mayor, adding he thought protesters intent on causing disruption would otherwise be drawn to protests like Occupy Oakland.
“I don’t think we need to do anything to provoke anything,” he said.
Ultimately, council members opted for a wait-and-see approach, saying they trusted the city’s police department to respond appropriately.
Police Chief Jeff Weaver said officers would respond with citations and arrests only as a last resort if problems such as a conflict with the Farmers Market could not be dealt with in other ways.
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Saturday, protesters will start occupying Sebastopol in the plaza near Whole Foods.
Let me say that in my opinion what started out at Oakland on Wed. by a general strike that shut down the port was a major victory. That was seriously tarnished by a small violent group starting fires and damaging small businesses. Such actions reduce rather than increase involvement by members of the 99% in this movement. I understand the frustration of those activists who strike out in such ways, but I feel it important that we remain peaceful, which has been the agreement of Occupy Wall Street.
I appreciate the way that the Occupy Petaluma people went directly to their City Council before their Oct. 29 action and explained their intentions. This facilitated a cooperative event. I wonder why those who started "Occupy Sebastopol" apparently were not public at yesterday's meeting and willing to discuss their intentions. I can see how this would threaten elected officials and others. Let's attract as many allies as we can, rather than worry our local governments, who are not the problem.
I share Councilmember Patrick Slater's concern with drug and alcohol use. I was also at an Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly on Wed. where police across the street apparently were arresting people for alleged use of drugs, whom some told me were occupiers. I think that we need to refrain from such illegal behavior that also taints the movement and not support it. The official policy of Occupy Santa Rosa is against drug and alcohol use at the camp. They have been self-policing there, which helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
I do want to make a correction in the following article. It says that only Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Sonoma County's two biggest cities, have been the sites of occupations. In fact, on Oct. 14 there was a large and peaceful gathering in the town of Sonoma, which apparently did not evolve into an encampment. It has been my experience that when there is adequate information and preparation, more people tend to come.
I love Sebastopol, its plaza, its farmers market, and its many ways of being, so I plan to be there on Sat. and participate in what I hope is direct democracy where people engage in dialogue and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
The Sebastopol City Council held a special meeting Thursday to discuss how to respond to protesters if they begin camping in the town’s plaza this weekend.
City officials have been left guessing about the intent of “Occupy Sebastopol” organizers since finding fliers earlier this week calling for protesters to convene at the plaza Saturday with signs, food and tents.
The fliers — along with similar posts online — have raised worries of an encampment developing similar to Occupy Santa Rosa, in a central part of the city’s downtown.
“No one has stepped up from the Occupy Sebastopol movement so we don’t have direct information,” Mayor Guy Wilson said. “There’s a lot of speculation.”
So far protesters in Sonoma County have appeared only in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
Any camping in Sebastopol downtown could cause an immediate conflict with the Farmers Market, which begins setting up in the plaza in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Council members discussed how to respond if campers arrive, including a suggestion to offer them alternative sites to stay; that idea was shot down for liability reasons.
Camping in city parks, including the plaza, is against Sebastopol ordinances, but council members shied away from endorsing a crackdown.
“I think we ensure a good turnout if we say they can’t occupy the plaza,” said Michael Kyes, the city’s vice mayor, adding he thought protesters intent on causing disruption would otherwise be drawn to protests like Occupy Oakland.
“I don’t think we need to do anything to provoke anything,” he said.
Ultimately, council members opted for a wait-and-see approach, saying they trusted the city’s police department to respond appropriately.
Police Chief Jeff Weaver said officers would respond with citations and arrests only as a last resort if problems such as a conflict with the Farmers Market could not be dealt with in other ways.
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Saturday, protesters will start occupying Sebastopol in the plaza near Whole Foods.
neil
11-04-2011, 12:44 PM
Hi Shepard,
I agree, our local Sebastopol farmers market is important and worth protecting. I sold my farm produce there for 5 years, 2001-2005 under the name "EasySweet Farm." I worked hard to bring the best food possible to the community, and for the integrity of the market overall, serving 2 years on the market board (one year as president).
I have also been at Occupy Santa Rosa a lot over the last 3 weeks, so I have a good sense of what the Occupation is, and isn't. Also, I have met 2 other local farmers (besides you and me) taking part in Occupy Santa Rosa, plus many others who are supportive of small, local food producers.
I don't see any fundamental conflict between an Occupy Sebastopol on the plaza and the weekly Sunday farmers market happening. In fact I think that they could go together very nicely overall, with any specific problems being worked out in a mutually respectful manner. After all, the occupiers are the people of the community, and if the level of public support for the Occupation in Santa Rosa is any indication, there is huge and still-growing support for this movement. Support for local businesses rather than corporate is a main thrust of the Occupations.
Yes, Sebastopol is a progressive town in some ways. Why would we not want Sebastopol to be a center of the movement for deep change that is happening, and why would we not want this novel on-the-ground community-and movement-building to make the central plaza home?
Business-as-usual concerns of small local merchants are understandable and expected. But until they can, by their business-as-usual, stop big capital from destroying millions of lives and wrecking the environment, which is happening every day, they really have no right to veto people who are gathering to act directly. Instead, they should actively support this nonviolent movement, however they can.
Finally, I want to clarify, that the various Occupations are not against the small-town governments or the local businesses, but they are determined to occupy and build a just society. So when local ordinances, like "no sleeping," or "you need a permit," are used against the movement, it's a problem. I look at it this way: Occupy Sebastopol is calling on Sebastopol to step up its game in creating a truly just society.
Neil
Hi Sara,
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
I agree, our local Sebastopol farmers market is important and worth protecting. I sold my farm produce there for 5 years, 2001-2005 under the name "EasySweet Farm." I worked hard to bring the best food possible to the community, and for the integrity of the market overall, serving 2 years on the market board (one year as president).
I have also been at Occupy Santa Rosa a lot over the last 3 weeks, so I have a good sense of what the Occupation is, and isn't. Also, I have met 2 other local farmers (besides you and me) taking part in Occupy Santa Rosa, plus many others who are supportive of small, local food producers.
I don't see any fundamental conflict between an Occupy Sebastopol on the plaza and the weekly Sunday farmers market happening. In fact I think that they could go together very nicely overall, with any specific problems being worked out in a mutually respectful manner. After all, the occupiers are the people of the community, and if the level of public support for the Occupation in Santa Rosa is any indication, there is huge and still-growing support for this movement. Support for local businesses rather than corporate is a main thrust of the Occupations.
Yes, Sebastopol is a progressive town in some ways. Why would we not want Sebastopol to be a center of the movement for deep change that is happening, and why would we not want this novel on-the-ground community-and movement-building to make the central plaza home?
Business-as-usual concerns of small local merchants are understandable and expected. But until they can, by their business-as-usual, stop big capital from destroying millions of lives and wrecking the environment, which is happening every day, they really have no right to veto people who are gathering to act directly. Instead, they should actively support this nonviolent movement, however they can.
Finally, I want to clarify, that the various Occupations are not against the small-town governments or the local businesses, but they are determined to occupy and build a just society. So when local ordinances, like "no sleeping," or "you need a permit," are used against the movement, it's a problem. I look at it this way: Occupy Sebastopol is calling on Sebastopol to step up its game in creating a truly just society.
Neil
Hi Sara,
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
AllorrahBe
11-04-2011, 09:48 PM
Shepherd: Your voice of sanity and wisdom in the midst of all this is refreshing and much needed! Thank you for all the thought and guidance you have put into this movement.
Many Blessings,
Rev. Allorrah Be
Circles of Light Ministries
Sebastopol, California
Occupy United States of America!
Following is the PD article on the Sebastopol City Council meeting yesterday. I would welcome any first person accounts from those who might have been there.
Let me say that in my opinion what started out at Oakland on Wed. by a general strike that shut down the port was a major victory. That was seriously tarnished by a small violent group starting fires and damaging small businesses. Such actions reduce rather than increase involvement by members of the 99% in this movement. I understand the frustration of those activists who strike out in such ways, but I feel it important that we remain peaceful, which has been the agreement of Occupy Wall Street.
I appreciate the way that the Occupy Petaluma people went directly to their City Council before their Oct. 29 action and explained their intentions. This facilitated a cooperative event. I wonder why those who started "Occupy Sebastopol" apparently were not public at yesterday's meeting and willing to discuss their intentions. I can see how this would threaten elected officials and others. Let's attract as many allies as we can, rather than worry our local governments, who are not the problem.
I share Councilmember Patrick Slater's concern with drug and alcohol use. I was also at an Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly on Wed. where police across the street apparently were arresting people for alleged use of drugs, whom some told me were occupiers. I think that we need to refrain from such illegal behavior that also taints the movement and not support it. The official policy of Occupy Santa Rosa is against drug and alcohol use at the camp. They have been self-policing there, which helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
I do want to make a correction in the following article. It says that only Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Sonoma County's two biggest cities, have been the sites of occupations. In fact, on Oct. 14 there was a large and peaceful gathering in the town of Sonoma, which apparently did not evolve into an encampment. It has been my experience that when there is adequate information and preparation, more people tend to come.
I love Sebastopol, its plaza, its farmers market, and its many ways of being, so I plan to be there on Sat. and participate in what I hope is direct democracy where people engage in dialogue and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
The Sebastopol City Council held a special meeting Thursday to discuss how to respond to protesters if they begin camping in the town’s plaza this weekend.
City officials have been left guessing about the intent of “Occupy Sebastopol” organizers since finding fliers earlier this week calling for protesters to convene at the plaza Saturday with signs, food and tents.
The fliers — along with similar posts online — have raised worries of an encampment developing similar to Occupy Santa Rosa, in a central part of the city’s downtown.
“No one has stepped up from the Occupy Sebastopol movement so we don’t have direct information,” Mayor Guy Wilson said. “There’s a lot of speculation.”
So far protesters in Sonoma County have appeared only in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
Any camping in Sebastopol downtown could cause an immediate conflict with the Farmers Market, which begins setting up in the plaza in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Council members discussed how to respond if campers arrive, including a suggestion to offer them alternative sites to stay; that idea was shot down for liability reasons.
Camping in city parks, including the plaza, is against Sebastopol ordinances, but council members shied away from endorsing a crackdown.
“I think we ensure a good turnout if we say they can’t occupy the plaza,” said Michael Kyes, the city’s vice mayor, adding he thought protesters intent on causing disruption would otherwise be drawn to protests like Occupy Oakland.
“I don’t think we need to do anything to provoke anything,” he said.
Ultimately, council members opted for a wait-and-see approach, saying they trusted the city’s police department to respond appropriately.
Police Chief Jeff Weaver said officers would respond with citations and arrests only as a last resort if problems such as a conflict with the Farmers Market could not be dealt with in other ways.
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Many Blessings,
Rev. Allorrah Be
Circles of Light Ministries
Sebastopol, California
Occupy United States of America!
Following is the PD article on the Sebastopol City Council meeting yesterday. I would welcome any first person accounts from those who might have been there.
Let me say that in my opinion what started out at Oakland on Wed. by a general strike that shut down the port was a major victory. That was seriously tarnished by a small violent group starting fires and damaging small businesses. Such actions reduce rather than increase involvement by members of the 99% in this movement. I understand the frustration of those activists who strike out in such ways, but I feel it important that we remain peaceful, which has been the agreement of Occupy Wall Street.
I appreciate the way that the Occupy Petaluma people went directly to their City Council before their Oct. 29 action and explained their intentions. This facilitated a cooperative event. I wonder why those who started "Occupy Sebastopol" apparently were not public at yesterday's meeting and willing to discuss their intentions. I can see how this would threaten elected officials and others. Let's attract as many allies as we can, rather than worry our local governments, who are not the problem.
I share Councilmember Patrick Slater's concern with drug and alcohol use. I was also at an Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly on Wed. where police across the street apparently were arresting people for alleged use of drugs, whom some told me were occupiers. I think that we need to refrain from such illegal behavior that also taints the movement and not support it. The official policy of Occupy Santa Rosa is against drug and alcohol use at the camp. They have been self-policing there, which helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
I do want to make a correction in the following article. It says that only Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Sonoma County's two biggest cities, have been the sites of occupations. In fact, on Oct. 14 there was a large and peaceful gathering in the town of Sonoma, which apparently did not evolve into an encampment. It has been my experience that when there is adequate information and preparation, more people tend to come.
I love Sebastopol, its plaza, its farmers market, and its many ways of being, so I plan to be there on Sat. and participate in what I hope is direct democracy where people engage in dialogue and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
The Sebastopol City Council held a special meeting Thursday to discuss how to respond to protesters if they begin camping in the town’s plaza this weekend.
City officials have been left guessing about the intent of “Occupy Sebastopol” organizers since finding fliers earlier this week calling for protesters to convene at the plaza Saturday with signs, food and tents.
The fliers — along with similar posts online — have raised worries of an encampment developing similar to Occupy Santa Rosa, in a central part of the city’s downtown.
“No one has stepped up from the Occupy Sebastopol movement so we don’t have direct information,” Mayor Guy Wilson said. “There’s a lot of speculation.”
So far protesters in Sonoma County have appeared only in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
Any camping in Sebastopol downtown could cause an immediate conflict with the Farmers Market, which begins setting up in the plaza in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Council members discussed how to respond if campers arrive, including a suggestion to offer them alternative sites to stay; that idea was shot down for liability reasons.
Camping in city parks, including the plaza, is against Sebastopol ordinances, but council members shied away from endorsing a crackdown.
“I think we ensure a good turnout if we say they can’t occupy the plaza,” said Michael Kyes, the city’s vice mayor, adding he thought protesters intent on causing disruption would otherwise be drawn to protests like Occupy Oakland.
“I don’t think we need to do anything to provoke anything,” he said.
Ultimately, council members opted for a wait-and-see approach, saying they trusted the city’s police department to respond appropriately.
Police Chief Jeff Weaver said officers would respond with citations and arrests only as a last resort if problems such as a conflict with the Farmers Market could not be dealt with in other ways.
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Moon
11-04-2011, 11:05 PM
...I share Council member Patrick Slater's concern with drug and alcohol use. I was also at an Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly on Wed. where police across the street apparently were arresting people for alleged use of drugs, whom some told me were occupiers. I think that we need to refrain from such illegal behavior that also taints the movement and not support it. The official policy of Occupy Santa Rosa is against drug and alcohol use at the camp. They have been self-policing there, which helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Sebastopol City Council member Patrick Slayter's statement that there's illicit drug use at Occupy Santa Rosa
is simply not true. I've been there most of the time--at all hours of the day and night--from the beginning, and there's
a consistently enforced policy of not allowing people to drink alcohol or to smoke anything, even if they have a card
for cannabis. Anyone intent on psychoactive recreation is referred to the space across the street, where the street
people congregate. We removed one street person, who was very drunk, six times in one day, and I was one of the
occupiers who removed him the sixth time. We want parents to feel secure to bring young children, so we've made
sure our area is safe for even the tiniest toddler. It's also safe for womyn. I overheard a womon telling someone,
"I'm not spending the night, because I'm a single womon." Folks, a single womon is safer sleeping here than alone
in her apartment. If someone breaks into her home, she has to fight him off single-handed; if anyone tried to attack
her at the occupation, there'd be ten defenders piled on him in a Yankee minute.
Dogs and caffeine: BTW, we also want the space to be safe for small animals--of whom dogs are the only ones
i've seen there so far. Half a cup of coffee, a whole cup of cocoa, a handful of chocolate chips, etc., can kill an average
-sized dog; the caffeine infibrilates the heart. So if you bring along a dog--who, if well socialized, is most welcome--
please keep an eye out to make sure s/he doesn't get into someone's unattended caffeine; don't count on her/his
not having liked coffee in the past. If you're drinking coffee or hot chocolate or eating anything with a fairly high
concentration of caffeine, please keep it in your hand. At the Santa Rosa site, i've made this announcement, and
then, if i see unattended caffeine when there are dogs around and can't find its owner in about a minute, i pour it
over the ground.
Shepherd
City leaders trying to prepare for Occupy Sebastopol
By SAM SCOTT, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 8:42 p.m.
Others on the council said a prolonged protest could impact business and attract illegal behavior.
Councilman Patrick Slayter said he’d been at Santa Rosa City Hall on business earlier Thursday and noted signs of drug use among some protesters camped there.
“I saw not just a little bit of illicit drug use going on,” he said. “I worry about what the movement is becoming.”
Copyright © 2011 PressDemocrat.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Sebastopol City Council member Patrick Slayter's statement that there's illicit drug use at Occupy Santa Rosa
is simply not true. I've been there most of the time--at all hours of the day and night--from the beginning, and there's
a consistently enforced policy of not allowing people to drink alcohol or to smoke anything, even if they have a card
for cannabis. Anyone intent on psychoactive recreation is referred to the space across the street, where the street
people congregate. We removed one street person, who was very drunk, six times in one day, and I was one of the
occupiers who removed him the sixth time. We want parents to feel secure to bring young children, so we've made
sure our area is safe for even the tiniest toddler. It's also safe for womyn. I overheard a womon telling someone,
"I'm not spending the night, because I'm a single womon." Folks, a single womon is safer sleeping here than alone
in her apartment. If someone breaks into her home, she has to fight him off single-handed; if anyone tried to attack
her at the occupation, there'd be ten defenders piled on him in a Yankee minute.
Dogs and caffeine: BTW, we also want the space to be safe for small animals--of whom dogs are the only ones
i've seen there so far. Half a cup of coffee, a whole cup of cocoa, a handful of chocolate chips, etc., can kill an average
-sized dog; the caffeine infibrilates the heart. So if you bring along a dog--who, if well socialized, is most welcome--
please keep an eye out to make sure s/he doesn't get into someone's unattended caffeine; don't count on her/his
not having liked coffee in the past. If you're drinking coffee or hot chocolate or eating anything with a fairly high
concentration of caffeine, please keep it in your hand. At the Santa Rosa site, i've made this announcement, and
then, if i see unattended caffeine when there are dogs around and can't find its owner in about a minute, i pour it
over the ground.
Sara S
11-05-2011, 08:48 AM
Well, I'm too late now, and I can't come to either Occupy happening today, but what I meant was that we should Occupy the CVS/Chase corner, where there are traffic lights to slow the audience down; it's that corner people are very concerned about right now; it's only one block from the Farmers' Market, so not so much in the way.
Sara
Hi Sara,
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
Sara
Hi Sara,
Yes, CVS/Chase are certainly a big part of the problem. However, the "corner" where they want to be is not where "Occupy Sebastopol" is scheduled. It is scheduled for the Plaza in front of Whole Foods.
The difference is important, since our long-standing farmers market happens in the Plaza each Sunday morning/afternoon. If there were to be an overnight encampment, it would be where the real center of our small town happens, around that weekly farmers market. As a local farmer and food purchaser, I would thus request that we continue that market and not be "occupied." Perhaps an encampment can happen on the CVS/Chase corner or in front of Bank of America?
This is part of the reason that some local merchants have spoken to me and others about occupying being getting in the way of things and being confrontational. Let's Support Sebastopol, since we already occupy it, and GoLocal. Let's Occupy Wall Street and use language to keep our target clear. Otherwise, we will not mobilize more of the 99%. I was glad to be at yesterday's Occupy Santa Rosa General Assembly and see how they are working together to refine their tactics and strategies. Let's do that here in Sebasopol so we can attract a wide-range of allies to this growing global movement.
Shepherd
busterboy
11-05-2011, 02:17 PM
I may have missed it in this thread, but why dilute the local Occupy movement by having one in Sebastopol in addition to Santa Rosa? The strong progressive presence in the Republic of Sebastopol is already well-established. Better I think for locals to concentrate on Santa Rosa to assure large turnouts that will get more media attention and hopefully, greater community participation. We certainly don't need anything else obstructing movement through an already congested intersection, unless the goal is to annoy potential allies. Power to the Occupiers!
Moon
11-05-2011, 07:57 PM
I may have missed it in this thread, but why dilute the local Occupy movement by having one in Sebastopol in addition to Santa Rosa? The strong progressive presence in the Republic of Sebastopol is already well-established. Better I think for locals to concentrate on Santa Rosa to assure large turnouts that will get more media attention and hopefully, greater community participation. We certainly don't need anything else obstructing movement through an already congested intersection, unless the goal is to annoy potential allies.Power to the Occupiers!
"...unless the goal is to annoy potential allies." :biglaugh:Yeah, i think that would be a good idea--and then maybe
we could picket Good Will. Seriously, surely occupiers can walk just as far from their cars in Sebastopol as
in Santa Rosa--and clear out in plenty of time for farmers marketers to set up.
"...unless the goal is to annoy potential allies." :biglaugh:Yeah, i think that would be a good idea--and then maybe
we could picket Good Will. Seriously, surely occupiers can walk just as far from their cars in Sebastopol as
in Santa Rosa--and clear out in plenty of time for farmers marketers to set up.
Shepherd
11-06-2011, 03:32 AM
I thought that yesterday's Occupy Sebastopol went well and was deeply democratic.
During the couple of hours that I was there in the afternoon, it seems as if around 100 people came by. Among those watching were Mayor Guy Wilson, Vice-Mayor Michael Kyes, and City Councilmember Kathleen Shaffer. State Assembly member Michael Allen spoke positively about Occupy and the successful and ongoing transferring of money from the big banks to credit unions and local banks. Members of Sebastopol's Design Review Board and Planning Commission were there, as well as two former mayors. So I think that our elected and local government members are showing interest in the Occupy movement and are natural allies.
A decision was made for an encampment in the plaza, though reservations about that strategy were expressed. I went by again around 8 p.m., and saw four tents set up. My understanding of the agreement by the General Assembly was that tents are to remain East of the gazebo and not displace the Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings. This may still be a conflict for some, since that grassy area is where children usually play and goats are brought. So I hope that ways of sharing this space can happen. I appreciate these hardy persons for being willing to endure last night's rain and coldness. I plan to bring by some apples for them and hope that others will provide food. I want to thank Infusions Tea and the chocolate people with them for providing tea and chocolate to yesterday's gathering.
The morning rally in Santa Rosa was a great success, in my opinion. Speakers from GoLocal and First Community Credit Union were very good, as was the Hub Bub Flash Mob. Former Mayor Larry Robinson recited poems without the assistance of a mic, in the oral tradition, which was inspiring.
Shepherd
Well, I'm too late now, and I can't come to either Occupy happening today, but what I meant was that we should Occupy the CVS/Chase corner, where there are traffic lights to slow the audience down; it's that corner people are very concerned about right now; it's only one block from the Farmers' Market, so not so much in the way.
Sara
During the couple of hours that I was there in the afternoon, it seems as if around 100 people came by. Among those watching were Mayor Guy Wilson, Vice-Mayor Michael Kyes, and City Councilmember Kathleen Shaffer. State Assembly member Michael Allen spoke positively about Occupy and the successful and ongoing transferring of money from the big banks to credit unions and local banks. Members of Sebastopol's Design Review Board and Planning Commission were there, as well as two former mayors. So I think that our elected and local government members are showing interest in the Occupy movement and are natural allies.
A decision was made for an encampment in the plaza, though reservations about that strategy were expressed. I went by again around 8 p.m., and saw four tents set up. My understanding of the agreement by the General Assembly was that tents are to remain East of the gazebo and not displace the Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings. This may still be a conflict for some, since that grassy area is where children usually play and goats are brought. So I hope that ways of sharing this space can happen. I appreciate these hardy persons for being willing to endure last night's rain and coldness. I plan to bring by some apples for them and hope that others will provide food. I want to thank Infusions Tea and the chocolate people with them for providing tea and chocolate to yesterday's gathering.
The morning rally in Santa Rosa was a great success, in my opinion. Speakers from GoLocal and First Community Credit Union were very good, as was the Hub Bub Flash Mob. Former Mayor Larry Robinson recited poems without the assistance of a mic, in the oral tradition, which was inspiring.
Shepherd
Well, I'm too late now, and I can't come to either Occupy happening today, but what I meant was that we should Occupy the CVS/Chase corner, where there are traffic lights to slow the audience down; it's that corner people are very concerned about right now; it's only one block from the Farmers' Market, so not so much in the way.
Sara