OCCUPY WALL STREET LA - Developing Stories, News and Interviews

Developing Stories, News and Interviews
12-20-11 Video from WBAI's coverage of D17 at OWS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6dOGEc7p08 12-15-11 Pacifica Launches "Occupy Pacifica" Website and program. Sonali Kolhatkar's 12-09-11 interview with Kevin Zeese of Occupy DC Play Sojourner Truth's 12-09-11 roundtable with Jackie Goldberg, Gerald Horne, and Tom Hayden tackles Occupy Congress, the relationship between organized labor and the Occupy movement and assesses the evictions of occupy camps across the country Play Amy Goodman talks with ex-Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Greece's Fiscal Crisis and Why He Backs the Occupy Movement - Click Here Margaret Prescod talks with Rev. Louis Logan from the delegation of religious representatives that observed the eviction of Occupy LA, from 12-07-11 Play Occupy Our Homes: 12-06-11 - Ian Masters talks with Occupy LA's Chase Golding and Peggy Mears, a representative from ACCE Play Occupy Movement Joins Forces for a National Day of Action on Foreclosures - guests: ACCE's Peggy Mears and Ana Casas Wilson, who is facing foreclosure - from Uprising Radio on 12-06-09 Play Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod covers the LAPD's treatment of Occupy LA protesters after their arrests; and reports on the convergence of the unemployed at Occupy DC Play KPFK's Jonathan Alexander, who was arrested when the LAPD raided the Occupy LA camp, and lawyer Cynthia Anderson-Barker talk with Uprising's Sonali Kolhatkar on 12-05-11 Play Free Forum's Terrence McNally hosts an hour-long dialogue on the Occupy/99% Movement; with guests legendary SDS activist Todd Gitlin, Sarah Van Gelder of Yes Magazine, David DeGraw of OWSnews.org, and Occupy LA's Elsie Whitaker Play Ian Masters talks with Occupy LA's Julie Levine, who also teaches at the USC School of Social Work about Police Brutality at Occupy LA, and the future of the movement Play "My Occupy LA Arrest", blog by Patrick Meighan. Read Patrick's account of his experience here. 12-02-11 Ernesto Arce Reports: Occupy LA activists recently released from jail counter the mainstream media's account of Wednesday morning's eviction Play Suzi Weissman talks with Yasha Levine, Mark Ames, and Vanessa Carlyle about the LAPD's brutal treatment of arrestees from OccupyLA Play Margot Paez's video report on OccupyLA's eviction Play Tom Morello's performance at OccupyLA on Wednesday Nov. 30 Play Part One - Play Part Two - Play Part Three Occupy LA Eviction Live Blog - November 29, 2011 2:30 AM - Wrapping up live blog coverage. Thank you for following! If you want to continue following developments, search Twitter under the hashtag #OccupyLA, or watch the ongoing live streams at http://www.ustream.tv/occupysf or http://www.oakfosho.com. Thanks to KPFK correspondents on the ground: Alan Minsky and Ernesto Arce. Thanks also to KPFK Spanish language programmers at Voces de Libertad, Insurgencia Feminina, Suplemento Comunitario, and Centroamerica Sin Censura for bilingual coverage. Special thanks to live UStream feeds from citizen journalists OakFoSho, OccupyFreedomLA, CrossXBones, punkboyinsf, and the courageous livestreamer from OccupyLACivicEngagement, who continued broadcasting from inside the park as arrests were being made. 2:24 AM - Report from Twitter says that an elevator car has apparently been brought in to remove the remaining protestors from the tree. (Turns out to have been a cherrypicker.) 2:21 AM - Dramatic high-quality video of police deployment: http://bit.ly/v8esUV Aerial feed shows bus filled with arrestees leaving the site accompanied by patrol cars. 2:16 AM - Crowd in street beginning to march south on San Pedro St. 2:10 AM - Police holding intersection at Los Angeles and San Pedro Sts. Police far outnumber protestors; from aerial feed, a large column of perhaps 300-400 officers apparently seem to be standing by. Live stream reports a strange vehicle coming up the street. 2:06 AM - Crowd in street beginning to march north on 1st Street, chanting "Whose streets? Our streets!" Police are moving in fast, forcing protestors towards Los Angeles St. Some arrests made; crowd chanting "Let them go!" Watch live stream here: http://www.ustream.tv/occupysf 2:00 AM - Support crowd on Main street given dispersal order. 1:50 AM - Livestream inside the park just ran out of battery. Last images seen: protestors linking arms, warned by police to voluntarily disengage - "I don't want to be forcing your arms apart." Protestors respond: "Then don't!" Police beginning to move in and pry protestors apart as live feed went off air. Protestors at 1st and Spring given 5-minute dispersal order. 1:45 AM - From aerial feed: Treehouse has been dismantled. Around 200 protestors remaining in the street at 1st and Spring. Inside the park: a Grandmother for Peace sings "We Shall Not Be Moved" and "We Shall Overcome." 1:41 AM - Photo of Homeland Security bus parked at Occupy site: http://bit.ly/uoFVPb 1:37 AM - Aerial feed shows large spotlight being shone on trees where protestors were sitting. Unclear if treesitters have been removed. Large column of police forming on 1st street. 1:34 AM - Approximately 60 protestors still awaiting arrest on the South Lawn. Mic Check addressing police with bean bag gun, addressing the officer by name and chanting "put away the gun." 1:30 AM - Reports of more protestors amassing at 1st and Los Angeles streets; some patrol cars beginning to pull out and leave area. Screen shot of protestor being carried away by police in Hazmat uniforms: http://pic.twitter.com/mkfSv5u2 1:25 AM - Mic Check in park; protestor reads Section 52 of the CA Civil Code, which affords protections for those arrested for First Amendment expression: http://1.usa.gov/vAZDMQ 1:22 AM - Police pointing rubber bullet guns at protestors still in park. Protestors chant "Don't shoot!" and "His name is Scott Olsen!" as arrestee is led away. 1:21 AM - Mayor Villaraigosa's statement on park closure: http://on.fb.me/rr5ncd 1:18 AM - Tents being moved to sidewalk, signs strewn throughou the park and sidewalks. @MikePrysner, twittering from inside the park, reports that 100 protesters still surround the last tent to be left standing. Pic here: http://bit.ly/rvqFgg 1:15 AM - One livestreamer with Occupy LA Civic Engagement committee remains within the park: http://tinyurl.com/bqrkgcw Protestors inside the park, awaiting arrest, re-iterate their commitment to non-violence. 1:10 AM - Crowd outside perimeter on 1st Street swells to about 500; clapping and cheering in solidarity with those still inside. 1:05 AM - Police threaten Fox reporter with arrest if she does not leave. Arrestees being taken from the street to waiting paddy wagons. Protestors in trees still up there for the time being. 1:02 AM - Police announce that only media with LAPD or LA Sheriff-approved press credentials will be allowed in the area. National Lawyers Guild legal observers can stay, but everyone else must leave. 1:00 AM - Livestreamers and most media now being ordered outside the perimeter by police. Aerial feed shows police officers and Hazmat units going in and out of city hall. About 300-400 protestors gathered outside the perimeter on 1st and Main. Arrestees being led out of City Hall Plaza one by one to a holding area on the sidewalk. 12:58 AM - Most protestors, except for the one hundred or so committed to civil disobedience, now out of South Lawn. Aerial feed shows a large crowd in the street (perhaps Broadway), facing down a line of riot cops. Protestors inside park pulled out one by one, handcuffed, and led or carried out of the area. Several protestors remain in the trees; police have not yet moved to remove them. 12:54 AM - Arrests are beginning. Alan Minsky reports people pulled out of tents by police, wrestled to ground and arrested. Livestream shows police in science-fiction looking Hazmat suits dismantling tents. Protestors being carried off while others weep. 12:52 AM - Alan Minsky reports from South Lawn: protestors have 5 minutes to leave before any arrests are made; have been advised that chemical agents may be used. Cops in full riot gear on both sides of sidewalks; many have rubber bullet guns. 12:50 AM - Ernesto Arce reports activity in and around tents; more likely protestors than police. Rabbi from Interfaith Coalition reports that police created a large cordon of several concentric circles, using a line of police as a diversion while columns of other officers poured out of City Hall. 12:48 AM - Among those who are sitting down in a civil disobedience circle on South Lawn, prepared to take arrest are Grandmothers for Peace and the Interfaith Coalition. They are chanting "We're not moving!" Ernesto Arce reports that officers in white uniforms are wearing hazmat suits. Second dispersal order given within South Lawn; only limited members of the media given access to the park. 12:45 AM - Aerial feed shows lines of cops are forcing protestors in street onto the sidewalks. Second dispersal order being given; 10 minutes given to disperse by leaving either eastbound or westbound on 1st Street. 12:43 AM - Two loudspeaker trucks have pulled up at 1st Street. Occupy LA legal advisor Carlos Marroquin tells Ernesto Arce that they were not given ample time to leave, as per their arrangement with LAPD; officers reportedly "ran over" protestors as they moved forcefully into the park. 12:39 AM - Latest from Ernesto Arce at 1st and Main: Loudspeaker truck is being moved in to repeat the dispersal order. From Alan Minsky at the South Lawn: lots of media, protestors still remain. Officer Morrison repeats dispersal order, tells protestors they have 15 minutes to leave via Main or Spring. If they do not leave, they are subject to arrest. 12:36 AM - Mic Check from protestors deliver a message to police: "We will not yield our sovereignty to the agencies that serve us." Another mic check, as a protestor recites the First Amendment. 12:34 AM - Latest from Alan Minsky from the South Lawn: Police have given 10-minute dispersal order. 75-100 protestors committed to civil disobedience. Reports that the majority of people have not heard the dispersal order; LAPD says that they will be bringing a sound truck. 12:31 AM - Lots of noise, emotion, defiance in the park; it is not clear if people have heard dispersal orders, or if they have been given. Police line on 1st street moving in to constrict protestors on the street. 12:25 AM - From Ernesto Arce: LAPD has given order of unlawful assembly. Only exit point from park seems to be eastbound. Mood from protestors has turned angry; many yelling and giving mic checks. 12:20 AM - Latest from Ernesto Arce at 1st and Main: Public Information Officer in golf cart preparing to give unlawful assembly order. Protestors in police cordon may not be allowed to leave. From Alan Minsky on the South Lawn: About 75 protestors locked arms, about 100-200 surrounding; they are surrounded by hundreds of police officers. The behavior "is that of overwhelming force"; seated protestor talking to an officer Morrison. Protestors outnumbered by police officers at center of park: about 250 protestors and 400 police officers. On Livestream: officer pointing rubber bullet gun at protestors. 12:17 AM - Massive numbers of police in riot gear marching down the steps of City Hall, pouring into the park. Aerial feed shows lines of what look like police in white uniforms accompanying normally uniformed police officers. Hundreds of Officers lining every path throughout the park; have not yet moved to dismantle tents or make arrests. 12:15 AM - Latest from Alan Minsky: Police have begun to move into the park. Estimated 1000+ protestors on scene, including those inside park and others surrounding, outside the police cordon; mood is vibrant but tense. A number of people have moved into the trees, sitting in elaborate treehouse structures. 12:10 AM - Skirmish line has been established at 1st and Main. News feed shows 11 additional buses full of riot cops leaving Dodger Stadium, headed downtown. Unconfirmed reports of federal forces on the scene. Tens of thousands of viewers on Livestream. CBS reports at least 1,200 LAPD officers said to be involved in the police action. 12:05 AM - Livestreamer OccupyFreedomLA talks with volunteer medics from Occupy LA, who have red crosses on their clothing and are prepared to respond to tear gas and/or injuries. Reports that people have heard over police scanner: "We're going in quiet." Protestors carry large "Decolonize" banner into the street. 12:00 AM - Latest from Ernesto Arce: about 500 people remaining; access into the park has been cut off. LAPD set to declare unlawful assembly within the hour. They will give three warnings: one 10-minute warning, and two 5-minute warmings to clear the park. Occupy LA member Clark reports strong perimenter all around City Hall; witnesses report hundreds of police disembarking from 10 buses on rear side of Parker Center. Says he heard Chief Beck advise clergy to leave the area. 3-4 dozen tents still standing on City Hall's South Lawn. 11:55 PM - Unconfirmed report on Twitter says park can still be accessed at points near 1st and Alameda. Dramatic photo of civil disobedience: http://lockerz.com/s/160749315 Mainstream media now broadcasting independent Livestreamer @OakFoSho's footage. 11:46 PM - Giant art piece being constructed in the street at 1st and Main; can be seen on aerial feed. Protestors at 1st and Broadway chanting "All night, all day, occupy LA!" 11:40 PM - Protestors on 1st Street chanting "Move your feet, let's occupy the streets!" Reports of LAPD controlling all traffic into downtown LA; downtown offramps on 101 freeway blocked. Pic of protestors laying down at 1st and Main: http://twitpic.com/7lyv5w 11:35 PM - Aerial feed shows protestors laying out a mosaic of signs in the street; another group starting a chant of "We are the 99%". LAPD tells LA Times that they received reports of protestors storing urine and feces to throw at police: http://goo.gl/h6CVP 11:31 PM - SWAT van has been spotted; many police units at 3rd and Main. 11:27 PM - @OakFoSho reports that access to the park is still open on the east side. Picture of protestors tied together in civil disobedience: http://yfrog.com/o07g1gj 11:20 PM - KPFK's Ernesto Arce reports from in front of LAPD headquarters; waiting for dispersal order. Protestors reiterate that they are not leaving. LAPD Commander Smith says he hopes they can proceed in a peaceful manner, but are prepared to respond to any developments. Deputy City Attorney Michael Clark says LAPD has been given strict orders on how to behave; but if there is violence they are prepared to do what is necessary and make mass arrests. 11:17 PM - Occupy LA has set up a fund for those who may be arrested: https://www.wepay.com/donate/192938 11:13 PM - @OakFoSho identifies at least two policemen at Broadway and 1st carrying rubber bullet guns; one with a tear gas weapon. Reads off their names for posterity. Twitter report quotes NLG as saying that police will start moving in at 1st and Main; this is unconfirmed. 11:05 PM - Police lining up at Broadway and 1st. At least 6 helicopters in the air above the site. Via @LAist, photo of protestor in tree: http://tinyurl.com/7zcjfer 11:00 PM - @OakFoSho talks with Grandmothers for Change standing with linked arms in civil disobedience, prepared for arrest. Ruth Sarnoff says: "We won't have a world until corporations change their policies and start caring about people"; also spoke out against military spending. 10:55 PM - National Lawyers Guild legal observers meeting in park. Unconfirmed Twitter report states that an MTA bus with lights off is heading down Alameda towards Temple. Livestream shows protestors with linked arms chanting: "We are the people, we are united, the occupation is not leaving!" 10:51 PM - KPFK's Alan Minsky reports from intersection of 1st and Main; about 250-500 in the streets, and about 500 in the park; the majority are young people. In the middle of the park, about 50 people tied together, preparing to be arrested. Access still available through Little Tokyo, but expects that may be closed down in the next few minutes. Reports that police have made clear they intend to clear the park tonight. 10:47 PM- LAPD Commander Smith speaking to reporters; says that no declarations of unlawful assembly have been made, and that sidewalks are still open and independent media still allowed. When a dispersal order is made, it will be made clear what is going to happen and people can do. 10:42 PM - Twitter reports Occupy Philly also under attack; reports are that encampment is surrounded and police may have already moved into the plaza. 10:40 PM - Protestors spilling onto street at 1st and Spring. Peace keepers wearing pink shirts. LAPD locking down radio frequencies, blocking scanners. 10:35 PM - Video of "freedom fireworks" set off at Occupy LA: http://youtu.be/3NZy7NK2u8o 10:33 PM - #OccupyLA hashtag now trending worldwide on Twitter. @OakFoSho reports that bailbondsmen have arrived at Occupy LA. Helicopters w/ spotlights now in the air above the site. Access to the site is still available for now through Little Tokyo. 10:27 PM - KPFK's Ernesto Arce reports that police downtown and at Elysian Park are prepped and ready, but no movement as of yet. Unconfirmed rumors are that protestors have been given 2 hours to leave. 10:22 PM - Over 10,000 watching various Livestreams of the event: the whole world is watching. Broadway shut down. Police cordon on Main; some access may still be possible on 1st Street. Some protestors spilling onto the street. Photo of protestors linking arms: http://tinyurl.com/7j9p9fs 10:18 PM - Phone report on KPFK's Voces de Libertad gives account of police at Elysian Park; suggests people go there to witness/protest. 10:12 PM - Reports on KPFK's Voces de Libertad say that 3rd Street is still open for access to the park. Occupy LA blogging/media station set up across the street near media trucks. Fireworks set off in the street. 10:05 PM - KPFK's Ernesto Arce reports that LAPD are handing out flyers informing protestors that the park will close at 10:30 PM and they will enforce closure; also asking independent media and livestreamers for press credentials. Citywide tactical alert in effect; road closures reported at 1st and Broadway to 7th and Figueroa. 10:00 PM - Candlelight vigil beginning near City Hall steps. There will be periodic live on-air updates in English and Spanish on KPFK's Radio Comunitaria. Listen at 90.7 FM / Escuche para noticias en vivo en KPFK 90.7 FM 9:55 PM - GA still in session; several hundred people on steps, about 100-200 people on the sidewalk at 1st St. Reports are that LAPD are only allowing 12 media agencies to cover the eviction. 9:50 PM - Several hundred people have arrived to support protestors. About 750-900 cops en route. Aerial feed shows large crowd gathered on street corner, around a giant wooden sculpture. Police have now blocked off the street at Main and 3rd St. 9:45 PM - Protestors beginning civil disobedience action, forming human chain around the tents, saying "we will go to jail for all y'all". The park is technically open until 10:30 PM, at which time it is expected that those remaining will be subject to arrest. 9:43 PM - Police currently setting up a perimeter around the park, at Aliso and Spring streets. 9:35 PM - Currently, several hundred police forces are staging at Elysian Park (CBS news helicopter feed here). More than 20 Metro buses have been commandeered for the police action; buses are now on their way. About 1000 people at the Occupy LA site, and the call has gone out for more people to go down and support. Things quiet at Solidarity Park but the mood is nervous; near fistfight earlier at the GA resulted in one person being asked to leave the park. Live UStream video feed from Oakland-based independent media journalist @OakFoSho on the ground at Occupy LA can be seen here. 9:30 PM - Welcome to KPFK's live blog coverage of the impending raid on Occupy LA. The National Lawyers Guild has announced that a raid may take place tonight at 10:30 PM. The LA Weekly also reported earlier in the day on the restrictions being placed on media access: http://tinyurl.com/ccba7tv
Developing Stories, News and Interviews
Ernesto Arce's Report on OccupyLA from Monday's Evening News Play GoHarrison covers the Occupy Movement with guest former MN Governor Jesse Ventura Play Sonali Kolhatkar talks with Occupy LA's Clark Davis about the apparently imminent eviction of Occupy LA following a dramatic night Play Breaking News 11-28-11: A Federal Injunction is being filed by OccupyLA activists in an attempt to block the eviction of the camp Read the LA Times Story KPFK host Jim Lafferty is mentioned in the article. LAPD Chief Beck says arrests will be inevitable when he decides its time to close the Occupy LA camp. Read the LA Times story Last night's live radio coverage of OccupyLA: 10pm to Midnight with Carlos Nino Play; Midnight to 3pm with Mark Maxwell Play
LIVE BLOG - November 27-28, 2011
3:00 AM - Wrapping up live blog coverage. Thank you for following! If you would like to continue following updates at Occupy LA, search Twitter under the hashtag #OccupyLA, or watch one of the various livestreams here. KPFK will update on-air at 90.7 FM Los Angeles / 98.7 FM Santa Barbara if there are any urgent developments. Thanks to KPFK correspondents on the ground: Alan Minsky, Ernesto Arce, Margaret Prescod, Suzi Weissman, Eric Mann, Dedon Kamathi, Jim Lafferty, and Henry Walton. Good night and good luck to everyone at Solidarity Park! 2:58 AM - Occupy LA preparing for all-nighter; discussing a commitment to stay until dawn, and up to 24 hours. They are currently asking for people to bring supplies, including packaged food, water, and coffee, to City Hall to help occupiers stay and hold their ground. 2:56 AM - Protestors mic check police, ask them to refuse orders and stand with the occupiers. Livestream hosts looking for coffee. 2:48 AM - Crowd doing "mic checks" to debate continuing civil disobedience by staying in the streets, or to comply with police orders and move back onto the sidewalk or into the park. 2:40 AM - Protestors have occupied a nearby tree. Crowd/police interaction relatively quiet for now. Some are wondering if LAPD goes the Portland route: wait it out until enough people go home, then go in for arrests. 2:20 AM - According to @LAist, someone has set up a tent in one of the intersections: http://bit.ly/rAZ0l1 Police scanner indicates they may try to move the crowd in an eastward direction. 2:15 AM - National Lawyers Guild's Jim Lafferty addressing the crowd. He reports that police are now saying that people who leave the street and go back into the park, or go home, will not be arrested, and there will be no move against the occupation tonight. As stated, the city will allow "ample time" for people to leave, or if people intend to be arrested, to stay and be arrested peacefully. He says that after tomorrow, all bets are off, but that there will not be a police action tonight. Crowd now discussing the new development, with some urging people to stay all night, reminding them that at Occupy Portland several thousand showed up, felt safe and went home, allowing police to move in several hours later. Lafferty agrees, telling people "don't panic, and stay here - tell more people to come" 1:57 AM - Police tightening cordon on Spring Street. 1:53 AM - Protestors have joined hands and formed a human chain all the way around City Hall. Some are chanting, others "om"-ing. Pic courtesy of @GoodJobsLA: http://tinyurl.com/7k9lqsy Also see livestream at: http://tinyurl.com/7ojf8mh 1:45 AM - LAPD Commander Smith addressing the media right now. Says his and Chief Beck's objective is to "do this as gently as we can," and hopes demonstrators will behave cooperatively; still will not discuss timetables or tactics. Wants people off the street but no move into the park as of yet. 1:40 AM - Lights have gone off at the south lawn. LAPD radio scans indicate units moving to 1st and Los Angeles St. Protestors in and around the park have locked arms. KPFK's Eric Mann reports that the park is still accessible if more people would like to come down and support the encampment. 1:37 AM - KTLA's Live aerial video feed can be seen here 1:28 AM - LAPD has blocked off all entry/exit points to the park except eastbound on 1st Street. 1:18 AM - KPFK host Dedon Kamathi reporting from 1st and Main. Saying mood has shifted; people had moved from the centralized GA out into the streets surrounding the area. Police have surprisingly not taken any action to force people off streets and back into the park, or to move to mass arrests; perhaps they are being "nice" as a new strategy and/or experiment to test reaction of demonstrators. Comments on relationship between police, city officials, and the 1%. 1:15 AM - From LA Times reporter: "Entry/exit point still open at spring/temple. All others sealed off." KPFK's Eric Mann reports about a thousand people still in the park; 50-60 people in a circle of civil disobedience on the City Hall steps. Protestors carrying vinegar-soaked rags to protect against potential tear gas. Aerial feeds from mainstream news media now cut off. 1:11 AM - KPFK's Margaret Prescod reports on rumors of a joint operation between LAPD and the notorious LA County sheriffs. Veterans, Military Families Speak Out preparing for civil disobedience. 1:09 AM - Mood at the site has definitely shifted from festive to tense. Protestors prepping for civil disobedience; those willing to take arrest are being asked to move to South Plaza. LAPD has shut down all roads around City Hall, several hundred still in the streets. Pic from Twitter shows cops readying what appear to be bean bag or rubber bullet guns: http://instagr.am/p/WT8EZ/ 12:55 AM - LAPD reportedly asking media to move their trucks away from the area; in other cities such as Oakland, this has been a precursor to raid activity. Several protestors at the South Plaza of City Hall have locked arms in non-violent civil disobedience, prepared to face arrest. Police have shut down surrounding streets; reports are that they have created a "perimeter" around Solidarity Park in preparation for moving in. 12:50 AM - Ambulance coming down Broadway; seems to have passed the crowd. From Ernesto Arce: 50-60 cops at 1st and Spring Streets, making announcements. City Hall park officially closed; 1st Street completely taken over/blocked by protestors. Several hundred people on the lawn itself, although many others still on the streets. Still no eviction, although a total of 300-400 cops in riot gear are now surrounding the area. 12:43 AM - Protestors sitting in candlelight vigil in the intersection of 1st and Spring. Others sitting in the street at 1st and Main, in front of LAPD headquarters. Perimeter march forming; a human chain of protestors is trying to encourage people to go off streets and back into the park. 12:37 AM - About half of the encampment has been dismantled voluntarily. Not many people on north side. Reports are that cops have established a "skirmish line," intending to isolate 1st Street from Broadway to Spring. A large number of people have come in at midnight, lots of singing and chanting. 12:30 AM - Cops lining up in riot gear, but are not moving in as of yet. Several protestors coming up to take pictures. KPFK's Jim Lafferty reports that some not directly affiliated with Occupy LA had taken the street, prompting initial police presence, although the fact that those in the park are also now subject to arrest creates an untenable situation. 12:22 AM - Several lines of police cars, more cops in riot gear arriving down Broadway and Spring, amassing in the street. 12:17 AM - Line of cops (some in riot gear, some not) now at 1st and Broadway, and also at 1st and Spring. Protestors urging others to get off the streets and back into the park. 12:15 AM - Mic Check from Raid Committee urging people to get out of the street and back into the park. Those not willing to be arrested are talking about doing a perimeter march on the sidewalk around the park. 12:10 AM - No sign of police movement as of yet; approximately 3-5,000 in the plaza and the streets. Festive atmosphere still going. Reports are that LAPD has issued a city-wide tactical alert. 12:04 AM - LAPD Commander Smith just spoke to reporters; police "will not discuss timetables or tactics." Says he hoping most people will comply with the request to leave; those who have indicated intention to arrest will be arrested. 11:58 PM - THREE minutes until 12:01 AM deadline. Huge crowd in the intersection at 1st and Spring streets; reports that an emergency restraining order is being filed on behalf of occupiers, looking for a judge to hear it tonight. Stay tuned... 11:54 PM - Update from KPFK host Eric Mann: "A lot of people are very committed to direct arrests (non-violent civil disobedience, including continuing the occupation), staying up until police orders to disband. This crowd is growing; difficult to see how police could even try to move this crowd. It would be interesting to see how the LAPD could launch a raid." Speaks to the power of a huge amount of people occupying public space, and seeing such a sight for one's self. 11:50 PM - Protestors now perparing to march around the perimeter of the encampment. Tactical alert heard over police scanner. 11:45 PM - Latest from Ernesto Arce: Eviction "Block Party" in full swing, with DJ blasting Marvin Gaye. Occupiers chanting slogans, such as "Billionaires, your time is up!" and "We are the 99 Percent." GA earlier tonight passed by consensus that those remaining past midnight will be participating in civil disobedience. A few dozen LAPD bicycle & motorcycle cops closing in on mobile DJ unit and protestors in street. 11:40 PM - Live aerial coverage from ABC7: http://tinyurl.com/84fxd8w Protestors are again spilling out onto the street. Also from @StoltzeFrankly on Twitter: "Edwin B. Stegman, 90, may be oldest protester @ #OccupyLA tonight" 11:30 PM - Latest from KPFK host Suzi Weissman: many protestors in tents have gone through direct action training, prepared for arrest. Although an imminent raid from the police is expected, the atmosphere at the encampment remains energetic, as the Occupy movement has always been; people remain committed to continue assembling to redress grievances. 11:25 PM - More police spotted near Occupy LA site; more patrol cars and motorcycle units now visible. Protestors moving off the street back onto the sidewalk and plaza. 11:20 PM - Protestors spilling over onto First Street; people dancing on bus stops. Twitter reports that "12 motorcycle cops just rode down Spring followed by a guy on a bicycle dressed like a cow." A 99% "bat signal" is projected onto the side of City Hall: http://tinyurl.com/6v2f38f 11:13 PM - Journalists as well as occupiers confirm that police are NOT staging at Elysian Park. 11:05 PM - Crowd size nearing 3000 and growing. There is an unconfirmed Twitter rumor that NBC reported Villaraigosa will not raid tonight; this is NOT confirmed via either NBC's website or Twitter account. Reports of police staging at Elysian Park also NOT confirmed. Direct action trainings being conducted at City Hall; Critical Mass bicyclists have arrived. 10:50 PM - Latest from KPFK's Ernesto Arce: Occupy LA is a movement that is not only in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, but also is a movement "with its own local flavor." Occupiers reported to him that General Services police handed out a bilingual flyer saying that protestors had to vacate the premises starting at 10:30 PM, but that the park would be officially closed at midnight, at which point police would be able to forcibly evict the occupiers. 10:45 PM - Conflicting unconfirmed reports of police staging at various areas; others say they will wait until dawn before raiding. Official position still maintains that the park will be closed at 12:01 AM. A report from Twitter indicates that a Homeland Security bus has been spotted three blocks from City Hall. Several Twitter accounts also indicate that FOX News reporters have disguised their microphones in order to get people to talk to them. 10:35 PM - GA passes resolution to advocate for amendment repealing corporate personhood. 10:29 PM - Latest from Alan Minsky: No massive police presence seen as of yet, although LAPD confirms their intentions to move in at midnight (contrary to some Twitter reports). One possibility is that the police could be staging some distance away from the site; this has been a tactic that has been used at mass protests in the recent past. 10:18 PM - Although Occupy LA is the largest encampment to be evicted tonight, it may not be the only one: Occupy Philly and Occupy Long Beach also reported to be currently under threat of eviction. 10:14 PM - KPFK's Margaret Prescod reports on the "historic moment" unfolding in Downtown LA: Aztec dancers and native peoples holding ceremonies, celebrities such as Mimi Kennedy and James Cromwell present. Reports that City Council members were not informed of Mayor's decision to clear the encampment. People at Occupy LA are "not depressed, but energized"; there is talk of regrouping at various sites nearby after the eviction. Mentions how at other sites, it has been found that raids on occupations have galvanized public support for the movement, and how the spirit of Occupy is spreading beyond the encampments into different parts of the community. 10:00 PM - LAPD Commander Smith confirms to Channel 5 reporter that General Services will close the park at midnight; reporter says "he wants them gone by midnight, and are prepared to arrest hundreds." See video here: http://tinyurl.com/7d3xmx3 9:55 PM - Several Live Streams of Occupy LA can be found here: http://occupylosangeles.org/?q=node/2328. Here is a panoramic view of the crowd at tonight's GA, courtesy of @ericspiegelman on Twitter: http://tinyurl.com/7jfgtz8 9:48 PM - KPFK's Alan Minsky reports about 1000+ people present at the General Assembly, with more still arriving; one of the largest GAs of Occupy LA so far. Many at the GA making eloquent speeches. Some tents appear to have been taken down; about 1/2 to 2/3 of the camp still stands at LA, which is one of the largest Occupy encampments remaining. 9:30 PM - Welcome to KPFK's live blog coverage of the pending eviction of Occupy LA. Latest news: City of LA reiterates its intention to close the park at 12:01 A.M. Mayor Villaraigosa issued a statement saying Occupy LA protestors will have "ample time" to leave before police begin to clear the area. Read more at the LA Times website.
Developing Stories, News and Interviews
OccupyLA's Clark Davis and Tom Hayden on today's Background Briefing with Ian Masters Play KPFK LSB member and chair of the Pacifica National Board Summer Reese quoted in LA Times article titled OccupyLA rejects last-ditch plea to leave City Hall World Focus with host Blase Bonpane and guest Jim Lafferty 11-27-11: Play
Report from Mayor Villaigosa's Press Conference, plus Margaret Prescod's commentary on the Mayor's announcement (11-25-11): Audio [ Play ] Video [ Play ]
The Hutchinson Report's special on the pending OccupyLA eviction: Saturday 11-26-11 Play Breaking News (11-25-11): Mayor Villaraigosa announced late Friday afternoon that on Sunday Night, one minute after midnight, the City will be closing the OccupyLA encampment, which has been on the grounds of LA City Hall since October 1. While there has been no official response from OccupyLA yet, it was clear from Friday night's OccupyLA General Assembly that most occupiers do not intend to leave and will non-violently maintain the occupation until forcibly removed. Many hundred people (with some estimates above 1,000) spend each night at OccupyLA. Read the story from the LA Times Michael Slate's show from 11-25-11 Play Democracy Now's Occupy Everywhere Special with Michael Moore and Naomi Klein: Friday 11-25-11 Play Project Censored Radio's Buy Nothing Day Special with Adbusters' Kalle Lasn: Friday 11-25-11 Play Video of Occupy LA from the Digital Village crew: 11-25-11 check it out From the KPFK News Room: Ernesto's Arce's interview with LAPD Chief Beck about the immediate future of Occupy LA from 11-23-11 Play Jon Wiener's 4 O'clock Report from 11-23-11 Play Sonali Kolhatkar's interview with Chris Hedges on "What's Next for the Occupy Movement" - 11-23-11 Play Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod with City Councilman Alarcon and Lawyer Jim Lafferty on the immediate future of the Occupy LA encampment from 11-23-11 Play Ian Masters with Bob Ostertag of Occupy UC Davis from 11-22-11 Play Voices from the Front Lines from 11-22-11 Play Uprising Radio on Police Brutality at Occupy UC Davis from 11-22-11: Listen to this segment Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod from 11-22-11 with an Occupy news roundup Play Upring Radio's interview with Peter Beaumont on the tactics of the Occupy Movement from 11-21-11: Listen to this segment Mitch Jeserich's Letters and Politics Monday 11-21-11 Play Democracy Now Monday 11-21-11 on violence at UC Davis Play Democracy Now! 11-18-11 Special on the Occupy Movement Play Beneath the Surface from 11-18-11 with Alan Minsky Play Uprising Radio: Occupy LA's Day of Action: Listen to this segment Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod 11-18-11 Play --------------------------------------------------------------------- From Thursday 11-17-11 - National Day of OWS Solidarity The Lawyer's Guild with Jim Lafferty 11-17-11 Play KPFK/KPFA Evening News for Thursday 11-17-11 Play KPFK’s hourly reports from this afternoon – Thursday, 11-17-11 5pm: Meg Wade, live in Zuccotti Park in NYC Play 4pm: Clark Davies at the LA Bank of America Plaza action Play 3pm: Ernesto Arce and Alan Minsky Play 2pm: Ernesto Arce, live in Downtown LA Play 1pm: Martina Steiner and Ernesto Arce, live in Downtown LA Play LAPD officers line Broadway as participants willing to leave the area move on the sidewalk out of the protest area (Screenshot/KCAL-9) At around noon on 11-17, a second large protest got underway in Downtown Los Angeles involving participants in the Occupy LA movement. The group has been moving down Broadway, and currently is near 3rd, where arrests are taking place. The Los Angeles Police Department have declared the protest an "unlawful assembly," according to a live news report on KCAL-9, and are displaying a show of force to control the crowd. Police are on the scene in riot gear, and the reporter for KCAL is calling the mood "heated," and says it's looking like "people are really fried up." He adds that the LAPD have told him if he steps off the sidewalk into the street he will be arrested.
LAPD in riot gear work to control the protesters (Photo by @dylanhatesyou via Twitpic)	The protesters are being corralled, and some report being "stuck" in the vicinity, and though there is movement headed North on Broadway, in the direction back to where the group started. Protesters say they were asked to leave, but that they are not being permitted to leave the police's perimeter. It appears the protesters who are part of groups like the SEIU and Good Jobs LA are more organized and have left the scene, while the LAPD are focusing on the Occupy LA group. The LAPD maintain this march did not have a permit, like the protest at 4th and Figueroa this morning.


"OCCUPY WALL STREET" on Pacifica's WBAI
A new show on WBAI started this Wednesday: OCCUPY WALL STREET RADIO. From the streets to airwaves, the movement that began five weeks ago as a Day Of Rage takes to the airwaves on the only station that broadcasts the voice of the 99%. The initial Occupy Wall Street Radio airs Wednesday October 26th, from 6:30 to 8 PM. Going forward, the show can be heard Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 7 PM. The show will offer a regular check in for the latest breaking news from the streets. Hear the voices, the heart, the soul of this 99% growing and now global movement. The WBAI shows can all be found [ here ]