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News

Occupiers Attempt Citizen's Arrest of San Diego's Mayor

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Members of Occupy San Diego tried to make a citizen's arrest of their mayor, Jerry Sanders, but, alas, they were not successful.

The would-be bust took place following a news conference held by Sanders, and found about 20 members of the protest group waiting for the leader at his offices, only to find out he wasn't there, according to City News Service.

The want to make an arrest comes from an assertion by Occupy San Diego that a temporary name change of their city's Qualcomm stadium to "Snapdragon Stadium" to take part in a promotion for one of Qualcomm's products was illegal.

The group alleges Sanders committed embezzlement and calls the deal to change the name and host high profile events at the facility is emblematic of "sweetheart backroom deals" the occupiers wish to see no longer happening.

CBS2 explains:

The group presented paperwork to officials at City Hall claiming taxpayers lost revenue when Sanders approved the name change for three football games in December without City Council approval. “He has committed a felony under state law,” said protester Martha Sullivan. “If the D.A. does not perform her official duties and prosecute this felony, which she’s responsible for, we intend to go to the state attorney general.”

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"Asking the receptionist for the mayor to come out" at Mayor Jerry Sanders' office (Photo via @OccupySD on Twitter)
"Harold Eisenga from the District Attorrney's office has told us he will look into the allegations!" Tweeted Occupy San Diego early this afternoon.

The Mayor was expected back in his offices later Monday, according to a spokesperson, however it is not clear if the occupiers intend on returning to make the arrest.

Sanders, a Republican, recently joined forces with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to form "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry," an off-shoot group of "Freedom to Marry," a national organization that partners with local groups to push protections for same-sex couples to marry.

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