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Occupy L.A. Plans To Return To Art Walk Armed With Chalk (Again)
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Occupy LA plans to return to tomorrow's Art Walk in downtown armed with water-soluble chalk.
When the Occupiers showed up to Art Walk last month, chaos erupted. The city issued a tactical alert, 140 officers were sent in wearing riot gear and 19 people were arrested by the end of the night. Rubber bullets were fired. Occupiers and some unaffiliated bystanders called the LAPD's tactics overkill, though some Art Walk regulars weren't happy to see the protesters at the event.
Like last month, the Occupiers will be chalking (or chalkupying, if you prefer) but also potlucking. We got this release from some of their Occupy L.A. members:
This month Occupiers take a different approach by setting up an open community art and music space in Pershing Square with a community potluck and a “Really Really Free” Market. Occupiers also plans to have a portion of the evening dedicated to the victims of LAPD violence at last month’s event including those arrested for chalking, those injured by police projectiles and other law enforcement weaponries, small businesses and artists who had to shut down early, and residents and patrons who the LAPD kept from entering or existing buildings until early the next morning.
They said they've offered to bring buckets and brooms to clean up afterward as well. Cindy Sheehan, Code Pink and some guests from Oakland could be coming down, too, according to one participant writing on Op-Ed News.Related:
LAPD Vows To Arrest Chalk-Wielding Protesters At Occupy L.A.'s 'Chalk Walk' Tonight
3 Members of Occupy Group From Oakland Detained For Using Sidewalk Chalk At Pershing Square
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LAPD Clashes With Occupy LA Members Using Sidewalk Chalk at Art Walk
Art Walk Vendor Slams the LAPD's Tactics Against Occupy L.A.
Occupy L.A. Files Complaint Against LAPD For Chalk Walk Clash
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