Politics & Government

Occupy Berkeley Braves the Rain

Around 38 people showed up for the 6 p.m. general assembly Monday, despite heavy rain in Berkeley.

The cardboard signs proclaiming things like "long live the occupancy" were soaked to a mushy pulp Monday night as the rain fell in droves at the Occupy Berkeley encampment. The occupiers, however, were barely fazed, and conducted their daily meeting armed with umbrellas and rain coats.

The meeting continued long after the rain stopped, lasting almost two hours before it turned into a more casual discussion between those who remained. Around 38 people were in attendance at the start of the 6 p.m. meeting, with the crowd dwindling to 20 or so by 7:30 p.m. and a smaller core by 8 p.m.

The strip of tarp above their heads gathered water in pools while the group discussed organizational matters, such as creating a treasury committee, defining the role of the communications department and putting together a list of "needs" to publish on the Occupy Berkeley website.

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The group discussed how to deal with the presence of the media and whether or not to re-locate across the street outside Chase bank. Since the current location is private property, the encampment runs the risk of being removed at any time. However, one vocal group member — known as "Sistah" — reminded meeting attendees that an "occupation" means staying put, even when there is threat of arrest. "Support each other to have courage," she said. 

There is also concern that the area is already home to a transient population who may be put at risk by exposure to the police and media presence drawn by Occupy Berkeley. 

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The decisions made by the group included planning a demonstration for Saturday, Oct. 15, which may or may not include dressing like "zombie bankers" in addition to a sign making rally and music. Some expressed the expectation that more people will join the occupation on Oct. 15, before it was decided to start occupying the area a week early. General assembly will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday as opposed to the regular 6 p.m. slot in order to draw a larger crowd.

An official statement of purpose for the group is being drafted by a committee, with completion expected Friday, in time for Saturday's event. The group expressed the hope that Saturday's demonstration and statement of purpose will bring unity to the Occupy Berkeley message.

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