So far, Occupy Berkeley has remained a relatively quiet movement compared to its neighbors. But demonstrators are ready to make themselves heard.
On Saturday, Occupy Berkeley plans to surround the when it opens in the morning, and remain there until the bank is forced to close.
"We will not deter, run or break down," reads the statement on Occupy Berkeley's Facebook page for the event. "We will hold strong."
Demonstrators plan to stand arm in arm "in solidarity with one another" for as long as it takes to close the bank. If the protest grows big enough, Occupy Berkeley plans to expand to Wells Fargo and Bank of america. The organization also plans to provide information sheets for participants on how to move their money from these banks to "a more responsible place."
Last Saturday, a number of Berkeley residents took part in "Move Your Money Day" — a concept promoted by the Occupy movement encouraging people transfer their funds from institutions like Chase, Wells Fargo and Bank of America to local banks and credit unions. Places like and the reported a surge in new applicants. “We’re slammed,” Rauly Butler, the senior vice president of Mechanics Bank in Berkeley, told Berkeleyside. “People are coming in droves.”
Responses to the plan to shut down Chase on Saturday have been mixed — commenters on the Facebook page have asked, "what's the point?" and "why Chase and not Bank of America? Is it arbitrary?"
But Occupy Berkeley is expecting to make an impact, and asking for Occupy Oakland and Occupy San Franciso to lend their support.
"We come in peace but we come with bold hearts, lead shoes and tight grasps," reads the event notice. "Bring your signs and bring your voices, we aren't breaking the line."
Do you bank with Chase? Are you planning on moving your money? Let us know in the comments.
