Occupy SF

By John Avalos

I stand with Occupy SF. I am appalled by the police crackdown that has been the reaction of City Hall. This is not the San Francisco I know. My vision is of a true sanctuary city - one that protects our right to free speech and assembly, and one that holds the real criminals accountable.

I came to down to observe the protest in response to summons from protesters and a notice from the police accusing their encampment of a number of minor infractions, ranging from open flames on a city street or sidewalk to serving food without a permit. I observed and negotiated with police in good faith to keep the peace and allow the encampment to remain, only to hear of a crackdown shortly after I left.

This is not the San Francisco that I know. This is not the San Francisco I love. This City has served as a sanctuary for free speech and assembly for generations, and we must protect that legacy. With our unemployment rate nearing 10%, we have a responsibility to be a sanctuary for the 99%. Instead, we witnessed that 99% being detained, arrested, and intimidated with force.

My vision is of a true sanctuary city + one that protects our right to free speech and assembly, and one that holds real criminals accountable. This should be a city for the rest of us + for the 99%. I stand with Occupy SF.