According to the poll I took in OccupyOakland: Something Big is Happening, at least sixty Kossacks will be participating in one form or another in tomorrow's action's in downtown Oakland. More than six hundred others have also indicated they will be with us in spirit.
All I can say is: Zounds!
(And by the way, if you're going, make sure to wear your Orange Satan Jumpsuits)
Those of us who are early birds can choose to meet me and others for breakfast in downtown Oakland at
Cafe 817
at 7:30 AM. It's at 817 Washington St., Oakland, just a few blocks from #OccupyOakland. I've spoken to them, they will be open, but tomorrow will be cash only (for everyone, not just us), in honor of the General Strike. I think that's pretty cool. They said that if we get there right at 7:30 AM we should not have a problem. Of course the place can't handle a huge mob; I'm not anticipating one at 7:30 in the morning, but just in case, RSVP in the comments.
I also suggest two other meetup times and places for those who don't want to march and chant alone. If you would like to set up another one please indicate so in the comments.
8:45 AM, in front of Tully's at 14th and Broadway, right at the entrance to Ogawa Plaza, aka Oscar Grant Square.
11:45 AM, at the same place.
Events are scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon respectively. Then at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to march on the Port of Oakland and other activities. I have a hard time believing I'll last all day...
Here's some tips for tomorrow from a new Kossack who participated in the 60's antiwar protests:
- Know why you're going. In particular, think about where you are on the continuum of "want to get arrested/willing to get arrested/don't want to get arrested." There will very likely be times when the choices you make depend on where you are on that continuum, so knowing it in advance is very helpful. The same is true of being tear-gassed, but that's often harder to avoid. For myself, I'm going with no intent of being arrested, but a willingness to have that happen if I am in a place where it's about to happen and it feels like the right place to be.
- Bring as little as possible with you: you need your cell phone (fully charged), a small amount of cash, one credit card, and your identification. You don't need all the other stuff that's in your wallet or your purse. You need water (both for drinking and for tear gas protection) and you need a bandanna or scarf to wet and cover your mouth with in case of tear gas. If you really need glasses to see, a spare pair of glasses is another good thing to have.
- Know who you would call in case of emergency (someone who is NOT going to the demonstration) and where they will be. Let them know that they're your contact person.
- Make good plans with the people you're with for places to meet (a block or two away from the action), times to check in, and contingencies.
Also: National Lawyer's Guild Bay Area Hotline: (415) 285-1011
Also: Occupy Legal.
Note: I will publish this diary again this evening if it disappears.
Whose Plaza? Our Plaza!
Whose Streets? Our Streets!
Whose City? Our City!