Unfortunately, a small group of anarchists took advantage of the complete absence of police on the streets of downtown Oakland to smash windows at banks and other businesses during an afternoon "anti-capitalism" march. I was toward the back of the march and was not even aware of what was going on until I saw the smashed windows. Witnesses say it was anarchists clad in black with black flags and speculate that they came with the intention of doing this kind of thing. There were no uniformed police anywhere on the streets of downtown Oakland. It's a shame that the whole protest couldn't stay peaceful. I'm sure that media and merchants will be demanding a police presence. Mayor Jean Quan will probably now be faulted for going too easy on the protest.
KGO, the local ABC affiliate already has photos of some of he property damage on their site.
I saw a broken window pane at a restaurant and at other non-bank businesses. There was also a lot of spraypainted graffitti including the usual A in a circle.
I think most people who were there today are probably unaware that the violence happened. The day has been great, with great energy. A strong union presence. A very diverse crowd.
A Whole Foods store was also vandalized reportedly by the same black flag crew.
I hope that the press coverage will emphasize that the violence was the work of a handful and that many disapproved vocally. The vast majority exercised their first amendment rights in an peaceful manner. That's the story we should all be telling.