Today in Occupy: December 5, 2011

Photo by Kelly Caldwell

• Seven demonstrators aligned with Occupy Portland protested bank redlining practices this morning at SE 39th and Hawthorne. The autonomous group called for attention to predatory lending practices that negatively affect minorities and contributed to the housing crisis. Contact: press@occupyportland.org
• Re-Occupation continues at Shemanski Park in Downtown Portland. After multiple late night visits, the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Parks & Recreation returned at 6:30 am to wake up and cite the protesters. Contact: press@occupyportland.org
• Daryl Turner, Portland Police Association President, confirms Occupy Portland’s claims that the Portland Police Bureau freely allowed criminals to set up at and cause trouble for the former encampments. Contact: press@occupyportland.org
• Janice Leber publishes an account of her unexpected participation in the Re-Occupation Bike Swarm. More information:http://www.pdxbikeswarm.org/
• Occupy Portland’s working group for instant runoff voting plans its next meeting for 5 pm in Room C of the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue. Gerald Sussman, Ph.D, Professor at Portland State University, will attend to assist this group that is planning to write a 2012 ballot measure. Contact: Jorden Leonard, 503 839 0632
• The End the Camping Ban! 24/7 Daily Vigil has continued for 88 hours near City Hall. Contact: kernelloosenut@yahoo.com

Yesterday

• Organizers for the December 12 ports demonstration held a tactical training on peaceful demonstrations. Several demonstrators are working on large, human mounted puppets. Their next meetings are December 6, 8, and 11 from 7-9 pm at Local 49, 3536 SE 26th. More information: http://shutdowntheport.com/
• Ben Schreiner published his account of the weekend’s ReOccuFest and related events.
• Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Pete Simpson responds to accounts of police brutality, saying, “It’s pretty unlikely we hit someone in the face with a baton.”

—Reid Parham, reid.parham@gmail.com

Today in Occupy is a quick, broad look at the day-to-day happenings of anything related to Occupy Portland. Please send your tips to Reid Parham, media volunteer, and include who, what, where, when, and why, plus links for more information. Your feedback is welcomed.