Sunday, October 16, 2011

OCCUPY LONG BEACH RESULTS IN A PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY DEMONSTRATION

police say we are peacful and orderly. (but they keep us up. we are tired. come show support!

police increased orders all night. we can't even shelter from the elements

OCCUPY LONG BEACH RESULTS IN A PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY DEMONSTRATION

Members of the community gathered today as the group "Occupy Long Beach" to demonstrate in a peaceful and orderly fashion.

While the mission of the Long Beach Police Department is to protect life and property, maintain order and ensure public safety, the police department also supports the right of every person to assemble and demonstrate in a lawful manner, which was the case in today's event. Police and city officials had met with organizers of the event and they were informed of the City’s laws and expectations for a peaceful demonstration.

Approximately 250 to 300 people gathered today at Lincoln Park in downtown Long Beach to protest. Shortly after 12:00 pm., the group marched north on Pacific Avenue to 4th Street, and then proceeded to Pine Avenue where they continued southbound to Ocean Boulevard then retruned to Lincoln Park. After marching, the group remained at the park chanting, protesting and expressing concerns.

Later at night, a smaller group formed at the park and set up tents in an apparent attempt to camp out at the park, however, the tents were removed without confrontation upon request, as this violates Long Beach City Ordinance.

The group remained on the sidewalk to carry out their demonstration throughout the night while being monitored by police.

Today’s demonstration was a display of mutual respect between police and the demonstrating community. Demonstrators were able to exercise their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech while obeying all applicable laws. As a result of this peaceful protest, no arrests were made or citations issued.

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