About 250 people gathered from 11am to 1pm???? (I left around 12:30) at Portland City Hall for a rally protesting laws which make it illeagal to sit, stand, or lie on a sidewalk in some circumstances. The laws are often used to harass the homeless, youth, activists and anyone not actively engaged in commerce.
A large media contingent (main$tream and local) was there as were people from a wide variety of different communities all coming together. I saw forest activists, Green activists, the folks from Sisters of the Road, homeless people, business people, clergy, elderly, youth and others. It was a diverse crowd for Portland and a nice rally.
People shouted "Who'se Streets? Our Streets" and many other chants. The crowd mostly sat, defying the laws but we also marched around the building one time. At one point one man was arrested for blocking a main door. He was lead away in cuffs and the crowd chanted "Arrest Vera".
That is the end of my brief report. It was fun. I'm suprised no else reported it or I just didn't see the headline. I came here to read other's stories.
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