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Oakland allows symbolic Occupy teepee
OAKLAND (AP) — The city of Oakland issued a permit Tuesday that allows Occupy Oakland members to erect a symbolic teepee on the plaza in front of City Hall, but told the demonstrators that they could not resurrect their encampment.
Police removed tents from the site on Oct. 25 and again on Nov. 14, and city officials have said they won’t allow an encampment to go up again. Police say officers and private security will be on hand to make sure no tents, sleeping bags or camping equipment are set up at the site, but they will allow a seven-day vigil at Frank Ogawa Plaza.
Though Occupy Oakland members had said they planned to retake the plaza, by Tuesday night things remained calm.
Occupy Oakland said there would be structures in the plaza as part of the vigil, including a teepee that is intended to remind people of the previous encampments and free speech.
“Frank Ogawa Plaza is equivalent to the town squares of old,” said Mayor Jean Quan. “It is Oakland’s center for expressing free speech and will continue to serve that role. I’ve been consistent in stating that those using the Plaza must abide by our ground rules, and the permit reinforces that.”
A city statement said the teepee could not be used as lodging. “It will be unoccupied at all times. No one will live or sleep in it,” it said.
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