Protesters massing in Oakland as businesses close

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 11/5/10 | Matthai Kuruvila,Kevin Fagan, Chronicle Staff Writers

[SmithL]

OAKLAND -- Office buildings are emptying and protesters are gathering in downtown Oakland in anticipation of demonstrations today over the two-year prison term handed down to former BART police Officer Johannes Mehserle for killing Oscar Grant.

Grant's family and supporters expressed outrage at the sentence, saying it should have been closer to the potential maximum of 14 years.

"The whole system is guilty!" a group of about 20 people chanted near the corner of 14th Street and Broadway, as hundreds of other demonstrators streamed into the area and to nearby City Hall. Many wore "Justice for Oscar Grant" T-shirts.

A shrine to Grant has been erected near City Hall, musicians are playing and protesters are giving impassioned speeches - but no violence has broken out.

Offices including the headquarters of the University of California closed early so employees could avoid the gathering crowds. Many stores boarded over their windows, and several shops displayed pictures of Grant in an effort to stave off destruction.

Looting erupted in the same area of downtown July 8 when a jury in Los Angeles found Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter rather than murder.

[SmithL]

Black Friday comes three weeks early, this year in Oakland.

[SmithL]

The conditions are right.

[FromLori]

Terrell needs new shoes

[Never on my watch]

They’re window shopping for later when they can pick up their free big screen TVs.

[Marty62]

Time to restock.

[FromLori]

Tyrone needs new shoes

[Ann Archy]

Isn’t Jerry Brown thier MAYOR?????

[Drew68]

Looting erupted in the same area of downtown July 8 when a jury in Los Angeles found Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter rather than murder.

The looting was planned regardless of the verdict.

[roses of sharon]

Just in time for Christmas shopping!

[JPG]

Unload the truck and bring in some more 40 ouncers. We be jammin’.

[Never on my watch]

A shrine to Grant has been erected near City Hall...

The question used to be: 'Who's buried in Grant's Tomb?'

The new question is: 'Who's gonna be killed at Grant's shrine?'

[rockvillem]

but no violence has broken out

. . . yet.

[greyfoxx39]

Here comes looter guy....

[popdonnelly]

“Demonstrations”? I hope so, rather than rioting and looting.

[greyfoxx39]

[sappy]

no. Dellums. But brown used to be the mayor. and the attorney general. and the governer.

[Drango]

about 20 people

WOW!!!!!

[Lonely Bull]

about 20 people

WOW!!!!!

If last time is any indication, check back after local sunset (tonight's is at 6:06).

[Red_Devil 232]

And the chief of police was saddened when he was told to go bang some heads and he found out they were talking about Black Heads!

[Gabrial]

Jus’ sippin’ the 40 and chill’n till da sun go down dawg - then we be bustin’ it uuuuuuupp!!!

Daylight Remaining: 2 hrs 9 min