Occupy Oakland protesters pitch in for cleanup

Dozens of people who participated in a
massive anti-Wall Street demonstration returned Thursday to help
clean up after a night of violence by what they characterized as a
rogue band of troublemakers.

   Oakland officials were still assessing damage to properties
surrounding the City Hall plaza, where an estimated 7,000 people
had gathered a day earlier to protest large corporations and banks
that they blame for the economic downturn.

   About two dozen businesses -- mostly chain stores, such as Burger
King and Tully's Coffee -- were seen with shattered glass, spray
paint and other damage to their storefronts. Officials said 18
windows were broken on buildings, including City Hall and a police
recruiting center.

On Thursday morning, the site of what had been energized,
carnival-like rally attended by families, students and labor union
members looked battered and beleaguered, with trash and vandalism
debris strewn everywhere. The city, however, went about its
business, with workers clearing the streets and most businesses
reopening.

City Administrator Deanna Santana said she was "saddened by the
vandalism that occurred by a small group of isolated individuals."

"We obviously know that Oakland needs strong businesses, and I
want to personally apologize for what has occurred," Santana said.

Interim Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan said three officers
were injured during the demonstration. The most serious injury was
an officer bitten by a vandal.

"Generally, we consider them anarchists and provocateurs,
people who are intent on causing damage even when things are
peaceful," Jordan said of the troublemakers.

"We are planning on having a strong presence again today,"
Jordan said, adding that he was unaware of any planned events that
merited crowd control.

   Quick to disavow the violence that threatened to hurt their
cause, protesters pitched in with the cleanup effort, sweeping up
debris and scrubbing off graffiti.

   Two men who were staying at the Occupy Oakland encampment on the
plaza spent their afternoon scouring black paint from the side of a
building near City Hall.

   Shari Rivers, 32, the manager of a Tully's Coffee on the plaza,
was sweeping up Thursday after protesters broke windows, stole some
property and knocked over the cash register overnight.

   "I cried," Rivers said. "It's very disheartening. I am part
of the 99 percent and have supported this movement. My feelings
were so hurt."
 
  Jordan said officers arrested more than 80 people in the
late-night skirmishes.