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Occupy Capitol Hill | Occupiers move in at Seattle Central with march, party, good neighbor rules

A big part of this story is logistics. Signage is a good start (Images: CHS)

Occupy Seattle moved in to its new Capitol Hill home Saturday night at Capitol Hill’s Seattle Central Community College with a 300+-people strong march and plans for a Halloween weekend street party to get things started with a new base camp at the corner of Pine and Broadway.

SCCC president Dr. Paul Killpatrick, his head of security and staff looked on as the school’s plaza filled with marching protesters — including several of the school’s faculty members. On Friday, Killpatrick announced the school would allow the Occupiers to remain on campus saying the Washington Administrative Code “allows this occupation to take place.”


Occupy Seattle organizers announced their intention to move their base camp to Capitol Hill from Westlake Park following a Monday night vote of the group’s general assembly. Protesters had faced unfriendly conditions during their weeks in Westlake due to near-constant police presence and other factors. Protesters have said they plan to sleep and organize at SCCC at night but protest at Westlake during the day.

Move-in night was planned to get started with an 8p tent raising followed by a street party being promoted on flyers during the march.

Hay was spread over areas of the school’s lawn as shade/rain shelters were set up. A food and logistics tent was erected on the plaza bricks. Earlier in the day, people were on campus cleaning up leaves and getting the area ready for the campers. It’s not clear how many people will set up tents on the first night and how that crowd will grow or shrink in coming days. Logistics of things like where the portable toilets were going to be placed — and when they would arrive — also bear watching.

You can keep tabs on announcements from the group via http://occupyseattle.org/ or by following the hash #occupyseattle via Twitter.

In addition to the impacts for SCCC, nearby residents and businesses are also ready for some interesting days. At SCCC, Occupy Seattle organizers have posted “SCCC Good Neighbor Statement” flyers:

Occupy Seattle (OS) supports all those that are struggling to make public education accessible for students and workers of all ages and backgrounds.

Many of us involved with OS are students from SCCC and other institutions of higher education. OS stands in solidarity with students and staff on campus and people who struggle against the policies that make education inaccessible–through tuition hikes, cuts to staff, and hikes in transportation fees. We stand in solidarity with those amongst us who have been shut out of campuses because of tuition hikes and those who have lost their jobs or suffered worse working conditions because of budget cuts.

OS will be respectful of the learning environment of the campus, this involves being peaceful and respectful while in route to the restrooms during school hours and respectful treatment of the facilities in the building.

OS will refrain from tagging or the defacement of land or structures at SCCC.

OS also respects the work of the custodial staff and request that all people associated with OS, agrees to clean up after ourselves so as not to overload the custodial staff. The porta-potties available at the site or offsite will also serve to not overload existing indoor facilities.

OS supports the FARMERS MARKET and wants to make our occupation supportive of their use of SCCC space.

Camping on the plaza should cease on Sunday during Farmers Market and breakdown hours will be 6:30am-5pm on those days.

OS supports good relations with our neighbors, supports a healthy learning environment, as well as the healthy need for OS campers to sleep.

In order to fulfill our commitment to being good neighbors as well as to allow other occupiers the sleep they need, OS will limit excessive noisemaking (i.e. drumming/music/loud behavior) to the following hours:
Mon-Thurs : 5pm-9pm
Fri 5pm-11pm
Sat 10am-11pm
Sun 10am-9pm

Drugs/alcohol/smoking policy:

OS wants to create an environment that is conducive for people of all ages, all disabilities as well as people of all different backgrounds.

OS is aware of SCCC’s policy of no drugs or alcohol on campus and we will do our best to inform new occupiers of this

We will also inform new occupiers that at SCCC, smoking is limited to designated areas (which will be marked in at least two areas at the perimeter of OS SCCC encampment)

OS asks all individuals associated with OS to support the mission of the occupation and be responsible both for themselves as well as for the people around them

Behaviors should be accountable to the safety and well being of all occupiers.

Meanwhile, saying “Community Colleges are the 99%,” American Federation of Teachers-Seattle, Local 1789, representing the teachers of Seattle’s community colleges, released a statement in support of the camp.

The move up the Hill was mostly a march and protest though at least one man carried a large, boxed sun/rain canopy over his shoulder. Early Capitol Hill Halloween weekend revelers looked on as the group traveled up Pike’s eastbound lane and then made its way up Broadway to the SCCC campus.

“Welcome home everybody,” one woman shouted over the bullhorn as the group arrived.

Dr. Killpatrick looks on

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33 Comments
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AJ
AJ
12 years ago

Welcome home, Occupy Seattle!

Less brass band, please. :(

suburban_war
suburban_war
12 years ago

I’m so happy to see someone using that space. It’s very public and has tremendous foot traffic on friday/saturday nights, while at the same time affording plenty of privacy for people who need to sleep, protected from the wind and the headlights of police cars.

I walked by about an hour ago and the vibe was very positive. I had my doubts when the move was announced but I think this is a better spot.. aside from well.. Capitol Hill isn’t exactly a neighborhood of corporate bigwigs, bankers, and other 1%ers. Plenty of people here to support them but what is the goal? Gather up a bunch of people angry about some of the same things, and then what?

Danny
Danny
12 years ago

I just drove by. what a disgusting sight to see. I think its wrong the school has to incur expenses because of the hippies. it looks so ghetto and makes the hill look gross. these people need to give it up and go home. they are not gaining any support and go get a job. McDonalds, Target, Walmart and others are hiring. these jobs may require higher skills than they have but they could try. GO HOME AND STAY AWAY FROM OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!

caphillyo
12 years ago

Maybe if you walked the neighborhood instead of guzzling gas to get around, you would have noticed that this park area next to SCCC is almost always completely empty, with the exception of homeless people sleeping (nice shade during the day). Now there are hundred of people, having what looks to be a fun party. Without all the signs, I honestly wouldn’t have thought it was a protest/occupation at all.

There are plenty of disgusting sights to see in our neighborhood, this isn’t one of them. Are you sure you live on Capitol Hill? Sounds like you got lost on your way back to the eastside.

Rana Felon
12 years ago

Unless you are making more than $1 million a year, you should be on their side.

etaoin shrdlu
etaoin shrdlu
12 years ago

“they are not gaining any support…” [Danny, above]

Actually, they are. A New York Times/CBS poll released on Tuesday found that 43 percent of the population said they agree with the basic aims of the Occupy Wall Street, compared to only 27 percent who said they disagreed. The remainder said that they were not sure.

But I agree, Danny, it’s too bad the “hippies” are not as well manicured as the felons on Wall Street whose greed torpedoed the US economy. You sure figured out what’s important in life!

AJ
AJ
12 years ago

lulz, Danny doesn’t even live here.

ILiveAcrossTheStreet
12 years ago

“In order to fulfill our commitment to being good neighbors as well as to allow other occupiers the sleep they need, OS will limit excessive noisemaking (i.e. drumming/music/loud behavior) to the following hours:
Mon-Thurs : 5pm-9pm
Fri 5pm-11pm
Sat 10am-11pm
Sun 10am-9pm”

You guys, it’s almost 1:00 AM, and there is drumming going on right now. I get it, it’s Halloween, and you’re excited about your new camp. I’m not saying be silent (though quiet would be nice). But can you stop the drumming please?

j98102
12 years ago

call the cops. we have a noise ordinance that everyone has to abide by.

Mike- who lives on the Hill

Occupy is not a new term for the Hill. The GAY community, (LGBT), occupation started 50 years ago.

Anit War and the massive changes of the Viet Nam era are part of the occupied history.

AIDS activist occupied 30 years ago. ACT UP worked the Hill with events and actions for years, many, many.

Pride still works the Hill, as does the Dyke March to this day.

Welcome, for sure. Now, the energy and money, and support will grow quickly. Open your organizing door Occupy Seattle, many are ready to help.

Hug those trees like children, we love them. Hold your nose and use the Sani Cans.

Honor true diversity, gay, straight, young and old. And from the Hill, grow to ten other neighborhoods.

I will bring crock a pot of oatmeal every morning, yes granny was right!!!

Queer Nation chanted, ” We’re Queer, We’re here, Get used to it!!

Adaption is easy, ” We are the 99 percent, We’re here, Get used to it!!”

m
m
12 years ago

That has to be one of the sketchiest corners on Capitol Hill. I can’t imagine camping out there. I hope they stay safe when all the creepers come out and start creeping about.

Weave
12 years ago

Well, some people fear their own shadow.

Several dozen tents, their own security and cops near, what is the fear again?

By the way, some wear suits and ties. Feel better now?

Gene
12 years ago

I am sure you can volunteer for a security shift, dress warm, walk about to make sure all is well … easy and always needed.

Radio instant contact … try a funny wool cap.

m
m
12 years ago

Weave – I get it. You’re one of those immature little punks that likes to start fights with people over the internet about anything and everything. Sorry, but it won’t work with me.

Todd
12 years ago

Hey great new neighbors…. Some of us are trying to sleep next to your new party pen…
I am not sure what all the yelling was about at 3:30am, but you woke me and a few of my neighbors up (I am across from the college on the other side of Broadway) Please show some respect for us residents… I saw none last night

capitolhillmon
12 years ago

Can I just say that you are an ignorant imbecile. It’s strange to me when people actively support policies which are against their self-interest. One would think, at the very least, that self-preservation would dictate that people support the brave folks who are on the front lines of trying to create a more equitable and democratic world. Also, for all those anarchist-haters out there, I am proud to see this kind of cooperative, co-regulating approach take root, which is at the heart of anarchist philosophy.
Hooray and WELCOME TO THE HILL!!!!!

calhoun
calhoun
12 years ago

From the OS “Good Neighbor Statement”:

“OS will be respectful of the learning environment of the campus, this involves being peaceful and respectful while in route to the restrooms during school hours and respectful treatment of the facilities in the building.

OS will refrain from tagging or the defacement of land or structures at SCCC.

OS also respects the work of the custodial staff and request that all people associated with OS, agrees to clean up after ourselves so as not to overload the custodial staff. The porta-potties available at the site or offsite will also serve to not overload existing indoor facilities.”

So, wait, this means that the campers will have use of indoor facilities at SCCC? Will they be taking “sink-baths” and other personal care procedures in the restrooms? I thought that’s why they have set-up the porta-potties. And I also thought the intent was to only camp there overnight, and protest at Westlake during the day, so why would they need to enter SCCC during the day?

The “Good Neighbor Statement” sounds nice, but the proof will be in the pudding in coming days. Already, there are examples of OS people making alot of noise in the wee hours (see above).

And I ask again: Who will pay for replacement of the grass when the OS thing fizzles out? This is not a minor expense.

Comrade Bunny
Comrade Bunny
12 years ago

I live nearby and wasn’t bothered by last night’s celebrations. If I am in the future, my plan is to walk down and ask the OSers to keep the noise down. I suspect they’ll be a lot more amenable to my suggestion than the drunken bar crowd we get every weekend.

Comrade Bunny
Comrade Bunny
12 years ago

I agree, that spot is creepy because it’s abandoned and dark. I think that having a big group of people there at night will probably keep that corner safer.

Comrade Bunny
Comrade Bunny
12 years ago

Good point about the grass. They’ve put down hay to protect it in the short term, but I don’t know how long the lawn can take the wear and tear of camping. I think a neighborhood collection should be started. Any local businesses (or perhaps CHS blog) willing to be a collection point?

movedon
12 years ago

I’m glad they moved to SCCC which is the perfect spot for this party … oops I meant protest. Let the fun begin, I’ll be watching safely from a distance.
I used to love Capitol Hill but the vibe is so dark there anymore: violent, deranged druggies everywhere, hostile nihilistic “cool people” thin, stylish hipster clones whose faces seem frozen in permanent sneers. The left wing politics seem like just another fashion accessory along with the tattoos and piercings. It’s heart and soul were buried somewhere in the cement foundation of a six story condo complex.
I predict things are going to get ugly pretty fast, the camp will be a magnet for the criminal trash that already roams the streets in this area. Soon there will be drunken fights, sexual assaults, thefts, vandalism etc. just like in NYC and elsewhere. The police will be screamed at and spit upon as they try to do their jobs.
Passersby will scratch their heads and try to remember “what was this all about anyway? …. oh yeah Wall Street, that’s right”
Meanwhile in the real world nothing will have changed.

Phil Mocek
12 years ago

I wasn’t there, but received a first-hand report this morning that a group of people emblazoned with swastikas entered camp around bar closing time and started yelling about “faggots and communists,” and that an announcement was made that there were Nazis on site. I suspect the noise you heard was related to the conflict that ensued.

Phil Mocek
12 years ago

I counted 65 tents this morning at 7:30. People were up cleaning and reconfiguring well ahead of the first farmers’ arrivals just before 8:00. I predict smooth sailing for the Broadway Sunday Farmers Market.

jseattle
jseattle
12 years ago

Fair. I should have just said dozens as of 10p last night. This morning’s counts are coming in above 60.

Weave
12 years ago

Well now …

If a bunch of skin head neo Nazi types showed up to cause major trouble, of course there was noise.

Getting bit nit picky arn’t we?

Just bought all my produce at the Farmers Market – as usual – no problems, all cool. Sidewalk conversations with a dozen very older women – every one of them all excited by the protest. As one said, both her kids in California had lost their homes – this is not just a youth movement.

And the naysayers are Seattle Republicans … count on it. Sour and dour, they hate the politics of this fine city and gripe about everything as they rake in the money.

Oh well, I think I will go get a tent, and someone to share it with me to keep warm …hmmmmm ….. now that sounds like politics and cuddle combined. And there are food places on the other side of the street as well as Wall Greens ….

m
m
12 years ago

I agree with you completely. Their presence will eventually make an already sketchy corner even more crime-ridden. The Nazi ruckus is a perfect example of what I was talking about in my earlier post.

What?!
12 years ago

Do you and I visit/ live on the same Capitol Hill? I’ve never once seen anything you purport to have observed… it’s safer than many, many other cities, and frankly, much safer than other parts of Seattle. Sounds to me like you don’t like the youth — you’ve grown too old and bitter, I imagine.

I don’t really have an opinion on the protesters, per se, but I’m happy they have the opportunity and right to express their opinion… From what you say, I imagine had they been of a more republican/ “conservative” stance, you’d probably be agreeing with them.

Bill Robison
Bill Robison
12 years ago

To the Occupy Capitol Hill folks:
I just want to remind everyone that the area in front of Broadway Performance Hall, besides being an open public space, is in VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY to that performance and theatre venue. There is a possibility that some of the louder drumming and noise outside might be able to be heard inside the theatre, dramatically diminishing the theatrical experience that people have paid for and rightfully expect to be “drum and brass band free”. Please just check the schedule when shows are going on and adjust your noise level accordingly. It’s only fair right????
All of the artists in that venue thank you in advance.

watching from nearby
12 years ago

I am a neighborhood resident and one of the many people who are in support of OWS and OS’s aims. However, I feel that the occupation’s withdrawal to SCCC is not a gain. In my opinion, everyone should occupy B of A, or Pacific Place. Somewhere where a statement will be made. Not someplace where a congregation can be predicted and overlooked. On the other hand, it is a good thing that the occupiers are in a friendly area. Hope you can make some gains soon, instead of occupyinga place, nearly irrelevant to the cause.

watching from nearby
12 years ago

Next advancement should be Broadmoor.

student
12 years ago

The school is not spending a dime to keep the Occupiers there. At least try to read up on issues before you go spouting off in anger.

Metoo
12 years ago

The president of SCCC is consulting with counsel which means the school is spending lots of dimes. I realize you are a student, but you can’t be that stupid or naive.

Julia Chase
11 years ago

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Hello!

We have started the petition “Save Progressive Talk radio AM 1090 KPTK (CBS radio) Seattle: Keep AM 1090 KPTK Progressive talk radio on the free airwaves!” and need your help to get it off the ground.

Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here’s the link:
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-progressive-talk-radio-

Here’s why it’s important:
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You can sign this important petition by clicking here.

Remember: Please forward to all your friends and contacts ASAP!

Thanks!
Julia Chase
West Seattle