Following the arrests of dozens of protestors, members of the Occupy Sacramento movement will march on the City Council tonight to demand that they be allowed to remain in downtown's Cesar Chavez Park 24 hours a day.
City laws do not allow overnight camping in the park and 35 protestors have been arrested since last week in violation of that rule. No protestors were arrested Monday night, as all demonstrators left when ordered by police officers, according to the police department.
Mayor Kevin Johnson indicated to reporters this morning that he supports enforcement of the city camping ordinance. "We certainly respect their right to voice their opinion," the mayor said of the protestors. "With that said, there is an ordinance in place that prohibits people from camping overnight and I think people realize that."
Photo gallery: 'Occupy Sacramento' protesters arrested
Photo gallery: 'Occupy Sacramento' demonstration at Cesar Chavez Plaza
Photo gallery: 'Occupy Wall Street' protest around the nation
Occupy Sacramento has planned a 4:30 p.m. rally at Cesar Chavez Park, followed by a march to City Hall. Speakers from the group said they will address the council at its 6 p.m. meeting.
The demonstrations have attracted hundreds to downtown Sacramento over the past few days; thousands more have marched across the country in similar events aimed at protesting large corporations. It began with Occupy Wall Street in New York.
City officials said interactions between protestors and police in Sacramento have been peaceful and that many demonstrators have asked to be arrested.
The mayor said he sympathizes with their cause.
"What's happening around this country is people are just frustrated," he said. "We understand it. We're frustrated half the time as well."
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