Skip to content Skip to footer

Reclaiming the Commons

Founded by squatters more than 150 years ago, full of foreclosed buildings, and shrinking by thousands per year, Oakland in many ways presents as a tremendously attractive target for occupation. But it’s been a bumpy road since the first camps were cleared on October 26. Even when working with non-profits such as Causa Justa Just Cause, most of Occupy Oakland’s occupations ended in clearances, raids and arrests. The failed foreclosure defense at 18th and Linden Streets in West Oakland ended in half the occupiers dancing in the street and the other half hanging their heads in disappointment.

Truthout Logo
Reclaiming the Commons

Founded by squatters more than 150 years ago, full of foreclosed buildings, and shrinking by thousands per year, Oakland in many ways presents as a tremendously attractive target for occupation. But it’s been a bumpy road since the first camps were cleared on October 26. Even when working with non-profits such as Causa Justa Just Cause, most of Occupy Oakland’s occupations ended in clearances, raids and arrests. The failed foreclosure defense at 18th and Linden Streets in West Oakland ended in half the occupiers dancing in the street and the other half hanging their heads in disappointment.

The most recent raid on ended in a city bulldozer crushing the second aquapy boat, the “OO Hope Floats.” To date, no one from the city has taken responsibility for the crushing.

Oakland is still home to many squats, but Occupy Oakland’s occupations now consist of just a cluster of tiny teepees on city hall plaza.

This article is not covered by Creative Commons policy and may not be republished without permission.

We’re not going to stand for it. Are you?

You don’t bury your head in the sand. You know as well as we do what we’re facing as a country, as a people, and as a global community. Here at Truthout, we’re gearing up to meet these threats head on, but we need your support to do it: We must raise $50,000 to ensure we can keep publishing independent journalism that doesn’t shy away from difficult — and often dangerous — topics.

We can do this vital work because unlike most media, our journalism is free from government or corporate influence and censorship. But this is only sustainable if we have your support. If you like what you’re reading or just value what we do, will you take a few seconds to contribute to our work?