SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Occupy San Diego protestors took to the streets Saturday in a "Big Banks Funeral March," in solidarity with National Bank Transfer Day, aimed at encouraging people to switch from large banks to credit unions.
As the protest entered its 30th day, about 200 demonstrators were asked to wear black and carry cardboard coffins with bank's names on them, as they marched from the Civic Center to Petco Park, then to a Bank of America branch.
The march was held as part of National Bank Transfer Day to "ensure that large banking institutions will always remember the fifth of November," according to a statement from the event's organizers.
"If we shift our funds from the for-profit banking institutions in favor of not-for-profit credit unions before this date we will send a clear message that conscious consumers won't support companies with unethical business practices. It's time to invest in local growth," said Occupy San Diego member Kali Katt.
Occupy San Diego supporter Mitchell Sterling, who took part in the march, said he witnessed about two-dozen people enter the Bank of America location with the intention of closing their accounts.
"People are speaking with their money," Sterling said.
Occupy San Diego protestors also took to the web to respond to allegations that the protest forced the closure of two vendor-cart businesses operating at the Civic Center Plaza and Community Concourse.
The owner of a coffee cart, who rents space there, alleged protestors threatened her, followed her home, and that urine from the tent city pooled under her cart . The business remains shuttered in Civic Center Plaza.
And the operator of a hot-dog cart told the city council she was threatened, has equipment stolen and had her cart smeared with blood.
"Occupy San Diego as a group is committed to nonviolence in word and deed and frown upon actions like those that are claimed to have brought misfortune to these local businesses," according to a statement from the group. They also said they plan to present donations to both businesses.
