“Pedal for Justice” Jan.6 to Protest Wells Fargo

OCCUPY PETALUMA
Solidarity Working Group

Critical Mass Bike Event in Solidarity with Occupy Santa Rosa

“Pedal for Justice” January 6, 2012 to Wells Fargo Protest

Download the Press Release (PDF)

(PETALUMA, 12/30/11) Occupy Petaluma is excited to announce its first Critical Mass Bike Event, “Pedal for Justice” on January 6^th. All are welcome to join in a ‘peaceful protest on wheels’ departing from Petaluma and arriving in Santa Rosa to support Occupy Santa Rosa’s January 6th march on the downtown Santa Rosa branch of Wells Fargo Bank.

Consider breaking out of the mundane to be empowered, make new friends, be inspired and make history. Taking part in a simple but challenging event reaffirms that anything is possible – putting one foot in front of the other and investing in the hard work that rebuilding our democracy demands. In the words of “Pedal for Justice” organizer Jessica Strasen, “Occupy Petaluma believes that frustrations with our current system can be channeled in peaceful and creative ways. We seek to inspire others to rediscover the ability to occupy our own lives, and be a part of creating our shared future.”

Occupy Petaluma’s 13.5 mile ride is part of a day of action against Wells Fargo Bank to expose Wells Fargo Bank’s racist, anti-community policies and to call for customers to close their Wells Fargo accounts. Organized by Occupy Santa Rosa, Graton Day Labor Center, the D.R.E.A.M Alliance of Sonoma County, the Committee for Immigrant Rights of Sonoma County, and the MEChA chapter of Santa Rosa Junior College, this protest will begin with a rally at the old Albertson’s parking lot on Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. “We are protesting Wells Fargo for investing billions of dollars into for-profit detention centers which imprison immigrant workers, while receiving billions in taxpayer bailouts and continuing with their illegal and fraudulent foreclosures,” say protest organizers.

Participating “Pedal for Justice” riders will meet in the Kohl’s parking lot (1363 N. McDowell Blvd) at 9:00am on Friday, January 6^th, and depart at 9:20am, traveling up Petaluma Hill Road via Old Redwood Highway. There will be car support and Petaluma cyclists will arrive at the Sebastopol Road rally no later than 12:00pm. All riders are responsible for their own safety and must arrange for their return.

Signs will be worn on the backs of riders, and then used at the Occupy Santa Rosa demonstration. Occupy Petaluma is hosting a sign making party at Clearheart Gallery (368-B Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma) on Thursday, January 5th at 8:30pm. All are welcome. Cyclists, activists, curious, and creatives unite!

For more information on Occupy Petaluma’s “Critical Mass Bike Event– Pedal for Justice”

Contact: Jessica Strasen  707-364-7306  <jastrasen@gmail.com>

In support of Occupy Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Protest, January 6, 2012

More information available at  www.occupysantarosa.org.

Download the Press Release (PDF)