Occupy OC Kicks Off Protest on Friday

Orange County activists announced their own "Occupy OC'' demonstration in Irvine this weekend to draw attention to what they say is the growing gap between the rich and poor.

A "prep-rally'' will be held Friday at Irvine City Hall, with some activists planning to camp overnight. The main demonstration will start Saturday at 9 a.m.

"We urge all Orange County citizens to take to the streets on Oct. 15 to peacefully voice your dissatisfaction with corporations' disproportionate influence in the political sphere,'' the group said in a prepared statement.

The participants of the event are mainly protesting against social and economic inequality and the influence of corporate money and lobbyists on government, among other concerns.

"Those who profit off the suffering of others will be held accountable. We are
the 99 percent, and we are too big to fail,'' the group's statement reads.

Similar demonstrations were held in Orange, Huntington Beach, Anaheim
and Fullerton over the weekend.

—City News Service