Amador County – About 20 people from “Occupy Amador County” occupied two sidewalks at the corners of Highway 49 and 88 in Jackson on Thursday in a combination national tribute to the “Occupy Wall Street” protest and also a peace vigil to end American wars.

The group held signs, heard some passing cars honk and yell, and promptly exited the area at 6 p.m., on schedule.

One participant, Andy Fahrenwald, had urged media to cover the event, the fourth in successive weeks held locally by the group that also has a Facebook page, “Occupy Amador.” It began Oct. 28 with a call from local organizers to “protest in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement that has swept across the country and world,” according to an organizer’s e-mail, circulated on the Loraine Davis e-mail blast Oct. 28.

Some Occupiers at the 88/49 intersection on Thursday yelled back at vehicle occupants, who hollered in support, though some were heard to say snide remarks. Signs included some that said “we are the 99 percent,” on one side, and “so are you” on the other side.

Others signs said “End corporate greed,” and had “to big to fail,” with a circle and line through it. Another said “the beginning is near,” and another, said “no more war.”

Occupy Amador has met at Minnie Provis Park in Sutter Creek since Oct. 28, with one organizer, Steve Christensen urging before the Nov. 4 occupation, saying “before or after the protest, maybe it might be nice to shop Sutter Creek, buy a gift certificate for a friend or enjoy a fine dining experience.”

Christensen said: “Let’s show our friends, the local, small business owners that we care about them. They too are part of the 99 percent.”

For Thursday’s request, the e-mail said “Occupy Wall Street has asked that this Thursday (Nov. 17) be a day of action around the country. We had already planned on having our ‘Occupy Amador’ demonstration that day so we’re right on target!”

The e-mail said “as usual we will combine our demonstration with our peace vigil. Let’s show this county that there are more than just a handful of people who care what’s happening in the nation and the world!”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.