'Occupy' Movement Forms in Palos Verdes

While some Occupy groups in cities like Los Angeles have recently been dismantled, one Palos Verdes resident says demonstrations on The Hill are just getting started.

"The effort has just begun," Palos Verdes Estates resident Hans Grellmann said. "We hope to go far."

A first Occupy PV event took place on Nov. 26 in front of Chase Bank and Bank of America on Hawthorne Boulevard in Rolling Hills Estates and drew about 20 protesters. The group plans to meet 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, Grellmann said.

"What sparked the Occupy movement is the spreading awareness that an important moment has arrived in America," he said. "People are starting to say, 'That's enough. It is time to push back.'

"We have the same goals as the many Occupy groups across the country: To further the cause of more equality and justice in our society," he said.  

Grellmann, who asked people to show up for the first Occupy PV event, attended Occupy demonstrations in Torrance and Los Angeles and said he was impressed with the push for change in government and the economy.

"I know that there are people on our Hill who feel the same," he said. "Why not give them an opportunity to exercise their right to peacefully assemble and let their voices be heard?"

On the group's radar are issues such as universal health care, Grellmann said.

"Should corporations be considered 'persons'? Is it in our national interest to have huge banks who act like casinos and put our whole economy at risk? What is the proper role of our government? Should America join the civilized world and assure health care for all citizens?" he said.

Betting on the fact that other residents on The Hill are not happy with the status quo, Grellmann said the movement might prompt more people to speak out.

"It often just takes one person to call for a meeting," he said. "People show up and it grows from there."

Visit Occupy PV's Facebook page.