By Miriam Raftery

In an exclusive interview with ECM, Block shared his goals and recapped his legislative accomplishments. Last year, Block authored 14 bills that were signed into law by the Governor—more than any other Assemblymember. Bill topics ranged from helping veterans and military families to protecting safe drinking water. But most reflect his passion for strengthening public education for California’s children, teens and college students. 

Story by Nadin Abbott

Photos by Nadin Abbott and Jennifer Douglas

November 12, 2011 (San Diego)—Over a hundred women walked from the other side of Third Avenue downtown, pushing wheelbarrow and carrying trash bags filled with supplies such as dry socks. The rain came down hard, soaking them. Many East County women were among the crowd, including a Jamul mother and her son.

They chanted “We are the ninety-nine percent,” and “Banks got bailed out, we got sold out.” The occupiers peeked out from under plastic tarps, or came out from whatever cover they were allowed by San Diego Police, and cheered. To them, it was a surprise. A few faces, filled with emotion, had tears. View a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcsc5PXsJts

 Local Occupy members to meet with banking industry representatives as widespread account closures get bankers' attention

November 2, 2011 (San Diego) – The Occupy movement is now making its impact felt directly on big banks blamed for the financial meltdown.

Across the nation and in San Diego, supporters are heeding calls to “move your money” by this weekend, closing accounts at big multi-national financial institutions and transferring their money into locally-owned banks and credit unions. 

“The elements for the perfect storm are falling into place.” – Ron Logan, ECM photographer, following recent arrests, support from labor, and a City Council protest that have fortified resolve in the Occupy San Diego movement

Story and photos by Ron Logan

October 30, 2011 (San Diego) – I've been following the Occupy Wall Street protests since they started – basically through the independent media since the corporate media didn't start covering it for about two weeks. So when Occupy came to San Diego, I was very interested in being there with my camera, shooting the early groundwork of what could be a major revolution—a nonviolent uprising to overthrow the status quo in American politics.

I promised myself early on that I would only be working as a photojournalist for this movement and that I would not be writing anything. What you are reading is the result of a broken promise. One cannot help being affected by attending the protests, feeling empathy with what is going on and the sheer frustration that the 99% feel.