A Critical Mass Clue PLEASE!

Well, at least he says we will faciltate Critical Mass, which is good. I like how it sounds - this is a monthly thing, we will let them do their thing. Makes sense to me. They should -- heck, it has only been a tradition for a decade. At least, he realizes the difference between CM and Bikes Not Bombs, that is great -- finally they get that straight. BUT, note in this Ch 2 story found on their website, Brown -- I guess -- calls it the 11th anniversary of CM!!!! Wow, it has been a short year for him!!!

They are gonna interview me again tomorrow - I will set them straight.

See you all at the ride.

Rocco

Brown Fearful Of Friday Night's Commute

POSTED: 11:20 a.m. PST March 27, 2003
UPDATED: 11:33 a.m. PST March 27, 2003

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown warned local residents on Thursday that a combination of anti-war protests, the 11th anniversary of Critical Mass and a San Francisco Giants game at Pac Bell Park could turn driving into a nightmare on Friday evening.

"There is no question (the commute could be a mess)," Brown said on KTVU's Mornings On 2. "The websites and emails are already saying very clearly that Critical Mass intends to do some real damage in the city tomorrow."

"As a matter of fact, the San Francisco Giants are also opening with their first pre-season game at Pac Bell Park…and it's the 11th anniversary of Critical Mass' so things could really get out of hand."


"We don't know what to expect so it's hard to plan for…Based on our experience we will put together an appropriate team (of officers on the street) and response."

But Brown said trying to half Critical Mass' monthly ride was not a consideration.

"We will facilitate Critical Mass' movement through the city, but we will not tolerate any unlawful behavior," Brown said.

However, the Mayor suggested police might make a 'pre-emptive' strike against 'Bike Not Bombs' -- an anti-war splinter group of Critical Mass.

"There is no question, if we could identify those bike riders (who are going to break the law) and do a pre-emptive strike to make sure they don't get out of hand, we would have the same kind of smooth experience we normally have (with the Critical Mass monthly ride)," Brown said.

The mayor also said he was in favor of raising the fines on protesters arrested within the city. Most of the more than 2,000 arrested last week were fined $97 and immediately released from custody.