KCRA, “Budget Protesters Block Major Road Near Capitol” (Aug. 18, 2010)

“Budget Protesters Block Major Road Near Capitol”

KCRA video [Aug. 18, 2010]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Protesters upset over proposed cuts to California’s budget blocked a major road near the Capitol in downtown Sacramento Wednesday afternoon.

Sacramento police arrested 22 people on misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest. Sgt. Norm Leong said one person was booked into jail on suspicion of inciting disorder, while the others were cited and released.

The intersection of 11th and L streets was blocked by about 100 demonstrators, who set up tents in the middle of L Street.

They also placed stretchers in the road.

Right in the middle of the street, the protesters set up an effigy of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger with a sign around its neck saying “Cuts Kill.”

Organizers said they planned civil disobedience to get the governor’s attention about his proposed budget cuts to social services.

“People need to see this is what’s going to happen if these cuts go through,” demonstrator Robin Earth said. “I know it’s against the law, but what should be against the law is people being made homeless.

L Street reopened just after 4 p.m. in time for rush-hour traffic.

No injuries were reported.