OAKLAND, Calif. - Over the years, downtown Oakland business owners have contended with security concerns, including vandalism when fringe groups break away from organized demonstrations.
On Saturday, numerous groups, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, plan to hold a protest at Frank Ogawa Plaza that will likely include a march.
Shop owners said they're optimistic that the event will be peaceful, and one organizer said the protest will be family-friendly and that it's a good way for people to express their frustrations over what's happening in Gaza.
What they're saying:
"We know that we've held protests consistently for the past two years, and they've been peaceful," said Rami Abdelkarim with the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Bridget Cain is owner of Nate's 4 Nen & Proper Fashio