May Day

Live Blog: May Day in the Bay Area

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Saturday is May Day, a day centered around workers' rights which is also known as International Workers' Day or Labor Day in most countries.

In the Bay Area, several rallies are expected in different parts of the region including Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose.

Below is a look at the latest updates.

Saturday, May 1

In Oakland, the city's May Day demonstrations began with a small rally and then, a vehicle caravan across the city.

Dozens of bikes and vehicles pulled out of the parking lot for the Lake Merritt BART station in Oakland to begin a caravan protest that zig-zagged across downtown. NBC Bay Area's Sergio Quintana was there and you can watch his report below.

Saturday’s May Day events in Oakland began with a small rally and then a vehicle caravan across the city. Sergio Quintana reports

In San Francisco, SEIU Local 2015 began their International Workers' Day parade and rally at 10 a.m. at the Embarcadero Plaza. NBC Bay Area's reporter Christie Smith was in the city covering the event. You can watch her report below

In San Francisco, labor groups marked May Day with a rally and march and to support legislation they believe is needed to help empower workers. Christie Smith Reports.

In San Jose, the San Jose May Day Coalition began marching at 2:30 p.m. along Santa Clara Street all the way to City Hall. NBC Bay Area reporter Marianne Favro covered the event and you can watch her report below.

In San Jose, more than 200 people marched through the streets of the city’s downtown, where they gathered for a May Day Rally at city hall. Marianne Favro reports.

The city of Oakland sent out a letter to locals and businesses warning about possible property destruction and the Oakland Police Department said more officers will be on patrol should demonstrations take place.

Here's a look at the letter previously mentioned:

Dear Oakland Community,

This Saturday is May Day. Like many cities across the country, the City of Oakland is aware of several planned peaceful events, which the City welcomes and will support. However, it has been brought to our attention that others may be intending to deliberately cause property damage, violence, and destruction in our city. We categorically condemn any such actions and will do our best to hold any perpetrators accountable.

In anticipation of this Saturday's events, the Oakland Police Department will have more officers ready for deployment. OPD is prepared to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and create safe places and spaces for first amendment rights. The Department will take enforcement action for those who participate in violence against others, damage of property, and destruction. We will also be enforcing Oakland’s "Tools of Violence" ordinance to seize prohibited items that have no place in lawful assemblies. We share this information with our businesses and residents to ensure our community stays informed about future events and demonstrations. We encourage those who may be traveling throughout Oakland as well as our surrounding freeways and bridges to use caution. Streets may be temporarily closed or occupied by groups of demonstrators.

The Oakland May Day Planning Committee say people will gather for a car caravan at Lake Merritt BART station at 2:30 p.m. then end in West Oakland for a rally.

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