The Occupy Tucson demonstration began just over a month ago on Oct. 15 when a group of about 500 people gathered downtown at Armory Park, 221 S. Sixth Ave.
Police began issuing criminal citations to occupiers who opted to stay in the park past its 10:30 p.m. closing time.
On Oct. 22, a small group of demonstrators set up a second camp downtown at Veinte de Agosto Park, 99 S. Church Ave.
Another group of protesters moved into Jacome Plaza near the Joel D. Valdez Main Library downtown on Oct. 27. Demonstrators were cited there for violating a city code provision that does not allow people to camp, lodge or sleep on library grounds.
On Nov. 3, Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villaseñor and officers ordered occupiers at Armory Park and Jacome Plaza to vacate the areas or face arrest as city maintenance crews were scheduled to prepare the grounds for two permitted events. Veinte de Agosto Park has since become the main camp for occupiers.
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Earlier this week, the Tucson City Council considered a proposal, suggested by Councilwoman Regina Romero, that would have waived permit fees and curfews for protesters in Veinte de Agosto Park by designating the park as a "free-speech" area. The proposal failed with a tie vote. Mayor Bob Walkup was not at the meeting to cast a vote.
Nearly 600 misdemeanor citations have been given to occupiers who have violated the parks' curfew. Tucson's demonstrators have remained peaceful and cooperative, law enforcement and city officials have said.
