Mayor Johnson Visits 'Occupy Sacramento' Demonstrators

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Mayor Kevin Johnson received a generally friendly welcome from protesters at the "Occupy Sacramento" demonstration, which will soon enter its third week.

Johnson shook hands with many of the protesters in Cesar Chavez Park during their general assembly Thursday evening, listening to their requests to lift Sacramento's anti-camping ordinances to allow demonstrators to continue their protest around the clock.

Dozens of protesters have been arrested since the "occupation" of the park began two weeks ago, but city officials have not indicated they are interested in lifting the regulations.

Mayor Johnson told demonstrators he has no desire to change city ordinances and that many of their grievances against Wall Street and big businesses fall outside of his influence.

The Sacramento protests are an offshoot of the "Occupy Wall Street" protests that have lasted more than a month in New York City and sparked global demonstrations.