Protesters Help Clean Up 'Occupy Oakland' Damage

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Dozens of Occupy Oakland protesters are pitching in to clean up Oakland's downtown area after a night of violence by a small group from the demonstration.

Officials are still assessing damage to properties surrounding the city hall plaza, where 7,000 people gathered Wednesday to support the anti-Wall Street movement.

Officials said 18 windows were broken in the area.

About two dozen businesses were seen with damage to their storefronts. Most of them are chain stores, including Burger King and Foot Locker.

People who participated in the mostly peaceful daytime actions returned Thursday to help sweep up debris and scrub off graffiti.

Occupy Oakland organizers have blamed the late-night violence on a small group that was not there for a political message.