Ground zero for summit, protests, rockers

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By Michael Drost

Entire District blocks and the Judiciary Square Metro station are being closed this weekend in preparation for the momentous Group of 20 nations economic summit. Blocks away, however, heavy-metal band AC/DC will try to keep the "Highway to Hell" open.

As the international heavyweights try to get the world economy back in black, security personnel face thousands of protesters trying to shake the city all weekend long as well as deal with the Australian group's concert Saturday night at the Verizon Center.

The emergency meeting at the National Building Museum will be the largest gathering of foreign leaders in the District since President Bush took office. But officials said they are prepared for the roughly 40 expected protest-related events and -- perhaps loudest of all -- the concert.

See related stories: G-20 to serve full plate of ideas, G-20 to weigh global banking oversight and Group of 20 to take spotlight amid crisis

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy L. Lanier said the department will deploy about 2,000 officers Saturday — including members of the department's Diplomatic Security Service — to help the Secret Service in such assignments as closing roads, monitoring protests and providing motorcade detail and protection for Mr. Bush, the 20 expected dignitaries and others attending the summit. Mr. Bush called the summit to deal with the worldwide financial crisis.

The last time so many dignitaries came to the area was last year for the Middle East summit in Annapolis, which included about 50 heads of state and government. Roughly the same number attended NATO's 50th anniversary summit in the District in 1999, during President Bill Clinton's administration.

Organizers for Global Justice Action, formed exclusively for protesting the G-20 summit, said they will host a People's Summit to offer "a vision of an inclusive, sustainable, people-centered economy that works for all the world's families."

The group has planned a People's Banquet on Friday night at Lafayette Park, which borders the White House where President Bush will be hosting a gala dinner for the G-20 delegates. The event will provide free meals for all who attend, and will also include musicians and speakers.

"The People's Banquet is basically a feast for those left hungry and out in the cold by U.S. economic policies," said group spokeswoman Lacy MacAuley.

On Saturday, the group will gather for a rally at Murrow Park, next to the World Bank Building at 18th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest. At noon, they will march from the park to Luther Place Church, at Logan Circle Park, where they will conduct a People's Forum to offer alternative solutions to the current economic crisis.