LOS ANGELES (August 15, 2000 10:06 a.m. EDT www.nandotimes.com) - Animal rights activists speaking out against the fur trade protested in front of clothing stores and banged on windows Tuesday as demonstrations continued outside the Democratic National Convention. Police arrested about 45 people.

Hundreds also marched in support of women's rights, labor unions, education and other causes in spirited but largely peaceful protests one day after violent clashes with police.

Groups orchestrated everything from their messages to their outfits. Teachers wore red; labor wore green. Impromptu rallies sprang up around the well-planned protests and quickly died. Small groups of people often taunted the authorities.

Police, including some in riot gear, met the animal rights activists about eight blocks from the Staples Center, where the convention is being held. They also kept the public and the media out of a two-block area around a California Federal bank while they made arrests.

About 200 people gathered on the periphery, clapping, banging drums and shouting for the streets to be re-opened before police ordered them to disperse.

"We were peaceful demonstrators. It was a lawful assembly. This is an unlawful arrest," Geoff Kerns said as he and others were handcuffed.

At Edward Borovay Furs, where protesters banged on the windows, workers spray painted over the business's name on a green awning within 90 minutes and prepared to take down a larger sign.

Those arrested were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony based on items found in their backpacks, including flammable liquids and small fireworks, said Cmdr. David Kalish, a police spokesman.