latimes--2020-06-05--From the Valley to the beaches, thousands continue peaceful protests across L.A.

The protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd and other highly publicized cases in recent months continued Friday , with thousands of demonstrators gathered on streets and in front of municipal buildings across Southern California .
Groups of hundreds of people protested on the beach in Venice , marched through the streets of downtown Los Angeles and in Northridge while doctors and nurses who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak stepped out of their facilities in Culver City and elsewhere to hold up signs of support and observe a moment of silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend .
On Friday , video footage showed some 300 people gathering on the beach under cloudy skies and then walking north toward Santa Monica in what was billed as a pier-to-pier protest .
By the afternoon , demonstrations were also getting underway in downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach .
Madison Garrett , a 21-year-old college student , arrived early for a protest at Santa Monica City Hall , her third demonstration this week .
A post circulating on social media said the event was organized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she graduated in 2017 .
Garrett said the recent protests have shown people doing what they need to do to be heard .
“ Basically we ’ ve been going through this for hundreds of years , systematic oppression , and once it gets to a boiling point of being unheard , silence doesn ’ t work anymore , ” she said .
She criticized media coverage that she said has focused on rioting and looting .
“ They ’ re not showing the police gassing innocent people , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you the singing and dancing on the street.
” Garrett said there ’ s been a sense of camaraderie among protesters .
She ’ s offered to give people rides home and has seen people passing out water and snacks .
It ’ s hard to stay socially distanced at a protest , she said , noting that the coronavirus is still “ definitely at the back of my mind.
” But she ’ s trying to be safe — she was wearing a surgical mask with “ I can ’ t breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said protesting is worth breaking quarantine .
“ I saw someone else say that you ’ re either going to get killed by a police officer or you ’ re going to get killed by COVID , and it ’ s your decision to make which one you choose , ” she said .
Public health officials touched on the health risks inherent to the mass demonstrations Friday .
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said a risk exposure exists in any large gathering , “ whether on the boardwalk in Venice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The county anticipates an increase in cases in the coming weeks because of the protests and the reopening of many businesses and other aspects of public life .
Ferrer said that if a person is in a large crowd , in close contact for at least 15 minutes with people not wearing face coverings , he or she should consider self-quarantining for at least two weeks to see if symptoms develop .
She said people should remember that the virus “ has a long incubation period ” and that “ if you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re likely to test negative ” because the viral load could still be low .
“ Testing negative does not mean you can not become infected later in the incubation period , ” and it is still advised to stay away from others for 14 days , Ferrer said .
Dr. Christina Ghaly , director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services , said it was “ inspiring on many levels ” to see the protests .
She said the county did not issue a mandate to close COVID-19 testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site to make its own decision whether to close or adjust hours .
As a result , officials saw the volume of testing “ decline slightly ” over the last week because of closures and “ a higher-than-usual no-show rate at sites across the county , ” she said .
Back in Santa Monica , the city ’ s mayor , Kevin McKeown , and interim City Manager Lane Dilg attempted to address the protesters at City Hall , where they were met with questions about tear gas used on protesters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police budget .
“ We will look at the actions of Sunday , we will determine what we can do to keep our community safe and facilitate peaceful protest , ” Dilg said .
“ You called in the National Guard !
” one protester shouted .
Another asked why the streets were shut down .
“ Hey people , do you want to hear the answers ?
” McKeown asked .
A passerby , Chanel Nicole Miller , 19 , took on the role of emcee during the exchange .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a line cook when she stopped by the demonstration .
She said said she stepped forward when she heard officials talking .
“ When the mayor got up there and started cursing , getting red , yelling , showing his ignorance and pain that he didn ’ t know how to express I felt like I had to say something , ” she said .
Miller stood up and described her experience as a resident of the city and the discrimination she ’ s faced as a black woman .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak up .
She criticized officials for failing to answer questions , or acknowledging that the city used excessive force against protesters last Sunday .
Chief of Police Cynthia Renaud said the list of names of people who died at the hands of police don ’ t seem to end , but they stop in Santa Monica .
“ I believe in the peace , I believe in the community I serve , ” she said .
Then she , the mayor and others took a knee in solidarity with the protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by some in the crowd .
In Los Angeles , demonstrators marched through downtown streets with what appeared to be a police escort , with motorcycle officers on both sides of the lead marchers slowly rolling along with them as car horns echoed off the buildings .
While Floyd ’ s death has fueled this most recent wave of demonstrations — he died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes , even after he became unresponsive — his death is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as motivation to call for change .
Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville , Ky. , police who stormed her home in the middle of the night on a “ no-knock ” warrant March 13 , and it took the public release of video for authorities to arrest and charge the men who shot Ahmaud Arbery in south Georgia earlier this year .
Los Angeles County and city law enforcement also have storied histories of corruption and brutality , which at one point led to federal oversight .
Only recently were police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public , but examples of questionable practices against blacks and other minorities remain .
Amid the continued unrest , Gov .
Gavin Newsom called for statewide guidelines governing law enforcement ’ s use of force to control crowds at protests .
Currently , municipalities have different rules when it comes to deploying things such as tear gas , he said , resulting in unequal treatment of protesters across the state .
“ It ’ s clear to me we need to standardize those approaches , ” he said .
Newsom said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to immediately stop training law enforcement to perform carotid holds on suspects .
“ That has no place any longer in 21st century practices , ” he said .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti called for police to minimize the use of rubber bullets earlier this week as a result of widespread criticism of police tactics and a host of videos locally and across the country showing officers firing them at nonthreatening demonstrators and journalists .
After days of aggressively enforced curfews , Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county announced it would no longer enforce them .
With curfews lifted , Los Angeles and other Southern California cities saw largely peaceful protests Thursday night as demonstrations continued with few reports of any problems .
Demonstrations on Friday popped up in Santa Clarita , Lakewood and in Orange County cities such as Irvine and Fountain Valley .
Police said they needed a curfew earlier this week in various cities and across Los Angeles County to control crowds and crack down on some looting that occurred in a few spots , including downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach , Santa Monica and the Fairfax District .
But there have not been any major reports of stealing in several days .
L.A. County Supervisors are set to vote Tuesday on a bill to develop rules for protests , requiring social separation and other actions to protect demonstrators from the coronavirus , which continues to spread , having infected more than 60,000 people and killed more than 2,500 in the county .
The motion directs the Department of Public Health , in collaboration with the sheriff and all other local law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue guidance on health and safety measures regarding issuing citations , transporting and detaining protesters , using face masks , deciding when to implement physical distancing and when to use tear gas .
Times staff writers Hannah Fry , Priscella Vega , Ben Oreskes and Matthew Ormseth as well as City News Service contributed to this report .

Alex Wigglesworth, Arit John, Leila Miller, Andrew Turner

Several hundred protesters take a knee and hold their fists in the air during a moment of silence to honor George Floyd during a peaceful protest march from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti walks out to address protesters and clergy members outside LAPD headquarters on Tuesday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
LAPD Cmdr. Gerald Woodyard takes a knee with clergy members from the Los Angeles area as they participate in a march and demonstration outside LAPD headquarters in Los Angeles. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Janie Hill,15, from Lawndale, receives a hug from a friend, following an emotional discussion with a Manhattan Beach Police officer, at the conclusion of a protest in Manhattan Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Several hundred protesters gather to demand justice for George Floyd at the Manhattan Beach Pier Plaza Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Mira Ercingoz,16, from Palos Verdes, center in red hat, holds a poster with an image of George Floyd alongside protesters in Manhattan Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
A young woman reacts to a group chant, while gathered with a couple hundred people to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, near the Manhattan Beach Pier. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Jessica Jordan takes a knee as she joins other protesters at Sunset & Vine in Hollywood on Tuesday. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
Protestors gather outside Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Hancock Park house as they continue to demonstrate against police brutality. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
Terrence Burney, 36, left, and Commander of the LAPD Operation West Bureau Cory Palka, right, talk together peacefully in front of Getty House in Hancock Park. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
A woman stands next to an image of George Floyd as hundreds participate in a march against the in-custody death of Floyd in Venice. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Several hundred protesters take a knee and hold their fists in the air during a moment of silence to honor George Floyd during a peaceful protest march from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters shoot hoops while taking a break from marching against the death of George Floyd by police on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice on Tuesday. The basketball hoop was attached to the front of a bus that followed the protest for a while. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Members of the California National Guard flash peace signs after protesters had marched by in support of Black Lives Matter in Venice. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
“Hands up. Don’t shoot,” say hundreds participating in a march against the of George Floyd on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice onTuesday. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Hundreds of protesters march throughout downtown ending with many arrested for curfew violations. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Hussain Sharif, left, Mari Drake, and Thomas Rosado chant as they ride along with hundreds of protesters at a downtown demonstration. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Marcus Owen, yells out chants for George Floyd as hundreds of protesters gather outside City Hall in a daylong protest. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Makenzie Anderson, 2, rides on her father, Shawn’s shoulders as they join hundreds of protesters marching throughout downtown. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Bando Kev prays along Hollywood Blvd. in front of the National Guard and near TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Protestors rally on the steps Anaheim City Hall steps against last week’s in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters march through West Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd during march on Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters march through West Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd during march on Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
Hundreds of demonstrators block traffic as they march down both sides of Balboa Blvd. to protest against racism in Newport Beach. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
In a sign of peace, protesters reach out to Riverside County Sheriff deputies, who were there to enforce an 8pm curfew during a demonstration to protest the death of George Floyd’s in Moreno Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Riverside County Sheriff Lt Chris Durham tries to calm nerves after hundreds of demonstrators that marched to the police station protest the death of George Floyd in Moreno Valley. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
A huge crowd gathers in downtown Los Angeles to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Paul Villalobos, 28, from Oakland, joins other demonstrators as they protest on Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Mustafa-Ali, 27, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, joins other demonstrators as they protest on Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
A L.A. Sheriff’s deputy watches as protester Annik Chung holds a sign while cheering on marchers along La Brea Ave. in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
Protester Vailing high-fives National Guardsmen as they march through Hollywood to demand justice for the killing of George Floyd in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
Stephen Chang, 32, left, of Silver Lake, with an American flag draped over his head, joins other demonstrators at the intersection of Spring and Temple streets in downtown Los Angeles, as they protest against L.A. Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey and also demand justice in the death of George Floyd. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
Crowds gather in downtown L.A. to protest the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. At 9 p.m., for exactly 8 minutes and 46 seconds, protesters shone lights into the sky. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Gustavo R. Ramirez of Pomona kneels in front of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Riverside. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A protester drapes himself with a flag during a demonstration in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
LAPD Chief Michel Moore, left, talks with community leaders outside police headquarters after a candlelight vigil for George Floyd on Friday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Zoe Perkins, 4, of Glendale and her mother brought flowers to the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles to protest the death of George Floyd. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Katyana DeCampos, a citizen of France visiting California, marched with a sign with the words “Anti Racism,” joining nearly 1,000 people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Mek Bitul held up a sign with the words, “This Is The Tipping Point!!!” in front of City Hall, joining nearly 1,000 people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
A protester lies on the ground under his horse with his hands behind his back as demonstrators including some on horseback rally in front of LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s office in Los Angeles Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
A National Guardsman holds a rose given to him by a protester along Fairfax Ave. during a march Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
A protester yells in front of a Black Lives Matter mural with the names of victims on Fairfax Ave. during a march Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Regina Scott takes knee next to Johnathan Jasper, brother of slain teen Anthony Weber, during a rally in front of LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s office Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
A woman tries to get between Black Lives Matter protesters and pro-Trump counter protesters during a demonstration at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach on Saturday. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
A family member of Breonna Taylor, right, is hugged by another woman after speaking to protesters in Beverly Hills Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Elijah Estrada, 6, holds up his fist for 8:46, the length of time George Floyd was held down by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, at the conclusion of a peace ride and walk with the Compton Cowboys at Compton City Hall on Sunday. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook speaks to the crowd of protesters and the Compton Cowboys at the end of a peace walk at Compton City Hall on Sunday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
The Compton Cowboys ride horseback down South Tamarind Avenue, joining thousand of protesters Sunday during the Compton peace ride, which ended at City Hall. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Protesters march, raising fists and signs in the air, on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Protesters hold up signs at the All Black Lives Matter march, which was organized by Black LGBTQ leaders and organizations in place of a previously planned event by the group behind LA Pride. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Jason De Puy of West Hollywood wears a mask that reads “Black Trans Lives Matter” as people fill Hollywood Boulevard during a solidarity march called All Black Lives Matter on Sunday, June 14. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Thousands hold up signs and march in the All Black Lives Matter solidarity protest on Hollywood Boulevard. The procession started at Hollywood and Highland and moved into West Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
A protester waves a rainbow flag on Sunset Boulevard during the All Black Lives Matter march on Sunday. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
People participate in the All Black Lives Matter march in West Hollywood on Sunday, June 14. Thousands of demonstrators marched for racial justice and LGBTQ rights. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Deborah Jay Winams cries after singing a song at a Black Lives Matter Los Angeles rally to call for justice in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Ross Jr. by Gardena police in 2018. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
A protester dances on top of Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a demonstration by members of Refuse Fascism who are calling an end to the Trump administration on June 20, 2020. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Amid protests against police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore’s “community solidarity” vigil Friday evening at LAPD headquarters was met by a large crowd demanding reforms to end police violence and racism against black Americans.
Hundreds of peaceful demonstrators marched from the steps of City Hall a block away, waving signs, playing drums and chanting outside the heavily guarded LAPD building.
The protesters’ chants of “no justice, no peace” and “defund the police” rose above the small and subdued gathering of police officers, faith leaders and others who had gathered behind metal barricades and in front of the building’s main entrance.
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“We’re here because we want police reform,” Morris Griffin of Inglewood told the crowd at the steps of City Hall before the protest moved over to LAPD headquarters. “We’re sick and tired of seeing these atrocities happening to black people.”
The protesters arrived as Moore, who recently came under fire for comments he made about looters, spoke for about four minutes next to a portrait of Floyd, whose killing in Minneapolis more than a week ago was the impetus for nationwide protests.
“In the days after that event, after that murder, after that tragedy, after watching the horrific scene and hearing his pleas, and the lack of compassion and humanity of just simply recognizing another individual, tore at the very heart of what policing stands for,” Moore said. “Tore at the very essence of our duty to protect, to serve, to treat each individual as just that.”
Moore said Floyd’s death “served as a reawakening” about state violence, racism and inequality and committed “to join the entire world in an effort to find justice for all.”
He had invited community members to join him at the vigil, which was organized by police and described as being “in support of community solidarity, open minds, open hearts, responsible dialogue, social healing.”
After the hourlong vigil, Moore spent about 20 minutes speaking to protesters across a metal barricade. He turned back toward headquarters after people in the crowd raised their voices and loudly criticized him and his department for using force against peaceful demonstrators. Some held up cellphone videos of attacks by LAPD officers on protesters in recent days and demanded answers as to why the officers had struck those people with batons and used pepper spray.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Moore said it was important to have conversations with critics but did not address the protesters’ demands, instead praising police officers “who have been out there for days and weeks doing important and critical work to provide for the safety throughout Los Angeles.”
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“Tonight was about them seeing the whole of community ... stand behind them and believe in them,” Moore said. “Not make them saints, not make them perfect. But to help renew that they play a critical role as peacekeepers.”
Days after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he supported budget cuts for the LAPD, he introduced the executive director of the city’s recently created Department of Civil and Human Rights on Friday during a news conference.
Capri Maddox, an attorney and former president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, will lead an office tasked with enforcing the city’s civil and human rights ordinance and investigating claims of discrimination and unequal treatment in housing, employment, education and commerce. She was appointed to the post in February.
“We do know one thing: Unfortunately, your skin color speaks before you do in America, and this is something we need to get beyond,” Maddox said, pointing out that she has had “the talk” with her teenage son about relations with police because he is black. “This isn’t easy work, but there’s nothing more important. And I’ll appreciate the support of people calling me and telling me they want to serve, and we’re here to serve with you.”
Describing racism as an “old enemy” and as a virus, Garcetti urged Angelenos to look within themselves for change, not just at others. “We must not find the enemies amongst us; we must find the enemies within us ... We are all silent spreaders.”
He also took a moment to criticize episodes of excessive force by police that have been captured on video during protests in recent weeks. However, he defended the positive contributions that individual officers and law enforcement investigations have made, such as breaking up human trafficking rings.
Both Garcetti’s and Maddox‘s comments came at the end of a day when thousands of demonstrators gathered on streets and in front of municipal buildings across Southern California.
Hundreds of people protested on the beach in Venice, marched through the streets of downtown Los Angeles and Northridge, while doctors and nurses who have been on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak stepped out of their facilities in Culver City and elsewhere to hold up signs of support and observe a moment of silence in honor of Floyd.
Several more demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend.
On Friday, video footage showed some 300 people gathering on the beach under cloudy skies, then walking north toward Santa Monica in what was billed as a “pier to pier” protest.
hundreds of people gathered in Venice beach to protest police brutality. absolutely incredible to see the community coming together in unity for the black lives matter movement. pic.twitter.com/jdP7I8hs00 — savannah bly (@savbly) June 5, 2020
By the afternoon, demonstrations were getting underway in downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Madison Garrett, a 21-year-old college student, arrived early for a protest at Santa Monica City Hall, her third demonstration this week. A post circulating on social media said the event was organized by alumni of Santa Monica High School, where she graduated in 2017.
Garrett said the recent protests have shown people doing what they need to do to be heard.
“Basically we’ve been going through this for hundreds of years, systematic oppression, and once it gets to a boiling point of being unheard, silence doesn’t work anymore,” she said.
She criticized media coverage that she said has focused on rioting and looting. “They’re not showing the police gassing innocent people,” she said. “They’re not showing you the singing and dancing on the street.”
California South L.A.’s Leimert Park plans a peaceful bicycle demonstration Organizers of the Leimert Park bicycle ride for George Floyd and for justice say police officers are welcome to attend if they ride bicycles and don’t show up in riot gear.
Garrett said there’s been a sense of camaraderie among protesters. She’s offered to give people rides home and has seen people passing out water and snacks.
It’s hard to stay socially distanced at a protest, she said, noting that the coronavirus is still “definitely at the back of my mind.” But she’s trying to be safe — she was wearing a surgical mask with “I can’t breathe” written in black marker — and said protesting is worth breaking quarantine.
“I saw someone else say that you’re either going to get killed by a police officer or you’re going to get killed by COVID, and it’s your decision to make which one you choose,” she said.
In Manhattan Beach, more than 100 people showed up with balloons, cupcakes, flowers and signs to honor Breonna Taylor’s birthday.
Taylor, who would have been 27, was shot in March in her Louisville, Ky., apartment by a police officer.
“She was just getting started,” read one sign. “HBD BREONNA TAYLOR RIP,” read another.
Jasmine Gates, 24, organized the event at Bruce’s Beach — a hillside park that was once a haven for black people denied entry to Manhattan Beach — because she “saw that a lot of black women that I know were addressing that Breonna Taylor’s name wasn’t said, along with a lot of other black women.”
Gates said Taylor’s story was so heartbreaking because it could have been anyone in the audience.
“Society thinks that we’re so strong that even when we die, we’re supposed to have some sort of strength,” she said.
Meanwhile, public health officials on Friday touched on the health risks inherent to the mass demonstrations.
L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said risk of exposure exists in any large gathering, “whether on the boardwalk in Venice or joining a protest against racism.”
The county anticipates an increase in cases in the coming weeks because of the protests and the reopening of businesses and other aspects of public life.
Ferrer said that anyone who has been in a large crowd, in close contact for at least 15 minutes with people not wearing face coverings, should consider self-quarantining for at least two weeks to see if COVID-19 symptoms develop.
She said people should remember that the coronavirus “has a long incubation period” and that “if you do get tested right away after exposure, you’re likely to test negative” because the viral load could still be low.
“Testing negative does not mean you cannot become infected later in the incubation period,” Ferrer said, and it is still advised to stay away from others for 14 days.
Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the L.A. County Department of Health Services, said it was “inspiring on many levels” to see the protests. She said the county did not issue a mandate to close COVID-19 testing facilities amid the demonstrations but allowed each site to make its own decision whether to close or adjust hours.
As a result, officials saw the volume of testing “decline slightly” over the last week because of closures and “a higher-than-usual no-show rate at sites across the county,” she said.
California Looters who hit L.A. stores explain what they did Some looters are pure opportunists. But others are frustrated about systemic racism, citing issues ranging from President Trump to the racial privilege exposed in the college admissions scandal.
Back in Santa Monica, the city’s mayor, Kevin McKeown, and interim City Manager Lane Dilg attempted to address protesters at City Hall, where they were met with questions about tear gas used on protesters in the city Sunday and calls to cut the police budget.
“We will look at the actions of Sunday; we will determine what we can do to keep our community safe and facilitate peaceful protest,” Dilg said.
“You called in the National Guard!” one protester shouted. Another asked why the streets were shut down.
“Hey, people, do you want to hear the answers?” McKeown asked.
A passerby, Chanel Nicole Miller, 19, took on the role of emcee during the exchange. She said she was on her way to work as a line cook when she stopped by the demonstration. She said she stepped forward when she heard officials talking.
“When the mayor got up there and started cursing, getting red, yelling, showing his ignorance and pain that he didn’t know how to express, I felt like I had to say something,” she said.
Miller stood up and described her experience as a resident of the city and the discrimination she’s faced as a black woman. She said she felt as if the crowd wanted her to speak up. She criticized officials for failing to answer questions, or acknowledging that the city used excessive force against protesters on Sunday.
Police Chief Cynthia Renaud said the list of names of people who died at the hands of police don’t seem to end, but they stop in Santa Monica.
“I believe in the peace; I believe in the community I serve,” she said. Then she, the mayor and others took a knee in solidarity with the protesters.
The act was viewed with skepticism by some in the crowd.
In Los Angeles, demonstrators marched through downtown streets with what appeared to be a police escort, with motorcycle officers on both sides of the lead marchers slowly rolling along with them as car horns echoed off the buildings.
While Floyd’s death has fueled this wave of demonstrations — he died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes, even after he became unresponsive — his is not the only one that protesters can point to as motivation to call for change. Taylor was killed by Louisville police who stormed her home in the middle of the night on a “no-knock” warrant March 13, and it took the public release of video for authorities to arrest and charge the men who shot Ahmaud Arbery earlier this year in south Georgia.
Los Angeles County and city law enforcement also have storied histories of corruption and brutality, which at one point led to federal oversight. Only recently were police misconduct cases in California made available to the public, but examples of questionable practices against blacks and other minorities remain.
Amid the continued unrest, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for statewide guidelines governing law enforcement’s use of force to control crowds at protests. Currently, municipalities have varying rules when it comes to deploying methods such as tear gas, he said, resulting in unequal treatment of protesters across the state.
“It’s clear to me we need to standardize those approaches,” he said.
Newsom said he also planned to sign a law directing the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to immediately stop training law enforcement to perform carotid holds on suspects.
“That has no place any longer in 21st century practices,” he said.
Garcetti called for police to minimize the use of rubber bullets earlier this week as a result of widespread criticism of police tactics and a host of videos locally and across the country showing officers firing them at nonthreatening demonstrators and journalists.
After days of aggressively enforced curfews, Los Angeles lifted them on Thursday.
With curfews lifted, Los Angeles and other Southern California cities saw largely peaceful protests Thursday night as demonstrations continued with few reports of any problems. Demonstrations on Friday popped up in Santa Clarita, Lakewood and in Orange County cities such as Irvine and Fountain Valley.
Police said they needed a curfew earlier this week in various cities and across Los Angeles County to control crowds and crack down on looting that occurred in a few spots, including downtown, Van Nuys, Hollywood, Long Beach, Santa Monica and the Fairfax district. But there have not been any major reports of stealing in several days.
L.A. County Supervisors are set to vote Tuesday on a bill to develop rules for protests, requiring social separation and other actions to protect demonstrators from COVID-19 which has infected more than 60,000 and killed more than 2,500 in the county.
The motion directs the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the sheriff and all other local law enforcement agencies in the county, to immediately issue guidance on health and safety measures regarding issuing citations, transporting and detaining protesters, using face masks, deciding when to implement physical distancing and when to use tear gas.
Times staff writers Hannah Fry, Priscella Vega, Ben Oreskes and Matthew Ormseth, as well as City News Service, contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-06-05--Eaton Canyon will reopen Saturday, but you need reservations

Angelenos can again enjoy Eaton Canyon this weekend , but they ’ ll need to plan ahead .
The trail system will reopen Saturday , but visitors will be required to make a reservation for timed entrance to the Eaton Canyon Natural Area .
Los Angeles County Parks and Recreations officials shut down the popular hiking area May 24 “ due to overwhelming crowds that were not following the COVID-19 public health requirements.
” The nature area , like other parks across Los Angeles County , was closed for months amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But after reopening , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were run overrun by hikers who failed to practice social distancing .
“ Reservations will help keep the Eaton Canyon trails from overcrowding and allow enough space for trail users to maintain physical distancing of six feet , ” department officials said Thursday in a release .
Visitors will need to follow the rules , including selecting one of three time blocks — 8-11 a.m. , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2-5 p.m. — and sign up at least a day in advance .
Same-day reservations are not available .
To make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reservation website , make a free account and select an available time .
To prevent overcrowding , the department has limited each period to 85 reservations , which include one vehicle or up to four people .
The timed entry tickets are free .
Hikers are encouraged to bring water and hand sanitizer .
Coolers , umbrellas , shade tents , barbecues and chairs are not allowed , and some bathrooms will be closed .
Those who wish to enter will be required to show proof of reservation and photo ID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also will be required to keep moving , socially distance and wear masks while passing others .
“ Visitors may be asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance , ” the parks department said .

Visitors stream into and out of Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park during Memorial Day weekend. The park closed May 24 because of overcrowding.
Angelenos can again enjoy Eaton Canyon this weekend, but they’ll need to plan ahead.
The trail system will reopen Saturday, but visitors will be required to make a reservation for timed entrance to the Eaton Canyon Natural Area.
Los Angeles County Parks and Recreations officials shut down the popular hiking area May 24 “due to overwhelming crowds that were not following the COVID-19 public health requirements.”
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The nature area, like other parks across Los Angeles County, was closed for months amid the coronavirus pandemic. But after reopening, the Pasadena-area trails, which feature a waterfall, were run overrun by hikers who failed to practice social distancing.
“Reservations will help keep the Eaton Canyon trails from overcrowding and allow enough space for trail users to maintain physical distancing of six feet,” department officials said Thursday in a release.
#PRESSRELEASE Enjoy #EatonCanyon Natural Area & #Trail with free timed entry reservations. Reserve time slot at https://t.co/dpKlCXeCD6
- Required starting Saturday 6/6
- Reserve the day before visit. No same day reservations.
- No walk-ins allowed
- Follow #COVID19 requirements pic.twitter.com/7bEcKiwaui — Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation (@lacountyparks) June 4, 2020
Visitors will need to follow the rules, including selecting one of three time blocks — 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2-5 p.m. — and sign up at least a day in advance. Same-day reservations are not available.
To make a reservation, go to the parks department’s reservation website, make a free account and select an available time.
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To prevent overcrowding, the department has limited each period to 85 reservations, which include one vehicle or up to four people. The timed entry tickets are free.
Hikers are encouraged to bring water and hand sanitizer. Coolers, umbrellas, shade tents, barbecues and chairs are not allowed, and some bathrooms will be closed.
Those who wish to enter will be required to show proof of reservation and photo ID to get into the area. Visitors also will be required to keep moving, socially distance and wear masks while passing others.
“Visitors may be asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance,” the parks department said.


latimes--2020-06-05--California Assembly wants bullet train contract deferred in rebuke of project's current plan

In the strongest challenge to the California bullet train project in the past decade , a majority of the California Assembly has co-sponsored a resolution directing the state rail authority to defer awarding a contract this year to build a partial high speed system between Merced and Bakersfield .
The action this week comes amid growing concerns by lawmakers that Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s plan to build the system for $ 20.4 billion will not deliver the greatest possible ridership and reductions in highway travel and greenhouse gas emissions .
The Assembly resolution does not signify that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed , given that Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins ( D-San Diego ) has stayed silent on a proposal to shift funds from the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Southern California .
Atkins and her staff did not immediately respond for comment Friday .
Nonetheless , it reveals that most of the Assembly is now ready to confront Newsom and the California High-Speed Rail Authority during a critical moment .
The rail authority plans to commit later this year to the largest contract award in its history to install 171 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and a high voltage electrical system , as well as an agreement for system maintenance over the next 30 years .
The resolution directs the authority to not issue the contract until the Legislature reviews the plan and appropriates the remaining $ 4.2 billion in funds from a 2008 bond issue approved by voters .
The sponsors of the act say issuing the contract before the appropriation is contrary to the way state agenices normally operate and would bind the state to an agreement that lawmakers have not properly reviewed .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to weigh in on the direction of the high speed rail project occurs when [ the rail authority ] asks us for the remaining $ 4.2 billion in bond funds , ” Jim Frazier ( D-Discovery Bay ) , chairman of the Transportation Committee , said in a statement .
“ We can not allow HSRA , or any department , to enter into contracts that bind the Legislature ’ s approval of future appropriations .
The Legislature ’ s role in approving the budget must be respected before key decisions on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made.
” The fight over the contract began last year when Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon ( D-Lakewood ) backed a plan to delay installing an electrical system in the Central Valley and divert about $ 5 billion to future bullet train routes in Southern California and Bay Area that now carry commuter rail systems .
The plan would shift initial service on the high speed tracks in the Central Valley to new low emission diesel trains that could travel all the way into Oakland or San Jose .
“ It is important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not close the door to options other than the one created by a small handful of bureaucrats and the unelected Authority board , ” Rendon said in a statement .
“ The voters have been given no voice since 2008 , and their elected representative , the Legislature , has had no vote since 2012.
” But rail authority chief executive Brian Kelly has strongly opposed that plan , backed by the state ’ s powerful construction unions .
In a statement about the resolution , the rail authority only reiterated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said it looked forward to working with the Legislature .
Labor unions remain a powerful force in backing current planning for the project .
Robbie Hunter , chief of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California , said , “ I am not an ideologue , but we need infrastructure in this state .
It will improve the quality of life.
” But a growing number of Southern California members argue that diverting some of the money to the urban centers pays off in jobs and investments in commuter rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stoke public enthusiasm for more rail investments .
Legislative staffers said they believe even more members will join the resolution when it is taken to vote .
A number of Republicans joined in the bipartisan resolution , including Jim Patterson ( R-Fresno ) and Vince Fong ( R-Bakersfield . )
The resolution does not carry the force of law to actually block the rail authority from issuing the contract .
But if the rail authority rejects the advice , it sets up a potentially costly and historic battle .
If the rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the Assembly not agree to appropriate the funds , the state could be on the hook for termination costs and end up with a project in disarray .
Or the Assembly could be forced to appropriate the money to avoid those costs , backing what it now believes is a flawed plan .
The Legislature launched actual construction of the high speed rail project when it appropriated the first allotment of funds from the bonds in 2012 .
Even then it was a close and controversial decision , passing the Senate by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed the move and said the plan needed changes .
Since then , the project has faced delays and escalating costs , one reason some in the Legislature want to change course .

In the strongest challenge to the California bullet train project in the past decade, a majority of the California Assembly has co-sponsored a resolution directing the state rail authority to defer awarding a contract this year to build a partial high speed system between Merced and Bakersfield.
The action this week comes amid growing concerns by lawmakers that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to build the system for $20.4 billion will not deliver the greatest possible ridership and reductions in highway travel and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Assembly resolution does not signify that the Legislature as a whole wants the project changed, given that Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has stayed silent on a proposal to shift funds from the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Southern California. Atkins and her staff did not immediately respond for comment Friday.
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Nonetheless, it reveals that most of the Assembly is now ready to confront Newsom and the California High-Speed Rail Authority during a critical moment.
The rail authority plans to commit later this year to the largest contract award in its history to install 171 miles of track, an advanced signaling system and a high voltage electrical system, as well as an agreement for system maintenance over the next 30 years.
The resolution directs the authority to not issue the contract until the Legislature reviews the plan and appropriates the remaining $4.2 billion in funds from a 2008 bond issue approved by voters. The sponsors of the act say issuing the contract before the appropriation is contrary to the way state agenices normally operate and would bind the state to an agreement that lawmakers have not properly reviewed.
“The only remaining opportunity for the Legislature to weigh in on the direction of the high speed rail project occurs when [the rail authority] asks us for the remaining $4.2 billion in bond funds,” Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay), chairman of the Transportation Committee, said in a statement.
“We cannot allow HSRA, or any department, to enter into contracts that bind the Legislature’s approval of future appropriations. The Legislature’s role in approving the budget must be respected before key decisions on the state’s largest infrastructure project are made.”
California California bullet train could end up needing subsidies, despite promises to voters Opponents of the state’s high-speed rail project say California is preparing to violate a 2008 ballot measure promise not to use state subsidies for operation of the bullet train. Proponents disagree.
The fight over the contract began last year when Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) backed a plan to delay installing an electrical system in the Central Valley and divert about $5 billion to future bullet train routes in Southern California and Bay Area that now carry commuter rail systems. The plan would shift initial service on the high speed tracks in the Central Valley to new low emission diesel trains that could travel all the way into Oakland or San Jose.
“It is important to make sure that the High-Speed Rail Authority does not close the door to options other than the one created by a small handful of bureaucrats and the unelected Authority board,” Rendon said in a statement. “The voters have been given no voice since 2008, and their elected representative, the Legislature, has had no vote since 2012.”
But rail authority chief executive Brian Kelly has strongly opposed that plan, backed by the state’s powerful construction unions. In a statement about the resolution, the rail authority only reiterated the need for the high speed rail project and said it looked forward to working with the Legislature.
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Labor unions remain a powerful force in backing current planning for the project. Robbie Hunter, chief of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, said, “I am not an ideologue, but we need infrastructure in this state. It will improve the quality of life.”
But a growing number of Southern California members argue that diverting some of the money to the urban centers pays off in jobs and investments in commuter rail systems, which would yield larger ridership and stoke public enthusiasm for more rail investments.
Legislative staffers said they believe even more members will join the resolution when it is taken to vote. A number of Republicans joined in the bipartisan resolution, including Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) and Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield.)
The resolution does not carry the force of law to actually block the rail authority from issuing the contract. But if the rail authority rejects the advice, it sets up a potentially costly and historic battle.
If the rail authority were to issue the contract and then the Assembly not agree to appropriate the funds, the state could be on the hook for termination costs and end up with a project in disarray. Or the Assembly could be forced to appropriate the money to avoid those costs, backing what it now believes is a flawed plan.
The Legislature launched actual construction of the high speed rail project when it appropriated the first allotment of funds from the bonds in 2012. Even then it was a close and controversial decision, passing the Senate by a single vote when three key senators opposed the move and said the plan needed changes.
Since then, the project has faced delays and escalating costs, one reason some in the Legislature want to change course.


latimes--2020-06-05--Judge rejects D.A.'s. bid to drop rape case against Orange County doctor, girlfriend

A judge denied the Orange County district attorney ’ s request to dismiss sexual assault charges against a well-known Newport Beach doctor and his girlfriend Friday , continuing a legal saga that has been marred by a political battle between the county ’ s current and former top prosecutor .
Grant Robicheaux , 39 , and his girlfriend Cerissa Riley , 32 , were charged with multiple counts of sexual assault in 2018 , after former Dist .
Atty .
Tony Rackauckas accused the couple of using their good looks and charm to lure women home from local bars or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them into sex acts .
But late last year , Orange County Dist .
Atty .
Todd Spitzer launched a review of the case after a prosecutor said there were “ serious proof problems.
” The prosecutors who reviewed the evidence against Robicheaux and Riley later agreed there was “ insufficient evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt , ” Spitzer said earlier this year .
However , Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregory Jones rejected Spitzer ’ s request for a dismissal Friday and said he had “ concerns ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office to prosecute the case because of Spitzer ’ s repeated comments critical of the investigation and of Rackauckas ’ decision to bring the charges .
“ I have concerns with the people being able to prosecute this by way of the Orange County District Attorney ’ s office , ” he said .
“ It has been stated by Mr. Spitzer that Mr. Tony Rackauckas and his chief deputy manufactured the case.
” Jones excoriated Spitzer in a 25-page ruling , contending that the prosecution ’ s concerns about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case should be settled by a jury .
Jones also repeatedly questioned the validity of claims by the district attorney ’ s office that one of its investigators had “ deceived , misled , and persuaded ” some victims to “ slant their narratives.
” “ It is hard for this Court to understand how Mr. Spitzer and his deputies can reject the allegations of seven women they have never met or interviewed , ” Jones wrote .
“ It is apparent that the ‘ rogue ’ investigator met with many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Speaking from the bench Friday , Jones also questioned whether the district attorney ’ s office should be recused from the matter , considering Spitzer ’ s public criticism of the case .
Spitzer previously asked the California attorney general ’ s office to take over the case , but the request was declined .
In a statement , Spitzer reiterated that he did not believe he had the evidence to justify a prosecution of the couple and expressed concern that prolonging the process would only cause “ further trauma ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first place .
“ We have represented to the Court on multiple occasions that we do not have the evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt , and therefore we can not legally , ethically , and morally proceed with the prosecution of this case , ” he said .
.
Spitzer recommended all charges be dropped in February , but Jones said he wanted to conduct a careful review of the district attorney ’ s request before taking any action .
The case was set to return to court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back due to closures forced by the coronavirus .
Robicheaux , an orthopedic surgeon who gained some notoriety through appearances on a Bravo reality television show , and Riley were initially accused of luring two women home , drugging them and assaulting them at their posh Newport Beach home on separate occasions .
As an investigation into the pair continued , prosecutors ultimately accused Robicheaux of assaulting seven different women and contended Riley was involved in five of those assaults .
The couple were charged with multiple felony counts including rape by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault with intent to commit sexual offenses .
Rackauckas had said investigators found video evidence of the assaults that showed women who were “ highly intoxicated beyond the ability to consent or resist.
” But almost immediately , the case was stained by a bitter feud between Rackauckas , the county ’ s entrenched longtime prosecutor , and Spitzer , a former county supervisor and assistant district attorney who was seeking to unseat him .
The day Rackauckas announced charges against Robicheaux and Riley , Spitzer held a news conference accusing Rackauckas of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it might boost his reelection chances .
The first woman to make accusations against Robicheaux contacted Newport Beach police in October 2016 , nearly two years before Rackauckas filed charges .
Spitzer defeated Rackauckas in November 2018 .
Kimberly Edds , a spokeswoman for Spitzer , noted police did not refer the cases to prosecutors for filing at that time .
Rackauckas has defended his handling of the case , and accused Spitzer of playing politics in seeking a dismissal .
“ Certainly , any prosecutor should think long and hard before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have independently come forward and subjected themselves to the hard process of baring their souls to the authorities , ” the former district attorney said in a statement .
“ I just hope they ’ re not being sold down the river for some twisted political motive.
” Spitzer had accused Rackauckas of “ manufacturing ” the prosecution , a claim Jones scoffed at in his ruling .
Jones noted searches of Robicheaux ’ s home had turned up a wide array of intoxicants and other items that could be used to render @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drug GHB , and that the investigation stemmed from independent claims made to the Newport Beach Police Department years earlier .
“ This allegation by Mr. Spitzer is simply ludicrous , and frankly raises significant concerns about his motivation in filing this motion to dismiss , ” Jones wrote .
Ultimately , Jones said , the war between the current and former district attorney had overshadowed any actual objective review of the case , which would need to be settled by a jury .
“ The public has heard from the politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alleged victims .
Any objective analysis of this case leads to the conclusion that these charges should be put before a jury , ” Jones wrote .
“ A back room dismissal by prosecutors without the alleged victims ever having the opportunity to be heard is contrary to the core values of our legal process , and the interests of the public .
”

Grant Robicheaux, 39, and his girlfriend Cerissa Riley, 32, are accused of luring women home and forcing them into sex acts.
A judge denied the Orange County district attorney’s request to dismiss sexual assault charges against a well-known Newport Beach doctor and his girlfriend Friday, continuing a legal saga that has been marred by a political battle between the county’s current and former top prosecutor.
Grant Robicheaux, 39, and his girlfriend Cerissa Riley, 32, were charged with multiple counts of sexual assault in 2018, after former Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas accused the couple of using their good looks and charm to lure women home from local bars or festivals like Burning Man and then forcing them into sex acts.
But late last year, Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer launched a review of the case after a prosecutor said there were “serious proof problems.” The prosecutors who reviewed the evidence against Robicheaux and Riley later agreed there was “insufficient evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Spitzer said earlier this year.
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However, Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregory Jones rejected Spitzer’s request for a dismissal Friday and said he had “concerns” about the ability of the district attorney’s office to prosecute the case because of Spitzer’s repeated comments critical of the investigation and of Rackauckas’ decision to bring the charges.
“I have concerns with the people being able to prosecute this by way of the Orange County District Attorney’s office,” he said. “It has been stated by Mr. Spitzer that Mr. Tony Rackauckas and his chief deputy manufactured the case.”
Jones excoriated Spitzer in a 25-page ruling, contending that the prosecution’s concerns about the credibility of some of the victims in the case should be settled by a jury. Jones also repeatedly questioned the validity of claims by the district attorney’s office that one of its investigators had “deceived, misled, and persuaded” some victims to “slant their narratives.”
“It is hard for this Court to understand how Mr. Spitzer and his deputies can reject the allegations of seven women they have never met or interviewed,” Jones wrote. “It is apparent that the ‘rogue’ investigator met with many of the victims and apparently found them believable.”
Speaking from the bench Friday, Jones also questioned whether the district attorney’s office should be recused from the matter, considering Spitzer’s public criticism of the case. Spitzer previously asked the California attorney general’s office to take over the case, but the request was declined.
In a statement, Spitzer reiterated that he did not believe he had the evidence to justify a prosecution of the couple and expressed concern that prolonging the process would only cause “further trauma” for the women who came forward in the first place.
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“We have represented to the Court on multiple occasions that we do not have the evidence to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt, and therefore we cannot legally, ethically, and morally proceed with the prosecution of this case,” he said. .
Spitzer recommended all charges be dropped in February, but Jones said he wanted to conduct a careful review of the district attorney’s request before taking any action. The case was set to return to court in early April, but the hearing was pushed back due to closures forced by the coronavirus.
Robicheaux, an orthopedic surgeon who gained some notoriety through appearances on a Bravo reality television show, and Riley were initially accused of luring two women home, drugging them and assaulting them at their posh Newport Beach home on separate occasions. As an investigation into the pair continued, prosecutors ultimately accused Robicheaux of assaulting seven different women and contended Riley was involved in five of those assaults.
The couple were charged with multiple felony counts including rape by drugs, oral copulation by anesthesia and assault with intent to commit sexual offenses. Rackauckas had said investigators found video evidence of the assaults that showed women who were “highly intoxicated beyond the ability to consent or resist.”
But almost immediately, the case was stained by a bitter feud between Rackauckas, the county’s entrenched longtime prosecutor, and Spitzer, a former county supervisor and assistant district attorney who was seeking to unseat him.
The day Rackauckas announced charges against Robicheaux and Riley, Spitzer held a news conference accusing Rackauckas of waiting to bring charges until a time when it might boost his reelection chances.
The first woman to make accusations against Robicheaux contacted Newport Beach police in October 2016, nearly two years before Rackauckas filed charges. Spitzer defeated Rackauckas in November 2018. Kimberly Edds, a spokeswoman for Spitzer, noted police did not refer the cases to prosecutors for filing at that time.
Rackauckas has defended his handling of the case, and accused Spitzer of playing politics in seeking a dismissal.
“Certainly, any prosecutor should think long and hard before dismissing such a case where multiple women have independently come forward and subjected themselves to the hard process of baring their souls to the authorities,” the former district attorney said in a statement. “I just hope they’re not being sold down the river for some twisted political motive.”
Spitzer had accused Rackauckas of “manufacturing” the prosecution, a claim Jones scoffed at in his ruling. Jones noted searches of Robicheaux’s home had turned up a wide array of intoxicants and other items that could be used to render a victim unable to consent, including the drug GHB, and that the investigation stemmed from independent claims made to the Newport Beach Police Department years earlier.
“This allegation by Mr. Spitzer is simply ludicrous, and frankly raises significant concerns about his motivation in filing this motion to dismiss,” Jones wrote.
Ultimately, Jones said, the war between the current and former district attorney had overshadowed any actual objective review of the case, which would need to be settled by a jury.
“The public has heard from the politicians. The public has never heard from the alleged victims. Any objective analysis of this case leads to the conclusion that these charges should be put before a jury,” Jones wrote. “A back room dismissal by prosecutors without the alleged victims ever having the opportunity to be heard is contrary to the core values of our legal process, and the interests of the public.”


latimes--2020-06-05--Temecula mayor resigns after backlash over email about police killings

Temecula Mayor James “ Stew ” Stewart resigned Thursday evening amid backlash over an email he wrote about police killings that went viral .
On Tuesday , a resident requested information regarding Stewart ’ s plans to end police violence and racial policing in the community , stating , “ This issue is very important to me and my family.
” Stewart ’ s email response was posted online , sparking controversy among residents .
The 11:02 p.m. reply stated : “ I don ’ t believe any good person of color has been killed by police.
” He went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African American friends , which sparked outrage on social media .
Stewart ’ s publicly responded to the backlash his email generated , stating the message was sent over voice-text and that he did not proofread what was recorded .
He said he meant that no person of color was murdered by police in Temecula or Riverside County .
On Facebook , Stewart ’ s said that because of his dyslexia , he uses voice texting .
He said that he did not proofread the message that he had sent out , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I absolutely did not say that .
What I said is and I don ’ t believe there has ever been a person of color murdered by police , on context to Temecula or Riverside county , ” he wrote in the post .
“ I absolutely did not say ‘ good ’ I have no idea how that popped up.
” Stewart asked for forgiveness for “ this egregious error ” and added that “ as you can see by the second half of the statement racism is not tolerated at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Critics were quick to respond to his apology , citing the 1998 death of , a 19-year-old black woman who was killed by police as she sat in her car at a Riverside gas station .
Hannah de la Cruz , a 33-year-old resident , called Stewart ’ s response to the email passive and disrespectful .
“ After all the events that have transpired , the words our elected officials use are even more important , ” De la Cruz said .
“ I do agree with him resigning .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us.
” Some residents — such as Jennifer Evans , a 39-year-old legal assistant who has lived in the city for two years — were disappointed in Stewart ’ s resignation .
“ Not only are we losing a mayor that has proven he loves his community , but our safe haven has become polarized due to these events , ” Evans said .
Kevin Willis , a 35-year-old resident and president of Veterans Advocacy Associates , said Stewart is an example of a “ good , community-oriented citizen.
” Willis said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proportion .
“ Not to discount the real raw emotions that we are experiencing in society at the moment , we need to be careful not to let the people who are trying to better society get rounded up with the bad actors who are the true problem , ” Willis said .
Stewart said he was hurt by citizens who do not know him personally labeling him as racist .
“ It was incredibly horrible timing , but at the same time , I need to protect the city too , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the massive protest [ on Friday ] , this could cause the city much more harm and focus on the city that doesn ’ t belong there , so I figured I ’ d just resign.
” Stewart has lived in Temecula for 29 years and operates a chain of barbershops in Murrieta and Temecula .
He was vocal about reopening businesses in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
He was formerly an elected Member of Rancho California Water District from 2011 to 2015 , and is involved in numerous community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he served as the president of the Old Town Rotary club .
Stewart took to Facebook , one of his main forms of communication with residents , to announce his resignation and apologize for his “ off-the-cuff response to an email on a serious topic.
” Stewart was elected to the City Council in 2016 and began serving as mayor this year .
“ My whole goal was to bring the council to the people .
I was always on Facebook , always communicating with the residents about what was happening — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indifferent , ” he said .
Councilman Matt Rahn said that his time working with Stewart was relatively positive and that Stewart ’ s presence helped the council reach equitable decisions .
However , Rahn said he was “ very critical ” of what he called Stewart ’ s casual language and style of shooting from the hip on consequential issues during his time as mayor .
“ City business should not be done on social media .
That ’ s why we have city meetings , ” Rahn said .
“ Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a level of care that lets people know they are being heard.
” Rahn said Stewart ’ s comments in the viral email did not reflect the thoughts of the city or the City Council .
“ It was unacceptable , and frankly our city deserves better , ” Rahn said .
Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards said in a statement : “ Stew is a hard-working and honest man .
Temecula is poised to close this chapter and continue our long-term commitment to preventing racial injustice in any form.
” Edwards will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 .

In Temecula, Mayor James Stewart resigned Thursday evening after receiving backlash over an email he wrote that some deemed racist.
Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart resigned Thursday evening amid backlash over an email he wrote about police killings that went viral.
On Tuesday, a resident requested information regarding Stewart’s plans to end police violence and racial policing in the community, stating, “This issue is very important to me and my family.”
For the record: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the mayor of Temecula. His name is James Stewart.
Stewart’s email response was posted online, sparking controversy among residents. The 11:02 p.m. reply stated: “I don’t believe any good person of color has been killed by police.” He went on to say that he had several African American friends, which sparked outrage on social media.
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Stewart’s publicly responded to the backlash his email generated, stating the message was sent over voice-text and that he did not proofread what was recorded. He said he meant that no person of color was murdered by police in Temecula or Riverside County.
On Facebook, Stewart’s said that because of his dyslexia, he uses voice texting. He said that he did not proofread the message that he had sent out, which Stewart insisted came out wrong.
“I absolutely did not say that. What I said is and I don’t believe there has ever been a person of color murdered by police, on context to Temecula or Riverside county,” he wrote in the post. “I absolutely did not say ‘good’ I have no idea how that popped up.”
Stewart asked for forgiveness for “this egregious error” and added that “as you can see by the second half of the statement racism is not tolerated at any level in the city or the county.”
Critics were quick to respond to his apology, citing the 1998 death of Tyisha Miller , a 19-year-old black woman who was killed by police as she sat in her car at a Riverside gas station.
Hannah de la Cruz, a 33-year-old resident, called Stewart’s response to the email passive and disrespectful.
“After all the events that have transpired, the words our elected officials use are even more important,” De la Cruz said. “I do agree with him resigning. It’s the very least he owes us.”
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Some residents — such as Jennifer Evans, a 39-year-old legal assistant who has lived in the city for two years — were disappointed in Stewart’s resignation.
“Not only are we losing a mayor that has proven he loves his community, but our safe haven has become polarized due to these events,” Evans said.
Kevin Willis, a 35-year-old resident and president of Veterans Advocacy Associates, said Stewart is an example of a “good, community-oriented citizen.” Willis said he believed the situation was blown out of proportion.
“Not to discount the real raw emotions that we are experiencing in society at the moment, we need to be careful not to let the people who are trying to better society get rounded up with the bad actors who are the true problem,” Willis said.
Stewart said he was hurt by citizens who do not know him personally labeling him as racist.
“It was incredibly horrible timing, but at the same time, I need to protect the city too,” he said in an interview. “With the massive protest [on Friday], this could cause the city much more harm and focus on the city that doesn’t belong there, so I figured I’d just resign.”
Stewart has lived in Temecula for 29 years and operates a chain of barbershops in Murrieta and Temecula. He was vocal about reopening businesses in the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was formerly an elected Member of Rancho California Water District from 2011 to 2015, and is involved in numerous community service organizations. In 2012 and 2015, he served as the president of the Old Town Rotary club.
Stewart took to Facebook, one of his main forms of communication with residents, to announce his resignation and apologize for his “off-the-cuff response to an email on a serious topic.” Stewart was elected to the City Council in 2016 and began serving as mayor this year.
“My whole goal was to bring the council to the people. I was always on Facebook, always communicating with the residents about what was happening — the good, the bad and the indifferent,” he said.
Councilman Matt Rahn said that his time working with Stewart was relatively positive and that Stewart’s presence helped the council reach equitable decisions. However, Rahn said he was “very critical” of what he called Stewart’s casual language and style of shooting from the hip on consequential issues during his time as mayor.
“City business should not be done on social media. That’s why we have city meetings,” Rahn said. “Being a mayor or any elected official demands a level of care that lets people know they are being heard.”
Rahn said Stewart’s comments in the viral email did not reflect the thoughts of the city or the City Council.
“It was unacceptable, and frankly our city deserves better,” Rahn said.
Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards said in a statement: “Stew is a hard-working and honest man. Temecula is poised to close this chapter and continue our long-term commitment to preventing racial injustice in any form.”
Edwards will take on mayoral duties for the remainder of 2020.


latimes--2020-06-05--Massive fire at Redlands warehouse burns Amazon trailers, briefly closes 10 Freeway

A three-alarm fire tore through a warehouse in Redlands early Friday , triggering a large response from firefighters and briefly closing a stretch of the 10 Freeway .
The blaze was reported at the warehouse in the 2200 block of West Lugonia Avenue about 5:30 a.m. About 100 employees were inside but evacuated before firefighters arrived , said Carl Baker , a spokesman for the city and its fire department .
Fire officials have not reported any injuries .
Video from the scene showed massive flames engulfing the building and plumes of black smoke billowing into the air .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker said .
Firefighters poured streams of water on flames that appeared to engulf almost all of the sprawling structure and began to burn truck trailers , some with Amazon logos , parked at loading docks .
Initial reports indicated the distribution center was an Amazon facility , but Baker said it was occupied by a company that contracts with the online retail giant .
Kuehne and Nagel , the company that operates the site , helps Amazon ship extra-large items to customers , according to Amazon .
By about 9:15 a.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building , and firefighters remained in a defensive position , battling the blaze from outside , Baker said .
“ But it ’ s certainly a lot more controlled than it was earlier this morning , ” he said .
Officials remained concerned about the building ’ s structural integrity , and firefighters were keeping a safe distance in case any more walls collapsed .
“ I would estimate it ’ s going to be a total loss , ” Baker said of the building .
It was not immediately clear what caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone is safe , and thankful for the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders , ” Lisa Levandowski , a spokeswoman for Amazon , said in a statement .
“ This site was operated by a third party and we will support them throughout this process.
” No nearby Amazon sites were affected by the fire , and the company expects the blaze to have minimal impact on customers .
Orders will be fulfilled from other locations , the company said .
The blaze prompted officials to close the 10 Freeway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour .
The freeway reopened shortly after 7 a.m .

Firefighters battle a fire at a warehouse in Redlands that closed the 10 Freeway briefly. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
A firefighter inside a warehouse that was leveled by a three-alarm fire June 5 near the 10 Freeway in Redlands. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
A three-alarm fire tore through a warehouse in Redlands early Friday, triggering a large response from firefighters and briefly closing a stretch of the 10 Freeway.
The blaze was reported at the warehouse in the 2200 block of West Lugonia Avenue about 5:30 a.m. About 100 employees were inside but evacuated before firefighters arrived, said Carl Baker, a spokesman for the city and its fire department. Fire officials have not reported any injuries.
Video from the scene showed massive flames engulfing the building and plumes of black smoke billowing into the air. One wall of the warehouse collapsed inward, Baker said.
Firefighters poured streams of water on flames that appeared to engulf almost all of the sprawling structure and began to burn truck trailers, some with Amazon logos, parked at loading docks.
Initial reports indicated the distribution center was an Amazon facility, but Baker said it was occupied by a company that contracts with the online retail giant.
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Kuehne and Nagel, the company that operates the site, helps Amazon ship extra-large items to customers, according to Amazon.
By about 9:15 a.m., there were still active flames at the building, and firefighters remained in a defensive position, battling the blaze from outside, Baker said.
“But it’s certainly a lot more controlled than it was earlier this morning,” he said.
Officials remained concerned about the building’s structural integrity, and firefighters were keeping a safe distance in case any more walls collapsed.
“I would estimate it’s going to be a total loss,” Baker said of the building.
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It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
“We are glad everyone is safe, and thankful for the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders,” Lisa Levandowski, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said in a statement. “This site was operated by a third party and we will support them throughout this process.”
No nearby Amazon sites were affected by the fire, and the company expects the blaze to have minimal impact on customers. Orders will be fulfilled from other locations, the company said.
The blaze prompted officials to close the 10 Freeway in both directions for more than an hour. The freeway reopened shortly after 7 a.m.


latimes--2020-06-05--L.A. woman is drawing attention to another black death at police hands: Breonna Taylor

Widespread protests provoked by the death of George Floyd have swept the nation this week , but some activists , like the L.A.-based writer Cate Young , want to use this opportunity to spotlight other cases , too .
On Tuesday , Young launched a campaign to demand justice for Breonna Taylor , a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was shot in her Louisville , Ky. , apartment by a police officer in March .
Frustrated by the lack of media and political attention on black women such as Taylor who have died at the hands of police , Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news cycle .
“ If I were to be a victim of this kind of crime , I would be quickly forgotten , ” said Young , a black woman and self-described feminist .
“ Someone needed to champion her cause as well.
” Just after midnight on March 13 , Louisville police , executing a search warrant , forced their way into Taylor ’ s home .
Her boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , fired a shot at an officer ’ s leg .
The police fired back with at least 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker , who said he thought they were being attacked by criminals , was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer .
The charges have since been dismissed .
The police have not been charged , but the FBI is now investigating the shooting .
The campaign — # BirthdayForBreonna — asks participants to send birthday cards to Kentucky Atty .
Gen. Daniel Cameron , the Louisville police , Mayor Greg Fischer and Gov .
Andy Besehar in honor of Taylor ’ s birthday and demand the prosecution of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been 27 on Friday .
“ Birthdays are symbolic , ” Young said .
“ It ’ s a good opportunity to galvanize people and get her case back into the news cycle.
” The campaign is part of a wider # SayHerName movement , which encourages those fighting for civil and social justice to include the stories of black women , too .
Though the story around police brutality has been hyper-focused on crimes against black men , Young , who is also a journalist , understands news cycles : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality , we have a very specific frame : ‘ Police kill black men , ’ ” Young said .
“ That is a true story , but it ’ s an incomplete story .
Black women ’ s stories get erased.
” In accomplishing this — reviving Taylor ’ s story — the campaign has been a success , attracting celebrities with enormous platforms Busy Phillips , the actress and Instagram personality , saw Young ’ s post on Instagram and wanted to use her large platform to leverage the efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet in my timeline and it just struck me thinking about Taylor never turning 27 , ” Phillips wrote in a text message .
“ Cate ’ s plan of action just felt like the right way to both honor Taylor ’ s life and demand justice for her murder.
” Beyond sending birthday cards , the campaign lists seven action steps to bring justice for Taylor , one of which is to donate to the Taylor family ’ s official GoFundMe campaign .
When Young added the GoFundMe link to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was around $ 100,000 .
Now , donations have surpassed $ 2 million .
“ My original goal was to get her back in the news cycle , which has worked , ” Young said .
The campaign has had a sort of domino effect .
Along with countless inquiries about replicating the idea for future initiatives Young has received , some activists have gotten creative .
Valerie Confections , a bakery in Echo Park , baked birthday cakes for Taylor and plans to sell slices Friday , donating all proceeds to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing black women ’ s stories back into the media , the campaign seeks policy change .
“ Now that so many people have gotten involved , my lofty goal is for the officers involved to be arrested and charged , ” Young said .
“ I ’ m not naive enough to think that will happen , but if it does that will be the ultimate success for me.
” Young , a feminist who seeks to amplify all women ’ s stories , shares one more personal link to Taylor : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s birthday .
“ It was just another connection I had with her , ” she said .
“ However far removed.
” Amid an uprising — and a pandemic that relies on social distancing — # BirthdayForBreonna also provides a way to get involved for those who don ’ t wish to participate in mass protests for public health reasons .
“ We ’ re still in a pandemic , ” Young said .
“ And not being able to — or simply not wanting to — go out in public is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never organized a campaign before , credits the uprising for motivating her .
“ If those protests hadn ’ t happened , I don ’ t know if I would have felt the need to get involved , ” she said .
“ But I had to do something .
”

A piece of art created for a campaign to demand justice for Breonna Taylor. She would have turned 27 on Friday.
Widespread protests provoked by the death of George Floyd have swept the nation this week, but some activists, like the L.A. writer Cate Young, want to use this opportunity to spotlight other cases, too.
On Tuesday, Young launched a campaign to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was shot in her Louisville, Ky., apartment by a police officer in March.
Frustrated by the lack of media and political attention on black women such as Taylor who have died at the hands of police, Young seeks to bring her story back into the news cycle.
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“If I were to be a victim of this kind of crime, I would be quickly forgotten,” said Young, a black woman and self-described feminist. “Someone needed to champion her cause as well.”
Just after midnight on March 13, Louisville police, executing a search warrant, forced their way into Taylor’s home. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot at an officer’s leg. The police fired back with at least 20 bullets, striking Taylor eight times.
Walker, who said he thought they were being attacked by criminals, was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer. The charges have since been dismissed. The police have not been charged, but the FBI is now investigating the shooting.
The campaign — #BirthdayForBreonna — asks participants to send birthday cards to Kentucky Atty. Gen. Daniel Cameron, the Louisville police, Mayor Greg Fischer and Gov. Andy Beshear in honor of Taylor’s birthday and demand the prosecution of the officers involved in her killing. Taylor would have been 27 on Friday.
“Birthdays are symbolic,” Young said. “It’s a good opportunity to galvanize people and get her case back into the news cycle.”
Advertisement
The campaign is part of a wider #SayHerName movement, which encourages those fighting for civil and social justice to include the stories of black women, too.
Though the story around police brutality has been hyper-focused on crimes against black men, Young, who is also a journalist, understands news cycles:
“When it comes to stories about police brutality, we have a very specific frame: ‘Police kill black men,’” Young said. “That is a true story, but it’s an incomplete story. Black women’s stories get erased.”
In accomplishing this — reviving Taylor’s story — the campaign has been a success, attracting celebrities with enormous platforms
Busy Phillips, the actress and Instagram personality, saw Young’s post on Instagram and wanted to use her large platform to leverage the efforts.
“I saw Cate’s tweet in my timeline and it just struck me thinking about Taylor never turning 27,” Phillips wrote in a text message. “Cate’s plan of action just felt like the right way to both honor Taylor’s life and demand justice for her murder.”
Beyond sending birthday cards, the campaign lists seven action steps to bring justice for Taylor, one of which is to donate to the Taylor family’s official GoFundMe campaign.
When Young added the GoFundMe link to the campaign landing page on Tuesday, the total was around $100,000. Now, donations have surpassed $2 million.
“My original goal was to get her back in the news cycle, which has worked,” Young said.
The campaign has had a sort of domino effect. Along with countless inquiries about replicating the idea for future initiatives Young has received, some activists have gotten creative.
Valerie Confections, a bakery in Echo Park, baked birthday cakes for Taylor and plans to sell slices Friday, donating all proceeds to the Taylor family’s GoFundMe.
Beyond bringing black women’s stories back into the media, the campaign seeks policy change.
“Now that so many people have gotten involved, my lofty goal is for the officers involved to be arrested and charged,” Young said. “I’m not naive enough to think that will happen, but if it does that will be the ultimate success for me.”
Young, a feminist who seeks to amplify all women’s stories, shares one more personal link to Taylor: June 5 is also her mother’s birthday.
“It was just another connection I had with her,” she said. “However far removed.”
Amid an uprising — and a pandemic that relies on social distancing —#BirthdayForBreonna also provides a way to get involved for those who don’t wish to participate in mass protests for public health reasons.
“We’re still in a pandemic,” Young said. “And not being able to — or simply not wanting to — go out in public is completely understandable.”
But Young, who has never organized a campaign before, credits the uprising for motivating her.
“If those protests hadn’t happened, I don’t know if I would have felt the need to get involved,” she said. “But I had to do something.”