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NEWS & LETTERS, February - March 2007Los Angeles cops harass homeless peopleLos Angeles--A demonstration was held in Los Angeles's Skid Row district on Dec. 22 in front of the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division. A hundred people, mostly Black, but also many whites as well as brown and Asian activists, were there to voice opposition to ongoing attacks on the homeless and poor by police using illegal and brutal methods in the interest of gentrification of the downtown area. A few reporters from television, radio and print media were present. Downtown community residents and Community Action Network sponsored the event. They were supported by some homeless people and members of organizations such as Hippie Kitchen, a Catholic workers group that feeds the homeless and poor in Skid Row, News and Letters Committees, the Bus Riders Union, individual activists, Independent Media and others. A community "citation" and "notice to appear" indicted LAPD Chief William Bratton and Central Division head Andy Smith for the "lawlessness of police and the racist criminalization of an entire community." The violations by the police included theft, assault, intimidation, false arrests and detention, conspiracy and civil rights violations. The community also indicted Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for uncritically supporting the activities of the LAPD. Testimonies included the story of a white woman who was taken from her home, beaten up and then forced into a hospital against her will. A Black man described being brutalized in a public park for no reason. He had to seek treatment at a VA hospital after the incident. LAPD Central Division officers also continue to harass people on the street by carrying out sweeps for outstanding warrants. There were lively chants and signs at the demonstration, including: "House the homeless, don't harass them" and "Crime alert--wanted--LAPD." One person stated the police activities are reminiscent of the southern "White Citizens Councils" that fought against the civil rights movement. A spokesman listed points of demand and stated that gentrification will not take place without the community's input. --Basho |
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