George Floyd protests in San Diego County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Floyd protests in San Diego County, California |
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| Part of George Floyd protests in California | |
Crowds gather outside the San Diego County Administration Building on May 31, 2020
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| Date | May 28, 2020 – present (5 years, 6 months, 3 weeks and 2 days) |
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San Diego County, California, United States
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| Caused by |
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| Status | Ongoing |
After George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020, people in San Diego County, California started protesting. These protests aimed to get justice for George Floyd and other Black people who have faced Police brutality. The demonstrations led to some changes, like a new independent group to review police actions across the city.
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Key County Actions
On June 3, the county asked the Army National Guard for help. They wanted assistance with security because of recent public unrest.
On June 4, many law enforcement groups in San Diego County announced new policy changes. These included police departments from cities like Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and San Diego. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department also joined in.
On June 6, hundreds of cars drove together in a long line. They traveled from La Jolla to places like Santee and National City. Their journey ended at the Otay Mesa Detention Facility.
Protest Locations
4S Ranch
On June 2, about 400 to 500 people protested. They gathered at a busy intersection in 4S Ranch. Earlier that day, a car protest started at the 4S Ranch Library. It drove through nearby communities.
Carlsbad
On June 5, hundreds of protesters gathered in Cannon Park in Carlsbad. They observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence. This time represented how long a police officer knelt on George Floyd's neck. The protest ended peacefully.
Chula Vista
On June 4, over 100 people protested in Chula Vista Community Park. They asked for police reforms and equal justice. The mayor and police chief knelt silently with the group.
On June 8, another protest started at the same park. People then marched down Eastlake Parkway.
Coronado
On May 31, a special memorial for George Floyd was set up. It was on a sidewalk near Coronado's main beach. The community added notes, flowers, and candles to it for days.
On June 13, about 150 students from the Coronado Unified School District spoke out. They shared their experiences with racism in schools.
Encinitas
On May 31, over 400 people gathered in Encinitas. They met at the Cardiff Kook sculpture to remember George Floyd. A memorial was placed on the statue for Floyd and other Black victims. Community members later rebuilt the memorial after someone tried to remove it. They guarded it for several nights.
On June 3, thousands of people protested at Moonlight Beach. This event was called "Paddle Out for Unity in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter." People demonstrated on the beach, cliffs, and in the water. A "paddle out" is a special memorial service in surf culture. The organizers wanted to honor George Floyd and others. Protesters arranged over 70 surfboards to spell "unity." They also observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence.
On June 5, hundreds gathered again at the Cardiff Kook sculpture. They showed continued support against police brutality. Some politicians, like Congressman Mike Levin, spoke at the event.
On June 7, about 200 people, including families, gathered at Cardiff State Beach. They held another "paddle-out" memorial and demonstration.
On June 8, health professionals rallied at the Cardiff Kook. Another protest happened later at Cardiff River Mouth Beach.
On June 9, hundreds of high school students protested at Moonlight Beach. They marched to an intersection on Coast Highway.
Escondido
On June 2, over 300 protesters gathered outside the Escondido Police Department. They held signs and chanted slogans. Several police officers, including Chief Ed Varso, knelt with the protesters.
On June 3, about 200 people knelt in front of Escondido City Hall. They protested police violence. City Councilwoman Olga Diaz spoke, asking for police reforms.
On June 5, hundreds of Black Lives Matter activists gathered at Escondido City Hall.
Imperial Beach
On June 7, a protest took place at Imperial Beach Pier Plaza. During the event, a group of men threw eggs at protesters. Two men were arrested and later pleaded guilty to hate crimes.
On July 3, over 50 people attended a candlelight vigil at Veterans Park.
On December 13, a large mural was painted. It honored George Floyd and supported diversity in Imperial Beach.
Julian
A protest happened on June 4 in Julian. About 100 people lined Main Street with signs. They supported Black Lives Matter.
La Mesa
On May 29, La Mesa saw the first protests in the county. This was partly due to a video of a local arrest. An unarmed Black man named Amaurie Johnson was arrested. Dozens protested outside the La Mesa Police Department. This happened after a video of the arrest went viral. The officer involved was put on leave. Protesters felt they needed to act because of national events.
On May 30, about 1,000 protesters marched from the police station. They blocked traffic on Interstate 8. Back at the police station, graffiti appeared on walls. Some people threw objects. Later, some stores were looted, and fires were started.
On June 1, a "La Mesa Civil Defense" group was formed online. Its goal was to "protect the town."
On June 3, the National Guard was called to La Mesa.
On June 5, the La Mesa Police Department announced that charges against Amaurie Johnson were dropped.
On June 14, about 400 Black Lives Matter protesters gathered. They included motorcyclists and women wearing hijabs. They shared a list of "non-negotiable demands." These included a town hall meeting and releasing the name of an officer. The Chief of Police said they would work towards these demands.
On August 1, about 300 protesters gathered at La Mesa City Hall. Some arguments happened between protesters and a group called "Defend East County." One person was arrested.
On November 3, two suspects were arrested. They were accused of setting fire to a bank during the May 30 protest.
On January 3, 2021, the San Diego County District Attorney announced a police officer was charged. The charge was for filing a false police report related to the trolley station incident. The officer was later found not guilty. His firing from the police department was upheld by a judge.
Oceanside
On June 4, a peaceful protest happened in Oceanside. On June 7, hundreds gathered for a Black Lives Matter rally there.
On August 9, about 100 protesters marched through the streets. They carried signs and chanted slogans.
Poway
On May 31, about 75 people gathered on Poway Road. They held signs supporting Black Lives Matter. The City of Poway set a curfew.
On June 4 in Poway, over 100 people marched. They lay down on the ground for nine minutes.
On June 25, about 100 protesters rallied at a major intersection. They chanted and held signs like "Everyone vs. Racism" and "All Lives Don't Matter Until Black Lives Matter."
Ramona
On June 1, protesters chanting "Black Lives Matter" were met by a group of "patriots." This group said they wanted to "defend Ramona against violence." On June 2, over 100 protesters carried signs. They read "Justice for George Floyd" and "End police brutality." Some "community peacekeepers" stood among them, carrying Trump signs.
Rancho Peñasquitos
On June 9, a few hundred people gathered for a candlelight vigil. It was held at Rancho Peñasquitos Towne Center.
San Diego
On May 30, a car caravan drove through the Point Loma area. It was organized by the "Racial Justice Coalition." They wanted to send a message to Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
On May 31, hundreds protested at the Hall of Justice. They then moved to the SDPD headquarters. Police said the crowd was peaceful. Some protesters blocked traffic and shut down I-5 downtown. 97 people were arrested. Police ordered crowds to leave the Broadway area later. This was because objects were thrown at officers. Around 1,000 people gathered at the County Administration Building. They observed an 8-minute moment of silence for Floyd.
Later that night, some stores were reported to have been looted. Windows were also broken at a store and a police car.
On June 1, hundreds marched from Balboa Park to the Pride Flag in Hillcrest. 17 people were arrested.
On June 2, hundreds gathered at Balboa Park. They marched to the San Diego County Administration Center. Speakers talked there. Police helped guide the protesters.
On June 4, at least 2,000 people marched. They went from San Diego Police Headquarters through Hillcrest to North Park.
On June 5, a "paddle-out" event supported Black Lives Matter. It was held at La Jolla Shores.
On June 6, about 3,000 people protested at the County Administration building. Hundreds of surfers organized a "Paddle for Peace" in Pacific Beach. They observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence. Surfers dropped flowers on the waves.
On June 8, protesters blocked roads in Hillcrest. A protest also happened in Kellogg Park in La Jolla.
On June 12, organizers gave out flowers and signs to hundreds of protesters. This was at La Jolla Cove.
On June 13, a rally was held at Waterfront Park. Another group marched from Pacific Beach. Protesters also gathered outside the offices of a news channel.
On June 15, the San Diego County Administration Center was lit up. It showed red and gold lights, the colors of Floyd’s high school.
On June 20, about 1,000 skateboarders rallied downtown. This "Rolling for Rights" event was against systemic racism.
On June 28, a bike ride event was organized. It aimed to raise awareness for racial injustices. It also supported communities without safe access to outdoor sports.
On July 6, the San Diego NAACP asked for a Sheriff's Deputy to be fired. The deputy was removed from active duty.
Santee
On June 2, a man and a woman were arrested in Santee for weapons.
On June 3, about 200 protesters gathered at the same intersection. Several arrests were made for breaking curfew.
On June 8, a protest marched from West Hills Parkway to a bridge.
Solana Beach
On June 3, over 200 protesters carried signs. They stood in front of Solana Beach City Hall.
2021 Protests
On May 25, 2021, the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's death, crowds gathered. They met outside the Hall of Justice with San Diego leaders. There was a period of silence where protesters knelt for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Speakers talked about remembering Floyd’s life and the need for policy changes.
Later that evening, people gathered for a candlelight vigil. This was outside the San Diego County Administration Center. The building and Balboa Park were lit in blue and green. These are the colors of Minneapolis, honoring Floyd. Speakers included racial justice advocates and Floyd's cousin, Gary Jones. The crowd chanted for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 to be passed. This act aims to reduce police force.
Education's Role
Many schools in San Diego County helped with the protests. San Diego State University, University of California, San Diego, University of San Diego, and the San Diego Community College District all supported racial equality and social justice.
San Diego State University
In early June 2020, San Diego State University (SDSU) offered "healing circles." These events helped people discuss the unfairness in the Criminal justice system towards Black communities. SDSU held many events to help end Police violence. This allowed people on campus to share their feelings. The university president announced various events. Most were online, but some were in-person gatherings for healing.
On June 1, 2020, SDSU sent out online meeting links. Students and community members could join to talk about the George Floyd incident. These links were also for people who wanted to support each other for justice.
On June 4, 2020, SDSU held an online event. It was called "Teaching and Supporting Black Students: Advancing Student Needs in Times of Racial Crisis." This link was for everyone in the SDSU community.
University of California, San Diego
In early June 2020, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) departments released statements. They expressed support for George Floyd and other Black community members. The Communication department's statement asked for more Black students, teachers, and staff.
On June 6, 2020, many people protested near the UCSD campus. They protested against police brutality. Protesters blocked traffic on main roads near UCSD. They then moved towards the Westfield UTC mall to spread their message.
In October 2020, the Student Affairs office at UCSD released a statement. It said they disagreed with actions against the Black community. They promised to keep fighting for equality.
In early May 2021, a group called "Cops Off Campus Coalition - UCSD" created a webpage. It explained their "Abolition May" events. The page had information about events supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement.
On May 24, 2021, this group hosted an event. It marked one year since George Floyd's death. The event took place at Doyle Community Park near UCSD. It included music, art, and speakers.
On June 1, 2021, the group held another protest. It honored those who died from police brutality. It also protested against police on school campuses. The protest started on La Jolla Farms Road and blocked the road. It lasted three hours.
University of San Diego
On May 29, 2020, the University of San Diego (USD) president released a statement. It expressed support for George Floyd and his family.
On June 2, 2020, USD held an online prayer service. It was for George Floyd and his family. The service was open to the USD community. It allowed people to pray for those affected by racism and violence.
San Diego Community College District
On April 20, 2021, the Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District made a statement. It was about the three guilty verdicts in George Floyd's case. The statement said these verdicts were steps towards justice for the Black community. The Chancellor also said these verdicts bring everyone closer to justice.
Policy Changes
In early June, the San Diego City Council voted to create a new office. This office would focus on race and fairness. They also decided to keep the police budget the same. Many people who spoke at the meeting wanted to lower the police budget. However, the City Council approved the budget, including a small increase for the police.
In early June 2020, all law enforcement agencies in San Diego County banned a specific police hold. This was the carotid neck restraint. The San Diego Police Department announced this first. Other agencies quickly followed. While this was a good change, activists wanted more.
In late June 2020, Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Police Chief David Nisleit announced new policies. These policies require officers to step in if they see another officer using too much force. Some people felt these policies did not fully address racial differences in police actions.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved new police reform policies. These reforms would create an Office of Equity and Racial Justice in the county. They would also increase oversight of law enforcement. Steps would begin to create a team to respond to mental health crises and homelessness instead of police.
In July, the San Diego City Council approved putting "Measure B" on the 2020 ballot. Measure B would create an Independent Review Board of Police Practices. This board would look into police misconduct and complaints. In the November 3rd election, San Diego voters approved this measure with a large majority. The board's creation depends on when the city council can provide money for it.
In April 2021, Mayor Todd Gloria suggested increasing the police budget. His office said this was needed for retired police officers' pensions and rising costs. This idea received criticism. Many people wanted money to be moved from the police department to community services.
After the Derek Chauvin Trial
Before Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, Mayor Todd Gloria spoke on the San Diego Police Department radio. He said the verdict was "just the beginning of building a deeper trust with our community." Some people criticized his statement. They felt he praised police officers too much. Gloria responded that individual officers appreciated his check-in during a difficult time.
On April 20, San Diegans gathered at Waterfront Park. They marched in the streets around the San Diego County Administration Center. They celebrated Chauvin's conviction. This march also joined a Black Lives Matter march in Downtown San Diego.
On April 21, community members met at North Park Community Park. They celebrated the conviction and called for police accountability in San Diego.
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