One-Year Anniversary Of Killing Of Andy Lopez Nearing; Events Planned in Sonoma County

Sonoma County residents are preparing several events to mark the one-year anniversary of the killing of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a county sheriff’s deputy on Oct. 22, 2013.

Community members plan to attend a 6 p.m. meeting today in Santa Rosa of the Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force, which was established by the county Board of Supervisors following the shooting of Andy by Deputy Erick Gelhaus, who believed the airsoft rifle the teen was carrying was an AK-47 rifle.

At this evening’s meeting, the Sonoma County Community Oversight of Police Practices -- a community group created following Andy’s death -- will give a presentation on the need for community policing and oversight of law enforcement policies, protocol and citizens complaints.

The group is calling for a community oversight board with the power to fully investigate critical incidents and complaints about law enforcement and to develop policies regarding recruitment, hiring, training and promotion of law enforcement officers.

The group also is calling for public oversight and control of the amount of military equipment and supplies held by local law enforcement.

A gathering is planned Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Moorland and West Robles avenues south of Santa Rosa where Andy was shot. Community members will share their thoughts and feelings about the shooting and bilingual grief counselors will be available.

At a meeting Wednesday evening on the Town Green in Windsor, a space will be reserved on an altar being prepared for the Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1.

On Saturday, there will be a cleanup event at the vacant lot where Andy was killed in preparation for the anniversary celebration. Community members want the county to establish a memorial park on the site.

A demonstration is planned on the morning of Oct. 21 at the Sonoma County Courthouse. Community members will speak about the killing and its effect on them at 2 p.m. during the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Members of the Justice Coalition for Andy Lopez and others plan to carpool to the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento on Oct. 22 at a nationwide Day Against Police Brutality and Mass Incarceration protest.

They will return to Moorland and West Robles avenues at 5 p.m. for a potluck and vigil, according to organizers.

--Bay City News

--Image courtesy of Justice for Andy Lopez on Facebook.