Protests Remain Peaceful, Leaders Get Woke In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Groups of protesters gathered across Riverside County Saturday, but there were no large-scale events and no immediate reports of any widespread arrests or property damage.

The peace comes as several local cities and the county begin dialogue to address community concerns over police brutality and racism in the wake of the in-custody death of 46-year-old George Floyd on Memorial Day.

In Temecula, where several large protests and many smaller events have taken place, the city applauded Friday's peaceful protest organized by Black Lives Matter that attracted nearly 1,000 people.

"The Black Lives Matter leaders and members, and supporting citizens, are making a difference in Temecula with many powerful protests at the Temecula Duck Pond," the city said in a released statement. "Temecula City Council members stood with executive management, deputies, and staff at City Hall to support hundreds of young adults of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

The demonstrators sent "strong messages of accountability in an urgent call to action to prevent and denounce racism and social bias," the city statement read.

Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards said the city and the sheriff's department are reaching out to community leaders from Black Lives Matters to meet as soon as possible. Lake Elsinore has also reached out, according to Mayor Brian Tisdale.

"My hope and prayer is that the tragedy of George Floyd, and the protests that have ensued, have awakened the decency in every person,” Edwards said.

Edwards' remarks come on the heels of the resignation Thursday of Mayor James "Stew" Stewart, who sent a racially insensitive message to a Temecula constituent.

During a Friday news briefing, Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chair V. Manuel Perez said he is very supportive of the sheriff's department but it's time to review policing policies to see where improvements might be made.

Perez is asking his colleagues on Tuesday to support an initiative that directs the Riverside County Executive Office and Sheriff Chad Bianco to coordinate a review of the sheriff department's policing practices, as well as policy and oversight, including use of force, community policing and crime reduction, training and education, and officer and community wellness and safety, according to the board agenda. If approved, the CEO and sheriff will be asked to report back within 90 days, the agenda shows. The item also recommends that county staff and the sheriff's department engage with the public through community forums.

Perez will also seek the board's support in a resolution condemning Floyd's death — in which four former Minneapolis officers have now been charged — and he said he's sending a letter to local leadership to support the fight against racism.

Bianco and his deputies have shown support of peaceful demonstrations. In a video released Friday, the sheriff said he was "appalled" by footage showing Floyd's death and told local protesters, "We are on your side."

Spurred into action by recent events, several elected leaders also attended a virtual town hall meeting Friday that was hosted by Pastor Willie Oliver on "Continuing Change." In addition to several community leaders and pastors, Assembly Member Melissa Melendez, Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, Lake Elsinore Mayor Brian Tisdale, Murrieta Mayor Gene Wunderlich, San Jacinto Mayor Andrew Kotyuk, Perris Mayor Vargas, Murrieta Police Chief Sean Hadden and Murrieta Superintendent of Schools Pat Kelly were in attendance.

"We all agreed, it’s time for everyone to close our mouths and open our ears, and listen to one another," Melendez said. "And that’s what we as a community here in Riverside County intend to do."

Banning Mayor Pro Tem Colleen Wallace decided she would facilitate a town hall in her city too. On Thursday, she will ask residents and businesses about what actions they would like leaders to take in the wake of Floyd's death. She is encouraging asking her constituents to "speak out."