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Morning Briefing: Taking A Look In The Mirror
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Just as the protests and demonstrations going on across the country are shining a bright light on so many Americans' disgust with systemic racism and police brutality, so too is this moment training a glaring spotlight on those who feel otherwise.
Locally, a Simi Valley city councilman is under fire after suggesting that protesters be hosed down with septic tanks. L.A. Galaxy midfielder Aleksandar Katai is now *former* L.A. Galaxy midfielder Aleksandar Katai, after his wife posted racist and violent content to Instagram and his contract with the team was terminated.
In other words, our current moment is making one thing clear: we will all, in one way or another, be seen for who we are. And if we don’t like the reflection staring back at us, it may be time to take a look inward.
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Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, June 8
The Magic Castle has faced a backlash on social media after offering its parking lot to the LAPD as a staging area amidst protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, reports Mike Roe.
KPCC+LAist reporters are rounding up our coverage of issues involving race, policing and criminal justice in L.A. We hope these articles serve as informative guides as more Angelenos become involved in conversations, debates and activism.
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The Past 48 Hours In LA
L.A. Protests: Demonstrators continued to demand justice for black Americans killed by police officers, and to ask officials to defund the L.A. Police Department. Our reporters saw no looting or violence between police officers and protesters. Some standout demonstrations included one organized by the Compton Cowboys, who rode Sunday with other African American cowboys and cowgirls; and the "Eastside Ride,” which involved cars of all vintages driving from Mariachi Plaza and the East L.A. Public Library to LAPD headquarters.
The Glaring Spotlight Of Social Media: Some constituents are calling for Simi Valley city councilman Mike Judge to resign after he suggested in a Facebook post that protesters should be hosed by septic tanks. The L.A. Galaxy ended its contract with Aleksandar Katai after his wife posted a meme on Instagram suggesting that protesters should be killed.
Local Government Responses To Protests: Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the National Guard will be leaving L.A. as of Sunday night. Curfews in L.A. County are (hopefully) a thing of the past, but that didn't stop Santa Ana officials from instituting their own last night.
Reopening L.A.: Starting Monday, 24 libraries across L.A. County will be open for contact-less pick-ups and drop-offs. The pandemic has forced the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to overhaul how it ministers to its five million person flock.
Coronavirus In Numbers: There are now 62,389 coronavirus cases and 2,624 deaths in L.A. County, and at least 129,077 cases and 4,610 deaths in California. Worldwide, there are more than 6.9 million cases and over 401,000 deaths.
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First Person: Reporter Emily Guerin reflects on 24 hours covering two discordant but simultaneous events: peaceful protests, and destructive looting in downtown Santa Monica.
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