Civil rights lawyers have accused the Los Angeles Police Department of violating California law and a federal court order through their use of crowd control weapons during protests. State laws enacted after the 2020 George Floyd protests restrict the use of chemical agents and less-lethal munitions like tear gas and rubber bullets, permitting them only when there is a clear threat to officers or bystanders, and require warnings in multiple languages. The laws also prohibit police interference with journalists covering protests.
In other news, Los Angeles continues to be a focal point for immigrant rights activism, especially following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps that sparked widespread protests. Local immigrant rights groups have long confronted issues of immigrant oppression in the city, a history explored in the latest episode of the podcast Imperfect Paradise. Additionally, the article highlights cultural offerings such as Crème Caramel LA’s Filipino-inspired Ube Upside Down Pie and upcoming film reviews and events, including a live discussion of the cult classic “What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?” at the Art Theatre of Long Beach.
