SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — San Diego police were observing protests against racism and police brutality at multiple locations on Saturday.
At 10:45 a.m., the San Diego Police Department tweeted, "Protests are occurring and we are at each one ensuring a safe environment."
The police department said about 3,000 people were at the County Administration Center, about 100 people were at a protest on Texas Street and Adams Avenue, and a Del Mar Heights event had a crowd of about 300.
"Our roadways will be busy all day so everyone, please be extra careful," the police department said.
Outside the County Administration Building, protesters gathered Saturday for a demonstration against racism and police brutality as National Guard troops and San Diego police stood near the building.
At 10 a.m., protesters observed eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence in memory of George Floyd, the 46-year-old black man who died in Minneapolis on Memorial Day after a white officer pressed his knee to his neck for more than eight minutes.
The four officers who handled the arrest were all fired and later charged with crimes. Derek Chauvin, the officer with his knee on Floyd's neck, has been charged with second-degree murder. J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
Critics have spotlighted Floyd's death as an illustration of wider law enforcement abuses.
At about 10:17 a.m., the police said the large group of 3,000 peaceful protesters began to march onto Ash Street.
"They will be going north on Sixth Avenue towards Hillcrest," police said. "We will be temporarily closing numerous streets to allow the march to continue."
Another protest was planned for noon at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, according to organizers.
The gathering is a "moving protest" put on by Black Lives Matter that will make their way all over San Diego. The group will start in Torrey Pines before heading to La Jolla, Las Colinas Detention Center, El Cajon, Hillcrest, National City, and ending in San Diego.
Also at noon at Civic Center Park in Vista, a protest called "100 Mothers March for Criminal Justice Reform" will include mothers from across Southern California. Organizations participating include Mothers Against Police Brutality; Mothers Against Racism in America; and Mothers Against Criminal Injustices.
At 9 a.m. Saturday at Tourmaline Beach, hundreds of surfers gathered on the shore and in the water to "Paddle for Peace." The event's flyer said, "It is important that we lead with kindness and come together as a community full of love and support."
In Chula Vista, police officials said they are aware of a planned peace rally in the Memorial Park area. The organizers plan to remain in the park while they play music and worship.
Also Saturday, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore tweeted, "All of Friday's demonstrations in sheriff's department jurisdictions were peaceful. We will always support the public's right to free speech and assembly. We encourage the peaceful gathering of people. We respect your right to be heard. Thank you."
On Friday, groups of demonstrators hit San Diego streets for an eighth straight day, marching, chanting and holding protest signs aloft to honor the memory of Floyd and to demand racial equity and an end to excessive force in the nation's policing.
Rallies began in Carlsbad and Escondido in the mid-afternoon, with gatherings later in the day in Oceanside, San Diego and other communities.
1 p.m. at Waterfront Park near the County Administration Building
Chopper 8 flew overhead and followed the protesters as they marched.
Noon at the Torrey Pines Gliderport
This gathering is a moving protest put on by Black Lives Matter that will make their way all over San Diego. The group will start in Torrey Pines before heading to La Jolla, Las Colinas Detention Center, El Cajon, Hillcrest, National City, and ending in San Diego.
Noon at Civic Center Park in Vista
This protest is being called 100 Mothers March for Criminal Justice Reform. Mothers from across Southern California will be coming together to take a stand for criminal justice reform. Organizations participating include: Mothers Against Police Brutality; Mothers Against Racism in America; Mothers Against Criminal Injustices. This march is supported by the ACLU, San Diego IFAB, North County IFAB, and Dr. Coneley Freedom Ryders.
Speakers at the event will include Yusef Miller (Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego) and Pastor Dr. Coneley.
10 a.m. at the County Administration Building
The group of protesters is expected to start downtown and walk to Hillcrest ending in front of the pride flag.
According to organizers, the event is in coordination with the assistance of San Diego Waterfront, San Diego County Sheriffs, San Diego Police Department and San Diego Pride. They are also asking that all attendees wear masks and obey traffic laws and use sidewalks while walking.
County Admin Building to Hillcrest protest
Tourmaline Beach – 9 a.m.
Hundreds of surfers gathered together on the shore and in the water to ‘Paddle for Peace’ on Saturday morning. The events flyer said, “It is important that we lead with kindness and come together as a community full of love and support.”
