Los Angeles Police Department issues meeting, 1992

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Content CITY OF LOS ANGELES
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE
DATE: June 8, 1992
TO: Janet Wong
FROM: Vallee Bunting
SUBJECT: Confirmed participants for LAPD-issues meeting
Here are the people who participated in the April 8 and April
15, 1992 meetings to discuss community reaction to the King
verdicts.
1 . Mayor Tom Bradley
2 . Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas
3 . Joan Crear, Councilman Ridley-Thomas' office
4 . Councilwoman Rita Walters
5 . Charles Dickerson, Councilwoman Rita Walters office
6 . Rev. Chip Murray, First AME Church
7 . Mark Whitlock, Richard Allen Men's Society, First AME Church
8 . Rev. Jim Lawson, Holman United Methodist Church
9 . Joe Hicks, Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater
Los Angeles
10. Joe Duff, Los Angeles NAACP
11. John Mack, Los Angeles Urban League
12. Danny Bakewell, Brotherhood Crusade
13. Vallee Bunting
14. Mark Fabiani
15. Phil Depoian
# # #
®
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE
DATE: April 14, 1992
TO: Mayor Tom Bradley
FROM: Vallee Bunting
SUBJECT: King Trail meeting, April 15, Executive Dining Room,
8 a.m.
Mayor, tomorrow is your second meeting with community leaders
r egarding community reaction to police-related matters, most
specifically, the community reaction to the Rodney King verdict.
Since you issued a number of assignments for the meeting
participants to develop the church rally and subsequent march to
Parker Center following the day of the verdict, much work has
been done to bring these two events to fruition.
Attached to this memorandum is a letter that was distributed
t o each member of a meeting held last weekend to coordinate the
church rally. Also attached is the memo outlining the agenda of
t he first meeting.
Attending tomorrow's meeting will be:
Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas
Councilwoman Rita Walters
Rev. Chip Murray
Rev. Jim Lawson
J ohn Mack
D a nny Bakewell.
J oseph Duff
J oseph Hicks
# # #
King Trial Verdict Church Meetings Effort
The day of the Rodney King Trial verdict is sure to be an
i mportant event in this city and is especially meaningful to
l ow-income and minority communities who feel they have been
continually victimized by the police. In the wake of the Latasha
Harlins controversy, and continuing tensions between the African
American and Korean American communities, many liken the atmosphere
i n the community to what existed immediately prior to the Watts
r iots. That is why we are proposing that a series of church
meetings be organized that will allow the community to express its
opinions, good or bad, the evening that the verdicts are reached.
What we envision is a series of church rallies that will attract
congregations and community members the night of the verdicts,
r egardless of the decision. If the verdicts are for acquittal of
t he officers, these churches will be well prepared to appeal for
ca lm, to offer the community a constructive platform to vent their
anger, and to offer a mobilization program for residents to support
the reform package on the June 2 ballot.
If the verdicts are favorable to the community, these meetings
can serve as an opportunity to celebrate this decision and can
encourage people to complete the healing process from the fallout of
the Rodney King incident. This can also be used as an opportunity
f or people to begin mobilizing around the police reform issues on
th e ballot and can encourage residents to prepare for the naming of
a new Chief of Police.
M r. Elkins has agreed to begin organizing these efforts, upon
your approval. He will set up a meeting with members of the major
rel igious organizations in South Central and other ethnic
communities, and encourage them to set up a mechanism whereby a
phone tree can be instaneously activated upon the day the verdicts
are read. At tomorrow's meeting, Rev. Jim Lawson and Rev. Chip
Murray, can be asked to co-chair this effort. Either one of their
churches can serve as a focal point for media and, if you are so
i nclined, a brief address by you on the importance of the decision.
Even though we may focus on First AME or Holman United Methodist
Church as the main media site, we should also encourage council
members to attend any rallies in churches in their communities so
t hat all residents feel that city officials are genuinely concerned
with their reaction to the verdict news. In addition, we should
e nsure that the Mayor's area coordinators, especially those who
r epresent communities that would be particularly affected by the
outcome o f the trial, canvass some of the meeting sites to assess
t he mood of the public, especially if· the verdicts are not favorable.
# # #
®
APRIL 17, 1992
IMMEDIATELY
COMMUNITY RALLY PSA :30
ATTENTION LOS ANGELES RESIDENTS. A MASSIVE COMMUNITY MEETING AND
RALLY IS BEING PLANNED AT FIRST AME CHURCH FOR THE EVENING THE RODNEY KING
TRIAL VERDICT IS ANNOUNCED. JOIN LOS ANGELES' ELECTED OFFICIALS,
COMMUNITY AND ECUMENICAL LEADERS AT THE EVENT CALLED TO EXAMINE THE
ACTIONS THAT THE CITY SHOULD TAKE IN LIGHT OF THE RODNEY KING COURT
DECISION. THE RALLY IS SCHEDULED FOR 7 P.M., THE EVENING OF THE VERDICT,
AT FIRST AME, 2270 S. HARVARD BOULEVARD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY A ROLE
I N THIS IMPORTANT EFFORT, PLEASE CALL (213) 485-3758 OR (213) 735-1251.
# # #
For Immediate Release
April 17, 1992
Contact: First AME Church
(213) 735-7289
. PRESS RELEASE
COMMUNITY RALLY TO ASSESS OUTCOME OF KING TRIAL AT FIRST AME CHURCH
A massive community rally will be held the evening that the verdict
i n the Rodney King Trial is handed down at 7 p.m., at First AME Church,
2270 S. Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley and Eighth District
Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas will be among the elected officials,
community and ecumenical leaders at the event which has been called to
examine the actions that the city should take in light of the Rodney King
c ourt decision.
Four Los Angeles Police officers are standing trial in the March 3,
199 1 ?eating of motorist Rodney King that was captured on videotape and
broadcast throughout the world. The jury is expected to deliberate and
hand down a verdict in the celebrated case within the next week.
"We urge all citizens in Los Angeles to attend this rally which will
help chart the course of police reform in this city for years to come.
Whatever the verdict is, residents must come together and let their voices
be heard regarding the way law enforcement agencies conduct their
business. In light of the appointment of the city's first African
American Police Chief, we can continue the positive momentum that has been
fo rged and ensure that community concerns regarding police matters are
-more-
(j)
-2-
heard and acted upon," said Mayor Tom Bradley.
The rally is being coordinated by First AME's Richard Allen Men's
Society and will involve participation from civil rights and community
based organizations, church groups, youth agencies, and neighborhood watch
groups.
For more information, call First AME at (213) 735-7829.
# # #
®
BACK-UP RESOURCES
FOR THE
· •·· -· . .
RALLY/COMMUNITY MEETING TO BE CONVENED AT
FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH
. , . .. .. .. .. ..
• •. • l ~ . :~.•
· --;"' · :: ~ } '
. -· ··' ..
. . · •.. ··:'!
:.' ·:. ·: .. : . :- . .
ON THE EVENING OF THE DAY THE JURY IN THE RODNEY KING MATTER
RENDERS ITS DECISION
-000-
IT IS PROPOSED THAT A MINIMUM OF 200 MEN BE MARSHALLED AND
CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR KEY GEOGRAPHICAL
SEGMENTS IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES FOR ' THE PURPOSE OF
MOTIVATING KEY SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY TO KEEP COOL IN THE
AFTERMATH OF THE KING DECISION, NO MATTER WHICH WAY IT GOES.
IT IS, THEREFORE, PROPOSED THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY YOUTH GANG
SERVICES ORGANIZATION, WORKING IN LOCKED STEP WITH A CONSORTIUM
OF BLACK ECUMENICAL LEADERS, WILL ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING:
TWELVE (12) SATELLITE OPERATIONS WILL BE SET-UP IN THE FOLLOWIN~
CHURCHES AND AREAS:
1) SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH (GRIFFITH HALL)
2412 GRIFFITH AVENUE
TEL. # : ( 213) 7 4 8- 0 318
PASTOR: DR. WILLIAM EPPS
2) PRAISES OF ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
8222 SO. SAN PEDRO
TEL • # : ( 213 ) 7 5 0- 1 0 3 3
PASTOR: DR. JOE HARDWICK
3) TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
2040 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARD
TEL. # : ( 213) 7 3 5- 0 0 4 4
PASTOR: DR. DUMAS HARSHAW
4) MT. ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1308 E. 50TH STREET
TEL. # : ( 213) 2 3 5- 210 3
PASTOR: DR. E. V. HILL
5) GREATER BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH
8406 SO. HOOVER
TEL. # : ( 213) 7 5 0- 0 5 2 3
PASTOR: BISHOP ROBERT MCMURRAY
6) MR. MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH
4269 FIGUEROA STREET
TEL. #: (213) 232-5147
PASTOR: REV. MELVIN WADE
-more-
RALLY/COMMUNITY MEETING
7) MESSIAH BAPTIST CHURCH
4500 W. ADAMS
TEL . # : ( 213 ) 7 3 4- 7 9 2 0
PASTOR: Dr. KENNETH FLOWERS
8) ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH
6028 VICTORIA
TEL. # : ( 213) 7 5 8- 9161
PASTOR: REV. CHARLES BURNS
9) CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
108TH AND CRENSHAW
TEL. #: ( 310) 6 7 4-2 6 2 2
PASTOR: REV. LUTHER KEITH
10) CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
12928 VAUGH STREET, PACOIMA
TEL. -#: (818) 896-0798
PASTOR: REV. WILLIAM BROAD
11) TABERNACLE OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
114TH AND CENTRAL
TEL. #: ( 213) 5 6 9- 416 2
PASTOR: REV. CHARLES MIMS
12) BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH
7900 SO. WESTERN AVENUE
TEL . # : ( 21 3 ) 7 5 0- 3 2 4 0
PASTOR: REV. E. E. BOYD
PAGE TWO
IT IS FURTHER PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING SERVICES WILL BE
MARSHALLED FOR USE IN THE HEADQUARTER OFFICE OF FIRST A.M.E.
CHURCH AND EACH OF THE TWELVE (12) SATELLITE CHURCHES:
1) A MINIMUM OF FOURTEEN (14) PATROL CARS, RADIO EQUIPED,
TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY YOUTH GANG
OPERATIONS.
2) A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN ( 15) WALKIE-TALKIES TO BE MADE
AVAILABLE TO THE SATELLITE OFFICES.
3) KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN, GOLDEN BIRD AND CHURCHES WILL
BE CONTACTED TO DONATE FRIED CHICKEN TO SERVE . THE
SATELLITE OFFICES.
4) COCA-COLA AND PEPSI COLA WILL BE CONTACTED TO ASK TO
DONATE BEVERAGES TO SERVE THE SATELLITE OFFICES.
-more-
RALLY/COMMUNITY MEETING PAGE THREE
IT IS FURTHER PROPOSED THAT THE PASTOR OR ITS DESIGNEE FROM EACH
OF THE SATELLITE OFFICES BE CONVENED IN A MEETING NO LATER THAN
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992, IN THE AFTERNOON TO CONSUMMATE
ORGANIZATION OF THIS ENDEAVOR.
DR. CECIL MURRAY WILL ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY TO GET IN THE
MAIL BEFORE 2:00 PM THIS DATE A MAILGRAM OR FAX OF THE PROPOSED
PLAN TO EACH OF THE SATELLITE OFFICES.
A MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR 9:30 AM, TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992 WITH
COMMISSIONER JESS BREWER TO CONSUMMATE PLANS FOR THE PROPOSED
PROGRAM TO INTERFACE WITH LAPD.
######
April 28, 1992
(Salutation) (First name) (last name)
News Director
(Station)
(address)
Los Angeles, California (zip)
Dear (salutation) (last name):
While the city of Los Angeles awaits the verdict in the
Rodney King case, there has been much speculation on the
potential aftermath of the trial. Already the media has
covered stories of community leaders appealing for calm, and
Chief Daryl Gates's repeated statements regarding the
possibility of violence have received wide airplay.
Calm, considered discourse can do much to alleviate the
tension surrounding the trial. In an effort to achieve this
goal, the media must focus appropriate attention on those .
residents and leaders who will be channeling community emotion
into constructive efforts to bring necessary change and reform
to our City and the LAPD. I trust that these constructive
efforts will be a necessary and important element in the news
coverage surrounding the trial's outcome.
Over the last several weeks, I have convened a number of
meetings with City Council members, representatives of
community based organizations, religious leaders and top LAPD
officials to prepare for the City's response to the verdicts.
As a result of these quiet meetings, we have developed a
workable and reliable response network for .any scenario that
may develop. The night the verdicts are announced, for
example, a major community rally will be held at First AME
Church to give the community the chance to express its
feelings regarding the decision.
As the news director of a major broadcast station, I know
you understand that sensitive reporting of the volatile issues
King Trial
Page 2
surrounding these verdicts demands an objective, reasoned, and
restrained approach. I know you also appreciate that
responsible coverage must focus on legitimate and responsible
community and government leaders, not on those figures bent on
generating only controversy and publicity for themselves. We
all understand that coverage that does not meet these high
standards could lead to negative consequences for the
residents of this city dependent upon your station for the
dissemination of information at this important time.
Sincerely,
TOM BRADLEY
Mayor
NEWS ADVISORY
APRIL 29, 1992
IMMEDIATELY
IN RESPONSE TO THE VERDICTS JUST ANNOUNCED IN THE RODNEY KING TRIAL,
MAYOR TOM BRADLEY WILL MAKE A MAJOR ADDRESS TO THE CITIZENS OF LOS ANGELES
TODAY (APRIL 29), 4:30 P.M., IN THE MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM, (CITY HALL,
ROOM 3 05) .
KCBS-TV WILL PROVIDE THE POOL FEED FOR LOCAL TELEVISION STATIONS
WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT. PRINT AND RADIO REPORTERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN
THE CONFERENCE ROOM AS THE MAYOR IS DELIVERING HIS ADDRESS. STILL
PHOTOGRAPHERS MUST BR] NG BLIMP SILENCING EQUIPMENT TO BE ADMITTED INTO THE
CONFERENCE ROOM.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING PLANS FOR THE ADDRESS, CALL BILL
CHANDLER OR VALLEE BUNTING AT (213) 485-5182.
# # #
@
N EWS ADVISORY
APRIL 29, 1992
IMMEDIATELY
IN RESPONSE TO THE VERDICTS JUST ANNOUNCED IN THE RODNEY KING TRIAL,
MAYOR TOM BRADLEY WILL HOLD A MEDIA AVAILABILITY TO OFFER HIS ASSESSMENT
OF THE DECISIONS REGARDING THE FOUR LOS ANGELES POLICE OFFICERS ACCUSED OF
BEATING MOTORIST RODNEY KING. THE MEDIA AVAILABILITY WILL BE HELD TODAY
(APRIL 29), 5 P.M., IN THE MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM, (CITY HALL, ROOM 305).
# # #
NEWS ADVISORY
APRIL 29, 1992
IMMEDIATELY
MAYOR TOM BRADLEY WILL BE JOINED BY COUNCILMAN MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS,
COUNCILWOMAN RITA WALTERS, OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY AND
ECUMENCIAL LEADERS AT A MASSIVE COMMUNITY RALLY WHICH WILL EXAMINE THE
OUTCOME OF THE RODNEY KING TRIAL TONIGHT (APRIL 29), 7 P.M., AT FIRST AME
CHURCH, 2270 S. HARVARD BLVD.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN CALLED TO EXAMINE THE ACTIONS THAT THE CITY SHOULD
TAKE IN LIGHT OF THE VERDICTS ANNOUNCED TODAY IN THE RODNEY KING TRIAL.
THE RALLY IS BEING COORDINATED BY FIRST AME'S RICHARD ALLEN MEN'S SOCIETY
AND WILL INVOLVE PARTICIPATION FROM CIVIL RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY BASED
ORGANIZATIONS, CHURCH GROUPS, YOUTH AGENCIES AND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUPS.
# # #
®
®
Remarks
Mayor Tom Bradley
5:00 p.m., April 29, 1992
MAYOR TOM BRADLEY
Today a jury told the world that what we all saw -- with
our own eyes -- wasn't a crime. Today a jury asked us to
accept the senseless and brutal beating of a helpless man.
Today a jury said that we should tolerate such conduct by those
who are sworn to protect and serve.
My friends, I am here to tell this jury: No.
--No, our eyes did not deceive us. We saw what we saw, and
what we saw was a crime.
--No, we will not tolerate the savage beating of our
citizens by a few renegade cops.
I do not seek to explain the jury's decision, because no
explanation makes sense. But I do know this: The jury's
verdict will never outlive the images of the savage beating
seared forever into our minds and souls.
So today I implore every resident of Los Angeles: Do not
lose heart. Do not let today's verdict obscure the facts.
I understand full well that we must give voice to our great
frustration. I know that we must express our profound
outrage. But we must do so in ways that bring honor to
ourselves and our communities. We must not bury the gains we
have made in the rubble created by destructive behavior. We
must not endanger the reforms we have achieved by resorting to
mindless acts. And we must not push back progress by striking
out blindly.
So I say to you today, everything we do in the coming weeks
must meet one test: Will our actions advance the great cause
of reforming the LAPD? That is why I ask each of you to come
together -- as never before -- to achieve three essential
objectives:
--First, demand in the strongest possible terms that the
LAPD fire the officers who beat Rodney King and take them off
the streets once and for all. The jury's verdict will never
blind the world to what we saw on the videotape. The jury's
verdict will never change this simple fact: The men who beat
Rodney King do not deserve to wear the uniform of the LAPD.
Page 2
--Second, give your full support to the new Chief of
Police. Today the system failed us. But last week our cry for
reform was heard when the Police Commission selected our new
Chief of Police. I promise you this: The conditions that led
to the King beating would never have been tolerated by Chief
Williams.
--Third, we must unite in support of the Christopher
Commission reforms -- Charter Amendment "F" -- on the June
second ballot.
My fellow citizens, we can achieve these three essential
objectives. We can make the difference. We can create
change. But we will not succeed if we do not focus our
outrange. We must not -- we will not -- respond to this
senseless jury verdict with senseless acts borne of anger.
I nstead we must -- we will --show the world what is possible in
Los Angeles. In our city, we will show that the great
i njustice of a jury's verdict will give birth to the
long-lasting justice of fundamental reform. In Los Angeles, we
will stand behind our new Chief of Police and help change our
city for the better. My fellow citizens, I know this: We will
summon all the best in ourselves to make Los Angeles a fair, a
just and a s a f e place to live. Let's get to work.
Document Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
INDEX OF DOCUMENTS
Document Description
Schedule of Mayor Tom Bradley's
Activities, April 29 - May 3, 1992
Script for telephone invitation to
community meetings held in
preparation for the verdicts
List of participants for community
meetings
List of participants for community
meetings
Memorandum re scheduling of
church-based rallies in respond to
the verdicts
Text of public service announcement
taped by Mayor's Office announcing
church-based response to the verdicts
Press announcement prepared by
Mayor's Office concerning
church-based response to the verdicts
Plan of action prepared by Mayor's
Office for church-based community
patrols throughout South Los Angeles
following the verdicts
Letter from Mayor to local
television news directors in
preparation for the verdicts
Press advisories announcing Mayor's
citywide television address in
response to the verdicts
Press advisory announcing Mayor's
participation in First AME Church
rally following the verdicts
Text of Mayor's citywide television
address in response to the verdicts,
as delivered
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Draft of Mayor's address prepared in
the event of acquittals
Draft of Mayor's address prepared in
the event of a hung jury
Draft of Mayor's address preared in
the event of mixed verdicts by the
jury
Summary of Mayor's Office response
to the riot and its aftermath
Instructions from Mayor to his staff
regarding response to constituent
calls concerning the verdicts and
their aftermath
Drafts of Mayor's remarks to the
public during the riot
Staff memorandum to the Mayor in
preparation for his appeal for calm
on the "Arsenic Hall Show" on April
30, 1992
List of assistance centers prepared
by Mayor's Office staff
List of activities undertaken by
Mayor's Office staff in response to
the verdicts and their aftermath
Documents prepared by Mayor's
Transportation Advisor to notify
public of changes in RTD schedules
Staff memorandum to the Mayor
regarding federal assistance
List of churches in riot area
prepared by Mayor's staff
List of community groups in riot
area prepared by Mayor's staff
Letter to Department of Water and
Power Board ordering payment
extensions and forgiveness in riot
area
Staff memorandum to the Mayor
concerning meeting with
Korean-American community leaders
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Letter prepared by Mayor's Office to
respond to constituent letters
concerning the verdicts and their
aftermath
Various documents, letters and
memorandum concerning the response
of the Mayor and his City Housing
Coordinator to the riots
Letter from the Mayor to be read by
religious leaders at May 3, 1992
Sunday services
Announcement of Mayor's Office staff
community clean-up, held on May 3,
1992
Announcement of the Mayor's
establishment of community clean-up
staging areas
Document prepared by Mayor's staff
coordinating volunteer efforts in
response to the riots
Memorandum describing activities of
Mayor's volunteer coordination task
force
Example of various Department of
Water and Power status reports on
riot-related activities
Example of various Board of Public
Works status reports on riot-related
activities
Example of various press
announcements made by the Mayor on
riot-related activities
Example of various status reports on
city's clean-up efforts
Various documents concerning Mayor's
efforts to assist Latino riot
victims seeking government assistance
Mayor's press announcement
concerning the creation of Rebuild
Los Angeles
41
42
List of books concerning civil
disturbances consulted prior to the
verdicts by the Mayor's Office
Mayor's press office internal
communications plan while verdicts
were pending
Mayor Tom Bradley
Schedule
Wednesday, April 29
3:00 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
6 :10 p.m.
6:20 p.m.
6 :40 p.m.
6 :50 p.m.
7 : 4 0 p. m.
Watch announcement of verdict
Prepare response to verdict
Scheduled news conference
Bradley addresses public during a news conference carried
live on most television stations. The Mayor urges- public
to express their profound outrage in "ways that bring honor
to ourselves and to our communities."
Bradley receives questions and answers form reporters
Mayor's Conference Room
Bradley placed telephone call to United States Attorney
Lourdes Baird
Bradley urged the speedy initiation and a nnouncement of
federal civil rights investigations against the King
officers. This call resulted in the a nnouncement later
that evening that the Dept. of Justice would initiate its
investigation. The Mayor's Office assisted Baird in making
the announcement by 8:00 p.m.
Leave City Hall for pre-planned rally at First AME church
Arrive First AME Church
Mayor's staff at City Hall uses beeper a nd cellular phone
system established in advance of the verdict to contact
staff with the Mayor at the First A ME event. As City Hall
staff watches the Reginald Denny beating, ~ith no police in
sight, calls are made to First AME church. -
Bradley and his staff talk with Deputy Chief Matt Hunt at
First AME. ·when told of severity of situation a t Florence
and Normandie as reported by the Mayor's Office, Hunt makes
telephone call to, and then departs for, the command post.
Bradley first talks to Gov. Pete \-Ji 1 son f rom First A ME
church. Both agree to talk again s oon once the M ayor has
received an update from Deputy Chief M att Hunt from the
command center.
Bradley addresses gathering at First A1 E Church
Bradley calls for calm a nd urges t he public to express
their outrage through words a nd not t hrough acts of
violence. The Mayor announces the feder a l c i v i l r ights
investigation into the conduct of the officers will
continue.
-more-
April 29 (cont'd)
8:10 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:45 p.m.
9:15 p.m.
9 :30 p.m.
10:30 p.m.
10: 4 5 p.m.
11:00 p. m.
12 :15 a .m.
12 : J O a . m.
1 : 30 a . m.
Bradley returns to City Hall
~radley arrives back at City Hall
Bradley hears report from Deputy Chief Hunt and from the
Emergency Operation Center (EOC). Situation has reached
the point, Hunt says, where National Guard troops are
necessary.
Police Commissioners Stanley Sheinbaum and Jesse Brewer
attend meeting in Mayor's office.
Bradley calls Governor Pete
Emergency in Los Angeles, and
National Guard
Wilson, declares
asks Governor to
a Local
dispatch
Mayor's press office announces Bradley has declared a local
emergency. Phone interviews are conducted with local
television and radio stations.
Bradley goes to EOC for conference call with Wilson, Gates
and Block. During conversation, when Governor asks how
many National Guard troops would be necessary, Bradley says
2,000. This estimate was based on statements made by
Deputy Chief Matt Hunt during the earlier City Hall
briefing. (Gates was silent when asked how many troops
would be necessary.
Bradley returns to Mayor's Office
Bradley conducts interview with KTTV Fox news to announce
that · he has asked the Governor to send in the National
Guard. This message is also carried on a number of other
television stations between 11:00 p.m. a nd 12:15 a.m.
Mayor instructs staff to prepare to respond to constituent
calls concerning the King verdict and the riots. Mayor
also instructs his staff to establish various Task Forces
within his office to respond to various riot-related
contingencies. The Task Forces included: Human Relations,
etc.
Meetings in Mayor's Office regarding initiation of~ curfew
Bradley signs curfew order
Mayor's press office provides det a i ls o f
local news organizations. Interviews a re
several television and radio stati ons.
Bradley departs City Hall
the curf e \,J to
c onducted 1.-1 i th
Thursday, April 30
7:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
12: 1 5 p.m.
12: 2 5 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
1 : 3 0 p.m.
2 : 00 p . m.
3 : 25 p . m.
3 : 30 p . m.
4 : 00 p . m.
4 : 3 0 p . m.
Bradley arrives at City Hall
Bradley attends daily briefing with Fire Chief Manning and
Police Chief Gates
City Hall news briefing with Manning and Gates
Questions and Answers from media regarding LAPD' s response
to the riots. News conference carried live by several news
stations.
Bradley leads briefing
Council meeting. Gates
Council for the briefing.
from
and
Bradley takes helicopter
officials of riot areas
city officials to
Manning accompany
tour with fire
the City
Mayor to
department
Bradley calls Police Chief Gates regarding lack o f National
Guard presence within city. The t wo ta l k about the need t o
expand the curfew citywide.
Bradley signs declaration expanding cur few c itywide
Mayor's press office announces cur f e w ha s been expanded
citywide. Interviews are conducted over the next hour with
a number of local television and radio stations.
Bradley calls Gov. Pete Wilson regarding scarcity of
National Guard troops within city
Bradley interview taped f or broadcast o n CNN. The M ayor
describes the city's efforts -- specificall y his call f or
National Guard troops -- to respond to the r i ot.
Mayor's Office
Bradley asks sta f f to develop c once ptual plan to Rebuild
Los Angeles.
Update f rom Building a nd Sa f ety general m anager W ar r e n
O'Brien regarding property damage
Bradley appears 1 i ve on " NBC Nightly News" 'i·J i t h Tom Br okaw
The M ayor discusses the current si t uatio n in Los Angeles
M ayor' s Of fice
News conference to announce ci t yw i de cur few .
carried live.
Addres s
M ayor's Conference Room
I niti a l conversation between M a yor ' s
Christopher concerning the process
deploying f ederal troops.
-more-
s ta f f a nd 1 -Jarre n
o f r eques t ing a nd
April 30 (cont'd)
5:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7 : 40 p. m.
9 : 30 p. m.
10:40 p.m.
10: 4 5 p.m.
11 : 4 5 p . m.
12 : 15 a . m.
1 : 00 a . m.
Bradley appears live on the Arsenio Hall Show. The Mayor
wanted to reach younger audience before another evening of
disorder begins.
Paramount Studios, Hollywood
Bradley appears live on CBS
report. Ed Bradley conducted
where the Mayor described for
current situation in the city.
Mayor's Office
News Special
interview with
the national
prime time
the Mayor,
audience the
Call to Warren Christopher regarding federal troops.
Bradley asks Christopher to call National Security Council
on his behalf to begin process of request i ng and deploying
federal troops.
Conversation with Gov. W ilson r e9arding Federal troops.
Wilson agrees with Bradley' s request tha t t he two s nould
initiate steps to contact President Bush
Bradley attends EOC briefing by Deputy Chie f Fr a nkel
Bradley and Wilson talk privately prior to the EOC meeting
regarding Federal troops.
EOC briefing Wilson, Block, Gates, National Guard
general Thrasher. Bradley pushes for additional national
guard troops and i nsists that f edera l troop s be deployed if
a promised national guard troop le vel is not met by early
Friday morning.
News c on f erence begins with EOC b r iefing partic ipants.
Bradl ey a nd W i lson dis cus s possibility of eployi ng federa l
t roops.
M ayor' s Conference Room
News conference e nds
Depart City Hal l
Friday, May 1
5:30 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
1 1 :15 a .m.
11 :45 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
a fte rnoon
4 : 30 p . m.
5 : 00 p . m.
3 : 3 0 p . m.
Phone conversation with President Bush regarding deployment
of Federal troops
Getty House
Bradley updates City Hall
The Mayor's press office
interviews that the Mayor
requested federal troops.
staff regarding Federal troops.
confirms for reporters during
talked with the President and
Bradley arrives at City Hall.
Briefing with Manning, Gates. Bradley informs chiefs that
he has asked for the Federal troops
News briefing. Bradley discusses
continuation of citywide curfew.
Mayor's Conference Room
federal troops and
Meeting with Pat Saiki, administrator , Small Business
Administration, and Deputy Mayor Linda Grieg o
News conference with Saiki to announce assistance to riot
victims fr om the SBA
Mayor's Conference Room
Phone call with Charles King, Los Angeles postmaster.
Bradley urged that the post office opened i n the riot-torn
area to distribute social security checks should remain
open later in the day and should ope n Saturday. Bradley's
office als o arranges f or water to be delivered to crowd
that has gathered to pick up checks. (Postal service had
been suspended i n much of the South Los Angeles a rea.)
Bradl ey requests immediate briefing f rom LAP D regarding
National Guard deployment. Specifically, the Mayor had
received a number of f rantic calls about areas of the city
that still have yet to receive any National Guard troops.
During a n afternoon briefing with Deputy Chie f Bill Booth
a nd Keith Bushie, Bradley is told that all National Guard
troops have been deployed.
Phone call with Gov. Wilson regarding f ederal troops .
Bradl ey insists on assistanc e o f f ederal troops .
Bradley places call to Peter eberroth to
M ayor' s program for rebuil ding Los Angeles.
Ueberroth to lead rebuilding e f f ort .
discuss the
Bradley asks
Con f erence call with Bush, ~ vil s on to d iscuss calling in
Federal troops . Bush turns to Bradley f or a commitment
tha t the city wants the reinforcement o f f ede r al troops .
Bradley insists that tht= federa l govern ment depl oy federal
troops.
May 1 (cont'd)
6:00 p.m.
6 :20 p.m.
7 :00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
Watch announcement by Bush that federal Army troops will be
deployed to city
Office of Deputy Mayor Mark Fabiani
Bradley provides an immediate, live response to the
announcement by the President. The Mayor's statement is
carried live by several local television stations.
Mayor's Conference Room
Bradley meets with staff to discuss his Rebuild Los Angeles
program and the potential involvement of Peter Ueberroth.
Mayor's Office staff contact Governor Wilson's staff to
thwart efforts by Chief Gates and Sheriff Block to delay
the deployment of federal troops in the city. Wilson
insists on deployment of federal troops.
Saturday, May 2
9:00 a.m.
9:50 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:40 a.m.
12 : 55 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
5 : 0 0 p.m.
5 : 15 p . m.
5 : 4 5 p.m.
7 : 00 p . m.
8 : 00 p . m.
Bradley chairs daily briefing with Manning, Gates
Mayor's Office
Phone call (during meeting) with Gov. Wilson
Private meeting with Gates
Brief Meeting
Ozell Sutton, regional director,
Service of the U.S. Dept. of Justice
Meeting with Korean Ambassador
News briefing
Community Relations
Update from Mayor regarding
all 25,000 DWP customers who
had power restored.
recovery. Bradley announces
were without power have now
Mayor's Conference Room
Interview with Jane Fritsch, reporter f rom New York Times
During JS-minute interview, Bradley offers i n-depth
discussion of previous three days in the c it y .
Meeting with Peter Ueberroth and Harry Usher to discuss
implementation of the Rebuild Los Angeles program.
Interview with Frank Clifford, re: Rebuild LA
Bradley joins Ueberroth for interview with
reporter regarding non-profit Rebuil d LA .
Meeting with Mark Ridley-Thomas, Rit a W al t ers a nd
Ueberroth to d i s cuss Rebuil d LA
News c on f erence with Wilson, Ueberroth, Ridley Thomas to announce formation of Rebui ld LA
Mayor's Conference Room
Announcement carried live by several news s t a t i ons
Meeting with Gov. Wilson in Mayor's Office
with News Conference participants
Meeting with Rev. J esse Jac kson, M ayor ' s Office
LA Times
Bradley
Forces
r ece i ves update f ro m vario u s .,Ia yor ' s Off ice Task
responding to riot-rela t ed cont i nge nc i es .
Sunday, May 3
9:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a .m.
2 :15 p.m.
3:15 p.m
4 : 3 0 p. m.
6 : 50 p . m.
8 : 0 0 p . m.
Briefing at EOC with Chief Gates, Manning, Gen. Kouvault
and approximately 25 other city officials. Bradley asks
for input about lifting curfew and receives general
update. The Mayor directly asks police commanders present
for an update of the activity in various divisions around
the city.
Returns to City Hall. Talks with HUD secretary Jack Kemp
Bradley visits downtown location where Edward James Olmos
had organized a cleanup campaign with 400 volunteers.
Bradley thanked the volunteers during an impromptu news
conference at Washington and Main streets
Bradley staff organizes cleanup effort in South Los Angeles
where 200 volunteers gathered.
News briefing. Bradley announces Sunday night will be the
final evening of the curfew.
Bradley and Fire Chief Manning visit
firefighter who was seriously wounded
the riots, in Cedar Sinai Hospital
Scott Miller, the
the first night of
Conference call with Bradley, Wilson, Gates, and Block to
agree that the federal troops will remain in the city
through at least Wednesday. State emergency services
director Dick Andrews also participated in conference call.
Meeting with senior staff regarding EOC operations, offers
of support for Rebuild LA, and LAPD response.
Departs City Hall
Meeting with Benjamin Hoo ks
Getty House
Meeting phone call script
"Three major issues will soon culminate a tumultuous year for the Los
Angeles Police Department. The Police Chief selection, the Christopher
commission ballot reforms and the Rodney King Trial verdict will be
determined almost simultaneously and each of these powerful issues are
sure to have a major impact. on South Central Los Angeles. The Mayor is
interested in your views on the impact of these issues and will be hosting
a meeting with you and other community leaders regarding an assessment of
where the community stands regarding these police-related matters. The
meeting will take place Thursday, April 2, 11:30 a.m., in the Mayor's
office. Since action on each of these matters will soon take place, the
M ayor considers this to be an urgent meeting in which he would appreciate
your input. Thank you for your consideration."
@
®
: _: ....
A"PRIL 30, 1992
THE SHOCK AND OUTRAGE OF OUR CITY CONTINUES TO WORSEN WITH
EACH PASSING HOUR. NOW IS THE TIME FOR COURAGE WITHIN OUR
CITY -- FOR PEOPLE TO WORK COOPERATIVELY TOGETHER TO BRING
CALM TO OUR STREETS.
YESTERDAY, OUR WORST FEARS CAME TRUE AS ANGER TURNED TO
VIOLENCE.
LAST NIGHT AT 8:45, I DECLARED A LOCAL EMERGENCY. I ASKED
GOV. PETE WILSON TO DEPLOY THE RESOURCES OF THE NATIONAL
GUARD. ALL AFTERNOON I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GOV. WILSON
AND POLICE CHIEF DARYL GATES, URGING THEM TO DEPLOY THE
NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS WITHOUT DELAY. FOR MUCH OF THE DAY, WE
HAVE SIMPLY BEEN FRUSTRATED AND HAVE BEEN FORCED TO WAIT AND
WATCH .
THIS MORNING I TOURED MANY OF THE AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN
RAVAGED BY THE DESTRUCTION. I WAS SICKENED BY THE IMAGES I
SAW. PEOPLE ARE DESTROYING THEIR VERY OWN NEIGHBORHOODS. THE
ANSWERS WILL NOT BE FOUND IN VIOLENCE.
BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF OUR CITY'S EMERGENCY
OPERATIONS CENTER, THIS AFTERNOON I HAVE EXPANDED THE CURFEW
THROUGHOUT THE CITY. THE GOAL OF THIS CURFEW IS TO REMOVE
PEOPLE FROM ALL CITY STREETS. PLEASE STAY HOME TONIGHT.
UNLESS BUSINESSES CAN KEEP EMPLOYEES ON THE PREMISES BETWEEN
DUSK AND DAWN, I ALSO ADVISE COMPANIES TO CLOSE AT SUNSET. WE
TAKE THIS MEASURE ONLY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITY. IT
IS MY HOPE THIS IS ONLY A 24-HOUR MEASURE. THE ECONOMIC
-2-
IMPACTS ON BUSINESSES IS SIGNIFICANT, BUT THE LONG-LASTING
IMPACT WOULD BE MUCH WORSE IF THE VIOLENCE CONTINUES.
THE DAMAGE SO FAR IS ESTIMATED AT BETWEEN $200 MILLION AND
$250 MILLION. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SUPPLIES THAT : HAVE
BEEN LOST AS MORE THAN 300 BUILDINGS HAVE BURNT TO THE GROUND.
MY OFFICE HAS BEEN FLOODED WITH CALLS ALL DAY FROM ACROSS
THE COUNTRY, INDEED FROM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. OFFERS I HAVE
COME IN FROM PRIVATE COMPANIES THAT ARE OFFERING ASSISTANCE,
TO HELP US REBUILD OUR COMMUNITY. I HAVE ASKED DEPUTY MAYOR
LINDA GRIEGO TO SPEARHEAD THIS EFFORT. WE HAVE CREATED A
TOLL-FREE 800 NUMBER FOR PEOPLE TO REPORT ANY DAMAGE TO
PRIVATE PROPERTY. PLEASE CALL 1-800-870-1929 FOR THIS
INFORMATION.
IN ADDITION, ANOTHER PHONE LINE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO
PROVIDE NON-EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SUCH AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND
TEMPORARY SHELTER. THIS HOTLINE IS 800-559-5252.
THIS IS A BLEAK DAY IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
I AM COMMITTED TO TAKE BACK OUR CITY STREETS FOR THE
LAW-ABIDING RESIDENTS. THOSE WHO ARE RAVAGING OUR
NEIGHBORHOODS DO NOT REPRESENT THE GENERAL PUBLIC. OUR CITY
HAS BEEN DEEPLY SCARED BY THIS INCIDENT, BUT IT IS TIME FOR
THE BLEEDING TO STOP. WITH THE FULL DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE
OFFICERS AND THE RESOURCES OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, I HOPE AND
PRAY WE CAN BRING AN END TO THE DESTRUCTION.
###
My friends, the jury has had its say. Now we must act. We
must come together to focus on the essential work that remains
to be done. We cannot -- we must not -- allow the torch of
justice and reform to dim for even a moment. We cannot -- we
must not -- rest until the scourge of the Rodney King beating
is forever banished from this city.
So today I implore every resident of Los Angeles: Do not
let today's verdict obscure the great work still to be done. I
say to you today, everything we do in the coming weeks must
meet one test: Will our actions advance the great cause of
re f orming the LAPD? Will our deeds deliver greater justice,
now and for our children?
I know we can meet this ·test. I know we can channel our
energy to power the movement for change and reform. That is
why I ask each of you to come together -- as never before to
achieve two essential objectives:
ossible. These officers must be taken off the street for good.
--First, we must unite in support of the Christopher
Commission reforms -- Charter Amendment "F" -- on the June
s econd ballot.
The Christopher Commission gave us a plan for reform -- a
plan that has won unprecedented support from law enforcement
official s , community leaders and neighborhood groups throughout
this city. On June second, you can go to the ballot box, cast
your vote for Charter Amendment "F", and make the LAPD the
nation's most effective crime-fighting force.
--Second, give your full support to the new Chief of Police.
Last week our cry for reform was heard when the Police
Commission selected our new Chief of Police. The Commission
picked Chief Willie Williams, an outstanding man firmly
committed to reform and to progressive change. I promise you
this: The conditions that led to the King beating would never
have been tolerated by Chief Williams. And I know Chief
Williams will restore our faith and pride in the LAPD badge.
You can do no greater service to this city than to offer Chief
Williams your unqualified support.
My fellow citizens, we can achieve two key goals. We can
make the difference. We can create change. But we will not
succeed if we are not resolute. We must not prevail if we let
d own our guard -- if we somehow think the battle is won.
Instead we must -- we will -- show the world what is possible
in Los Angeles. In our city, we will show that the great
injustice of Rodney King's beating will give birth to the
long-lasting justice of fundamental reform. In Los Angeles, we
will stand behind our new Chief of Police and help change our
city for the better. My fellow citizens, I know this: We will
summon all the best in ourselves to make Los Angeles a fair, a
just and a safe place to live. Let's get to work.
News availability
11:30 a.m.
Mayor's Conference Room
THIS MORNING, I MET WITH POLICE CHIEF DARYL GATES AND FIRE CHIEF
DONALD MANNING FOR MY DAILY UPDATE OF THE SITUATION IN LOS ANGELES.
WITHIN THE LAST TWO HOURS, I TALKED WITH GOVERNOR PETE WILSON.
WE ARE ALL FIRMLY COMMITTED TO BRINGING CALM TO OUR CITY'S STREETS.
BY COMPARISON TO THE PREVIOUS 48 HOURS, LAST NIGHT WAS RELATIVELY CALM.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THAT BEFORE MIDNIGHT THERE WERE 50 FIRES THAT
ERUPTED PER HOUR. AFTER MIDNIGHT, THAT NUMBER DECREASED TO 10 EACH HOUR.
MEANWHILE, THE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS ARE NOW UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE
U.S. ARMY. BY FEDERALIZING THESE TROOPS -- AND THERE ARE AT LEAST 2000
ON THE STREETS RIGHT NOW -- WE CAN COORDINATE OUR RESPONSE TO ANY
EMERGENCY. DURING MY CONVERSATION THIS MORNING WITH THE GOVERNOR, HE
D ESCRIBED THAT THE FEDERAL ARMY AND MARINES OFFICERS ARE NOW "TASKING"
THEIR FINAL PREPARATION BEFORE BEING ACTUALLY ON THE CITY'S STREETS.
W ITHIN THE CITY, THERE HAVE BEEN:
41 DEATHS, 157 SERIOUS INJURIES, AND 157 MINOR INJURIES
2384 ARRESTS
THE CURFEW HAS BEEN WORKING AND IT WILL BE EXTENDED THROUGH THE
W EEKEND. AGAIN, I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO STAY HOME TONIGHT IF POSSIBLE.
MY OFFICE AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO GUARANTEE
THE SAFETY OF THE BUSINESSES THAT WANT TO RESTOCK THEIR STORES FOR
SERVICE. WITH THE STRONG POLICE PRESENCE IN MANY AREAS OF THE CITY, W E
E COURAGE STORES TO RESTOCK NOW. FIRST, HOWEVER, THEY MUST COORDINATE
·- · ·· ·-::. .. - ·-·--
-2-
WITH THE LAPD. MY OFFICE CAN HELP FACILITATE THIS NOW.
FOR INSTANCE, WE ARE WORKING WITH A BANK OF AMERICA BRANCH IN THE
IMPACTED AREA TO PREPARE OVER THE WEEKEND TO OPEN TEMPORARY SERVICES ON
MONDAY. IN ALL, WE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT: FOOD STORES, POST
OFFICES, BANKS, AND CHECK CHASING OPERATIONS.
TO THE MORE THAN 25,000 CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN WITHOUT ELECTRICITY,
THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER IS RESTORING THOSE SERVICES NOW. WITH
MORE THAN 200 CHP OFFICERS AS ESCORTS, THE DWP PERSONNEL ARE NOW BEING
DEPLOYED.
LATE LAST NIGHT, I SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT WILL PREVENT
LANDLORDS FROM IMPOSING LATE FEES TO TENANTS WHO PAY THEIR RENT WITHIN A
REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOLLOWING THE MAY 1 DEADLINE. FOR THE ELDERLY
AND THE DISABLED, PAYING RENT BY A TYPICAL DEADLINE OF MAY 1 MAY HAVE
BEEN IMPOSSIBLE AND WE WANT TO PROVIDE THEM WITH ASSISTANCE.
LATER TODAY, I EXPECT TO HAVE A FURTHER UPDATE ON OUR RESPONSE.
AGAIN, I HAVE BEEN HEARTENED BY THE STRONG COMMUNITY RESPONSE THERE HAS
B EEN TO CLEANUP OUR CITY. VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES
AND WE WELCOME THEIR HELP.
LET'S CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER. THE DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS AHEAD
WI LL BE DIFFICULT ONES FOR THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES. I AM CONFIDENT THAT,
BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN GAIN STRENGTH FROM OUR DIVERSITY AND OUR
DETERMINATION.
###
Remarks
Mayor Tom Bradley
May 4, 1992
THIS MORNING I TALKED W ITH POLICE CHIEF DARYL GATES AND
FIRE CHIEF DONALD MANNING. WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THE
HIGH LEVEL OF POLICE, FIRE AND MILITARY OFFICERS UNTIL THE
CITY'S SAFETY IS GUARANTEED.
BY NOW WE HAVE ALL HEARD REPORTS OF THE INCIDENT WITH THE
NATIONAL GUARD LAST NIGHT. THE CITY THROUGH OUR POLICE
DEPARTMENT -- IS GOING TO CONDUCT A FULL AND COMPREHENSIVE
INVESTIGATION. WE DO KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE TRIED TO RUN OVER
A NATIONAL GUARD TROOP, FAILED, AND THEN TURNED AROUND AND
TRIED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND APPROACH, WHEN THE VEHICLE DID
NOT STOP, THE NATIONAL GUARD SHOT AT THE VEHICLE.
THIS IS ANOTHER SAD INCIDENT IN A CONTINUING SERIES OF
BLEAK DAYS FOR THE CITY. AND WE ARE GOING TO FIND THE ANSWERS
TO QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY THIS HAPPENED AT THE CORNER OF PICO AND
VERMONT. THIS INCIDENT IN THE ACTION OF A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL
WHO THREATENED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
THE CURFEW HAS BEEN LIFTED AS OF DAWN THIS MORNING.
HOWEVER, WE ARE GOING TO MAINTAIN A STRONG LAW ENFORCEMENT
PRESENCE THROUGHOUT · THE CITY. NEARLY 13,000 MILITARY
PERSONNEL ARE WITHIN REACH OF THE CITY -- SO ANY INCIDENT CAN
BE HANDLED WITHOUT DELAY.
I WANT THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY TO RESUME THEIR NORMAL DAILY
ACTIVITIES. FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS, OUR CITY HAS BEEN HELD
HOSTAGE BY THE IMAGES THAT HAVE FILLED OUR TELEVISION SCREENS
-2-
AND OVERWHELMED OUR MINDS.
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, OUR LIVES MUST RETURN TO NORMAL. I
WOULD STILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE, TO KEEP
OUR STREETS CLEAR IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER INCIDENTS.
LAST NIGHT THERE WERE: 245 ARRESTS -- 21 OF WHICH WERE
FOR FELONY VIOLATIONS.
THIS MORNING, THERE WERE 12-15 FIRES BURNING THROUGHOUT
THE CITY, WHICH IS A TYPICAL NUMBER FOR A WEEKDAY MORNING.
I HAVE DIRECTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER TO
RESTORE POWER TO ALL HOMES BY 6:00 P.M . TONIGHT. DWP REPORTS
THERE ARE STILL 500 HOMES IN THE CITY WITHOUT POWER. HOWEVER,
IF YOUR POWER IS STILL OUT, AND YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE
CALL AN 800 NUMBER -- 1-800-821-5278.
FOR THE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT NEED LOANS FROM THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT, WE ARE ESTABLISHING AN 800 NUMBER TO PROVIDE
DETAILS. IN THE MEANTIME, LOAN INFORMATION UPDATES CAN BE
HEARD ON THE CITY PROPERTY DAMAGE HOTLINE: 1-800-870-1929.
THE ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF THE LOS ANGELES RECOVERY CAN BE
FOUND ALL AROUND -- THE CLEANUPS THIS WEEKEND, CALLS REGARDING
THE REBUILD LA PROJECT ARE ALL AROUND, AND MANY, MANY PEOPLE
HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY OVER THE WEEKEND.
LET'S CONTINUE DEMONSTRATING TO THE WORLD THAT LOS ANGELES
GAINS STRENGTH FROM THE DIVERSITY OF OUR PEOPLE. THE RECOVERY
IS WELL UNDER WAY.
MDF/Third Draft
"Hung Jury"
I stand before you today to express the anger and
disappointment of an entire city.
On March the third nineteen ninety-one a crime was
committed . But this was a crime like no other. This crime was
committed by rogue police officers. And this crime was
witnessed by the entire world.
Today a jury could not decide that what we all saw -- with
our own eyes -- was a crime. Today a jury would not condemn
the senseless and brutal beating of a helpless person. Today a
jury would not rebuke such savage conduct by those who are
sworn to protect and serve.
My friends, I am here to tell this jury: No.
--No, our eyes did not deceive us. We saw what we
saw, a nd what we saw was a crime.
--No, we will not tolerate the monstrous beating of
our citizens by a few renegade cops .
--No, we will not rest until the scourge of the Rodney
King beating is forever banished from this city.
)
I do not seek to explain the jury's action, because no
explanation makes sense. Even clever lawyers wielding legal
technicalities cannot justify what happened. But I do know
this: No jury decision will outlive the images of the savage
beating seared forever into our minds and souls.
So today I implore every resident of Los Angeles: Do not
lose heart. Do not let today's decision obscure the great
progress we have made.
I understand full well that we must give voice to our great
frustration. I know that we must express our profound
outrage. But we must do so in ways that bring honor to
ourselves and our communities. We must not bury the gains we
have made in the rubble created by destructive behavior. We
must not endanger the reforms we have achieved by resorting to
mindless acts. And we must not push back progress by striking
out blindly.
So I say to you today, everything we do in the coming weeks
m ust meet one test: Will our actions advance the great cause
o f reforming the LAPD? Will our deeds deliver greater justice,
now and for our children?
I know we can meet this test . I know we can channel our
anger into energy that will power the movement for change and
re f orm. That is why I ask each of you to come together -- as
neve r before -- to achieve four essential objectives:
--First, we must come together to ask the District
Attorney to re-file immediately the charges against the
officers who beat Rodney King. The people of Los Angeles
deserve another day in court. And the people deserve a jury
that fairly represents the great diversity of our city. We
will stand for nothing less.
--Second, we must demand in the strongest possible
terms that the LAPD take the officers who beat Rodney King off
the streets once and for all.
No jury decision will ever blind the world to what we saw
on the videotape. No jury decision will never . change this
s imple fact: The men who beat Rodney King do not deserve to
wear the proud blue uniforms of the LAPD. We must insist that
the LAPD complete its disciplinary proceedings quickly, for the
world looks on and awaits justice. These officers must be
'
t aken off the street for good.
--Third, give your full support to the new Chief of Police.
Today the system failed us. But last week our cry for
re fo r m was heard when the Police Commission selected our new
Chie f of Police. The Commission picked Chief Willie W illiams,
a n outsta nding man f irmly committed to reform and to
progressive change. I promise you this: The conditions that
l ed t o the King beating would never have been tolerated by
Chief Williams. And I know Chief Williams will restore our
faith and pride in the LAPD badge . You can do no greater
service to this city than to offer Chief Williams your ,
unqualified support.
--Fourth, we must unite in support of the Christopher
Commission reforms Charter Amendment "F" on the June
second ballot.
The Christopher Commission gave us a plan for reform -- a
plan that has won unprecedented support from law enforcement
officials, community leaders and neighborhood groups throughout
t his city. On June second, you can go to the ballot box, cast
your vote f or Charter Amendment "F", and make the LAPD the
nation's most effective crime-fighting force.
My fellow citizens, we can achieve these four key goals.
We can make the difference. We can create change.
wi l l not s ucceed if we do not focus our outrage .
But we
We must not
-- we wi ll not -- respond to today's senseless decision with
s enseles s acts borne of anger. I nstead we must -- we will --
s h oN the world what i s possible in Los Angeles.
., .
In our city,
we will s how that great injustice will give birth to the
l ong ~lasting j ustice of fundamental reform. In Los Angeles, we
wil l s t a nd behind our new Chief of Police and help change our
ci t y f o r the better. My fellow citizens, I know this: W e will
s ummon all the best in ourselves to make Los Angeles a f air, a
j ust a nd a safe place to live . Let's get to work.
MDF/Third Draft
"Mixed Verdicts"
I stand before you today to call the people of Los Angeles
to action.
Our children will read about the beating of Rodney King in
their history books. Today one sad chapter of that book is
coming to a close. But the final ending of the book remains to
be written. The people of Los Angeles will write that ending
in the coming months. And it is an ending that could make us
proud -- if we come together to finish the great and
considerable tasks still to be done.
On March the third nineteen ninety-one a crime was
committed. But this was a crime like no other. This crime was
committed by rogue police officers. And this crime was
witnessed by the entire world.
Today a jury reached its verdict on that crime. Today the
jury condemned those most responsible for the senseless and
brutal beating of a helpless person. Today a jury said that we
wi l l not tolerate such monstrous conduct by a few renegade cops.
Some will choose to second-guess the jury's verdict. But I
pre f er to look to the future. For in the end I know that this
verdict will never outlive the images of the savage beating
seare d forever into our minds and souls.
@
MDF/Third Draft
"Acquittals"
I stand before you today to express the anger and
disappointment of an entire city.
On March the third nineteen ninety-one a crime was
committed. But this was a crime like no other. This crime was
committed by rogue police officers. And this crime was
witnessed by the entire world.
Today a jury told the world that what we all saw -- with
our own eyes -- wasn't a crime. Today a jury a sked u s to
accept the senseless and brutal beating of a helpless person.
Today a jury said that we should tolerate such conduct by those
who are sworn to protect and serve.
My friends, I am here to tell this jury: No.
--No, our eyes did not deceive us. W e saw wha t we
s aw , and what we saw was a crime.
--No, we will not tolerate the savage beating o f our
cit i zens by a few renegade cops.
--No, we will not rest until the scou r g e of t he Rodney
King beating is forever banished from this city.
I do not seek to explain the jury's decision, because no
explanation makes sense. Even clever lawyers wielding legal
technicalities cannot justify what happened. But I do know
this~ The jury's verdict will never outlive the images of the
savage beating seared forever into our minds and souls.
So today I implore every resident of Los Angeles: Do not
lose heart. Do not let today's verdict obscure the great
progress we have made.
I understand full well that we must give voice to our great
frustration. I know that we must express our profound
outrage. But we must do so in ways that bring honor to
ourselves and our communities. We must not bury the gains we
have made in the rubble created by destructive behavior. We
must not endanger the reforms we have achieved by resorting ~o
mindless acts. And we must not push back progress by striking
out blindly.
So I say to you today, everything we do in the coming weeks
must meet one test: Will our actions advance the great cause
of reforming the LAPD? Will our deeds deliver greater justice,
now and for our children?
I know we can meet this test. I know we can channel our
anger into energy that will power the movement for change a nd
reform. That is why I ask each of you to come together -- as
never before -- to achieve three essential objectives:
--First, demand in the strongest possible terms that
the LAPD take the officers who beat Rodney King off the streets
once and for all.
The jury's verdict will never blind the world to what we
saw on the videotape. The jury's verdict will never change
this simple fact: The men who beat Rodney King do not deserve
to wear the proud blue uniforms of the LAPD. We must insist
that the LAPD complete its disciplinary proceedings quickly,
for the world looks on and awaits justice. These officers must
be taken off the street for good.
--Second, give your full support to the new Chief of Police .
Today the system failed us. But last week our cry for
reform was heard when the Police Commission selected our new
Chief of Police. The Commission picked Chief Willie Williams,
.an outstanding man firmly committed to reform and to
progressive change. I promise you this: The conditions that
led to the King beating would never have been tolerated by
Ch i ef Williams. And I know Chief Williams will restore our
faith and pride in the LAPD badge. You can do no greater
service to this city than to offer Chief Williams your
unqualified support.
--Third, we must unite in support of the Christopher
Commi ssion reforms -- Charter Amendment "F" -- on the June
second ballot.
•
The Christopher Commission gave us a plan for reform -- a
plan that has won unprecedented support from law enforcement
officials, community leaders and neighborhood groups throughout
this city. On June second, you can go to the ballot box, cast
your vote for Charter Amendment "F", and make the LAPD the
nation's most effective crime- fighting force.
My fellow cit~zens, we can achieve these three essential
objectives. We can make the difference. We can create
change. But we will not succeed if we do not focus our
outrage. We must not -- we will not -- respond to this
senseless jury verdict with senseless acts borne of anger.
Instead we must -- we will -- show the world what is possible
in Los Angeles . In our city, we will show that the great
injustice of a jury's verdict will give birth to the
long-lasting justice of fundamental reform. In Los Angeles, we
will stand behind our new Chief of Police and help change our
city for the better. My fellow citizens, I know this: We will
summon all the best in ourselves to make Los Angeles a fair , a
just and a safe place to live. Let's get to work.
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE
DATE: April 30, 1992
TO: Mayor Tom Bradley
FROM: Vallee Bunting
SUBJECT: Arsenic Hall interview
Tonight, you will be appearing on the Arsenic Hall program.
The first 11 minutes of tonight's show will consist of your pleas
for calm in the community in the aftermath of the devastating
riots that have occurred over the last two days.
During the program, you can continue to express the themes
that you have been echoing time and again since these riots
began. Tonight, with the Arsenio Hall show, you will be
addressing the very audience that is at the core of the violence
which is wracking the community.
Some of the issues that you will be addressing this evening
will be:
While violent thoughts in response to the
unconscionable Rodney King verdicts are understandable,
actions of violence are deplorable. To heal the wounds
of Los Angeles, ·we must stand together in non-violent
action to implement reform, to support the incoming
Chief Williams, and to vote on June 2nd for Proposition
F. Violent action solves nothing, and indeed, often
hurts those most offended by the present injustice. I
would ask that you add your voice of outrage to our
non-violent chorus.
The road to justice is long. We did not receive
justice in yesterday's verdicts. But our efforts have
not ended. We are taking our cause to the Police Board
of Rights with a demand that the three officers
remaining on the LAPD be fired without delay. We have
taken our cause to the U.S. Attorney who has confirmed
that she is resuming a federal investigation into civil
rights violations. We will insist that the District
-more-
-2-
Attorney retry Officer Powell. We will seek justice,
th.rough all legal avenues, until justice is done.
The City has done everything within its power to
control the outbreaks of violence. The city declared a
state of emergency early last evening and quickly
requested that the governor dispatch the National
Guard. We need the help of the entire city to prevent
additional outbreaks of violence. ·
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