LA County honors the Chicano Moratorium by strengthening protections for journalists

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion strengthening protections for journalists covering public demonstrations as a commemoration for the 55th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium.

In East Los Angeles, more than 20,000 people marched peacefully on August 29, 1970 to protest the disproportionate drafting of young Latino men during the Vietnam War. While the protest started peacefully, it ended in tragedy with three people killed, including Los Angeles Times journalist Ruben Salazar, who was one of the most prominent Latino voices in the media at the time.

A Los Angeles County Sheriff deputy fired a tear gas projectile, which struck and killed Salazar as he sought refuge inside a bar.   

“Today’s motion reaffirms my commitment to truth, justice and transparency,” said Los Angeles Board Supervisor Hilda Solis on Tuesday. “We honor the memory of Rubén Salazar and uplift the work of today’s journalists who continue to shine a light on injustice. We must protect them, support them and ensure their voices are never silenced.” 

Solis, who authored the motion, said this is a recognition of the ongoing contributions of local and independent media outlets serving Latino and immigrant communities across Los Angeles County.

The motion emphasizes the vital role journalism plays in holding institutions accountable. It also reminds us of the local and independent media currently covering protests and immigration enforcement, to show that the press remains a crucial source of timely and relevant information for affected communities. 

Solis recognized the vital role of journalism and highlighted the unique value of culturally relevant, community-based reporting with outlets including CALÓ News, LA Taco, LA Public Press and LAist, which have provided “timely, accurate, and culturally nuanced information to Los Angeles County communities often overlooked by mainstream media.” 

The sheriff must report back

In the motion, Solis directed the sheriff to report back in writing within 30 days on its current use-of-force policies and training programs as they relate specifically to the protection of journalists and reporters covering public demonstrations and protests.

The department must provide clear and accessible protocols that ensure all journalists and reporters, regardless of immigration status, feel safe and supported when reporting incidents or filing complaints related to deputy conduct, actions or behavior. 

Solis also indicated that the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission should provide feedback prior to finalizing and submitting the written reports.

Solis compared the inequities that happened during the years leading to the Chicano Moratorium and how they resemble the current administration. For example, housing and health care programs have been gutted and there’s been a rise in racial profiling and targeting of Latino communities in Los Angeles County and throughout the U.S., while immigration enforcement has seen a ballooning budget. 

“These actions are a stark reminder that the systemic injustices the Chicano Moratorium fought against more than fifty years ago persist today. The same patterns of discrimination against Latino and immigrant communities continue to inflict deep wounds on our families and threaten the very fabric of our society. In uplifting this dark time in the County’s history, we confront the difficult times we are in with resilience and empowerment,” said Solis. “The fight for equity and justice continues.”