Community Corner

Baldwin Park, San Gabriel Valley Commuters Feel Impact of Trayvon Martin Case

Protests over the George Zimmerman trial, have impacted Interstate 10. And more protests are planned. Where you caught in the traffic?

For Baldwin Park residents who became trapped in traffic on Interstate 10 last night, this video gives you a look at what caused it the tie-up.

Dozen of protestors angered over the George Zimmerman verdict spilled out onto the freeway lanes. According to one news report, some where throwing batteries and rocks.

The I-10 may again be impacted today as dozens head just a half hour away down the freeway for another protest.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Community leaders plan to lead a "prayer rally" at Leimert Park tonight in the aftermath of Zimmerman's acquittal at his murder trial for the slaying of Trayvon Martin.

The rally is set for 6 p.m. At a news conference at 11 a.m., also at Leimert Park, black community and political leaders and representatives of the Los Angeles Police Department were going to appeal to people who disagreed with the verdict to remain peaceful at tonight's rally and in future demonstrations.

Find out what's happening in Baldwin Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Expected to attend the news conference were U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, D- Culver City, LAPD representatives and civil rights activists Najee Ali, Rev. K.W. Tulloss and Earl Ofari Hutchinson.

Ali said Bass contacted him with concerns that peaceful rallies sanctioned by the Martin family could turn violent.

"She's very concerned it could easily spiral out of control," Ali said. "Outsiders have come into our community who are extremists and are trying to take advantage of the situation to promote violence and vandalism," he said. "If you want to protest the verdict, do it legally -- don't cause disruption."

Ali said of tonight's rally, "There will be no marches. Just a prayer rally."

He noted that he and Bass lived through the 1992 riots.

"We want to show leadership and speak out with the police" to prevent anything like that from happening again, he said.

At least one person was arrested in Los Angeles Sunday afternoon during demonstrations against the verdict in the Zimmerman trial.

-- Patch Staff and City News Service


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Baldwin Park