In “successfully” clearing 200 homeless people from Echo Park lake in Los Angeles, police arrested over 180 people including legal observers and journalists. The city took action to begin a restoration project in the area and claimed to have placed 209 homeless people from the area in transitional housing with support services. (ABC7, March 28, 2021)
The Los Angeles Times, Spectrum News and Knock LA had journalists detained or arrested. (The Wrap, March 26, 2021, by Ross A. Lincoln)
A Times editorial said the police chief stated he had no knowledge of any reporters detained after the police determined they were part of the media, but Times reporter James Queally said he was arrested and zip-ted even after he showed his credentials. The editorial said it was time for the police to act in its self interest in building public trust and to support the First Amendment in allowing reporters to do their job of informing the public. (Los Angeles Times, March 30, 2021, by The Times Editorial Board)