Anaheim, CA – Rosie Camacho approached the Anaheim City Council podium, April 21, clutching a woven doll to her chest. Camacho was Albert Arzola’s mother, and the doll symbolized the spirit of her son.

Camacho said, “December 6 will never be the same. The people that were supposed to take care of him murdered him! They murdered my son, right in front of my eyes! And you want me to trust them?”

Camacho continued, “I need to know who shot my son! I bet you he’s still on the police force doing his job, trying to kill the next person.”

Twelve members of Albert’s family, along with members of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC), demanded justice at Anaheim City Council. In a victory for the family, and after months of public pressure, by the end of the council meeting Mayor Ashleigh Aitken announced that the killer cop’s name was released to the Arzola family’s attorneys. Aitken also asked City Attorney Robert Fabela for progress on the release of the autopsy report. The struggle for other demands continues, including the public release of the killer cop’s name, his firing from the Department, and more.

Grace Arzola, aunt of Albert Arzola, said, “Albert was killed at 9:32 p.m. As a lifetime resident of Anaheim, on Sunday, I was here and the Disney fireworks were going off. It dawned on me that my nephew sat on the ground, losing his life, and less than a mile away, you guys had fireworks. The comparison that less than a mile makes in the way we get treated.”

Adlai Carrillo said that the night Albert was killed by Anaheim PD, no one called for police. The officers who killed Albert were on a so-called “gang suppression patrol.” Carrillo said, “We all know what these patrols have become: a tool used to target, discriminate against, and harass people in underserved communities under the label of ‘proactive policing’. And because of that, officers ‘made contact’ with Albert without any legitimate reason.” Carrillo said, “Why did your officer jump out of his car with his gun already drawn? Finger already on the trigger, ready to fire before assessing anything?”

Grace Arzola explained how the second officer who ambushed Albert that night never activated his body camera. She said, “If he’s still on the force and working, why hasn’t he been fired? That is something so crucial. That’s why you guys gave them those cameras: to show the transparency of the whole incident. But in the most important moment, when you take someone’s life away, his camera was off? And now you guys wanna put us under surveillance? This is a joke!”

Arzola was referring to a city council decision to approve automatic license plate reader equipment. This technology is marketed as a way to reduce crime, but in reality it is used to surveil the public and in cities across the country, data has been shared with federal agencies like ICE. Later that night, Anaheim City Council unanimously voted to approve the equipment at the cost of $736,344, despite public outcry.

Marie Flores Cofinco connected past to present when she spoke on the 2016 Anaheim PD killing of Fermin Vincent Valenzuela. “I am here to remind the city of Anaheim, to remind the councilmembers and the mayor of the murder of my nephew: Fermin Vincent Valenzuela. On July 2, 2016, officer Daniel Wolfe strangled my nephew to death with the help of officer Woojin Jun, under the supervision of Sergeant Daniel Gonzalez.” Cofinco said, “Sergeant Gonzalez supervised and gave instructions to Daniel Wolfe telling him to ‘Hold that choke. Hold that choke. Hold that choke.’”

According to Cofinco, during the trial, about 40 to 50 uniformed Anaheim police officers entered the courtroom in an attempt to intimidate Valenzuela’s family. But in the end the city was forced to pay $13.2 million to Valenzuela’s children.

CSO member David Pulido said, “You are hiding the identity of Albert’s killer. You are hiding the fact that Anaheim PD is filled with killers. The officer who killed Marcel Ceja in 2011 is still on the force. His name is David Garcia. The officers who killed Fermin Vincent Valenzuela are still on the force. Their names are Woojin Jun and Daniel Wolfe. The officer who killed Joel Acevedo in 2012 and Caesar Cruz in 2009 is still on the force. His name is Kelly Phillips. I know this because CSO recently secured the updated rosters for Anaheim PD.”

Pearl Arzola, Albert’s sister, brought up the fact that the city tried to hide the officer’s name by claiming unproven threats to the killer cop’s life. She said, “How are we threatening you guys? All we are demanding is justice. Justice for my brother is not a threat! You guys have guns. We don’t have guns!”

Pulido concluded his comment saying, “For decades Anaheim and its police have stood in the way of justice for families. That is why CSO fights for community control of the police. We have to build our own power to hold police accountable. Your Police Review Board was a start but it didn’t go far enough. We need a democratically elected commission with the power to discipline and fire killer cops. Justice for Albert Arzola! Justice for Fermin Vincent Valenzuela! Justice for Joey Acevedo!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #OrangeCounty #CSOOC #AlbertArzola #InjusticeSystem #KillerCop

Anaheim, CA – On March 24, the family of Albert Arzola along with Community Service Organization (CSO OC) confronted the Anaheim City Council to show their anger with Anaheim Police Department.

Albert Arzola was murdered by the Anaheim Police Department on December 6, 2025. Since then, Anaheim PD has been harassing the Arzola family.

Pearl Arzola stated, “Since then we have been getting harassed daily by Anaheim PD. On February 24 during the city council, you guys lit up my house with headlights from police squad cars. On the 16th you guys lit up my cousin with a flashlight while he was taking out the trash. I want you guys to let us grieve in peace. Our neighbors can’t even throw a baptism without you guys harassing and keep flashing lights on them.”

Arzola’s anger and frustration grew as she said “It’s a fucking baptism, what are they gonna do? We're not out here having guns at baby showers. Anaheim police are fucking cowards. We can’t throw our own trash away?”

The anger that Arzola vocalized continued throughout the entire city council meeting. Christine Lopez had this to say, “After 21 emails to the mayor and no response. The family of Albert Arzola no longer wanted to meet with you. I validate the families frustration. Is the mayor really that busy? Perhaps you are, however the mayor works for us, the residents of Anaheim.”

Ariana Avalos continued, “My cousin was killed over graffiti he wasn’t even doing. You can see him standing on the other side of the street in the video. It’s nine dollars and 98 cents for graffiti removal at Lowe’s. My cousin’s life was not worth nine dollars and 98 cents. 25 dollars for a paint bucket at Home Depot. My cousin’s life was not worth 25 dollars.”

Most of the city council members were not even paying attention to the comments of the Arzola family. Despite this lack of attention, the residents of Anaheim showed immense support. Many of the Anaheim hills residents, who came on their own volition, called for “Justice for Albert” and raised the demands of the family including releasing the names of the officers who killed him.

Jocelyn Pacheco, a member of CSO OC’s police accountability committee told the council, “The gang unit officers said they were on suppression patrol, yet even they admit they don’t know why they tried to make contact with Albert and his friends. Nine days later the department said the reason for the encounter was still being determined. Three months later the names of the officers and body cam footage has still not been released despite the family and community members advocating for those details to be released.”

David Pulido, a member of CSO OC, pointed out the racist comments of Anaheim’s Police Chief Manuel Cid, stating, “He openly said African Americans commit more crimes than whites. The truth is that African Americans, Chicanos, indigenous peoples are over policed, and over sentenced. Killed more often than whites. The mayor said nothing to correct him that day; I remember. You just stood there.” Pulido’s comments were backed up with shouts of “shame!” from the crowd.

The council meeting ended with many questions left unanswered. The lies, lack of communication, and the family's demands remain. However, this hasn’t discouraged community members nor the family of Albert Arzola. They commented that they will keep coming back and keep fighting for justice, and will not be intimated by Anaheim PD.

#AnaheimCA #CA #OrangeCounty #CSO #AlbertArzola #InjusticeSystem #KillerCop

Anaheim, CA – Ten family members and several Orange County residents demanded justice for Albert Arzola at Anaheim City Council meeting on January 26. Arzola was chased down and killed by two Anaheim police on December 6, 2025. His family demanded the immediate release of all body camera video, the autopsy report and an independent investigation into the police killing.

Leslie Lopez, Albert Arzola’s cousin said, “Imagine hearing a gunshot outside your home, running out, seeing your child lying there taking their final breath. Would you try to do everything possible to save them? This is exactly what Alberto’s parents tried to do, until they were told to ‘stay the fuck back or we will shoot you too!’”

Lopez’s voice broke as she described how “Albert was dragged like he was an animal onto the sidewalk where they left his lifeless body until four in the morning for the entire community to see. Not only were the people forced to witness his death, but they also cut my cousin’s clothes off and traumatized everyone. I was there, waiting until my baby cousin was finally taken.”

Sergio Pelayoel, Arzola’s cousin, said, “It’s gonna be two months and a week since Albert passed away. I would just like to know why no life-saving measures were taken immediately?” Referring to the edited body cam footage that was released, he stated, “From the moment Albert is hit, it flash forwards to ten minutes later – ten minutes after getting shot – that’s crucial. The body begins to go into shock and starts shutting down. It seems at that point that it’s a cold-blooded murder! It’s not normal to say your coworker killed a man today at his house.”

Grace Arzola, aunt of Albert, tearfully asked, “What mother is forced to go back inside the house – give her son the blessings, cause she knew that was gonna be the last time she saw him breathing – and her last words for him was ‘You’re gonna be OK.’ He was not OK! And neither are none of us OK with what happened! And then you guys handcuffed my brother for hours. He had to watch his lifeless son lay on the floor! What kind of heart do you guys have?”

Family member Ariana Avalos said that in an ACLU study of the most dangerous police departments in the 60 largest U.S. cities, “Anaheim PD is rated ninth out of 60. From 2003 to 2016, there were a total of 33 deaths caused by officers. 29 of those were caused by gunshot wounds. 40% of those individuals killed by police officers were unarmed. 55% of those killings had an officer who had already been involved in at least one other death. So please tell me why we continue to keep these officers on the task force? Please tell the community what tactical approaches have you changed? Because from where I stand, and from where the community stands, we see no change!”

David Pulido, member of CSO OC, said “The police killing of Albert Arzola is not an isolated incident. It belongs to a long pattern of racist killings of Chicanos and other oppressed peoples, not only in Anaheim but in Orange County and the American Southwest.”

Pulido continued, saying “The truth is that our government uses the police to terrorize and oppress our communities. That is why CSO fights for community control of the police. The community has a basic, democratic right to decide on police matters. That means everything from the power to decide on police policies to the power to control the police budget to the power to hire, fire and jail killer cops! Justice for Albert Arzola!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #CSOOC

Anaheim, CA – Las primeras filas en la cámara del Consejo de la Ciudad de Anaheim fueron ocupadas por la familia de Albert Arzola el martes 13 de enero. Portaban carteles exigiendo “Justicia para Albert Arzola”, quien tenía 19 años cuando fue emboscado por dos policías del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, recibió un disparo por la espalda y murió el 6 de diciembre de 2025.

Christine Lopez Ediss dijo, “Albert es mi sobrino y fue amado por muchos. Se graduó de la preparatoria Katella y trabajaba en la ciudad que amaba: Anaheim. Tenía un futuro brillante por delante. Eso se lo robaron a Albert, su familia y a la comunidad de Anaheim. ¡No nos quedaremos callados ante el acto sin sentido cometido por un policía de la unidad de pandillas!”

Sergio Pelayo, primo de Albert Arzola dijo, “Estoy aquí para exigir la versión sin editar de lo que pasó ese día, el 6 de diciembre. Ya ha pasado más de un mes. Solo tenemos un clip de 30 segundos de lo ocurrido. Que simplemente liberen la autopsia, porque la familia quiere saber dónde y cómo murió Albert. También queremos saber el nombre del oficial. ¡O sea, no hay razón para esconderlo!”

La familia de Albert gritó, “¡Ustedes están ocultando cosas!”

Grace Arzola, otra tía de Albert Arzola, comentó lo siguiente del Oficial de Información Pública, Matt Sutter: “Él dijo que la policía actuó por el bien del público. ¡Eso es algo que tiene que determinar el público! No el Oficial de Información Pública. Y el público solo lo puede determinar cuándo publiquen el video completo sin editar. ¡Deja que decida si la policía actuó con su mejor interés!”

Vern Nelson, residente de Anaheim y escritor del Blog Orange Juice, también comentó sobre el asesinato por la policía. Nelson declaró que cuando un agente de la unidad de pandilla mata a una persona, “por semanas o meses, andarán molestando a la familia. Eso me parece muy familiar porque mi esposa Donna tenía un hijo que fue asesinado en 2012 – Joel Acevedo. ¡La misma cosa le pasó a ella! Acosan a la familia. Lucen linternas tras las ventanas del hogar para intimidarlos, para que no hablen.” Joel Acevedo fue asesinado por el agente del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, Kelly Phillips, el 22 de julio de 2012. Ese año, la policía de Anaheim mató a siete chicanos, incluyendo a Manuel Díaz la noche antes de que mataran a Joel.

Grace Arzola también describió acoso similar, diciendo, “Mi mamá tiene 77 años. La policía detuvo a mi hermano por una ‘luz trasera rota’. Le pedimos a un amigo de la familia que viniera a arreglar la luz. ¡Cinco policías de Departamento de Policía de Anaheim se acercaron al amigo que estaba ayudando a mi mamá anciana a arreglar la luz y lo acusaron de robar el carro! Cinco. Policías. Esto es inaceptable y tiene que parar.”

La familia fue acompañada por tres miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario, Condado Orange (CSO OC), entre ellos Erika Armenta, cuyo esposo Noe Rodriguez fue asesinado por el Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana el 1 de diciembre de 2024.

La miembro de CSO OC Carina Munoz dijo que “el Departamento de Policía de Anaheim ha sido clasificado en el noveno lugar entre las 60 ciudades más grandes de los EE.UU. en la tasa de muertes involucrando a policías durante arrestos, y aun así no se ha hecho nada. Por esta falta de acción, estos policías del Departamento de Policía de Anaheim son libres para hacer viudas a las mujeres, hacer que los padres pierdan a sus hijos antes que a ellos mismos, lo cual no es el orden natural de las cosas, que hermanos se pierdan mucho antes de su tiempo, y que mejores amigos pierdan al único hombro en que apoyarse. ¡Me avergüenzo de Anaheim por permitir otra vez que muera un joven, y por hacer parecer que Albert se lo merecía!”

Graze Arzola afirmó, “¡No nos vamos a ir! ¡Vamos a presentarnos en cada reunión hasta que obtengamos justicia para él! ¡No nos vamos a ir!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #SistemaInJusticia #PolicíasAsesinas #CrimenesPolicíacos #CSOOC #NacionalidadesOprimidas #ChicanoLatino

Anaheim, CA – The front rows of Anaheim City Council chamber were filled with Albert Arzola’s family on Tuesday, January 13. They held signs demanding, “Justice for Albert Arzola,” who was only 19 years old when he was ambushed by two Anaheim PD officers, shot in the back and killed on December 6, 2025.

Christine Lopez Ediss said, “Albert is my nephew and was loved by so many. He graduated from Katella High School and was working in the city he loved: Anaheim. He had a bright future ahead. That was stolen from Albert, his family, and the Anaheim community. We will not remain silent about the senseless act by a gang unit officer!”

Sergio Pelayo, Albert Arzola’s cousin, said “I’m here to advocate for the unedited version of what happened that day on December 6. It’s been over a month now. We only have a 30 second clip from what happened. Just release the autopsy as people in the family would like to know where and how Albert died. We would also like to know the name of the officer. I mean, no need to hide!”

Albert’s family shouted, “You guys are hiding things!”

Grace Arzola, another of Albert Arzola’s aunts, said this about Public Information Officer Matt Sutter: “He said that the police acted in the public’s best interest. That’s something that the public has to determine! Not the Public Information Officer. They can only do this when you guys release the full, unedited video. Let them decide if the police acted in their best interest!”

Vern Nelson, Anaheim resident and writer of the Orange Juice Blog, also spoke on the police killing. Nelson stated that when gang unit officers kill someone, “for weeks or months they’ll go around harassing the family. That’s familiar to me because my wife Donna had a son who was killed in 2012 – Joel Acevedo. The same exact thing happened to her! They harass the family. They shine lights into their place every day to intimidate them, so they don’t speak out.” Joel Acevedo was killed by Anaheim PD officer Kelly Phillips on July 22, 2012. That year Anaheim PD killed seven Chicanos, including Manuel Diaz the night before Joel was killed.

Grace Arzola also described similar harassment, saying “My mom is 77 years old. The police stopped my brother for a ‘broken taillight’. We asked a family friend to come and fix the taillight. Five Anaheim PD officers pulled up on a family friend that was helping my elderly mom fix a broken taillight and accused him of stealing the car! Five. Officers. This is unacceptable and it needs to stop.”

The family was joined by three members of Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC), including Erika Armenta, whose husband Noe Rodriguez was killed by Santa Ana PD on December 1, 2024.

CSO OC member Carina Munoz said that “Anaheim PD has been ranked ninth out of the 60 largest U.S. cities on the rate of officer-involved deaths during arrests, and yet nothing has been done. Because of the lack of action, these Anaheim PD officers are allowed to make women widows, parents lose their children before themselves, which is not the natural order of things, siblings lose each other way before their time, and best friends lose their only shoulder to lay on. I am ashamed of Anaheim for once again letting a young person die, and for making it seem like Albert deserved it!”

Graze Arzola stated, “We are not going away! We will show up to every meeting until we get justice for him! We are not going away!”

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceCrimes #CSOOC #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino

Anaheim, CA – On December 22, the Anaheim Police Department (APD) released body-worn camera footage from the police killing of Albert Arzola. Rather than providing clarity, the footage has intensified community outrage and reinforced long-standing concerns about APD’s narrative, use of force, and lack of transparency.

The video does not clearly show Arzola pointing or firing a weapon. At no point in the footage is a gun seen in Arzola’s hands prior to officers opening fire. This directly contradicts APD’s repeated claims that Arzola “produced a gun,” a phrase officials have relied on to justify the killing since the incident.

In the footage, APD officers approached Arzola in an unmarked vehicle with no sirens and were not immediately identifiable as police. The officers charged out of the car and chased Arzola as he ran toward his home. Within seconds, the shooting officer grabbed Arzola by the hoodie, pulled him down, and opened fire.

The video shows no sign that officers tried to de-escalate the situation before using lethal force. The lack of audio caused by the camera’s buffering period makes it impossible to tell what commands – if any – were given, and whether Arzola had time or ability to comply.

The body camera footage also corroborates community accounts regarding 18-year-old Emmanuel Cordova, who was also present near the scene. Video shows Cordova exiting the house with his hands raised and his back partially turned when he is struck by a less-lethal round. This directly challenges APD’s claim that Cordova was behaving threateningly. Cordova was later hospitalized for injuries from the encounter.

CSO OC and community members are calling for the immediate release of the full, body camera footage, the names of the officers involved, and an independent investigation into the killing. They argue that APD’s limited release of information has only raised further questions and deepened public mistrust.

As anger continues to grow in Anaheim, community members remain firm in their demands. The release of the body-camera footage has not brought closure. Instead, it has highlighted inconsistencies in APD’s account and strengthened calls for accountability, transparency, and an end to what residents describe as a pattern of violent policing in their neighborhoods, especially on young Chicanos.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #KillerCops #PoliceBrutality #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CSOOC #Feature

Anaheim, CA – On December 15, angry community members confronted the Anaheim Police Department (APD) at a community meeting after the department’s killing of Albert Arzola. A community member asked, “What do you mean by ‘produced a gun?’”

Public Information Officer Matt Sutter, answered “What exactly he did with the gun, the only two who know that are the officers who were at the scene.” APD has given conflicting, vague reports as to how a gun was found at the scene – but they have used this to justify the killing.

Neighborhood residents, friends and family of Albert Arzola, and members of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) were in attendance. The original meeting was scheduled for December 10, four days after Arzola’s killing. However, due to outcry from the community, APD rescheduled the meeting to evade responsibility. More than a week later, there are still many questions unanswered.

Arzola was killed by APD on December 6. Two APD officers, whose names have yet to be released, were conducting gang unit patrols when they encountered Arzola. According to APD, he was seen doing graffiti then he ran back towards his house. According to APD, a verbal confrontation then ensued when one officer opened fire on Albert, killing him. This account is based on APD's word, and the community is demanding the release of the full unedited body camera footage.

18-year-old Emmanuel Cordova then came out of the house and had his hands up with his back turned toward the officers. He was shot with a less lethal round to the back of the head and was later treated at the hospital for injuries. APD claims that Cordova was ignoring commands given by the officers despite the video taken by a neighbor showing otherwise.

At least 12 people were detained throughout APD’s assault on the home. This includes family, neighbors and children who were inside the building. During the Q & A section of the meeting, one community member asked, “Were the majority of people detained children?” which was answered by Sutter, “I can’t answer that at this time.” This response was often used at the meeting. Sutter often deferred to the district attorney’s report which will be released after investigations are complete, which can take years.

Arzola’s aunt addressed the three city council members who were present, stating, “I want the city council to know that there is a community here that is uprising to say we disagree with Anaheim PD’s tactics.” The city council members never responded with more than a slight head nod.

Sutter revealed that the two officers involved were placed on paid leave after being asked what actions have been taken against the officers involved. This was followed by the question “If it was a cop that was murdered, would you allow the suspect to continue working?” to which everyone yelled with a resounding “no.” One family member said “You guys get to go home on Christmas and be cozy, we’re gonna be at my mom’s house and in the street praying for my nephew. Courtesy of your Christmas gift to my family.”

Jocelyn Pacheco, a member of CSO OC asked “Did you find any evidence that Albert was doing graffiti, and anything to prove this killing was justified?” Sutter responded with “You're asking me what the officers knew, I wasn't in his mind. I don’t know what he saw.” This followed with community members screaming “Graffiti isn’t a death sentence!” Despite it being more than a week, Sutter still has yet to speak with the officers involved. His answer was followed by cries for him to do his job.

One attendee asked, “The vehicle that the officers were using during their patrol, was it a marked vehicle or an unmarked vehicle?” Sutter responded that the vehicle was unmarked. The same attendee added “Don’t you think humanly they would run, especially with all the ICE raids going on?” ICE has been using unmarked vehicles, especially in areas with a lot of Chicanos like the neighborhood Arzola lived in.

The frustration and anger in the room were palpable as Sutter often deflected and gave vague answers to community members' questions. The family left with no real answers and are left to grieve, thanks to APD’s actions.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #KillerCops #CSOOC

Anaheim, CA – On Wednesday, December 10, chants of “Justice for Albert Arzola!” filled the streets in Anaheim. Members of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) protested with friends of Albert Arzola to demand justice after he was killed by and Anaheim Police Department (APD) gang unit.

The group of 30 protesters marched to the intersection of Anaheim Boulevard and South Street, chanting “Jail killer cops!” Residents passing through the area stopped to learn about the killing and even joined the protest.

19-year-old Albert Arzola was shot and killed by APD officers just four days earlier on December 6. During the same incident, APD shot an unarmed man in the neck with a “less lethal” bean bag round, despite him having his hands up and his back turned to them. The department and city have evaded discussing the details of the killing, but the community responded with justified outrage. APD set up a community meeting with residents from the affected neighborhoods for December 10, but postponed and relocated the meeting less than one hour before it was scheduled to start.

Abe Quintana of CSO OC stated “We see these cowards watching us with their drones! They were too scared of the community showing up for justice, and they instead moved their meeting away from the impacted community to City Hall where they feel safe!”

Protesters carried signs targeting APD that read “Who protects us from you? Stop killing innocent people!” and “Prosecute killer cops!”

CSO OC member David Pulido spoke, saying, “Something that we see in all these cases is Chicanos being killed by police departments and getting gunned down in the streets. We know that the city and police are not going to give us justice, so we have to take it by coming together and organizing for change.”

Protesters also held signs demanding justice for other victims of APD over the years, revealing a clear pattern of racist killings. They included Abigail Lopez, a 20-year-old veteran who was shot in 2023 and 34-year-old Brandon Lopez, who was murdered in 2021. Other cases as far back as 2012 include the execution of Joey Acevedo while he was detained, and Manuel Diaz, a man shot in the back with no warning from the officers who chased him down.

The event ended with a march to the incident location to pay respects to Albert Arzola, where an altar was set up to commemorate his life. Friends and family spelled Arzola’s name using candles and had gathered for a rosary prayer circle earlier that evening.

Anaheim PD was forced to respond, and soon after the protest, the department Instagram page posted a photo of a weapon they claim was “near” Albert Arzola on December 6. The department has not explicitly stated that Arzola was armed, and the community isn't buying it. The people have been demanding the release of the unedited body cam footage and for accountability from the police department.

CSO OC fights for community control of the police, and legalization for all immigrants. They can be reached on Instagram (@cso.oc) and Facebook (CSO Orange County). They hold general meetings every third Thursday of the month in Santa Ana, California.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #CSOOC

Anaheim, CA – El 22 de diciembre, alrededor de las 4 de la mañana, cerca de 40 trabajadores de Amazon, algunos de los cuales también son miembros de la Hermandad Internacional de Camioneros (Teamsters) del Local 396, formaron una línea de piquetes frente a un almacén de Amazon en Anaheim. Llevaban carteles de protesta que decían “Huelga por prácticas laborales injustas de Amazon” y marcharon frente a la entrada del almacén. Los gerentes vigilaron de cerca la línea de piquetes, desalentando a los conductores que salían de hablar con los piqueteros

Esta línea de piquetes es parte de la huelga más grande contra Amazon en la historia de los Estados Unidos y está ocurriendo en un momento crucial del período de mayor actividad comercial del año.

Rubie Mosqueda, conductora de reparto de Amazon de la Ciudad de Industry, explicó: “ Hay una huelga nacional en marcha porque varios almacenes han alcanzado la mayoría para sindicarse y Amazon sigue negándose a sentarse a la mesa. Queremos discutir mejores salarios, seguridad laboral y la negociación del contrato. ¡Estamos en huelga para mostrarle a Amazon que estamos unidos como sindicato!”.

El sindicato Amazon Labor Union, afiliado a los Teamsters, quiere expandirse y llevarlo a nuevos almacenes como el de Amazon en Anaheim. Mientras los piqueteros hablaban con los conductores sobre las condiciones de trabajo y la lucha por un contrato, Mosqueda dijo: “Hemos extendido la línea de piquetes para venir a apoyar a otros locales. Queremos ver cómo se sienten los conductores acerca de traer el sindicato aquí. Primero plantamos las semillas, luego hacemos el piquete, conseguimos contactos, ¡y después nos comunicamos y organizamos!”

Los cánticos llenaron la calle mientras los piqueteros gritaban: “¿Qué queremos? ¡Un contrato! ¿Cuándo lo queremos? ¡Ahora!”. Los vehículos que pasaban tocaban el claxon en apoyo de la huelga.

La gerencia de Amazon llamó al Departamento de Policía de Anaheim, y dos patrullas se detuvieron, amenazando con multar a la gente por caminar mientras el semáforo estaba en rojo. Los piqueteros respondieron a la gerencia con el canto: “¡Romper sindicatos es repugnante!”

Los piqueteros planearon regresar a la Ciudad de Industry el 23 de diciembre y mantener la huelga con fuerza.

#AnaheimCA #CA #Labor #Teamsters #ALU #Amazon #Strike #Huelga

Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC) has begun investigating the shooting, door knocking in the area to find out more information. The organization hopes to find the victim’s family to support them in their struggle for justice.

This police killing is similar to the recent killing of Noe Rodriguez Martinez, also in his 30s, by Santa Ana Police Department on December 1 near Broadway and 1st Street. The scene of his murder is still scarred with nearly 30 bullet holes where police sprayed him with gunfire for allegedly holding a non-lethal airsoft gun. Similarly, the names of the officers and more details about the killing have not been released.

These killings and the lack of information released to the public regarding them highlight Orange County’s lack of police accountability and transparency. While both Santa Ana and Anaheim have police oversight bodies, they currently lack the power to hold police accountable when they kill. CSO OC is in the process of building a campaign in Santa Ana to demand transparency and accountability, including releasing officer names after police killings.

If you have any information regarding either shooting or you are interested in being involved in the campaign, you can call CSO OC’s hotline at 714-367-6350 or contact them via social media @cso.oc on Instagram and Orange County CSO on Facebook.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #CSOOC

Anaheim, CA – On December 22, at around 4 a.m., nearly 40 Amazon workers, some of whom are also members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from Local 396, picketed in front of an Amazon warehouse in Anaheim. They carried signs stating, “Amazon unfair labor practices strike” and marched in front of the warehouse entrance. Managers watched the picket line closely, discouraging outgoing drivers from speaking to picketers.

This picket line is part of the largest Amazon strike in U.S. history and is happening at the crux of the busiest shopping time of the year.

Rubie Mosqueda, Amazon delivery driver from the City of Industry, explained, “There is a nationwide strike happening because a number of warehouses have reached a majority to unionize, and Amazon is still refusing to come to the table. We want to discuss better pay, job security and contract negotiation. We are striking to show Amazon that we are standing together as a union!”

The Teamster-affiliated Amazon Labor Union wants to expand and bring it to new warehouses like the Anaheim Amazon warehouse. As picketers talked to drivers about working conditions and the fight for a contract, Mosqueda said, “We’ve extended the picket line to come support other locals. We want to see how drivers are feeling about bringing the union here. First, we plant the seeds, then picket, get contacts, then we reach out and organize!”

Chants filled the street as picketers shouted, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” Passing cars honked in support of the strike.

Amazon management called the Anaheim Police Department, and two patrol cars pulled over, threatening to ticket people for walking while the street light is red. Picketers chanted back at management, “Union busting is disgusting!”

Picketers planned to return to the City of Industry on December 23 and keep the strike going strong.

#AnaheimCA #CA #Labor #Teamsters #Amazon #Strike

Anaheim, CA – On June 22, over 50 community members and activists gathered at Twila Reid Park for a vigil honoring Palestinian martyrs who have been killed during the ongoing genocide. The vigil was organized by the Palestinian American Women’s Association.

The vigil was one of Orange County’s many actions highlighting Israel’s genocide campaign in Gaza that has killed at least 40,000 people. The vigil started with an all-Palestinian children’s choir that sang Mawtini, the Iraq national anthem. This was followed up with the chants, “We want justice, you say how? End the siege on Gaza now!” and “Genocide Joe, what do you say? How many kids did you kill today?”

A member of PAWA SoCal spoke to the displacement and suffering of Palestinians at the hands of Israel, “For decades Palestinian families have faced unimaginable hardships, forced from their homes time and again now at an exponentially higher scale. Death and starvation loom at every corner in Gaza. Israel has pushed 80% of Gaza’s inhabitants into the cruel limbo of displacement, forcing them to become refugees again.”

The vigil continued with speakers demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. “We must continue to pressure the U.S. government who provides the bombs, munitions, intelligence and precision technologies that subjugate our people and attempt to quell the resistance. Elected officials continue signing off on billions of dollars in weapons reaching the Zionist entity.” said a speaker from Students for Justice in Palestine at UC Irvine.

A Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) member drew the connection between the Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. police department, stating, “We are aware that the anti-defamation league or ADL has trained many law enforcement agencies within southern California including the Los Angeles Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Department, and Santa Ana Police Department. At CSO OC we are currently working on police accountability and community control of the police in Santa Ana.”

The vigil ended with a closing performance by the Mawtini choir and writing notes on a candlelit altar commemorating the lives of brave Palestinian martyrs. The vigil included members of Students for Justice in Palestine, Black Lives Matter, CSO OC, SAWA SoCal, Memorial for Freedom and Democracy in Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), Al-Awada, Palestine Foundation, Arab American Civil Council, and others.

#AnaheimCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #PAWA #CSO #SJP #USPCN

Anaheim, CA – “You join the heroes who stood up and said, ‘War? Not in our name! Death? Not in our name! Money toward genocide? Not in our name!’” declared Kareem Youssef, member of the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), to a crowd of over 20 protesters in front of a Super King Market on March 3.

The action was part of the larger “Boycott Sadaf” campaign, whose goal is to remove Sadaf Food products from grocery stores. Sadaf Foods is a Zionist company that sources its products in occupied Palestine and tries to normalize the state of Israel.

Activists took the parking lot chanting, “Super King, hear our voice! Zionist food is not a choice!” and “Not another nickel, not another dime! No more money for Israel’s crimes!”

They were confronted by security guards who tried to intimidate them into moving out of the parking lot, but Youssef and others asserted their right to protest Super King market for shelving Sadaf Food products. As seven police SUVs and one motorcycle officer poured into the lot, another organizer from USPCN said he had spoken with the manager of Super King before staging this action, and the manager sent him to customer service. “How ridiculous! They want us to go through a bureaucracy when we tell them to stop funding genocide, when we tell them that you’re profiting off of the stolen food while our people are starving in Gaza, while children are starving! And instead, they call the cops on us. Shame on Super King! Shame on Sadaf! Boycott Sadaf!”

Diana Terreros, member of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated that “CSO stands in unequivocal solidarity with the Palestinian resistance against the occupation of Israel, who is committing a genocide and has been dispossessing Palestinians for 75 years.” She also spoke on the recent victory of the Boycott Sadaf campaign in Garden Grove, where an action forced Harvest Fresh market to deshelve its Sadaf products just 30 minutes into the rally. Terreros stated, “We will keep fighting against these Zionist corporations! Our struggles as Chicanos and Palestinians may be different, but we are united against the common enemy of U.S. imperialism, and together we can win.”

Even as the police tried to violate protesters’ First Amendment rights, activists urged customers to boycott Super King until the manager made a contractual agreement to deshelve its Sadaf Food products. Some customers even joined the ranks of activists, taking up signs and shouting back at police and security. The police were forced to stand and watch.

Palestinian flags waved in the lot as Youssef closed the boycott action by warning, “We will be checking on different stores seeking Sadaf across Southern California until every single one of these Southern California stores removes Sadaf Foods from their shelves! Because this is what we can do to make an impact and to address Zionism ourselves, and show them that people power, just us, is enough to cost Sadaf millions!”

The boycott was organized by USPCN, and it included activists from Free Democratic Movement for Palestine, Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, the Palestinian American Women’s Association, Community Service Organization Orange County, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO).

#AnaheimCA #International #AntiWarMovement #MiddleEast #Palestine #BDS #USPCN #AlAwda #PAWA #CSOOC #FRSO

Anaheim, CA – Chants of “Anaheim PD has blood on their hands!” filled the streets of Anaheim on Wednesday, December 6, as over 30 family members and community members rallied in front of the Anaheim Police Department. They spoke on the tragic murder of Abigail Lopez by Anaheim PD.

Rain Mendoza, the rally emcee and member of Orange County CSO, recounted the event, stating, “On October 29, Anaheim PD gunned down Abigail Lopez and murdered her in cold blood. She was 20 years old. These cops kill us with impunity, and we get no justice. They are never held accountable for their crimes against the people!”

The officers shot Abigail Lopez for allegedly holding a BB gun. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died from the shooting. Both the California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Anaheim PD have announced that they are investigating the shooting. The names of the responsible officers and the body cam footage has not been released.

The rally, organized by Orange County CSO and Abigail Lopez’s family, continued with powerful words from Abigail’s mother, Mary Carmen Lopez, as she looked up at a police drone that flew overhead for the duration of the rally. “It doesn’t seem fair to me that the days pass and she’s not here with me and I’m asking for justice! The cops were wrong for shooting a 20-year-old girl. Justice please!”

The killing of Abigail Lopez happened only a couple weeks after Anaheim PD killed 29-year-old Luis Muñoz on October 3 at a gas station. Anaheim PD has taken many lives over the years, including that of Brandon Lopez in 2021, Fermin Vincent Valenzuela in 2016, and Manuel Diaz and Joel Acevedo who were killed back to back by Anaheim PD in July 2012.

Diana Terreros, a founding member of Orange County CSO, stated, “This is a tragedy that no family should have to endure, however it is a very common occurrence. Anaheim PD regularly kills people, and this happens all over the country but particularly to Chicanos, African Americans and other oppressed nationalities. The police take up so much of the city budget to supposedly protect and serve but all they really provide to our communities is terror and death. This has to stop, and we need to take power from them and put it in the people’s hands.”

Protesters then moved from the police station to a busy intersection where cars driving by honked in support of strong chants of “Justice for Abigail Lopez!” and the family’s demand to jail the killer cops who are responsible. Mary Carmen Lopez plans to continue protesting and fighting for justice for her daughter in the future.

#AnaheimCA #InjusticeSystem #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #OrangeCountyCSO

Anaheim, CA – On Sunday, November 26, close to 200 people gathered at a vigil organized by the Palestinian American Women’s Association and co-sponsored by over 15 organizations to mourn the 20,000 Palestinians who have been martyred since October 7. In some cases, entire bloodlines have been wiped out and more than a million have been displaced from their homes.

Candles were lit and flowers were laid out to honor the martyrs whose names were displayed on a banner. Many spoke about the personal impact the occupation of Palestine and genocide being conducted by Israel has had on their families. One speaker was present during the Nakba of 1948.

Shaheen Nassar, a community organizer with the Council on American-Islamic Relations stated, “Unfortunately, I’ve lost family in almost every major bombing campaign of the Gaza strip, including more recently my eight-year-old relative who was killed in one of the bombing campaigns. And inshallah, we will vindicate all our martyrs with the dismantlement of the apartheid system.”

The role of the United States in the genocide of Palestinians was also highlighted throughout the vigil.

Ayah Shiadah, program manager at the Arab American Civic Council, declared that “the U.S.-made weapons of destruction used in this conflict must not continue to bring death and despair to the people of Gaza and Palestine. We must hold accountable those who have aided in this endless occupation and rampant genocide.”

A speaker from the Palestinian Youth Movement spoke about the millions that capitalists and politicians make by spilling Palestinian blood and asserted “we will continue to disrupt the flow of profit for those who get richer with every single weapon or technology they send to Israel. For every business deal they make with Israel.”

In the past week, protests and die-ins have taken place at malls and defense companies to demand an end to U.S. aid to Israel, including a protest that shut down a Lockheed Martin subsidiary in Minnesota and a protest held in Los Angeles at a Raytheon facility.

Palestinian youth ranging from eight to 12 years old also spoke at the vigil, reading poems and leading chants of “Free, free, free Palestine!” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes!”

Dr. Melina Abdullah, director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, spoke about the long history of solidarity between Palestinians and Africans and African Americans, stating, “I am coming to you standing on the shoulders of my African ancestors who since 1948 have stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people. See, Black people have always understood that our struggle here, our struggle worldwide mirrors in so many ways the struggle of Palestinian people.”

David Pulido, co-founder of Community Service Organization Orange County, spoke about what the Palestinian resistance means for Chicanos and other oppressed nationalities. “For the people, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood means that it is right to struggle against your oppressor. It means that the only path to liberation is to recognize your enemy and struggle against him.”

Pulido ended his speech with a statement of solidarity: “The resistance of the Palestinian people inspires me and we in CSO OC stand in unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement. While the particulars of our struggles as Chicanos and Palestinians are different, our main enemy is the same: U.S. imperialism.”

The mass demonstrations that have taken place across the country were highlighted throughout the vigil as a sign and a reason that the tide is turning against Israel. Kareem Youssef of the US Palestinian Community Network encouraged attendees to keep up the fight. “We must continue to organize and fight against Israel, the United States, and all who support genocide. We are on the right side of history. We are the ones teaching civility. We have defeated Israel these past 50 days and we must do whatever it takes again and again and again until one day Zionism is but a thing of the past and Palestinians have finally won their liberation from the river to the sea.”

#AnaheimCA #FreePalestine

Celine Qussiny from Palestinian Youth Movement explained that Palestinians have a right to resist and respond to the ongoing Zionist attacks and occupation. “This escalation is a direct response to 75 years of ongoing Nakba and ethnic cleansing. The Zionist entity bears full responsibility for this escalation.” She ended her speech with “the struggle for Palestinian liberation continues and will continue until the complete liberation and return of our people!”

President Joe Biden has called the operation a terrorist assault and has stated that the U.S. is “ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel.”

In response to these accusations of terrorism, John Nonato from Anakbayan University of California, Irvine and Bayan Southern California, stated: “We understand that it’s the U.S. imperialists that are the number one terrorists. The U.S. imperialists funding the IDF [Israeli Defense Forces], the occupation forces that are also training the armed forces in the Philippines to suppress our people. We have a right to resist – it is not terrorism.”

#AnaheimCA #Palestine #PalestinianYouthMovement #Anakbayan #Bayan

Asimismo, denunciaron el reciente asesinato de Manuel Díaz. Díaz recibió un disparo en la espalda y parte posterior de la cabeza el 21 de julio frente a su familia, esto en la calle North Anna, una comunidad de clase trabajadora y chicana. El 24 de julio, la familia de Manuel Díaz presentó una demanda en la corte federal por violación de derechos civiles exigiendo justicia y $50 millones de dólares. Los manifestantes trataron de marchar cerca de Disneyland, pero fueron bloqueados por la policía. Muchos conductores que pasaron por la protesta gritaron saludos para mostrar su apoyo. Muchos de los grupos chicanos se unieron a la manifestación, incluyendo los Chicanos Unidos de Anaheim, los Brown Berets, el Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida y la Coalición de Inmigración del Sur de California, para nombrar unos pocos. El movimiento Ocupar, junto con socialistas y grupos anarquistas también participaron. Carlos Montes y otros veteranos activistas chicanos también participaron. Montes habló con la familia Cruz para expresar su apoyo y solidaridad. El Condado Orange tiene una larga historia de ataques y prácticas racistas en contra de la creciente comunidad chicana. Los grandes negocios de la ciudad tienen planes para expandir el complejo de atracciones como Disneyland y unos piensan que quieren desalojar a la gran comunidad chicana.

#AnaheimCA #PoliceBrutality #AntiRacism #politicalRepression

Anaheim, CA – Hundreds marched on the Anaheim Police Headquarters, July 29, to protest police killings of young Chicano men. The protesters confronted the police with chants, shouts and banners denouncing these brutal and racist killings. The Anaheim Police Department (APD) has carried out a rash of killings this year, far more than previous years. Two people have been killed in the past week.

The protesters were met with a heavy, militarized police presence including horses, helicopters, armored cars and cops on rooftops with shot guns ready.

The family of Cesar Ray Cruz, killed by the APD in 2009, held up a banner demanding justice and a poster with the pictures of nine other men killed by APD. They also denounced the recent killing of Manuel Diaz. Diaz who was shot in the back and back of head on July 21 in front of the families of North Anna Street, a working class Chicano community. On July 24, the family of Manuel Diaz filled a civil rights violation lawsuit in U.S. Federal Court demanding justice and $50 million.

The demonstrators attempted to march on nearby Disneyland, but were blocked by the police. Many drivers going by the protest honked and waved to show support.

Many Chicano groups joined the demonstration, including Chicanos Unidos de Anaheim, Brown Berets, Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida and the Southern California Immigration Coalition, to name a few. The Occupy movement, along with socialist and anarchist groups also participated.

Carlos Montes and other veteran Chicano activists participated and spoke with the Cruz family to express their support and solidarity.

Orange County has a long history of racist attacks and practices against the growing Chicano community. The city developers have plans to expand the amusement park resort and some feel that they want to dislocate the large Chicano community.

#AnaheimCA #ChicanoLatino #Racism #CarlosMontes #policeKilling #ChicanoLiberation

Anaheim, CA – Manuel Diaz, a 25-year old Chicano, was shot in the back and in the head by Anaheim police in the afternoon of July 21. The police killing took place in a Chicano working-class community, where most people live in apartments and where families know, get along with and hear each other. Diaz was murdered while standing in his front lawn. The police have given no reason or probable cause for attempting to stop him.

The close-knit community immediately began to protest and denounce this brutal racist killing. During the protest, police fired rubber bullets, hitting many people. The cops let loose a police dog that attacked a child and mother and mauled a young man. Five people were arrested and half a dozen injured.

Then on July 22, police killed another man, Joel Acevedo.

Anaheim Police Chief John Welter claimed he’s “very concerned” about the killings. The Orange County district attorney's office, which investigates police shootings, is looking into these cases.

On July 23, there were several press conferences to denounce the Diaz killing. People united for a protest in the community on North Anna Drive. Their shouts and chants demanded justice for Manuel and jail for the killer cop.

Many in the community are visibly traumatized but they have united to demand justice and to stop future police brutality. This Chicano community is near the Disneyland and many feel the city, along with developers, want to suppress and keep the Chicano community down. The corporations want to promote the area as a major tourist attraction and resort.

The community called for another rally at the Anaheim City Hall on July 24, where they also plan to speak out during the weekly city council meeting.

Chicanos have faced blatant racism, discrimination, police brutality and police killing in the Southwest since the Mexican American war. At that time the U.S. militarily occupied the Southwest – the area that many Chicanos now refer to as Aztlan, the Chicano Nation.

Veteran Chicano activist Carlos Montes visited with the community of North Anna Street on July 23 to give them support, show solidarity and to link the struggle against police killing to the fight for Chicano self-determination.

#AnaheimCalifornia #AnaheimCA #PoliceBrutality #ManuelDiaz #JoelAcevedo