Police across Los Angeles County will be on heightened alert Nov. 3 as voting wraps up in the 2020 presidential election. The highly contentious election has led to fears of large protests — regardless of the winner — and possible looting or violence.
The Ralphs at the intersection of Manchester and Western Avenues opted to board-up windows in case protests escalate in South LA.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the necessary steps to prepare select stores and protect our associates in the event of civil unrest surrounding the election,” said John Votava, a spokesman for Kroger, owner of Ralphs and Food4Less stores.
Meanwhile, business owners in other parts of LA County have also been making preparations, with some choosing to board up their windows or remove merchandise from shops and store fronts. That work began more than a week ago in some business districts, most notably in Beverly Hills, where Rodeo Drive will be completely closed to pedestrians and vehicles on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s Capt. Salvador Becerra of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station says he and his staff have coordinated with all law enforcement agencies in a 30-mile radius.
“All our stations are on a modified schedule for maximum readiness,” he said in an online message. “All have activated their Mobile Field Forces. All have activated their Emergency Operation Centers. And all are fishing for intelligence to support their missions. Thus far, no intelligence exist to suggest we will face a civil uprising. Nonetheless, we are prepared for it. We are hoping for the best, but are planning for the worst.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti offered that same assessment last week, saying there is no confirmed indication of any organized attempt to spark violence or unrest on election day.
“We are very prepared for the elections, but at the same time, I don’t want to buy into a narrative that there’s going to be chaos during our elections,” Garcetti said. “We prepare for the worst, but we are hoping and expect generally the best.”
Garcetti said “there’s no intelligence of a widespread plot” to cause election-related disturbances. But he said people going to vote centers should “keep a lookout, let us know if anything’s happening and we’ll be there for you. But again, I do not expect that to be anything widespread. There may be individual instances, we’ll see some stuff around the country. But don’t let any of that change the narrative of you, your right to vote — and don’t be scared to vote. We need everybody’s vote protected.”
