Los Angeles County
Commission on Human Relations
1184 Hall of Records, 320 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California, 90012
(213) 974-7611
December 7, 2005
MEMO
To:
Human Relations Mutual Assistance Consortium Cities and Organizations, School
Administrators, Faith Leaders, Law Enforcement, Youth Workers and Other
Stakeholders
From:
L. A. County Human Relations Commission Staff & L.A. City Human Relations
Commission Staff
RE:
LA COUNTY & CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION'S PEACEKEEPING PLAN
TO AVERT POTENTIAL VIOLENCE FOLLOWING THE POTENTIAL EXECUTION OF
CRIPS CO-FOUNDER, STANLEY "TOOKIE" WILLIAMS
This memo is to apprise you on a multi-agency effort to prevent possible violence or disorder in LA
County resulting from the potential execution in the high profile case of Crips co-founder Tookie
Williams. The Commissions’ goals are to apply the lessons of the Civil Unrest of April-May 1992 that
caused great destruction and led to intergroup violence. The Commissions know this is a major
controversy engendering strong emotional responses, is directly related to street gangs,
and occurs in the context of a number of recent high profile cases involving community controversies
regarding police incidents.
This memo is NOT intended to provide an opinion or position on this case, but to prepare human
relations agencies, schools, municipal agencies and other sites for potential civil unrest. The hours
and days following the execution, which -- barring a pardon from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -is expected to be December 13, 2005, in this potentially divisive execution, presents an opportunity
for all of us to make a substantial contribution using our human relations infrastructure and resources.
As the state's highest-profile execution in a quarter century draws near, both sides are vying to win
over Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has scheduled a private clemency hearing in his office Dec.
8.
We recognize that there may be high emotions, and perhaps the widespread public perception of
injustice, which will be felt throughout the county and nation, in the event Stanley “Tookie” Williams is
executed or is granted clemency by the governor.
Williams was sentenced to death for the execution-style murder of a Whittier convenience store clerk
during a February 1979 robbery and the murders of the owners of a Los Angeles motel and their
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 2 of 7
daughter during a robbery two weeks later. In the event Williams is granted clemency, there may be
community tensions due to the perception that the criminal justice process was compromised.
Williams lost a federal court appeal of his death sentence February 2nd of this year and could face
execution next week. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' refusal to reconsider William' case
drew an impassioned dissent from nine judges, who said the court should have ordered a new
hearing into whether the prosecutor violated Williams' right to racially neutral jury selection by
removing three African Americans from the jury that convicted him. "If our judicial system is to
inspire a sense of confidence among the populace, we must not, we cannot permit trials to proceed in
the face of blatant, race-based jury selection practices,'' said Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, writing for the
dissenters.
The perception that Williams may be innocent, coupled with Williams’ notoriety as reputed co-founder
of the Crips and for his post conviction anti-gang work which earned him four nominations for the
Nobel Peace Prize for his gang peace work and five Nobel Prize nominations in Literature for his
children’s books, is certain to engender emotions throughout the county. Tookie Williams' anti-gang
work has been credited with bringing peace and harmony to entrenched gang-controlled
neighborhoods. For example, his Peace Protocol was used to help build a truce between rival Crips
and Bloods gangs in Newark, New Jersey in 2004. His life story was widely publicized by Jamie Foxx
in the movie, “Redemption”. A full page ad paid for by Tookie Williams in the December 7, 2005 Los
Angeles Times also outlines his work—and underscores the high visibility of this case.
As a result of this backdrop, we at the County and City Human Relations Commissions are part of a
much larger effort to prepare and avoid widespread violence and share this desire with government
agencies at all levels (federal state, and local), law enforcement, city officials, community groups, faith
leaders and the media. Throughout this process, we will coordinate and communicate on our work
with these stakeholders.
COMMISSION PLAN: Here are the elements of the Commission’s plan which have already been
discussed and developed.
Preparatory Phase:
HRMAC "ON ALERT":
We strongly urge that the Los Angeles County Human Relations Mutual Assistance
Consortium Cluster cities go on "alert" with human relations clusters around the county contacting
their local law enforcement agencies and planning contingencies for outlying areas of the county. We
suggest the following be a part of your response plans:
1. Talking points: We are attaching talking points on how to divert possible anger or frustration away
from violent or unproductive actions to peaceful resolution. These talking points are for your civic
leaders as well as your local school and police leaders PRIOR to the execution. If possible, please
get these to gang intervention organizations, park and recreation leaders, community leaders, city
department heads, faith leaders and key administrators in high and middle schools in your area with
suggestions to be prepared for verdict with talking points, especially where greater potential for
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 3 of 7
reaction (e.g., where youth gangs are significant). These should be distributed as soon as
possible—certainly no later than Dec. 9, 2005.
2.
Ready field teams for execution day: If you are in an area that is likely to have repercussions,
we strongly advise that you assemble field teams as needed. Training these teams is essential—
please check out the Department of Justice Community Relations Service website for good materials
on training peacekeeping monitors at demonstrations. These can include key civic leaders, law
enforcement, faith leaders and other stakeholders to do “tone setting” statements on verdict day. If
you do plan to field a team, please contact Terri Villa-McDowell at the number noted below. As
always, we urge faith leaders to use their pulpits and billboards to call for calm and peace. If you
have information on what the faith leadership is planning, please let the Commission know.
3.
Stay abreast of situation as it evolves: If you are in an area that is likely to have repercussions,
we urge you to consider the following:
-Keep your local team updated and informed on key issues.
-Monitor news of trial.
-Immediately get on the Commission’s e-mail list on regular updates, and share with team
members. Our email: tvillamcdowell@hrc.co.la.ca.us.
Day of Execution Announcement:
1.
Field teams: Together with other government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of
Justice, and L.A. City Human Relations Commission, Commission staff and partners such as your
local human relations organization will field monitoring teams, if needed, intervening to keep the
peace. If you would like to help us, please call Terri Villa-McDowell.
A.
The City and County Commissions’ Field Teams are comprised of experienced program
staff. A staff roster is attached in case you need phone numbers.
B.
LACCHR Field Coordinators: Ray Regalado and Borden Olive are the designated Field
Coordinator of Commission teams. (See attached County Human Relations Commission Staff
Roster). If you have any questions, please call Ray Regalado, Borden Olive or Terri Villa-McDowell.
C.
LACCHR at Command Post: Terri Villa-McDowell, the Commission’s Assistant
Executive Director, Programs, will be in the office on day of the execution to coordinate with field
teams, if needed.
D.
Equipment: Each Commission field team will be equipped with a cell phone. Please call
Terri Villa-McDowell at 213-974-7616 or on her cell: 213-595-7894 for staff’s cell phone numbers if
you think you will need to contact Commission staff.
E.
Role: The Commission teams will back up your local teams already formed.
Commission staff will coordinate with you, if you alert us in advance that you may need our
assistance.
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 4 of 7
F.
Public Gatherings: While law enforcement needs to be concerned with public safety
and are prepared to respond strongly to any outbreak of violence, we as human relations practitioners
should be prepared to assist in ensuring that there can be peaceful demonstrations that provide for
First Amendment free speech rights for your community members.
2.
Media contact: We urge you to disseminate messages of peace and to identify places and
times where community members can peacefully express their reaction to the decision. You may
want to contact your local media and identify your Commission as a force and resource for peaceful
protest, whatever the governor’s decision is. In the event of disruption, Commission Public
Information Officer Ava Gutierrez can assist with media inquiries and will be the Commission’s initial
contact. She can be reached at 213-974-7654 prior to the verdict day. Her cell number is 818-3175516 and her pager is 213-208-0017. In the event you cannot reach her, please contact Terri VillaMcDowell at the numbers noted below.
3.
Messages: Consider disseminating "Peace after the execution" messages. For example,
simple flyers with messages from renowned peace activists or prepared statements with your civic
leaders using these messages can help set a tone of peace. Consider integrating these quotes into
your materials:
Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest
weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. Destruction is not the law of the humans.
Man lives freely by his readiness to die, if need be, at the hands of his brother, never by killing
him. Every murder or other injury, no matter for what cause, committed or inflicted on another is a
crime against humanity.
Nonviolence is like radium in its action. An infinitesimal quantity of it embedded in a malignant
growth acts continuously, silently and ceaselessly till it has transformed the whole mass of the
diseased tissue into a healthy one. Similarly, even a little of true nonviolence acts in a silent,
subtle, unseen way and leavens the whole society. Source: The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi
First I would like to say that the philosophy of nonviolence contends that the means we use must
be as pure as the ends we seek. Means and ends must cohere. Means and ends are inseparable.
The means represent the ideal in the making; in the long run of history destructive means cannot
bring about constructive ends. Immoral means cannot bring about moral end and so nonviolence
contends that means and ends must cohere. Nonviolence is the relentless pursuit of truthful ends
through moral means. Source: Dr. Martin Luther King
Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak…Non-violence is hard
work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. Source: Cesar E. Chavez
5.
Press events: If you are planning to organize a community press conference please
communicate peacekeeping messages and describe elements of your community peacekeeping
initiatives, including any event at which people will be gathering to express their reaction in a peaceful
way.
6.
Peace event: We suggest you organize a peacekeeping event, such as a prayer vigil, to serve
as a peace-keeping and monitoring activity.
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 5 of 7
7.
School event: We know tensions may be felt at certain L.A. County schools and we suggest
the following:
i)
Have your school safety plan at the ready, and review with key staff to ensure
they are aware of your safety protocols in the event of campus unrest.
ii)
Consider inviting Human Relations Commission staff or other educators on the
issue to address your classes in the coming days to provide an avenue for a
facilitated discussion, or to prepare plans for peacekeeping school events.
Please contact Terri Villa-McDowell or your Human Relations Commission
contact at the numbers noted below to arrange this.
iii)
Consider providing peaceful avenues for expression, such as a banner that your
students can use to provide written expressions of their feelings on the potential
execution.
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 6 of 7
TALKING POINTS FOR CIVIC LEADERS , SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, FAITH LEADERS,
PARENTS, TEACHERS, PARK AND RECREATION LEADERS
In the event of the execution of Stanley “Tookie” Williams, tensions may be high. Together
with your local human relations commission, he Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission
wants the public to know the following:
1.
The Commission urges residents to remain calm and to seek peaceful redress for any
perceived injustice towards Williams or towards the families of the victims. We urge people to
peacefully express their reaction at: (identify here the local community event, location and time where
there will be a peaceful protest).
2.
Today’s execution can be used to provide concrete peacekeeping models directed at youth,
following the models of Dr. Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez or Mahatma Ghandi. It might be
appropriate to send flyers around to your local high schools and middle schools on the practical
nonviolence theories held by these former peace builders. Examples of quotes to use on flyers
include the following:
First I would like to say that the philosophy of nonviolence contends that the means we use must
be as pure as the ends we seek. Means and ends must cohere. Means and ends are inseparable.
The means represent the ideal in the making; in the long run of history destructive means cannot
bring about constructive ends. Immoral means cannot bring about moral end and so nonviolence
contends that means and ends must cohere. Nonviolence is the relentless pursuit of truthful ends
through moral means. Source: Dr. Martin Luther King
Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak…Non-violence is
hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. Source: Cesar E. Chavez
Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest
weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. Destruction is not the law of the humans.
Man lives freely by his readiness to die, if need be, at the hands of his brother, never by killing
him. Every murder or other injury, no matter for what cause, committed or inflicted on another is a
crime against humanity.
Nonviolence is like radium in its action. An infinitesimal quantity of it embedded in a malignant
growth acts continuously, silently and ceaselessly till it has transformed the whole mass of the
diseased tissue into a healthy one. Similarly, even a little of true nonviolence acts in a silent,
subtle, unseen way and leavens the whole society. Source: The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi
In light of the billions of dollars lost in property, the tremendous loss of life, serious injury and mental
and emotional distress that resulted from the civil unrest of 1992, your local human relations
organization and the L.A. County Human Relations Commission urges community members to
exercise restraint no matter the outcome in the Williams case and to seek peaceful solutions to
perceived injustice.
LA County and City Human Relations Commissions’ Memo to Human Relations Partners and Stakeholders
Re: Peacekeeping Plan for “Tookie” Williams Controversy
December 7, 2005
Page 7 of 7
Staff
Ava Gutierrez
Contact Numbers
213-974-7654 officer; 818-3175516, cell and pager 213-2080017.
HRMAC Clusters
Public Information Officer
Lisa Hart
Cherylynn Hoff
Mary Louise Longoria
213-974-7615
213-974-7629
213-974-7621
Frankie Maryland
213-974-7630
Gustavo Guerra
213-974-7626
Josh Parr
213-974-7628
Borden Olive
Ray Regalado
213-974-7625
213-893-0810
Marshall Wong
213-974-7617
Terri Villa-McDowell
213-974-7616; 213-595-7894, cell
Robin Toma
213-974-7601
Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena
San Fernando Valley
Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope
Valley
Centinela Valley/South Bay;
Compton; Greater Long Beach
area;
Eastern part of county, including
Covina, Pomona, Claremont, South
L.A.
Monterey Park, Alhambra, San
Gabriel Valley Cluster, South L.A.
Crises response
Harbor area, unincorporated
Florence Firestone, Carson
West L.A., Culver City, Venice,
Santa Monica, Beverly Hills
Assistant Executive Director,
Programs
Executive Director
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