2010 Santa Cruz riots

The 2010 Santa Cruz riots occurred in Santa Cruz, California, on May 1, 2010. They were sparked when participants threw jugs of paint at police cars and painted anarchist symbols and anti-capitalist phrases onto buildings. Property damages are estimated to top roughly $100,000.

Background

Prior to the riot, a May Day rally was being held for worker and immigrant rights.^[1] According to police, the rally was infiltrated by a local anarchists group, who used the rally as a cover for attacking corporate premises.

The riots

The riots started when the protesters started vandalizing nearby buildings, by 10:30 pm, approximately, a dozen buildings were already vandalized.^[1] It then intensified when a group of about ten people began breaking storefront windows at approximately 11:05 pm.^[2] Police reported that some people in the group were carrying torches.^[1] Several police officers were stationed downtown, but retreated after protesters threw stones at their vehicles. After calling in backup resources from around the county, law enforcement reached the riots at 11:23 pm, over 45 minutes after it began, this was due to a large amount of phony 911 calls, which diverted the police force all around the county.^[2]

Property damages

Dell Williams Jewelers was inflicted within $10,000 to $20,000 worth of damage.^[2] Police reported damage done to Jamba Juice, Urban Outfitters, The Rittenhouse, Velvet Underground, and Cafe Pergolesi.^[1] One officer was present when the riots began, but backed away once the protestors began pelting his car with rocks, bottles, and cans of paint.^[2]

Aftermath

24-year-old Jimi Haynes was arrested and charged with felony vandalism for participating in the acts of destruction.^[1] Although no UCSC student arrests have been made, one student claimed that the city is associating UCSC students with the acts of destruction.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Wilson, Alia (May 3, 2010). "Riot breaks out in downtown Santa Cruz; windows broken on dozens of businesses, porch of cafe set on fire". San Jose Mercury News (MercuryNews.com). http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14998618. Retrieved May 6, 2010. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Cain, Jenny; Reis, Julia. "Vandals Strike Downtown Santa Cruz". City on a Hill Press. http://www.cityonahillpress.com/2010/05/06/vandals-strike-downtown-santa-cruz/. Retrieved May 6, 2010.