Well done on both sides

The extra protective gear at the end was reassuring to me. Marchers were observed putting rocks in backpacks on the way. Some protesters tried to scale police department walls and an armed subject was spotted on a business roof. Instead of dispersing at the end, some tried to gain access to Hillsdale Boulevard leading to Highway 101 or Hillsdale Shopping Center. Earlier and elsewhere, organized looters used stolen cars to circle and block roads during the ransacking of Stanford stores. In San Francisco, thieves had waiting vans for property stolen from smashed windows, and videos of Bay Area and national violence demonstrated a clear possible threat after the march ended. These attempts were a clear threat and distracted from the demonstrators important message.

The strong but calm San Mateo Police Department display sent a clear message to organized outsiders: The community of San Mateo and our police department stand together on the need for change, but support protection of our people and property.

Well done on both sides.

C. Gillett

San Mateo