Renters hold rights protest in DTLA to halt evictions during ongoing pandemic
LOS ANGELES - Dozens of renters and activists amassed outside a Los Angeles Superior Court building in downtown Los Angeles Friday, setting up tents and forming a barricade outside some entrances to call for renewed legislation to prevent evictions during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
The protesters chanted slogans and held rope to block at least one entrance to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Hill Street in a symbolic effort to "shut down" the courthouse as a show of opposition to eviction hearings.
Other activists circled the building in a car caravan, their vehicles decorated with signs calling for a renewed ban on evictions and forgiveness from rent that tenants cannot afford to pay due to the pandemic.
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Although protesters did block some entrances to the courthouse, business appeared to be continuing inside the building, with some attorneys and visitors accessing the building through a side entry. The court put out a statement early Friday warning people of the protest, and advising that "entry may be restricted or delayed."
Protesters indicated they plan to remain in place outside the building until they are removed by law enforcement.
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