With Pro-Trump protests taking place over the weekend, L.A. businesses prepare for the worst as Election Day draws closer.
Over the weekend, Trump loyalists rallied across the city with escalating tension between opposing demonstrators. Car caravans formed in front of early voting centers in Riverside County, and San Fernando Valley, making them more challenging to access, according to the L.A. Times. While the unmasked protestors were largely peaceful, in South Pasadena, physical altercations broke out between rival political groups. However, no further details have been reported.
In response, many businesses have begun boarding up storefronts with plywood to prevent a repeat of the damage and looting that took place during the marches earlier this year. Beverly Hills has already planned a complete lockdown of Rodeo Drive between S. Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd for two days, starting from November 3.
Rodeo Dr. will be temporarily closed beginning tomorrow, November 3 between S. Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. through November 4. For any questions, please call our Hotline 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at 310-550-4680. pic.twitter.com/25z4RPyEDK
— CityofBeverlyHills (@CityofBevHills) November 2, 2020
Passersby were stunned to see the response from businesses in the area, which has created an unsettling feeling across the city.
Storefronts in Beverly Hills and along LaBrea Avenue in Los Angeles are being boarded up in anticipation of post-election unrest. This is how Donald Fucking Trump has made America great again. Americans hating each other. Threatening violence if they lose. pic.twitter.com/PPZTPcfc0W
— JohnRJohnson (@JohnRJohnson) October 30, 2020
Shops in LaBrea Avenue have been boarded up.
Historic Core in Downtown Los Angeles boarded up for the election night/week.#fourthturning #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/KS4VeRQOFG
— Cassie Kang (@theCassieKang) November 2, 2020
A large portion of Downtown L.A. has also been shut down and covered up during the election week. Sunset Boulevard is expected to follow suit.
“As Election Day approaches and with the potential of increased demonstration and protect activity across the region, the city is taking a proactive approach to ensure a safe community for residents, businesses and visitors,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Dominick Rivetti said in a message to the community earlier this week.
The Santa Monica Police Department has made a similar statement, but has also expressed that the decision to close and board up is left to the owners. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said residents can expect to see “increased uniform presence throughout our community” through the Halloween weekend and Election Day.
[Featured Image: Plastic Jesus via Twitter]