May Day is here again. Just as in 2007, thousands of protesters will descend on Downtown LA on May 1 for a march supporting immigrant rights. Last year's march ended in conflict and controversy when the LAPD moved in to clear demonstrators from MacArthur Park. Their efforts descended into a melee that left hundreds of protesters, journalists, officers and innocent bystanders injured. 29 officers are facing misconduct charges after an internal LAPD review. A deluge of over 250 lawsuits are still winding their way through the city courts. All in all, May 1, 2007 was not a stellar day for Los Angeles.

The LAPD has undertaken a major training effort to prepare officers for May Day 2008. Chief Bratton has reached out to community leaders to work side by side with the police in preparation for the event. Only time will tell if their efforts will succeed.

Check out About LA's full report on May Day 2007 - the May Day Melee.

May Day 2008 Events

May Day 2008 marchers will gather in two spots - the intersection of Olympic Blvd and Broadway Blvd, and MacArthur Park. At 2pm both groups will begin marching to City Hall, joining forces at 5th and Broadway.

_{LAPD at MacArthur Park - May Day 2007
Photo Courtesy Sarjohay / Creative Commons}