BLM activists fear they missed the moment in 2020. Will 2021 be different? | Alex Riggins

<p>Ten days after George Floyd died under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, more than 2,000 <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-04/starting-from-police-headquarters-hundreds-of-protesters-march-again-in-downtown-san-diego" target="_blank">protesters marched through the streets</a> of downtown San Diego, North Park, Hillcrest and Balboa Park in a huge demonstration organized by a nameless collective of young, Black San Diegans.</p><p>Earlier that same week, law enforcement leaders across the county had forcefully denounced the actions of the Minneapolis officers in Floyd’s death and banned their deputies and officers from using the <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-03/sheriff-oceanside-coronado-all-announce-ban-on-use-of-carotid-restriant" target="_blank">carotid restraint</a>, a controversial neck hold they’d <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/sd-me-carotid-restraint-choke-hold-sdpd-policy-change-20181030-story.html" target="_blank">previously resisted giving up</a>.</p><p>San Diego police Chief David Nisleit tweeted, “<a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefNisleit/status/1265789176718360576?s=20" target="_blank">Our profession must do better</a>.” Then-Mayor Kevin Faulconer, <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/san-diego/story/2020-06-04/remain-vigilant-advocates-pushing-for-independent-police-oversight-measure-officials-express-support" target="_blank">voiced support for a stronger, independent police oversight board</a>. District Attorney Summer Stephan <a href="https://www.sdcda.org/Content/MediaRelease/DA%20Statement%20on%20Protests%20June%201%202020.pdf" target="_blank">committed to increasing transparency</a> in law enforcement and de-escalation training for officers and deputies.</p><p>With protests like the June 4 march — the largest demonstration in San Diego County following Floyd’s Memorial Day death — applying pressure to elected officials and law enforcement l