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HUNTINGTON BEACH (CNS) - Multiple demonstrations against racism and police brutality were staged again in Orange County today, as the ongoing movement tied to the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis continued nationwide. Demonstrations were held outside the Huntington Beach Police Department and at the Huntington Beach Pier, where opposing groups had squared off Saturday night, sparking a brief scuffle and arrests.
Gatherings were also held in Fullerton around Highland and Commonwealth avenues, and in Newport Beach. In Fullerton, protesters numbered about 1,200, police said. After the march, they ended up on the grass outside City Hall. Traffic was briefly impacted when officers blocked streets to protect the marchers.
On Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets of Orange County at several events, including Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Westminster, Irvine and Anaheim. A curfew was in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday in Santa Ana, where about 30 people peacefully gathered in front of Santa Ana College, at 1530 W. 17th St., and marched west on 17th.
Surfers paddled out at the Huntington Beach Pier and demonstrators continued into Saturday afternoon with protesters from Black Lives Matter squaring off with pro-President Donald Trump counter-protesters. At least two arrests were reported.