Rodney King made Culver City a Better and Fairer Place

Gary Silbiger

Rodney King, the catalyst for Culver City’s progressive movement, died on June 19, 2012 at 47 years old.  A victim of a brutal beating by Los Angeles police officers, he became a symbol of all that needed changing in the way police officers racially profiled, arrested, and denied constitutional rights of those they promised to protect.

On March 3, 1991, Rodney King was stopped by police officers as he sped in his car.  When he departed from his car, several police officers severely beat and tasered him.  Four LAPD officers were criminally charged and when the trial was transferred from Los Angeles to Simi Valley, a conservative predominantly White community, 3 were acquitted and one had a hung jury.  This led to a riot that resulted in the death of approximately 50 people and destruction in the amount of more than a billion dollars.  On the third day of the rebellion, Rodney King addressed the people and said, “Can we all get along?” quite a remarkable statement given the fact that he had been damaged by those with badges who did not want to “get along” with him.  The federal government later brought civil rights charges against the same 4 officers, 2 of whom were convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison. 

What in the world does this have to do with Culver City?  The answer is: Timothy Wind and Ted Cooke.

Timothy Wind, as you remember, was one of the 4 officers who  seriously kicked and beat Rodney King, a black man, with a baton at least 17 times, as shown on the famous videotape that was continuously televised on stations throughout the world.  Although Wind was twice found not guilty, he was fired by the LAPD in 1994.  Then, when he could find no other job, a small article in the Los Angeles Times informed us that Culver City had hired him as a community services officer – a stepping stone for becoming a police officer – by then-police chief Ted Cooke.

The L.A. Times article quickly caught the attention of a number of Culver City residents, many of whom did not know each other, that led to a meeting at a local residence to find solutions to a city government and police department that lacked the moral fortitude to tell Timothy Wind that his actions were unacceptable in our city.  This was the first time in recent memory that progressive minded individuals got together to plan solutions to city issues.  The individuals formed the Culver City Community Network which began immediately collecting over 1000 signatures demanding the immediate firing of Wind.  Several evenings were spent at City Council meetings addressing the Council with the request to fire Wind, sponsor a community dialogue with Police Chief Cooke, and form a public Police Advisory Committee.  Although a community meeting was held with Chief Cooke, nothing changed.  Public comment about the Wind issue was always held after the midnight hour when many individuals had left the Council meeting; the television and print media, however, stayed as late as required because of the importance of this timely issue.

The Culver City Community Network lasted for 6 lively years.  In addition to addressing police issues, CCCN focused on education topics, such as replacing the former Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) classes with ones stressing peace and justice, which was successfully accomplished.  In fact, the CCCN initiated in Los Angeles County many of the educational materials exposing the military for misleading youth when joining the JROTC.  The Culver City Community Network published a popular newsletter, had members often address the City Council and School Board, contributed to the high school scholarship program, and had booths at the yearly Fiesta La Ballona.  After CCCN disbanded, its members continued to work on City and School issues, often increasing their commitments.  Since those early years, the lessons learned by the CCCN members have been fruitful in elections and a wide variety of local issues.

Rodney King, you probably never knew the impact you made on the lives of Culver City residents.  You were an unknowing catalyst in the movement for justice.  You brought many people together to work endlessly for a better world.  And you were very successful.  We thank you for your inspiration.

Gary Silbiger is the Co-Editor of the Culver City Progress Blog, the former Mayor of Culver City, and a co-founder and Past President of the Culver City Community Network.