Thread by @latimes

Ladera Ranch is an exclusive “lifestyle” community. It is overwhelmingly white — the U.S. Census estimates less than 1% of Ladera Ranch’s 28,000 residents are Black.

It’s also home to Russ Taylor, who was part of a crowd that swarmed the U.S. Capitol.

latimes.com/california/sto…

Taylor created a private Facebook group, The Patriots of Ladera Ranch, that he used to summon other residents to monitor a George Floyd vigil for “bad actors.”

The vigil was quiet, but one participant called the "Patriot dads" who watched a chilling presence.

Ladera Ranch resident Shereen Rahming and her husband said they believe the actions of Russ Taylor and his neighborhood watch supporters created a hostile environment in a community struggling with racist incidents.

latimes.com/california/sto…

Swastikas were chalked on the sidewalks. Skateboarders with American and Trump flags rolled down Ladera Ranch streets shouting racist slurs. The Rahmings no longer allow their children to play outside unsupervised.

As the pandemic worsened and California imposed curfews, Taylor helped organize “Curfew Breaker” street parties.

Local political candidates worked a crowd that attracted ultra-conservative nationalists.

Videos show young men chanting “America First!” at several of the Huntington Beach Curfew Breakers.

Among them was America First’s UCLA chapter president, Christian Secor, now facing federal charges for his alleged participation in the Capitol riot.

latimes.com/california/sto…

Subscribers get early access to the story from @paigestjohn, @anitachabria, @Hannahnfry and @finneganLAT: latimes.com/california/sto…

And a timeline on the history of extremism in Orange County: latimes.com/california/sto…