Protests in California over Ferguson decision

A crowd of about 100 protesters gathered at Leimert Park in Los Angeles chanting “No justice, no peace” as they heard the announcement that a Missouri police officer would not be indicted in the shooting of a young black man.

The protesters crowded around a single speaker Monday night to listen to the announcement as it was broadcast from Ferguson.

A splinter group of about 30 people broke away and marched through surrounding streets, blocking intersections and chanting “hands up, don’t shoot” with their hands in the air.

But the demonstrations remained mostly small and peaceful as law enforcement and religious leaders had encouraged earlier in the day.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck also met earlier Monday with religious leaders and activists, answering questions about police practices and how the department deals with unarmed black men.

In Oakland, Police have cleared dozens of protesters from an Oakland highway and reopened one lane of traffic.

The protesters blocked the westbound lanes of Interstate 580 for about 30 minutes, bringing traffic to a halt.

Television images show some protesters milling around near the on-ramp, while others walk away.

Police officers got onto the highway in patrol cars and motorcycles and stood in a line to contain the protesters.