BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Two pro-Palestinian protestors facing multiple allegations from a 2024 Bakersfield City Council meeting, including assaulting officers and damaging property, are entering possible diversion programs, according to the Kern County court website.
Gabriela Mota is accused of battery on a peace officer, trespassing after refusal to leave, conspiracy, and resisting arrest.
Lorena Salinas is accused of vandalism, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and remaining at the scene of a riot. Mota and Salinas must complete their programs for the court to consider dismissing their charges.
Five people were arrested during Wednesday’s Bakersfield City Council meeting on multiple allegations including assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and damaging city property, said Bakersfield police. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
The cases date back to March 27, 2024, at around 5:15 p.m., when officers were present for the City of Bakersfield Council meeting on Truxtun Avenue. As people were going inside the building, a man allegedly began defacing city property and was arrested without incident, according to police.
Police said that during the meeting, attendees became disruptive and prevented it from proceeding. Mayor Karen Goh gave direction to clear the council chambers as was standard practice under the circumstances, said officials.
Five people were arrested during Wednesday’s Bakersfield City Council meeting on multiple allegations including assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and damaging city property, said Bakersfield police. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
While officers were helping to get people out, multiple officers were allegedly assaulted, and additional city property was damaged, said BPD. A glass door was shattered following the mayhem.
RELATED: 5 protestors arrested in Wednesday’s City Council meeting, officers allegedly assaulted
The following five people were arrested:
Lorena Salinas, of BakersfieldGabriela Mota, of BakersfieldAshley Vega, of BakersfieldLance Mack, of BakersfieldDavid Andres Tablas-Ayala, of Clovis
A Bakersfield police officer sustained minor injuries during the incident when they were struck by broken glass, said police.
Pro-Palestinian protesters chanted, “Ceasefire now!” several times during an earlier March 2024 Bakersfield City Council meeting, prompting the mayor to call for a brief recess. The protestors were escorted out. During that month, at least twice, protesters disrupted the meetings, demanding a cease-fire resolution by the city, the Bakersfield Californian reported.
FILE – Mayor Karen Goh. (City of Bakersfield)
Vega initially faced charges related to battery on a peace officer, trespassing after refusal to leave, conspiracy, and resisting arrest. Vega was acquitted of all charges in Dec. 2025, according to court records.
Court records show that Mack was acquitted of all charges in Dec. 2025. Mack initially faced charges related to attempting to remove a person from lawful custody of a peace officer and resisting arrest.
RELATED: Five pro-Palestinian protestors released after arrest at city council meeting
Tablas-Ayala was initially charged with 14 offenses related to misdemeanor vandalism and possession of a defacement device. Court records show that in Dec. 2025, Tablas-Ayala was acquitted of all charges.
Mota is set for a diversion hearing on June 18, 2026. Salinas has already entered a diversion program and is scheduled to appear at a conditional dismissal hearing set for April 2027.