Politics & Government
Protestors Gather In Fort Bragg To Oppose Trump Administration
The event, dubbed "No Kings," was one of about 2,000 nationwide.
FORT BRAGG, CA — An estimated 1,500 people turned out Saturday in Fort Bragg to protest President Donald Trump's actions and policies. Cynthia Gair, an organizer with Indivisible Mendocino, called it the largest protest the grassroots organization had hosted this year - a major feat in a year in which protests seem to be a weekly occurrence.
The event, dubbed "No Kings," was one of about 2,000 nationwide. According to Gair, the demonstration was set to coincide with a military parade the Trump administration organized to celebrate Trump's birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., and Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the American flag in 1777.
"This is the Mendocino Coast rising up, saying we want our democracy," Gair said. "We're standing up for democracy and freedom."
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The event, which appeared peaceful, spanned about half a mile from Surf Motel and Gardens to Chevron, with protesters lining state Highway 1, including the Noyo Bridge, as drivers slowed and honked their horns.
Many protest signs simply read "No Kings," while others were more specific. One protester held a sign reading, "$ for veterans and Medicaid, not vanity parades."
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Locals and visitors alike were in attendance, including one couple who said they had originally come to town for a car show taking place, but stopped to join the protest when they saw the crowd.
Fort Bragg resident Hendrik Idzerda said he was at the protest because he fears the country is descending into fascism.
"We have a man in the White House who believes he's above the law, and the House and Senate won't hold him accountable," Idzerda said. "I believe the only thing we have left to do is get out on the streets."
Police presence was minimal, with a sole police vehicle rolling by to remind protesters to stay on the sidewalk, a sentiment attendees passed on to one another. One protester said the group needed to follow the rules to avoid being disbanded by police. The group included people of all ages.
No counter-protest was apparent during the demonstration, although a few attendees said they saw some supporters of the president drive by with signs of their own.
Among the more notable signs "No Kings" demonstrators had was one that depicted a handmade drawing of a king salmon with the caption, "The only king this coast needs."
Another homemade sign, worn in the style of a sandwich board on a young demonstrator, said "I'm only 8 and even I know this is a bad idea."
Other topics addressed on signs included immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions, the war in Gaza, threats to democracy, and budget cuts, especially to Medicaid.
Gair said Indivisible is a grassroots movement that began in late 2016 after Trump's first term began and has been growing steadily in recent months.
"On June 14, as Trump throws himself a lavish military parade in D.C., we're going to be rising up with protests all across the country," says a statement on Indivisible's website.
Gair said Indivisible Mendocino will host more events in the coming months. The group will also have a float in Mendocino's Fourth of July parade.
By Mandela Linder / Bay City News
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