Community Corner

Downtown Protesters Demand Reopening San Diego County

Several hundred protesters rallied in front of the San Diego County Administration building Saturday to demand the county's full reopening.

An activist looks on while protest ing the California lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 01, 2020 in San Diego, California.
An activist looks on while protest ing the California lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 01, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

SAN DIEGO, CA — Several hundred protesters rallied in front of the San Diego County Administration building to demand a full reopening of San Diego.

Protesters carried signs Saturday with messages such as "Freedom is Essential" and "Stop the California Communist Party."

Organizers, who communicated through the "Reopen San Diego" Facebook page, said the rally was "a peaceful protest to remind the county supervisors they work for us and that we want San Diego County reopened."

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The Facebook page also warned attendees: "Violence will not be tolerated. It is strongly recommended that you practice social distancing.

"Our efforts are working ..." the group said. "We must keep the pressure on or San Diego will follow Los Angeles and close until August -- unacceptable!"

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Speakers at the rally included Roger Hedgecock, former San Diego mayor; Graham Ledger, host of '"The Daily Ledger" on the One America News cable network; San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond; Oceanside Councilman Christopher Rodriguez; and Dr. Cordle Williams, Marine veteran, doctor and businessman.

One protester in the crowd asked, "Why is Sacramento telling San Diego what to do?"

Another said, "What we want is for our children to get back to school."

—City News Service