No Kings Day Protests spark nationwide movement, reach the Central Coast
Briana Mathaw
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) — Multiple people living in Central Coast cities participated in “No Kings” rallies on Saturday.
The rallies are a part of a nationwide movement protesting what participants describe as growing authoritarianism and corruption under the Trump administration.
“Friends and neighbors will join together to reclaim our flag and stand united against Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington D.C.,” organizers said in a statement. “We want the story of America that day to be one of people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”
The Monterey rally will focus on a range of issues, including what organizers said is the suppression of free speech, denial of due process for immigrants and undocumented individuals especially in Monterey County political detentions, threats of deportation against U.S. citizens, and the defiance of judicial orders allegedly being done by the Trump administration.
“We plan to protest against these injustices and demonstrate that people power overcomes any authoritarian aspirations,” one event coordinator said.
In Santa Cruz, demonstrators lined the streets and marched with signs through Upper Lorenzo Park, prompting a temporary street closure due to the size of the crowd.
“We will not accept a king. We will not accept an autocratic rule in this country,” one protestor said.
“What’s happening now definitely shows way too much unchecked power, violations of constitutional rights, violations of human rights. And we think people need to stand up for the democracy that they want to live in,” another protestor said.
Similar rallies also took place in other parts of the region, including Salinas, as the movement continues to build momentum across the country.