‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Thousands in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo
Andie Lopez Bornet
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Thousands of people across the Central Coast joined a nationwide wave of demonstrations Saturday as part of the “No Kings” protest movement—gathering in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo to speak out against what organizers call authoritarianism and erosion of democratic values under President Donald Trump.
“I knew there was going to be a great turnout, but this is amazing,” said Julio Roman, executive director of Pacific Pride Foundation, at the Santa Barbara rally. “To see this sea of people from miles up to miles left, it’s just incredible to see.”
The protests coincided with Flag Day, the Army’s 250th birthday, and President Trump’s 79th birthday. Demonstrators held signs, listened to speeches, and marched through city streets, calling for change and the protection of civil liberties.
“I’m here teaching my kids that democracy is not something that’s going to exist if we don’t stand up, if we don’t protest,” said Esther Kim Varet, who attended the Santa Barbara protest with her children. “Protesting is one of our fundamental rights as American citizens.”
The “No Kings” movement is a coordinated national day of action, with organizers pointing to what they see as the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Trump administration.
Thousands also gathered in Ventura, where participants filled sidewalks and streets.
“Extremely. I was trying to ignore Trump, but when he invaded L.A., that was the last straw,” said Rose Buckley, a protester from Ventura.
“Very sad to see this country taking this aim they’re doing now… it’s going into just fascism,” added fellow protester Kay Mendel.
Congressman Salud Carbajal made appearances in both Santa Barbara and Ventura, voicing his support for the demonstrators.
“Not loud enough—we’ve got to make sure Washington can hear it. Good morning, Ventura!” Carbajal told the crowd.
“No kings, no fascists, no dictators, and certainly no… clowns,” he added.
“I mean, I’m going to start to cry… it’s the most absurd situation I’ve ever seen in democracy in my lifetime,” said Evelyn Emi of Venice Beach.
“My hope is people will see the light and we can flip the Senate and the House in 2026,” said Sally Reeder from Oxnard.
Ventura police reported that the protest was peaceful with no disturbances.
In San Luis Obispo, more than 4,000 people rallied at the courthouse. The city blocked off several streets to ensure crowd safety, as many visitors were already in town for Cal Poly’s graduation. Others traveled from as far as Tennessee to participate.
The gathering featured musical performances, speeches, and a march through downtown.
“We’re here protesting the erosion of democracy here in the United States. I think we’re just a small part of a movement trying to take back our democracy,” said Cameron Jones, a Cal Poly faculty member and protester.
A sizeable crowd also gathered for a “No Kings” protest in the Santa Ynez Valley, lining both sides of Highway 246 in front of the Veterans Memorial Hall and Old Mission Santa Inés. The demonstration took place alongside the Santa Ynez Pride Festival and parade.
Back in Santa Barbara, emotions ran high throughout the hours-long event.
“Very heartened and positive and glad to see everyone out here. You know, it’s just a beautiful thing seeing everyone come together,” said Lloyd Patterson.
“Less families being separated, less needless bloodshed, less tyrannical reign over people that just want to live their lives in peace,” he added.
“I literally started tearing up because just seeing the numbers out here really made me realize that we are stronger together, that we are not few, that we are many, and we are a force to be reckoned with—and we will not stay silent,” said Kim Varet.
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