Protesters carry American flags and make noise at a June 14 ‘No Kings’ event in Santa Cruz to decry Trump Administration policies. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local file)
‘No Kings’ events in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz rally and march
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at San Lorenzo Park.
- A 1-mile wheelchair accessible march leaves the park at 10:30 a.m.
Watsonville rally
- 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Watsonville City Plaza.
SANTA CRUZ >> Santa Cruz County is preparing for a second “No Kings” rally on Saturday, a follow-up to the massive June 14 event that drew millions nationwide and thousands locally.
The demonstrations oppose authoritarian behavior by President Donald Trump’s administration, including a targeted campaign against the media, the investigations of his political foes, the use of the military on U.S. soil and the lack of due process for many immigrants swept up in his nationwide deportation campaign.
The rallies will take place in more than 100 cities, including Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Salinas, where local Indivisible chapters are leading the organizing charge.
Indivisible is a national progressive movement that coordinates thousands of local, grassroots groups focused on uplifting policies that reflect a strong commitment to democracy and demanding transparency from elected officials. Since Trump took office for a second term, Indivisible has concentrated most of their efforts on organizing local and national events to voice discontent over his growing authoritarian agenda.
The goal is to draw attention to community-wide concerns about preserving democracy, immigration and deportations and other civil rights issues, organizers said. Leaders have said a core principle behind the “No Kings” movement is a commitment to peaceful, nonviolent action.
Peggy Flynn, co-president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County, said that despite the challenges brought by the current administration, many local residents’ commitment to defending democratic principles remains firm.
“We’re not going to be intimidated” by the Trump administration’s actions, said Flynn, whose organization is helping to promote the local rallies. “We’re the ones who love our country and want our democracy to continue intact.”
Flynn said she hopes for strong turnout locally.
“It’s important to be counted. It’s important to be present,” she said.
An estimated 10,000 people participated in the June “No Kings” protest in Santa Cruz, and organizers are expecting a similar turnout on Saturday.
For more information on the national movement, visit NoKings.org or SURJ Santa Cruz County’s event page.
Read about the local effects of Trump Administration policies.
A protester on June 14 in Santa Cruz holds signs that say in Spanish ‘Here no one is king’ and ‘Migration is a right.’ Discontent with immigration enforcement policy was a main current in ‘No Kings’ protests in Santa Cruz County. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local file)
A smaller group of protesters blocked Ocean Street for about an hour after the official ‘No Kings’ event on June 14 ended. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local file)
Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Santa Cruz Local is supported by members, major donors, sponsors and grants for the general support of our newsroom. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Learn more about Santa Cruz Local and how we are funded.
Natalie Cuevas is a Cabrillo College student double majoring in Communications and Journalism. She was born and raised in Salinas and is bilingual. She is a reporter for the Cabrillo Voice student newspaper and is the social media editor.
