Hundreds of protesters took part Saturday in Turlock’s “No Kings” rally — a protest focused on the policies of President Donald Trump — at the intersection of Monte Vista Avenue and Countryside Drive.
“The turnout surpassed all our expectations,” said Daniel Miller, president of the Turlock Democratic Club. “I always base my expectations on what has happened in the past, and our previous protest, which was on Geer and Monte Vista, drew about 60 people. So, at a minimum, I figured we’d have 60, and 70 to 80 would be really good. I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst."
The protest was one of hundreds across the nation.
Reports differ, but estimates indicate that at least 5 million protesters took part nationwide, which would make it the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.
“I’m very upset with what’s going on with the country today,” said Turlock’s Tom Baldwin, who attended the protest with his wife, Susan. “Sitting and watching the news has upset me for months, and it feels good to be out here, standing up and being strong.”
Protesters began congregating on the southeast corner of the intersection shortly before 11 a.m. The crowd continued to swell before peaking at around 300 at 12:30 p.m.
Protesters waved signs — many unkind to the president — and encouraged passersby to honk and wave to show their support.
“This is my first protest, so I’m just kind of hanging out and standing back,” said Levi Semore, who quietly held his sign aloft, several feet behind the first line of protesters. “I’ve always been a proponent of the fact that everybody’s equal, everybody’s a world citizen, and I just want to get more involved.”
Support for the protesters was mostly positive, with a near constant din of car horns and cheering. However, there were plenty of boos and catcalls — and even some creative hand gestures — directed at the assembly.
Last week, just days before the event, Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden mentioned that he was apprehensive about a planned protest in Turlock, given the unrest that was taking place in Los Angeles at that time.
“We only received one call for service during the event, and overall the protest went well,” said TPD Capt. Steve Rodrigues, head of field operations on Saturday who helped organize additional officers in case they were needed. “The crowd seemed to be well organized, and the event organizers did a good job communicating with us, as well.”
Nearby, the “No Kings” protest in Modesto drew about 4,000, with seven arrests made. South of Turlock, the Merced protest drew more than 1,000, with no arrests.
“I was born and raised in the Central Valley and I think it’s important to stand up for our immigrant community and the work they do for us,” said Gwynne McBride, who along with mother Jennifer McBride and boyfriend Cody Whitney made the trip from Merced. “I also want to support our LGBTQIA friends, and our homeless population, and our veterans who are struggling right now. There’s so many people who are being affected by this administration. Enough is enough.”
Whitney agreed, but was less diplomatic than his girlfriend.
“I hate this administration,” said Whitney, 25. “It’s anti-human rights, anti-science, anti-renewable energy, which is what we need now more than anything… I’m protesting for a better future for everyone, regardless of race, religion or political persuasion.”
Sisters Judy Larson and Nancy Hamaguchi were set up on the less raucous northeast corner of the intersection.
“I felt it was important to be here for democracy, and protest against the weaponization of the (Department of Justice), incarceration without due process, and attacking our system of laws and the people who stand up for our laws,” said Larson, who lives in Denair. “If I’m able, I’m one to protest.”
Hamaguchi, meanwhile, was participating in her first protest.
“I’m just so concerned about our rights,” said Hamaguchi, a Turlock resident. “Especially the right to assemble and protest peacefully. This is a first for me, and I figured it was time.”
On Friday, a smaller protest was held less than two miles east on Monte Vista Avenue, at Geer Road. Organized by Denair resident Mattie High, the two-hour event was called “Melt the ICE,” in reference to practices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the force tasked with carrying out Trump’s directives regarding mass deportations.
When the protest started at noon, there were less than half a dozen protesters. By 1 p.m., about 60 showed up to join the cause.
“I honestly was only expecting my friends and a few other people I know,” said High, who also attended Saturday’s event. “This is insane. We have people on every corner. It makes me happy to see so many people coming together. And it makes me happy to see so many people honking at us, letting us know that we’re not alone.”
Trump was in Washington on Saturday for a military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which coincided with his 79th birthday. The White House reported that 250,000 attended the parade, but that number has been disputed.
“I was going to chicken out, stay home, and play video games all day,” said “No Kings” protester Sebastian Padilla. “It just feels like there has to be change. We’re not that big of a town, but to see how many people showed up is so great to see. I wasn’t expecting this.”
