About 850 protesters turned out for the “Signs of Resistance – No Kings!” protest today in Chico, lining the Esplanade with anti-Trump Administration signage almost as far north as Chico Nut Company. The Esplanade sometimes became raucous with passing vehicles honking their support.
Some demonstrators hoisted signs encouraging supportive honking, and in general signs protested the administration’s radical approach to government reform and its movement to concentrate power in the executive branch. Signs were waved in support of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the immigrant who was shipped to an El Salvador prison because of an administrative error, and in opposition to cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
The protest was organized by a group of local organizations and coincided with a national day of protest. Reuters reports that thousands of people rallied against the Trump agenda across the country, and protests were held in places outside the country, such as Merida, Mexico.
Chico’s Janet Leslie said she hoped the protest would “remove some of the fear of standing up for what we hold dear.” She said she wanted people to see that “we can come out.”
I am definitely inspired by the organizing for building a better world continuing as it has for decades in Chico. Kudos to talented, dedicated and lovely humans! Yes, even in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, expats organized for today to let our Mexican neighbors most Americans are aghast at the doings of our government officials.
Thanks to ChicoSol for covering another in a series of community-centered, nonpartisan and peaceful events to support democratic action and our first-amendment rights.
To be clear, we’re here on behalf of all of our — and others’ — basic rights and those we’ve come to expect from almost 250 years of freedom (however unevenly applied at times). We’ve been so lucky, and sadly now see need to come out, speak up and show our d i s s e n t to the actions of our current regime. The profoundly upsetting video linked in the article of a student’s abduction by masked men cannot be ‘un-seen’ and should chill us all to the core.
So grateful for nonprofit news like ChicoSol & Shasta Scout, that tells the truth and shows our community’s resistance to what is happening. Unlike what appears to be a disappointing absence of print coverage by our other Chico outlet.
PROTECT OUR DISTRICTS
Californians fought to ensure voters choose their politicians—not the other way around.
Breaking our independent process opens the door to partisan gerrymanders that hurt rural and minority communities.
“Temporary exceptions” become dangerous precedents that weaken democracy.
Rushed, off-cycle elections only create distrust and leave voters behind.
Protect the Citizens Redistricting Commission. Protect democracy in California!
The League of Women Voters of California has no position on Proposition 50.
Here is their statement. https://lwvc.org/prop50/