Tri-Valley turned out in droves to spread message of ‘No Kings’

A peaceful protest in Livermore last Saturday attracted approximately 3,500 demonstrators as part of the nationwide rallies dubbed “No Kings”, according to officials from local event organizer Livermore Indivisible.

The gathering Oct. 18 protested what Livermore Indivisible officials described as “authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration”.

In neighboring Pleasanton, another No Kings demonstration was organized by seniors at Stoneridge Creek retirement community.

According to Stoneridge Creek resident and organizer Candy Lindskog, their rally drew more than 100 people and they counted more than 200 cars that honked in solidarity while driving by the group.

“Our rallies are an event where we can express displeasure with our government. We wanted to use our senior voices,” Lindskog told Livermore Vine in an email. “Our rallies are only for an hour, and the walk to the corner is only about 200+ yards, so anyone can participate.”

“In a retirement community, not everyone drives. But our rallies are close to home, and those with canes or walkers can participate. Several residents said it was the first rally they had been to, while others said it reminded them of the ’60s and ’70s,” she added.

In addition to the Stoneridge Creek rally, another larger demonstration also took place in Pleasanton at the corner of Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue. Attendees said the event drew a couple thousand people and even had a special appearance from Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore).

Attendees of local rallies Saturday were among the approximately 7 million people protesting nationwide at over 2,700 “No Kings” events, as part of the second day of demonstrations this year. The non-violent rallies appeared in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and cities around the world, according to Livermore Indivisible officials. 

“On a daily basis, Trump and his enablers and billionaire cronies are working to break down constitutional checks and balances to consolidate power and to enrich themselves, at our expense,” Livermore Indivisible Steering Committee member Marla Kirby said in a statement.

“Its allies in Congress, on the Supreme Court and in American institutions are not holding Trump and his administration accountable for increasing abuses of power, cruelty and corruption,” Kirby added. “So, it’s up to the people – it’s up to all of us to stand up and speak out.”

Lasting from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demonstrators in Livermore stood along the blocks extending from the corner of Portola and North Livermore avenues.

The attendees displayed handmade signs and American flags, some even donning costumes to appear as Lady Liberty, handmaids from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” and animals.

Among the attendees was Shana Peete, CEO of Redwood City-based Center for Excellence in Nonprofits, and her son.

“I feel very encouraged to see so many people out here who recognize the gravity of the times and know that it’s our responsibility as citizens to pump the brakes and demand justice and live up to our democracy,” Peete said in a statement. “As a Black woman, I have an added layer of responsibility to those who came before me to ensure that equal justice for all is real, that we can participate in democracy and this is what democracy looks like.”

Another attendee Caroline Robinson said, “My daughter attends school with children from immigrant families. It’s important that we use our privilege to support others.”

During the event, yellow was displayed en masse as a symbol of unity between present-day efforts and historical nonviolent movements against authoritarian regimes, according to Livermore Indivisible officials.

The color serves as a reminder that peaceful protests to assert that America’s power belongs to the people, not kings, has been integral to the U.S since its founding, Livermore Indivisible officials said.

The parallel dates back to 1776 when the U.S. declared independence from Great Britain due to hostile treatment by King George III, Kirby said. 

Many of colonists’ issues with the king resonate in modern day such as his obstruction of justice, intimidation of judges, refusal to assent to laws, cutting off trade with other countries, imposing taxes — now tariffs — without consent, standing armies in the colonies without consent and protection of allies from punishment, Livermore Indivisible officials said.

“Two hundred fifty years ago, we rejected a tyrannical king, and today we reject the Trump administration’s illegal power grabs in disregard of the Constitution and rule of law,” Kirby added. 

Editor’s Note: Livermore Vine Editor Cierra Bailey contributed to this report.

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