Demonstrators are once again taking to the streets for “No Kings Day,” a nationwide series of rallies against the Trump administration. This Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demonstrators will hold a second “No Kings” protest in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Approximately 5,000 people attended the first “No Kings” rally in San Luis Obispo on June 14. Organizers say they anticipate at least double the turnout this time, as previously reported by the Tribune. With an estimated 10,000 people, this would be the largest protest attendance in San Luis Obispo’s history.
The “No Kings” demonstration in California will also center on voting in favor of Proposition 50, which asks voters to approve redrawing congressional district lines in response to redistricting in Texas.
On June 14, the first “No Kings Day” took place, mobilizing millions of people and creating one of the largest single-day protests in American history.
The June protests were organized at the same time as the military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s birthday. In the U.S., the demonstrations took place in over 2,100 locations. They were called “No Kings” in reference to what demonstrators say are Trump’s anti-democratic practices, particularly the immigration crackdown and Trump’s own claims of being a king.
The organizers hope to gather 3.5% of the population in long-term, calculated protests against the administration. They believe it only takes 3.5% of the population motivated to stay in the fight, take immediate action, and invest in the future to achieve significant political change, as previously reported by the Guardian.
The second “No Kings” demonstration in San Luis Obispo will be new and improved, featuring more space, enhanced security, improved sound and increased visibility, according to organizers.
Speakers and musicians will perform on a stage built near the intersection of Monterey Street and Osos Street. There will also be a first-aid tent, 100 volunteers who have received de-escalation training, an ADA-accessible space, water on site and portable restrooms.