Since the onset of the Iraq War, and even before, groups of residents have gathered at Healdsburg and Matheson, the primary entrance to the Healdsburg Plaza. A loose affiliation of locals called the Healdsburg Peace Project, most of them seniors, raise signs of protest, wave at passing cars, and every now and then break into a chant.
The gathering has waxed and waned over the years, but in recent weeks the number of protestors has grown. They even expanded to Saturday morning this past week, when weekend drivers found that same corner bursting with sign-bearing residents at midday.
They were energized by outrage and alarm not by distant wars, but by assaults on democracy inside the country’s borders.
The signs were stark and direct: Dictator or Democracy—That’s the Choice. Resist, Protest, Impeach. Resist by Any Means Necessary. The Power of the People Is Stronger than the People in Power. Defend Our Country Against Its President.
This year, the signs and protests have become personal. Citizen activist Valerie White showed off hers, “Orange Lies Matter.” Anti-Trump sentiments are widespread and not always subtle, but since the president himself demands to be the center of attention, he gets what he deserves.
“I attend protests to show my anger over the disastrous state of our country under the current president and to remind them that they can’t believe a single thing he says,” White said.
This week Indivisible Healdsburg, Climate Action Healdsburg and the Healdsburg Peace Project find themselves united to demonstrate at the usual Plaza location from 6-7pm in support of May Day, widely recognized as International Workers’ Day. “We are protesting the billionaire takeover of America and demanding investment in our futures,” states the announcement for the May Day Strong rally.
“From vineyards and fruit fields in California to classrooms in Chicago, kitchens in Queens to loading docks in Atlanta—this May Day, the many are organizing to take the country back from the few,” added the press release from Indivisible Healdsburg.
Thursday’s demonstration will occur at the usual time, 6-7pm, but many expect a larger turnout, given the ongoing national turmoil.
That will be far from the end of opposition to Donald Trump. The April 26 email from Indivisible Healdsburg called for continued Saturday demonstrations in the same location from 11am to noon. It also listed another May 1 demonstration in Santa Rosa, including a march from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to the Board of Supervisors office, then downtown to Old Courthouse Square, from 3-5pm on Thursday.
How boring. Public protest against Trump in deep blue California. Might as well get used to this. We had four years of plaza protests calling out the Russia conspiracy in Trump’s last term. I’m sure this will be just as effective. Also, given Chris Herrod’s history on the City Council, it’s ironic that he carries a “No More Lies” sign.
So the guy whose life seems to be centered around all of his grievances and conspiracies mocks people expressing their opinions and grievances.
Then you throw in the unsubstantiated ad-hominem attack; very brave.
Thanks for enhancing the community dialog in our time of need!
How brave is it to attend an anti-Trump protest in California? “Our time of need”? You live in Healdsburg. I don’t think you’re in need. You sound like another elitest who loves to make the actual people who made this town feel guilty because of some perceived privilege. My attack was on Chris Herrod, a council member who has lied to us repeatedly. I have called him out multiple times on his lies. I challenged him to a debate over Measure O and after I arranged for a forum for the debate at Coyote Sonoma he failed to show. So yes, I have a problem with people who will only express their opinion in a friendly environment, such as Chris with Indivisible Healdsburg tonight at the Plaza. Protest Trump all you want, but when you do more damage to our community than Trump could ever do, I have a problem. Chris Herrod cannot be our next mayor. I was born in San Francisco and moved to Healdsburg 10 years ago because I love it here. Chris Herrod was born in Healdsburg and wants to turn it into San Francisco. He does not represent us, just his own ideology.
I’ll be there. Healdsburg is a small town that can represent the citizens of California to visitors. Show up! 👍