A brilliant fall day burned down on thousands of people in Santa Barbara’s Alameda Park taking part in the No Kings rally on Saturday afternoon. Even earlier, Santa Barbarans in Oxford, England, were holding their own small rally to fight for democracy, reported Cynthia Carbone Ward. “At first it was just the two of us, but folks approached us, young and old, from all over the world, with thumbs up, supportive comments, and earnest questions. Our gathering grew, and we all felt more hopeful.”
Closer to home, Marianne Partridge was part of a boisterous crowd in Lompoc of more than 500 people who stood peacefully at Central and H streets. “A constant stream of cars honking in support drove by, including a group of vintage car enthusiasts,” said Partridge, who is the Independent‘s editor in chief. Lots of people were costumed, including as a chicken and a California black bear: “The bear marched back and forth across H Street carrying a ‘Vote Yes on Prop 50’ sign until his costume began to deflate.”
In Santa Ynez, the No Kings demonstration found solidarity in the valley as passing cars honked their agreement, Sharon Ritche and Diane Siegal told the Independent. “I love America because to be an American makes me so proud,” said one participant, while Denver Marsk said, “I’m here because I feel my rights are being trampled, especially the right to free speech.”
“I am here to support loved ones,” said a man named Jesse. “Coming from a Latino family, it’s hard with what we’re all going through.”…