San Francisco, other Bay Area cities prepare for 'No Kings Day' protest
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and city leadership spoke Friday on public safety ahead of a large day of protests expected Saturday.
Anti-Trump and anti-ICE demonstrations, labeled as "No Kings" protests, will be happening across the country, with thousands of people attending dozens of events in the Bay Area.
The day of protests coincides with a parade in Washington, D.C. to mark the 250th anniversary of the Army and President Trump's birthday.
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Protesters will voice concerns about White House policies, including immigration and Trump's decision to send in the National Guard and U.S. Marines to respond to the L.A. protests.
"We believe in two fundamental values: we don't have kings in the US of America, and we have the constitutional right to peacefully protest and have our voices heard," said Michelle Magee, with Indivisible San Francisco.
Indivisible San Francisco is leading the march from Dolores Park to City Hall.
San Francisco City departments have been coordinating this entire week in preparation for Saturday.
"The SFPD will be ready for anything that may happen. We will be fully staffed and we have called in additional resources," said SFPD Chief Paul Yep.
"Our emergency services unit, special response team, is all set to be out and fully staffed to deal with any incident that occurs. Our vans and buses are ready to provide free rideshares straight to jail. Our jails are prepared to accept guests with no reservations," said San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.
Earlier this week, Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed public safety, stressing peaceful protest, after nearly 150 people were arrested when a protest turned violent late Sunday night. There was vandalism to cars and buildings and two officers were injured.
Lurie and city leaders reminded people that local law enforcement is not working for ICE. But city officials say they will respond to violence.
LIST: No Kings Day protests against Trump Saturday in Bay Area
"We will not tolerate violence and destructive behavior. And will never tolerate violence directed at law enforcement or city workers," said Mayor Daniel Lurie.
"We stand united with those who are expressing themselves in a peaceful manner, in a legal manner to oppose the things they are seeing. But, as a district attorney, I have to be clear. We draw the line with people who violate the law," said DA Brooke Jenkins. "We will file charges against those who are committing vandalism, violence and other acts that are criminal in San Francisco."
The city's Public Works department is offering to clean up graffiti, but reminding the public that any destruction to people's property will be at the expense of that business owner.
"If a window is broken, we can go and clean up the glass, but it is the property owner's responsibility to have the glass replaced. We will help in any way if people need plywood," said Rachel Gordon, with SF Public Works.
In San Francisco, protesters will gather around 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Mission Dolores Park before marching to Civic Center Plaza, where there will be speakers from community organizations.
Protesters in Oakland will meet at Wilma Chan Park at 12:30 p.m. before marching to Frank Ogawa Plaza.
Gilroy, other small towns gearing up for big day of 'No Kings' protests Saturday
Gilroy will be among the more than 2,000 cities participating in Saturday's "No Kings" protest.
"I think there are a lot of people out there that are feeling isolated, alone and afraid of what's happening in our country and our community," Cammie Brown said.
"It's not about the angry rabble-rousing, as much as it is asking our neighbors, 'what is it you're missing or hoping to get out of this administration?'" Whitney Pintello said.
Brown and Pintello are protest organizers with Women for Action Voice and Equality.
They've held smaller rallies throughout the Trump presidency, but they're expecting around 200 people for the "No Kings" protest Saturday.
"We're seeing our rights, we're seeing the structures that are put in place to support democracy being torn apart, actually," Brown said. "We look at what's happening - we're Americans, we're patriots and we care about this country and our community here in Gilroy."
That's why "No Kings" protest organizers emphasize peaceful demonstrations.
Despite what's happened at similar rallies, John Holder, the owner of Brew City Burgers and Westside Grill, is not concerned about Saturday's action.
"They are just getting people to honk their horns and they're not bothering anybody and they're not interrupting traffic," Holder said. "We're fortunate because after they're done doing their thing, they come in and have something to eat."
Protests aren't just planned this weekend in Gilroy, there are No Kings rallies in small towns across the South Bay.
From Morgan Hill to Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz to Salinas and even Aromas.
Communities with small populations, but strong immigrant ties, especially in the farming town of Gilroy.
Pintello and Brown say protests on Saturday are the benefit of all.
"We're not talking about 'them'," Brown said. "We're talking about our friends, our neighbors, our children's friends - the people we're involved with in this community."
"We're really here to build a better community and build a better country, I hope," Pintello said.
To find the "No Kings" protest nearest to you, click here to visit the Mobilize wesite.
