FORT BRAGG, CA., 6/14/25 – An estimated 1,500 people turned out Saturday in Fort Bragg to protest President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. Cynthia Gair, an organizer with Indivisible Mendocino, called it the largest protest the grassroots organization had hosted this year – a major feat in a year in which protests seem to be a weekly occurrence.
The event, dubbed “No Kings,” was one of about 2,000 nationwide. According to Gair, the demonstration was set to coincide with a military parade the Trump administration organized to celebrate Trump’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., and Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the American flag in 1777.
“This is the Mendocino Coast rising up, saying we want our democracy,” Gair said. “We’re standing up for democracy and freedom.”
The event, which appeared peaceful, spanned about half a mile from Surf Motel and Gardens to Chevron, with protesters lining state Highway 1, including the Noyo Bridge, as drivers slowed and honked their horns.
Many protest signs simply read “No Kings,” while others were more specific. One protester held a sign reading, “$ for veterans and Medicaid, not vanity parades.”
Locals and visitors alike were in attendance, including one couple who said they had originally come to town for a car show taking place, but stopped to join the protest when they saw the crowd.
Fort Bragg resident Hendrik Idzerda said he was at the protest because he fears the country is descending into fascism.
“We have a man in the White House who believes he’s above the law, and the House and Senate won’t hold him accountable,” Idzerda said. “I believe the only thing we have left to do is get out on the streets.”
Police presence was minimal, with a sole police vehicle rolling by to remind protesters to stay on the sidewalk, a sentiment attendees passed on to one another. One protester said the group needed to follow the rules to avoid being disbanded by police. The group included people of all ages.
No counter-protest was apparent during the demonstration, although a few attendees said they saw some supporters of the president drive by with signs of their own.
Among the more notable signs “No Kings” demonstrators had was one that depicted a handmade drawing of a king salmon with the caption, “The only king this coast needs.”
Another homemade sign, worn in the style of a sandwich board on a young demonstrator, said “I’m only 8 and even I know this is a bad idea.”
Other topics addressed on signs included immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions, the war in Gaza, threats to democracy, and budget cuts, especially to Medicaid.
Gair said Indivisible is a grassroots movement that began in late 2016 after Trump’s first term began and has been growing steadily in recent months.
“On June 14, as Trump throws himself a lavish military parade in D.C., we’re going to be rising up with protests all across the country,” says a statement on Indivisible’s website.
Gair said Indivisible Mendocino will host more events in the coming months. The group will also have a float in Mendocino’s Fourth of July parade.
Out celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army?
NOPE.
Out “celebrating” Trump’s birthday.
I see a blatant lack of diversity in this crowd.. I see pictures of yesterday’s protests from all over… thousand and thousands and thousands of boomer white people… I hope they are finding some joy in life… the clocks ticking…
A weak attempt at belittling the impressively large turnout. Having been there, it was pretty clear that the protest attendees matched the demographics of Mendocino County with a healthy representation of young and old, white and non-white.
You’re practicing the cruelty and ignorance of your boomer president. I hope you’ll see the errors of your way at some point in your life.
@Ab … Bro, your ignorance is showing. You should probably see a Democratic doctor about that. They’ll likely recommend you try spending less time watching Fox News, as it’s bad for the health of your common sense, and is the leading cause of the death to our democracy. But, frankly, it’s just embarrassing.
Nice try; though I sadly bailed on my Mendocino brethren because I had to be in the bay area this weekend, I went to the Oakland march and though there were plenty of us old white boomers, we were nonetheless in the minority.
I was there., excellent turnout for young and old. One older gentleman brought was a folded funeral flag from the military., I too was holding a flag, he mentioned he’d never brought it out before., and neither had I. Brought me to tears.
I’m so proud to be a part of this community. It was a beautiful site on Saturday to see all of you out there and all across the country. The turnouts were bigger than they thought they would be. There will be more protests before this is over, but if we turn out like we did Saturday, we’re gonna change the way the country is going and we’re gonna keep it the way that it’s supposed to be. Rule of law, the Constitution, “we the people”, freedom and Democracy✊🏻
The event was inspirational. I had lost hope in America but the demonstration was large 1500 guess-for a town of only 7000. Friendly people and determined to turn this crisis around. There still is hope!
Yep, it was a big, inspiring crowd of very energized people! All kinds, darling kids, some happy dogs; proud to among them with my family and friends. It felt a little like the Salmon Barbecue, honestly!
It’s seems there’s usually a couple of triggered naysayers that must make fools of themselves by hurling petty insults. But, it’s a tiny minority, compared to the massive crowds that turned out on Saturday, for the ‘No Kings’ protest.
You have no clue what you are even doing out there except for your hatred towards the president….and you deny the 250th Anniversary of the military. Which means you protested against veterans that day. Disgusting really and this County is a complete disgrace..
Well, I was there with my “Unite for Veterans” sign, standing on the bridge dedicated to the memory of my Uncle Buddy who gave his life in the South Pacific in 1944. It’s a shame what this administration is doing with our veterans and really too bad that you don’t know about it. I was there with my next door neighbor who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. She’s mad as heck at this president, too.