Protestors marched around El Estero Saturday in solidarity with the nationwide “March 4 Democracy” demanding government officials stand against the Trump administration.
The event, hosted by 50501 Monterey, Unite Monterey County and Indivisible Monterey, intended to “confront corruption, denounce hate and racism, and defend every person’s right in this country to live with dignity and safety,” according to the organizations.
Demonstrators gathered alongside Del Monte Avenue holding signs and flags to hear an introductory speech from Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson. Throughout the day, protest officials estimated the turnout reached around 500 people who marched around the lake and lined the streets to protest the Trump administration’s actions
Protesters consisted of people of all ages, each with their own reason for showing up. For Monterey resident Jude Fox, it helped her channel her feelings into protecting democracy.
“There’s no option, the option is getting forlorn and depressed and isolated,” Fox said. “Monterey’s killing it.”
The demonstration came the same day as a military strike against Iran by the United States and Israel. The event was on the minds of several protesters, including Fox, who said she was “heartbroken,” over the matter and said she hoped it will encourage more apolitical people to speak up against the use of military force.
Michael Tondlinson garnered attention from his plethora of signs including one reading “Thank You For Your Attention To This Matter,” the word “LOVE” lining a picket fence, and two large flags.
Tondlinson created the “Thank You For Your Attention To This Matter,” sign as a reference to the way President Donald Trump signs off his posts on his Truth Social platform, instead bringing attention to the concerns of the protesters.
As for the “LOVE” sign, Tondlinson said he has had the sign for years, putting it on wheels and taking it with him around town and to various protests. “I picked ‘love’ because I figured, who can argue with love,” Tondlinson added.
Jack Holmgren, from Carmel, arrived to the protest carrying a flag with a photo of Trump and
Jeffrey Epstein together, a flag which Holmgren said he brings to every demonstration to remind people not to get distracted from the Epstein files by other outrages.
Holmgren, a former immigration attorney and director of Whistlemania in Monterey, said that protesting is a part of being an American and that the protest had seen turnout from residents across the county with a positive response.
“We’re out here trying to help people voice their legitimate concerns with what’s going on,” said Holmgren. “This country is descending into fascism. We have to stop it, it’s up to us.”
