Locals join nationwide movement opposing authoritarianism and abuse of power

NORTH COUNTY — On Saturday, June 14, the streets of Atascadero buzzed with energy. Stretching along El Camino Real from Morro Road to Sunken Gardens, an estimated 2,000 people gathered throughout the morning to take part in the sweeping “No Kings Day” movement — a global demonstration aimed at defending democracy and resisting what organizers describe as “the growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States.”

“No Kings Day” was organized nationally by Indivisible in partnership with more than 200 grassroots organizations and Democratic clubs across the country, including local chapters. In total, over 2,169 rallies were held across all 50 states and in 20 countries, drawing more than 5 million participants worldwide. Major turnouts were reported in cities such as Los Angeles (200,000), Philadelphia (100,000), Seattle (70,000), and New York City (50,000).

Though the protest in Atascadero was fueled by a sense of urgency, the mood was anything but grim. Families brought children, neighbors brought friends, and the air was filled with handmade signs, hopeful chants, and civic solidarity. Protesters held messages like “No Crown for Criminals,” “Liberty, Not Loyalty,” and “The Constitution Is My Commander.”

Photos by Hayley Mattson/ATN

“We’re standing up for our rights and for the Constitution,” said local protester Bob Haley, who sat outside Mechanics Bank with a large sign. “I’m here to protest Trump. I want to see change — real change. Almost everything.”

The demonstration remained peaceful, with the Atascadero Police Department managing traffic and ensuring safety. No incidents were reported.

Among those attending was Col. John Goodworth, a retired U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam. Though he didn’t fully agree with the protesters’ messages, he stood in support of their right to express them.

“I love the United States of America, and what is happening right here is important,” said Goodworth. “A lot of these folks don’t realize how lucky we are to have the right to peacefully protest. If you were in China or Cuba, you wouldn’t be doing this. I may not agree with all the rhetoric, but I absolutely support the right to speak freely.”

He also spoke about immigration, advocating for a system that provides a pathway to citizenship while removing dangerous individuals: “Those who’ve had families here a while and contribute — let’s give them six months and a clear path to citizenship. But the bad guys? They’ve got to go.”

Elsewhere along the protest route, a group of four walked with signs reading, “No One is Illegal on Stolen Land,” and “We Were All Strangers Once Too!” Their message was one of inclusion and resistance to harsh immigration policies and deportations.

The message of peaceful civic resistance stood in stark contrast to the heavy federal presence in Los Angeles, where ongoing immigration raids and troop deployments have ignited public backlash. On the same day as Atascadero’s protest, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump appeared in Washington, D.C., at a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s founding.

Trump used the occasion to deliver a dramatic, militaristic speech celebrating the Army’s legacy, referencing its creation by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 as a bulwark against tyranny during the American Revolution.

The military anniversary and the “No Kings Day” protests served as ironic bookends to a weekend defined by national reflection and rising tension.

Photos by Hayley Mattson/ATN

California Gov. Gavin Newsom didn’t mince words in his response to federal actions earlier in the week. In a June 10 televised address, Newsom condemned what he described as “the unlawful militarization of Los Angeles.” He criticized the deployment of more than 700 active-duty Marines and 2,100 National Guard troops under federal command as an authoritarian move disguised as public safety.

“What we’re witnessing is not law enforcement — it’s authoritarianism,” Newsom said. “What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty. Your silence. To be complicit in this moment. Do not give in to him.”

The troops, overseen by Task Force 51 under Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, were reportedly trained in de-escalation and crowd control. Still, their presence sparked concern.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass voiced her frustration in a press conference on June 16, mocking claims that deployed forces were targeting “criminals and gang members.”

“They said it was criminals, gang members, or drug dealers. I don’t know how many gang members are also nannies with children in a park,” she said. “The goal is to make Los Angeles feel terrified and scared — it won’t work. We will come together and defend our immigrant communities.”

In response, Bass shortened downtown curfew hours and reiterated the city’s commitment to safety and justice.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a new round of criminal charges in connection to recent protest violence. At a Tuesday morning press conference, Hochman detailed felony charges against individuals who allegedly launched fireworks at officers, vandalized property, and set fires during the unrest. Hochman made it clear: “Violence is not protected protest.”

The legal fight over the president’s authority to federalize the California National Guard also moved to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following a lower court ruling that the action exceeded presidential authority.

Back in Atascadero, as the crowd began to disperse and signs were lowered, the spirit of “No Kings Day” lingered. For many, it was a day that served as both a protest and a promise — a promise to remain engaged and informed.

“We showed up,” said one protester. “And that matters. Because democracy doesn’t defend itself. We do.”