Tag Archives: demonstrations

Thousands of demonstrators pack downtown SLO for ‘No Kings’ protest

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Several thousand people gathered downtown Saturday for the “No Kings” rally. The event drew an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 attendees, according to the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party. In response, police closed streets at Monterey and Osos Streets near the San Luis Obispo County Government Center to accommodate the crowd.

County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding and other local Democratic leaders spoke at the event, addressing the participants on key issues. Additionally, a leader of the Democratic Party at Cal Poly engaged the crowd via the electronic jumbo screen.

The San Luis Obispo rally was one of approximately 2,000 similar demonstrations held nationwide, reflecting a widespread movement across the country.
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/thousands-of-demonstrators-pack-downtown-slo-for-no-kings-protest/215242/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thousands-of-demonstrators-pack-downtown-slo-for-no-kings-protest

No Kings protests against Trump administration planned across Bay Area, nationwide today

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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Millions of Americans in the Bay Area and across the country are planning to hold another No Kings Day protest on Saturday.

### No Kings Day Protests Across the Bay Area

These demonstrations come amid growing concerns over President Donald Trump potentially deploying the National Guard to San Francisco and other cities. California previously sued the Trump Administration over its deployment of the Guard to Los Angeles during ICE protests in June.

At an unrelated press conference on Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom told reporters he believes the president is illegally trying to use federal troops as his personal police force. Newsom stated:

> “His latest assertion that he was going to come to San Francisco. On what basis? He didn’t even claim, there’s no pretext anymore. Let’s disabuse ourselves that there has to be a pretext with Donald Trump, that there’s anything that would justify that — there’s no existing protest in a federal building, there’s no operation that’s being impeded. I guess it’s just a training ground for the president of the United States. It is grossly illegal. It’s immoral. It’s rather delusional.”

There are three different “No Kings” gatherings planned in San Francisco this Saturday, along with dozens more across the Bay Area. These protests have seen massive turnouts in the past summer events.

### Reactions and Perspectives

Republican leaders have criticized the No Kings demonstrations as anti-American. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it the “hate America rally.” However, organizers expect thousands of participants at the downtown San Francisco event alone and emphasize that their goal is to peacefully push back against the White House.

Dianne McClure, Vice President of National Nurses United, expressed:

> “We do not believe in one person or one group of people, such as billionaires, controlling our country. That’s not what our nation was built upon. To threaten sending in the National Guard or anything of that matter just means that we’re effective in our organizing for our event.”

A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) said the city has a long tradition of First Amendment expression, which officers will facilitate, while also preparing resources to ensure public safety if any issues arise.

### National Guard Deployment and Protests Elsewhere

Though President Trump’s calls for sending the National Guard to San Francisco do not appear directly related to the No Kings protests, it is important to note that there will be National Guard troops deployed at protests in other states. For example, Texas governor is sending Guard members to Austin on Saturday.

For a complete list of planned No Kings protests across the Bay Area and the country, visit the No Kings website [here](#).

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### Saturday Street Closures in San Francisco

The following street closures will be in effect to accommodate the protests:

**From 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.:**

– Market Street from Beale to Steuart
– Steuart Street from Market to Howard
– Spear Street from Market to Folsom
– Main Street from Market to Howard

_All intersections with Mission Street will remain open._

**From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:**

– Market Street from Eighth to Steuart
– Hyde Street from McAllister to Market
– Grove Street from Market to Van Ness

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and monitor local traffic updates.
https://abc7news.com/post/no-kings-protests-san-francisco-bay-area-nationwide-amid-concerns-trump-will-send-national-guard-sf/18032761/

Ryukyu Opera Premieres With Tale of Kingdom’s King and Queen

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Composed by Urasoe native Arakatsu, the opera masterfully blends traditional Ryukyuan performing arts—such as classical dance and folk songs—with Western orchestral music, creating a unique cultural fusion.

Spectators praised not only the powerful vocal performances and live orchestration but also the inclusion of elements like karate demonstrations and traditional island rituals, which deepened the production’s local flavor.

“I was amazed by how many traditional arts were woven into the story from singing and dance to karate,” said one audience member. “It was both fun and deeply moving.”

Another attendee added, “I saw the production last year too, and I’m always impressed. It’s a kind of opera that could only exist in Okinawa, and the love between the two leads was so powerful.”

As the final notes of the live orchestra echoed through the theater, the audience responded with thunderous applause. Many praised the work as a celebration of Okinawa’s “chanpuru” spirit—the blending of cultures—and a powerful new expression of tradition through contemporary art.

“Traditional arts combined with new forms of expression make them even more compelling,” said one commentator, summing up the mood of a night when history, music, and emotion came together on stage.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147278.php