In response to the Trump administration's latest roll-out of economic and governmental policies, thousands of people across the country organized a day of protest on Saturday to make their voices heard, including community members on the Central Coast.
The "Hands Off!" rally at the courthouse in downtown San Luis Obispo attracted large crowds Saturday afternoon as the demonstration closed off part of Monterey Street.
Eight guest speakers were featured at the event, including District 30 Assembly Member Dawn Addis.
“We need people on the ground standing up for our rights, our beliefs, and our future. And they are doing it. People are ready to go," Addis said.
A human shield was also formed around the courthouse.
Lynda Merrill, a protester at the demonstration, told KSBY why she felt the need to speak out on Saturday.
“[There are] so many things that we all value and are important to a good quality of life. And we all feel like they're all threatened, that they may not be here tomorrow. So every day is sort of frightening," Merrill said.
Indivisible San Luis Obispo County, the main organizer of the protest, reportedly received permits from the city to host an event with more than 1,000 attendees and to block off part of Monterey Street for hours.
Protests were also held throughout north Santa Barbara County on Saturday, including at the corner of Broadway and Main Street in Santa Maria and at the intersection of H Street and Central Avenue in Lompoc.
Demonstrators in those areas held signs and chanted as other community members driving by honked their horns in support of the cause.
