With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Massive Anti-Trump Demonstration Planned For Saturday In MacArthur Park
Protestors in downtown. (Photo by Julia Wick/LAist)
()
Angelenos have been protesting Donald Trump's election since Tuesday night, with thousands taking to downtown and City Hall, and various high schools experiencing walkouts from their students. This Saturday's demonstration at MacArthur Park, however, may be the largest yet.
The event is organized by Union del Barrio Los Angeles, the L.A. chapter of the Latin-American political group that also has hubs out in San Diego, Oxnard, and the Bay Area. According to the event's Facebook page, the demonstration will start at 10 a.m. in MacArthur Park, where participants will meet and go on a march that will end by the Edward Roybal Federal Building downtown.
According to Ron Gochez, an organizer with Union del Barrio, planners expect about 10,000 people to show up. "You look at the previous protests, and you see that several thousands of people showed up, even though that wasn't entirely organized," said Gochez. "It was a spontaneous thing and thousands still showed up."
Several activist groups have announced their intentions to join the event. So far, they include the International Action Center, different MEChA groups from various campuses (including UCLA), union group SEIU Local 721, SWANA-LA, and Black Matters (not to be confused with Black Lives Matters), among other groups. One of the main components of the event will be what Gochez calls an "organization fair," where organizations will set up tables and engage with people who are looking to get involved. "One of the objectives is to organize," said Gochez. "We're saying that, if you're really concerned, you have to be a participant in some active way. If you show up and don't belong to an organization, hopefully you'll join something [at the event]."
Support for LAist comes from
One of the pressing concerns, of course, will be safety. Members of the National Lawyers Guild will be on hand to let demonstrators know their rights, especially in regards to police activity. Gochez says that organizers are aiming for a peaceful protest. "We're not trying to do something illegal. We're not trying to vandalize. What we're doing is sending a clear message that we won't allow fear and hate to stop us," said Gochez. He adds that, however, he can only speak for Union del Barrio. "We're not going to denounce other people, because that rage is coming from somewhere," said Gochez. "Our intention isn't to vandalize tomorrow. But we can't control what everyone does." He notes that Union del Barrio had helped organize a 100,000 person march in May of 2010 (to rally for immigration rights), and that it had happened peacefully.
"A lot of people are feeling very fearful and down. But this is not the time to hide," said Gochez. "Our communities will denounce the policies that President elect Trump says he'll implement."
The LAPD declined to comment.
The event will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday at MacArthur Park. For more information you can visit the event's Facebook page.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist