For the second time this year, a protest against President Donald Trump’s administration took place in Modesto as part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement. The event was held on Saturday at Standiford Park, drawing about 1,000 participants by early afternoon.
The demonstration was one of more than 2,500 similar events organized across the country on October 18. Organizers said that participation could surpass the turnout from June’s No Kings protests, which saw over 5 million people join nationwide.
Attendees at Standiford Park carried signs critical of Trump and his policies. Many dressed in costumes, including inflatable dinosaurs, astronauts, unicorns, and bald eagles. The temperature reached 73 degrees by midday.
Ashley Dolman attended dressed as a clown to counter claims that protesters are violent. “I’m a clown — how violent am I going to be? I’m dressed brightly, I’m dressed silly. You can’t say I’m violent when I look this silly,” she said.
Avonelle Tomlinson, an organizer with group 50501 who wore a unicorn costume, explained her motivation: “I really feel that if we don’t stand up and ridicule them, mock them, then what’s the use? We’re peaceful, we’re not going to beat people up.”
Matthew Mason wore a T-Rex costume and noted he was aware of restrictions on face coverings but believed his outfit complied since it had a clear window.
This protest differed from June’s No Kings rally in location and police response. While June’s event near downtown Modesto led to five arrests under a city ordinance banning facial coverings at public gatherings—and subsequent criticism of discriminatory enforcement—Saturday’s demonstration saw officers take a less confrontational approach. Police handed out cards explaining municipal codes related to flagpoles and sign sticks rather than making arrests or wearing riot gear.
James Chavez Jr., carrying a flag with a pole deemed too thick by police standards, received one such card. “I think that’s ridiculous,” Chavez told The Bee. “It’s only a pole that I bought at Walmart with the flag attached.” Others were similarly informed about code violations concerning their protest materials.
Arthur Fabela was turned away for having a sign considered too thick for the protest area but said he would remain nearby unless asked to leave.
The event included speeches from local leaders and political candidates. Jaron Brandon, Tuolumne County supervisor and state senate candidate, addressed threats to American institutions: “They are trying to turn us against each other because united, we cannot be beaten as a people,” he said. “It’s not just words that they’re doing. It’s not just mean tweets, as some say, it’s actions. It’s the dangerous types of actions that chip away at our democratic norms — one norm, one lie, one institution at a time.”
Marjorie Sturdy, president of Modesto Progressive Democrats, gave an impassioned speech referencing her family history: “My grandfather died in France in World War II fighting the [expletive] fascists over there. I am not sitting at home … because I am standing up for what is right in this country, including our Constitution,” she said. “The democracy stands strong as long as the people stand with it. I pledge allegiance to the ANTIFA flag. Who’s with me?”
After speeches concluded, participants marched along Tokay Avenue and gathered at McHenry and Tokay avenues before dispersing peacefully.
