For the second time this year, Modesto hosted a protest against President Donald Trump’s administration as part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement. The demonstration took place on Saturday at Standiford Park and was one of more than 2,500 similar events held across the country on October 18. Organizers expected the turnout to surpass June’s No Kings demonstrations, which saw over 5 million participants nationwide.
By early afternoon, about 1,000 people had gathered in the nearly five-acre Standiford Park. Attendees displayed signs criticizing Trump’s policies and wore a variety of costumes, including astronauts, dinosaurs, unicorns, bald eagles, and clowns.
Ashley Dolman attended dressed as a clown to challenge stereotypes about protesters. “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 inspired by protests in Portland, commented on the importance of peaceful ridicule: “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 participated in a T-Rex outfit and discussed concerns regarding face covering regulations but believed his costume complied due to its clear window.
Unlike June’s downtown rally—where five people were arrested for violating a city ordinance banning facial coverings at public gatherings—the police response this time was less confrontational. In June, officers had worn riot gear and used unmarked vehicles; this time they arrived on bicycles and distributed cards explaining municipal codes regarding protest sign poles and flagpoles.
James Chavez Jr., a protester carrying a flagpole purchased from Walmart, expressed frustration after being informed by police that his pole might violate regulations: “I think that’s ridiculous,” he told The Bee. Officers handed out informational cards about code violations to several attendees whose protest items did not comply with local rules.
One man debated with an officer over using a flagpole as a walking aid within the protest area but was told he could only use it outside the designated zone. Another resident, Arthur Fabela, was denied entry because his sign was too thick according to police standards.
The event featured speeches from local leaders and political candidates. Jaron Brandon, Tuolumne County supervisor and state senate candidate opposing Marie Alvarado-Gil, addressed concerns about 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, delivered an impassioned speech referencing her grandfather’s service in World War II and expressing strong opposition to fascism: “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,” Sturdy 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 several speeches by activists and community leaders concluded at Standiford Park, participants marched onto Tokay Avenue and continued their demonstration at McHenry and Tokay avenues.
