More than 500 protesters showed up Monday in Eureka outside the county courthouse on Fifth Street with signs — lots of signs — to join the noon-time national 50501 ‘Not My Presidents Day’ of action. Their goal was to voice their opposition to the policies and actions of the second Donald Trump administration, and Elon Musk in particular. Under a light rain shower, the protesters lined both sides of Fifth Street, sharing their messages about Musk and Trump to a steady stream of drivers in passing vehicles, many of whom began honking in support. A passing Tesla at one point drew a mild round of jeers from the peaceful protesters.
The 50501 movement, originally short for “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” is a nationwide grassroots effort that emerged on Reddit in late January looking for ways to express discontent with Trump. It first created a nationwide protest Feb. 5 by word of mouth on social media, which resulted in 80 peaceful protests across all 50 states. In addition to voicing anger at Musk and Trump, another goal of the protests is to pressure Democrats into action, according to the organization. According to its website, additional protests are planned the rest of the month and into March.
This article appears in Step Aside Prop. 47, Proposition 36 Has Arrived.
Great photos, Mark.