By 1 p.m. on Friday, July 4, a line of protesters stretched in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse. They carried signs decrying ICE, billionaires, Israel’s bombing of Gaza, the slashing of cancer research funding, reducing Medicare and President Donald Trump’s administration in general. (See the slideshow below for photos of the protests and Old Town street fair.)
Like several protesters, Janet (who chose not to share her last name) carried an upside-down American flag to signal distress. “I felt like what’s going on vis-à-vis the Constitution, today was a day we need to be protesting,” she said. She was disappointed in the attendance in comparison to the No Kings Day but hoped for bigger crowds at upcoming national protests. As for celebrating Independence Day, she said, “I think that’s the other side of the coin is going home and appreciating the level of freedom we still have.”
Further up the block, a trio of friends — Lee, Ryan and Pasha, who also chose not to share their last names — chatted while waving signs at cars passing by, some drivers honking in response.
Asked what brought him to the protest, Ryan laughed and said, “Just the degradation of our democracy.” He said there was usually some music and while the cause is serious, “It can be fun.” There’d be holiday fun later in the day, he said. “A little bit of protest, a little bit of party.”
Lee pointed out protesting is a patriotic way to honor Independence Day, saying, “This is what democracy looks like.”
Pasha agreed, adding, “We’re accessing our constitutional right to express our opinion.” As a Russian immigrant, it’s a right he does not take for granted. “I left a dictator in 2005,” he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump has repeatedly aligned himself. “This is very reminiscent. The warning signs are there. … This is my second home and I don’t want another dictator.” With a shrug, he asked, “Are we going to start falling out of windows?”
A handful of pro-Israel counter-protesters were set up across the street. Two women in lawn chairs, Jody, with a bullhorn and an American flag scarf, and Ella, who was mostly obscured by her large sign denouncing the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel and calling for the return of their hostages, said they are regulars at the courthouse. “We’re not pro-Trump or anything,” said Ella. The two agreed their opposition was to the group at the end of the block waving Palestinian flags, protesting Israeli government attacks on Gaza that have decimated the city and killed tens of thousands.
A woman in mourning black with a wooden gravestone marking the death of democracy stopped to ask Ella for a hug. A few minutes later, a man in an olive utility jacket stopped to shout, “Fuck Israel!”
“Well I say fuck you!” Jody shouted in return.
Back on the courthouse side of the street, Yasmine and Scott, who also chose not to share their full names, held hand-painted canvas signs. Yasmine says she’s been painting a new one for every protest. “The great injustice, I don’t think I can stand for this being the child of immigrants,” she said, adding she’s also concerned abut the state of healthcare in America.
Scott rattled off reasons for his attendance at the protest instead of the festival happening nearby in Old Town, including “the suppression of media, the lying is absurd. … I mean, freedom’s kind of taken away from a lot of people.”
In Old Town, the streets were thronged with people lining up for food stalls and perusing vendors’ wares. The Jim Lahman Band played “Brown Eyed Girl” for a crowd that left room for a handful of dancers.
Ron “Dog” Matson, who wore a cap emblazoned with the words “Vietnam Veteran” said he was loving the street festival, “Celebrating my country’s birthday.” He was also itching to dance, happy to be “anywhere there’s music and celebration.” Though once the sun set, he planned to be home keeping his dog and cats “safe and mellow” during the riot of fireworks.
Lynette Mullin, a Journal contributor and Matson’s “dancing partner,” was enjoying the day, too. “I know today is a very big day for people, but seeing people come out and celebrate community … no matter how you feel about e
verything going on in the country,” she gave a sigh and smiled.
Adjacent to the gazebo square was a circle of silent, black-clad protesters from Humboldt Democracy Connections posted around the inlaid compass in the intersection. On the southern point, one protester held a sign that read, “Fascism is …,” while the rest carried signs listing aspects of fascism from “Militarization of police” to “Grabbing people off the streets.”
Phil Dowser said he comes to the Old Town celebration every year. Though this year, Dowser, who uses a wheelchair, regretted the new rule didn’t allow him to bring his Shih Tzu on his lap. Still, he said, “Sometimes it’s foggy, but it’s always good vendors, good company.” Asked if current events have an impact on the celebration, he said, “I love my country but I don’t agree with its politics these days.” He said some of his family members are immigrants from Cambodia and while they have U.S. citizenship, “I’m still worried.”
Roberta and Toga Fonoti corralled their children on the sidewalk, lemonades in hand. During most street fairs, the Fonotis work at their Le Moana Grill stall, but on Friday they were customers. “It’s our favorite family event, so we’re here spending money, supporting locals,” Toga said with a wide grin. “Not only that but … celebrating America.” The day was a respite from work but also the stress of current events. “After all the politics, all the stuff going on, coming down here and just forget and have a lemonade, beautiful weather,” he trailed off, looking at the crowd. The protesters were an unpleasant reminder he said but conceded, “They have the right to free speech.”
This article appears in A Place to Stop and Rest.
