Editor: In an important update, San Diego Police have backed off their earlier threats of arresting any demonstrator outside the so-called “free speech zones”, and now say people can demonstrate outside of the designated zones, but they must follow laws and cannot block traffic.
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The day has come.
Donald Trump is rallying in San Diego at the Convention Center at 2 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.). The San Diego Free Press – the OB Rag’s associates – will be live blogging today’s events. We’ll be pulling pictures and updates from people on the front lines who use the hashtag #NeverTrumpSD or you can send them directly to contact@sandiegofreepres.org.
Here’s what you need to know right now, plus a list of anti-Trump protests throughout the day:
Two “Free Speech Zones” have been set up per the San Diego Police Department. Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman stated that protesters who leave said zones may be subject to arrest.
As originally reported in the UT San Diego, both zones are on the grassy strip between Harbor Drive and San Diego Trolley tracks, with the anti-Trump area to the southeast and pro-Trump zone to the northwest, separated by Fifth Avenue. Large portions of both zones have fences and barriers on both sides.
Groups Scheduled to Protest
Human Rights – San Diego County Community Groups: Its 200 members will be meeting at 10 a.m. at the Convention Center.
Message: “Donald Trump made racial remarks about Mexicans, Blacks and Hispanics. San Diego is a culturally diverse and dynamic border community that is fueled by the contributions of immigrants and citizens alike.”
Here are links to what they call “Voices of Human Rights” the Alliance San Diego and the City’s Human Relations Commission.
San Diego LGBT Community: Members will meet at 11 a.m. at the US Grant Hotel before heading to the Convention Center.
Special requests: Supporters are being asked to bring rainbow flags, anti-Trump Signs and American flags.
Message: “Peaceful protest is much more effective than violence.”
Dump Trump: This group will meet at 11 a.m. at the Convention Center, with 115 RSVPs according to their Facebook page.
Special requests: We don’t condone violence, but peaceful protest and demonstrations.
Message: “We are going to show Trump that San Diego rejects his bigotry and his bold-faced lies. We will not be pandered to by a flip-flopping celebrity blowhard. He’s a hateful fool who has lied to the public too many times. This is a bipartisan event … We know our rights and will not be silenced.”
San Diego County Democratic Party: Members will rally at 11:30 a.m. at the southeast corner of the Gaslamp Trolley Station Plaza, near the cul de sac at the south end of Sixth Avenue. A press conference is scheduled at noon. This could potentially place the Democrats on the other side of the Trump supporters from the main protests. As of last night, their Facebook page states that 250 will be attending.
Stop Trump – San Diego: This group says that it’s organizing their members to get inside the Convention Center and have tickets. They plan on being there at 11:30 a.m. Their Facebook page shows approximately 250 sign-ups.
Love Trumps Hate Solidarity Network: This group will be protesting at noon on the grassy area in front of the Convention Center. They will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Their Facebook page has 60 members.
Special requests: Keep it peaceful and non-confrontational protest.
Message: “Tear down the walls.”
Justice for Janitors and SEIU: Anywhere between 500 to 700 janitors will rally around noon at One America Plaza before marching south through the streets to the Convention Center.
Union del Barrio: A rally at Chicano Park continues is scheduled for 1 p.m. This will turn into a march to the Convention Center. Their Facebook page states 225 will be in attendance.
Smash Trump San Diego: This group has garnered the largest sign-ups of anti-Trump protesters. They will start protesting at 1:30 p.m. in front or near the Convention Center. Their Facebook page states nearly 1,000 people are attending.
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