No Kings Protest in Old Pasadena Finds a More Hopeful Rhythm

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo was dancing on a truck, Congresswoman Judy Chu was chatting with protesters in the street, and all along Colorado Boulevard, hundreds of people were waving flags, carrying signs and reminding one another of the importance of voting in upcoming elections..

It was the fourth “No Kings Day” in Old Pasadena on Saturday afternoon, but this one felt a little different.

The anger and frustration that had marked earlier demonstrations were still there, expressed in signs criticizing President Trump, immigration raids and threats to constitutional rights. But there at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, the mood was somewhat lighter, the music was louder and the focus had shifted noticeably toward the November election.

Across the street, large orange letters attached to a storefront spelled out the message: “DEFEND DEMOCRACY,” “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF OUR VOTE.”

Other signs were just as direct.

“Your Vote, Your Power,” read one.

“Use Your Power. Vote Early,” said another.

Chu, who moved through the crowd in a bright blue blazer, praised organizers for turning the energy of previous demonstrations toward something more immediate.

“This rally is so important and I really have to give praise to the No King’s organizers because they have channeled the energy of the people,” she said.

“And right now the critical issue is for people to cast their vote, to cast it early, to put it in a ballot box and to make sure that people exercise their rights.”

The afternoon had its lighter moments, too.

Los Jornaleros del Norte, (“Day Laborers”), the musical group associated with the Pasadena Job Center, performed from a stage truck, bringing a festive soundtrack to the political gathering. The group has been performing at numerous demonstrations over the past year, gathering momentum since the increased ICE enforcement raids began last June.

Gordo climbed aboard and joined the dancing, moving to the beat alongside the musicians and other participants. Wearing a light blue shirt with sunglasses hanging from the front, the mayor looked quite at home joining the impromptu dance party.

But he also had a serious message about the importance of continuing the demonstrations.

“It’s important to continue to use our voices to remind the world that democracy is important, that freedom of speech is important, that fairness and equality is important, particularly in our own country and right here in our beautiful, diverse city of Pasadena,” Gordo said.

Asked whether Saturday’s gathering reflected a growing sense of hope about the coming election, he pointed to the possibility of a change in the country’s political atmosphere.

“The beauty of democracy is precisely that. We have an election coming up. I believe that the country is ready for a change, not just in leadership, but in tone. Tone is so important.”

The gathering brought together longtime activists, older residents, younger protesters and people carrying everything from elaborate handmade posters to simple cardboard declarations.

One woman wore a pointed witch’s hat. Others carried American flags, balloons and signs calling for due process, free speech and an end to immigration enforcement operations.

One placard offered a particularly simple list: “We the People,” “Free Speech,” “Due Process,” “No Kings” and “God Bless California.”

Chu expressed confidence that the coming election could bring significant political changes, saying that predictions of Republican losses suggested President Trump’s political influence was weakening.

Gordo, meanwhile, said he hoped voters would reject what he described as the divisive tone of national politics.

“The country, I believe, will send that message, that the tone that has been utilized, the hate and fear mongering that has been effectuated is un-American as it gets,” he said.

As traffic moved through the intersection, protesters lined the sidewalks, holding their signs toward passing motorists. Music drifted from the truck, people stopped to talk, and the crowd stretched along the storefronts of Old Pasadena.

For an afternoon devoted to protesting the direction of the country, there was a surprising amount of smiling, as several standing signs with bright orange letters drove the point home: “Vote Early!”