A peaceful protest organized by Indivisible CA 40 took place at the northeast corner of Yorba Linda Boulevard and Imperial Highway in Yorba Linda, CA on April 19 from 3 to 4:30 pm. The event aimed to reinforce the community’s commitment to Constitutional rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly, amidst growing concerns about fascism.
The protest, described as a non-violent and welcoming gathering, emphasized the importance of standing together against oppression. “As we grow our movement, we will unfortunately attract those who want to manipulate, bait, or trick you into engagement; this will not benefit you or the group,” the organization advised attendees in their outreach materials. They urged participants to remain vigilant, prioritize personal safety, and refrain from engaging with detractors.
Participants were encouraged to connect with others, displaying homemade signs, while exercising caution against potential disruptions. “If you hear, see, or sense that anyone is there for ‘bad trouble,’ you commit to IGNORE, STEP BACK, WALK AWAY, and possibly FILM/RECORD for your safety,” the organization stated.
Despite the peaceful nature of the event, tensions arose when the Orange County Sheriff’s Department issued citations to drivers who honked in support of the protest, branding their actions as safety violations. This move drew criticism and raised questions about the limits of free expression during such gatherings.
Historically, protests have served as a powerful tool for social change. Amnesty International highlights that such demonstrations play a vital role in holding institutions accountable and advocating for human rights. From the Salt March in 1930 to the Black Lives Matter protests of recent years, collective action has historically borne results, influencing the course of history.
Protests can take many forms, from marches and sit-ins to strikes and civil disobedience, advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and better governance. “People have the right to protest peacefully, and states have to respect, facilitate, and protect that right,” stated a representative from Indivisible CA 40. The group emphasized that when authorities intervene in protests, their actions must be proportional and necessary, aiming to minimize harm while ensuring public safety.
Ironically, the very presence of law enforcement has, in many instances, escalated tensions rather than maintained peace. A study from the Social Change Lab indicates that three significant factors contribute to the success of social movements: the use of nonviolent tactics, a favorable sociopolitical climate, and a large number of participants.
As participants left the event, many expressed optimism about the impact of their gathering, emphasizing that one action can indeed spark a movement. “If we work together, we can create a better world where everyone is equal and free from inequalities,” a participant declared.
With an eye on future engagement, the organizers urged attendees to continue their activism by making calls to their representatives and participating in further protests. The plea is clear: the fight for justice and equality demands ongoing commitment and unity. The next protest organized by Indivisible CA40 will be held on Monday, April 21 during rush hour from 5 to 6:30 pm on the corner of Imperial HWY and State College Blvd in Brea.
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Categories: Community Voices, Local Events, Local News
As a child of the 60’s and currently a college professor, I am all for civil rights, demonstrations, addressing volatile issues; however, some of these signs are so ludicrous it is hard to take the entire group seriously. Protests should have causes; any actual causes here seem to be overlooked and replaced by a picnic atmosphere bravado that says absolutely nothing, while imitating a SNL skit.
I applaud this group, for getting out there and bringing awareness to the destruction of our national fabric. We’re looking at suburban Yorba Linda folks in posh suburbia doing their part in alerting the citizenry, maybe not the starving, die-hard youth looking to combat every stich of social norms. Speaking of which, where are the kids of today’s universities -their schools are being directly targeted, their classmates being ripped from their schools -where is the outrage? And how you “child of the 60’s” is now that same grandpa you railed against in your youth, waving your cane at the protesters instead of rallying their slogans. Three cheers for the “Indivisible CA 40”!
I am a child of the 60s and completely disagree with you, Bruce. Everyone following the current administration’s actions in tearing down our constitutional rights, institutions, deporting people they don’t agree with, targeting students and universities, raiding IRS and Social Security databases for their own profit, wasting taxpayer money, creating more tax breaks for the very wealthy who don’t need it while trying to weaponize government against the very poor are upset. There is a lot to pay attention to and stand up against.
I fail to see what you are referring to. I see signs referring to human rights violations and defiance of the constitution. I see signs indicating opposition to the emerging authoritarian in the White House.
I do not see silly signs, but rather a large group of people standing up for a unified cause.
What’s even more impressive is that this was one of hundreds of similar protests, with hundreds of thousands or even millions of people in total, all protesting the same thing.
This is not a ‘picnic,’ it is democracy, it is peaceful demonstration in the face of an existential threat to our basic rights and the very foundation of our republic.
But since you are clearly well-versed in The Right Way to Protest, please, educate us by telling us what example you set this week in fighting back against autocracy. I’m all ears.