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Bay Area Trump supporters gathered in front of Woodside’s Pioneer Saloon to welcome Republican vice presidential candidate Ohio Sen. JD Vance to his private fundraiser in town on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office had traffic blocked off on Lindenbrook Road as fundraiser guests were checked in at the barricade.
Vance’s motorcade arrived at approximately 7:10 p.m.
Waiting in anticipation for Vance’s arrival, supporters began the rally in front of Pioneer Saloon at 3:30 p.m. waving Trump flags and singing along to patriotic music.
“JD seems to be a breath of fresh air. I’m really looking forward to voting for him in four years,” said Redwood City resident Mark Norman, who showed up to support the Republican party.
Others attended the rally to voice their support freely alongside fellow supporters. Redwood City resident John Charlesbois said, “If you support the other side, you’re like their enemy and it shouldn’t be that way. It should be that you believe in whatever you want to believe but let’s not fight over it.”
The rally was also attended by two protesters from Palo Alto, Nate S. and Ryan K. They held signs that read “Catbois 4 Trump. Immigrants are eating me out” and “F— Trump.”
Nate S. and Ryan K. protest against Trump with handmade signs on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi. 
Trump supporters rally at Woodside’s Pioneer Saloon ahead of Sen. JD Vance’s arrival at a local fundraiser on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi. 
JD Vance’s motorcade arrives on Lindenbrook Road for a Woodside fundraiser on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Yoshikoshi.
“I am dismayed at the fact that we’re not able to have a healthy discussion in this area about not just the parties themselves, but about policies that are ongoing,” said Ryan K., who asked to be identified by his last initial.
Norman noted that he is “the only person I found in Redwood City that has a Trump sign in front of his house and I routinely walk out with all my Trump garb on.”
“What we all need to learn is that we all have freedom of speech and to let one another have their time,” Norman said.
Around 5:30 p.m. supporters began to leave the Pioneer Saloon and moved their rally to the park and ride lot along Woodside Road and Highway 280. They rallied from across from the Sheriff’s Office barricade on Lindenbrook Road.
Supporters stood along the busy road cheering and waving flags at bikers and cars. The rally caused a distraction for one driver who rear ended another car at the nearby traffic light. Luckily, the Sheriff’s Office witnessed the crash and responded to it within seconds, followed by first responders.
Supporters maintained their spirit late into the evening as they waited for Vance’s arrival. After nearly four hours in anticipation, Vance’s motorcade was met by loud cheers from supporters.
Sorry, there is nothing remotely “patriotic” about supporting Trump or Vance.