The day after the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a "Community Action Rally" will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway in Redwood City.
Joan Baez is expected to perform and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Menlo Park, and state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, are among the expected speakers.
The rally, due to run about 90 minutes, will be a "nonpartisan, family-friendly event" that is "inspired by and held in solidarity with" Saturday's Women's March on Washington, organizers said. It will be held rain or shine.
Speakers will discuss ways to get involved in community action in the areas of the environment, education, health care, religious and cultural tolerance, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights and "breaking the glass ceiling," organizers said.
"The purpose of the rally is to give the citizens of San Mateo County an opportunity to affirm our community values," said Joan Dentler, a member of the organizing committee.
Go to the event Facebook page for more information.
Comments
Woodside: Mountain Home Road
on Jan 19, 2017 at 1:32 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 1:32 pm
With regard to the community action rally i'd like to remind those planning to participate that for eight years many Americans tolerated the Obama administration's policies with dignity, protesting through the use of the voting booth. What sets this country apart from many others is that every four or eight years we have a peaceful transfer of power. As Americans, we also have the priviledge and I repeat PRIVILEGE of expressing our viewpoints without fear of government reprisals or threat of prison, as is the case in many countries around the world.
Trump has won the presidency whether you like it or not. Throwing out unfounded accusations and not even giving the man who has been elected by an overwhelming majority of people beyond the liberal states of New York and California, a chance before he's even been sworn into office is not only wrong, but dangerous. We have greater threats to our democracy than Donald Trump. As my liberal friends reminded me when Obama was elected, 'You may not like it but he's our president now and you need to show respect for him.' I didn't like it one bit, but I did show respect and I didn't hold rallies to discuss my concerns, which were many. I went to the voting booth instead. I say the same to you now. We need to get behind our president for the sake of our country. Not that you can't disagree with his policies. Take your disagreements to the voting booth. Get involved in your political organizations, but rally? Cry and demand? Throw tantroms under the guise of a community action rally. Exactly what 'actions' do you plan on taking? And against whom? Let me guess.
Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Jan 19, 2017 at 2:10 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 2:10 pm
To woodside resident: You made some excellent points--especially about Americans' freedom to express themselves. I looked up the definition of "rally" for my own edification and found the following: "...to gather again" "...to reunite"
"... to assemble or bring together for common cause". I truly believe that is the only purpose of the gatherings that are scheduled across our country. I also looked up "tantroms" but couldn't find it in the dictionary.
Atherton: West Atherton
on Jan 19, 2017 at 2:56 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 2:56 pm
I agree completely with the Woodside resident's comments above! We fortunately were all able to vote freely at the booth so now it is time to accept respectfully the results and get behind our in-coming President whether we voted for him or not. He and the Administration deserve a chance. Anna Eshoo must have more important matters to attend to than organizing a rally the day after the inauguration because of her differences with Trump's positions. There is ample opportunity to voice one's dissent if and when actions are taken by the new President that are not agreeable. God Bless America!
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:06 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:06 pm
"many Americans tolerated the Obama administration's policies with dignity"
What???
Seriously? Just rise from an 8 year nap, Rip van Winkle?
Two words: tea bags
First, the tea baggers couldn't decide if Obama was a socialist or a fascist; a week later one could find them ranting about Obama being either a radical Rev Wright Christian, or perhaps a Muslim. You can google image either of those sets and see ample evidence of tea bagger "dignity".
The main tea bagger is the top birther, Donald J Trump, who showered us with golden claims about Obama not being American.
Dignity.
Lastly: we can't help it if Trump can't get over the fact that he lost by 3 MILLION votes and keeps impulsively tweeting juvenile trash.
He's a president setting precedent! Prediction: his inaugural with not declare a single agenda item with either detail or deadline.
Woodside: Family Farm/Hidden Valley
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:09 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:09 pm
Bravo to Woodside Resident for your insightful remarks and well-supported reminder. Boo!! to Chigi for such a childish response.
Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:43 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:43 pm
Perhaps if the The Donald hasn't drained the swamp to fill his cabinet and continued to act like a petulant child, calling those who didn't vote for him his "enemy" maybe he'd have the support of the country. But he doesn't. Most of us did not vote for him and are disgusted with his behavior - pussy grabbing - etc. This goes beyond typical Republican politics, we're talking about a TV Reality Star, A man who refused to show his tax returns and who is beholden to Putin for his win. A despicable human being, which zero integrity. We liberals will be glad to show him the same respect that he and the TeaParty showed Obama the past 8 years. Trump, the con man who tried to convince America that President Obama wasn't even American. Trump does not respect the office, the constitution and is out to line his own pockets and those of his billionare cronies. While we still have the right to free speech we will Rally and stand up for what is right. Trump is so wrong.
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:54 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:54 pm
"such a childish response"
Again, I fail to see the described activity, unless posting factual definitions is now considered "childish". Or a 'tantroms'.
Where the tea bagger rallies of 2009/10 "childish"?
Web Link
Web Link
Web Link
Web Link
Uhhhh... based on that evidence, I withdraw the question!
Woodside: Skywood/Skylonda
on Jan 19, 2017 at 4:44 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Why hasn't anyone called out the obvious typo from Chigi?
"Tantroms"... ? IT isn't in the dictionary because it is not a word.
Let's be honest, this rally, lead by CA democrat elites, is veiled in feminist rhetoric. This community rally is capitalizing off of Trump's chauvinism as if it's something novel. To that and any other issues the liberal dems want to sling at the new and inevitable administration change I say Grow Up.
I'd like the brow beatings to stop. There hasn't been a fresh voice in politics for decades. California liberals are mean and intolerant. I know because I have to sit silently by as I listen to the ugly and aggressive comments regarding anyone leaning to the right. It's a wonder how any Republicans are still living if you believe what the elite dem culture tells us. Racist, Zionist, patriarchal, insert deplorable quote from Hillary Clinton here please.
Enjoy the rally.
Atherton: other
on Jan 19, 2017 at 5:08 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Chigi was mocking the OPs misspelling of "Tantroms", that's why no one pointed it out (reading comprehension is your friend.)
"There hasn't been a fresh voice in politics for decades"
Ha. Decades, I tell you! Bet ya used to have to walk to school in the snow. Uphill. Both ways, right?
I'll bite... who was the last "fresh voice "? R W Reagan?
By the way - read the following in Trump's fresh voice about the electoral college: "More votes equals a loss...revolution!"
& "This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!"
That was your fresh Trump voice in 2012, before he deleted those tweets.
Fresh!
Las Lomitas School
on Jan 19, 2017 at 5:56 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 5:56 pm
My 2 cents...I vote for the most qualified candidate...democrat or republican...I would give anyone who is mature, intelligent and caring a chance. I feel comparing Obama to Trump is not applicable in this election. If Obama had demonstrated and verbalized some of the same things as Trump...you would have heard these comments 8 years ago. I feel what people are forgetting (at least to the people I talk with feel this way) is this is not about democrats vs republicans, but about how people are concerned about the following...
"The past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us--women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim and Jewish, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear."
Woodside: other
on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:11 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:11 pm
It's a rally. In America, people are free to peacably assemble and express their opinions, and exchange ideas on how to take action to effect change. That's all it is. There are no 'tantrums', and there is certainly no call to reflexively belittle anyone who has concerns about this upcoming administration. Stop throwing insults, listen a little, and we can all work together to improve our country.
When you shout insults at anyone based on what you think they think about you, you allow outside influences to tear us apart and break us down. Stop reacting - if you want people to pull together behind the president, then model the behavior you wish to see.
Atherton: West of Alameda
on Jan 19, 2017 at 10:09 pm
on Jan 19, 2017 at 10:09 pm
The Menlo 13, the 13 percent that voted for trumpy, are quite vocal tonight.
Woodside: Mountain Home Road
on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:43 am
on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:43 am
I quote my neighbor, "woodside resident" on Mountain Home Road:
"As Americans, we also have the priviledge and I repeat PRIVILEGE of expressing our viewpoints without fear of government reprisals or threat of prison, as is the case in many countries around the world."
Dear neighbor, My sincere hope is that our First Amendment Rights are upheld and not weakened over the next 4 years.
Let's review the words of the First Amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, of prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
The First Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified effective December 15, 1791.
We have already witnessed instances of a weakened respect for civil liberties of our fellow citizens as a direct result of Trump's rhetoric. For example, a much-loved college professor in Southern California has received death threats stemming from claims made about her by the local Republican Party. She is now in hiding, has left her job and fears for her life. Hundreds of Jewish Community Centers received bomb threats yesterday. It appears that our civil liberties are already at risk. This is not the America I grew up in. This is why our family will be at the rally tomorrow and we encourage all who hold the values of our constitution dear to be PATRIOTIC and come and show your support for America.
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:06 am
on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:06 am
"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now."
Well, there's a load of hope for you.
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:09 am
on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:09 am
"This American carnage stops right here and stops right now."
Obama set the table for him: lowest jobless claims since the 70's, 80+ months of private sector job growth (longest ever,) cut the Bush trillion dollar deficit by more than half, etc..
Carnage.
Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:23 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Trump declared today "hire American buy American"
Isn't this the guy who makes all his junk overseas?
And has overseas tax shelters?
Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:53 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Sad to hear some of these comments. This is a peacful rally and we all have the right to vote and rally. If you voted and did not get the outcome you wanted with Obama, I am sorry you chose not to rally. This is our choice. No need to call us childish or say anyone was tolerated. Anything you tolerated was your own choice, we are not sitting back. We are fighting for what we think is right, just as you do too.
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:12 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:12 pm
"Trump declared today "hire American buy American" "
In fact, the inauguration hats worn at the pitifully small inaugural event were MADE IN CHINA.
Dark days.
Registered user
Menlo Park: other
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Registered user
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:17 pm
@dignity about Obama
Source please.... I am not sure that is correct
Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:27 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Twitter
@RepCheri
Picture of the actual hat and label, directly off the head of a GOPper at the inaugural.
Web Link
Rep. Cheri Bustos
@RepCheri
Serving Illinois' 17th District. Wife and mother of 3 boys. Athlete. Former reporter. Fighter for better government.
Registered user
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Jan 20, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Registered user
on Jan 20, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Dear Woodside Resident, PV Resident, and Patriot,
I posted the statement below shortly after the election and will do so again now in an attempt to make clear that it's the concerned citizens at the rallies who are the true patriots attempting to save our country at this critical point.
DJT has absolutely no notion of the concept of love of, or service to, country and is simply engaging in the most unfortunate and damaging ego trip ever unleashed upon the human species. Sensible Americans are concerned because a broken system has just handed over an arsenal of 400+ ICBM's to a perpetually angry, sexual assaulting bully with the intellectual capacity of a 6 year old.
Regards,
JKW
Posted by JKW
a resident of Menlo Park:
23 hours ago
JKW is a registered user.
Pogo - You and other Trump "followers" may not be so smug in the coming years. A nuclear arsenal has just been given to a man who has never held elected office of any kind, brags about not preparing for important assignments, and sends out childish angry Tweets at three in the morning.
Our republic is in grave danger and refugees or terrorists will be the least of humanity's worries if he ends-up actually being sworn-in.
CNN Republican Primary Debate
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
HEWITT: Of the three legs of the triad, though, do you have a priority? I want to go to Senator Rubio after that and ask him.
TRUMP: I think — I think, for me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me.
He obviously had no idea what it even was, and probably still doesn't, but here it is for reference.
A nuclear triad refers to the nuclear weapons delivery of a strategic nuclear arsenal which consists of three basic components: strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
This version of "political change" is the equivalent of having a random guy from row three fly the airliner or some guy from the hospital lobby perform brain surgery.
Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Jan 20, 2017 at 5:06 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 5:06 pm
At least some of America gets it... fox news finally admits ObamaCare is more popular than Don Trump
>> A new poll from Fox News finds that 50 percent of voters feel favorably about the Affordable Care Act — a sharp uptick from the 41 percent who felt favorably about the law the last time the network polled, in the summer of 2015.
In the Fox News poll, somewhat notably, Obamacare polls as more popular than President-elect Donald Trump, whom 42 percent of respondents view favorably. The law does not poll as favorably as its namesake, President Obama, who receives an approval rating of 60 percent
another community
on Jan 20, 2017 at 5:17 pm
on Jan 20, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Ummm ... Hillary received almost 3 million more of the people's votes... I would not by any stretch call that "an overwhelming majority"
Registered user
Menlo Park: other
on Jan 21, 2017 at 3:27 am
Registered user
on Jan 21, 2017 at 3:27 am
A Measurement: Many cities have reporters who grab facts. One of the facts that I think is pertinent is how many of the protesters (unfortunately arrest is the only way to measure) actually voted.Web Link Who cares what party, you want a change vote. Case-in-point. Kapernick has strong opinions, but has never registered to vote.Web Link I would assume that those commenting did in fact vote
another community
on Jan 21, 2017 at 4:17 am
on Jan 21, 2017 at 4:17 am
The best we can hope for in the coming months is to better understand the "other side". Anti-Trumpists and impartial analysts alike can see that dissatisfaction with income and 8 years of liberal politics are among the issues that led many Americans who are not bigots etc. to vote for Trump. Why do we not hear comparable acknowledgement from the Pro-Trumpists of the reasons so many people are deeply concerned? It would help if some of you out there would explain what it is about the new administration that attracts you enough to overcome your previous views on issues such as conflict of interest, cronyism, national debt increases, cost-of-living increases, use of bigotry, expression of sexually inappropriate lifestyle, international isolationism, bankruptcies, lawsuits, and lack of governing knowledge? I'm serious, and chose this list for response because most people who read much will not debate their presence. Given little debate that these issues exist, I sincerely and respectfully request that some Trump supporters explain what the attraction is for them.
another community
on Jan 21, 2017 at 9:19 am
on Jan 21, 2017 at 9:19 am
Woodside:
Your memory is conveniently short. Recall when Trump supporters threatened our democracy by vowing not to accept the election results if their candidate lost? They threatened an armed resistance. Some said there would be blood in the streets.
Violence against anyone protesting your candidate's hateful messages was perpetrated by his supporters first, let's not forget. And Trump stirred up that violence by encouraging attacks on protesters and veiled suggestions to assassinate his opponent.
Now those who support democratic values are supposed to "get over it" and stay silent.
You are free to vote for whoever you want; we are free to protest and ORGANIZE against hateful rhetoric and actions.
As for Obama, he was robbed of the opportunity to create meaningful change in this country by a Republican legislature that vowed to deny him a legacy. That power-hungry, grab-all-you-can-get cabal dates back to Gingrich and his gang, the same players who resurfaced during this election.
They are largely responsible for the divide and tone of discourse today.
History will show that Obama's legacy set in motion positive changes that helped Americsns (read Affordable Care Act). Even if imperfect, legislators will now be obligated to keep health care for all Americans in some fashion by the millions who benefited from this compassionate act.
Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Jan 21, 2017 at 9:24 am
on Jan 21, 2017 at 9:24 am
As of 2016 All committees in the House of Representatives and the senate in Washington are headed by a Republicans, most Governors throughout our land are Republicans. The Supreme Court could have judges aligned with republican agendas.
Rallies are because we are losing our checks and balances and are very Republic and democracy is crumbling. The Democratic Party ruptured as well. We need to speak to each other from a place of reason, compassion and respect. also of being factually informed and support the freedom of the press throughout the world.
another community
on Jan 21, 2017 at 10:27 am
on Jan 21, 2017 at 10:27 am
@ Woodwide......actually he wasn't elected by the majority. And apparently you didn't read the article, the rally is for people to gather and hopefully learn about ways they can become involved to create change and fight everything we oppose with this new president's policies. That is one of the things that makes this country what it is - the right to peacefully protest.
Registered user
Portola Valley: Los Trancos Woods/Vista Verde
on Jan 21, 2017 at 10:46 am
Registered user
on Jan 21, 2017 at 10:46 am
Let me remind all you stolidly sanctimonious Trump voters that Mr. Trump has more ethical and unconstitutional conflict-of-interest issues outstanding, than Hillary or any other president ever had. You would be protesting over the same if less than 50k votes went in a different different direction. Trump has the option to do things right and has chosen not to. That's the action I'm protesting today.
Web Link
Registered user
Portola Valley: Los Trancos Woods/Vista Verde
on Jan 21, 2017 at 11:22 am
Registered user
on Jan 21, 2017 at 11:22 am
I'm also protesting to have Trump bully himself and his businesses (that he hasn't divested) into a "Made in America" policy, just like he has done with various car companies and Carrier. Disgusting and telling that he leads by beating up on others rather than leading by example with his businesses. Maybe someday we'll see American steel and American cloth and labor in things branded with the Trump insignia, but I'm guessing Trump will find a loophole for his own businesses.
another community
on Jan 21, 2017 at 11:41 am
on Jan 21, 2017 at 11:41 am
The reason for the protests at this scale is very simple to describe. It's a refusal to norm. The peaceful transition concept is being used to couch a request for Americans to norm that which goes against the spirit and, in some cases, the enforcement, of our laws.
The refusal to norm refers to behaviors during the transition and campaign falling into four general categories: (1) outside socially accepted behavior as reflected in decades-old laws on human rights, (2) outside ethical boundaries as reflected in centur(ies) old laws on corruption, (3) outside the law itself, and (4) passing legislation to bypass existing anti-corruption laws. These four features of Trump's pre- and current presidential activities are the core reason why we have the massive protests now but did not have them with Obama, the Bushes, Clinton, Reagan, Nixon, Carter, and so on back in time.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jan 21, 2017 at 1:41 pm
on Jan 21, 2017 at 1:41 pm
@woodside resident - last time I checked citizens of all 50 states get to vote for President. You don't get to delete the results of two states you disagree with the most - in your case the state you choose to live in and New York - and say the results are "overwhelming." Using your logic I personally choose to delete Texas and Mississippi. The result? An overwhelming majority of Americans chose Hillary! Oh, wait, they did even when you include Texas and Mississippi. And yes, I went to the rally.
another community
on Jan 21, 2017 at 2:58 pm
on Jan 21, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Kirsten Keith was one of the featured speakers at the rally in San Jose today!
Atherton: other
on Jan 21, 2017 at 3:58 pm
on Jan 21, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Flipping the channels - holy cow!
Huge protest events everywhere! Never seen anything like it, at least since the 2003 antiwar events.
And Trump's press guy came off as a petulant little child who got his feelings hurt. Trump must have reamed him before the press statement recitation.
Too hurt to take questions.
Welcome to the big leagues.
Dude looked really b___-hurt.
Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Jan 21, 2017 at 5:39 pm
on Jan 21, 2017 at 5:39 pm
The Donald certainly has revitalized the women's rights movement in this country. Women may have took too much for granted under Obama, but that is changed now many of the things that Donald has said. News report about the "Pussyhat Project": Web Link
Registered user
Menlo Park: other
on Jan 22, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Registered user
on Jan 22, 2017 at 5:37 pm
How were the speeches by Eshoo and Hill? Any transcripts or video available?