‘No Kings’ Demonstration Draws Crowd to Colusa

Demonstrators wave American flags and signs promoting civic participation during the “No Kings” demonstration held outside the Colusa County Courthouse. Photo by: Lloyd Green Jr.

Local residents gather for the “No Kings” demonstration in downtown Colusa on Saturday morning. The event drew about 80 participants. Photo by: Lloyd Green Jr.

COLUSA, Calif. — About 80 people gathered Saturday morning in front of the Historic Colusa County Courthouse as part of a nationwide “No Kings” demonstration. Similar events took place across the country, with participants calling attention to Proposition 50 and expressing concerns about government authority.

The Colusa event was organized by the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee and promoted through the grassroots group Indivisible. Participants lined Market Street waving American flags and holding handmade signs with messages such as “No Kings Since 1776” and “Liberty and Justice for All.”

“This is a peaceful protest, which we feel is about as American as you can get,” said Ed Conrado, chair of the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee. “It’s just expressing our feelings about the way our government is being run at this point.”

Conrado said the committee had been planning the event for several months and partnered with members of the Service Employees International Union to encourage civic engagement and voter registration.

He added that Proposition 50, a statewide measure, was among the topics participants hoped to highlight. 

“The whole idea of Proposition 50 is to counteract midterm redistricting efforts that were directed in Texas,” Conrado said. “This wasn’t something Democrats in California wanted to do, but it’s a response to that action.”

The hour-long gathering remained peaceful, with drivers occasionally honking or waving in support. A few passersby made negative gestures, and one truck drove unusually close to the group before continuing on.

“I see retired teachers, someone who works in the VA, and people from all walks of life,” Conrado said. “There’s nothing more American than peaceful protest. That’s how our nation was founded.”

Organizers said the event aimed to promote civic participation and visibility for local residents who wanted to express their views publicly.