‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests planned in SLO County. See when and where
Saturday, June 14 — Flag Day — will have special significance in 2025.
In addition to celebrating the Stars and Stripes, President Donald Trump’s administration will stage a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. The lavish event will coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Scores of “No Kings Day” demonstrations are planned across the country — including three in San Luis Obispo County— to protest the Trump administration and its policies on Saturday.
Here’s what to know:
What’s happening in Washington, D.C., on Saturday?
The U.S. Army’s Grand Military Parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles and 50 helicopters, The Associated Press reported.
“This historic celebration will feature powerful displays of patriotism, including flyovers, military vehicles, living history reenactments and moving tributes to the courage, sacrifice and commitment of our men and women in uniform,” organizers said on the America250 website.
Also in store are fireworks, a demonstration by the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute team and a concert with country music performers, according to Axios.
Why are people protesting President Trump?
Critics have questioned Trump’s decision to throw an expensive military parade at a time when service members, veterans and their families are being affected by cuts to federal programs and services.
The parade is expected to cost $45 million and could result in $16 million in damage to streets in the nation’s capital, NBC News reports.
“The money spent on this parade could fund care for thousands of homeless veterans or preserve hundreds of jobs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” Allison McManus, Center for American Progress managing director of national security and international policy, wrote in a June 5 article.
What is No Kings Day?
Organizers describe No Kings as a “nationwide day of defiance.”
“From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” organizers said on the official No Kings website.
Several grassroots political organizations — including 50501, Indivisible and Stand Up America — are joining forces on Saturday “to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” the site said.
Where are No Kings events planned in SLO County?
No Kings protests will take place in three SLO County communities on Saturday, June 14.
The events in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Cambria are expected to draw about 4,000 to 5,000 participants in total, organizers said.
“While tanks roll through Washington, we’ll be showing what real democracy looks like here in SLO County,” Linda Baker, San Luis Obispo County event coordinator, said in a news release. “This isn’t about partisanship — it’s about standing up for the fundamental American principle that no one is above the law or beyond accountability.”
Here’s where the protests are planned:
- San Luis Obispo: 10:30 a.m. to noon at San Luis Obispo Superior Courthouse, 1050 Monterey St.
- Atascadero: 10 to 11 a.m. at the intersection of El Camino Real and Morro Road
- Cambria: 4 to 6 p.m. at Cambria Drive and Main Street
What to expect at SLO County protests
In San Luis Obispo, the No Kings gathering on Saturday will start with a rally featuring speakers and music followed by a march beginning at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court courthouse steps.
The event is being organized by SLO 50501, the SLO County Democratic Party and Indivisible San Luis Obispo County.
Saturday’s No Kings event in Atascadero will include a protest and a car rally, according to the release. There will also be a community food drive benefiting El Camino Homeless Organization in Atascadero.
Event organizers include Indivisible North SLO County, Indivisible Rapid Response Team SLO County, Atascadero Democratic Club and the Paso Robles Democratic Club.
In Cambria, protesters are meeting on Saturday for “a loud, boisterous gathering,” the event description said. Attendees were encouraged to bring signs, flags and noisemakers to the No Kings event.
Cambria Indivisible is organizing the demonstration.
According to event organizers, all No Kings protests in San Luis Obispo County will be non-violent, peaceful demonstrations that prioritize safety.
First aid stations will be available, along with trained safety monitors.
“The demonstrations emphasize positive community engagement and constitutional principles, creating spaces where neighbors can come together to affirm shared democratic values through peaceful, family-friendly civic action,” the release said.
Attendees should bring water and wear sun protection, organizers said.
There will be street and paid parking within walking distance of all three protest sites, the release said.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 11:16 AM.
