"The will of the people"

For the last year, every Thursday afternoon in Encinitas, a group of 15 – 25 protesters have stood on the northeast corner of El Camino Real and Encinitas Boulevard.

On March 22, to the honks of support by numinous passing motorists during the busy late afternoon commute, spokesperson Dan, from Encinitas, said this day was the group’s one-year anniversary of one-hour weekly protests. The group has a theme each week. This week’s was supporting gun control.

“We’re anti-Trump, anti-GOP, anti-Issa, anti-Hunter,” said Dan. “Anyone that doesn’t listen to the will of the people.”

Describing themselves as a grassroots Democrat organization, the members of Indivisible 49 are also the same group that has weekly protested at the 49th Congressional District’s Vista office of Congressman Darrell Issa. The group credits their presence as the reason the eight-term congressman stated he would not run for re-election in 2020.

James’ large sign read “Impeach Trump.” What impeachable crime had the president committed? “Obstruction of justice and firing [former FBI director] Comey,” said James. But Vice President Pence would then become president. “We’ll impeach them both,” he said. James added he understood that Congressman Paul Ryan would then become the president.

Looking at 2020, none of the protestors could clearly state who they want to see run as a Democrat against Trump. James said, “Joe Biden, but I don’t think he’ll run.”

What about the Middle Americans that elected Trump? James said, “They don’t understand what’s going on in this country.”

However protestor Nancy said, “It’s a relief to see people waking up and paying attention. The resistance is alive and well.”

There were several middle fingers thrown at the group. One driver, in a pick up truck, stopped at the red light, rolled down his window and repeatedly shouted, “F*g As,” until his light changed. Spokesperson Dan said the group enjoys getting fingers. The group responds with smiles and thank you’s.

Salespersons at Encinitas Ford, the business on the corner in which the group stands, says the weekly protests don’t affect their business. “The constant horn honking does get annoying though,” said one salesperson.