50501: The People’s Movement protests Trump Administration in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Ventura
SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Demonstrators gathered Tuesday in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Ventura as part of a nationwide protest against the policies and actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.
50501: The People's Movement organized the protests in the three Central Coast cities as part of a broader national movement leading up to Trump’s address Tuesday evening.
About 30 people rallied in front of Santa Maria City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, voicing concerns over executive orders, the increased mobilization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the establishment of the Department of Governmental Emergency (DOGE), and, most recently, an Oval Office clash between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We're really frustrated by the direction that our government is going," said Patricia Cripps, a Santa Maria resident who joined the protest.
Protesters carried signs in support of Ukraine, chanting, "Get Putin out! Get Putin out!" as passing drivers honked their horns in support.
Cripps, deeply concerned about democracy, expressed alarm over the current political climate.
"I was concerned about Trump when he was elected, but what's happening in these last few weeks has been worse than anything I ever imagined. I just feel like our democracy is at a huge risk right now," she said.
While protests remained largely peaceful, not all Santa Maria residents agreed with the demonstrators' message.
Matthew Smith, a local resident, argued that the protests were misguided.
"These people are pro-war. And look at all of them—most of them are senior citizens. They're not going to have to go and fight. They're going to send some 20-something in there, and they're being annihilated right now," Smith said.
He further questioned the long-term implications of U.S. support for Ukraine.
"They just see what they want to see, you know? But I really do just want—I don't want any more war. It's a war that Ukraine cannot win. And then on top of it, we’d have to pay for it," he added.
In Santa Barbara, an estimated 100 protesters gathered at the intersection of Anacapa and Anapamu streets, rallying outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse and County Building. Demonstrators voiced concerns about what they called a “tyrannical takeover” by Trump, Elon Musk, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"They want their democracy protected. They will not be having a tyrant take over our country. We are in an emergency—it is time for civil action like never before," said Laura Sapia, a Santa Barbara resident and protester.
As the rally continued, some passing drivers honked in support, while others gave a thumbs-down in opposition.
Meanwhile, in Ventura, roughly 100 protesters gathered outside the Government Center on South Victoria Avenue, carrying various signs and flags, including the American and California flags.
One protester, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke about the movement’s mission.
"The only thing I'd like to say is, all power to all the people. Stand together, and good will triumph over evil. That's the nature of things."
Tensions briefly flared when an altercation broke out between a man and a woman on a street corner, though it was unclear whether the dispute was politically motivated.
Despite backlash from protesters, Trump’s approval rating appeared to remain steady following his confrontation with Zelenskyy. The latest polling from FiveThirtyEight, shows Trump has a 47.8% approval rating and a 47.7% disapproval rating.
