Two veterans who served in the military decades apart were united for the same cause Saturday, showing up at No Kings protests in Lompoc and Santa Maria.
“I’m one of millions that have served to defeat what’s trying to destroy our country now, and I won’t do it. I won’t stay silent,” Tony DiNuzzo of Lompoc said while standing on northeast corner of North H Street and Central Avenue.
At the same time, Army veteran Guy Deparini, wearing gear with patches touting his time in the military, waved a sign while sporting an Uncle Sam hat.
He has been spurred into action, he said, “because our democracy’s in serious peril, man.”
In Lompoc protesters stood on all four corners at the intersection of North H Street and Central Avenue, lining the sidewalks for more than a block.
Santa Maria’s action saw protesters take up positions on all four corners at Broadway and Main Street, the lines stretching for more than a block.
Another action occurred in Solvang on Saturday in front of the Veterans Memorial Building on Mission Drive.
Many attendees showed up with signs or flags touting “No Kings” or similar sentiments.
But some signs veered into related topics, including calling for voters to say yes to Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act on the ballot for November’s special election. The act authorizes temporary changes to Congressional District maps in response to Texas’ partisan redistricting.
Others focused on the Jeffrey Epstein files still not released since President Donald Trump’s election or the immigration enforcement actions.
American flags were plentiful at both events. Holding up a No Kings sign, one protester also wore a shirt saying “God Bless America” in red, white and blue lettering.
In part encouraged by a sign saying “Honk 4 Democracy,” drivers of passing vehicles on streets around the protests in Lompoc and Santa Maria honked horns in support nonstop during the events that spanned approximately two hours.
And some participants donned costumes putting frogs, chickens, a bear and others among the crowds.
Estimates put the size of Santa Maria’s protest at approximately 1,000 people, according to one of the organizers, Pam Gates with Indivisible Santa Maria.
“I think the people are beginning to feel the impact themselves of the government’s policies that impact us in a number of way so I think more people are taking to the streets,” Gates added.
Approximately 400 people showed up in Lompoc for the protest.
“As President Trump continues to pretend he’s a dictator, today we stood up together to push back against his hateful, authoritarian actions,” said Susie Reilly, communications lead for Lompoc Indivisible. “Our peaceful day of action brought together local residents from all walks of life who share a simple message: We don’t do kings in America.”
Participants included youths as well as senior citizens and people of all ages between those groups.
Turnout for the Santa Maria and Lompoc actions Saturday appeared larger than No Kings protests earlier this year, attendees said.
“I can’t see our country go to the dogs like it’s been right now,” Lompoc protester Thea DiNuzzo said. “It breaks my heart to see this. I can’t believe people have gotten so hard core and hard hearted about everything.”
For those, including White House staff, who have called the No Kings protesters anti-American or other terms, Thea DiNuzzo had a brief message.
“I love my country. That’s why we’re here,” she said.
“We’re proud of ourselves. We’re proud of Lompoc,” Tony DiNuzzo added.
Click through the slideshows below to see more images from the Lompoc and Santa Maria protests.
