The streets of Santa Cruz and Watsonville were filled with protesters on Saturday for “No Kings” rallies against Trump administration policies. Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud was on hand to capture the scene in both cities.
The Trump presidency and Santa Cruz County

News and opinion coverage of reaction in Santa Cruz County to the election of Donald Trump to a second term as president, plus news from around California via Lookout’s content partners.
Inflatable animal costumes and Dolores Huerta take center stage as ‘No Kings’ protests bring 18,000 to streets of Santa Cruz County
An estimated 18,000 protesters turned out in Santa Cruz and Watsonville combined for “No Kings” rallies protesting the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops and other federal policies.
Millions take to streets across U.S. in ‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests
Thousands upon thousands showed up for the second organized “No Kings” events in America’s largest cities from Atlanta, New York and Chicago to smaller metro areas and towns including Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Hammond, Louisiana. More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations were planned.
Scenes from ‘No Kings’ protests across the country
Organizers expected more than 2,600 “No Kings” protests across the country on Saturday. From massive rallies in cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., to a small handful of protesters in Medora, North Dakota, Lookout has gathered a selection of social media posts from across the United States.
Encompass CEO Stopera resigns after tumultuous 6 months for county’s largest health and human services nonprofit
Encompass Community Services CEO Shellee Stopera announced she is stepping down after just six months on the job, a period marked by funding challenges and program closures.
‘No Kings’ 2.0 expects to attract large crowds throughout county on Saturday; Dolores Huerta to speak in Watsonville
Organizers of the “No Kings” protests expect large numbers on the streets of Watsonville and Santa Cruz on Saturday to decry the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in American cities and other federal policies.
‘A very challenging time’: SNAP cuts and lost funding deepen food insecurity in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County’s food safety net is under growing strain as deep federal funding cuts and new SNAP restrictions reduce the food supply to local nonprofits like Grey Bears and Second Harvest Food Bank. With demand already high, local leaders warn that thousands more will soon lose benefits.
‘No Kings’ rally and protest set for Oct. 18 in Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Political organizers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville are planning to bring big local numbers to a nationwide protest against the Trump administration. A second “No Kings” protest is slated for Oct. 18, with a march and rally in downtown Santa Cruz and a rally at the Watsonville Plaza.
Why ‘no tax on tips’ may have limited benefits for California workers
Experts doubt the effectiveness of “no tax on tips,” especially for California workers who are facing cuts in other benefits.
County’s Latino Affairs Commission pushes to turn symbolic immigration sanctuary pledge into binding law
Santa Cruz County officials are facing pressure to do more than promise to safeguard the area’s immigrant community from federal immigration actions – such as passing a legally binding ordinance.

