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Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Hundreds gathered in Joshua Tree for “No Kings” demonstration on Saturday
Podcast: Desert Oracle Radio
Episode:

Hundreds gathered in Joshua Tree for “No Kings” demonstration on Saturday
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2025-10-20 15:59:14
Description:

Locals, artists, and visitors gathered Saturday, October 18, as part of the nationwide No Kings demonstrations, at the corner of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree.

By late morning, both sides of Highway 62 were filled with protesters waving flags and holding handmade signs. People moved back and forth across the street, cheering and greeting friends and neighbors. Protest leaders with bullhorns chanted slogans like “Who loves America?” The crowd responded, “We love America.”

Passing cars and trucks honked , and the sound of drums, chants, and laughter carried through Joshua Tree’s main intersection.

The atmosphere stayed upbeat and cooperative. Kathy Lang, wearing a bright orange safety vest, volunteered to help keep things orderly.

“I got an email that said they needed orange shirts for safety. To pass out literature and help with issues of Safety. So I decided I would help this way.”  

Behind the scenes, the well-organized network of volunteer safety captains worked closely with the national No Kings organizers to ensure everyone stayed hydrated and well-informed. One team leader described their efforts as a blend of national strategy and local care.

An safety guide helping to release tensions in one situation

One young woman in an orange safety vest said they had online training earlier in the week, then met in town to go over the safety plan. They discussed how to respond to emergencies, heat, and traffic. 

Nearby, artist and activist Sant Khalsa wore a whimsical pig hat, its felt wings fluttering in the breeze. The message was “When Pigs Can Fly.” She said the hats were meant to send the message that no one should fear the protesters.

Michael, a former Mojave Desert Land Trust public engagement director, said the protests are about something larger than politics.

“What’s most important is the ravaging of our American culture, our California culture, which is founded in civil rights and civil liberties for everyone. As a brown person who’s also gay, I feel threatened. And I’m here to be counted.”

By noon, the desert sun was high, but people stayed in costumes and waved signs that read Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport and No Kings, Just People.

Organizers emphasize nonviolence, community safety, and decentralized action, meaning thousands of smaller local events rather than one large march in Washington, D.C.

Much of the outreach and recruitment occurred online via social media, national websites, and virtual training sessions. The No Kings website encouraged participants to join online “Know Your Rights” and de-escalation sessions before the protests.

At 1:00, the crowd began to thin. Joshua Tree’s participation was a reminder that national movements can take root even in small towns.

The post Hundreds gathered in Joshua Tree for “No Kings” demonstration on Saturday appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.
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