SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A global response to the current administration and its policies drew millions of people to over 3,000 “No Kings III” events in the country, and to several more held across Europe and other countries.
In South Lake Tahoe, an estimated 300 people participated in a No Kings III march from the Ski Run Boulevard area to Lakeview Commons for a rally, where an estimated 1,200 people took part in the hours-long event with the biggest surge around 4 p.m. Organizers said it was hard to pinpoint exact numbers as the activities were very fluid, with people moving about on both sides of the highway.
“We are stoked that so many people in our community showed up, marched, and spoke out at the No Kings III event today,” said Amy Machin Ward, co-lead of the Tahoe Basin 050501 group. “We hope that everyone who was there felt like they were a part of something bigger than themselves and took solace in that. That was the goal and our definition of success. Many thanks to SLT Indivisible for co-hosting.”
050501 is a progressive grassroots political movement created for the first nationwide protest in 2025 and stands for 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement.
Drivers of hundreds of cars honked in support of those participating as they drove by. The expected middle fingers were coming out of the windows of some cars, but the response was overwhelmingly positive, according to observers.
The hundreds of signs on display shared the views of those who created them, most with comments about the policies imposed by President Trump, including those causing an increase in the cost of living, immigration and its enforcement, and the war in Iran.
Those who gathered at Lakeview Commons were treated to free tacos from Jaliscos, a drumming circle, booths with information from the South Lake Tahoe Library on Measure G, one to collect hundreds of pounds of food for donation, and the South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club.
“The No Kings III event at Lakeview Commons and the march from Ski Run Marina were absolutely incredible,” said Beck Machin Ward, an organizer of the protest from the Tahoe Basin 050501 group. “It was a powerful reminder that liberty and freedom are still very much alive in America, and that ordinary people still care deeply about democracy and the future of this country. The indomitable heart of American liberty is still the most powerful force in the universe.”
Photos by South Tahoe Now and Jim Dougherty:
