[UPDATE 5:35 p.m. Four Arrested] Protestors Block 4th Street; EPD Requests Backup From CHP and Sheriff’s Office
At approximately 3:30 p.m., the peaceful Women’s March that began around 1 p.m. in Eureka appeared to take on a more forceful aspect. Protesters blocked 4th Street between H and K Streets while chanting “Power to the People.” Over two thousand protesters gathered to begin the peaceful march were apparently joined by a separate group determined to protest more strongly. (See their call to action here.) The North Coast Journal called this a separate splinter protest by a local anarchist group.”
Eureka Police are facing down the protesters.
They have requested backup from the California Highway Patrol and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Reportedly, pepper spray has also been requested.
There are reports of vandalism to a car at the bank parking lot on 4th and H.
Here’s a panoramic shot of the scene as the march began showing the large number of peaceful marchers.
UPDATE 4 p.m.: The protesters march towards the Courthouse. Police are preparing for stronger measures if they feel they are needed. UPDATE 4:05 p.m.: Protesters have reached the Eureka Courthouse and are spilling into 5th Street. Avoid the area if possible. UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: The Eureka Police declares the protest unlawful and threatens arrests if the marchers don’t get off the streets.UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Law enforcement has made several arrests.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: Though the arrests are occurring right near the jail, those arrested are being loaded in a paddy wagon. Walking those arrested to the jail would require at least two officers to escort each prisoner which takes officers away from the scene where they are needed. A van allows multiple prisoner transports by one officer.
UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: Most of the protesters have dispersed.UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: Eureka Police Chief Andrew Mills tweeted, “Orderly march, small protest. Four arrest for blocking 101 traffic after multiple warnings. Too bad.”
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Please keep this political protest of the Electoral College system march limited to lawful activities. We have seen a local spike in crime leading up to this march of aggression. May the pepper spray arrive in time and in ample supply.
Where’s the aggression? Whitnessed zero aggression on the streets of Eureka this afternoon. Grandmas and Dads carrying kids, lots of free cake and cookies and community spirit. I don’t see any aggression in these videos either. Don’t be fooled by sensualist media and cops. That’s a baseline that anyone with any sense knows. Open your eyes, get off that couch and away from the zombie blue light of your screen. There’s a whole world out there you’re missing out on.
Hannah, that’s what I saw too; no violence or aggression, but plenty of community spirit. Thanks so much for speaking out against our local super-conservative (really, reactionist) reactions and “news” coverage.
https://kymkemp.com/2017/01/21/womens-march-calls-for-human-rights-and-equality-for-all/
Blocking my right to drive on a public roadway is not peaceful. It disturbs my peace and rights as a tax paying citizen not on welfare or other public assistance.
What does being on public assistance have to do with your point? Are you implying that people on welfare do not have the right to peace and unobstructed roads? Or that if you were on disability you would not have the right to drive on an unobstructed public roadway? EVERYONE has the right of unobstructed passage!! Don’t muddle your metaphors.
I think he was inferring that the protestors were ALL on Public Assistance!!! Typical CONservative ASSuming things he hasn’t a F*cking clue about!!!!
Go around the block, it’s not going to kill you but your new government might.
Famous last words. Btw, how are you supposed to drive around the block if an intersection is plugged with cars?
The public roadway IS public assistance. You take advantage of public assistance all the time. You just aren’t paying attention.
These actions WERE NOT from the Women’ March. The article clearly states this.
Marches typically block roadways. Haven’t you noticed? Routes are approved by city hall and permits are issued.
Wondering, would you have gotten so upset if it was the 4th of July parade?
This aggression did not come fom the Women’s March. There was a separate group who chose to get out of hand. I saw them as I was on my way to the rally. The article states that these arrests were NOT from the peaceful protest.
They could probably use the exercise.
Women, CHP, Sheriff Office or EPD?
Sheriff and Epd would be my guess but I guess I could use some too
ALL the above!!!!
Protest on ladies. March March March. Let the world know your underprivileged and disregarded. March because your commander in chief is a Man and not a woman. Tell the ladies around the world in countries where free speech isn’t an option just how bad you got it. March on ladies. In this country it’s your right to express your mentally ill liberal agendas. God bless you all.
Come on now its everybody right to protest anytime Affirmative Action is not viewed in a progressive manner.
Marches typically block roadways. Haven’t you noticed? Routes are approved by city hall and permits are issued.
Wondering, would you have gotten so upset if it was the 4th of July parade?
I guess you could try to have a counter-protest and see how many people show up.
No counter- protest needed. The ignorance, hate, disrespect and discriminatory behavior of many of these people is what lost them the election in the first place. They are too stupid to realize that getting behind leftist agitators is for absolute fools, and that the end result will be violence, with the pawns being sacrificed by their uncivilized promoters. That is the plan anyway. If they are ignored and not confronted in the street by the citizenry, they have two choices; Go have tea, or tear something up and pay the price. Your typical patriot counters his foe with his vote, as seen in the election results. Another patriotic counter-protest will be seen in four years. Thanks to Law Enforcement for protecting our misguided youth from themselves. Power To The People.
Hillary won the popular vote. The electoral college gave the election to Trump.
How do you call some one mentally ill and say God Bless in the same sentence? Oh wait….trolls do. Go find something else to do with your time today.
Your comment literally makes no sense
Haul ’em off!!
Wishing someone would haul off ALL the Trolls here!!! Sadly that’s about as likely as Trump telling the truth!!! Chances are Sim & None!!! BTW I just saw Slim leave town!!! Why not join him/her???
Just because things are not as bad here as elsewhere does not mean the conditions are acceptable. That would be the same as telling the kid whose parents constantly yell and call the child “stupid” that they are being ridiculous for being upset because the kid next door is beaten by their parents. Neither are okay and neither should be tolerated.
What a strong demonstration of women who are the backbone of our community. I was so proud to be a part of the March. And all the men who marched. Beautiful guys beautiful. The country is up in arms protesting in many, many communities. An estimated 1.5 million in Washington D. C. . Now we wait for the Donald lies! And they WILL be lies even though the photos from the Washington Monument says different. Great effort ladies. I hope women will keep Trump honest everyday of his Presidency.
Donald is an obviously flawed candidate, but he wears his flaws on his sleeve.. However lies, dishonesty, and criminal behavior are trademarks of the candidate of the losing party. Our new President has spoken for Veterans(men, women, and everybody), economy, and a safer more secure nation. The other candidate’s platform was built upon gender bias, enhancement of social programs, and not much else. Many did not look forward to more of the same but less.
If you don’t think that “lies, dishonesty and criminal behavior”weren’t trademarks of Trump’s campaign as well, you just weren’t paying attention. No wonder so many millions of people chose to vote “none of the above”.
IF you really believe that line of crap then you are crazier than I am!!! I will freely admit to being totally BatSh!t Crazy!!!! [edit]
The backbone of our community in Humboldt ARE the women alright. Without them working in gas stations, and trimming dope in their spare time to support their fatherless children, where would we be? Where would we be if women weren’t there to encourage other women that it’s okay to be immoral? Without women, no dope growing man would want to stay in the hills to support our economy. Without women solidly behind the destruction of society in Humboldt we could not have become such a wretched place to raise a child. Without women it would be just a bunch of men standing in the road with FUCK written on a big sign. Thank God for the backbone of our community. Mind you, I am just one half tanked man that has been trying to figure this stuff out for a long time, and if I could find my other flip flop I probably wouldn’t feel like being so blunt.
If thrse women of the fatherless babies would learn to hold an aspren between their legs untill they got married, get fixed, or do the right thing by the child and give it up for adoption to the millions of families that want to adopt, but not enough children up for adoption, and alot are willing to do open adoption so the birth mother can stay involved in the child’s life. Think what a gift you are giving to your child. A stable home where it has it’s birthmoter in it’s life, an adoptive mother, and a father and just think of all the extra grandparents that child will be blessed with. As for the deadbeat dads that are not supporting your children they should do to you what they do in South Dakota. They throw them in jail on a cash bond only that is the amount of ypur back child support, you have to work a jail job, and if you dont you sit in confinement for 23 hours a day they take your beding in the morning along with your mattress no t.v. No reading materal except religion and leggal and you only can come out one hour a day. You get three meals a day, and only phone calls alioud is to raise your cash bond, which gose to the mother or mothers of your children. Oh and after you get out you are required to pay the county back for your time in jail for the back child suppirt.
Thank you
How do you know what ever Trump says is going to be lies? He hasn’t lied yet! Trump has always done exactly what he says! Unless he learns something new about a situation!
That is one of his biggest strengths! For always being totally honest & doing what he says!
So how do you know that the words that haven’t even been spoken yet are going to be lies?
Did you see the first briefing Trump’s press secretary held at Trump’s request? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/us/politics/trump-white-house-briefing-inauguration-crowd-size.html?_r=0
There were deliberate falsehoods.
This solved nothing, vote for and back people that can actually be elected and make a difference
I’ll still protest for your rights when you’re old or ill!!! You won’t thank me now, you might not then but I’ve got your back!
Me? You are confused
Third photo looks like protesters are readying to flip vehicles while displaying vulgar, hate-filled signs. Modern Liberals. SMH
Nothing like that happened in the march. If people are doing that, they aren’t the peaceful protesters I was walking with, and we weren’t on 4th street!
I was part of that March until just a bit before this. Very peaceful. Signs and chanting and singing.
Where we were was completely peaceful but we did see some anarchists hanging around. So disappointing to me.
I hear them shouting “Shower for the People” and I say give them what they ask for …A tank mounted water Canon! It looks as if a few of them could use a bath.
What a waste of time. How did I know this would turn ugly? Get over it ladies! Now everyone carry on and play nice. LOL
And i understand atleast one Eureka City Council woman was in the march
The protesters need to turn in the anarchist it really contradicts any protest and makes them all look like hooligans
So how many stayed in jail once they were arrested ? They also blocked third street, H street and second streets.
No need to answer, it was none.
These protesters were only arrested minutes ago. They’re probably not even booked yet. How long should the state keep a jaywalker in jail, in your opinion?
They had permission for 3rd street. Don’t know about H and 2nd.
Please get these violent protesters off our streets, peaceful protests are fine but when they start destroying property, then they need to be held accountable. We the people (who are tired of courpt government officials) have spoken we have our president. TRUMP so get over it and go home BUTTERCUP.
Are u talking to your dog? Buttercup was your best try at some kind of hippie name. Lol
I was there. We who were ‘in the march’ were not at all on 4th street. Who were those people? Not too sure! They were not a part of the Women’s March!
This was my experience as well. From the stage at 1st and C Streets, into town and back around, all were in peaceful unity. It was a wonderful experience and hopefully an indication that we will have our say to preserve the freedoms and the civil rights of all of our citizens.
As for those folks on 4th Street? They were off doing their own thing… not a part of the organized women’s march.
Hi
I was at the main march and there at 4th st. The speeches and march were amazing and very empowering. I loved seeing all the folks coming together to stand up for human rights. We went along close to the waterfront and made a loop and I saw a few folks in shops and one guy filming and waving while walking his pitbull. They were enjoying the block after block of protesters marching pas. So was I.
Once we circled the last block and doubled back against the flow of the march, back towards the stage and boardwalk, I was surprised we were heading back without crossing any of the main streets downtown. The route of the march seemed to limit our visibility to those not attending the march. I , and others I saw, went over to 4th st after marching along the main route. I did this b/c it seemed the march was nearly over and the only people who saw us march were our fellow marchers. IMO one of the points of the march is to show those in town who hold racist, sexist and hateful views that we won’t stand for it in our community. To do that we need to be visible, hence moving to the sidewalk of 4th st.
I saw no violence of any kind from any of the protesters on 4th st and saw no property destruction, although I don’t count that as violence. As far as disrupting traffic, getting arrested and marching outside of police approved routes is concerned, these tactics have been embraced by many social movements. The people arrested weren’t violent, the protesters in the street weren’t violent, the protesters on the sidewalk weren’t violent. In this case, even the police weren’t violent. The most violent folks I saw were people angry that we were out protesting at all. I’d also add that the honks and waves of support, far outnumbered the middle fingers and threats from the detoured traffic on 4th st.
Thank you
Splinter Cells.
I was in the march and as we walked past the courthouse going up 3rd, a couple of protesters were trying to get the rest to switch and go up to 4th, “to be seen”. I didn’t see many go.
Where were all these protesters on election day?
They voted. Hillary won. In Humboldt, in California and by the popular vote.
Liberal sheep in an economy dominated by illegal proliferation.
Good thing we had an electoral college to step in and give the presidency to the more worthy candidate.
Such a typical, instantaneous response from a Trumpet, stop assuming like my great-grandma does. They did vote, but it didn’t count here in Cali. It came down to the electoral college & 80 thousand votes between 3 states with depressed economies. Think before you speak!
This makes me angry. I was a part of the original march and it was peaceful and non violent. I don’t know who these people are but shame on you. The original march was down in old town. It didn’t go to the courthouse area. This is what gives marching and protesting a bad name. Thanks a lot for turning something so very positive into a negative. It only takes a few.
This is what people will remember.
And what about the person who’s car is now severely damaged?
I was one of those folks. Nothing was ruined, how can a few people coming and protesting outside of the courthouse ruin a march? Everyone I saw was peaceful, we even were quite right away when the cop wanted to read his statement. Very polite if you ask me.
Your racist use of the term paddy wagon is disgraceful
Dang…I didn’t even know that some people considered the term a racist slur against Irish. I had to go look it up to see what you were talking about.
Don’t worry Kym I have Irish roots and I’m NOT offended.
In the video that shows the police declaring it an unlawful protest you can hear people chanting. The people chanting were apart of an anarchists counter protest. They were protesting us while we were marching. They were not part of the peaceful Women’s march.
Hi
I was at the main march and there at 4th st. The speeches and march were amazing and very empowering. I loved seeing all the folks coming together to stand up for human rights. We went along close to the waterfront and made a loop and I saw a few folks in shops and one guy filming and waving while walking his pitbull. They were enjoying the block after block of protesters marching pas. So was I.
Once we circled the last block and doubled back against the flow of the march, back towards the stage and boardwalk, I was surprised we were heading back without crossing any of the main streets downtown. The route of the march seemed to limit the our visibility to those not attending the march. I , and others I saw, went over to 4th st after marching along the main route. I did this b/c it seemed the march was nearly over and the only people who saw us march were our fellow marchers. IMO one of the points of the march is to show those in town who hold racist, sexist and hateful views that we won’t stand for it in our community. To do that we need to be visible, hence moving to the sidewalk of 4th st.
I saw no violence of any kind from any of the protesters on 4th st and saw no property destruction, although I don’t count that as violence. As far as disrupting traffic, getting arrested and marching outside of police approved routes is concerned, these tactics have been embraced by many social movements. The people arrested weren’t violent, the protesters in the street weren’t violent, the protesters on the sidewalk weren’t violent. In this case, even the police weren’t violent. The most violent folks I saw were people angry that we were out protesting at all. I’d also add that the honks and waves of support, far outnumbered the middle fingers and threats from the detoured traffic on 4th st.
We the people!
Get on with your pathetic fuckin lives, go home!!!!!!! [edit]
I am sorry…I didn’t realize that people standing up for their rights and beliefs was a problem…considering that’s how this awesome country was started…
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT I WAS THERE AND WITNESSED THIS EVENT. NONE OF THE PROTESTORS WERE BEING VIOLENT OR CAUSING DAMAGE, WE DID NOT BLOCK THE STREETS UNTIL AFTER THE POLICE DID, AND BTW I WATCHED AND HAVE EVIDENCE OR MULTIPLE POLICE OFFICERS ATTACKING A MAN UNTIL HE WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIENCE!!! THEN THE CROWD PROCIDED TO BEG FOR OUR FRIENDS BACK AND WERE NOT IN THE ROAD AT ALL (BUT THE POLICE WERE, ONCE AGAIN I HAVE PROOF) WE WERE ACTING ON OUT OWN CONSTITUIONAL RIGHT AND OUR OWN POLICE FORCE ATTACKED US.
Right……
Sure sweetie you lie and we all swear by it.
They went off the originally approved route…it was therefore illegal…
I have seen the videos and the only thing I see wrong with the police’s actions is that the people weren’t doing what they were told.
Parade routes and such have to be approved for the peoples’ safety, as well as that of the police escorting them and the community. It has to be approved to *protect* us.
That small group did not appear to be “hundreds” blocking the street..looks to be more like 50-60 at the most.
There were about a thousand people in the actual march. The ones that got arrested went rogue.
To all the haters out there, this was an event filled with hope, good feelings and joy that there are so many of us that do not approve with where Trump and his ideologues want to take this county. Haters get ready, the country and world are speaking now and YOU are a definite minority.
Fogbojnd ~ Good for you!!! Glad to see a sensible person making a comment.
You are also a hater…. Just thought you needed that pointed out…. I always think it’s funny when some [edit] like you calls someone a hater, and in the same sentence hates on someone else. Face the facts, they aren’t always great, but it is what it is, Trump won, Hillary lost, and now trump is our president…. You folks should be mad at the DNC for picking, literally, the only person that could lose to Trump….. The Democrats had 8 years to get their shit together and failed to do it, that should show you something….. That being how out of touch with reality a lot of the left is….. Now we have Trump as a president, looks like maybe the DNC should have went with Bernie instead of forcing Hillary down everyone’s throats…. I would have voted for Bernie, and I’m sure many others would have, Hillary, seriously give me a break!
Wow. 1St time i have agreed with you but they gave Obama major crap, the whole time, so i feel the need to keep his ass under a microscope for the next 4yrs, if he doesnt do something to get impeached first.
Please don’t associate these people with the Women’s March…your headline makes it seem as though they were part of the peaceful, positive event. In fact, this group took issue with the event’s cooperation with law enforcement and staged their own protest.
Check out the Humboldt Grassroots Facebook page for more info.
Thank you. I updated the post to reflect the information you gave me.
Thank you! It’s so easy for things to get muddled, and tensions are already high. I appreciate your responsiveness. ☺
Aha, grassroots, the UN (paid?) groups refer to themselves as Grassroots, for that down home county charm appeal.
Is it really impossible for you to believe that there are such a thing as anarchists? No, they must be “UN” operatives. The UN, the most toothless international body on the planet, is here in Humboldt dressed like project Raven kids getting arrested on misdemeanor charges to score one for the illuminati. Step 3, profit.
Hi,
I disagree with you :-), some of the people were mabey? from an anarchist group, some definetly weren’t. I marched in the main parade and went over to 4th street as well. I saw about 45 people come over as well, seemingly on short notice, as the came over in twos and threes. At first everyone was on the sidewalk and waving signs, a banner was spread across one lane when no traffic was there. Next a red toyota tried to scare those with the banner in the street by zooming up really fast and stopping short. That guy left looking pissed after the cops had been there a few minutes.
Everyone I saw was peaceful the whole time. I’m sure many who marched peacefully in the main march would consider themselves anarchists, as I do. I think more people would give the ideas of anarchy a chance if it was labeled more like it really is, localized mutualism. ANYWHOHOW… just thought I’d clear that up, not all of us are some sort of splinter cell, just folks trying to be a little more visible to those not in the march.
Great job EPD! Thanks for arresting them so I could get through and get home in a reasonable time.
I still don’t understand what they’re marching for. Our individual, unalienable rights are already protected. Human rights is a different ballgame, one that strips the individual rights to be replaced by UN collective rights. Is that what they’re seeking?
BTW, a report mentioned that the march organizer, Sarsour, is a strong Sharia Law activist. She wants all women & gays to be treated just like in the middle east. I haven’t followed the sources, but it does tie the ends together.
Article: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/01/figrues-organizer-dc-womens-march-linda-sarsour-pro-sharia-law-ties-hamas/
As the Trumps coined it, FALSE NEWS
Great job assuring peaceful protest, officers! I wish all towns would protect all citizens rights like this, not just the beligerents.
What a beautiful day , lots of love and peace, poetry and songs . There was a rainbow . The weather was perfect ! We showed up and we spoke up, with courage and determination to make the world a better place ! We are women here us roar !
Blocking traffic and vandalism is not peaceful. All of them in the road should be arrested. I drove through that area and could of had several hood ornaments. I was stopped and people we yelling at me. I didn’t do shit to these unreasonable unruly people. Stay off the f@$king street’s.
I lived in a bubble Kym…..I thought most people that read your blog were conscious thinking people. I’m disappointed, I guess they are just trolls though. From all accounts it was a great day for almost all who marched.
I think most people are who read the blog… I’m trying to work on getting most people who COMMENT to be thoughtful.
I marched and it was awesome and peaceful. It was a great day.✌🏾️
The folks in the road numbered very few, and were not part of the peaceful march. I invited a number of them to stop standing in the road at hwy. 101 and come join the peaceful group at the waterfront. Each declined. They had a different agenda, and their actions should not be conflated with the Women’s March.
Many thousands of people marched peacefully on Saturday. We peaceably assembled and marched in accordance with our civil rights enshrined in the First Amendment. I hope that all of you who are patriotic Americans continue to engage in your civic duties. Be involved. Know what your elected officials are saying and doing. Protest and petition when you have grievances. Run for public office. Stay informed and VOTE! Discuss politics using civil discourse, especially when you disagree with someone. Remember the old saying: “Freedom isn’t free.” Being a useful citizen in a democracy is real work, and essential to the continuation of our American way of life. Americans are free to discuss our ideals and values, and in a civil society, such discussions can lead us all to more successful solutions to the challenges we face.