Santa Monica is bracing for today’s No Kings protest with enhanced police presence, direct communications to residents and additional messaging to potential protesters focused on safety.
Street closures began early Saturday with barricades on Main Street between Pico Blvd. and Colorado Ave. and on Olympic Dr. between 4th St. and Ocean Ave.
City officials said they are monitoring the demonstration while emphasizing their commitment to protecting First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly. However, authorities warned that criminal behavior will result in arrests and prosecution.
"The city respects everyone's First Amendment right to peaceful protest and wants to ensure our community can do so in a safe manner," officials said in a statement. "However, criminal behavior will not be tolerated."
Police Chief Ramón Batista issued a community update Wednesday regarding the protest preparations, followed by earlier statements from Mayor Lana Negrete on June 9 addressing regional immigration enforcement and protests.
The local protest is planned for Palisades Park from 11 - 12:30 a.m. The plan is to have participants remain in the park for the duration of the protest. Several local politicians including members of the city council, State Senator Ben Allen and Assemblyman Rick Zbur are scheduled to speak during the event.
Protest organizers have been advised to follow event guidelines and keep demonstrations peaceful. The city has issued a list of prohibited items including frozen water bottles, glass or metal bottles, weapons, buckets, leaf blowers, traffic cones and umbrellas.
Additional restrictions are outlined in Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 04.08.780 governing community events and public assemblies.
Downtown businesses began boarding up their properties on Friday with many fearing a repeat of the riots and looting that followed 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests. This year, police have said they will have a more visible presence throughout the day.
Early Saturday morning, officers could be seen manning the street closures and staging near the Police Department headquarters.
City officials encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts by texting SMVISIT to 888-777 or registering at santamonica.gov/alerts.
Residents are advised to call 911 to report crimes in progress or text 911 if unable to call safely. Non-emergency incidents can be reported to the dispatcher at (310) 458-8491.