Editor:
Thank you for your wonderful coverage of the June 14 No Kings Santa Monica protest.
As organizer and co-host (with Lisa Bellomo), I’d like to thank the city, specifically the Santa Monica Police Department, for enabling us to unite our neighbors in peaceful protest at this critical moment in history.
We worked very closely with the SMPD in the days leading up to June 14. I applied for a permit with the city, which allowed for a collaborative effort with Parks and Recreation. We communicated continuously with the city and the police so they could plan accordingly as registered numbers grew.
The Santa Monica Democratic Club, which came on board as a co-host, provided trained volunteer Peace Marshals. They monitored the events in the park (such as keeping people off fence railings so that nobody fell off the cliff and keeping paths clear) with an eye on safety. We are grateful for the SMDC’s involvement.
We carefully followed the rules of our permit, which limited our ability for amplification and a stage. We only wish our wonderful speakers from the Santa Monica City Council, Assemblyman Zbur and Senator Allen, the fantastic activists, and Marky Lennon, who led the crowd by beautifully singing the National Anthem, could have been heard throughout the park.
My co-hosts and I met with 15 city officials — the SMPD Liaison, Tactical Team Lieutenant, Traffic Services officers, and Parks and Recreation — 24 hours before the protest, going over every detail. Every scenario was discussed.
We registered this event with No Kings, who managed the database, only 10 days prior to June 14. I emailed all registered attendees nightly with guidelines and a reminder to protest peacefully. Babies, toddlers, high school and college students, seniors in wheelchairs, and veterans participated joyfully. For many, it was their first protest. Peace was our resounding theme.
An event at this large scale is only as successful as the collaboration. We thank the SMPD, Parks and Rec., City Council, and the people of Santa Monica for their trust in us and for a positive community experience that made us all proud.
Lesley Bracker
Santa Monica