Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives moves pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionists presentation to a new venue.

Maybe the third time's a charm? That's what organizers with the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives are hoping as an event featuring six guest speakers approaches on Thursday, April 3. 

The group originally booked space at Bayonet and Black Horse in Seaside for their event with six pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionists. After users posted about the event on Reddit, calls from members of the media and the public flooded the venue, which canceled the event.

Organizers then relocated to the U.S. Army's General Stilwell Community Center, offering attendees the location only upon RSVP (including a $45 fee to attend). The confirmation message included a request: "We kindly ask that you do not post on social media and that you keep the location confidential."

Of course, that request did not last, and Reddit users again revealed the location on social media on April 1, two days before the scheduled event. Officials at the U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey said they had been flooded with phone calls, spurring officials to realize the venue had been erroneously booked, and they too canceled. 

"Upon further review of the reservation by the U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey, the reservation was canceled in accordance with Army Regulation 215-1 which prohibits partisan political activities on military installations," according to a statement. 

On Wednesday, April 2, one day before the event, it has again moved to a new location: It's set to be held at Native Sons of the Golden West at 76 W. Alisal St., Salinas, at 6pm on Thursday, April 3. 

Updates to paid attendees read, "We understand that changes can be challenging, and we greatly appreciate your understanding, support and flexibility. We are committed to ensuring that this event proceeds successfully. And we are determined to create a platform for these men to share their stories."

Those stories are of six men who all sentenced to prison time for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, in which rioters attempted to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election. President Donald Trump then pardoned them; all six live in various parts of California. 

Representatives of the Native Sons of the Golden West could not immediately be reached for comment, but unlike the General Stilwell Community Center, it is not a government venue and therefore not subject to the same type of Army rules prohibiting partisan political events. 

The nonprofit fraternal organization was created in 1875, just 25 years after California became a state, seeking to honor and preserve the state's history before the post-Gold Rush railroad boom changed the landscape and demographics, according to a history on the organization's website. 

Membership is open to California residents ages 18 and older who are "committed to making their community a better place while preserving the great heritage of California.

"Being a Native Son is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community and exercising the precepts of friendship, loyalty and charity while interacting with friends," according to the group's website. 

The Salinas location of the statewide group is called the Santa Lucia Parlor, number 97. 

In a statement, the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives writes, "The past few weeks have been challenging as the misinformation surrounding the event has spiraled out of control, creating chaos and misunderstanding. It is important for us to persist and to resist the forces of cancel culture. It has been a bit rough, but it is nothing compared to what these J6ers have endured.

"It is our hope to share their stories and experience with the community. It is important that people hear from them and understand their perspectives. The majority of January 6 protesters were exercising their rights peacefully, and their treatment raises concerns for all Americans regarding the politicization of justice.

"We understand that all of the outrage are just coming from those that are misinformed and believe a false narrative. We are committed to ensuring that this event proceeds successfully. And we are determined to create a platform for these men to share their stories."