A crowd of at least 600 people amassed along Pacific Avenue in front of Colton Hall in Monterey by 11:30am on Saturday, March 8. People showed up with creative signs in tow showing support for Ukraine, women’s rights, transgender rights, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and to dissent the presidency of Donald Trump and unelected head of the Department of Government Efficiency Elon Musk.
The rally was organized for International Women’s Day by Women’s March—an international movement whose stated mission is to ensure everyone has the freedom to lead lives in safety and security in their bodies throughout the United States by 2050. The organizers of Monterey’s action call themselves the Cali Coast Resistors, led by Big Sur artist, dancer, author and poet Rosalia Moon Webster, who is also the leader of the performance troupe Big Surcus.
“Women are the caretakers of all life and critters and the planet so we are inclusive of all diversity and kindness that is represented here today,” Webster says. Next to her, Monterey County District 5 Supervisor Kate Daniels yells, “No bullies!” in response.
Webster looked up the Women’s March to organize the rally at Colton Hall. She says that the demonstration for International Women’s Day is a representation of her mission to be kind and considerate while protecting those who are vulnerable.
“I know the entire planet is celebrating with us today,” Webster says, but she remarks that they’re also there to make sure women are safe.
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8 each year. Daniels adds, “It’s a day to recognize not only the achievements of women and the achievements we’ve made and the progress we’ve made, but also how far we still need to go.”
Daniels took office at the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in December 2024. According to her biography on the County of Monterey website, her parents were involved in many social justice causes and nonprofit organizing.
She joined protesters of the Trump Administration.
“What this presidency demonstrates is that people still hate women,” she says. “We are here to rise up against the bullies and take our seat at the table.”
Anger toward the current U.S. presidential administration was palpable among all ages at the rally. Galayna Wade, 29, showed her support with a sign that read, “I’m not giving up on kindness,” while her message is still one of anger and frustration.
“I’m here today because I oppose rich billionaires controlling me, my body and continuing to ruin everyone’s future,” she says. “I’m angry that old bastards decide for our future and are unilaterally attacking immigrants.”
Wade was not the only demonstrator who was angry about the state of the country. Amidst the protesters, some dressed in all red with the white “wings” like in Margaret Atwood’s book, The Handmaid’s Tale, 77-year-old former Pacific Grove city councilmember Susan Goldbeck was also present with a sign.
“This is the only way democracy is going to work,” she says, “Republicans have stopped town hall meetings. I want to see Democrats hold town hall meetings in Republican districts.”
She also remarks that Musk is the one who is actually running the country, likening President Trump to a puppet and showing disgust that the U.S. did not support Ukraine during a vote at the United Nations.
Echoing Goldbeck, Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson was also present during the event at Colton Hall, sharing his concern with demonstrators about the potential loss of rights under the still relatively new U.S. presidential administration.
“We’re practicing our democratic right and responsibility,” Williamson says, “as folks are saying in the background right now, we need to rise up.”
Chants like “we won’t go back,” and “rise up,” vigorously sounded in front of City Hall, followed by demonstrators ensuing in a march within the right-of-way of Pacific Street between Jefferson and Madison streets around noon. Thumbs up and supportive honks from cars and motorcycles who slowed down at the crowd’s presence raised spirits of the demonstrators, which included young children and pets. At one point, one Monterey Police officer asked protesters to return to the sidewalk politely, “for their safety.” One demonstrator dressed as a handmaiden said that later at least 12 police officers came to the demonstration site.
“They weren’t aggressive, but they were firm,” she says. She was there in support of the mission that Webster had previously iterated towards.
“This is a rise,” Webster says. “We have the power of nature behind us.”