For the second time in a little over a week, protesters gathered at a Ventura intersection Saturday afternoon to support fully reopening California from coronavirus restrictions.
"Make yourself sheep & the wolves will eat you," read one large homemade banner held by several people at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Telephone Road, where the lawn of the Ventura County Government Center filled with supporters waving American flags.
As with a similar rally held May 1, the event organized through www.wehaverights.com encouraged peaceful protest by participants on foot and by motorists who circled the government center in a loop, honking in support.
Protesters displayed a range of signs, some suggested by organizers: "Re-open now." "Freedom is my favorite f-word." "Open churches." "Constitutional rights are essential." "Media hoax." "Fully open CA NOW." Few participants wore face masks.
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A Ventura Police Department official said the agency estimated about 350 to 400 people attended Saturday's event. At the May 1 event, held on a Friday, the department estimated the crowd size to be about 1,000. Both gatherings were scheduled from noon to 2 p.m.
As with the previous rally, a police presence was visible Saturday as motorcycle officers kept watch from surrounding streets. No issues were reported during either event, authorities said.
California and county public health officials issued stay-at-home orders in March and shut non-essential business operations. On Friday, many retail businesses were allowed to open for curbside pickup.
Stay-at-home orders were extended through the end of May, with residents urged to go out only for necessities such as groceries, prescriptions and pet food. Outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging and bike riding is encouraged, although people are asked to stay at least 6 feet away from others to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Gretchen Wenner covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com or 805-437-0270.
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May 10, 2020 at 09:05PM
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Protesters again gather in Ventura to urge reopening of California - VC Star
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