WATSONVILLE—At least 300 people participated in a peaceful protest calling for the end of racial and systemic injustice on Saturday in Watsonville. The protest is part of a nationwide movement sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 25.
The group first gathered at the City Plaza and then marched through Main Street—blocking off two lanes during mid-day traffic—to Callaghan Park on Freedom Boulevard where it held a rally for several hours.
Watsonville Police led the way down Main Street and up Freedom Boulevard, shutting down several streets and intersections to allow the protesters to continue their march.
The protest came days after several business owners throughout the city boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of a rumored violent protest set for Thursday evening. Watsonville Police Chief David Honda has asked the FBI for help in investigating the origin of the social media post that called for the violence.
Several storefronts were still boarded up Saturday.
