A Massive Display of Unity

Organized by Indivisible Santa Cruz County, the event featured participants forming a colossal human banner spelling out the word “Resist!” in bold, rainbow colors. Measuring 220 feet in width and featuring letters soaring to 70 feet high, the display was conceived by seasoned activist Brad Newsham, known for his creative political protests.

Event organizers described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration aimed at showcasing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community while resisting the current political climate.

Messages Beneath the Surface

However, above the colorful letters in the sand was a starkly different message: “86 47.” Many interpreted this as a call to eliminate the 47th President of the United States. In contemporary slang, the term “86” typically connotes cancellation or elimination, raising eyebrows among critics who argue it crossed a troubling line.

Former FBI Chief James Comey had previously stirred controversy with a similar message written in the sand at a different location, leading to criticism and intervention from law enforcement.

Voices from the Ground

“We don’t need a king. We want to make America kind again,” stated Beth Basilius, a protester who echoed sentiments of wanting to return to a more compassionate political climate. Yet, the contrast between the call for kindness and the aggressive message of “86 47” prompted discourse about the nuances of political expression.

Critics argue that the imagery displayed contradicts the protest’s proclaimed values. Mike LeLieur, chair of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party, remarked, “They claim they want to make America ‘kind’ again, but then they spell out ‘86 47’ in the sand. That’s not kindness — that’s a coded call to eliminate someone they disagree with. It’s hypocritical.”

Growing Tensions in a Divided Community

LeLieur pointed out that local conservatives have faced increasing hostility within the community. “We’ve had vehicles vandalized, tires slashed, and windows broken. I was forced off the road and attacked just for having a Trump sticker,” he recounted. “It’s been nonstop hostility — and these are the same people who call themselves the ‘Party of Peace.’”

According to recent data from the California Secretary of State, registered Republicans make up only 8.5% of voters in Santa Cruz, highlighting the political imbalance in the area.

Conflicting Interpretations of ’86 47′

While some participants maintained that the phrase “86 47” was symbolic, representing a rejection of Trump’s policies rather than a literal threat, critics remained unconvinced. Daniel Enriquez, a representative of the California Republican Assembly, articulated concern about the growing atmosphere of intolerance: “In California — and especially in Santa Cruz County — the left is creating a political environment of non-acceptance and persecution.”

Defending the Right to Protest

In response to criticisms, Jenny Evans, co-leader of Indivisible Santa Cruz County, defended the protest’s intent. “When a great number of people come out to do something like this, it just shows that we’re not all saying, ‘Fine, fine. We’ll go along with whatever you want,’” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of visible resistance amid rising tensions.

This event also marked the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz’s Pride celebration, with participants urged to don matching rainbow attire as they gathered along the beach.

A Call for Reflection

While the protest remained peaceful, the juxtaposition of promoting kindness alongside the controversial “86 47” message raises important questions about the nature of political critique and the rhetoric used in today’s divisive environment. Supporters of the protest, while emphasizing compassion, must also navigate the complexities that arise from coded language and its interpretation in a politically charged climate.