TRUCKEE, Calif. – What began as a small gathering of five people on Feb. 15 has grown into an active weekly demonstration against moves made by the current administration. By March 22, attendance had reached 115 participants—undaunted by cold weather and rain. Now, demonstrators gather every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the eagle statue off Donner Pass Road, holding signs expressing their concerns, such as, “Got ethics? You’re fired. Got millions? You’re hired.”

For many involved, the gathering is not just about protest but a broader act of civic engagement and advocacy in response to national and global issues.

“We’re scared for the country. We’re really scared,” one participant said. “It’s horrifying. It’s overwhelming. It’s almost paralyzing.”

Each week, attendees bring new signs reflecting ongoing political developments. “Every week, there’s something new,” another demonstrator said. “Every day, every hour.”

As the demonstration continues, participants have had several impactful interactions with passersby, reinforcing their commitment to gathering each week.

One particularly memorable moment came when a man from Dallas stopped to express his support. “I’m glad to see you guys doing this,” he told the group. “I couldn’t do this. I live in Dallas—I could never do this.”

Another moving encounter involved a family visiting from Ireland, who joined the demonstrators for a photo. “We weren’t sure how Americans thought about us foreigners anymore,” they shared. “We’re so glad to see somebody still acting like we think Americans are.”

Perhaps the most emotional exchange came from a young pregnant woman from Ukraine, who stopped to thank the group. “This was right after Zelenskyy got treated like a punk,” one demonstrator said. Her words were simple but powerful: “Thank you. We didn’t know if America still cared.”

The weekly gathering continues to draw a diverse range of voices, united by a shared commitment to civic participation and dialogue.