Anti-trump protesters gathered in Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco on Friday evening for a third consecutive night of demonstrations against President-elect Donald Trump.
The California Highway Patrol used social media to warn the public to expect a heavy police presence near highway on- and off-ramps in Oakland as officers monitored the protest. No protest-related violence or arrests were reported.
But, in some ways, the damage has already been done — and downtown Oakland businesses are reeling from the economic impact of non-stop, often destructive, protests.
People were out and about in the uptown part of downtown Oakland on Friday night, but a sense of apprehension permeated the area. A lot were wondering if the peaceful protest would turn violent.
“Tonight, Friday night, is usually a big night for us," said Michael Le Blanc, who owns Pican Restaurant. "So far [we have ]lost about between 80 to 100 reservations."
And for a small business that thrives on downtown Oakland’s recent renaissance, the violence that has taken over the area following the election has been painful for Le Blanc.
"On [Tuesday] night, I marched with the protesters, and on Wednesday night, I had to stand in front of the business to make sure we didn’t sustain any damage," he said.
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For Le Blanc, a financial comeback can take a couple of months because a protest like the ongoing one can set his business back by a few hundred thousand dollars a year. He sympathizes with the protest, but admits to being frustrated.
"On one hand, I’m with the protesters," he said. "On the other hand, don’t destroy what’s in the benefit of you and your city."
Pican isn't the only Oakland restaurant that is struggling. Izzy’s Steak & Chop House, which opened just four months ago, had a lot of empty tables for a Friday night. And it was more of the same at Viscera, a boutique store.
"Oakland has so many opportunities, growing and developing," said Ari Takata-Vasquez. "This makes it a little bit scary for people who don’t know how vibrant Oakland can be."
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Further south, several hundred anti-Trump protesters marched — peacefully — through downtown San Jose for about two hours.
"He wants to deport Mexicans and Muslims. Why does he want to split the USA up like that?" one protester wondered.
San Jose police, some in riot gear, were on standby. But the crowd followed rules Friday, only temporarily blocking a road.
There was a chance that Friday's march could devolve into violence when several men walked up to the group and suggested a riot. Their words were drowned out by more peaceful chants, but protesters promised not to abandon their fight any time soon.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, it was more of the same.
About 200 demonstrators gathered in front of the Ferry Building. They were peaceful, but, like in San Jose, a large police escort monitored the crowd. The protesters briefly blocked traffic on the Embarcadero before marching up Market Street.
