It’s been slightly over a month since Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump was forced to skirt a highway wall on U.S. 101 and hop down onto a grassy embankment to avoid an angry mob who were protesting his appearance at the California GOP convention in Burlingame.
Now, as all three presidential candidates court California before the much anticipated June 7 state primary because of the large number of delegates at stake, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is back in the Bay Area to woo voters with his trademark "Make America Great Again" rally.
Protesters are expected, as a number of local immigrant and human rights groups gear up for the 7 p.m. event.
The Silicon Valley Rising Facebook page posted a message asking people to join them in a protest Thursday evening at Plaza De Cesar Chavez on 170 S. Market Street. "Join us as we come together to show that the hatred, bigotry and sexism promoted by Donald Trump have no place in our society," the message said.
Trump is expected to speak to thousands of supporters and undecided voters at South Hall, an annex of the San Jose Convention Center in downtown San Jose.
Trump tweeted out a photo of the main convention center, saying:
"Join me in San Jose, California- tonight! #MakeAmericaGreatAgain #Trump2016"
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On Twitter, some pointed out that that South Hall was in fact a much smaller location.
Due to security concerns, a handful of roads surrounding the convention center have been closed down, which already created a mid-day backup in downtown San Jose.
His appearance, like the last time around on April 29, is prompting heavy presence, and sources say the San Jose Police Department has asked officers to volunteer to work overtime for Thursday's rally.
When only 10 offered their services, sources say the department enforced mandatory overtime for many officers and detectives.
T-shirt vendor Nelson Poland has traveled the country following Trump’s campaign — whether people buy Republican paraphernalia or not, he’s glad to see excitement surrounding the presidential race.
"No matter who you’re voting for, whatever you like the best, your opinion, your vote, make it count," he said.
According to his calendar, Trump has no scheduled stops in Oakland, a city he declared to a New York Times Magazine reporter was among the “most dangerous” in the world.
In fact, Trump's speech is at the same time as Game 1 of the NBA Finals where the Golden State Warriors will play the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena in Oakland.
VTA trains are not stopping at the convention center due to the event.
Expect traffic and public transit delays, per VTA:
Due to expected street closures in downtown San Jose during the evening commute, both light rail and bus service may be impacted as early as 5:30 p.m.
Trains will not stop at the Convention Center Light Rail Station. Bus bridges will be on standby but customers can stay on trains through downtown.
Lines 23, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 81, 82, 168, 181, 323 and DASH shuttle may have detours, details of reroutes here:
Updates will be provided as service impacts change.
