More than 1,000 Inland Empire residents without masks listen to speeches demanding relief from the state’s coronavirus shutdowns and restrictions at the Open California Now protest Saturday, Oct. 17, at Dwelling Place Church in Hemet. Valley News Tony Ault photos.
More than 1,000 men, women and children, none wearing optional masks, rallied to demand Gov. Gavin Newsom open all businesses in California, essential or nonessential, at a “freedom rally” at Hemet’s Dwelling Place Church Saturday, Oct. 17.American flags were flying, and banners with phrases like “Open Our Businesses Now,” “Recall Newsom” and “Trump for President,” were posted all over the church’s grass lawn.Vendors in the church’s parking lot sold Trump hats, clothing supporting the U.S. armed forces and other wares. Three bands provided entertainment between speakers. Children enjoyed a large bounce house and watched nationally known Christian skateboarder Beaver Fleming and his BMX teammate perform many high-flying, injury-defying tricks on a temporary jum
