Commentary
As former President Donald Trump arrived in San Francisco on June 6, in a city that is deteriorating from crime and business loss, hundreds gathered at Marina Green in hopes they might see the presidential candidate.
El Salvadorian native Evelyn Nunez said, “A melting pot of supporters including Chinese Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans, and Italian Americans have gathered to wish the president a happy birthday,” which falls on June 14.
The Trump presidential campaign raised $141 million in the month of May, more than a third within 24 hours after a New York jury issued multiple felony convictions against the former president.
Contrary to what most people might think, the Bay Area is home to many voters who support former President Trump in his third bid for the White House.
One in particular is Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland’s at-large city council seat. She had much to say about former President Trump’s recent legal issues in a press release, saying, “The same people who have targeted President Donald J. Trump are the same political and financial elites who have destroyed our Oakland with crime, drugs, homelessness, and have driven our city into bankruptcy with their failed policies.”
She continued, “This is a disgrace to our country and this stain must and shall be removed. I am proud to stand with Donald J. Trump for President.”
Supporters greet former President Donald Trump in San Francisco on June 6, 2024. (Hector Omar/Aldana Film Crew)
Another voter is Nancy Githitho from San Francisco, a member of Moms for America, a group that opposes transgenderism and obscene sexual content for children. Ms. Githitho said she believes former President Trump will restore sanity to San Francisco.
Another concerned citizen at the San Francisco rally, Elizabeth Starks, said, “I come from South America, I was born in Peru.”
In the beginning, living in America was good for Ms. Starks. She said she was embraced by the Latino community, which is very close. However, she said the environment has changed.
“Right now, we are scared about everything that is happening. We cannot accept the craziness of this [current] administration,” she told me. “The Latino community is very strong and has a lot of people. They pray and talk ... they know what is happening.”
“President Trump is still the best President in history for me,” said Ms. Starks.
San Francisco isn’t the only city that will be hosting former President Trump in the “Golden State.” Charles DiMauro, who is a California leader for the group 805 Patriots, said he will be welcoming former President Trump for a fundraiser in Newport Beach on Saturday, June 8. There will also be a boat parade on Sunday, June 9.
“People from all over California will be coming to Newport and showing their MAGA gear, coming from the Counties of 805, San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange,” he said.
Supporters greet former President Donald Trump in San Francisco on June 6, 2024. (Hector Omar/Aldana Film Crew)
The Marina in Newport Beach will be filled with boats and yachts displaying support for the candidate as well, he said.
Charles, 24, has been organizing numerous rallies on patriotic holidays as well as hosting events every one or two months. In 2024, Charles said, “We are getting the most amount of engagement support for President Donald Trump.”
Leading up into the election, they will be having more events to keep people involved and active, he said.
“Everyone is pumped up and getting even more pumped up for everyone else to join,” he said.
