< The Latest 2025-01-21T02:51:03+0000
The Pasadena Star-News | Mon 01/20 04:23pm PST | Hanna Kang
Love him or loathe him, President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, had Californians across Southern California marking the day in ways as diverse as the region itself.
In Tustin, the air was crisp, but the atmosphere festive. John Kelly, 63, opened the spacious courtyard behind his Kelly’s Hair Design to around 30 guests eager to celebrate the transition of power.
“I’m just so happy Donald Trump has gotten back in,” said the longtime businessman, donning a red MAGA baseball cap, “because he said he’s going to look out for the little guy.”
John Kelly talks with guests during an inauguration watch party for President Donald Trump in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Jaime Mantecon gets a thumbs up after taking a photo with life-sized cutouts of President Donald Trump and Melania Trump at an inauguration watch party hosted by John Kelly in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People watch the inauguration of President Donald Trump at a gathering hosted by John Kelly in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A TV shows Vice President JD Vance taking the oath of office during a watch party hosted by John Kelly in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
People cheer, including Consuelo Robles McWhorter, center, during an inauguration watch party hosted by John Kelly in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The group was watching the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Supporters of President Donald Trump gather for an inauguration watch party and breakfast, hosted by the Golden State Republican Women at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The event celebrated the inauguration of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump. (Contributing Photographer/John Valenzuela)
Supporters of President Donald Trump gather for an inauguration watch party and breakfast, hosted by the Golden State Republican Women at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The event celebrated the inauguration of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump. (Contributing Photographer/John Valenzuela)
Carlos Gonzalez of Glendale, smiles and claps for President Donald Trump during an inauguration watch party and breakfast, hosted by the Golden State Republican Women at Riley’s Farm on Monday. The event celebrated the inauguration of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump. (Photo by John Valenzuela/Contributing Photographer)
Supporters gather an cheer for President Trump during an inauguration breakfast and watch party hosted by the Golden State Republican Women at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.The event celebrated the inauguration of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump. (Contributing Photographer/John Valenzuela)
Trump supporters gather for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Trump supporters gather for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Trump supporters gather for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Trump supporters gather for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Elisabeth Douma and Bryan Alvarado join fellow Trump supporters for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Jennifer Tolentino and Lisa Poy join fellow Trump supporters for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Trump supporters gather for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Mark Lindbergh joins fellow Trump supporters for an Inauguration Day watch party at Hacienda Playa Restaurant in Playa del Rey on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
John Kelly talks with guests during an inauguration watch party for President Donald Trump in Tustin, CA on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Cigar smoke and the buttery scent of popcorn — popped in a machine adorned with “Trump 2024” and “Make America Great Again” stickers — wafted through the air as Kelly’s friends and family huddled around an old Panasonic TV, their necks craned to witness the moment. Beside the TV stood a life-size cardboard cutout of first lady Melania Trump and the president, whose imaginary hand a guest shook after Trump’s swearing-in.
The guests, who had been silent and intently watching the TV, erupted when Trump uttered the final words of his oath, “So help me God.” Fists punched the air, guests exchanged hugs and congratulations, and handshakes were shared all around.
But not everyone was celebrating.
Protests broke out across Southern California, including in Los Angeles and outside San Bernardino City Hall, where 26-year-old Desmond Manuel, a student organizer of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, led the charge.
Manuel said the demonstration was against Trump’s “anti-worker, anti-immigrant and anti-women billionaire agenda.”
“We are also here today to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this significant day. Dr. King’s legacy … remains far more important than the inauguration of Donald Trump,” he said.
Over 100 protesters gathered outside City Hall, holding signs as security guards surrounded the area. Many wore red PSL shirts; others waved cultural flags.
Speakers led chants of “money for jobs and education” as the crowd roared in response. When one speaker announced, “a new president just got inaugurated a couple of hours ago into office,” the crowd erupted in boos.
“It’s not enough to just sit back and watch all the crazy news about the Trump administration and complain about it on social media. I wanted to stand tall with my friends today and take real action,” said Angela Prairie, 18, of Redlands.
IE Tenants Union member Deborah Harmon speaks of her battles for safe housing in the steps the San Bernardino City Hall as protesters inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
IE Tenants Union members hold signs as Deborah Harmon speaks of her battles for safe housing on the steps the San Bernardino City Hall. As protesters inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Amazon workers fight for unions and worker protections as more than a hundred working class people protest outside San Bernardino City Hall. As protesters inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Hundreds of working class people protest outside San Bernardino City Hall to inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Hundreds of working class people protest outside San Bernardino City Hall to inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Karen Jackson with her sign about the new President Donal Trump outside San Bernardino City Hall. She and more than hundered inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Trump protestors pass by an effigy of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos at a Trump protest rally held in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Rachel Brhnke of Code Pink prepares for a Trump protest rally held in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Trump protestors at a rally held in Los Angeles also used the occasion to blame LA Mayor Karen Bass for the recent fires on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Trump protestors gathered at a rally held in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Trump protestors gathered at a rally held in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The group Artists Against Apartheid put together an effigy of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for a Trump protest rally held in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Families impacted by police violence and others protest during a CSO Orange County sponsored rally protest the inauguration of Donald Trump at the intersection of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Families impacted by police violence and others protest during a CSO Orange County sponsored rally protest the inauguration of Donald Trump at the intersection of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Families impacted by police violence and others protest during a CSO Orange County sponsored rally protest the inauguration of Donald Trump at the intersection of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Families impacted by police violence and others protest during a CSO Orange County sponsored rally protest the inauguration of Donald Trump at the intersection of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
IE Tenants Union member Deborah Harmon speaks of her battles for safe housing in the steps the San Bernardino City Hall as protesters inaugurate local independent working-class resistance to the ultra-right billionaire agenda of the Trump administration, as part of a National Day of Action in San Bernardino on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
To the west, in Los Angeles, protesters railed against fascism and corporate greed. Some even created a paper mache effigy of Trump alongside billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, who had prime seats at the inauguration.
One protester, identifying as Maebe A., said they were upset when Trump said the federal government would only recognize male and female genders.
“I already knew I was going to be out here,” said Maebe, a transgender person from West Hollywood. But after Trump’s remarks, they said, “I was reminded why I need to be here.”
“If the government doesn’t recognize us, we still exist either way, whether or not they acknowledge us,” they said.
Meanwhile in Tustin, Kelly, in between chatting with guests and scooping popcorn into bags, spoke about his hope that Trump would revitalize small businesses. Kelly, who ran a cigar shop on the family-owned property, blamed high tobacco taxes under former President Barack Obama for its 2011 closure.
“When you look around here in Orange County, a lot of brick-and-mortar merchants have gone the way of the dodo bird. They’re extinct,” said Kelly, a former council member. “Something that’s being lost in this world is a small retail merchant. So I hope that with the presidency of Donald J. Trump, he can listen to the common man.”
(Kelly was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He was not charged with a crime and said he was part of “the peaceful crowd” in Washington that day.)
Kelly’s sister, Karen Kelly, clasped her hands as she listened to Trump’s speech. God “spared his life” last July to “make America great again,” she said.
About 70 miles east of Tustin, the Golden State Republican Women met Monday morning at Riley’s Farm, a family-owned farm in Oak Glen known for its colonial-style living history experience in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The watch party sold 140 tickets, filling the dining area at Riley’s Farm. Guests enjoyed breakfast, coffee and mimosas and gave a standing ovation when Trump appeared on screen.
The audience was decked out in a sea of MAGA hats, with many wearing red, white and blue. Trump signs adorned the walls alongside American flags, while some attendees sported sparkly red cowboy boots and hats.
Janet Price, founder and president of the Golden State Republican Women, said it’s fun to gather with like-minded individuals to celebrate.
“It was packed at 7:30 this morning,” Price said. “These are very patriotic, enthusiastic people … and this whole candidacy, we saw things we didn’t expect to see. He (Trump) did things he never expected to do, such as getting shot. All that showed character.”
Price said she’s been interested in politics since she was a teenager and has always identified as a conservative Republican.
“This is the time I’ve kind of waited for,” she said. “It’s like my whole life, this is it. I’m very grateful.”
The crowd was lively, cheering loudly for Trump and booing when now-former President Joe Biden appeared on screen. In both Oak Glen and Tustin, crowds erupted into cheers when Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border.
But Costa Mesa resident Steve “Bugs” Giglio, 74, while fully supportive of Trump, expressed concern about what could happen to undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for a long time, including those protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era policy that allows eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children to work and protects them from deportation.
“The two biggest issues for me are inflation and immigration,” Giglio said as he poured himself some orange juice at John Kelly’s party. “But I hope that he’s fair and doesn’t overdo it and start kicking out the kids that have lived here for 20 years.”
“That kind of stuff is not good. We’ll see how he does with that.”
Trump is set to issue sweeping executive actions related to immigration, including ending birthright citizenship and tightening the vetting process for illegal immigrants.
Santa Ana resident David Pulido, 36, organized a protest Monday evening at the intersection of West McFadden Avenue and South Bristol Street. He said, “We’re trying to build our movement against the Trump administration. We expect him to attack immigrants … he pretty much announced that in his inauguration speech.”
New data shows a majority of Orange County residents support a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants. A UC Irvine poll released just before Inauguration Day found nearly 60% of surveyed adults favor a pathway to legal status, though opinions vary: almost half of White respondents said they prefer deportation, while nearly 75% of Latinos support legal status. The poll, conducted from Nov. 12-18 online, surveyed 838 adults living in Orange County and has a margin of error of 5.5%.
Shivering from the cold night wind, roughly a few dozen protesters held signs bearing messages like “no to deportation” and “deport all racists” in front of a Chevron gas station. Passing cars honked in support, eliciting cheers from the group.
But many partygoers in Los Angeles County said they look forward to Trump cracking down on illegal immigration.
Bryan Alvarado, 22, of Paramount, voted for the first time last year, saying he was never interested in politics until the Biden administration. He said he believes Trump will improve relations with Russia and China and wants him to fix the economy and close the U.S.-Mexico border.
“As a Hispanic, I will say this: deport all illegal immigrants,” he said, later adding, “I’m just glad he (Trump) puts Americans first before foreigners.”
About 150 people packed into Hacienda Playa, a Mexican restaurant in Playa del Rey, to watch the inauguration over breakfast.
That event, which doubled as a fundraiser for the 61st Assembly District race, offered a buffet with scrambled eggs, sausages, homestyle potatoes, rice, beans, fruit salad and cinnamon rolls.
The first 20 people who showed up received free MAGA hats. Many sported Trump-themed apparel, including one man who donned a jersey with No. 45 on the back, referencing Trump’s previous term as the 45th president.
The loudest crowd reaction came when Trump declared the U.S. government would only recognize two genders, sparking a standing ovation from some in the crowd. Applause also followed his promises to bring back military personnel who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”
“This is the happiest moment of my life,” Alvarado said, clutching a folded American flag to his chest.
Mark Lindbergh from Hawthorne brought his sons, 25 and 21, to the breakfast, even though they could’ve watched the inauguration at home. He said he wanted to soak in the camaraderie of being around fellow Republicans.
“I wanted to show them (my sons) America’s back, and when we’re down, there’s always hope,” said the father of seven.
Lindbergh, a consistent Trump voter, said he was glad to hear the president mention the devastating L.A. wildfires in his inaugural speech.
So was Anthony Abe, 37, of Inglewood, who said it meant a lot because “the majority of California do not support him,” yet Trump “still made time in his speech” to mention California.
“That means he cares a lot,” said Abe.
Olivia Valentine, a former Hawthorne council member and chair of the Hawthorne-Lawndale-Gardena Republican Assembly, criticized the state’s policies on homelessness, public safety and wildfire prevention and said she hopes Trump will have on influence on them.
“What I’m hoping is there will be enough of a groundswell to put pressure on the state legislature here to make better policies,” she said. “I’m sure he’s got a lot of ideas that the state should listen to,” including related to clearing brush to prevent wildfires.
Trump has said he will visit Los Angeles on Friday to survey the damage from the Palisades and Eaton fires.
This story has been updated to include information about a Santa Ana protest Monday evening.