The California Republican convention kicks off in Burlingame today with large protests expected for a planned lunch banquet with presidential frontrunner Donald Trump.
As the controversial real estate mogul closes in on securing the party’s nomination for president his rallies have drawn protests nationwide, including at a rally in Orange County Thursday night.
More than 10,000 people replied on Facebook that they were either interested or planning on attending protests against Trump today outside the convention at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport at 1333 Old Bayshore Highway in Burlingame.
All three remaining Republican presidential candidates will speak this weekend as the convention continues with a dinner banquet this evening featuring Ohio Gov. John Kasich and a lunch banquet on Saturday with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Former Hewelett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, recently announced as Cruz’s running mate, will host a dinner banquet on Saturday night.
Burlingame police said in a statement on Thursday night that they are preparing for the expected protests against Trump by drawing officers from law enforcement agencies throughout San Mateo County for assistance.
“Planning efforts are focused on guaranteeing that protesters are freely able to exercise their First Amendment rights, while ensuring the safety of both the protesters as well as those attending various events at the convention,” Burlingame police said.
Trump’s rally in Costa Mesa Thursday night drew large protests that resulted in multiple arrests, according to Costa Mesa police.
Scott Morris, Bay City News
