High Desert residents celebrated a milestone on Saturday, June 28, as they hit a year of continued demonstrations on the corner of Bear Valley and Amargosa roads, an area nicknamed “Freedom Corner” by participants.
What started as a No Kings protest soon developed into a routine space for organization when event leader Andrew Hodge, also known online as Not Stepping Back, realized the individuals who showed up had an untapped thirst for wanting their voices to be heard and their opinions to matter.
Throughout the year of Sunday demonstrations, the Daily Press spoke to participants from all walks of life about why they were spending their free time holding Sharpied signs under the hot Victor Valley sun instead of other weekend activities more common in the High Desert, like car shows, barbecues or church with the family.
Hesperia resident David Ricards, who attended the June Pride demonstration, said he wanted to show support for his neighbors who are bullied in the High Desert, because “they deserve to love whoever they want.”
Retired U.S. Air Force captain, disabled veteran, former V.A. employee and cancer patient Jim Ruester told the Daily Press in April 2025 that he was protesting DOGE because his veterans’ rights were being challenged by the current administration, and he feared that someday his disability benefits might be cut off.
‘It’s time for change’
Some demonstrations have themes and others carry a similar tone to previous No Kings rallies, which protest the inadequacies of the Trump administration.
Only once have opposition protestors set up across the street, and that was during the Pride demonstration, according to co-organizer of the event, Mario J. Novoa.
“There are political protests on the same corner every Sunday, and not once have religious protesters shown up during those demonstrations,” Novoa previously told the Daily Press. He said the June instance felt intentional.
The High Desert has seldom seen this magnitude of resistance. “It’s time for change,” Ricards declared, referencing the area’s reputation that has held steadfast for generations.
‘Not stopping anytime soon’
Hodge is the direct-action caucus chair of the High Desert Progressive Democrats; the organization he partners with to host the demonstrations. He says they have no plans to stop anytime soon.
“We will continue showing up until Trump and the establishment that enabled him are held accountable,” he added. “America deserves leadership that protects democracy, respects the people, and serves the country, not a leader that damages it. We will be out there for as long as it takes. I am hopeful that the November midterms will bring the accountability our country deserves and we are seeking.”
Similarly, resident and staple Sunday demonstrator Tom Kelm has changed his mind. A former republican, Kelm says that because he has been on both sides of the political coin, his political support is now calculated and deliberate. He hardly misses a chance to hold his “No Faux King Way” sign by the Interstate 15 on ramp on Bear Valley Road.
Event organizers encourage High Desert residents to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday events if they feel that their America has become “reckless, chaotic, weak, and wavering in the values that once made this country stronger.”
They say it’s not only about how many people show up each week, but about consistency and visibility.
“Over this last year, we have accomplished so much,” Hodge said. “Every person who has shown up, held a sign, honked in support, shared a post, brought water, invited a friend, had a hard conversation, or simply refused to stay silent, you are the reason this movement is still standing.”
McKenna Mobley is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@usatodayco.com or on Instagram @mckenna_dailypress.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: ‘Freedom Corner’ protesters mark one year of action in Victorville
Reporting by McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By McKenna Mobley, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
