Peace Corner: an ongoing battle for democracy
A battle for democracy resides on the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road, also known as “Peace Corner,” every Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Believing that President Donald Trump’s agenda impedes on the people’s right to free speech, protestors assemble to protect what they believe to be the very constitutions that make up man’s rights.
Alongside the protestors, Jackie Kurtz-Beggs and Monica Tyn Eyck, leaders of Eden Area Indivisible, are willing to do whatever it takes to impeach Trump.
In an act of resistance, Kurtz-Beggs and Tyn Eyck have both transformed the Ides of March, which refers to the assassination of Julius Caesar whose power was believed to threaten the Roman Republic, into the Ides of Trump, to demonstrate the threat they feel to their democratic norms.
Eden Area Indivisible, the same group that can be found at Peace Corner, serves Hayward, San Leandro, and the unincorporated Alameda County regions of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, as well as Cherryland. They are located in the California’s 14th congressional district.
“We think it’s really important that our free speech isn’t infringed upon — that your free speech isn’t infringed upon,” stated Tyn Eyck. “There are certain guarantees in our constitution that Abraham Lincoln said best: government for the people, by the people, and we don’t feel that is what’s happening.”
Demonstrators participate in various forms of protest. One way participants take action is by sending postcards to the White House to alert Trump of their dissatisfaction with his presidential motives. On the back of each card, it writes “you’re fired,” referencing an infamous catchphrase of his used on “The Apprentice” television show.
“When I was a single mother in Castro Valley, my son depended on [the Department of Education],” said Kurtz-Beggs. “Well, Musk and Trump are cutting funding for the Department of Education.”
As Trump and his administration quickly move to dismantle the Department of Education which oversees federal funding for K-12 schools and handles discrimination complaints, critics argue it jeopardizes thousands of teaching positions, impacts the teaching and performance of students, and puts students of color at risk at experiencing prejudice without protection, as millions of Americans rely on this support.
Protestors stand unified at Peace Corner, carrying signs that bare messages of defiance. The signs range in phrases and colors yet all follow the same commonline: to challenge Trump’s agenda. Phrases such as, “Nobody elected Elon,” “Stop the Coup d’etat,” and “Defend Democracy” can be read off these signs.
“Trump’s presidency is the fulfillment of a promise to destroy our government completely,” said protestor Gregory Fite. “The process that is going on right now is the deliberate, intentional, and willful destruction of the government and our country.”
While the corner at Safeway may not look significant at first glance, it is a part of a much larger battle.
Indivisible as a whole is a nationwide organization, founded by Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, dedicated to resisting Trump’s, as phrased, “authoritarian agenda.” There are several groups all over the country in every single state.
Anyone can join the movement or even register a group for their specific area, if there is not already one, through https://indivisible.org/.
“Come out every Friday night if you’re interested to join us,” urged Kurtz-Beggs. “We need the people or things won’t change.”
I really do love passing these protestors exercising their first amendment rights, and speaking out against unjust policy and action.
it’s really feels nice to see people protesting trumps stupid decicions and this article really shows their view about trump well!!
I support the peace corner and I think protesting is good
I find it cool to see these people on the corner every Friday. Many people have spoken about their discontent with Trump. I hope Trump supporters see how unfit he is for office.
I remember talking with some of the protesters last year and having a fond conversation with them. I learned a lot about the corner’s backstory and why they were doing it, at least at that time. However, things have changed since then, and the current political environment is very different from what it was when I last talked with them.
I appreciate the dedication of these protesters. Every time I pass by the corner on Friday on my way home, I hear them crying out for their rights and their country. It is very important in times like these to show that we are not going to take it lying down.
It is clear that the people have expressed their discontent with Trump and Elon Musk. They are starting to see the drastic effect they are having on our economy. Trump has also negatively impacted our image and our relationships with other countries.
Something to keep in mind: Peace corner has been used for many years by various groups, from peace groups in the 70s to Vietnam, thru Genocide and now protesting a dysfunctional government.
I recall protesting the jailing of Leonard Peltier there, so many years ago .
Recently, A group, MoveOn, began the Hands Off rallies and they took on a life of their own. Indivisible is a newer group, it seems to be based somewhat on the same pattern as MoveOn. They have their own method of signing up people… When referring to Peace corner, its good to take into consideration various groups there. Indivisible is just one of the newest groups. We have a few of us elders who have been out there since we graduated from high school and continue searching for A fair and honest government.
During uncertain times, when many of us are feeling isolated, I find it reassuring to see these Americans gathering on a street corner to exercise their First Amendment rights—the freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly. It is equally reassuring to see the students at The Olympian exercise their First Amendment right—the freedom of the press!
To the demonstrators, keep speaking out for what you believe in. To the free press everywhere, and especially to The Olympian, keep reporting on it. Thank you all!
Raymond – (CVHS alumnus)
Hello Brenda,
Thank you for your interview resulting in a “scoop” on our ongoing Friday Night Castro Valley Peace Corner action. One correction, needs to be made on the quote regarding the Department of Education that Doge/Musk/Trump is now dismantling. It was me Jackie Kurtz-Beggs who was once a single mother of a Castro Valley Student, who depended on the Free Lunch Prorgram for her son, Not Monica TynEyck.
Without that lunch program, and sometimes breakfast. I could not have continued to afford to live in my CV home.
Thank you again for your interest and excellent article. I will distribute it.
Jackie (former CV Teacher)