Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced he ordered the state to pre-deploy safety and security resources to communities throughout California to aid and support local law enforcement, ahead of anticipated nationwide demonstrations.

The demonstrations, part of the “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” effort, are expected to occur across the nation and throughout California in response to the Trump administration’s military parade in Washington, DC.

In Lake County, the newly formed Lake County Indivisible group will host a peaceful protest from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in Lakeport’s Old Courthouse Museum Park.

Newsom’s office said the resources from the California Highway Patrol and those coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, will help local governments protect the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the public — as well as enforce strict laws against the destruction of property, vandalism and looting.

“In the United States, the office of citizen is the most important office we can hold. We respect and protect those who exercise their First Amendment rights when they do so peacefully and respectfully,” said Newsom. “California has zero tolerance for those who plan to take advantage of peaceful demonstrations with violence. We’re pre-deploying resources to maintain safety — and we will prosecute those who break the law.”

All eight of CHP’s Special Response Teams are currently activated and pre-staged throughout California, a surge of nearly 700 officers. The CHP’s Southern Division remains on tactical alert, which ensures every available uniformed employee is prepared should they be needed. The CHP is coordinating with local law enforcement partners and Cal OES.

“The California Highway Patrol actively protects and upholds every individual’s First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and express their views,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our officers stand ready to ensure these rights are exercised safely and lawfully. If anyone attempts to violate the rights of others, destroy property, or obstruct public movement, we will respond swiftly and decisively to enforce the law.”

Cal OES has coordinated with state and local partners to ensure communities have resources to help keep people safe. At this time, CalOES has not received significant requests from local governments for mutual aid in advance of this coming weekend. CalOES remains in close communication with local government partners and stands ready to coordinate any future requests for mutual aid or support.

“Cal OES remains prepared to assist and respond,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “We’re in close contact with local government partners and stand ready to assist with any requests for support or mutual aid.”

Stay peaceful, never resort to violence

“This is a reminder to Californians that they have a right to speak out, but they must remain peaceful. Those who engage in protests and demonstrations must always emphasize partnership, unity and non-violence,” the Governor’s Office said in its Friday announcement.