Trump foes hope to build on initial flurry of protests

Yet for all the miles marched, candles burned and verses of “Imagine” softly sung, many demonstrators are struggling to come to peace with the purpose of the protests and where they’ll lead, if anywhere. Does encircling Oakland’s Lake Merritt and holding hands — as Trump opponents did Sunday — represent a mass catharsis, a message to the incoming administration or the gathering of a movement for fights ahead? On Monday, fiery street protests and candlelight vigils gave way to a rally at San Francisco City Hall, a big high school walkout in Oakland, a series of “greeting” events for schoolkids in Alameda and the creation of “walls of empathy” decorated by sticky notes outside BART stations. Trump’s supporters have criticized the protesters who have taken to the streets around the country — mostly peacefully but at times violently — calling those in the outraged crowds irresponsible for not accepting the results of the election and giving the president-elect a chance. [...] street demonstrations “serve notice” and provide an emotional release, said Stephen Zunes, a professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco. The past week’s demonstrations have come in many forms, and on Monday in San Francisco, hundreds gathered in the City Hall rotunda for a unity rally, with Mayor Ed Lee and others vowing to stand up to the Trump administration if it sought to upend the city’s values, including sanctuary for undocumented people. In Alameda, hundreds of parents, community members and students descended on several school campuses early Monday, bringing posters, stickers and pins to offer a positive message of togetherness after Edison Elementary was hit with racist graffiti over the weekend. The crime was one of many racially charged incidents reported across the country after the election, including the waving of the Confederate flag at the Veterans Day parade in Petaluma and the painting of the words “Heil Trump” and a swastika near a San Diego bus stop. Elliot Cevallos, 10, held a rainbow-colored “Love each otter” sign, inspired by the school mascot. For some, participating in such public events has offered an expression of communal mourning, a way to work through grief. Whether the actions happening around the country turn into a movement remains to be seen, said Erica Chenoweth, a professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. What we know from the history of mass movements is that it takes about three years. she said, adding that success entails long conversations, the building of coalitions, concrete goals and long-term thinking.