Protesters wanting Turlock to re-open gather on Geer Road. Those on Twitter lash out.
A rally on a busy Turlock street Saturday morning with people imploring that businesses be allowed to open drew a lot of attention among passersby — and on Twitter.
A day after the Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center announced its 11th confirmed death, protesters converged on Geer Road in support of reopening businesses amid the coronavirus crisis.
Late last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom paved the way for some businesses to gradually open, part of his four-phase process.
Saturday afternoon, Stanislaus County announced its 20th death due to COVID-19. Of the positive tests, Turlock has a county high of 158, followed by Modesto at 124.
Ed Yonan, owner of Yonan’s Jewelers on Geer Road, told The Turlock Journal: “People are fed up and we need to get back to work. Enough is enough ... “
Dale Falkenberg, owner of Dale’s Guitar Shop and Music Lessons, told The Journal: “It doesn’t seem fair to me that Costco can sell guitars. Why can they sell guitars, and I can’t sell guitars?”
Protesters drew criticism on social media, where locally, “Turlock” was trending.
A similar, yet smaller rally, was held on Modesto’s McHenry Avenue a little more than a week ago.
This story was originally published May 10, 2020 at 6:44 AM.
