For several months now, neighbors in Lafayette have been complaining about a recurring pro-Trump protest on a Highway 24 overpass.
Neighbors said their concerns are about a noisy bullhorn, large groups of mask-less people blocking the sidewalks and distracted drivers on the highway below.
"What they’re doing there up there repeatedly is illegal, and they refuse to stop that behavior," said Mayor Susan Candell.
But after months of discussion, the Lafayette City Council says there’s not much they can do.
The El Curtola overpass is owned by the state, which means it falls under Caltrans and CHP jurisdiction. Those agencies have cut down signs put up by the protestors but tell the city they are not going to police gatherings.
At a recent city council meeting, supporters of the protests say the state is doing the right thing.
"The state is not willing to interrupt freedom of speech," said one woman who gave her name as Elaine. "I’m concerned about progressive intolerance for free speech."
City officials said the message is not the issue.
"I don’t care what the protestors are protesting, the fact that they have been there and the neighbors feel impacted is a huge concern to me," said Candell.
"My concern is safety," said councilmember Carl Anduri.
Councilmembers want Caltrans to act on further enforcement of a law that prohibits the protestors from affixing signs to the overpass but said there isn't much else to be done.
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