Californians Shed Tears of Joy -- and Sadness -- at Trump Inauguration

Among the sea of red hats at President Donald Trump's inauguration were a number of loyal supporters who traveled from California for the festivities.

Though Trump's speech relied heavily on familiar campaign themes, his statements on uniting the country seemed to stand out to the Californians in the crowd.

"We need to remember to have mutual respect for one another," said Maura Jacobs, of Santa Rosa. "We all want the same thing: security, jobs and a strong economy."

Mike Donato and Edward Cardenas, childhood friends from Vacaville, came to the inauguration in matching sweaters. What did they say? The front read: "California Latino's 4 Trump." The back? "Unpopular Disliked California Latino Conservative." Both men appreciated Trump's call for inclusiveness.

"He really touched my heart and he confirmed with us that he is following through, regardless of any obstacles that he encounters," said Cardenas, who believes Trump's new administration will be "unstoppable."

Eunice Lam, of Pittsburg, who calls herself a "closet Trump supporter," attended the very public inauguration to be with like-minded people.

"I never posted anything on Facebook or anything like that," Lam said. "To be honest, there's a little bit of a stigma being a conservative in California."

Lam called it "a miracle" that Trump won and said she is excited to have a president who is "pro-life on abortion."

Opponents of New President Fight Back Tears, Remain Steadfast

The crowd — at least close to the Capitol — was considerably whiter than the past two inaugurations. A few Asian-Americans, Latinos and African-Americans were on hand to cheer Trump, but overwhelmingly they reflected his base, as did Barack Obama's at his swearing-in ceremony.

Before Trump was sworn in, several in the crowd said they hoped the new president's speech would be "calm," a reference to his early-morning Twitter storms and campaign rhetoric. Afterward, four young women from Utah, all wearing pink pussyhats, stood silently, crying.

One of them, Mikenna Clokey, said she had "mixed reactions," including "a lot of sadness," as she fought back tears.

"It was important for us to come and look this in the face and try to be proactive and present," she said. "Even if it's for someone we don't support, it's important to be involved and be really vigilant. So, here we are."

California Protesters: 'Not My President'

Not far from the Capitol, many protesters stood alongside a few Trump supporters, waiting hours to get into a part of The Mall where people without tickets could gather.

Many demonstrators toted posters with a variety of slogans, such as "California Says 'Hella' No" and "Yes We Still Can." Trump supporters wore the red ball cap bearing Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever protested in my life," said Carole Simpson, of San Francisco. "I’m an old lady and I’ve had it because we’re going backwards rather than forwards."

Chants rang through the group of protesters, sometimes accompanied by drums: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here" and "Let us in" and "Whose streets our streets," while Trump supporters chanted "God bless Trump."

Many of the California protesters said it was their first demonstration ever and they felt compelled to come.

"I was very depressed about the results of the election and I wanted to do something," said Jim Di Stefano, of San Rafael.

“It’s our therapy," his friend, Michael Gillotti, of Sebastopol, chimed in. "We had to do it so we wouldn’t get lost in depression and powerlessness.”

Being in D.C. also "makes a statement that we’re not accepting this as a normal transition of power. This is not right. There is something very wrong about this," he added. "It’s a tainted election at the very least.”

When Trump officially took office at noon, the chanting erupted into "Not my president." Protesters said they wouldn't despair but would use the energy and motivation gained from the weekend of protest and the Women's March to spur them into newfound activism.

“I needed to have my voice heard," said Kate Flanagan, of Mystic, Connecticut. "I needed to let people, my children, the people around me here today, the world know, that this is America. Donald Trump isn’t America. I am America. I, Kate Flanagan from Mystic, Connecticut, I am America.”