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Gaslamp businesses prepare for Trump visit

Posted at 6:22 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-27 08:53:58-04

Donald Trump will be in downtown San Diego on Friday.
We'll have coverage throughout the day in our newscasts, on our website and mobile app, and on Facebook and Twitter. We'll also be live streaming the event -- download our mobile app and we'll alert you when Trump takes the stage and let you know if the rally is causing any problems downtown.


Gayleen Nichols takes pride in the custom-made accessories and clothing at her shop "Bubbles Boutique."

The store has seen a lot of foot traffic in the 14 years they’ve been in the Gaslamp, but nothing has prepared them for the large crowds expected for Donald Trump's visit a block away at the convention center.

“We're hoping that it all goes smoothly,” Nichols said.

She's not alone. Several restaurants, hotels, and shop owners are worried some protesters may get out of hand and become violent.

“If all else fails you have to close the doors and stay inside,” Nichols said.

Angry crowds and heavy police presence are common sights at Trump rallies.

Nichols says she's making a few changes to protect both her property and her employees.

“It's been suggested that we not have anything in the doorway like our hat racks and to keep all of our merchandise inside and I am staffing up extra heavy,” Nichols said.

Cafe Sevilla is also adding extra servers and they are telling employees that getting to work will be a bit tricky, so they should plan ahead.

“A lot of people Uber to avoid the parking disaster that it becomes,” Holly Losey said.

Fifth Avenue will be closed to pedestrians only and restaurant workers hope to cash in on hungry, yet peaceful demonstrators.

“We know that we're going to get a little more foot traffic through here so we're just hoping to have a normal day and increase our sales if anything,” Losey said.