ADELANTO, California—Hundreds of truckers and supporters departed a southern California site on Feb. 23 for a trip planned to culminate in the Washington area. The so-called People’s Convoy, inspired by Canadian truckers who drew international attention, hopes to convince authorities to ease or withdraw COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The convoy has specific demands, including urging President Joe Biden to rescind his declaration of a national emergency over COVID-19. Biden, a Democrat, on Feb. 20 said the emergency will be extended beyond March 1 because of a “risk to the public health and safety.” Other goals include “letting our government know that you work for us,” Brian Brase, one of the convoy organizers, told a rally that preceded the departure, drawing cheers. “People can paint this any way they want, they’re going say this as a far-right or far-left or this is a partisan issue. But it’s …