Several hundred Rockridgers and their neighbors from across Oakland lined Broadway just north of 51st Street, on Saturday, October 17, at a No Kings Rally aimed at getting out a “Vote Early” message.
They carried signs left over from past rallies proclaiming No Kings and Diversity not Deportation, as well as new ones that urged Vote Like Your Life Depends On It and Stop The Chaos! Vote Early!
Rockridge political activist Louise Music, who hosted a sign-making party two days ahead of the demonstration, was happy with the event turnout.
“People participated for an hour and a half. Everyone was enthusiastic and wanted to spread the word. This is an event that all Americans care about—the things that unite us—free and fair elections. We are fighting to assure our democracy,” said Music.
Video: Anna L Marks
“It was a great turnout with lots of good signs and horn honkers,” said Sandy Olson, a Rockridge resident who has participated in every local march held during President Donald Trump’s two terms and was encouraged by the support from cars driving by.
Afterwards, the hardiest among the mostly gray-haired participants walked a mile to the nearest official drop box, on Telegraph near 51st Street (in front of the closed Walgreens), to deposit their ballots.
Video: Louise Music
“We are fortunate to have neighborhood leadership from the Rockridge Seniors for Democracy and The Third Thursday Resistance Club, to keep the community informed in the weeks to come if we are called back into the streets to ensure free and fair elections,” said Music, who is the catalyst for The Third Thursday Resistance Club.
Both women wished that more young people and families had turned out. Of course, there were dogs.
All photos by Ann Wettrich, Judy Berne, Molly Porter, and Louise Music
