Thousands of people marched from 10th Avenue up the Esplanade bike path today for the “No Kings 3” protest, many finding hope, encouragement and community in their opposition to the country’s direction.
“There’s a lot to be mad about,” said Chico resident Sandra Pacheco, who works as a medical technician. “It feels good to be surrounded by people who care about the same things. It’s kind of reassuring.”
The 1.6-mile march was upbeat as protesters basked in sun, chanted “No kings,” and chatted with each other. Some participants joined the march, which ended at City Plaza, from the avenues in order to walk only a section. People came with canes and walkers, in wheelchairs and on roller blades.
LeAnn Jenswold, founder of Re-Sisters and one of the march organizers, estimated there were between 3,000 and 6,000 people participating.
The Festival for Democracy, organized by Indivisible Chico, was underway by noon at City Plaza with live music, food trucks and booths on Broadway. The Defenders of Democracy coalition organized the march, and the two events were designed to coincide with “No Kings” events nationwide.
Many Chico protesters commented that they oppose the war on Iran, and handmade signs said “Draft Barron” and “Make Tacos not War.”
“Right now this is a class warfare that Donald Trump is creating,” said Wendi Beane during the Esplanade march. “We can spend over a billion dollars a day on a war that nobody wants? We can’t help the American people?
“He is not well,” Beane continued, referring to President Trump. “They’re just using him as a way for the wealthiest people in this country to take it over and get rid of democracy.”
Millions of people were expected to participate in rallies around the world, and the national Indivisible organization said that more than 3,300 demonstrations were planned in this country.
Three senior citizens who reside in an independent living home were wondering how to participate and when the march would begin as they approached the Chico Certified Farmers Market this morning around 9:30 a.m. They were surprised to learn the march wouldn’t start until 11 a.m.
“Individually we don’t have much of a voice anymore, but collectively in a group, we can show how we feel about some of the harms that are being done,” said Cathy Weber, one of the women.
Jenswold said she expected a larger turnout, but then realized that smaller nearby communities were holding their own No Kings events, some for the first time. There seemed to be fewer people from outside Chico participating today, she said.
“I love what happened today,” Jenswold said. “The energy was incredible. One of our goals is to build community so people won’t feel alone. Hopelessness sucks you dry. The rising up is coming; you have to trust following the path.”
The Re-Sisters, Jenswold pointed out, started with a two-person protest, and their Saturday demonstrations are now attended by about 100.
