Sebastappeal - Womens March - by Sarah Glade Gurney - February 2018
“Hats off!” or might we say, “Pink Pussy Hats on!” to the four grannies and others who organized Sebastopol’s Women’s March on January 20th. One granny, Kathy Fong, tells the story –
“Four young-at-heart older women, with hip replacements, fighting cancer and other maladies, decided that, because we couldn’t get to a big city Women’s March, we should raise the audacious suggestion to have a march in our hometown of Sebastopol.
“So, three weeks before the National March date of January 20th, Darlene Mola, Sally Lee, Cecile Lusby and I, of St. Stephen’s (Episcopal Church) Book Club decided we might ask a few friends if they’d interested in joining us.
“Within that three weeks, Jim Corbett (“Mr. Music”) stepped in with his Peacetown tribe to apply for the permits to use the town square. Graphic Artist Pam Carpenter created theSebastopol Women’s March poster and created the Facebook Event page. Saturday Table (Feed The Hungry) Volunteer Jean Farmerstepped up as MC and the universe brought us inspiring community speakers.
“A program was put together to express hope, persistence, gender equality and action. The diversity of participants included seniors, children, women and men, and a scattering of people of color. It was a glorious, uniquely Sebastopolian event!”
A crowd estimated at 1500 packed the Plaza for the Second Annual Women’s March. The Love Choir opened with songs from the 1960’s Civil Rights movement, along with the women’s anthem, “I Can’t Be Quiet.”
L. Frank offered a Native American opening. Council Member Una Glass, present with colleagues Mayor Patrick Slayter and myself, delivered a message of hope, resolve and resilience.
Popular singing duo MaMuse led an a capella sing-along. Makaiya Gude, a senior at Analy High School, delivered an impassioned speech that got the crowd cheering. The program culminated with Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins encouraging women to run for public office [to which I add my post-script, apply for appointments, too – every City needs qualified women applicants.]
The Hub-Bub Club led marchers through downtown, to the Community Center, and back up through the Barlow, while the Love Choir entertained those who remained in the Plaza.
During the event, donation buckets collected over $1,250 to benefit “The Living Room,” a battered women’s shelter.
Shawn Hall, Owner of Gypsy Café, saw it happening from Main Street, “Gypsy had so much great energy and wonderful conversations, hats, and signs. A great day for human rights.”
Jim Corbett summed it up his way, “We made a big splash in the pool of love. Kudos to all.”
I want to add another appreciation – to the respectful crowd, especially those who cleaned and picked up, leaving the public space tidy.
Take the Bus: Join me and other transportation officials to learn about our public transit system. I’ve scheduled two forums to share your thoughts and discuss ideas about hours of operation, optimal routes, paratransit, connections to SMART, and ways to increase ridership.
The first one will be Wednesday, January 31, 1:45 to 3 pm in the Social Hall at Burbank Heights and Orchards [up the hill, at the flagpole], 7777 Bodega Avenue [at Nelson]. This timing allows folks to ride to and from the event on the Local 24. Thank you to the Residents Forum for hosting.
The second session, with the same program, will be Wednesday, February 7, from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Library Forum Room at 7140 Bodega Avenue. This timing provides opportunity for folks who can’t come to afternoon meetings.
Light refreshments will be served. For more information, email: info@cittaslowsebastopol.org. Thank you to the Senior Center for also sponsoring.
Take A Walk: The Sebastopol Walks volunteers have put together a tenth year of free, docent-led walking tours around town. The 2018 program spans ten months, February-November.
