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#NEVERAGAIN, Benicia CA, Gun control, March For Our Lives, Schools

Benicia Herald: March for Our Lives draws hundreds in Benicia

Repost from the Benicia Herald

‘March for Our Lives’ draws hundreds in Benicia

MARCH 26, 2018 BY GEORGE JOHNSTON
Benicians of all ages took part in the March for Our Lives on Saturday, which marched from the First Street Green to the gazebo in City Park where numerous speeches were given by Benicia High School students, elected officials and other citizens of note. (Photo by George Johnston)

Marches have been rare throughout Benicia’s history. Mayor Elizabeth Patterson claimed the last one was held in the World War II era. However, that changed when 800 to 1,500 people filled the streets of downtown Benicia for the March for our Lives.

Like the thousands of other Marches for Our Lives events held throughout the world in response to the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. people from all over Solano County gathered in Benicia to call for tighter gun control laws and protest gun violence.

The march began around 10 a.m. at the bottom of the First Street. Students of all ages lead the march downtown. Those on the sidewalks could hear such chants at “No more silence, end gun violence,” “Spread love, not hate. We just want to graduate” and “Never again” filling the air. The march ended at the gazebo in City Park where the speech portion of the rally was to begin.

Benicia High students led the march. (Photo by Kathryn Lauritzen)

Vice Mayor Steve Young Young began by reading the names of the victims of the Parkland shooting and asking for a moment of silence. He then turned the microphone over to Benicia High School senior Shawna Williams.

“It terrifies me that I can go and buy any gun I want,” Williams said. ” What 18-year-old needs a gun, let alone a weapon of war. We’ve seen what semi-automatic weapons can do, so why are they still being sold? Is it because the NRA needs money? I wish the answer was no, but the NRA has been clear that their right to bear arms outweighs our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Continue reading Benicia Herald: March for Our Lives draws hundreds in Benicia →

#NEVERAGAIN, Benicia CA, Schools

Constance Beutel: Video of the Benicia March For Our Lives

[Editor: Local videographer Constance Beutel was on scene Saturday, documenting the historic March For our Lives and Rally in City Park.  Below is a 10-minute short, followed by a 1-hour video that begins at the sign-making workshop at Arts Benicia on Wednesday.-  Constance wrote, “Remembering the high school students killed in Parkland, Florida and so many others who have lost their lives to gun violence, we will add our voices….”  – RS]

Here’s the 10-minute clip:

And here is the video taking you from the sign-making workshop to the march up First Street and speakers at the Rally.

#NEVERAGAIN, Benicia CA, March For Our Lives, Schools

Benicia March For Our Lives

Repost from the Vallejo Times-Herald
[Editor: Alan Zada reported that the Benicia Police Department estimated the crowd at 1500.  I’ve added a few of my own photos here.  For more great photos, go to Larnie Fox’s Facebook page.  – RS]

Benicia teens lead march of about 800: ‘We will vote’

By Richard Freedman, 03/24/18
Many Benicia marchers carried protest signs.
Many Benicia marchers carried protest signs. RICH FREEDMAN — TIMES-HERALD

Benicia is known for its numerous parades. Protest marches? Not as much. Until Saturday.

Around 800 residents braved an early morning chill led by students with a NEVER AGAIN banner, getting a jump on the national March for Our Lives with a walk up First Street and speeches at the City Park gazebo.

Benicia High School students led the morning march up First Street with an estimated 800 participating.
Benicia High School students led the morning march up First Street with an estimated 800 participating. RICH FREEDMAN — TIMES-HERALD

“Brave students have come together to say ‘enough is enough,’” said Assemblyman Tim Grayson, adding that he appeared in Benicia not as a politician, but as the father of a 16-year-old.

“A parent shouldn’t have to wonder if a child is going to be safe at school,” Grayson said.

Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson — ROGER STRAW, BENICIA INDEPENDENT

“Today we are together, tomorrow we are together and we will still be together until we end gun violence,” proclaimed Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, calling for “a ban of weapons of war on our streets.”

Shannon Sweeney, 17, Benicia Senior Class president and one of the event coordinators, smiled at the turnout of the peaceful march.

“I’ve learned what it’s like to come together with a lot of people to make change,” she said. “It’s nice to see all these people showing up to protect our students and everyone from gun violence.” Continue reading Benicia March For Our Lives →