SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The numerous women’s marches which popped up on nearly every continent in protest of the inauguration of President Donald Trump occurred almost a year ago, but many believe they are needed now more than ever.
“What’s been happening this past year, what’s continuing to happen in this country is just not right, in any way, shape or form,” said Don Eggleston, a retired Pajaro Valley educator who has been holding weekly protests at Watsonville Plaza since the first women’s march in 2017. “We can’t just sit back and do nothing.”
On Jan. 21, 2017, two marches were held in Santa Cruz County. Early in the day, a crowd gathered in Watsonville Plaza and drew attention to issues they believed were important to highlight for South County. Some then carpooled to a county-wide march that drew thousands of people to downtown Santa Cruz that afternoon.
Plans have been made for repeat marches and rallies this weekend. In Watsonville, local organization Revolunas will host their “LGBTQ+ and Womxns Rally” at the City Plaza on Saturday. The rally begins at 11 a.m., with speakers taking the stage at 12 p.m. and an open mic/dance starting at 2p.m.
City Councilman Felipe Hernandez said he would “definitely” be attending, claiming it an extremely important event to be a part of due to the current political climate.
“Here in Watsonville especially, inequalities are twofold,” he said. “It’s not just for women, but women of color, and other marginalized groups. I encourage our residents to attend and stand [with them] in solidarity.”
Eggleston, who helped found Watsonville’s alternative high school New School, also encouraged South County residents in particular to march for similar reasons.
“I spent 35 years working in Watsonville with low income families and saw their struggle,” he said. “They need to know there are people who will stand up for them.”
Also Saturday, Santa Cruz will hold its “Be the Change” event, the second annual Women’s March. Activities begin earlier than last year — at 10 a.m. in front of the Museum of Art and History on Cooper Street, local artists are facilitating family-friendly art activities. The march itself will begin at noon on Pacific Avenue at Locust Street and finish at the Louden Nelson Center.
While tensions in the U.S. and around the world remain high, many say the march is one way they can send a loud message to the Trump administration.
“There’s a meanness permeating through the country right now,” Eggleston said. “We have to find compassion for each other again. We need to stand and take action.”
