A walk and rally in support of health care reform drew about 300 to Sonoma Plaza on Saturday. “And one heckler,” event organizer Lilla Weinberger said Monday. “That’s a pretty good ratio.”
The group formed at First Congregational Church, marched down Spain Street to the Plaza and assembled in the amphitheatre to hear guest speakers including Rep. Lynn Woolsey and State Sen. Mark Leno.
The event was to show legislators about to return to Washington that voters support health care reform, Weinberger said. Woolsey was given a pro-reform petition signed by 8,763 residents of her district. On Tuesday, September 1, her group will present Rep. Mike Thompson with a petition signed by 4,329 of his constituents.
Weinberger, representing Organizing for America, said continuing the grassroots effort is vital. The rally provided “inspiration to keep working. There was lots of enthusiasm.”
Veda Lewis of the First Congregational Church, another sponsor, said “The feeling is, we elected the president for change. We can’t stop now. We’ve got to be active to push for these changes.”
Also sponsoring the event were Congregation Shir Shalom; Sonoma Valley Peace and Justice Group; Sonoma Valley Democratic Club; Peace and Justice Forum; Sonoma Veterans for Peace; and the Nor. Cal. Labor Council.
Logistically, the walk and rally went off without any problems, said Mayor Brown. “I want to thank Sonoma Police Chief Sackett for assigning officers to ensure the marchers a safe route to the Plaza, and a safe rally while there.”
