Cheers, chants, and horn honking kept the atmosphere lively and at times, chaotic, throughout the Peninsula on Friday morning.
Rallies took place as part of U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier’s bus tour that stopped in Daly City, San Mateo, and Redwood City. She was joined by state Sen. Josh Becker, state Rep. Kevin Mullin, numerous city councilmembers, other civic leaders, and community, all encouraging people to return their ballot and “Vote NO on the Recall” in the upcoming gubernatorial recall election.
Speier emphasized how critical this election is for the state of California. She criticized the recall process that is costing about 270 million dollars, and praised Governor Newsom.
“GOVERNOR NEWSOM HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB. CALIFORNIA IS RECOVERING VERY WELL. IT IS TIME FOR US TO RECONSIDER THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF THE RECALL. VOTE NO ON THE RECALL. VOTE NOW AND PUT IT IN THE MAILBOX AND LET’S MAKE SURE WE CAN CONTINUE THIS GREAT ADMINISTRATION,” SAID SPEIER.
Speier’s concerns were echoed by Mullin, who called this recall election, “an abuse of the recall provisions in the state constitution.”
Speier’s bus rally highlights the upcoming recall election to determine whether or not current California Governor Gavin Newsom will be recalled in the next few weeks. This effort allows voters to first choose whether to recall Newsom from office, “Yes,” or “No.” If recalled, voters then have the choice of forty-six candidates on the ballot to choose from.
This effort to promote the “Vote NO on the recall” campaign began quietly just after 8 am in Daly City, with early morning commuters honking support for the crowd in the parking lot of Westlake Shopping Center.
Supporters traveled by bus down El Camino to the second stop at Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo, where civic leaders delivered impassioned speeches. State Representative Marc Berman and State Senator Josh Becker praised Governor Newsom and stressed the importance of getting out to vote.
“VOTING WILL TAKE THIRTY SECONDS OF YOUR TIME, THAT’S REALLY HOW TO SAVE THE FUTURE OF THIS STATE” SAID BERMAN.
“This governor has done a tremendous job during a very difficult time,” said Becker.
However, by the third stop at the Sequoia Station Shopping Center in Redwood City, it was clear that not all voices agreed with the “No on the Recall” advocates. Equipped with flags, signs, microphones and bullhorns, protesters met the bus with criticism of Newsom and his policies.
The effort by both sides turned into a raucous showdown, with advocates on both sides dancing, chanting and cheering the crowd to vote "Yes" or "No" on the recall.
“DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE WEARING THOSE MASKS STRAPPED ONTO YOUR FACE FOREVER?” CHANTED THE PROTESTORS FAVORING THE RECALL.
The recall election reflects tensions over new mask and pandemic orders which have caused dissension throughout the country. State administrations have been in the spotlight over their policies about the enforcement of masks, and over following of pandemic protocols in schools.
Some protesters focused on criticism of Governor Newsom's dinner at the French Laundry in Yountville, California. The Governor had attended this dinner on November 6, after having established strict COVID-19 protocols for the state doing the opposite.
However, supporters of Newsom maintain that he has excelled in swiftly moving on climate resiliency, the pandemic, and stressed the importance of insuring that his recently signed $123.9 billion education package goes forward. Concern was expressed that recalling the governor and changing administration will halt progress on proposed legislation.
Dorie Paniza, Commissioner of Daly City’s Arts and Culture Commission, explained her point of view as an immigrant to the United States who is now a citizen. She is a passionate supporter of Newsom — highlighting his long- standing support for minorities and all disenfranchised groups.
“AS A FILIPINO AND SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD TO WORK HARD, WE NEED TO SHOW PEOPLE THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER,” SAID PANIZA. “NOW IS THE TIME.”
While the rally didn’t reveal the outcome of the recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, it was clear that many people were eager to come out and make their voices heard.
East Palo Alto City Councilwoman Lisa Yarbrough-Gauthier reminds all of the importance and impact that people can have in this recall election.
“We need more than ever for people to return their ballots. Exercise your rights and vote. No matter what side you’re on, exercise your right to vote,” said Gauthier.
