Cheers, chants and honks of horns kept the atmosphere lively and, at times, chaotic across the peninsula Friday morning.
The rallies were part of a bus tour by U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, who stopped in Daly City, San Mateo and Redwood City. She was joined by State Senator Josh Becker, State Representative Kevin Mullin, numerous councilmembers, other civic leaders and the community, all encouraging people to return their ballot and "vote NO on the recall" in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Speier stressed the importance of this election to the state of California and criticized the recall process that is costing some $270 million, and praised Governor Newsom.
"Governor Newsom has done an excellent job. California is recovering very well. It's time we rethink the concept of repeal. Vote NO on repeal. Vote now and put it in the mailbox and let's make sure we can continue this great administration," Speier said.
Speier's concerns were echoed by Mullin, who called the California recall election "an abuse of the provisions of the state constitution.
Speier's rally on the bus highlights the forthcoming election recall election to determine whether or not California's current governor, Gavin Newsom, will be recalled in the coming weeks. This effort allows voters to first choose whether they want to recall Newsom from office, "Yes" or "No". In the event of a recall, voters will be able to choose from forty-six candidates on the ballot.
This effort to promote the "Vote NO on Repeal" campaign began quietly shortly after 8 a.m. in Daly City, with early morning commuters honking their horns in support of the crowd in the Westlake Mall parking lot.
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 how you really save the future of this state," Berman said.
"This governor has done a tremendous job during a very difficult time," Becker said.
By the third stop at Sequoia Station Mall in Redwood City, however, it was clear that not all voices agreed with the "No Repeal" advocates. Equipped with flags, banners, microphones and bullhorns, protesters met the bus to criticize 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 wear those masks strapped to your face forever?" the pro-repeal protesters chanted.
The California recall election reflects tensions over the new facemask and pandemic orders that have sparked controversy across the country. State administrations have been under fire for their policies on facemask enforcement, and on following 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 argue that he has excelled in the speed with which he has acted on climate resilience, the pandemic, and stressed the importance of ensuring that his recently signed $123.9 billion education package moves forward. Concern was expressed that the removal of the governor and the change in administration will halt progress on the proposed legislation.
Dorie Paniza, commissioner of the Daly City Arts and Cultural Commission, explained her perspective as an immigrant to the United States who is now a citizen. She is a passionate supporter of Newsom, noting his long-standing support for minorities and all disenfranchised groups.
"As a Filipina and as someone who has had to work hard, we have to show people that we can work together," Paniza said. "Now is the time."
While the rally did not 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 Councilwoman Lisa Yarbrough-Gauthier reminds everyone of the importance and impact 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," Gauthier said.
