If you’re 29.6 years old or younger, then you’ve never lived during a time of “normal climate.” That was the main message of the Chico Action Climate Rally organizers, a group of young people concerned about their future and the future of generations to come. It was a bright rally of inspired talk and music, and one of a serious nature where people not only put in writing their concerns but suggested concrete solutions to the problem of global climate change as well.

These young “subversives” gathered there on a Saturday afternoon under a threatening sky at Chico’s downtown plaza reminded this photographer of the “hippies” of the 1960’s who were also subversives protesting the destruction of the environment and the violence of escalating wars. There in the plaza, it warmed my heart to see a few of these older subversives show up in support of their younger comrades.

Kaitlin Haley, organizer of the Climate Rally

Mark Herrera, exactly 29.6 years old is a local urban forest and climate change activist.

Mark Herrera

Music activists

Two generations of activism: Environmental, peace and social justice activist, Chris Nelson, stands along side Melody Leppard who was arrested for protesting tar sands extraction.

Steve and Susan Tchudi and Chris Nelson listen to speeches.

Rally organizer, Kaitlin Haley, and over 29.6 friend, Prof. Mark Stemen.

Enough said.