Political and Social Commentary | A Picture's Worth

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.

The first half of Tuesday night’s Chico City council meeting was meant to honor retiring City Council members Mayor Scott Gruendl and Mary Goloff. But after Scott and Mary said their farewell speeches and the new conservative majority on the council elected Marc Sorensen as Mayor and Sean Morgan as Vice Mayor the demeaning insults began. It seems the Tea Party conservatives in the audience, not satisfied with getting the conservative council majority they longed for, had to go and lambast the departing mayor and the 3 remaining liberals left on the council. And as an unfortunate indicator of future behavior, new Mayor Sorenson did nothing to stop the uncivil remarks.

To hear and see failed council candidate Rodney Wills’ and “granny” Stephanie Taber’s comments check out this council meeting link. Their comments are at the very end of the meeting: http://chico-ca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=522

Supporters and friends of Scott gather at Grana restaurant before his last council meeting to thank him for his years of service to the city.

Mary Goloff’s departing speech.

Vice Mayor Sorenson reads from his notes thanking Scott for his many years as mayor and council member.

Scott gives his farewell speech from the citizens’ podium, not from the middle chair of the council seats.

Scott holds back tears.

Conservatives sworn in by City Clerk, Deborah Pressor.

Conservatives Andrew Coolidge, Reanette Fillmer and Mark Sorensen sworn in by City Clerk, Deborah Presson.