Are you coming? Be there at the Square
April 5 demonstrations all over Sonoma County
We are all Penguins here
By Sabra Briere
If ever we were to embrace a mascot for our movement, I’d nominate the penguin. Oh, sure, they are flightless birds, but they do an amazing job of dealing with harsh conditions. They work collectively. And clearly, penguins protect the group, and the young.
And they don’t pay tariffs.
Tomorrow, April 5, is our day to show up and shout out. Here are the Sonoma County area protests:
Sonoma: 10 am - 12 noon
Sebastopol: 10 am - 12 noon
Calistoga: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Napa: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Cloverdale (and Caravan!) 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Guerneville 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
And
Hands Off! Indivisible Sonoma County Fights Back
3 – 5pm PDT
If you are coming to Santa Rosa’s Hands OFF rally, here’s what you need to know:
1. Dress for the day.
It’s expected to be in the low to mid 70s. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and if you need to sit, bring a portable chair. Signs are encouraged! We’ll have some extras on hand, along with poster boards and markers, and poster sized stickers to choose from, but those tables may get busy—so if you have something to say, bring it on a sign!
2. Downtown amenities
You may be hunting a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, a place to sit down, a bathroom. There will be some port-a-potties and food trucks at Old Courthouse Square as part of the Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market (see #3). Some of the coffee shops will stay open late to serve people at this rally (hooray!). The library will be open. The rally lasts for 2 hours, but plan to be downtown for 3 hours or so.
3. Know the space.
We’re a big group, so we’ll be gathering on the sidewalk along Third Street. Please note: Courthouse Square will still be active with the Farmers’ Market and Makers’ Market (over 80 booths and food carts!), so come early and enjoy the day. Our trained volunteers will help guide you to safe and appropriate areas.
4. Parking tips.
Downtown Santa Rosa doesn’t offer free parking, so plan ahead. Plan to arrive early and stay late, if possible.
Handicapped parking — if you have a placard, you can park free at any metered spot. Nearby parking will always be difficult. Carpooling with friends who can drop you off is the best plan (see below).
There are metered lots and structures nearby. Here are some helpful links:
• Street-level metered lots (2nd & E streets is the closest)
5. Carpool if you can.
Fill your car with friends or neighbors—it’s better for the environment, the parking situation, and the vibe! One couple with mobility limitations is getting dropped off by friends who will park and then reunite for the rally. Great idea—do something like that if you can.
6. Drop off protocols
If you are dropping people off, please use Third Street access for those with limited mobility or who are bringing chairs, and Fourth Street access for those who can walk a distance. The two streets flanking Old Courthouse Square will not be readily available for transit between Third and Fourth.
7. Use public transportation
Old Courthouse Square is 1 block north of Santa Rosa Transit Mall and an easy, nearly flat 1/2 mile walk east of the Downtown Santa Rosa SMART train.
8. Look for the helpers
There will be many of us around to help make this event work. Look for people wearing bright yellow safety vests. These volunteers can help you get situated, find a bathroom, contact other help if you need it.
Look for people with turquoise parasols. These people can answer questions about the music, the speakers, and Indivisible. We will be there with you.
Yes, the police will be there for emergencies. Let us NOT have emergencies. OK?
9. Accessibility matters.
The volunteers in yellow vests will be on hand to assist anyone who uses canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Bring a chair if you need one. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help—we want everyone to feel welcome and supported.
10. Stay on the sidewalks.
The streets will be open to traffic. For safety, we’re asking everyone to stay off the road unless directed otherwise by our team or city officials.
11. Rally spirit: strong and kind.
There will be music. There will be speakers. There will be passion.
But this is also serious. Bring patience, bring smiles, and bring your determination. We’re here because we’re fed up with a government that thinks it can put its hands on our rights—and we’re saying HANDS OFF.
12. Use your outside voices.
This is the time to be loud, proud, and heard.
We can’t wait to stand beside you.
See you April 5!
In Solidarity,
The April 5 Event Team
It was an amazing turnout at the Santa Rosa courthouse square. This is what democracy looks like!
I am absolutely going to be there with 5 friends...looking forward to it!!!