On Saturday, April 4, 2025, Santa Barbara joined citizens in every U. S. state and others abroad who rallied to tell the Trump/Musk regime: “Hands Off!” People packed De La Guerra Plaza for a rally, followed by a march that ended at West Beach for the culminating event of the day: a ‘human sign,’ organized by The Society of Fearless Grandmothers-SB, along with allies from Indivisible Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Women’s March.
We are deeply grateful for the sense of community this event demonstrated, sharing our love for our country and our deep concern for our democracy. Although fear for our future inspired many to rally, there was a peaceful, joyful sense of solidarity at the gathering. This bodes well for the future of activism in Santa Barbara.
As activist author Rebecca Solnit has said, “Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism. And when you face a politics that aspires to make you fearful, alienated and isolated, joy is a fine initial act of insurrection.”
