More than 15K people join Women’s March Santa Cruz County

Thousand gathered in front of Santa Cruz City Hall, showing strength in numbers as they took over downtown Santa Cruz.

“By engaging our community and engaging the public we will let our elected officials know that we’re here,” said Women’s March Santa Cruz County Coordinator Cynthia Hawthorne. “We’re loud and we’re not going to go away.”

With provocative pink hats and signs, the Women’s March was a scene repeated all over the world.

“People are kind of waking up and going yes we have to be involved,” said protestor Bill Lipson.

Protestors told KION everything from Trump’s sexual comments to attacks on women’s reproductive rights has made them angry and afraid.

“I’ve gotten a lot of help from Planned Parenthood, so I think that whole de-funding thing kind of scares me,” said Brooke Barger of Santa Cruz.

“It feels like we’re going backwards and that’s what scares me,” said Kelly Dittoe of San Diego.

Ninety-nine year old Sohpia Diskan sang the same tune. She marched for women’s equality when she was younger.

“I am afraid that under the government with Trump in control that women will not get their rights,” said Diskan.

Protestors also said they’re not just fighting for women’s rights but equality for all.

“To acknowledge all the contributions that immigrants, particularly Mexican immigrants, have given to this country,” said protestor Yolanda Henry.

While many protestors may not want this to be the end, they say they’re not quite sure what the next step is.

“There’s going to be a lot more women in the government because of this,” said Jody Royee of Carmel Valley. “People are going to start taking action and the white male privilege is going to be going away.”

Santa Cruz Police said there were no incidents of violence or vandalism from the crowd.