On March 16, 2009, twenty-nine Shasta College students and faculty boarded a bus to the state capitol. They then met up with two students and one more administrator (Dr. Keith Brookshaw) in Sacramento for a total of 31 representatives from Shasta College. There was only one bus (driven by the amazing Dave), but as it turns out that was all that was necessary. The bus was paid for by the Shasta College Student Senate.
The success of this event is a direct result of the passionate representation of the more than 3,500 attending students. Here are some facts to demonstrate the success of the march:
(From an e-mail from Chris Younger, Region 1 Senator and Student Trustee):
* Over 3500 students from across the State were involved in the rally
* We marched over 1.4 miles
* The line of students Marching went from the Capitol all the way back to Raley Field
* The protest was very well organized by the Student Senate of California Community Colleges
* The Sacramento Police had to close all of the Crossing streets for Safety of the Students
* The Lt. Governor, as well 3 different Assembly persons spoke to the crowd
* The Speeches went on for over 1 1/2 hours
* After the main demonstration was done, a large number of students went into the Capitol to speak to their legislators
* After the main event Abel Ramoz, Region 1 Senator Brian Corcoran (Butte College), Chris Younger and others were able to go in and have a sit down discussion with our Assemblyman Dan Logue
This event was special for many reasons, not the least of which was the sheer volume of student and faculty support. There were a number of bold and impassioned speakers that talked about everything from cultural diversity in California and how that impacts education to the budget crisis and the affordability of Community Colleges. The speakers were diverse in ethnicity, gender, and background, covering a wide demographic and demonstrating the diversity found within the California Community College system. Despite threatening weather, all students and supporters (including many students from the UC and CSU campus's) remained dedicated to the task. The community of Sacramento was very supportive - the police were good natured and helpful, the people were encouraging - to the best of my knowledge there were no problems. (qtd. Dan Kinney, SCSS President)
