Community rallies in Redondo on International Women’s Day 

by Vanessa Poster

An estimated 500 women, men, and children gathered at the steps of the old Redondo Beach library, in Veterans Park, to commemorate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8.

The crowd included long-time feminist activists, supportive men, and families with kids wearing butterfly wings. 

The event was organized by Arnette Travis of the League of Women Voters Beach Cities, and Gloria Gutierrez of League of Women Voters Torrance Area.  Over 100 similar Women’s Marches were held throughout the country on March 8.

The invitation proclaimed, “We’re taking to the streets to fight the attacks against our rights, our bodies and our future. We will stand together, make our voices heard, and show the world that we are not backing down.”

Speakers included: 

• Gloria Gutierrez, President, League of Women Voters (LWV) of Torrance
• Grace S. Peng, Ph.D., Natural Resources Director, LWV LA County and Beach Cities
• Betty Leinen, President, South Bay LGBTQ Center 
• Merrietta Fong, South Coast Interfaith Council board member
• Joan Irvine, founder of Keep the Esplanade Beautiful and Redondo Beach Mayoral Candidate

Irvine was cheered when she decried those who called her “an old woman” during her Mayoral campaign. 

“There have only been three female Mayors in Redondo’s 133-year history, and it’s been 40 years since the last female Mayor. This needs to change. And it will only change when more women get involved.” 

(Irvine finished third out of 5 candidates when election results were finalized on March 13.) 

Peng covered issues from housing to transportation, the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

“Transportation is a climate and feminist issue…. Women, as primary caregivers, are paying the ‘time tax’ of chauffeuring people around,” Peng said.

“Our problems are multi-faceted and great. Do not suffer and despair alone. Find community as we are doing here today. You are not alone. Truth still matters. Find joy,” she urged the crowd.

Some may say that to go to such a rally is insignificant.  Beach Cities activist April Wayland spoke to the rally’s significance.

“It’s easy to get discouraged about the world—to feel overwhelmed and helpless. What can one person do?” she asked. “We can show up. I just met two women in their 50s who had never been involved in politics before and here they are on this sparkling day. You see hundreds of people of all ages and genders coming together peacefully. There’s so much determination, energy, and creativity here! This gives me hope.” ER