An estimated 325 people gathered Oct. 2 in Redondo to march for fewer abortion restrictions.
The event coincided with others across the country in response to new laws in Texas and Mississippi.
The local march started at Veterans Park, proceeded south along Catalina Avenue for 1.5 miles and looped back to the park.
“Not the church, not the state, women must decide their fate!” voices chanted along the way.
Passing car horns honked.
Onlookers appeared on decks and front steps.
A man sped by on a scooter and raised a fist.
But not all observers were supportive.
“Abortion is murder!” yelled a man from an SUV.
The morning began with speakers at the park.
“We now have one of the most restrictive abortion laws ever as law in the state of Texas. The future of Roe v. Wade is at stake,” said State Assembly Rep. Al Muratsuchi (D-66th District). “I am not here just as your state representative, but also as a husband, and as a father of a 12-year-old daughter. We are here to fight not only for women’s rights but for our children and the future of our country.”
Redondo Beach Council Members Laura Emdee and Christian Horvath also spoke, along with Pastor Phillip Valdes of St. Paul’s United Methodist church — who included comments on LGBTQ bathroom rights — and the 14-year-old, eighth-grade president of the Parras Middle School Feminist Club.
“We won’t go back!” began chants as the march started to form.
The signs paraded south — “My arms are tired, I’ve been holding (this) since 1960;” ”Let’s talk about the (GOP) elephant in the womb;” “The Fempire Strikes Back;” “Pro-freedom, pro-justice, pro-choice;” “Texas: where a virus has reproductive rights and a woman doesn’t.”
A senior citizen applauded from a third-floor balcony.
The marchers stopped at Ruby Street to let pass four gray-haired surfers in wetsuits, their long boards overhead.
A large pickup with a U.S. flag and a Trump flag cruised the next block.
But there were no organized counter-protests. ER
