The map of the march. (Benicia March for Our Lives/Facebook)

Upwards of 1,000 people could rally in the March for Our Lives Rally this Saturday in Benicia.
In response to the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., Never Again MSD and Everytown for Gun Safety are organizing several demonstrations to call for legislative action on gun control and support victims of gun violence. While Benicia is not as large as some of the other cities hosting marches, it will still have a march of its own.
Starting around 10 a.m., the march will make its way down First Street and end at the gazebo in City Park. Various speakers like elected officials, educators, and community leaders will give speeches centered on gun violence. Among those slated to speak are Benicia High students and teachers, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown, Assemblymember Tim Grayson and Sen. Bill Dodd. There will be tables set up for people to vote and local groups to disseminate information about the area. Live music is expected to be a part of the march as well.
“It’s a small window to pull this altogether between the permits and insurance,” Sheri Zada, an organizer for the Benicia March for Our Lives, said. “We’ve gotten wonderful donations. The march is a little window to help continue this effort for common sense laws. It’s happening, and I’m very excited to be a part of this.”
Planning for the march began when Zada made a post in the Facebook group “Benicia Happenings,” asking if people would be interested in putting a march together. Zada said she got positive responses which lead to her forming a committee. Along with fellow committee members such as Marilyn Scrutchins, Roger Straw and Vice Mayor Steve Young, work began to form on the Benicia March for Our Lives.
Committee members have been in contact with groups like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety, but Zada said Benicia’s youth have really taken action in spreading the word about the march through social media like Twitter and Instagram. Benicia kids are very invested in the march, Zada said, and committee members want them to lead it.
“We can make a change,”  Shannon Sweeney, Benicia High senior class president, said in a statement. “We need to bring this change to the ballot box. We must demand it from our legislators. We are the future voters. We will not accept their complacency or corruption, and if it continues we will replace them.”
“Too many lives have been lost due to gun violence,” BHS student Christopher Weldon said in a statement.  “It is time for our voices to be heard: it is time for every person to stand up, demand sensible gun laws of our legislators, and say ‘Never Again.'”
The march will start at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24 near the Southern Pacific Train Depot. First Street will be closed, but free parking is available along B Street, in the dirt parking lot at the corner of East 2nd and East E streets and on any of the side streets. Participants are encouraged to bring signs, be respectful and non-confrontational.
A Pre-March Sign Making Workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at Arts Benicia, located at 991 Tyler St. Suite No. 114. Attendees are asked to bring their ideas and friends to the event, where they will be creating signs to carry during the march. Wearing grubby clothes is recommended.
For more information on the Benicia March for Our Lives, go to Facebook.com/groups/529647794085732/.

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