Which one of the following items is not essential for the No Kings Rally?
a) Hat or visor
b) Water bottle
c) Sunscreen
d) Protest sign
The answer is… D. You’re welcome at the rally without a sign. But a hat, water bottle and sunscreen are important for your well being. Please bring them.
And bring a chair if standing a long time is difficult for you.
Bring a snack, too, if you can’t tolerate a late lunch. We expect to be back in Ashland by 1pm. In fact, protesters can return home whenever they’ve had enough. Just don’t leave without all your passengers if you’re a driver! We’re going to look out for each other.
If you plan to meet at RVUUF to carpool with that group, please arrive around 9am. We’ll leave promptly at 9:15am. And we’ll meet up at the Umpqua Bank, 1211 E McAndrews Rd, at 10:30 for a group photo.
Be flexible. We could have unexpected traffic, parking problems, or road closures. Several RVUUF members attended a “walk through” on Wednesday evening and reported that the Rogue Valley Mall does not want protesters parking there. It’s good we’re going early because parking might be easier.
FIRST I’ll go north on Biddle and turn right into the giant parking lot behind Boot Barn. That lot goes left and leads all the way to McAndrews, directly across the street from Umpqua Bank, where we’re going to meet. It includes a big lot by Bi-Mart. I’ll look for parking there. THEN, if I don’t find a spot I’ll drop off my passengers (and my sign), drive to the mall, park by an actual entrance to the mall where my car won’t be conspicuous, and walk from there. Maybe I’ll park by that cookie shop (Entrance 3) and buy a treat when I return – so I really am a customer!
Organizers also reported remarkable preparations: 6 RNs will be on duty, Medford Police Dept is cooperating, and RVUUF member Teresa Wilson will be among the many crossing guards. They all say, “Be safe! Stay out of the streets!”
At the picnic last week, lots of people asked about the rally. It was obvious they hadn’t read about it in News to Note. So please share this blog post with anyone who might like to join us!