‘Resist, Reimagine, and Revolutionize,’ Says Coalition Against Trump

Representatives from more than 20 Santa Barbara organizations, galvanized by Donald Trump’s election, gathered Friday evening on the Westside to mark the beginning of a collaborative movement. So new it has yet to be named, the coalition formed as a follow up to the march on Saturday, November 12, that brought together more than 2,000 people to protest the president-elect’s policies that would harm immigrants and other vulnerable groups.

“Through this unintended political consequence, we can bring out the energy that people have around these issues,” said Nayra Pacheco, a seasoned organizer who helped facilitate Friday’s meeting. “These are people who are coming together that traditionally don’t, and now they are reaching out and making time” she added. El Centro was filled to capacity, with people standing out the door, and college students, high school students, community members, mothers with their children, and older folk all present and eager to organize.

Whilst a large assembly, time was allotted for each individual to introduce themselves, their respective organizations, and to voice their concerns. “Listening to each other is important right now,” said Pacheco. Moving through introductions, the group composed a list of what they deemed to be the most pertinent issues — immigration, equity for Santa Barbara, environmental issues, and so on.