J20 Mock-Inauguration and Press Conf, SF Fed Bldg

San Francisco (January 20, 2005): Continuing the “Not Our President!” national day of protest into the afternoon, Not in Our Name Sonoma County staged a "mock inauguration" in front of the San Francisco Federal Building. This allowed those that couldn’t travel to Washington DC to “turn their backs” to Bush here as well.

Immediately following the protest theater, Not In Our Name Bay Area held a press conference and community speak out. Speakers included:

* Tanya Mayo, National Co-Organizer, Not in Our Name Project
* Valery Reyalzga, Justice for Janitors Campaign (SEIU)
* Amy Moy, Director of Community Affairs - Planned Parenthood Golden Gate
* Samina Faheem Sundas, President/Founder, American Muslim Voice
* A statement by musician/activist Michael Franti read by Marijane, Not in Our Name Bay Area organizer
* Susan Lamont, Not in Our Name Sonoma County (no photo)

After the speakers, the mic was opened and many in the crowd stepped forward to describe the many ways their communities are affected by Bush's policies.

Amy Moy of Planned Parenthood Golden Gate, reading a statement from Diane J. Harrison, President and CEO Planned Parenthood Golden Gate said: "Planned Parenthood Golden Gate is proud to stand in solidarity with ANSWER and Not in Our Name to oppose the second term of the Bush Administration. During his first term, the President waged many unjust wars, including an alarming war on women in America and around the world...we call on the Bush administration to cease and desist their war on reproductive freedom and other civil liberties and human rights."

Not in Our Name Bay Area joins Planned Parenthood and dozens of groups around to march and rally for women's rights and health on Saturday January 22 in San Francisco.

For many, the day of protest had began before 7am as a dozen large “Not Our President” banners were displayed over busy freeways from Santa Rosa to San Jose. (http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/01/1715919.php).

Later that evening, Not in Our Name staged a 4pm pre-march of a couple of hundred people from Powell and Market to the ANSWER initiated “Stop the War! Fight the Right!” rally at Civic Center at 5pm. About 6,000 later marched down Market Street for a night rally on the Embarcadero.