10 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - A tax day "tea party" to protest government spending and tax increases was held at the State Capitol Wednesday, drawing thousands of people from across Northern California.
The event was one of hundreds held in cities across the nation to protest government spending, bailouts and other issues in Washington, D.C., as well as Sacramento. Promoted by conservative groups, organizers called the rallies "tea parties," a reference to the Boston Tea Party.
Carrying signs that expressed their opposition to taxes, people like Jeremy Fabila of Sacramento felt compelled to participate in the protest.
"You can't save an economy by spending more money. You've got to save money first," said Fabila, referring to the Obama administration's stimulus package.
Debbie Porter of Grass Valley sported a "tea party" hat complete with tea bags stapled to the rim of her straw hat.
"I'm tired of it. I think we've all been so quiet assuming everyone in office, whether we elect them or not, is going to try to do the right thing. It's become very obvious that a lot of them aren't," said Porter.
The protest at the Capitol was the largest of several gatherings in the Sacramento area. Nearby towns like Vacaville and Lodi hosted more modest protests, though attendees were every bit as passionate.
"I am watching the America I know and love disappear in front of me, and it's disappearing so quickly," said Marilyn Goyette of Lodi, a tea bag hanging from her glasses.
"It's going to affect everyone," she said, talking about government spending. "It isn't just going to affect Democrat or Republican, it's going to affect an Independent, a Libertarian, and they don't see it coming yet."
In Vacaville, 16 year-old Natalie Erickson was attending her second protest after first going to the Capitol gathering.
"I believe this is a great cause to stand up for, and protest against," she said.
The demonstrations took place as Republican Gov. Schwarzenegger, Democratic leaders and some taxpayer and business groups urge support for Proposition 1A.
That's the measure on the May 19 special election ballot that would extend the sales and income tax increases the governor and Legislature approved in February. Some of the tax revenue would be earmarked for a state reserve fund.
State leaders also cut more than $15 billion from state programs as part of a plan to close the state's nearly $42 billion budget deficit.
Tax Returns - Post Offices
Speaking of tax day, the U.S. Post Office at 3775 Industrial Boulevard in West Sacramento will be open for mailing tax returns up to midnight Wednesday.
In Stockton, the post office at 3131 Arch Airport Road will also stay open to midnight for last-minute filers.
News10/KXTV
