Local & Community
Dozens Rally in Beaumont for Women’s Reproductive Rights
“We can’t go back, this has been a right since 1973,” said Brenda Olivares, a resident of Palm Desert. “We shouldn’t be going backwards in time. We should be going forward.”
As federal judges prepare to hear arguments over state abortion laws, thousands across the country are rallying cries for women’s reproductive rights. The battle for reproductive rights reached Riverside County, with many gathering in solidarity with those affected by the restrictive Texas abortion law. Dozens of Coachella Valley residents rallied in Beaumont on Saturday.
“Today, we’re protesting specifically the Texas bill that bans abortion past six weeks,” Kathleen Ballew, the Women’s March event organizer. “It sets a precedent that we’re not going to accept.”
What is considered the nation’s most restrictive bans on abortion became a law in Texas. Under Senate Bill 8, the state bans abortions after six weeks, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Anyone who performs or aids a patient with an abortion can also be sued.
“It’s horrible. To me, it’s just people trying to control the women’s bodies,” said Olivares. “We have a place in society and we have a right to our own bodies.”
One step forward, and two steps back- that’s how many are describing the new law, implemented nearly 50 years after Roe V. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that protects a woman’s right to have an abortion.
“That was what? 40, 50 years ago and I can’t believe we’re out here trying to do the same thing again,” said Stephanie Austin, a resident of Palm Springs. “I find it really somewhat sad to think that we are fighting for our own rights again after all this time.”
Now, people who fought for Roe V. Wade decades ago said they’re fighting for those same rights.
“I’m not telling you what to do with yours, so I don’t want anyone telling me what to do with mine,” said Austin. “I think I’m perfectly intelligent enough to make up my mind about what to do with my own body. I don’t really think I need some other people, especially a group of men to tell me what to do with it.”
“It’s so important for women to have access to abortion, and it’s healthcare, and it should be left up to a woman and her doctor, and people should not be getting involved in it,” said Olivares. “Men don’t have any restrictions on their bodies.”
People shouted and drivers passing by honked their horns in support. At the same time, protestors say many people were not in favor of their movement.
“The support is amazing,” said Tanya Tassi, a resident of Cathedral City. “There’s people who disagree and that’s their right to disagree, and I’m okay with that as long as it’s respectful.”
They said the fight for reproductive rights is a battle that rages on.
“We’re not ready to lay down. We never have been and we won’t do it.” said Ballew. “Our voices need to be heard and people are ready to hear them.”
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 2, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃