By Charly SHELTON

On April 22, Earth Day, the March for Science took place across the country. Locally, there were marches in Downtown Los Angeles, from Pershing Square to City Hall, and in Pasadena from Caltech to Memorial Park. Part protest, part demonstration, part show of solidarity, this march invited people from all walks of life to come out in support of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

With possible cuts coming in government funding in the areas of science, education and environmental programs, the crowds hoped to send a message to the powers-that-be to make plain the importance of science, the consideration of real facts as opposed to alternative ones, and the significance of education for young scientists yet-to-be. The protest signs carried on the 1.8 mile walk through Pasadena held similar messages: “Spend on Stars, not Wars,” “‘Insufficient facts always invite danger.’ – Mr. Spock” from Star Trek, and “I Speak for the Trees,” a reference to “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. A construction paper Truffla tree, also from “The Lorax,” was what many followed on the path through the city as it led the way. Marchers assembled on the lawn of Caltech’s Beckman Institute to hear speakers before the march and then more speakers took the stage at Memorial Park at the end of the walk. All shared messages of hope for the future if the importance of how science affects everyday life and the controversy and challenges of climate change are remembered.

For more information, visit marchforsciencela.com.

  Charly Shelton