Bay Area to rally for peace
on Iraq war anniversary

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

March 18, 2006

Communities in the Bay Area are joining demonstrators around the world today in marking the third anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq.

From anti-war marches to community vigils, thousands of Bay Area residents are expected to take to the streets today and send a message to end the conflict.

In San Francisco, two protests organized by International A.N.S.W.E.R., Act Now To Stop War and End Racism, are expected to draw thousands to the Civic Center for a rally and march through the Tenderloin and Union Square areas. The marches are expected to begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Across the bay in Oakland, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, will hold a town-hall meeting addressing the war in Iraq. The meeting is expected to begin at 9 a.m. in the Grand Lake Theater.

A "Stop the War in Iraq" march is expected to stop traffic in Walnut Creek when protesters gather at 11 a.m. near the Walnut Creek Bay Area Rapid Transit station.

In Palo Alto, the Peninsula Peace and Justice Center is planning a peace rally and march at noon to commemorate the third anniversary.

And in Clayton, members of St. John's Episcopal Church invite others to join a community peace vigil at 7:30 p.m. to mark the beginning of the war and pray for peace.

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