Parents protest district vaccine, mask requirements

PROTESTING FOR A CAUSE: MBUSD students and parents gathered around Costa’s administration building on Oct. 18 to protest mask and vaccine mandates. Photo courtesy of Emily Von Buttlar

By McLean Grimes, Staff Writer

And Jenna Walter, Staff Writer

Members of the Costa community took part in a statewide school walkout on Oct. 18 to protest vaccine and mask requirements.

Students, parents and administrators gathered outside Costa’s administration office to participate in the walkout and held up signs promoting mask and vaccine freedom.

“There were people at the front of the school on the sidewalk with signs saying things like ‘my child my choice’ and chanting. I found it kinda strange that there were only older people and not many high school students,” sophomore Ellie Penczar said.

This statewide walkout took place in cities from San Francisco to San Diego. The largest protest took place in Sacramento, where thousands stood at the State Capitol building.

“I have never in my life felt so strongly about something that moved me,” rally attendee Kathy Beckwith said. “My son made a sign for me that read ‘Unmask my 7-year-old at recess.’ I have never been more proud and saddened by a piece of poster board.”

The MBUSD protest was not as significant as others in California, as the vaccine rate in the South Bay is at 90%. Therefore, the protest wasn’t as widely recognized within the Costa community, according to Mira Costa English teacher Lindsey Valbuena.

“I don’t know how impactful this specific protest was because of the lack of knowledge of it. This doesn’t mean the voices weren’t heard, but I know not many people knew it had happened,” Valbuena said.

In light of California’s recently announced plan for a vaccine rollout in children aged five to 11, protesters wanted to stop the mandate to ensure freedom of choice.

“I agree with the protesters, and I think vaccination should be a choice,” sophomore Luke Fraunces said.

The protest wasn’t advertised well, according to Beckwith, which was apparent in the lack of supporters present at the rally.

“My arms hurt, but I held that board high along Artesia in the hopes that someone would hear [my son,]” Beckwith said. “Unfortunately, very few did. Or they did, and they didn’t care. [My kids] think no one at MBUSD is listening to them—preferring them to just ‘mask up and take it.’ One way or another, my kids won’t be masked at recess very soon.”