Bay Area Schools and Businesses Join National Day of Action

On March 15, 2024, a significant event known as the ‘National Day of Action’ is set to take place across the Bay Area. This initiative encourages individuals to refrain from shopping, attending school, or going to work in solidarity with demonstrators in Minnesota. The movement has gained momentum following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who was killed by federal agents during an incident in Minneapolis the previous weekend.

In a poignant gathering on Thursday evening, community members assembled near the Veterans Affairs facility in Menlo Park to honor Pretti’s memory. Many attendees expressed their outrage and sorrow over the incident. One protester stated, “For me, it was seeing a fellow federal worker getting murdered in the street and seeing nothing from the administration.” This sentiment resonates with many who feel compelled to take action in light of the circumstances.

Solidarity Actions Across the Bay Area

Several organizations are backing the National Day of Action, including Veterans for Peace, Raging Grannies, and local chapters of government employee unions. Federal workers, who are unable to strike, view this day as a crucial opportunity to make their voices heard. San Francisco resident Josh Zeier reflected on the emotional impact of Pretti’s death, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much over someone I never met. It was really important to say something and to do something to honor his memory and to speak to the values that we hold as people who work in healthcare.”

In anticipation of the event, numerous small businesses across the region are choosing to close their doors. From a running store in Burlingame to Arizmendi Bakery in Oakland, business owners are participating in the day’s activities. Adrien Sanderson, a worker and owner at Arizmendi, shared, “We felt that these small inconveniences were so insignificant compared to what is actually happening in the country. It is the least we can do to manage these inconveniences in order to stand in solidarity.”

Community Response and Future Actions

The demonstrations aim to highlight the collective grief and anger surrounding Pretti’s death while advocating for broader social justice issues. One organizer noted that such gatherings feel inspiring, showcasing the best of humanity, especially when facing difficult times. The National Day of Action represents an intersection of community solidarity, remembrance, and a push for accountability from authorities.

As the day approaches, the impact of this movement is felt not only in the Bay Area but across the nation, as communities rally together to demand justice and change. For those wishing to participate, the call to action is clear: stand in solidarity by refraining from daily activities and engaging in peaceful demonstrations.