Ralph Nader at People's March for Economic Justice

2nd ANNUAL PEOPLE'S MARCH TO FEATURE RALPH NADER, KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Santa Barbara (CA) Santa Barbara's 2nd Annual People's March for Economic Justice will present a week of events culminating with a major march and rally followed by a lecture and book signing by former Green Party Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader on Saturday April 27, 2002.

Mr. Nader will give a press conference followed by a lecture and book signing at UCSB's Isla Vista Theatre, co-sponsored by the UCSB Associated Students Environmental Affairs Board. Mr. Nader's latest book is Crashing the Party, (St. Martin's Press, 2002).

The People's March is an event bringing together progressive groups and individuals throughout the Santa Barbara region to show solidarity with one another, to learn from each other, and to educate the public about a variety of economic and social justice issues. This year's March is made possible through a grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara and the work and contributions of a broad coalition of organizations.

The first March featured live music, performers, an array of speakers, including environmentalist Julia Butterfly Hill, the head of the So-Cal ACLU, representatives from the United Farm Workers, Korean Immigrant Workers' Association and the Carpinteria Tenants' Union, amongst others. Local media reported that over 1000 marchers attended the march, which wound its way through a busy State Street and concluded at the Sunken Gardens of the SB County Courthouse. According to one organizer, Ted Coe, "Last year's turnout is strong evidence of the very real economic problems in the Santa Barbara community and the desire to do something about them. With the exciting announcement of Mr. Nader's participation, we fully expect an even stronger showing on April 27th."

This year's march will begin at noon April 27 at Ortega Park. The date's proximity to May 1st was chosen to highlight the March's connection to the venerable tradition of May Day celebrations around the world.

For information on the People's March events, Mr. Nader's book signing and press conference, contact Jessica Taft, (805) 683-2231, http://www.peoplesmarch.org.

For information on Mr. Nader's talk April 27 at the Isla Vista Theatre, co-sponsored by UCSB's Environmental Affairs Board, contact Nicole LaCount, (805) 968-5655.