Support rallies for Ukraine taking place on the Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Signs of support are being shown throughout the Central Coast for the people of Ukraine embroiled in a war with Russia since last week.
In a rally Monday at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson said in a bull horn, "We are here to support those who want freedom. Those who want truth. Those who want peace. That is who we are!"
She went on to say Russian President Vladamir Putin, "is a thug, he is evil and if had his way he would be controlling all of Eastern Europe."
Many made home made signs, and heard stories from those who have connections to Ukraine both in their family past and in the present day.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley who has family history in the region said, "the Russians are going into Ukraine and killing Ukranian people, women and children."
A former Ukranian resident, Tatyana Taruta said, "they are bombing hospitals, ICU's for children. It is just impossible to imagine what they are doing in Ukraine, this is just war crimes."
The World Dance for Humanity group put on a traditional Ukranian performance and held hands.
These kinds of rallies have growing significantly in the last few days and people even on a grassroots level feel like they are making a large difference.
Oxsana Yakushko, a former Ukraine resident said, "we as adults need a space to cry and then a space to act and support each other and absorb how the world is amazingly coming together."
Passersby showed their support with horn honking as the rally went to the curb line.
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams said, "we are not powerless as human beings, we even in the vastness of this world and geo politics we can make a difference."
Information on what people can do to support aid groups was also available.
Saturday a group gathered, sang and marched in the downtown promenade. Another rally is set for this weekend. The site has not been determined, but will be announced later in the week.
