More than 500 people came together Wednesday evening at the County Courthouse for a candlelight vigil in support of Californian Cindy Sheehan, mother of a soldier who died in Iraq. Sheehan is currently camping on the road to President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Tex. The gathering was one of more than 1,600 nationwide vigils held simultaneously in cities across the country. Veterans for Peace hosted the local event, with the help of Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum and former assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson. “Sadly, our worst fears and expectations have been realized,” said Jackson. “It’s time we stood out as a people and helped honor the voice of Cindy Sheehan and the voices of the parents who’ve lost their children in this war.” A moment of silence was followed by a march out to the sidewalks along Figueroa Street where participants stood, candles in hand, to protest the war in Iraq and demand accountability from President Bush and his administration.
