Traffic Stopped for Governor's Walk
Jan 12, 2023 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Michele Townsend
Governor Gavin Newsom walks across Tower Bridge with wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and children Hunter, Brooklynn, Dutch and Montana.
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Traffic was stopped at 5th St. and Tower Gateway, near Sutter Park, and rerouted to the I Street bridge on the morning of Friday, January 6, as many gathered to walk across the Tower Bridge with Governor Gavin Newsom. Supporters for the Governor waited behind barricades and temporary fences for Newsom and his family to make their entrance. Crossing was not allowed on the bridge and the area was lined with West Sac Police, California Highway Patrol and Secret Service to ensure that even pedestrians were directed to the I Street Bridge.
Among the roughly 200 people waiting to walk in support of the Governor were Lt Governor Eleni Kounalakis, a large group of legislators, and the River City High School Drumline. Governor Newsom enjoyed the drumline performance during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and invited them to be a part of the activities.
Also included in the crowd were members of the Carpenters Union, both North and South. Nor Cal Carpenter Union Executive Officer Jay Bradshaw explained why they were there to support the Governor on his inaugural day.
“There are many reasons we are here to support the Governor, but a couple of big ones are his support for smart transportation and housing solutions. Also, his respect for the working class, job creation. Where we’re standing, he has shown us through action.”
He continued, “Our relationship with the Governor is viable, you know. We don’t ask him to solve all of our problems. We talk about what’s affecting the working class overall.” Bradshaw continued to list reasons for being there in support.
“The housing problem in California has affected many other things, like transportation, childcare, employment… and the Governor and his team have been coming up with viable solutions,” he said.
Bradshaw, who is also on the California Transportation Commission, was soon joined by Commissioner Lee Ann Eager who agreed about the transportation advances.
Supporters were directed where they would be situated during the walk, and afterwards a few speakers expressed some encouraging words to get the crowd pumped up. A rehearsal chant was also practiced which was later performed when they got close to the Capitol.
With all participants properly lined up, Governor Newsom’s family held hands and smiled as the entire group walked from West Sacramento, across Tower Bridge and to the Capitol lawn in front of the Capitol, where his second inauguration ceremony began.
