Backers of legal reforms benefiting illegal immigrants flocked by the thousands to California rallies today, boycotting jobs and businesses to demonstrate economic power. Throngs gathered at the state Capitol in Sacramento, marched on Oakland's
International Boulevard and filled blocks of Broadway in downtown Los Angeles,
creating a sea of red, white and blue as they waved American flags.
Morning rush-hour traffic in usually congested Southern California was mostly light as people either supported the boycott or just stayed away to avoid possible traffic tie-ups.
In San Diego County, some businesses are closed as employees and customers stay home in support of the boycott. Several motels and hotels offered their employees free lodging last night to ensure their staff would be on the job this morning.
Dozens of people rallied for immigrant rights in front of Escondido City Hall this morning, including Grace Montoya, who says it's time to treat immigrants with respect.
At the normally busy border crossing in Tijuana, traffic was a trickle compared to the normally clogged lanes. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson says there was a noticeable business slowdown at American-owned stores:
San Diego School District officials are tallying their attendance figures, although some teachers at San Diego High School observed smaller classes than normal.
San Diego City employee labor leaders say fewer people than usual are on the job today. (click "listen" icon to hear more)
