Chico Peace and Justice Center

September 21, 2010
Chico City Coucil Chambers

Mayor Ann Schwab designated October 2, 2010 the 50th Anniversary of the Chico Peace Movement at the September 21st City Council Meeting.

In 1960, the founder of the Chico Peace and Justice Center, Willamina Taggart, began a weekly vigil to pray for peace at the building site for Titan missile silos in north Chico. Willa was soon joined by Florence McLane, and Helen Kinnee. After the silos were closed, they moved their peace vigil to Third and Main Streets, where it continues to this day. That effort fifty years ago marks the beginning of the Chico Peace Movement.  The exact date was chosen because that was Wilhelmina and Gandhi's birthday.

As you know, peace is more than the absence of war.  Peace includes economic fairness, and environmental protection, cultural respect and interpersonal sensitivity.  Peace includes all of the activities we do to make the world a better place for future generations.  As a result, we will honor all of the people, organizations and movements that have participated in this work.