More than 1,000 registered nurses will march to Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman's house in her hometown of Atherton today to protest what the California Nurses Association has characterized as an "offensive attack" against them.
"Since Meg Whitman refuses to talk directly to nurses, without the filter of her handlers and high-priced consultants, our members are coming to deliver a message to her: RNs and CNA will not be pushed around or bullied like one of her subordinates or subjects," said Malinda Markowitz, RN and co-president of the CNA.
The CNA claims that Whitman has attacked them with unsolicited phone calls, mailers, and press attacks after the 85,000-member state labor organization endorsed democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown.
Whitman, who started a website dedicated to nurses, claims on that website that the CNA started the negative campaign against her, and has been misleading the public about where she stands on healthcare issues.
On Monday, Meg Whitman addressed a letter to "California Nurse" in which she attempts to clarify her perspective on pertinent healthcare issues, and inviting nurses to join a special campaign advisory board.
About 25 to 30 police officers from the Atherton Police Department, as well as police from other agencies including Redwood City and San Carlos, will be present at the protest, Atherton police Lt. Joe Wade said.
He added that having a 1,000-person protest is unusual for the small and normally quiet city of Atherton.
Police urge residents to avoid Oak Grove Avenue between Middlefield Road and Greenoaks Drive, as well as Toyon Road and Edge Road, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Nurses plan to gather at 24 Edge Road in Atherton at 12:15 p.m., and then a speaking forum will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Canada College quad at 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. in Redwood City.
Bay City News
