CINDY, INCIDENTALLY:

When at the Venice Beach Boardwalk, it’s not unusual to see people preaching about anything and everything. There are still a few Hare Krishnas, roller bladers talking about the end of the world and there’s plenty of political rhetoric happening while you’re walking around trying to take a bite out of your Klondike Bar.

But Huntington Beach?

Saturday evening at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street was crowded with demonstrators for and against Proposition 8, an initiative proposed to eliminate same-sex marriages.

I stumbled upon the demonstration, not for a political reason, sadly, but because I was on a bike ride through the beach trail and trying to make it back to my car before it got dark.

While I stood and waited for the light to turn green, there was a trio of young women who looked like they were recent high school graduates. They each held “NO on 8” signs, passed out stickers and were in the awkward position of having to respond to drivers who would pull up to the curb and scream at the top of their lungs: “YES ON 8.”

It gave me the “it’s election season” tingly feeling, so I parked my bike and nosed around a bit to meet the people who were braving comments from the predominate “Yes on 8” community.

While standing with the group it felt very celebratory; as if people were honking, clapping and screaming in approval from their car windows. But often times when you looked closer, people in their cars would slow down long enough for you to see their thumbs pointing down or the cheering suddenly sounded like jeering and smiles were sneers.

It’s all part of the political fracas that both sides must endure, so, just to be clear: I’m not saying one side gets booed while the other doesn’t. Everyone is equally booed.

The three young women I met are all roommates from Huntington Beach who have become politically active in the last few weeks. Disappointed by the lack of “No on 8” signs in front lawns, they decided to organize a small rally, and it ended up being about 35 people from Huntington Beach who represent another voice in Orange County.

“Most of the people who come (to our rallies) are teenagers starting to realize they need to make the right choices for their future,” said Katrina Hill, 20.

Groups of young adults stood at corners with handmade signs that read “I thought Segregation was over” or “I didn’t vote on your marriage. Why should you vote on mine?” and “Honk for Equality.”

It was exciting to piggy back on this political passion that comes from people who dare to speak up regardless of how their position will be received.

For or against, gay or straight, Christian or agnostic, it’s great to see people — of all ages — have opinions and take the time to get involved.

CINDY ARORA is a freelance writer. She may be reached at [email protected].