The 15th Annual San Luis Obispo Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event was held on April 29 out of the City of SLO’s Mission Plaza.
The event featured sponsored celebrity walkers as usual, with County Board of Supervisors members Adam Hill, Bruce Gibson and Lynn Compton joining in. The men of the SLO City Council, Aaron Gomez and Dan Rivore walked with around 200 guys registered for footwear that’s traditionally associated with the female persuasion, but many more brought their own. For the first year it in recent memory it seemed that women outnumbered men carrying signs, but the trend may be emblematic of more solidarity in the long run. Men made up a large contingent of the Women’s March held in SLO’s Downtown in January.
Now in it’s 15th year to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence across the gender spectrum, but with a focus on the struggles of women, the event became sponsored by the consolidated non-profit organization RISE four years ago. And they’ve grown. Starting in SLO, they’ve branched out to Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, and Cuesta College. City of Grover Beach Mayor john Shoals has also made it a tradition to take part in the events
SLO Mayor Heidi Harmon could not attend the event as a scheduled speaker, however organizers explained, “her best friend just went into labor.” SLO City Councilman Dan Rivoire stepped up in her stead with a story regarding his first attendance six years ago.
His wife Megan Rivoire, also happens to, “be with child,” but she’s been orchestrating the event with RISE for several years and was recognized for her efforts at the event.
The SLO City News wishes both mothers and children well as seems to be appropriate regarding an event that emphasizes community, empathy and celebration of life.
– Story and Photos by Camas Frank
