'Let our kids breathe': Group takes no-mask message to Placer Co. Office of Education

A mask-off public rally, called by Informed Parents of California on Facebook just a few days ago, touched down in Auburn on Monday. A group that included parents and kids raised signs, waved and cheered when a passing vehicle honked in approval, and didn't wear masks as they stood in front of the Placer County Office of Education on Nevada Street. Alyssa Adington of Auburn said the statewide rally touched 20 counties. "It was created for the state, and it's breaking off," she said shortly after the rally began. The message? "To get masks off kids," said Adington, accompanied by 6-year-old daughter Parker. Placer County is under state requirements and adhering to California Department of Public Health guidance, according to Health and Human Services Public Information Officer Katie Combs-Prichard in an email to the Auburn Journal. CDPH reopening in-person instruction framework states, "Students in all grade levels K-12 are required to wear face coverings at all times, while at school, unless exempted." Said Adington, "There's no proven science (masks) should be on (kids). We just don't believe it's good for their health. We're trying to get the county's attention, hopefully the Office of Education, the Office of Health." The initial gathering of 40 to 50 grew less than an hour into the rally. "I am happy," Adington said. "I was expecting 15 to 20." Among them were Karen Beem of Auburn and Kim Kolitsch of Meadow Vista. Beem, carrying a sign that read, "We don't need no stinking mask," said, "It's an injustice to have to wear a mask and not have our freedom to choose. It's causing more fear. … It's ridiculous." While horns were the norm, one passing driver gave the group a thumb down. Other signs read "No more masks," "Don't mask their immune system," "Pro face," "Give the kids a choice" and more. The CDPH framework states, "Participants in youth and adult sports should wear face coverings when participating in the activity, even with heavy exertion as tolerated, both indoors and outdoors." Kolitsch held a sign that read, "Let our kids breathe." She said kids should have the choice. "It should be an option, especially outside," Kolitsch said. "That's our main concern, when they're exercising, when it's hot." Retired Auburn Union School District teacher Pat Pestoni attended the rally to support "giving people the right to mask if they choose." Pestoni said she no longer can mask all day physically. "It took away my job," she said. Michael Babich, Ph.D., of Auburn attended the rally and supports taking off masks "on the basis of science." "Looking at the data, since the summer, we have multiple data sources (showing) masks are not needed and in fact may cause some harm," he said.