SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Hundreds took to the streets at Balboa Park on Saturday afternoon to learn more about one Democratic presidential hopeful. Many in attendance said they were unfamiliar with candidate Bernie Sanders, so they met up for a rally and a march to discuss his campaign issues.
"It’s helping to get the word out because there are not a lot of people who know who Bernie is, I didn't know who he was until August myself,” said supporter Ellen Harris.
Members of Progressive Democrats of San Diego put on the event hoping to strum up support for Sanders.
"I think people are really fed up that our elected officials are so easily bought to do the bidding of these rich corporate elites, and I think that's what really brings people out today," said Jose Caballero, Progressive Democrats Of San Diego.
Supporters came from as far as Orange County. Former U.S. Congress candidate Ray Lutz emceed the event. After a series of speeches covering environmental issues, education and minimum wage, the crowd marched down El Prado to 6th Avenue holding signs and chanting “Bernie.”
One San Diegan even drove his Bernie-blue wrapped car across the country to raise awareness for the Sanders campaign.
"I covered my Tesla Model S 60 in Bernie because I really want Bernie to be our next president,” said car owner Paul Sasso.
"It grabs their attention, and people are excited about the car, so I hope it’ll help him," Sasso said.
The car was featured on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and for each person who posts a picture of Sasso's car online, Sasso has promised to donate $1 to the Sanders' campaign.