Watsonville teens promote peace against gang violence

Residents in Watsonville are calling for peace and unity during a time of crisis. Hundreds of people gathered at a local middle school on Wednesday, looking for answers and solutions after recent violence. A community forum was particularly important following a deadly shooting last Friday.

People who attended said their hearts are heavy for the two victim’s killed, one being an innocent 4-year-old girl. Even though the discussion was scheduled before the shooting occurred, some young people said what’s being shared is very timely.

“A lot of the students here in the community, hear what happens at night during the day, they hear the shootings. It’s a small town so you can hear everything,” said Watsonville High School sophomore Karen Rito.

Rito said she feels unsafe in her own neighborhood and its something she’s grown up with and wants to change. She’s one of many teenagers who are pledging to stop the devastating affect gang violence is having on her community. Rito said after two lockdowns last year, going to school doesn’t feel safe.

“It is a fear of mine at times, especially because when I do go home it’s a long walk. And I’ve been followed many times,” Rito said.

The local Peace and Unity Coalition held a panel discussion, admitting these conversations shouldn’t only happen when there’s a crisis. Organizers are asking the community to create a ripple-affect, by spreading information on solutions and promoting peace. Teens are hoping their peers who may be on the fence of right and wrong, will stand for justice and compassion.
“We’re trying our best so that they do listen, so that they do go on the right path,” said junior Maria

Representatives from Watsonville Police, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s office and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department were also on hand to answer questions. Rito hopes some tough answers will leave a lasting impression.

“As long as we start from the beginning, from the high schoolers from the middle school kids. We want them to know what it is like to do what’s wrong and do what’s right,” Rito said.

Many of the same people who gathered on Wednesday plan to participate in this year’s local march for peace and unity on Nov. 1 at 12:30pm.