Community supports Seaside family facing tragedy
People on the Central Coast are rallying around a Seaside family facing tragedy. Esperanza Morales and her daughter were hit and killed by a suspected DUI driver in Livermore on Saturday.
A memorial for Morales and her daughter Yuli continues to grow at the Seaside home where they lived. Family members said at least 200 people showed up for a prayer vigil on Tuesday night to show their support.
“It’s not going to bring the family back,” Angel Martinez, a family member said. “Yuli and Esperanza, they aren’t coming back again. But, I know for sure they are in a better place right now.”
Esperanza worked at Rosa’s La Villa in Seaside for 18 years. The owner, Lupe Caballero, said she wasn’t just a worker, she was a family member.
“She’s someone that will not be replaced,” Caballero said.
Caballero said over the years they worked together, Esperanza taught her everything she knows, and it’s something they used to talk about.
“‘I’m your teacher, but it makes me feel so proud that now you are better than your teacher,'” Caballero said. “And I would always tell her, ‘I had a great teacher.'”
But Caballero said she is mad and frustrated that the man arrested for the deaths hasn’t been charged yet. Family members showed up to the defendant’s hearing on Tuesday, carrying signs and shouting “killer.” During his next court appearance, the family says they just want support.
“We don’t want things going out of control out there,” Martinez said. “We just want support. That’s it.”
Caballero wants to help support he family also, and is doing what she can to help them move forward financially. At her restaurant, a small but heartfelt memorial for the woman who worked hard to support her family. Her family, now thanking others for their support.
“From all the members of the family,” Martinez said, “I just want to say ‘Thank you.’ Thank you to all the support we thought we would never have.”
Everything from money, food, even prayers, are all greatly appreciated. Folks wanting to donate money can visit the family’s Gofundme page.
