|
Left: Some marchers chanted while others walked silently during the April 17 Unity Walk from the Santa Paula Police Memorial to Veterans Memorial Park. Right: Some marchers carried signs to urge justice for those killed in recent homicides in Santa Paula on the Unity Walk, attended by about 175 people including Police Chief Steve McLean (right). |
Unity Walk: Community shows support for ending gang violence
April 23, 2014
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
An estimated 175 people gathered on Holy Thursday to show they believe in unity and want the gang violence that has plagued Santa Paula over the past year to stop.
The Unity Walk, a joint effort of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association and Santa Paula Ministerial Association, was held April 17.
Participants, some carrying signs asking for justice for murder victim 21-year-old Ashley Moran, found dead in Obregon Park March 15, and supporters of Norma Elizalde, 39, killed by a stray bullet fired during a alleged daytime gang altercation March 29 near her High Street home, met at the Santa Paula Police Memorial.
Sgt. Jimmy Fogata and the Rev. Jenny Crosswhite organized the Unity Walk suggested by Citrus Classic Balloon Festival Founder Carla Edwards.
“I’m really pleased to see so many concerned citizens here,” said Edwards.
Sandy Thompson said she had taken part in a similar but smaller march several weeks ago and believes, “We should have a march monthly,” to show peace is sought in Santa Paula.
Holly Doering held yellow roses, “My favorite flowers,” that she hoped to give to family members who lost a love one to violence.
Deacon Al Guilin told the crowd, “Five churches within the hour will be having services,” cumulating in Easter Day celebrations.
Much as Pontius Pilot washed his hands after the death of Jesus to symbolically erase his part in His crucifixion Guilin said people must not “wash their hands of responsibility,” for what they can do to help quell the local violence.
Unity Marchers traveled on the Bike Trail from the SPPD Memorial to 8th Street where they turned to continue the walk on East Main Street to Mill Street and on to Veterans Memorial Park.
At the park candles waited at a table for lighting as Xavier “Big X” Montes played the harp.
SPPD Cadet Martha Reynolds-Brown and Citizens Patrol Samantha Frady and Richard Macias were among those volunteers helping at the event.
Fogata noted that with many churches having services “I’m glad for the turnout we have... I wish maybe we had better weather but people are here and they’re very sincere about ending the violence in Santa Paula.”
Crosswhite told the crowd, “Nothing will change if we don’t make changes,” and she encouraged those in the crowd to introduce themselves to one another before dozens of doves were released.
As the doves soared above the park Crosswhite noted the birds “flying free” should encourage all to make the decision to live free and in peace.
The end to gangs and violence said Mayor Rick Cook, a retired SPPD Sgt., “Takes more than police cars... it takes families,” to quell gang involvement.
“Watch your kids, be involved,” said Cook. “We have a great Boys and Girls Club here... make it better for our kids,” so they avoid gang involvement that leads to violence and the heartbreak it brings.
Seeing the crowd said Fogata, “Really makes me proud to be a resident of Santa Paula,” and he urged participants to keep the candles to light at home as a call for unity.
He also asked that people consider making donations to the Moran and Elizalde families to help with the expenses related to the loss of their family members.
“We’re here to honor two victims,” but Police Chief Steve McLean said, “We also honor other families,” that have suffered loss through violence.
Although “compassionate to those who have lost their way,” and turned to gangs, McLean said Santa Paula “will no longer tolerate the killing of our children... “
“I want the community to be safe, to have peace,” and, said Aurora Zepeda Cantero, Ashley Moran’s mother, “to have justice for the ones murdered... “
Ashley’s sister Sandra Cantero agreed and thanked the community for their support, noting, “All I want is justice for my sister... “
Ruthie Cantero, the mother of Joanna Marie Orozco, 21, who was shot to death and her male companion wounded by a gang member on Election Day 2000, also spoke of the ongoing hurt from the violent death of a loved one.
McLean said people should step up and offer police information on those that commit violent crimes: “They don’t need names, just point us in the right direction... “
The Rev. Mike Harris offered a closing prayer noting if people do speak up, “justice will come to Santa Paula... “
During the candle lighting ceremony Crosswhite said those seeking peace must know and care about one another: “Like these lights we need to be the light in our community, we need to be the light in our families and live in a way that lets this light shine in our city.”
Between May 2013 and March 2014 Santa Paula had eight homicides, the same number of murders that had occurred over a nine-year period, from 2003 to 2012.
Two of four suspects are in custody for the Elizalde homicide; no arrests have been made in the beating and stabbing death of Moran, who was in the early stages of pregnancy when her body was discovered.
