On November 16th, over 200 people from numerous communities throughout the Monterey Bay area came out to join the 15th annual Peace and Unity March, organized to demand an end to violence. In attendance was the family of Ray Ray Cervantez, a recent victim of violence, who shared words of their sorrow and urged peace. Also in attendance was Rosa de Ramirez (mother of Tony Valdevia), Oralia Ramirez (sister of Gregorio Ramirez), Liz Ayala (sister of Oscar Garcia), and many others. The event was sponsored by the Watsonville Brown Berets, the Watsonville Peace and Unity Coalition, and the Student Empowerment project.

For the last 15 years the Watsonville Brown Berets, along with families of fallen victims and other community members, have organized the Peace and Unity March to promote unity throughout the barrios. The first march was organized in 1994 after the tragic murders of Jessica (age 9) and Jorge Cortez (age 16). Over the last 15 years, more than 80 residents of Watsonville have lost their lives to violence. Read More and View Photos

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