Watsonville residents host peaceful demonstration on inauguration eve

At least 15 community groups and people from all over Santa Cruz County gathered at Watsonville city plaza on Thursday for a peaceful demonstration on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Organizers said they wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the value of diversity in their community.

But some are still living in fear of the uncertainties this new administration may bring, especially when it comes to immigration.

“Can you imagine not knowing what could happen, who could come to your house and just take you away?,” said Julie Castro-Orozco, a retired Watsonville teacher.

That fear is shared by Yadira Grajeda, who came to the United States as a toddler.

“I don’t know Mexico, and I grew up here,” Grajeda said. “I’m here to stay, and I’m here for DACA to stay.”

Grajeda said she hopes to share that message with the rest of the city.

“I’m here to support my community, and to support that there’s not going to be a hostile environment in this community,” Grajeda said.

Local officials, from the police department to the school districts, said they’re committed to protecting everyone in Watsonville.

“A large part of this community are migrant workers, and it’s over 80 percent Latino in population,” Watsonville Police Chief David Honda said. “As a community, a lot of family members, they live with people that may not be documented, and the last thing we want to do is have those families broken apart.”

“The same people that supported them before the inauguration is going to support them afterwards,” said Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent at the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Thursday’s demonstration also focused on issues like minimum wage, health insurance and women’s rights.

KION also reached out to the Santa Cruz County Republican Party for comment but have not heard back.