Hundreds gather in Santa Cruz for May Day events throughout city

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - On Thursday, hundreds of people took to the streets of Santa Cruz, as well as San Lorenzo park for May Day events.

May 1 marks International Workers’ Day and people from various local organizations say it is a vital day to speak out about their concerns for workers.

“I believe that unions in the workplace are still going to be on the forefront, still going to be very vital for the success of anybody's job security," May Day rally attendee Coral Brune said.

Brune adds, she’s been attending May Day events in Santa Cruz for years, but this year comes amid a different backdrop.

“What's happening in the world scene due to what happened in our national politics... that is the main change," Brune said.

Several student organizations gathered at the Clock Tower, before marching to San Lorenzo Park to rally, listen to speakers and more.

Down the road on Ocean Street were additional groups protesting against actions in the federal government, as well as what’s potentially happening locally.

“I stand here as one of 12 plus employees, and the health services agency plans to cut services," County of Santa Cruz Lab Technician and Phlebotomist Renee Larson said.

Larson goes to say, she’s worried about proposed cuts to the County of Santa Cruz’s health services.

“We saved many lives and the county health services has several patients, many patients in the community that are going to be affected and we just want to work," Larson said.

She encourages people to make their voice heard and calls on officials to do what’s best for the community.

Those potential cuts are proposed in the County of Santa Cruz's upcoming fiscal year budget. It is set to be discussed again at their upcoming June 10 supervisors meeting.