Half Moon Bay Community Holds Vigil for Mass Shooting Victims

Hundreds of families gathered on Friday to picket at Half Moon Bay. It was the first of many city events designed to help the community deal with the mass shooting.

“These people are not just farm workers, they are part of my community, I consider them family,” said Alejandra Covarruvias of Dreamer Roadmap.

“As an immigrant, I feel so sad for these victims, they died so suddenly and so brutally, away from their home and their family,” said Chuan Wang of Half Moon Bay.

Messages of solidarity for seven men and women who are no longer alive, a man recovering in a hospital, and a community that has worked in the shadows for generations.

“It was very difficult, I have small children, and we tried to explain to them what happened and why, as well as reassure them that they are safe,” said Elian Stefanika, a resident of Half Moon Bay.

The heads of the city and the families of the victims spoke at the event. All of them believe that this is the first step on a long journey of healing and necessary changes.

“These people live the way they live and work the jobs they work because of all these broken rules and false promises,” said Sarai Espinoza Salamanca of Dreamer Roadmap.

For the Half Moon Bay community, Friday’s event was more than just a vigil. They said it was a night without limits.