Chinese and Latino farmers joined together for a multicultural celebration in Half Moon Bay recently, but their most immediate needs weren’t far from their minds.
“I really hope the government fill up the housing as soon as possible and we really want to fill up a new home for ourselves,” said Dong Huang through a translator.
It has been a year since Chunli Zhao allegedly shot and killed seven farmworkers in Half Moon Bay. The shooting sent the small community into a shock.
The celebration took their minds off the shooting as they look to the future. A social worker from Self Help for the Elderly tells AsAmNews the farmworkers are grateful, but want to settle down into permanent housing.
On this day, farmworkers attended a safety workshop with PG&E.
All of them said they will be using the lessons they heard today and apply it to their lives. Most of them liked the PG&E demonstration by the retired lineman Felix Morales.
Jin Sheng Liu and Ying Ze Wang learned how to protect themselves at the workshop.
She is especially concerned about her safety and being cautious since experiencing the shooting last year.
“This danger is I don’t know high voltage things. I already have Medi-Cal but I’m happy they expanded their eligibility.”
Dong Huang said the workshop taught him what to do in dangerous situations while on his job “Because I drive a lot, so I heard about when there is some power outage, I have to jump out of my car.”
The farmworkers also learned how to apply for Medi-Cal.
“The reality is I don’t know much about Medi-Cal.” Guetamalan farmer Vicente Asana Barrado appreciated the demonstration done on safety precautions.
The city, county and federal governments are working together to develop more affordable housing with the farmworkers high on the priority list.
Mayor Jimenez was present in the event and gave his opening remarks.
“A lot of positive changes here in the community. It took a tragedy, it is unfortunate but it took a tragedy for these changes to happen.”
“Thank you Mayor Jimenez for just raising awareness and bringing attention to the needs of our community and bringing together resources,” said Monica Tell, senior manager of Bay Area Region, PG&E.
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