YOUTH VOICES |
Photos by Isaac Alberto González Díaz
Under the booms of air show fighter planes flying above, the second Annual March for Peace took place in Salinas earlier this month. The event drew about 300 participants, including a large contingent of student performers from Alisal Union School District. Mariachi Juvenil Alisal, Tonatitos of Tonatiuh Danzantes del Quinto Sol, and the District’s All Star Drumline and Cheer Squad walked from Vineyard Church on East Alisal Street to Closter Park, chanting “We want peace,” and holding signs. A contingent of Aztec dancers also joined the procession.
At Closter Park, José Arreola, director of the city’s Community Alliance for Safety and Peace, praised the after school programs in the city and credited them with a more peaceful Salinas. Attendants also received a blessing from a Catholic priest from St. Mary of the Nativity Church, and heard messages from Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo.
Isaac Alberto González Díaz graduated in 2023 from North Salinas High School and is now attending Hartnell College. He plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in journalism. He enjoys photography, building Legos, listening to music, reading, and taking walks around his neighborhood.
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