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August 5, 2006


watsonville
Immigration forum held in Watsonville Plaza
By Tom Ragan
Sentinel Staff writer
WATSONVILLVE — Drums beat, incense burned and the White Hawk Indian Council danced the late afternoon away Friday, capping the introduction to an immigration forum held in the City Plaza and reminding Latino onlookers of their Aztec roots.

Doug Keegan, program director for the Santa Cruz County Immigration Project, told dozens of Watsonville residents that there is nothing new to report on pending immigration legislation, but reminded those on hand that their power could be harnessed by voting.

Cesar Lara, Keegan's counterpart from Salinas, also urged U.S. citizens of Latino descent to vote as well, saying in Spanish, "Your vote is your voice."

"Anybody who is 18 and is a U.S. citizen can cast a ballot," he said from inside the plaza kiosk. "It's where the power is these days, and I urge everybody here to register before it's too late.

"The politicians, they see Latinos as a voting bloc, and if you can make your voices heard, it can change just about anything, including immigration policy in Washington."

The gathering was dubbed "Color, Voz y Baile," and it's just the latest showing of force in what is becoming a monthly event held on the first Friday.

Sponsored by the "Coalicion por nuestra cultura," or "Coalition for our culture," the group is comprised of several organizations in the community, including the Santa Cruz County Immigration Project.

Saul Ramos, a coalition member, said the purpose of the gathering is to encourage people to gather in public places at least once a month and talk about issues that are important to them.

But injecting a little culture into the atmosphere is paramount, he said. Hence, the Aztec dancers.

"The revitalization of our culture can also help to revive our economic and social impact on society," Ramos said. "And it all starts in small places across the country, in places like the Watsonville Plaza."

But the gathering didn't just deal with immigration issues, although that was the theme.

Artwork by well-known local artists such as Miguel Zafras and Guillermo Aranas were on display, and folks were meandering about, checking out paintings and photographs by the two men that accurately portrayed either the plight of the farmworkers or the Chicano movement.

"La cultura cura," said Arturo Lopez, a member of the coalition and a Watsonville resident. "Culture cures."

Contact Tom Ragan at tragan@santacruzsentinel.com