Saturday May 18, 2-4 PM
Landmark Voting Rights Victory: Gomez v. Watsonville
275 Main Street
Watsonville Civic Plaza, 4th Floor

©Samuel Torres Jr.

Moderator: Samuel Torres Jr., former Santa Cruz County Counsel
Panelists: Paule Cruz Takash, Anthropologist, and Watsonville Chronicler Daniel Dodge, MALDEF paralegal on Gomez v Watsonville, and former Mayor
Karina Cervantez, former Mayor and UCSC Doctoral Candidate

Participant-witnesses and historians will detail how the Gomez v. City of Watsonville voting rights case came about, how it was fought and won and its lasting influence. This case challenged Watsonville’s district election system to end at-large elections and create of districts which resulted in providing a stronger voice and increased voting power to Latinos. Panelists will discuss their personal experiences and historic perspectives including contemporary impacts.

This event is free to the public and is presented in conjunction with Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz at Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery. The exhibit which combines the historic Black freedom movement, local Latino voting rights history and contemporary art is open Wed-Sun 11-4 PM at 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.