WATSONVILLE—Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services and the City of Watsonville honored five local individuals, two organizations and a business at the 18th annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards on July 30.
The awards, held virtually this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, aim to recognize individuals and organizations who engage young people in positive activities and provide them with empowering leadership opportunities that help contribute to their community.
Current president of the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Alfonso Lobato welcomed guests via Zoom, explaining the nonprofit’s role in the community and the significance of the annual awards ceremony. He also explained this year’s event theme: “Determination.” The term, he said, was one of the values recognized by Cesar Chavez service clubs.
“This is a value of knowing that through unbreakable willpower, commitment, patience and a strong mind, people can overcome any obstacle,” Lobato said.
Lobato recognized The Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Board of Directors and thanked the event’s selection committee before introducing Nick Calubaquib, Director of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department.
Calubaquib, who played the role of co-host, paid his respects to the organization and then introduced Watsonville Mayor Rebecca Garcia, who kicked off the awards.
“Cesar Chavez fought for social justice in his fight for farmworkers,” Garcia said. “He advocated that services to the community be valued by all. Our awardees are examples of that tremendous commitment to serving Watsonville.”
The award winners
Adult Role Models:
• Rachel Mayo was awarded for her work at Cabrillo College: acting as Director of the Watsonville center since 1991, assisting undocumented students in applying for scholarships, ensuring accessible ESL classes and helping distinguish Cabrillo as a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2007.
• Luis Medina was awarded for his advocate work in local schools as a counselor, soccer coach and Principal of Rolling Hills Middle School, as well as with Mandilon Inc., a nonprofit where he helped undocumented students pursue higher education. He is the Current director of Migrant Education for PVUSD.
• Brenda Guzman, a Parent Engagement Specialist with PVUSD, was awarded for her advocacy and for creating spaces for parents to learn how to be involved in their children’s education, particularly those with special needs.
• Darren Gertler of the Environmental Science Workshop in Watsonville was awarded for increasing and expanding the Workshop in both physical size and community presence. The Workshop aims to help youth develop new skills and abilities and shape them into confident youth leaders.
• Adriana Mata was awarded for creating “Empower Watsonville,” a youth-led and driven community engagement forum, as well as her work with other various agencies in order to empower youth to value their own well-being and ensure their voices are heard in the community.
Business:
• D’La Colmena was awarded for their support of Cabrillo College’s Math Plus, which provides students with the preparation, resources and confidence to succeed at all levels of math courses. D’La Colmena owner Adrian Gonzales, his wife Daisy and their staff have provided Math Plus with food, gift cards and prizes for the past four years. In addition, they have been long supporters of Parks and Community Services.
Youth Serving Organizations:
• Watsonville Police Activities League (PAL) was awarded for its work with the Watsonville Police Department to provide a youth crime prevention program. PAL offers educational, athletic and other activities to bond local police, recreational leaders, youth and their parents.
• Calabasas Green Team, an after-school club originally dedicated to cleaning the Calabasas Elementary School, was awarded for its influence throughout the PVUSD and throughout the larger community. The team petitioned the district to cut down on waste and even brought the project to the Ocean Plastic Pollution Symposium at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
