Today is May Day also known as International Workers’ Day. It is a day of celebration for laborers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labor movement. The May Day angle of it is a celebration of spring, usually involving traditional dances, barbecues and parties. In Watsonville, about 15 people waved signs and chanted during a rally at the City Plaza to show support of local labor, especially farmworkers.
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Also, in Santa Cruz County, the Reel Work Labor Film Festival, now in its 19th year, will be taking place online and on Community TV due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The event showcases labor-related films that will be followed by online discussions. Films focus on current labor issues, rights, violations, and victories for working people. Go to reelwork.org to find the schedule of films and discussions.
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The California Highway Patrol is making concerted efforts to remind drivers that the rules of the road have not changed due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. With far less traffic, some motorists have taken advantage of open roads and ramped up their speed and liberty of running red lights and stop signs, officials said. “Please, obey all laws. The CHP is still watching,” the CHP stated in a press release. “No traffic does not mean speed. Motorists traveling over 100 mph are becoming too common. We have zero-tolerance for reckless drivers with no regard for public safety.”
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The Santa Cruz area CHP has brought on board a new Captain, Aron Ching. He was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands. Ching moved to California to pursue a career with the CHP and has been with the department for 23 years. The office bids farewell to Capt. Craig Kunzler, who will now take over as a Captain in Central Division.
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Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart reinforced a stern warning by health officials to not visit area beaches, starting Saturday, between 11am and 5pm. He said deputies will issue $1,000 tickets for violations.
