Friday, May 1, 2009

Swine flu fears keep many away from largest O.C. May Day march
Leaders of groups on both sides of the immigration debate plan marches throughout the day.

By CINDY CARCAMO and THERESA CISNEROS
The Orange County Register

The immigrant rights march starting from the Plaza of the Flags was touted as the biggest May Day event in the county, expecting to draw about 500 activists demanding immigration reform.

Instead, the rally ended with a whimper when fewer than 100 people showed.

The march, which culminated a day full of protests from both sides of the immigration debate, paled in comparison to past May Day rallies, one of which drew thousands just four years ago.

Organizers blamed many of the no-shows on fears over the growing cases of swine flu in the region and two probable cases in the county.

“I can tell you that I was expecting a lot more people,” said Mike Gonzalez. “But with the issue of the swine flu in Mexico, a lot of people didn’t come.” Gonzales is the national vice chairman of the League of United Latin American Citizens National Committee for Immigration Affairs Commission.

Alex Vega with the Comitè Civico Mexicano en Orange County (The Mexican Civic Committee in Orange County) said he fielded more than 50 calls from people, including some of the organization’s members, saying they were too scared to come out because of the swine flu.

Vega said he expected thousands to show because President Barack Obama is in office and the possibility of immigration reform he believes is that much closer.

“Did you see the turnout? Vega said. “We’re very disappointed.”

Regardless, Gonzales said, the march was a pacifist message from Orange County to Obama.

“We can’t wait any longer. We need immigration reform now. … We want to be part of the American Dream,” he said as he led the march. ”We’re sending a message to Barack Obama to comply with his campaign promise to pass immigration reform. This is a reminder to him.”

The 2 p.m. march capped May Day rallies today in Santa Ana, San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest coordinated by groups on both sides of the immigration aisle.

About 150 immigrant rights activists began their May Day march at the 1500 block of Sycamore Street in Santa Ana about 11 a.m. Organizers, including groups such as Justice for Janitors, ended at the Fiesta Americana plaza in downtown Santa Ana to celebrate human rights and the plight of the everyday worker.

Marcher Vanessa Castillo was representing the Orange County Dream Team, a group that is pushing for legislation that would give college students in the country illegally a pathway to citizenship.

“My parents were undocumented, and I was fortunate enough to be born here in the USA, but I’m trying to continue advocacy for the undocumented community,’’ said Castillo, 30, a Santa Ana resident who wore a sign reading “Future Social Worker’’ on her neck.

A 24-year-old man marching in his Golden West College cap and gown also was there to support the Dream Team. Ruben, who did not want his last name used because he is in the country illegally, said he plans to attend Cal State Long Beach.

“It was an extra effort, but I still did it,’’ the Huntington Beach man said about his Golden West graduation. “I feel the Dream Act (legislation) could be a really good starting point for immigration reform.’’

About a block away, about 15 anti-illegal immigration activists picketed the Mexican Consulate about 11:30 a.m. They waved American flags and exchanged harsh words with about 20 counterprotesters wearing white shirts with the words "Legalize L.A."

"You don't belong here! Go back to Mexico!'' shouted Anita Hynds, 55, of Yorba Linda. She held a sign with the words, "Honk your horn 4 USA."

The protest got heated when Ray Herrera, rally leader for the Minuteman Project, attempted to hand-deliver a letter to the Mexican consul listing a variety of grievances toward the country.

"This is Mexico; you can't enter,'' said counterprotester Betty Torres, an American citizen who was inside the consulate keeping Herrera from entering.

Herrera gave up and left the letter with a guard.

Five anti-illegal immigration activists kicked off the day by meeting at 7 a.m. at the corner of Memory Lane and Bristol Street.

The group, made up of Lupe Moreno’s Latino Americans for Immigration Reform and members of Huntington Beach-based California Coalition for Immigration Reform, waved American flags and held signs with phrases like: “Stop illegal immigration.” About the same time, another anti-illegal immigration group was scheduled to meet at the Ortega Highway overpass in San Juan Capistrano.

Members of the Santa Ana group said they were there to show their loyalty to the country and to counteract May Day rallies scheduled to take place across the county today. The event elicited some honks and waves from passing motorists.

“We want to let people know that we’re here to stand for our nation when other people break the laws,” said Moreno, 51, of Santa Ana, holding American flags in both hands.

Contact the writer: ccarcamo@ocregister.com

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/immigration-scheduled-group-2386296-santa-amnesty

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