WATSONVILLE—Panel Discussion: Landmark Voting Rights Victory: Gomez v Watsonville

WATSONVILLE—Participant-witnesses and historians detail how the Gomez v. City of Watsonville case came about, how it was fought and won. The case challenged Watsonville’s district election system and ended at-large elections causing the creation of seven 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. 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; and Karina Cervantez, former Mayor and UCSC Doctoral Candidate This is a free event, ADA accessible, with free parking. This project is supported by a Humanities for All Quick Grant. For more information, go to https://pvarts.org/articles/current-exhibit/ or contact Hedwig Heerschop, Exhibit Coordinator, 831-722-3062, Hedwig@pvarts.org or Maria Gitin, Curator at msgitin@mariagitin.com