A somber ambiance was offset by occasional singing and
flickering candlelight at a city layoff vigil held before the
Hollister City Council meeting Wednesday.
More than 40 people, young and old, city employees and concerned
citizens, gathered in front of City Hall with the hope that their
presence alone would do something to affect the outcome of the 36
city positions in jeopardy of being lost at the night’s
meeting.
A somber ambiance was offset by occasional singing and flickering candlelight at a city layoff vigil held before the Hollister City Council meeting Wednesday.
More than 40 people, young and old, city employees and concerned citizens, gathered in front of City Hall with the hope that their presence alone would do something to affect the outcome of the 36 city positions in jeopardy of being lost at the night’s meeting.
Numerous reasons propelled the different group members to congregate, but the resounding one was solidarity, and that they will fight for their jobs and the livelihood of their city until the end.
“It’s a sad moment,” said Louie Guevara, an engineering technician who has worked for the city for 20 years and is on the cut list. “As a grown man I’ve cried a few times. My family’s totally distraught.”
The fact that many of the people at the vigil were not losing their jobs, but were there to show their support for the tragedy confronting the people who are, was comforting, Guevara said.
“I’m from the olden days. I remember the ’60s, and seeing the support of the people standing by you,” he said. “There’s a lot of support in the community… it makes me feel good.”
A concern for people’s jobs was paramount, but just as important is the effect the lost jobs will have on the entire community, said Lynn Shippley, a public works employee whose job was cut.
A chance to meet and confer with the Council and City Manager Dale Shaddox is necessary to prevent a depletion in public services, Shippley said.
“We’re trying to prevent an injustice from happening,” Shippley said. “I think this is something that needs to be brought up in the community. They’re losing. More than me, they’re losing.”
City engineer Danny Hillstock addressed the crowd on the seriousness of the situation at hand.
“We are at a crossroads,” Hillstock said, and then asked the group to have a moment of silence for everyone who will be affected by the cuts.
Richard Ybarra, Cesar Chavez’s son-in-law, was invited by union heads of Service Employees Union International (SEIU) to attend the vigil to show support.
In a short speech before the meeting, he commended the group for their persistence and spirit.
“It runs deep in this area… because you’re SEIU or because you’re from San Benito County,” Ybarra said. “We know that you’re the heart and soul of this community. You’ve got a lot of strength.”
One person who stands alone can seem powerless when faced with formidable opposition, but when people band together they become strong in the face of adversity, Ybarra said.
“You’ve got to stay there and fight it out… (no one) can turn you around, they’re not going to stop your spirit,” he said. “I want to thank you for the work you do, the inspiration you give a lot of people around the state. People are with you, so good luck, God bless you all, and keep up the fight.”
