SBHS alum honored with California Peace Award

A San Benito High School graduate and active member of the local League of United Latin American Citizens group has been named one of four winners for the 30th Assembly District California Peace Award.
Assemblymember Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, is set to recognize Elizabeth Zepeda Gonzalez, Mario Banuelos, Javier Tamayo and Paul De Worken as the 2014 California Peace Award winners of the 30th State Assembly District. The recipients will be honored during National Night Out next week for the annual national crime prevention effort that brings together law enforcement and residents, according to a statement from Alejo’s office.
According to the announcement:
On Aug. 5, the National Association of Town Watch will join with law enforcement agencies, communities, and business organizations throughout the nation to sponsor the 31st Annual National Night Out. This event highlights the vital importance that citizen involvement has in the fight for a safer state and nation. Over 37 million people from over 16,000 communities from all 50 states, United States territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide are expected to participate in National Night Out this year.
Earlier this year, residents of the 30th Assembly District were asked to submit names of individuals throughout the area that have gone above and beyond to promote peace. Nominations for the California Peace Awards were accepted throughout July for individuals with a record of volunteering and noteworthy efforts to stop violence and create a safer community. Recipients must have had, over the past year, significantly contributed to the promotion of peace in the community.
“Each year when the nomination period opens for the California Peace Award, the hard work of dozens of individuals is brought to light,” says Alejo. “It’s amazing to read about the dedication and commitment people have for their communities. I respect and value the work peace promoters invest to make our neighborhoods safer.”
After reviewing the nominations that were submitted, four candidates were selected for the California Peace Award because of their strong track record in promoting peace. “It brings me great happiness to be able to present these individuals with the California Peace Award in order to acknowledge their commitment toward safety and peace,” comments Alejo.
The California Peace Awards will be presented at two different locations on the evening of Tuesday August 5th. The first presentation begins at 6:00pm at Las Animas Park located at 400 Mantelli Drive in Gilroy. The second presentation begins at 6:30 next to the Solari Green Technology Center at 318 Union Street in Watsonville. For more information on the 2014 California Peace Awards recipients, please see the short biographies below.
Mario Banuelos
Mario is a counselor for Camp Everytown of Silicon Valley FACES who seeks to eradicate bigotry through programs that promote tolerance and non-violence. Mario advocates for the under-represented youth of South County through a balanced perspective that builds consensus. He is truly a peace builder whose work is making the community a better place.
Elizabeth Zepeda Gonzalez
Elizabeth is a student at California State University Monterey Bay, majoring in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She is the former National Youth League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Vice Present for the Farwest. Her involvement with LULAC has enabled her to help better our communities by addressing their issues and concerns. She is determined to continue helping her community and always abides by an important lesson from her father: “Never say no to someone who asks you for help, for the only thing you have to do is help them as much as you can.”
Javier Tamayo
Javier is a Salinas resident that has promoted peace through his dedication to East Salinas youth by way of music. Javier has taught numerous workshop classes to kids looking for safe and creative ways to explore the discipline, practice and performance of playing drums in their neighborhood. Their strong display of talent and heart was demonstrated for residents on the day of the “Respect Dignity and Justice March” that took place on May 25th. Javier’s commitment to bringing arts and culture to youth and families is a testament to his desire to cultivate a safe, creative and conscious community.
Paul De Worken
Paul is a Watsonville native that spreads goodwill into the lives of Pajaro Valley youth through art. He does not charge to participate in his projects and provides free materials often at his own expense. Paul has volunteered on the Watsonville Public Art Committee, Santa Cruz County Arts Commission and Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Bay Peninsula just to name a few. Paul also created the Mural Alleyway Project (MAP) to provide free art to the Watsonville Community. In this time of cutbacks to Art and Music in public schools, the work of dedicated artists such as Paul has had a direct impact on the youth and the community. Paul truly believes when children pick up a paint brush instead of a weapon, the community becomes a healthier one. Paul’s work touches many lives and his dedication to serve his community is commendable and inspiring.