Half Moon Bay, California – A year after a tragic mass shooting, the city of Half Moon Bay is preparing to honor the victims and survivors at a One-Year Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony, scheduled for January 21, 2024, will pay tribute to the seven farmworkers who lost their lives in the shooting.
The shooting, which took place on Jan. 23, 2023, shocked the tight-knit community of Half Moon Bay. Chunli Zhao, a farmworker, allegedly shot and killed seven individuals at two separate mushroom farms. Mayor Joaquin Jimenez expressed the community’s deep emotional scars from the tragedy and stated the upcoming year is about taking action and making transformative changes for the farm workers.
The event will feature prominent figures such as members of the Half Moon Bay City Council, State Sen. Josh Becker, Assembly member Marc Berman, San Mateo County District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller, and former United States Rep. Jackie Speier as scheduled speakers. Musicians will provide a unique sound healing activity, and a candlelight procession will take place, leading to a moment of silence at Mac Dutra Plaza to honor the victims.
The Farmworker Memorial and Remembrance Advisory Committee, consisting of community members, victim relatives, farmworkers, and nonprofit organizations, played a significant role in organizing the ceremony. The mass shooting shed light on the poor living conditions and inadequate access to fair pay for the city’s farmworkers.
As the community continues to heal from the tragedy, there are efforts to address the housing and employment needs of farmworkers. The city has secured funding for the development of a 46-unit affordable housing complex for farmworkers and their families, indicating a step towards meeting the city’s housing needs.
Chunli Zhao, the alleged perpetrator, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and gun enhancements. The community remains committed to seeking justice for the victims and improving the living and working conditions for farmworkers in the city of Half Moon Bay.