Pedro Romero Perez still feels the devastating impact of that fateful day three years ago, when a gunman opened fire at multiple mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay, leaving seven people dead and himself as the sole survivor. The tragedy not only claimed lives but also exposed deplorable living conditions for farmworkers, prompting a significant response from the community.
For Perez, remembering his brother, Jose, who was among the victims, is still unbearable. "It was a second that changed my life," he said, visibly emotional. Losing his brother in such a tragic manner has left him with immense pain, and it's something that continues to haunt him.
The shooting brought attention to the poor housing conditions faced by farmworkers, which is an ongoing issue in San Mateo County. Since then, nearly 50 homes have been built for farmworkers as part of a partnership between Half Moon Bay and the county, with more efforts being made to address this pressing concern.
Perez has found solace in music therapy, learning to play the accordion through a program offered by the Half Moon Bay-based nonprofit ALAS. This has helped him cope with his emotions and begin the healing process.
While the road to recovery is still long, Sandra Sencion, director of ALAS Farmworker Program, emphasizes the need for continued support. "There's still such a high need for more farmworkers to have access to adequate housing, mental health services, and be able to support them," she said.
As the community comes together to remember those affected by the mass shooting, a private gathering is planned for Friday evening. Mailboxes have been placed around Half Moon Bay, allowing community members to write messages of remembrance that will be displayed at Mac Dutra Plaza starting Friday.
The district supervisor, Ray Mueller, has expressed gratitude and respect for the victims, acknowledging the resilience of survivors like Perez and the strength of the community in overcoming this tragedy. "Today, we honor the memory of those we lost three years ago... In light of the workplace conditions it exposed, we inspected all of the farmworker and ranch hand housing in the County," Mueller stated.
As the county moves forward with improving living conditions for farmworkers, Perez's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the human cost of such issues.
For Perez, remembering his brother, Jose, who was among the victims, is still unbearable. "It was a second that changed my life," he said, visibly emotional. Losing his brother in such a tragic manner has left him with immense pain, and it's something that continues to haunt him.
The shooting brought attention to the poor housing conditions faced by farmworkers, which is an ongoing issue in San Mateo County. Since then, nearly 50 homes have been built for farmworkers as part of a partnership between Half Moon Bay and the county, with more efforts being made to address this pressing concern.
Perez has found solace in music therapy, learning to play the accordion through a program offered by the Half Moon Bay-based nonprofit ALAS. This has helped him cope with his emotions and begin the healing process.
While the road to recovery is still long, Sandra Sencion, director of ALAS Farmworker Program, emphasizes the need for continued support. "There's still such a high need for more farmworkers to have access to adequate housing, mental health services, and be able to support them," she said.
As the community comes together to remember those affected by the mass shooting, a private gathering is planned for Friday evening. Mailboxes have been placed around Half Moon Bay, allowing community members to write messages of remembrance that will be displayed at Mac Dutra Plaza starting Friday.
The district supervisor, Ray Mueller, has expressed gratitude and respect for the victims, acknowledging the resilience of survivors like Perez and the strength of the community in overcoming this tragedy. "Today, we honor the memory of those we lost three years ago... In light of the workplace conditions it exposed, we inspected all of the farmworker and ranch hand housing in the County," Mueller stated.
As the county moves forward with improving living conditions for farmworkers, Perez's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the human cost of such issues.
I mean, Pedro is still going through tough times but finding ways to cope like music therapy is amazing. It's heartbreaking to think about his brother and the other victims, but it's also inspiring to see how it brought attention to the issues farmworkers face. The fact that 50 homes have been built so far is a huge step forward, but I'm sure there's still a long way to go 
It's like they're gettin' better accommodations, but only 'cause it got all attention after that mass shooting 
... Like, Perez and his fam were facin' these conditions way before the tragedy 
. And what about those who are still out there strugglin'? 50 homes ain't goin' nowhere fast 
. ALAS should focus on providing more mental health services 'stead of just buildin' houses 
. We need to address the real issues here, not just slap some Band-Aids on 
. I hope the community comes together on Friday and shows some love for the victims... it's gonna be a tough night but I guess that's what we need right now 
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. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't always easy, but it's possible with the right support and resources.
. It's not just about providing adequate housing or mental health services; it's about creating a community that uplifts and supports each other. Let's take a page out of Perez's book and work together to create a brighter future for everyone 
.
u r helpn Perez heal n give hope 2 others who might b goin thru smililar struggles 
it's just not enough. Like, 50 homes is cute and all, but what about the people who are still living in those deplorable conditions? It's not like a few houses are gonna magically fix everything overnight. I mean, have you seen the lines for the new housing? They're already backed up 
. It's just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. We need systemic change, not just some token gestures. And what about the mental health services? That's still woefully lacking. The system is gonna keep failing these people until we overhaul it from the ground up 
️... I feel so bad for him & his family, especially his bro Jose who didn't make it 
. And it's crazy how much attention this tragedy brought to the poor housing conditions for farmworkers - it's about time we do something about it 
. I hope they keep building those homes & providing mental health services, Perez and others need our support 
. music therapy is def a good way for him to cope with all this emotional pain, hope he finds more solace in playin the accordion soon 
. but it's clear there's still so much work to be done, especially when it comes to affordable housing and mental health support for farmworkers. we need more people like mueller who are willin to listen and make changes 
. I love how ALAS Farmworker Program is helpin him get back on track 
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. More homes are gettin built for 'em, and mental health services are bein offered 
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. And Ray Mueller's all about acknowledge-in the struggles we face 
and the fact that music therapy has helped him cope with his emotions is amazing 
. The fact that 7 lives were lost & farmworkers are still living in deplorable conditions is just heartbreaking