UPDATE: King City Council passed the proclamation Tuesday night, officially designating the first Sunday of March as a “Day of Peace and Remembrance” in the city.
***ORIGINAL STORY***
KING CITY — King City Council is set to consider a proclamation declaring March 2, 2025, as the “Day of Peace and Remembrance,” an initiative aimed at honoring the victims of a tragic mass shooting that took place last year.
The Council will meet Tuesday night to discuss and likely pass the proclamation, which acknowledges the profound impact of the tragedy on March 3, 2024, in which four lives were lost and seven others were injured.
“This event devastated the community through fear, sadness and mourning,” states the proposed proclamation. “The City has worked diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice, support the families and help the community heal and recover.”
The shooting occurred during a birthday celebration that evening in the front yard of a residence on the 200 block of Second Street, where friends and family had gathered for the occasion. Three gunmen opened fire, striking 11 people.
The four victims killed were Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, Francisco Aldape Perez and Olivo Perez Pina, all 32, and Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42, all residents of King City.
Following an extensive investigation involving nearly 30 local, state and federal agencies, the gunmen were arrested that May for the shooting and other crimes, including the double homicide near Soledad on Feb. 4, 2024, that resulted in the deaths of two cousins, Jack Canchola, 20, and Andres Garcia, 26.
Recognizing the broader issue of youth violence that has claimed many lives over the years, the proclamation highlights the efforts of the First Baptist Church of King City and other faith-based organizations in leading the community’s healing process.
A “Night of Peace and Remembrance” program is set for Sunday, March 2, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 450 King St., serving as a focal point for collective reflection and unity. Contact the church at 831-385-3819 for more information.
The proclamation asserts that “the City of King supports the efforts of the faith community to promote peace and healing,” and urges residents to honor those lost, support grieving families and “unite in efforts to promote a peaceful future for our community without violence.”
Mayor Mike LeBarre is expected to sign the proclamation should it pass, officially designating the first Sunday of March as a day dedicated to remembrance and commitment to peace in King City.
