Andy Lopez Memorial Burned Down

In the dark, early hours of January 2, a fire destroyed the Andy Lopez Memorial. By that afternoon over two-dozen people were already rebuilding the Memorial, including neighbors and youth at the site where the 13-year-old Andy was killed by sheriff’s deputy Erick Gelhaus October 22.

I plan to visit this site at the corner of Moorland and W. Robles in southwest Santa Rosa at 1 p.m. today and again at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday. I invite you to join us to witness the coming together of the Latino community and their allies. Santa Rosa has been a "tale of two cities," as the new mayor of New York City describes that city. Santa Rosa is divided by race and class. History is being made with the political coming-of-age of the Latino community, which already comprise 25% of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, and are the fastest growing population.

The fire department quickly put out the fire, but did not immediately investigate its cause. Their investigation happened over 12 hours later, after elected officials showed up. Then they reported that the fire was accidental, started by a candle.

Some are skeptical. “Arson is not limited to the use of accelerants. Candles have been used to commit arson for as long as candles have existed,” said Victoria Hogan of the Justice Coalition for Andy Lopez. The candles were located 20 feet from the altar, contained in glass, and may not have been on at the time of the fire. Cherished family photos of Andy were also missing from what many describe as a “sacred site.”

“Today I woke up to news that Andy’s Memorial had burned to the ground,” said Dara McCuistion. “It’s shocking. Just yesterday, with a group of Andy’s Youth, I attended the 5-year anniversary of Oscar Grant’s death.” Grant was a young African American killed in Oakland by a police officer, for which he was found guilty.

McCuistion leads Mothers in White, who plan to demonstrate at the Sonoma County Supervisors meeting January 7. “Whether in Oakland or Santa Rosa, justice-loving people will not be intimidated or discouraged. We plan to rebuild the Memorial and will not rest till there is Justice for Andy!” added McCuistion.

Mothers in White plan to converge on the regular meeting of the governing Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for a peaceful, dignified action on Tuesday, at 1 p.m. The numerous rallies, marches, prayer vigils, and letters to editors since Andy’s killing represent the political coming-of-age of Santa Rosa’s Latino community. Among those planning to come on January 7 are Andy’s mother and the family attorney Arnoldo Cassilas.