Sunday will mark one year since a gunman killed 11 people and injured nine others during a Lunar New Year celebration at a dance studio in Monterey Park.
Monterey Park Mayor Jose Sanchez, who was the vice mayor at the time of the mass shooting, told KNX News’ Margaret Carrero that a year later, the community is stronger than ever.
“Our community is a lot more resilient,” he said. “I think one of the greatest things that came out of this tragedy is that it made our city a lot more united, it made our city a lot friendlier.”
Sanchez recalled being at home with his wife the evening of the tragedy, preparing for their daughter’s birthday, which was the next day.
“I remember getting the call from our city manager about the shooting that had happened, and I remember just freezing, and I could not believe that something like this could happen in Monterey Park,” he said.
A candlelight vigil will be held Sunday evening outside Monterey Park City Hall to honor the memory of those killed. There will be prayer services, a Tongva blessing, and remarks from elected officials and community members.
“It's really about providing a space for people to come together and share in that space and remembrance of the victims,” Sanchez said.
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The following weekend, the city will hold its annual Lunar New Year Festival. Sanchez predicted that the tragedy during last year’s celebration wouldn’t impact attendance at the upcoming festival.
“We're gonna have similar if not larger crowds than we've ever had,” he said. “And I think that's gonna be a testament to how the community has healed and they're willing and, and not only willing but very eager to come out.”
More details on the festival can be found on the city of Monterey Park’s website.
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