Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez discusses the impact of his monthlong hunger strike against pesticide applications near schools in the Pajaro Valley and also shares more details on his work to empower youth in his community.
Omar Dieguez
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville activist nears end of monthlong hunger strike after brief hospitalization
Tuesday marks the final day of Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez’s monthlong hunger strike to protest the application of pesticides near schools in the Pajaro Valley. On Friday, Dieguez checked into the hospital after experiencing intense stomach pain, but told Lookout that he’s feeling better and on track to finish out his fast.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville activist says school district ‘blocking’ him from speaking to students about pesticide harms
Activist Omar Dieguez told Lookout that Pajaro Valley Unified School District is not allowing him to present to students about the harms of pesticides during his monthlong hunger strike.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Fatigue sets in for Watsonville activist on Day 17 of hunger strike protesting pesticides near schools
Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez told Lookout that he’s feeling tired, but is still motivated and supported to continue the rest of his 30-day hunger strike in protest of pesticide use near schools.
Posted inLatest News
After 30 years, Brown Berets relaunch in Watsonville facing familiar immigration debates
Three decades after protesting anti-immigrant legislation, former teenage activist Omar Dieguez is reviving Watsonville’s Brown Berets to mentor a new generation facing similar struggles.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Omar Dieguez: Driscoll’s can do more to protect Watsonville kids and residents
Watsonville native Omar Dieguez is on a monthlong hunger strike to protest the use of pesticides near schools in the Pajaro Valley. His goal is to pressure local berry growers, particularly Driscoll’s, to stop spraying pesticides near schools and work to convert to organic practices.
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville activist to start monthlong hunger strike protesting pesticides on farms near schools
Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez is embarking on a 30-day hunger strike, protesting the use of pesticides on agricultural fields located near schools across the Pajaro Valley.
Posted inEducation
In Pajaro Valley Unified, parents ask: How much power should police have in schools?
As students prepare to return to class, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is confronting a contentious debate over police powers in schools. Law enforcement officers argue their work prevents many students from ending up in the criminal justice system.
Posted inEducation
Parents, teachers protest decision to end Barrios Unidos mentorship program at Pajaro Valley High
Parents and teachers are urging Pajaro Valley Unified School District to reinstate a contract with Barrios Unidos, a local nonprofit that provided on-campus mentorship to Pajaro Valley High School students. While district officials cite unmet performance outcomes, supporters argue the program was vital for students facing crises and should be prioritized.