Protests give way to dialogue

Teachers are using the demonstrations as a teaching lesson on how to use the system efficiently to make a difference. DP

Salinas: Students encouraged to bring concerns to elected officials

By CLAUDIA MELÉNDEZ SALINAS, Herald Salinas Bureau

Monterey County Herald: After two days of street protests by high school students, Salinas' streets were more quiet Wednesday as students stayed on their campuses, some receiving lessons on how to take their message directly to elected officials.

At Everett Alvarez High School, where at least 80 students walked out Monday and an unknown number skipped school Tuesday to march, instructors Wednesday used the demonstrations as an opportunity to teach teenagers about alternatives to taking to the streets.

On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of students marched in Salinas to protest immigration legislation pending in Congress. The marches were part of a wave of student protests throughout the country, including in Watsonville, Soledad and Monterey.

While the marches were mostly peaceful, scuffles in Salinas caused the arrests of five students. They were cited and released to their parents, said Salinas police Cmdr. Al Ruiz.

In Soledad, about 200 students marched Tuesday, and about 100 students from Greenfield High School walked out Wednesday. Officials from both cities said there were no incidents.

Rather than burning energy on the streets, teachers are attempting to channel students' enthusiasm in other directions. At Everett Alvarez High School, instructors used the proposed federal legislation to talk about ways to get their opinions across, Principal Darren Sylvia said.

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