Covid is not the only reason people are hesitant to attend large gatherings, according to the American Psychological Association, a third of adults say that the fear of mass shootings prevent them from going to certain events.
A recent shooting left one dead and one injured after a fight at a party in rural Santa Rosa in the early hours of March 25. The deceased victim has been identified as Raul Ramirez Reyes, 20.
David Jeremiah Morales, 20 was arrested in Vallejo shortly after the shooting and taken to the Sonoma county jail. He was charged with murder and attempted murder on March 29 in Santa Rosa.
The party took place at a warehouse owned by George Kokalis. Kokalis explains that his grandson hosted the party without his permission. A friend of Kokalis’s grandson stated that the party was posted on social media and that people the host did not know got into a fight and led to a shooting.
Two students at Sonoma State find the recent shooting frightening. “It’s eye opening, things can happen anywhere,” says Michelle Balderas, fourth year Kinesiology student. “A shooting can happen anywhere now, it doesn’t matter if it’s somewhere you think you’re safe like at a party or school.” Said Melissa Madrigal Lorenzo, third year psychology.
Vanessa Gonzalez, a fourth year student majoring in psychology is not surprised by the recent shooting. Growing up in Los Angeles county, Gonzalez is used to shootings occurring.
“It does worry me a small amount but growing up in a larger city it has become a norm to expect shootings…….It’s so normalized to the point where it is not shocking, which is sad.”
While the nation is still grappling with the recent shooting that occurred in Nashville Tennessee, and the recent shooting in Santa Rosa, students are reinforcing safety precautions in public.
“I usually carry pepper spray with me when I go out as a safety measure because you never know what can happen, although this wouldn’t be super useful in a shooting situation. When me and my friends go to events or parties, I have to know my surroundings so I like to know my exits in case we have to leave quickly.” Said Madrigal-Lorenzo.
Students have also come to rely heavily on technology for safety, specifically using their cell phones to share location information with their friends and families.
“I share my location with fellow friends who are attending and those who stay behind at home for emergencies.” Said Gonzalez. She even added that she has emergency services on speed dial.
There are shortcuts on cell phones to contacting authorities. For example, on the iphone, if you press and hold the side and volume up button, it gives you the option to contact emergency services.
When it comes to safety, communication is key. “I always text my friends and family, when I make it home safely.” Says Balderas.
Gonzalez stated she feels safer attending small gatherings with people she knows.
Much of the details are still being investigated and witnesses at the party have not been cooperative according to authorities.
