Letter: Reject reelection effort

On the evening of Oct. 29, 2021, and into the next morning, a mass shooting occurred at the residence of Gilroy Councilwoman Rebeca Armendariz, during an underage “Beer and Marijuana” Halloween party with an estimated 100 teenage party-goers in attendance—a monumental violation of Gilroy’s Social Host Ordinance [Ord. No. 2007-14 § I, 6-4-07].

Four young teens, between the ages of 17 and 19 were shot and one victim, Michael Daniel Zunga-Macias, died at the scene in his brother’s arms. A second teen victim, Jesse Sanchez Jr., died a slow and torturous death seven months later (on May 27) of a bullet wound to his neck.

Oct. 29, 2023, was the second anniversary of the tragic mass shooting and the horrific deaths of these two teens; but at the time I decided to not say anything to the community until after I learned that the councilwoman decided to run for reelection—a cruel and disrespectful slap to the faces of the deceased and injured victims’ friends and loved ones.

The current status is that this lawsuit (Case No. 22CV403402 – lead case and Consolidated with Case No. 22CV407607) is currently working its way through the Superior Court in Santa Clara County. 

What are the costs to date?

While no amount of money can replace the unspeakable loss of Michael Macias and Jesse Sanchez Jr. in the eyes, ears and hearts of their parents, grandparents, loved ones and friends, there are serious financial costs—including huge potential costs—to the Gilroy community and its residents to bear. All because of Councilwoman Rebeca Armendariz’s extremely poor behavior and bad judgment.

The Sanchez and Macias families’ attorney says that they are seeking north of $15 million in damages as well as the costs of the hospital and funeral expenses related to the death of Jesse Sanchez Jr. This is why the City of Gilroy has been included amongst the list of defendants; and Rebeca Armendariz’s scandalous conduct as a city councilwoman increases the risk of our city being held responsible for paying the $15 million.

As you can see, these expenses far exceed the cost in wages and health benefits that the City of Gilroy pays Councilwoman Rebeca Armendariz—a potentially huge and injurious net loss expense for the City of Gilroy and its taxpayers.

The City of Gilroy retained Hanson Bridgett LLP at a cost of $47,000 to conduct a thorough review and administrative investigation into Rebeca Armendariz’s involvement and potential violations of city rules, regulations and procedures surrounding the tragic Halloween mass shooting at the Armendiaz residence. The firm provided the City of Gilroy with an independent administrative investigation and report—resulting in citing Rebeca Armendariz with 10 violations—placing the City of Gilroy and its residents at great financial risk for future litigation.

Hanson Bridgett LLP delivered a scathing report that concluded Councilwoman Armendariz violated the City of Gilroy’s Social Accountability Host Ordinance and she also violated the City of Gilroy’s Special Event Permit Requirements” when she improperly “authorized” the closure of a city roadway!

So, where are we today? This case is still working its way through the court.

The city has recently asked the court for a demurrer and on further investigation, I found that what this (demurrer) means is, “a pleading that while it may be accepted that the facts or evidence may be true, it is denied that the case is relevant or valid. Now often a motion to dismiss.”

My suspicion is that Gilroy’s attorneys are pleading to the court to be removed from being listed as a defendant in the case.

In conclusion, I’d like the Residents of Gilroy to know that THEY are still paying for the attorneys’ and court fees for this tragic incident that was caused by Councilwoman Rebeca Armendairz’s extremely poor judgment, as it continues its travels through the Santa Clara County Superior Court system.

Ronald L. Kirkish

Resident of the great City of Gilroy