Community Remembrance in Santa Cruz
Despite the unfortunate experiences and poor treatment of Italian Americans during World War II, this resilient community continued to work hard, ceaselessly determined to create a better life for themselves and for their families. It is for this reason, and for all of the contributions the Italian American community made to the larger Santa Cruz community, that La Barranca Park recognizes Italians and their legacies in Santa Cruz.
Dedicated on June 20, 2003, and conceived by Fred Moro, the inscription reads, “With its natural beauty and rich coastal resources…
Santa Cruz has always attracted a diverse group of people whose cultural roots form the essence of this unique community. One such group, the Italians, have made lasting contributions that have transformed the local landscape of Santa Cruz for over a century […] fishermen from the Northern Province of Genova began emigrating with their families in the late 1800’s. Later, Italians emigrated from all parts of Italy and soon formed a strong community of Italians in the Santa Cruz area. Many became farmers, others blended into the society taking work in all fields of endeavor!”
Italia fu la nostra patria
Italy was our native land
A second marker at the park reads, “Honoring the Italian American Contribution to Santa Cruz County:
Italian immigrants sacrificed and sometimes barely survived to enable their children and their grandchildren to take full advantage of the American Dream. Second and third generation Italian Americans are securely rooted in the American lifestyle. For them, Italian traditions may be only a leisure activity. Yet, they honor the values of their parents and grandparents. Those values – loyalty, hard work, and religious devotion – serve them well in the modern world. The achievements and accomplishments made by many Italian men and women in the greater Santa Cruz area number many. These shown here are but a few of the many.”
Among the many photos on the plaque (not pictured in exhibit) is a photograph of the La Barranca Committee members, one of which is my Nonno, John Colombini. La Barranca park and its plaques serve as a visible reminder and a permanent marker to the important experiences and presence of Italian Americans in Santa Cruz.