Death of activist has day-labor supporters lamenting a leader

By Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Article Launched:05/07/2007 11:32:59 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Day laborers and their advocates mourned the loss of a local leader on Monday at the corner of Arrow Route and Grove Avenue - the site of much contention in recent months.

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It is also the site where a traffic accident on Saturday claimed the life of Jose Fernando Pedraza, 57, a Rancho Cucamonga resident who had become a father figure to many of the men seeking employment at the intersection.

"Jose was a strong person and was definitely a leader," said Mike Nava, a friend of Pedraza's and an immigrant-rights activist. "People listened to him and respected him. With his guidance, a lot of fellows stayed out of trouble."

Pedraza was struck by a Toyota Camry driven by Crystal Lamb, 25, after her car collided with a Ford sport utility vehicle at 1:02 p.m. at the intersection. Pedraza was in a group of 20 people protesting a small anti-illegal-immigration rally taking place across the street.

Pedraza's death did little to stop the finger-pointing that has become commonplace in the immigration debate - particularly at that intersection.

Immigration-rights advocates on Monday said although Pedraza's death was an unfortunate accident, it was also a tragic result of their opposing protesters - such as Minutemen Project and Save Our State - creating a disruptive environment that distracts drivers.