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# Violence workshop postponed in light of weekend killings
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/violence-workshop-postponed-in-light-of-weekend-killings/
- Published: 2005-03-09T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T06:12:26.000Z
- Author: Ryan Hyatt
- Tags: Community, Ocean Park, #archive-import

*Workshop postponed after pair of weekend homicides*

CITY HALL — A gang violence workshop set for Saturday will be postponed until April, out of respect for the families of two Santa Monica residents who were shot to death last weekend.

The workshop, designed as an action planning follow-up to the Feb. 26 event that drew 400 members of the community, is being rescheduled for between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, April 9, at John Adams Middle School, according to a city press release.

“I have asked the city of Santa Monica to reschedule the gang violence community action planning meeting,” said Sen. Sheila Kuehl, whose office is co-sponsoring the series with City Hall. “I strongly feel that the community needs some time to grieve the loss of two of its young members, and to help the families that the two men left behind.”

Authorities on Monday identified two Santa Monicans gunned down at a weekend birthday party as 25-year-old Hector Bonilla and 19-year-old Jonathan Hernandez. Both were fatally shot Saturday night before a crowd of 50 to 70 people inside the Moose Lodge at 16th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, witnesses said. The gunmen escaped.

“Knowing that many people who want to be involved in the workshop will understandably need to turn their attention elsewhere, including funeral preparations and family support in the coming days and weeks, the City Council, staff and our many community partners agree with Sen. Kuehl that rescheduling is the best course,” said City Manager Susan McCarthy. “We share the Senator’s optimism for continuing community commitment to this effort and expect a large attendance.”

Information about the April 9 workshop is available online at StopGang- Violence.smgov.net, along with information as to what took place at the Feb. 26 workshop.

Pico Youth & Family Center Executive Director Oscar de la Torre said he thinks it’s a good idea to postpone the workshop.

“It is our way, as a city, to show respect for those who have been affected (by the homicide),” de la Torre said. “It will give us an opportunity to reflect.”

Donations to the families of Bonilla and Hernandez are being accepted by the Pico Neighborhood Association. See related story for details.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 9, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/030905.pdf?ref=smdp.com)