Community rallies around family
of stray bullet victim Norma Elizalde
April 16, 2014
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
An online fundraiser, free reception, carwashes and more are how the Santa Paula community has rallied around the family of an area woman shot and killed last month by a stray bullet.
Longtime family friend Daniel Luna started an online fundraiser the day after March 29 when Norma Ramos Elizalde was gunned down at about 1 p.m. in the carport of her home, located in the 1200 block of High Street.
Luna wrote on gofundme.com, “Norma was killed when she was struck with a stray bullet to the neck. The bullet emanated from a group of men that were having an altercation in the street a short distance from her house. Norma, 39 years old, was unexpectedly and tragically killed by one of these men while caring for her children,” one of whom told Elizalde’s brother-who saw the street altercation that resulted in gunfire-that his mother had been shot.
Three of the four men suspected of the gang dispute that led to the shooting have been arrested.
Initially started with a goal of $10,000 to cover funeral expenses and help care for her sons, the response was so overwhelming that Luna has since raised the goal to $15,000.
“Norma leaves behind two beautiful sons Ricardo (13) and Jose (16) and her loving husband Jose Elizalde,” wrote Luna and is also survived by her father Flavio Ramos Sr., twin sister Irma and brothers Nick and Flavio “Flop” Ramos.
“Please support her family with a donation,” said Luna. “Norma’s family, especially her kids, would greatly appreciate your kindness to help ease the financial burden of this unexpected tragedy.”
Sunday, April 6, a carwash was held near the intersection of Main and 12th streets.
Carquest donated items needed for the car wash where Police Chief Steve McLean was one of those helping out.
He was pleased at the turnout noting, “There were several very large donations and some came by and never even had their car washed,” just handed over contributions for Elizalde’s family.
Services for Elizalde were held last Wednesday and following the memorial The Glen Tavern Inn hosted a reception.
Event Coordinator Paula Morales said the Inn provided the venue, Enzo’s (the hotel’s in-house restaurant) a buffet for an expected crowd of about 200, Xavier “Big X” Montes played music and Yamaguchi’s Flowers donated floral arrangements.
Elizalde’s family, said Morales, was grateful: “They weren’t planning anything like that... in times of tragedy you can’t even think of such things, just mourning.”
Morales said it was important to, “Rosanna and Tom Jennett,” owners of the Glen Tavern Inn, “to really make sure that Norma’s family knew that the community is behind them and also mourns their loss.”
As of Sunday Elizalde’s online fundraiser had drawn 197 donors who gave $12,795 in 13 days, just $2,025 short of the fund’s $15,000 goal.
“We are grateful,” said Luna, “for all the overwhelming support!”
To make a donation-any amount is welcome-visit
www.gofundme.com/7xq9l8
