Former Marine stages protest of Nichols comment

Deirdre Newman

As crowds converged on Corona del Mar State Beach to soak up some

rays and let loose on the Fourth of July holiday, an observance of a

more serious nature occurred on the grassy area above the beach.

A canopy was erected, covered in camouflage and adorned with flags

representing the Marines, the U.S. and Mexico. Outside the canopy was

a picture of Jose Garibay, a Marine from Costa Mesa killed in the war

against Iraq.

The area was set up by Cuauhtlicoyotl Madrigal, 37, to serve a

dual purpose: to honor Garibay’s memory and as a ceremonial protest

against a comment made by Newport Beach City Councilman Dick Nichols.

During a phone interview in June, Nichols said he opposes adding more

grassy areas to the beach in part because “Mexicans” come early and

claim the areas as their own.

Madrigal is a poet, community leader and former Marine. Garibay’s

brother, Gabriel, 16, joined Madrigal in his “mission.”

“One is symbolism of the ultimate sacrifice on this Fourth of

July,” Madrigal said. “The second is to elevate the subconscious of

Nichols, for we are here on the grass as he sees us -- as Mexicans.

But we see ourselves as warriors, dying like all that love this

country.”

After the ceremonies for the Marines from Southern California

killed in Iraq, including one that he helped put together, Madrigal

said he made a commitment to their mothers that he would take

pictures of their sons to the pyramids and ancient churches in Mexico

and have them blessed. One of those mothers was Simona Garibay.

When he returned, Simona discussed Nichols’ comment with him.

“Mrs. Garibay said, ‘what is he trying to tell us?’” Madrigal

said. “That my son’s death was in vain?’”

Simona asked Madrigal to bring a picture of Jose to the grassy

area so “we can sit on the grass as a statement of forgiveness,”

Madrigal said.

“To forgive those that would hurt us,” Madrigal said. “We don’t

come here with hate. We come here with love and hope that we may

forget those comments and instead remember those that have made the

ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy this beautiful day.”

Gabriel Garibay said he was honored Madrigal asked him to

accompany him.

“I think it’s kind of cool he would let me be a part of this,”

Gabriel said.

People who paused to admire the view from above the beach said

they appreciated the memorial but expressed varying reactions to

Madrigal’s protest.

“In terms of the Marines, it’s a good idea,” said David Muller, a

Corona del Mar resident. “Semper Fi -- [they’ve] showed it to be

their motto. It certainly holds true for all of them. As for Mr.

Nichols, he’s got a lot of thinking to do.”

Others said they didn’t understand the heat Nichols is taking

because of his comment.

“The memorial helps [us] remember why we’re here and what this is

all about,” said Ardith Chaffee , another Corona del Mar resident. “I

didn’t see anything derogatory about Nichols’ comment. I think people

who are trying to get him out of office are complaining about it. I

don’t know why a Mexican would be insulted by it. They do fight for

the grassy area. It’s first-come, first-serve in this world. It was a

stupid comment, but nothing disrespectful.”