Patrick Orozco

Patrick Orozco, head of the Pajaro Ohlone Indian Council, has done careful work over the years for Native American “place-presence” and sacred grounds. Living and working from Watsonville, he’s concentrated most of his efforts at sites along the Pajaro River to the coast, though recently areas like San Bruno Mountain have benefited from his diligence as well. Patrick worked hard with San Bruno Mountain Watch for some six years to protect and finally save the largest, still-intact shellmound around the whole Bay Area. He and his group went to public meetings, did talks, teachings and sacred dance gatherings on the Mountain. Because of his leadership, care, and dedication, this whole valley became protected land and is now deeded to the County of San Mateo as Parkland.