For three decades the Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV) has brought an extraordinary range of speakers on Middle East issues to Santa Cruz. These speakers range from the Chief Justice of the Israeli High Court to the founder of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights in Gaza. We’ve hosted an Israeli whose son was killed by a Palestinian sniper and a Palestinian whose 10 year-old daughter was killed by an Israeli Border Policeman as she walked home from school.
New Face of America
She may be a young activist dealing with some of today’s most pressing issues, but Erica Williams is setting her sights on the future—mid-century, to be exact. By that time, the Census Bureau predicts that racial minorities will make up most of the United States’ population, with no one group holding an overwhelming racial majority. As the Center for American Progress’ new Deputy Director for Progress 2050 (as in the year 2050), Williams is taking steps to ensure that progressive policy reflects this forecasted diversity.
In Santa Cruz, Anarchists of All Stripes
One week after masked so-called anarchists vandalized 18 businesses and a police car in downtown Santa Cruz during a May 1 street party, another group of anarchists is meeting a few blocks away from the scene. The setting is the sunlit patio of the The Abbey Coffee, Art and Music Lounge on Highland Street, and calling the meeting to order is John Malkin, author, journalist, radio host and self-described Buddhist anarchist.
Four Surenos Already Convicted after Operation Groundhog
District Attorney Bob Lee is working fast. Just days after Operation Groundhog cracked down on the Sureno Gang operating in Watsonville, four people have been sent to state prison, while another four have been sentenced to time in local jails or various terms of probation. “Gangs are the No. 1 problem we have in this county,” said Lee, explaining his determination to break the Surenos once and for all.
Budget Protest Scheduled for the Government Center Today
Santa Cruz County is teetering on the red, and will have to cut $17 million out of its budget this year. Like so many other counties, it is going forward with job cuts. Over 200 county employees could lose their livelihoods, with virtually every department represented, from the Sheriff’s Office to the Probations Department and from Health and Human Services to Child Welfare.
The workers in the departments have had enough. They want the county to cut from the top where, they claim, expenses are bloated. To get their point across, they will be picketing the Government Center, starting at noon today. Some 200 people are expected to show up for the picket.
Police Raid Surenos in Watsonville
After a yearlong investigation, Watsonville police arrested 42 people suspected of being part of the Surenos gang.
The Jugglers Are Coming
Christopher D. Garcia, 19, may be a computer science major by day, but as soon as class is over he takes out his balls, hoops and knives and becomes Draco the Juggler. He is just one of many students in the UCSC Juggling Club. This Friday they will be hosting their annual bash, a three-day juggling extravaganza on a hilltop in the UCSC campus grounds.
Santa Cruz Poets, Santa Cruz Inspiration: Doug McClellan
In this month’s installment of ‘Local Poets, Local Inspiration,’ a poet imagines a mural in honor of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County RTC Buys Railroad
It’s official. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is buying a railroad. In a meeting Thursday night, commissioners voted unanimously to spend a total of $19.2 million in state transportation money to buy the tracks from railroad giant Union Pacific and to repair and upgrade them for increased business.
Dems File Lawsuit in Bid to Delay 15th District Race
Three individuals, with support from the California Democratic Party, filed a lawsuit in federal court yesterday seeking to delay the June 22 special election to fill the state senate seat being vacated by newly confirmed Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado.
