Santa Cruz’s Repeat Offender Problem

Santa Cruz County’s new chief probation officer Fernando Giraldo is trying to secure funding for treatment of criminals who get rehab instead of jail time under Prop. 36. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

Paul M. Marigonda, presiding judge for Santa Cruz Superior Court, has heard what people say about him and his colleagues. Public Safety Task Force members pressured judges to get tougher on criminals last year, and activists from the Santa Cruz Hall of Shame have criticized the court for supposedly creating a “revolving door” for repeat offenders.

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Doing A 180 On Homelessness

Carol and Rebel, two homeless people living in Santa Cruz. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

Permanent Supportive Housing is a model for solving the problem of homelessness, and it is the backbone of a national grassroots effort called the 100,000 Homes Campaign. With this model, homeless individuals are put into housing—literally, “Here’s an apartment, here’s a key,” no questions asked—and wrapped in any and all supportive services they may need for the rest of their lives until they die, hopefully with dignity and indoors. Santa Cruz has just joined the campaign with its own Project 180/180.

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In Aftermath of Collins Murder, New Scrutiny on Homeless

Waiting at the Homeless Services Center on River Street. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

When the Shelter Project’s Paul Brindel heard about the proposed changes for homeless services in the aftermath of the murder of 38-year-old Shannon Collins, one concern echoed through his head. “I hope that as a result of this horrible crime, homeless people will not find it so much harder to find legal, affordable shelter,” says Brindel, the Community Action Board program director who will be retiring this year after 30 years of service.

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Coming Soon: Kalefest

Do you sometimes skip dessert just so you an have another serving of kale salad? Me too! Kale is truly an astonishing member of the brassica family, beloved for its deep green (sometimes purple) color and its wealth of antioxidants and healthy minerals. Its distinctive bitter flavor makes it a hit with savvy chefs all over the world. And it loves to grow right here on our windswept, fog-kissed coast.

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