To further its efforts to combat gang violence, the SCPD has partnered with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit’s National Gang Unit. According to Police Chief Howard Skerry, “We will tap into all available resources to cub this epidemic.” The joint effort is part of ICE’s Community Shield program to partner with local police authorities to curb gang violence. ICE has already partnered with police in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Salinas this year, and with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department.
Articles by Danny Wool
Peddlers Put Out With Percussionists
There’s an old Chinese proverb that says, “If your enemy wrongs you, buy each of his children a drum.” In Santa Cruz, some local businesses are wondering who the enemy is that they wronged.
Bang! Whang! Whang!
Council Mulls Cameras, Approves Cops to Fight Violence
The level of violence in Santa Cruz has shot up, and City Council is determined to do something about it, regardless of the cost. On Tuesday, City Manager Dick Wilson was authorized to fill eight vacant positions on the SCPD, even if it costs the city $1 million. It was a bold move, considering that the city is struggling with a $4 million deficit. Mayor Mike Rotkin is now suggesting a new public safety tax to help defray costs.
Local Foodies Take Home Top Honors
For those in the know, the James Beard Award is the culinary equivalent of the Oscars and the Nobel Prize all rolled into one with a nice remoulade. It’s the highest honor in the world of food and beverages, a celebration of meals that are truly happy, even if they come without the free toy. Two local connoisseurs of the kitchen, chef David Kinch and winemaker Randall Grahm, came home with the prize on Monday night.
It Takes A Riot
In the wake of Santa Cruz’s May Day riot, City Council, together with City Manager Dick Wilson, have decided to fill eight police vacancies that were left empty due to budgetary constraints. The city is currently facing a $3-4 million deficit, and Mayor Mike Rotkin admitted, “We have no idea how we are going to pay for it.” He added, “But this riot is enough of a crisis that we can’t afford to do what is fiscally responsible.”
FBI to Help Investigate Santa Cruz May Day Riot
The SCPD has asked the FBI to help it investigate the May Day riot, which left downtown with $100,000 in damages. They explained that the event may have been used by a local anarchist group to provide “political and physical” cover for its intended activities, which, police claim, were carefully coordinated.
May Day Immigration Protest in Watsonville
May Day is traditionally a day of demonstrations, particularly for the underrepresented. In Watsonville it is the day of the annual immigration rights protest at City Plaza. Given the situation in Arizona, and comments by several key candidates in the state (such as Steve Poizner in his Sunday debate with Meg Whitman) in support of the new policy there, it was no surprise that this weekend’s demonstration took on extra urgency.
Businesses Targeted in May Day Event
Local businesses along Pacific Avenue were left picking up the pieces on Sunday after a May Day street party and demonstration turned into a riot on Saturday night. Damages are estimated at $100,000. Police say there were not enough officers on the street to quell the rioters, and help had to be sought from other public safety organizations in the region. According to police spokesman Zach Friend, police were outnumbered 20 to 1 at the height of the riot. After reinforcements showed up it took 20 minutes, he said, to break up the riot.
Telecommuting Centers a Hit in Santa Cruz
Felton’s Satellite Teleworking Center is opening its second Santa Cruz location in the New Sentinel Building on Church Street. The site offers telecommuters and the self-employed a chance to work in an office-like setting with all the business amenities at a fraction of the cost.
Teacher Cuts Finalized
People across California are worried about the state’s public school system and how it is being handled by Sacramento. According to a study by the Public Policy Institute of California, 62 percent of residents believe that public schools receive insufficient funding from the state, and that this is directly impacting children’s education. The poll also found that 63 percent want K-12 education protected from any further spending cuts.
