Around 50 pro-Israel demonstrators marched on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz this past Friday in a call to free hostages taken by Hamas and show support for Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The protest was held on the same day that Israel and Hamas agreed to a hostage and prisoner swap that returned 24 hostages to Israel for 39 Palestinian prisoners. 

According to the BBC, among the returned hostages were the Israelis Margalit Mozes, 78, who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and Doron Katz Asher, 34, who was abducted along with her two daughters Raz, 4, and Aviv, 2. Ten Thai nationals were also released.

Demonstrators gathered on the lawn at 2 pm at Lighthouse Point as they waved Israeli and U.S. flags. Some carried posters with the names and photos of hostages taken by Hamas militants during their attack on Israeli settlements near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.

An estimated 1,400 people were killed by Hamas that day, according to the Israeli government, in what it called the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have unleashed an unprecedented bombing campaign against the Gaza strip that has killed over 14,000 people, according to The New York Times . Ten thousand of those killed have been women and children.

Now, almost two months into the conflict, a four-day ceasefire has been agreed to by Hamas and Israel in order to swap prisoners and hostages and for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Demonstrators on Friday were there to demand all hostages held by Hamas be returned immediately.

Amir Voskoboynik, 58, came down from Aptos to show solidarity with the hostages and for Israel’s ongoing military campaign. He said he was happy to hear that some hostages had been released.

“Every day that [the hostages] are there it’s a crime,” Voskoboynik said, holding an Israeli flag. “It’s the best news ever. Very happy. We woke up to a very good day.”

Voskoboynik said that he supports Israel’s goal of “eradicating Hamas” and that the hostages being released, while a positive development, should not deter Israel from continuing its war in Gaza. He said that the ceasefire is not in the best interest of Israel, but only helps Hamas buy more time.

Gil Stein, 73, said that the release of hostages is a good thing, but that it is “psychological warfare” on behalf of Hamas.

“Innocent hostages for convicted terrorists, to me, is not a fair trade,” Stein said.

He supports the IDF’s current incursion into Gaza and said that the goal of destroying Hamas is the main concern even if it means civilians are killed.

“As far as the civilians in Gaza, the IDF will have to do what it has to do.”

Jacob Rosen, 58, was at the demonstration to show support to the “nation he is a part of”. He grew up splitting his time between the U.S. and Israel and served in the IDF. He said that most Americans do not understand the religious roots of the decades-long conflict of which the latest situation is a flashpoint. Rosen claims that Muslims wish to eradicate Jews.

“It doesn’t matter if there will be a Palestinian country or not, they wish to eliminate Jews in all of the world, not just in Israel,” Rosen said. “Judaism is a faith of hope and we believe in life. Islam believes in killing. Israel will do whatever it takes to release every single Jewish soul at any price. But this time around it will not end as before; Hamas will be eliminated.

In the wake of pro-Palestinian protests erupting across the nation and internationally, pro-Israeli groups have accused some of these demonstrations as being antisemitic. In particular, the often-heard chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, has been interpreted as hate speech. 

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the chant is an antisemitic slogan calling for the destruction of the Israeli state and the killing of Jews. Earlier this month, Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib was censured in Congress for using the slogan, as Jewish lawmakers called for her to face consequences for using the slogan. Tlaib is Palestinian and has shown support for the people of Gaza.

Voskoboynik said that some pro-Palestinian demonstrations have antisemitic undertones, but not all. When asked if being pro-Palestinian is the same as being pro-Hamas, Voskoboynik thinks there can be a distinction.

“I think there is [ a difference], but you have to ask these people who they really support these days,” Voskoboynik said.

Rosen said that all pro-Palestinian protests are antisemitic in nature.

“Of course they are,” Rosen said. “You should listen to their rhetoric. I don’t have to speak on their behalf. All the woke youngsters in this country that don’t know anything about the conflict that chant this thing[…], they can’t even tell you which river.”

On this sunny day after Thanksgiving, West Cliff was teeming with tourists as craft market booths dotted the parking lots. Demonstrators departed the lawn area and proceeded towards the surfer statue in a peaceful march that looped back around towards Natural Bridges. A few passing cars honked in solidarity. When asked what his thoughts were on the march, an onlooker did not have a strong opinion either way.

“It’s a free country,” he said.

To paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt, society is beholden to building a better future for youth—and to building youth for that future.

If this year’s Santa Cruz Gives drive is any indication, the commitment to fostering positive formative experiences for youth and giving them the tools to succeed is strong. For 2023, 26 youth serving organizations are seeking to get the community’s support for their Big Idea 2024: a specific goal or project they are hoping to raise funding for to complete.

From food justice, climate justice and environmental stewardship to mentorships and career training, local organizations are investing in childrens’ potential. These are some organizations that are sowing the seeds of possibility for society’s future adults.

MENtors Driving Change For Boys Men and Dads 

Founded in 2017, MENtors has been creating opportunities and nurturing environments to identify, resist and replace “toxic masculinity” among the county’s boys, men and fathers. Its mission is anchored in the belief that individuals have the potential for emotional and social development through the positive impact of a mentor. 

Deutron Kebebew, the executive director of MENtors, says the organization helps boys and men have better relationships, self awareness and a deeper sense of connection. 

“Our work really addresses gender-specific services for boys, young men, men and fathers, with the idea that they can have a better and healthier social and emotional development that improves their connection, awareness and relationship with themselves, their family and their community,” Kebebew says.

MENtors employs the 40 developmental assets, a framework that teaches individuals “external and internal assets,” according to the Search Institute. External assets include the development of a family support network and personal boundary setting, while internal assets include developing self-esteem and peaceful conflict resolution.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns are still being felt and Deutron says that boys and young men are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing issues related to it.

“The needs are more compounded because of Covid,” Kebebew says. “We see it with parents as well as young men. They’re really disconnected from school. So the more they get disconnected, they’re going to drop out and that’s going to lead toward a negative pathway. We’re actively trying to support our Pajaro Valley youth as well as Santa Cruz youth.” 

The organization’s main focus is to reach middle school-aged boys who are in need of mentorship during a critical time in their life. It also works with older boys and young men to develop social and emotional skills later in life. The program for fathers is designed to help them create a positive connection between them and their children. Based in Watsonville, MENtors has a presence in South County, but with the help of this year’s Santa Cruz Gives drive, it is hoping to add 100 new mentors to their roster in 2024.

Kebebew wants people in the community to reflect on how role models outside of their households have positively impacted them in their lives. He wants the same for minority and low-income boys and men for whom it may not be easy to find such a person. 

 “We’re intentionally trying to support them in a positive way so that they can have opportunities and see themselves beyond just surviving, but thriving.”

Additional Youth-Serving Organizations

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County 

Since 1982, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County has served over 8,500 at-risk youth at no cost through its proven model of mentoring services. It serves youth of all genders ages 6-19 and offers support for families as well.

This year, the organization’s campaign is “It Takes Little To Be Big” and invites the community to become a mentor or volunteer. “It takes a little time, a dash of encouragement, and a hearty laugh or two” to help brighten the lives of young people, according to the organization. To be a mentor is to change lives in no small way.

Girls Inc. of the Central Coast

Girls Inc. serves 1,300 girls in 21 schools across the area, pairing them with trained mentors who work with them in a safe environment. Mentees are inspired to pursue higher education, develop leadership skills and serve their communities,

For its Big Idea 2024, Girls Inc. seeks to expand its leadership mentoring program and bring100 girls together to meet twice a month during the school year. It will participate in 14 interactive sessions covering topics including college planning, public speaking and nutrition education.

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

Since 1998, Jacob’s Heart has provided emotional,financial and peer support to hundreds of local children and teens with cancer as they go through treatment. Additionally, it has helped thousands of family members get through the grief and bereavement process.

80% of Jacob’s Heart families rely on its transportation services, and for this year’s campaign the organization’s goal is to purchase a hybrid vehicle to help transport kids in treatment. A safe and reliable vehicle will make a difference for many low-income families who need to get to appointments in the Bay Area and beyond.

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) aims to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families of the greater Pajaro Valley. By providing health education, mental health, and substance use services, the organization promotes well-being in the community.

For 2024, its goal is to serve a minimum of 60 families split into three groups that will engage in 12 educational sessions. The focus will be on family unity and will help with skill development to counter the disconnect, isolation and conflict that pulls them apart. Topics will include positive identity, self-advocacy, substance/violence prevention and leadership development.

Live Like Coco

The Live Like Coco Foundation gives local kids the opportunity to get involved in beach clean ups, planting gardens, art classes and field trips. However, the foundation is best known for its literacy program.

Its Big Idea for 2024 is to convert a commercial step van and build a bookmobile with the help of Watsonville Charter School of the Arts. The mobile library will hold up to 2,000 books and is a win-win for both organizations. Currently, the charter school does not have a library and its students will have access to the bookmobile’s catalog. Live Like Coco will use it for outreach and book delivery  during the summer and weekends.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County

The Boys & Girls Club helps with social and character development for youth ages 6 to 18 by offering educational, vocational and recreational programs. After school programs are offered five days a week at their Santa Cruz, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley clubhouses, in addition to summer camps.

As the need for financial assistance for participating families has grown, in 2024 the organization is raising donations to fund their club scholarships for working families.

CASA of Santa Cruz County

CASA of Santa Cruz County advocates for children in the court system by providing court-appointed volunteers that help them feel connected and cared for. For 30 years, CASA has served foster youth and recently launched a mentorship pilot program for youth on probation for minor offenses.

For 2024, CASA wants to expand its Advocates program. The program will provide mentorship and connection to needed services, experiences, and opportunities to help juveniles comply with their probation requirements. Based on data from the pilot project, CASA has determined that 50% of individuals in the program are less likely to reoffend and have a substantial increase in their self-efficacy.

Digital NEST

Digital NEST provides underserved Latino youth with the skills, resources and network to build confidence and launch successful careers. By providing access to technology and career building opportunities, the organization is helping create the area’s next tech entrepreneurs.

The Big idea in 2024 is to expand its bizzNEST program to provide up to 40 young adults ages 18-24 with real-world, paid experience in web and graphic design, web development, and/or video production internships. The year-long internship will have participants work with Digital NEST staff and local professionals to network and build a portfolio.

Santa Cruz Gives is funded by the generosity of Good Times, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Applewood Foundation, Joe Collins, Driscoll’s, Inc., Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Comcast, Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner.

Six people have announced their intention to run for the Second District seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which opened when Zach Friend announced he would not seek a fourth term.

Previous stories covered Kim De Serpa, Kristen Brown, Doug Dietch and Tony Crane.

Now we take a look at David Schwartz and Bruce Jaffe.

The Second District runs along the coast from Aptos to Pajaro Dunes—including parts of Watsonville—and north through Nisene Marks State Park. It encompasses both rural and urban areas, as well as agricultural portions of the county. 

The person who fills the seat must balance both business and agricultural interests and will serve a diverse population that ranges from wealthy to low-income.

David Schwartz

Schwartz has run a tax services and accounting business for three decades. He says this financial experience, which includes interpreting government rules and regulations, has prepared him for the role.

“This is a good opportunity for me to run for office, and I think the supervisor’s position is something I could do very well,” he says. “I think it’s time for me to give back to my community that’s done so well for me. I am ready to make a commitment to public service.”

If elected, Schwartz says he wants to address the county’s aging system of roads, as well as the housing crisis.

He would also prioritize streamlining the county’s notoriously difficult permitting system.

“We need more (accessory dwelling units) but permits are expensive and they take a long time to get,” he says. 

Schwartz says the county only has a handful of employees to check building plans, which he says will make it difficult for the county to meet its state-mandated requirement of building out 4,634 housing units by 2031.

“If you really want to do that many homes, you really have to get those permits out,” he says. “They have to be affordable and they have to be issued quickly.”

The supervisors in July approved a plan to allow builders to bring their plans for review to a third-party entity. 

Additionally, the county has streamlined the process with the Unified Permit Center.

Schwartz also wants to change the proportion of money that the county collects from the property taxes. Just 13.5% goes to the county, with the rest going to the state.

“We get a very small piece of the pie, but we’re expected to do a very large amount of work,” he says.

He wants to streamline county services, saying he sees overlap between different departments.

“We can’t really save people tax dollars, we can’t lower the taxes,” he says. “But if we can spend more efficiently, then I think we can get more out of it. We can spend those dollars more effectively.”

“There is a gap in the way the county community relays information to the public,” Schwartz says. “It is difficult to find information on ongoing road work or when public meetings are held.” 

This is evidenced by low turnout he sees at meetings. This includes keeping the county website updated and streamlined, he says.

“If people are engaged, then they can be a bigger part of the decisions.”

Bruce Jaffe

Jaffe has served for 21 years on the Soquel Creek Water District (SCWD) Board of Directors, during which time he says he has become fluent in the parliamentary procedure required of elected bodies. 

There, he says he has learned open-mindedness, patience and critical thinking.

“I am running to give back to the community,” he says. 

An oceanographer and geologist by trade, he helped SCWD battle impending seawater intrusion with the successful Pure Water Soquel, a system that uses highly purified wastewater to recharge the critically overdrafted Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin.

“This is not a small task. The project is $140 million, and our district has about 16,000 connections,” he says. “The way we’re getting it done without fee increases is by getting grants from state and federal agencies and low interest loans.”

Jaffe also served as the first chair of  the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, an agency tasked with overseeing groundwater management.

“I’ve been very successful as director of the Soquel Creek Water District board, and I want to bring that success and skills from that to be a supervisor,” he says. 

Jaffe also says he wants to tackle affordable housing, which he calls one of the “greatest challenges that our county faces.”

He would also address homelessness and emergency preparedness, which he says his work for a federal agency responding to disasters such as tsunamis, floods and storms prepared him for. 

He would also look to improve the county’s transportation system.

“We need to develop a multifaceted approach to increasing the effectiveness of transportation,” he says. 

The ongoing bus-on-shoulder project, in addition to work on the rail-trail system, he says, “is a start.”

Jaffe wants to bolster the county’s disaster resilience capacity, and cites a Malay proverb that reads “prepare the umbrella before it rains.”

“In terms of disasters I’ve seen that a little preparation goes a long way towards recovery and safety,” he says. 

“I know what I’m getting into and I think I can do a good job,” he says. “My mindset is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the second district. After 21 years on the board it’s been proven that I listen, I react and I deliver.”

The owner of a Harvey West Park medical marijuana business who was arrested on four counts of attempted murder after he allegedly fired a gun at several suspected burglars was released Friday.  

Dep. Chief Jon Bush of Santa Cruz police said Derek Hubbard, 36, was arrested on Nov. 13 based on surveillance footage at the scene on Encinal Street and witness statements.

The incident started when Santa Cruz Police said that an alarm was tripped around 4:30am at Decibel Gardens. Police believe that at least eight masked people were involved in the robbery—no arrests have been reported. 

Hubbard managed to get to the scene before police. Armed with a handgun, Hubbard reportedly fired around eight rounds at the suspects and then gave chase with his car. 

Bush said police believe Hubbard fired at the suspects first and it appears that the suspects fired back at Hubbard at least once.

Hubbard then reportedly rammed into a white sedan that was later found through an allied law agency on Highway 17. When police ran the license plate, they learned it had been stolen out of the Bay Area.

“This is typical with these incidents, that people will use a stolen car or stolen plates to commit such crimes,” Bush said.

On Friday Hubbard was released from jail and put on house arrest, as ruled by Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Syda Cogliati. Hubbard’s court proceedings continue to develop. 

Bush also said that marijuana dispensaries and growing business crimes occur more frequently than other commercial businesses due to high product value. 

“The owner in this case, when he arrived on the scene, used lethal force, or deadly force to try and stop a property crime occurring,” Bush said. “Not only was it a property crime, but these suspects were exiting his business and did not pose a threat of violence or harm to anybody.”

Local, state and federal officials gathered in Watsonville on Tuesday to commemorate an agreement that paves the way for the decades-overdue reconstruction of the Pajaro River Levee.

The legally binding agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pajaro Regional Flood Risk Management Agency describes the $599 million project and the cost-sharing and construction responsibilities of both parties.

Zach Friend, chair of the Pajaro Regional Flood Risk Management Agency, said the Tuesday signing marks something that hasn’t been “seen in generations: an opportunity to rebuild the levee for communities that deserve it.”

“We are today at a defining moment in the over 75-year history of this river levee,” he said. “We’ve been looking for some sense of hope to transition from fear of flooding to moving toward construction.”

Known as the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, the work is expected to provide 100-year flood risk reduction to Watsonville, Pajaro, and surrounding agricultural areas by constructing levees and improvements along the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries.

Winter storms during the first three months of 2023 caused the levee to break in places and overtop its banks in others. The town of Pajaro was flooded, as were surrounding agricultural fields. Thousands of people were evacuated.

That was the latest in decades of floods that have devastated the area since the levee was built in 1949, including during the 1990s, which killed multiple people and caused more than $100 million in damage.

In March, President Joe Biden’s administration announced it had approved $67 million to help fund the long-awaited project. That funding was part of a $2.7 billion bipartisan infrastructure package to strengthen the nation’s ports and waterways.

In October 2022, state, county and federal lawmakers celebrated the completion of funding for the levee rebuild following a series of legislative moves, including Senate Bill 489, authored by Sen. John Laird to authorize the Department of Water Resources to advance funds to the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project.

Per the agreement, 65% of the project’s costs will be funded by the federal government, with the rest funded by the state. 

Costs for ongoing levee operations and maintenance is a local responsibility, and in 2022, voters who own property near and along the levee approved a property tax assessment to help with that cost.

In October 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’ Assembly Bill 876, which fast-tracks the work by exempting the project from certain local environmental laws and regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act through construction. Officials say without the bill, construction would have started in 2025 at the earliest.

Now, construction is expected to start in the summer of 2024, Rivas said.

“We were able to shave off years of the construction of these levees,” he said. “Time matters. With each passing year, our escalating climate crisis raises the stakes for all of our communities along our state’s waterways.”

Rivas noted that while the signing was an important moment, he told the crowd of government officials and media gathered at the Watsonville Civic Plaza that “these repairs should’ve occurred decades ago.”

“It shouldn’t have taken this type of effort, it shouldn’t have taken this long to get this done,” he said. “We have to do better.”

Work to repair the damaged portions in advance of the winter rains is already underway. Newsom also approved $20 million in state funds to help rebuild Pajaro.