Alex Darocy Photography

A rally and march in solidarity with the people of Ferguson, Mo. was held in downtown Santa Cruz on August 17. On August 9, Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in broad daylight in front of numerous witnesses. Michael was reportedly unarmed and holding his hands up while attempting to surrender, saying "don't shoot" when he was gunned down. Since that time, protests in support of justice for the Missouri teenager have erupted all over the world. Community members in Santa Cruz marched from the Louden Nelson Center down Pacific Avenue to the Town Clock where a rally was held. "Staying contained and silent must end. It is time for American civil societies to rise up, in SOLIDARITY, and express our outrage for the dominating modes of power that enable racism, inequality, and impunity. We must come together in order to resist the complacency and complicity that allows these injustices to persist," read an announce...

In solidarity with the people of Ferguson, Mo. and for justice for Michael Brown, community members in San José marched around the downtown area on August 17. The group chanted "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" as they marched, and after arriving at Cesar Chavez Plaza, individuals used chalk on the sidewalk to express themselves further. Marchers also chanted "Being Black and Being Brown is Not A Crime, So Don't Shoot," and "These Racist Pigs Have Got to Go, Hey Hey, Ho, Ho." Parallels were made between Ferguson and Gaza, with several demonstrators holding signs on the subject. At one point many were chanting, "From Ferguson to Gaza, Fuck the Policia," while they marched. One demonstrator communicated specific demands by holding a sign listing the five "action items" related to police reform put forth by 5actionitems.com: 1. The shooting and killing of an unarmed citizen who does not have an outstanding warrant for a violent c...

A demonstration to protest U.S. involvement in Israel's attacks on Gaza was held on August 14 outside of a fundraiser for Congress Member Sam Farr in Santa Cruz. Organized by the Democratic Women’s Club, the fundraiser was hosted by Khristina Horn, who opened up her home on Millionaires' Row. Known as "Epworth-By-The-Sea," the mansion was built in 1887 and fronts the ocean at 320 West Cliff Drive. One demonstrator said being at the luxurious location felt "creepy" because of how strongly it symbolized the connection between big money and politics. Farr could be seen through the large, bay facing windows of the mansion, speaking with supporters.  Congress Member Sam Farr speaks with supporters. Outside, activists casually held signs along West Cliff. One large banner read, "Your Taxes to Israel: $8 Million/day."  $3 billion a year in U.S. military aid is given to the Israeli government. On August 1, Congress Member Farr voted, a...