At least some of the defendants are journalists who were present to report on the protest. We condemn any attempt to criminalize their exercise of the crucial First Amendment right to gather and disseminate information about this newsworthy event. All charges based on this constitutionally protected activity should be dropped immediately.

A banner reading “Reclaim Space—Reclaim our Lives” was hung above a counter where bank tellers had once smiled and counted out bills.

Hundreds of people, most of whom are experiencing homelessness, and therefore typically marginalized and criminalized in our community, were provided with a wide range of services and some goods.

Four Twenty in Porter Meadow at UCSC is an unorganized annual tradition.

The Santa Cruz Branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) condemns the action of local law enforcement in attempting to prosecute eleven local activists who are alleged to have occupied the long-deserted bank building at Water and River Streets last fall.

Allen and Darocy were engaged in conduct that is protected under the First Amendment and article I, § 2 of the California Constitution. The prosecution’s theory that these reporters are vicariously guilty of the crimes that they photographed endangers the First Amendment.

The Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office tried to paint them as activists while ensuring Thaler, the Santa Cruz Sentinel photographer, was there as a bona fide journalist. Fortunately, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Paul Burdick saw through that flimsy argument and dismissed all charges against Allen and Darocy.

“I don’t want people to think, ‘You went before a judge, the judge was fair, the charges were dismissed, everything’s cool.’ It’s not cool.”

The Davis Dozen returned to the Yolo County Courthouse for a pre-trial conference. The mood was upbeat and positive inside the courtroom.

On Sunday, June 3rd, the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz presented the 38th annual Santa Cruz Pride demonstration, which featured a march and rally with thousands of people on Pacific Avenue.