More than 160 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans still face institutionalized racism that often has deadly results. Witness the fact, explained in Jon Vankin’s article about the death penalty (below), that Black Americans are exceedingly more likely to be executed for their crimes than White Americans. Today is a good day to consider that harrowing fact.
Some scholars have argued that Black Americans invented the holiday we now celebrate as Memorial Day. On May 1, 1865, a group of 10,000 Black men, women and children in Charleston, South Carolina, newly freed by Lincoln's order, marched to honor more than 250 Union soldiers that had been buried in a mass grave at a nearby Confederate prison. They then unearthed the soldiers, gave them each a proper burial, and placed flowers on their graves. That event may have served as inspiration when Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared May 30, 1868 as the first Decoration Day, which was offically renamed and made a national holiday in 1971.
Honoring All Veterans
Memorial Day is primarily meant to honor those who gave their lives in military service to the United States. It is also a good time to thank living veterans for their service. If you or a loved one are a veteran, follow these links to find some information that we hope will be useful.
Facts About California’s Veterans and the Resources They Have Earned
‘Stand Down’ Events Provide Veterans a Lifeline
Find local nonprofits and community organizations serving veterans. (Follow this link and select your county from the drop-down in the upper left corner of your screen.)
Some Arguments for the Abolishment of Capital Punishment
"A 2022 report by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund tabulated all U.S. executions since 1976 and found that, though they comprise 13.6 percent of the American population, Black people have been executed at a rate almost three times as high: 34 percent of all executed convicts."
When Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019, he cited racial inequity as a primary driver of his decision. He also pointed to studies that strongly suggest that a significant percentage of the convicts on California's death row are innocent of their crimes. Whatever your opinion on this topic you are likey to find surprises in these accounts.
Is California’s Death Penalty Finally Dead?
The death penalty remains legal in California, but Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a moratorium on executions in 2019. Will capital punishment end in the state? Here’s what’s happening.
• Housing Tax Measure Polling Leans Toward Approval
About 50 community members showed up for the second meeting of three at the Santa Cruz Police Department community room to help Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and city officials create a funding source for affordable and supportive housing projects.
(05/27/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Supreme Court Rules on Wetlands. How Will It Affect California?
Wetlands in California will stay largely protected despite a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that limited the authority of federal regulators.
(05/26/2023) → Monterey Herald
• Panetta Introduces Bill to Reduce Cost Barriers for Organic Producers
Coauthored with Rep. Alma Adams, the Opportunities in Organic Act seeks to help organic producers expand access to new markets and resources, and provide support and training for farmers.
(05/26/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Cabrillo College to Announce Shortlist of Five Potential New Names
The public will learn about the list of five potential new names for Cabrillo College at meetings on June 14 at the Aptos campus, June 28 at the Watsonville campus and July 12 at Scotts Valley City Hall.
(05/25/2023) → Lookout Santa Cruz
• CA Dems Scotch Newsom’s Infrastructure, Environment Plans
Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out a plan to speed construction of major public infrastructure and demanded quick votes from lawmakers. His Democratic allies put the proposals on ice.
(05/25/2023) → CalMatters
• Hospitals Seek a Broad Bailout, But They Don’t All Need It
As hospitals squeeze Sacramento for more money, experts and former officials warn against falling for fear tactics. They point to healthy profits and a recession-era financing scheme that allows rich hospitals to take tax money from poorer ones.
(05/25/2023) → Monterey Herald
• Watsonville City Council OKs License Plate Readers
The Watsonville City Council unanimously approved a two-year agreement with Flock Safety to provide 20 automated license plate reader cameras for the Police Department’s use in investigating stolen vehicle reports.
(05/24/2023) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
Service members stand in formation during a Memorial Day service.
