Status of Women & Girls in Santa Cruz County Report

The Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission completed a profoundly significant report on The Status of Women & Girls in Santa Cruz County (SOWAG) last year. Since then they have presented a series of meetings throughout Santa Cruz County on the findings and recommendations in the report, seeking the community’s response. The Criminal Justice section is filled with challenges, and it was the focus of the most recent meeting.

In a packed room on the evening of May 17, commentators discussed issues like local responsibility for incarceration, the meth-amphetamine crises and young women, foster care, juvenile justice, training, what happens to the children and more. Commentators included Judge Ari Simons, Shea Johnson from the Sheriff’s Department, Susan Green (Aide to Supervisor John Leopold), Assistant DA Barbara Rizzieri, and others. It was a thought provoking evening.
Sheila DeLany, VWC Board Member and Treasurer, is a long-time member of the Women’s Commission and played a significant role in the research and writing of of the SOWAG Report. If you want to receive email announcements about upcoming Women’s Commission events, contact Sheila at The Blind Pilot Jewelers in Boulder Creek, email or 338-4436, to have your name put on the email list.