Si prefiere ver la información de este evento en español, haga clic aquí. This is a bilingual program with live, simultaneous Spanish interpretation.

As part of the national United Against Hate Week movement, SCPL has partnered with Santa Cruz County United for Safe and Inclusive Communities (SCCUSIC) to bring community members together through films, conversations and actionable opportunities to prevent hate violence and to build safe, inclusive environments where everyone can participate in public life.

Join community leaders as they discuss the topics raised in 'Not in Our Town' short films and share their perspectives on addressing and preventing hate/ bias incidents that occur in Santa Cruz County. Hear differing community approaches to supporting policies and system changes that contribute to a safe and more inclusive community. We invite people from all walks of life to discover how every community member can play a part charting a better future.

Films will be made available for free viewing during United Against Week on the Watsonville Film Festival virtual platform. Click here to view the films. Link will be provided Nov. 14 - 20, 2021. Watching the selection of Not In Our Town Films is recommended, but not required to participate and learn. Our Facilitator for this event is Rabbi Paula Marcus. Registration is required for this event. Click on the blue BEGIN REGISTRATION button in the section below.

Rabbi Paula Marcus

Rabbi Paula Marcus received her BA in Judaic studies from SUNY Binghamton. She received her rabbinic ordination and her masters from the Academy of Jewish Religion in 2004. Rabbi Marcus sees activism and social justice as an important part of Jewish values. She served on the National board of T'ruah:  The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and has facilitated workshops for Jewish Funds for Justice, Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, (the local Industrial Areas Foundation affiliate), and the National Religious Action Center. She is one of the co-founders of Out in Our Faith (an interfaith LGBTQ network) and a leader in the Santa Cruz Tent of Abraham Project. She is currently the Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Aptos California.

Esabella Bonner

Esabella Bonner is a long-time Santa Cruz resident, entrepreneur, and visionary working to help bridge our local community.  Bella is a Cabrillo and SJSU alumni receiving her Associates Degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specializing in Human Resource Management. Bella co-founded Blended Bridge, a local collective that aims to inspire and empower collective community. She is also the sole founder of Black Surf Club Santa Cruz which aims to promote both physical and spiritual wellness through surf and community for our Black and POC residents.

Gloria Nieto

Gloria Nieto is a long-time activist at local, state and national levels.  She was the Latina lesbian to address a Presidential convention, became a member of the Democratic National Committee for 8 years and served in a contingent of gays and lesbians to meet with President Clinton in the White House. As an activist in New Mexico she worked on getting legislation passed giving drivers licenses to immigrants, got both a non-discrimination and hate crimes bills passed.  We were the first state to have both those laws be transgender inclusive. She served on Governor Bill Richardson’s transition team and as a member of the state health commission. Her time in Santa Cruz as an LGBT activist is part of the permanent history collection at the MAH. There was a movie made about her work that is part of the exhibit. Additionally the Queer Youth Leadership Awards made a movie about her work and struggle dealing with stage 4 cancer. Currently she is on the board of the Santa Cruz Community Health Center, the Silver Dolphins senior swim group and continues cancer treatment.  Thankfully her hair has come back, in curls!

Dr. Faris Sabbah

Dr. Faris Sabbah is an immigrant to the United States, born to a Muslim Palestinian father and a Catholic Ecuadorian mother.  He has worked in education for nearly 30 years in a variety of positions within schools, districts, and the County Office of Education. He received his Bachelors from UCSC, his Masters in Education from San Jose State, and his Doctorate in Educational Equity from UC Berkeley. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools in June 2018 and works in support of all students and schools in Santa Cruz County. He believes wholeheartedly that education is about serving the whole child, to disrupt inequitable practices and uplift student voice.

Adam Spickler

Adam Spickler was elected as a Cabrillo College Trustee in 2018, representing 27,000 Santa Cruz County residents. He sits on the college governing board’s Legislative Advocacy and Name Exploration committees, and is the first openly transgender man elected to public office in California. Professionally, Adam manages housing support, employment services and child welfare contracts as a Senior Analyst for the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department. Prior to this he worked as senior district staff for two state lawmakers. Adam is also an elected member of Santa Cruz County’s Democratic Party and is on the governing board of Housing Santa Cruz County. He is a former member of the California Democratic Party’s Affirmative Action Committee and served 3-terms as Board President of Santa Cruz County’s Diversity Center. He and his husband Scott live near the Harbor in Santa Cruz with their dogs, Penny and Juno.