Eviction Defense agency underfunded despite need

The issue of homelessness in our community has garnered significant attention, with millions of dollars allocated to various strategies aimed at addressing it. However, a critical component often overlooked in large-scale plans is eviction prevention. On Dec. 25, the Sentinel highlighted a troubling disparity: fewer than 5% of renters in eviction cases nationwide have legal representation, compared to over 80% of landlords.

In Santa Cruz County, the Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) offers a powerful model for addressing this gap. Comprising Community Bridges, the Conflict Resolution Center, Senior Legal Services, and Tenant Sanctuary, the EDC provides wraparound services —such as legal aid and landlord-tenant mediation — at no cost to those facing eviction.

Although reversing an eviction process is challenging, the EDC excels in negotiating “soft landings” for families. This can mean more time to secure housing or early access to security deposits for a new residence.

With homelessness services costing seven times more than preventing eviction, the EDC is a critical yet underfunded resource, urgently needing support to continue its impactful work. Why is that?

— Julia Feldman,Aptos, Executive Director, Conflict Resolution Center, of Santa Cruz County

Holding office: Trump and the U.S. Constitution

I recently submitted an editorial piece to the Sentinel. The topic was that the Constitution unambiguously says no person who has been an officer, has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution, and has engaged in insurrection, etc, shall hold any office. Lawyers found ways around this, and it was suggested that Trump was not an officer, was not directly involved in the insurrection, and the Constitution doesn’t say he couldn’t run for office.

The documentation I submitted unequivocally states that, Constitutionally, he can’t legally hold an office. Then, SCOTUS decided to let the people vote rather than follow the law. The Constitution says it takes a two-thirds vote of Congress to amend it.

Since when can people directly vote on whether or not to obey the Constitution? That’s why we have courts and, unfortunately, lawyers. That is why we elect Representatives: to create laws on our behalf.

In the last election, Musk was allowed to buy the presidency and people’s votes because apparently, the Constitution does allow that. Can’t you see what is happening?

— Sam Burkhardt, Santa Cruz

Stop protests and ‘do something productive’

In response to the letter writer of Dec. 29 who says she stood proudly protesting Stand With Us, holding signs that said “baby killers” … One of Stand With Us’ missions is to stand up to misinformation and hate. Instead of correcting the writer’s harmful misstatements, I feel it’s more productive recommending doing something that helps all the people in Israel and Palestine.

Here are just a few:

1. Donate to the International Fund for Israel-Palestine Peace, a coalition of over 160 organizations which, in part, addresses trauma and pain as integral components of any peacebuilding program.

2. Become a member of Hadassah and support its two Jerusalem hospitals which lead the world in innovation, serving all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality.

3. Donate to Tribe of Nova Foundation, supporting long-term recovery to the survivors and bereaved families of Oct. 7.

4. Know the facts about the state of Israel, which, by the way, Jews have inhabited for almost 4,000 years. Stop with the “Baby Killer” signs and do something productive.

— Lauren Leff, Aptos

Stand with Us not against honest criticism of Israel

The criticism of Stand With Us by a Dec. 29 letter writer to the Sentinel is wrong and outrageous. That organization proudly supports Israel, is not against honest criticism of Israel. It would refute accused Israel genocide against Palestinians, the definition of intentional organized destruction of a group is the proof. The killing of civilians in the Hamas war is accidental and regretted, certainly not intentional. However there is genocide by Hamas, by its massacre in Israel Oct. 7, and by declaration in its Charter. The letter is shameful and embarrassing.

— Norman G. Licht, Palo Alto