Organizations receive $970k in federal funding

Two organizations in Watsonville aimed at supporting children and families experiencing violence received $972,405 in funding through the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs.

The grants were announced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Watsonville's congresswoman Tuesday, in addition to a $600,000 grant to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office to assist with the design and implementation of bodyworn cameras. Between the two grants, the region has received $1.5 million in federal funding.

The $972,000 will be given to the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, which will distribute the funds to the Luna y Sol Familia Center and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Center.

Luna y Sol opened in 2022 to provide a space for youth and families to do homework, receive tutoring, conduct job searches, receive volunteer hours and be a one-stop shop for mental health services, financial literacy and more.

The Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Center provides counseling services, restorative justice programs such as Caminos Hacia el Exito and Community Reclaiming Youth Justice, alcohol and drug prevention, parenting workshops and more.

“Effective public safety requires strong public trust, and communities need appropriate resources to both prevent and respond to incidents of violence,” Lofgren said in a statement. “That's why I'm pleased to announce federal funding for equipment that improves transparency and for organizations that support victims in the Salinas Valley.”

“Effective public safety requires strong public trust, and communities need appropriate resources to both prevent and respond to incidents of violence.” — Rep. Zoe Lofgren