Archive for the “La Liga de la Comunidad” Category

Marciano Cruz was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. For over 20 years, Marciano, also known as Chango, has been working to improve the lives of people in the greater Santa Cruz community. He is currently a staff member at the RCNV. On May 11th, Marciano received the “Most Caring Coach Award” by USA Weekend. He is being honored for his work as founder, chief organizer and president of La Liga de La Comunidad, a countywide soccer league for youth and adults.

On May 12th, Marciano was recognized with “Marciano Cruz Day” in the city of Santa Cruz and received a Mayor’s Proclamation from Ryan Coonerty during a celebration in the parking lot of the RCNV. Marciano was also presented with resolutions from John Laird of the California State Assembly and Joe Simitian of the California State Senate. In addition to his time and dedication to La Liga de La Comunidad, Marciano also enjoys surfing with his friends and helping kids learn how to surf safely with proper gear. The Beach Flats Community Garden, which is now blooming with new growth, began with the vision and dedication of Marciano and some of his friends from the neighborhood. Read More and View Photos on SC-IMC

Mexico at a Crossroad
Sun. April 13, 3-5p.m.,
SC Police Station Community Room, 155 Center St., Santa Cruz
AND
Mon. April 14, 7p.m.
- bilingual presentation -
Resource Center for Nonviolence, 515 Broadway, Santa Cruz (during la Liga de la Comunidad Soccer Coaches meeting)

Tanja Markus, a SIPAZ team member, will speak about the Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero regions of Mexico. Tanja holds a Masters in Law with an emphasis in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and has worked with the UN High Commissioner on Refugees in Stockholm, The International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in the Hague, and with Caritas in Valencia, Spain. SIPAZ supports the search for nonviolent solutions that contribute to the construction of a just peace through building tolerance and dialogue. SIPAZ team members accompany threatened indigenous communities to reduce tension, and facilitate conflict transformation and human rights workshops. For more information, 423-1626 or www.rcnv.org

Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 420 Melrose, Santa Cruz

George Baldwin is author of “A Political Reading of the Life of Jesus.” Baldwin was a local pastor for twelve years and a seminary professor for fourteen years. He felt called to live in voluntary poverty and lived in Nicaragua from 1984 to 1996.

Bill Moyers called George “…one of the memorable people I have met in my work and one for whom I have the utmost admiration.”

Baldwin says, “Don’t ask, what would Jesus Do? Read what Jesus did Do!” Baldwin examines Jesus as the leader of a political insurrection, in relation to Christology, the Trinity, theories of atonement, love of neighbor, and the role of the Church.

This event is part of a series, “Jesus and Justice: Journeying Towards Repentance and Reconciliation” organized by local churches, Quaker Meeting, and RCNV.

Call 251-4833 for more information.