Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc's Heroes in Prevention Awards recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, and community leaders who are making a positive impact in the Pajaro Valley through prevention, wellness, and youth empowerment!

Social Worker Supervisor María Rodríguez-Castillo is in Chicago this week with County and community leaders, participating in the Annie E. Casey Foundation Results Count Applied Leadership Network Cohort. @countyofsantacruz @watsonvillepd @bronxdefenders

Thanks to everyone who came out to Honor Judge Stephen S. Siegel and support High School Mock Trial and the 5th Grade Elementary Law Program ("Cookie Court") at last night's Elbow Rub. If you didn't get a chance to donate, visit scctla.com or use the QR code below.

In a landmark due process decision that *should* finally put an end to wealth-based detention in California, the California Supreme Court on April 30 issued In re Kowalczyk. latimes.com/opinion/story/…

I spent Monday at the Capitol with public defenders from across California supporting ACR 159 — a resolution recognizing the critical role of public defense and the urgent need for meaningful investment in public defense. Thanks @Ash_Kalra for this important resolution. - Heather

Congratulations to our Partners for Justice client advocates whose deep commitment to our community was recognized by Supervisor Felipe Hernandez in a proclamation, honoring their hard work, compassion and dedication during their 2-year fellowship at our office. @PFJ_USA

We are proud to support Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyer Association's 5th Grade Elementary Law Program ("Cookie Court"). This week, the Public Defender facilitated a cookie trial at the courthouse and then gave students from Mountain Elementary School a tour of our office.

Thank you, Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for inviting me to present on impeachment in Sun Valley. It was amazing to learn with, and from, you and to share ideas about elevating public defense! -Heather

Join us on May 7, 5-7:30 pm at the Harvey West Clubhouse for Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association's 2026 Elbow Rub, honoring Judge Stephen S. Siegel. Membership not required. Sliding scale donations--all are welcome!

We are proud to stand with community and congratulate the winners of the 2026 United in Purpose awards. We are inspired by all of the recipients and the impact they are making across the County.

This week, court staff, Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Public Defender’s Office—represented by our Director of Holistic Defense, Elizabeth Byrd—traveled to Brisbane to visit the Jericho Project and learn about the work they are doing to help rebuild lives.

Join us April 26 at Guelaguetza, a family-friendly celebration of Oaxacan culture, with food, dance, music and crafts. For more information, visit the Senderos website: scsenderos.org

So proud of our team who supported our colleagues in San Francisco and highlighted the need for state resources for public defense by wearing black yesterday in solidarity with defenders across the country. #FundPublicDefense #ProtectThe6th #ARightInNameOnly

Last week’s 4th Annual Spring Training at the Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV) was a powerful reminder of what it means to learn, grow, and build community together. Thank you to our wonderful defenders and trainers--and to RCNV for your support of our shared work.

Homeless Garden Project's Evening of Hope reminded us that hope is a verb--it is what we do each day to make a difference here at home and in the world.

#FundPublicDefense, #ProtectThe6th, #ARightInNameOnly

Join us at RCNV for a special Earth Day Reading of Martin Luther King's Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Reading begins at 6:00 PM. eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-re…