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Santa Cruz proclaims January 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month
Summary
The City Council proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, recognized a county grand-jury report and commended local survivor-led nonprofits and the commission for the prevention of violence against women for their work.
The Santa Cruz City Council proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and encouraged residents to learn warning signs and support survivor services.
Council member Renee Golder presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Keeley and the council, referencing the Santa Cruz County civil grand jury report "Human trafficking in Santa Cruz County: voices unheard, signs unseen," and recognizing local survivor-led organizations including Aruca Project and Rising Worldwide. Speakers from the city's Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women thanked the council and said the commission will bring curriculum on human trafficking into schools and continue community education and survivor leadership efforts.
Members of the public, including Becky Steinbruner and Elaine Salter, urged the council to take the issue seriously as local events that draw visitors can increase vulnerability and to support safe shelter and services such as the "Hope House" fundraising cited during public comment.
The council presented the proclamation and invited commission members to make remarks; the council recorded appreciation for local nonprofits and law enforcement for their engagement with the grand-jury report.
