Still More Friendly Fudge from Mayor Reilly & Chief Skerry on Rape--6-28 at 6 PM on FRSC

Tiptoeing Around the Tourists
by Steve Smith

Remember Larry Vaughn? He was the mayor of the ficitonal town of Amity in the movie Jaws. Made infamous for his denial of the problem of the shark attacks in order to protect the tourism industry in Amity, he must be one of the most craven characters ever portrayed on the big screen.

Santa Cruz, like Amity, is a tourist town. Sharks routinely cruise by but, unlike in Amity, they seldom eat our guests.

A much more real threat is the reality of sexual assault in the city of Santa Cruz. Based on the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, Santa Cruz today is one of the most dangerous places in America in which to be a woman. The incidence of sexual assault is so high that women are safer in Detroit, LA, New York, and San Francisco. In fact, there is no city in California with a higher rate.

In 2005 we broke records, in 2006 it dropped a bit, but, in 2007 we are again on track to break records. If the current trend continues approximately 55 women will report being raped in Santa Cruz. Not to mention the many more who will be victims and not report.

This high rate is not replicated in any of the surrounding areas or the university, so what is wrong in Santa Cruz? Its time to ask why and to fix it or, will this city council let another summer pass with their heads in the sand hoping the sharks won't attack?



For More Info and to Replay the Prior Broadcasts: See http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/13/18427282.php & http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/19/18428574.php