Thoughts from the Executive Director's Desk
Welcome to 2012 Everyone, 
If you received our email and Facebook blasts yesterday, you know about the hate crime that took place on New Years Eve in downtown Santa Barbara. Have information that could be relevant? Please contact Detective Kushner at (805) 897-2345. Or feel the need to speak with a counselor, please contact Cynthia, our Director of Counseling Services.
It's tragic and horrifying events like this that instill in me the tremendous power our community pulling together in solidarity, and grateful that your LGBT center is here to put in the work to make our community safer and more inclusive. It does indeed take a village to make long lasting change. Below are some photos from the press conference we held in conjunction with Mayor Helene Schneider and the Santa Barbara Police Department, because Santa Barbara is no place for hate.
Warmly,
David Selberg
David Selberg speaks at Hate Crime Press Conference, January 4, 2012 |
David Selberg speaks at Hate Crime Press Conference, January 4, 2012 |
Hate Crime Press Conference, January 4, 2012 |
Mayor Helene Schneider speaks at Hate Crime Press Conference, January 4, 2012 |
Deputy Police Chief Frank Mannix speaks at Hate Crime Press Conference, January 4, 2012 |
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Hate Crime in our Community - We Need You!
Pacific Pride Foundation has recently received information about a potential violent hate crime that took place on New Years Eve in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Police Department is looking for information from the community to assist in their investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, and their Media Release can be found below. If you have any information that could be relevant, we urge you to contact Detective Kushner at (805) 897-2345.
Hate crimes are intended to send a message of fear and alienation. Our best response to an act this horrific is to come together in solidarity for the safety of all those who call Santa Barbara home.
 MEDIA RELEASE
Assault Believed to be Hate Motivated
Police Seeking Public's Help
SANTA BARBARA, CA - 01/03/2012
Following the festive New Year's Eve celebration during the early morning hours on 1/1/12, at approximately 1:42 a.m., two male victims exited a downtown bar and were walking to their vehicle parked near Ortega St. and Chapala St.
The two male victims were confronted by three male suspects whom they had never met. One of the suspects focused his attention on the victims and made a derogatory comment. The suspects then violently attacked the victims resulting in one victim suffering a broken jaw and a head injury requiring staples to close. The other victim suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Based on the ongoing investigation, it appears that the suspects perceived the victims to be gay which is believed to be the motivation for the attack.
The suspects are described as follows:
- Suspect 1: White male adult, 20's, 5'4" / 160 lbs with a shaved head. White and black plaid long sleeve shirt.
- Suspect 2: White male adult, 20's, 6'1" with a shaved head, Dark clothing.
- Suspect 3: White male adult, 20's, with a shaved head. Dark clothing.
Chief Cam Sanchez wants the public to know, "That Hate crimes like these will not be tolerated and those responsible will be held accountable". The Santa Barbara Police Department is actively investigating this assault as a potential hate crime and requests help from the public in identifying the suspects. Information related to this case can be provided anonymously. Please contact Det. Kushner at (805) 897-2345 with any information.
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Greetings,
Since its inception, Pacific Pride Foundation has proudly served the specific needs of our local communities. When we opened our doors in 1976, Pacific Pride addressed the growing need for counseling services and social gatherings. Later, we developed programs to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic affecting our County. We pride ourselves in being a safe place for everyone in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or medical status.
 Last year, Pacific Pride partnered with UCSB's Psychology Department and Fund for Santa Barbara for our county's first LGBTQ Summit. During this spirited day of workshops and discussions we sought input on current issues that still needed to be aaddressed. The biggest topic of concern that resulted from the Summit was the issue of "harassment and violence related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression."
Concern for safety in our community prompted Pacific Pride, Just Communities, and Dr. Tania Israel from UCSB to collaborate with Police Chief Cam Sanchez on solutions that would create real and lasting change. The LGBT Sensitivity and Awareness Trainings in the Santa Barbara Police Department were built based on the information gleaned not only from that LGBT Summit, but also from countless hours of research and dialog with the community. This fall, we held our first set of trainings, which included every officer on the City police force. Our next goal is to expand this training to other City Police and Sheriff's Departments in our County, as well as the Southern California Oxnard Police Academy.
 Here at Pacific Pride, we don't just offer help to those who come to us in need, we actively work towards a community in which each member feels safe and supported. This is your chance to build that kind of community, too. Please take a moment to donate now, and support programs that make crucial changes in Santa Barbara County. We're all in this together.
Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season,
David Selberg and Pacific Pride Foundation
Holidays With Equality
 The Santa Barbara community is full of wonderful organizations, both faith-based and non-secular, that support the LGBT community and welcome employees and recipients of services regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
So this holiday season, please reconsider dropping your dollar into that ubiquitous red pot. The Salvation Army's official position statement on homosexuality and active lobbying against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights is incompatible with the Equality Project's work for LGBT civil rights.
Learn more about the Salvation Army's anti-LGBT policies at the Equality Project's website. You can also visit the Human Rights Campaign's Buyer's Guide to check the Corporate Equality Index of hundreds of businesses throughout the United States, and stay tuned for more information from the Equality Project about businesses and organizations in Santa Barbara County that openly support the LGBT community.
Feel good about your financial future while supporting PPF
Judy Pirkowitsch and Kate Silsbury, supporters of Pacific Pride Foundation, are giving you an opportunity to continue to show your support for Pacific Pride Foundation by contributing $25 when you attend a complimentary initial meeting.
Whether you’re new to financial planning or are an experienced investor, taking the opportunity to meet with Judy or Kate may help you feel more confident about your financial decisions, goals and plans. Just for attending the complimentary meeting, Pacific Pride Foundation will receive a $25 donation. More info >>
Get your financial issues handled, learn financial strategies, and understand market outlook on the first Thursday of every month with Judy Pirkowitsch. More info >>
Food Pantry Grocery List
Pacific Pride Foundation needs your help supporting men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in Santa Barbara County! Your generous donation of any of the grocery items on this shopping list will go directly to food pantries in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Please call Barbara Sutherland at extension 131 with any questions.
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All Children Matter: How Legal and Social Inequalities Hurt LGBT Families 