Hundreds Head to Watsonville Discussion on Local Problems - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

WATSONVILLE, Calif. - From gang crime to the rise in foreclosures, hundreds headed Sunday to Watsonville's Henry Mello Center in search of solutions to the Central Coast's most pressing problems.

The gathering was organized by the social action group Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, or COPA.  Top local elected officials from both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, along with Rep. Sam Farr, Bishop Richard Garcia of the Monterey Diocese and Rabbi Paula Marcus of Temple Beth El were in attendance.

Farr agreed to help find more HUD counselors for families dealing with foreclosures, as well as bank representatives to facilitate loan modifications.

Garcia emphasized the importance of parental engagement and parish volunteers to respond to gang violence.

Among the topics discussed by Farr was the weekend vote by the U.S Senate to begin debate regarding health care overhaul; Farr expressed his optimism with President Barack Obama signing off on a completed deal by the end of December.