On July 1st, a benefit for Desiree Foster of the Santa Cruz Eleven was held at India Joze restaurant. Foster and ten other people were charged with two felonies each in relation to the occupation of a vacant bank building located at 75 River Street in Santa Cruz in the Fall of 2011. Foster, a 19-year-old woman, has been undergoing financial difficulties due in part to her mother's cancer diagnosis, and she attempted to commit suicide. The benefit featured food cooked and served by India Joze owner Jozseph Schultz, who has been a strong supporter of Occupy Santa Cruz since its beginnings, and performances by several of Santa Cruz's biggest names in music and entertainment, including Bill Walker, Tom Noddy, and Rick Walker.

Eight of the Santa Cruz Eleven were present at the event. Foster spoke only briefly, thanking everyone for their generosity. After she spoke, words were also heard from four other members of the Santa Cruz Eleven: Becky Johnson, Franklin "Angel" Alacantara, Brent Adams, and Robert Norse.

Six of the Santa Cruz Eleven have had all charges against them dismissed by Santa Cruz judge Paul Burdick in pre-trial hearings, however the charges were refiled against Franklin Alacantara and Cameron Laurendau. Many community members believe that District Attorney Bob Lee seriously overcharged the defendants in the case.

Read more, view photos and video | See Also: Judge Burdick Denies DA's "Untimely" Motion to Dismiss Him from Case

Previous Coverage: Demonstration at Wells Fargo in Solidarity with 75 River St. Arrestees || Occupy Santa Cruz Marches to Protest Repression of the Occupy Movement || Indybay Journalists Charged with Felony: Conspiracy to Make Media || Demonstration at Wells Fargo in Santa Cruz: "Drop the Charges! Bust the Banksters!" || ACLU Statement of Support and Petition for "Journalists, Local Press and Activists" || WILPF Condemns Local Law Enforcement and Supports Eleven Local Activists || Judge Burdick Dismisses Charges Against Four of the Santa Cruz Eleven || Occupy Santa Cruz Supports the Santa Cruz Eleven || Demonstrators say, "Bob Lee, Stop Wasting Money! Drop the Charges!" || The California Constitution "Is Broader and More Protective Than the First Amendment" || All Charges Dismissed Against Indybay Photojournalists Bradley and Alex || Banners on Highway One: "Support The Santa Cruz Eleven" and "Drop All Charges Now!" || Preliminary Hearing Postponed for Santa Cruz Eleven || A Closer Look at One of the Santa Cruz Eleven