Chapter Head of Satanic Temple-Santa Cruz Opposes City-Sanctioned Homeless Camp

Lana Navalia posted the following statement in the "Friends of Depot Park Santa Cruz" Facebook group:

"I am glad people are standing up and talking about this! I play soccer at Depot Park and have always had problems with the homeless using and or harassing people and now this. I also participate in local beach cleanups and this puts the beach an arms distance away. I'm not sure why this is seen as even a bandaid the homeless epidemic, but it is wrong in so many ways. That's my rant. Thank you."

The post by Navalia was "liked" by Dan Foy, the owner of Perrigo's Auto Body Shop, and Steve Schlicht of Take Back Santa Cruz and Santa Mierda. Foy has been an outspoken critic of the camp, due to Lot 24's proximity to his business.

This isn't Navalia and the Satanic Temple's first foray into political and community involvement in Santa Cruz outside of their temple. In 2018, the Satanic Temple adopted Seabright Beach through Save Our Shores, and the group of Satanists also marched in the Santa Cruz Gay Pride Parade that year.

According to Navalia's Facebook page, in addition to managing the Satanic Temple of Santa Cruz, she is Perishables Manager at Staff of Life Natural Foods.