It may seem that too much has happened since January 1, 2026. It can’t be that only a month has passed since the New Year!
Let the chaos, heartache, and fear inspire you to take action. But also, remember that the struggle is a long and winding road…make time for rest and care for your loved ones.
Here is our news for February. As usually, we’ll see you in the streets and we’ll see you at the stitch ‘n bitch.
Local Protests against State Violence
There have been numerous local gatherings over the past few weeks in response to ICE raids and repression in Minnesota and elsewhere.
Some of the banners from the Protest Banner Lending Library have been out at these events. If you’re interested in borrowing a banner, check out this page and get in touch at least a few days in advance.
One such rally is planned for tomorrow at the Clock Tower in Santa Cruz. This youth-led protest against ICE will take place on January 31st from noon until 3pm.
Events at the Fábrica:
First Friday Art Show:
“Quilted Whimsy: Reflections on Environments”
Jo Troutner
Friday, February 6, 2026
6 pm – 9pm
@ The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Join us for a First Friday open house at The Fábrica! This month will feature “Quilted Whimsy: Reflections on Environments”, featuring quilted works by Jo Troutner. Read the full description on the First Friday calendar.
Not a Fábrica event at all, actually!
Pajaro Valley Quilt Association’s
48th Annual Quilt Show
February 21-22 2026
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
@ The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Watsonville, CA
Several Fábrica Collective members and comrades will have quilts in the show. Stop by to see what Blaize, Ivy, Pete, Kelly, and other friends have been working on this year.
Juristac is protected at last!
We are extremely happy to hear that the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Post Land Trust have secured the purchase of an important ancestral sacred site known as Juristic.
This is an excerpt from a statement by Ed Ketchum, Tribal Band Chairman: “For years, this sacred place faced the threat of a massive open‑pit sand and gravel mine that would have destroyed hundreds of acres of cultural sites, threatened the lives of plants and animals alike, and irreparably damaged the spiritual and cultural integrity of the land. The Tribe made clear that such harm could never be undone, and it would have decimated one of the last remaining undisturbed areas in Mutsun territory. Today, that threat no longer exists.”
You can read more on the Amah Mutsun Instagram. Please consider making a donation or learning more about the Land Trust at their website.
The Workshop is Open!
Open Hours:
Saturdays 2pm – 5pm
Sundays 3pm – 6pm
Mondays 12pm – 3pm
Please check the Hours/Calendar page for the most current information.
Support The Fábrica !
Are you interested in volunteering with The Fábrica? There are lots of ways you can help out around the shop or at events. If you have some free time you’d like to spend with us, fill out the volunteer interest form.
Making a recurring donation of $5 or more helps us a lot! Thank you for your support!
Miscellanea:
- If you haven’t done so already, save this phone number in your phone: (831) 239-4289. This is who you should call if you think you’ve spotted an ICE or DHS raid in Santa Cruz County. If you want to join the network of legal observers, you can find info about YARR (Your Allied Rapid Response) trainings on their website and socials.
- Our lovely neighbors Subrosa are a small arts venue and meeting space that hosts concerts and classes almost daily.
- Our other neighbors The Bike Church are like the Fábrica for bikes! If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out their monthly “Intro to Bikes” workshop.
- Check out the Free Skool Calendar.
Follow us on Instagram!
The Fábrica 