SANTA CRUZ — Within days of vandalism to a recently opened downtown pub, police investigators say they have taken a Santa Cruz man into custody for an alleged hate-crime offense.
Police were initially called to The Neighbor’s Pub, a new LGBTQ+-friendly bar at 711 Pacific Ave., around 3 a.m. Tuesday for a report that someone had etched an offensive message into the business’ front glass doors. Police also believe that the vandal attempted to set the area around the doors on fire, leaving a scorched wall nearby and remaining burnt materials.
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The Neighbor’s Pub hosted a soft opening last week. This spring, owner Frankie Lynn Farr shared a goal to open a queer café and pub that gives back to local and global communities. Farr had been hosting fundraisers such as makers’ markets with queer artists (“Holigay” markets) and burlesque brunches since 2021.
Police were able to compare body camera footage of James Thunder Eason, 45, to the pub’s security camera images so as to track down the suspected vandal. Eason had been arrested on unrelated charges Wednesday, booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of assault and drug paraphernalia possession. He was rebooked with the new charges, including suspected felony vandalism, arson and violating civil rights while damaging property. He remained held without bail Friday.