Jorge Savala is a native of Santa Cruz, having grown up in a migrant camp near Wilder Ranch State Park and graduating from Soquel High School. For the past 15 years, Jorge has committed himself to serving the families of Santa Cruz County, with a focus on Live Oak, as a volunteer community organizer. His involvement in COPA’s 2006 Human Service Campaign contributed to the expansion of the Sheriff Activity League into Live Oak, the development of a Family Resource Center/Volunteer Center, and the Day Worker Center. In 2019, Jorge was recognized by the United Way as Advocate of the Year.

Mr. Savala is the Community Outreach Director for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks where he designs and implements equity and inclusivity strategies. He has worked in the human resources department of Community Bridges.

His passion for community organizing comes from living in Live Oak. Serving on the SCCH board is a dream come true because he remembers the days when people would struggle to find basic care. He also serves on a Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. When not organizing, you can find him hiking in Nisene Marks with his wonderful wife, Hanalei Savala.