Police in Santa Cruz, California, have charged James Eason, a 45-year-old man, with allegedly defacing The Neighbors, a queer bar, just days after it opened. He now faces charges of vandalism, arson, and a hate crime.In the early hours of last Tuesday morning, a vandal burned a button panel outside the bars front door which helps open the entrance for disabled patrons. The vandal also reportedly tried inserting burning napkins through the cracks of the front door and also carved a homophobic slur into the glass on the front door, bar owner Frankie Farr told Lookout. Related A church responded with love after a hateful vandal tore down its LGBTQ+-affirming banner Were not sure if you intended to keep it or destroy it, but either way, were concerned because you looked really angry and awfully anxious. I was like, Youre kidding, were not even open a week, Farr said. [We are] a little in shock that it happened so fast There are a lot of people who clearly do not want us to exist. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today They contacted the police, and detectives identified the suspect after looking at surveillance video from nearby businesses. Eason was already in custody at the county jail for an unrelated offense at the time that he became a suspect in the vandalism. The bar opened in early December after a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, City Councilmember Sonja Brunner, and over 100 patrons excited to enter.While the city has LGBTQ+-inclusive businesses, Farr felt there was no dedicated spaces for queer people to meet, socialize, have fun, and enjoy a sense of community, they said. In addition to offering food and a performance venue for regional DJs, queer performers, and drag artists, Farr wants the bar to help fund environmental and social movements and attract LGBTQ+ tourists to the city.Its pretty depressing to think of all these people driving over the hill or all the way up to San Francisco just to find [queer] community when we have it right here, Farr said.Months before the bars opening, Farr said, I really want [the bar] to be a way for people who either arent out or in an unsafe situation where they cant disclose to their family members or whoever theyre living with that theyre queer to give a sly little wave, you know, Im just going to go hang out at The Neighbors. The bar resumed its normal business hours immediately after the attack, and Farr is grateful that the attack on the bar wasnt worse.Were very fortunate that nobody was inside, Farr said. However, there are apartments above and those residents dont deserve this either. They could have been seriously injured.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.