SF Giants to recognize Watsonville’s 150th anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants will honor the City of Watsonville’s 150th anniversary during a home game against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26.
A $65 ticket includes a Giants T-shirt with a Watsonville 150th anniversary logo on the sleeve. The group from Watsonville will be recognized during the game.
Game time is 7:15 p.m. at AT&T Park.
For information, visit www.facebook.com/events/1975803379147589.
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El Pajaro CDC, ALBA receive federal grants
WATSONVILLE — Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced Monday that two rural development grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been awarded to California’s 20th Congressional District.
El Pajaro Community Development Corporation received a grant totaling $40,000 and the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association received a grant totaling $38,000 from USDA.
“In order for the central coast of California to remain the Salad Bowl of the World, investments must be made to ensure that the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and small business owners have the resources that they need to succeed,” Panetta said. “These grants will help our agricultural industry and rural economies continue to thrive by providing opportunities for entrepreneurs on the Central Coast.”
The grant received by El Pajaro CDC will help micro-entrepreneurs, small business owners, and farmers in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. The grant received by the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association will help create 10 new jobs.
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Homebuyer forum scheduled
WATSONVILLE — By popular demand, another first time homebuyer forum is scheduled for Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., fourth floor.
The forum will discuss the process of buying a home and highlight local programs that can assist homebuyers. Representatives from the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Realtor Associations and others will be present.
A previous forum held in August at the Watsonville Public Library was standing room only, with some people having to be turned away due to the meeting room reaching capacity.
For information, call 768-3080 or visit www.cityofwatsonville.org.
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Local graduates from Latina leadership institute
WATSONVILLE — Adriana Melgoza of Watsonville has completed the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality – HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI), a nine-month intensive program that equips Latinas with leadership and advocacy skills.
Melgoza is the clinic manager at Watsonville Law Center.
This is the 19th HLI cohort with a class of 24 graduates representing all major regions of California and a diversity of professions, from the health and education sectors to technology and public policy.
The HOPE Leadership Institute Class of 2018 graduation took place on Thursday in Washington D.C. at the Library of Congress.
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Elkhorn Slough holding open house
ROYAL OAKS — The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve welcomes the community to its open house on Sept. 22 to celebrate National Estuaries Week with a variety of events and activities.
Activities and presentations are scheduled from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Since the official designation of National Estuaries Week in 1988, dozens of sites throughout the coastal United States have hosted gatherings, field trips, events and seminars to celebrate the nation’s estuaries and the National Estuarine Research Reserve system that supports stewardship, research, education and training at 29 Reserves nationwide.
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is located at 1700 Elkhorn Road in Royal Oaks. For information, visit www.elkhornslough.org or call 728-2822.
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Vendors sought for Burrito Bash
WATSONVILLE — Restaurants, artists, car enthusiasts and other vendors are sought for the fourth annual Burrito Bash, which will take place on Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
The event will feature performances by the Billy Martini Band, the MetraGnomes and Mariachi Orgullo Mexicano.
For information, visit www.burritobash.com or call 840-7675.
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Herb-growing class scheduled
SANTA CRUZ — The UC Master Gardeners will hold a free class on growing herbs for medicinal and culinary purposes on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. at Costanoa Commons, 335 Golf Club Drive in Santa Cruz.
“Herbs 101” will provide an overview of proper growing conditions, drying techniques and a variety of applications of the most common herbs for the home gardener.
This free class is taught by Master Gardener Susan Brown.
Attendees are advised to plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, as well as wear layered clothing, hat and sunscreen.
For information, visit mbmg.org.
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Cal Fire bans burning in Santa Cruz County
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — In response to wildfires raging throughout the state, Cal Fire has banned all outdoor burning in Santa Cruz County.
All campfires, open pit fires, open pit cooking fires, warming fires and ceremonial burns are prohibited.
For information, visit www.preventwildfireca.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
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Parks Department strategic plan adopted
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services’ first strategic plan was recently completed.
Available in English and Spanish, the plan draws on a year of community input from hundreds of participants, and was recently adopted by the Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Commission.
“People want safe, clean, well-maintained parks and open spaces. Our County Parks Department got this just right – they listened to our community and identified stewardship of the parks and open spaces under its care as a top priority,” said Terry Corwin, president of the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks and former executive director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. “I look forward to working with the Parks Department and our community to build the strong parks and open space legacy for our county that current and future generations deserve.”
The Parks Strategic Plan establishes a vision that reads: “A healthy and vibrant county where everyone is able to be active, explore, learn, play and connect, and where our diverse natural and cultural resources are celebrated and protected for generations to come.”
The Strategic Plan lays out some new directions for Santa Cruz County Parks and supports department improvement and stability for the future. Projects such as LEO’s Haven, a new South County Pinto Lake pump track, and the new Felton Library nature park, along with the county’s parks programs and classes, help meet the goals set forth in the plan.
“This new plan represents the department’s increasing commitment to equity,” said Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mariah Roberts. “Projects like the one I’ve worked on for the last several years — LEO’s Haven, an all-inclusive playground at Chanticleer Park — is a great example of this. It shows that Santa Cruz County Parks is committed to working to improve the quality of life for all residents.”
To read the plan, visit scparks.com/Home/Parks/StrategicPlan.aspx.
