Mayor hosting bike ride
WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Mayor Lowell Hurst will hold a family-friendly bike ride that follows the Pajaro River levee on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m.
Riders are encouraged to wear an “ugly or festive” sweater.
The group will meet at the parking lot across from the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St.
Helmets are required to ride.
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CASA of Santa Cruz County seeks volunteers
WATSONVILLE — CASA of Santa Cruz County needs caring adult volunteers to speak up for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected.
Volunteers do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.
Advocates speak up for the best interest of children and teens in the court room, in the classroom, and in the community. Advocates are supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child.
A CASA volunteer spends time with his or her child each week, gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. CASA volunteers also work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information, and talk to anyone involved with the child, including parents, extended family members, doctors and teachers.
Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, CASA encourages people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more.
Upcoming informational sessions are:
• Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. at CASA, 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville
• Tuesday, 6-7 p.m. at Live Oak Family Resource Center, 1740 17th Ave. in Santa Cruz
For information, visit www.casaofsantacruz.org and click on “Volunteer.”
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Jimmie Cox scholarship applications now available
WATSONVILLE — Agri-Culture is now accepting applications for the 2019 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship.
The $4,000 award is for a student entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture. This award will be allocated for the remaining years in college (maximum of four years) with verification of registration for each session of full-time classes.
This award is made possible through the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund and a $2,000 contribution from American AgCredit.
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must live in Santa Cruz County or within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District boundaries or be a member of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Criteria for the scholarship are based on student leadership skills, a demonstrated commitment to the industry, grades and financial need.
The deadline for submitting applications for the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship is Feb. 15.
To request an application, contact the Financial Aid office at your school or the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville. Applications can also be requested by calling 722-6622, or emailing ag**********@sb*******.net. Applications are also available at www.agri-culture.us.
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Youth Strings to perform fall recital
APTOS — The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will present its Fall Chamber Music Recital on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
The recital, taking place at the VAPA 5148 Music Building on the corner of Cabrillo College and Soquel drives, will feature baroque, contemporary and Celtic/fiddle music performed by local youth.
A donation of $5 is requested at the door. Children 15 and under are free.
For information, call 479-6101.
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Follies holding pancake breakfast
SANTA CRUZ — A benefit pancake breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Sunday at 222 Market St. in Santa Cruz.
Cost of the breakfast is $8 for adults, $4 for children under age 10.
Proceeds will benefit Santa Cruz Follies, a local performing arts group for “over 50” Santa Cruz County citizens.
For information, call SCO at 423-6640.
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Property taxes due Monday
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector Edith Driscoll is reminding taxpayers that the delinquency date for the first installment of this year’s secured property tax bills is rapidly approaching.
“Because of recent U.S. Postal Service delays in the Santa Cruz area, I recommend mailing your payment early or paying taxes online for free using E-check, available on the county website,” Driscoll said. “More than 60 percent of taxpayers now pay electronically because it is secure, fast and easy. I encourage everyone to skip the lines and pay online.”
The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office has issued nearly 90,000 property tax bills this year, and collects on behalf of school districts, cities, special districts and more.
The first installment of the 2018-2019 secured property tax bill was due on Nov. 1 and will become delinquent after Dec. 10. California law requires a 10 percent penalty if payments are not made by Monday.
To look up bills or make payments online, visit www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Departments/TaxCollector.aspx.
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Community members invited to observe deputy training
SANTA CRUZ — Community members are invited to observe Sheriff’s deputies in training.
In December, deputies will receive ongoing training in Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics, which is designed to reduce the likelihood of a fatal encounter between officers and an emotionally distressed person.
The Sheriff’s Office is inviting community members who would like to attend the training as an observer. Only two community observers per session will be accepted.
Sessions will be held on Dec. 12 and 19, both from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Observers may attend all or a portion of the training. For information, contact Sgt. Brian Cleveland at 454-7616 or br*************@sa*************.us.
