Caltrans District 5 awards scholarships
Caltrans recently awarded two $1,000 scholarships to local high school graduates as part of its 2019 Scholarship Program. Karis Lawson (Cal Poly-SLO) and Gabriel Jameson (Cabrillo College) were the recipients of the scholarships.
The scholarship program supports college-bound high school seniors who are planning to pursue a career in transportation and live within the five counties in District 5 (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties).
District 5 Caltrans employees have been raising money for the program for 15 years with funds generated through proceeds from coffee and snack sales in the district cafeteria. The scholarship program is also supported by the California Transportation Foundation, which donates 25 percent of the funding. Since 2017, District 5 has awarded $4,750 in student scholarships.
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Aptos Chamber awards nominees
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for 2019’s Man, Woman, Business and Organization of the Year. The Chamber would also like to hear about individuals who will be considered for the “Outstanding Achievement Award.”
Winners will be honored at the Annual Awards Dinner & Auction on October 25 at the Seascape Beach Resort overlooking the Monterey Bay.
Download the nomination form online at aptoschamber.com.
Send nominations to es**@ap**********.com or drop off applications at the Aptos Chamber office, 7605- A Old Dominion Court, Aptos. The deadline to submit nominations is July 19.
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Soroptimist Membership Mixer
Soroptimist International of Watsonville invites community members to attend a Membership Mixer on Aug. 1, from 5-7 p.m., at Cilantro’s, 1934 Main Street, Watsonville.
Meet the multi-faceted members of Soroptimist and learn about the club’s mission and service-based community projects. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
For information, contact Wendy at 332-1930.
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Senate passes bipartisan resolution supporting American flower industry
The Senate passed Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-Calif.) resolution designating July as “American Grown Flower Month” and encouraging consumers to buy “Certified American Grown” flowers.
Along with Senator Feinstein, the resolution was introduced by Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives.
American consumers spend $27 billion per year on floral products each year. While the majority of Americans would prefer to buy locally grown flowers, only 20 percent of the flowers sold in the United States are grown domestically.
“California is the cut flower capital of the United States, producing nearly 75 percent of American-grown flowers” Sen. Feinstein said. “However, only one in five flowers sold in the United States was grown domestically. Our resolution encourages consumers to look for the ‘Certified American Grown’ label to support local farmers this month and throughout the year.”
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Pancake breakfast benefits SC Follies
SANTA CRUZ — A benefit pancake breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at 222 Market St., Santa Cruz.
Cost of the breakfast is $8 for adults, $4 for children under age 10. While at the event, also take a look in “Grannie’s Attic” for household items and small gifts.
Proceeds will benefit Santa Cruz Follies, a local performing arts group for “over 50” Santa Cruz County citizens. For information call Senior Citizens Opportunities (Market Street Theater) at 423-6640.
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Over-the-counter building permits now available online
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The County of Santa Cruz recently announced the expansion of online permit processing to include over-the-counter building permits, allowing residents to submit plans and receive these permits without leaving home.
Eligible projects include routine work such as roofing replacements, window change-outs, siding, sheetrock, small remodels (with no alteration of walls), decks less than 30 inches above grade, minor electrical and plumbing work, mechanical (furnaces, air conditioning units, wall heaters, wood stoves, ducting, etc.), simple solar systems, electric vehicle charging systems, most demolitions and more.
Note that some projects located in coastal areas and some historic buildings may not be eligible for online permitting.
Residents interested in beginning the online permitting process should visit sccoplanning.com to create an account and get started.
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Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program voucher
The Seniors Council will be visiting the Watsonville Farmers’ Market today to distribute vouchers for food purchase.
The $20 vouchers can be used at certified farmers’ markets to purchase fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs or honey. The vouchers are free to seniors who are 60 years or older and are considered low income (at or below $1,926 per month for a one person household, or $2,607 per month for a two person household).
For information: 688-0400 ext. 118 or email ca****@se************.org.
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When school is out, summer meals are in
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — With summer ongoing, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. The Summer Meals Program makes sure all children can eat healthy food during the summer months.
During summer vacation, many food-insecure children lose access to free or reduced priced meals, but this valuable program provides no cost and convenient access to meals for kids in need. Free lunches will be provided to all children, without eligibility documentation, who are 18 years of age and younger. Some programs may require registration for participants.
To make the program welcoming and accessible, meals are served at locations where kids congregate during the summer, such as playgrounds, summer schools and community centers. Summer meals are offered at a total of 25 sites throughout the county.
For more information, text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 or call 211 for a location near you.
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Watsonville-Mora High Class of 1969 reunion
Watsonville and Mora high schools class of 1969 are celebrating their 50th Class Reunion on Aug. 23 at Severino’s Restaurant in Aptos.
The price is $85 per person.
Festivities start at 5 p.m.
For information email Letecia Ragsac at fi********@ao*.com.
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‘World’s Shortest Parade’ winners
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2019 Aptos “World’s Shortest Parade” participant contest.
The winners include:
Grand Prize
• Best of Parade: Agape Dance Academy
• Crowd Pleaser: Aptos All Stars- 11 Years Old
Adult Group
• First Prize: Ukelele Club
• Judges’ Choice: E. Clampus Vitus
Bands
• First Prize: Grand Sam
• Judges’ Choice: Watsonville Community Band
Pets
• First Prize: West Coast Great Pyrenees
• Judges’ Choice: Monterey Bay Dog Training Club
Cars
• First Prize: Linda Lawrence
• Judges’ Choice: Justine Leonard
Trucks
• First Prize: Aptos Ace Hardware
• Judges’ Choice: SSSP Truck
Children’s Group
• First Prize: Cub Scout 676
• Judges’ Choice: Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services
Individual
• First Prize: Russell Ellingworth
• Judges’ Choice: Paul Lewis
Schools
• Most Spirited: Aptos High School
Floats
• First Prize: Vinosaurus Rex
• Judges’ Choice: Pleasant Valley Horse Club
