Gardeners holding class on chicken keeping
WATSONVILLE — The UC Master Gardeners will hold a free class on keeping chickens on July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Demo Garden, 1430 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville.
Master Gardener Candice McLaren will cover chicken breeds, how to design and place a chicken coop and more.
For information and to pre-register, visit mbmg.org.
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Housing Authority relocates to mid-county
CAPITOLA — The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz has moved its office to 2160 41st Ave. in Capitola.
For the past 15 years, the Housing Authority has been located on the Westside of Santa Cruz, but this location was challenging for many South County residents to reach.
“Our mission is to promote access to quality affordable housing. The move to Capitola aligns with that mission by making our agency more accessible to the community we serve,” said Executive Director Jenny Panetta. “At our new mid-county location, it will be easier for most of our families, landlords, community partners, and even our staff, to get to our offices.”
The Housing Authority has searched for a more centralized location for years.
“Housing Authority clients will have easier access with better public transportation options, and commutes for most staff members will be shortened, which in turn helps our environment,” said Board Chair Carol Berg. “Housing Authority Director Jenny Panetta and Deputy Director Mark Failor deserve a lot of credit and thanks for making this move happen.”
The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides affordable housing to thousands of low-income individuals and families each year, through a mix of federal, state, and locally funded programs. The largest of these programs are the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the Low Income Public Housing Program.
Although waiting lists for these programs are currently closed, other waiting lists for some specific site-based programs are open.
For information, visit www.hacosantacruz.org.
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Golf tournament benefits PV Shelter, SC Housing Foundation
SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors is hosting its annual charity golf tournament on July 27 at DeLaveaga Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Road in Santa Cruz.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon.
The tournament benefits Pajaro Valley Shelter Services and the Santa Cruz Housing Foundation.
PV Shelter Services provides temporary housing for families as well as training in self-sufficiency skills, financial training and savings to ultimately transition to employment and independent housing. The Housing Foundation helps first-time buyers in Santa Cruz County with monthly HOA fees/space rent or down-payment assistance.
To register for golf or to sponsor the tournament, contact Karen Kirwan at kk*****@my*****.org or 464-2000.
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Visit Santa Cruz County names four to board
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Visit Santa Cruz County elected four new members to its board of directors.
The new members are:
• Shaz Roth, president/CEO of the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture
• Anandi Heinrich, visual director/co-owner of Pacific Trading Co.
• Christopher Jones, general manager of Hotel Paradox
• Ajita Patel, general manager of Beachview Inn
Each member began their duties on July 1 and will sit on the 24-member board for two-year terms.
VSCC board members determine policies which govern the agency, review and approve VSCC’s annual work plan and serve on committees that support tourism promotion for the county.
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Animal shelter offering reduced adoption fees
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is offering special summer “Pay It Forward” specials to help find homes for local kittens and cats, with proceeds funding important SCCAS programs and services for the community.
Through Aug. 31, all kitten and cat adoptions are $25. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip (including registration), age appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for fleas/worms, cat carrier and a free pet wellness exam with local participating veterinarians.
SCCAS is also asking the community to also donate at least $25 to one of the following funds:
• Planned Pethood Fund, which funds free spay/neuter surgeries
• Extra Mile Fund, which allows medical rehabilitation for animals beyond what the shelter budget permits
• Healthy Pets for All Fund, which purchases pet food, pet toys, flea medication and other supplies for animals in the community
• General Program Donation Fund, which supports animal adoption, animal enrichment and public outreach and education programs
For information, visit www.scanimalshelter.org.
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‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign kicks off
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — United Way of Santa Cruz County’s ninth annual “Stuff the Bus” initiative will collect backpacks, school supplies and donations for low-income and homeless children in Santa Cruz County.
Through Aug. 4, community members can donate new school supplies at various locations throughout Santa Cruz County or online at unitedwaysc.org/stb. Community members can call 2-1-1 for a list of Stuff the Bus supply drop-off locations.
The County Office of Education estimates there are more than 3,000 children in the county classified as homeless or in transition.
Last year, this event raised 2,200 backpacks filled with school supplies. This year, United Way has a goal to provide a backpack for every homeless youth in the county.
“Every donation not only gives these children a chance to succeed in school and life, but also represents a Santa Cruz County community member taking action towards equity and dignity for youth in our community,” said Keisha Frost, chief executive officer of United Way of Santa Cruz County.
For information, visit unitedwaysc.org/stb or call 2-1-1.
