News Briefs

VCUM seeks donations for annual Christmas Project
Valley Churches United Missions recently released a list of the most-needed items for the 33rd annual Valley Christmas Project.
The organization is asking for contributions of cash, to be used to purchase items and food that are not donated. Cash received during the holidays is the organization’s major fundraiser for the food pantry’s year-round operation.
VCUM is also seeking the following:
– Teen-appropriate gifts, such as gift certificates, movie passes, food certificates, CD/music certificates, cosmetics, jewelry, wallets, sweatshirts (large and extra large), bus passes, and personal items (bath kits, lotion, shave kits, etc.).
– Certificates for groceries from area stores in $10 and $15 amounts.
– Gifts for youths in Juvenile Hall, such as toilet paper, crossword puzzles, writing tablets, pocket dictionaries, envelopes, address books, small photo albums, Chapstick, and white tube socks.
– Senior-appropriate gifts, such as two-pound canned hams, battery-operated small lanterns, battery-operated small radios, knit hats, gloves, scarves, lap blankets, slipper socks, personal items (bath kits, lotion, powder, and men’s items), and small, decorated, tabletop trees.
– Children and infant’s sleepers with feet, pajamas, children’s clothing, socks, shoes, and warm outerwear.
– Household items, such as sheets, towels, warm blankets, and sleeping bags.
For more information about Valley Churches United Missions, call 336-8258 or visit www.vcum.org
Elections office announces due date for arguments on Lompico Water bond measure
The Santa Cruz County Elections Department announced that anyone interested in writing an argument for or against the proposed Lompico Water District bond measure must file their argument by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
In a special election on Feb. 24, 2015, Lompico residents will vote whether or not to authorize the Lompico Water District to issue up to $3.2 million in bonds for water system improvements, as well as levy an annual special tax up to a maximum of $517 for a single-service property and $1,034 for a multi-service property.
Arguments for or against the ballot measure cannot exceed 300 words, and must be filed by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, with the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department, at 701 Ocean Street, Room 210, in Santa Cruz.
Arguments must be accompanied by a signed “Signature Statement” form available from the elections official or online at www.votescount.com. The form is contained in the “Guide to Writing Arguments” on the Santa Cruz County Elections Department’s website.
Only one argument for and one argument against the measure will be printed in the Santa Cruz County Voter’s Information Pamphlet mailed to all registered voters in Community Facilities District No. 2 in January 2015.
Should more than one argument be filed, the law requires the Santa Cruz County Clerk to select one to be printed in the Voter Information Pamphlet.
For more information, call the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department at 454-2060 or go online to www.votescount.com.