News Briefs 1-18-16

 Reports of Voter Data Base Information Release
Staff Report
On December 29, 2105 California Secretary of State Alex Padilla issued the following statement:
“Our office is aware of media reports which indicate that national voter information, including the information of some California voters, has allegedly been posted online in an insecure manner by an unknown third party. We are working to verify these claims.”
“The voter records described in recent media reports were not posted online by the California Secretary of State. We are in communication with the California Attorney General’s office and stand ready to provide any assistance necessary.”
Under state law, the voter file is confidential and cannot be made available to the public or used for any personal, private, or commercial purpose. However, state law authorizes the voter file to be provided for use for political, election, scholarly, journalistic, or governmental purposes.
Voter file information, released pursuant to a lawful request, does not include signatures, social security numbers, state identification card or driver’s license information. Voter file information for certain public safety officers and voters who register to vote under the Safe at Home program—which protects reproductive health care providers, victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking—is never released to any public request.
Scotts Valley Library Plans a “Murder in the Stacks”
Staff
The January-March, 2016 issue of the “Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries” newsletter has some interesting activities to let us know about. One of these is that on February 20th at 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., there will be a murder committed in the stacks of the Scotts Valley Library.
The community is invited to come solve the mystery. Since playing detective is hard work, there will be some tasty treats and drinks for you while you are at it. There will also be a live auction with a chance to win a Santa Cruz Warriors ticket package or the use of the Scotts Valley Library patio for your private event, as well as other prizes.
This is a fundraiser for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Tickets are $50 in advance, $55 at the door, and are available at the Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Rd., 427-7712.
Warm up with Science Series this winter
Staff
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa CruzCounty. It has just announced its winter lineup in the innovative Citizen Science program held on the first Thursday of each month at an SCPL branch.
The Citizen Science program is an ongoing series for teens and adults conducted in partnership with the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and UC Santa Cruz. The program includes a science-focused presentation by a local expert followed by a question and answer session.
“SCPL enjoys great partnerships with community organizations that allow the Library to bring a broad range of fun, intelligent and interesting programming to our patrons,” said Janis O’Driscoll, interim director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries.
The events will be 6:30-8:00 p.m. every first Thursday of the month this winter. The Citizen Science presentations will include:
–       Jan. 7: “Reducing Your Carbon Footprint” at the Downtown Santa Cruz Library, 224 Church St.
–       Feb. 4: “The Science of Friendship” at the Downtown Santa Cruz Library, 224 Church St.
–       Mar. 3: “NoatakRiver: Return to the Arctic” at the ScottsValley Library, 251 Kings Village Road
“Reducing Your Carbon Footprint” focuses on household waste reduction and includes a panel of three enthusiastic speakers:
–       Near-0 Waste blogger Andrea Randall, successful waste reducer whose motto is “make near-zero trash, minimize, simplify and be happy”
–       Kevin Keet, family man
–       City of Santa Cruz Waste Reduction Manager Mary Simmons will offer ideas and answer questions during the discussion
“The Science of Friendship” focuses on the growing body of research in this once neglected topic in the social sciences. Educator and consultant Christine Brooks, Ph.D. will discuss the crucial role friendships play in our wellbeing, and the consequences of loneliness and isolation.
“NoatakRiver: Return to the Arctic is a 2015 Banff Film Festival finalist produced by the Muir Project. Local adventurer Jim Slinger introduces the film and answers questions after the screening.
For more information: SantaCruzPL.org