News Briefs

Omega Nu provides support for teachers

Omega Nu of Santa Cruz announced that $15,630 in grants have been awarded to public school teachers in 2023 through the Funds for Fundamentals program. Since its inception in 2005, Funds for Fundamentals has been a dedicated source of assistance for public school teachers, helping to cover various classroom expenses.

Public elementary and middle schools in Santa Cruz County are eligible to apply for funds on a three-year rotating cycle. The middle school recipients for 2023 were Aptos, Branciforte, Mission Hill, New Brighton, San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Shoreline.

In addition to supporting public education, Omega Nu of Santa Cruz extends its commitment to funding college scholarships and community organizations through the annual Ducky Derby fundraiser. Save the date for this year’s event on April 27 at Harvey West Park.

For more details, visit the website duckyderbysantacruz.org.


Applications are now open for 2024 Artist-in-Residence Program

The Artist-in-Residence Program at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum aims to support local artists by providing them with the time and space to create a new body of work that relates to the history of the San Lorenzo Valley.

The residency is open to Santa Cruz County visual artists who wish to research local history and engage with visitors, staff and volunteers. The selected artist will be awarded a stipend of $1,200 and provided with studio space at the Grace Episcopal Gallery in Boulder Creek.

BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and artists with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. 

Application deadline is April 15, and the artist selected will be notified May 1. Residency dates are June through July, with the exhibition from August through October.

Learn more about this unique opportunity on the application form at tinyurl.com/wu9k5rbw.

The San Lorenzo Valley Museum Artist-in-Residence Program is sponsored in part by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County.


Board of Supervisors proclaims March Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings issued a proclamation on Feb. 27, declaring March 2024 as Civil Grand Jury Awareness Month. The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking volunteers to become members of the Civil Grand Jury.

The Civil Grand Jury is a historic institution and serves an important role in the community. Serving on the Civil Grand Jury offers county residents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the local community. 

The 19 members of the Civil Grand Jury are an independent body empowered to investigate the operations of city and county governments as well as other tax-supported agencies and special districts. They also respond to citizen complaints about government issues.

Candidates for the grand jury must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a working knowledge of the English language, and have resided in the county for at least one year. The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking a volunteer pool that represents the ethnic and cultural diversity of communities within the county. 

All qualified citizens interested in serving on the 2023-24 Civil Grand Jury are invited to apply to the Superior Court for consideration. There are two informational meetings in April (Wednesday, April 19, at 1pm and Thursday, April 20, at 5pm) that will provide details about becoming a member of the grand jury. These meetings will be conducted by Zoom and the link will be posted to the Court’s website.

For applications and more information, visit the Court’s website santacruzcourt.org. All applications must be received by April 29. For questions, contact the Superior Court Jury Commissioner’s Office by email at ju**************@sa************.org.

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A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

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