‘Veterans’ Voices with VTC’ debuts on Santa Cruz Voice
The Veterans Transition Center (VTC) and Santa Cruz Voice have partnered to launch “Veterans’ Voices with VTC,” a compelling radio show and podcast series dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of local veterans overcoming adversity and rebuilding their lives.
Produced by the Veterans Transition Center of California, the program offers an intimate look into the lives of veterans who have faced significant challenges, including homelessness and trauma, and have worked tirelessly to regain stability and purpose. Each episode features candid conversations with veterans who have navigated the difficult journey from military service back into civilian life, shedding light on their struggles, resilience and hope.
Hosted by VTC’s Lisa Kincaid and Madison McNamara, “Veterans’ Voices” airs every Wednesday from 4-5pm on SantaCruzVoice.com. Listeners can also access episodes on popular platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as VTCVoices.org.
Through personal narratives and interviews, the series aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members while highlighting the essential support systems, like the Veterans Transition Center, that assist veterans in their journey toward self-sufficiency.
The VTC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans through housing, food, clothing and essential resources, helping them transition from crisis to stability.
Child Care Developer Fee Loan Program now accepting applications for 2025
The County of Santa Cruz has opened the application process for the 2025 Child Care Developer Fee (CCDF) Loan Program forgivable loan cycle.
The program, administered by the County’s Human Services Department (HSD), has made application packets available on its CCDF Loan Program webpage in English and Spanish, for eligible child care providers to apply for funding consideration. Applicants can also access the schedule and RSVP for mandatory application workshops, also posted on the website.
The fee, adopted in 1991 to mitigate the cost of increased child care needs generated by new development in the county, can only be used for eligible capital projects that improve or augment access to high quality child care for Santa Cruz County families.
The last program cycle distributed over $150,000, from 2020 to 2021, to 15 approved child care centers and family home day cares. Funded projects restored or enhanced facilities and equipment that bolstered 220 licensed child care slots county-wide.
With sufficient funds accumulated to award funds this year, HSD is soliciting applications from local child care providers toward distributing $380,000 in CCDF funds for eligible projects.
Criteria for awarding funds are based on state and local requirements and are established by a CCDF Loan Program planning committee. Applications meeting minimum requirements are reviewed by a separate committee of board-appointed First 5 commissioners and Childhood Advisory Council members, as well as other leaders with childcare expertise to help develop funding recommendations.
To be eligible for funding, family child care home providers and child care center operators must be located in and serve families who live and/or work in Santa Cruz County. Applicants must also possess, or have pending, a valid state child care license and be registered in the Child Development Resource Center’s provider database administered by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
To learn more about the loans, access an application packet or RSVP for a required workshop, visit tinyurl.com/ykhatfb9.
County-wide bike purchase incentive program accepting applications
GO Santa Cruz County, a program of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) that encourages commuters to seek alternative transportation, has announced applications for its GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program are now being accepted.
GO BIKE! aims to encourage people to switch from driving to biking by providing equitable and affordable access to clean transportation options.
GO BIKE! provides eligible applicants with vouchers ranging from $300 to $1,200. Incentives include $300 for a traditional (non-electric) bike, $800 for a standard e-bike, $1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike and a subsidized annual BCycle membership ($245 value). Vouchers are redeemed at the time of sale and purchase price will be reduced by the amount of the voucher. Learn more and apply at gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike.
Funded by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District and the RTC, the $500,000 GO BIKE! incentive is a collaborative effort between local government agencies, community-based organizations and local businesses. The program combines financial incentives and bike education to encourage people to commute by bike.
The program serves low-income people who live or work in Santa Cruz County and are 18 years or older. In addition, community-serving organizations (such as shelters and job placement programs) may be eligible to apply for vouchers to create their own e-bike lending fleets. Organizations are encouraged to contact the RTC directly to determine if they are eligible.
To receive the voucher, applicants must complete a bicycle safety training facilitated online by local nonprofit Ecology Action. The safety training addresses the need for e-bike users to know the rules of the road and feel confident riding around town.
GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program follows the highly successful e-bike rebate pilot for Downtown Santa Cruz employees, with the next cycle beginning July 2025.
