News Briefs

Library board seeks local representative
The Santa Cruz Public Library System seeks a new citizen member to sit upon the nine-member Library Joint Powers Authority Board. The citizen must live within Library District 2, which consists of the City of Scotts Valley and parts of the Santa Cruz, Capitola and Live Oak areas. The Library Joint Powers Authority Board is made up of six elected officials and three citizens and is responsible for strategy, finances and policy approval for the library.
Applications and a map of the library districts may be found online at www.santacruzpl.org. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Mail applications to: Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Citizen Member Applications, 117 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or email he******@*********pl.org.
For information: Library Director Teresa Landers, 427-7706 ext. 7612 or email la*****@*********pl.org, or David Terrazas, Chair of LJPB at 420-5023 or email dt*******@*************uz.com.
 
Food stamp benefits to decrease
CalFresh food stamp benefits will be reduced in November to more than 22,000 recipients in Santa Cruz County.
A temporary increase due to federal economic stimulus dollars will come to an end in November with the expiration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
County officials say the timing of the reduction may cause a misunderstanding for households who received an increase in October due to the annual cost of living adjustments.
As of November 1, a household of four receiving the maximum allotment of $668 can expect a $36 reduction, or 5.4 percent. The amount received will be less than what the household received in September.
Applications may be done online, over the phone, or in person. Apply online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org. To apply by telephone, call 888-421-8080. Additionally, there are two locations to apply in person: 1020 Emeline Avenue, building B, in Santa Cruz, 454-4156, or 18 West Beach Street, in Watsonville, 763-8500.
Monterey Bay trail plan released
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has released its Final Master Plan for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network project. The plan details the “rail trail,” a proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail along the Santa Cruz Branch rail line right-of-way. The trail will act as a hub to provide access to a broader network of trails, coastal points and key destinations along the Santa Cruz County coast.
The final version of the plan addresses comments received on the draft master plan from late 2012, and includes such changes as updated construction estimated costs, error corrections, identification of missed features, and other changes.
The RTC is expected to accept the Final Master Plan and to confirm the final environmental impact report at its November 7 meeting, at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 701 Ocean Street, in Santa Cruz. The RTC expects to release the final EIR by Friday, Oct. 25. Public comments may be received at the meeting, but may also be submitted prior to that date by emailing in**@****tc.org. The Final Master Plan is available for download, along with other information about the project at www.sccrtc.org. Comments may also be submitted by phone at 460-3200.
Supervisor to talk libraries in Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson will speak about the Santa Cruz Public Library system at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road.
McPherson will discuss the 10-branch system model, the strategic plan adopted in 2010 and library facility planning including what needs to be done to upgrade existing libraries and to build two new libraries. He will also speak on the modernization of the system that has taken place.
The public is invited to bring a brown bag lunch to this free event. RSVP by email to le****@****cc.org or phone 426-8683.
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