News Briefs: Dispatch center changes name

Dispatch center changes name
Santa Cruz County’s emergency dispatch center has changed its name to Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1. It was formerly the Santa Cruz Consolidated Emergency Communications Center, more often called NetCom.
“It was just a lot about how our public was not recognizing us by our name,” director Scotty Douglass said.
Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 answers emergency and nonemergency calls throughout Santa Cruz County and dispatches four law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office.
The agency answers more than 500,000 telephone calls each year.
Flu vaccine widely available
The H1N1 influenza vaccine is widely available in Santa Cruz County, and as of Jan. 6, more than 90,800 doses had been shipped into the county.
The Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health recommends that everyone get vaccinated, because flu season typically lasts until May. Also, the California Department of Public Health estimates that 4.3 million people in the state have been infected with the virus.
For information: www.santacruzhealth.org/H1N1.
Library works on plans for seniors
A library town hall meeting to focus on the needs of senior residents is planned in Santa Cruz next week.
The library is forming a new strategic plan, and director Teresa Landers will be on hand to talk with attendees about how the library should serve seniors.
The afternoon meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., in Santa Cruz. Attendees can meet Landers from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and share their ideas and input from 2 to 4 p.m.
Chowder cook-off approaches in Santa Cruz
The deadline to enter the 29th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off Festival is Jan. 22.
The festival will take place Feb. 20 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Entry to the contest is $50 for individuals and $75 for professional and corporate teams. Individuals must cook at least 3 gallons of chowder.
Each entry includes two unlimited-ride passes to the Boardwalk.
For information: 420-5273.
County fair opens logo contest to students
High school and college students can submit artwork for a chance to become the 2010 Santa Cruz County Fair logo.
The winner will be awarded $100, along with passes to the fair.
This year’s theme is “Apple pies and family ties.” The artwork should reflect the theme.
Examples of previous posters and the online submission system can be found at www.santacruzcountyfair.com.
For information: Steve Stagnaro,

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or 724-5671.