Spring Lakes Park Choir to put on three Christmas performances
Spring Lakes Park Choir will have three Christmas performances open to the public at The Spring Lakes Park Clubhouse, 225 Mt. Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley.
The dates are: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2pm; Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7pm; and Thursday, Dec. 7, 2pm. All concerts are identical.
The choir will be singing a wide variety of Christmas music, both sacred and secular, traditional and classical, and has a reputation of performing concerts that are thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The concerts are free, although there will be an opportunity to donate for choir expenses.
North County Dems to celebrate accomplishments at holiday party
The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County will host a holiday party on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
The meeting will include a celebration of the Club’s 2023 successful achievements and activities as well as an update on coming events in 2024.
Club meetings are held upstairs at Bruno’s Bar and Grill located at 230 Mt. Hermon Road in the Kings Village Shopping Center in Scotts Valley. Meetings start at 6:30pm.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Gifts sought for local seniors in care facilities
Become a Holiday Helper by giving to the often forgotten seniors in care facilities in Santa Cruz County. Holiday Helper, a program of Family Service Agency and I-You Venture, is now accepting donations and wrapped gifts through Dec. 12.
Gift suggestions include new lap blankets, scarves, slippers, slipper socks, socks, shirts, stuffed animals, lotions, calendars, crossword puzzles, word search, adult coloring books, etc.
Mark wrapped packages male or female, with sizes, ready for delivery to the care facility residents. Drop off all gifts from 10am-12pm or 1-4pm, Monday through Thursday.
Cash donations are also appreciated and can be made through the website fsa-cc.org or mailed to Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, I-You Venture/Holiday Helper Program, 104 Walnut Ave., #208, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
For more information and drop off locations, call 831-459-8917 or email cl*********@fs****.org.
Board of Supervisors approves 2023-31 Housing Element
On Nov. 14, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2023 Housing Element, providing a pathway to greater housing access and affordability for those impacted by the ongoing housing crisis.
The 6th Cycle Housing Element identifies policies and programs to meet existing and projected housing needs through 2031, including recommended zoning and other changes in order to foster adequate housing at all income levels within the community.
The adopted Housing Element is the result of numerous public meetings, presentations and study sessions before the Board and Planning Commission, local advisory bodies and community groups.
“Housing and housing costs impact local government’s ability to provide quality services, our business community’s ability to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce, and most importantly the ability of our residents to provide a stable and secure environment for their families,” said County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios. “Few things are more important than stable housing, and this plan provides an opportunity to improve housing access for all residents living in unincorporated areas of the county.”
As required under State law, the Housing Element includes a review of potential environmental impacts. Of the more than 4,600 new units the County needs to accommodate, more than half are designated for those with low and very low incomes.
Further, the Housing Element is designed to undo historic patterns of segregation and lift barriers that restrict access to housing in order to foster inclusive communities, achieve racial equity, and guarantee fair housing choice.
The Housing Element is subject to review and final certification by the California Department of Housing and community Development. To learn more, visit sccoplanning.com/2023HousingElement.
