Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau named ‘County of the Year’
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau received the “County of the Year” award at the California Farm Bureau 2025 Annual Meeting in December.
The award was given to Santa Cruz for its outstanding leadership in membership acquisition, advocacy work and community-based programs.
A local delegation of four attended the California Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif., Dec. 6-9. The official delegates representing the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau were John Pisturino, president; and Dennis Webb, past-president. The Alternate Delegate was CJ Miller, 2nd vice-president. Also attending from Santa Cruz County was Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Executive Director Jess Brown.
“There are 54 County Farm Bureaus, so we were very honored to receive the ‘County of the Year’ award,” Pisturino said. “The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity for Farm Bureau members throughout the state to discuss mutual issues that affect farming. It is also an opportunity to meet, make new friends while preparing our organization for the legislative issues that lie ahead in 2026.”
Capitola Branch Library goes solar
Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) has announced that the final implementation phase for rooftop solar panel installation has begun at the Capitola Branch Library.
When the system is operational, the Capitola branch will become energy self-sufficient, with an annual savings for the SCPL of slightly more than $30,000. The installation is expected to be complete in January 2026.
The Branch will remain open for service during the installation.
Inspections and commissioning will continue into January, with operation of the system expected at the end of the month.
A small celebration of the project will be held by the Friends of the Capitola Library after the system becomes operational; details of the celebration will be made available at a future date.
Residents invited to explore Italian language, culture this winter
The Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz will offer a series of Italian language courses and cultural events this winter, providing opportunities for learners of all levels to deepen their connection to Italy’s language and history.
Winter 2026 Italian courses, beginning the week of Jan. 12, will be taught by native-speaking instructors. Classes emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing through a structured approach to grammar, with options available both online and in-person. The courses are designed to accommodate complete beginners as well as fluent speakers seeking to refine their skills.
Registration for each class closes the Friday prior to the first session. Additional information is available at dantesantacruz.com/classes or by emailing da****************@***il.com.
In conjunction with the courses, the Society will host a special lecture on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 6:30-8pm at Cabrillo Aptos Campus, VAPA Forum, Room 1001. Kathleen Gonzalez, author of “A Beautiful Woman in Venice,” will discuss the history of women in Venice, highlighting the contributions of writers, painters, courtesans, composers, boat racers and glassmakers.
Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis; cash donations are welcome. More information is available at bit.ly/Dante-January2026.
Santa Cruz County Fair seeks 2026 theme
Santa Cruz County Fair is inviting the community to submit ideas for its 2026 theme. Organizers are looking for creative, fun phrases that celebrate Santa Cruz County—and include a nod to the United States’ 250th birthday.
The winning theme will appear throughout the Fair and earn four free tickets and a parking pass.
Entries are due Jan. 13 at 5pm and can be submitted by email (in**@*****************ir.com), mail (Santa Cruz County Fair, Theme Contest, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076), or in person at the Fair Office (open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm).
The 2026 Fair will be held Sept. 16-20.
