RTC hosts community session on ZEPRT project
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) will hold an informational community session on Monday, June 9, from 3:30-5pm to discuss the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) project. The session will cover ridership projections, including expected station boardings, and project costs for both construction and operations.
Attendees can join via Zoom or visit RTC’s office at 1101 Pacific Ave., Ste. 250, in Santa Cruz. Spanish interpretation will be available on Zoom, with the session recorded for later viewing on the ZEPRT project website.
Zoom details: https://hdrinc.zoom.us/j/99161913341; Webinar ID: 991 6191 3341; Passcode: 874260; Dial-in: +1-408-638-0968 (San Jose).
The ZEPRT project aims to introduce new passenger rail service and stations along approximately 22 miles of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line and 12 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail, including segments 13-20 and the Capitola Trestle reach.
For more information, visit sccrtc.org/zeprt.
Community Conversation on peacebuilding set for June 11
Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the Resource Center for Nonviolence and the Conflict Resolution Center are co-hosting a series of Community Conversations to promote peacebuilding and reduce polarization in Santa Cruz County.
The first session, titled “Peacebuilding in the United States,” is scheduled for 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesday, June 11, at the Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St.
Participants are encouraged to bring family or friends with differing political views for a structured, moderated small-group dialogue using the “Living Room Conversations” model to foster understanding and community connection.
Register at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/14407328. These events are part of Santa Cruz County United for Safe and Inclusive Communities, which works to reduce hate and bias and coordinates the county’s United Against Hate Week.
Additional opportunities to engage will be offered on July 9 at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, with more locations to be announced in the coming months.
Free conflict resolution training offered in Scotts Valley
The Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with the City of Scotts Valley, is hosting a free training session on conflict management skills.
Scheduled for Friday, June 13, from 12-4pm at the Scotts Valley Library Fireside Room (251 Kings Village Road), the workshop aims to help participants handle disagreements constructively in various settings, including at home, work or on social media.
Attendees will learn practical techniques, such as understanding reactions to conflict, preventing escalation, active listening, effective self-expression and finding common ground. The training will feature the center’s 5-Step Model to foster positive and lasting change.
Registration is available at flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjMyODMw.
