Supervisor attends White House executive order event on AI
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Zach Friend participated in a White House executive order event Oct. 30 on artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing the County’s leadership in developing AI policies on behalf of the public.
The order recognizes the potential growth of AI into numerous areas of society, including health care, education, industry, housing and more, while providing checks and balances meant to assure AI systems are safe, secure and trustworthy, avoid discrimination and provide new tools to individuals to avoid fraud and deception.
“President Biden is to be commended for developing a set of guidelines that protects consumers and the American people, including our civil rights,” Friend said. “The new guidelines also harness the potential of AI and, much like Santa Cruz County’s guidelines, will help foster the responsible use of AI within the workforce.“
The expansive executive order aims to promote the responsible development of AI technologies while implementing numerous safeguards, and builds on prior actions including the creation of an AI Bill of Rights and executive order directing federal agencies to combat algorithmic discrimination. Like the County’s internal AI Policy Committee, the executive order directs the creation of a White House AI Council to coordinate the federal government’s AI activities.
‘Dying to Talk’ presentation set for Saturday at Felton Library
Pamela Morgan and Barbara Hanson of Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley will be presenting an informative presentation discussing the options and choices available to residents so they can make informed decisions and leave a plan as to their death care, funeral and legacy.
“Dying to Talk” presentation is set for Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2 pm, at the Felton Public Library, 6121 Gushee St., in Felton.
Since working with clients in preparing their end-of-life legal documents, there is no denying what a sense of relief and “peace of mind” they have finalizing these documents, but there are additional instructions and decisions that need to be made concerning how they want to be treated in their last months and weeks.
Part of one’s legacy is what they leave behind for their loved ones, and hopefully that’s not to clean-up their messes. Advance care planning not only allows time to make these important decisions, but also having these conversations with family does not have to be dreadful; it allows them to dispel some of their fears associated with dying.
People aged 65 and older survive an average of four to eight years after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, yet some live as long as 20 years. The U.S. will have to nearly triple the number of geriatricians to effectively care for the number of people projected to have Alzheimer’s in 2050.
Death with Dignity or Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is now legal in California with a diagnosed terminal illness, and Morgan and Hanson will be offering information on MAID, as well.
North County dems to host Swing Left Santa Cruz speakers
Jane Eagen and Rene Bloch from Swing Left Santa Cruz will be the guest speakers for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The speakers will discuss ways club members can get involved to help support Democratic candidates in swing districts in California and across the country.
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, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
SLV Museum to present 11th annual Veterans Day Dinner
San Lorenzo Valley Museum will be hosting its 11th annual Veterans Day Dinner at Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge in Boulder Creek.
This special event will be held on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, from 5:30-9pm, at Scopazzi’s, 13300 Big Basin Way. As in prior years, there will be a program recognizing local veterans and active duty military personnel.
Veteran Ron Sekkel will be the Master of Ceremonies, and Beth Hollenbeck will again be the pianist as the branches’ songs are sung. Veteran Rob Lackey and Keith Collins, director of Veterans Village, will be the guest speakers, and Supervisor Bruce McPherson will be in attendance to issue a proclamation.
After the program, guests can enjoy a dinner with the choice of beef, salmon or eggplant parmesan. “Taps” will be played by bugler Dr. Jeff Kaplan as our finale.
Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/57amrscy or in the Museum office. Anyone who is unable to attend but still wishes to support a veteran, may sponsor tickets using the same link.
