Teen Public Art Workshop features renowned artist
Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) has announced an exclusive Teen Public Art Workshop with renowned artist Lea de Wit on Saturday, Oct. 21, 1-4pm, at the Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St., in Felton.
This unique opportunity invites teens to participate in the creation of a captivating public art installation that will become an integral part of the Felton Branch Library Teen Room.
Renowned for her stunning public art installations at Felton Branch and Felton Nature Discovery Park, de Wit is set to lead this innovative program, igniting the artistic sparks within the teen community. Together with the Advisory Council of Teens, participants will embark on a creative journey to produce artwork that not only beautifies the Teen Room, but also reflects the imagination and talents of young artists. No prior art experience is required.
Registration is required at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/11307435.
Innovative app revolutionizes solar permitting process
County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development and Infrastructure has launched Solar APP+, an automated solar permitting process intended to accelerate the expansion of solar projects in unincorporated areas of the county.
To utilize SolarAPP+, contractors submit projects through the platform, where advanced software automates the plan review process. Once the project receives approval, contractors can promptly submit it to the County’s ePermit system and receive an instant permit.
SolarAPP+ caters to various eligible projects, including new rooftop solar photovoltaic installations on detached one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, and related accessory structures such as garages or ADUs. In addition, systems with a capacity of 10 kW or smaller, which may include related energy storage systems and service panel upgrades, are also eligible for this streamlined process.
Licensed contractors with B-General, C-10 Electrical, or C-46 Solar Photovoltaic qualifications are eligible to utilize SolarAPP+. Some properties, such as those with open code cases, may be ineligible for the program. A full list of eligibility requirements can be found at solarapp.nrel.gov/eligibility/PV.pdf.
Crop values make modest gains
Santa Cruz County crop values grew 1.5% in 2022, with berry crops continuing to represent the majority of gross crop values, Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner David Sanford reported.
Total crop values were $666,955,000, with berries representing 60% of the total economic activity. Strawberries continue to lead the way and were valued at $220,013,000 across more than 2,500 acres, a 4.2% increase in value compared to 2021. Overall berry values, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, grew 3.4%.
The crop values do not reflect losses incurred due to 2023 winter storms, Sanford said.
“Our agricultural sector continues to grow and contribute to the local economy,” Sanford said in his report. “The 2022 Crop Report demonstrates that local agriculture is thriving and supporting local families, while our products continue to be enjoyed across the nation and throughout the globe.”
Vegetable crops continue to perform well, with an overall value of $101,165,000, a 5.6% increase. Nursery crops including cut flowers decreased 6.4% in gross value, to $127,962,000. Following a bumper crop in 2021, wine grapes saw a 24% decrease in gross value, coming in at a total of $5,986,000.
The full report is available at agdept.com.
Vaccinations available for fall/winter virus season
The updated Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months and older. Officially known as the 2023-24 Covid-19 vaccine, they are now available in Santa Cruz County.
In alignment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Santa Cruz County Public Health Officials urge everyone 6 months and older to stay up to date with the newest Covid-19 vaccine.
“Staying up to date on the Covid-19 vaccine will be an essential tool to help residents stay healthy,” said Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez. “The updated vaccines provide the best available protection against severe illness caused by current variants.”
The updated Covid-19 vaccines will especially help protect those who are most at risk of developing severe Covid-19 complications, such as older adults, people who smoke, or anyone with chronic conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Covid-19 vaccination also decreases the risk of Long Covid, which can cause prolonged symptoms.
This virus season, vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations—Covid-19, RSV, and flu. RSV vaccines are approved for people ages 60
years and older. These vaccines can be given safely at the same time and are available at health care providers, pharmacies, and clinics. Contact your health care provider or visit vaccines.gov to schedule your vaccine appointment.
For local Covid-19 information go to santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus or call 831-454-4242 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
