Community Bridges WIC remains open during government shutdown
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.
While some federal nutrition programs—such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or pauses in benefits starting Nov. 1, WIC participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption. All scheduled appointments will proceed as normal, and participants can continue to use their WIC cards for healthy food purchases.
Community Bridges WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to community resources for low-income families with young children and pregnant or postpartum women.
WIC participants are encouraged to keep their appointments and reach out with any questions or concerns about their benefits. For more information, visit communitybridges.org/WIC.
Annual Holiday Gift Shop opens Saturday in Ben Lomond
The Annual Holiday Gift Shop at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond opens on Nov. 1.
The gift shop will be available Monday through Saturday, from 11am-4pm. Volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s store an exceptional holiday shopping experience. The gift shop features holiday décor for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Come find the perfect items for your home and holiday gifting, all at very reasonable prices,” according to Valley Churches United.
All proceeds from the gift shop support Valley Churches United’s nonprofit year-round food pantry. The gift shop is located in the heart of Ben Lomond at 9400 Highway 9. For more information, call 831-336-8258.
New exhibit launches at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
California State Parks will present “People Who Lived Here,” a new multimedia exhibit at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, opening on Nov. 2.
The event begins at 1:30pm, with a presentation at 2pm and tours following until 4pm, including virtual options.
The exhibit features audio recordings and artwork by Native American community members, sharing personal stories of individuals like Isidro Sauset and Lorenzo Asisara who lived at the Santa Cruz Mission. Co-created with Native descendants and based on research by Dr. Martin Rizzo-Martinez, it offers a poignant perspective on mission life and its impacts.
This project is part of State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative, aiming to provide more accurate historical context. The tour can be experienced on-site or via the Virtual Adventurer App starting Nov. 2.
The exhibit is at 144 School St. in Santa Cruz. Attendance is free, but space is limited—RSVP at tinyurl.com/2hhefkaf.
