When the Scotts Valley Unified School District moved to remote learning in March because of the shelter in place orders, the teachers and staff immediately stepped up.  They earnestly worked to provide all students with necessary materials and access to technology, and sustain academic and emotional support, even from a distance. While considering the stress and impact of COVID-19 on students, staff, and families, teachers have sought to engage students in a positive way, setting up online conferences, office hours, lessons, lectures, and authentic classroom interactions.  Counselors are available to support students and their families with the stresses of sheltering in place and learning at home. Teachers and students alike are creatively tackling curriculum and finding ways to stay connected and interact. 

Dear Readers,                                                                                                            May 1, 2020

                  The mysterious malady was arbitrarily linked with Spain, where thousands, including King Alfonso, were infected in the spring.  As might be expected in 1918, some Americans were certain that “this new evil, like other evils of the war, must be traced to German origins.” 

The homeless problem in Santa Cruz is no secret. Travel down Pacific Avenue or look near the Clock Tower, and you’ll see that the moderate weather and accessible resources create a welcoming environment for the less fortunate—so much so, that the City of Santa Cruz just hired Brooke Newman to serve in the city’s newly created role of Homeless Response Manager (more on her in a later edition).

We can all agree that closing public green spaces has been difficult.  Throughout this crisis, our community has had access to a personal escape, whether it be the park two blocks from your house, some alone time on a surfboard, or a lengthy hike in a state park.  So, from April 8th to the 15th, when those spaces were closed at the order of Dr. Gail Newell, our community felt a little more claustrophobic than before.  Understandably, these spaces had to close to keep our community safe, as it was becoming impossible to social distance in these suddenly crowded spaces.  Santa Cruz County Sheriff, Jim Hart expanded on the current county-wide situation and summarized the thoughts of many, “While the vast majority of Santa Cruz County residents are staying home and following the direction of the County Health Officer, unfortunately some visitors and community members are treating this extraordinary crisis as a holiday.”

Last week, the Press Banner introduced you to Payson McNett, a Cabrillo instructor who’s using technology and innovation to create masks for local healthcare workers as they combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, we get down and dirty with another team that’s helping to make life a little brighter (literally and figuratively) for local residents: the Felton Fire Protection District. Ian Jones, Engineer and Communications/IT Dude, took a few minutes out of his day to enlighten us on the district’s efforts to spread a little cheer during this time of shelter-in-place, and remind us that helpers are just a phone call away.

For many years, Aunt LaLi’s Mobile Café has been an integral part of Arcangeli’s birthday parties.  While a cog was recently thrown into the party wheel, the family knew they simply they could not break from tradition for Bobby’s thirteenth birthday this year.  Drive by birthday’s are becoming the new norm, so it was quickly decided for Aunt LaLi to head the parade and provide socially distanced ice cream to all of the participants.  The party was a “so heartwarming and a big success,” and the Press Banner wishes Bobby a very happy birthday!