Youth in Action Summit: Presented By Friday Night Live • City of Santa Cruz to Receive $14.5M for Homelessness Response

COMMUNITY NEWS Youth in Action Summit

Presented By Friday Night Live

Tuesday July 13 • Wednesday July 14 • 1– 3 p.m., Online Seminars; Register by July 12

Santa Cruz County Friday Night Live invites all youth entering grades 6-12 to join the annual Youth in Action Summit 2021 on July 13-14, with the theme of “Building Confidence and Embracing our Identities!”

This free, interactive networking and skill-building event is designed and led by the youth of Friday Night Live and will take place via Zoom.

Space is limited, and registration by July 12 is required at https://tinyurl.com/YAS2021REG.

Issa Bunch, youth facilitator, shared, “My absolute favorite part of our Youth in Action Summit is where every participant reflects on their experience and who made it extra special; did someone make you feel welcome, brighten your day, or made you laugh? These compliments are shared anonymously so if you get a bit nervous like me, no need to worry. I love this activity; I still keep the affirmations that were given to me; so many memories! And we are looking forward to making more memories this year, with you!”

Participants can earn community service hours, strengthen and practice new skills, make friends, and have fun! Through peerlead games and activities, youth identify what they value, discover their unique leadership style, and learn how they can address community issues that impact them. Participating youth are eligible to apply for an internship opportunity with the County of Santa Cruz Friday Night Live to practice the leadership skills they learned at this event and build future job skills. Community service hours and stipends are offered.

If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to register after July 12, call, text, or email Friday Night Live staff member Monica Nicholas at monica. nicholas@santacruzcounty.us or call/text (831) 359-8450.

The Youth in Action Summit is developed and led by the Santa Cruz County Friday Night Live Partnership Youth Council.

Friday Night Live builds partnerships to promote positive, healthy youth development, and engages youth as active leaders and resources in their communities. n •••

For more information about Friday Night Live, visit https://tinyurl.com/SCC-FNL

City of Santa Cruz to Receive $14.5M for Homelessness Response

Thanks to the efforts of Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Mark Stone, the City of Santa Cruz is set to receive more than $14.5 million to support homelessness response efforts within the City.

“Working with Assemblymember Mark Stone, we secured $14.5 million for the City and County of Santa Cruz to improve and expand the city’s response to house and provide services to those experiencing homelessness,” said Senator Laird. “These funds will not only provide emergency funding to the City and County of Santa Cruz for much-needed infrastructure and support to resolve current unsanctioned encampments on Caltrans and city public land while improving State, County and City coordination.”

In collaboration with the County, the City will use the funds to support the goals of the countywide, three-year Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz plan (https:// tinyurl.com/SC-3-year-housing-plan)

“It’s no secret that we are in the midst of an affordable housing crisis in the City of Santa Cruz. This investment will allow us to stand up much-needed services for unhoused residents, such as safe sleeping and storage. It will also bring us closer to our goal of creating a navigation center that provides emergency shelter and helps to create pathways to County support services and stable housing for Santa Cruzans in need,” said Mayor Donna Meyers.

Last evening, the budget was approved by both the Senate and Assembly and is now awaiting final approval by Governor Newsom. Further details regarding disbursement will be determined following the Governor’s signature. n

Randy the Bunny

Hiya, I’m Randy (A279912), a male tricolor shorthaired rabbit! I have been at the shelter since March and am ready to find my furever home!

The shelter says I’m one smart boy! I like to keep my space nice and clean, and I meticulously use the litter box! Because of course, a cleaner home means more room for food! Whether it’s timothy hay and bananas, or carrots and kale, munching and crunching is my favorite hobby!

But I have to admit, I’m also pretty spunky! Once I get comfortable, I’ll play all day long and hop around with excited binkies! But with that said, like many of my fellow buns, I also prefer a safe and secure spot to rest. Give me that and I’ll be one happy flopper!

So what do you say? Want to come witness this cuteness?

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter:

Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

23 » crossword on

The 4th of July

© Statepoint Media

As summer begins, we are influence by Cancer, sign of mother, family, home, the embryonic waters nurturing new life. Cancer, its light flowing through the moon, nurtures the masses of humanity.

In our very earliest incarnations on Earth everyone entered planet Earth under the sign of Cancer. Cancer therefore has a deep and abiding connection with the human race. Cancer is called the “Gate Into Matter” — the doorway through which humans (from the spirit world) appear on Earth. Cancer guards and guides all of humanity. Cancer people (Sun, Moon, Ascendant) intuitively understand the common everyday person’s basic wants, needs and motivations.

Cancer rules (oversees, protects) home, (the parent who is the) mother, family, tribes, birth, childbirth, the sea, women (in general), instincts, inherited tendencies, domestic life, cooks, kitchens, nurturing, gestation, protectiveness, baskets, the sea, the demarcation line between water and land, moody feelings and all places of refuge and repose. Cancer receives and distributes Ray 3 (new ideas) and Ray 7 (taking root, anchoring in the world, the great sea of life). Cancers are very intelligent. Cancer is the “Light within the form — awaiting the Light of the Soul.” Cancer lives half on earth and half in the water. Often Cancer hides away under its shell, silently waiting for the environment to be safe and trusting. Cancer rules our treasures, our private life, conception, heredity and one’s spiritual security (ashram or sangha). Cancer is always seeking home for its refuge. Cancer has unrealized gifts buried deep within. Cancer’s gifts of nurturing and nourishment are profound and mysterious. What they don’t realize is they need nurturing and nourishment, too. n

ARIES

Opportunities are presented along with challenges. You find the courage to meet each one because of your nature — fiery, willing, enthusiastic. This year and for many more, you will experience vast changes, radical shifts, a state of impermanence that, in the end, will constitute unusual creative endeavors and ways of being based on new rhythms and archetypes. Keep moving, pausing for rest here and there only when needed.

TAURUS

You’re the lucky one this year. You drew the lucky card and all that you’ve wished for begins to appear. Know however, this includes lots of work, much pondering, thinking and study, detailed planning, and waiting for right timing (astrological) to occur. Your good judgment has others seeking your advice and insight. You may travel this year for information, comfort and beauty. And perhaps a wedding. Plan now.

GEMINI

Notice if (and when) much of the past, including people and events, begins to slip away. This is not good, bad or something to be frightened about. It means you’re traveling onward; your life itself is clearing any limitations and hindrances. A healing is occurring and patterns of thought no longer useful are being released. “Healing”, the Tibetan writes, “allows for the Soul to be free”. You need to be free.

CANCER

Summer belongs to you. Are you communicating with friends and neighbors? Do not be involved in gossip. It’s good to be somewhat secluded or helping others in need. Be aware of power struggles with others. There’s a projection from you of being in charge and it’s possible you’re not listening to others’ communication. This creates separation and misunderstandings. You must ask yourself what’s most important in relating to others. Be restorative with others.

LEO

As work comes with more responsibilities, you will notice how strong and courageous you are, able to assume multiple tasks with skill and agility. Many people seek your help, trusting your constancy, sense of rightness and patience. Simultaneously, you’re harboring secret thoughts, hopes, wishes and dreams. It’s important to take time away from the world. Step into the shadows. What do you see and feel there? Who will join you?

VIRGO

Take time to consider what you would like for the future. Create a picture/photo journal depicting how you want your life to be. Begin before your birthday so that when it arrives you have a clear idea of your new coming year. Don’t be predictable. Be groundbreaking, inventive and original. Use nothing from the past — no beliefs or plans — to create your possible future. The past needs to be transcended completely. So a new future can present itself that you yourself create.

LIBRA

You need to run away at times to places far away. You need to travel, have many adventures, find new people to communicate with, see new art and artifacts, bathe in warm blue pools at midnight. You need environments and communications to be more harmonious. You need a new garden to work in. You need to think the impossible. Know that ideas become ideals and slip into form and matter when we visualize. You need change, a feeling of being submerged in a completely new reality. What do you think you need?

SCORPIO

As daily life changes, and continues to, all relationships begin to shift and change. This includes all the ways you can think relationships (interactions, partnerships) can improve and expand. Daily life becomes different and unusual. What’s unusual eventually becomes the usual, but it will take a bit of time. The past, showing up on your doorstep, arrives in order to eventually disappear again. Perhaps for the last time. We hope.

SAGITTARIUS

You need the same things Libra needs, but more so. Something of fantasy may come and stay a while. You may not know what it is. It will have two faces. Don’t be confused. Be spontaneous, curious yet cautious. Careful with money. The usual warning, but more so, again. As home feels like it’s dissolving away, your creative expression takes on Aquarian tones, work becomes ever more expanded. You can do all of this with poise and equanimity. And joy. Joy is a choice. You seem to need community now.

CAPRICORN

Here are the energies for Caps as they enter the summer months. A shift in self-identity, something precious being found, small joys in daily life, new thinking, refining tasks and communication, a change at/of home, pursuing the Art of Living, little gardening tasks, summer walks in different neighborhoods, an ice cream maker, nurturing intimate relationships, enlivened through travel, bringing forth balance through Right Relations in the world. And finally, and most important, having an interlude of rest.

AQUARIUS

You’re interacting and making contact with many different groups of people. This is your spiritual task. To be an acquaintance to everyone, gathering and dispersing information about the future endeavors of humanity. The Hierarchy looks down on Earth seeking to find who carries the “light” within. You carry that light. Therefore you’re sent here and there to disperse that light. Rest a while sometimes. Play more. Share. Visualize. What you need eventually appears.

PISCES

New and different worlds are becoming acquainted with you along with new and different experiences. An unexpected endeavor is being introduced and considered. An impression from above. Follow this path and do the work needed each day. It will eventually heal hurts and separations. A depth of communication is available at this time. Use this opportunity to make contact with all (people, kingdoms, events) that you value. If some cannot be contacted, visualize the two of you, heart to heart. Love happens then.

Maintaining your irrigation system

will help ensure you are watering as efficiently as possible — in fact, landscape irrigation issues are one of the top three causes of water leaks and waste. The first step is to monitor your water bills (it’s easy with the WaterSmart Customer Portal!). Here are some of the basic things you can do to keep your irrigation system running smoothly: • While the irrigation is running, look for and fix or adjust overspray onto hardscapes or other run-off, broken heads or leaking seals, obstructed or misdirected heads, and dying or drowning plants. • Know how to use your irrigation controller and consider purchasing a

“smart” one that automatically adjusts for recent rainfall and time of year. • Create a map of your yard showing each irrigation zone and its valve number — this will save time when trouble-shooting any problems. • Add mulch to help hold moisture in the landscape and prevent erosion on slopes. • Irrigate when the sun is down (but inspect your system when the sun is up). • Adjust your irrigation schedule with the four seasons.

The drought we’re now experiencing emphasizes the importance of the District’s Pure Water Soquel supplemental water supply project (soquelcreekwater. org/PWS), and we’re happy to report that construction of eight miles of that project’s pipelines is now underway. This is the “conveyance system” that will transport water to the Pure Water Soquel advanced purification facility to be built, and then carry that ultra-clean water to the seawater intrusion prevention wells where it will be pumped underground to replenish our overdrafted groundwater basin.

This construction began in late May at two locations, as crews started installing pipeline in Santa Cruz on California Street through the Laurel Street intersection, and on Soquel Avenue near Chanticleer Avenue. Construction of the pipeline system is anticipated to continue at various locations into 2023.

Be sure to visit soquelcreekwater.org/ PWSconstruction for information about ongoing and upcoming construction for Pure Water Soquel, including maps and schedules, and to sign up for email construction updates.

Visit our website at https://www. soquelcreekwater.org/186/Stage-3-WaterShortage-Emergency for a list of our current water use restrictions and directions on how to report water waste in our community.

We thank our customers for continuing to conserve water and being diligent about preventing water waste. n