Aptos Times: May 15, 2021

Page 20

20 / May 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Preparing for the 2021 Harvest A

By Christopher Valadez

s the 2021 harvest begins in our professionals from Salinas Valley Memorial region, many programs and systems Hospital. Prevention practices to limit the spread of are in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19 among farm workers and the the virus on farms and in ag facilities, including community. Specific to the Grower Shipper social distancing, face mask requirements and Association of Central California, mass vac- employee training, will continue. Further, cination clinics for farm workers will continue California has implemented COVID-specific through the summer, but additional programs regulations for employers mandating training, will provide necessary resources prevention practices and paid sick leave. as we battle through this What more can be done? pandemic. Employee education about the As we reflect back, we importance of receiving vaccinaremember the phrase, “we are tions will be an important effort all in this together” as lockdowns among ag employers, health began. And, that has proven true care workers and community – we have all faced and endured leaders. Further, we must stay this historic and tragic pandemic vigilant about other worker as a community. And, we have safety protections, including heat seen health care professionals, prevention and wildfire smoke elected officials, government mitigation. officials, community leaders, Finally, we must continually labor groups and agriculture assess and evolve programs as work jointly and diligently to develop innovative worker pro- More than 24,000 farmworkers the virus evolves. What worked in this region have gotten tection programs that have been well, what could be improved COVID vaccinations. modeled in other regions. This and what practices should significant effort underscores that “we are all in become permanent to successfully prevent the spread of any virus among our workforce. this together” is more than just a phrase. As we move forward, the new partnerSo where are we today? Over 24,000 vaccinations have been administered to farm ships and relationships built over the last year employees in our region through the Grower will be key as we tackle existing issues as well Shipper Association and Clinica de Salud del as face future challenges in our region. The panValle de Salinas mass vaccination clinics. By demic has shown us that we are better when June, we hope that 35,000 essential ag workers we work together to find solutions. We need each other and we must lean on each other. If will be fully vaccinated through these clinics. Quarantined housing through Grower there is a silver lining to this tragic pandemic, Shipper Association is available to farm workers it is that we have learned the true meaning and who may have been exposed to the virus, have tangible results of “we are all in this together.” ••• tested positive or have symptoms. This housing Christopher Valadez is the president of includes daily deliveries of meals and other necessities as well as welfare checks by health the Grower-Shipper Assn. of Central California.

“Nisene Gateway” from page 16 Since the yearlong pandemic is keeping a hold on Santa Cruz County – we’re in the Orange Tier, and because the case rate hasn’t dropped low enough long enough, as of May 11, we haven’t been able to move to the less restrictive Yellow Tier. This means respecting county guidance on outdoor gatherings, limiting the number of attendees and encouraging social distancing. Or as Marco put it, “No hugs people, not yet.” People who volunteer on May 30 will get a chance to do good, meet their

neighbors safely, and learn more about Nisene Rio Gateway. Mark your calendar. n


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Articles inside

Elliott Priced Out of Internet?: Talking About Solutions for Santa Cruz County Residents, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

10min
pages 30-32

Dear America:Book to Action Program Covers Jose Antonio Vargas

17min
pages 27-29

Can I Get Refund from Airbnb for My Cancellation?, By Christopher

13min
pages 25-26

Featured Columnists

5min
page 22

Is It Now Safe to Hug?’, By Joyce and Barry Vissell

6min
page 24

Social Justice Champions

6min
page 23

La Selva Library Debuts Active Browsing

4min
page 19

Gumz Youth Leadership in a Pandemic: A Great Opportunity

2min
page 18

Business Profile

4min
page 17

Preparing for the 2021 Harvest, By Christopher Valadez

3min
pages 20-21

National Guard: Food Bank Mission Accomplished

5min
pages 15-16

Local Sports

1min
page 11

I Heart Fairgrounds Raises $51k

6min
page 8

PV Chamber Announces Community Awards

5min
page 7

RTC On Electric Passenger Rail

5min
page 14

Boardwalk Offers $2.7K Summer Bonus: Vaccine OK for Kids 12-15; SBA

2min
page 6

Bioluminescence

3min
page 13

Community News

1min
page 5

PV Water Rates Going Up For Five Years • Ag Day Luncheon

10min
pages 9-10
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