Hall & Newel Lauded by PEN America

COMMUNITY NEWS Hall & Newel Lauded by PEN America

PEN America has awarded the 2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award to Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency Director Mimi Khin Hall and Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel for exceptional acts of courage in freedom of expression.

They accepted the award at PEN’s literary gala Oct. 5 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Hall and Newel spoke openly about the animosity and threats they faced as they mandated precautions to protect their community during the most severe waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For most of her career, Hall has worked in public health, combatting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1990s; advocating for science in California’s rural counties across spates of H1N1, Ebola, and Hepatitis A; and navigating outcry against the Affordable Care Act.

Newel worked as a gynecologist and obstetrician delivering 10,000 babies and helped develop a lactation center and pregnancy programs for underserved women before joining the County of Santa Cruz in 2018.

Hall and Newel share a drive to save lives.

As Hall describes in an October 2020 town hall meeting, “Dr. Newel was clear and firm in her resolve that our early actions would help serve us and our community for the long run. We were one of the first counties in California to declare a local health emergency...and one of the first counties to have stay-at-home orders, absent any orders coming from the state, back in the beginning of March. I do believe that resolve and quick action helped keep overall transmission low for months.”

These critical restrictions were met with outright hate by some.

After Newel ordered the temporary closure of most businesses and beaches and prohibited most social gatherings, her inbox began to overflow with spiteful accusations and threats, and a meeting she held was shut down after a man from the community violently lunged at her.

At a news conference June 25, 2020, Newel shared her frustration that beach closures had become impossible to enforce, saying, “People are not willing to be governed anymore.”

During the pandemic, she repeatedly emphasized that while she could implement various measures, “individual actions are the ones that determine how we do as a community.”

Hall says of her and Newel’s decision to speak about the public resistance to public health measures, “We knew we had support and probably wouldn’t be fired, whereas many of our colleagues in the field could not say the same thing. For many people, if you want to stay in your job, you couldn’t speak out in the way we did. But Gail and I also had the conversation at one point where we both said we’re in a fortunate enough position that if push comes to shove, we’re willing to lose our jobs to do the right thing.”

Hall and Newel spoke out about the threats they faced to The New York Times and This American Life as they feared for their safety and the safety of their families.

Newel received chilling emails listing her address and the names of her children; Hall received a letter threatening her family and wishing her a slow death. Newel’s house was at times surrounded by protestors blaring horns, she was served papers at home by members of an extremist group, and the sheriff advised her to walk in public only if escorted.

This occurred as they worked tirelessly to organize a robust public health response—resulting in some of the lowest case rates throughout the pandemic, and one of the smallest equity gaps in vaccinations.

Newel says, “Mimi and I share a set of values based on honesty, trust, openness, speaking from the heart, and truly cherishing our community and community members. We both see this award as being for all of the public health workforce and all the public health heroes—so many of whom operate in this way. The two of us have gained some notoriety for our courage to speak out about our experiences under threat, but there are so many of our colleagues who deserve the same praise. I know we both feel we’re accepting this on behalf of all of the boots on the ground during this pandemic.”

Hall, who tendered her resignation in September to enter the nonprofit sphere, says, “People are calling this the end of an era—there’s a huge exodus, and many people are being forced out of their jobs. It’s not okay what’s happening now. I don’t think there’s any time other than now that I’ve actually been afraid for American democracy, and it’s highlighted and exacerbated by this assault on science and service. This award feels like a chance to recognize the under-the-radar work that public health officials and workers do all day every day throughout the world. I’m so happy that this award means that the work of my colleagues in the field is being acknowledged.”

PEN America Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Nossel says, “Mimi Hall and Gail Newel are standard-bearers for everyone who’s on the side of responsible public health messaging. As we recognize them we applaud the countless medical workers who have stood up for science and sound policy in the face of menacing public outrage.” Guests at the gala were asked for vaccination proof and a negative COVID-19 test result. This year’s event, hosted by Golden Globe Award-winning actress, writer, and producer Awkwafina, honored Emmy and Peabody Awardwinning filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. with the Audible Literary Service Award; and three imprisoned Iranian writers Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan and Reza Khandan Mahabadi—all free expression advocates—with the Barbey Freedom to Write Award. •••

About Mimi Khin Hall: She was born in Myanmar, to parents determined to provide a future of freedom for their three children, escaping decades of military rule, human rights abuses and violence against ethnic minorities. As US immigrants, her family believed they should be of service.

“PEN Award” page 26

Halloween

ACROSS

1. *Hitchcock’s 1963 movie, with The 6. Bad-mouth 9. H or O in H2O, e.g. 13. France’s longest river 14. Bauxite, e.g. 15. Opposite of adore 16. Proprietor 17. Quaker Man’s cereal 18. Oozes 19. *Corpse 21. *Bobbing for what?, pl. 23. One time around 24. Bébé’s mother 25. General Post Office 28. Actuary’s concern 30. Named, in bygone era 35. Not easy 37. Accepted behavior 39. Kitchen floor layer? 40. Northern European capital 41. *Overly consumed on

Halloween? 43. Actress Spelling 44. Nature’s rage 46. Bangladeshi currency 47. Colossal 48. Bowling prop 50. Famous Himalayan 52. Bugling ungulate 53. Valedictorian’s spot 55. Possessive of “it” 57. *Pennywise and

Joker, e.g. 60. *Traditional Halloween garb 64. Honolulu greeting 65. Costa del ____ 67. Plant fungus 68. Mild and pleasant, weather-wise 69. E.T. transporter 70. Popular spring flower 71. Hole-making tools 72. Young newt 73. Country singer ____

Hill

DOWN

1. Coalition 2. Corn Belt state 3. Drink garnish 4. Cheerlessness 5. Offered on a platter 6. *Door-to-____ 7. George Gershwin’s brother 8. Plural of seta 9. Cain’s biblical brother 10. You, in bygone era 11. Uh-oh 12. Wife’s title 15. Facet 20. Actress Linda of

“Dynasty” fame 22. Be nosy 24. South American wild cats 25. *Bedsheet with holes? 26. Command that follows

“cut” 27. Acrylic fiber 29. Show off 31. Low-cal 32. Skip the wedding hoopla 33. State of danger 34. *As opposed to treat 36. Small town or hamlet 38. Manufacture 42. 2:3, e.g.

Mimi Hall Gail Newel 45. Carnie’s domain 49. Grandmother, for short 51. Reflexive of “it” 54. Question in dispute 56. Parallel grooves 57. *Raven’s grabber 58. Take it easy 59. Electrical resistance units 60. Blood-related problem 61. Tangerine grapefruit hybrid 62. Castle protector 63. Carve, as in stone 64. Lawyers’ league 66. “____ with their head!” © Statepoint Media Answers on 31 »

The cycles of Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter, direct then retrograde (about 60% of the time), then direct again, are once again in the astrological news. Pluto (in Capricorn) and Saturn (in Aquarius), after many months of retrograde (inner work), recently turned direct. When planets are direct, we being to do the needed outer work. On Sunday, October 17th, Jupiter, planet of benevolence, of love and wisdom, is also direct. Jupiter is knowledge which leads to love & needed wisdom. Saturn is discipline, structure and the Rule of Law. Pluto transforms everything and is felt as suffering.

Astrologers know that change occurs only when the planets shift and move about in the heavens, especially as they move back (retrograde) and forth (direct). As we see our entire world transforming, Saturn is hovering on the U.S. South Node (past secrets coming to light). The Dweller on the Threshold (Saturn) is about to reveal all that has been hidden, remove all hindrances to humanity’s freedom, allowing the present future (new era) to unfold.

While the dark is upended, Jupiter offers us a bit of tenderness. Jupiter offers us love & wisdom (Ray 2), justice and truth-telling (Jupiter rules Sagittarius), the expansion of everything everywhere, and, after four months of reflection, the “big picture”. Notice as Jupiter moves forward in the days ahead, if perspectives and beliefs have changed, expanded and are uplifted to intelligent new realities. We choose now to rise above separations, to harmonize, balance, and seek our highest aspirations. We develop new tools; consider new goals, new studies and journeys. We want to learn more, understand everything and help build the new culture and civilization (Aquarius).

We begin to disentangle ourselves from whatever hinders freedom. Forgetting the things that lie behind us, we stand in the present, heart and mind united, with boldness and strength. We walk away from tyranny. We realize we are equipped with freedom. Our hearts are free. We begin to act free. Strong and liberated, brave and unafraid, these are our birthrights. Jupiter calls to humanity. Listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qthko5ppHcM n

ARIES

As you present yourself, your talents and skills to the world, a new sense of self-worth comes about, a new sense of beauty and creativity. You understand the value and beauty of life. You want all assets to be stable so you can feel safe. You may not need much materially, but you do need comfort. You become grounded, easier to be with, somewhat serene and poised. You like chocolates, books, things familiar, gold and crystals. We find you interesting.

LEO

You assume new ways of communicating, cooperating, balancing, harmonizing and negotiating. These allow relationships to experience greater happiness. It’s a blessing to extend beyond compromise and have harmony in relationships. You begin to understand the Law of Principle of Goodwill which creates Right Human Relations. These ideas foster the well-being of others. Love comes surprisingly, unexpectedly and assuredly. Peace, too.

SAGITTARIUS

You will do more of the following - express yourself (speaking, writing), take short trips, talk with siblings and friends, relate more consciously with the world around you and perhaps purchase a new vehicle to explore new areas, regions and lands. Family and friends, lots of people will contact you. There will be more errands, too. Daily activities and tending to details may become overwhelming. You’ll need to be in a garden more than ever.

TAURUS

You will consider your place in and contribution to the present and future society and culture, and assess how much real information you can share publicly. There is a balancing of your personal and public lives. One area of livingness ends as another begins. The new is aligned with your heart’s desires. You have vision and farsighted concepts. Follow them. They lead you to the “forest” (Vedic metaphor for where you need to be). Others then follow, hearing the sounds of your flute.

VIRGO

Daily life rhythms and rituals, health, small animals, serving others –these bring you unsurpassed enjoyment. You enter into the world of form and matter, and find that it is good. Virgos can tend to remain somewhat “out and away from this world.” What is all around is what really matters now. During this time you recognize your part in the world, your usefulness and goodness in helping others. Life Purpose comes to stay.

CAPRICORN

You are the seven-stringed lyre of Apollo. Music, art and architecture, style and design create the magic and beauty that releases you from daily harsh realities. Justice, care and kindness for those in need are your greatest gifts. They come from the heart. In always helping others, you reflect the kindness and beauty of God. There is a hidden path to God. It’s called Beauty. God is grateful for you.

GEMINI

The way we live our lives affects our health and well-being. It is important to see the broader picture, not allowing small inconveniences to upset inner balance. This new cycle is to be one of joy and happiness. We can choose this each day. The next days, weeks and months are a time of preparation. Soon you will be called to a new world service. During this time, write, share, sing, dance, publish and fine-tune all your communicative talents and skills in preparation. Life begins a new rhythm and pattern of change.

CANCER

The coming weeks and months invite you to enter into a deeper understanding of self in relationship. Intimacy becomes you, generosity, trust and compassion too, as you more fully embrace the ‘other’. This brings a certain empowerment and feelings of joy and happiness. Careful with finances. Don’t beg, borrow, depend on credit or accumulate debt. Use cash. Tithe each month to those in need. Begin each day with gratitude. As gratitude is expressed, you have more and more to give.

LIBRA

It’s time to have fun, amusement and pleasure and gladness, time to express yourself in ways unknown before and perhaps with a bit of joy. It’s time to be artful and creative, to be playful, take risks, expand and grow like a garden in the wild. Notice new ideas, new dreams, desires and aspirations. Discover what nourishes you and allow yourself to be entertained without apology. Explore all possibilities, especially the emotional and romantic.

SCORPIO

Family life, living arrangements, comfort, beauty, the rooms in your house, your garden, all things domestic, your origins and foundations... all of these will be your focus in the coming months. Some Scorpios may invest in land, buy real estate, others will decorate, move or invite family and friends home more often. A sense of peace prevails. Begin to build a garden gate. Study Richard Neutra’s homes and architecture.

AQUARIUS

There will be transformations, reorientations and renewal, some rather numinous, in the coming times. When focused in the heart, you move into a level of existence that is the color of honey yellow, a transparent golden hue. You find the path of “I Am” and then the goals you have set for yourself come true. You will step into new roles, new identities. Life’s purpose catches you and you’re never the same again. You come from the future.

PISCES

Contemplating the past year helps integrate all experiences, desires, dreams, aspirations and the constant messages encountered from the beyond. The Great Ones left you “breadcrumbs” each day to let you know you are on track, that wherever you were and are, there is support, and that all limiting beliefs can be laid to rest and by the wayside, forever. You will teach and share all that you’ve learned in the coming new times. Jupiter long ago was your personal star. It still is. “PEN Award” from page 25

In the mid-1990s, Hall worked to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She began her California county public health career in 1999 and joined the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency in 2018.

Hall worked for small, under-resourced county public health departments during the H1N1 pandemic, Ebola, the Affordable Care Act, and California’s rural expansion of managed care for Medicaid beneficiaries. The fiercely independent and politically conservative nature of rural counties demanded that she work with courage and conviction to bring all voices together for a common goal — better health for everyone.

As a longtime officer and past president of the County Health Executives Association of California, she was driven to do all she could to close the equity gaps in California’s public health system. Her belief that every life matters has driven her to advocate for investments in public health and provided clarity of purpose in the difficult days as a public health official during the pandemic.

About Gail Newel: Newel, a medical doctor with a master’s in public health and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has a drive for justice and equity in healthcare. She has served as a front-line clinician, an educator of future physicians, a public health official, policy maker and women’s health advocate.

Raised in the Central Valley, she worked in her father’s pediatric practice every summer as a teen, accompanying him on daily rounds. Her mother modeled leadership through community service.

Raised in the Mennonite church, Newel developed a strong sense of social justice and servant leadership. She attended UC Berkeley for undergraduate work and UC Irvine for medical school, then the UC San FranciscoFresno OB-GYN residency program.

After earning her master’s with an emphasis in maternal child health, Dr. Newel worked for 30 years as a direct healthcare provider --in private practice, managed care, and as clinical faculty in the UCSF-Fresno residency program, delivering 10,000 babies. Throughout that time, she maintained a faculty status with the UCSF training program, where she continues research as a co-investigator with the Preterm Birth Initiative.

She was Fresno County’s first Maternal Child Adolescent Health Medical Director at the Department of Public Health, then as Health Officer for San Benito County.

She began working in Santa Cruz County in July 2019, active in policy and advocacy work at the regional, state and national level, with a focus on under-served women.

Her areas of interest include public policy and advocacy for health equity, family health, opioid use disorder, reproductive rights, breast-feeding and LGBTQ healthcare. She has used her public health expertise internationally, most recently in Africa, serving with a community-based organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo. n

CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL The Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites you to jump start your future by earning an accredited high school diploma and career training through Career Online High School. SCPL offers a program called Career Online High School, designed for adults who were unable to complete high school and could benefit from additional job training.

SCPL awards scholarships to qualified adult learners on a first-come, first-served basis.

The online curriculum is accessible 24/7, which is helpful to those balancing work and family obligations. Students are given up to 18 months to complete the program, but many finish sooner because previously earned high school or GED test credits are accepted.

This is an opportunity to focus on advancing one’s education and career opportunities. Learn more at santacruzpl.org/pages/career-online-high-school.

MASTER GARDENERS’ FALL PLANT SALE Salinas Pop-up Store Open thru Oct. 24, Pickup by Appointment Only Monterey Bay Master Gardeners is having a Fall Plant Sale, with the online pop-up store open through Oct. 24. Curbside pickup by appointment is in Salinas.

The fall plant collection features drought-tolerant, fire-resistant, and native and/or pollinator perennials with a robust selection of winter vegetables.

The collection also includes succulents, grasses, groundcovers, houseplants, planted bulbs, and herbs with over 20 varieties of salvias and sages, various buckwheats, ribes (currants), echinacea — and many other flowering shrubs and plants.

Seasonal/specialty items include 8 new varieties of bulbs sold in gift bags (several native, several critterresistant), hand-painted clay pots with mature coleus plants, skulls decorated with succulents, giant (Crackerjack) Mexican marigolds for seasonal arrangements, 7 varieties of California native seeds in handcrafted origami envelopes — harvested and cleaned by UC Master Gardeners from native plants from the Watsonville Demo Garden, and sturdy 5-gallon grow bags with MBMG proprietary Premium Blend potting soil. Visit https://mbmg.ucanr.edu for more information.

DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS FUNDRAISER Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Drive for Schools, a fundraiser in its 17th year. The top prize is $25,000, with dozen more prizes to be given out in a drawing at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25. Tickets are sold through participating schools through Sunday, Oct. 17.

Purchased tickets must be returned to your school by the school’s posted deadline. Purchased tickets will not be accepted at the Boardwalk.

Tickets sold on Oct. 24 at the Boardwalk will benefit the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Special Education Department. Since starting in 2005, Drive for Schools has raised more than $7 million in support of local schools.

HICAP MEDICARE DRUG PLAN ONLINE CLASSES Senior Network Services Health Information Counseling & Advocacy Program will host free online classes on Medicare Part D drug plans in October. The plans change every year, so it’s a good idea to find about changes and prices for 2022.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by October 21

Classes will be at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 28, and 4 p.m. on Oct. 20. To register call 821-462-5510, provide your name and email and you will be sent a URL link.

SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 On display thru Oct. 31 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden.

The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators.

Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoor exhibit. Admission is free. org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

ONGOING EVENTS

Tuesdays FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage that has caused the blood supply to drop to the lowest post-summer level in at least six years.

With less than a day’s supply of certain blood types in recent weeks, the Red Cross asks donors of all blood types — especially type O — to make an appointment to give blood soon as possible to ensure patients can receive the lifesaving transfusions they rely on.

Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds from summer blood shortages, but a surge in COVID-19 cases across the U.S. due to the delta variant has contributed to the lowest donor turnout of the year. To shore up inventory, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week in October.

Watsonville

Oct. 30 and Nov. 3: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

Santa Cruz

Nov. 4: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

READING TUTORING RETURNS TO LIBRARIES 3-5 p.m., Wednesdays: Capitola / La Selva Public Libraries • Thursdays: Downtown Santa Cruz Public Library The Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ reading comprehension program, R.E.A.D. (Reach Every Amazing Detail) has returned.

R.E.A.D. offers one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for students in grades 2 to 12 with 25-minute sessions with a California-credentialed teacher. Appointments are required. Call Telephone Information, 831-427-7713, to make an appointment.

Holiday breaks will take place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving, Nov. 24 and 25; Winter break, Dec.13 to Jan. 25, resuming Jan. 26; and Spring break, April 5 & 6.

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost.

To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges. Second Tuesdays of the Month TACO TUESDAYS 5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A Go Go presents Taco Tuesdays. Next date: Info: (831) 247-1236 or email info@foodtrucksagogo.com.

Third Thursday Each Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

Fridays MIDTOWN FRIDAYS Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to the fire station) Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, and more. Admission is free.

Fourth Fridays of the Month FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS 5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A Go Go presents Food Truck Fridays. Next date: Sept. 24, with live music by The Shady Rest, vendors Holopono, Nomad Momo, Pana, Miches & Ceviches, Aunt LaLi’s and beer & wine garden fundraiser for the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation. Info: (831) 247-1236 or email info@foodtrucksagogo.com.

Saturdays ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ esnerr/tours/ One Saturday Each Month COOKING WITH GREY BEARS’ POPPY DEGARMO 11 a.m. Online Class Cooking with Grey Bears next few classes will be online only.

Upcoming class: Oct. 23 Use this Zoom link to participate in your home at time of class: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92906805068. First Sunday Every Month WESTSIDE MARKETPLACE 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060 The Westside Marketplace is an exciting monthly market where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food! This collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go and the SCM Makers Market presents a great mix of creators of all kinds! There is also live music at each event!

The music on Sept 5. will be provided by Ancestree.

Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays.

The Market is free to attend and is 100% local!

All local and state health guidelines will be followed. Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. For more information, go to the event page: https://www. facebook.com/events/170470481551895; Food Trucks A Go Go: https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/; or SCM Makers Market https://scmmakersmarket.com/ for a list of all of the vendors.

Second Sundays SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Ave. between Lincoln and Cedar Streets The Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire features more than 40 outdoor vendors. Visit https://www.facebook.com/santacruzantiquefaire/ for more information

DATED EVENTS

Saturday October 16

LAVENDER SALE AT APTOS FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m.-Noon, Cabrillo College Parking Lot The Mid County Senior Center Lavender Ladies will have their annual Lavender Sale at the Aptos Farmers Market. The Lavender Ladies are only here once a year, so you don’t want to miss it.

The Lavender Ladies will sell homemade masks, bowl cozies, eye pillows, sachets, and other items. All proceeds benefit Mid-County Senior Center in Capitola.

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS INITIATIVE: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1-5 p.m., Tannery Arts Center, 1060 River St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County’s Black Health Matters Initiative will celebrate its One-Year Anniversary with a festival on the Tannery Arts Center campus, featuring performances, live music, food, a health clinic, artists, family fun activities, and vendors. This event is open to all community members, and is free of charge. The Black Health Matters Initiative promotes equity through a network of community trust, advocacy, and collaboration to improve the quality of life for Black residents in Santa Cruz County.

Throughout the last year, BHMI curated programming and direct services to elevate Black voices and representation. Through partnerships with United Way Santa Cruz County, County Park Friends, SCC Black Coalition for Justice and Racial Equity, Blended