County Blockchain and Digital Wallet Pilot, By Zach Friend, Supervisor

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County Blockchain and Digital Wallet Pilot

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recently approved a pilot program on an item I brought forward to explore and increase the usage of blockchain technology within County government. Specifically, the County approved a pilot program that included, at no-cost, the infrastructure for a digital wallet from HUMBL (founded in 2019 and based in San Diego), which provides custom blockchain solutions for companies and governments.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain technology has existed since the 1990s, but the functionality and capabilities have widely expanded in recent years. While many associate blockchain exclusively with crypto or virtual currencies, its applications range far beyond that.

At its core, Blockchain technology is an unchangeable, decentralized digital ledger that allows for verification and tracking of data between separate parties. When used appropriately, blockchain can bring increased trust, transparency, and efficiency into systems. This could potentially have positive implications for many government services, such as permitting processes, digital identity, and other government documentation such as licenses and certificates.

In 2020, a State legislative working group studied how blockchain technology could be implemented within State functions. While the working group found many potential uses, it recommended three relatively quick applications: Digital wallets to improve Department of Motor Vehicles identification and securely share driver records, a better data system for the California Department of Food and Agriculture to trace food-borne contamination and moving the California Secretary of State’s archives online to preserve important documents.

Currently, the State legislature is considering legislation that would provide clarity around ways to use blockchain technology and also provide guidance and guardrails around crypto/virtual currencies.

What is a Digital Wallet?

Adigital wallet is a secure system that stores an individual’s payment and other information such as credentials and documentation in a digital interface that can be accessed from a mobile phone or other Internet-connected device. Digital wallets can use blockchain technology to ensure the information contained within a wallet is secure, verifiable, and self-sovereign (the information or documentation is owned by the individual). Blockchain wallets can be used for documentation, financial payments and any other instance of verifying a transaction a citizen may need for government services.

Why Could This be Helpful?

The goal of the Santa Cruz County wallet pilot program is to increase the equity, quality, accessibility, and transparency of services provided to constituents by the County. Uses may include wallet credentials for marriage licenses, birth certificates, library cards, and other County (or other government) documents that are traditionally registered on centralized technology systems by the County.

Over time, this could reduce cost, improve access and security of these documents for County residents.

Digital wallets would also provide the necessary infrastructure for virtual currency use at the County level. While this would require State legislative clarity, should some of the current proposals at the State-level pass, local governments would have a path for considering virtual currencies as a form of payment. For example, some recent State legislation proposed eliminating the volatility risk associated with virtual currencies by providing for immediate conversion into fiat (government-issued currency not backed by gold or silver) at point of transaction for businesses and local governments.

Virtual currencies facilitate a direct peer-to-peer transaction for payments that removes all third parties other than the payer and the recipient.

In contrast, credit card companies routinely charge 1.3%-3.5% in transaction fees. Without a middleman, the result is much lower transaction costs for both parties, which can be a financial barrier for businesses, governments, and individuals.

Additionally, traditional credit cards require access to credit in a way that disadvantages many populations and, even once obtained, charge high rates of interest that can put the user in a cycle of debt.

Another unique aspect of virtual currencies is that they are held and controlled by their owner in a digital wallet, not a bank.

A significant number of Santa Cruz County residents are considered “unbanked” — as they do not use traditional financial systems like banks. Many of these residents are low-income and/ or immigrants who are forced to rely on slow and expensive money wire services or other high-interest or high-cost methods to cashing checks or exchanging funds. While these services often charge high fees, an instant virtual currency transaction may cost only a few pennies.

While there is more regulatory clarity needed at the State and Federal level regarding virtual currencies, the County wanted to engage in a pilot project of the digital wallet infrastructure to explore what’s possible, help provide informed input into State legislation and be ready for this evolving technology. n •••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

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Meet Millie!

Millie is a 13 year old senior cat looking for her furever home! Known for being quiet and calm, she’s the purrfect cuddle buddy. She’s a total couch potato whose favorite activity is sleeping.

Millie is a chonky girl and will need short, daily play sessions to help her shed some of those pounds.

We do not have any history of her with dogs but a cat savvy mellow dog may be appropriate. Older, respectful kids may be a fit provided they meet at the shelter.

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

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© Statepoint Media “Calendar” from page 29

She will talk briefly about her early days as director and the things that the system is working toward, then answer your questions. She brings a wealth of experience in urban, rural, and academic library settings.

Wilburn believes that libraries are not just community hubs for education and information.

“They also connect people-providing a haven for youth, and helping people stay engaged in the digital world and connected through homebound, social, and business services,” she said. “Libraries help communities develop their identity by working closely with diverse groups to understand the needs and aspirations, providing enhanced quality of life.”

Friday April 29

SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz Open to 200 local small businesses, the daylong conference will take place at the Museum of Art & History.

Keynote speaker is Krista Snelling, president of Santa Cruz County Bank, plus speakers from Humble Sea Brewery, Jane Technologies, Fybr Bamboo, Yoso Wellness Spa, and Botanic and Luxe will share their expert tips, tools, and resources.

Inspired by the success of the 82% Micro Business Summit at Cabrillo College in 2018 and 2019, this year’s new format organized by Matt Swinnerton of Event Santa Cruz has more interactive presentations.

More than 15 breakout sessions — “Sizzles” — will take place at small businesses and event spaces, with MAH serving as the hub. Other bonuses include a live band at the end of the day, and raffle prizes, said Brandon Napoli, director of the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center, which oversaw $45 million dollars in loans and $2 million in grants to assist business owners during the pandemic.

“Our community really came together in an incredible way. That’s why we created this event, to celebrate that solidarity,” said Napoli. Registration is $35 at: https://sccsmallbusinesssummit.com

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS MUSIC CONCERT

7 p.m., Samper Recital Hall, VAPA5100, Cabrillo College, Aptos (corner of Cabrillo College Drive/Soquel Drive) Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program presents a spring concert featuring international and contemporary music at Samper Recital Hall.

General admission is $12.50; $9 for students 6-18, children 5 and under free. Facial coverings are required. For information about this event or joining the orchestral, chamber or private lesson programs, call 479-6101.

Wednesday May 4 Thursday May 5

NEST FLIGHT

Virtual Conference NEST Flight will be a 2-day virtual experience, in time for graduation season. This annual conference is geared toward young professionals, recent grads and current students in high school or college. If you are 17 to 24 and exploring your options for the future, this conference is for you.

Hosted by Digital NEST and founder Jacob Martinez, this event features 20 inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, powerful panel discussions and one of a kind networking opportunities — crafted to help students propel their careers, no matter where you are in your job exploration.

Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings is keynote speaker. Emcee is Amber GonzalezVargas, senior program manager at Latino Community Foundation, which has invested $17 million in 150 grassroots Latino-led nonprofits. Registration: $20. See https://www.nestflight.org/

Wednesday May 4 thru Saturday May 7

LUNAFEST: BENEFIT FOR WOMENCARE

7 p.m. Wed., Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz Friends of WomenCARE announce the LUNAFEST Film Festival in person at the Del Mar Theatre, with virtual screening available May 5-7.

This program of short films aims to inspire with stories that champion women and gender nonconforming individuals, highlighting their aspirations, accomplishments, resilience, strength and connection.

Proceeds go to WomenCARE, which provides a safe haven where women with any type of cancer find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.

Last year’s event raised $14,000. Organizers expect this year’s event will sell out.

Tickets are $20 at https://www.lunafest.org/ screenings/hybrid-friends-womancare-santa-cruzca-050422

This year’s films include:

How to Be at Home: By Andrea Dorfman. Coping with isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Close Ties to Home Country: By Akanksha Cruczynski. An immigrant dog walker connects with the wealthy pets she cares for.

Generation Impact: The Coder: By Samantha Knowles. A 13-year-old girl designs and builds an app to help kids stay connected to their incarcerated parents.

Proof of Loss: By Katherine Fisher. After fire takes their home, a father and daughter must find a way to salvage what remains: each other.

When You Clean a Stranger’s Home: By Sharon Arteaga. A first-generation high school student describes what she and her mom learn about people when cleaning their homes.

Between the Lines: Liz at Large: By Abi Cole. Frustrated with lack of diversity in The New Yorker cartoons, an artist submits her illustrations, becoming the first Black woman cartoonist.

Wearable Tracy: By Emily McAllister. A Bronx woman’s social experiment connects her with fellow New Yorkers who might otherwise remain strangers.

To the Future With Love: By Shalleece Haas & Hunter “Pixel” Jimenez. An animated self-portrait of a nonbinary trans teen caught between the expectations of his Guatemalan immigrant family and his dreams of living happily ever after with his long-distance boyfriend.

Thursday May 5

31ST ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

11 a.m. Check-in, 1 p.m. Start, Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos The worst day golfing is better than the best day in the office! Golfers, dust off those clubs, businesses enjoy a day of team building and promoting your goods and services out on the green at the Aptos Chamber’s 31st annual golf scramble.

The day includes entertainment on the course including bagpipes, networking with business professionals, lunch, snacks, drinks, prizes, raffle, silent auction, and ends with a light dinner and award ceremony. $170 per golfer, sponsorships available. Reservations required, aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467. n