$8M for Roads / $267M Work Needed, By Zach Friend, Supervisor Second District

FEATURED COLUMNIST $8M for Roads / $267M Work Needed

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

One of the most common service requests we receive is on the condition of a road or road repair. Often, we are asked, “Where do my taxes go?” “Why are the roads in the condition they are in?” After all, many residents pay thousands every year in property taxes and want to know why those funds aren’t being used to repair roads (or repair more roads).

Here is an overview of our local roads, costs to maintain them, current conditions and where your taxes go.

How large is the road network?

First, it’s important to understand the size and scope of the road network that County maintains. There are approximately 600 centerline miles in the unincorporated county.

Centerline miles represent the total length of a given road from its starting point to its end point. Just to put it in perspective, this is about the same distance as driving from Watsonville to Vancouver, Canada.

What are the current conditions of our roads?

Roads have different designations such as arterials, collectors and local roads. An example of an arterial road would be Soquel Drive or Freedom Boulevard.

Collectors would include Sumner or Clubhouse and local roads are the roads you most likely live on (residential roads).

Most roads are local roads (comprising over half of the total centerline miles in the road network). Our district, the 2nd District, has 30 percent (the largest number) of centerline miles in the unincorporated county.

The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) measures the condition of a road. Think of it as a test score on a scale of 0-100. Generally speaking, anything over 70 is a road in good condition.

A road between 45-65 is in fair condition and below 45 is in poor condition.

For arterials in the unincorporated county, the PCI is 64. The PCI for collectors is 54 while the PCI for local/residential roads is 40.

What does it cost to maintain or repair the roads?

While construction costs are constantly fluctuating, one thing that is constant is that it’s much cheaper to maintain a road in good condition than to repair and rebuild a road in poor condition.

According to Public Works, here are the costs per mile for doing road work on a road in good, fair, poor and failed condition. For a road in good condition, to do a single layer seal with no dig-outs, it costs approximately $141,000 per/ mile. For a road in fair condition (with a PCI in the 50-70 range for example), it would cost about $352,000 per/mile for a multilayer seal with dig-out work. This is the average range for our arterial roads.

For a road in poor condition, $563,000 per/mile and includes a full overlay and dig-outs. Many of our local roads and some of our collectors fall into this category.

For a road in failed condition, which includes many roads in the rural areas (including the Aptos hills) as well as some of the agricultural areas in Corralitos and some local/residential roads the cost for full reconstruction is close to $1.1 million per/mile.

Where do my taxes go?

The county has a different funding structure than cities. Over half of all county revenues come from the state and federal government.

These funds are generally pass-through funds to provide mandated services such as health programs or jail programs. These funds are restricted and generally can’t be used for local road repairs.

Approximately 22 percent of the county revenue comes from local taxes. These taxes include property taxes, vehicle license fees, taxes paid at local hotels and sales taxes. And while property taxes make up about half of that 22 percent, only 13 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the County. This means, for every dollar of property tax you pay, only 13 cents goes to the County for services.

So where does the rest of your property tax go to? The largest share, about 57 percent goes to schools while another 18 percent goes to local special districts, cities and the libraries.

“Road Work” page 26

Back to School

ACROSS

1. *____ mater 5. *Graduate degree, acr. 8. Opposite of stereo 12. Defense ditch 13. Fishing rod attachment 14. More sure 15. One’s final notice 16. Dutch cheese 17. Golfer’s traction aid 18. *Half-year terms 20. At the summit of 21. Water nymph 22. Actor ____

Mahershala 23. Be a busybody 26. Metrical foot in poetry 30. Earlier in time, archaic 31. Become bony 34. Shakespeare’s tragic monarch 35. Labanotation founder 37. Theodor Geisel, ____

Dr. Seuss 38. Threshold 39. Relating to the ear 40. Weather advisories, e.g. 42. + or - atom 43. Widely esteemed 45. Most mature, as in fruit 47. Indian dish 48. Dashboard window 50. Female sheep, pl. 52. *”The Breakfast Club” punishment 56. Flower holders 57. Singles 58. High school breakout 59. Acoustic output 60. Overwhelming defeat 61. *Gym class test? 62. Catchall abbr. 63. *Geography class staple 64. Not talker?

DOWN

1. ____ of cookie fame 2. Stud site 3. Cripple 4. *Go to class 5. Mythological princess of Colchis 6. TV cooking show pioneer James ____ 7. Contributions to the poor 8. *Kind of choice 9. Black and white treat 10. Less than average tide 11. Table scrap 13. Laces again 14. Milan’s La ____ 19. Manicurist’s office 22. Is it ____ wonder? 23. Hard on outside, juicy on inside 24. One of the Muses 25. Payment option 26. From a great distance 27. Chill-inducing 28. Type of palm tree, pl. 29. Council of _____, city in Italy 32. *Back-to-School retail event 33. WWII general who became President 36. *Faculty member 38. “Peace” with fingers 40. TV classic “____ in the Family” 41. Superlative of true 44. Lowest male singing voice 46. Small bomb 48. Christopher

Columbus’ birthplace 49. Consumed (2 words) 50. Small ladies’ handbag 51. What one does at the altar 52. *College freshman’s new digs 53. International Civil

Aviation Organization 54. Half as much as twice 55. ____-do-well 56. Every American’s uncle?

Under Virgo (Madonna, Divine Mother, Mother of the World) humanity is called to cultivate the virtues of cleanliness and purity. Purity of thought, words and action, Purity of foods and drink. Disciples are aware of this Virgo task, thus guarding their health daily with pure food and water. Virgo is the pregnant Madonna, holding and guarding within herself the holy child, the new reality for the new era, the Fifth (5th) Kingdom, that of the Soul of humanity (the First Initiation, called the Birth). Virgo calls humanity to this recognition. Virgo’s pure body guards & protects the holy child symbolic of the Light of the Soul.

Virgo calls humanity to be pure in thought, word and actions. Thought is to be golden, filled with intentions for Goodwill. When we entertain golden thoughts we build a temple within our bodies. Golden thoughts of Divinity become Divine. When pondering divine ideas, the mind gains the touch of divinity. A divine mind then conducts the alchemy of change for the body. The body becomes an abode of the Divine & it becomes a temple. We become as Gods.

Unorganized clay, like an unorganized mind is not useful. An unorganized mind can fall prey to confusion, anger, cruelty and violence. The intentional activity of building light-filled thoughtforms with the mind is a constructive activity.

One must have an organized mind in order to build thoughtforms of Light. We can choose to have our personality (body, emotions, lower mind) become divine (or not). When thought is golden the mind transmits light. When light is transmitted, it is symbolically called the Day. Depending upon our thoughts we can build a temple of Light which then transmits divine love which becomes a service to humanity and the kingdoms.

This is the task Virgo offers us. When we do not accomplish these tasks, there is no light, no day. We melt into darkness. The choice – light or dark. This is an invitation for some, a temptation for others. It is good to construct the Temple of Light. The Temple melts into the night. Then built into and called “the Day”. Om

ARIES

You become more dignified, more assured, cooperating more with research and investigation into the background of today’s world events. Desire for self-adulation shifts, becoming aspiration for others to be in the spotlight, so their gifts can also be seen and recognized. You will be more and more able to detect and diagnose situations and needs. A mystical and occult (they are different and both are needed) sense appears to pervade your thinking. You blend the two. You enter the Rain Cloud of Knowable Things.

LEO

You consider what your true feelings are about and toward your family. They can be extreme or they can be conflicted and perhaps somewhat suppressed. You are very loyal to the family you have chosen, to friends especially. Notice if you are overworked and perhaps how overworked your environments are, too. Set about changing the atmosphere, milieu, all surroundings you find yourself in. You need a bit of liberation, while maintaining what’s traditional. Leos need architectural beauty.

SAGITTARIUS

As the days progress notice you becoming more aware, sympathetic, compassionate, receptive, affectionate and even more sensitive. The volume of your particular vibration is turned up. Anything not peaceful you turn away from. When deeply emotional, you study what sacrifice means. Sometimes you’re sorrowful and in grief. You consider reading and writing poetry. The dream world beckons. You walk through that door seeking to help others, unassuming and unrecognized. You become the Adept.

TAURUS

You become keen on, passionate and zealous for fairness and justice. You seek ways to communicate, compromise, conciliate and cooperate. You begin to speak the ways of Compassionate Communication (non-violent communication). You attempt to refine and harmonize all desires in order to balance all interactions and relationships. You seek out bold and forceful people. Sometimes you’re impetuous. You wear red more. You’re recognized as a leader.

VIRGO

Your mind is stimulated to such a degree that sometimes you feel dizziness, a slight headache or perhaps heart palpitations. At times you could also experience anxiety. Stand in the Sun’s light allowing its rays to penetrate into your shoulders and the back of your neck. The Sun’s radiant light enters the body and goes directly to the spleen, which then distributes that light to all parts of the body, uplifting and vitalizing. Allow no criticism, conflicts or arguments. They diminish the light.

CAPRICORN

You assess the present day-realities in our world, our country, your town or village and how people are being stripped of their freedoms. You begin to consider what living in a sustainable organized intentional community would be like. You wonder where they are or perhaps you ask could you help create one? You know success is achieved through collective cooperative action now. The old ways are no longer working. You use the word, cooperative, at home because you know our first community is family. You teach the family cooperation first. You then turn outward and teach the world.

GEMINI

Usually found reading, writing or talking, your energy now focuses on activities that organize, order and categorize efficiently, effectively and practically. You become logical (and the aspiration to be pure and healthy outweighs usual food desires. I heard the question the other day, “What is comforted by comfort foods?” A good question indeed. Cooking and cleaning energetically become an industrious affair. Careful of cuts, scrapes and burns. And mosquitoes, gnats, ticks and chiggers. Cedar oil works.

CANCER

You seek pleasure and entertainment, make room for children (and childish things), wonder where your childhood playthings went, remember what you left behind and perhaps weep a bit about their loss. Some Cancers speculate (gamble) strongly at this time and with an unusual intensity. The same for Cancer parents. They are known to ferociously protect their children and pets (greatly and especially needed now). There’s lots of drama (crying), playful energies, creative leadership. Happiness is a choice.

LIBRA

You wake each morning trying to figure out how to gain wealth, success and material resources so you can achieve a certain important envisioned goal. Perhaps to build a home for mother, a compound for the family or a village and community for the “family called humanity.” You battle between using resources for self or for others. You have strong values and have worked passionately for them. You battle for and defend your morals, ethics, choices, principles and beliefs. But wait? Is someone being left out?

SCORPIO

Being a Scorpio, sign of discipleship and also of the underworld, you are always under the influence of Pluto and Mars. These planets belong to you. You are also always experiencing the Nine Tests. Every day you experience and recognize them. Mars and Pluto always testing your endurance, attitudes and beliefs make Scorpios feel like they are both dying and regenerating (internally) each moment of time. This experience allows you to speak free, uncompromised and uncomplicated straight talk. Important now. •••

AQUARIUS

Notice yourself in the days and weeks to come – notice further developments of persistence, perseverance, steadiness, poise, stability and ambition. Along with great practicality and responsibility to carry out actions in a professional and business-like manner. You work hard, over time, to gain position and reputation. Achieving success through long hours, dedication, questioning and overcoming obstacles. All of these are sterling qualities to be recognized, applauded and exalted. Good job. Carry on.

PISCES

Your intelligence along with curiosity become stronger. You seek adventure, something pioneering, a way of life reflecting your principles and beliefs. Publishing, religions, spiritual pursuits, mountaintops, horses, meadows, hills and valleys all expand your consciousness and motivation. You seek resources to see your visions for humanity come true. Seeing the state of the world today, you are inspired to teach and uplift humankind, especially the children. In time that dream will manifest. Be careful never to be critical and/or self-righteous. Love more, instead. “Road Work” from page 25

Why does such a small amount stay with the county? The distribution is determined based on what our county was collecting the year before Prop. 13 was passed in 1978. This means that some counties, such as Santa Clara and San Mateo, keep between 2 and 4 times what we can keep.

What about Measure D and SB 1 funding?

For our district, Measure D funding (depending upon how sales taxes do in a given year) brings in approximately $900,000/year for local roads. This is a significant infusion that wasn’t available before Measure D passed in 2016.

As you can see from the repair costs, it’s hard to do reconstruction on failed roads but Measure D does help improve roads that are at-risk or in poor condition.

Since the passage of Measure D, a number of roads in La Selva, Rio Del Mar, Seacliff and most recently in Pleasant Valley/Corralitos were improved via Measure D funding.

Measure D is anticipated to bring in about $2.7 million in funding countywide.

While SB 1 gas tax funding is currently being used for major storm damage repairs, at its peak in a few years it’s estimated to bring in about $4 million in new money to the entire unincorporated area.

Additionally, the County averages at least $1 million/year in state and federal grant funding and more funds come from a refuse vehicle impact fee and more.

Overall, it’s estimated about $8 million per year on average will be brought in for the 600 centerline miles of road. According to Public Works, there are currently about $267 million in needs for the local roads, which will grow as some road conditions are worsening.

If you have a pothole or non-emergency road issue you can submit service requests through the County’s free mobile app, My Santa Cruz County, available on the app store or Google Play, online via the Public Works Department’s website (found via www.santacruzcounty.us) or by calling 454-2160. n

•••

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other issue please feel free to contact me at 454-2200.

For the 2019 pavement management report with road conditions listed alphabetically visit https://tinyurl.com/SC-county-roads (Full URL: https://www.dpw.co.santacruz.ca.us/Portals/19/pdfs/Roads/2019%20 Pavement%20Management%20Report.pdf)

Measure D is anticipated to bring in about $2.7 million in funding countywide.

SHARE YOUR PASSION AT COUNTY FAIR It’s time to share your passion by entering what you create into the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair, Sept. 15-19 at the county Fairgrounds on Highway 152 east of Watsonville. Entry categories include: Collections and Hobbies, Fine Arts, Photography, Legos, Canned Goods, Flowers, Quilts and many others.

Walk-in registration for baked goods is Sept. 11. Registration for potted plants and youth container gardens is Sept. 13.

To volunteer, go online at https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/fair-time/general-info/volunteer

The Fair opens at Noon Wed.-Fri. and 10 a.m. Sat. & Sun. Visit santacruzcountyfair.com for more information.

WRITING MENTORS NEEDED Wendy Thompson of the Young Writers Project is recruiting mentors for students at Branciforte Middle School and Costanoa Continuation High School.

Mentors will work with Jessica Brown’s 8th graders at Branciforte on poetry about restoring balance and equity and Maria Diaz Perez’s 10th through 12th graders at Costanoa, writing on empowerment. Mentors must commit to two days a week either from Oct. 4, thru Nov. 2 or Oct. 18 thru Nov. 23.

Need a refresher on working with student writers? Two inperson trainings for volunteers are scheduled at Branciforte : Best Practices Training on Sept. 25, and Traits of Good Writing Training on Oct. 9. Each class is 10 a.m-1 p.m. Contact Wendy Thompson at wendy@youngwriterssc.org for more info. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/YWP-fall-2021 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. 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.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. SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon on the following Fridays: Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991. ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES 10-week Online Session, Begins Sept. 13 Registration closes Sept. 3 for fall Italian language classes. Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with instructors who are

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by September 20

native speakers. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering — beginning, intermediate, advanced, conversation — are for you.

The online 10-week session begins the week of Sept. 13, so register to secure your spot. If classes fill, a wait list will be created. The price ranges from $175 to $225 for 10 weeks. To register see: https://bit.ly/Dante-Classes. For more information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com EL PAJARO KITCHEN ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING El Pajrao Community Development Corp., which has a commercial kitchen in Watsonville for food entrepreneurs, will offer online training for free, with a focus on Spanish-speaking start-ups. The dates:

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6 p.m., Orientation of the Entrepreneur Program. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/el-pajaro-cooking.

ONGOING EVENTS

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT Mon/Wed 1-2:30 p.m., Fri 6-7:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).

Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register.

If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. View previous sessions at https://www.namiscc.org/ First Tuesdays Of The Month FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. https://arboretum.ucsc.edu

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. CAPITOLA’S FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music? If so, the Capitola’s Food Truck Friday events are perfect for you!

The events are Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. Upcoming event on Sept. 24. One Saturday Each Month COOKING WITH GREY BEARS 11 a.m. Online Class Cooking with Grey Bears next few classes will be online only.

Upcoming classes: Sept. 18 and 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. – 4 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!

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.

DATED EVENTS

Tuesday August 31

SKIRT STEAK FUNDRAISER 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 75 Sakata Lane, Watsonville Cal Giant Foundation is sponsoring a grilled skirt steak fundraiser, with proceeds to support local nonprofits.

The meal, which costs $20, includes salad, garlic bread, fresh berries and dessert. Order at foundation@ calgiant.com or call 831-728-1773. Pre-pay via Venmo, PayPal, or with credit card, cash or check.

Friday September 3 thru Monday September 6

MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR CONCERTS 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sun / 4 p.m. Mon., Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road The 86th Annual Monterey County Fair returns and announces live music concerts at the Payton Stage:

Left of Center — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3

Journey Revisited — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4

The Money Band — 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5

Samz School of Rock — 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 •••

This year’s fair theme is “Fair Fun in 2021.” Acts include magician Frank Thurston, Stilt Circus, Kevin K, 5-9 p.m. nightly; and Racing Pigs and Pedal Tractors daily.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adult and seniors, $10; children 6-11 $5; kids 5 and under are free. See https://tickets.montereycountyfair.com/p/tickets.

Seniors 62 and up, military and veterans with IDs get in free noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. To RSVP, go to www.montereycountyfair.com. Parking on the fairgrounds through Gate 8 is $20 or at the Monterey Pines Golf Course Driving Range, $15. Parking tickets must be purchased in advance.

Tuesday September 7

DEADLINE FOR MI CASA ES TU CASA Email forms to hedwig@pvarts.org Mi Casa es Tu Casa is Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, a traditional holiday in Mexico remembering those who have passed away.

This year’s theme is History, commemorating the Mexican Pandemic, which began 500 years ago (15211600), Loss, those who died during the 2020 pandemic & Healing, La Cultura Cura.

Exhibit dates: Oct. 27 – Dec. 12, with an opening reception 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7.

You can participate by building an altar, installation or other art medium and celebrate these remembrances. Email entry form to hedwig@pvarts.org by Sept. 7. To enter, download the entry form at https://tinyurl. com/mi-casa-es-tu-casa-entry (Full URL: https://files. constantcontact.com/732194dc001/d7736cad-30c1-4d4498b8-62c4fbc6f1fc.pdf?rdr=true) GOVERNOR RECALL SYMPOSIUM 6 p.m. Open Links / 6:30 p.m. meeting begins, Online Zoom meeting The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County will host a Recall Symposium at its monthly meeting . The symposium will include an information exchange and group discussion about the state of the race to recall Gov. Newsom.

With the Sept. 14 recall election fast approaching, club members will discuss ways to help mobilize voter turnout for people who haven’t cast their ballots yet.

Members of the public are invited to the symposium, which will be on Zoom. For the meeting link, visit www.svslvdemocrats.org.

Wednesday September 8

BUSINESS EXPO 4-7 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz The 2021 Business Expo features views of Monterey Bay with more than 100 businesses and nonprofits on hand, featuring samples from local food companies. For information, call Elana at 831-457-3713 or visit http:// www.santacruzchamber.org/business-expo.html

EMPRESARI@ BUSINESS EDUCATION APPLICATION DEADLINE Registration closes 5 p.m., Space is limited. El Pájaro Community Development Corp. and the Regional Women’s Business Center are accepting applications for the Empresari@ business education program, available virtually to residents of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

The Spanish-language 13-session course takes place Wednesday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 to Nov. 17, with supplemental classes on Monday evenings.

The course covers planning, marketing, and managing a business, assistance in analyzing your business idea, access to micro-loan programs to start or improve a business, business consulting and business incubation, and networking. Carmen Herrera-Mansir Rocio Andrade, executive director, values the course at $2,500. Cost for the course is $50. To register visit: www.epcdc. eventbrite.com or call (831) 722-1224. A virtual orientation in Spanish will be offered at 6 p.m. Sept. 1. To register call (831) 722-1224.

Thursday September 9

NATURAL HAZARDS SEMINAR 6:30 p.m., Cabrillo Host Lions Club, 100 Aptos Creek Road Robert Hadley Sydnor, a senior engineering geologist retired from the California Geological Survey, will speak on “Natural Hazards in the Santa Cruz County region,