Runners Return to Capitola: Protocols Put In Place To Address Covid Concerns • Cabrillo Youth String Music at the college’s Music Building, VAPA 5000 • Clean California Initiative • Santa Cruz County Jobs

Runners Return to Capitola

Protocols Put In Place To Address Covid Concerns

The Surfer’s Path 10k/5k is back! The seventh running of this beloved event will travel the Santa Cruz and Capitola coastline on Sunday, Feb. 27.

“Following two years of Covid-19 shutdowns, it’s exciting to be back, said Race Director Tom Bradley. “We are so happy to once again produce this coastal event for participants and spectators that promotes health and fitness and showcases our beautiful community.” Aside from following all Santa Cruz County Covid-19 guidelines, the Surfer’s Path 10k/5k staff are taking additional steps to address Covid concerns.

“The event will be limited to only 1,000 participants, allowing for plenty of room at the start and finish areas and along the race route to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful Santa Cruz coastline views,” Bradley said. “”For the first time, we will also be mailing the race bibs and timing chips to all registrants to eliminate the need for pre-event gatherings at a packet pick-up event.”

The Surfer’s Path 10k/5k consists of a 6.2 mile and 3.1 mile run/walk.

The event starts on 41st Ave at the gateway to Pleasure Point where surf shops, restaurants and the nearby coast merge to create the region’s famous surf culture. The course enters onto scenic East Cliff Drive, offering sweeping views of the Monterey Bay. Participants

Runners participating in a pre-Covid Surfer’s Path event get a view of Monterey Bay.

continue on East Cliff until they view the Harbor Lighthouse and reach the turn around located at Twin Lakes Beach. Following the turn around, participants travel back, passing beaches and famous surf breaks as they continue to the finish line located in the heart of Capitola Village.

This Surfer’s Path 10k/5k run/walk event kicks off the 2022 Surfer’s Path series that also includes the Surfer’s Path Half Marathon on May 22 and the inaugural Wahine 10k/6k on Oct. 16. Participants are treated to beachfront and bluff views of the Monterey Bay along the majestic Santa Cruz County coastline. Runners and walkers travel the Surfer’s Path, passing many of the world’s most famous surf breaks.

The Surfer’s Path 10k/5k is the ideal friends and family event! For complete event information and to register, visit www.runsurferspath.com.

Surf’s Up! n

Cabrillo Youth String Music at the college’s Music Building, VAPA 5000

String players ages 5 to 18 are welcome to join the string orchestral and chamber music programs. Registration for the Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program is underway.

Classes will take place for 9 weeks on consecutive Fridays in the Music Building beginning Feb. 25.

An entry level String Orchestra Class, 4th-6th Grade Beginning Strings for violin/ viola/cello will be on Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.

“Cabrillo Strings” page 12

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Clean California Initiative

As part of the Clean California Initiative, Caltrans is offering stipends to groups participating in Adopt-A-Highway. Stipends will be offered up to $250 per eligible litter clean-up event per site, maximum 12 payouts a year.

These stipends will include $250 for cleanups on adopted highway segments. In addition,$250 will be issued following a cleanup of all sides of ramps and quads, $125 for one on/off ramp and $62.50 for a single ramp.

An incentive stipend for up to $250 will be issued for cleanups of non-traditional adoptions such as “Park and Ride locations” and bicycle paths under the discretion of the local Adopt A Highway coordinator.

Adoptions usually span a two-mile stretch of roadside and permits are issued for five-year periods. Groups in good standing may renew their permits indefinitely. Participation is free for all volunteers, and signs identifying your group are included at no charge. Learn more at: https://dot.ca.gov/ programs/maintenance/adopt-a-highway • https://cleancalifornia.dot.ca.gov/ •••

Santa Cruz County Jobs

Report posted Jan. 21 December unemployment 5.4%

Dec 2021 Change from a year ago

Leisure & hospitality 9,600 Up 1,500 Private education & health 17,900 Up 1,200 Government 20,600 Up 1,200 Other services 4,600 Up 300 Professional/business 10,600 Up 300 services Construction 4,500 0 Information 500 Down 100 Trade/transportation/ 16,300 Down 300 utilities Financial 3,100 Down 100 Manufacturing 6,900 0 Farm 5,800 Down 100 Nonfarm 94,600 Up 2,800

Total 100,400 Up 3,900

Labor force Employed*

131,100 Up 2% 124,000 Up 5% Unemployed 7,100 Down 32%

Count is on the 12 of the month * Includes commuting to jobs outside county

Source: California Employment Development Department n