March 31 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Rent Relief

Girls Trip!

Look at all these chickens! Helen, Ruth, Greta, Frances, Jean, Peggy, Cheryl, Doris, Elaine, Cynthia, Marie, Lois, and Gail have been at our shelter for quite some time and are looking for their forever homes.

Whether you’re looking for some livestock or some farm fresh eggs straight from your yard the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has some ready to be adopted.

If you’re in the market for some chickens — adopt, don’t shop!

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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COMMUNITY NEWS

March 31 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Rent Relief

On March 22, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved additional eviction protections for residents in the unincorporated areas facing pandemic-related housing issues.

With a state program set to expire March 31 that directs landlords and tenants into a COVID-19 Rent Relief program prior to filing court action, the board authorized up to $500,000 for housing-related community resources, potentially including legal assistance and mediation, flexible financial assistance, tenant rights education and counseling, or housing-related problem-solving and case management services.

Tenants are encouraged to apply for the COVID-19 Rent Relief program at HousingIsKey.com as soon as possible. The deadline is March 31.

The Self-Help Center of Santa Cruz County Superior Court is a valuable resource for tenants and landlords facing potential legal issues. Additional

The Self-Help Center of Santa Cruz County Superior Court is a valuable resource for tenants and landlords facing potential legal issues.

protections are afforded under the 2019 Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which requires “just cause” evictions and limits annual rent increases.

Local evictions remain extraordinarily low, with only 23 cases filed during the first two months of 2022.

Landlords with past due rent owed are also encouraged to apply for COVID-19 Rent Relief funding through the Housing Is Key program rather than pursue potentially costly litigation and a lengthy collection process.

Thus far, nearly $16 million has been paid to local landlords for rent owed due to pandemic-related job or income losses, with an average award exceeding $10,000. n

“Housing Goals” from page 30

Prospect Heights Neighborhood Town Hall

Thursday, May 12: 6-7:30 p.m. Hybrid meeting: In person at DeLaveaga Elementary School, 1145 Morrissey Blvd., Santa Cruz, or virtual - https://zoom. us/j/96708318897

Want to speak to us sooner? We invite you to give us a call at (831) 454-2200 or email us at first.district@santacruzcounty. us. Supervisor Koenig also hosts monthly office hours at the Sheriff’s Center in Live Oak on the first Wednesday of every month, from 1-3 p.m. The Sheriff’s Center is at 5200 Soquel Ave, and the First District office is on the first floor, directly to the left after entering the main entrance. n •••

Manu Koenig is First District County Supervisor.

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