Staying On Track: District’s Strategic Plan Updated, By Rebecca Gold

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Staying On Track: District’s Strategic Plan Updated

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Early this year, the District initiated an update of its Strategic Plan, which consists of the District’s Mission Statement, Values, and Primary Organizational Goals. These are the guiding documents that help assure we maintain a path that aligns with our customers and community and that we’re most effectively allocating resources to accomplish the desired goals, keeping in mind that financial resources are limited.

On May 17, following a significant information gathering and analysis process, staff input, community surveys, interested party interviews, and Board member discussion and priority setting, the Board adopted the updated Strategic Plan.

The planning horizon of this update is three years, which will encompass the Pure Water Soquel Project being operational, help inform the District’s annual budgets, and the next rate-setting process. With the updated Strategic Plan, staff will adjust, as needed, the District’s strategies, guiding principles, Community Water Plan, and staff-level implementation plans.

This Plan is more than a document; it is a continual and dynamic process that guides not only the District’s overall direction but also the departmental implementation plans and in turn, the dayto-day efforts of the District as we work to accomplish our goals.

What does this Plan mean to our customers and community?

It means that you can be assured we are continually working on analyzing, understanding, and addressing the complexities of the many internal and external factors and influences which affect how we provide services to you. Our Strategic Plan is an essential, valuable tool for both short and long-term planning. It helps us stay on track with the evolving needs of our community and changing circumstances, ensuring we can effectively and efficiently provide water not just for today but water for tomorrow and for the decades to come.

A critical component of our strategic planning process is the environmental scan. The word ‘environment’ doesn’t mean nature; rather it refers to taking an objective review of the holistic environment in which we operate - examining the present and future factors that might affect the organization and our services to you. It helps us understand the broader context in which we’re operating and the factors that will influence the direction and goals of the District.

Our environmental scan included a review and analysis of these key factors: • Current Basin Status — the basin remains significantly unsustainable. • Projected Water Demand and Land-

Use Planning — the water supply is short by about one-third of the amount needed to meet current and future demand; forecasted new development may be underestimated.

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate • Edibles and Fruit Trees • Native and appropriate plant varieties • 2 Acre Display & Sculpture Garden

• Gift Certifi cates • Waterwise Garden

Consultation and Design

• Climate Change — already high risk and impact, and getting worse; significantly impacts groundwater recharge and surface water. • District Finances — finances are okay at present due to significant State and

Federal funding; yet, there are ongoing challenges of capital construction/ replacement programs due to aging infrastructure, increased operating costs, and changing regulations (of concern to all water agencies); there are State and Federal funding opportunities on the horizon.

“SqCWD Strategic Plan” page 31

Campbell 408-378-4921

900 DELL AVE.

Santa Clara 408-727-0822

2550 LAFAYETTE ST.

Morgan Hill 408-779-7368

95 E. MAIN AVE.

Santa Cruz 831-477-7133

3700 SOQUEL AVE.

Hollister 831-638-1999

2610 SAN JUAN RD.

Watsonville 831-722-0334

285 W. BEACH ST.

Salinas 831-424-7368

210 W. MARKET ST.

Greenfi eld Coming Soon

60 4TH ST.

COUNTY FAIR ENTRY INFO

Most Entries due Thursday, August 25 The Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be Sept. 14-18, is using the ShoWorks online entry system this year for all departments.

For most entries, the deadline is Aug. 25. See https:// santacruz.fairwire.com/

Submitting your entries online will save you time on receiving day and help the fair display your items. You can pay any entry fees by credit card online! Paying by credit card will incur a 3% processing fee. Checks can be dropped off at the fair office.

If you prefer paper entry forms, they are in the entry guide. The first time you use the system, click on the blue button in the upper right corner of the page to create an exhibitor account using your name, address & email address. Youth exhibitors are asked to enter birthdate & age.

This year, everyone needs to create an account. Write down your password. Once your account is created, you can use the username and password each time you visit the system. Use the blue buttons in the middle of the page to move to each step.

Find the department, division and class you wish to enter. Departments are listed alphabetically with some departments broken into categories (Home Arts and Agriculture Horticulture.) Fill in the required fields, marked by blue asterisk (*), and any optional fields needed to describe your entry.

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 1 — July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant.

The goal is to prevent summer learning loss.

With the Aptos branch demolished and reconstruction to follow, Aptos residents must look for activities in La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special dates include:

July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 pm.

July 8: Slim Chance Circus: La Selva Beach, 2:30-3 pm & Boulder Creek, 11-11:30 am .

July 10: Cascada de Flores, Capitola, 3-4 pm and Santa Cruz City Hall garden, noon-1 pm.

July 13: Rock Painting, Garfield Park, 1-2 pm

July 19: Rock Painting, downtown Santa Cruz, 1-3 pm

July 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Boulder Creek, 2-2:30 pm

July 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Garfield Park, 11-11:30 am

July 23: Fratello Marionettes, Scotts Valley Community Center, 11 am to noon

July 23, Fratello Marionettes, Anna Jean Cummings Park, 2:30-3 pm

July 26: Germar the Magician, Felton, noon to 1 pm

July 26: Perler Beads, Garfield Par, 1-3 pm

July 30: Taiko Drumming, La Selva Beach, 1-2 pm

There are incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by July 15

exploration, and creative expression while practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

The Library’s extensive collections along with lists of recommended books for all ages, make it easy to find reading materials of interest.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp

RED CROSS DONATION DRIVES

The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day.

When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it.

Aptos

Wednesday, July 6: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive Saturday, July 9: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive

Ben Lomond

Friday, July 15: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Love Creek Road

Santa Cruz

Tuesday, July 5: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane Thursday, July 7: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Watsonville

Thursday, July 14: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. ••• Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ July 12: Special Preschool Storytime — meet Ziggy Stardust, the miniature horse, for a horse-themed storytime for kids 3-5

NATURE BOWL 2022: FAMILY CHALLENGE

Back by popular demand, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is open, with the deadline to enter Wed., Aug. 31.

CDFW’s North Central Region initiated this familyfriendly competition during the pandemic as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home — in their backyards, neighborhoods and local wild areas — while having fun outside and working together to complete nature-related activities.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts, one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by your family. There is also an extra credit element of cataloging your found items – just like a scientist. To sign up and receive the Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge packet, email genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov . The Family Challenge packet is available at https://wildlife.ca.gov/ Regions/2/Nature-Bowl

CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS JULY 18

Candidate filing begins for the Nov. 8 election. Visit votescount.us for more information.

VENDORS WANTED

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park.

The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, produce, and more. What do you have?

Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations are due by July 31. Proceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 for information.

CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

In-Person Tech Help: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon — Are you stuck with a technology question? Tech savvy staff at the Capitola Library would like to help you troubleshoot your issue with a 30-minute (or less) appointment. (Except July 12) Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11-11:45 a.m. — Join us outside on the deck to read stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes. There will be an art & craft project to pick up and complete at home. Aptos-Capitola Chess Club: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6 to 18. Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. — is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. ••• July 6: Impact Teen Drivers — a nonprofit program focused on saving teen lives through education on the causes of collisions. Designed for attendance by teens with their parents, 6-8 pm. To RSVP, call CHP at (831) 662-0511.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

CABRILLO COLLEGE SUPERVISORY ACADEMY

Begins Tues. July 19 (Virtual sessions begins Thurs. July 21) Being a supervisor can be difficult! You have a lot of responsibility, and usually, very little training. This program is designed to change all of that! The Cabrillo College Supervisory Academy is designed to help you develop your skills and become a better supervisor.

Modules include essential communication skills, building trust, motivating employees, managing performance, giving and receiving feedback, coaching employees and managing conflict.

You can pick and choose which modules are best for you, or attend the entire 12-week academy. To sign up and for more details, see: https://extension.cabrillo. edu/classes/supervisoryacademy/

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Watsonville High: Class of 1960

Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m.

Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd ••• Soquel High: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion

There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com. •••

Watsonville High Class of 1981

Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. •••

Harbor High: Class of 1972

Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz For information, call 408-568-0302.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

No meetings on Monday holidays: July 4 (Fourth of July).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

BINGO AT THE MID-COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

1-3 p.m., 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola The Mid-County Senior Center is hosting Bingo games. The event includes coffee and tea or lunch is available for purchase.

The cost is $10 to get started, must be over 18 to play and proof of vaccination is required. Proceeds benefit the center and local seniors. For information call 831-476-4711.

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. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.