SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Civil grand jury requests public resident input

Did you know that you can submit a complaint at any time (365 days a year) asking the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury to explore your concerns? Here’s how.

Residents may ask the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury to investigate their concerns about county or city departments, special districts (fire, water, road maintenance), or the officers and personnel within them. You may submit a complaint form describing incidents of governmental misconduct, inefficiency or perceived mistreatment. “This is a prime time for locals to get involved with their government,” said Foreperson Mike Weatherford.

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, which recently began its one-year term, is a group of 19 jurors charged with investigating aspects of public governmental offices. Complaints may be made online or by mail. The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury will always acknowledge the receipt of a complaint but cannot respond in any other way.

Go to scgrandjury.org for a pdf of the complaint form. You may submit the filled-out complaint forms and any supporting material as email attachments sent to grandjury@scgrandjury.org, on paper sent via the U.S. Mail to Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, 701 Ocean St. Room 318-I, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or on paper hand-delivered to Room 318-I in the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz.

Complaint Forms on paper are available outside Room 318-I in the County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.

For general questions, call 831-454-2099 and leave a message at any time.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Santa Cruz County RTC to host passenger rail meetings

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has planned to host an informational community meeting where the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail project concept development will be reviewed. The local transportation agency has invited the public to attend the meetings to hear project updates and ask questions.

A meeting 6-7 p.m. Monday will feature a presentation from the project’s consultant team explaining the ridership modeling and analysis which will inform key project elements in the coming months.

The in-person event will be hosted in the commission’s downtown office at 1101 Pacific Ave., suite 250A in Santa Cruz.

Community members can also tune in online through Zoom at hdrinc.zoom.us/j/92509060294. The passcode is 388931.

BOULDER CREEK

New Big Basin trail guide available

A new guide for the Redwood Loop Trail at Big Basin Redwoods State Park has just been published. Authored by a team of biologists and environmental scientists, the guide examines the impact of the devastating 2020 fire on the park and the long-term changes it brought to the landscape. It also explores the status of the plants and animals living alongside the redwoods.

Copies of the free trail guide can be downloaded at the Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council’s website, scmbc.org. Hikers are advised to download and/or print out the guide prior to traveling to the park as there is no Wi-Fi available.

APTOS

Fall 2024 Italian Film Series wraps up

Don’t miss the last film in the Fall 2024 Italian Film Series, “Portraits of Community/Ritratti di comunità,” screening at the Cabrillo Aptos Campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, in the VAPA Forum, Room 1001, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.

This season’s films celebrate community with ensemble casts exploring the joys and challenges of shared life. From village celebrations to the bond between truffle hunters and their dogs, these Italian films (with English subtitles) highlight the impact of shared experiences. UCSC film lecturer and SV Film Festival Director of Programming Logan Walker will introduce the films and lead a Q&A afterward.

No tickets required, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cash donations are appreciated at the door. For more information, visit https://www.dantesantacruz.com/events.

SOQUEL

Pancreatic Cancer Support event and concert

Join the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group at the Bargetto Winery, located at 3535 N. Main St., for an afternoon of hope and support honoring those affected by pancreatic cancer. Celebrate the 2nd annual Pancreatic Cancer Support event on Nov. 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring a concert with popular Australian singer Uma Dobia and Watsonville accompanist Marina Thomas.

Tickets start at $76.54 and include seasonal appetizers, desserts, wine and mead, Martinelli juicers, sparkling water, tea and coffee. There will be a raffle offering great prizes, with proceeds benefiting the SCBG. Availability is limited. For tickets and more information, visit SCCBG.org/events.

WATSONVILLE

PV Water open house marks 40 years

The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency will host an open house to commemorate its 40th anniversary 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St., Watsonville.

Explore the roots of the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, meet the people who have helped it reach 50 years, and learn about the crucial role water plays in the community. Go to Eventbrite to RSVP.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each day, the Sentinel will document the domestic violence calls in Santa Cruz County received by emergency dispatchers.

Figures are compiled by the District Attorney’s Office and include reports of domestic violence, restraining-order violations and other domestic disputes.

The 24-hour domestic violence hotline is 888-900-4232.

Calls for Saturday: 12.

Total for month: 348.