The California Department of Education has named the Santa Cruz County Office of Education a Gold-level honoree in the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools recognition program. The award honors the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s achievements in environmental sustainability, student and staff wellness and environmental literacy.

This year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education is among three county offices of education across the state to receive Green Ribbon honors and one of seven honorees statewide to be awarded the Gold designation. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education previously earned Silver recognition in 2022, at that time the highest level received by a California county office of education.

“We are grateful to work with Santa Cruz County’s school districts and so many other incredible partners dedicated to supporting sustainability at schools,” said Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools. “This recognition belongs to all of us working together to build a future where environmental sustainability is central to student learning, health, and community well-being.”

The office pointed to its Teacher Leadership Institute, Green Classroom Challenge, Green Workspace Challenge and Youth for Environmental Action as part of its multifaceted approach in environmental education.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education has implemented extensive sustainability improvements and became Green Business Certified by the County of Santa Cruz in 2023. These efforts include a solar array providing over 50% of energy needs at its main office, facility-wide LED lighting retrofits following comprehensive energy audits, a transition to 100% green-certified cleaning products, installation of water-wise landscaping and irrigation systems, and installation of electric vehicle charging stations for visitors and staff.

“This latest recognition builds on our commitment to advancing environmental literacy as core to a thriving educational ecosystem,” said Amity Sandage, Environmental Literacy Coordinator at the Santa Cruz COE. “We’re working with partners locally and statewide to connect sustainability into curriculum, operations, policy, and youth leadership development, recognizing that environmental responsibility belongs to all of us.”

Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters celebrates contest wins

Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters is celebrating a series of exciting achievements following the recent Toastmasters Division A Speech Contests — alongside a major club milestone: 70 years of helping local residents become confident speakers and leaders.

Marq Lipton of Aptos earned first place in the International Speech Contest, triumphing over competitors on April 26 in Salinas from clubs across Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. This contest is the third round in a journey that leads to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, to be held in August at the international convention. Lipton will now advance to the District Competition in Sunnyvale.

Also making waves was Max Lawrence of Scotts Valley, who earned second place in the impromptu “Table Topics” contest — an especially impressive feat considering he has been a Toastmasters member for only nine months. His performance underscores how quickly new members can grow and shine in the supportive environment offered by the club.

These victories come just in time for the club’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, taking place at 7:15 a.m. May 9 during its regular meeting. The community is invited to attend and take part in the celebration, which will include dynamic speeches, highlights from the club’s history and a glimpse into how Toastmasters continues to impact lives today.

Founded in 1955, Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters has a long legacy of helping individuals unlock their potential through structured practice in public speaking and leadership. The club is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, engaging programs and dedication to personal growth.

“We’re thrilled with the recent wins and incredibly proud of our members,” said club spokesperson Ken Braly. “To see Max achieve so much in under a year, and to watch a seasoned speaker like Marq continue to grow, shows the power of Toastmasters to support people at all stages of their journey.”

Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters meets online and in person every Friday at 7:15 a.m., and guests are always welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started, there’s a place for everyone to learn and grow.

Visit santacruzdowntowntoastmasters.org to learn more, attend a meeting or RSVP for the anniversary event.