Taking the Fifth: Candidates Forum Scheduled for April 11

Candidates' Forum April 11

Important Supervisorial Race!

YOUR Vote Will Count!

The Valley Women's Club's twenty-five-year tradition of offering 5th District voters the opportunity to see and hear candidates' for local and state offices continues Wednesday, April 11 at 7 pm in the Performing Arts Center at SLV High School.

The 5th District boundaries are virtually identical to the San Lorenzo River Watershed – highlighting the importance of choosing a Supervisor who values our beautiful and fragile environment and understands the complexities of our communities.

All Candidates for 5th District Supervisor have been invited to come present their qualifications and viewpoints – and to answer questions posed by those attending. The Candidates currently include (in alphabetical order)  Eric Hammer, Bruce McPherson, Bill Smallman, and Susan Weber.  It should be a very exciting forum with so many important issues riding on the election.

The evening will be co-sponsored by The League of Women Voters, who will organize the questions, moderate and do the timing, and Community Television of Santa Cruz should be filming the event for multiple showings up to the election. Students from SLV High School will be assisting the VWC and the League of Women Voters in conducting the event.


Forum Procedure:

• Attendees are offered cards and pens, encouraged to write questions, and then turn them in to students, for League Members to organize, assuring a wide range of representative questions is addressed to the Candidates.
• VWC President, Nancy Gerdt, welcomes everyone, introduces/thanks co-sponsors and participants, and turns the Forum over to League of Women Voters' Moderator and Timer.
• Moderator invites Candidates to introduce selves for a set time. 
• Moderator presents questions -- each Candidate to address each question in turn, for set time.
• Finally, each Candidate will have a few minutes to sum up.

An Information Table will be available for Candidates to provide brochures, issues statements and other information. No signs or other electioneering will be allowed inside the hall.

There will be refreshments available.

We are very grateful to the League of Women Voters, CTVSC, and SLV High School, and to the voters of the 5th District for their participation.

(Important Note: while active in governmental affairs and on issues pertaining to our Mission, the VWC, as a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization, may not and does not endorse individuals running for office.)

VWC | Community Connection Committee:

'via Blog this'

Small Skirmish in War on Women At County Board of Supes Meeting

The "war on women" came to Santa Cruz yesterday in advance of International Women’s Day.  A small skirmish broke out in the County Board of Supervisors chamber over a motion made by the lone women on the Board, Ellen Pririe.

Despite twice having voted unanimously to endorse the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995 and again in 2005 the Board could not get unanimous support for a rather harmless motion intended to remove obstacles that may exist for women and girls in accessing county services.  

Pririe’s motion was to direct various County departments to work with the County Women’s Commission to develop a survey to identify gaps in data collection and other practices that could lead to gender inequities in County services and funding decisions and to develop training for department heads to help them better understand how the choices they make may influence gender inequities.

The Board’s consideration of the proposal stems from a recent report by  the County Women’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls in Santa Cruz County (SOWAG) that found that a failure to gather and disaggregate data by gender has an adverse affect on addressing gender  inequities which were identified in a number of areas.

Supervisor Greg Caput, who represents south county, opposed the motion on the grounds that CEDAW was mentioned in the letter presented to the Board by members John Leopold and Mark Stone in support of the proposed action.  Caput claimed that his objection was to using an international treaty as a “template” for the study.  

Women’s Commissioner from the 5th District, Sheila De Lany, a Boulder Creek jeweler, spoke in favor of the motion and was asked by Caput why the U.S. Senate has yet to ratify the treaty signed by President Carter.  After providing a short lesson in Senate rules De Lany pointed out that the U.S was among seven countries including of Iran, Somalia, and Sudan who have not yet ratified the treaty.

Supervisors Pririe, Stone and Leopold all took their turns trying to assure Supervisor Caput that the County was not entering into any foreign treaties to no avail.  Ultimately the Board voted 4-1 to approve the motion.

After casting the lone vote against the motion, Caput told Sentinel reporter Jason Hoppins that  as a pro-life Catholic he objects to language in the treaty supporting womens' access to abortions.  Apparently Caput objects to Article 12 which reads: “States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women, access to health care services, including those related to family planning.”

The fact that the County will proceed with steps intended to eliminate discrimination against women in their practices and funding decisions is to be commended, however, the fact that in 2012, in Santa Cruz County, there is one member of the Board who opposes such efforts should be a wake up call, particularly as we contemplate who will be on the Board in 2013.

First Ever Middle School All-Star Basketball Game Sunday

The 1st Annual Central Coast Middle School All-Star Classic featuring  7th and 8th grade boys basketball players will take place this Sunday, March 11th at the Scotts Valley High School Gym.

Five players from the San Lorenzo Valley Middle School have been selected to participate.  7th graders Taney Murray and Joseph Oard and 8th graders Michael LaCapria, D'Shawn Hopkins and Davon Northcutt will play for the north squads in two contests with the 7th graders tipping off at 4pm followed at 6pm by the 8th graders.

A 3 point shooting contest will be held at halftime of both games and the entire event will be televised by Community Television of Santa Cruz for later broadcast.

Taking The Fifth: George Wylie withdraws from 5th District Supervisor race

George Wylie, who has been campaigning for election to the position as 5th District Supervisor for the County of Santa Cruz, has decided to withdraw from the race.

Wylie stated that he is stepping aside for personal reasons. He was one of several candidates vying to replace outgoing Supervisor Mark Stone, who is running for California State Assembly.

“It has been an exceptional experience over the last few months connecting with members of our community and discussing the issues that are important to them,” Wylie said. “However, after careful deliberation I’ve decided to suspend my campaign.”

Wylie's withdrawal leaves Lompico's Bill Smallman, Brookdale's Eric Hammer, Ben Lomond's Susan Weber and Santa Cruz' Bruce McPherson still in the race.

News From a Local in the Southern Sierra Nevada - F. Scott Krueger Checks In From Columbia

Hey Friends and Family,

Just a quick update for you all. I recently came down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, snow-capped peaks overlook the Northern Caribbean coastline of Colombia. I had the unique opportunity to hike through the various indigenous tribes and stay with the son of a chief to work and learn about the Haruaco culture. My two friends and I were actually the first people outside of the tribe to have seen what we saw and to have been where we were.

The Kogui and Harauco people are very protective of their cultures and the only way we could pass through the various villages was to give offerings of shells, food and tools (specifically machetes). The societies in the mountains look almost as if they've never been touched by modern (not just Western) hands. 

It is considered one of the most specialized experiences in Colombia and it strongly impacted me.

More details and photos can be seen here on my blog. 

Other news, my campaign to raise money for camera equipment has been going wonderfully. The funding period will end tomorrow morning (Monday) at 9 AM PST. If you have not donated yet and would like to, please feel free to click here. 

I am humbled to say that I have already received various requests from other filmers, artists and sound technicians to collaborate with me on the series of films I will be producing here in South America.

Thanks again for your continued love and support,

Frank Scott Krueger {desde Colombia}

Kickstarter Film Project

Personal Website

Travel Blog

"Taking a Stand" is Theme For Annual SLV Poetry Event

Felton Library Friends invites SLV residents to submit poems on the theme of "Taking a Stand" for the 8th Annual San Lorenzo Valley Poetry Reading.

Entries must be submitted on or before April 5 by email to: feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com or by mail to Felton Library Friends, PO Box 1245, Felton, CA 95018. One poem per poet may be submitted, and must include poet's name, age category, and phone number. The age categories are 4-8 (dictation OK), 9-12, 13-17, and adult.

Poems, selected from all age categories by Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate David Swanger, will be read at the SLV Poetry Reading on Thursday, April 26 at the Felton Community Hall. For more information, contact Felton Library Friends, a chapter of Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, at: 335-9553, feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com or visit feltonlibraryfriends.org.

Local Artists Sought for Redwood Mountain Faire

Local artists and crafters are being sought for The Valley Women’s Club's annual Redwood Mountain Faire, June 2nd and 3rd at Roaring Camp in Felton. Deadline for applications is March 31.  To be considered, items for sale must be hand-made by the artist/exhibitor.  Accepted applicants will get a 10' by 10' space to exhibit and sell their wares.  There is no cost to apply but exhibitors selected will be charged $150 and are expected to provide their own booth.

Applications are available online at www.redwoodmountainfaire.com. Applicants may also call 831/216-6535 to request an application by mail or to leave a message with Arts/Crafts Chair, Pam Spehar.

The layout of the 2012 Faire has been reconfigured to improve access and enhance the overall ambience of the popular event. An extraordinary range of talented musicians will be featured (watch for announcement soon) along with the wonderful works by local artists and crafters, expanded children’s activities, and food and beverages to appeal to everyone inlcuding local micro-breweries and Santa Cruz Mountains wines. 

Volunteers are always  needed to help staff the event.  Interested individuals or groups are encouraged to go online or email: fairedirector@redwoodmountainfaire.com, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Moore  831/216/6535 and leave a message with your name, phone number and email address.

Taking The Fifth: Hammer Gets Early Key Endorsement From County Women's Group

Eric Hammer, the Brookdale businessman and member of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District Board, won a major endorsement in his quest for a seat on the County Board of Supervisors when the Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County voted Saturday to back him, over three other candidates, for the 5th District seat. The group also threw their support behind incumbent John Leopold in District 1 and Zach Friend in District 2.

Hammer won the endorsement over George Wylie, Bill Smallman and John Abel who all spoke at the groups meeting, Saturday. The other candidates for the predominantly SLV district, Sue Weber of Ben Lomond and Bruce McPherson, Santa Cruz, did not seek the Club’s endorsement.

Calling himself “solutions oriented” Hammer cited his ability to bring diverse groups together, to not only discuss issues but to take action and create results. He pointed to the turn around of the BCPRD from dysfunctional to award winning. “I may be not the smartest guy in the room but I know how to get the smartest guys to the table and then help them reach consensus and get things done.” he said.

George Wylie, a retired military and commercial pilot who serves on the school board for the SLVUSD, asked the group to keep an open mind and vote for him. Wylie offered that he would be the best candidate to stand up to McPherson, "the elephant in the room" who, he warned, was a grave threat to the County. He also spoke about his activites in the pilots union and promised to bring his union credentials to the BOS.

BIll Smallman, the Lompico Water District Board member and civil engineer spoke of his experience with public infrastructure projects as well as his environmental activism. He wants to create a county economic development board and to improve infrastructure in ways that decreases the impact on the environment.

John Abel of Boulder Creek indicated that he was dropping out of the race but wanted everyone to know that he intends to take a more active role in the community.

Kyle Poppen of Ben Lomond Earns Place On Dean's List At Berklee College Of Music

Berklee College of Music announces that Kyle Poppen of Ben Lomond has earned placement on the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2011 academic year. To be eligible for this honor, a full-time student must achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or above; a part-time student must achieve a grade point average of 3.6 or above.

The Berklee curriculum focuses on practical career preparation for today's music industry. Four-year degrees are offered in Performance, Jazz Composition, Music Production & Engineering, Film Scoring, Music Business/Management, Composition, Music Synthesis, Contemporary Writing & Production, Music Education, Songwriting, Music Therapy, and Professional Music.

Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over half a century, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art of music and the music business. With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 70 countries, and a music industry "who's who" of alumni, Berklee is the world's premier learning lab for the music of today -- and tomorrow.

SLV Water District Announces Ed Grant Process

This year San Lorenzo Valley Water District is offering two funding cycles for two different types of grants:

1. Classic Watershed Education Grants: Apply now for a Classic Watershed Education Grant if your project involves classroom watershed education for students; outdoor watershed education, such as educational hikes or science camps; or community/public education.

Funding level: The District will consider funding up to seven Classic Watershed Education Grants at levels of $2,500.00 or less. An additional $500 per project may be awarded to fund a public outreach component.

Application deadline: Applications for Classic Watershed Education Grants may be submitted to the District beginning Monday, February 13, 2012 and must be received by the District by Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 5 p.m.

(Detailed information about how to apply for a Classic Watershed Education Grants is attached, or see District website: http://www.slvwd.com)

2. Data collection & restoration Grants: Apply later for a Data Collection/ Restoration Grant if you are a student or a practicing scientist interested in designing and implementing a project to collect needed information about District watershed properties, or to complete a recommended restoration project. We will provide a list of recommended projects when we announce funding availability for Data Collection/Restoration Grants, probably in April 2012 on the District website,http://www.slvwd.com.