Eight local healthcare leaders were recognized for their contributions to health throughout the past year.
The Community Health Trust (CHT), which serves the tri-county area to ensure equitable health, awarded two organizations and six individuals with the Phil Rather Award for Leadership in Healthcare. Rather advocated for equal access to healthcare for all Pajaro valley residents, especially those facing social and economic barriers, and the Phil Rather Award honors his legacy.
CHT will also be donating $500 in grants to local charities on behalf of the awardees.
The awardees recognized are:
- UC Santa Cruz, Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
- Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan
- Paulina Moreno
- Paz Padilla
- Erica Padilla-Chavez
- Tamara Vides
- Nancy Faulstich
Reggae artist Saritah to play downtown Sunday
Well-known reggae artist Saritah will headline a community event organized by Arte Del Corazon and Turtle Heart productions on Sunday at Romo Park in downtown Watsonville.
Sunday In The Park starts at noon and will run through 5pm. The event will also feature several local art and food vendors.
There is no entry fee.
For information, visit the Arte Del Corazon Instagram: artedelcorazon831.
County promotes interim water manager
Santa Cruz County has named a new Water Resources Manager to monitor water resource issues and suggest smart water policy decisions.
Sierra Ryan, former Resources Planner with 14 years of experience working with water and environmental issues, will be replacing John Ricker. Ricker retired in 2020.
2021 was the driest year for the county, and as the drought continues and is only projected to worsen, the position of Water Resources Manager takes on a new gravitas.
As Resource Planner, Ryan provided guidance on the development of local groundwater plans—plans that are critical to cities across the county, especially Santa Cruz, which relies almost entirely on groundwater resources.
Art contest announced in lead-up to rail transit demo
A special demonstration of the Coast Futura street car will be held in Watsonville Oct. 16 and 17, where the public can experience a ride on one of the company’s zero-emission street cars free of charge.
In the lead-up to the event, local organization Why Watsonville has announced a public art contest. Artists of all ages are invited to submit original artwork inspired by “how you will feel, what you will do, and where you might go” on a possible electric light rail.
Submit work—an original painting, drawing or photo—in landscape format (8-by-10 inch image) by Oct. 10 by tagging @whywatsonville on Instagram, using the hashtags #whywatsonville and #friendsoftherailtrail. You can also email submissions to [email protected].
Entry to the contest is free, and select artists have the chance to win prizes. All submissions will be posted on Why Watsonville’s public gallery on Instagram.
Entries must include an application and release form, which can be found at whywatsonville.org.
Free painting sessions are also available with local artist Judy Gittelsohn, who will supply the boards and paints to create a submission. Email [email protected] or call 288-0010 to make arrangements.
