The 32 mile stretch of rail line between Watsonville and Davenport has been a hot topic and is continuing to be. What do you see for the future of the tracks? Should it be a bike and walking path, like they have in Monterey, or a track and bike path, like the one in Sonoma and Marin? The issue is at the forefront of the election for County Supervisor between John Leopold, a rail supporter and Manu Koenig, a trail only candidate. We’ve got some first-hand analysis to help you make up your mind.

With fire crews taxed to the limit, fire-stricken locals have mobilized to save their homes.

In response to the continuation of distance learning by Santa Cruz County schools, Farm Discovery at Live Earth is offering Fall Farm Care three full days a week and Youth Farm Immersion one day a week. Students will learn earth science, natural history, nutrition, and environmental stewardship; farming and animal husbandry; and crafting from natural materials.

The program will take place MWF 8:45am-4:00pm. The Youth Afternoon Farm Immersion program will take place Thursdays from 2:30pm to 5:30pm and is limited to 12 spots. Full and partial scholarships are available to local families in need.
For questions, email education@farmdiscovery.org

We have all been touched in one way or another by the fire that has been ravaging our Santa Cruz Mountains. Many of you long to help but are at a loss of what to do.

Growing Up in Santa Cruz is organizing a gift bag distribution for elementary school children who attend San Lorenzo Valley Elementary, Boulder Creek Elementary, Bonny Doon Elementary, and Pacific Elementary. We have been in touch with the principals of the schools and have been given permission to hand them out when they pick up their school supplies. We have also been in touch with many evacuees and here is a list of the things that they have requested:

• School supplies
• art supplies
• puzzles
• journals
• squeeze balls
• stickers
• Pencils
• erasers that attach to pencils
• electric sharpener
• mead notebook
• smelly markers
• Deck of cards
• Dice
• Pouches/boxes to store supplies
• Huge request for headphones (This is an item that would not be in the bag, but upon request)

If you would like to contribute to this effort, please contact Art Director, christy@growingupsc.com Items can be dropped off in Capitola. Gift items need to be dropped off next week. (New items only please) We have a team of volunteers ready to pack the bags.

Thank you in advance for your part in making our community a great place to live.

Throughout the fall the museum will  be screening films that inspire and connect to help us grow through this moment together. So grab a drink or snack at Abbott Square and hang outdoors for this ongoing series.

For the first screening, the MAH has teamed up with Westside Video to present Hearts Beat Loud, a feel-good family drama about a community coming together through creativity and music.

Space is limited to the first 100 attendees to allow for adequate physical distancing on the patio. There is no pre-registration required, drop-by when you can but if possible, we recommend you arrive early to ensure you have a seat.

The movie shows 8-10 p.m. Saturday September 5, 2020.

The museum also offers its first outdoor exhibit starting today from noon to 6 p.m. called Community is Collective Care. The outdoor exhibition supports the donation drive for Campesinx Womb Care Project. Then, enjoy late-night cemetery tours and movie nights as the MAH continues to expand offerings online and outside. Plus, don't miss the chance to volunteer as they help bring to life a Black Lives Matter Mural in downtown Santa Cruz.

We’re still hoping people who value the information in Growing Up will help keep us publishing by donating to our GoFundMe.

We know times are tight and we are doing our best to keep you informed in print, online and in social media. It’s like swimming upstream, but we are going to do it as long as we can.

Thanks for reading!!!