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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Santa Cruz Film Festival and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Santa Cruz Celebrates Grand Opening of 50 Affordable Apartments (tpgonlinedaily.com) — Fifty new deeply affordable apartments have opened at Jessie Street Terrace in Santa Cruz, adding much-needed homes for low-income residents, veterans, and people exiting homelessness. Located near the Beach Boardwalk and transit, the building offers on-site services, case management, and amenities like a community room and bike parking, backed by major state and local housing partners.
2. Free workshop to help Santa Cruz Mountains residents prepare for winter (pressbanner.com) — Santa Cruz County agencies are offering a free Oct. 6 evening workshop in Scotts Valley to help Santa Cruz Mountains residents get their rural properties ready for winter. You'll hear practical tips on road upkeep, drainage, wells, septic systems, and stream care, plus learn about free technical assistance. Space is limited, so you'll need to RSVP in advance.
3. County Fair sees 11% growth in attendance numbers - Aptos Life (aptoslife.com) — Santa Cruz County residents just turned out in big numbers for this year's county fair, boosting attendance to more than 55,000 people, an 11% jump over last year. From rides and livestock to fine arts and student-led waste diversion, organizers say the five-day event ran smoothly and showcased local agriculture, youth creativity, and strong community spirit.
4. Monitoring invasive beetles in Santa Cruz County (santacruzlocal.org) — An invasive shothole borer beetle is killing native trees in Santa Cruz County, especially in the Santa Cruz Mountains, raising fire risk and potential damage to homes and power lines. Local scientists and the Agricultural Commissioner are monitoring the spread, seeking grants, and planning costly removal of heavily infested "amplifier trees" while urging proper disposal of affected wood.
5. Weekly Coffee News: 'Roasted at Origin' Program + 53 Coffee Workers Rescued (dailycoffeenews.com) — Baristas at Verve Coffee Roasters cafes in Santa Cruz have reached a tentative first union contract that promises wage progression, more predictable schedules, and a path to full-time work. The agreement also requires that any final employment decisions involving AI systems be made by people, while the rest of the roundup highlights global coffee industry developments from Brazil to Ethiopia.
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Ok Santa Cruz! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
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