February 2025 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Celebrates 10 Years

Comcast — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:42:34 +0000

The Monterey Bay region is a place of scenic beauty, with breathtaking coastlines, rolling fields, and shady redwood forests. It’s also an exciting place of culture, history, and innovation.Its challenges are equally vivid. Housing costs are increasingly out of reach. Jobs in leading industries leave workers struggling to make ends meet. A Digital Divide hinders progress and inclusivity and exacerbates economic and educational inequalities. Those are among the complex issues that led to the formation of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) in 2015. A regional, member-supported nonprofit, MBEP brings together a cross-sector network of stakeholders from public, private, and civic entities to collaborate around regional challenges to improve the economic health and quality of life in the Monterey Bay region. There’s a popular saying about stepping up: Be the change you wish to see in the world. MBEP is driven to make that change happen. That’s been MBEP’s vision from the start, and as we prepare to celebrate our 10th anniversary, MBEP’s impact is deeply felt across the region. We work to increase awareness through advocacy, education, and engagement, convening multi-sector stakeholders toward collective impact in programs and policy work to eliminate barriers to progress.Our vision is a region where high-quality, affordable broadband is considered an essential utility, every resident in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties can access telehealth, every child can do homework and access educational resources, and businesses of all sizes can remain competitive. We’re working to ensure each resident has access to affordable, reliable, high-quality internet and is empowered with the devices and digital skills needed to use it. MBEP works to secure funding so that local internet service providers can extend access to underserved and rural areas. This improves economic opportunities for thousands of residents, students, and businesses, as well as public safety in high fire-risk areas. Last year alone, we secured $60 million in broadband infrastructure funding for our region. An early advocate for classifying broadband as an essential utility for how we live, learn, and operate as a community, we continue to foster public-private partnerships as an essential step toward closing the Digital Divide. We’ve secured funding that enables community partners to make positive change happen, like digital literacy instruction and distribution of new or refurbished computers to more than 500 residents.Through inclusive economic development initiatives, MBEP is working to ensure that our region can support and develop sustainable high-quality jobs that foster economic growth. Recently, MBEP secured Economic Development District (EDD) designation for the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. This is the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s first new EDD designation in California in 15 years. The designation streamlines access to significant funding and sets a precedent for regional economic development, amplifying efforts to build a more resilient economic base. Working alongside its partners as part of the Uplift Central Coast Coalition, MBEP has developed strategies to catalyze inclusive economic growth and the development of sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs across a six-county region. Through its Regions Rise Together initiative, MBEP has led the collaborative development of an inclusive economic development plan for the region, identifying $510.5 million in priority investment areas. As a founding partner of the Monterey Bay Tech Hub, MBEP is bringing together key regional stakeholders to create opportunities for advanced air mobility-based economic growth and job creation in the tri-county region, addressing the future workforce needs and policy frameworks to support AAM market growth. Our housing crisis impacts virtually every component of our local communities, from low-income families struggling to pay rent to major businesses seeking to recruit and retain workers. MBEP works with a broad, regional coalition of individuals and organizations to advocate for the construction of all types of housing. To jumpstart affordable housing production, we created the Monterey Bay Housing Trust. Partnering with Housing Trust Silicon Valley, which provides a 4-to-1 match for every dollar we raise locally, that revolving loan fund has leveraged an initial $2 million regional investment to nearly $30 million for affordable housing development. MBEP’s research, expertise, and advocacy efforts are helping to drive policy changes to streamline housing production and improve housing affordability. MBEP is also working with our members to ensure the creation of much-needed workforce housing so that everyone in our region — from farmworkers and teachers to retail workers, nurses, and physicians — has access to safe, affordable housing. The region has come a long way over the last decade. There is much more to do in helping create a thriving, healthy, and prosperous economic region for all. Please consider joining the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership in funding regional solutions at www.mbep.biz/donate. Questions: 831.465.5000 oradoptions@spcasc.org.

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Steps to Protecting Your Family and Home from Wildfires

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:15:03 +0000

After the devastating CZU, Lahaina, and Palisades wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres and caused billions in damages, it’s clear that we need to be proactive in safeguarding our families, pets, and homes. With skyrocketing fire insurance premiums and major carriers hesitant to cover California properties, preparation is more critical than ever. In 2019, as California Mother of the Year, I organized the North Rodeo Gulch (NRG) Firewise community in Soquel and created a YouTube video demonstrating an easy way to prepare a Go-Bag [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqDaLIdwvY]. Below are six simple steps to help you prepare for emergencies and potentially save lives. Let’s work together to reduce the stress and fear associated with wildfires. 1: PUT TOGETHER GO-BAGS Prepare a Go-Bag with essentials to help you survive during an evacuation. Here are two types of Go-Bags to consider: Go-Bag #1: For Your Car This bag should contain supplies for 3-5 days: First aid kit Food (high-protein, energy-boosting, non-perishable items, plates, and utensils) Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, tampons, contact lenses/solution, medications, etc.) Water (3 gallons per person; water purification tablets) Tools (wrench, screwdriver, saw, hammer, can opener, phone chargers) Battery-powered radio and flashlight Clothes (non-synthetic long pants, sweatshirts/jackets, sturdy shoes, hats) Sleeping bags/pillows Important paperwork (copies of IDs, insurance policies, prescriptions, important contacts, backup drives, passwords, and small cash bills) Pet supplies (bowls, food, medications, vaccination records, leash) Go-Bag #2: For Your Home This bag should include items you’ll need to grab during an evacuation: Precious jewelry Cash Medications/medical equipment Important documents (mortgage papers, insurance policies, investments, passwords, etc.) Current projects and bills Computers, backup drives Photo albums and video drives Framed photos and artwork 2: SIGN UP FOR CRUZAWARE CruzAware.org is Santa Cruz County’s reverse 9-1-1 system, replacing CodeRED. By registering your cell or VOIP number and enabling GPS services, you’ll receive emergency notifications like evacuation and disaster updates automatically. 3: UPDATE YOUR STATUS WITH YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT Provide essential information to your local fire department to help them prioritize rescues: Full names of residents Street address (include directions if your home is hard to find) Contact details (landline, cell phone, email) Ages of elderly, disabled, or young children Pets (names, breeds, ages, and locations) Locations of propane/gas tanks and PG&E meters/shut-off valves Water storage (tank locations, size, valve type, and current levels) Access roads and evacuation routes Medical training or certifications (e.g., EMT, CPR) Ham radio availability (licensed operators) 4: CREATE AN EVACUATION PLAN AND MEETING LOCATION Establish a family evacuation plan: Identify evacuation routes and alternate paths in case roads are blocked. Plan to evacuate by car when possible; know walking routes as a last resort. Agree on a central meeting location, assuming cell service may be down. My family meets in the Safeway parking lot, where there’s plenty of open space. If we move, we leave a note with our new location. Designate an out-of-state emergency contact to coordinate updates and share their information in all Go-Bags. 5: SET UP A BUDDY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Coordinate with your neighborhood: Form a group of 10-12 households and exchange contact information. Select a group leader to organize communication and evacuation efforts. Use a phone tree: the leader informs three volunteers, who each contact four households. Volunteers should check on non-responsive households in person. 6: PRACTICE FIRE PREVENTION Inside Your Home: Install and test smoke alarms monthly. Maintain fire extinguishers on each level, in the kitchen, near fireplaces, and in the garage. Use timers when heating pans to avoid starting a fire. Clean dryer and heating ducts regularly. Use heavy-duty extension cords and store flammable liquids in ventilated spaces. Place candles on stable, fire-safe surfaces. Use a metal fire screen in front of fireplaces. Around Your Home: Two defensible space zones can reduce fire risk: Zone 1 (0-30 feet from your home): Remove dead plants, grass, and weeds. Clean gutters (leaves, pine needles). Trim tree limbs up to 10 feet above the ground. Remove branches overhanging roofs, decks, and chimneys. Move wood piles and flammable plants away from structures. Relocate wooden furniture and play structures to Zone 2. Zone 2 (30-100 feet from your home): Keep grass no taller than 4 inches. Remove fallen leaves and small branches exceeding 3 inches in depth. Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees. Ensure vertical spacing between ground vegetation and tree canopies. For detailed guidelines, visit: ReadyForWildfire.org. In Your Neighborhood: Encourage neighbors to prepare their homes. Host block parties or meetings to develop a community fire prevention plan. Coordinate with local fire departments, CalFire, and Resource Conservation Districts to access grants and mitigation funds. Taking these steps can make all the difference in protecting your loved ones and property during wildfire season. Let’s work together to create safer, more resilient communities.

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Celebrating Love with Simple Acts

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:03:33 +0000

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and I love that we have a holiday dedicated to showing the people we care about how much we love and cherish them! As my daughter grows and begins to understand the holidays more, we want to create family traditions with her that make her feel loved. For us, we like to show love with random acts of kindness—like my husband brewing coffee in the morning, handling the grocery runs (which I don’t enjoy), or sending a thoughtful message. It’s making dinner, eating together, sharing our day, offering cuddles, building pillow forts, and dancing together. There are so many ways to show love and celebrate love. As we think about our Valentine’s traditions, we envision a day filled with fun and no pressure—enjoying a love-themed dinner, sharing what we appreciate about each other, taking a long stroll together, and carving out quality time as parents like talking over a cup of tea, having a cozy movie night. We also value moments of self-care, like reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. I am excited to start our own Valentine’s family traditions that are meaningful and true to us! This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Yesenia, The holiday rush has barely settled, and my kids (5, 9) are already asking what I’m getting them for Valentine’s Day. They would be happy with any gift I would give them, but I don’t really want to give them more stuff. When I explained that Valentine’s Day is about showing love, not just giving things, they weren’t convinced. I’d love to teach them that love doesn’t always come in the form of presents. Can you offer some ideas to make it meaningful without the usual gifts?~Kristin Dear Kristin, What a great idea! So many holidays feel like a giant commercial for cards, candy, flowers and toys. It’s easy to forget the true purpose of many holidays, like giving thanks, celebrating miracles or showing love. Here are some ideas for simple ways to teach your kids about love on Valentine’s Day or any day of the year: Say “I love you” with words, notes, pictures or texts. Parents and children often forget to say these words or say them without genuine feeling. A simple, heartfelt “I love you” is a powerful way to remind each other that you care. If your kids aren’t used to saying these words to you or each other, try turning it into a game or competition to see who can find the most creative or surprising way to leave a loving note, picture or text. Do an activity together without distractions or interruptions. Take turns picking an activity, starting with one of your kids. Turn off phones, tablets and other devices that create distractions and interrupt your time together. Make an agreement that everyone will participate with enthusiasm, even if it’s not an activity each of you would choose to do on your own. This encourages children to learn how to compromise, take turns and consider other people’s feelings and interests — all of which are simple acts of love. Have dinner together. Research shows that having regular family dinners has tremendous benefits for children and youth, including better academic performance, higher self-esteem and lower risk of substance abuse and depression. Family meals provide an important opportunity to talk with children about their interests, friends, school and life. Start a conversation about a topic that has nothing to do with homework, chores, family rules or daily routines. Ask questions, listen to what they say and encourage them to ask you questions. This teaches valuable communication and social skills that will help your children in future relationships. Say what you appreciate about each other. Be specific and sincere. Describe a quality that makes each of them special, such as their sense of humor or creativity. Acknowledge something they’ve done at home to be kind and helpful, like asking how your day was or doing a chore with a cheerful attitude. Set the example of how to express appreciation then encourage them to do the same with you and each other. Over time, expressing appreciation will become a habit. FINAL THOUGHTS: Remember there are many ways to teach children about giving and receiving love on Valentine’s Day and every day. The simple acts of love often mean the most and create the happiest family memories. Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo is the mother of a 2-year-old daughter and the Triple P Program Manager for First 5 Santa Cruz County. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org,facebook.com/triplepscc, or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 831.465.2217 ortriplep@first5scc.org.

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Discovery Preschool and Family Center Celebrates 10 Years

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:57:06 +0000

Discovery Preschool and Family Center celebrates 10 years of operation serving over one thousand families throughout the last decade. Founder, Sara Balla, started Discovery as a home-based preschool program when her children were preschool aged. “All of the teachers working with me either brought their own children or they were pregnant. I felt like I had my village, every day supporting one another’s babies, making snacks together, and trusting one another to love and nurture our own precious children. I always wanted Discovery to be a place where teachers were honored for their hard work and respected for their huge role in the development of a child”. Today Discovery is a hub for the most creative and nurturing Early Childhood educators in the County, “Our children and young families deserve and need our community support; the health of these young families is imperative to any thriving community and we’re honored to provide that necessary love here at Discovery”. Photo by Carlie Statsky.

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‘Moana 2’ Shows You Should Never Give Up

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:50:06 +0000

I really loved the tropical setting for the new movie “Moana 2” with all the bright green palm trees and plants and also the deep blue of the ocean, which the main character, a girl named Moana, considers her friend. She can control the ocean. I don’t know how she did it. I also liked how there were so many different fun characters, starting with Moana’s friends, a little pig Pua and a skinny little chicken Heihei. Some characters were alive, like Moana’s little sister, Simea, who is really cute. Some other characters are dead, but still talk. There are actually a lot of dead characters in the movie, like Moana’s grandmother, who shows up to give her advice. “I can’t see where your story leads, but we never stop choosing who we are,” the grandmother tells Moana in the movie. In other words, we should not give up, even when things get hard. I will try to remember that lesson. I don’t really like animated movies that much. I would rather watch a movie with real-life actors. It’s more interesting for me. (My favorite animated show is “Bluey,” because it has dogs in it and dogs are my favorite animal.) I liked the songs in “Moana 2.” I think my favorite was “Get Lost,” even though it’s a weird person who sings it. I didn’t know if she was nice or mean. She kept the “demigod” Maui tied up, which was mean, but she seemed kind of nice to Moana. “Get lost, cut loose, and lose your way,” she sang. “Keep playin’ safe, you’ll never know. …. It’s time to get lost.” One part of the movie that was powerful and a little scary came when Moana found the magical island she had been looking for. I forget the name. (My Dad Googled it for me and says the island is called Motufetū.) A mean god, Nalo, who controls storms, put some kind of spell on Motufetū and keeps people away with terrible storms. Nalo also sinks the island under the water. Moana figures out that if she just sets foot on the island, even under water, she will break the spell. She tries to swim down, but Nalo sends one of his scary-looking lightning bolts down after her. I was nervous when she was just about to touch the island and the lightning was about to strike her. I didn’t know what happened to her. Her eyes closed and it looked like she might be dead. I thought she would wake up again, but I didn’t know. It was kind of emotional when her grandmother and other ancestors were lined up in a spiral around her, all showing their support and hoping she would wake up. I think my Dad, sitting next to me in the theater, might even have choked up a little. He’s funny. He gets emotional in movies. When Moana’s eyes open, it was exciting. I was happy that she was alive and happy when Maui lifted the magic island up out of the water. Then people could come together from different directions to the island and be together. That seemed like a good message. Coco Kettmann is a fourth grader at Live Oak Elementary School, who loves drawing and painting, sleepovers with her friends and Taylor Swift.

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Program Provides Reduced Tuition Rates at Colleges

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:47:55 +0000

By many accounts Northern Arizona University has a very credible degree program in industrial and emerging technologies. It attracts students from all across the land, and out of state residents are paying a $28,650 tuition. Californians are in luck here, because a program available to students in select western states caps their tuition at participating publicly operated schools at no more than 150 percent of their in-state rate. A Californian, in this instance, would pay tuition of $17,532. That’s a discount of 40 percent over what out of staters typically would pay. This program is called the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and is managed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). It was set up in 1987 to make college more affordable and accessible to students in the West. Find them at wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue. Through WUE, students from the WICHE region can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs across the West. More than 160 public colleges and universities offer reduced tuition rates through WUE to qualifying students. Participating schools offer these discounted rates to help students avoid the full cost of pursuing higher education outside their home state and minimize the impact of student loan debt. Not all public schools in the region participate in WUE. And among those who do, some exclude certain fields of study. Some offer the program only at select campuses. The University of Colorado, for instance, does not participate in WUE at its main campus in Boulder but does in Colorado Springs and Denver, as well as at its Anschutz Medical Campus. Transfer students typically are welcomed. And many two-year schools participate. Not an undergraduate? You still can work this program with the WRGP graduate school program, which is a cousin to the WUE process. And there is a special program nicknamed PSEP for students enrolling in health science programs. All in all, this is a pretty simple process. Here are some steps to follow if you’re interested: Check eligibility. You must be a resident of the WICHE region, and applying for a school in it. The school must offer a WUE rate. Check schools and degrees. WUE rates may not apply to every major offered at a school. At the University of Arizona, for instance, WUE is available only for mining and natural resources programs. Meet your school’s WUE requirements. Each school administers WUE differently. They may require a minimum GPA, exclude majors, or limit the number of students awarded the WUE rate. Apply for admission. Admission deadlines vary by school and there may be early deadlines for WUE students. Contact the school’s admissions, financial aid or scholarship office to let them know you want the WUE rate. There may be separate application forms for WUE students. WUE-eligible locations include 15 U.S. states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) and three U.S. territories (the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa). For more information, visit www.wiche.edu/our-region. By Steve Dinnen

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Keeping Families Safe

brad — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:45:04 +0000

You only have to look southward at the flames and poisonous smoke that came from Moss Landing recently to know what deregulation looks like. We have a new president promising to deregulate industry and make America more profitable. But at what expense? The Moss Landing fire is terrifying, not just because it can’t be put out, but because the hazardous chemicals coming from it are landing on the country’s richest agricultural salad bowl and the surrounding protected Elkhorn Slough and Marine Sanctuary. It’s a serious quandary. On one hand, the battery units are designed to store solar and wind energy and move away from fossil fuels, an environmentalist’s dream. On the other hand, chemicals in the batteries are so toxic and unstable, there is no way to quench them when they burst into flames, which has happened four times already. Why should we care? There are three more of these units proposed in Santa Cruz County near hospitals and schools. One across the street from Aptos High; another near Dominican Hospital and a third in Watsonville. Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church noted that the Moss Landing battery operation by Vistra Energy was approved with no arguments. “When I took office two years ago, I accepted several tours of the Vistra facility, including a tour inside the building that burned,” he wrote. “The facility and its safety systems appeared impressive. I was personally given the guarantee that a fire similar to the one that occurred in 2022 at the neighboring PG&E/Tesla operation could not happen at Vistra. We know that is not true. This disaster is worse.” He added: “With this being the fourth fire incident in a little over five years in Moss Landing, it is obvious that this technology is ahead of both government’s ability to regulate it and private industry’s ability to control it… “…Both battery storage facilities initially passed the county permit process, including public hearings, with little to no opposition. Vistra got its first permit in 2020. It was approved by the Planning Commission and never appealed to the Board of Supervisors. It was that uncontroversial at the time.” Conclusion? We don’t need deregulation, we need careful, intelligent study and regulation. And we need the public to speak up and make their representatives put safety first. Let’s congratulate Cabrillo College’s Ethics Team, which was one of only two community college teams to make it to the nationals. They have been up against the likes of Stanford and they are now in the Super Bowl of the competition. That’s an amazing feat in learning how to deal with complex issues and moral problems. We salute you! Read the background from a team member in this issue. Write us at editor@growingupsc.com Thanks for reading. Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

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Teaching Kids to Plan and Shop with Purpose

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:39:09 +0000

Helping kids learn to meal plan and grocery shop isn’t just about sharing household responsibilities—it’s a valuable lesson in financial wellness. Teaching these skills early equips children with tools for a lifetime of smart money management. Let’s break this process into clear, actionable steps that feel like a real-world classroom. Step 1: Start with What You Have Before heading to the store, take inventory of what’s already in your kitchen. Open the fridge, pantry, and freezer to involve your kids in identifying items that can be used in meals. Activity: Ask your kids to help sort items into categories, like proteins, vegetables, and snacks. Then, brainstorm meal ideas using those ingredients. For example, pasta in the pantry and a can of tomatoes could become spaghetti night. Tip: Emphasize how using what you have first reduces waste and saves money. Step 2: Plan Meals Around Sales and Discounts Show your kids how to use grocery store ads and apps to find discounts. Explain that planning meals around items on sale is a smart way to stretch the grocery budget. Activity: Pick one or two meals for the week based on sale items and the ingredients you already have. For example, if chicken is on sale, plan a roasted chicken dinner and use leftovers for sandwiches or soup. Tip: Make this step interactive by letting your kids circle items in the weekly ad or help you browse store apps. Step 3: Make a Shopping List Work together to create a grocery list based on your meal plan. This list will help you stay organized and avoid impulse purchases. Activity: Write the list together, grouping items by store sections (e.g., produce, dairy, pantry). Let kids take charge of checking off items as you go. Tip: Discuss the importance of sticking to the list to avoid overspending and perhaps the importance of not shopping while you’re hungry! Step 4: Go Grocery Shopping Together The store is a great place to teach kids about smart shopping. Use this outing to reinforce key financial lessons. Activity: Show them how to compare prices by looking at name brands versus store brands. Turn it into a game: Who can find the best deal? Tip: If your kids are old enough, let them handle small amounts of money to buy an item on the list. This gives them hands-on experience with making purchases. Step 5: Reflect and Enjoy After the shopping trip, review the experience together. Talk about what worked well and what could be improved next time. Activity: Prepare a meal as a family using the items you purchased. Highlight how planning and budgeting made the process smoother and more affordable. Tip: Celebrate your teamwork by enjoying the meal together and discussing the savings you achieved. Meal planning and grocery shopping are essential life skills and an excellent way to bond as a family. By involving your kids in these activities, you’re teaching them financial responsibility in an engaging and meaningful way. The grocery store is the perfect place to practice financial responsibility

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Disaster Preparedness for Pets

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:37:26 +0000

When disaster strikes, it often comes with little warning, leaving families scrambling to ensure everyone’s safety—including their pets. According to a 2021 ASPCA survey conducted after Hurricane Ida, only 46% of pet owners had a disaster preparedness plan in place, despite 83% living in areas affected by natural disasters. This lack of preparation can lead to heartbreaking scenarios, as nearly half of surveyed evacuees reported leaving pets behind. The CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020 reminded Santa Cruz County residents how quickly emergencies can escalate. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter played a vital role, sheltering displaced animals and reuniting pets with their families. This showcased community resilience but also underscored the need for pet preparedness. 1. Microchip Your Pet A microchip is a lifeline if you become separated from your pet. This tiny device, inserted by a veterinarian, allows shelters or veterinarians to identify your pet and contact you. Ensure the information linked to the microchip, like your address and phone number, is up to date. 2. Keep Vaccinations Current Disaster shelters often require proof of up-to-date vaccinations to minimize disease spread among animals. Include vaccination records in your pet’s emergency kit to avoid complications if you need to shelter your pet away from home. 3. Pack a Pet Go Bag Assemble a kit with essentials like: A collar, leash, and carrier. Food, water, and medications for at least seven days. Medical records in a waterproof container. Cleaning supplies and comfort items. 4. Plan for Evacuation Know pet-friendly hotels or friends who can house you and your pet. Assign a trusted neighbor to evacuate your pet if you’re not home. Give them a key, show them where supplies are, and ensure they have contact information for you and the shelter. Wildfire-Specific Considerations In wildfire-prone areas, evacuate pets immediately if ordered. Smoke can harm pets; if evacuation is not ordered, keep pets indoors with windows closed and monitor for signs of respiratory distress. Community Support and How You Can Help During the CZU Fire, local organizations and volunteers worked tirelessly to safeguard county animals. Supporting shelters like the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter strengthens disaster response efforts. One way to help right now is through the Awkward Pet Portraits Fundraiser. For a $35 donation, submit a photo of your pet to be transformed into a quirky portrait by a local amateur artist or student. Proceeds support shelter programs, including low cost vaccination clinics and disaster response. Returning Home Safely After an evacuation, pets may be disoriented or anxious when returning home. Check for hazards like broken glass or contaminated water before letting them roam freely. Allow your pet time to adjust to the changes, and consult your veterinarian if you notice unusual behavior or injuries. Be Prepared Emergencies are stressful, but preparation can make all the difference. For more resources, visit the ASPCA website or scanimalshelter.org. And don’t forget—participating in the Awkward Pet Portraits Fundraiser is a lighthearted way to protect pets while celebrating them. With the strength and support of our community, we can conquer any surprises life throws our way. Sarah Krummel is a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation board member and a Program Specialist for Santa Cruz City Schools. Connect with her at sarah@scanimalshelterfoundation.org

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