This Week on the Central Coast…
Poetry and art take over the central coast as cities make improvements for communities.
Monterey
Monterey County introduced a Youth Poet Laureate program
This year, Monterey County will have its first Youth Poet Laureate. The chosen youth will act as an ambassador of the arts and will be responsible for encouraging others to create art through readings, workshops, and representing the county at various events.
In order to become poet laureate, applicants must live in Monterey County, submit five poetic works, be 13 to 19 years old, and be available from April 2023 to April 2024. Applications are due by Tuesday, February 28 and the winner will be announced on Saturday, April 22 at 12pm at the Marina Library.
A $1000 honorarium will be presented to the winner.
Salinas
City introduced a new pedestrian crosswalk
At the intersection of Sanborn and Buckhorn, a new “pedestrian beacon” was installed to make crossing the street safer.
The beacon uses a series of flashing and solid lights to signal to drivers when a pedestrian is about to cross. After a person presses the crossing button, the traffic lights blink yellow before turning solid yellow, which is a notification that someone will be crossing. Next, the lights turn red, like normal, and the pedestrian can cross within the time limit. Once everyone has crossed, the red lights will blink, which allows drivers to treat it like a stop sign until they finally turn green.
Studies have shown that this new type of crosswalk reduces pedestrian accidents by 55% and costs less than installing a full traffic light.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County plans wellness centers in schools
Santa Cruz County envisions a major addition to every school: a “hub” where students can access counseling help. The centers are an expensive undertaking and will take a while to incorporate into all the schools. To start, the county plans on having centers at two schools which will open during this and next year.
“Superintendent Faris Sabbah says access is critical, given that 284,000 students are coping with depression, with two-thirds not receiving treatment. The issue significantly affects LGBTQ youth, who are four times more likely to consider suicide.” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10 to 24 year olds. The centers will give students free access to counselors whenever they need it.
The biggest challenge will be ongoing funding to keep the centers staffed. Funding will have to come from campaigns and each school’s budget.
Monthly night of music and poetry in Watsonville
The third monthly art exhibition will be hosted by local violinist Adam Scow. Scow teamed up with Watsonville Poet Laureate Bob Gomez to create an exhibition space at the Watsonville Center for the Arts. Past exhibitions have featured students and professionals playing music, alternating with poetry.
The first two nights were held at El Ateno and were at full capacity without any advertising other than word of mouth. Regulars will be pleased to know that El Ateno will continue to cater the events.
Exhibitions are held every last Friday of the month from 6pm to 8pm at the Watsonville Center for the Arts (375 Main St.). You can find more information at the center’s website.