This Week on the Central Coast…
New art at the airport, a local coach is recognized by the NBA, Watsonville plans a micro-village for homeless, and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser.
Monterey
New youth art gallery on display at Monterey Airport
The exhibit is called “Let’s Get Surreal” and features art created by 7th and 8th grade students. It shows off what the students learned during an eight week advanced art unit focused on surrealism. Each piece challenged students to feature groups of realistic objects in settings where they usually aren’t found.
“HollyAnn Issac who is the art teacher at John Gutierrez Middle School said that art is an important aspect of the learning environment”. She said that even if art isn’t your focus later in life, “it is an important life skill to be able to finish a task and do your personal best… When students see that they are capable and creative individuals, they build confidence that reaches beyond the art classroom. “
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz coach recognized by the NBA
Bryan Windsor is the head coach of the Santa Cruz County Boys and Girls Club basketball team, which he joined in 2012 and has grown the program from under 100 kids to over 500. He is one of five finalists across the country to be nominated for Community Coach of the Year by the Jr. NBA.
Many of his players can attest to his qualifications and have come back every year, some to help coach. “He's someone who coaches more than just a sport, he coaches a person. He coaches a way of life.”
Watsonville receives funding for a homeless micro-village
When the crazy storms of last winter caused the levee to flood, dozens of people living along the river were forced to clear out. “In a timely response, the state announced this week that it will fund an $8 million micro-home village shelter project as part of a two-year encampment resolution grant.“
The village will feature sanitary facilities, communal eating areas, an area for pets, and storage space. According to a survey given to those living along the river, most said “More than anything, they just wanted some privacy and they wanted to be treated with dignity and respect,””
The ciounty expects to break ground on the project in the next few months. Then, after residents are relocated from the riverbed, restoration of the river and levee are expected to happen next summer.
Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser
Since 2001, men, women and their families around the world have joined Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events as part of The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. This year's turn out of more than fifty participants raced around the Santa Cruz County Bank‘s headquarters in pink high heels. The event raises money directly forMonarch Services, an organization whose mission is stated as helping people “live free from violence and abuse.”