New Items

Emeline Avenue Construction

The Emeline Ave. Highway 1 under-crossing (Between Fernside and Lee St) will be closed to vehicular traffic June 2-23, weekdays only. Pedestrians will be able to use the under-crossing. During this period please use the Morrisey Exit or take the Pasatiempo Exit (off of Rt. 17 - take a right off of the exit and then a right at the stop-sign). Click here to view or print Information regarding detour The northbound Route 1 Emeline Ave freeway exit is finally open!   There is a possibility the exit might temporarily be closed during the next few months. If the exit is closed please use the Morrisey Exit or take the Pasatiempo Exit (off of Rt. 17 - take a right off of the exit and then a right at the stop-sign). Caltrans Merge Lane Project Web Page Emeline Ave Detour

May 8, 2008

The County of Santa Cruz wants to inform residents of the San Lorenzo River Watershed about a low interest loan program available to property owners needing to repair a failing septic system with an alternative treatment system. Funding for this program will end in 2009, so the County encourages those who might qualify for the program to apply now. 

The County, working in conjunction with the California State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, developed this program to address failing systems that may be contributing pollution to the San Lorenzo River. Ongoing management efforts have reduced the occurrence of septic system failure from 18% to 2% and there has been a substantial improvement in water quality of the San Lorenzo River.

To be eligible, applicants must own real property in the San Lorenzo River Watershed, have a failing septic system, and replace that system with an alternative technology system. Repair or replacement with a traditional septic system is not eligible for assistance through this program. All applicants wishing to participate in the loan program must receive certification from Environmental Health Services that their project is in compliance with the San Lorenzo Wastewater Management Plan, and have an approved septic permit application prior to loan approval. Applicants must also secure written bids to establish the cost of the project.

Loans may cover the cost of permit, design, and installation, and will be made at an APR of approximately 5.25% and amortized for a period of up to 20 years. 

Persons considering applying for a loan should contact: 
Rick Jones, Environmental Health Services, (831) 454-2746 between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday; or by email, at rick.jones.@co.santa-cruz.ca.us. 

For more information on the overall program contact: 
Chris Coburn at chris.coburn@co.santa-cruz.ca.us or (831) 454-2763.

Click here to print a printable version of this information

April 14, 2008

Celebrate Wellness & Recovery in Santa Cruz County
with Stories of Hope & Healing

You are invited to participate in a FREE event* to support the creation of a mentally healthy Santa Cruz County. Join with your community members to:

• Be inspired by true stories of wellness and recovery
• Explore the myriad of wellness resources available in our community
• Learn about the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) 
• Discover what you can do to forward the Recovery Vision
• Support those impacted by mental health challenges, those who love us, and those who serve us in Santa Cruz County*

Join us for Inspiration, Appetizers, & Community Connections!

DATE: Friday, 5/30/08
TIME: 5-7pm 
WHERE: Holy Cross Church—Community Room 
170 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
INFO: 831. 246.1403 
REGISTER: Online at www.listeningwell.net

Click here to view the event flyer

* Fundraiser for the Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) 
If you cannot attend, please consider making a financial donation to
MHCAN/Storytelling Scholarships: Federal ID# 93-1177400

Jan. 25, 2008

The County of Santa Cruz is in the process of implementing an immunization registry. Click here to learn more about it!

Aug. 15, 2007

Need help with an 
alcohol or drug problem?

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency sponsored web site focused on connecting people with addiction recovery programs and information. Click here to go to RecoveryWave.com.

Feb. 16, 2007

Oct. 17, 2006

Planning the care you would want in the event of an unexpected illness or emergency is a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about what kind of care you would want at the end of your life if you were unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. It includes examining your values and beliefs, discussing your wishes with your loved ones, friends, and health care providers, and completing an Advance Directive.

For free help and information to complete your Advance Healthcare Directive,
contact the Make Your Wishes Known project at 831.469.6222 or visit www.MakeYourWishesKnown.org.  Se habla Espanol.

Oct. 3, 2006

Food facility inspections in the County of Santa Cruz are conducted in accordance with and under the authority of the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL).  Registered Environmental Health Specialists conduct frequent inspections (two – four times per year depending on the type of facility) for compliance with CURFFL.

Click here to go to the Restaurant Inspection Results Page

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency HIV Counseling and Testing Services are offered throughout the Santa Cruz community at various locations. These services are now only available to individuals who may have engaged in behavior that places them at high risk for contracting HIV. Individuals who are at low to no risk for HIV transmission will be referred to other low cost options for HIV testing.

The California Department of Health Services has deemed that the following populations are at high risk for HIV transmission:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Females who have sex with MSM
• Injection Drug Users (IDU’s)
• People who have sex with IDU’s
• Sex partners of HIV positive people
• Sex workers

If you are in one of the above groups, HSA’s HIV testing program can offer you a free HIV test. Click here for a list of HIV testing sites

2005 Santa Cruz County Birth Certificate Summary & Perinatal Indicators

• Fight the Bite! - With the first case of West Nile Virus recently detected in California controlling Mosquitoes is even more important this year.
• West Nile Virus Information and Resources

Click here to read all about this exciting new program.

Network of Care - Santa Cruz County long-term care services website goes online.

Santa Cruz Community Assessment Project - The Community Assessment Project's Year 6/2000 Comprehensive Report is a ten-year initiative to measure and improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz County. 2001 (Year 7)