What We've Been Up To Lately
Parli Italiano? Have you ever wanted to introduce yourself, order at a restaurant, or navigate public transportation while vacationing in Italy?
Now's your chance to learn all this and more! Join me for a fun and enlightening 10-week series of in-person classes offered through the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz County. Click the link below to get started. A presto!
Mondays | 5–7 PM
Compass | 620 Capitola Ave, Capitola
$310 for 10 weeks
Affordable Housing Still Exists In Santa Cruz
Affordable housing opportunities still exist in Santa Cruz County, and there may be more options available than you realize.
Affordable housing programs offer homes below market price to households that meet specific income and eligibility requirements. Programs such as Measure J, Measure O, and options through the cities of Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola can help make homeownership more accessible.
There are also local resources that may provide down payment assistance and closing cost grants.
Every program has its own guidelines, which is why having the right team matters. Andrea Schenk and her team at Santa Cruz Lending Group have years of experience working with these programs and can help you understand what you may qualify for and how to get started.
Thinking homeownership might be out of reach? It may be worth taking a closer look. Reach out to learn more about the programs available locally.
Source: Andrea Schenk, Mortgage Consultant | NMLS #79366
A Must Buy: The Growth Code ™
So proud to support the launch of "The Growth Code," the brilliant new book by Lesley Everett and Rob Nicklin.
This is a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of modern leadership. One of the most impactful takeaways? Sustainable growth and high-pressure environments don’t pause your culture, they reveal it.
It’s a powerful reminder that who we are as an organization matters most when the stakes are highest.
Congratulations, Lesley and Rob!
October 2026 Santa Cruz County Market Outlook
Curious about what's happening in our local real estate market? The latest Compass Market Outlook is here, featuring Santa Cruz County housing market insights and data through September 2026. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your home's value, staying informed is an important part of making confident real estate decisions.
Take a look at the full report, and as always, I'm happy to answer any questions about what these market trends could mean for you.
Santa Cruz Business Spotlight
Discover the healing journey with Jennifer at Root Acupuncture!
From personal health challenges to triumph, she's embraced the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Jennifer's approach, weaving ancient and modern practices, brings balance to body, mind, and spirit.
Empower your well-being through her diverse modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic counseling!
October Go Green Tip Of The Month:
Make Halloween A Little Greener
Halloween comes with plenty of treats, costumes, and decorations, but it can also come with a lot of extra waste. A few simple swaps can make the season more sustainable without taking away any of the fun.
👻 Swap Costumes: Instead of buying new, organize a costume swap with friends or neighbors. It’s an easy way to give old costumes another life and save a little money, too.
👜 Reuse Your Trick-or-Treat Bag: Skip the plastic bucket and grab a reusable tote, pillowcase, basket, or a bag you already have at home.
🍫 Think About the Treats: When possible, look for candy made with Fair Trade ingredients or brands using recyclable or reduced packaging.
🎃 Give Your Pumpkin a Second Life: When Halloween is over, compost your pumpkins instead of sending them to the landfill. Just remember to remove candles, paint, stickers, and other decorations first.
A greener Halloween doesn’t have to mean doing things perfectly. A few thoughtful choices can help cut down on waste while keeping all the spooky-season fun.

