What We've Been Up To Lately
There is nothing quite like the energy of a Rising Tide meetup to kickstart the week!
We had a fantastic session at Loft, and we were buzzing with that special kind of collaborative magic that happens when local business owners show up for one another.
We were so thrilled to officially welcome our newest member, Cecille, the powerhouse behind Certified Care Transportation. It’s always a win to add more talent and heart to this group.
We also had plenty to celebrate as we cheered on Whitney of Perfectly Placed Home Organizing for her latest client referral! It’s these connections, the referrals, the shared wisdom, and the genuine support, that keep our local business community thriving.
When we lift each other up, the whole community feels the ripple effect. So grateful for this crew and the way we sustain each other’s growth!
Santa Cruz-Born Nonprofit Gravity Water
What if the rain hitting our rooftops could become part of the solution to clean water access?
Santa Cruz-born nonprofit Gravity Water is turning that idea into reality by creating systems that capture rainwater from rooftops, filter and treat it, and provide safe water directly to schools and communities.
Founder Danny Wright started with a simple gravity-fed system in Nepal and has since helped grow the organization to reach more than 485,000 people across over 675 communities.
The technology has evolved too. Gravity Water’s systems can now collect, store, filter, pressurize, and distribute treated rainwater throughout a building, helping schools meet more than half of their annual water demand on average. It’s a powerful example of how an age-old resource can become part of modern, climate-resilient infrastructure.
A pretty incredible idea with roots right here in Santa Cruz.
Source: Good Times, “Gravity Wins” by Joshua Logan, August 18, 2026.
The Benefits Of A Living Trust
A living trust is one of those things that can be easy to put off, but having a plan in place can make a big difference for your family down the road.
For homeowners, placing your home in a living trust can help the property avoid probate and provide clear direction for how your assets should be handled. In California, probate can also come with significant costs, making it worth understanding your options before they are needed.
Estate planning is personal, and every situation is different, so be sure to speak with a qualified estate planning professional about what makes sense for you.
Source: Andrea Schenk, Mortgage Consultant | NMLS #79366
Deed Fraud: Help Your Clients Protect Their Homes
Title theft is a growing reality, with the FBI reporting over $275 million in real estate fraud losses last year.
This happens when criminals use forged signatures to transfer a property’s deed into their names, allowing them to sell the home or drain its equity. Vacant properties and homes without mortgages are often the primary targets.
You aren't defenseless, however. A solid owner’s title insurance policy is your best line of defense, as it helps cover the legal costs of restoring your title.
You can also stay proactive by signing up for your county’s free property alert services, monitoring your credit reports, and watching for unexpected changes in your mail or utility bills.
A little vigilance goes a long way in ensuring your home remains yours.
Source: Old Republic Title
Santa Cruz Business Spotlight
💡 Meet Melissa – A Financial Guide You Can Trust 💡
With a strong background in financial services and healthcare, Melissa brings expertise, strategy, and heart to every client she works with. She holds AAMS™ and CRPC™ designations, along with federal and state securities and insurance licenses, plus a Master’s in Marketing and a Bachelor’s in Journalism.
Her journey includes building an Edward Jones branch in her hometown of O'Fallon, IL, and spending three years as part of an elite team of traveling financial advisors, assisting clients nationwide.
Before joining Edward Jones, she served as VP of Marketing & Education for ROHO, Inc., a global medical device company, and later led communications for a major health system.
Beyond finance, Melissa is a certified yoga instructor, bringing a unique balance of strategy, mindfulness, and personalized care to financial planning. She believes financial health is deeply personal, and she’s here to help you create a plan that truly aligns with your life.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out to see if she’s the right fit for you!
Go Green Tip of the Month:
Preparing For The Fall Season
A new season is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to make a few simple changes that are good for our homes, our communities, and the environment.
Go Green Tips of the Month:
🌱 Let fallen leaves stay a while. They enrich your soil and offer shelter to tiny creatures that help keep our ecosystems thriving.
🍎 Choose seasonal produce. Shop for fall favorites like carrots, squash, and beets to support local farmers and help cut down on food miles.
🧺 Bring your reusables. Planning a day at the orchard? Pack a reusable bag and look for farms that prioritize sustainable practices.
🥾 Leave no trace. When you head out to enjoy the trails this fall, stick to marked paths, bring your reusables, and take everything you brought in back out with you.
Small choices can make a meaningful difference. Here’s to a beautiful, greener fall season ahead.