The year started with Mother Nature showing one of her forceful sides. Storms, powerful winds, and now hail and snow in many areas have, at minimum, made life a serious challenge. And, as has happened far too often in recent years, many folks in the San Lorenzo Valley have repeatedly lost power, lost cell service, lost internet, lost property. And they're tired.
While the process isn't perfect, and nothing ever comes together fast enough, there are many organizations available to help. On January 14, President Biden, who later spent a day surveying damage throughout Santa Cruz County, approved a federal disaster declaration for California, which includes Santa Cruz County. This declaration makes funding available to affected individuals and families, nonprofits and local governments. At a meeting held at the Zayante Firehouse in January, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Senator John Laird, Supervisor Bruce McPherson, and representatives from FEMA, the SBA, PGE, the Red Cross, and more all repeated the President's words - "we're here now, and we're here to stay." Below is a partial list of offices you can reach out to for financial, physical or emotional support. If you don't know who to call, please reach out to the BCBA to help guide you in the right direction.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
SBA (Small Business Administration) (for businesses or individuals)
Phone: 1800-659-2955
URL: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Red Cross
Phone: 415-427-8000
URL: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html
5th District County Supervisor Bruce McPherson
Phone: 831-454-2200
Email: bruce.mcpherson@co.santa-cruz.ca.gov
Senator John Laird
Email: senator.laird@senate.ca.gov
Congressman Jimmy Panetta
Boulder Creek Business Association
Email: info@bcba.net