How Do You Get Involved in This Town?

I’ve always wanted to step outside of the box of being an unbiased journalist and actually become a regular part of the community where I live. As a newspaper reporter and editor, I never could. I couldn’t serve on boards or committees. I couldn’t join the Rotary Club. Heck, I couldn’t even drive around with a bumper sticker.

I used to daydream about running for office. Instead of covering the antics of the local politicians, I’d push them aside and get myself elected. Then I’d do the job they should have done.

Now I am free to do whatever I want. I can run a campaign tomorrow. Or set my sights small, find a good cause in the neighborhood where I live.

But where do I start?

I’m new in town, you see. I lived in California’s Central Valley for almost 30 years. In the dusty town where I built a house, ran a business and raised a family, I knew just about everyone, or I like to think I did. Then I moved to Santa Cruz County and, at the beginning of 2011, settled in Capitola. I’m starting over, completely from scratch.

Through this blog, I’d like to take a journey and find out more about this place. Who are its volunteers? What are its charities? Are there worthwhile city commissions? Where’s the animal shelter, the museum, the library? Is there a place for the homeless?

I figure a blog is as good a way to go about this as any. I’ll take my time, explore a bit, meet as many of you as I can—and beg you to send me pointers. 

I’m a storyteller, deep down, and I’d like to tell the stories of those who perform their civic duties well. Who is the heart and soul of this place we call Capitola-Soquel-Aptos-Live Oak-Santa Cruz? What are the hidden gems? Are you what they call a public servant? How do you give back to this place we call home? And do you know of a project that could use a helping hand?

OK, now I’m committed.