Current Happenings

October 8, 2026

Hospitality News

This Sunday, October 11th, is the 2nd Sunday of the month

Last names starting A-I, please bring ready-to-serve to share.

New Member/Information Workshop

Sunday, October 18

11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

in the Gallery

Come curious! Are you interested in finding out more about the Fellowship and the Unitarian faith? Have you been thinking of becoming a Member and wondering what that means for you? Do you want to deepen your connection with the Fellowship and have questions? Consider attending this Workshop to learn more. Led by Wendy Wyckoff and Ginny Aragon from the Membership Team with assistance from Rev Laura via Zoom. All are welcome. And all questions are welcome. Please let us know you are coming so we have the right number of handouts prepared!  Email RSVP Here.

The UUFSCC Legacy Fund

Securing Our Fellowship’s Future

Sunday, October 18

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

in the Sanctuary

Join the Stewardship Committee after the service for an informational Q&A session about the new Legacy Fund. Come learn how this new fund works and how you can contribute to a lasting foundation for our Fellowship community.

From the Green Team

MOTHER NATURE NEEDS YOUR VOTE!

Please consider CA Proposition 45 and Santa Cruz County Measure D carefully as they could have significant environmental impacts.

Proposition 45

Modifies Environmental Review for Some Projects

As the Trump administration rolls back environmental protections across the country, California’s state laws are now one of the last backstops remaining. The California Environmental Quality Act is one of our strongest remaining defenses for public health, air, land, and water.

• A "yes" vote means certain projects could use a weakened review and court process that limits public input on harmful projects and weakens public health protections.
• A "no" vote means California keeps the public oversight, tribal consultation, and corporate accountability we have today, and keeps our clean air and clean water protections strong.

Measure D

Require Voter Approval for Deep-Sea Mining Land Use Changes 

Santa Cruz County Measure D is on the ballot as a referral in Santa Cruz County

• A "yes" vote supports requiring voter approval for land use changes related to deep-sea mining facilities.
• A "no" vote opposes voter approval for land use changes related to deep-sea mining facilities.

A simple majority is required to approve the measure.

Green Team Action!

Turn Off Outside Lights at Night

& Protect Wildlife

Bright outdoor and indoor lights disorient and harm thousands of species of insects and animals year-round. Many birds migrate at night using starlight to find food sources and breeding grounds,but bright lights can pull them off course. 



Be a good neighbor to our local critters by simply turning off your outside lights. Don’t have outdoor lights or live in an apartment? You can also close your blinds, curtains, or shades at night. Indoor light spilling outside adds to light pollution. It’s quick, easy, lowers your electric bill, and might even help you see more stars! 

UUFSCC Justice Team

The Election! What do the Propositions really Mean?

If you had wanted to go to John Laird's information session about the propositions last Saturday but could not make it, there is a recording of it HERE. In addition, find a copy of the recommendations shared during Hospitality last Sunday HERE.

No Kings! Vote Early!

Next Saturday, October 17

A large showing will help encourage others to vote early and early voting will help make it clear that the outcomes are legitimate! Please join us for a great UU showing!!! 

Santa Cruz Co Courthouse steps, 701 Ocean Street

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Rally briefly on the courthouse steps, provide opportunities for participants to sign up to defend this election, and drop ballots in the County’s secure ballot drop box in a joyful celebration of voting rights!

Then encourage early voting by lining Ocean Street until noon with signs, music, giant puppets, and artwork. Bring signs that encourage early voting, standing up for democracy, and voter participation. More info and registration HERE.

Watsonville City Plaza Park, 358 Main St., Watsonville

12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 

Join the party with music, dancers, art, games, messages about the importance of voting, and more. More than a protest, this gathering is also about turning People Power into Voter Power: bringing us together to stand up for democracy and helping every voter understand our options. Make a plan to vote early and make our voices heard. More info and registration HERE.

UU the Vote--thanks to all!

Thanks to all who participated in personalizing letters to encourage voting! Between the primary and general election, we completed about 1500 letters!! Thanks for living your UU values! If you want to know other ways to protect the election, talk to members of the Justice Team!

If you still have any letters, please contact Teri right away to discuss options!

Shared Plate Recipient for October:

Prophets of Hope

A program of Peace United Church of Christ, Prophets of Hope provides a compassionate presence to inmates at Santa Cruz County Jail facilities and their families. Along with regular weekly spiritual services, Prophets of Hope gives timely supplies to those it serves. Our donations will help pay for key items needed by women being released from jail, food items for families, plus special meals and goodie bags for inmates during the holidays. Holiday gifts like books, art supplies, games and sports equipment will go to the juvenile, men’s, and women’s jail facilities.

Other Community Events

Santa Cruz County

Native Plant Society

Fall Plant Sale 2026

Saturday, October 10

9:00 a.m. - 1: 00 p.m.

Cabrillo College Horticultural Center

Same time as the Cabrillo Horticulture Plant Sale and Pumpkin Patch.

Fall is the best time for planting native plants. There will be a robust selection of California lilac (Ceanothus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos) taxa along with a variety of drought-tolerant native perennials, shrubs, grasses, and ferns.

Scotts Valley Democracy Rising is hosting a bridge brigade to

Get Out the Vote

Saturday, October 10 ~ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

on the Granite Creek Overpass

Hands Off Our Vote!

If you wanted more information about the Indivisible Zoom from last Sunday about ways to help protect our vote, see information HERE.