Bringing the World to Our Mountain

Our mountain community has always been known for its welcoming spirit and strong sense of connection. One way families can experience that spirit on a global level is through cultural exchange. Tthe Cultural Care Au Pair program brings young adults ages 18 to 26 to the United States on a cultural-exchange visa and live with American host families for a year, sometimes longer. During that time, they help with childcare while becoming part of the family’s daily life. In return, they gain firsthand experience of American culture, improve their English, and build meaningful relationships that often last well beyond their stay.

For many families, hosting an au pair becomes much more than a childcare arrangement. Children gain exposure to new languages, traditions, and perspectives from around the world. Families often enjoy sharing their own customs while learning about another culture in return. It’s not uncommon for these relationships to grow into lifelong friendships, with families staying in touch or visiting one another years later.

Behind the scenes, the program is supported by local childcare consultants, who guide and support host families and au pairs. In our area, we are fortunate to have strong local support in place. What makes the program truly special are the families who choose to open their homes and share everyday life with someone from another part of the world. Families can bring a global perspective into their home while providing a meaningful experience for a young person from abroad.

Another important aspect of the program The Good Drones A Different View from Above Greg Kirkham In recent years, drones have become a more common sight over the Santa Cruz Mountains. For some, that brings concerns related to privacy, noise, and how the technology is being used. Those are important considerations. But there is another side to the story that deserves equal attention: the quiet, practical ways that drones can be helpful.

is its commitment to child safety and well- being. The nonprofit Kids First supports initiatives that prioritize the well-being of children and families in the program, and provides additional information and resources. Families interested in learning more about these efforts can visit www.

culturalcarekidsfirst.org. Our mountain community is a beautiful place to share with someone from another part of the world. Sometimes the most meaningful cultural exchanges begin with something simple: opening the door, sharing a meal, and learning from one another.

To learn more about hosting an au pair or about the broader cultural exchange program, call me at 408-771-5219, email angela.wuerz@lcc.culturalcare.com, or visit culturalcare.com/lcc/awuerz. Childcare you can trust like family Host an au pair and enjoy flexible, personalized, and affordable childcare angela.wuerz@lcc.culturalcare.com Contact Angela Wuerz, Local Childcare Consultant to learn more about the program!

In search and rescue, drones have become a valuable tool for first-responders. When someone is missing in rugged or heavily wooded terrain, an aerial perspective can significantly reduce the time it takes to locate them. That improves outcomes and reduces the risk faced by the volunteers and professionals doing the search work.

Closer to home, drones can play a role in wildfire preparedness. From above, it is easier to identify vegetation density, defensible- space gaps, and access challenges that are not always obvious from the ground. For Firewise communities and individual homeowners, this kind of visibility supports more informed decisions before fire season begins.

Local agriculture is beginning to benefit as well. Vineyard managers and small-scale growers use aerial imagery to spot early signs of plant stress from irrigation issues, pests, or soil variability. Instead of reacting after problems are visible, they can take targeted action sooner.

In construction and land management, drones help teams document progress and better understand complex sites. High- resolution maps and 3D models—often referred to as “digital twins”—allow for more accurate tracking, improved coordination, and fewer unnecessary site visits. In the mountains, where terrain and access can be challenging, that added perspective can make a meaningful difference.

Like any tool, the value of drones depends on how they are used, and by whom. Anyone can purchase and fly a drone today, but responsible use requires more than basic flight skills. Professional operators hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, carry insurance, and are trained not just to fly, but to collect and interpret data in a way that is accurate, useful, and respects privacy.

For residents and property owners, that distinction matters. Whether the goal is wildfire preparedness, land stewardship, or project documentation, the difference between raw imagery and actionable information is significant. Working with a qualified professional helps ensure that what is captured from the air translates into something meaningful on the ground.

As this technology continues to evolve, the conversation should not just be about where drones are flying, but how they are helping— and how we, as a community, choose to use them responsibly. Greg Kirkham is the founder of LoretoGeo, a Santa Cruz Mountains–based drone mapping and photogrammetry company focused on wildfire preparedness, land analysis, and planning.