Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the dog days of summer. I’ve always loved that expression – it makes me think of salty days at the beach and beautiful sunsets after dinner. Only recently I learned it’s about the rising of the dog star Sirius!

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Our branch has had a busy summer of activities, starting with members participating in the board retreat in June, then the 4th of July Parade, inaugural session of Tech Trek Camp Carson at UC Santa Cruz, the National Night Out event, and finally the All Member Meet-Up in August– along with all of our regularly scheduled get-togethers and interest group meetings.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 year, our intrepid co-chairs of the Wildflower Run haven’t wasted a minute, enthusiastically organizing their plans for the March 30, 2025 run. This event is crucial to our mission, and we are excited about all the new members getting involved.

One topic that we must address this year regards our financial challenges. As I’m sure you’ve all noticed, prices have skyrocketed. Particularly for us, the cost of renting rooms for meetings – and finding venues large enough to hold our growing membership – has increased significantly, resulting in the necessity to draw from our reserves the last two fiscal years. For the first time in a decade, we are considering a vote to raise branch membership dues to ensure we can continue to support our local activities. Watch for more information at the board meeting and in your email.

As you read through this newsletter, I invite you to find at least one way to get involved – whether attending candidate forums, joining an interest group, or maybe helping to edit the Sunday email. Together we will continue to promote equity and education for women and girls.

Warm regards,

Krisse Boursier, President