On July 20, 2024, the AAUW Santa Cruz branch, led by Doreen O’Donovan, Branch President, hosted a community event “Let’s Talk About Child Care” at the Aptos Public Library.

They were joined by Linda Asato from the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network in Sacramento and Diane Munoz, Community Organizer for the Childhood Advisory Council in Santa Cruz County. The presentation included an overview of the childcare landscape in California and Santa Cruz County, capacity challenges and how to build more access, how the childcare system works including funding sources, state and federal policy updates, and opportunities for AAUW to support childcare initiatives.

The meeting was attended by AAUW Santa Cruz members, educators, nonprofit organizations Community Bridges and Boys and Girls Club, and community members.

Following the event, Doreen O’Donovan sent a letter to the editor about the childcare issue, and it was published by two papers