JUNE 2022 • VOL. 9, NO. 13
Artscape Seascape Village art scene breaks out with new First Friday shows and events BY JOHANNA MILLER
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J
ust a couple of issues ago, we told you about gallery owner Del Crawford and his drive to bring attention to arts and culture in Aptos with new monthly events. Well, something’s in the air in Mid-County, because just a few miles away in Seascape Village, Gail Wright, Katie Gentile and the other folks at the nonprofit Stable Life Services got the same idea about their small community, and are kicking off Seascape’s debut First Friday event on June 3 with an exhibit and reception at their Community Activities Hub and Gift Shop. Johanna Miller writes about how it came together in the cover story for this issue, and on the cover we have a painting by Santa Cruz artist AJ Redmond, who’s a featured artist in the Seascape show. Redmond is involved with the Claraty Arts project, which is dedicated to the empowerment of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Claraty pairs its members with professional artists like Redmond to help them find and develop their own styles of expression, and for this First Friday show, SLS is featuring artists who work with the organization. Now, normally I’d always want to feature a piece of the artist’s work that’s actually going to be in the show we’re writing about. But in this case, I made an exception, since Redmond did such an incredible painting of the Sno-White Drive-In on State Park Drive. I hope it inspires you to check out Redmond’s work in Seascape, and may the wave of art-scene awakenings continue! STEVE PALOPOLI Editor
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Aptos Life is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Aptos Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Aptos Life is a division of the Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1868.
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PHOTO: JOHANNA MILLER
SAFE SPACE FOR ART Stable Life Services founder and executive director Gail Wright and program director Katie Gentile are bringing First Fridays to their new center
in Seascape Village.
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Breakout Village
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Nonprofit kicks off First Friday art shows in Seascape Village By JOHANNA MILLER
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series of First Friday art shows will kick off in Seascape Village this summer thanks to Stable Life Services (SLS), a nonprofit aiming to support individuals with special needs and their caregivers. First Friday is a monthly art tour featuring local artists in venues across Santa Cruz County. SLS will join the tour by hosting its own event at its new Community Activities Hub
and Gift Shop on June 3. “A lot of other places here in the village complex are interested in getting involved,” says program director Katie Gentile. “We’re hoping that we’ll get other businesses doing it as well so we can have a little walking tour, with art and music.” SLS was founded in 2018, and provides respite services to families served by the San Andreas Regional Center. They officially opened the Hub in Seascape
in November of last year. Founder and executive director Gail Wright says it was her son, Brett, who inspired her to start the organization. “My driving force has always been my son,” Wright says. “A lot of kids grow up together in programs, but when they get older they leave and don’t have a place to see each other again. We’re hoping to create a safe space where people can come from all different programs … while giving families
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READY TO GO Left: Gail Wright hangs art in preparation for First Friday. Right: Guitarist Duncan Shipton will perform at the opening reception for the show on June 3 from 6-9pm. adults. The organization partners its members with professional artists, who help them develop their own style and how to show their work professionally. “Our partnership with Claraty is really special,” Wright said. “They have such a similar mission, in giving these adults a space to be creative and have a community. Some of these artists are just so incredibly talented.” Added Gentile: “[Claraty] haven’t been showing that much, or having drop-ins at their gallery. All their artwork is all over their studio, but not being viewed by anyone. So it’s super exciting to finally be giving these artists a place to be seen.” Claraty’s AJ Redmond is one of the featured artists whose work is currently being installed. “AJ is quite known in Santa Cruz,” Wright said. “He’s incredible, so talented. Plus, my son happened to have met and worked with AJ in the past, so it’s been really cool to
have them meet up again.” First Fridays will continue on July 1 with a show featuring artwork by longtime Aptos resident Erika Ismerio. Ismerio described the show, entitled “Scrapbook,” as a series of vignettes described as “a capsule of feminene moments set in lush nature settings.” The event will include live music from Steve Robertson and Jack Gates. “Erika is such an incredible artist,” Gentile said, “so we’re really excited to show her work.” In August and September, Claraty will return to the space to feature more artwork by its members. Wright said they are working on creating a line of merchandise to sell during First Fridays. They will also be selling greeting cards that will benefit ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Gentile says they hope to branch out and do even more outreach at the Hub in the future. “When I started working
here, Gail made it apparent that after they finish school, a lot of special needs adults don’t have anywhere to go,” she said. “They’re stuck with day-to-day things with their caretakers. We want to create a space where they can come interact with people and get involved in things. To have a community to be part of.” A reception for the first show will be held on Friday, June 3, from 6-9pm at the Community Activities Hub. There will be live music from Santa Cruz guitarist Duncan Shipton, as well as local singer-songwriter Samantha Humphrey, and wine provided by Bargetto Winery. The Community Activities Hub and Gift Shop is located at 18 Seascape Village. For information about the upcoming First Fridays event visit bit.ly/38OBMGj. To learn more about Stable Life Services visit stablelifeservices.org.
JUNE 1, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
and caregivers support, as well.” Gentile said they hope the Hub will become a resource for residents in the more southern parts of the county. “There are a lot of great programs in Santa Cruz,” Gentile says, “but for a lot of our clients who are in this area or Watsonville, it’s too far for them to go. It's hard to get there.” The Hub will be hosting classes, activities, music, art, exercise, dancing and more. It will also act as a facilitator for parents and families, giving them a place to meet up. “Once you get together, you find you have so much in common,” Wright said. “There are lots of other families and caregivers out there who are in the same sort of boat.” The inaugural First Friday on June 3 will feature work by artists from the Claraty Arts Project, a Santa Cruz-based program, studio and gallery that works with neurodiverse
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Home Networks Security Cameras Wi-Fi Upgrades PAGE TURNER A crew from Bogard Construction uses an excavator to
demolish the Aptos Branch Library May 18 on Soquel Drive at State Park. A new library is in the works and expected to be completed by summer 2023. The $14 million project is being funded by the 2016 voter-approved Measure S and donations from the community. The new 12,400-square-foot space will include expanded and improved amenities, including an outdoor reading room, garden, patio, rideshare and bike parking, group study rooms, a gallery, a community room and terrace, public art and historic features in partnership with the Aptos History Museum. DESIGN DEPARTMENT weeklys.com
Willowbrook Park Renamed in Honor of Fallen Sergeant The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on May 24 voted unanimously to rename Willowbrook County Park after Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of duty on June 6, 2020. Willowbrook County Park in Honor of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller is located in Aptos, and was frequented by Gutzwiller and his family, who live in the area. The Deputy Sheriff ’s Association, Santa Cruz County Parks Department and County Park Friends are working with the community to raise funding for significant park renovations in Gutzwiller’s memory. Although
more than $250,000 has already been raised, park funding goals have yet to be met. “The park will provide a place for his family, friends and our broader community to come reflect and share in the beauty of this special place. It’s a park that held deep meaning to Damon and his family and now we are reimagining the park in a way that’s befitting of his honor,” Supervisor Zach Friend said. “Damon’s dedication and love for this county was clear to anyone who worked with him, far before his tragic death forever cemented his selfless commitment,” said Sgt. Steve Ryan, close friend and coworker of Gutzwiller. “It is my hope that those who visit this park will see his name and be reminded of the commitment and sacrifice
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Damon made, while thinking fondly of my friend and brother.” County Parks recently completed updates to the sports courts area. Additional updates include a new, more inclusive play area with new play surfacing, the construction and installation of a memorial seating area on the south side of the pedestrian walkway bridge, park entry enhancements and a new flagpole. For information, visit countyparkfriends. org/willowbrook.
Garden Tour Focuses on Water-Saving Tips UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties will host its 20th garden tour on June 11 from 10am to 4pm. The 10 featured gardens highlight different ways to be water-wise and create pollinatorfriendly habitats, both timely topics with another drought year ahead and increasing concern about biodiversity and climate change. This self-guided tour weaves through Live Oak to Aptos, from suburban homesteads and peaceful sanctuaries designed for rest and reflection, to a tropical oasis for friends and family to gather. Tickets are priced per person at $30 for advance purchase and $35 day of the tour. Each ticket includes immediate access to two bonus prerecorded garden tour videos. This event is sponsored by the Soquel Creek Water District, City of Santa Cruz and Shemeika Fox, Realtor. For information and to purchase tickets, visit mbmg.ucanr.edu.
June election ballots have been mailed to all voters in Santa Cruz County. The ballot is in a 9.5by 6-inch envelope with a big blue “XO” on the flap. “We wanted something easy to spot in the piles of mail we all get,” County Clerk Tricia Webber said. “So we are mailing every voter a hug and a kiss with their ballot.”
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Inside, voters will find their ballot and instructions on how to mark their choices and how to return the ballot. Voters may drop off their ballot in one of the 17 ballot drop boxes installed throughout the county, walk it in to one of the staffed drop box locations, or mail it in the postage paid envelope. Ballots postmarked on or before June 7 and received by June 14 will be considered received on time under California state law. Every voter has also been mailed a County Voter Information Guide and Sample Ballot booklet. The guide is printed on white paper with the County Clerk seal at the top. The guide includes information about voting as well as information on local measures and candidates running for local office. Voting is now open at the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310 in Santa Cruz, and the Watsonville City Clerk’s Office at 275 Main St., fourth floor (sixth floor of the parking garage) in Watsonville. The VoteMobile will also offer voter services at various locations across the county. For information and list of other voting locations as they become available, visit votescount.us for the schedule.
First 5 Santa Cruz County triplep.first5scc.org 831.465.2217
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Voting is Open
“We wanted something easy to spot in the piles of mail we all get.”
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ASK NICOLE
By Nicole M. Young, MSW
FATHER’S DAZE The last two pandemic years have made a lot of men rethink their priorities about work and family.
Advice For Dad JUNE 1, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
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y oldest child recently graduated from college. I’m grateful he experienced his graduation ceremony in person, but it was surreal to be there with thousands of people. It made me realize how life is definitely different because of Covid, but feels more “normal” with each passing day. I’ll admit there are times when I miss the quieter, slower pace of life and the increased family bonding time, especially during the first year of the pandemic. I want to maintain that feeling of peace and family connectedness, even as life takes my kids in new and different directions. I have a feeling I’m not
the only one who feels this way. This monthly column provides tips for anyone raising children, based on the worldrenowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org.
Dear Nicole, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for two years after losing my job during the pandemic. At first, it was hard to adjust to not going to an office every day, and I was worried about our family’s finances. My stress affected my partner and our young kids— there were a lot of arguments and
outbursts. But then we found a new rhythm, and I ended up loving my dad duties and being more present and involved in my kids’ daily activities. Now I just received a full-time job offer. I want to be employed again, but I’ve already had a few emotional breakdowns about spending less time with my kids. It’s making me rethink my priorities. What can I do? — Frank Dear Frank, Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I’ll bet there are other dads and parents who can relate to what you’re feeling. While it’s a relief that childcare, schools, businesses, and other daily activities have resumed, I’ve heard several people describe
“bright spots” — like a simpler life and more family time — that they hope will remain in the post-Covid world. Here are some tips to try: Feel the feelings: It’s natural to feel conflicted about returning to work and spending less time with your children, and it’s healthy that you’re acknowledging the intensity of those feelings. Find ways to express and release your emotions in ways that work for you—whether that’s through physical activity, talking, crying, mindfulness exercises, or some other outlet. This is an important form of self-care, especially during stressful times. Talk with your family: Chances are your kids (and maybe even
ASK NICOLE
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your partner) are feeling similar emotions, but might not know how to name or express them. The arguments and outbursts might even return if you accept the job and the whole family experiences another big shift. Talk as a family about what aspects of your daily routines will change and what will stay the same. Share your own mixed feelings about these changes and what you’re doing to handle big emotions. This will set a good example and help your kids build their own emotional resilience. Make your family’s “bright spots” part of your regular routine: Identify the things you treasured most about your dad duties during the pandemic, then try to find ways to continue doing them, even if it’s different. If you enjoyed making all their meals, can you prepare at least one snack or meal for them each day? If you loved having time to read, play, or talk together without being rushed, can you create that same quality time in short but frequent amounts of time when you’re home? If you created new routines and rituals during the pandemic that hold special meaning, like a family movie night or parentchild “dates,” can you continue those on a regular schedule, even if it’s less frequently?
Nicole This is a good time to talk with your prospective employer about how they support employees to maintain a healthy workfamily life balance. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 22, who also manages Santa Cruz County's Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world's leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep. first5scc.org, http://www.facebook. com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.
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Explore options for a flexible work arrangement. This is a good time to talk with your prospective employer about how they support employees to maintain a healthy work-familylife balance. Find out whether the company will accommodate a flexible schedule or even a hybrid work arrangement, if your type of job could be done remotely. Their answer might help you determine whether this job opportunity fits your priorities at this time in your life. Living through a global pandemic has been incredibly challenging but has also created positive moments for many families. As everyday routines start to resemble pre-pandemic life more and more, remember to hold on to the bright spots and create a “new normal” that works for your family.
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WORD FROM A FRIEND
Previewing the County Budget
R
ecently, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the proposed budget. The budget is adopted in June for the following fiscal year. This year’s proposed $1.033 billion budget reflects the communities priorities based on the adopted Strategic Plan and the two-year Operational Plan.
Key Highlights The Proposed 2022-23 Budget recommends more investments in public safety, parks and more including: • Providing investments in Sheriff staffing resources; • Transitioning to a fully staffed Public Defenders Office; • Providing resources for the District Attorney to address case backlogs; • Additional funding for improvements at Willowbrook Park in Aptos, as well as other parks in the district;
JUNE 1, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
• Expanding broadband to help bridge the digital divide;
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• Implementing the new Community Development and Infrastructure Department, which combines Public Works together with Planning to better serve residents and incorporate the Unified Permitting Center; • Continuing progress towards the Summer 2023 opening of the new South County Service Center.
New Budget Website
While the state has a onetime record surplus, it’s unclear what will be provided to our county. In an effort to provide transparency to the budget process and increase the accessibility and usability of budget information, the county has a new online, interactive portal for the budget. It is a really informative (and easy-to-use) tool for viewing and engaging with the county’s budget. Previously, the county relied on separate and manual systems and countless spreadsheet and publishing tools to develop the budget. As you can imagine, the over-600 page document took quite the amount of paper to produce for county and community viewing. The new website will improve our environmental impact and also provide easy access for the community to learn more about where your money is spent. The new website explains how the county is financed, how services are delivered and how they connect to our strategic plan. By exploring the site, our community can see a direct connection between department budgets and our strategic and operational objectives. The online budget can be found at santacruzcounty.us/
VisionSantaCruz/Budget.aspx. Additionally, you can find the budget site by visiting the main county website, santacruzcounty. us, and you will see a link on the home page. The County Administrative Officer has also created a Budget in Brief within the Proposed 2022-23 Budget website that includes an overview of the budget.
Reserves The Board of Supervisors adopted a policy a few years ago that requires a minimum reserve of 7 percent of General Fund revenues—which equates to a little over $46 million for the coming year. Reserves are essential to maintain services during economic insecurity or natural disasters. Additionally, reserves help the county borrow at better interest rates for larger capital needs. The County holds a AAA bond rating.
Economic Outlook While many indicators show that many segments of the economy have returned to their prepandemic levels, inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence and
By Zach Friend Santa Cruz County Supervisor
other challenges put gains over the last year in jeopardy. Across our county, the reduced labor force and escalating housing prices create the potential for increased unemployment impacting employers and consumer spending. While the state has a onetime record surplus, at this point it’s unclear how those funds will be allocated and what will be provided to our county for either capital or service-related needs. County staff are estimating an over $9 million budget gap with concerns that a percentage of the necessary expenses incurred during the Covid and CZU fire-related response may not be reimbursed by FEMA. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30, 2022, the County of Santa Cruz is expected to incur $130,094,356 in community response and recovery for COVID19 pandemic programs. FEMA representatives have signaled that they may recommend against reimbursement of certain Covid19 pandemic response costs, leaving the County General Fund at risk for $17 million to $19 million—creating a shortfall. Additional information on the national, regional and local economic outlook is provided on the budget website, including in the Budget in Brief document. As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback on this or any other county issue. Please call me at 454-2200 with any questions or comments.
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