Pajaro Valley Magazine | Jan. 24, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

JANUARY 24, 2020

Voice Ville

A supplement to The Pajaronian

OF THE

Rapper and singer Kabwasa pays tribute to his Watsonville roots P4

CAREER PATHS P5 | TRY THIS P6 | THE MIXING BOWL P7

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JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

RUZ TRACK C C A LU NT B A S

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was a Kabwasa fan before I ever heard a second of his music.

No, that’s not me trying to TONY NUÑEZ be a statusclaiming hipster, arguing that I was a fan before everyone else in the known universe. I’m a fan because of what the Watsonville native stands for. He’s a dreamer with a passion, and, sadly, we’re a little short of those in this city for various reasons.

For those of you who don’t know who Kabwasa is, take a second to read this week’s front page story on the rapper/ singer’s journey through the local public school system and how he continued to chase his passion while attending the University of Southern California. It’s inspiring to see young people devote their time and energy to teach the forthcoming generation to keep their dreams and hopes alive no matter the circumstances.

Kabwasa’s music isn’t entirely about money, women and taking over the world, as most hip-hop hits are today. His music comes with a message, one that will reverberate through most people that grew up in Watsonville. He talks about gentrification and the plight of migrant workers— two hot topics in the Pajaro Valley today. And I think what makes Kabwasa special, is his willingness to say he doesn’t know everything about these two issues. “I want to spread the truth of these people...it’s so important to show support.

Not to speak for them, but to speak with them.” he told reporter Johanna Miller.

Making waves in the entertainment business is extremely tough, but many artists that do find success are those that are unafraid to be truthful. Kabwasa has that in spades. He also has a fan in me.

MAGAZINE

21 Brennan St, Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.761.7301

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Cover Story

5

Career

6

Try This

7

The Mixing Bowl

8

Live Music

10 Photo Gallery

CEO & Executive Editor Dan Pulcrano Publisher Jeanie Johnson Managing Editor Tony Nuñez Contributing Writers Todd Guild Johanna Miller Sarah Ringler Advertising Account Executives Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Jazmine Ancira Design Director Kara Brown Production Johanna Miller Cover Photography Tatum Van Dam

Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

tchavez@pajaronian.com Phone:

831.761.7301

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JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Tuscany Escape TuscanyCulinary Culinary Escape Escape Tuscany Culinary

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MUSIC

photo by Joey Rodriguez Ontiveros

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

STAYING CONNECTED Watsonville native Kabwasa (left) has collaborated with Watsonville organizations, artists and car clubs to produce his music videos.

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BRINGING IT HOME

Born and raised in Watsonville, rapper embraces his roots while diving into L.A. music scene

By JOHANNA MILLER

F

or rapper and singer Kabwasa, staying connected to his hometown of Watsonville is a priority—even as he makes waves in the music scene in Los Angeles.

Raised in a house just off Rodriguez Street, Kabwasa was surrounded by music from an early age. He attended

Watsonville Charter School of the Arts, which he said “fostered his creativity” and inspired him to keep up his dream of becoming a musician. There and at Watsonville High School, he took part in talent shows, school plays and more.

“I grew up in a community that taught me to appreciate music,” Kabwasa said. “At home I was exposed to it before I could even talk—James Brown, Stevie

Wonder… and gradually I developed a love of hip-hop.”

Kabwasa started “messing around” on his computer in high school, uploading a couple of songs online. He eventually moved to Los Angeles after being accepted to the University of Southern California to study Anthropology. It was there, he said, that he began taking his music seriously.

Born Etienne Kabwasa Green,

the singer said he decided to use his middle name onstage to keep him connected to his family history.

“It’s my mom’s maiden name,” he said. “She was born in the [Democratic Republic of the] Congo. The name helps me stay connected to that. It reminds me that I’m pretty lucky, as an African American, to know exactly where I come from, because not a lot of us do.” ➝8

CAREER

Pathways to their future

PVUSD retools its Career Technical Education program

By TODD GUILD

photo by Tarmo Hannula

W

FARM WORK Juan Baltazar tends to a cow inside the Watsonville High School

livestock barn.

Lane Koontz (second from left) heads up a metal shop at Watsonville High.

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

photo by Tarmo Hannula

atsonville High School student Juan Baltazar spent some time in the school’s new barn Wednesday, caring for the cow he is raising to sell this summer during the Santa Cruz County Fair.

He said he has been involved in raising animals since he was in the seventh grade, and that he is considering making a career out of it.

“I find a lot of interest in agriculture and raising animals,” he said.

In addition to learning about animal husbandry, Baltazar, 16, predicts that he will also gain real-world experience when the time comes to sell the cow. That is precisely the outcome Pajaro Valley Unified School District leaders are hoping for.

Baltazar is part of the school’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department, which is one component of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s recently retooled Career Technical Education (CTE) program.

This re-envisioning of how the district readies its students for the workforce began last year, when the district took over its CTE program from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

Most notably, each high school now has its own “signature pathway.” These areas of specialty will allow the district to focus its resources in one

place, rather than duplicating programs at each school.

Building on that idea, students will be able to take signature pathway classes at other schools, with the district providing transportation.

“The goal is that all signature pathways will be accessible to students at the other sites,” said CTE Coordinator Julie ➝9

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TRY THIS

THE BUZZ Bridal Expo 2020 The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will host its annual Bridal Expo at the Cocoanut Grove. Check out area photographers, florists, caterers, bakers, wedding and reception venues, while enjoying entertainment, raffles, prizes, roaming fashion shows and decor inspiration. Register at beachboardwalk.com. Date & Time: Jan. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $8 at the door.

2020 Taco Tour Ride The Watsonville Cyclery will host its first monthly Watsonville Bike Party community ride of the year.

Meet at the cyclery, with reflective and/or bright clothing and a helmet. Enjoy a pit stop for tacos along the way (bring cash!). Route TBA. Date & Time: Jan. 31, 6:308:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Bay Area Cider Week Open House

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Santa Cruz Cider Company will take part in Bay Area Cider Week, in conjunction with the 2020 annual Cider Conference in Oakland, with a special open house.

Cidermakers Nicole and Felix Todd will be on hand to answer questions. Never before released ciders will be on draft. Tortas al 100 food truck, Vegan Donuts and neighbors Elkhorn Slough Brewing will also be serving.

Date & Time: Feb.1, 1-8 p.m. Cost: Admission free; additional costs for cider, food.

Mothersong Join the Watsonville Public Library for a special musical program for babies and toddlers, featuring local musician Joya Winwood.

Preschoolers and younger can bring their moms and dads together for a celebration of culture. Date & Time: Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Cost: Free.

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.

FOOD

FOOD

The Farm House: Dino’s Stuffed Burger

Dandelion Chocolate

The Farm House restaurant has been open for some time now, but because TONY our offices are downtown I have not NUNEZ had many opportunities to drop by the Green Valley Road business during lunch hours That finally changed this week, and I’m happy I managed to carve out a moment from the breakneck pace of the day.

The food is good, the staff is friendly and the place looks fantastic. I got a coffee ($2.50) to power through the midday slog and ordered the Dino’s Stuffed Burger ($15), a highly-stacked concoction named after the head chef and owner Dino Saavedra featuring a half-pound Pat La Frieda Chuck and short rib patty, pepper jack cheese, chorizo, jalapeño, lettuce, tomatoes and red onions on a brioche bun.

It was a massive burger that brought the exact amount of heat I like—just enough to get the nose a bit runny, but not too much that I have to stop eating. The patty was deliciously cooked and the veggies were crisp and fresh. I also substituted the regular fries for an order of sweet potato fries ($1.50), and was glad I did so.

That is just one item on a large but not overwhelming menu for the up-and-coming American food gem. The business is at 11 Green Valley Road.

Follow them on Instagram at farmhousewatsonville.

The number of food choices available in San Francisco always amazes me.

We often go for a dim sum brunch, TODD and then make a day out of it by hitGUILD ting Golden Gate Park.

I went with my family recently to celebrate a birthday and, wanting to try something different, we went for breakfast at Dandelion Chocolate, a place that raises my favorite food to an art form.

The business makes smallbatch, responsibly sourced chocolate the way it’s supposed to be done.

Those interested in the process of chocolate making can take guided factory tours, and a tasting room offers samples from beans grown in several different regions around the world.

Visitors can also watch chocolate makers in action.

The breakfast menu in the Bloom Salon claims the place is inspired by Parisian cafes. It offers such choices as several varieties of hot chocolate (of course), Brûléed Brioche, Churros and Dipping Sauce, Chocolate Porridge and “Cake for Breakfast,” described as “a decadent, layered chocolate chip pancake cake with creme fraiche, vanilla cream and chocolate maple sauce.”

Reservations are essential, and sadly we missed ours when we underestimated our travel time. But we ate at the walkup coffee/chocolate cafe, snacking on delicious pastries and hot chocolate so thick and rich it was practically a melted chocolate bar.

Definitely check this place out. It’s quite expensive, but worth every penny. For information visit dandelionchocolate.com Three Bay Area locations: • Factory, retail shop, café and Bloom Salon: Open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily, at 2600 16th St., San Francisco.

• Valencia Street factory, retail shop and café: Open seven days per week (different hours), at 740 Valencia St., San Francisco.

• There is also a location in the Ferry Building.

Note: There are also several in Japan and one in Taiwan.

THE MIXING BOWL

Sticky sweets from the Philippines

I

GOOEY GOODNESS Filipino bibingka is a dessert made with sweet rice

flour, which is available at Yamashita Market in Watsonville.

and blend until smooth.

Then add half of the milk mixture and blend in again.

Add the rest of the mochiko flour and blend in. Finally add the rest of the milk mixture and mix until smooth.

Pour mixture into the greased pan and bake for 1 hour.

Cool before cutting and serving.

Sarah Ringler is a retired schoolteacher. She worked as a cook for 8 years before being a teacher, and also taught a cooking class at Pajaro Middle School for several years. She comes from a long line of serious cooks and passed the tradition on to her children, grandchildren, students and, hopefully, her readers.

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

photo by Sarah Ringler

’m dazzled by all that it might taste the flours that like baked Jello, if have come onto the Jello could be baked. markets these days.

This easy-tomake recipe is from As well as the usual Jo Anne Sugimoto wheat, rye, buckwheat, of justapinch.com. barley and corn, varieties Note that like a cake, I have never heard of the flour and liquid like spelt, teff, amaranth, mixtures are added in oat, flaxseed and almond stages, not all at once. flours are available, not SARAH A more traditional only in baked goods, RINGLER Filipino recipe but as bulk flours. uses glutinous I suspect it might rice fermented with palm be because of the glutenwine and then ground into free movement. It seems a thick paste—a lengthy like just about anything can ritual made and eaten be milled or ground into around Christmas time. flour—so brace for further Blue Star Mochiko is surprises. The cultures of available at the Yamashita our world are so rich and the Market at 114 Union Street. environments so diverse, it Also, check out the Oriental can be a history lesson and a Store and Food to Go at 205 culinary adventure just to eat.

East Lake for take-out Filipino One of the most beautiful goodies and groceries. flours that looks and feels like pearl dust, and is packaged in the cutest box, is Blue Star Mochiko, a sweet rice flour BIBINGKA made by Koda Farms. It is a California product made Ingredients with rice grown and milled by the Koda family since 1940.

2 cups mochiko flour And, it can be used to make 1 teaspoons baking powder bibingka, a sweet and gooey 6 ounces canned coconut milk Filipino dessert. It can also be 1 ½. cup milk used to make Japanese mochi, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Chinese dim sum and various ¼ cup butter - softened Korean and Indonesian dishes.

1 ½ cup sugar Blue Star Mochiko is milled 2 eggs from a glutinous rice, native to East Asia, and is unique in Directions that the small opaque grains Preheat oven to 350 degrees. become sticky when cooked.

Butter an 8-inch square pan.

It has been grown in China In a small bowl, whisk together for over 2,000 years and was mochiko and baking powder. discovered in a mutated rice In another small bowl, plant, then propagated, and combine coconut milk, fresh grown for its unique sticky cow’s milk and vanilla extract. characteristic that also makes it In a medium size bowl, more digestible than regular rice. cream softened butter and sugar Note that this rice contains together until very smooth. Add one egg at a time, beating well. no gluten. Glutinous just means To this mixture, add half sticky, and this bibingka is gooey of the mochiko flour mixture and sticky. You could imagine

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SAT APTOS ST. BBQ 8059 Aptos St, Aptos

1/25

SUN

Gil de Leon, 6 p.m.

1/26

MON

1/27

Blues Mechanics, 6 p.m. Blind Rick, 6 p.m.

TUES

1/28

Mojo Mix, 6 p.m.

BLUE LAGOON 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

WED

1/29

A.C. Myles, 6 p.m.

THU

1/30

T-Bone Mojo, 6 p.m.

Hallway Patrol +TBA, 2 p.m.

FRI

1/31

Lloyd Whitley, 6 p.m.

Left at London + Valentine, 8 p.m.

BRITANNIA ARMS 110 Monterey Ave, Capitola photo by Joey Rodriguez Ontiveros

CITY PRIDE Watsonville native

Kabwasa now resides in Los Angeles.

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

MUSIC

8

4

Kabwasa describes his music as a fusion between hip-hop and R&B, mixing in some soul and funk. In his own words: “Old school beats with new school flows.” As both a rapper and a singer, he said he tries to stay interesting but also as true to himself as possible.

“For instance, I’ve always had a higher voice… I used to hate it, but now I use it to my benefit—I embrace it,” he said. “I figured out that a higher register really works with the kind of singing-rapping thing I do.”

Kabwasa’s lyrics continually hit on important social issues, primarily those he recognized growing up in Watsonville, such as income inequality and gentrification.

In his song “Worker’s Truth,” he touches upon the plight of migrant farmworkers.

“I want to spread the truth of these people,” he said. “I grew up witnessing them working so hard and getting so little. Now more than ever, with what we are going through politically in this country, it’s so important to show support. Not to speak for them, but to speak with them.”

Last week Kabwasa re-released two of his songs as a new EP entitled “Watsonville.” The tracks “Watson” and “Ville” pay homage

CAPITOLA WINE BAR 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola

Wine and Paint Night!, 5:30 p.m.

THE CATALYST 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Felipe Esparza, 9 p.m.

THE CATALYST ATRIUM 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Kaivon, 9 p.m.

Fury, 9 p.m.

CILANTROS 1934 Main St, Watsonville

KPIG Happy Hour 5:30-7:30p.m.

CORRALITOS CULTURAL CENTER 127 Hames Rd., Corralitos

Wynonna, 8 p.m.

Minnesota, 9 p.m.

Eddy Baker, 9 p.m

Mustache Harbor, 9 p.m.

Hippo Happy Hour 5:30-7:30p.m.

Acoustic Open Jam 3-5p.m.

THE CREPE PLACE 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Kite Hands Glowing, 9 p.m.

CROW’S NEST 2218 E. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Tsunami, 9:30 p.m.

THE FISH HOUSE 972 Main St, Watsonville

Simply Put, 8 p.m.

KUUMBWA JAZZ 320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Antonina’s CD release: Heart of All That Matters, 7 p.m.

Open Mic 7-10p.m.

Funk Night w/ Space Heater, 9 p.m.

An Evening w/ Katie Ekin, 7:30 p.m.

Live Comedy, 9 p.m.

to the city he grew up in and still cares for deeply. Kabwasa has gained a small following in California that is steadily growing.

He saw the EP as an opportunity to release his music in a more formal way.

“People seemed to enjoy the songs, but not many people knew who I was,” he said. “This was a way to reintroduce people to these songs… and maybe find some new listeners too.”

The singer has collaborated with Watsonville artists and groups to create four music videos. His video for “Worker’s Truth” was produced at Digital Nest, and the other three were created with help from local director Angel Diaz. He also worked behind-the-scenes with Watsonville photographer Joey Rodriguez Ontiveros and local car clubs.

Kabwasa said his goal is to spread positivity through his music, and inspire people from his hometown to follow their passion.

Jason Moran Duo with Marvin Sewell, 7 p.m.

“I didn’t really think I could do it—and yet here I am,” he said.

“I want people in Watsonville, especially young people, to know that it is possible to pursue your creativity.”

Kabwasa’s music can be heard

Stella by Barlight, 7:30 p.m.

The Next Blues Band, 8 p.m.

Matt Masih & The Messengers, 9 p.m.

Ranky Tanky, 7 p.m.

Adam Bolaños Scow for Congress: Claudia Villela & Eva Scow Quartet, 8 p.m.

on various streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Soundcloud and more.

His videos can be viewed on YouTube. Follow him on Twitter @ MusicByKabwasa.

SAT

1/25

MICHAEL’S ON MAIN 2591 Main St, Soquel

Tempest, 8 p.m.

MOTIV 1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

iEHOA, 9:30 p.m.

MOE’S ALLEY 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Lyrics Born, 9 p.m.

PARADISE BEACH 215 Esplanade, Capitola

Live Music (TBA), 2 p.m.

RIO THEATRE 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Women’s Adventure Film Tour, 7 p.m.

THE SAND BAR 211 Esplanade, Capitola

Trace Repeat, 9 p.m.

SUN

1/26

The Paperboys, 1p.m.

Grateful Sunday, 5:30p.m.

MON

1/27

SOLD OUT: Melissa Etheridge, 6 p.m.

TUES

1/28

WED

1/29

THU

1/30

FRI

1/31

Muriel Anderson + Steve Eric Andersen & Scarlet Grampa’s Chili + Bright- Jeff Blackburn & Friends, 5 p.m. Phil McGee & Friends, Palazzo & Charlie Rice, Rivera, 7:30 p.m. shine, 7:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

The Takeover, 9:30 p.m.

BO$$ANGELES, Little John, 9:30 p.m.

Chris Duarte, 4 p.m.

Libation Lab w/ Tyler Kid Vicious, 9:30 p.m.

Colvin & Enzo, 9:30 p.m.

Gene Ever Jr., 8:30 p.m. La Misa Negra, 9 p.m.

Live Music (TBA), 6 p.m.

Live Music (TBA), 6 p.m. Live Music (TBA), 2 p.m.

Keith Greeninger + Dayan Kai and Fred Eaglesmith, 7:30 p.m.

Don Caruth Open Jam, 7:30 p.m.

Live Again, 7:30 p.m.

Big Bad Wolf, 7:30 p.m.

Kid Dynamite, 9 p.m.

Ken Constable, 6:30 p.m.

Joe Ferrara, 6:30 p.m.

SANDERLINGS 1 Seascape Resort, Aptos SHADOWBROOK 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola

Claudio Melega, 7 p.m.

UGLY MUG 4640 Soquel Ave, Soquel

Abby Karp and Hannah Cooper, 7:30 p.m.

VINOCRUZ 4901 Soquel Drive, Soquel ZELDA’S 203 Esplanade, Capitola

Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.

Myhaylo K, 5 p.m.

Matt Masih, 9:30 p.m.

What’s Good, 9:30 p.m.

ZIZZO’S COFFEHOUSE AND WINE BAR 3555 Clares St., Capitola

CAREER

5

Edwards.

The Agriculture Business signature pathway was a natural fit for WHS, which had a well-established program in place on which to build. About 500 students are

in the program now, said agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Paulina Correia.

Students receive hands-on experience and academic work, and also get to connect with industry professionals from such companies as Driscolls,

—CTE Coordinator Julie Edwards Monterey Mushrooms and Martinelli’s, Correia said.

“Many people don’t understand that agriculture is a business beyond what they see in the fields,” she said.

Aptos High’s signature pathway is biotechnology, which will roll out in the fall. Pajaro Valley High’s focus is on technology, with its Information and

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

‘It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in – there are skills you take with you everywhere you go.’

Support Services pathway.

The courses are part of California Department of Education’s CTE program, which outlines 15 overarching industry sectors to help school districts build their own programs. See them at bit.ly/37hFy5b.

PVUSD’s new system is a shift away from the days when vocational education was considered distinct from college-track studies, Edwards said.

Nearly all of the classes are considered “A-G” college-level courses, which are required for entry into UC and CSU systems.

“We’re teaching career skills,” Edwards said. “Collaboration, teamwork, time management, the ability to have a conversation and ask good questions.

The kinds of skills everybody has to have to be successful, period. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in – there are skills you take with you everywhere you go.”

In addition to their signature pathways, each school also offers several other areas of focus in their CTE programs.

These include criminal justice, graphic design, medical technology and construction, just to name a few.

At the same time, PVUSD has partnered with Cabrillo College to offer dual enrollment for some courses, allowing students to earn transferable college credit even before they earn their diplomas.

The program is being funded

by Career Technical Education Incentive Grants from the California Department of Education, to the tune of $770,000. It also receives funding from the K12 Strong Workforce Investment Program grant, a National Science Foundation grant and a Perkins grant.

PVUSD also receives support from Your Future is Our Business, a group founded in 1993 by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce to link young people with local businesses.

“It’s driven by the local labor market,” Edwards said. “It’s stateof-the-art careers for kids that will lead them to living wage jobs.

That’s what we want: high skill, high demand, high wage.”

9

PHOTO GALLERY

10

photo by Tarmo Hannula

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to tnunez@pajaronian.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

DOWNTOWN TUNES Tony Chapman, drummer, alto saxophonist, tambourine player and singer treats passerby to his blend of tunes on Pacific

Avenue in Santa Cruz. His medley included “When the Saints Come Marching In,” the melody from Beethoven's 9th Symphony, fourth movement, and “What a Wonderful World.”

photo by Roger Vail

Photography by Elyse Destout

CRISS CROSS Fence shadows and containers in Watsonville.

THE YOUNGEST COWBOY! Taken at Pioneer Ranch, Pajaro Valley.

photo by Johanna Miller

photo by Tarmo Hannula

People unload from buses at Strong Agronomy in Watsonville for the first stop on the EcoFarm Conference 2020 bus tour.

ONE WITH NATURE People break down the setting for an offbeat

wedding at Capitola Beach.

JANUARY 24 - 30, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

FARM TOUR

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