Come To the Water Harvest Festival, By Rebecca Gold Rubin

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Come To the Water Harvest Festival

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Over the last year or so, many of our customers and community members have asked us this question: “When will the annual Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day return as an in-person event?”

As we all know, the pandemic limited this event to an onlineonly version during the last two years. But today, nearly 80%* of people in Santa Cruz County are fully vaccinated and case rates are far more manageable than earlier in the pandemic.

With that good news, we’re thrilled to let everyone know that next month, we will once again welcome families to this muchloved annual activity, live and in-person for the first time since 2019!

Everyone is invited to the Free 2022 Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day:

Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 am to 3 pm Heart of Soquel Park, 4740 Soquel Drive behind Soquel Village Post Office

The Water Harvest Festival celebrates our local water resources, which are crucial to our everyday lives and to the very future of our community.

This festive event will be filled with wonderful, entertaining water education activities for all ages. Who knew that hands-on learning about water could be so fun?

The District and our event partners are planning lots of exciting and delightful ways to bring the wonders of water to attendees. From water resources, water-wise gardening, and water supply, to groundwater geology, water infrastructure and plumbing, water conservation, watershed protection, and pollution prevention — the Water Harvest Festival offers great fun around all things watery, for kids and adults alike!

Each of our participating partner organizations will have their own interactive water education activity. With a festival “passport” in hand, kids can get a stamp for participating in every booth activity, to gain entry into a raffle for fun prizes. There will be free face painting, snacks, and our very special guests — The Banana Slug String Band. This joyful event will bring us all together to celebrate the ever-present importance of water, for today and for future generations.

In addition to the Soquel Creek Water District, our partner organizations scheduled to participate include:

County of Santa Cruz Public Works

Eat for Earth

Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Love’s Garden

“Jobs” from page 15

Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, expanded for the better summer weather.

Many employees have posted signs, saying, “We’re hiring,” to no avail.

The number of people unemployed has hovered around 5,000 for three months; a year ago, it was 8,900 unemployed.

California’s July 2022 unemployment rate of 3.9% is the lowest on record, dating back to 1976.

The state has now regained 2,685,100 of the 2,758,900 nonfarm jobs lost — 97.3% — during March and April of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. n

Yesterday: Jail Today: Workforce Ready

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is doing its part to help people serving their time in jail to get a job upon their release.

On July 23, nine incarcerated individuals at the Rountree Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Facility graduated from the “In2Work” Program.

This five-week program is designed to teach applicants job-ready food service skills while they’re in custody to help them transition back into the workforce and community.

Students graduate with a Serv-Safe Management Certification in the hospitality field.

This program, halted by the pandemic, is graduating its second class since restarting, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said.

Resource Conservation District of Santa

Cruz County

Sea Otter Savvy

San Lorenzo Lumber with its Rain Tank

Display

Santa Cruz County Parks

Soquel Creek Water District

Water Conservation Coalition of Santa

Cruz County

A big “thank you” to these sponsors of the Water Harvest Festival, who are part of the design and construction of the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project: Black & Veatch, ESA, and Kennedy Jenks, Brown and Caldwell, and Gutierrez Consultants.

Since the first event in 2018, the Water Harvest Festival has drawn hundreds of people from throughout the region for a fun, family-friendly time. Parking at Heart of Soquel Park is limited, so please consider walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling.

“Harvest Festival” page 26

Football

ACROSS

1. ‘90s Don Johnson TV character 5. India’s smallest state 8. Light on one’s feet 12. Arctic floater 13. Mouthful, swallowed 14. Rocks at mountain base 15. Reading helper 16. Serve soup 17. Clean & ____, in a workout 18. *QB’s target 20. Wholly engrossed 21. Religious ritual table 22. Scot’s woolen cap 23. Relating to milk 26. Oil-producing plant 30. Shakespearean “fuss” 31. Crowd 34. Like the White Rabbit 35. Chip feature 37. Mozart’s “L’____ del

Cairo” 38. Asian goat antelope 39. Turn sharply 40. Yield 42. Compass bearing 43. *When QB changes play at line of scrimmage 45. ____ identity 47. Failed Molotov cocktail 48. Alicia Keys’ instrument 50. Final notice 52. *It results in change of possession in football 55. Off-white color 56. Actor Pitt 57. Type of ore 59. Classic TV’s “lovely lady” 60. Stiff hair 61. Vegetative state 62. Distinctive elegance 63. Prior to, prefix 64. *Tom Brady’s 2008, 2018 or 2021 award

DOWN

1. *Professional football org. 2. Relating to armpit 3. Not all 4. Jazz subculture hipster 5. Tropical juice flavor 6. Comparative form of #40 Down 7. Imitator 8. *QB’s run 9. SAT or ACT ____ course 10. Catch one’s breath 11. “Owner of a Lonely

Heart” band 13. Malfunction 14. Hair product 19. Chosen few 22. Dress like Ancient

Greeks 23. Butterfly, premetamorphosis 24. Bye, to …lisabeth

Borne 25. Encrypted 26. *a.k.a. hike 27. Dog-____ pages 28. Do penance 29. Not as old 32. Casanova, e.g. 33. Two before Dec. 36. *NFL playing field 38. Shorthand 40. Antediluvian 41. Idi Amin’s country 44. Butane derivative 46. Not an expert 48. Less adulterated 49. All worked up 50. Like Joe Biden’s office 51. ____ Bora 52. Chef’s amt. 53. Son of Aphrodite 54. Boisterous play 55. *____ the kicker 58. “Uh-uh”

The Sun is in Virgo, an earth sign, offering us a picture of Ceres in the garden tending to Persephone, her daughter, who soon will enter into the underworld. And then Ceres, missing her daughter falls into grief and transforms the warmth of summer into the cool days of autumn and then the snowy cold of winter. And so the story goes.

Virgo is the sign of the Virgin Mother, pregnant with the holy child (new light), born at Winter Solstice. The child represents the Soul within each of us, the new light within that guides and directs the personalities of disciples. Virgo is the Virgin (pure) Mother who within her being is made of three components - Spirit, Soul and matter itself. As is humanity. These are esoteric temple mysteries written in the stars and in plain sight for all to see each month.

Wednesday, Uranus, the “awakener” becomes stationary retrograde, joining four other planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto - and one asteroid (Chiron) also retrograde. (Note: retrograde planets can be unpredictable to the point of magical.)

Uranus rules the Aquarian Age and Aquarius is the sign of humanity learning about true friendship, cooperation and community. Uranus will be retrograde till January 22, 2023. Uranus will remain in Taurus during its retrograde. Taurus is our stability, the illumined mind, it’s land, resources, money, possessions. It’s gold and all things that glitter. Uranus retrograde is an explosive energy if repressed. Uranus is potent, deeply psychological, analytical, with intuition and revelations occurring at the speed of light. Freedom is reawakened (think 1960s which our present times reflect on a higher dimension).

Virgo flows through Mercury before it reaches the hearts and minds of humanity. In Virgo, we analyze, refine, improve, and seek to serve others. For parents with Virgo children, we teach them how to first ‘serve” and care for themselves. This lays the groundwork for true service later on. “Let matter reign,” is the personality seed thought of Virgo. n

ARIES In the next several months you’ll break from the past and all things (people, ideas, beliefs, fears) that have hindered your freedom, self-identity, creativity and self-expression. You trusted others to have your interests at heart. However, you found this wasn’t always possible. An awakening is occurring informing you to be strong and make decisions about and for yourself, and to change your image to that of success. You can do this.

LEO More and more you find yourself thinking unconventional thoughts, doing out of the ordinary activities that actually begin to describe who you really are and provide you with freedom of expression. It would be good to tell close friends and family that you’re moving into an unusual, original, perhaps eccentric period of creativeness. It’s also a time to seek more play. Unusual attractions occur, too.

SAGITTARIUS You may be traveling unexpectedly. Perhaps travel is already planned. Something unexpected will occur providing you with a sense of freedom, liberation from difficult feelings, past beliefs, and that ongoing sense of limitation. Notice as you see the world differently than most, those that you meet reflect that difference. Tradition is cast to the winds as you begin to cherish and welcome the unconventional. It’s time to study something (unusual).

TAURUS You are awakening to the fact that you are of great value, something not realized before to such depth. As your thought of self as valuable grows, all that you value will change. I have found that without a sense of self-confidence firmly established there is less forward movement because the self doesn’t know what to choose or how to take action. This will change. Watch your finances. Always ask if your choice and actions are practical.

VIRGO The habitual, regular, normal, consistent, orderly and routine in daily life, work and relationships change unexpectedly. Anything confining will be liberated, including ideas and beliefs that create separations and block love, in your life. You might feel restless, and so a new rhythm will be found. Unusual methods of healing — laser light, energetic medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture — are of interest. Eventually only the unconventional (read holistic) will make sense.

CAPRICORN There is a review occurring concerning how you live each day, what your plans have been and what you want them to be. Also, you consider your career, how you as an authority relate to others. You want to be free of the past. However the past hasn’t revealed all of its secrets yet. More of your talents will be discovered, along with recognition that you approach your work in the world with dedication and care. Wherever you are, whenever you appear on the scene, everyone feels liberated. That is quite a gift!

GEMINI A return to a place with people previously known has, is or will be happening. You return to a neighborhood from long ago, or think about it to better understand that time in your life. You need new realities, ideas, fields of study, concepts that expose you to the future. Seeking new routines, you might dress, think, relate and express yourself differently. A new lifepattern comes forth. Read Christopher Alexander’s “A Pattern Language.”

CANCER You’ll return to an earlier interest, work, theme concerning family and home seeing how your history and early life interface with and influence your present. Don’t be surprised if home life is somehow disrupted, if time speeds up and slows down (like the tides), if routines keep changing, if decisions are quickly called for while patience dwindles. Hold all these things within a spirit of understanding that there’s no more normal, anywhere. For all of us, this is preparation.

LIBRA If interactions or relationships seem confusing or difficult, you’ll quickly walk away thinking the situation too hard to bear. Cooperation is needed to understand what actions are appropriate and, if everything feels limiting, how to respond. Explore with those you love ways that bring about wonder to replace boredom. Explore the impossible, impractical, the unattainable and the unachievable. The outcome is interesting, almost magical.

SCORPIO It’s a good idea to tend to money and resources with extra care as something could occur that’s unexpected, especially with shared resources. Keep up with all legal deadlines and matters – taxes, loans, debt. If not taken care of pleasure and ease could be limited and expenditures multiply. Something experimental and unusual will take place. Expect this and maintain balance each day through intentional Goodwill which creates Right Relations.

AQUARIUS Your circle of friends, groups that surround and love you, accept and listen intently to your hopes, wishes and needs. They begin to study what you are teaching for they are devoted to helping you and thus creating a life filled with all things new. A review each day is necessary. It provides a foundation for the needs of the coming days and weeks. what is to come forth. This is based on listening, asking, observing needs. These are the requirements of the Aquarian Age. Uranus provides the pathway.

PISCES Things unconscious and habitual come into your awareness. Then they are released. How do you feel about being anonymous and behind the scenes instead of being front and center? Pisces often hides away, initiating new realities from behind the scenes. Anything secret, already somewhat exposed, will have more light shed upon it. Nothing’s private anymore. The past needs shaking up and interesting coincidences continue to occur. The shimmering future eventually comes into view. “Harvest Festival” from page 25

Do not miss the return of Soquel Creek Water District’s Water Harvest Festival, inperson! We’re looking forward to seeing you on Oct. 8! n

•••

For the most up to date information, visit www.soquelcreekwater.org/271/ Water-Harvest-Festival *Source: County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency

“Wellness” from page 16

OBGYN and PT providers will work collaboratively to provide education for all women, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Early education will be available through existing prenatal and childbirth support groups, early identification, and intervention will occur during perinatal classes and treatment through exercise will continue in available and appropriate physical therapy until symptoms have resolved.

Women of Wellness Knowledge Center — $25,221

The Education Computer Lab — located on the 2nd Floor of the Dominican Hospital Education Building — is the “first impression space” for new staff, current staff and our ongoing student population. The funds will support a much needed upgrade to make the space conducive to learning and absorbing knowledge shared for the wellestablished New Grad Nursing Program; for onboarding new nursing staff; for current staff to update their practice knowledge.

Dominican Hospital’s Nursing Education/ Clinical Informatics departments provide clinical education for nursing, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy students, as well as mid-level providers including nurse practitioners and physician assistant rotations. •••

“We are a women-based council supporting women’s health issues,” says Anissa Novak,WoW vice chair. “ Our collaboration and involvement ultimately helps women with their current and future medical needs.”

“WoW makes a strong commitment through philanthropy to the future health care in Santa Cruz County,” says Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, Dominican Hospital president/ CEO. “Clinicians and staff are able to build awareness around the inner workings of the hospital, what services and technology presently available, and where we see the future of health going, By keeping community members involved and informed, we ensure continued access to quality, innovative, compassionate care close to home. We are truly grateful to each and every member and the impact they have made and will continue to make decades to come.” n •••

To learn more, visit supportdominican. org/women-of-wellness-council.

POLL WORKERS NEEDED

Have you thought about being a poll worker for the Nov. 8 election?

As a poll worker, you help ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election for all voters. Poll workers support early voting locations, ensure technology functions, and help minimize delays at polling places on election day. Fill out the form at: https://www.votescount.us/Home/ElectionOfficerRequestForm.aspx

HELP WITH STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

Employers in California can deliver tens of thousands of dollars in federal student loan relief to employees, by informing them about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Providing this life-changing benefit to employees comes at zero cost to employers because it’s a free federal program.

An estimated 825,000 Californians could benefit from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by having their federal student loans cancelled after 10 years of public service work, but fewer than 15,000 have benefited from this program to date.

From now until Oct. 31, it is easy to get credit for the PSLF program. For information, see: https://www.californiaborrowers.org/ about-the-campaign

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY

Adult Book discussion: Sept. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. September’s selection is Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles. Passionate Readers: 4th Thursday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday: Afterschool STEAM with Legos: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m weekly. Starts Sept. 22 First Friday: Movie Discussion group at 10:30 a.m. Fourth Friday: Movie Matinee: 10 a.m. to noon.

CALL TO ARTISTS

An artist will be selected to create a public art component for new Live Oak Library Annex at the Simpkins Family Swim Center.

The proposed artwork should help create an inviting outdoor space where people of all ages will gather, learn, connect, and share. Proposals should reflect the Live Oak community’s identity and history, and may incorporate community participation. The deadline to submit is Sept. 30.

The budget for the public artwork, which includes all costs associated with, but not limited to design, materials, travel, insurance, fabrication, installation, and documentation of the artwork, is $80,000. A brochure with information about the application process and the site plan is at: https://scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/ WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx.

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS FALL SEMESTER

The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will begin its fall semester Friday, Sept. 9. Classes will be s on consecutive Fridays for nine weeks in the Music Building, VAPA, at the campus in Aptos. An entry-level String Orchestra Class, Grades 4-6 Beginning Strings for violin/viola/cello will be offered Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be 3:45-4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with a rehearsal following. Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m.

String players ages 5 to18 are welcome to join the string orchestral and chamber music programs. Students must provide their own instruments and bring pencils & music stands.

Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear N94/95 masks or a double mask that includes a surgical mask outside and inside the music building, except when alone.

A concert is planned for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. To participate or make contributions, call (831) 479-6101 or visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings. Register through Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or extension.cabrillo.edu before the first class.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by September 7

The festival will be in the beautiful courtyard behind the church at the corner of Center and Church, next to the Civic Auditorium. See https://www.livelikeagreek.com/sc-greek-festival

START YOUR NEW CAREER

Laid off in the pandemic? Stayed home teaching the kids? Want to change careers?

The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is designed to help job-seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. The program is designed to serve dislocated workers who need training to enter or re-enter the labor market.

Now people can sign up for WIOA programs from 12 - 1:30 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of each at the Downtown Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz. RSVP at: info@workforcescc.com and see the Life Literacies Center at the back of the library. Intakes are by RSVP only.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Soquel High: Class of 1972

Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion

There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com. •••

Watsonville High Class of 1981

Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. •••

Harbor High: Class of 1972

Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz For information, call 408-568-0302.

WATSONVILLE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH EVENTS

700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville CA 95076 Free Fasting Glucose Screening Clinic

Sunday Sept 11 • 8 – 11 a.m. Free 6-Week Health Seminar

Wednesday Sept 14 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: “Fighting Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes, Naturally!” Nightly PlantBased Cooking Demonstration with Samples (831) 325-7993 or ReversingDiabetes@yahoo.com through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

Fridays through Sept 30

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS

5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Featuring 25 local bands plus local eats and local artists and vendors.

The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale See https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridayssummer-block-party-2022/

Saturday September 10

IMAGINE BENEFIT FOR CASA

3-7 p.m., Outdoors, Sesnon House, Cabrillo College, Aptos CASA of Santa Cruz County will celebrate 30 years of believing in foster youth out-doors at Sesnon House.

The event includes: Full-course meal catered by student chefs in Cabrillo’s Culinary Arts pro-gram. • An interactive art wall, youth speakers, music, and dancing. • Performances by El Sistema and Activities for All Youth Mariachi. • Live auction items include vacation homes as well as a sailing trip on the bay. • The silent auction will take place online Aug. 27 – Sept. 10. See https://casaofsantacruz.org/newsevents/events/imagine2022.html Tickets are $150 per person at https://casaofsantacruz.org/ news-events/events/imagine2022.html

2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville Bring your family, friends and your neighbors to 2nd Saturday on the Farm at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.

Watch the antique tractors washed and spiffed up for the Fair!

The Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. You’ll be able to milk a “cow,” drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, pony rides, puppet show, antique engines and museum exhibits. Bring your lunch for a picnic on the lawn or at a picnic table.

DATED EVENTS

Friday Sept 2

MOVIES AT CAPITOLA BEACH

7:30 p.m. (or dusk), Bandstand stage in Esplanade Park The City of Capitola presents free movies at Capitola Beach, on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park.

Aug. 26: Jungle Cruise

Sept. 2: Sing 2

Unfortunately, due to Covid, there will be no popcorn.

Bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol or dogs on the beach.

Friday September 9 Saturday September 10

SANTA CRUZ GREEK FESTIVAL

Fri. 5 p.m.- / Sat. Noon-10 p.m., Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church Courtyard, 223 Church St, Santa Cruz

The Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church announces the return of the Santa Cruz Greek Festival in downtown Santa Cruz.

Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, music, and dancing.

Sunday September 11

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB

5 p.m., Various Member Homes Throughout County Love to cook, entertain and socialize?

Our monthly dinner club events are in homes throughout Santa Cruz County, where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, entertain, and meet vaccinated locals that share your interests. Want to join us? Learn more by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com

5TH ANNUAL BLUE INNOVATION

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Outside UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way The 5th Annual Blue Innovation is a festival for those who love our blue origins: Water & ocean. 30+ companies, organizations, researchers, and artists will exhibit their solutions ranging from ocean-safe alternatives to plastics, sea wall restoration, transportation, healthy sustainable seafood, exhibits for surfing, kayaking, and sailing, artists with love for the ocean. Plus food trucks and live music! Free to attend; tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blueinnovation-tickets-360879429087