A Year of Many Accomplishments for Our Customers & Community, By

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A Year of Many Accomplishments for Our Customers & Community

By Dr. Tom LaHue, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

As we approach the end of 2022, I want to say that I sincerely hope it has been a good year for you – our customers, community members, and all who read this article and have an interest in the Soquel Creek Water District. Here at the District, 2022 has been a remarkable year, and I’d like to share with you a brief overview of some great things that we’ve accomplished – entirely focused on delivering, protecting, and enhancing the water supply on which we all depend.

I am excited about the significant progress on our Pure Water Soquel (PWS) project, which will create a drought-proof, sustainable water supply by purifying recycled water and using it to replenish our overdrafted groundwater basin.

I am happy to report on several milestone accomplishments in 2022 on construction on the eight-mile dual pipeline (80% complete) and the advanced water purification center (30% complete).

And, not related to construction but important for the project’s recognition and awareness, the staff-designed “butterfly” logo for PWS earned an award from the California Association of Public Information Officials, as one of 2022’s most creative and effective communications/marketing efforts by a public agency.

During 2022, we continued our remarkable record of gaining significant funding support for PWS. In October, the California State Water Resources Control Board awarded us additional Proposition 1 funds — a $13.25 million grant and a $13.25 million low-interest (1.6%) loan. This is in addition to a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grant for $21 million for PWS awarded during the summer.

To top off the year, I am so proud of our staff and our partners for their work in 2022 to bring international attention to Pure Water Soquel, with a mini-documentary about the project. We are one of two chosen in the United States of the 16 short films produced by BBC StoryWorks as part of their series called “Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water,” presented by the International Water Association, which highlights innovation and innovators who are advancing positive change toward water sustainability. See them all at bbc.com/storyworks/specials/ beneath-the-surface.

To help us stay on track with the evolving needs of our community and changing circumstances, the Board updated our Strategic Plan, which consists of the District’s Mission Statement, Values, and Primary Organizational Goals. Our mission continues to be that we are dedicated to providing a safe, high quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply to meet our community’s present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible manner.

The Plan helps us stay aligned with our customers and community, and to most effectively allocate resources to accomplish the desired goals (keeping in mind that financial resources are limited). This is an important tool to help us best provide you with water for today and for decades to come. It guides not only our overall direction but also our departmental implementation plans and ultimately the day-to-day efforts of our staff.

As part of the District’s core business of providing you with water, we gained State approval of our Urban Water Management Plan, which outlines how we will achieve a sustainable water supply. We have also completed upgrading all water meters to i-Meters (intelligent metering technology), making it easier for you to track water use and get timely alerts about leaks or unusual, excessive use.

Our ongoing commitment to ensuring you have safe, clean water included conducting over 13,000 drinking water quality tests, repairing several water main and service pipeline leaks, and conducting maintenance of our infrastructure, while providing water to our customers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are proud to have won and been recognized as one of the Top 10 award winners by Government Technology in the leadership category for their 2022 District Innovation Awards program. The District was also recognized with the Transparency Award from the Special District Leadership Foundations, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Operating Budget of Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.

Our Outreach team has been able to return to public events this year and October brought the return of the in-person Water Harvest Festival, which was relegated to online-only during the prior two years of the pandemic. Several hundred people came to enjoy great music, water-related information and resources, and fun family activities – there was a clear sense of celebration at having this beloved event once again in-person!!

On the infrastructure front, we have some big capital improvement projects that have ended and are beginning. We installed 3,400 feet of new water main on Cliff Drive and Bayview Drive.

We also began construction on a replacement well for the 70-year-old Country Club Well. And we were awarded funds this year from a $7.6 million grant that the Mid-County Groundwater Agency received from the California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program that will be used to design and partially fund building a new well on Cunnison Lane.

“Water Wisdom” page 26

Classic Toys

ACROSS

1. *”____ Wars” toys from Kenner in the

‘70s 5. *Certain toy G.I. 8. Miss America’s accessory 12. Pot inhale 13. Morsel of Little Miss

Muffet’s meal 14. Private 15. Larger-than-life 16. Children’s author ____

Blyton 17. Post-Its 18. *Sticks and spools toy set 20. One of the Olsens 21. Gibson garnish 22. Middle-earth creature 23. Bias 26. Neat in appearance 30. Chasing game 31. Chancellor, in Europe 34. Not happening 35. Anomie, alt. sp. 37. Local area network 38. Re-attempt 39. Wyatt Earp’s card game 40. Common parakeet, colloquially speaking 42. Snakelike fish 43. Not yet a wife 45. *Like certain toy

Cathy 47. Mine deposit 48. Water nymph 50. Cassette contents 52. *Illuminated picture maker 56. Wainscots 57. Play parts 58. The Fonz: “Sit ____ ____!” 59. Face-to-face exams 60. Not this 61. Brainchild 62. Homey, alt. sp. 63. “Fight for You” singer 64. High rocky hills

DOWN

1. Editor’s mark 2. African antelope 3. Related 4. Suppose 5. Political club, in the olden days 6. Celestial hunter 7. Whirlpool 8. *Sno-Cone, actually (2 words) 9. Opposed to 10. “As ____ on TV” 11. Retail posting acronym 13. Blood-red 14. Beginning of essay 19. “Dear Diary” bit 22. Hockey legend 23. “The Office” people, e.g. 24. Veranda on Oahu 25. Ancient Greece marketplace 26. “The ____ Show” (1976-1980) 27. Sacred song 28. White heron 29. *Raggedy Ann or

Strawberry Shortcake, tenderly 32. *Professor Plum and

Colonel Mustard game 33. Little bit 36. *Avenues and rail roads game 38. Betty Ford Center, e.g. 40. Spelling contest 41. Superlative of icy 44. Edible herb 46. Quick and skillful 48. Specialty 49. Rose oil 50. Tropical edible root 51. Dwayne Johnson’s 2022 role Black ____ 52. Wooden slat 53. ____-China 54. Part of a traditional wedding cake 55. Greek Hs 56. *Play-____

We have entered the Season of Gratitude. A season filled with rituals of light and gift giving, of eating together and of sharing generously our abundance. It is also the season Advent (something’s coming!).

At the last new moon in November, Jupiter (benevolence, goodness, love, wisdom) turned direct. A very auspicious celestial move for our Season of Gratitude and Giving. With Jupiter direct we are more charitable, optimistic and most of all more compassionate. We see everyone as a character, doing their part, always doing their best.

About Gratitude — some are attempting to eliminate, ignore and forego the rituals of the holidays. But the autumn and winter festivals (Thanksgiving, Advent, Solstice, Christmas,etc.) are not about some random historical event from long ago. The season of Gratitude is a time to recognize the past year’s “harvest of blessings.” It’s a reminder to appreciate — to be glad and pleased and grateful, happy and content. It’s a time to praise and bless and it’s a day for graciousness, too. All of these are also Jupiter’s virtues. It is also time to ask the self what we are grateful for. Gratitude creates well-being and happiness. Gratitude releases us into a state of freedom.

The theme of the season therefore, from now through January 6th, is Gratitude, referred to in the Wisdom teachings as the “Kingly or Royal Way”, a way of life. The Royal Way is a state of constant and ceaseless gratitude and appreciation. “Gratitude” comes from Latin “gratus,’ meaning pleasing, thankful and related to grace. The Wisdom teachings refer to Gratitude as a potent releasing agent. It is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul. Gratitude is scientific in nature. It salvages humanity, brings forth deep joy, lifts others up, and creates a steadfast orientation toward the Light of Life itself. Gratitude is an amulet and a talisman, creating merit and virtue leading to forgiveness. Gratitude liberates us from karma and sets us free. The autumn season with its many festivals of Light invites us to embark on a journey of Gratitude together. When disciples and the New Group of World Servers offer Gratitude, there is a “radiance of solace, kindness and love that flows into the sorrow and suffering of the world.” n

My Gratitude to all my readers for their presence in my life. May Goodwill, Joy and Loving-Kindness be the gifts of the Season for everyone! Risa

ARIES It’s most important to find times for reflection and contemplation because there’s such an onrush of activity, ideas and ideals flowing here, there, everywhere in this season. There’s a desire to travel, discovering new realities important to your well-being. Without pausing a bit, they will be missed. It’s also good to review what’s of value while observing what’s occurring in the world. A question — how are you aiding in building the new society and what do you envision for the future?

LEO The past year has been rather serious for many, especially you - restructuring and disciplining us in confronting the past and bringing forth new ways of thinking. This new moon with its Sagittarius fire calls you to a new study, possible journeys, to recreation, children, pleasure, creativity, games, fun, enjoyment and being with like-minded others. Is there a wound that has come into your awareness, a sadness, a loss? Do you need to communicate about it so the veils of sorrow can drop away? I will listen.

SAGITTARIUS There’s an opportunity now, not wanting to waste a moment of life’s energy or time, to redefine yourself, your self-identity and purpose. You’re able to change your mind about who you (think you) are and how you see yourself. Be aware that your presence is very impactful to many others around you. Issues and decisions, you thought were concluded reappear for re-evaluation and reassessment. New rhythms, tempos and patterns are appearing. Just let the music play. It’s magic. This is Jupiter in Pisces stationing in your heart.

TAURUS You continue to tend to the care and well-being of others. Sometimes you remember to care for yourself. You must remember that you are a valuable resource. If you are not tended to well enough, you cannot be a resource for others. Ideas and visions for the new era and what’s needed continue to appear. Their manifestation into form has been elusive. There is an esoteric equation for manifestation. We see the need, we call in the needed resources, we imagine the outflow of abundant resources. It’s an Aquarian triangle (and art) with Uranus at the center.

GEMINI It’s most important to reflect upon what your relationships are based upon. Include all relationships, but begin with your most intimate one(s). Consider what’s taken for granted, what’s understood and not understood, and what allows you to be most truthful. Is there talk about moving, relocating and rethinking resources? A new path comes forth and a new message within the relationship. Listen with patience, perseverance, poise and serenity. Poise allows creation to unfold.

CANCER Your idea of a schedule quickly dissipates and you find yourself with no routines, plans or the ability to take control of daily events. Anything you’ve thought of doing simply melts into states of chaos seeking the next level of harmony. However, the harmony’s not manifesting for a while. The best thing to do is to read, study and in between prepare nourishing foods for others. They will receive it as manna (goodness) from the heavens. You are that.

VIRGO Family and parents, the foundations of your life, your childhood, beliefs learned while young and carried into the present time will be on your mind for the purpose of appraising, cleansing, clearing, and eliminating all that is no longer useful. Be aware that moodiness, brooding, and perhaps intense feelings will arise. Let them be your friends. Contemplate and evaluate these with intelligence, patience and careful observation. There’s a brilliance in them, like a jewel to be polished at the center of a lotus.

LIBRA It’s good to be in touch with siblings, communicating with them, sharing news, family gossip, hopes, wishes, dreams, plans and ideals. Do all things with family that makes everyone feel empowered. Do not allow anything (ideas, sorrows, pain, unforgiveness, misunderstandings, etc.) from the past to obscure your connections. Allow nothing to be misconstrued. Communicate with the intention to make contact, which releases Love. Your family loves you with all their hearts and Souls.

SCORPIO The entire world’s in a state of reorientation, a condition you know well, for you experience reorientation continually. The entire world is in a Scorpio state of transformation, testing, of dying and regenerating, so that the new era can come forth. Your importance in this great shift is the fact that your knowledge, dedications, curiosities and research abilities become the core information source for humanity and the new culture and civilization. What are your present tasks? What are you using your resources for? Are you happy? •••

CAPRICORN You may feel you’re waiting in the wings for new realities to appear. It’s like planning a winter garden –arugula, kales, mustards, onions, wintergreens, thyme, oregano, parsley – envisioning spring for the first green shoots to appear. Everything on inner levels is being restructured. You feel this but it hasn’t manifested in your outer world. Everything is in right timing. Be as reclusive as needed to allow the roots and flowers and blooms of a new reality to anchor, grow, become strong, later to reshape your life with a new sort of beauty.

AQUARIUS In the weeks and months to come you discover your true friends, what groups support your endeavors and whom you can turn to for nurturance, needs and simple friendship. So many of humanity are mis-informed. Become a researcher (not a reactor) so you can provide humanity with true information. Then you become part of the education of humanity. Assess your life’s journey. When traveling, follow the rules of the road. For safety and direction. Whatever is happening in your physical world is where you need to be.

PISCES There have been thoughts on teaching, presenting the self to the public, writing, perhaps a small book or two. Perhaps a publishing company of the new art, charts, games. It’s good to think of new endeavors, considering them without making final decisions. Acknowledgements and recognitions come forth unexpectedly. Careful of miscommunication to and with the public. Tend to previous tasks and continue to work with focused consistency. New tasks will appear. The Hierarchy looks on offering guidance and impressions.

“PVUSD Q&A” from page 24

Is staff able to sign up for PVUSD passport and take their families to these events even if their children don’t attend a PVUSD school?

Can you make it accessible to your staff?

Aligned with our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Plan, Intersession Saturdays are intended to be available to PVUSD TK-6th grade students, however, our Intersession Saturdays have many opportunities available for the whole family. ELO-P funds are provided from CDE to support PVUSD students.

In the event that there are spaces/tickets available that do not get claimed to be utilized by PVUSD students and their families, we may offer them to the larger PVUSD community, which could include staff.

Why is it taking so long for classified to get a raise? I heard they’ve been negotiating for a few months but nothing has been approved yet. Classified staff doesn’t make enough to support themselves if we are a single or head of household it’s difficult to pay for our daily expenses we have been waiting patiently for this raise.

The negotiations process can take some time due to the intricacy of the contract and both the Union and the District ensuring that new language is best for our staff as well as the students we serve.

While the Union and the District were able to come to a tentative agreement on salary rather quickly, there is still language being discussed. We continue to meet with CSEA to finalize negotiations and hope to conclude them in the next few sessions. Once concluded, we will be able to provide an update as to when employees will receive their new salary. Please know we have agreed that any increase will be retroactive, which means the increase will go back to the agreed upon date.

For more information please see the joint statement between PVUSD and CSEA found here. We appreciate the patience of all our employees as we go through this process and appreciate your continued dedication to our students. n

“Water Wisdom” from page 25

Cunnison Lane is part of our Well Master Plan where we are shifting our pumping away from the coast. All of these will improve our system’s resiliency.

Finally, thank you to the community for all your support during 2022, and I hope you share my optimism for 2023 in all things water, and beyond! n •••

Dr. LaHue has served on the Board of Directors since 2003 and is serving his 11th term as President of the Board. He is also the District representative and current Chair on the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, and serves on the District’s Water Resources Management and Infrastructure Committee.

Dr. LaHue is a former member and vice-chair of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from CSU Monterey Bay.

JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

Every year, the Jacob’s Heart Adopt-a-Family program helps alleviate some of the stress families feel during the holiday season.

Some of our families feel the burden of medical expenses, constant hospital trips, grocery needs, and other financial challenges the most during the holiday season.

Your help can lessen this burden and bring joy to these kiddos and their families. We still have 25 families that need to be adopted. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/jacobsheart-AoF-signup or reach out to pao-la@jacobsheart.org to learn more about how you can give some holiday cheer to a child who has cancer. ••• Another way to help: Host a Holiday Drive. It doesn’t have to be toys. It could be shoes, coats, or household essentials. Help Jacob’s Heart spread some holiday cheer and sign up for a Holiday Drive today! Reach out to Brianna@Jacobsheart.org to learn more.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give now to help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

Donors — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are asked to make an appointment to give.

There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot. Make an ap-pointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering donors who give Nov. 1 thru 22 a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice; a Red Cross knit beanie (while supplies last) to those who give Nov. 23-27; and a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15. Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together.

GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS

Choose from 20 volunteer opportunities at Grey Bears. Fill out the form at https://greybears.org/volunteer. Call Rosie: 831-479-1055 ext 226.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year.

Dates are:

Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others. If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by December 8

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY EVENTS

La Selva Beach Library presents Top Gun: Maverick. The film will be shown Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11:30 a.m.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Special performances: Mini Nutcracker performance by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance at Colonnade Stage – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4. School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95. Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 26-28, Saturdays & Sundays Dec. 3 – 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

HOLIDAY ART BY STUDENTS

The talented students at the Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine Kiebert-Boss at gombhtc01@gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program. Students will also show their greeting cards, melamine trays, and prints at the Tannery Arts Center Winter Market, 1070 River St., Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10.

FREE PARKING IN CAPITOLA VILLAGE THRU CHRISTMAS

Once again, the Capitola City Council has approved free 3-hour parking in Capitola Village from Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) through Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Enjoy this perk when holiday shopping, visiting Capitola Beach, or treating yourself to a festive meal with an ocean view.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

CABRILLO LIONS TOY DRIVE

Cabrillo Host Lions & Friends are running a Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 1-15.

Toy Bins will be at: • Ocean Honda, 41st Ave., Soquel, which has a Giving Tree • Central Fire Department, all 6 offices, Aptos station included. • Wonderland Toys & Surf City Coffee, Aptos • Woodworm Party Store, Capitola • Sword & Board Games, Capitola Mall • Santa Cruz Host Lions’ Christmas tree lot, Santa Cruz • Horsnyder’s Pharmacy in Midtown Santa Cruz

See more locations at www.CabrilloHostLions.org

The Lions’ distribution through the Center for Farmworker Families is set for Dec 9.

Social workers will help place toys one-on-one with children of foster families. For questions, email JeannieCCollins@gmail.com

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower 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

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday November 26

SURFIN’ SANTA VISITS CAPITOLA

Noon-3 p.m., Capitola Beach off Capitola Village Surfin’ Santa returns to the shores of Capitola Beach.

Santa will be riding the waves via Outrigger canoe, rain or shine, for his annual vis-it to Capitola Village, arriving at noon to visit with all the kids.

Once toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair for a nice, long visit.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave riding arrival, and your little one’s visit with Santa.

It makes a great holiday photo! This is Small Business Saturday, so you can visit your favorite Capitola Village shops and restaurants and #ShopSmall.

GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday, often styled as #GivingTuesday for hashtag activism, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”

CRUMBL COOKIES RIBBON CUTTING

11 a.m.-Noon, 2750 41st Avenue #E, Soquel Join the Capitola-Soquel Chamber in welcoming Crumbl Cookies to Soquel with a Ribbon Cutting at their new location.

Attendees will receive a free Crumbl Cookie card good for a delicious cookie of your choosing.

Crumbl Cookies is locally owned and operated. Cookies are made fresh every day. The menu rotates weekly to give offer 4-5 different specialty flavors. The store’s famous Milk Chocolate Chip will always be available.

Looking for the best cookie delivery service? Crumbl offers gourmet desserts and treats ready to be delivered straight to your door. https://crumblcookies.com/cacapitola

Thursday December 1

PURE WATER SOQUEL PUBLIC HEARING

5:30 p.m., Online Meeting The public is invited to attend a virtual hearing on the Pure Water Soquel Ground-water Replenishment Reuse Project. The public hearing will online via Zoom.

Join from a computer/phone/tablet by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/pws-public-hearing-dec-1-2022

Passcode: 676862

•••

Public comments are due by 5 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 8.

All public comments on the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment Reuse Project Title 22 Engineering Report can be made as written or oral comments at the public hearing. Email: PureWaterSoquel@soquelcreekwater.org Use subject line: PWS Title 22 Engineering Report

HOMELESS GARDEN PROJECT HOLIDAY BENEFIT

6:30-9 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., SC The Homeless Garden Project will host a Holiday Celebration to benefit their training and employment programs for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

The celebration features participant accomplishments, the film “Mission: JOY” and Douglas Abrams, co-author of The Book of Joy, focusing on Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu talking about the challenges of living a joyful life.

The film consists of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama’s residence, as these luminaries recount stories from their lives, each having lived through periods of incredible strife.

Small bites and beverages, plus products for sale made in Homeless Garden Project’s training program. Ticket price: $15 at https://bit.ly/HGPHoliday22, or $10 per ticket at Homeless Garden Project downtown store, 1338 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.

Thursday December 1 Friday December 2

HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Community Health Trust, 85 Nielson St, Watsonville (across Airport Blvd. from the Watsonville Community Hospital main entrance)

You are invited to attend Silver Circle’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair at the Community Health Trust.

Bring a friend or two and enjoy the warmth and music of a Christmas celebration. Parking, attendance and a cup of hot cider are all free.