Aptos Times: February 1, 2023

Two weeks after an epic storm of rain, wind and waves that badly damaged Seacliff State Beach, California State Parks opened the lower beach day-use area on Jan. 21 to pedestrian traffic only.

“This was a big team effort from all programmatic areas of the Santa Cruz District, State Park staff,” said State Park Superintendent Joe Walters. ... continues on page 4

By Jondi Gumz

Estrada Land Sold & Preserved

Richard Estrada has sold 839 acres of redwood forest, grazing lands and critical wildlife habitat in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains —– property in his family since 1863 — to the Peninsula Open Space Trust for more than $10.6 million.

Full Story page 6

Cover Team Effort: Seacliff State Beach Opens to Walk-Ins

Community News

4 Seacliff Beach Recovery Fund, By Bonny Hawley

5 How to Rebuild What’s Been Lost, By Jondi Gumz • Cement Ship: The Memories

6 Estrada Land Sold & Preserved

7 The History of Aptos’ ‘Cement Ship’, By Carolyn Swift

9 CDC Data Reveal Covid Vaccine Safety Signals, By Jondi Gumz • Jobs in Santa Cruz County

11 Playing in the Mud: A Sunny Afternoon at the Castro Adobe, By Edita McQuary

12 No Eggs: Here’s Why • Scrumptious Return to Seacliff

14 Your Generosity is Working Hard, By Susan True

21 SBA Business Recovery Center Open in Capitola • Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Watsonville

22 Second Harvest: Food for Flooded People

27 Stephen Kessler: Artist of the Year: Will Perform May 20 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

California News

15 IRS Tax Deadline Now May 15 Due to Storm

Monte Vista Christian School Spotlight

16 The Personal Project Struggle, By Elizabeth McCuistion

18 Storm of the Century in Rio Del Mar, Photo Essay by Kylie Brunelli Salinas River Flooding, Photo Collection by Elizabeth McCuistion

In Memoriam

17 Marilyn Liddicoat: 1931~2022

Business Profile

20 The Healthy Way, By June Smith

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Aquarius: Cleansing the Land with Waters of Life, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

23 PVUSD Superintendent Answers Storm Damage Question, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

24 For the Love of …: Songs that Feature Weather and Water, By Rebecca Gold Rubin

25 Renting EVs: Charging Fees Shocking, By Christopher Elliott

30 Rebuilding After Storms: Next Steps, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

31 Winter Is Time For Pruning, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Scrapples the Pig

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Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

COVER STORY

Seacliff Beach Recovery Fund

By Bonny Hawley

contributing writers

Bonny Hawley, Jondi Gumz, Carolyn Swift, Edita McQuary, Susan True, Elizabeth McCuistion, Kylie Brunelli, June Smith, Risa D’Angeles, Michelle Rodriguez, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Christopher Elliott, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

In response to the historic storms that caused catastrophic damage to the coastline this winter, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has established the “Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund.”

The storms have caused — and continue to cause — devastating impacts to Seacliff Beach. Core elements of the beach’s critical infrastructure and visitor amenities have suffered immense damage that will be assessed in the coming weeks and months, with cleanup response and recovery planning already underway.

Recovery from this climate-driven disaster will take time and require significant resources.

Though it is painful to consider the devastation to this park, the experience provides an opportunity to be strategic about rebuilding and ensuring resilience in the era of climate change and its impacts on Seacliff State Beach.

Through Friends’ unique position as co-management partners with California State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has established the Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund. The fund will

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provide short-term support, followed by investments in long-term recovery work to ensure public access and environmental protection at Seacliff State Beach. Together, we will weather this storm. If you would like to support Seacliff State Beach during the recovery process, please visit the Friends website to make a donation or send a check to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks that notes “For Seacliff”: 1543 Pacific Ave., Suite 206, Santa Cruz CA 95060. All funds stay local. While Seacliff State Beach is closed for storm repairs, shop the ParkStore Online for souvenirs featuring the iconic Michael Schwab Cement Ship image. All proceeds support local state parks and beaches. n

Donation: https://thatsmypark.app.neoncrm. com/np/clients/thatsmypark/donation. jsp?campaign=158

Park Store Online: https://thatsmypark.org/ shopify-collections/seacliff-by-michaelschwab/

•••

Bonny Hawley is executive director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

“Walk to Seacliff” from page 1

People who want to visit the beach will have to park in the upper day-use lot to access lower Seacliff or come in on foot or on bike from other access points. Walters shared several photos showing staff working to prepare for increased public access to the lower Seacliff State Beach day-use area by pedestrians. n

•••

Cover Photo: Volunteers take a lunch break during cleanup work at Seacliff State Park after epic storms. • Courtesy of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website

photography

Photo Credit: Capt. Joe Walters

State Parks roads & trails team clean up planks from the Seacliff State Beach pier containing dangerous hardware.

Photo Credit: Capt. Joe Walters State Parks roads & trails team board up very damaged restroom buildings in lower Seacliff State Beach.

How to Rebuild What’s Been Lost

By Jondi Gumz

With so many local landmarks in pieces after January’s epic storms, the question is how to go forward.

Some say: Build back what was.

President Biden said: Build back better. Yet another approach is the strategy of Impact Launch, a local nonprofit co-founded locally by Megan Joseph, formerly with United Way, and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson.

Aptos Times asked Kalantari-Johnson, midway through her term on the Santa Cruz City Council, how the transformation leadership process of Impact Launch might apply to the question of how to rebuild.

The situation creates the opportunity to ask: “What do we want for our community?”

In Santa Cruz, which lost a huge chunk of the West Cliff Drive walkway to a cave-in, Kalantari-Johnson is asking herself: What do we want for West Cliff in five years, 10 years, 20 years? What do we envision for ourselves?

The wide West Cliff walkway next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — the top attraction in Santa Cruz according to TripAdvisor — gives tens of thousands of people an opportunity to walk, bike and run in fresh ocean air — and appreciate this special connection to nature.

But it is so close to the bay, it is prone to break down and crumble after being repeatedly battered by ocean swells.

“Rebuild” page 7

Cement Ship: The Memories

Photographer Mike Ross snapped this image of the famous Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach about eight years ago, long before January’s storms destroyed the pier and made it disappear.

When he posted his photo of the S.S. Palo Alto on NextDoor, sharing plans to frame it for his home, he got 380 comments from admiring neighbors, some sharing their own memories. n

To see his work, go to www.shotsbyross.com or www.instagram.com/mike_ross_everything.

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate

Estrada Land Sold & Preserved

Richard Estrada has sold 839 acres of redwood forest, grazing lands and critical wildlife habitat in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains – property in his family since 1863 – to the Peninsula Open Space Trust for more than $10.6 million.

“This is a poignant moment for me,” he said. “For more than 40 years I have taken care of these lands, and for many years before that I supported my parents’efforts to do the same thing. Now it is time for me to move on from those responsibilities. I am very happy that POST has purchased these parcels from me to protect and preserve the land, to continue to care for the redwoods and to keep this way of life going at Estrada Ranch.”

The sale closed Dec. 20. The agreement came about over many years of conversation between the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the Estrada family and POST.

The two parcels purchased by POST are the largest of three parcels that make up Estrada Ranch owned by Richard Estrada, 89, and his brother Frank Estrada, 87 — one of the last large private properties under family ownership in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Estrada Ranch is located on the ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and other Indigenous peoples.

Estrada Ranch runs more than two miles along the ridge above Corralitos, and is bordered to the northeast and south by Mount Madonna County Park. Its protection sets the stage for a contiguous protected landscape of more than 5,400

acres vital to the regional movement of wildlife from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Gabilan Range and the Central Coast Range beyond.

POST’s acquisition marks completion of the first phase toward permanently protecting this environmentally significant property in partnership with the Estrada family and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Under terms of the deal, the Estrada family, who have sustainably ranched and harvested timber here for more than 150 years, will continue to manage the land, working with longtime partner Big Creek Lumber. POST has agreed to have the seller manage its property, an unusual arrangement.

“Estrada Land” page 8

The History of Aptos’ ‘Cement Ship’

By Carolyn Swift

I’ve read about but never before looked closely at photographs of the “cement ship” Palo Alto before and after it was brought to Seacliff and restored as an entertainment attraction.

The ship was built in 1919 for use during World War I, but the war ended and it was “mothballed” in Oakland.

Bought by Seacliff developers and towed to Aptos a decade later, the ship was outfitted with a dancing ballroom, swimming pool, and restaurants.

It is NOT true that it was used for gambling or had pinball machines. It did not, because it was illegal.

Nor were alcoholic beverages served, since during Prohibition, these were also illegal. (Wink-wink.)

I must say, what they accomplished with that military ship was phenomenal.

I once interviewed a man, Virgil Macy of Live Oak, a plasterer, who was working just before the ship was to open on Memorial Day, 1931.

He was building a giant seashell

“Rebuild” from page 5

Kalantari-Johnson said she connected with the people behind “Save WestCliff,” launched on Facebook with about 50 supporters to ask what strategies will be used.

When Kalantari-Johnson was told the group hasn’t settled on strategy, she thought, “OK, there’s room for discussion.”

As for Seacliff State Beach and Capitola Village, two oceanfront locations severely flooded by the storm, she said the strategy would mean asking different questions:

• What does the community value?

• What do we care about?

• What does success look like?

During her campaign in Santa Cruz, she found the community values inclusion and compassion, “very much aligned with my own values.”

Once you know what’s important to the community, then the next questions are: What is the data needed to make a decision?

“We’ve got to look at data, look at what we know about climate change and what’s happening with the planet,” she said.

Then: How do I cultivate an environment for change? What are the policies to get there?

“We tend to jump into responding,” she said.

She said she used this strategy early

to frame the band. It was on the floor directly above the swimming pool. And that day, workers filled the pool and heated it for the first time. The seashell melted and collapsed.

I forgot how long the opening was delayed, but it did not occur on the day advertised. n

in the Covid-19 pandemic when young people aging out of foster care had no safe place to go to avoid a new and potentially deadly coronavirus.

When trailers were donated by the state, she worked on setting up a process for sheltering these youths in the trailers located at the Seventh Day Adventist Church campground in Soquel.

Community programs and the county supervisors got on board, and the shelter offered one-on-one assistance, helping young people get connected to jobs and permanent housing, she said.

Soquel residents at first were fearful that a wildfire could break out if their new neighbors were careless, and a community oversight group was created.

That led to some neighbors getting involved and volunteering, KalantariJohnson said. “That is a win.”

The shelter is no longer operating; the trailers have since been moved.

It “morphed into something different,” Kalantari-Johnson said, being woven into the youth homeless demonstration program, “integrated into the system.” n

•••

Impact Launch will host a two-day introductory workshop in April. See https://www. impactlaunch.org/events. For more information, email info@impactlaunch.org and talk to Megan Joseph or Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson.

TOP: Aptos’ “Cement Ship” docked and still in good shape. BOTTOM: The USS Palo Alto on the ocean.

“Estrada Land” from page 6

“We are grateful to work with the Estrada family and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to protect this significant property from development and subdivision and to enable continuity of the family’s legacy of responsible, sustainable timber production and cattle grazing,” said Walter T. Moore, president of POST. “This is a creative conservation solution that benefits the land, people, wildlife and environmental resilience of our region. It’s our shared vision that people and nature will benefit from this land being preserved forever.”

The ranch includes sensitive grasslands, maritime chaparral, riparian and wetland habitats, watersheds and streams important for South-Central Coast steelhead and rare amphibians.

Its steep terrain provides climate change adaptation options to species moving up in elevation as temperatures rise on the valley floor. Its working lands are high in historical and economic value.

Long-time cattle ranching on the property will continue through the efforts of Zach Estrada, grandson of Richard’s brother Frank.

In a future phase, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County will lead efforts to secure a conservation easement that will cover all 1,204 acres of the ranch, including 365 owned by Frank Estrada.

The Land Trust will work with POST, Frank Estrada and his sons Greg and Grant to develop easement terms that ensure the entirety of the property is permanently

protected as conserved lands under the management of the Estrada family.

Greg and Grant Estrada support their father and uncle with day-to-day ranch management and stewardship and will continue to do so during POST’s ownership.

“We are so happy to celebrate the initial protection of this ranch with everyone involved,” said Sarah Newkirk, executive director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. “To permanently protect Estrada Ranch, we will partner with POST and the Estrada family to raise the necessary funds

to place conservation easements on the entire property.”

History

Richard and Frank Estrada’s greatgrandparents, Jose Antonio and

Loretta (Duarte) Estrada, purchased the land in 1863, where the family grazed cattle and harvested redwood trees.

The brothers were raised on the ranch and have continued to work the lands.

Through Frank’s children Greg and Grant, the next generation is deeply involved in carrying out the family legacy.

The deal’s two-phase conservation approach aligns with the family’s longterm vision for their property.

The Estrada family is prominent in the Santa Cruz community, supporting Ronald McDonald House, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and efforts to teach ranching and agriculture to youth of the region.

“Our family has been managing and protecting this ranch since the mid-1800s, and we feel very strongly that it be preserved for the future,” Greg Estrada said. “By entering into this relationship with Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, we will be able to continue our family’s way of life and preserve the ranch forever.” n

•••

Photos Courtesy of Teddy Miller

Laura Westdorf Estrada and her mother, Maria.

Estrada Family at the ranch, 1930s

CDC Data Reveal Covid Vaccine Safety Signals

By Jondi Gumz

Responding to a September Freedom of Information Act request, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released data showing more than 500 “safety signals” for Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, including Bell’s palsy, blood clotting and death.

The Epoch Times obtained the monitoring results, based on an analysis of adverse event reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is run by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as an “early warning system” for vaccine issues.

The CDC analysis compared adverse events reported from Dec. 14, 2020 to July 29, 2022, after a Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine compared to reports filed after non-Covid vaccines.

The analysis technically involves proportional reporting ratios.

“Safety signals” mean a condition may be linked to a vaccine and further analysis is warranted.

The Epoch Times filed the FOIA request after the CDC refused to make the analysis public.

VAERS is where healthcare professionals are supposed to file reports on post-vaccination issues. Reports do not prove causality; studies show the number of reports often is an undercount of postvaccination adverse events.

On Jan. 13, the CDC reported a safety signal for ischemic stroke in people 65

and older after getting Pfizer’s bivalent Covid-19 vaccine, and looked at other studies, including one by Pfizer, but did not find an increased risk. So, no change in vaccination practice is recommended, CDC said.

Optum Test Sites Closing

On Feb. 28, Gov. Newsom plans to lift the state of Covid-19 emergency in California.

Hospitalizations and intensive care bed use are down statewide and locally, and the state is closing Optum Covid testing sites. The Veterans Building site in Watsonville closed Jan.19, and sites at the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, is closing Feb. 3, and Felton Public Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton, is closing Feb. 5. California’s test positivity rate is down from 10.6% to 6.1%.

In January, a newer and much milder Omicron variant became the most pervasive, according to weekly Nowcast projections by the CDC:

XBB.1.5: Up from 18.3% of cases to 49%

BQ.1.1: Down from 35.7% to 26.9%

BQ.1: Down from 27.4% to 13.3%

BA.5: Down from 6.9% to 2% No Protection

The XBB.1.5 variant is the most infectious yet, mutated so that neither vaccination or a prior infection provides protection.

Medical experts say for most people,

COMMUNITY BRIEF

XBB.1.5 will be mild, like a common cold. Afterward comes natural immunity.

The once-pervasive BA.5 variant is in the “bivalent” booster along with the original 2020 coronavirus.

This is important because scientists in new independent studies published in Nature and the Lancet report the bivalent booster “did not produce robust neutralization against the newly emerged BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, or XBB.1” — in other words, these newer subvariants can evade immunity from infection and vaccination.

The bivalent combo was expedited by federal officials who asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans.

Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization.

On Dec. 8, the FDA amended that emergency use authorization to allow bivalent Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for children as young as 6 months.

California reports 60.9% of people have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 23.5% got the bivalent booster.

In Santa Cruz County, 68.3% have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 31.6% got the bivalent booster.

A study published in January in BMC Infectious Diseases based on an online survey by 2,840 people in December found that those perceiving loved ones harmed by the Covid-19 illness were more likely to be vaccinated, but those who knew someone who had been injured by the Covid-19 vaccine were more likely to be unvaccinated.

Of those who responded, 34% indicated they knew at least one person who had experienced significant health problems from Covid-19, including 165 people who had died, and 22% indicated they knew at least one person who experienced a health problem after Covid-19 vaccination, and 57 indicated the adverse event was death.

“COVID Update” page 10

*Includes commuters out of the county Source: California Employment Development Department. ••• Unemployment in Santa Cruz County was unchanged in December at 4.5% as the labor force grew from 132,000 to 133,500. For most of 2022, unemployment hovered around 3.8%, compared to 17+% in 2020, fueled by pandemic restrictions. Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, is healthy with more than 5,000 jobs. So is manufacturing, which tops 7,500 jobs.

“COVID Update” from page 9

“The large difference in the possible number of fatalities due to Covid-19 vaccination that emerges from this survey and the available governmental data should be further investigated,” concluded study author Mark Skidmore, economist at Michigan State University.

Florida

On Jan. 17, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced protections for medical freedom of choice, banning discrimination based on Covid vaccination, and medical freedom of speech, the right to disagree with the preferred narrative of the medical community.

The Florida Supreme Court, at his request, agreed to convene a grand jury to investigate any wrongdoing with respect to Covid-19 vaccines.

Studies funded by drugmakers that developed the vaccines have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and federal regulators granted emergency use authorization after reviewing data on their safety and effectiveness.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo pointed out that pharmaceutical companies have not provided their data on Covid-19 vaccines to independent researchers.

Fired Employees Sue

On Jan. 19, New York City police officers, firefighters and healthcare workers who lost their jobs for refusing to comply with the city’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate filed a $250 million lawsuit against the city and Mayor Eric Adams seeking to end the mandate.

The 72 fired workers demand the city overturn the mandate, reinstate their jobs and compensate them with punitive damages.

The workers contend the mandate should be found “arbitrary and capricious” given that “President Joe Biden, Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chuck Schumer have all declared that the pandemic is over,” and that it was already rescinded for private sector employees and students, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in the Bronx County Supreme Court of the State of New York, alleges the plaintiffs were mocked and ridiculed by colleagues, and some lost their homes and their ability to support their families.

On Jan. 13, New York Supreme Court Judge Gerard Neri declared the state’s vaccination mandate “null, void, and of no effect” and that it was “arbitrary and capricious” on the basis that Covid-19 vaccines do not stop transmission of the virus.

On Nov. 27, a published report by six pathologists from Heidelberg (Germany) University Hospital who performed autopsies on 25 individuals who died unexpectedly at home and within 20 days after Covid vaccination.

They found five cases where “autopsy findings indicated death due to acute arrhythmogenic cardiac failure. Thus, myocarditis can be a potentially lethal complication following mRNA-based antiSARS-CoV-2 vaccination.”

None had signs of a pre-existing heart disease.

The study, “Autopsy-based histopathological characterization of myocarditis after anti-SARS-CoV-2-vaccination,” appeared in Clinical Research in Cardiology, official journal of the German Cardiac Society.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that deaths after COVID-19 vaccination are rare and that reports of adverse effects after vaccination, including deaths, “do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem.”

Deaths per day in the U.S. fell this week to 786, according to ycharts.com, compared to 3,000 when the Delta variant raged.

Data for 2021 and 2022 show deaths peak in January, but that hasn’t happened in 2023.

Santa Cruz County reports 51 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, 2021, before Omicron.

No local deaths were reported in the last two months.

The last nine deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.

Tests at Home

Santa Cruz County reports 355 active Covid cases, half the number from a month ago.

Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases and vaccinology at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, contends Covid case data are not valuable for monitoring

the virus because so many people buy tests sold at drugstores for use at home, which escape tracking by public health officials.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education reported 698,700 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, 2022, and fell in the past month from 363 to 164.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% in January 2022, dipped in January 2023 from 2.71% to 2.09%.

2023 Changes

On Jan. 23, the FDA announced plans to offer a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine each fall, retiring the original vaccine and offering only the bivalent vaccine.

The CDC plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

On Oct. 20, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously in favor of adding the Covid vaccine to the federal recommended immunization schedule for children and adults.

The existing schedule recommends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6.

Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, the committee said.

The committee heard Dr. Tom Shimabukuro report the death of a boy 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myocarditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection.

The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System,

and verified by the CDC. Committee members determined Covid vaccine benefits outweigh the risks.

The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, with the decision up to states, counties and municipal officials.

California’s SB 277 requires students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Homeschoolers are exempt.

Free at-home test kit ordering is available for each household: To order at-home test kits, visit www.covid.gov/ tests or call 1-800-232-0233.

Local information: www.santacruz health.org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n

•••

Santa Cruz County

In hospital with positive Covid test: 16 Intensive care: 0

•••

COVID Deaths: 276

As of Jan. 25

Age

85 and older: 121 • 75-84: 64 • 65-74: 49 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10

35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5

Underlying Conditions

Yes: 226 • No: 50

Vaccinated

Yes: 39 • No: 237

Race

White 163 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 • Black 3

Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 • Another 2

Gender

Men: 140 • Women: 136 Location

At facility for aged: 118

Not at a facility: 158

On Jan. 19, New York City police officers, firefighters and healthcare workers who lost their jobs for refusing to comply with the city’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate filed a $250 million lawsuit against the city and Mayor Eric Adams seeking to end the mandate.

Playing in the Mud

A Sunny Afternoon at the Castro Adobe

By Edita McQuary

After a week of storms and floods, it was really wonderful to spend an afternoon in the sunshine at the Castro Adobe in Watsonville!

District Archeologist Mike Grone, ably assisted by District Historic Lead Interpreter Julie Sidel, Dustin (Dusty) McKenzie, archeology instructor at Cabrillo College, along with retired archeologist Rae Schwaderer, and Assistant Archeologist Julia Hartman, the team got to work.

The Castro Adobe is a 2-story hacienda built in 1848-49 by Jose Joaquin Castro shortly after the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Once completed, the Castro Adobe became the social center of the central California coast and many people came to visit and enjoy its social life. The second floor has a room called a fandango, where guests would have danced the night away.

The land on which the Castro Adobe stands is the homeland of the Awaswasspeaking Aptos people.

Seventeen volunteers of all ages, along with the professional people, sorted through 102 buckets of unscreened soils (commonly known as “mud” to us volunteers) left over from a construction project at the Adobe seven years ago.

The group was a nice mix of Dusty’s archeology students and retired educators and others interested in archeology.

This process is technically called “wet screening” and it certainly lived up to its name. Dumped into a screened box, the mud was sprayed with a hose to dissolve as much of it away as possible. Whatever soil was left was poured into the sorters’ screens so that they could search for any artifacts which might be

displayed at the Adobe at some future date.

We found quite a few skeletons of rodents, some buttons not of the period, lots of nails, and the usual bits of broken crockery. One of the most interesting items was a metal thimble. Small discs of repurposed plates have been noted in prior excavations. Two more were revealed on this day. Gaming pieces, perhaps?

This project was also lead by Jennifer Matlock, project coordinator of the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks, who took a group of us down to the Adobe to show us the adobe interior and the room from which “our” dirt originally came. We also toured the cocina or kitchen..

The Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks kindly provided us with lunch, which we were able to enjoy in the sunshine on the Edna Kimbro House patio.

If you have not visited this interesting historical site, please look up their website for dates and times of operation.

There is a public Open House on Saturday, February 11th. Go to https://parks. ca.gov/?page_id=22271. n

If you are interested in volunteering for future archeological projects, contact Julie Sidel via email: Julia.Sidel@parks.ca.gov.

Volunteers Norah Loffredo and Christopher Guthrie reach elbow deep in muddy buckets.

Volunteers Nancy O’Shea, Maureen Kluska, and Edita McQuary sift the screen for clues to the past.

No Eggs: Here’s Why

On Jan. 18, the egg case at Trader Joe’s in Santa Cruz was bare, with the reason being a run by worried customers.

The case was full of eggs in the morning, according to store staff, with a new shipment expected.

Reports of bird flu killing a record 57.83 million chickens from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 11, 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spurred shoppers into action.

Another factor is molting season, eight to 12 weeks when hens lose their old weathers and grow new ones, taking a break from laying eggs. Eggs are back, and the prices are higher, due to higher costs for feed, fuel and labor.

The Glaum Egg Ranch at 3100 Valencia Road, Aptos, has a famous egg vending machine open six days a week and sells certified organic eggs.

See glaumeggranch.com n

Scrumptious Return to Seacliff

Starting Jan. 28, Scrumptious Fish and Chips returns to Seacliff State Beach with their award-winning food each Saturday and Sunday now that the beach, severely damaged by January storms, has partially reopened to pedestrians.

Scrumptious owners Tim and Helen Korinth, originally from Great Britain and now living in Aptos, will have their food truck and their private seating area in the upper day-use parking lot noon to 5 p.m.

They started serving food in October but had to vacate due to the storms.

“We loved our original location near the old Snack Shack building, but while repairs are being made, we are thrilled to be able to serve Seacliff visitors again, says Helen Korinth, noting the new site has “fantastic views.” n

•••

For the menu see www.scrumptiousfc. com/menu-1

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Shoppers were surprised to see empty shelves at Trader Joe’s egg case in Santa Cruz.

Your Generosity is Working Hard

By Susan True

Our community has a history of coming together in times of disaster.

In response to the winter storms of 2023 we are working with frontline nonprofits, public safety agencies, the small business community and others to support the county’s storm-related needs.

How We’re Responding

The needs of responding nonprofits are evolving as they help people and neighborhoods assess damage, clean up, prepare for new storms, and recover from storm-related losses and hardships.

Likewise, small business owners are assessing damage to their family businesses and are in touch with us about their needs. Our Disaster Fund will help them with urgent supplies and labor needs and other unreimbursed expenses they’re incurring as they respond to community needs.

Your generous donations to the Disaster Fund are already hard at work.

We’ve issued $510,000 to trusted nonprofit partners coordinating volunteers and helping those affected by the recent storms including seniors coping with prolonged power outages, working-class occupants of structurally damaged homes, and small businesses with steep losses and staff unable to work due to closures.

Grantees include: Community Action Board, Community Bridges,

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and Capitola small food service businesses.

Your donations fill a gap in timing and eligibility for government resources. State and federal aid will be essential for our long-term recovery.

While our grant dollars will be smaller than public funds, they play a unique role in the ability to respond swiftly, adapt to changing conditions, and serve people who won’t be helped by public dollars.

We have so much work ahead of us.

Gifts to the Disaster Fund will be matched up to $100,000 by Julie Packard, Santa Cruz County community member and executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. n

•••

For information about funding or grant applications. email grants@cfscc.org.

For questions about making a donation, contact Donor Services Officer Hana Kong: YKong@cfscc.org.

•••

Susan True is CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

Rio Del Mar Flooded • Photo Credit: Howard McGee

IRS Tax Deadline Now May 15 Due to Storm

In response to the havoc wreaked by winter storms slamming the Bay Area and California, the Internal Revenue Service is extending the deadline to May 15 to file federal tax returns and make payments.

This is almost a month after the original April 18 deadline — and is available to all business owners, households and residents in the 41 California counties listed in the federal emergency declaration approved by President Biden, the IRS said. The affected area includes Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

Here is what you need to know:

What is the extension?

The IRS said it will provide “tax relief” to people who have been impacted by the storms as part of a coordinated effort by federal agencies. The extension applies to several deadlines for federal tax filing and payment that began as early as Jan. 8.

Individuals and businesses will have until May 15 to file federal income tax returns and make any payments. Eligible individuals can wait until May 15 to make 2022 contributions to their health savings

accounts and individual retirement accounts, officials said.

The deadline extension also applies to quarterly estimated tax payments, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Jan. 31 and April 30, and farmers who elect to forgo making estimated tax payments and normally file their returns by March 1.

Do I qualify?

Ifyou live in or have a business in one of the 41 counties listed by the IRS, you qualify for the deadline extension.

The qualifying counties listed so

far are: Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba.

Do I have to request the extension?

If you live in the affected area, no. The IRS will automatically provide the deadline

extension to taxpayers whose address is in one of the 41 qualifying counties.

If you qualify for the May 15 extension but receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS, the agency says you should call the number listed on the notice to have the penalty removed.

Does the extension apply to my California state tax return?

It was not immediately clear if the deadline extension applies to California state tax returns. As of Thursday afternoon, the deadline was still listed as April 18 on the California Franchise Tax Board website and no information about any extension was posted.

However, an agency spokesperson said information would soon be available on the website.

The California Franchise Tax Board “is aware of the guidance provided by the IRS … and is reviewing it,” said Catalina Martinez, a spokeswoman for the FTB. n •••

For information on the state deadline, see https://www.ftb.ca.gov/

For IRS tax tips, see https://www.irs.gov/ newsroom/irs-tax-tips

The Personal Project Struggle

By Elizabeth McCuistion

With MVC’s switch from traditional AP to the International Baccalaureate program, students now have the opportunity to earn the distinguished IB diploma.

Students who graduate with the IB diploma are more likely to be accepted into Ivy League universities by a staggering 18%.

However, in order to earn the diploma, students must not only take the required amount of Diploma Program courses, but they must also complete the Extended Essay and the Personal Project.

The personal project allows students to choose whatever topic they are personally interested in, learn about it, and create a product, which will be presented at an exhibition at the end of the year.

With junior year being the most important year aca demically for college applications, the personal project is assigned to sophomores at the beginning of the school year.

As time for completing the product portion of the project winds down, rumors have spread about many sophomores opting out because they are not trying to get the IB diploma, but how many people are opting out or completing the project?

In a survey of 25 sophomores, only one person was not doing it because they “didn’t have time.”

As for the students completing the project, 6 claimed they were completing the project because they can put the project on college applications, while 9 said that they were doing the project for their own benefit.

The other 8 wanted to complete the project because they want to receive the IB diploma.

However, when asked if they were ahead or behind schedule completing the project, 5 students said that they had not even started the project while 12 said they were behind schedule.

Only 6 students claimed they were on time while 2 said they were ahead.

Most of the students are behind not only because the amount of writing required is daunting, but because they are struggling to balance work, homework, sports, friends, and more while still having a life.

Hopefully the sophomores will rally and catch up on work over winter break before February’s deadline. n •••

Elizabeth McCuistion is a sophomore at Monte Vista Christian School.

Marilyn Liddicoat: 1931~2022

Marilyn Liddicoat, who represented the Second District (Aptos) on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, died at home on Dec. 20. She was 91.

A Los Angeles native, Marilyn was born on Oct. 31, 1931, and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts at a young age with her family. She was the daughter of Ukrainian immi grants seeking a better life in the United States, but it was a tough existence for the family. She worked multiple jobs to support her mother, father and younger brother. The family was constantly moving.

At one point, rent was so unaffordable that she and her brother lived in a Catholic orphanage for six months.

After high school, Marilyn attended the New England Conservatory of Music on scholarship before going on to UCLA where she completed a degree in anthropology.

She then received her law degree from the University of Southern California Law School, one of just ten women in a class of two hundred students. Her class was the first to include women at a time when women lawyers were almost unheard of.

Her lifelong love of music and talent for singing led her to participate in many local Santa Cruz productions including the role of Liza in My Fair Lady at Cabrillo College in 1967, Menotti’s The Medium, Santa Cruz Bay City Opera’s The Magic Flute, Madame Butterfly, Fiona in Ben Lomond Theatre’s Brigadoon and singing with the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus. Marilyn also sang professionally with the Zurich Opera in Switzerland.

During her time in law school, she met and married Leland Davis. They had one child, Britt Lisa Davis, and moved to Santa Cruz County so Davis could set up his children’s dentistry practice in his hometown. Shortly after, Lee perished in an auto accident on Highway 17. At 32, Marilyn was widowed with one child.

Fortunately, in 1965, she met ophthalmologist Dr. Douglas Liddicoat at a Christmas office party, and they were soon married. Their devoted marriage lasted 52 years until Doug’s death in 2017. They travelled the world, enjoying lectures and sharing their love for history and art with friends.

In her legal career, she was the second female lawyer in Santa Cruz, starting at the Wyckoff and Miller law firm and later served as Judge Pro Tem.

In the late 1970s, Marilyn was elected to the County Board of Supervisors, repre senting the Second District (Aptos) and serving one term. It was a colorful time in Santa Cruz politics, and she served her constituents well, fighting for property rights and against government regulation.

She was appointed by President Reagan to two different national boards of education. In addition, she achieved a graduate gemology degree from GIA and belonged to a local French club, which met weekly.

She was always striving to learn more and at 91, recently completed a 36-part online lecture series about the Vikings. Her favorite card game was Russian Bank; she usually won.

She is survived by three children: Dr. Rebecca Yamarik, Brian Liddicoat and Britt Haselton and six grandchildren. Her love of music lives on through her family, who mostly all sing or play an instrument.

She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family and devoted caregiver Tracey Peterson.

Donations can be made in her honor to the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus. n

Photos Courtesy of Britt Haselton

Marilyn Liddicoat and husband Douglas Liddicoat

Douglas and Marilyn relaxing together.

Storm of the Century in Rio Del Mar

Brunelli

In addition to the destruction from the force of the waves, many beachfront properties are flooded.

The Rio Del Mar Flats is notorious for flooding due to its proximity to the ocean and Aptos Creek.

The combination of the intense swell and rainfall led to water-immersed streets that are impassable to cars.

Last Thursday, Aptos was hit with one of the biggest swells in the century. Many beachfront properties weren’t solidly prepared for the swell, and were damaged from the waves.

Even though many of the surroundings are flooded, the Rio Liquor and Market is open, and doesn’t appear to have much long-term damage.

The extreme situation has prompted different behavior from homeowners.

Normally, the gates are closed to keep out the hordes of crowds that visit Rio Del

Mar Beach, but they’re open to air out the house from the extensive water inside.

The water pushed up mountains of sand that went over the barrier onto the street. Many houses are under repair right now. n

Salinas River Flooding

Kylie Brunelli of Aptos is chief editor of the Mustang Metropolitan, Monte Vista Christian School’s newspaper (mustangmetro.com). She started the Mustang Metropolitan as a sophomore after discovering her interest in writing at a camp last summer.

“I love interviewing students and poking my head around school with my camera,” she said. “This year has been so much fun organizing and promoting the newspaper, and it has connected me more to the student community.”

When she is not writing for, or managing the Mustang Metropolitan, she enjoys trail running around Aptos and playing the piano.

Photo Essay by Kylie

Photo Collection by Elizabeth McCuistion

The healThy Way

By June Smith

Since 1986, The Healthy Way, under the guidance of Cheri Bianchini RN, has pioneered a cutting-edge program based on proven principles that enhance wellness. Formerly a nurse manager at Stanford Medical Center, she saw the consequences of unhealthy living firsthand and became motivated to do something about it.

She is a motivational speaker, and experienced health and nutrition consultant, and through her extensive knowledge and compassionate nature, Cheri has helped thousands of people transform their lives.

Client Roseanne Magid, a nurse at Dominican Hospital, decided to give the program a try back in the early 90s. While working and caring for her three kids, she was feeling matronly and unwell. Because of the hospital’s proximity to The Healthy Way office and the good things she heard about the program, it made sense for her to join.

She was immediately impressed by Cheri’s kindness and wealth of knowledge. Following the guidelines was not difficult. She never felt deprived, and her kids never realized that she was on the plan.

Roseanne took in the suggestions of her personalized plan, along with exercising by walking, and quickly felt progress. She got back to the same weight she had been in high school, and later after learning how she did it, one of her grown sons joined the program with successful

results as well! She is now 84 years young and still at the weight she achieved over 30 years ago!!

What keeps Cheri excited about the Healthy Way after all these years?

She loves watching the health improvements and increased self-esteem

that results from behavior and lifestyle changes because of the program.

Whole nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are the basics of preventative medicine.

“The goal is to assist clients in healthy weight loss while stabilizing their individual body chemistry, and teaching

life-sustaining habits to achieve a positive body image,” Cheri says.

“Our clients consistently achieve an average weight loss of 2 — 4 pounds per week, and our long-term success rate speaks for itself,” she says. “Having a diabetic client get off insulin shots and become diet-controlled, or having hypertensive patients stop their prescription blood pressure meds brings me absolute joy. Watching them regain health as a result of the program I founded, gives my life great purpose. It is an honor and privilege for me to provide services at The Healthy Way.”

Individualized weight loss programs for men, women, children, and vegetarians are offered, including those with dietary needs such as gluten-free, food allergies, and sugar addiction concerns.

The Healthy Way specializes in blood sugar control, and clients have had dramatic results in improving diabetic and cholesterol issues. Support is offered six days a week in person, by phone, or virtually. Cheri and her team of exceptionally well-trained counselor coaches offer motivation, accountability, nutrition education, behavior skills, and lifestyle solutions. n

•••

The Healthy Way, www.thehealthyway. us, 3251 Mission Drive, Santa Cruz. 831-462-5900

Cheri Bianchini and her staff at The Healthy Way.

Jessica and Andrew of Santa Cruz lost 100 lbs each prior to their wedding and are living happily healthy after!

SBA Business Recovery Center Open in Capitola

On Jan 20, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Small Business Development Center opened an SBA Business Recovery Center in Capitola to help businesses impacted by the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began Dec. 27.

No appointment is necessary. All services are free. This location, serving Santa Cruz County, is at Capitola City Hall, Community Room (first floor), 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola. Hours are Mondays — Fridays,

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Public metered parking is behind City Hall.

The federal business recovery center opened one day after President Joe Biden visited Capitola Village and said, “Rebuild better” and “The country’s here for you every step of the way.”

“Due to the severe property damage and economic losses inflicted on California businesses, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet,” said SBA’s Director Tanya Garfield of the U.S. Small Business

Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

“The center will provide a one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help,” she added. “SBA representatives will meet with each business owner to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery. They will answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their electronic loan application.”

“Recovery Center” page 22

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Watsonville

The County of Santa Cruz, in conjunction with federal, State and local partners, has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Ramsey Park, 1301 Main St., Watsonville.

A second site will open shortly within the San Lorenzo Valley. Details will be provided as soon as they are available.

The Ramsay Park Disaster Recovery Center includes staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the California Office of Emergency Service, the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville, and various state, local and community agencies that include disaster recovery as part of their mission.

President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the County of Santa Cruz and several other California counties due to a series of atmospheric rivers beginning Dec. 27, 2022.

The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is March 16.

Anyone impacted by the disaster

is invited to visit the Disaster Recovery Center to access information and resources needed for recovery, regardless of the type of damage suffered, location of impacted residence or business, insurance status, immigration status, or any other factor.

Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. n

Second Harvest: Food for Flooded People

On Monday afternoon, a Second Harvest community outreach team visited flood victims in Bay Village and adjacent communities in Watsonville, canvassing doorto-door and asking whether residents need food.

If so, a supply of fresh vegetables and shelf-stable pantry items will be provided on the spot by The Food Bank.

As Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County canvasses local neighborhoods in days following historic flooding, it is the continuation of an immediate response during the flooding and subsequent disaster.

“Recovery Center” from page 21

According to Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center Director Brandon Small, business advisors can provide business assistance to clients on a wide variety of matters designed to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Services include assessing business working capital needs, evaluating the business’s strength, cash flow projections, and most importantly, a review of options with the business owner to help them evaluate their

A combination of an atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclone, compounding the effects of years-long drought conditions which caused flooding and evacuations in Santa Cruz County in the first 15 days of 2023.

Second Harvest Food Bank stepped up efforts immediately by lending labor and transport for sand bagging and emergency food distributions.

Second Harvest coordinated six of its partner agencies who rotated and provided a total of 5,815.

Partner agencies providing aid were Watsonville Salvation Army, Pajaro Valley Loaves &

alternatives and make decisions that are appropriate for their situation, he added.

Businesses of any size and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofits of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Fishes, Martha’s Kitchen, Grey Bears, Westview Presbyterian, and St. Francis Soup Kitchen.

Once the evacuation centers were closed on Jan. 18, Second Harvest advanced to the next effort, resupplying hard-hit neighborhoods that lost food during flooding and power outages.

Since many flood victims in senior communities are house-bound, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, convened a team to take food to the people.

“We’ve put together a mobile pantry and are knocking on doors to fill the urgent need for food in Watsonville,” said Second Harvest CEO,

Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered property damage.

The deadline to apply for property damage loans is March 16. The deadline to apply for economic injury loans is Oct. 16.

Business owners unable to visit the business recovery center in person can apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba. gov/ or https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

SBA representatives continue to meet with business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers located in California.

Ways to Give …

Erica Padilla-Chavez. “We’re here every step of the way for our neighbors in need. Sandbags, hot meals, and now a mobile pantry.”

Second Harvest Food Bank is not only committed to providing emergency food in the face of local disasters, but also year-round relief. Anyone needing food or assistance to apply for CalFresh food stamps is encouraged to call the Second Harvest Community Food Hotline (831) 662-0991.

Seniors affected by the floods needing food resources in Santa Cruz County can call the Food hotline at 831-662-0991 for information on the free pantry recovery program. n

For locations, or to receive additional disaster assistance information, visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. n

For more info, applicants can call SBA’s Customer Service Center: (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155

PVUSD Superintendent Answers Storm Damage Questions

When is the after-school program?

The Expanded Learning After School Program runs directly after school dismissal, Monday through Friday, until 6 pm at all ASES & 21st Century Learning Center grant-funded sites every day of the school year.

A child may be released early from the after-school program prior to 6 pm based upon the PVUSD ASP Early Release Policy or school bus departure times. Our ELOPfunded After School Program at non-grant sites in the Aptos area schools run daily as staffing capacity allows, per site.

For specific dismissal times at school sites, email extended_learning@pvusd. net or check https://aseap-pajaro-ca. schoolloop.com/

Did PVUSD sustain a lot of major damage with the recent storms?

Through the hard work of Maintenance and Operations staff and 24/7 monitoring of facilities by M&O administration, the impact of the storms to PVUSD facilities was minimal.

The greatest impact was to the District Office’s parking lot, which was flooded three times due to the high levels of the creek.

Each time, the District Office was sandbagged to ensure that the water did not enter the buildings. However, each time teams of staff worked to remove the thick, residual mud and unclog drains.

The only other major damage was the landslide by Cesar Chavez Middle School’s track. All other damage was minimal, including some leaking roofs and downed trees.

When are all of the schools going to open back up?

As of Thursday, January 19, the remaining three closed schools in the Pajaro area are open.

All PVUSD schools are now open as the evacuation orders and evacuation warnings have been lifted and the roads to the school sites now have safe passage and schools are accessible.

My home was destroyed.

How do I apply to all of these monies I am hearing about? I need it.

pplying for FEMA assistance: Residents in Santa Cruz County who

sustained losses during the series of storms that battered our region can begin to apply for federal assistance through FEMA.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Santa Cruz County residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance. gov by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

On Jan. 21, FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Center in Watsonville opened at Ramsey Park. We will inform our community if other locations open in other parts of the County. They will be staffed for 30 days with potential extension, based on county request and approval, to support residents through this process.

Keep the following in mind when seeking assistance:

• All applications need to be submitted 60 days from the incident (FEMA official date is 12/27, due date Feb. 24, confirmed by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin)

• Renters can apply; they become coapplicants with the landlord. They can support residents if the landlord refuses or is uncooperative

• Mixed citizenship households are eligible

• Immigrants with legal right to work are eligible for disaster unemployment benefits. The Employment Development Department needs to apply on your behalf.

• FEMA requires applicants to apply for both loan and grant programs, both offered as benefits, but are not required to be used if they are not needed or wanted

• The City of Watsonville has a home repair loan at 0% interest to help families — applicants must live in the City of Watsonville.

• Financial assistance is now available for storm-impacted families. Priorities given to storm impacts and those

losing employment. Call 211 or closest Family Resource Centers to apply. Catholic Charities will be involved to bundle support as needed.

Community Bridges hosted flood recovery information sessions via Zoom and in person on Jan. 12-13.

Experts on insurance information and flood claims answered questions, and attendees were connected with resources available through community partners. To hear recordings of those Zoom meetings in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Triqui, go to https://communitybridges.org/events/

The Parent Education Department has compiled a list of some meaningful resources available for impacted families. Visit the resources page to find links to resources and services, from access to food, to shelter locations, to housing support for displaced families, to help for flood cleanup. Additionally, PVUSD’s Wellness Center remains open during their regular hours to support you.

When you send out PVUSD Storm communications to the PVUSD community, can you also include a resource that provides information as to the location of known road closures during these storms? This information would help staff and families with transportation to and from school sites. Even the following link, which is for CHP and CalTrans incidents, would be helpful.

For future emergencies, we can provide road closure information as we have it.

You can follow the California Highway Patrol for current road conditions at https://cad.chp.ca.gov/traffic. aspx?__EVENTTARGET

Why was Adult Education’s Rodriguez Street (Institute of Language and Culture building) in Watsonville left off the various lists of school closures despite being closed all week?

Originally on Jan. 8, Rodriguez Street and the area surrounding the Adult Education Institute of Language and Culture and Radcliff Elementary were not in an evacuation warning zone.

By Wednesday, Jan. 11, that zone was included as an evacuation warning zone. Therefore, we noted the closure of Radcliff Elementary. We erroneously did not include the Adult Education Institute of Language and Culture location.

It was brought to our attention on Friday, Jan. 13, however, by Monday, the evacuation warning for that area was lifted so they were never included in any listing. Did staff still get paid if their school sites were closed?

All permanent certificated and classified staff and long-term substitutes received their normal pay for all days that the school sites were closed.

Food and Nutrition Services and Maintenance and Operations staff and site administrators remained on the closed campus unless the site was under evacuation order or had unsafe passage which limited access to the site, or they supported other sites to ensure we could continue to serve students at the remaining schools which were open.

You all stopped COVID testing at the District Office after the storms. When is it coming back?

Inspire Diagnostics resumed testing at the Pajaro Valley District Office (294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville) on Monday, Jan. 23. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Testing will be available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is highly recommended that PVUSD staff test at their school site for surveillance or routine testing.

Symptomatic staff or students can utilize any of Inspire Diagnostics other testing locations in Santa Cruz County.

The testing location at the District Office will be subject to changes in availability based on the following scenarios:

• Inclement weather (rain and/or wind)

• Repairs to the District Office parking lot

• District meetings or events requiring additional staff parking

• For the most current testing days, hours and locations, visit: https:// covid19test.santacruzcoe.org/

Are more home COVID tests available?

We receive the at-home Covid tests from the State. After the Winter Break distribution, we do not have an additional supply of at-home Covid tests to provide to families.

We anticipate receiving more home tests from the State in March, which we will distribute before Spring Break.

“PVUSD Q&A” page 24

Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

FEATURED COLUMNIST

For the Love of … Songs that Feature Weather and Water

This winter, our community has been greatly impacted by the storms, heavy rains, atmospheric rivers, and winds, which were a stark contrast to the multi-year droughts that we experience on a regular basis.

As we all know, one rainy season doesn’t mean that the water challenges are over in our community — and we must stay focused on long-term water reliability and resiliency as climate change brings big swings to the weather conditions we face.

We stand strong with our fellow Santa Cruz County community as we continue to live, thrive, and survive following the recent storms and our hearts go out to the residents who were directly impacted.

A few years ago, we took the opportunity to create our February article to be “For the Love of….” And featured movies, books, and podcasts that were about water. To keep with the tradition, this year we’re focusing on SONGS related to weather, water, and love.

•••

To honor the full month of February, we’ve curated 28 songs, one for each day and from a diverse genre, and created a playlist on Spotify at https://spoti. fi/3QLLM4M. Below we’ve listed them and highlighted eight.

• Take Me to the River by Al Green (1974)

• You Don’t Miss Your Water by Otis Redding (1965)

“PVUSD Q&A” from page 23

What are the current indoor air filtration/ air quality standards in school classrooms and other indoor spaces and who is responsible for the air filtration maintenance in the classrooms/indoor school spaces?

There are classrooms with closed doors, closed windows, unplugged air purifiers (they aren’t operating) as well as purifiers that are so overdue on a filter change those clumps of pollutants form and they have been this way for a while. We should be doing everything we can to uphold these basic mitigation measures and maintain the highest level of indoor air quality in classrooms. Is there a way for staff and families to be alerted when air quality

• Big River by Johnny Cash (1957)

• I Can’t Stand the Rain by Ann Peebles (1974)

• Texas River Song by Lyle Lovett (1998)

• A Little Rain by Tom Waits (1992)

• Buckets of Rain by Bob Dylan (1975)

• Down to the River to Pray by Allison Kraus (2000)

• Rainbow Connection by Kermit (1979)

• It Will Rain by Bruno Mars (2011)

• Walking on Sunshine by Katerina & The Waves (1985)

• Thunder by Imagine Dragons (2017)

• Rain on Me by Lady Gaga (with Ariana Grande) (2020)

• It’s a Sunshine Day by The Brady Bunch (1972)

• It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls (1982)

• Set Fire to the Rain by Adele (2011)

• Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles (1966)

• The Banks of the Ohio by Doc Watson (2003)

• Call it Stormy Monday by T-Bone Walker (1947)

• Ripple by the Grateful Dead (1970)

• Fire and Rain by James Taylor (1970)

• Catch the Wind by Donovan (1965)

• Come In With The Rain by Taylor Swift (2021)

• Ocean Eyes by Billie Ellish (2017)

• Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers (1971)

• The River by Bruce Springsteen (1980)

• Evert Teardrop Is a Waterfall by Coldplay (2011)

• Oceania by Björk (2004)

maintenance has been conducted or at least whenever our air filtration is compromised (repairs, missed maintenance, outages, etc)?

We currently utilize MERV 13 filters in most of our HVAC systems, for those that are not compatible, we utilize MERV 11 filters. The District has two maintenance specialists who are responsible for changing HVAC filters.

This is done a minimum of three times a year based on need. If filters become too dirty, it can cause damage to the systems so our team takes these changes very seriously.

For our individual HEPA air purifiers in the classrooms these filter changes are handled by the custodial staff at each site. The units have lights that indicate when filter changes are needed and custodial

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

•••

Take Me to the River: The legendary Reverend Al Green pours his soul into a song about love, betrayal, and redemption. A thoughtful and open-minded listening of the song could convert many non-believers to the healing power of water and rivers.

Set Fire to the Rain: This is a heartwrenching, tale of love and loss from the beloved English singing star, Adele. She uses the opposing elements of fire and water in a torch song reminiscent of a Greek tragedy: A woman spurned exacts revenge and annihilation via flaming precipitation. Not the kind of raindrops you want falling on your head.

Texas River Song: This is a pretty song also includes geology, hydrology, and geography, and a healthy dose of heartbreak. An added bonus: It is sung by Texas icon Lyle Lovett.

Banks of the Ohio: Some love songs are tragic in concept; some are quite literally tragic. This traditional folk song by Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs is the latter and explores the dark side of unrequited loved, and it ends badly. It is performed by a group of bluegrass legends who collectively convey the remorse and sadness of a senseless deed with virtuosity and subtlety.

is trained to check on these lights. If a classroom is in need of a change to their filter, they can notify their office staff and the custodian will take care of it.

Replacement filters for District-issued air purifiers continue to be available to all PVUSD schools and departments at NO COST from the PVUSD STORES warehouse. The air purifier filters can be requested via a STORES requisition that will need to be approved by the school or department administrator.

If a replacement air purifier unit is needed, contact your site or department administrator to initiate a request for a replacement.

Newly issued air purifiers will contain a 1-year supply of filters. Each set

You Don’t Miss Your Water: The great Otis Redding convinces us in this song that he is lovesick, but William Bell actually wrote the song about his homesickness. He uses the old adage of not missing your water until the well goes dry, as a metaphor for not appreciating what one has until it’s lost. (If there were such a thing, could this be the “official” song of the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency?)

Big River: From St. Paul to New Orleans, Johnny Cash leads us down the Mississippi on a meandering pursuit of a woman with whom he is smitten because of her Southern drawl. Or, perhaps, it is the river itself that he is following? His tears flood the river, and he vows to sit there until he dies.

The River: The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, delves into a few of life’s big questions on this song about a man who rues the events and circumstances of his young life. He reminisces about days of romance at the river or the reservoir with his girlfriend, before teenaged pregnancy sends them into early adulthood. “Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true/Or is it something worse?”

Rain On Me: This song by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande has it all! There’s a beat you can (must) dance to, and it includes rain, tears, misery, and an empowering message. It’s been described as an escapist pop song and a queer anthem. The pop divas lean hard into rain, rain, and more rain. All that rain propels them skyward: “Hands up to the sky/I’ll be your galaxy/I’m about to fly/Rain on me, tsunami.” n

of replacement filters ordered from the STORES warehouse also contains a 1-year supply of consumable filters.

The District standard air purifier is the Winix 5300-2 (https://www.winixamerica. com/product/5300-2/).

The recommended filter replacement frequency is:

• HEPA filter (consumable): every 12 months

• Activated Carbon Filter (consumable): every 3 months

• Pre-filter (non consumable): Clean every 14 days

Our Maintenance and Operations team continues to communicate to the site as any work is being done on the HVAC systems. n

Renting EVs: Charging Fees Shocking

By Christopher Elliott

You’d think the cost of renting an electric vehicle would be falling, with Tesla slashing the price of its cars by up to 20% last week. Not exactly.

The EV premium is alive and well. Electric car rentals still cost roughly 20% more than gas-powered vehicles, according to a random sampling of prices I conducted. But there’s also a hidden cost of renting an EV that has shocked some travelers. It includes extras for charging the car or spending too much time at a charging station.

The extras add up, making an EV rental a luxury for many travelers. In fact, smart drivers are turning down the opportunity to rent an electric vehicle.

What are Car Rental Fees for EVs?

Joshua Folb did a double-take when Budget Car Rental recently sent him its updated terms. Buried deep in the fine print was a requirement that EVs have to be returned more than 70% charged or face a $35 fee. If it’s less than 10%, it’s $70.

“I wonder what the other car rental companies are doing,” says Folb, who works for a nonprofit organization in Arlington, Va.

Well, wonder no more. Avis, which owns Budget, has an identical policy. Hertz has a complicated set of EV fees that include charging, controversial “idle” fees and the costs of any damaged charging cable. Enterprise doesn’t have any EV charging fees, and Sixt actually rewards you for recharging your car with a voucher.

“When renting an EV, renters need to be aware of any additional charging fees

that may be required post-rental,” explains Erin Kemp, a consumer advocate for the car site Bumper.

Kemp has seen charging fees ranging from $15 to $50 or more, depending on the rental company and the battery. He says car rental customers should think of it as a supercharged refueling fee. Car rental companies charge about three times as much as the market rate to top off an EV with a low battery.

Charging more for an EV and adding hidden fees is a bizarre business practice, considering that car rental companies are trying to get more people to rent an EV.

Drivers are Revolted

Callum Russell rented a Nissan Ariya on a recent visit to California. The daily rate of $50 was reasonable -- but that was before the fees.

The company added fees of $35 for EV charging and $20 for an additional driver, and a representative also told him that if he didn’t return the EV clean, he’d have to pay another fee. “The charging fee was much more than if I had used a public charging port,” says Russell, who runs a site about EV charging.

Daniel Carr had a similar experience when he priced cars for a one-week rental.

“The car options that were electric were overpriced,” says Carr, who publishes an automotive blog. “I think they are taking advantage of the fact that it’s a new technology, and know that if you want to pick an EV over a gas-powered car, they can take advantage of your moral preference for using an EV.”

He went with a gas-powered car.

Richard Wong, a government worker from Washington, D.C., tried to rent an EV in San Francisco during the holiday. The

price tag, after all the surcharges, came to more than $100 per day. He’s outraged.

“I don’t know how they can justify the greater expense if we’re paying for the electricity and they’re probably receiving government incentives like tax breaks or outright subsidies for buying electric vehicles,” he says.

Wong also went with a conventional vehicle.

How to Avoid High Fees

Scrap your assumptions about EVs before you rent one, say experts.

You know, that they’re affordable, that there are no extra fees, and that all of the fees are clearly disclosed. The exact opposite is often true.

“Be sure to ask,” says Andrew Krulewitz, CEO of Zevvy, the electric vehicle leasing company.

What’s the Charging Policy?

Every rental company seems to have a different policy on charging.

“EVs” page 26

The Grammys

nominated song 35. College dwelling 37. Footnote note 39. Shade of violet 40. Huron’s neighbor 41. Head of the abbey

Done

pot

64. Unit of electrical energy

65. Hoover’s agency, acr. 67. Discompose

68. Shade of yellow

69. I in T.G.I.F.

70. Small, olive-gray bird

71. “Cheers” regular

72. Inquire

73. Open up DOWN

1. Bath powder

2. Iranian coin

3. ____ Spumante

4. Be needy

5. Gossipy ones

6. Arabian Peninsula country

7. Column’s counterpart

8. Holiday surprise for employee

9. Palo ____, CA

10. Agitate

11. Inwardly

12. *1970 two-time winner “The ____ of Aquarius”

15. Hindu retreat

20. Ancient Rome’s neighbor

22. Nail a criminal 24. Popular newspaper name 25. *”30” performer 26. Pillage

27. Beef ___, dim sum choice 29. *”Don’t Shut Me Down” group 31. Alan Alda’s classic TV show 32. Type of hawk 33. Type of flu 34. Multi-colored dog coat

One of three square ones

38. Shower with affection 42. Human trunk 45. Sliding fastener

Part of “i” 51. Past-life experience? (2 words)

Capital of Bulgaria

Airbnb option

Chanel of fashion

German industrial valley

Big Bang’s original matter

Disc, alt. sp.

Popular dieter’s foe

Between ports

Chris Hemsworth’s superhero

*Award-winning Bon Jovi’s lead singer

*Coldplay’s collaborators

Aquarius — Cleansing the Land with Waters of Life

We are in the light of Aquarius now. The eleventh sign, the sign of humanity. Aquarius is also the sign of the present/future — our hopes, wishes and dreams. On the fixed cross (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius — fixed air) of the Soul, Aquarius is the man holding a water pot, pouring forth the “waters (electrical) of life for thirsty humanity”.

When Aquarius begins, the eleventh task is given to Hercules (who is humanity itself) as the eleventh Temple Gate opens. The task is to cleanse the land (Augean stables) that have become destroyed, tainted and spoiled by misuse and corruption. In other words, to “clear the swamp”. In the story (Labors of Hercules), Hercules is told by the Teacher to cleanse the land from death and destruction, for humanity is dying in that land.

And so, after reaching the unclean and devastated town and after much thought as to how to accomplish this task, a revelation occurred to Hercules. Alongside the town ran two rivers. Hercules set about diverting the direction of the rivers so their waters, flowing through the town, could cleanse and purifying the land.

ARIES

What is occurring in your home, with family and loved ones? Something from the past needs tending, a new structure perhaps, new disciplines. Accomplished with love, of course. How does your biological family influence your life now? Each of us, as we are born into our families, assumes the spiritual task of healing our family’s wounds (generations of them). This is a Soul contact. It is our love (the heart of sacrifice) that understands this.

TAURUS

You are the focus, the speaker, the leader, the one who “knows” what to do within the community/village you live within. You understand everyone, have patience with their vicissitudes, understand the different rays and thus behavior patterns & structures. You have the capacity to see the whole picture which contains the smaller. Your abilities bring the individuals together, help them identify as a group, and eventually form true community. Their minds are made ‘new.’

GEMINI

The impulse, the message, the Hierarchical impressions being placed on you to travel to a community (not anyone, a specific one) is becoming greater and greater. What is needed by you to follow this impress? Many of us are being “impressed” these days, by greater intelligences who, observing us, know what it is we need, know what others need, know who can fulfill those needs. You could perhaps consider that you are needed elsewhere. Ponder this. Do you have the book?

CANCER

You are participating in something with family, something personal? You continue to return to a place that either needs your expertise or you need its energy and light. Perhaps, and most likely, it’s both. You feel serious about a family situation, try to make plans that bring more discipline. The next six months you will consider the needed changes to be made. You will consider all things new, along with the meaning & purpose of your life. A new direction is taken.

This task of cleaning and purifying is now given to humanity. The task is to purify humanity’s emotional states so that the flow of energy to the intuition can be clear and unobstructed.

Aquarian energy (with its rulers Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter) is fast, revelatory, revolutionary energy that reshapes the world. All world events are being colored by the nature and qualities of Aquarius. Aquarius calls for freedom of the individual, for benevolence and for the Rule of Law. Aquarius breaks with conventions, seeks new solutions to old problems (social, economic, religious, political). Everything that restricts humanity’s moving forward and evolving is shaken up by Aquarius.

The color of Aquarius is violet blue. The symbol is the man carrying a water jar. Electrical waters that touch the minds of humanity. These “waters” are prana, life force. It is as if out of nothing, magic happens. We breathe in air, which we cannot see, and life continues. It’s as if life and all that is around us, all that is within us is magic. Kingdoms of magic & beauty! n

LEO

Have you found your thoughts are more resolute, determined, serious, more concerned with rules & regulations? Are you feeling restricted by someone or a certain relationship? Do you feel the need to run away to far-off lands? Is someone or something waiting for you here, there, somewhere? Is work more and more serious and is a change, renovation, makeover needed there? Do you seek a sense of community which would fulfill relationship needs? Something new will happen soon. Friends seek you out. Accommodate them with love.

VIRGO

Take seriously the idea that you are of deep and meaningful value. Review how your money & resources are used. Is there enough to continue with your present/ past lifestyle? If not, what needs to be changed, pulled back, revitalized, added to? And how can these be accomplished? Each day is filled with tasks. Each day changes, no matter how you plan. At the end of each day, review your day. From night to morning. Then you see that each day is good. No matter what occurs, the day is good.

LIBRA

Soon you will feel as if you’ve turned inward towards interior realities. This will last for several months, as you assess responsibilities, review your self-identity & self-image. Beliefs and foundations that have held you for so long are changing. Also, how you interact with others. Rest more, allow nature and the plants you grow to heal your restless mind. Be the artist you really are. Begin your garden; herbs, medicinals, flowers (edible) & vegetables. Include fruit trees. All of this will be your creativity. Create a garden journal. Make your kingdom colorful.

SCORPIO

It’s a good time, as the new era unfolds, to ask yourself Scorpio’s most potent questions. Always you seek the truth, delving deeply where only the courageous (or angels) go. Your truth creates your philosophy of life. As you search into yourself, realigning beliefs & values, consider hopes, wishes, dreams and goals. What are they? Sometimes, due to disappointments, we don’t consider hopes, wishes and dreams. However, they create our future. Here is a morning prayer/mantra for you...“Let reality govern my every thought. And truth be the master of my life.”

SAGITTARIUS

Is your mind internalized, filled with future ideas & possibilities? Is there a bit of recriminatory thinking, of things you failed to do in the recent past? Shafts of both darkness and light appear. Shadows too. Creativity is the most important element calling to you, presenting you with a new identity, initiating new thoughts in your mind. Creativity is what we are made of. Here is a line of poetry by John Donne reminding me of you. “I am cunningly made, a universe of elements.” As a teacher, you hold not only your own creativity but you influence other’s as well. This new year will be a surprise.

CAPRICORN

Called to serve the world, and responding to these calls, your sense of self and ability to communicate expands. Be aware that Mercury is in your sign at this time, slowly moving forward. Mercury in Capricorn can initiate the thought of being a writer. Mercury in Capricorn makes one feel responsible. Voices can sound harsh. Astrologers know it’s not harshness, but the sound of practicality. Most aren’t astrology-wise or practical (yet). I caution you. Don’t be self-critical. It’s destructive & separates you from life. Turn any criticism to praise for you are of great value. In a world now in great need, you are the Server who is called.

AQUARIUS

You are looking around the community, sensing, feeling, discovering the values & resources to see if they are useful for you in terms of your daily life & needs. There is a quiet transformation taking place within. You are asking deep questions, the answers of which will alter the patterns of daily life. There are special friends around that you trust and care for. They in turn care for you. You influence the lives of others. As friends offer their care and assistance, hearts grow stronger and a community is formed. Everyone shares and gives and then gives some more. You are the magnet and the heart. It all begins with you.

PISCES

A spiritual presence is making itself known to you, through your studies, teachings, interactions, wishes and dreams. Also in your acts of kindness & care, sacrifice & love. Often this occurs in the very early morning, just before dawn. It is good to share with others your spiritual tasks. Each day commit yourself to the Will to Good and the Will to Love. These summon in everyone around acts of Goodwill and Right Relations and all the kingdoms benefit. By living within this standard of values, your worth, authority, abilities, service, and your happiness increase. Life then follows in harmony and in beauty (the hidden path to God).

“EVs” from page 25

Some will allow you to return the vehicle without a charge and won’t make you pay extra. Others will start charging a fee if you return the car with less than 70% charge on the battery, and they’ll punish you with even steeper fees if you go under 10%.

“You may pay significantly above what it would cost to charge up the car,” says Krulewitz.

Are There any Other Fees?

Charging fees are not the only “gotchas.” Renters have reported other extras, like idle fees (for overstaying your welcome at a charging station) and additional surcharges if your battery level dips below 10%.

Also, knowing the car rental industry like I do, it’s only a matter of time before they invent another fee and quietly add it to their terms and conditions.

Can you Recharge?

The problem with a recharging fee is that it’s often impractical to top off a vehicle before returning it, according to Phil Partridge, marketing manager for Rhino Car.

“With a regular car, customers can pop into the nearest fuel station to the airport to top up at the expense of 5 to 10 minutes,” he says. “But the forward planning required to leave enough time to recharge the rental car — up to an hour or more! — could add unwanted time and stress to the rental return, which is already a rather nervy affair to many.”

How true. And in some locations, a charging station may be limited. That’s something to think about before you rent an EV.

Fees are Ridiculous

If the idea behind adding EVs is to save the environment, then most car rental companies are going about it the wrong way.

• They’re charging an EV premium — they should be offering a discount.

• They’re adding fees for charging the battery — they should be offering vouchers for returning the vehicle with a full charge (like Sixt).

• They’re adding hidden fees and extra expenses — they should be removing them.

So when I see reports of hundreds of Teslas sitting idle in Hertz parking lot, I’m not surprised. Some car rental companies see EVs as a profit opportunity, and they are hoping our conscience will push us to pay more and tolerate these junk fees so we can save the environment.

We may be worried about climate change, but we’re not that stupid. n

•••

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help at https:// elliottadvocacy.org/help

Stephen Kessler: Artist of the Year

Will Perform May 20 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Writer and translator Stephen Kessler has been named 2023 Artist of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.

The Artist of the Year award is presented to local artists for outstanding achievement in the discipline of performing, visual, or literary arts who have also made a substantial contribution to the cultural enrichment of Santa Cruz County.

Stephen Kessler has distinguished himself over the last 50 years as one of his generation’s most versatile and prolific writers, author of a dozen volumes of original poetry, 16 books of literary translation, three collections of essays, and a novel, “The Mental Traveler” (Greenhouse Review Press, 2009).

He has edited numerous literary journals and community newspapers and is the editor and principal translator of The Sonnets by Jorge Luis Borges (Penguin Classics, 2010). Locally in recent years, he is best known as a wide-ranging and freethinking opinion columnist in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Kessler arrived in Santa Cruz in 1968 on a Regents Fellowship to study with the first group of graduate students in the UC Santa Cruz doctoral program in literature.

A personal crisis the following year set him on a path away from academia and eventually into journalism in local underground and alternative newspapers.

After writing for Sundaze and the Santa Cruz Independent through the 1970s, he was a founding associate editor and writer with the Santa Cruz Express (1981-86) and the founding editor and publisher of The Sun (1986-89), another newsweekly, which was put out of business by the Loma Prieta earthquake — but not before its final issue chronicled that watershed event.

but taking inspiration from such exponents of The New Journalism as Joan Didion and Norman Mailer, politically engaged poets like Amiri Baraka and Denise Levertov, and independent-minded essayists like Kenneth Rexroth and James Baldwin.

Since then, he has published hundreds of essays, features, reviews, interviews, and columns in dozens of periodicals including, among others, Poetry Flash, Exquisite Corpse, San Francisco Review of Books, East Bay Express, Los Angeles Review of Books, North Bay Bohemian, and The Redwood Coast Review (19992014), for which he received four times, as editor, the California Library Association’s PR Excellence Award.

Writing about Kessler’s book Moving Targets: On Poets, Poetry & Translation (El León Literary Arts, 2008), Lawrence Ferlinghetti called him “certainly the best poetry critic in sight.”

Kessler is best known nationally and internationally as a translator of modern Spanish and Latin American poets including the Argentine master Borges, Nobel laureates Vicente Aleixandre and Pablo Neruda, the exiled Spaniard Luis Cernuda, and the Argentine expatriate Julio Cortázar.

During most of the 1970s and ’80s, he was active as an organizer of and advocate for the Santa Cruz poetry community, putting on readings, writing reviews and essays in the localweeklies, cohosting with Gary Young The Poetry

Show and Bards

After Dark on KUSP radio, and serving as an intellectual and journalistic bridge between the literary minority and the general population.

In his journalism he infused the newspapers he wrote for with a poetic sensibility not usually found in that medium

His three Cernuda books — Written in Water (City Lights Books, 2004), Desolation of the Chimera (White Pine Press, 2009), and Forbidden Pleasures (Black Widow Press, 2015) — have received, respectively, a Lambda Literary Award, the Harold Morton Landon Translation Award from the Academy of American Poets, and the PEN Center USA Translation Award.

His version of Cortázar’s selected poems, Save Twilight (City Lights, 2016), received a Northern California Book Award.

“Stephen Kessler” page 30

Stephen Kessler

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OUR COMMUNITY READS PRESENTS: MARY COIN

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Feb. 1 • 10:30 a.m.

Capitola Book Discussion Group (Z) led by Dian Duchin Reed

Wednesday, Feb. 1 • 7 p.m.

A Talk with the Author (H)

From her home in Los Angeles, Mary Coin author Marisa Silver talks about creating the fictional world of an iconic image.

Watch online at home or join us in the Ow Family Community Room of Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, with moderator Geneffa Jonker, Cabrillo College English professor.

Sponsored by Friends of the Capitola Library.

Sunday, Feb. 5 • 3 p.m.

Concert: Songs We Sang in the Great Depression

“Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime,” “If You Ain’t Got the Do Re Mi” (In-person only)

Join local singers Aileen Vance, Bob Reid & Judi Jaeger, Jack Bowers & Vicki Coffis at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 2402 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel, for a live concert of songs that deepen our understanding of the world of Mary Coin and millions of other Dust Bowl migrants.

Host Julie Olsen Edwards

Tuesday, Feb. 7 • 5:30 p.m

Workshop: “Our Community Writes” (H)

Here’s your chance to create flash fiction, miniessays, or poetry based on the world of Mary Coin. Using evocative prompts and plenty of encouragement, writer June Langhoff and members of the Monterey/Santa Cruz chapter of Shut Up & Write will focus on the joy of the creative process at Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.

Writer fuel will be provided.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Thursday, Feb. 9 • 6:30 p.m.

Panel: “The Photographer’s Eye” (H) Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.

Local photographers Shmuel Thaler, Kevin Painchaud, and Mary Altier will talk about their work, show examples, and contrast their experience with that of earlier photographers like Dorothea Lange. Moderated by Jim Bourne, whose photographs are on exhibit in the library through March 2023. Refreshments served.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Saturday, Feb. 11 • 1 p.m.

Hands-on Art Event

In-person only at Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

Using the medium of collage, participants will create an “extended” pencil drawing using a photo of the Dust Bowl era to which a six-word memoir is added for deeper meaning.

Presenters Jo-Neal Graves and Sharon Ferguson, Open Studios artists and art educators, will provide background information, drawing pointers, memoir development, and lots of encouragement.

No prior skills necessary to be successful.

Thursday, Feb. 16 • 6:30 p.m.

Panel: “Farm to Table: Smooth Road or Bumps Along the Way?” (H)

Temple Beth El Social Hall, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos.

Panelists will compare the working conditions of today’s farmworkers to the conditions of the Depression

era, look at labor issues from a historical perspective, and show how best practices are being applied in today’s farming.

Dr. Ann López, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens, Peter Shapiro, author of Song of the Stubborn One Thousand: The Watsonville Canning Strike, 1985-87.

Alicia Bencomo Garcia (Professor of Ethnic Studies, Cabrillo College), is the moderator.

Sponsored by Friends of the Aptos Library.

Sunday, Feb. 19 • 1 p.m. Film: “The Grapes of Wrath”

In-person only, La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Topsy Smalley, Librarian with a special interest in Steinbeck, introduces John Ford’s classic adaptation of the immortal Steinbeck novel.

Sponsored by Friends of La Selva Beach Library. •••

To register: Go to www.SantaCruzPL.org and click on Calendar at the top of the home page. Scroll the Calendar page to the event you want to attend and click the link for the name of the event. You will find registration instructions.

NOTE: This calendar is as accurate as was possible at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date Our Community Reads info, go to www.FriendsofAptosLibrary.org

WATSONVILLE SEAT OPEN ON CABRILLO BOARD

Due to the resignation of Felipe Hernandez, a vacancy exists in the seat representing Area V (Watsonville) of the Board of Trustees of the Cabrillo Community College District.

Anyone interested in serving can submit a brief statement of interest and qualifications by noon Friday, Feb. 10.

Statements may be submitted via email to Ronnette Smithcamp, executive assistant to the superintendent/ president (rosmithc@cabrillo.edu), or in person at Cabrillo College Student Activities Center, West Room 203, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

The provisional appointment will begin immediately following selection by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting at Cabrillo’s Watsonville Center, 6 p.m. on Feb. 27. The appointee will fill the position until the next regular election in November 2024.

Call the Santa Cruz County Office of Elections at 454-2060 to verify whether you reside and are registered to vote in Trustee Area V.

HEARTS FOR THE ARTS SILENT AUCTION

Spectra and Mariposa Arts, 1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz Hearts for the Arts is back!

ARTISANS & agency owner Linnaea Holgers James will, once again, host this popular fundraiser at her shop in downtown Santa Cruz for arts education programs, Spectra and Mariposa Arts

The 2023 Hearts for the Arts silent auction runs from Feb. 1 through 13, when artists’ work will be featured in the shop. The auction of love-themed art will be part of the First Friday Art Tour on Feb. 3, and through an Artists’ Reception from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Bidding closes at 5 p.m. Feb. 13.

Many items will be priced $150 or less — wonderful gifts for loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

HABITAT: SEEKING HOMEOWNER

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay opens the application window on Friday, Jan. 27 for the final home in the Rodeo Creek Court development located in Live Oak. This unit is

February 1st 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

single-family, 3-bedroom, 2-bath and is ADA compliant.

The application window will close on Mon., Feb. 17. Orientation workshops are scheduled in Feb. 1 and 2 to learn what you need to know.

You may qualify for homeownership if:

• You are a first-time homebuyer

• Your gross annual income is within 50 - 80% of Santa Cruz County AMI Limits. For a 3-person household, this is $70,000 to $112,000; the limit is based on number of people in the household.

• You have a need for an ADA-compliant home

• Your credit score is 620 or higher

• You are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity through sweat equity. For an application, see https://www.habitatmontereybay.com/ applications

AG SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE EXTENDED

Due to the extreme weather in our area, the deadline to apply for the five Agri-Culture college scholarships has been extended to Friday, Feb. 3.

The scholarships are for students entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture, animal science or culinary arts. They are:

Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship • Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship: • J.J. Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship • Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship • Frank Prevedelli Memorial Scholarship

The eligibility for the scholarships is listed on the application.: http://www.agri-culture.us/scholarships/

To request an application, contact the Financial Aid office at your school or the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, (831) 722-6622 or (831) 818-1193 Email: agri-culture@ sbcglobal.net. Applications also are at: www.agri-culture.us

BIG CREEK LUMBER SCHOLARSHIP

Big Creek Lumber will be offering the McCrary Family Scholarship for the third consecutive year to graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing careers in the skilled trades or forestry.

Past scholarship recipients are invited to apply for a one-time scholarship renewal for continued support of their education.

The 2022 scholarship winners were Kyle Nee and Griffin Spooner, both residents of Santa Cruz County. To apply see: www.bigcreeklumber.com/scholarships

BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Bay Federal Credit Union’s Education Scholarship is for students pursuing education and career training opportunities after high school. Up to three applicants will receive $1,500 to pay for expenses directly related to their continuing education.

Those who wish to be considered for an award must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants must submit a completed 2023 Education Scholarship Application and all required documents by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 17.

Award recipients will be notified via phone call and/or email by April 28.

See the 2023 Student Scholarship Application for complete details and rules. Questions? Email scholarship@bayfed.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing thru February 19

ACTORS’ THEATRE: NEW 8 TENS PLAY FESTIVAL 8 p.m., Thursdays thru Saturdays • 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St.

After nearly a year without new shows, the Santa Cruz

Actors’ Theatre is kicking off the 2023 season with its popular 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival — 16 new productions Jan. 20 through Feb. 19.

The new plays, selected from nearly 260 submissions coming from across the country, will alternate Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with additional Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The weekend shows will feature one line-up at 2 p.m., and another selection at 8 p.m., allowing theater fans to see all 16 plays on the same day.

All performances will be in the Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St.

Playgoers will be required to wear a mask in the theatre and lobby areas, but proof of vaccination is not required. Tickets are $32 general, $29 for students and seniors. Thursday performances offer a discount: Two tickets for the price of one. A package deal for both shows is $58 general, $54 students and seniors. For the play lineup and tickets, see: www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/tickets

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

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.

Second and Fourth Saturday

GLIMPSES OF WORLD HISTORY

1-2:30 p.m., La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave. and Online

Dr. Robert Strayer, Ph.D of European and African history, presents a series of six illustrated talks dealing with topics in world history and implications for the present. These free events take place in January, February, and March via Zoom and at the La Selva Beach Library.

Jan. 28: Commerce, Culture and Connection: Early Globalization

Feb. 11: The Industrial Revolution: Origins and Outcomes

Feb. 25: Fascism and Communism: Comparing Revolutionary Movements in the 20th Century March 11: Religious Fundamentalism in the 20th century: Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu March 25: Feminism in the Modern World: Challenges to Patriarchy

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85086826725

See: santacruzpl.org/calendar.

DATED EVENTS

Friday February 3

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS AUDITIONS

3:45-4:15, Music Building, VAPA 5000, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos

(First classes follow audition)

The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program’s spring semester begins with auditions for the Festival Strings and Cabrillo Strings classes.

String Orchestra Classes will be held for 9 weeks on consecutive Fridays in the Music Building. An entrylevel class, 4th-6th grade Beginning Strings (for violin/ viola/cello) will also be offered.

Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be followed by a rehearsal. Festival Strings classes will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m. Beginning Strings will meet 4-5:15 p.m. Students must provide their own instruments and

bring pencils. Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear masks outside and inside the music building except when alone.

The concluding concert will be Fri., April 14 at 7 p.m.

String players ages 5 to18 are welcome to join the string orchestral and chamber music programs.

To participate or make a contribution, call (831) 4796101, email CabrilloYouthStrings@gmail.com or visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings. Register through Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or extension. cabrillo.edu before the first class.

Wednesdy February 8

LOVE OF CHILDREN LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

The Friends of CASA invite you to its annual “For the Love of Children” luncheon in the newly renovated events room at Seascape Golf Club.

This luncheon, where the community comes together to learn more about CASA, raises money for the CASA Children’s Fund.

The fund is used by our volunteer Advocates to purchase special and essential items such as bicycles, gymnastic and swimming classes, summer camp, back-to-school clothing, eyeglasses, braces, and strollers.

The fund also helps older youth with critical support such as car repairs, clothes for job interviews and tutoring.

Learn more about CASA of Santa Cruz County and the CASA Children’s Fund while enjoying a plated lunch. Reserve tickets by Jan. 25 at www.casaofsantacruz.org/ fortheloveofchildren or contact Magi Diego at 831-761-2956 x106 or magi@casaofsantacruz.org.

Thursday February 9

FOOLISH DOOM

7 p.m., Scotts Valley Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 251B Kings Village Road

“Foolish Doom” is a tragic comedy about the climate debate with Peter Sweet & Leonie Baker and directed by Matteo Destro. It will be presented at the Scotts Valley Cultural & Performing Arts Center (next to Scotts Valley Library)

This is a fantastical mix of mask theater, music, and puppetry for children and adults.

Admission: Children, $10; students & seniors $20, adults $30.

For tickets see www.svctheaterguild.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

dietitian nutritionist of Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, and Peggy Bascou, RN, MSN.

The tour will cover meal planning, how to build a balanced meal, and provide participants with general nutrition knowledge to help empower them to confidently make smart and healthful food choices. Event is free. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ eating-healthy-tour-tickets-503841221657

Friday February 24

thru Sunday February 26

2023 BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

7 p.m. each night, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Get off the beaten path, stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you at the 2023 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, brought to you by UC Santa Cruz Adventure Rec.

SIP & STROLL FOR CAPITOLA

Saturday February 11

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Capitola Community Room, Capitola City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Event is rain or shine.

All proceeds from this event will go to the Capitola Village Relief Fund. Pre-registration is $40 and includes:

• Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass

• 12 two-ounce pour tickets to be used as you shop

• A map to locate which Village shops are hosting Sip and Stroll tickets sell out quickly — they can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ capitola-village-sip-stroll-tickets-516421830597

To donate separately, go to https://cfscc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1582

Indicate in the comments that your donation is for The Villages.

Check-in begins at 11 a.m. at the Capitola Community Room, next to the Capitola Police Department. Bring your Eventbrite ticket and your photo ID to check-in.

Wineries/brewery will pour wine in the shops from Noon – 5 p.m. ABC regulations prohibit walking between tasting locations with any wine in your glass so consume or pour out wine at each tasting location before walking to the next!

Tickets are $23 for Aspen (Fri) and Juniper (Sun), $25 for Willow (Sat), with each night featuring completely different films. A special $10 rate is available for UCSC students for the Juniper show.

This event supports UCSC Adventure Rec student programs, affording UCSC students the chance to share in the magic of outdoor adventures. Film ratings and advisories are included in the descriptions. Consider checking before purchasing tickets for the young adventurers in your life. For tickets and list of films visit https://recreation.ucsc.edu/ adventure/banff.html

CLASSICAL ROMANTICISTS CONCERT

7:30 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz

The Distinguished Artists Concerts Foundation presents “The Coming of Age of American Art Music — New England’s Classical Romanticists: The Boston Six” featuring pianist John Orlando and friends at Peace United Church.

Members of Symphony San Jose joining him: Kate Alm,

Participating

Must be 21 or older to participate. By participating in the event, you agree to have your photograph taken in connection with the above-identified event, and agree that such photographs, with or without your name, may be used for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content in print and/ or electronically for the event.

piano and organ, Craig Bate, viola, Carolyn Carl, violin, Kiri Murakami-Loehmann, violin, and Janet Witharm, cello.

The Boston Six Composers are: Edward MacDowell, Horatio Parker, John Knowles Paine, George Chadwick, Arthur Foote and Amy Beach.

Tickets are $35 at: www.distinguishedartists.org

Saturday February 11

25 YEARS OF HOPE & HEALING DINNER

6 p.m. (Dinner at 7 p.m.), Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., SC Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services will celebrate 25 years of hope & healing at a gala at the Cocoanut Grove. There will be food, drinks, music, dancing, and inspiring stories.

Tickets are $125 per person (other options available) at https://jacobsheart.ticketspice.com/25years

Tuesday February 21

APTOS HISTORY MUSEUM MARDI GRAS FUNDRAISER

5-7 p.m., Seascape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos A fun filled evening at Seascape Golf Course, featuring the Soquel High Jazz Band and a presentation by John Hibble: “How Storms Created Seacliff and the Cement Ship.”

There will be a silent auction, costume contest, appetizers and a no-host bar. You won’t want to miss out! General admission: $40; museum members $35. RSVP by calling the Aptos Chamber: 831-688-1467

Thursday February 23

EATING HEALTHY TOUR AT STAFF OF LIFE

4-5 p.m., Staff of Life Natural Foods, 906 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville Come to Staff of Life Natural Foods Watsonville for the “Eating Healthy Tour” with Amanda Garza, registered

Saturday February 25

PVUSD PARENT CONFERENCE

8 a.m.-3p.m., E. A. Hall Middle School, 201 Brewington Ave, Watsonville

Pajaro Valley Unified School District will host a day-long parent conference at E.A. Hall Middle School.

Saturday February 25

Sunday February 26

CLAM CHOWDER COOK OFF

1-4 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.

The 42nd annual Clam Chowder Cook Off takes place Saturday, Feb 25, and Sunday, Feb 26, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. It is the largest and longest-running Clam Chowder Cook Off in the country. Talented chefs compete in two categories: Boston & Manhattan.

Contestants prepare their ingredients outdoors along the Boardwalk to the delight of thousands of spectators. Amateurs compete Saturday; professionals compete Sunday.

Public tasting begins at 1 p.m. Awards are given at 4 p.m. for Best Clam Chowder in each category, plus People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Best Themed Booth. Entry fee: $75. Teams may enter in either Boston or Manhattan categories or both! If entering both, separate registration is required for each category.

Early Bird rate ends Feb. 3. Each Early Bird entry gets:

Two All-Day Unlimited Ride passes to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (a $100 value), and two team T-shirts. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/clam-chowder-2023 n

Fabric, Hawaiian surfer Mainei Kinimaka (Aspen)

Rebuilding After Storms: Next Steps

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Over the last month, our community has sustained significant damage from multiple major storm events. Roads failed, homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, local parks, coastal access and trails all faced millions of dollars in damage.

All told, we anticipate that well over $100 million in damage will be assessed in our county, that more than 1,000 homes were damaged and that 10 roads will be closed for long-term repairs and at least 10 roads will be closed for short-term repairs.

Unquestionably, this will be a multiyear recovery process.

Our State and Federal partners immediately joined with us to start the rebuild process — including multiple visits from Gov. Newsom, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and a visit from President Biden. As part of that process, State and Federal resources became available to our community.

Below is an overview of resources for those that sustained damage and ways you can help your friends and neighbors who sustained damage.

Disaster Help for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the California Small Business Development Center opened an SBA Business Recovery Center in Capitola

“Stephen Kessler” from page 27

Publishing his poems for half a century mostly in the independent literary press — from his first collection, Nostalgia of the Fortuneteller (1975), issued by George Hitchcock’s Kayak Books, through the prose poems of Where Was I? (2015) from Gary Young’s Greenhouse Review Press, to Last Call (2021) from Black Widow Press in Boston — Kessler has produced a steady

to provide a wide range of services to businesses, and non-profits, impacted by the severe winter storms. No appointment is necessary and all services are free.

The SBA Center is located at: Capitola City Hall Community Room, First Floor

420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA 95010 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

SBA representatives will answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their electronic loan application.

Businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Please note the SBA deadline to apply for property damage is March 16, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic-related issues is Oct. 16, 2023.

Disaster Help for Individuals

In addition to the assistance for businesses and non-profits, individuals can also apply for assistance at one of the

stream of constantly evolving lyric poetry characterized by its musical yet conversational style and a sensibility influenced by a diverse range of predecessors, from Emily Dickinson to Charles Bukowski, Gerard Manley Hopkins to William Carlos Williams, Edna St. Vincent Millay to Frank O’Hara, integrating a spontaneous sense of improvisation with a seemingly casual yet rigorous formal control.

Kessler speaks of his “heteroformalism,”

County’s Disaster Recovery Centers. The first Recovery Center opened at Ramsey Park in Watsonville with a second expected to open soon in the San Lorenzo Valley.

The Disaster Recovery Center is at: Ramsey Park 1301 Main St., Watsonville Daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Ramsay Park Disaster Recovery Center includes staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Office of Emergency Service, the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville, and various state, local and community agencies.

Similar to the SBA process, the deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is March 16, 2023.

How Can I Volunteer to Help?

The County has partnered with the Volunteer Center to give people a chance

his practice in various forms and genres, as a way of regularly refreshing his imagination, the poetry, essays, and translations feeding and informing one another in mutual cross-fertilization that keeps him engaged, surprised, and venturing into new realms of discovery.

For 37 years, the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission has selected outstanding artists nominated by the public and honored them. Nominees must be a

to volunteer their time to help with shelter staffing, clean-up efforts and more. Visit the Volunteer Center website at: www.scvolunteernow.org and you will see a link on the main page to volunteer to help your community in the cleanup. How Can I Donate to Help With The Efforts?

The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County is leading efforts for those interested in making monetary contributions to the recovery efforts.

Funds are used to help with housing for those with damage, cleanup efforts, prevention efforts and more. Here is the link: www.cfscc.org/funds/disaster-fund n •••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

resident of Santa Cruz County, must have a national or international reputation, must have contributed to the cultural enrichment of the local community, and must have created or presented work in Santa Cruz County. n •••

A free profile performance will take place May 20 from 7-9 p.m., at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. For details, check the Parks Department website in early spring: www.scparks.com

SCCAS Featured Pet

Winter Is Time For Pruning

By Tony Tomeo

Scrapples the Pig

This week we have an incredible animal for pet of the week- the one, the onlySCRAPPLES the PIG!!!!

This male pig is definitely a friend and not food- he has grown up around humans and is very social. While napping is one of his favorite activities if he hears your voice he will come out to say “Hello” and demand snacks!

While his size can seem intimidating, he really is just a softie who wants his ears scratched and a warm hay bed to relax in. Scrapples has become a volunteer and staff favorite because of how gentle and sweet he is, and because he does hilarious Zoomies all around his pen when he is happy!

He does destroy grass — loves digging in the mud and chewing on the roots of anything and everything so if you are attached to your lawn this might not be the pet for you!

This pig should go to a pig savvy home, preferably with some land where he can roam and some farm friends to hang out with.

If you are ready to welcome the sweetest pig into your home and heart come on down to SCCAS to meet Scrapples!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n

•••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours

Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Plants are unable to migrate to warmer climates for winter like so many migratory birds do. They are immobile for their entire lives. Only potted plants can move to more sheltered situations when the weather gets too cool for them. Some get to live inside as houseplants. Otherwise, they all must contend with seasonally changing weather. Most are impressively efficient with how they do so.

Most that do not adapt efficiently to cool winter weather are tropical species. Tropicals that are native to high elevations can tolerate cold weather. However, many of the familiar tropical species are from low elevations where they never experience cold weather. Frost damages or kills them. Warm season annuals do not tolerate cool weather either. They just die at the end of their season.

Otherwise, almost all other plants go dormant through winter, at least to some degree. Even evergreen plants, which may not seem to go dormant, grow much slower during winter, or do not grow at all. Deciduous plants are much more obvious about their dormancy, because they defoliate. While bare, they are less susceptible to damage from wintry weather. Dormancy is like hibernation.

This is why winter is the best time for pruning most plants. While dormant, they are less susceptible to distress associated with pruning. Some plants expect some degree of damage from wintery weather during their dormancy anyway. They wake in spring, with no idea of what happened while they slept, and resume normal growth. Winter pruning conforms quite naturally to their life cycles.

There are, of course, a few exceptions. Citrus and avocado should not be pruned during winter. Such pruning stimulates new growth, which is sensitive to frost. Maple and birch should have been pruned earlier. They bleed annoyingly if pruned late into winter. Flowering trees that produce no fruit, such as flowering dogwood and flowering cherry, should be pruned after bloom, late in spring.

Deciduous fruiting trees, such as apricot, cherry, plum, peach, apple and pear, require specialized pruning during winter. •••

Flowering Dogwood

Flowering dogwood, Cornus florida has something in common with Poinsettia.

The most colorful component of their bloom is not floral, but is instead foliar. What appears to be petals are colorful leaves known as bracts. Exactly four bracts surround each small cluster of tiny and unimpressive pale green real flowers. These bracts are most popularly white, but can be pink or rarely brick red.

The deciduous trees are bare now, but bloom spectacularly in early spring. Any necessary pruning should happen after bloom, and preferable after new foliage matures somewhat. Floral buds for next year are already prominent on the tips of bare twigs. Dormant pruning would eliminate some of the buds prior to bloom. For now, only minor grooming of unbudded interior growth is practical.

© Statepoint Media

Mature flowering dogwood trees can be twenty feet tall, but typically stay lower. As understory trees, they prefer a bit of shelter from larger trees. Foliage can scorch if too exposed. Some cultivars have variegated foliage. All can develop vibrant orange and red foliar color for autumn, even with minimal chill. Floral debris resembles fallen leaves that fall just as new and real foliage develops. n

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

Pomegranate trees appreciate major specialized pruning.

Bloom like this waits for spring.