Aptos Times: September 1, 2024 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Santa Cruz County Fair

Five Days of Fun

11-15

Got the back-to-school blues? The Santa Cruz County Fair is the cure!

The 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair is a one-stop-shop for experiences and entertainment that will take you back in time and transport you to the future!

We’re calling it “Pioneer Days to Modern Ways!”

For the first time ever, the Fair will feature a drone light show. Each night of the five-day Fair, “Skye Dreams” will amaze fairgoers with 200 drones dancing in the sky above the fairgrounds. It’s an artistic and high-tech experience! But even as the Fair embraces “modern ways,” it’s always rooted in agriculture. ... continues on page 4

New Eagle Scouts

In August, 20 Boy Scouts from local troops were recognized for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level of achievement on the BSA program.

To earn this rank, a Scout must: Earn at least 21 merit badges, take on leadership roles, display outdoor skills, demonstrate the Scout Oath and Law by example and complete a comprehensive service project in the community. Full Story page 6

Crosswalk Safety Light Coming Full Story page 13

COUNTRY TO COAST

618 BEACH DRIVE | APTOS

Panoramic Ocean

Ocean front paradise awaits beyond the private gate to an oasis on the sand!. This exquisite property located in the coveted Rio Del Mar beach community offers immediate beach access from the home. Imagine waking up each morning to the symphony of ocean waves and panoramic views stretching from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Built in 2009, this modern gem isn’t just a home; it’s a sanctuary: where every day is an invitation to indulge in beachside bliss. The main living area on the second-floor features 4 BR 3 BA & a great room which opens to a spacious 630 sq. ft. deck for easy entertainment. The first floor entryway leads to a spacious bonus room offering a versatile space with an extra storage room for beach toys, plus 2 separate 1 car garages with abundant onsite parking. The home offers an excellent floor plan with superb separation of space both indoors and out. The lower deck of the bonus room is just steps to the sand with outdoor shower, perfect for soaking in the spectacular views. The home features radiant heating and a cozy gas fireplace. This remarkable home is conveniently located near amenities and attractions, including Rio Del Mar, Seacliff, and New Brighton State Beaches, extensive trails at Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and Seascape Golf Club. Shopping and dining options abound! As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, you’ll find yourself in awe of the surrounding beauty. This isn’t just a house; it’s a haven where dreams are realized, and memories are made. Welcome to your coastal paradise!

ARE YOU CONSIDERING BUYING OR SELLING?

Call Kathleen Manning Today

Take the first step to finding your dream home

Jondi

contributing writers

Michael

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

Michael

COVER STORY

“Santa Cruz County Fair” from page 1

The Ag History Project is an educational opportunity; a place to see how farming was done in the good old days. And of course, FFA and 4-H students will show off their prize pigs, goats, sheep, cows, rabbits and poultry in the Junior Livestock Auction.

In our Exhibit Halls, come see what your friends and neighbors have created in dozens of categories. Those categories include agriculture, horticulture, livestock, poultry, home arts, amateur wines, fine arts, LEGOs, poetry, youth displays, handspun/handwoven crafts, quilting, photography, floriculture, collections and more!

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mission statement

We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

There is still time to enter the Fair yourself! The 2024 Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is available online at santacruzcountyfair. com. A printed Guide is also available at the Fair Office, 2601 East Lake Ave. (Highway 152) in Watsonville and at local libraries and feed stores throughout the county.

Most online entry deadlines are Aug. 22, including livestock and poultry. Please check the Entry Guide to confirm the deadline and receiving schedule of the specific department you’re entering.

Live musical entertainment this year

includes: Antsy McClain, RED — A Taylor Swift Tribute, Escaramuza El Centenario Charra Show with Lola Montes and Los Tiranos Del Norte.

The Fair also hosts a carnival midway, Monster Trucks and Motocross, magic shows, kids’ shows, horse shows, tractor parades and roving entertainment. Plus, all the savory and sweet fair treats you only get once a year… from funnel cakes and cinnamon rolls to fried artichokes and BBQ kabobs.

Now that we’ve convinced you to come have fun at the Fair, we also want to offer you some awesome deals that will save you time and money! Pre-sale tickets and ticket packages are available now! Pre-sale tickets cost less than tickets at the gate. And special packages include deals on admission, parking and carnival wristbands. Buying pre-sale carnival wristbands saves $5!

New this year, carpool to the Fair with your family, neighbors and friends! Fill your car with 5 or more people and park for FREE! Monster Truck and Motocross tickets are also available online now.

To buy tickets and packages online, visit https://tickets.santacruzcountyfair.com/p/ tickets

Pre-sale tickets are also available at the Fair Office: 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. If tickets are purchased at the Fair Office, there are no additional fees. There is a convenience fee to use the online ticket portal. Pre-sale ticket prices will be available through Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

All the nostalgia and excitement of “Pioneer Days to Modern Ways” awaits you at the Santa Cruz County Fair, Sept. 11-15! n

Cover Photo Credit: Stephen Rider

Edwards

Gumz

Gumz, Adam Hensleigh,

Horn, Natalia Rodriguez, Risa D’Angeles, Christopher Elliott, Joe Ortiz, Tony Tomeo, Rebecca Gold Rubin

Pooley, Erik Long

Camisa Composti

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul

Cathe Race

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Oppenheimer

Natalia Rodriguez

Red: a Taylor Swift Tribute Band

Paddy Smith Park Gets a Makeover

The beautiful Santa Cruz County fairgrounds are growing even more beautiful — thanks to a colorful landscaping project at Paddy Smith Park.

Jeff Rosendale, owner of Sierra Azul Nursery-Garden, John Skinner and Kevin Larkin created the concept for the park renovation.

The garden will now host native and other appropriate pollinator plants that attract butterflies, honey and native bees, birds, hummingbirds and a host of beneficial insects. Those new plants include sage, aster, monkey flower, goldenrod, buckwheat, and verbena.

theme of this year’s Santa Cruz County Fair Sept. 11-15. The park is 50 years old. It was established by film actress Paddy Smith, who lived in the San Lorenzo Valley and wanted to create a place on the fairgrounds that reminded her of home. So, she raised the money to build the park, located between the JJ Crosetti and Fine Arts buildings. Features included a stone waterfall.

This new landscaping is a modern makeover.

The project is funded, in part, by a grant to study pollinator plants from the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, a donation from Graniterock and the Fairgrounds Foundation.

The Fairgrounds Foundation is the recipient of the 2024 Water Awareness Project from Pajaro Valley Water Management

Agency. Also, the PVWMA funded a drip irrigation system for the new plantings. n

COVER PHOTO: Paddy Smith Park at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds gets a pop of color with plants to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

County Fair: Apple Pie Contest

HPaddy Smith Park is a great example of “Pioneer Days to Modern Ways,” the

Phase one was completed this month. It would not have been possible without volunteer planters from Master Gardeners, Agricultural History Project, Santa Cruz Co will begin in the fall after the Santa Cruz County Fair.

ave your apple pie announced as the “Best in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley” on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the 47th Annual Apple Pie Baking Contest on the opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair. Enter by Tuesday, Sept. 3. There is no entry fee.

The Annual Apple Pie Baking Contest, coordinated by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, has been held every year since 1977. It is sponsored by the Pajaro Valley apple growers, shippers and related industries.

Entry forms are in the fair’s premium book at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Office, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, online at Welcome to ShoWorks! (fairwire.com) and at the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville. Judging will commence at noon on opening day, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Paddy Smith Park at the fairgrounds. Judges are:

“Pie Contest” page 9

Jeff Rosendale plants native and pollinator plants with another volunteer at Paddy Smith Park.

ACTON ACADEMY

Acton Academy Santa Cruz is a unique, learner-driven program placing students in the driver’s seat, tuning education upside down.

New Eagle Scouts

In August, 20 Boy Scouts from local troops were recognized for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level of achievement on the BSA program.

By policy, the Scouts do not release the last names of Eagle Scouts in print.

Here is more about the new Eagle Scouts: Troop 609 Aptos

Gabriel O earned the rank of Eagle on Jan. 24. He was represented at his Eagle Board, by outgoing Scoutmaster Matt Bond and new Scoutmaster Corey Hardin.

Gabriel built 6 picnic benches for the preschool at his temple, Temple Beth El in Aptos.

James R earned the rank of Eagle on April 6. He was represented by his Eagle mentor, Antriece, and Scoutmaster Jim. He is the third Eagle Scout in his family. Both his brothers are Troop 609 Eagle Scouts.

James built two workbenches for Monte Vista Christian School. One was for the theater department and the other was for the art department. He takes great pride in seeing his workbenches in action as he walks by both those departments at school, where he is a senior.

mulch & planting shrubs, painting perimeter fencing, installing solar motion lights for security, and placing a memorial boulder & plaque.

Matthew E earned the rank of Eagle on Feb. 23. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Geoff Hamilton.

Matthew constructed a 6x8 locked woodshed to help prevent the wood from being stolen from being out in the open) and installed 9 flag poles for American Legion Post 593 in Prunedale.

Aiden D earned the rank of Eagle on April 27. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Geoff Hamilton.

Noah R earned the rank of Eagle on July 6. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Jim and Chris and his Eagle mentor Antriece.

Noah and his team cleared and leveled Natural Bridges State Park’s existing butterfly garden, constructed nine planter boxes to fill the space, installed them, and filled them with soil.

Now, instead of a messy, difficult-tocare-for space, the docents at Natural Bridges have a practical garden with which they can educate the public for years to come.

Troop 504 Aromas

Elijah T earned the rank of Eagle on Feb. 23 He was represented by his Scoutmaster Geoff Hamilton.

Eli revitalized the entrance area of Aromas Dog Park by adding a roof & new surface to the bulletin board, adding new

Aiden wrote this about his Eagle project: In the Aromas town square, there is an art project of little fishes making bigger fish. All the fish were created and designed by Aromas Artists. For the longest time, it has been stuck on an old chain fence. So I built a more permanent wooden wall to display their works of art. Troop 599 Corralitos

Brian S earned the rank of Eagle on July 19. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Kevin.

Brian rebuilt split rail fencing for the Padres Hall and the Corralitos Women’s Center. A week or two after his Eagle board, Brian left for Marine boot camp.

Austin S earned the rank of Eagle on Sept.19. He was represented at his Eagle board by his Scoutmaster Kevin M.

Austin built 2 benches and 2 owl boxes for his elementary school, - Bradley Elementary School in Corralitos. He chose this project because the school and all the teachers played an important role in his formative years.

Matthew E earned the rank of Eagle on Dec. 12. He was represented at his Eagle board by his Scoutmaster Kevin.

Matthew used his leadership skills to lead his Scout Troop and friends to volunteer and create a sandbox for the elementary kids at Salesian Elementary and Jr. High. The sandbox is 6 feet by 12 feet and a foot deep with all sides having 4 by 4s concreted into the grounds to stay strong against the kids playing.

Austin of Troop 599 built two benches and two owl boxes at Bradley Elementary in Corralitos.

Noah of Troop 609 built nine planter boxes at Natural Bridges State Park.

Gabriel of Troop 609 built picnic tables for the Temple Beth El preschool in Aptos.

Troop 673

COMMUNITY NEWS

Scotts Valley

Sadie M earned the rank of Eagle on June 1. Sadie is a member of Troop 675, an all-girls troop, and Troop 2609 – a founding member of both She was represented at her Eagle board by both Scoutmasters, Erica from Troop 673, and Iona from Troop 2609.

Sadie is in the Watsonville Community Band, a flutist for four years. In the band, the pieces of music used to be in alphabetical order but the music library wasn’t very neat or organized (there are 1,000+ pieces of music). Sadie went in with a team of 20 people and organized everything into numerical order, labeling each piece by name, composer, arranger, and number.

Did you know there is a Boy Scout March song written by John Phillip Sousa?

Caitlyn T earned the rank of Eagle on Aug. 8. She was represented at her Eagle board by her Scoutmaster Erica.

Caty built five large garden beds for the Scotts Valley Boys and Girls Club. The garden beds will impact the community by providing children who attend the Boys and Girls Club, as well as other community members, with the opportunity to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs and learn about food waste. The garden beds are to help teach children how to grow healthy food for themselves without harming the environment. Shortly after, Caitlyn earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest recognition for a Girl Scout.

Troop 604 Zayante

Forrest C earned the rank of Eagle on Feb. 2. He was represented at his Eagle Board by Matt Bond and Corey Harden.

Forrest chose a project near and dear to his heart, following his passion for being in the water, whether in the pool or on the ocean surfing. He refurbished the lifeguard shed at San Lorenzo Valley High School.

Dominic O earned the rank of Eagle on Nov. 7. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Corey.

Dominic did landscaping and added a succulent garden at Felton Bible Church.

This is where his Troop used to meet and he attended church there in the past.

Andrew S earned the rank of Eagle on Dec. 18. He was joined at his Eagle Board by his Scoutmaster Corey.

Andrew built a Ga-Ga Ball Pit, with a couple of benches on the outside, for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Saratoga. This is where his family attends church and Andrew is part of the youth group. He knows his youth group will get plenty of good use out of this new ball pit.

Troop 623 Boulder Creek

Ethan M earned the rank of Eagle on Jan. 24. He was represented at his Eagle Board of Review by his Eagle Coach, Nicole Berridge. His dad, Brett McKee is the Scoutmaster.

Ethan refurbished the much-used horseshoe pits at the San Lorenzo Museum in Boulder Creek.

Wyatt B earned the rank of Eagle on March 23. he was represented by his Scoutmaster, Brent McKee.

Wyatt painted the inside of the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Museum. The Museum was a church built in 1892 and listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. It housed Santa Cruz County’s Felton branch library for over 60 years and was in dire need of rehabilitation. Wyatt’s project was the painting of the interior walls, the lower ceiling of the artifact room and trim, and the coordination of community volunteers with specialized skills and equipment to repair detailed woodwork and to professionally spray paint the gallery’s metal panels on the lower walls and 2-story high ceiling. The project was successful in supporting the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society in its mission “to preserve and share the history of the San Lorenzo Valley” by expanding its Museum through a second gallery and educational center at the opposite end of the Valley.

Troop 618 Santa Cruz

Saija J earned the rank of Eagle on Feb. 2. Representing him at his Eagle Board was his Scoutmaster Glenn Bryan.

Saija chose a project that gave back to his elementary school, Tierra Pacifica. He totally revamped and updated the Life Lab garden, which was very overgrown and needed updating of the watering system, and garden plots.

Troop 674 Santa Cruz

Truman L earned the rank of Eagle on March 2. He was represented by his Scoutmaster Cody.

“Eagle Scouts” page 12

SUMMER SPECIAL

James of Troop 609 built two workbenches for Monte Vista Christian School.

Sadie of Troop 673 organized 1,000+ pieces of music for the Watsonville Community Band.

ELECTION 2024

S econd d i S trict S upervi S or c

Kristen Brown

Age: 37

Occupation: Vice President of Government Relations, Silicon Valley Leadership Group; Capitola mayor, two-term Capitola City Council member

This year, the grand jury found the county has chronically underfunded road maintenance, such as roads become increasingly unsafe, and recommended the supervisors increase annual public works funding to improve at least one local road segment with a rating of less than 40 out of 100 in each supervisorial district. The grand jury also found the CSA 90D assessment, which funds 25% of road maintenance, has not been changed since inception in 1983. These flat assessments are $56.40 on improved properties and $28.20 on unimproved properties in the unincorporated areas. If elected, how would you address these issues?

With multiple years of service on the Regional Transportation Commission, currently as Chair, I have a deep understanding of transportation funding and have supported millions in road repairs. With more unincorporated roads in District 2 than in any other district, the incoming Supervisor will need to tackle the road repair backlog head-on.

We should first determine where the CSA 9D funds are being spent and then consider reallocations as necessary. Additionally, we should consider what, if any, changes could be made to CSA 9D in order to generate additional revenue.

Finally, I will work to enhance transparency and accountability through regular road repair progress updates, and seek additional funding sources such as state and federal grants to address ongoing transportation infrastructure challenges.

This year, the grand jury investigated county Behavioral Health Services, which addresses mental health and substance use, and recommended collecting outcomes data, evaluate behavioral health contractors based on outcomes and look into why Santa Cruz ranks high among counties for high-cost beneficiary patients, people with approved claims exceeding $30,000. The grand jury noted the staff vacancy rate is 30%. If elected, how would you address these issues?

Iagree with the Grand Jury’s recommendations regarding the collection and analysis of outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of both county programs and contractors. With a tight County budget and competing needs for resources, I will work to ensure that we fund services that deliver tangible results and improve patient care.

Based on the sources provided in the Grand Jury report, any increase in the CSA 9D assessment would require a vote of the residents.

In terms of the high-cost beneficiary patients, the Grand Jury report specifically notes that we can’t determine why we rank so high among counties with so many high-cost beneficiary patients because the Behavioral Health Department lacks the staff to perform a root-cause analysis.

“Kristen Brown” page 10

Kim De Serpa

Age: 57

Occupation: Medical Social Worker

Ithank the grand jury for their investigation of this critical issue. I’ve been meeting with neighbors all over District 2, and many of their roads have not been resurfaced in more than 50 years. Our infrastructure has been neglected for too long. We need to re-evaluate the CSA 90D assessment. However, any assessment changes must be done transparently, with input from the community.

I will prioritize securing additional resources for road repairs and work with fellow lawmakers to update legislation to reflect the need for rural counties to have an ongoing and reliable source of road maintenance funding. I will work with staff and the board to ensure we focus on the most critical areas.

AI look forward to Measure K bringing revenue for road repair, but unfortunately, it was embargoed due to a pending lawsuit. I’ll fight to make sure D2 gets our fair share!

high employee vacancy rate, lack of outcome tracking, and lack of equity in serving people in South County are concerning. As a social worker, I have the education and experience to evaluate and provide support for these programs. I know how difficult it is to attract Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Social Workers due to our high cost-of-living. The county could build a workforce by becoming an intern site. Workforce housing could be considered to recruit and retain quality employees. We must find solutions to provide equity in South County. I have attempted to access behavioral health services for vulnerable people, and it is challenging. I believe we have high claims in our county because we are sending youth outside the county for care and have many gravely disabled people who need psychiatric placement or prolonged hospitalization. The state is moving services to a prevention model, which will help.

“Kim De Serpa” page 10

Kristen Brown Kim De Serpa

Cabrillo College Football Player Luke Salem in Fatal Crash

Luke Salem, 23, a Cabrillo College football player, died in a head-on collision with another vehicle on Freedom Boulevard on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The cause remains under investigation.

Salem was a defensive back for the Harbor High School Pirate in 2019.

Last season, as a sophomore, he was on the Seahawks roster as a 6-1 wide receiver.

Cabrillo College Football posted on W, formerly Twitter: “It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to one of our Hawk family members.”

“Luke’s love, compassion, and support for his teammates are already missed. His smile & kind soul will never be forgotten,” it read.

He collided with an oncoming 49-year-old man in a red 2017 Honda CRV, who was headed eastbound on Freedom Boulevard.

The 49-year-old man in the Honda had minor injuries treated at a local hospital but Salem’s injuries were severe, and he died at the scene, despite life-saving efforts.

Assistant coach Anthony Romero added, “Still feels unreal … Love you and miss you Luke.”

Salem was driving a white 1966 Chrysler Newport, westbound on Freedom Boulevard east of McDonald Road.

“Pie Contest” from page 5

Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank

Jake Mann, Five Mile Orchards

Judie Block, Reporter, Times Publishing Group

David Sanford, Ag Commissioner, Santa Cruz County

There are three divisions:

• Youth – 17 years-of-age and under

• Adult – 18 years-of-age and over

He loved his family, pets, playing football at Cabrillo, gardening, surfing, fishing, God, snowboarding, baseball, cooking, playing alto saxophone, his classic car, and building light sabers. He walked around with his heart on his sleeve, showing love to every person and animal around him.

Luke is survived by his mother Mellisa, father Tommy, sister Jordan and brothers Noah and Chad. More than 250 people donated in his memory to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ LukeSalem n

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave, Capitola.

• Masters – anyone who has won 1st, 2nd place in the Adult Division.

Prizes : Each division has First Place–$50, Second Place–$40, and Third Place–$30 plus Best of Show–$75. Each winner will also be awarded a corresponding ribbon.

Submit Entry Forms online at www. santacruzcountyfair.com, or mail entries to the Santa Cruz County Fair office: 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. Sept. 3. n

Luke Salem

Pregnant Mare Rescue

“Kristen Brown”

Solving the problem of our 30% vacancy rate can assist in solving the puzzle of the high-cost beneficiary patient numbers.

I seek to enhance recruitment and retention through fair wages and benefits, professional development opportunities and internal promotions.

This year, the grand jury investigated county Personnel Department practices and recommended a public dashboard with time-to-hire and vacancy rates and difficult-to-fill positions. The grand jury also recommended conducting a salary comparison with nearby counties where former employees now work and obtaining a cost-benefit analysis of the current hiring practices vs.using a countywide integrated human resources software platform. If elected, how would you address these issues?

I am an advocate of both transparency and data-driven decision making. For those reasons, I would support a public dashboard of time-to-hire, vacancy rates, and difficult-to-fill positions. This would not only demonstrate the depth of the issue, but also allow an opportunity to show growth and improvement as it is made.

I also agree with the recommendation of performing a cost-benefit analysis around the potential use of an integrated HR software platform. If the analysis showed that a new platform could increase efficiency and support, but not replace, current employees in the County’s Personnel department, then I would push for its implementation.

The 2024 Point in Time count found 1,850

“Kim De Serpa” from page 8

This year, the grand jury investigated county Personnel Department practices and recommended a public dashboard with time-to-hire and vacancy rates and difficult-to-fill positions. The grand jury also recommended conducting a salary comparison with nearby counties where former employees now work and obtaining a cost-benefit analysis of the current hiring practices vs. using a countywide integrated human resources software platform. If elected, how would you address these issues?

If elected, I would explore the possibility of workforce housing on county property to recruit and retain a skilled and qualified workforce. We need to incentivize people to choose Santa Cruz County as an employer. Workers could live in low-cost housing and save money to be able to buy their first home after their stay. Counties often compete against each other for a limited pool of candidates; Santa Cruz County can’t compete due to its limited revenue in property taxes-only 11 cents on the dollar compared to neighboring counties, which receive much more. Additionally, those counties have higher populations and higher sales tax revenue, so their budgets are much bigger, and they can pay higher salaries.

Our county could do a better job recruiting, but I believe the main problem is developing more revenue locally and finding affordable housing.

homeless individuals in Santa Cruz County, up from 1,804 a year ago. The mayor of Aurora, Colorado, visited homeless encampments there and concluded the “housing first” policy without providing addiction recovery programs and career counseling does not reduce homelessness. If elected, how would you address this issue?

Irecently participated in a Local Solutions to Homelessness Working Group in Washington, D.C., where we discussed the “housing first” model and other strategies to address homelessness.

We explored systemic issues like the lack of affordable housing and individual factors such as mental illness, substance abuse, and job losses.

I am an advocate of solutions to homelessness that include providing immediate housing (“housing first”) with low barriers to entry, along with addiction recovery, mental health support, and job training.

The County’s collaboration with local community-based organizations will be crucial to delivering both housing and services.

For long-term stability, however, we need to incentivize and streamline the process of developing deeply affordable housing and renew our focus on homelessness prevention in a County where 75% of the unhoused population were County residents before becoming unhoused. n

Nov. 5 Election

Oct. 7: In-person voting at two locations Oct 21: Last day to register to vote and get voter guide mailed to you www.votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov

The 2024 Point in Time count found 1,850 homeless individuals in Santa Cruz County, up from 1,804 a year ago. The mayor of Aurora, Colorado, visited homeless encampments there and concluded the “housing first” policy without providing addiction recovery programs and career counseling does not reduce homelessness. If elected, how would you address this issue?

In Santa Cruz County, 122 individuals died on the streets in 2023. We have many people who are gravely disabled by their mental health and/or substance use disorder and often need serious medical care and or psychiatric or skilled nursing placement, all very costly.

Using a preventative “housing first” model alongside supportive case management is effective and should continue.

Deferring implementation of SB 43 was a mistake our Board of Supervisors made recently.

This new law was designed to help conserve people who are gravely disabled by their mental health or substance use disorder.

Under SB 43, people who are conserved would be placed in a state facility to have their medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse needs met over a long period of time.

This issue is society’s failure to protect the most vulnerable among us, and we must act to care for people who cannot adequately care for themselves. n

Chris Clark Appointed Sheriff, Succeeding Jim Hart

By Jondi Gumz

When Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart retires on Dec. 6 after 10 years, Undersheriff Chris Clark will succeed him.

County supervisors appoint the sheriff, and on Tuesday, Aug. 27, the vote was unanimous.

Peter Gelblum of Boulder Creek objected because the next election for sheriff is in 2028. He wanted a process where anyone could apply and the public could give input.

Hart, who promoted Clark to undersheriff, recommended Clark as his successor. Clark also had support from the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Correctional Officers Association.

Supervisors Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson put forth the agenda item to appoint Clark for the rest of Hart’s term, which ends Jan. 8, 2029.

They wanted to ensure a smooth transition.

led to improved transparency, trust and community relations.

When his retirement was announced on the Sheriff’s Facebook page, it got 100+ positive comments. One woman urged Hart to have a happy retirement and called on the state Legislature to change laws that help a domestic abuse predator and do nothing for the woman being abused.

Friend and McPherson told their colleagues, “Our offices have worked closely with Undersheriff Clark our entire time in office and have found him to be very responsive, thoughtful and forward-thinking. He played an integral role in the County’s response to the CZU fires and floods has always available for any public safety-related requests that came from our constituents.”

Hart, a native of Santa Cruz County, started his career as a deputy sheriff in 1988 and held every rank in the office before being elected sheriff in June 2014. He was reelected in 2018 and 2022.

Under his leadership, the office navigated seven federally declared disasters, the line of duty death of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and the Covid-19 pandemic. Crime rates in the County’s unincorporated areas are at a record low, less than half the state average, which Sheriff Hart attributes to his expansion of effective community policing.

Hart partnered with the Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County to create a new Inspector General position and became the first sheriff in California to implement “21st Century Policing,” which

“Eagle Scouts” from page 7

Truman worked with an organization that has had a huge impact on his life, the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Santa Cruz. This is where his Scout troop meets. During a recent remodel, the storage closet had become very unorganized, and a place where everything got put when you didn’t know where else to put it. Truman designed and built custom shelving units for a storage closet, and with the help of friends, family, and troop, everything was organized.

They added, “His background, beyond his two decades in local law enforcement, should serve him well for the remainder of Sheriff Hart’s term. He grew up in a military family, was born overseas and lived in multiple countries and multiple states before settling in Santa Cruz County after college with his wife and family and then joining the Sheriff’s Office. It’s clear those early experiences with different cultures and ideologies has shaped his approach to policing. He has held leadership roles across the spectrum at the Sheriff’s Office and became a reassuring presence giving nightly briefings during the CZU fires and, more recently, during the floods.”

Clark oversees the Administration Bureau, which includes professional standards and conduct, media relations, personnel and training, records, warrants, crime analysis, civil, payroll/fiscal management, forensic services and computer technology. n

Scott. For his Eagle project, he refurbished a community signage board for the town of Boulder Creek.

They use that sign to help share out important information that is happening in the town like special events, fundraising dinners, etc.

William B earned the rank of Eagle on July 19. His Scoutmaster is Scott, but he was represented by Assistant Scoutmaster Bill.

William did a playground and garden restoration project for St. Stephens Lutheran Church. n

Troop 633 Santa Cruz

Hank B earned the rank of Eagle on May 23. He was represented by his Scoutmaster

COVER PHOTO: For his Eagle Scout project, Aiden of Troop 504 built a permanent display for art in Aromas.

Chris Clark

Crosswalk Safety Light Coming

Story and Photo By Jondi Gumz

Nine months after Aptos Times reported on an unsafe crosswalk on Trout Gulch Road in Aptos Village, there is good news.

County Supervisor Zach Friend said grant funding has been awarded for a flashing light at the crosswalk near Betty Burger.

The crosswalk where southbound drivers have difficulty seeing pedestrians due to a curve in the road.

The crosswalk where Christy Licker, owner of Caroline’s Non-Profit Thrift Shop, was struck by a vehicle and injured a year ago in September.

The crosswalk where a mom with her child in a stroller was nearly hit last week.

“That is the best thing I’ve heard,” said Licker. “That makes my day.”

Trout Gulch Road is extremely busy at this location, flanked by the post office, restaurants, shops, and homes — with Phase 2 of Swenson’s Aptos Village project, 29 rentals plus 15,000 square feet of commercial space under construction.

County planners have encouraged people to walk or bike instead of drive, so once renters move in, there will be even more foot traffic.

No word yet on when the flashing lights will be installed, but count on Supervisor Friend to provide updates. n

By Natalia Rodriguez

Since its establishment in 1980, Seacliff 76 has been a vital part of the Aptos community, thanks to the unwavering dedication and expertise of Larry Robert.

Seacliff 76 is his first and only job.

“I started at 17 pumping gas for $2.50 (per hour), which was a fair deal at the time,” he said.

Seacliff 76 Local Resource for Car Owners

In 44 years at Seacliff 76, he’s worked in every position, gradually moving up. He can stand in wherever needed.

He learned everything related to cars from former owner Bert Moulton back when the station was on Frederick Street in Santa Cruz. Larry became the primary mechanic apprentice once the 76 station moved to Aptos. The two acted as business partners working side by side until Moulton retired in 2010 and Larry took over the business.

Seacliff 76 is much more than a gas station — a variety of services for all parts of your vehicle is available. This is a certified smog and repair station, which is handy when you get that renewal notice from the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

The knowledgeable staff has expertise in hybrid car and gas models, which are extremely popular locally, and that means customers keep coming back.

“Lots of folks who own hybrids bring them to our shop,” Larry said.

Chris Hampton is Larry’s current primary technician and the leading skills force in hybrid service and repair. Larry met Chris through Larry’s son Duke, who also works at Seacliff 76. Through the association, Chris was hired as a gas attendant.

Chris was employed by Seacliff 76 for several years before spending six years working and studying at several Toyota dealerships. He ultimately returned to Seacliff 76.

“ It’s nice to be a neighborhood shop,” he explained.

With Hampton’s experience, he’s well-equipped to meet your vehicle needs. He’s Toyota certified as well as factory trained in hybrid diagnostic and repair. His “longtime love of cars” led him to his career path.

If you have a hybrid car, you are not alone. Hybrid sales grew 53% to 1.176 million last year. Hybrids are more efficient than gas-powered vehicles, which may account for their popularity. Consumer Reports says hybrids, with greater fuel economy, more power, and better technology, are a smart choice now.

Seacliff 76 is an excellent resource for local owners seeking a dependable, all-inone shop.

Chris Hampton isn’t the only savvy employee. Geoff Myers is the service writer and runs the shop and service station side of the business; Greg Feeney is a certified smog technician and ASE certified. Duke Roberts acts as apprentice tech with some service writing. The station

has ten employees total, from cashiers to technicians.

Larry says he’s been “fortunate with loyal employees.”

Contact Seacliff 76 for any automotive needs or just to fill up your tank. n

The station is open for gas from 6 a.m. to

9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. on weekends.

The auto repair shop is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with smog inspections Saturdays 8 a.m. -1 p.m.

Seacliff 76 is located at 201 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos. The easy-to-remember phone number is 831-688-7600.

Too Much Luggage? Lighten Up

If you think you’re carrying too much luggage on your next trip, I’ve got news for you: You probably are.

How much? Well, last year domestic airlines collected $7.1 billion in luggage fees, an increase of almost 5% from the previous year. This summer, we’ve also had a few high-profile baggage altercations, including a Texas mom who was booted off a United Airlines flight because she was carrying too much luggage.

But to really understand how far it’s gone, you have to watch your fellow tourists.

• In Interlaken, Switzerland, I witnessed crowds of Korean tourists dragging oversized wheeled luggage down the cobblestone streets.

• In Rio de Janeiro, I saw Argentines and Chileans unapologetically loaded down with shopping bags. All that has to get on the plane when they go back home, and it does.

Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing Travel, an international luxury travel agency. She’s seen her fellow travelers carry more recently and tries to talk her clients into embracing a minimalist packing philosophy. It’s not easy.

What are the reasons behind the overpacking epidemic? And how can you ensure you don’t get stuck with an extra luggage fee?

Why are you Overpacking?

There are several reasons for the overpacking epidemic, ranging from insecurity to inexperience. But we need to get over it quickly. A few months ago, all of the major domestic airlines raised their baggage fees.

On domestic flights, a checked bag may cost upward of $35, and more if you wait until the last minute or your bag is overweight.

So what’s behind the overpacking problem?

What If?

• In Bangkok, I saw Chinese visitors wheel enormous rollaboards through the shopping malls. Think of all those excess baggage fees!

“People are packing more,” says Sangeeta

At the core of the overpacking is the question “What if?,” says Jeremy Murchland. He ought to know.

“Luggage” page 24

By Christopher Elliott

Illustration by Aren Elliott

Aptos’ Daniel Esqueda Named Pajaro Valley Student Trustee

Pajaro Valley Unified School District announces the appointment of Daniel Esqueda,, a senior at Aptos High School, as the student trustee to the Board of Trustees. His appointment took effect when the board met Aug. 28 at the Watsonville City Council chambers. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

The goal is to empower student leadership and ensure that student perspectives play a role in shaping educational policy discussions and decisions.

Daniel will serve as a liaison between the student body and the Board of Trustees, advocating for the interests and concerns of students across PVUSD via an established, student-led Student High Council. He will collaborate with staff, students, and board members to bring forward innovative ideas and perspectives from students to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the district’s educational environment.

As a Trustee, I am committed to amplifying student voices and fostering an inclusive environment for every student in our district,,” said Daniel. “My vision is to strengthen collaboration between adults

and our youth and bridge the gap between students and our Board, ensuring that our collective aspirations shape the future of our education. I view this role as an opportunity to inspire change and empower my fellow students. Together, we can make this an amazing year.”

Dr. Heather Contreras, superintendent of schools, said, “I am confident that he will represent the student voice effectively and contribute meaningfully to our discussions and decisions.”

On his LinkedIn profile, Daniel shared that he plans to attend a four-uear university, major in Political Science and minor in Philosophy.i He’s worked at Marini’s at the Beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for more than two years and is currently sales team lead. He also tutors grade-school children in math and English.

In June 2023, he was named Outstanding Student of The Year by Principal Dr. Allson Hanks-Sloan and Sarah Herzer, science teacher.

He also was named Outstanding Student of The Year in June 2022 by Principal Peggy Pughe and Chelsea Barrett, English teacher. n

Increasing Student Voice

r. Heather Contreras, who became superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District in May, is determined to increase student voice.

She has created the Superintendent Student Core Advisory and a Superintendent Student Advisory with

representatives from each of the high schools and will engage with them throughout the school year to address issues of importance to students.

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is the largest in Santa Cruz County with 14,673 students in 2023. n

Daniel Esqueda

Superintendent Heather Contreras center with students who will advise her this year.

3rd Annual Health Fair

Hosted by Park Avenue Fitness

September 21, 2024 • 12-3 p.m.

Connect with our local wellness community and access your next level of health and vitality! Meet face-to-face with local health and wellness practitioners from multiple disciplines who can help you get in tune with your body, mind, and spirit.

Don’t Miss Our Raffle!

Raffle tickets are $10 each, all proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank

FEMA Out of Money

Federal Agencies Owe $140 Million for Disaster Response

By Jondi Gumz

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which owes the County of Santa Cruz millions for disaster response and infrastructure repairs, has run out of money for disaster relief.

FEMA and the Federal Highway Administration together owe the county $144 million.

FEMAis required to make monthly reports to Congress.

mkdoyle@parkavenuefitness.com

The Aug. 7 report filed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell with the leaders of the appropriations committees of the House and Senate shows the red ink on page 17.

This report covers spending through July 31, listing the many federally declared disasters — not just wildfires and winter storms in California, but also wildfires in Hawaii, flooding in Texas, Tennessee, and West Virginia, and hurricanes.

Congress appropriated $20,261 billion for FEMA’s disaster relief fund.

FEMA announced that it would only fund life-saving disaster response, not permanent repair work, until further notice.

For Santa Cruz County, this means FEMA will not give money to any repair projects for the 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023 or 2024 federal disaster events until Congress gives the Disaster Relief Fund more money.

Unless Congress appropriates more money for FEMA, this funding source county officials had counted on is something that can’t be counted on.

Although President Joe Biden, visiting damage in Capitola Village in January 2023, said, “We are not leaving until you build back and build back better,” that won’t be possible unless Congress provides the money.

Supervisor Manu Koenig shared in his newsletter to constituents: 7 projects that the County was mobilizing to complete this year are now on pause: Stetson Road, two on Redwood Drive, Bean Creek Road, Schulties Road, Mt Charlie Road (a 2023 slipout, not the large one from earlier this year), and Lockhart Gulch.

He pointed out that projects on designated federal highways, like Redwood Lodge,

are funded through a different account — the Federal Highway Administration.

County supervisors opted to borrow money while waiting for FEMA reimbursements, so without Congressional support, the county’s borrowing will be longer than expected, which could lead to cutbacks in other areas to compensate.

Koenig expects longer wait times for the County to get paid back for the repairs that have already been completed, like the Main Street bridge repair in Soquel.

He added, “The 100+ sites already repaired have cost tens of millions of dollars. The longer it takes for FEMA to pay the County back, the more interest we’ll have to pay with local tax dollars.”

On Aug. 13, county supervisors unanimously agreed to send a formal request from the County to Congress, requesting that they fully fund FEMA so the County can get repaid and permanent repairs can continue. n

Read FEMA’s report at https://www.fema. gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ocfoaugust2024disasterrelieffundreport.pdf

Valencia Road and North Rodeo Gulch are unaffected as they

Gov. Gavin Newsom tours Capitola Village after the 2023 winter storms.

Gov. Newsom points out issues in Capitola to President Joe Biden when they visited after the 2023 winter storms.

FireSafe Council Breaks the Fire Triangle

By Adam Hensleigh & Michael Horn

The inaugural Wildfire Resilience Summit on June 6 was hosted by the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County in downtown Santa Cruz.

Residents got a comprehensive look at a roadmap to resiliency. The theme was “Break the Fire Triangle.”

Nine speakers gave talks about resilience topics. The Summit also included developing FireTech, and government panels.

Holt Hanley, a meteorologist from KSBW, emceed the event. In between speakers, Holt shared anecdotes from field research projects during his master’s program at San Jose State University’s Fire Weather Research Laboratory.

The FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County Firewise Coordinator Lynn Sestak gave her “Why Go Firewise” presentation. Lynn illustrated the ease and pathways to becoming a Firewise-certified community. The continually growing program is also a way to convince insurance companies that your community is being proactive and might even get you a discount on the skyrocketing rates.

Santa Cruz County has the seventh most Firewise recognized communities nationwide at 60. Santa Cruz County also ranks fifth in the state for Firewise-recognized communities.

Laura Terrazas from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education discussed their Wildland Firefighting program. The Wildland Fire Academy is a new career technical education offering in 2024. This program really lowers entry barriers and allows affordable opportunities for many young people to begin careers as wildland firefighters.

Matt Abernathy from the Resource Conversation District discussed defensible space. He offered a different perspective, with humans as ecosystem engineers. Matt also shared landscape-scale management projects, from shaded fuel breaks to burn prep.

David Reid and Clare Peabody from the county Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience discussed what the OR3 does. Clare promoted the 2020 Recover CA Owner Occupied Mitigation program for individuals who meet income guidelines. Clare also discussed the importance of signing up for CruzAware and knowing your Community Zonehaven evacuation zone.

Cal Fire’s Soquel Demonstration Forest Manager Angela

Bernheisel shared what they are doing regarding fire prevention for communities around the demonstration forest. Angela also highlighted a 175-acre sustainable timber harvest plan scheduled for completion this fall. Other projects in the State Forest included 84 acres of pile burning that was completed earlier this year.

Tim Hyland from State Parks talked about their Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program and the use of fire as a management tool for a positive recovery of the sand hills of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

He also outlined fire and fuel projects ranging from 50 acres in Ano Nuevo to 1,500 acres in Nisene Marks.

Similarly, Ed Fulton from the Bureau of Land Management discussed their interagency fuels project. The fuels reduction project stretches from Bonny Doon down to Davenport. Collectively, these projects are building on natural buffers to limit and reduce the spread of fast-moving wildfires.

Madronus CEO Ivan O’Neill gave a presentation on the Wildfire Prepared Homes program. Madronus is a Bay Area company that assesses a home’s vulnerability and advises homeowners on insurance companies’ expectations. O’Neill illustrated his points with science and statistics on home ignitions.

This a point that Phil Dundas, owner of The Landscape Company, affirmed, stating that firescaping was the best way to love — and not fear — your landscaping.

“FireSafe” page 24

DOORS OPEN: 5:00PM PLAY BEGINS: 6:00PM

Adam Hensleigh of Mount Hermon, who chairs the local FireSafe Council, introduces Sen. John Laird, Assembly member Gail Pellerin and County Supervisor Bruce McPherson.

Craft as a Springboard to Inspiration

Editor’s note: Local author, artist, playwright and baker Joe Ortiz is sharing a new series from his book in progress, “The Great Escape — A Guide to Breakthrough Thinking.”

I’ve heard from many people who don’t think of themselves as creative, yet long to bring more inspiration into their lives. Understanding the methods of working artists can help.

We may think of creativity as a Godgiven talent: if we’re lucky, ideas pop up in our minds; we suddenly see solutions to problems or, say, designs for the garden. But when doubt in that mysterious process creeps in, we may avoid embarking on a project for fear of risking embarrassment or failure.

Practicing artists get around such pitfalls by doing the tough work of honing their craft. For them, failure along the way is part of the challenge. Author Richard Brautigan once called writing short stories an act of “striving for the unattainable” — and that sense of impossibility stoked his process.

Every art form has techniques for inspiring breakthrough moments, and any of us can use them. Paradoxically, the most

powerful methods for unleashing creativity often involve adopting the constraints of a formal structure, such as a sonnet in poetry or a fixed chord progression in jazz.

The work of three well-known artists illustrates this approach:

Saxophonist

Charlie Parker played scales and riffs on his horn obsessively in a method I call “information overload.”

He practiced in one key for an entire day, his fingertips and his mind’s ear internalizing musical patterns so that in the heat of improvisation he would be able to express them automatically.

Having mastered traditional musical scales through repetitive practice, he could then explore notes and phrases outside of prescribed forms using the age-old technique of pattern and variation.

Michelangelo’s practice was to “stupidly

copy everything.” Like Charlie Parker with his scales, he immersed himself so thoroughly in a seemingly mechanical artistic approach that it ultimately became liberating.

His detailed sketches of human anatomy led to intimate knowledge of the human form and the ability to replicate it in marble and paint.

William Shakespeare used the strict demands of the sonnet form, with its prescribed rhyme scheme and metrical pattern, to launch his work in new creative directions.

This sort of enforced “metrical cage,” as it might be called, creates a compulsion to escape, giving birth to sudden flashes of insight that might never have been captured through purely analytical thinking.

•••

What we call inspiration — the mind’s

By Joe Ortiz

ability to create something original — often arrives when the limiting structures we work with serve to focus or fixate the mind, causing the right brain to break loose into new territory.

I will explore this approach in future installments, demonstrating how we can “escape” into creative thinking by committing to a form. If we can let go of the notion that inspiration is a blessing that arrives out of the blue, we can learn — through the examples of all kinds of artists — to use the confinements of craft as a springboard to creativity.

What can we do? The next time you write a letter, try a method I call “redrafting.” Instead of line-editing your first draft, re-copy it on a separate piece of paper. The process of rewriting will call up new ideas, reflecting the fact that your mind is constantly in search of new answers.

Or, if you want to draw, get yourself a sketchbook, grab a pencil, and follow Michelangelo’s practice: start copying everything you see. n

Reader Response: I’d love to hear your comments and questions. Email me at joe@ gocapitola.com.

Deborah Cypert Owner Bobbie Frandeen CoOwner/Estimator Todd Ivy Sales/Estimator

The beauty of cork, wood and laminates

Featuring Graber and Hunter Douglas Custom Draperies and Roman Shades!

Cabrillo Gets Federal Child Care Funding

By Jondi Gumz

On Monday, Cabrillo College got welcome news from U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta: He secured $1.67 million toward a $4.5 million child care facility planned on the campus in Aptos as part of an estimated $165 million housing development for students at Cabrillo and UC Santa Cruz.

Cabrillo College President Dr. Matt Wetstein expects the new housing, 624 units, to be built in two and a half years.

The location is near the soccer fields.

Such housing is a first for students of Cabrillo.

The shared project could prove a boon for students who start at Cabrillo and transfer

to UC Santa Cruz to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Child care is extremely expensive, with local parents sharing on Reddit that four days of toddler care costs $2,000 a month, $1,200 for four half-days and $1,100 for three half-days.

Nevertheless, parents report wait lists of more than a year.

In spring 2023, Cabrillo’s fee for infants for five half-days was $1,084 per month, toddlers, $853 a month, preschool, $729 per month. Figures 2024-25 have yet to be posted.

Cabrillo’s childcare services will prioritize low-income parents to make higher education more accessible and set every student up for success. n

Capitola Beach Festival

September 28 & 29

The Capitola Beach Festival returns on Sept. 28 and 29—and you are invited to two days of activities for you, family, and friends to “celebrate the good times” at Capitola Beach. No charge whatsoever!

Run in the Little 3-Miler from East Cliff Drive to Capitola, build sand castles, play cornhole, join in the scavenger hunt, listen —or dance --to music on the beach. Stay for the lighted nautical parade on Soquel Creek starting after sunset between 7 and 8 p.m, but stay off the Trestle, because it is unsafe.

That’s the schedule for Saturday.

Stay over for Sunday, so you can try your luck at the fishing derby, paddle board race, listen to ukelele music, play horseshoes on the sand, let your children crate chalk art on the seawall and compete in rowboat racing.

Enjoy local restaurants while in Capitola – you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Remember parking is limited, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.

See all the details in the Official Capitola Summer Festival Program Guide 2024, available throughout Capitola Village.

One new attraction: The historic Capitola Wharf, broken in two by epic storms in 2023, is back better than ever and scheduled for a grand opening at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25. Check out the new art that graces the Wharf privately funded by the all-volunteer Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project.

Local artist Maia Negre created this year’s Capitola Beach Festival poster art, which perfectly captures the heart of Capitola.

Come out to play with the Capitola Beach Festival. Join the activities, stop by to watch. All are welcome. n

41st Capitola Art & Wine Festival

September 14 & 15

Imagine art, wine, music, dance, and good vibes at an enchanting beach-side setting — no need to imagine! The 41st Capitola Art & Wine Festival will take place Sept. 14 and 15 in Capitola Village. Truly a weekend in paradise!

Stroll the Festival sipping exceptional wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while admiring the artistic talents of over 140 fine artists. Sway to the powerful rock n roll sounds of James Durbin and The Lost Boys, energetic funk from Extra Large, stompin’ bluegrass from Dirty Cello, and Americana soul from Cement Ship.

Enjoy specialties from local food trucks or local restaurants, handcrafted creations in the Local Artisans Marketplace, and be entertained by local dance groups and sleight-of-hand illusions from the Surfing Magician.

Wine tasting is for those 21+. Buy a 2024 Festival Glass ($15) and Tasting Tokens ($1 each). Tasting requires 2-4 tokens, depending on the wine you choose.

Festival admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce is your host for this end of summer classic. Admission is free.

The City of Capitola offers paid parking for 50 cents an hour at the Beach and Village Parking Lots behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Ave. with a free shuttle to the festival operating 10 a.m. — 8 p.m. weekends through

mid-September. Pay stations accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. Meters operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Parking is limited in the village so park your car at the Capitola Mall and ride the free shuttle, which ends at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Or ride your bike — valet parking is staffed by Harbor High students and free at the David Lyng Real Estate parking lot.

For details, look for the 64-page 2024 Officials Capitola Summer Festivals Program with beautiful poster, “Venetian Mermaid” by Santa Cruz local Sabrina Aramburu on the cover. n

More info at www.capitolaartandwine.com

Art & Wine poster “Venetian Mermaid” by Santa Cruz local Sabrina Aramburu

Sabrina Aramburu displays her art.

Chipping Reimbursement Window Open til Nov. 30

The Resource Conservation District chipping program opened Aug. 1 for Santa Cruz County residents. Neighborhoods must have at least five participating households who clear defensible space around their homes to be eligible for reimbursement of chipping costs up to $250 per property and $80 per 500 linear feet of private road.

First-come first serve applications close Oct. 31 and all reimbursement forms MUST be completed and submitted by Nov. 30.

“FireSafe” from page 19

Pulling back the curtain of nondisclosure agreeements and secrecy, Jake Harris from DBL Partners moderated a panel that featured fireline augmenting robots, remotely operated water-dropping helicopters, and AI tools for evaluating fire risk.

The Summit concluded with a

Coordinate with your neighborhood and schedule a California licensed contractor to chip your material before signing up so you do not miss the 30-day window. There is a $10,000 reimbursement maximum per neighborhood.

Reimbursements for chipping are available to residential neighborhoods including Aptos Hills, Soquel Hills, Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley -- not Seacliff.

Reimbursement applies only to chipping materials that originated within 100 feet of an

government panel moderated by local Fire Ecologist Michael Horn. The panel included State Sen. John Laird, Assembly member Gail Pellerin, and Supervisor Bruce McPherson. Covering wildfire legislation and other ways the government is helping were the main focus, but Horn pushed them on real actionable items. Laird and Pellerin brought data to the conversation about the efforts to

occupied structure or within 10 feet on either side of a private road. The costs of fueling a rented chipper and of renting a vehicle to tow a rented chipper are eligible.

One neighborhood representative is to complete the online application, receive the reimbursement for the group and distribute funds. Include all participants’ names and contact information in the application, then wait for confirmation.

•••

Information: https://www.rcdsantacruz.org/ forest-health-and-wildfire-resiliency

Once confirmed, you can hire a licensed contractor or rent a chipper. Once chipping is completed, reimbursement forms must be submitted within 30 days. Receipt must include dates of service, proof of payment, and a list of work including chipping and charges. Include at least one photo. Keep track of your time and submit it with the reimbursement. n

restore insurance coverage for the thousands who have been dropped.

The FSCSCC provided attendees with a full afternoon of inspiration and hope from learning from their own community members who are actively working to make things safer.

“Luggage” from page 15

As the president of the travel insurance company Seven Corners, he deals in what-ifs every day.

He says travelers are asking themselves, What if there’s a heat wave and I don’t have the right clothes? What if the Airbnb doesn’t have shampoo? What if I get bored?” And that’s driving them to bring more -- even if they don’t need it.

Stress

Overpacking is often a stress response to leaving home,” says Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips, a travel agency. “Travel can be overwhelming, especially for novices. The mindset of ‘I just might need this’ leads to those bulging suitcases.”

She says travelers should remember they will likely be able to buy reasonable substitutes for their forgotten or missing items wherever they go.

The FireSafe Council plans to make this an annual event to help add to the existing wildfire resilience work within Santa Cruz County. The success of wildfire resilience is dependent on scale and capacity, and this event connects people and information to build that resilience to wildfires. n

Inexperience

Face it, most people only travel a few times a year and they don’t know how to pack a bag correctly — or even what to put in it. Limor Decter, a travel advisor for Embark Collective, said she used to put everything but the kitchen sink in her checked luggage. “The consequences were a huge schlep factor and a long wait at the dreaded luggage carousel,” she says. Finally, she learned to cut back to a carryon only, and it was a life-changing experience for her, making a recent trip to Botswana far smoother than it would have otherwise been. “Had I checked luggage, I know for sure that my bags would’ve been delayed or lost,” she says. At least those are the excuses we give each other. But as I said, we urgently need some packing therapy because this is one problem that could cost us dearly. I mean $7.1 billion -that’s a lot of luggage.

“Lighten Up” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Summer Warmth Continues Into Fall

By Tony Tomeo

The locally mild climate might be rather boring. Winter weather is not very cold. Summer weather is only sometimes very hot. Then, warmth does not often last for very long. Such climate might seem to be deficient in seasons. Summer seems to be the primary season, with just a few cool weeks of winter. Spring and autumn seem to be only brief transitions.

According to the position of Sirius, the Dog Star, the dog days of summer are done. They are the hottest days of the year for several climates of the Northern Hemisphere. The last was the eleventh of August. The final day of summer is the 22nd of September. Such dates are less relevant here than elsewhere, though. Warm weather may continue. Indian summer is more typical here than not. In some other climates, it is unusually warm and dry weather that continues into autumn. In this particular climate, it is not so unusual. Another difference is that it does not occur after earlier frost, as it might elsewhere. Some climates here lack frost anyway. Locally, warm weather is more lingering than fluctuating.

Some vegetation knows how to exploit such weather. Indeterminate tomato varieties can continue to be productive until a first frost. If they started soon after a last frost, they could get sloppy with rampant growth. That should not be a problem if production is the priority. With phasing as late as August, determinate tomato varieties can also produce until frost.

Most popular canna cultivars are hybrids of tropical and montane species. Because they are tropical, they are not accustomed to distinctly cool winter seasons. Because they are montane, they survive mild frost. Therefore, they grow until frost, and then resume growth as soon as they can afterward.

Dahlia is similar, but maintains dormancy through winter.

Photoperiod also influences growth. Days gradually shorten through summer regardless of the duration of warmth. Some species are more responsive to this than others. Later in summer, crape myrtle can slowly begin to develop autumn foliar color. It does not require much chill to become strikingly colorful for autumn. It can do so while cannas still bloom and tomato plants still produce fruit.

•••

Bedding Dahlia

Dahlias are as variable as related chrysanthemums. Rare tree dahlias can grow ten feet tall from the ground annually. Most popular dahlias grow less than half as high with more lavish bloom.

Bedding dahlias are less than a foot and a half tall with smaller but profuse flowers. They are popular as warm season annuals, but can be perennial like the others.

Bedding dahlias are neither as ornate nor as diverse as those that are better cut flowers. They compensate with foliar density and floral profusion. Their flowers are less than five inches wide, and could be about half as wide. Their floral color range is limited to yellow, orange, red, pink and white. Floral variegation can add another color of the same range.

Bloom continues through summer and autumn, until frost. Deadheading promotes better bloom. Dormant tubers may remain in their gardens through winters here. They could rot, though, while their soil remains cool and damp. If dug and stored for winter, they prefer to return to their gardens prior to spring warmth. Dorman tubers propagate well by division. n

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. com.

Bedding dahlias can perform as perennials.

Labor, Gratitude, Autumn & Spiritual Approach

Esoteric Astrology • September 2024 • By Risa D’Angeles

“Lighten Up” from page 24

How to Pack Better

Autumn is quickly approaching, with its many festivals and celebrations of light. It’s only weeks now till the autumn equinox, another summer passing, another season approaching. Notice the word “approach”, as in Spiritual Approach, one of the Laws of the Aquarian Age. To “approach” means to “come closer.” The new Laws and Principles of the new Aquarian era, invites each of us to approach each other not in the old ways of separation, judgement, criticism and intolerance, but with knowledge of our essential spiritual divinity.

At each new age, humanity is given new guidelines. The Aquarian Age has six guidelines (Laws & Principles) to follow. One is “Spiritual Approach” which is studied from August 21 to October 21st Spiritual Approach invites us to approach each other with love. For it is love that brings all earthly karma to an end.

this past year and their effects. Retrogrades are times of reflection and review.

Monday, September 2nd is both a new moon (Virgo) and Labor Day. Labor Day – how do we best approach this day? We contemplate upon our labors and the labors of those around us. We offer our gratitude to all kingdoms (human, animal, plant, mineral) who labor daily for our well-being. This is their “approach” to us. Let us show our gratitude.

The Virgo new moon is a solar festival (11 degrees). Virgo is the world mother. She is Ceres watching over her daughter, Persephone, in the gardens of the earth, lest Pluto take her underground.

Don’t want to add a $35 contribution to the billion-dollar checked luggage business?

Here are a few pointers:

• Be a Minimalist

You know the old saying, less is more? Definitely true when you’re packing. You can take a few easy steps toward packing less. Pack clothes that are versatile and can be mixed and matched.

Leave 20% of your bag free when you pack, so you have room for anything you buy at your destination, advises Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.

Mercury (in Leo) is no longer retrograde. However, it’s still progressing through its retrograde shadow ‘til mid-September. Uranus, planet of shaking things up, turning things topsy-turvy with sudden upsets, stations retrograde September 1st at 27 degrees Taurus. During Uranus retrograde we look back on changes encountered

ARIES

There may be that tug-of-war in all interactions - with intimates, close family, partners and friends. A new creative cycle begins in all relationships. Love will be needed by and for everyone. Love heals karma. You can help this occur by offering a sense of freedom to others, the result of unconditional love. With children, freedom is offered through loving discipline and intelligent structure. What Montessori is all about. A question for you to ask yourself is, ”How can I love more?”

TAURUS

It will soon be time to begin a new cycle of planning, new structure and new goals concerning your health, daily work and interactions with co-workers. Each day, it seems there’s a change, a shift or emergency. Adaptation is needed. It’s important to know and acknowledge that everyone is always in service. Speak often of this so everyone understands. New skills will be developed as new opportunities come forth. Family resources need tending.

GEMINI

Jupiter shining brightly in your house of self-identity, calls you to greater self-expression along with “being more careful of love than of everything.” Consciously offering goodwill and radiating love helps prepare everyone around you for an unexpected future. Mercury, your very own planet, turns direct soon. You (and everyone) have assumed Virgo qualities during this retrograde, pondering upon things deeply, especially how you communicate. Now you must communicate creatively, with love and wisdom, all that you learned in the retrograde.

CANCER

You ponder upon the past, on home and family, partners and parents. You remember early childhood years and wonder if there was love enough for you to thrive. You ponder upon your way of life and ask yourself what you are doing where you presently live and if you are to expand and/or move from there. Needing a more abundant foundation, you want to live, work and garden in a true community. You need a gate to walk through, a sense of leadership to lead with and rose bushes blooming all around.

A lunar eclipse occurs at the Virgo solar festival (full moon), Tuesday, September 17th. Eclipse season has begun. A lunar eclipse informs humanity that things in the outer world, having completed their purpose, have or will disappear. We know what areas of life this occurs in when we consult our astrology charts. Does everyone have their chart?

And so, autumn begins the following Sunday, September 22nd as the Sun enters Libra, sign of deep, abiding, loving I/Thou relationships. n

LEO

What surroundings and environments you live in daily need tending? Walk through the rooms of your home to see what care, repairs and upkeep are needed. Be in touch with siblings, family and relatives, creating a deeper level of communication. Write a family newsletter. Did you speak with your angels on your birthday? If not, each moment is always the right time to do so. They want to help you navigate the new Aquarian times to come and direct you to the Raincloud of Knowable Things. What part would you want to play in creating the new era?

VIRGO

If you listen quietly to your heart and soul and observe carefully your values and events in daily life, you will realize much has changed over the past months and years. You are different now. You no longer maintain previous thoughts and beliefs. You grew up and thus outgrew them. Your values will eventually expand too into greater and more responsible levels of harmony and these you will radiate towards all and everyone. You always seek to serve. Step more closely towards the Path of Return. Sow flower and apples seeds along the way.

LIBRA

Something is occurring in your beliefs, in the way you think and also in your physical body. Perhaps it’s a health discipline that will change the shape of your body. Perhaps it’s your self-image where you begin to value yourself more and begin to understand your childhood experiences and their purpose within the family. Perhaps you’re forced to adopt newer stricter disciplines to maintain a better quality of life. Whatever is changing, it’s good and loving and purposeful. You are always thought of, cared for and forgiven.

SCORPIO

Things in your life are being gathered into a profuse, abundant, generous and bountiful harvest. Perhaps the result of great needs, loss, sorrows or death. Perhaps it’s from a realization of all you’ve accomplished and knowing all there is yet to do. Perhaps it’s a gathering of gifts offered to those in need. Compassion is beginning to open your heart. You realize life isn’t a movie or film or novel. It’s real life and you play the leading role and this life determines your next... an interesting and most benevolent meditative thought to ponder!

SAGITTARIUS

You may soon find yourself going to and fro, here and there, up and down between old and new. Between previous hopes, wishes and dreams, and fleetingly new ones. The latter will appear slowly over time. Some already have. You will also consider what goals, ambitions and views of the world are important to keep and what to change. You realize you need a new group to work with, new like-minded people, creating a new future that better defines your new self. Balance, work with and tend to finances with the utmost care.

CAPRICORN

In the public eye you are a rarity, a curiosity, a marvel, a wonder, as well as a person of many gifts and talents. Sometimes you’re not quite fully understood. You bring both a special force of love and humor and stability to all that you do in the world. A new cycle, an expansion begins in your work, profession, and who you are in the world. There will be more responsibilities, more tasks but also more praise, recognition, perhaps a promotion. Allow your intuition to come forth more and more. Intuition is our true guide.

AQUARIUS

There are many possibilities for Aquarians to consider in the coming months based upon their states of conscious awareness. Influenced by a new cycle of learning and possible teaching, what is ahead is a long and adventurous journey. For some, it’s the building of a new era community. For all Aquarians, a wider view of reality emerges and this propels you into new areas of work and a different daily life. One you hoped for.

PISCES

It’s good to begin to eliminate what is unnecessary in your life, especially what has not been used in the past many months. This will allow newer, finer energies and resources, infinite and abundant, more appropriate to the coming times, to be available. Be prepared for unexpected changes, shifts and losses. But this has been occurring for a while now and you have become somewhat adaptable. Take Ignatia Amara (homeopath) for grief. Carbo Veg for digestion and learn the hand mudras.

Leave any items you can easily buy at your location, like an umbrella. Consider doing laundry at your location instead of packing a change of clothes for every day of your trip. “You can get your laundry done at your hotel,” says Cronin.

• Adjust Expectations

If you’re traveling somewhere to be seen, maybe you should reconsider, says Swapna Patel, a professional stylist. She says she knows clients who pack blow dryers in their checked baggage. “You should have realistic goals about how you want to spend time on your vacation,” she says. “Are you making memories — or perfecting your blow dry?”

Once you start to think about that, you realize how little you need, and you can easily pack a manageable amount of clothes and cosmetics.

• Make a List

Frequent traveler and etiquette expert Rachel Wagner is a devout minimalist. She uses a checklist to ensure she packs only the essentials. “It helps prevent overpacking and also allows me to check off important items I don’t want to leave behind,” she says.

After a while, you know what needs to stay and what needs to go, so the list becomes part of your routine.

If you Overpack Ihear confessions from people who take too much with them every day. They’re people like Sally Greenberg, who runs a nonprofit in Washington.

“I have a problem overpacking,” she admitted to me. “I’m neurotic.” For her, it’s mostly a “what if” issue -- she doesn’t want to miss anything she might need.

But it’s OK, because I spent years as a neurotic over-packer and I found my way out. After evaluating almost every available bag on the market, I found the perfect combination: The Victorinox Airox carry-on and a Knack Travel Backpack 45L. I travel with four changes of clothes and use laundry facilities at my destination.

Getting to that point was really difficult. Like Greenberg, I was afraid I would miss something. Then I realized they have drug stores and shopping malls where I’m going, and I needed to relax about my luggage.

I know my airline is unhappy about it, but my bank account is happy with all the money I’ve saved by not checking a bag. n

•••

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.

DURABILITY DEFINED. STYLE UNPARALLELED. QUALITY UNMATCHED.

Step into a world where beauty and resilience coexist. Choose the C650 Ultra™ Series for a home that shines inside and out.

■ Fiberglass frames resist temperature fluctuations, making them a weather-resistant, durable, lowmaintenance choice.

■ The window hardware is attractive, secure, and easy to operate.

■ Choose from four beautiful exterior frame colors to enhance your home’s look.

■ Use Black Bean or Bark to create the popular dark window look with matching interior and exterior frames.

■ Ultra Series windows are covered by the Milgard Lifetime Limited Warranty for peace of mind.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COUNTY CALLS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 14 TO 24

The County of Santa Cruz is seeking teens and young adults ages 14 to 24 who have a passion for making a difference in their community to serve on the County’s first Youth Advisory Task Force.

As part of the “A Santa Cruz County Like Me” project related to achieving diverse and inclusive advisory bodies, the Task Force will be comprised of 15 teens and young adults selected from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives.

Participants will hold monthly facilitated meetings throughout the Santa Cruz County to learn about County boards, commissions, committees, and department advisory groups; identify the needs and concerns of teens and young adults; explore models of youth engagement in other jurisdictions; and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches and proposals.

The Task Force will meet for the first time in October and work together to make findings and recommendations. The County Administrative Office will then return to the Board of Supervisors with any recommendations based on the work of the Task Force.

Participants must live or work in Santa Cruz County and will have the option to receive a $75 stipend per meeting or earn community service hours. They must be able to attend monthly meetings in various locations throughout Santa Cruz County. Bus passes will be provided to help with transportation to and from meetings.

Applications to join the Youth Advisory Task Force must be submitted by Sept. 20 at https://tinyurl.com/YouthAdvisoryTaskForce

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS

Aptos High School 20th Reunion

Join the Aptos High Class of 2004 celebrating their 20-year reunion!

Alumni and their families are invited to join a weekend of fun, cheering on the AHS girls flag football and boys varsity football teams against Hollister, a family pool party, and an evening celebration 5-9 p.m. Sept. 28 at Seascape Golf Club.

Alumni and friends of the Class of 2004 are all invited, tickets are $100 per person, on sale until Aug. 25. For tickets and information on where to stay: https:// emilylipoma.wixsite.com/ahsclassof04reunion For questions: aptoshighclassof2004@gmail.com

Aptos High Class 30th Reunion

Hello Aptos High School Class of ‘94! Get ready to reunite and reminisce at the 30th reunion 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at East Side Eatery, 800 41st Ave., Pleasure Point. Tickets are $54.13 befor eSept. 5 at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/aptos-high-class-of-1994-30th-reuniontickets-923298168677

Aptos High 40th Reunion

Aptos High School Class of 1984 will have its 40-year reunion 6-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.28 at Cantine Winepub, 8050 Soquel Drive Suite B, Aptos. There will be tapas and a specialty cocktail.

Celebrate this momentous occasion. It’s a wonderful time to connect with classmates, friends and acquaintances. Tickets are $95.12 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ aptos-high-school-class-of-1984-40-year-reuniontickets-793844479207

Aptos High School 50th+ Reunion

Welcome to the Aptos High combined 1973-1974-1975 Reunion.

Let’s bring together the Aptos High classes of ‘72, ‘73, ‘74, ‘75, and ‘76 for a nostalgic reunion filled with memories, laughter, and good times!

The event will be 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28,at Corralitos Padres Hall, 35n Browns Valley Road, Watsonville, where we’ll reminisce, reconnect, and create new

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

memories together. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with old friends and relive the good times.

Tickets are $80.11 at https://aptoshighschool.ticketbud. com/1973-1974-1975-combined-reunion

Watsonville High School Class 1969 Reunion

Watsonville High School Class of 1969 and Mora High School Class of 1969 will have their 55th reunion

Saturday, Sept. 21 with a buffet dinner at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos.

Tickets are $75 per person. Send RSVP and check to Tisha Ragsac at 1155 San Angelo Drive, Salinas, CA 93901-3902. For more information call Tisha at 831-8095929.

NOV. 5 ELECTION: IMPORTANT DATES

Sept. 26: First day to mail County Voter Information Guides.

Oct. 7: First day to mail ballots to all Santa Cruz County registered voters. In-person voting open at two locations.

Oct. 21: Last day to register to vote for the November 2024 election and receive a ballot and voter guide in the mail.

Oct. 26: Three more in-person voting locations open.

Nov. 2: Thirteen more in-person voting locations open.

Nov. 5: Election Day – polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.

Nov. 12: Vote by mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12 will be counted.

Dec. 3: Last day to certify election results.

POLL WORKERS NEEDED

Poll workers are needed for the Nov. 5 election.

Poll workers set up and close polling places, help voters understand their rights and protect the integrity of ballots and voting equipment. To volunteer locally, contact the County Elections Department, 831-454-2060. Or www.votescount.us.

To serve as a poll worker, individuals must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident and attend a training session.

High School students can serve as poll workers as long as they are:

• A United States citizen or legal permanent resident.

• At least 16 years old on Election Day.

• Attend a public or private high school.

• Have at least a 2.5 grade point average.

• Get permission from their parents and school.

• Attend a training session.

The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 21.

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE

Ticket prices range from $20 to $70 at www.santacruzshakespeare.org.

BUILDING TRADES PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

Are you interested in a career in the building trades? Building trades jobs are a pathway to good paying jobs and benefits.

You can start your journey of securing a job in the various building trades by participating in the pre-apprenticeship training program, a collaboration between the Monterey County Workforce Development Board and the Monterey/Santa Cruz Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.

The program is a Mon – Fri, 8 hour a day, 9-week/350hour training program. Upon completion of the pre-apprenticeship training program, you will obtain the skills needed to apply for an apprenticeship program in various trades.

After the classroom training, you may participate in a 4-week paid internship with construction industry employers in Monterey/Santa Cruz county areas. This experience leads tocareer pathways for: Heat and Frost Insulators, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Electricians, Elevator Constructors, Iron Workers, Plasterers and Cement Masons, Painters, Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Carpenters, Operating Engineers, Laborers, Teamsters Apply at https://www.apprenticeprep.org/

SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP

The Scleroderma Foundation of California announces a new support group for people living in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

The Monterey Bay Support Group will bring together individuals with scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and thickening of the skin and other areas of the body.

The support group will be led by volunteers Cheri O’Neil of Live Oak and Annette Rahn of Carmel. The mission of the Scleroderma Foundation of California is to empower patients to live better lives through programs dedicated to support, education, and research.

The support group will start by offering virtual meetings, with the goal of meeting monthly in person at a location convenient for members.

To learn more, email mbsclero@gmail.com. The foundation’s website is www.myscleroderma.org.

SOROPTIMISTS RENT CHAIRS AT SHAKESPEARE

WOMENCARE NEEDS

VOLUNTEERS

WomenCare, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free support services to women diagnosed with cancer in Santa Cruz County, needs volunteers. Ways to help: Transportation Assistance (greatest need!): Drive clients to and from their medical appointments, locally and throughout the Bay Area.

Errand Running: Assist with everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. Office Assistance (4 hour shift per week): Support clients on the telephone, resource referral for clients, work on special projects, and help with general maintenance of services.

Friends Committee: Help organize the annual Strike Out Against Cancer bowling fundraiser, create annual appeals, assist in other community fundraisers that benefit WomenCare, and help with community outreach.

A cancer diagnosis often results in transportation and logistical challenges. By volunteering, you help alleviate these burdens, allowing local women to focus on their treatment and recovery. Your support ensures that no woman faces cancer alone.

Learn more and fill out an application at https://fsa-cc. org/womencare/volunteer/ Reach out by calling the office 831-457-2273 or email sims.p@ fsa-cc.org

CASTRO ADOBE STATE PARK RESTORED

Monthly Open House: Sept. 21, Oct. 13, Nov. 16, Dec. 8 10:30am- 3:30pm, 184 Old Adobe Rd, Watsonville

Thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, the historic Castro Adobe has been restored and enriched with many new multimedia exhibits.

This two-story adobe is a prime example of rancho haciendas in the Monterey Bay area.

Come view unearthed artifacts, enjoy the Fandango lessons, and learn about the vaquero culture. Admission is free. Carpooling advised due to limited parking.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet each month in 2024 except September and November. Remaining dates are Oct. 22, and Dec. 3. There is no meeting in September or November. Meetings typically begin at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville. For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

On Display Thru Sunday September 22

IDENTITY: ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER

Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized professional repertory theater, will offer Shakespeare’s As You Like It & Hamlet, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie through Sept. 28 under the trees and stars in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) at Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park. Showtime is 8 p.m.

The Glass Menagerie, directed by Charles Pasternak, opens at 8 p.m. Sept. 13.

NOVEMBER 5 ELECTION FORUM

Wednesday September 18

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is renting cushions, beach chairs and blankets on cold nights at all 67 Santa Cruz Shakespeare shows in the Audrey Stanley Grove in Delaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, which runs through Sept. 28.

Potential members or others interested in learning more about the Club’s work and activities are invited to visit the rental booth and talk to a member.

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fundraiser and a portion is shared with SCS.

Email sicapitola.by.the.sea@gmail.com

CHAMBER LUNCHEON WITH SEN. LAIRD AND SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES

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

Aptos Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon with Senator John Laird and 2nd District Supervisor candidates Kristen Brown & Kim De Serpa at Seascape Golf Club. The fee: $35 per person. Reservations required. Call 831-688-1467.

Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery: Open Wednesday-Sunday: 11 a.m. –4 p.m., 37 Sudden St., Watsonville

Curated by Reiko Michisaki and Maggie Yee, this exhibition is an exploration of identity through the viewpoint of 11 Asian American and Pacific Islander artists. From traditional forms to contemporary expressions, these artists offer unique perspectives, inviting you to ponder the complexities of culture, heritage, and self-discovery. Participating artists include Edward Corpus, Pablo Cubangbang, Terry Ebersole, Dan Fallorina, Sahar Jabr, Lucien Kubo, Reiko Michisaki, Ann Miya, Dawn Nakanishi, Maha Jumaié Taitåno, and Maggie Yee.

Upcoming Events

Poetry Reading & Artist Talk with Shirley Ancheta: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery. Participating artists: Dan Fallorina, Maha Taitano, Sahar Jabr, Dawn Nakanishi & Lucien Kubo.

Old Memories, Young Hopes by Maggie Yee

Ongoing thru September 29

EXHIBIT: TIES THAT BIND

M.K. Contemporary Art, 703 Front St., Santa Cruz

M.K. Contemporary Art presents Ties that Bind featuring the work of 26 talented local Santa Cruz artists. Each artist is part of a creative couple, united in both their art and their lives.

Exhibiting: Wendy Aikin, Jody Alexander, IB Bayo, Rachel Clark, Tim Craighead, Linda Craighead, Marc D’Estout, Ian Everard, r.r. Jones, Robin Kandel, Bo Kvenild, Terrie Kvenild, Claire Lerner, Jasper Marino, Will Marino, Ann Morhauser, Gayle Ortiz, Joe Ortiz, Beverly Rayner, Taylor Reinhold, Paul Roehl, Beth Shields, Judy Stabile, Lynne

Todaro, Margitta Dietrick Welsh, and Stan Welsh.

First Friday Reception Sept. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and an artist talk Sunday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

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

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Last Wednesdays of the Month

PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS

6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays.

PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting

Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, challenges, and ideas.

Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges.

Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each session.

For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos

Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

DATED EVENTS

Saturday August 31

FREE FISHING DAY

There’s one last chance this year to cast your line into a California river, lake or bay without a fishing license.

On Free Fishing Day the public can fish throughout the state with no fishing license required, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

GOURMET GRAZING ON THE GREEN

Saturday October 5

Noon – 4 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road

Gourmet Grazing on the Green, a fundraiser by the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group will be at Aptos Village Park.

This is the ultimate foodie festival, 60+ local wineries, restaurants and breweries — and live music! Experience the talents of some of Santa Cruz’s best chefs and taste specialty creations, using locally grown produce and products donated by sponsors Coke Farms and Watsonville Coast Produce. Live music on the main stage by Cooper Street.

Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer in the Santa Cruz community, raising community consciousness and providing financial support Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Services, Katz Cancer Resource Center, WomenCare cancer advocacy, researchers from the University of California at Santa Cruz and the Teen Kitchen Project.

Over the last two decades, SCCBG has distributed more than $2.5 million to directly support the Santa Cruz community.

Tickets are $90 through Oct. 4 at https://www.sccbg.org/gourmetgrazingonthegreen or $120 at the door.

Children 15 and younger can fish for free every day of the year in California, but Free Fishing Days offer a time when families and friends can experience the hobby together.

Saturday September 7

HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OPEN HOUSE

10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Graham Hill Showgrounds, 1251 Graham Hill Rd.

If you’ve never seen a horse close up, here is your chance.

The Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association will host an open house at the Graham Hill Showgrounds.

The association is opening the showgrounds to the community to showcase the magic of horses. There will be demonstrations, opportunities to meet a variety of equines, an even enter a hobby horse race!

The schedule: 10 am, Hannah Francis from Free Spirit Stable, building a better relationship with your horse, 11 am, California Cowgirls Drill Team, noon, Parade of Breeds, 1 pm, jumping exhibition.

There also will be face painting, vendors, and a food truck. Don’t miss this chance to experience the passion, joy, and centeredness that horses can bring to people’s lives. Info: Call Robin, 831-331-5067.

Wednesday September 11

9/11 MEMORIAL

6 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville

On the first day of the County Fair, Pleasant Valley Horse Club and Cinch Up Productions will present a 9/11 tribute to police and firefighters and those who helped when the World Trade Towers were attacked in 2001. The hour-long event will take place at the large horse arena.

Thursday September 12

HIP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

9:30 a.m.–Noon, Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

The Health Improvement

Partnership of Santa Cruz County invites the community to its Community Forum, celebrating 20 years of collaboration, at Seascape Golf Club. Register at https://www.hipscc.org/hip-community-forum-2024

Saturday September 14

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

8 a.m., Seascape Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos

More than 150 people are expected at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Seascape Resort. The goal is to raise $310,000 for the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association.

Each registrant will receive a “Promise Garden Flower.”

Registration is at 8 a.m., with a ceremony at 9 a.m. and the walk starting at 9:30 a.m.

Information: Nicolette Aldrete: 831-900-5903 or nmaldrete@alz. org. Pre-register at act.alz.org/walk

COMMON ROOTS FARM’S FAMILY FUN DAY

1-4 p.m., Common Roots Farm, 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz Common Roots Farm will host a Family Fun Day with the Banana Slug String Band, pony rides, food, drinks, and vendors.

Tickets are $10 per person or $25 for a family of four at www. commonrootsfarm.org/familyfunday

LATINO ROLE MODEL CONFERENCE

9 a.m.-1 p.m., Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Senderos presents the Latino Role Model Conference, a free event for 6th- to12th-grade students and families, at Cabrillo College Crocker Theater.

The event is in Spanish with English translation. No registration is needed.

Professionals, students and parents will speak. The goal: To help young people achieve their dreams in college and career.

Professional Panel: Melida Alfaro, co-founder of Prosperity Lab and a life coach • Dr. Roberto (Bobby) Diaz, orthopedic surgeon, Sutter Health • Maria Elena de la Garza, executive director, Community Action Board • Jose Gonzalez, attorney, Santa Cruz County Public Defender • Roberto Zuniga, Spanish teacher, Aptos High School

Student Panel: Yesenia Lopez Duran, social worker, Santa Cruz County Public Defender Office • Maurice Moreno, Cabrillo College student • Mayra Ochoa, web and IT manager, Digital Nest • Ashley Serrano, UC Santa Cruz student

Parents/Guardians Panel: David Alvarez, financial aid & scholarships coordinator, Cabrillo College • Maria del Rosario Carrillo, parent of college students • Catarina Maya Garcia, parent of college students • Jaime Molina, parent educator, social worker • Maria Virgen, parent of college students

Keynote speaker is Jaime Cortez, author of “Gordo,” a book of semi-autobiographical stories set in farm worker camps and farm towns near Watsonville in the 1970s.

Saturday September 21

PVUSD FAMILY CONFERENCE

8 a.m.-1 p.m., E.A. Hall Middle School, 201 Brewington Ave, Watsonville

PVUSD will host a back-to-school family conference at E.A. Hall Middle School for parents and children ages 12 to 18.

Kids ages 3-11 can get free childcare at Mintie White across the street. Workshops run from 9:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a bag lunch and resource fair.

Topics include: Technology programs and tips, IEP tips and inclusion, middle school math and wellness resources. For information, call 831-786-2365.

Thursday September 26

FOR WOMEN VETERANS

Time TBA, Pregnant Mare Rescue, 515 Calabasas Rd, Watsonville

Pregnant Mare Rescue has a special offering for women veterans in the community.

Participate in meditation and breathwork with rescued equines at liberty. Experience trust building. Learn about resilience & healing. Observe herd dynamics. RSVP to Santa Cruz County Vet Center staff at (831) 464-4575

Sunday October 6

ITAMAR ZORMAN & ALON GOLDSTEIN INCONCERT

4 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz

The Distinguished Artists Concert Foundation presents its 39th season beginning with violinist Itamar Zorman and pianist Alon Goldstein at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz. The program includes pieces from Back, Partita, Ravel and selections from West Side Story by Bernstein. Alon Goldstein is one of the most original and sensitive artists of his generation, admired for his musical intelligence and dynamic personality.

Itamar Zorman won the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award for 2014, the 2013 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. Tickets are $40 online at http://www.distinguishedartists.org/ or pay what you can at the door. n

Rachel Clark’s artistry

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Farewell & Thank You to General Manager Ron Duncan

In his 21 years with Soquel Creek Water District, Ron Duncan has been integral to the District’s transformation from a water provider into a recycled water purification / groundwater replenishment / water delivery agency. Now, upon his retirement from the District at the end of September, Ron modestly notes that, “It’s been quite a journey!”

Ron’s tireless efforts at each stage of his journey at the District – from Conservation Coordinator to Conservation Manager to General Manager – have become the very foundation supporting that transformation which was necessary to preserve and enhance the District’s sole source of water.

“When I started here, my role was all about working with the community to use less water,” says Ron. “I quickly found out that there was, and is, an extraordinary water conservation ethic among the customers we serve. It’s very gratifying that by engaging with this community, sharing understanding and knowledge about water issues, and providing tools for saving water, they achieved a remarkable level of conservation — today one of the lowest per-capita water use levels in the state.”

Ron’s early conservation work at the District was highly effective, but it was just the beginning of the journey. As General Manager, his key focus became identifying and implementing a supplemental water supply to replenish the overdrafted groundwater basin. That developed into the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment/ Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project, to purify and reuse treated wastewater. And, it connects back to his earlier work – after all, he says, “What is water reuse, but the highest level of water conservation!”

With Pure Water Soquel now nearing completion, Ron looks back at his journey with gratitude to the District and the people with whom he worked and collaborated.

He points out, “The essence of achieving Pure Water Soquel is really the strategic partnerships and the cooperation among the

many agencies involved. Combined with, of course, the work of our visionary Board of Directors and wonderful, talented staff. It’s been a privilege to work with so many intelligent, dedicated people at every level here at the District, to bring this remarkable project to the community, while carrying on with our core service of water delivery.”

Along with his Board of Directors and his staff, Ron successfully navigated the complex issues involved with Pure Water Soquel – ranging from social, technical, and political matters to financial, legal, environmental, and many other areas. How did they do it? Ron says that it’s all about the people.

“Collaboration and building consensus among individuals, the agencies and entities involved, local businesses, and many other groups,” he says. “I like to say my job has had a lot of building bridges and mending fences! Without a high level of cooperative effort at every level, Pure Water Soquel may not have happened - or it certainly would’ve been much more difficult to achieve.”

Ron notes that it’s been an exciting, gratifying journey, with all of those complex elements having to come together in order for a solution to be developed and implemented. He’s particularly proud that the District was the first water agency to use the innovative SkyTem technology to accurately identify impending seawater intrusion before it reached a point beyond recovery.

“What a gift to have gained that knowledge, enabling us to work proactively to prevent further seawater contamination of our water supply,” he says.

Another area of achievement led by Ron and his colleague and incoming General Manager Melanie Schumacher was gaining over $95 million in federal and state grant funding for the Pure Water Soquel Project,

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

supplemented by substantial amounts of lowinterest loans from state and federal sources. This remarkable level of funding, especially for a small agency, put Soquel Creek Water District on the map within the water industry, and enhanced the District’s profile, and Ron’s reputation as a leader among local and state water providers.

Throughout his Soquel Creek Water District journey, Ron has been a tireless champion for water conservation, water delivery, and water reuse with Pure Water Soquel. He notes that in his career prior to the District he’s been a geologist, a hydrologist, and a technical consultant. But since then, his path has evolved into what he calls the science of the people - an area where he has found his greatest fulfillment.

“It’s been so rewarding to lead an organization, mentor and help its individuals to

thrive and move upwards in their potential, support them to succeed both professionally and personally — all in the context of protecting and enhancing what is absolutely our most precious resource — water,” he says. “Those are the things that have inspired and motivated me, and really what I’m most grateful for in my journey with Soquel Creek Water District.”

On the eve of his retirement, it’s fitting to acknowledge that Ron consistently performed at the highest professional level with his characteristic integrity, authenticity, creativity, unwavering commitment, and gifted leadership. His outstanding efforts in fulfilling the vision of Pure Water Soquel, and his many other accomplishments during his tenure with the District, comprise a remarkable and meaningful legacy to the entire region. n

Ron Duncan

SCCAS Featured Pet

Wake Up to Adorableness!

Our Pets of the Week this week are Latte (A313303) and Mocha (A313304).

These sweet little guinea pigs are looking for their new homes! They came in as owner surrenders when the owners no longer had time for them. We are not sure if they are related but they are friends for sure.

Mocha can be skittish and shy, but Latte is the friendlier and more social of the duo. They both like hanging out in their kennels, waiting for snacks.

Here at the Shelter they have loved the lettuce and it is reported that in their previous home Mocha loved pea flakes and Latte loved banana chips. Guinea pigs are adorable and can have huge personalities — when they want something they demand it by squeaking.

They are great companions and will make you laugh a lot. Come to SCCAS and meet Mocha and Latte today! n

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/ or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events. All adoptions are first come, first served.

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Latte

Mocha