Arts Council Santa Cruz County presents the 39th annual Open Studios Art Tour, a free self-guided event featuring 300+ artists, opening their creative spaces to the public for the 39th year.
More than 40 first-time artists are participating, and more than 100 studios offer artist demonstrations.
Attendees have the opportunity to buy the art they like on the spot. ... continues on page 4
Laura Brown Scholarship Fund
The Washington Crossing Foundation announces a donation of $250,000 from Rachelann T. Daniel of Watsonville to establish and endow the Laura Daniel Brown Western United States Scholarship Fund in memory of her daughter Laura Daniel Brown, a 1972 scholar and longtime member of the Board of the Foundation until her passing in 2017. Full Story page 5
Rio Del Mar Park Needs Help Full Story page 11
Papken Der Torossian
~ 1938-2024 ~ Papken Suny Der Torossian, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sept. 6, 2024, at age 85. Full Story page 10
Jondi
contributing writers
COVER STORY
“Open Studios” from page 1
“The arts are the heart and soul of our community,” said Jim Brown, executive director of Arts Council Santa Cruz County.
Michael Oppenheimer
graphic artists
Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin
Laura Mottram, Ari Lessin, Jondi Gumz, Tim Willoughby, Linda Kerner, Susan Kirsch, Risa D’Angeles, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend distribution
“The level of community engagement at the annual Open Studios Art Tour speaks to the importance of creativity in our culture and demonstrates how the arts significantly contribute to our local economy, driving cultural tourism and fostering social enrichment.”
This is the swan song for Ann Ostermann, who has been at the helm for 20 years and is handing the reins over to Bree Karpavage, a collage artist in the Santa Cruz Mountains who directs First Friday Santa Cruz Art Tour.
Ostermann said, “There’s just nothing better than meeting an artist in person and seeing where they make their art!”
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Dates and locations:
• Oct. 5-6: North County artists — from the yacht harbor north
• Oct. 12-13: South County artists — from the yacht harbor south
• Oct. 19-20: All County — featuring 250+ artists across the county
Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open Studios Art Tour is a program of Arts Council Santa Cruz County, which awards
grants to artists and arts organizations, offers arts education programs serving more than 18,000 youth, and community initiatives such as Open Studios, the Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz, and the Watsonville Center for the Arts. Learn more at artscouncilsc.org
••• Highlights
• Six artists at one location in Aptos, the warehouse at 804 Estates Drive: João De Brito, Bonnie Minardi, Suzanne McCourt, Jean Sheckler Beebe, Mike Beebe and Susan Costes
• Tannery Arts Center: More than seven artists, 1050 River St., Santa Cruz.
• Cover Artist: Peter Vizzusi, an established artist providing glass blowing demonstrations, 422 Cliff Drive, Aptos
• Artist Highlights: Rigel Hunter, a metal fabricator, 2131 B, Delaware Ave, Sant Cruz, Ercilia Medeiros, watercolors and acylic, 6996 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, Dan and Laurie Hennig, pottery, 211 E. Grove., Boulder Creek.
• Website: santacruzopenstudios.com/ Browse all the participating artists on the A-Z pages. Click links to learn more.
• Artist Guide: Pick up a free printed guide at Good Times drop-off points. Follow the keys for studios that are wheelchair accessible, offer demonstrations or are Spanish speaking.
• App: Download the free app on iTunes & Google Play.
• Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
• Green Signs: Follow the green signs to find artist studios.
• Preview Exhibits: Through Oct. 20, two galleries will host a sampling of art works. Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, and Pajaro Valley Arts Porter Building, 280 Main St., Watsonville. Pop into the gallery, find artwork that intrigues you, and note which studios you want to visit.
All work at the previews is for sale. n
Visiting from out of town? For hotel accommodations, dining options, check out https:// www.santacruz.org/
COVER IMAGE: By Aptos artist Susan Costes.
publisher
Patrice Edwards editor
Gumz
layout
Camisa Composti
media consultants
Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul office coordinator
Cathe Race
Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti website
Michael Oppenheimer photography
Soquel artist Annie Meyer
By Scotts Valley artist Sharon Medler
Laura Brown Scholarship Fund
The Washington Crossing Foundation announces a donation of $250,000 from Rachelann T. Daniel of Watsonville to establish and endow the Laura Daniel Brown Western United States Scholarship Fund in memory of her daughter Laura Daniel Brown, a 1972 scholar and longtime member of the Board of the Foundation until her passing in 2017.
The gift presentation was made at the annual Scholars Luncheon.
The Fund’s purpose is to establish a $10,000 scholarship — $2,500 per year for four years to a student who lives in California, where Brown was general manager of Soquel Creek Water District, or Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming.
The endowment fund will ensure that the Laura Daniel Brown scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Washington Crossing Foundation, I want to thank Rachelann for this transformative gift in honor of her daughter Laura, whose gracious life of public service will now serve as an inspiration to others forever,” said Charles E. Tweedy, M.D., president of the Foundation.
Rachelann Daniel Establishes Endowment
Rachelann Daniel, born and raised in southern California, attended Scripps College and graduated from UCLA with a degree in education. She married and raised two children, Laura and Scott, and became a teacher. She and her husband shared a passion for Africa, and later in life became licensed pilots.
The Daniel family was living in Sunnymead when Laura was one of only two
students nationwide to win the Washington Crossing Foundation scholarship for students pursuing careers in public service.
The scholarship included a trip to the Foundation’s headquarters in Bristol, Pennsylvania, each year, where she met and was mentored by the trustees of the Foundation, particularly the founder, Ann Hawkes Hutton, who greatly shaped Laura’s ideals of patriotism and government service as a
selfless, honorable and highly rewarding career.
Laura returned to Scholars Weekend almost every year with her husband Jess and her mother Rachelann.
Laura went on to serve various roles in local government for the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Monterey, and her job at Soquel Creek Water District was the highlight of her career.
She served on community and advisory health board and shared a passion for the arts with her husband Jess, a current member of the Board of the Washington Crossing Foundation,.
Through Jess’ teaching in Africa, they became the sponsors of three siblings of the Chibweza family of Zimbabwe, overseeing their education and well-being, and ensuring that each received a college education.
The Washington Crossing Foundation was founded by Ann Hawkes Hutton and Eugene C. Fish. Since 1970, it has awarded over $2 million to over 850 student scholars from across the country pursuing careers in public service. n
To learn more, see https://www.gwcf.org/ scholarship
From Left: WCF Trustees Jerry Papazian (’73), Rachelann Daniel and Steve Jackson (’70).
AUTUMN SPECIAL
If we paint your interior and/or exterior by November 30, 2024
Save Our Shores Coastal Cleanup
40th Anniversary: 7,557 Pounds of Pollution Kept from Monterey Bay
With the help of 1,540 volunteers, Save Our Shores tackled 56 cleanup sites from Año Nuevo State Beach to Andrew Molera State Park and picked up 6,945 pounds of trash, preventing it from reaching Monterey Bay.
Volunteers also hauled in 612 pounds of recyclables.
All this happened in three hours on Sept. 21.
Annual Coastal Cleanup Day is part of a larger, international effort for which Save Our Shores is the Monterey Bay regional coordinator.
Save Our Shores has been the regional coordinator of this event since its inception in 1984.
Save Our Shores Program Manager Krista Rogers said, “Every piece of trash we remove is a step towards a healthier planet. Our volunteers’ dedication shows that when we come together, we can make a tangible difference in protecting our precious ecosystems.”
Highlights:
• Seacliff State Beach: 30 volunteers collected 79 pounds of trash and recycling
• One trashy spot: 1,345 pounds of debris removed on Zmudowski State Beach.
• A lot of helpers: 103 volunteers at Del Monte Beach in Monterey County.
Save Our Shores Executive Director Katie Thompson said, “By joining forces and getting our hands dirty, we’re not just cleaning up — we’re creating a legacy of environmental stewardship.” n
Photos Credit: Anaya Sen A Family Outing In Seacliff
Health Improvement Partnership: 20 Years
On Sept.12, about 200 people gathered at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos to celebrate the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County’s 20 years of working to increase access to care and build stronger leaders.
That work is not over.
To get inspiration, attendees heard from founding members Eleanor Littman, Alan McKay, and Donna Ramos, in a conversation with Keisha Browder, CEO of United Way Santa Cruz and Maritza Lara, executive director of HIP.
Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, a social impact investor, came from Ecuador, and shared a framework to strengthen the health of a community.
The Fire — the possibility that brings us together
The Web — the relationships that hold us together
The Rhythm — the rituals that connect us
The Circles — the roles we can play
The Spiral — our individual and collective journeys
Attendees were invited to share what they are passionate about relating to healthcare and write it down on a Post-it, which Allison Guevara posted on the window, to be collected and reviewed.
A few examples: Mental health and trauma, diabetes in the Latinx community, and Vitamin D.
At the close, Browder led a toast to celebrate the HIP anniversary. n Learn more at https://www.hipscc.org/
PHOTOS: HIP attendees at For the Gram popup booth to commemorate the 20th anniversary.
ELECTION 2024
Kristen Brown, Kim De Serpa Grilled on ‘Deplorable’ Roads
By Jondi Gumz
On Sept. 18 when the Second District supervisor candidates spoke to the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, it was clear that Aptos Times coverage of road conditions in the unincorporated areas — deemed “deplorable” by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury in June — is getting their attention. The election is Nov. 5.
Each candidate picked one question at random and answered it.
No one got a rebuttal.
Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown went first:
She was asked: Given that FEMA has suspended reimbursements for roads repairs in disasters, how would she prioritize road repair dollars for the Second District?
She said she would use a red-yellow-green system to identify which roads are really bad, which are getting bad and which are fine.
Then she would prioritize access roads and roads that haven’t gotten funded in the past.
Kim De Serpa, a Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustee, was asked: What is the single most important issue?
“Roads,” she said. “We’ve got to fix them.”
“I serve on 16 boards and commissions,” she said. “I love the work.”
De Serpa, a social worker with a master’s degree, said she focuses on “solving really big problems for average people.”
De Serpa took credit for bringing back Michelle Rodriguez as superintendent after she was fired.
Kristen Brown, 37, who has been elected twice to the Capitola City Council and has a master’s degree in public administration, is vice president at Silicon Valley Leadership Group, an organization representing companies working to shape the innovation economy.
Kim De Serpa, 57, was elected to the school board in Pajaro Valley — the county’s largest — in 2010. She has twice served as board president. She lived 20 years on Trout Gulch Road in Aptos, a road Aptos Times readers described as woeful.
Brown, 37, who has been elected twice to the Capitola City Council and has a master’s degree in public administration, is vice president at Silicon Valley Leadership Group, an organization representing companies working to shape the innovation economy.
De Serpa, 57, was elected to the school board in Pajaro Valley — the county’s largest — in 2010. She has twice served as board president. She lived 20 years on Trout Gulch Road in Aptos, a road Aptos Times readers described as woeful.
Each candidate described her qualifications.
Despite her relative youth, Brown’s resume is packed with experience in government. She was invited to Washington, D.C., for a summit of leaders to develop best practices.
In her pitch for votes, De Serpa contended that Brown, as a member of the Regional Transportation Commission, had voted to put $34 million in unexpected state funds into the Santa Cruz Metro bus service, slighting roads.
Afterward Brown said the state had earmarked the money for transit capital facilities and operations, which is why she voted to put the money into Metro. It couldn’t be spent on road repairs, she said, and she emailed the December agenda staff report to prove her point.
It appears road repairs priority needs to be made at the state level.
There’s been no pushback from locals.
Perhaps if there were legislation allowing counties with 50% of the roads in failed or poor condition, or counties owed money by FEMA for road repairs to opt money out of transit and into road repairs, that would allow local elected leaders to set local priorities.
I understand state elected leaders have priorities for their concerns — but when a county like ours is hit by a series of disasters and the federal government can’t help, there should be a way for local problems to take priority. n
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IN MEMORIAM Papken Der Torossian
~ 1938-2024 ~
Papken Suny Der Torossian, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sept. 6, 2024, at age 85.
Known affectionately as “Pop” to those who knew him, Papken was a man of extraordinary kindness, generosity, and brilliance.
Papken was born Dec. 16, 1938 in Antioch, Turkey, and immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts at age 17 to pursue his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.
His intelligence and ambition led him to a lifelong career in technology, where he made significant contributions as a pillar of the industry. As president of manufacturer Silicon Valley Group in San Jose, he invented a next-generation machine that was used for years to layer all of the critical layers of Intel’s chips for computers. Once Intel announced it would buy his machine, Der Torossian recalled in a 2018 Stanford University interview, his stock price more than doubled.
Japanese rivals wanted to buy his technology but he was reluctant, opting for a joint venture instead.
“I want to engineer things,” he told the Stanford University interviewer. “I want to make things in America.”
While at MIT, Papken met and captured the heart of his beloved Claire. The two eloped to California, where they built a life together filled with love, passion, and a deep commitment to family and friends. Their 53 years together were marked by a shared love for art, music, and community.
Valley Group, which is a testament to his ingenuity and visionary leadership. His work, notably in advancing step and scan lithography technology, has had a profound impact on modern technology, making today’s microchips possible.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1995. He was a on many corporate and community boards including several years at Atmel Corp. With his wife Claire, he created the nonprofit Bay Shore Lyric Opera Co., which presented shows and brought rave reviews for their daughter Jennifer, a lyric soprano. They bought the Capitola Theatre and staged 29 major operas, attracting 65,000 attendees. They enjoyed their townhouse in seaside Capitola.
While raising his family, Papken graduated with a master’s in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
Papken had a remarkable career at Hewlett-Packard, Plantronics, and Silicon
After Claire’s passing in 2013, Papken continued to honor their shared legacy with the same enthusiasm and dedication. He was a longtime member of the St. Joseph Commandry of the Knights of St. John. Papken’s family was the center of his world. He is survived by his four children: A. Greg Der Torossian (Ashley), Tina Der Torossian, Jill Fries (Alex), and Jennifer Der Torossian. n
Rio Del Mar Park Needs Help
By Laura Mottram
The Rio Del Mar Park, or ‘the Blue Park’ as it is fondly known, is the hub of the community at Rio Del Mar Elementary School.
For decades, it has been the spot where families drop off and pick up their kids, where lifelong friendships are made as kids burn off the post-school energy; where birthdays are marked, and Kinder promotion is celebrated; where kids meet their buddies for weekly reading sessions; and after school, where dogs chase balls, whilst their owners exercise.
But now, the swings have been removed and the playground caution-taped off because the structure is too dangerous to play on. Instead of kids playing after school and parents catching up, families head straight home.
Not only is the play structure unsafe, it floods during heavy rain creating a swamp of dirt and floating mulch (the kids bring rain boots on those days to wade to the swings and play structure!). The direct access ramp from Pinehurst that cuts between two houses is dangerously steep, with no handrail.
of Superintendent Heather Contreras and Supervisor Zach Friend to get this project done.
The issue now is money! The district and county are both working to find funds to put into the project, but the cost of replacing the current play structure with a pour-and-play ADA accessible structure would be around $250,000.
We hope that we can engage the support of the Rio Del Mar and wider Aptos community to fundraise and come together to create a wonderful park for our school and neighbors to enjoy.
With community involvement, we envisage a project that would be completed in three stages:
1) Replace the current condemned play structure with an ADA-accessible structure.
2) Replace the dangerous access ramp with stairs or ramp that meet codes, and join the ramp to the play area via a walkway.
The grills at the back of the park are a health hazard — rusted, leaning and overgrown with weeds. Whilst the entire grassy area, which families must walk across as there is no paved pathway from the access ramp, is pockmarked with gopher holes that are a serious injury hazard.
The School and Rio Del Mar Parent
Alliance is talking to the district and the county (who under a 1994 Joint Partnership Agreement share responsibility for the park) about replacing the playground.
We are grateful to have the support
3) Install a multi-use sports court (near to where the grills currently are) — with facilities for basketball, tennis, and pickleball.
“Blue Park” page 12
DOORS OPEN: 5:00PM PLAY BEGINS: 6:00PM
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Rio Del Mar Park was installed by county staff in 1993.
Oct 16: Rio Del Mar Improvement Association Meeting
Barry Scott president-elect of the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association, which meets Oct. 16, provides this update:
The RDMIA has a rich history. While revising our by-laws, first written in 1941, we expanded the territory we serve (subject to an approval vote of the membership).
How We’ve Changed
Our territory now includes everything between the Seacliff and La Selva Associations, Aptos Village, and homes and businesses on both sides of Soquel Drive between State Park Drive and Freedom Blvd.
New businesses have stepped up to help with funds and landscaping work. Members maintain many areas of the district.
Our newsletter is published in the spring and fall to coincide with our semi-annual owners’ meetings at the Rio Sands Hotel.
We’ve added a feature to the newsletter called “Community Corner” where members can submit an article.
We will have our fall meeting with District 2 Supervisor Candidates and other speakers on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rio Sands Hotel. Speakers:
area parks and beaches.
The meeting is free to attend and open to all RDMIA residents!
You Can Help Beautify Rio De Mar
Here is an update from Linda Neuman, landscaping chairman of the RDMIA:
The RDMIA Landscaping Committee, Association members and professionals have been hard at work “improving” our Rio del Mar Community.
A not-so-known fact is that RDMIA is responsible for the landscaping maintenance of approximately 14 areas.
The maintenance areas are from the Rio del Mar entrance sign to the Esplanade at Rio del Mar Beach (7 islands near the Deer Park Shopping Center area, 2 traffic medians, and 5 areas in the Rio del Mar Esplanade area).
• John Hibble from the Aptos History Museum, will share pdates on the future of our local History Museum and ways the community can come together to ensure future generations can enjoy our museum.
• Candidates for District 2 Supervisor
Kristen Brown and Kim De Serpa are competing in the Nov. 5 run-off. Meet the candidates and hear their responses to questions submitted by members.
• Forrest Revere, representing Supervisor District 2 Zach Friend, will provide updates on our roads, parks, and other developments specific to our neighborhoods.
• Scott Rohlf, California State Parks Associate Parks and Recreation Specialist Scott is our local expert on the history, current condition, and plans for local
“Blue Park” from page 11
For the moment, we are working with the district and county on a plan of how to proceed, and we hope to soon share information on how people can donate to the project. In the meantime, we would love to hear from any interested parties with ideas for fundraising or offers of help.
Please follow and support our community
These areas need to be maintained by weeding, raking, watering, trimming, and occasionally adding new plants. The committee hopes to embrace our membership and have volunteers take over small areas of maintenance. We are investigating the possibility of members “adopting” a maintenance area to “improve” our lovely community. In return, a sign or plaque will be placed in the area with the member’s name and statement of thanks.
The plaque/sign component is in the planning stages, but we will keep you informed of any developments.
In the meantime, member Jan Thomas has taken over the maintenance of the Treasure Island/Spreckels median and member Joyce Burnett is continuing to maintain the roundabout in the Esplanade. (Thank you, Jan and Joyce, for the great job you are doing.)
We want to reach out to the members and get you involved. We want to establish a volunteer network so the landscaping maintenance gets done.
“RDMIA Meeting” page 19
at www.RestoreRioDelMar.com or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/ restoreriodelmar.
Please reach out to me at rio. pa.president@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions you may have. Thank you for your support! n
Laura Mottram is president of the Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance.
9/11 Ceremony Honors Heroes at the Santa Cruz County Fair
By Ari Lessin
On Sept. 11, the Santa Cruz County Fair hosted a stirring ceremony to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 and recognize the dedication of local firefighters and service members.
Organized by Tony Agredano and his team, the event blended patriotism and tradition, highlighting the deep connection between the community’s Western heritage and the remembrance of those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
The ceremony opened with a powerful performance of the national anthem by Alex Hinman, accompanied by Suzanne Cornelius.
Several local service people were honored, each recognized for their service and commitment to the community.
Randy Benson, a patrol officer with 22 years of service, stood among the honorees, along with Fire Department engineer Garrett Saucedo and Battalion Chief Manuel Garcia. Eric Silva, also a Fire Department engineer, was celebrated for his contributions, while Jose Agredano, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and Jim Hasi, an Armed Forces staff sergeant, were recognized for their military service
These individuals exemplified the values of courage, sacrifice, and dedication.
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the arrival of an honor guard of horseback riders, made up of children from the local community.
Most of these young riders were from the Pleasant Valley Horse Club and had been participating in western riding events at the fair. As they rode in formation, proudly carrying the American flag, the connection between tradition, youth, and remembrance became clear. The children were also being taught the importance of 9/11 and the values of service and commitment.
Tony Agredano, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of this connection.
“When a lot of county fairs are turning to tractor pulls and monster trucks, I feel pretty great that at the Santa Cruz County Fair we are able to still have Western events that our youth can participate in,” he said.
He extended a heartfelt thank you to Pleasant Valley Horse Club for “keeping our community aware of this wonderful tradition” and for teaching the next generation about the responsibilities of caring for large animals and the commitment to keeping these traditions alive.
Dr. Casey Terribilini, a retired paramedic and a major sponsor of the youth classes, shares in this mission. Alongside Agredano and Michelle Le Clair of Pleasant Valley Horse Club, they are dedicated to maintaining the Western heritage in Santa Cruz County, ensuring that the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect
for history are passed down to future generations.
This year’s 9/11 Ceremony at the fair was not just a moment of remembrance, but a celebration of community, tradition, and the young people who will carry these values forward. By integrating the remembrance of 9/11 with the traditions of western riding, the ceremony provided a unique opportunity to teach the next generation about service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering those who protect and serve. n
“When a lot of county fairs are turning to tractor pulls and monster trucks, I feel pretty great that at the Santa Cruz County Fair we are able to still have Western events that our youth can participate in.”
— Tony Agredano
Photo Credit: Maria Orozco
From left: Garrett S, Eric Silva, Manuel Garcia, Jose Agredano, Jim Hasi, Tony A, Alex Hindman, and Suzanne Cornelius.
Photo Credit: Maria Orozco
Pleasant Valley Horse Club riders participate in 9/11 honor guard at Santa County Fair.
ELECTION 2024
Affordable Housing Crisis Solution: Vote Yes on Prop 5
By Tim Willoughby and Linda Kerner
California has been grappling with an affordable housing crisis for years. Although the state has passed many laws to reduce barriers to create more housing, for people in need of an affordable place to live, it feels like little progress has been made.
California’s Constitution has been a significant barrier to funding affordable housing projects with its two thirds threshold for passing housing bonds.
In Santa Cruz County, the 2018 Measure H affordable housing bond would have provided an estimated 1,000 housing units for local residents and while it came close, with the two-thirds vote threshold, it did not pass.
Proposition 5 can be a game changer to help address our unprecedented affordable housing crisis. Like Proposition 39 passed decades ago by voters to lower the threshold for school bonds, Proposition 5 would amend California’s Constitution to lower the required threshold to 55% for
housing bonds to fund affordable housing construction, down payment assistance programs and public infrastructure projects to support new housing, like roads, transit, and water.
Proposition 5 also shifts decisions about public policy and spending priorities related to housing away from state government and into the hands of local voters and gives local communities more power to choose how to address the housing needs of low- and middleincome families, seniors, veterans, and first-time home buyers.
Supporting this measure will help local governments address the critical need for more housing without having to rely as much on statewide bonds or federal dollars.
“Prop 5: Pro” page 16
Don’t Make Tax Easy: Vote No on Prop 5
By Susan Kirsch
What matters in this November election? Many people say, “Taxes! If Prop 5 passes, politicians will have an easier time taxing you to fund their pet projects. Experts predict a tsunami of large, long-term taxes piled on to property tax bills at a time when California taxes are already high.
Prop 5, as described in the Voter Guide, appears simple: Prop 5 Allows local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
The simplicity belies the mischief. Let’s unpack three aspects of Prop 5.
Key provision: Prop 5 will reduce the voter approval threshold on bond measures from the current 66% requirement to 55%.
Back in 1849, the California State Constitution wisely required a two-thirds vote to place
a measure on the ballot to borrow money. They rejected burdening future generations with long-term debt without super-majority approval.
Local bonds for affordable housing. Prop 5 will enable not just the state, but also cities, counties, and special districts to pass bond measures with the 55% voter approval threshold. Proponents lavishly parrot the phrase “affordable housing.” Marketers think if you toss in “affordable housing” peoples’ hearts and minds will melt. They’ll vote in favor of measures that hurt them.
Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Prop 5 is on the ballot, not as a citizen initiative, but based on a Constitutional Amendment the legislators passed in their insatiable search for more revenue sources.
How might this turn out? If Prop 5 passes, the reduced voter threshold for approval would apply to a return of Regional Measure 4.
“Prop 5: Con” page 16
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Second Harvest: Baby Diapers & Wipes
By Jondi Gumz
When you think of a food bank, you expect healthy food. You’re not expecting baby diapers and wipes.
But the leaders of Second Harvest Food Bank in Santa Cruz County see a need, so they are meeting it.
Over the next two years, Second Harvest intends to distribute over a million diapers to families in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
On Sept. 25, Second Harvest Board of Trustees Secretary Andrea Carlos Willy and CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez made the announcement.
often forcing families to make difficult choices between purchasing diapers or food.
So this initiative is aimed at reducing financial stress for local parents.
Distribution of diapers and wipes will begin early October and be carried out through Second Harvest’s growing network of communitybased organizations that serve families with young children.
This effort is championed by Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin of Santa Cruz, Liz Ortega of San Leandro, and the office of Assemblywoman Dawn Addis of Morro Bay.
Second Harvest staff noted that diapers pose a staggering financial burden to parents, amounting to nearly $1,000 annually per child,
This network currently includes CASA of Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges, Encompass Community Services, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, the Nourish Fresh Market in Watsonville Community Hospital, Positive Discipline Community Resources, Salvation Army Watsonville, The Food Co-op at PVUSD Wellness Center, and Twin Lakes Church’s People’s Pantry.
Additional organizations are to be added. n
City Officials: Ocean Plunge for Second Harvest
Last year, two top city managers made a bet to see who could raise the most for Second Harvest Food Bank to feed hungry people in their communities. Now they are scheduled to make good on that bet.
On Sept. 27, Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker and Rene Mendez, formerly
“Prop 5: Con” from page 15
It was proposed to raise new money for the fledgling Bay Area Housing Finance Authority, an idea hatched by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
BAHFA proposed a lavish, $20 billion, 9-county Bay Area plan with a 53-year payback period that would cost property owners approximately double the cost of the bonds or about $50 billion. Polling numbers, even lower than the 55% minimum threshold, prompted BAHFA to pull the measure from the 2024
“Prop 5: Pro” from page 15
Santa Cruz has the distinction of being the most expensive place to live in the country and middle-class families and public servants like teachers, nurses, and firefighters who work in Santa Cruz County are being forced to find affordable housing elsewhere instead of in the community where they work.
In November, voters can be part of the solution to make Santa Cruz more affordable
Watsonville city manager, are poised to jump off the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf into the Pacific Ocean to celebrate their cities’ efforts in last season’s Second Harvest Holiday Food & Fund Drive fundraising competition.
“Ocean Plunge” page 18
ballot. If Prop 5 passes, you can be sure MTC/ BAHFA will be knocking at your door.
You have a choice. Accelerate politicians access to your hard-earned income or vote No on Prop 5. n
•••
Susan Kirsch is founder and president of Catalysts for Local Control, a statewide organization of current and former elected officials, community leaders, and constituents aiming to educate, engage, and empower constituents to participate in local, regional and state housing policy decisions. For Zoom Town Halls on housing, see https://catalystsca.org/
for our local workforce and provide families living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to pay rent with a safe stable affordable place to live. Vote Yes on Prop 5 because everyone deserves a place to call home. n
•••
Tim Willoughby and Linda Kerner are members of Affordable Housing Now, a task force of local residents working for affordable housing in Santa Cruz County, For upcoming events, see https://affordablehousing-now.org/
A County Fair to Remember
By Jondi Gumz
The 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair was a big success by many metrics.
Ron Haedicke of the Fair staff reports record revenues for the Junior Livestock Auction:
Exhibitor total: $621,528.50
Heritage Hog auction: $16,384.00
That brings the total to $637,912.50.
“Amazing!!!!” wrote Haedicke.
Attendance was up every day, he said, adding, “We’re still crunching the numbers.”
Also in process: revenue from fees paid by concessions and the carnival.
Haedicke said the fair tallied 5,100 exhibits which include photography, flowers, fine art and collections — up by 20% over last year, a huge increase.
Another metric: Haedicke said, “We never ran out of parking.”
In the past, the fair has drawn so many people that some were turned away when the parking lot was full.
For the first time, the fair offered a special deal for “carpools,” vehicles with five people inside. The driver paid $15 to park and everyone inside got $5 off their fair entry admission.
The car pool deal attracted 2,100 people.
The idea came from fair manager Zeke Fraser, in his second year in the job, looking to make the fair “more green.”
Santa Cruz Metro offered free bus rides to the fair, but Metro spokeswoman Danielle
Giagola said Monday totals would not be available for a few more days.
The weather was good, and this year, fair staff set up a new pavilion tent in an effort get more foot traffic into the commercial space to check products on display there.
With the theme of “pioneer days to modern ways,” this fair featured a high-tech drone light show in the sky every night, which was well-received.
“Everybody loved the drone show,” Haedicke said.
Fair Tradition
The Diaper Derby and Toddler Contest, a fair tradition started by Loretta Estrada, was a favorite among young parents. Both races had full fields.
Contestants start at one end of the mat with a parent and crawl or run to another parent at the finish line — well, some do, others wander off or just sit down.
The slowest two minutes in sports. And the winners are:
Diaper Derby
First — Dallan, Santa Cruz • Second — Finlay, Boulder Creek • Third — Peter Toddler Contest
First — Santiago • Second — Brielle, Spreckles • Third — Raelynn, Los Gatos Fair aficionado Michael Olson said, “Thank you for a great fair.” n
“Ocean Plunge” from page 16
This event is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Huffaker raised an impressive $26,264 (equivalent of 78,792 healthy meals), while Mendez brought in $14,159 (equivalent of 42,477 healthy meals). Santa Cruz is bigger, population-wise, and Mendez has become city manager in Gonzales, but he hasn’t forgotten his promise. Santa Cruz County lifeguards will be
standing by to ensure a safe and splashy landing.
The competition, which took place last holiday season, rallied colleagues from both cities to join forces in supporting local families in need.
Now, as a fun reward for their efforts, these leaders are making a splash to highlight the importance of giving back. n
To support Second Harvest Food Bank, call Michele Bassi, chief development officer, (831) 288-3002.
Matt Huffaker
Photo Courtesy of the Santa Cruz County Fair
Proud parents with the winners of the Santa Cruz County Fair Toddler Contest.
More Kindness & Peaceful Change
Mt. Madonna School Commemorates International Day of Peace
Our world needs peace. Peace is the ultimate prize for all humanity,” said Mount Madonna School junior Kyler Nishimura, speaking at Mount Madonna’s Sept. 23 commemoration of the International Day of Peace. “Cultivating a culture of peace means replacing division, disempowerment and despair with justice, equality and hope for all; It means focusing on preventing conflict.”
This statement was part of a public message delivered by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sept. 21 during the UN’s International Day of Peace acknowledgement.
Through song, reflection, group activity and a cooperative game with colorful, assorted balls, some 170 people — primarily the school’s preschool through grade 12 student body — came together for the Mount Madonna School peace day commemoration.
Guests Shira Coleman Hagar and Marcia Stein of Educators for Peaceful Classrooms and Communities facilitated a discussion.
“How can we each use our small voice to
“RDMIA Meeting” from page 12
If you are interested in helping with the volunteer efforts in landscaping maintenance you can at the upcoming fall membership meeting on Oct. 16, sign the volunteer sign up list.
If you are not able to attend the Oct. 16 meeting, please send your contact information to info@rdmia.org and we will make sure you are added to our list of volunteers.
The plan is to have clean-up maintenance days throughout the year. We will work off the volunteer list as well as informing the entire membership of the workdays.
For liability purposes we will be asking any volunteer over the age of 18 to sign a
make big peaceful changes to the people and things around us?” Hagar asked the students.
While numerous ideas were shared, the first came from a young child, who said simply, “more kindness.”
Peace Day is celebrated annually on Sept. 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace. The 2024 theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” represents a call to action that recognizes the individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.
At Mount Madonna School’s event, the voices of first through fifth grade students, accompanied by classmates on musical instruments, under the direction of June Bonacich, performed a heartfelt rendition of “This Day of Peace.” The high school choir, guided by music teacher Holly Ota, shared an inspiring version of “I Will be the Change”; and senior Lagi Hunnicutt read the school’s land acknowledgement that the school sits on property that is the homeland of the Ohlone people. Seventh grade students read
“Don’t Hesitate” a poem by Mary Oliver, and freshman Minami Wu shared a classmate’s reflection.
“Day of Peace” page 25
waiver and the Association will loan out safety vests for the safety of our members while working on landscaping maintenance.
As a nonprofit, our funds are limited and we depend on our membership dues as our source of income. So that is why volunteering your time is very important.
It is my hope as landscaping chairman to rally the members of RDMIA into a sense of pride in the appearance of our community and accomplish this by volunteering to help with the landscaping maintenance. Let’s work together to make this happen. n ••• Our website: https://www.rdmia.org/ Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.
Seacliff State Beach Future Discussed
By Jondi Gumz
On Sept. 26, when State Parks staff hosted an open house to update the public on the future of Seacliff State Beach, where an epic storm in 2023 left perhaps $100 million in damages, an estimated 300 people showed up.
Many could not get into the meeting room at Seacliff Inn booked for the open house, and they crowded at the doors, straining to hear.
Every chair was taken, and it was standing room only along every wall.
Not to worry — If you didn’t get in, you can join a webinar Oct. 21 (start time 6-7:30 p.m.) with the same presentation. You must RSVP at www.seacliffresilence.org.
The good news is you can still give your input on Seacliff Beach recovery and resilience because State Parks is only at step 2 of a 5-step process. There is no timeline.
Step 1 was a vulnerability assessment. Santa Cruz State Parks Superintendent Chris Spohrer alerted the crowd that the park facilities — being on the ocean — are “very vulnerable to future storms.”
He did not give dollar figures but reports suggest damages to the campground and seawall alone may exceed $30 million.
In years gone by, picnic tables at parks were made of pressure-treated wood infused with creosote — a probable human carcinogen made from coal tar — to protect against decay, insects and the harsh outdoors.
When the storm dumped epic rain and the ocean generated mighty swells, this left huge logs on the beach and destroyed electrical systems and restrooms and water systems for camping. This resulted in a giant mess to clean up — with the pressure-treated wood hauled away to a special landfill willing to accept it.
Do not expect creosote to be used in the future.
Step 2 is identifying beneficial adaptations. One station showed landscape examples such as a seawall, a vegetated dune, rock revetment and erosion controls.
Step 3 is a plan that envisions the future of the state beach.
Step 4 is permitting. Expect the California Coastal Commission to weigh in.
Step 5 is executing the plan once approved.
Money will be a challenge as FEMA suspended reimbursement for past disaster storm damages after running out of funding and is focused on current disaster damages.
Congress could allocate more money, but did not so in the temporary budget fix to keep the federal government operating through Dec. 20. The topic may arise as the “continuing resolution” deadline nears.
Those who attended had the opportunity to ask questions of State Parks staff at five different stations, the overview, the vulnerability, the survey — answered by 3,855 respondent answering what they enjoy about Seacliff State Beach and what kind of benefits they get from their visit.
Attendees also could vote using sticky dots on what activities bring them to the beach and what landscape elements they liked.
State Parks also asked how do you envision Seacliff State Beach in 2045.
Some answers: “Easy access to the sand,” “Walking along the beach and listening to the waves.”
One woman was puzzled: “2045 — we’ll all be dead by then.” n
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Voting on benefits of Seacliff State Beach.
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
An overflow crowd attends the State Parks meeting on Seacliff State Beach
Featuring Graber and Hunter Douglas Custom Draperies and Roman Shades!
Middle School Starts with a Camping Trip
Below a canopy of towering redwoods, 35 middle school students gathered recently for a Mount Madonna School tradition: An outdoor kick-off to the school year — complete with tents, friends and the wafting smell of campfires.
This three-day trip for sixth through eighth graders incorporated hiking, swimming, team-building activities and camping at Portola Redwoods State Park.
“The middle school camping trip is designed to create a context for intentional community building,” said MMS Middle School Coordinator and Blythe Collier, a 2012 alumna. “In the past, students have shared that this annual ritual is especially meaningful to them because it provides an opportunity for deepening friendships with peers and welcoming new students. We saw this in action during this trip as our students modeled a community mindset in how they engaged in both formal and informal camp games, supported meal prep and clean-up, and even confidently led one another in yoga among the trees.”
The transition from summer to classroom can be rather abrupt. This trip — designed to be at least 75% fun — provides just the right kind of buffer from carefree summer afternoons to school responsibilities.
New and returning students and adult chaperones share an equal footing in the setting of a magnificent state park, where they combine the frolic of creeks and cooperative games with the wonders of identifying flora, fauna and celestial bodies, and the task of feeding nearly 50 hungry people three meals each day. As a result, hidden strengths emerge, friendships are formed and renewed, and adolescents and adults live, work and play together.
When the group shows up for classes back at school the following week, there is more of a family feel on campus from having shared this experience.
“Middle school is a transformative time in a young person’s life,” said Kevict Yen, Mount Madonna’s director of advancement and a trip chaperone. “Their moving up
from fifth grade is often characterized by expanded campus environments and new expectations for self-management. However, this is also a time marked by incredible social and physiological change as ‘kids’ undergo their multi-year metamorphosis towards becoming teens.”
He added, “During their middle school years, students can feel exposed and be particularly sensitive to complex social factors. This is why Mount Madonna School starts each middle school year with a camping trip filled with activities that focus on building self-confidence, bonding with peers and having good oldfashioned fun. These objectives challenge middle schoolers in a way that promotes social, emotional and cognitive growth
while maintaining a healthy connection to childhood play.”
For a portion of the camping experience, MMS eighth grade students separated from the larger group and participated in another MMS tradition: The eighth grade backpacking trip. Led by teachers Dr. Nicole Tervalon and John Welch, eighth grade students engaged in a two-day overnight excursion.
This back-country experience focused on both individual and group growth. Students faced individual physical and mental challenges that nurtured growth and resilience, engaged in personal reflection, further developed their personal leadership skills, deepened connections with their cohort, and identified group goals as new leaders of the middle school. n
Brad Burkhart, Sculptor, SC Open Studio Artist #120
Youth Poet Laureate Program: Second Year
The Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Program returns for its second year.
This initiative — led by Santa Cruz Public Libraries with Urban Word, Watsonville Public Library, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, and Arts Council Santa Cruz County — offers young poets a crosscounty community.
The program will offer free drop-in workshops led by award-winning local poets and members of the 2024-25 inaugural Youth Poet Laureate cohort, including the inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyes at eight locations.
In January and February, teen poets can attend four different sessions to create their portfolio to apply to be the next youth poet laureate.
Application deadline is March 1. Poet Laureate and program founder Farnaz Fatemi, program founder, said, “With additional support the program has received, we are committed to reaching as many county teens as possible with these free poetry programs.”
Poetry sessions and workshops to nurture young writers ages 13-18 will be held in October and November. Dates are:
Oct. 5: Poetry with Farnaz Fatemi, SC County Poet Laureate, Felton Library Oct.12: Spoken Word Poetry with Joseph
Jason Santiago LaCour, downtown Santa Cruz Public Library
Oct. 15: Four Types of Poetry: Tinkering with the Tarot with Teen Madeline Aliah, Aptos Public Library
Oct. 16: Merging of Mediums: Anime in Harmony with Poetry with Teens Sylvi Kayser and Simon Ellefson, Watsonville Public Library
Oct. 23: Poetry with Jennifer Ruby, Scotts Valley Public Library
Oct. 24: Finding Words: A Poetry Writing Workshop for Teens with Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyes, Branciforte Library
Nov. 7: Working With What’s There: A Workshop With Teen Poet Sylvi Kayser, Capitola Public Library
Nov. 13: Saying It Out Loud: Poetry for an Audience with poet Julia Chiapella, Live Oak Annex at Simpkins Swim Center
Nov. 20: Sharpening: A Poetry Writing Workshop with Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyes, Felton Library
Nov. 21: Telling Your Truth: La Verdad Gana (bilingual) with Adela Najarro, Watsonville Library
Eligible individuals who are passionate about poetry and eager to make a positive impact on their community are encouraged to apply to serve as Santa Cruz County youth poet laureate. n
For information, see the Youth Poet Laureate page at santacruzpl.org or email Farnaz Fatemi at poetlaureate@santacruzpl.org.
Dina Lusztig Noyes • First Youth Poet Laureate
Farnaz Fatemi
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Rio Theatre announces the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Adventure Night at 7 p.m. Oct. 12, at 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, supporting Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship.
With stops in 600 communities and more than 40 countries, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking.
Viewers will see 8 films, all new, in the Yarrow program.
Tickets are $27.61 at EventBrite.com.
Fuego: Mountain biker Kilian Bron rides from the foot of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala the day before its historic eruption, to the colorful facades of Barrio Chualluma in La Paz.
The Best Skier You’ve Never Heard Of:
After a successful ski racing career, Adrien Grabinski ventured West from Alberta. He discovered his true calling at Shames Mountain, a remote little co-op nonprofit ski area near Terrace, B.C. The mountains, the snow, and the big lines captivated him, then the local ski community stole his heart.
One Degree° #Peru: Armelle Courtois and Martin Thomas seek out the highest glacial lakes to try and break the altitude record for kitesurfing. They take on a new goal: to raise awareness about the consequences of melting glaciers and inspire change.
Subterranean (Tour Edit) Best Film
Adventure: Two gritty teams of hobbyist cavers are poised to break records for the longest and deepest caves in Canada. From muddy crawls to heart-poundingvertical
pits, and underwater squeezes, these are places where no person has been before. Coarse language
Mustafa Ceylan: A young Turkish immigrant, destined to play football and take over his parents’ kebab restaurant, put a pair of skis. Coarse language
Driving Sweep: Few river guides ever get the chance to drive Idaho’s Iconic sweep boat. Katie Veteto learns how to “drive sweep” down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. She’s learned the rapids and the river. Now she learns to drive 4,000 lbs down steep rocky rapids. Coarse language
Range Rider: As wolves repopulate Washington State, conflict arises with rural ranching communities. When wolves are suspected of killing livestock, the consequences for packs can be fatal. Range rider Daniel Curry’s job is to patrol wild areas on horseback, creating a buffer between wolves and the cattle herds. Coarse language
Two Point Four: Leo Houlding, his wife Jess, and their two children Freya (9) and Jackson (5) climb Norway’s national mountain via a 2,000-foot big wall. Coarse language n
Driving Sweep
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Preparing for Winter
By Rebecca Gold Rubin
As winter approaches, it’s crucial for residents of Santa Cruz County to prepare their homes and gardens for the cooler, wetter months ahead.
While our coastal region is known for its mild climate, winter can still bring unexpected cold snaps and heavy rainfall. Not taking proactive steps to winterize your pipes and landscape can lead to potential damage and discomfort throughout the season.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets can lead to freezing and cracking, not just of the hose, but potentially the faucet and connecting pipes as well.
Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Protecting Your Home
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, which can cause them to burst.
Insulating pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces, is essential to prevent this. To insulate your pipes, you can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape, which can be easily found at your local hardware store.
Simply wrap the insulation around the pipes, ensuring a snug fit, to provide a protective barrier against the cold.
Before winter sets in, disconnect all outdoor hoses, drain any water left inside them, and store them indoors.
Install frost-free spigots or use faucet covers to provide additional protection for outdoor faucets.
Maintain Your Irrigation System
To protect your irrigation system from winter damage, it’s crucial to winterize it properly. Switch the irrigation controller to “off” or “rain mode.”
Some controllers have a “seasonal adjust” feature that allows you to reduce water usage instead of completely turning it off. We don’t have a lot of extreme freezing conditions in our milder central coast climate, but draining your irrigation system can be a precautionary step in winterizing your home. However, you should be careful.
“Winter Prep” page 26
“Day of Peace” from page 19
High School history teacher Greg Shirley, who leads the schools Model U.N. Club, spoke about the history of the International Day of Peace.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted
to designate the day of peace as a period devoted to non-violence and cease-fire.
“While the International Day of Peace ceremony is commemorated on one day of the year, building a peaceful community is a daily practice,” said Mount Madonna Head of School Ann Goewert. “I encourage each of you to think about how you can be a vehicle for peace and remember Mahatma Gandhi’s words: ‘I will be the change.’” n
Libra, Sign of Choice & Our Names Inscribed in the Book of Life
Esoteric
We are under the light of Libra now, sign of choice, goodwill and creating right relations with our world and all that we encounter. Libra is also the sign of balance. In Libra we often oscillate between two opposing ideas until an understanding is achieved.
In Libra, we make a serious, spiritual life choice. Do we return to previous realities or move forward into Scorpio’s Nine Tests and training for discipleship. Libra offers us an interlude where we assess the two paths ahead so contemplation and right choice can be made.
Reflecting on this Libra choice is Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken: Two roads diverged in a yellow wood. I could not travel both. Long I stood and looked down one. Then took the other — the one less traveled. And that has made all the difference.
By Risa D’Angeles
The evening of the new moon is the first of the autumn Jewish festivals — that of Rosh Hashanah (Oct. 2 – 4). This begins the High Holy Days or “Days of Awe” in the Jewish religion.
Esoteric disciples participate in all the religious festivals around the world. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It celebrates the creation of the world and is one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Two days of reflecting on the past year and asking forgiveness for any wrong doing.
Festivals in October: Libra new moon, solar eclipse occurs Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Solar eclipses inform humanity something essential in our lives has come to an end, its purpose completed. Libra tells us, as our world shifts and changes, to remain calm, composed and poised, handle relationships with right attitude and finances with right economy.
ARIES
An interesting planetary configuration is occurring between Pluto and the other planets. Especially for you, Aries. A connection between your work in the world (Pluto in Capricorn) and relationships, partnerships (Venus in Libra). It’s best to focus on Good will which creates Right Relations in both areas. Venus is at play here calling for an intelligent heart and loving mind. Have this intentional commitment and then “providence provides the rest.”
TAURUS
What I wrote for Aries, applies to all the signs. For you, too Taurus, because Venus is your ruler. There’s a connection between your day-today work/tasks and service to the idea of justice, teachings and/or travel. All ideas become ideals. You may be called to lead, to educate, to illuminate (your constant task). You must, simultaneously, take care of your health (your entrustment) and maintain vitality. Your teachings balance, develop and harmonize people’s minds.
GEMINI
So many things to tell you as I look at your chart. The past, in review, is eliminating a previous sense of self as not creative. You must (perhaps are already) provide recognition for self as creative and in turn praise to others for their attempts. Do not be wry or ironic. Do not withhold praise. A new level of creativity is being formed within as you recognize creativity in others. In the meantime, a question - what do others have that you wish you had?
CANCER
If I could use only one word that always points to you it would be HOME. And so, I will ask what’s occurring there? What from the past, what is being remembered and what imbalance is seeking a new balance? Disharmony always seeks a new level of harmony. What’s needed to be eliminated for you to feel more at home? What would soothe and comfort you? It’s important to recognize your needs in relation to others. What must change? What story do you want to tell?
Seven days after the Jewish New Year, evening of Oct, 11, is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), a day of introspection and reconciliation with God. Should we ask and offer forgiveness, the Lord signs and seals our names in the Book of Life.
No matter our religion, these holy festivals are significant, as they bring about a harmony, goodwill and a peace into our lives and for those around us. May we all offer words of blessing to each other during these holy Days of Awe are “May your name be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year. L’shanah tovah.” n
LEO
Several heavenly lights are influencing your communication house (and Pluto’s influencing your world of day-to-day living, service to self and others, gardens and small animals). Something vital concerning the past needs communicating, to you or from you. Whatever it is may feel like interruption. The goal is for a new level of peace, calmness, goodwill and right relations. Your daily life and work have been through a transformative stage, slowly and over time. What is the outcome and who are you now?
VIRGO
The planets influencing your 2nd (values) and 5th (creativity, will) houses assist in your awareness to and relationship with money and finances. They ask what are your personal resources, how do you use material resources and what is of value? We are to see all resources as life energies and as possessions to be used for the betterment of self and others. It’s important at this time to ponder, write down, define and articulate your spiritual values. Gains result with the right use and sharing of resources.
LIBRA
Perhaps, out of necessity, you’ve become inner oriented and self-protective, even secretive, about something. Do you feel guilt for choices recently made (or will make)? Are you reassessing relationships with parents, perhaps mother, in order to understand what was given to you as a child and what wasn’t? Do you feel your early life prepared you for the present? Or do you harbor fears and sadnesses? Over time, as you gain in experiences, you will understand and that feeling wounding will transform. You will see the truth. And heal.
SCORPIO
So much of what you hear you believe (know) to be untruths. You know much of accepted information, education, science and history, is actually not real. You observe and instinctively search for reality, the truth and come to understand encoded messages. You’re then able to communicate to others with intelligence and decisiveness the actual happenings in the world. Many can resist what you know. Few understand. Do not be deterred. The truth is out there and your task is to unveil it. Careful, always.
SAGITTARIUS
You know how to build resources. You know that sentimentality, nostalgia and idealism are part of why you have, keep and cherish certain possessions. You’re driven at times to make money. You don’t share easily. It’s not selfishness. It’s pride of ownership (like Taurus). However, in the times to come, as certain things will no longer be necessary, you will learn more about having less, sharing more, change and transformation. Strength and innate understanding will hold you. You will then teach others about adaptability.
CAPRICORN
Let’s just tell the truth here. Your responsibilities these days are immense, and that’s because you’re developing leadership abilities. Over time this creates personal magnetism. These are not compliments. These are realities about how your presence is experienced by others. Recognizing this allows you to understand why others may struggle with you, turn away, protect themselves and at times be defensive. It’s important that we always praise excellence. However, most people are unable. They turn away, intimidated. Understand that Caps are like the Sun, a light Supernal. You carry wisdom. You’re often alone. It’s purposeful. I see excellence!
AQUARIUS
The Aquarian era, the future, the place where you come from is here! You have a task now and so for the times to comes, you will experience a growth of perception, intuition and knowing. There will be an unexpected uncovering of secrets and dreams, a most interesting gift. As world energies become more complex you will need more private time for absorption and reflection. Don’t repress emotions or deep needs. Stay away from anything addictive. Help others in all ways. Some Aquarians become healers.
PISCES
Life energies are hastening and quickening and this will continue, especially next year. You will not be on the sidelines as the changes continue to accelerate in our world. You cannot be. You are (and will be) an important and effective leader with a strong sense of ideals, great intelligence and unlimited power. Many can misunderstand this power, thinking it is power-over. They will not understand your power as “power-with.” They will miss your purpose and importance. Let them fall away. You are a leader within a great social change, a change of the Ages. Step forward with confidence. Wear sturdy shoes.
“Winter Prep” from page 25
If you drain your irrigation system, avoid negatively impacting the pipes/tubing if using compressed air. Also, if your system has a backflow preventer, make sure it is well-insulated.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Santa Cruz County often experiences events of heavy rainfall during the winter months, making it essential to keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage. Regularly clean out leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters, and ensure that downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. Consider redirecting your downspouts into rain barrels or a rain garden. This not only helps to conserve water by collecting rainwater for later use in your garden, but it also reduces the risk of flooding by diverting excess water away from your home’s foundation. The District has rebates for downspout redirects and rain barrels. Learn more at soquelcreekwater.org/rebates.
•••
Protect Your Plants
While our region typically experiences mild winters, occasional frosts can still damage sensitive plants. To protect your garden, consider the following tips:
• Mulch : Applying a layer of mulch around your plants’ base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from extreme cold. Use organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or bark, which can also improve soil health.
• Cover Sensitive Plants : Use frost cloths, old blankets, or sheets to cover sensitive plants on nights when frost is expected. Be sure to remove the coverings during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.
• Water Wisely : While it might seem counterintuitive, watering your plants before a frost can actually help protect them. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, providing some insulation against freezing temperatures. However, be mindful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
•••
Prepare for Emergencies
Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still happen. Be prepared by knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve, and ensure that it is in good working order. In the event of a burst pipe, shutting off the water supply quickly can help minimize damage.
•••
By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your home from winter weather-related damage and enjoy a safe, worry-free winter season. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the comfort and safety of your home. Stay warm and safe this winter! n
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOV. 5 ELECTION: IMPORTANT DATES
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.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES
Watsonville
Oct. 12: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.
Oct 15: Noon - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.,
Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
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
AMERICAN PICKERS COMING IN NOVEMBER
American Pickers is planning to travel to California in November and the team is looking for interesting characters with fascinating items. The way they find people and collections for the show is through spreading the word far and wide.
For info, see American Pickers on the History Channel. Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call (646) 493-2184 or email AmericanPickers@cineflix.com. Include their full name, city/ state, contact information, and a brief description of their collection.
Note that the Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.
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
CALL TO ARTISTS
An artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for Floral County Park, 656 38th Ave. in Pleasure Point.
The deadline for submitting a proposal is Oct. 18. Many elements of the 1990s-era play structure are no longer functional, and its sand surface makes it inaccessible to visitors with mobility issues. Playground upgrades will include a new structure and rubberized surfacing, which will increase accessibility for people who use wheelchairs. The proximity of the park to the iconic Pleasure Point tide pools inspired the playground’s design concept, which was selected by the community during the outreach process.
Artists may propose a free-standing piece, a work that enhances or enlivens one or more of the already existing park elements, or educational art panels to compliment the tide pool design of the playground surface. It is recommended that artists visit the park to get a better sense of the location and public art opportunities. The budget for the project is $6,750.
A “Call to Artists,” with details and a sample contract, is at: https://parks.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx
ANIMAL SHELTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers for a clinic hosted by Planned Pethood and Animal Balance to provide 200 animals with low-cost spay/ neuter surgeries and other services Nov. 15-17 at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s “annex” at 2260 7th Ave.
The Animal Shelter needs 10-12 volunteers each day of the event from 8 a.m. until 5-6 p.m. Half-day shifts may be available.
The Shelter needs agile, active folks comfortable working with animals and who can focus well in a busy environment. A positive attitude and teamwork skills are a must.
Bilingual volunteers and those with veterinary or animal experience are especially encouraged to sign up, but all will be provided necessary training.
Volunteers who are not already shelter volunteers should sign up by contacting the Animal Shelter’s Volunteer Coordinator Megan Carroll, at 831-454-7209 or megan.carroll@santacruzcountyca.gov.
Ideally, volunteers would sign up for the same position multiple days in a row to minimize training needs, but this is not a requirement.
Volunteers must provide their own transportation and parking will be limited.
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
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. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.
First Wednesdays SONS IN RETIREMENT
Time TBD, Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz SIR (Sons In Retirement) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical public benefit organization of senior men. The organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of its members through social events while making friends.
The Twin Valleys, Santa Cruz Branch welcomes new members and meets the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Ray Disperati at 831-588-8876 for information.
Last Wednesdays of the Month
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.
11 a.m.-3 p.m., 2505 and 2525 South Main St. parking lots Soquel Homesteaders Markets is in the parking lots across from Soquel business’s Beer 30, Sunny Side Produce, Buzzo Wood Fired Pizza, and Carpo’s. It will be active through Dec. 14.
HIGH HOLY DAYS
Wednesday October 2 thru Friday October 3
ROSH HASHANAH
Friday October 11, Saturday October 12
YOM KIPPUR
See Below, Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos
DATED EVENTS
Saturday October 5
GOURMET GRAZING ON THE GREEN 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.
50
YEARS OF FIERCE CARE
6-10 p.m., 6-10 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Community Health is celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services to the community with a fundraising event at Hotel Paradox. Speakers are:
• Diana Greene Foster, PhD, a demographer, professor at UC San Francisco and author of “The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, A Thousand Women and the Consequences of Having – or Being Denied – an Abortion”
• Judith A. Houck, Department Chair and Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies, and History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of “Looking Through the Speculum: Feminist Health, 1969-2010” Since founding, organizers have remained committed to health care as a human right and have continuously worked to advocate for social, political, and economic equality.
This milestone event will celebrate achievements, and look forward to a future of continued service and advocacy. Tickets are $150 at https://www.schealthcenters.org/50thanniversary-celebration/
CENTRAL COAST GOOD FIRE FAIR
10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton Fire Advisor Barb Satink Wolfson announces the first Central Coast Good Fire Fair at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
There will be food trucks (Pana and S&B –
High Holy Days services take place at Temple Beth El in Aptos. Services are in the Sanctuary and available on Livestream (requires a passcode).
* Young Family Service for parents with children 5 and younger: 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Family Service for parents with children in elementary school: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Family services will be conducted in the tent. Visit the website to make reservations. For details, see www.tbe.org/high-holy-days/
Sandwiches & Burgers), booths and educational demonstrations.
Test your fire knowledge and win door prizes!
Highlights:
Welcome – 10 a.m.: Opening ceremony sharing the goals and vision of the Central Coast Good Fire Fair.
Fire Ecology and Hose Lay Races – 10:30 a.m.:
• Main Stage — A presentation on fire ecology and fire-adapted ecosystems by UC Cooperative Extension Fire Advisor Barb Satink Wolfson.
• Main Parking Lot — Interactive hose lay races hosted by the Bonny Doon Fire Department.
Live Fire Demonstrations — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Demonstrations of controlled burns, including burning needles in redwood forest and showing effects of fire on different terrains, led by experts from State Parks (all burning depends on suitable conditions).
Cultural Fire Presentation — 1 p.m.: Traditional use of fire in land management practices with Alice Lincoln-Cook from the California Indian Basket Weavers Association.
Spanish Presentation — 2 p.m.: Alex Michel from the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association. CCGFF will offer Spanish translations for the hose relay, understory burning demonstration, and build-your-own campfire demo.
Kid Zone — All Day: Activities like a treasure hunt and quizzes, to learn about fire safety.
This is a public event and State Parks vehicle parking fees of $10 will apply unless you walk or bike.
Sunday October 6
BLUE INNOVATION 2024
11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz
Blue Innovation Day comes to the UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz.
Enjoy a day filled with exhibits, hands-on activities, food trucks, live bands, and tours. Discover cutting-edge technologies and solutions for ocean and water sustainability.
Fun for all ages! https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
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.
Alon Goldstein is one of the most original and sensitive artists of his generation, admired for his musical intelligence and dynamic personality. His artistic vision and innovative programming have made him a favorite with audiences and critics alike throughout the United States, Europe, and Israel. He made his orchestral debut at 18 with the Israel Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta and returned a few seasons ago with Maestro Herbert Blomstedt in Beethoven Concerto No. 1. He has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic; Philadelphia Orchestra; the San Francisco, Baltimore, St. Louis, Houston, Vancouver, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and North Carolina symphonies.
This season he performs in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Vienna, Berlin, and Milano.
Itamar Zorman won the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award for 2014, the 2013 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia.
He has performed as a soloist with such orchestras
FOOD AS MEDICINE – SANTA CRUZ
Sunday October 20
8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Food As Medicine is an in-person (and virtual) conference bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts to delve into the transformative power of plant-based diets, will take place.
Organizer Wendy Gabbe Day says attendees will explore the latest scientific findings on plant-based nutrition, the effects of diet on chronic disease prevention and control, and how to design an optimum plant-based diet for patients and clients in a clinical setting.
Presenters are healthcare providers who are experts in the use of food as a tool for healing. Speakers include Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Columbus Batiste, and many others.
The event includes networking, a resource fair, a whole food plant-based lunch, and a culinary medicine demonstration. Lunch and snacks will be low in salt, and free of added sugars and oil
This conference is designed for healthcare professionals, but others with strong interests in nutrition and health are welcome to attend. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).
The Commission on Dietetic Registration has approved 7.25 CPEU hours for dietitians. The fee is $249; for students, $99. Register at: foodasmedicinesantacruz.org.
Drs.
as the Mariinsky Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
He is currently a visiting guest artist at the Eastman School of Music. He plays a 1734 Guarneri Del Gesù violin from the collection of Yehuda Zisapel. Tickets are $40 online at http://www.distinguishedartists.org/ or pay what you can at the door.
Tuesday October 8
CAPITOLA SOROPTIMISTS
4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz, 4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola
Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will meet at United Way of Santa Cruz.
The club is planning to co-host the District I meeting with Soroptimists of Watsonville on Oct. 26.
Members will hear the results of the 9th year operating the rental booth at the Santa Cruz Shakespeare festival and get an update on the “Dinner for 6” raffle which is ongoing.
Aptos Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon with Susan True, CEO Community Foundation Santa Cruz County at Seascape Golf Club.
She will talk about how the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County’s resources impact our communities. General admission $35. No walk-ins. Reservations required at (831) 688-1467.
JOB FAIR
4–6 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St.
Join us for Santa Cruz County’s largest job fair, presented by Access2Employment. There will be:
• Entry-level or mid-level positions for recent graduates & young professionals
• High-level careers for applicants with leadership & experience
Thursday October 17
SECOND WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
9:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m. at Mount Hermon Conference Center, 37 Conference Drive
The Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce announces its 2nd annual Women’s Leadership Summit at Mount Hermon Conference Center, a tranquil place for reflection and growth.
The theme is “Cultivating Renewal, Resilience and Empowerment.”
Speakers
Lauren Seaver, KSBW news anchor
Margaret “Magi” Graziano, best-selling author Haley Sage, professional grief coach
Karen Gosling, occupational, physical and speech therapist
Keisha Browder, CEO, United Way of Santa Cruz County
MariaElena De La Garza, CEO, Community Action Board
Annie Morhauser, Founder, lead designer, Annieglass Cathy Conway, CEO of Hospice of Santa Cruz County, will lead a mindfulness session.
“We are thrilled to bring together inspiring speakers and an engaging panel of women leaders to guide us on a journey to foster health and well-being,” said Summit Chair Chris Maffia. “We recognize the importance of being able to come together and explore ways we can be empowered both personally and professionally.”
There will be networking, breakout sessions, and mindfulness activities.
• Internships & volunteer opportunities for students Last year, more than 1,000 people participated. Admission is free for job-seekers.
Employers can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-fair2024-tickets-896843311487
Tickets are $150 at https://web.santacruzchamber.org/events/ Women-s-Leadership-Summit-6399/details
“Calendar” page 31
Photos (from left):
Columbus Batiste, Elise Atkins, Maria Jose Hummel, MIchael Klaper, Rak Jotwani
County Artificial Intelligence Use & Security
By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
Last September, the Board of Supervisors unanimously supported an employee policy governing use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
This followed an item I brought forward to create and implement an adaptable policy for the responsible and ethical use of AI systems by County employees.
The goal was to build frameworks around issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, bias, and transparency — while recognizing that these tools are both here to stay and also important elements of improving customer service.
from the original four (Bard, ChatGPT, Claude, and Scribe) to eight. Dall-E, Bing Co-Pilot, Canva, and Grammarly Editor have been added to the authorized AI tools list.
What are the AI pilot projects at the County?
Since that time, County staff have undergone training on AI (including privacy and protection of data) and implemented an initial set of pilot programs to study appropriate use cases for County implementation of AI.
Additionally, the County has undertaken ongoing efforts to ensure secure adoption of AI.
What efforts is the County taking to ensure security of the systems?
Security is always a top consideration when adopting emerging technologies. Only the most secure and transparent tools from reputable developers are approved for use by County staff.
To date, County staff have used the adopted AI Appropriate Use Policy effectively to request our Information Services Department review of new AI tools.
While to date more than half of the AI tools reviewed have not met the County’s security standards necessary for approval, the number of approved tools has grown
The number of approved tools has grown from the original four (Bard, ChatGPT, Claude, and Scribe) to eight. Dall-E, Bing Co-Pilot, Canva, and Grammarly Editor
Several pilot projects are underway that look to use AI in new, innovative and secure ways across the County. Here is an overview:
AI Doc Translator: One such project nicknamed “AI Doc Translator” leverages AI technology from Microsoft’s “Azure Translation Services” to translate public-facing fillable PDF documents from English to Spanish with ease while preserving document format.
Once translated, the documents will be reviewed for accuracy by a registered translator who is knowledgeable on the subject matter. There is currently a substantial backlog of documents awaiting translation and limited staff availability to perform the work manually.
The AI Doc Translator will significantly speed up the process of document translation resulting in improved public accessibility and equity.
If the pilot is successful, full implementation will occur in spring of next year.
Planning Commission Meetings LLM: This program is designed to improve the ease of accessibility of Planning Commission meetings using AI-powered “context-based search” technology.
Data from past planning meetings (including supporting documentation) will be ingested into a large language model (LLM) which will be accessible by a userfacing chatbot.
Once complete, the public will be able to access all detailed information on a given topic by asking for it in plain language. For example: “Show me all records related to bicycle infrastructure from planning meetings between 2010 and 2020.”
If this pilot is successful, the full implementation will occur early in 2025.
Broader AI Usage by County Staff
The County has developed and is maintaining an internal dashboard to monitor trends in AI usage by County staff. Currently,
the dashboard counts visits to the major AI tool providers including OpenAI, Google Bard, and several smaller sites.
The content of the sessions is not being tracked. Since tracking began in May 2023, staff have engaged in over 184,000 sessions using AI tools.
Each week, everyone who used AI in the previous week is sent a very short survey and the results provide insight into the steps people are taking to minimize the risks of using AI along with highlighting potential new use cases for training purposes and new AI tool adoption.
The most common use-cases by County staff include document composition, technical assistance/programming, and drafting internal communications.
AI Across Local, State and Federal Government
The County has been leading efforts at the local, state and national level in AI policy formation and regulation.
Our staff have worked closely with the the City of San Jose’s GovAI coalition — which was created to give local governments nationwide a voice in shaping the future of AI in government and for the benefit of society. The coalition includes over 150 local, county and state governments.
Additionally, I have the honor of serving in leadership roles on both the
California State Association of Counties AI Committee and the National Association of Counties AI (NACo) Exploratory Committee — both of which have been working on creating local and state best practices for AI regulatory frameworks, safety, security and adoption.
We participated in the White House’s AI regulatory work for AI and provided input from the local level on its formation.
The NACo AI Exploratory Committee recently released an “AI Primer” document detailing the actions and policies Counties can enact to successfully leverage generative AI tools while minimizing their potential risks.
Our County provided extensive input into the document and process. The primer emphasizes the formation of work-groups to write policies governing the use of AI, identify use-cases for AI, and provide training to end-users.
The NACo AI committee is also in the process of creating example use cases for AI in County government nationwide. Our County team is working to incorporate many of the NACo recommendations into ongoing AI policy work here. n
As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to contact me at 454-2200. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend
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SCCAS Featured Pet
Homecoming Queen
This week our Pet of the weeks is (potential) Homecoming Queen — Mara (A#313635)!
Mara came to the Shelter as a stray nursing her kittens. When she first arrived, she was sweet right away with staff – leaning in for pets as well as chin and neck scritches. Clinic staff monitored Mara for a bit as they noted she had a small amount of foreign/hard material in her intestines which was removed at the time of spay.
She also has a big belly and sometimes has a slightly hunched posture when she walks. We performed bloodwork and x-rays to check for injuries, liver and kidney issues, and a condition called “megacolon” and did not find any concerning abnormalities – just a little more belly fat and gas than your average kitty. She did arrive at the shelter with a significant wound to her right thigh and while this has healed well, it may be contributing to her somewhat abnormal gait.
She does not have any gastrointestinal signs (constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, not wanting to eat) at this time, but the adopter should see their veterinarian if any of these signs or a limp or new/worsening abnormal gait develop in the future.
Cleared from her special medical observation and care at the Shelter, she is now ready for an adoptive home. We do not have any history of Mara with other animals. A home with others may be a fit after a slow and thoughtful acclimation period. Mara has lived outdoors previously and may enjoy a home where she has indoor outdoor access after a period of acclimation.
Our clinic volunteer Sequoia nominated Mara as Homecoming Queen of the cat room! She says “Mara is the quirky queen you didn’t know you were looking for! She has so much love to give and that occasionally overwhelms her. Sometimes she wants to curl up and relax and other times she wants to tell you all about her day. Either was, she will love you unconditionally. With a loud purr and soft fur, she’s got it all!”
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.
SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us
“Calendar” from page 29
HOUSING FIRST EXPERTS TO SPEAK
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Civic Plaza Community Room, 725 Main St., 6th floor, Watsonville
Hosted by the Housing for Health Partnership, Housing First: From Principles to Practice will take place at the Civic Plaza Community Room.
Attendees will focus on:
• The difference between the Housing First philosophy and the implementation of a Housing First program.
• The key ingredients for successful implementation of Housing First practices at a national level and program level.
• How to create high-fidelity Housing First programs at the local level, using evidence-based tools, training and coaching.
• The current challenges of implementing Housing First in Santa Cruz County.
• Building partnerships locally to expand and improve Housing First programs in Santa Cruz County.
Guest speakers include Juha Kahila, Head of International Affairs, Y-Säätiö, a Finnish nongovernmental organization that boast 19,000 apartments for homeless individuals; and Cheryl Winter, MPH, LICSW, associate director of Corporation of Supportive Housing, who over
12 years has worked with hundreds of housing and homeless service providers to navigate Medicaid/MediCal contracts, billing, and service delivery. She also has worked with data analyses targeting high users of crisis health systems.
To RSVP, see https://housingforhealthpartnership.org/GetInvolved/Events.aspx
Saturday October 19
RAÍCES Y CARIÑO MILK DRIVE
1-3 p.m., 1205 Freedom Blvd, #3B, Watsonville Raíces y Cariño, a safe space for the community to gather and raise their children together, will host a 2-Year Birthday Party at 1205 Freedom Blvd, #3B.
The mission: Connecting diverse families, educators, and organizations to create cross-cultural connections and well-being for the whole family.
Raíces y Cariño has an important partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank Californi, hosting a human milk collection site —the only one in the area, next closest in Fairfield. This initiative is a vital step forward in supporting families and babies in need.
Nursing parents are encouraged to donate their human milk to help fragile infants in need. A resource fair will provide an opportunity for partners to connect with each other and the families we serve. n
