PV Arts To Buy Porter Building • Sharon Hoffman: New CASA Director

COMMUNITY NEWS

PV Arts To Buy Porter Building

We are one step closer to achieving our dream of owning the Porter Building on the corner of Maple and Main Streets.”

That’s the announcement from the nonprofit Pajaro Valley Arts, anticipating its new headquarters and close of escrow by July 31.

The vision for this new space is to provide an inclusive, safe, and professional space where the community can create and share their creativity, culture, and history.

At the June 28 City Council meeting, council members approved the agreement for Pajaro Valley Arts to purchase the historic Porter Building in downtown Watsonville for a fair market value cash offer at the appraised price of $1,150,000.

The two-story building, erected in 1946, comprises 11,980 square feet plus 30 parking spaces. It requires extensive renovation.

Pajaro Valley Arts plans a building campaign to cover the renovation costs.

Next steps include: A community input process, obtaining architectural plans and applying for development and building permits prior to starting work on the building.

The Pajaro Valley Arts acquisition team includes: Trina Coffman-Gomez, finance, real estate, escrow; Bruce Nicholson, architecture, construction, and property development; Valéria Miranda, business, arts programming, and management experience; and Judy Stabile, PVA programming and grant writing.

They worked with the City management team of Tamara Vides and Raunel Zavala, along with both legal teams to realize the sale of the property.

Pajaro Valley Arts will continue operations at 37 Sudden St. until the Porter Building is renovated and anticipate moving into their new home in 2025.

The purchase was made possible through the $1 million donation from an “angel” donor whose interest is in providing workshops for seniors and youth, combined with a grant of $540,000 administered by Community Vision Capital & Consulting, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

The grant to purchase the Porter Building was awarded to further expand the ability of Pajaro Valley Arts to provide space and programming in visual and performing arts.

The purchase process started in 2020, right before the outbreak of the COVD-19 pandemic.

Despite the delay, PVA leaders recognize the City’s heroic efforts during this time, and the need to prioritize the health of the community over the sale of the property. n

Sharon Hoffman: New CASA Director

Sharon Hoffman has joined the board of directors of CASA of Santa Cruz County.

She’s a new Santa Cruz resident who previously was on the board of a local CASA in New Jersey and a trustee of New Jersey State CASA. Sharon Hoffman

She brings financial, strategic planning, and governance knowledge. n

Annual Traditions

ACROSS

1. Verdant 5. Vietnamese neighbor 8. “Before” prefix 11. Curved molding 12. *It rings at midnight on

Christmas Eve at church 13. Yarn store unit 15. Relating to armpit 16. Criminal’s surprise 17. Nephew’s sister 18. *4th of July spectacle 20. 1952 Olympics host 21. 1,000 kilograms 22. Meat sauce 23. Vacation location 26. French painter of “La

Danse” fame 30. Menu words (2 words) 31. Lean 34. Wine valley 35. Impertinent 37. *Annual Assumption tradition blesses it 38. #2 Down, pl. 39. Highest volcano in

Europe 40. Puppies 42. Bit of binary code 43. Dean’s official residence 45. Small stream 47. Wine quality 48. Bilbo Baggins’ land 50. Windsor family’s sport 52. *Popular New Year’s libation 56. Stored by bees 57. ____-de-camp 58. “On the ____” by Jack

Kerouac 59. Make laugh 60. Tear 61. Tibetan priest 62. Woolen cap 63. Banned insecticide 64. Big Bang’s original matter

DOWN

1. Bakery serving 2. Tangelo 3. Scorch 4. Regarding this point 5. “Live and ____” 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. “Jane Eyre” author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe 19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container 23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving’s main event? 27. Beauty parlor 28. Chiropractor’s concern 29. Painting holder 32. Light gray 33. “Wow!” 36. *Birthday cake decorations 38. Seize the throne 40. Kind of humor 41. Ready 44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine’s Day tradition 53. *New Year’s resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer

Dear Readers, this is a different introduction than I have written before. I wanted to share with you that my son, Matthew (age 52), was in a motorcycle accident July 1st. He was on the highway (at the Fishhook) when his bike slid and he was thrown to the side of the road and down a hill. He landed on his head and face. A truck driver drove by later, saw the motorcycle lights and called 911.

When the ambulance arrived Matthew was barely breathing. He was helicoptered to the trauma hospital in Salinas. He remains in an induced coma with a traumatic head injury, breathing tube, with the bones in his face fractured.

We are praying daily with people around the world, in all countries that Matthew emerge healed and whole. Matthew’s friends gathered in the hospital parking lot with Matt’s art (heartwrencher) on their T-shirts to show their support and to be close to him. I am grateful to the excellent service workers, doctors and nurses who have and continue to care for Matthew.

Matthew is Pisces Moon, Aquarius Sun with Cancer rising. Aquarius is the forerunner, lover of humanity, friend to everyone. Pisces is the artist and sign of compassion. Cancer is the mother, nurturing the little ones, and the sign of nourishment (Matthew loves to cook). Aquarius, sign of the new era, Pisces moon (the previous era). Suspended between two worlds this past week, Matthew’s experience represents the place humanity also finds itself — suspended between two eras — one passing away (Pisces) the other incoming (Aquarius).

I have learned something in this very terrible and heartbreaking week. Something only learned when on the precipice, between hope and sorrow, life and death. I have realized there is only Love and nothing but Love. And anything not love is not real. And that we only have time for Love. We have time only for Love.

And like Aeneas, carrying his father out of the flames, we can say to Matthew together, “Come then, dear friend (Matthew), place your arms around our collective necks & shoulders & we will support you.” And with our prayers give you strength & with our breath, breathe life into you!”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for Matthew at www.gofundme.com/f/matthew-cole-scotts-journey-to-recovery. You can also learn more at the Facebook group page keeping track of his condition — Love For Matt Scott.

Please pray with me for Matthew’s healing, everyone. — Thank you, Risa

ARIES You wonder these days what your true values and ideals are. You ponder upon friendships. Is there comfort and like-mindedness? Friends are for support and nurturing. Who are your friends? In the coming months and years you’ll re-evaluate friendships — who and why — also assessing your importance to them. Your communication can deepen the spiritual basis that holds all things together. Or separate. We all have that choice.

TAURUS Long held dreams, hidden and for years may emerge, highlighting your future endeavors. Perhaps you’re considering new study and trainings, allowing you to finally venture into a new field of financial or agricultural endeavors. You’ll assess your needs and that of humanity during these critical times. Your work must be service oriented. You know the future is about creating a society of cooperation and sharing. You will lead us into it.

GEMINI You constantly seek knowledge, which is a spiritual task leading to wisdom, then to love (your purpose). Assess all that you have learned, the many fields of study you’ve assimilated. What would you like to pursue now? Previous beliefs and ideas are now becoming unavailable. You seek new philosophies that expand you spiritually. Long distance travel may be involved. You as a Gemini needs someone to join you.

CANCER In your daily life you often think of loved ones who have passed on and sometimes you feel left behind. Know those on the other side are working quite closely with you. Communicate from the heart with them. On another subject, you will begin to use resources creating a future that looks and feels different than the past. You will be called to nurture the family. Everyone is grateful for you.

LEO It is good to review our relationships, past and present, seeking to understand how we communicate and what we expect and offer others. You specifically must realize making contact releases love which nurtures relationships, allows there to be no illusion or distortions. Did you long ago expect too much and were you defensive and demanding? Leos seek freedom along with praise and recognition. Sometimes we have to gently teach our partners.

VIRGO You can be very sensitive at this time. Careful with what you are eating, seeking to create a balance with foods, using all colors and textures. We are to eat all types of foods, prepared in all types of ways. Do not ignore what your body needs. Virgos are to serve themselves first, tending to body, mind and heart before caring to other. Otherwise strength diminishes. Tending first to self creates the balance needed. Then the body is grateful.

LIBRA You have persevered in your profession until you are recognized as very skilled and thus known in your field. You have also displayed great courage in your work . Now you feel independent, not wanting to depend on others. Teamwork and being cooperative, however, are most important now. This shows leadership and wisdom. Careful to balance home and professional lives. If you have children tend to them with extra care. In between work and family life, art becomes your refuge.

SCORPIO Has your home undergone perhaps unusual and subtle changes in the past several years? Are you feeling strange and subtle changes within, too? Our homes are our psychological fortresses. When we transform and change, they transform and change too. And those changes disassemble our sense of security and safety. Attempt to make your home, or wherever you find yourself, a citadel, a refuge, sacred as a temple. Diplomacy sustains you. •••

SAGITTARIUS You reflect on deep inner concerns. Outer success seems less important. Instead you question and evaluate your life in spiritual terms. You ponder upon inner fulfillment wondering if you’ve been masquerading. Spiritual dimensions are tugging at you, perhaps not completely apparent. You ponder death and transformation and wonder about heaven. At times you want to withdraw, find peace, drop into deeper dimensions. It will happen.

CAPRICORN Something in the world has called you to a great service. And you have responded from the heart. There is also a need to ensure your future through expanded resources. Financial security is a focus and goal. Begin with a budget, learning in detail how your money is spent, what you must have and what you can do without. A fundamental change of values has appeared. They have spiritualized. Take great care in relationships. They are your heart’s content and you theirs’s.

AQUARIUS You are in a state of spiritual transformation. You will review who you think you are as a person and who you are with others. Then you will think about getting into and remaining in tip top shape. What do you think of your life thus far? Is it exciting and wholesome or is it sad and dreary? You will ponder upon and learn more about yourself in the next few months. Then a new self-identity gradually emerges and more and more energy is available.

PISCES Take time to focus upon yourself and your body’s needs. Seek people whom you enjoy and meet in places of quiet and solitude. Establish and recognize yourself as someone who is creative. You need to dare yourself to have fun and to experience more pleasure. These are strange realities for you. Notice so much of the past is no longer important. Your life energy is attempting to establish a more secure spiritual sense of direction. The future isn’t formed yet. But it’s not too far away. Pray more. “Natasha’s Run” from page 21

Natasha’s Run for Justice is a fundraiser for victims of sex trafficking in Santa Cruz County.

It is dedicated to a local survivor who fought for 15 years for her voice to be heard, for people to believe her, and to see her trafficker brought to justice.

Due to her unwavering determination, her trafficker was sentenced to 174 years in prison, preventing him from ever terrorizing another victim again.

According to Arukah Project, a Santa Cruz-based nonprofit, there are up to 200 sex trafficking victims every week in Santa Cruz County.

Social media is used to lure in young people.

“Through my experience with the DA’s office, I know that the trafficking here is predominantly done online, whether it’s exploitation done online or whether it’s actual advertisements,” said Kenny Besk, law enforcement liaison for Arukah Project.

“There’s kids thinking they’re talking to other kids, but they’re not,” Natasha said. “They’re going to meet up with a trafficker and they don’t know that.”

Arukah Project, a Santa Cruz based non-profit 501c3, works to restore, renew, and rebuild the lives of sex trafficking survivors in Santa Cruz County.

The founders are passionate about building a community where victims can come forward and get the help they need as well as raising awareness among parents and children on how to keep their children safe on social media and online through their online awareness and safety training course, Guardrails.

Loreal Weitzel, president of Arukah Project, said, “You can join the fight against human trafficking by signing up for our monthly newsletter to find out more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.” n

You can support local victims by making tax-deductible donations to Arukah Project. See www.arukahproject.org

“You can join the fight against human trafficking by signing up for our monthly newsletter to find out more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.”

CZU REMEMBRANCE

The second annual CZU Remembrance Gathering will be Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Historic Brookdale Lodge, Highway 9, Brookdale.

Organizers Antonia Bradford and Julie Horner say there will be food, music, information on “hardening your home,” artifacts on display, donation opportunities, vendors, and art installations. To showcase your art, fire survivor or otherwise, email info@czuevent.com.

The CZU Fire took the homes of 911 families. The road to recovery has been filled with challenges and heartbreak.

There will be the chance to volunteer or make your needs known, whether you are a fire victim who needs help with your rebuild finishes or you need help clearing your property of fuel load to make your land more fire-resistant.

Bradford is working on an art installation to shine a light on what the fire community is contending with, to not only educate but also garner support. She’s asking families to fill out this survey and she will arrange a time to meet you: https://forms.gle/YoLiQAqcHW1EzpMN7

COUNTY FAIR ENTRY INFO

Most Entries due Thursday, August 25 The Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be Sept. 14-18, is using the ShoWorks online entry system this year for all departments.

For most entries, the deadline is Aug. 25. See https:// santacruz.fairwire.com/

Submitting your entries online will save you time on receiving day and help the fair display your items.

You can pay any entry fees by credit card online! Paying by credit card will incur a 3% processing fee. Checks can be dropped off at the fair office. If you prefer paper entry forms, they are in the entry guide. The first time you use the system, click on the blue button in the upper right corner of the page to create an exhibitor account using your name, address & email address. Youth exhibitors are asked to enter birthdate & age.

This year, everyone needs to create an account. Write down your password. Once your account is created, you can use the username and password each time you visit the system. Use the blue buttons in the middle of the page to move to each step.

Find the department, division and class you wish to enter. Departments are listed alphabetically with some departments broken into categories (Home Arts and Agriculture Horticulture.) Fill in the required fields, marked by blue asterisk (*), and any optional fields needed to describe your entry.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Hours: Tues-Thurs: 11-6 | Fri-Sat 12-5 | Book drops open 24/7.

Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11 am – noon outside on the patio. Dress for the weather.

Stories for Bedtime: New programs every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Facebook, presented by SCPL Librarian Jackie. The episode then is added to the library’s YouTube Channel after that. See Storytimes for Children playlist at the SCPL YouTube page: https:// www.youtube.com/user/santacruzpl

Passionate Readers Book Discussion: 4th Thursday at 10:30 am.

In-Person Tech Help: Fridays 10 am to noon. Tech-savvy staff will help you troubleshoot your issue with a 25-minute (or less) appointment. Make an appointment: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/appointments/laselva

Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit information

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by July 22

desk or call 831-427-7713 for help making an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. ••• Visit https://tinyurl.com/la-selva-library-events for more details and future events. Phone: 831.427.7713; text: 831.264.0647 or send a question at https://www.santacruzpl.org/contact/

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Ongoing thru July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant.

The goal is to prevent summer learning loss.

July 19: Rock Painting, downtown Santa Cruz, 1-3 pm

July 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Boulder Creek, 2-2:30 pm

July 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Garfield Park, 11-11:30 am

July 23: Fratello Marionettes, Scotts Valley Community Center, 11 am to noon

July 23, Fratello Marionettes, Anna Jean Cummings Park, 2:30-3 pm

July 26: Germar the Magician, Felton, noon to 1 pm

July 26: Perler Beads, Garfield Par, 1-3 pm

July 30: Taiko Drumming, La Selva Beach, 1-2 pm

There are incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor exploration, and creative expression while practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp

NATURE BOWL 2022: FAMILY CHALLENGE

Back by popular demand, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is open, with the deadline to enter Wed., Aug. 31.

CDFW’s North Central Region initiated this family-friendly competition during the pandemic as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home — in their backyards, neighborhoods and local wild areas — while having fun outside and working together to complete nature-related activities.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts, one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by your family. There is also an extra credit element of cataloging your found items – just like a scientist. To sign up and receive the Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge packet, email genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov . The Family Challenge packet is available at https:// wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl

VENDORS WANTED

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park.

The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, produce, and more. What do you have?

Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations are due by July 31. Proceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 for information.

RED CROSS DONATION DRIVES

Join the American Red Cross and Discovery to get your heart pumping in July! We’re teaming up for Shark Week to encourage donors to give blood to help prevent a summer blood shortage after a steep drop recently in donations.

To encourage donations throughout the month, all those who come to give July 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Shark Week merchandise package, including: • Beach bike • Smokeless portable fire pit • Paddle board • Kayak • $500 gift card to put toward accessories Those who come to give July 21-24 will also receive an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt

Ben Lomond

Friday, July 15: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Lovecreek Road

Santa Cruz

Wednesday, July 20: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street Tuesday, July 26: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street

Scotts Valley

Saturday, July 16: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Saint Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive

Watsonville

Tuesday, July 19: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson Street Friday, July 22: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson Street

CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS JULY 18

Candidate filing begins for the Nov. 8 election. Visit votescount.us for more information.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

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

ONGOING EVENTS

Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK

2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

Wednesdays thru Aug. 31

CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

6-8 p.m., Capitola Village Esplanade Park bandstand Come out to see, hear, and dance to your favorite band playing your favorite genre of music whether it be blues, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, salsa & latin, or classic rock.

Bands appearing throughout the summer include the John Michael Band, Mike Hammar & The Nails, The Joint Chiefs Band, Live Again, Santa Cruz Latin Collective, Billy Martini Show, Jive Machine, Dirty Cello, B-Movie Kings, and the Digbeats. Thursdays thru Aug. 11

PVUSD COVID VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC

1-5 p.m., 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville Pajaro Valley Unified School District Office will house a free Inspire Diagnostics COVID-19 vaccines/booster clinic.

Most sessions are in the Boardroom, except July 28, which is in the human resources conference room. No appointment is needed. Fridays through Sept 30

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS

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

The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): July Superblume (Opening – Tatiana and the Treetop Band) • The Jive Machine • Otilia Donaire (Opening – Geoff Weers, Lead singer of The Expendables) August Fuse (Opening – John Michael sings Sinatra) • Pacific Roots (Opening – The Dead Kampers) • John Michael Van Halen Tribute Band • Locomotive Breath September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale See https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridayssummer-block-party-2022/

Saturdays & Sundays

ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH

Tours start: 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/

DATED EVENTS

Sunday July 17

CASTRO ADOBE OPEN HOUSE

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville The two-story Castro Adobe in Larkin Valley, built between 1848 and 1849, is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area.