Authenticity Can’t Be Duplicated, By Ron Kustek

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Authenticity Can’t Be Duplicated

By Ron Kustek

One of the things that doesn’t get asked enough, is how authentic is your business? What is its origin, its roots, its story of how it came to be — what is its essence?

We all want to have a business that connects with our community because we depend on our local community of neighbors, friends and repeat tourists to join our business family. Think of how you interact and entertain personally — you cook the foods that you or your guests enjoy, you share personal stories and experiences, you openly share yourself and your life, not someone else’s. You’re not trying to be any ‘other’ neighbor or their ‘other’ friend - you’re connecting because of you and your story. And that’s very similar to how businesses are viewed, and how we as a business connects in our community. Let’s consider the challenges of companies like Peet’s Coffee, who in 1966 opened its first store in Berkeley, CA — well, it can never be or replace Pacific Coffee Roasting Co. Two different companies with two different families

“Septic Solution” from page 14

Historically, the San Lorenzo River had the largest population of steelhead trout and Coho salmon of any river in Central California.

Sixty years ago, the San Lorenzo River was home to one of the largest steelhead trout and Coho salmon hatcheries in the state. Then the state shut down the hatcheries. Since then, the trout and salmon population in the San Lorenzo River has dropped to almost zero.

A possible but never spoken-of solution to that problem might be to reopen the fish hatcheries.

It’s no wonder the residents of the SLV watershed area are upset. We don’t trust the state. We are angry about the harsh financial consequences being put on us from the LAMP program. We no longer trust the state as they try to impose their will in this very local matter.

The state wants the LAMP program to require every septic system in our watershed tobeinspectedandstate-certified.Theyhavea zero tolerance policy for failed systems.

What if every homeowner in the SLV watershed was ready, willing and able to replace their septic system with a new (and very expensive) engineered wastewater management system, how much would that help with the problem of wastewater getting into our watershed? No one really knows.

That’s a very important question.

A few weeks ago, we discovered a homeless man living in a heavily wooded corner of our property in downtown Boulder Creek. The San Lorenzo River flows along the southern border of our property. We discovered that this man, along with a number of other homeless individuals, had been using the river under the Highway 9 bridge in Boulder Creek as their toilet.

We called the County’s Environmental Health Department. They sent out a crew to clean up the mess.

Last week, I discovered again the river under the bridge was still being used by the homeless as their toilet. Based upon my very small and unscientific sample, I wonder how many times and in how many other locations along the 26 miles of the San Lorenzo River is this happening on a daily basis?

I’m curious if the state has factored in this information when determining the amount of raw sewage that is in our watershed.

The sad irony is that no matter how much we spend to upgrade our septic systems to meet the new state standards, it will never be enough. I believe that the minimal results achieved will never justify the high cost paid to achieve them.

The residents in the SLV watershed area are very diverse group. Nevertheless, there is one place where we all share common ground. Everyone has a septic system.

Any program that forces homeowners to spend more money to upgrade their septic system will not be received well.

To find out how the public feels about the LAMP, check out the public comment portion of the Oct. 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. On your computer search engine enter: Board of Supervisors Santa Cruz County, California. When you get to the BOS website, in the box on the left click on: Minutes and Agendas. Click on the Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. meeting: Video.

The public comment part of this video starts at: 3:10. You will see and hear many of your friends, neighbors and community members addressing this issue at that public meeting.

After hearing from the many members of the public, all of them opposed to the LAMP, our supervisors wisely voted modify some of the conditions of the LAMP. Our supervisors also wisely decided to kick the can down the road and look at this matter again at some later time.

It appears that the residents of the SLV watershed won this fight. Nevertheless, the war to require homeowners in the SLV watershed to upgrade their septic systems is far from won.

Stay vigilant. n of customers. Sure, Peet’s is a known national brand, but the experience and community connectionisjust,well,different—it’snotbetteror worse, but just a brand being true to itself.

Similarly, though New Leaf Community Markets began in 1985, they were acquired in 2013 by Portland-based New Seasons Markets (which is owned by Endeavor Capital, Inc.). Even with the Aptos location in the historic former Hihn apple barn, consider the challenges of being authentic to one’s origin when the ownership’s history and operation is nearly 700 miles away.

For those of you around in 1985, you’ll likely remember ‘New Coke.’ After 100 years of history and authenticity, The Coca-Cola Company decided to secretly and suddenly reformulate, to taste sweeter, in order to not be beaten by rival Pepsi in blind taste tests. (Actually, RC Cola consistently outperformed both Coke and Pepsi in blind taste tests). So, for a short history lesson for those who weren’t around back then … consumers revolted.

“Business Matters” page 26

Thanksgiving

ACROSS

1. Poet Angelou 5. “Eureka!” 8. *Thanksgiving season 12. Bug-eyed 13. “Tiger Beat” centerfold 14. New York’s ____ Island 15. Simmering feeling 16. Combustible rock 17. Short for Charlotte 18. *Thanksgiving sauce source 20. Singer Redding 21. Old hat 22. Bar in Ireland 23. *Macy’s tradition 26. Gets ready for publication 30. Dr. Cornelius of film, e.g. 31. What’s good for the goose is good for the ____ 34. Paul Bunyan stories and such 35. Parallelogram or heptagon 37. Charged particle 38. More cunning 39. Ant construction 40. Fluffy sweater material 42. Cribbage piece 43. Ancient Mesopotamian civilization 45. Maltreat 47. Sea, in Spain 48. Fraternity K 50. Hoodlum 52. *Massasoit’s people 56. Do like QA 57. Opposite of written 58. Like watching paint dry 59. Togetherness 60. Move like sludge 61. S squared, e.g. 62. Eliza follower 63. Placeholder surname 64. Like hand-me-downs

DOWN

1. Painter Chagall 2. Lab gel 3. Hatha or bikram, e.g. 4. “To do” list 5. Be gaga over 6. Squirrel away 7. Comrade in arms 8. *Popular Thanksgiving

TV entertainment 9. Nay sayer 10. “____ Fall in Love” song 11. Caustic substance 13. Cold brew (2 words) 14. Intangible storage 19. “The Red ____ of

Courage” 22. A pop 23. Turkish bigwig 24. Animal and Plant

Health Inspection

Service 25. Brazilian coins 26. Former U.S.

Attorney General Janet 27. a.k.a. nutria 28. Elms 29. Military uniform fabric 32. Columbus’ vessel 33. *TV’s National ____

Show on Thanksgiving 36. *1621 celebration location 38. Planktonic tunicate 40. Lungful 41. Small wave 44. Gangly 46. Popular carriage in royal procession 48. Semi-desert region in

South Africa 49. Astonish 50. DNA segment 51. Final notice 52. *”Miracle on 34th

Street” star 53. Yours and mine 54. Sheltered, nautically speaking 55. Hefty competitor 56. Give a nickname

The month of Scorpio is often one of mysteries, things veiled and hidden away. Scorpio is the sign of deep intense desires and aspirations. Everyone becomes Persephone living underground with Pluto, the only nourishment being the pomegranate. During this month of Scorpio people are feeling the inward focus more intensely with Mars retrograde.

Mars rules Scorpio and brings the Nine Tests of Scorpio. Under Scorpio we are learning how not to create more karma and how to communicate with love, compassion and care. We learn that our thoughts and words can create and/or destroy.

It is a most important time, between the social outwardness of Libra and the next four signs of discipleship, initiation, serving and the saving grace of Pi-sces.

Scorpio is Ray 4 of Harmony through Conflict and one of the four signs of the fixed cross (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, Cross of the Soul). Four horsemen of the apocalypse, four signs of the personality, four dimensions of thought and time, four Vedas (sacred scriptures), four qualities of man (San-skrit for “thinker”) and the learning through Ray 4 –humanity learns through conflict, chaos, sorrow and suffering.

Scorpio calls humanity inward. It is a sacred withdrawal from the world of form. We are to cultivate discernment and discrimination. Only Scorpio (and Pisces) can see the inner essence veiled by form. Scorpio is the disciple, the occultist, the Ancient Wisdom teachings. During Scorpio we review our lives and this year we are aided by retrograde Mars. We learn there is no death, only immortality. We encounter the four symbols of Scorpio – each a developmental stage – spider, scorpion, phoenix and eagle.

Scorpio, the eighth sign, offers us a new direction, preparing us to enter the Temples of Sagittarius. Scorpio is in between Libra (the Law) and Sagittarius (justice and the Temples of Learning). Above Scorpio in the sky is the Serpent and below and to the west is Lupus, the Wolf. All the animals in the zodiac protecting the Occult Temples, ensuring that humanity can enter the Halls of Wisdom and learn about itself. Above each Temple are the words, “Seeker, Know the Self.” It begins with astrology.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Giving thanks for everyone. n

ARIES Recognize and then cultivate your hidden talents and abilities. Your skills are needed by the new era and if offered will be embraced by all groups. With your initiating ideas, you have the ability to help transform how others think. Step out with confidence into the world of humanity. There is an aura of concern and Right Relations and love that can extend from you to others. It simply needs your awareness and a context/place wherein you can teach. You are of course the leader.

TAURUS As you become more and more sensitive to personal matters of diet and health you realize you can assist others in the world of healing. This will be a great service to many for few understand the workings of the body and even less how to bring adequate nutrition into daily life. You are the sign of the illumined mind. Therefore, think on what information you can provide others based upon what you have learned. You can better serve the world when you serve first yourself and then all of humanity. Study the effects of alkaline water.

LEO It’s good to take a long walk in your neighborhood, get to know its flora and fauna, the animal and plant kingdoms, your neighbors, too, and watch the flow of traffic. It’s also good to make contact with family, friends and relatives, to contemplate and study your relationships with them, making amends if needed, offering forgiveness and a nurturing love. In this way you show others your combined mental and heartfelt ability to make contacts, which always, releases Love and then wisdom. Compassion is one of the tools of a true leader.

VIRGO Your orderliness and organization, of detail and discrimination are important skills needed by humanity these days. Many of us were not taught these abilities when young. Our parents were working under different energies, needs and purposes. The Virgo skills are subtle yet highly effective if one is to have a sense of empowerment that leads to success in terms of practical realities and daily livingness. Contemplate upon your skills. Radiate them out toward humanity. We will then all learn from you.

SAGITTARIUS Are you making unusual connections with others? Are you seeking a teacher or guide? Are you asking questions of your contacts with others, and are you sensing a closeness with others that is different than before? All social contacts contain an opportunity for radiating Right Human Relations. This creates a magnet in your life and in turn your hopes and wishes and dreams begin to come true. Think on what you do that is benevolent. Have benevolence as your primary goal. Goodwill, too.

CAPRICORN The world may be honoring you in some form. Honoring how you present yourself, honoring your work or service or how deeply responsible you are. Should someone begin to stand in your shadow or shift the deserving light away from you, pay no attention and step forward into another sunbeam and another ray of light. Always show others your compassion and understanding. You are forming a new identity in the world. One that is providing guidance, direction and leadership to others. Nothing you say or do goes unnoticed.

GEMINI It is a gift to know how to play, have fun and amusement, understanding that in life there is pleasure (along with and amidst suffering). It is a skill to have a hobby and to choose recreation during times of stress. Knowing and acting upon these things allows you freedom and then an unusual leadership. Children especially love you when you’re at play, which then also strengthens your heart and affection for everyone. Can you teach playfulness?

CANCER Gardening is an intrinsic and essential skill you possess. You are the nurturer of new life, of the seeds of creation. In the womb of your awareness, things grow and green and bloom and flower. Tend to all those around you in this way from young ones to elders. Tend also to yourself, to your environments, home, family and community. Each sign fosters a gift. Your gift is foundational to life itself. Yours is the lighted house wherein life itself dwells.

LIBRA The present time offers you a new self-identity and this comes forth when we learn new skills. Learning compassion is a new skill that Librans can begin to cultivate. It is very important for you at this time to create a powerful and dynamic energy that can lead others forward. Humanity needs to learn the art of Right Human Relations. Before the Aquarian teacher can reappear, humanity needs to cultivate Goodwill which becomes Right Relations leading to the process of peace. You understand this. You are to teach this by example.

SCORPIO A crossroad appears, you see two paths; you visualize yourself walking both paths. Then you remember the story of Arjuna and realize you must choose one path or the other and you must do this very soon. Walking the middle path is so you can “see” and understand the polarities of the two paths. Each is an opportunity. Which is best for you to follow, which has value and leads you to more than a state of happiness (personality). Which leads you to service and joy (Soul path)? •••

AQUARIUS It is an excellent time to visualize long range plans and agendas, to contact the future through understanding all the qualities of Aquarius (the new era). The future is found and built via the art of visualization, our creative tool. It’s important to listen to what others have to say. Add your voice, too. In planning do not argue, move slowly, tend to all communications. In this way the future flows into the present with appropriate speed and harmony.

PISCES You have a great ability to plan and to have the needed money and resources. You are often mistakenly seen as someone unable to tend to practical matters. However, you are very able and skillful although your process is different than most. The important issues facing you now are money, resources, gold and silver, precious metals, banking and all things financial. Some Pisces also may need a new car. Ask for help in all endeavors. Be patient with others who don’t understand your ways. Just keep progressing forward. “Aptos Natural Foods” from page 13

In 2019, New Leaf Community Markets, founded by Scott Roseman and partners and sold in 2013 to Oregon grocer New Seasons, opened a supermarket in Aptos Village, one mile away from the little Aptos Natural Foods store in Aptos Center.

That can’t have helped.

Dario’s brother William, who lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and tried to help from Canada, explains what happened in a GoFundMe drive.

Two weeks after buying the business, Dario experienced a series of seizures.

After many tests, his family learned he had brain damage that affected memory and executive function.

To run the store, Dario brought in managers, but that did not work out, according to his brother.

Meanwhile, he experienced various personal calamities — his car (containing a bunch of his clothes) was stolen, he lost his Google Chromebook, where he kept his doctor appointments, and he needs about $25,000 worth of dental work.

William said his brother is very proud and private and that his GoFundMe post might upset him.

“But I would rather see him pissed at me than homeless with no money, no income and no future. I can see he’s at the end of his rope… So if you can, please help.”

See: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donateto-help-dario?utm_campaign=p_cf+shareflow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_ source=customer

“Business Matters” from page 25

Cries of “what have you done to ‘my Coke’” or “I want the Coke I grew up with back” were heard loudly and clearly by the company’s mastermind marketers at the time. Consequently, ‘Coca-Cola Classic’ was born — or reborn — or re-animated, or just brought back to the market, along with (new) Coke remaining. The Coca-Cola Company managed to alienate and undo 100 years of brand-building and customer loyalty in one brilliant move.

So, for every business that began locally, it’s time to embrace your roots, your heritage, and especially your story.

No one else has your story — no other company can be you if you are delivering on your essence and your true brand of who you are,andwhyyou’rehere.Yourneighborsand family of customers will still come to your ‘house’ and eat your food, laugh along with you and share the experience of togetherness, for another sale, another smile, and another memorable connection with authenticity. n •••

Ron Kustek is the Business Department Chair and instructor at Cabrillo College. He was formerly a senior marketing executive with CocaCola USA as well as launching multiple small businesses. Contact him at rokustek@cabrillo.edu

“Shared Hearts” from page 22

Here’s my process. Day by day, I let go of time and schedules, instead experiencing nature’s time and timelessness. I eat when I’m hungry, rather than because it’s time to eat. I stop to rest when I get tired, and camp not because it’s time to camp, but because I have found a beautiful spot that calls to my soul. I sing while I’m rowing or while hiking up an inviting side canyon. I notice nature’s loveliness (including the rain today), the wildlife along the river corridor. Today, I stopped rowing to watch a Great Blue Heron skillfully catch minnows in the shallows near the shore.

And best of all, day by day I feel the chatter and static of my mind calm down, replaced by a growing peace. Wilderness for me is a non-stop opportunity for meditation and prayer. Even my breathing takes on a more natural rhythm, and I more easily feel each breath than when I’m busy at home. The distractions from the simple act of being are reduced to a few simple camp chores. Most of my time in solitude, it’s just me and divine creation, and the infinite Source of creation. Right now, sitting near my campfire, it is enough just to gaze at the dancing yellows and oranges, and bask in its warmth.

Why don’t we give ourselves the gift of solitude in nature? I can think of two main reasons. There may be more. One is fear. Even more than the fear of physical injury, or getting eaten by a bear, in solitude there is the chance to get to know ourselves better. What if things that have been buried, like old shame or regrets, come up to the surface? Then I say, “Great! Let them come up so we can work them through to deeper healing and possible self-forgiveness.”

On the second day of my river journey, while hiking up a rugged side canyon, I reached ahead of me to break off a branch blocking my path. It’s such an automatic response on the trails around our home, but here in the desert, the vegetation is quite different. As the branch snapped, a huge splinter embedded itself into my finger. I tried to pull it out, but it broke off just under the skin where it couldn’t be reached. That night, my finger swelled up with infection and pain. If I were at home, this potentially serious incident wouldn’t bring up as much fear as it did in my complete solitude in the wilderness.

I had moments of true fear, with the possibility of a medical emergency, of even losing my finger — or worse. In between those moments of fear, I needed to trust that I would be okay. I used antibiotic ointment and bandaged my finger, endured the pain for two more days, and finally my finger ejected the largest splinter I have ever seen. Going through the fear and uncertainty was part of the gift of solitude. The other reason for not giving ourselves the gift of solitude is our feeling of unworthiness. Do we actually deserve to give ourselves this gift of solitude? Isn’t it selfish to spend time alone when we can be “productive” members of society? I’m often reminded of the Native American saying, “Humble yourself to receive, before you can truly give.”

Solitude is a chance to recharge your life batteries, so you can really be productive by giving your love and your gifts.

So I challenge you. Do you have enough solitude in nature? Of course, you don’t need to solo raft 84 miles down a wilderness river.

Going for a hike on a local trail, perhaps sitting directly on the earth, or on a rock near a creek, can do wonders. Even sitting in your backyard garden, however small, can give you a taste of solitude in nature. But give yourself time alone, quiet time for reflection, time without electronics or screens. Sit next to a plant, breathing in the oxygen that it breathes out just for you. And give the plant your exhaled carbon dioxide as a special gift for its life. Bring balance and harmony to your body, mind, and soul.

Sometime near the middle of my trip, I saw people for the first time. A group of five friends in three canoes, faster craft than my raft, passed me on the river. A man called out, “Don’t you get lonely being here all by yourself?” I smiled and said, “No, not at all.” n •••

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org.

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JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

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

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

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

THANKSGIVING AT VETS HALL

Volunteers are needed to help prepare & serve the Thanksgiving meal Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Santa Cruz Vets Hall, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz.

Available shifts are: Wednesday, Nov 23 10-11:30 a.m.: Turkey Prep at India Joze or United Methodist Church on California Street. Working at India Joze preparing the turkeys for transport to Beckmans to be roasted. They need to be debagged, cleaned out, seasoned and salted, placed in a tray and covered with aluminum foil. This is a critical task and Joe needs 4 or 5 really dedicated people. 12-2 p.m.: Washing, chopping, sorting and peeling all of the vegetables for the meal, working at United Methodist.

Thursday, Nov 24

Serving: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. • 12:15-1:45 p.m. • 1:45-3 p.m. 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.: Greeting guests, checking bags, busing tables, sweeping or moping floors, directing people in and out of the building and bathroom patrol, stand by the recycle and compost collection barrels to make sure that what can be recycle or composted is, anything else requested. 1-3:30 p.m.: Cleanup.

CALL TO ARTISTS

Deadline to submit a proposal: Friday, Dec. 16 An artist will be selected to create a public art component for Heart of Soquel mul-ti-use parkway.

The walking and biking trail (completed in 2020) connects the Heart of Soquel Pla-za County Park to Porter Street, Main Street at Soquel Lyons Park, and to Soquel Elementary, along the top of the bank of Soquel Creek.

The final addition to the parkway is the public art. The budget for the public art-work, which includes all costs associated with but not limited to design, materials, travel, insurance, fabrication, installation, and documentation of the artwork, is $27,000. A “Call to Artists,” which includes information about the RFP process, the site plan and other materials, is at: https://www.scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/ CalltoArtists.aspx.

AMERICAN PICKERS COMING TO CALIFORNIA

The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel plans to return to California in January. The crew is looking for leads on interesting characters with fascinating items — something different, unusual, of unique items — something they’ve never seen before with an extraordinary story.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by November 18

The team will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state.

Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call (646) 493-2184 or email at AmericanPickers@ cineflix.com. Include full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection. The Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.

POINT IN TIME COUNT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

As the County of Santa Cruz transitions to conducting the Point in Time homeless count annually, instead of every 2 years, community support will be key to collect-ing accurate data.

The 2023 PIT count will take place Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 using an app-based data collection tool, guide participation and coverage of the entire county in one morning. Volunteer recruitment will begin after Thanksgiving and will be followed by an opportunity for community members to sign up.

The Housing for Health Partnership and Applied Survey Research will be hosting three community meetings to gather input and volunteers Friday, Nov. 18, and Friday, Dec. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 12, Each is 11 a.m. to noon.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ santa-cruz-county-2023-point-in-time-count-planningmeeting-tickets-464743970727 For questions, contact: john@appliedsurveyresearch.org or in-fo@housingforhealthpartnership.org.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

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

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

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

The Red Cross is offering donors who give Nov. 1 thru 22 a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice; a Red Cross knit beanie (while supplies last) to those who give Nov. 23-27; and a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15. Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together. ••• Nov. 16: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz. Nov. 19: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. Nov. 22: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz. Nov. 25: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville. Nov. 26: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Live Oak Grange #503, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. 2601 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. to accommodate working families.

Dates are:

Nov. 21 • Dec. 5 & 19

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

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY

The Passionate Readers Book Discussion group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:30am to 12pm at La Selva Beach Branch Library, 316 Estrella Ave. All adults are welcome.

Meeting will be in-person and virtually via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, register at https://santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/9845126 This month’s selection is Never by Ken Follett.

WELLNESS & STRESS MANAGEMENT

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers a free online support group for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 22 Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. and a free support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.

More information at https://www.diversitycenter.org/ Meeting link for both support groups: http://santacruzcoe-org. zoom.us/j/85783611933

GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS

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

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

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, has launched a new website to better assist local families searching for childcare. See https://childcare.santacruzcoe.org/.

ONGOING EVENTS

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support 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.

Every Fourth Saturday

COMMUNITY WRITERS

Calling all writers! Monthly virtual open mic for poets and prose writers.

From 2:30 - 4: 30 p.m. via Zoom. Sign-up to read ahead of time at the email communitywritersscco@ gmail.com or come at 2:15 p.m.

Time limit 5 minutes for any original work. Free.

All levels of writers welcome. Zoom: 532 385 492 • passcode 42020 communitywritersscco@gmail.com

Tuesday November 15

SEACLIFF INN BLOCK PARTY

5-8 p.m., Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos In celebration of the newly renovated hotel and restaurant, Seacliff Inn will host a Grand Re-Opening Block Party.

Enjoy complimentary handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine + snack on all-new menu items including Cavatappi mac & cheese, bacon wrapped shrimp, and Durham Ranch beef sliders.

Mingle among live music, face painting, lawn games, a photo booth and more! Bring your friends, family, kids, and neighbors. RSVP at https://www.seacliffinn.com/

Thursday November 17

HOLIDAY MIXER

5 - 6:30 p.m., The Closet Shopper, 1203 41st Avenue, Capitola The Closet Shopper will host a holiday mixer for the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy beverages, light appetizers, shopping and raffle prizes, while connecting with business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members. The Closet Shopper is a buy, sell, trade boutique for women with a wide range of clothing, accessories, jewelry, body products and home goods.

SPECIAL PARENTS ONLINE WORKSHOP

6:30-7:30 p.m., Online Meeting SPIN, Special Parents Information Network, will host an online workshop via Zoom on Protecting & Empowering Our Adult Children.

In this online workshop, learn social-emotional safety skills to help differently abled adults.

Questions about this workshop? Contact Sonia Plageman at (831) 423-7713 or splageman@spinsc. org. For the zoom link, email info@spindc.org

UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK: PANEL DISCUSSION

6 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road (or Online) Join local youth and community leaders in a frank discussion about three local inci-dents of racial violence and how young people and adults can work together to ed-ucate, prevent, and respond to incidents like these in the future.

Join in person at the Capitola Branch Library or online via Zoom. Attendance is free; registration is required at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9849562.

This program is part of the United Against Hate Week events Nov. 13-20 through-out Santa Cruz County. Sponsored by Santa Cruz County for Safe and Inclusive Communities, Temple Beth El, Resource Center for Nonviolence, and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Friday November 18

COFFEE WITH A COP

7:30 a.m., Peet’s Coffee, 50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos The California Highway Patrol will host Coffee with a Cop at Peet’s Coffee. All com-munity members are invited!

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Jus-tice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Most of the contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergen-cies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship-building, and some community members may feel officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and al-lows for a relaxed one-on-one interaction.