Firewood: Old-Fashioned Tech, By Tony Tomeo

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Firewood: Old-Fashioned Tech

By Tony Tomeo

Chimney clearance pruning is easy to overlook nowadays because, for various reasons, chimneys are becoming obsolete. Modern homes lack them completely. Some chimneys of older homes succumbed to earthquakes. Because of simpler and cleaner alternatives for heat, remaining chimneys and their fireplaces, as well as firewood, are almost passe.

Ironically, chimineas and fire pits have become a fad. Most modern fire pits use propane for fuel, but a few use firewood. Although such fire pits and chimineas burn less firewood than fireplaces, they are ridiculously less efficient. Their warmth simply escapes into the atmosphere. Relative to the volume of wood they burn, they generate much more smoke.

Nevertheless, whether for fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, or chimineas, firewood is not yet completely obsolete. Some households only rarely use small quantities for ambience fires. Some households still use more significant quantities to supplement home heating. A few households rely on firewood as their primary or exclusive source of home heating.

For unrelated reasons, the availability of firewood has declined with its demand. Orchard trees that were still relinquishing their space decades ago are now gone. Also, wildlands are now farther from large urban regions where most people live. Wood from demolished buildings is more likely to become chipped mulch than to become available as firewood.

Fortunately, most tree services sell firewood that is a byproduct of their work. Such wood is generally a mix of various species, so may include some degree of softwoods, such as pine. Rural tree services are more likely to be able to provide specific types of hardwood, and are also more likely to be able to deliver it. Their softwoods might be less expensive. Tree services prefer to leave wood where they do tree work, and actually charge a bit for removal. Cut rounds of logs should be firewood length, but need splitting and seasoning. Inadequately seasoned or damp wood generates more smoke than properly dried wood. It should stay sheltered from rain. Palms and yuccas are impractical for use as firewood.

••• Cork Oak

This is a tree that takes some time to impress. Bloom is uninteresting. Foliage is no more distinctive than that of coast live oak. Instead, the most spectacular characteristic of cork oak, Quercus suber, is the boldly striated and uniquely spongy texture of its mature bark. Such bark takes a few years to develop, but gets so thick that it seems significantly older.

As its name implies, cork oak had historically been the exclusive source of bark for corks and cork products. As modern and more practical materials diminished demand for such bark, cork oak became more popular as an evergreen shade tree. It is quite happy within the arid chaparral climates of California. In fact, it behaves much like native oak species.

Mature cork oak trees generally stay less than forty feet tall, even if their trunks are wider than three feet with their unusually thick bark. Without excessive irrigation, their roots are notably complaisant. Low branches are more visibly sculptural than high branches. With pruning for adequate clearance though, trees with high branches are striking street trees. Foliar and floral debris is quite messy during spring bloom. n •••

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.

The bark actually looks like cork.

ATTENTION KSCO LISTENERS

On Nov. 19, KSCO supporters filled the Capitola Library meeting room to brain-storm possibilities to buy the iconic 1080 AM talk radio station. More than 50 peo-ple met again Dec. 2 to work on a plan to present to owner Michael Zwerling, who has been looking for a buyer so he can retire Jan. 1.

A follow-up meeting to let people know what is happening, and how to get involved and help, is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola. All are invited.

Supporters say, “Together, we can keep KSCO radio a great local gem on the air-waves, serving our community.”

The Dec. 2 discussion focused on a proposal by David Welch to Zwerling a few days before to turn KSCO into a nonprofit, offering apprenticeships, podcast recording and more local program hosts. On Dec. 7, Zwerling came on the Charlie Freedman Show, saying Welch’s proposal was not an offer with cash terms.

“Of course, I respect his decision,” Welch said via email.

As Aptos Times reported, Zwerling is looking only for cash offers of $8-9 million for the station and property or a lease at $25,000 per month.

“MZ needs to hear from the many KSCO radio listeners that we really value and depend upon this local radio station,” said KSCO general manager Michael Olson. “We all need to call and thank him for providing the unique programs and public service asset to our community for over 30 years.” To see prior coverage, go to www.tpgonlinedaily.com, click on e-editions and view the Nov. 15 Aptos Times and December issues of Capitola-Soquel Times & Scotts Valley Times.

TEMPLE BETH EL CHANUKAH CELEBRATIONS

3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos Rockin’ live music, a colorful menorah over 5 feet tall, latkes, donuts, falafel, and stories and music with Santa Cruz singer and lecturer Mark Levy will be Chanukah highlights this year with Temple Beth El.

Chanukah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, is a festive eight-day celebration that this year runs from the evening of Dec. 18 concluding at sunset Dec. 26.

“We look forward to sharing the magic and light of Chanukah with the entire community,” says Sr. Rabbi Paula Marcus. “It’s a special time for young and old.”

All services are open to all members of the Jewish community and all who want to celebrate the holiday.

Friday, Dec. 16: Chanukah Rock of Ages, 7 p.m. at Temple Beth El sanctuary in Aptos leads off with the largest service. Partly mystical, mostly magical, always musical. Please RSVP online to reserve a seat https:// www.tbeaptos.org/chanukah.

Sunday, Dec. 18: Community Menorah Lighting on the first night of celebrations, at 4:30 p.m. at Santa Cruz Town Clock. Families and friends of all ages sing and light a tall & beautiful Ziva menorah. Bring the kids for Chanukah crafts and live music sing along. No need to RSVP. https://www.tbeaptos.org/chanukah.

Friday, Dec. 23: Seniors Holiday Program, 1 p.m. at Temple Beth El sanctuary featuring Jewish educator and musician Mark Levy. Senior Connections programs are curated by seniors and are free — please RSVP online https://www.tbeaptos.org/chanukah.

Friday, Dec. 23: Chanukah Dinner, falafel bar & latkes, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El social hall, festive meal before Chanukah Shabbat service. Adults: $10; Kids 12 and under: $5. RSVP required online at https:// www.tbeaptos.org/chanukah.

Friday, Dec. 23: Chanukah Shabbat Service, 7 p.m. Temple Beth El sanctuary, led by Jewish educator and musician Mark Levy for a magical evening of Chanukah songs and entertaining stories. Bring your menorah and candles! Free but please RSVP online https://www. tbeaptos.org/chanukah.

VOLUNTEER FOR MILES FOR SMILES

The independent nonprofit Partnership for Children, which increases access to medical care for children with serious illnesses and supports their families, needs volunteers for its Miles of Smiles holiday giving program.

Volunteers are needed at the organization’s “toy room” in Salinas, where they will wrap gifts from which Partnership for Children, children, will be able to select dur-ing the holidays. To volunteer or for information, call (831) 422-3002.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year.

The next distribution takes place Dec. 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. 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.

FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS AT CAPITOLA MALL

Flynn creek Circus presents “Winter Fairytale,” featuring wild acrobatics, hilarious comedy, and extreme skills Dec 16-Jan. 1 at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola.

The Woodsmen, the Fairy, and the Spring Sprite are some of the colorful characters you will meet in this memorable holiday production. This tale speaks to the quiet darkness of Winter and the value of rest and reflection.

Flynn Creek Circus performances will take place under a big top tent.

Showtimes vary. Tickets are at https:// www.flynncreekcircus. com/

Tickets are sold by table reservation, single seats or seating at a shared table.

Seating prices range from single bar stool, $23, and single seat, $38, to high top tables seating 4-6, $121 to VIP tables.

Beer, mulled Wine, hot drinks and light concession are available for purchase. Charity shows are at 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 and are open to the public. To donate a ticket to a local charity, contact Nicole at (707) 684-2118.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95. Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec. 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

HOLIDAY ART BY STUDENTS

The talented students at the Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine KiebertBoss at gombhtc01@ gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by December 20

OPEN STUDIOS SURVEY

Do you love Open Studios?

If you experienced Open Studios this year, we’d love to get your feedback. What worked well? What could have worked better?

Whether you visited one location or many, we’d love to hear from you. The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ OS_Visitor_Survey

WINTER ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italianspeaking Instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in be-tween, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering are for you!

The 10-week session begins the week of Jan. 23. Early bird pricing ends Dec. 19. Pricing & location (on-line & in-person) varies; see individual class descriptions for more information. The last day to register is Jan. 20. See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/classes. For information email: dan-tesantacruz1265@gmail.com

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

HELP MATCHINGDONORS.COM

Currently, 270 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; those that live wait 7 to 12 years to receive a kidney transplant through the government’s deceased organ donor waiting list.

Many patients receive their kidney transplant within only six months of registering on MatchingDonors. com, which is appealing to people to help by becoming a living organ donor or donating cars, boats, RVs, real estate, or planes to support the nonprofit organization, founded in 2003 and based in Boston.

Supporters include NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who raises money in the memory of his College of San Mateo coach Tom Martinez, who died of a heart attack in 2012 while waiting for a kidney transplant. Visit https://www.matchingdonors.com/life/ for more information.

RESOURCE FOR CAREGIVERS

As families gather for the holiday, people may see grandma or grandpa, their mom or dad, or their aunt or uncle more forgetful or frail and in need of care.

Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center has served Santa Cruz County families of persons living with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions that cause memory loss and confusion.

Trained staff are tuned in to the experiences and issues caregivers face, ready and able to connect, listen