Aptos Times: June 15, 2023

Accident-Free for Two Million Miles

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez Says Goodbye to PVUSD

After seven years of leadership, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez — the first biliterate superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District — is leaving for Stockton Unified School District with 36,000+ students.

Full Story page 5 Cabrillo

Meet New Fair Chief Zeke Fraser

By Jondi Gumz

Cover Accident-Free for Two Million Miles

Community News

4 Q&A with Stacie Espinosa • Q&A with Debbie Thomas

5 Dr. Rodriguez Says Goodbye to PVUSD • Aptos High Principal Reflects on Her First Year

6 Career Technical Administrator of the Year: Julie Edwards

8 Cabrillo College to Unveil Potential Names • Cabrillo College:1,429 Grads: 51% Latinx; Veteran Transferring to Yale

9 Meet New Fair Chief Zeke Fraser, By Jondi Gumz • Fairgrounds Resilience Centers Funding

10 Introducing the Heroine and Villain of Cabrillo Stage’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, By Mindy Pedlar

11 Lions Give $120,000 to Common Roots Farm

12 Dominican Pharmacy to Close, By Jondi Gumz • David Sanford, New County Agricultural Commissioner

13 CruzAware Alert System Debuts • Q&A on CruzAware

17 Down to Earth’s Luncheon Fundraiser

18 Reactions to Cabrillo On-Campus Housing, By Jondi Gumz • Townhomes in Soquel: $499,800

20 CalGrows: Paid Caregivers Can Learn & Earn

23 Grand Jury: Housing Our Workers

27 College Lake: $68 Million Water Supply Project • Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Local Sports

14 League Champs Again! • Wharf to Wharf Scholarship Winners!

16 SCCAL Athletes of the Year: Dante Aranda-Pacheco and Quinn Healy • Aptos High School Wins Pat Lovell Award Again!, By Mark Dorfman

Business Profile

22 Pregnant Mare Rescue: A Local Sanctuary, By June Smith

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – A New Moon, a Retrograde, Father’s Day, the Solstice & Risa on the Radio!, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

19 Stakes & Binding For Trees, By Tony Tomeo

30 CalAIM: Innovating MediCal, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Cleo and Loki: Friends Forever

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer

COVER STORY

“Two Million Miles” from page 1

Each received a plaque recognizing this accomplishment.

Mindset is the key.

“Safety is everything, safety is the reason I am still able to deliver the mail after all these years,” says Thomas.

Aptos Post Office

Employees: 35

Delivery routes: 17

(15 city, 2 rural)

PO Boxes: 2,800

Espinosa says safety was the highlight when she trained newly hired carriers.

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District Manager Raj Sanghera called their accomplishment “truly remarkable,” adding, “Safety is not just a buzz word, our postal drivers take safety very seriously.”

U.S.P.S. postal drivers log more than 1.5 billion miles annually while delivering to more than 159 million homes and businesses in every city, suburb and town in America.

Read on to find out why Thomas and

Espinosa started working for U.S.P.S. and their advice for young people considering a U.S.P.S. career. n

Q&A with Stacie Espinosa

What motivated you to work for the U.S. Postal Service in the first place?

I was 18 and looking for a change of careers. I worked for McDonald’s for 3 years. Then I checked the Register-Pajaronian want ads and USPS was hiring so I applied. I took my service exam at the Watsonville High School cafeteria and was hired June 1984.

What’s the difference between your job when you started and how your job is now?

We used to start at 6 a.m., now it’s 8 a.m. We had smaller vehicles back then (they looked like ice cream trucks); now

they are much bigger. We used to case all letters and magazines; now letters come automated. And routes used to be longer — less ads and parcels. Now since COVID, people prefer to stay home and order packages online.

Then, what has kept you working for the USPS all these years?

I’ve been working with my postal brothers and sisters --my work family-for 39 years and my bigger family is my customers. Being part of that whole community and enjoying what I do is very rewarding.

Can you share a couple of your favorite stories about interacting with customers? I used to give away Lolli pops to children on my route to teach safety when approaching the postal vehicle.

“Espinosa” page 7

Q&A with Debbie Thomas

What motivated you to work for the U.S. Postal Service in the first place?

I previously worked for Solano County, then for the state of California. So, the next step was for the Federal Government.

What’s the difference between your job when you started and how your job is now?

Much less mail and many more parcels, also now everything must have a barcode scan.

Then, what has kept you working for the USPS all these years?

The job security and the benefits.

Can you share a couple of your favorite stories about interacting with customers?

For me, it’s mostly about being appreciated, especially the elderly customers. What’s your best safety tip for avoiding an accident?

Be aware of your surroundings and always watch out for the other drivers.

What advice would you give a young person considering a career with USPS? Hang in there, it does get easier! n

Cover Photo: Debbie Thomas (left) and Stacie Espinosa stand in front of the Aptos branch of the United States Post Office.

Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Mindy Pedlar, Mark Dorfman, June Smith, Risa D’Angeles, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend layout

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Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website

photography

Debbie Thomas (center left) and Stacie Espinosa (center right) receive their certificates for driving safety.

After seven years of leadership, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez — the first biliterate superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District — is leaving for Stockton Unified School District with 36,000+ students.

Her final day at PVUSD is Friday, June 30.

“To the remarkable Pajaro Valley community that has embraced me over the past seven years, I have a heart filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who have been part of our efforts to improve the lives of our students, our staff, our families and our community,” she said. “Together, we have built a District committed to excellence, resilience, and growth…Though our paths diverge, I carry with me the spirit of the Pajaro Valley, grateful for your support of me personally and for our collective commitment to the Whole Child, Whole Family, Whole Community.”

Those six words — Whole Child, Whole Family, Whole Community — sum up her philosophy of education. Her goal: To prepare all students for success in life including college and career. She had a commitment to address systemic inequities and a persistent equity lens, positively impacting 19,000 Pajaro Valley students.

Dr. Rodriguez Says Goodbye to PVUSD Aptos High Principal Reflects on Her First Year

Ayear ago, Alison Hanks-Sloan was principal of a school in Virginia for high school students who had immigrated from other countries and were learning English.

Now that she has completed her first year as principal of Aptos High School, Aptos Times asked her to share her reflections and tell what’s on the horizon.

•••

What did you enjoy the most?

Aptos High School is a beautiful campus that comes to life with staff, students, and family who take pride in our school.

I enjoyed being immersed in our school by spending time in classrooms and asking lots of questions. It is a true privilege to have a job that energizes me.

From meeting our district office team

“In the nearly seven years of Dr. Rodriguez’s student-centered leadership, the PVUSD community saw tremendous growth in critical programs such as arts and music and the development of innovative ventures such as the Culinary Garden and Teaching Kitchen,” said Dr. Jennifer Holm, PVUSD board president. “She leaves the district stronger than she found it, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

“Dr. Rodriguez” page 7

to getting to know everyone on campus, it has been such a positive transition.

What was the biggest surprise?

Everyone was so welcoming, and they assisted me as I got my Mariner sea legs with open arms and honesty.

“Year One” page 6

Alison Hanks-Sloan attends her first graduation as Aptos High School principal.

Career Technical Administrator of the Year: Julie Edwards

Julie Edwards has been named the 2023 Career Technical Administrator of the Year for California ACSA Region 10, which includes Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.

Edwards has led Career Technical Education in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for the past four years, overseeing the restructuring and growth of the program since the district took over programming in 2019.

Before that, Edwards spent four years as assistant principal of Aptos High School, overseeing the counseling program, Advanced Placement program and other responsibilities.

Since then, Edwards has developed an extensive infrastructure of courses and learning pathways to achieve CTE’s highest

aim: To create life-changing opportunities for students through a combination of rigorous academics and work-based learning experiences that prepare them for high-wage, high-skill careers, and higher education.

“Julie Edwards” page 9

“Year One” from page 5

In a community that has so many alumni and such strength, they embraced me as a new Mariner.

From athletic events to the performing arts to our new parent advisory, I appreciate every introduction, reintroduction, and conversation. What challenges do you see?

We had 386 students take over 677 Advanced Placement exams this year, which is phenomenal and has been celebrated and recognized. There is still room for more students to be in our AP classes, especially in the AP Spanish Language and creating a AP Spanish Literature class.

We also have Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways that lead to certification or job opportunities, including a new science class about drones.

We are offering one class this next year, and we hope to offer two courses if more students are interested.

How might those challenges be addressed?

We want to encourage every student to consider AP classes, especially our students who might be the first in their families to graduate high school or go to college.

We also have to advertise and communicate our CTE options, so students and families are aware of the many options we provide. All of these classes open doors and opportunities beyond high school. n

Come see the new Style Line black vinyl window on display

Alison Hanks-Sloan with a basket of golf balls.

TOP (from left): Alison Hanks-Sloan with assistant principals Rachael Jones, Joseph Smith, and Katie Kriscunas. BOTTOM: Alison Hanks-Sloan (center) at Casa Abierta, Aptos High open house for Spanish-speaking families.

Julie Edwards and her son, Michael Levy.

“Dr. Rodriguez” from page 5

Dr. Rodriguez deftly led during a time marked by significant historical eventsCovid-19 pandemic, wildfires, a 100-year rain that led to the relocation of Valencia Elementary in Aptos, and a once in a lifetime atmospheric river that resulted in the Pajaro River levee breach, displacing thousands of students and families.

At each and every turn, Dr. Rodriguez led with heart and mind, compassion and empathy, a listening ear, a collaborative stance, strategic thinking and a consistent focus on always making decisions in the best interest of students and their deserving futures.

She understood the importance and value of data and complex conversations to shift mindsets, beliefs, practices and systems.

Communication was a forte: Her weekly Ask Dr. Rodriguez FAQs, which appeared in Aptos Times, weekly Conversations with the Superintendent, monthly DELAC parent meetings, Paletas y Pláticas en el Parque -- Treats and Talk -- at local parks, and ongoing surveys of students, staff and parents through frequent Thought Exchange feedback cycles, issue-specific inquiries, and the annual YouthTruth survey.

Dr. Rodriguez visited school sites daily, held regular conversations with school staff - all to ensure that the PVUSD educational community celebrated students’ strengths, assets and resilience. She encouraged students to continue embracing knowledge, pursuing passions, interests and talents at every step of their educational journey.

She launched a number of innovative equity initiatives to support student success, family engagement, staff capacity, community cohesion and organizational transformation.

Examples include: Brokering a 10-year commitment from Save The Music Foundation to bring 45 minutes of weekly music instruction to all elementary school students, bringing the Latino Youth Film Project into elementary and secondary classrooms, activating a Career Technical

“Espinosa” from page 4

I recently ran into Matt. He and his wife and child were visiting his dad. He told his wife how I used to give out Lolli pops and asked if I still did, I told him I no longer did but it was such a nice feeling all these years later he remembered that.

What’s your best safety tip for avoiding an accident?

Be aware of your surroundings — always take a second look before exiting or entering roadways. Be a defensive driver every on or off work. Take a couple of deep

Education program that is a model along the Central Coast with 26 pathways, expanding comprehensive middle and high school College and Career Center services through a partnership with UC Santa Cruz’s Education Partnership Center, and establishing the district’s first multilingual, multicultural, and multi-agency Family Engagement and Wellness Center open after school hours and on weekends to ensure vulnerable students’ and families’ needs are being met.

At Starlight Elementary, under the leadership of Dr. Rodriguez and site leadership, school families, community members, donors, foundations and community partner organizations in agricultural, culinary and health sectors invested and built one of only five specialized garden and culinary education installations in the entire United States catalyzed by a grant from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Emeril’s Culinary Garden and Teaching Kitchen at Starlight serves as the central hub for a large-scale roll-out of school gardens at all 16 elementary schools in PVUSD over the next two years in collaboration with Life Lab.

In 2018, Dr. Rodriguez implemented an award-winning bilingual reading App through Footsteps2Brilliance, called Paso a Paso locally, which is available to all residents within the district boundaries,

breaths to clear your mind and to begin your day.

What advice would you give a young person considering a career with USPS?

It is not as easy as we make it look, it is very mental and physical but once you are trained and able to manage the time restraints, and you know what you are doing, it gets better. Ask questions if you don’t understand something or just need help, there are no dumb questions.

I’ve seen career advancement into management/postal inspection/union etc.

Take pride in the service you provide and enjoy what you do. n

resulting in 227 million words read over the past 5 years.

In addition, PVUSD focused on literacy equity through an intentional SIPPS implementation which has expanded to 24 sites supported by 478 staff members serving 7,720 students.

Dr. Rodriguez developed relationships with community, government and nonprofit leaders to build a community partner ecosystem of 96 organizations and agencies that uplift PVUSD students, staff and district priorities.

She ensured that the interests and future of the PVUSD educational community was

at the table in critical and influential, local, county, regional, state and national arenas to advocate for equity of outcomes in education for the most vulnerable students.

She received local, state and national recognition.

In 2022, she was awarded both a Legislature Resolution 1445 from Assemblyman Robert Rivas, Senator John Laird and Assemblyman Mark Stone, and she was named the 2022 Superintendent of the Year from the Association of California School Administrators for Region 10.

Also in 2022, she was given the Community Hero Award at the national Community Indicators Consortium 2022 Impact Summit. The CIC supports communities’ efforts to use community data to monitor community conditions that create inequity and to facilitate sustainable improvements in quality of life.

In 2020, Dr. Rodriguez received the 2020 Phil Rather Award from the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust, which recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to quality of life in the Pajaro Valley.

In 2019, she received the Community Hero of the Year from United Way of Santa Cruz County.

Her PVUSD family wishes her well as she begins her 31st year as an educator in Stockton Unified School District. n

Cabrillo College to Unveil Potential Names

Cabrillo College leaders, which since 2020 have thought about a name change, are unveiling five possibilities at an in-person community forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Visual and Performing Arts complex, room 1001, at the Aptos campus, 6500 Soquel Drive.

Two more in-person forums are scheduled to hear public input: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Cabrillo’s Watsonville campus, 318 Union St., Room A-160, and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton.

During the forums, Cabrillo College Board Name Exploration Subcommittee members Christina Cuevas and Adam Spickler along with Cabrillo President-Superintendent Matt Wetstein will review the process and answer questions.

Students and faculty proposed a change, saying Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator who led the first European expedition exploring the California coast on behalf of Spain and became wealthy as a slave-owner in Guatemala, is not a role model for today’s students.

More than half the graduates in the Cabrillo College class of 2023 have Latino heritage.

The college acknowledges that some who oppose the board’s decision to change the name, while pointing out it is for future Cabrillo College students, to make the college a place where all students feel welcome.

A task force with 24 community members chose the five names for consideration out of 350 suggestions.

Spickler, who is board president, and Cuevas have served on the subcommittee leading the name exploration process since 2020.

The name selection task force will meet July 28 to decide what to recommend to the governing board, which meets Aug. 7 at the Watsonville center.

That recommendation would appear in the agenda, which is to be posted on Aug. 3.

Might the task force recommend more than one name?

It’s possible. n

•••

Cabrillo College has made a pledge to not spend public funds on costs associated with the name change. Supporters of a new name can donate at http://www.cabrillo. edu/governing-board/name-exploration-subcommittee/.

•••

Editor’s Note: Just before going to press, the potential names were unveiled. They are: Aptos College, Seacliff College Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, and Cajastaca College

Cabrillo College: 1,429 Grads: 51% Latinx; Veteran Transferring to Yale

On May 26, Cabrillo College honored 1,429 graduates and 295 transfer students in an in-person graduation ceremony at Carl Conelly Stadium — grads who met their goal despite the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the CZU wildfire, despite flooding.

For the third straight year in the college’s 64-year history, more than half the graduating class — 51% — was Latinx.

Among those recognized: Veteran Thomas Ghio, who was accepted into Yale University as a transfer student. At Yale, he will study molecular biophysics and biochemistry, to prepare for medical school on his way to becoming a surgeon.

“Reflecting on my Cabrillo experience, one aspect that truly stands out is my invaluable interactions with the faculty and staff,” said Ghio. “When I joined Cabrillo in spring of 2021, it was evident that the teachers and counselors were genuinely invested in their students’ success. Their dedication and support played a significant role in shaping my academic journey over the past five semesters.”

This year, Cabrillo awarded 1,117 A.A. degrees and 494 A.S. degrees. In addition, 292 students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T). Students who earn this degree and meet the California State University minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a CSU.

Noteworthy: 61% of the AA-T/AS-T recipients at this federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution are Latinx.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students,” said Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Matt Wetstein. “For the third year in a row, 51% of our graduates are Latinx,

and this year, 61% of our students earning associates degrees for transfer into a CSU are Latinx, meaning they are transferring at a higher rate. Additionally, to have a student veteran accepted into Yale University, where the transfer acceptance rate is .08%, is monumental. There are so many milestones to celebrate this year!”

Cabrillo graduates also earned 309 certificates of achievement and 156 skills certificates.

The Class of 2023 comprises graduates ranging in age from 15 to 77 years, with an average age of 27.

The class was 63% female and 36% male.

The Class of 2023 contains a record 273 students graduating with a 4.0 grade-point average, a 39% increase over last year.

And 214 students graduated with high honors (3.75-3.99 GPA), 240 students with honors (3.5-3.74 GPA) and 496 students with honorable mention (3.0-3.49 GPA).

A notable 65 students graduated or transferred as part of the Honors Transfer Program, a learning community for highly motivated students seeking rigorous academic

coursework in a supportive and cooperative environment.

Of those 65 students, 37 graduated as Honors Scholars, having completed at least 15 units of honors courses with a minimum 3.4 transferable GPA.

And 22 students were certified for the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (TAP), which gives priority admission into the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences for fall 2023.

In addition there were seven UC Irvine Honors-to-Honors students.

Students are transferring to competitive universities, which include (with information to date): Yale University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, with others awaiting decisions from NYU and Stanford University.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Award is given each year to a Cabrillo graduate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. This year’s recipient is Marlize Velasco, one of Cabrillo’s UCLA TAP-certified students. Marlize is transferring to UC Santa Cruz, and majoring in politics.

At the ceremony, she urged kindness and added: “Keep pushing forward even when the odds are against you.”

President of the Student Senate Denisa Rozsypalova, a Czech student living in California, cited the challenges of the pandemic.

Student Trustee Devinè Hardy, a non-traditional student motivated by the pandemic shutdown to return to college and finish her degree, said, “Always know your why.” One of her whys is advocating for those who have no voice.

The UC Santa Cruz Karl S. Pister award is an up to $20,000 scholarship given to a Cabrillo Student planning to transfer to UCSC. This year’s winner: Tymothie Hale, who is majoring in psychology.

The ceremony began with a processional of the Governing Board, faculty, and staff, and members of the Graduating Class of 2023, followed by a welcome from Vice President of Student Services Amy Lehman-Sexton. The Cabrillo Chorale, under the direction of Cheryl Anderson, sang the national anthem as well as Cielito Lindo (Lovely Sky). Wetstein, as president, gave congratulatory remarks, as did Cabrillo Faculty Senate President Anna Zagorska, and Cabrillo Classified Employees Union Second Vice President Ariba Alston-Williams.

Dr. Robin McFarland, interim vice president of instruction, presented the graduating class and Cabrillo Board President Adam Spickler conferred the degrees and certificates. n

To view the ceremony, see www.cabrillo. edu/events/graduation-ceremony/ or Cabrillo’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=CF-mVv_qgRY

Student Trustee Devinè Hardy

Meet New Fair Chief Zeke Fraser

By Jondi Gumz

At a special meeting June 6, the Santa Cruz County Fair board hired Zeke Fraser, 51, of Santa Cruz, as the new manager.

His first day was Monday. His pay is $8,135 a month.

With the 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair coming up Sept. 13-17 at the fairgrounds in Watsonville, he plans to meet with volunteers, staff and community members and work to make this year’s event a success.

“We are the odd collision of art and agriculture, surf and turf, mountains and sea,” he said in an announcement of his hiring. “Where else can you buy fresh grown strawberries in the morning, spend the day at the beach, and then take a train ride through the redwoods?”

Fraser comes from FileOpen Systems, the document rights company on the Santa Cruz Westside, where he was director of operations.

“Zeke worked with FileOpen for 12 years,” said co-founder Sanford Bingham. “He was our first hire in Santa Cruz when the company moved here from New York.

“Julie Edwards” from page 6

Today, CTE in Pajaro Valley schools involves more than 3,200 students, 50 teachers, 65 courses, and 26 learning pathways at 10 high schools and middle schools in the 18,000-student district.

Courses include public safety, fire technology, patient care, programming, and video production. Newer classes, which can be taught online, include biotechnology, entrepreneurship, innovation design & manufacturing, ag mechanics 3, and innovations in green technology.

PVUSD Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, praised Edwards for transforming CTE programming inside and outside the classroom.

“Ms. Edwards leaned in with a keen student focus and equity lens to listen deeply to design and build a rigorous CTE program,” Rodriguez said, noting the array of innovative and creative A- G aligned courses that prepare students for their futures, and give them the option of pursuing admission at a University of California campus.

“The impact of Ms. Edwards’

He’s an organizer, a planner, and an honest communicator; a natural leader. The County Fair could not have made a better choice.”

Zeke is married to Staci Fraser, and they’ve lived in Santa Cruz County since 1995. Both are California natives. They don’t have children, and Zach has extended family living elsewhere in California.

He told Aptos Times, “As far as hobbies go, I enjoy hiking and camping, and I enjoy fiddling around with creating tabletop/card games — not many have made it off the drawing board, but that’s why it’s a hobby.”

Fraser is a UCLA grad. He worked at Washington Mutual Bank for eight years as financial services officer, departing in 2002 for Santa Cruz Mortgage Co. as operations manager for four years.

Next he went to Coast Lending Group in Soquel as director of mortgage banking for close to three years. Then he joined Borelli Investment, a property management company in San Jose, for a year-and-a-half as staff accountant before taking the FileOpen job in Santa Cruz.

“Fraser” page 10

dedication will benefit generations of students across our community,” Rodriguez added. “She definitely deserves this recognition.”

Key local industries like sustainable agriculture, plant science, engineering/ engineering technology, and agricultural technology are among the fields of study offered in CTE’s learning pathways, which also include applied chemistry and biotechnology, construction trades, film and video production, graphic design, programming, and computer science.

While other districts offer CTE, Pajaro Valley classes focus on the students’ own interests and talents.

This approach has been shown to increase motivation and graduation rates, spur higher levels of academic achievement, and ultimately result in higher-wage jobs. Hands-on projects, inspiring speakers, and regional worksite visits are key components but rigorous academics remain a pillar of the programs.

Edwards’ initial step was to upgrade and qualify every CTE course as college preparatory, to ensure each

Fairgrounds Resilience Centers Funding

Thestate Department of Food & Agriculture has awarded more than $88 million to 12 fairgrounds for upgrades such as kitchens, heating and air conditioning, showers and related improvements for sheltering people and animals in times of need.

The Santa Cruz County Fair will get $150,000 to upgrade the historic livestock barns that the state had deemed unstable and unusable for the 2022 fair.

The funding for “resiliency centers” was included in the 2021-22 state budget.

Work is to begin in late summer.

A committee that identified selection criteria consisted of CDFA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the California Department of Social Services, and representatives of the fairgrounds industry (including California Construction Authority, the joint powers authority in charge of construction at fairgrounds).

3rd DAA Silver Dollar Fair, Butte County: New event center & Jack Vanella Hall upgrade $30,000,000 24th DAA Tulare County Fair: Building 1

class satisfied admission requirements for the California State University and University of California systems.

With Pajaro Valley businesses and industry in constant need of adaptable, educated, tech-savvy employees, CTE is playing an increasingly important role by preparing students for jobs in this technologically advancing region.

PVUSD’s CTE programs align with local employment needs through advisory groups and local professionals

& 2 Demolition and Rebuild, Building 3 upgrade Completion $11,000,000

24th DAA Kings Fair: Fairgrounds-wide infrastructure upgrades $3,500,000

26th DAA Amador County Fair: Windmill Restaurant/commissary kitchen upgrade & multi-purpose concession stands $1,500,000

27th DAA Shasta District Fair: Trinity Hall upgrades & new community kitchen $4,000,000

28th DAA San Bernardino County Fair: Building 1 & 2 upgrades $6,000,000

35th DAA Merced County Fair: Yosemite Hall upgrades & pavilion reroof $5,000,000

50th DAA Antelope Valley Fair, Lost Angeles County: New Marcc campus, emergency operations centers, and culinary facility $20,000,000

California Exposition & State Fair, Sacramento County: Restrooms in livestock srea, HVAC at Expo Center, replacement of fabric tent on Building D $7,000,000

10th DAA Siskiyou Golden Fair: Fairgrounds Broadband upgrade $100,000

14th DAA Santa Cruz County Fair: Livestock Barns upgrade $150,000

20th DAA Gold Country Fair: Placer Hall HVAC upgrade $250,000

in business, industry, higher education, and community organizations.

“As an administrator, I am privileged to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution in PVUSD,” Edwards says. “Delivering on the promise the district makes to students to give them access to transformative experiences and high-quality environments enabling them to explore, learn, and prepare for life after high school gives me a sense of urgency every day.” n

Zeke Fraser

Introducing the Heroine and Villain of Cabrillo Stage’s Hunchback of Notre Dame

By Mindy Pedlar

Every good show needs a good villain!

Ours is played by the remarkably talented David Murphy.

He describes his character, the Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, as “a terrifyingly cruel person who, at his core, believes he is completely and fundamentally right. From burning Paris to burning people, he has a divine justification for everything he does and truly doesn’t view himself or his actions as the problem.”

In playing such a sinister character, David acknowledges the challenge of making Frollo human stating, “It would be way too easy to twirl the mustache, drop the voice, and make Frollo just evil incarnate throughout the entirety of the show. He consistently does terrible things, but there are a few, brief moments where he exposes just the slightest bit of humanity. I think leaning into those moments and finding places where he tries to justify his actions in a way that normal people might relate to, understand, or slightly sympathize with will ever-so-slightly raise him up, making his resulting fall even more impactful. Frollo’s singular goal is to escape damnation; and in doing so, he acts in plenty of ways that would no doubt ensure it. He is, of course, oblivious to that fact, which is where the fun of playing such a character lies.”

David has a deep rich voice and his rendition of the song “Hellfire” is amazing. Still, his favorite song in the show is the

“Fraser” from page 9

On his LinkedIn bio, he claims “a strong focus on empowering teams to excel in fastpaced, highly demanding environments.”

He describes his leadership style as collaborative, based on his belief that “collaboration is the key to success.”

He also mentions his proficiency in customer relations management systems and other database systems and his background in commercial banking operations, mortgage operations, and software development operations.

He is certified as a Quickbooks Proadvisor with competency in bookkeeping and accounting.

“I am a fast learner,” he writes, with “passion for learning new skills/concepts and adapting to new procedures.”

finale, “both for the beauty of its message and the sheer ‘whoomph’ you get as an audience member when every single actor and choir member unleashes all the sound they can give. That’s part of what makes Hunchback such a fun show to be a part of, or watch; you can’t escape that tingle you get when the Wall of Sound spins up!”

As for our heroine, enter Kristi Garcia, the powerful actress playing Esmeralda,

On LinkedIn, people say Fraser has a “can do” attitude, and admirable work ethic and is meticulous when it comes to business operations.

Fraser succeeds Ken Alstott, hired in April as interim manager.

Fraser will be the fourth person in charge of the county fair and fairgrounds since October.

That’s when Dave Kegebein was dismissed after 11 years by the fair’s board of directors in wake of a critical audit by officials at the California Department of Food & Agriculture, which oversee most county fairs — which are agricultural districts and thus entities that must abide by state rules and regulations.

That audit reported lack of compliance in more than a dozen areas, including $100,000 of debit card purchases with no

whom she describes as “a spitfire and a force of nature. She appears confident, but knows what it feels like to be an outcast. She is deeply compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and she isn’t afraid to speak up about injustice.”

Kristi feels a connection to her character saying, “We are both hyper-independent women who have difficulty holding our tongues, but always speak with good

receipts, travel expenses with no receipts, debit card purchases for CEO vehicle maintenance with no receipts, spending on food for employee celebrations, which the state does not allow, no information on free tickets or courtesy passes, and 84 employees that worked more than 8 days a day without overtime.

Kegebein considered his tenure a success as the fair had $1.75 million cash on hand.

Two fair board members who supported Kegebein – Jody Belgard and Loretta Estrada --were replaced by the governor, who appointe Nicolas Calubaquib and Rachel Bickert Wells, and a third, Bill Barton, resigned. Some staff departed, and Mary Bannister, the volunteer recording secretary who kept meeting minutes, bowed out.

intent. Esmeralda’s outspokenness comes from a deep-seated need to call out the injustice she sees. Storytelling gives a voice to those in our society who may not have one by shedding light on the injustice they are forced to endure. I once had a director tell me I had ‘moxie,’ and that is exactly how I’d describe Esmeralda.”

Kristi will melt your heart with her beautifully sung rendition of “God Help The Outcasts” which many will remember from Disney’s version of this story.

However, as an actress Kristi most enjoys performing “Someday,” the emotionally moving ballad shared between Esmeralda and Phoebus. She feels the song “so exquisitely captures the desperation and the hope we feel to someday see a fairer world.”

Don’t miss this glorious musical that entertains, inspires and tugs at your heartstrings, July 6 through July 30. All performances are in the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. n •••

Tickets available online at cabrillostage. com. Box Office now open for phone and walk in sales, Thursday–Saturdays 12-6 p.m., 831-4796154. Special opening night discount $10.00 off general or premiere seating Friday, July 7, with the promo code TheBells. $20 student rush tickets available at the box office 30 minutes before curtain (excludes Sunday matinees). Group discounts for 10 or more available on the website.

Then-fair board president Don Dietrich stepped in as interim manager until he realized he couldn’t do both jobs, followed by Kelley Ferreira, an interim who resigned in April without explanation.

The seats held by Dietrich and Barton have not been filled, leaving two openings on the nine-member board. To apply, fill out an application at Gov.ca.gov.

Alstott, a Califonia fair veteran living in Tennesee, was chosen by the board to help find a permanent manager.

Fraser said his father traveled the county fair circuit in California as part of a musical band. Fraser came along, inspiring him to participate as a teen in the Renaissance Faire.

“I think the fair has been calling to me for a long time, and I’m excited to finally answer that call,” he said. n

Kristi Garcia, who plays Esmeralda, rehearses with choreographer Brance W. Souza.

Lions Give $120,000 to Common Roots Farm

On June 3, Common Roots Farm, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz where adults with disabilities help run the enterprise, hosted a ground-breaking for a barn to sustain operations.

As part of the ceremonies, Capitola Coast Lions Club and Lions International Foundation presented the farm a check for $120,000.

“The farm needs a barn, and our contribution will cover the expense for the barn’s roof. We are so thrilled to be able to help support this unique and extraordinary community service destination,” said Stan Weitzman, Lions International vice district governor.

He added, “Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, gave Lions our mission. Providing selfless service and support to those in need is who we are and what we do.”

Common Roots Farm is an urban farm in the City of Santa Cruz, on a 7-acre historic agricultural parcel at 301 Golf Club Drive. Next to the farm and part of the enterprise are homes where 19 adults with developmental disabilities live, alongside UC Santa Cruz students and others.

The farm, established five years ago, offers meaningful community engagement

to these residents, day program participants, special education students and others. Visitors and volunteers are always welcomed.

“The barn will enable operation yearround for people of all abilities to wash, pack, and store healthy farm produce and beautiful flowers for local sale,” said Heidi Cartan, executive director, Common Roots Farm. “We will have tool storage, a bouquet-making area and more. Common Roots also stewards a riparian habitat along Pogonip Creek.”

She added, “We are so thankful for the generosity of the members of Lions International but also eternally grateful for everyone in our community who has come together hand-in-hand to help make the farm and the much-needed barn a reality.”

Common Roots Farm is a low-till operation.

The farm provides farm skills training, paid internships to people with disabilities, individual and corporate volunteer

opportunities, environmental and gardening education, traineeships, and micro-enterprise opportunities.

“I love working on the farm,” said wheelchair volunteer Noah Habib.

“And I work on the farm in memory of my “oma” (grandma)” said Noah’s friend, Thomas Kernot.

A variety of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers are grown and sold to customers.

Bordering the farm on one side is a paved public street which provides vehicle and pedestrian access to Pogonip Park, a 640-acre open space reserve.

The barn on its open side will face the street so that a portion of the barn can be used to market and sell produce to the public.

Broader public awareness of Common Roots Farm is necessary for its long-term viability.

Service to Common Roots Farm is the primary focus of the “Join together” Lions specialty club, Capitola Coast. n •••

Learn more. Common Roots Farm: https:// commonrootsfarm.org and https://www.

youtube.com/watch?v=2eJzDWEuRWU

Lions Clubs International: https:///lionsclubs.org

Decades of commitment. Generations of caring.

At Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, we’ve had the privilege of caring for you and your family for generations. Santa Cruz County relies on Dominican for comprehensive, advanced, award-winning care—including our nationally recognized cardiac program, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, our Wellness Center with classes to keep patients healthy and strong, among many other medical specialties. Learn more about us at DignityHealth.org/Dominican.

Photo Credit: Terry Schmitt

From left: Becky Stewart, Stan Weitzman, Bob Stewart, Heidi Cartan, Krista Brassfield, Dylan Flint, Janie Whiteford, Benjie Fernandez, Heidi Abele, and Sharon Mendelson.

Ruth Bates

831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

CalBRE#01799929

HAPPY SUMMER! WHAT IS A 1031-EXCHANGE?

IRS Code 1031 allows an owner to sell their INVESTMENT PROPERTY and purchase a replacement property of “like kind” without a tax on the profit.

PRIMARY HOMES and VACATION

HOMES do not qualify for a 1031 Exchange.

LIKE — KIND PROPERTY: 1031

Exchanges must be done with “like-kind” properties. The rules for “like-kind” have evolved over time. In 1984, the definition of “like-kind” was greatly expanded. Before 1984, one could only buy a house for a house and an apartment building for an apartment building. A single-family residence can now be exchanged for a duplex, raw land for a shopping center, multiple condo units, or an office for apartments. Any combination will work.

THREE-PROPERTY RULE: One can identify up to three properties to purchase as long as you close on at least one of them. The Federal government limits the rollover process to three properties. Most investors limit themselves to up to three properties in order to avoid being subject to more complex tests or simply minimizing the necessary paperwork.

200% RULE: You can identify any number of replacement properties you want to purchase as long as their combined fair market value does not exceed 200% of the property you are releasing. Therefore, you actually can identify more than 3 properties.

45-DAY TIME LIMIT TO IDENTIFY:

There is a strict 45-day time limit to identify your replacement properties with 45 days of closing on the sale of your original property. The 45 days includes weekends and holidays.

180-DAY DEADLINE — TO CLOSE: One the replacement property is chosen, then the investor has 180 days to close on the replacement property(ies).

“BOOT”: Boot is any money left over and boot is taxable. For example, if you sell a $1,000,000 property and then replace it with an $800,000 property, you will have $200,000 in “boot” and you will owe taxes on that gain.

I am very familiar with 1031-exchanges and am happy to help.

Call, email, text anytime and Get Results With Ruth!

Dominican Pharmacy to Close

By Jondi Gumz

Dominican Plaza Pharmacy, located inside Dominican Hospital, will close effective July 31, according to Dominican’s parent, Dignity Health and Common Spirit.

The decision become public as construction began on a drive-through 24-hour CVS Pharmacy approved in 2020 at 1505 and 1515 Commercial Way, across from the hospital.

Common Spirit spokeswoman Lindsay Leszczynski said, “The decision to close the outpatient pharmacy was not made lightly, as we recognize the important role the pharmacy played in providing our inpatients with discharge medications and filling the communities’ prescriptions.

However, as the healthcare landscape continues to shift post-COVID, it is incumbent on us to continuously assess our resources and allocate them in the most efficient ways to ensure the viability of the high-quality, mission-driven care we provide.”

The last day to fill a prescription at the Dominican Plaza Pharmacy is July

24. Patients with automatic refills will be transferred to a local pharmacy of their choice.

For employees impacted by the closure, Dignity Health is working with them to identify opportunities elsewhere in the organization, Leszczynski said. She added that Dignity Health is in the early process of evaluating future use of the pharmacy space and will share more information as it becomes available.

Dominican Hospital got county approval in 2021 for a parking garage and surgery center but has not begun construction.

Leszczynski said the financial impact of the pandemic “has impacted or slowed some of our expansion projects. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing these projects to fruition and look forward to providing an updated timeline soon.” n

David Sanford, New County Agricultural Commissioner

David Sanford, Santa Cruz County deputy agricultural commissioner since 2016, has been promoted to agricultural commissioner, succeeding Juan Hildalgo, who left to be Monterey County agricultural commissioner.

Sanford will have a four-year term. His salary is $155,000.

Sanford will lead a department responsible for pest management, weights and measures, pesticide enforcement, oversight of farmer’s markets and the annual Crop Report, which in 2021 totaled $657 million. The next report is due later this year. “I’m very happy to see David assume this new role,” County Administrative

Officer Carlos Palacios said. “He brings a wealth of local experience working with the agricultural community and has served admirably since stepping in as interim Agricultural Commissioner in February. “ Sanford, who earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from UC Davis in 2000, worked as an ag inspector/ biologist in Butte County, then took the same position in Monterey County in 2011.

He advanced to become Monterey County deputy agricultural commissioner in 2013, then came to Santa Cruz County in 2016, overseeing the Pesticide Use Enforcement Program and the Crop Statistics and Organic Registration program, and helping supervise the Direct Marketing Program.

“I’m grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their vote and look forward to leading this department on a permanent basis,” Sanford said. “I look forward to working with all sectors of the community to cultivate partnerships, nurture growth, protect the environment and safeguard the bounty of our agricultural heritage.”

He lives in Santa Cruz.

Four qualified candidates applied.

County officials cited Sanford’s familiarity with Santa Cruz County as a way to provide a seamless transition. n

David Sanford

CruzAware Alert System Debuts

The County of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 announce the launch of CruzAware, a new community alert and warning system designed to keep residents informed and safe.

According to the county, CruzAware represents a significant upgrade over the previous system, CodeRED, and introduces features to improve communication during emergency and non-emergency situations.

CruzAware is a messaging platform for residents in unincorporated areas that goes beyond emergency alerts — giving people the option to receive non-emergency notifications regarding roadwork and disruptions in their neighborhood that can impact their daily life.

Each user can select their preferred language and communication channels, including phone calls, text messages and/ or email.

CruzAware also includes a free mobile app, available across all platforms.

“We are excited to introduce CruzAware as the next generation of our community alert and warning system,” said David Reid, director of the Santa Cruz County Office of Resopnse, Recovery & Resilience.

“Signing up for emergency notifications through CruzAware is crucial for every resident,” said Stephanie French, operations manager for Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1. “During emergencies, seconds matter, and being promptly informed can make all the difference in ensuring personal safety and the wellbeing of our community.”

All existing CodeRED users will be automatically enrolled in CruzAware.

Residents are asked to update their contact information and preferences by visiting CruzAware.org.

That way, they can get timely and accurate notice tailored to their specific needs.

Key benefits of CruzAware: “CruzAware” page 20

Q&A on CruzAware

TheAptos Times asked Santa Cruz County public information officer Jason Hoppin about the new alert system, CruzAware. Here are his answers.

Is CodeRED being discontinued?

Yes, CodeRED will be discontinued in our county after a brief transition.

Why?

After the winter storms, the County Board of Supervisors directed that county staff explore a new alert and warning system in order to send emergency messaging more often and under County control.

They were also interested in increasing nonemergency messaging such as roadwork through various channels such as text messaging and email.

Who developed CruzAware?

It is a Genasys product. CruzAware is our locally branded platform.

We should have a mobile app up within a month.

What did this cost?

About $16,000, split with Netcom. Costs go down if additional jurisdictions adopt it.

What’s the key difference between CruzAware & CodeRED?

The functionality goes far beyond CodeRED

including allowing users to select specific event types they would like to receive information about (severe weather, red flag warnings, etc), including nonemergency messaging.

It also has greater flexibility on the back end so that we can send alerts more quickly.

How many households in the county signed up for CodeRED?

CodeRED was managed by Netcom, but I think the subscriber base was around 60,000 (will double-check).

They’re all been enrolled in CodeRED. No one who has previously enrolled is losing access to emergency messaging.

They can log in using their old credentials and increase functionality, however.

What percent of households is that?

I don’t know. There are about 100,000 residences in the County but I don’t know how many of the 60,000 base live under the same roof. Should residents of the 4 cities sign up for CruzAware?

Yes, if they haven’t already enrolled in CodeRED.

Like CodeRED, CruzAware is how Netcom will reach people through reverse-911 style messages in case they do not have landlines (reverse 911 calls do not go to cell phones unless residents give us that information). n

LOCAL SPORTS

League Champs Again!

The Aptos High varsity baseball team, with a 13-2 record, finished first in league for the third consecutive season.

In the past three seasons, Aptos has gone 41-5 in league. Seniors Gabe Gaeckle and James Craig were on varsity for all three championships. Gaeckle, a righthanded pitcher with 117 strikeouts his senior season — 55th in the nation — is committed to play for the University of Arkansas. Craig, who plays outfield, had 55 hits in his career with an on base percentage of .440.

The overall record of the Mariners was

20-7. They defeated Bellarmine Prep, won their first CCS tournament game 5-4 over Pioneer, then lost to Leigh, 9-1. n •••

Bottom row (from left): Sonny Cope, Harrison Bechtold, Edward Peters, Andrew Silva, Josh Towley

Middle row (from left): Matt Hood, Brant Sirles, Jordi Martinez, Isaiah Work, Nate Garcia, Caden Prichard

Top row (from left): Coach Robert Modena, Coach Dave Anderson, Jorden Espinoza, James Craig, Gabe Gaeckle, Jack Reed, Coach Scott Simms, Head Coach Jason Biancardi

Wharf to Wharf Scholarship Winners!

Congratulations to the 2023 Wharf to Wharf Scholarship recipients!

Wharf to Wharf Race Inc. annually awards four scholarships to distinguished local scholar-athletes who will compete in track and field or cross country at the collegiate level.

The Howard Marcus Scholarship is a $12,000 scholarship awarded to two athletes who excel in both academics and athletics with plans to compete at a 4-year university.

The Otis Chandler Scholarship is a $6,000 scholarship awarded to two athletes who excel in both academics and athletics with plans to compete at a 2- or 4-year college or university.

•••

2023 Howard Marcus Scholarship recipients

• Trent Nosky, Aptos High | Colorado State

• Brooke Willoughby, Aptos High | Long Beach State

2023 Otis Chandler Scholarship recipients

• Brody Staley, Soquel High | Chico State

• Julia Snelling, Soquel High | Colorado College

This year’s Wharf to Wharf Race, featuring 16,000 runners and more than 50 bands, will be the morning of Sunday, July 23, from Santa Cruz to Capitola. Capitola Village will be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. to noon. n

Brooke Willoughby | Trent Nosky

SCCAL Athletes of the Year

In 1976-77, in the inaugural year of the Santa Cruz County Athletic League, the Santa Cruz Sentinel sports writers established the Santa Cruz County Male & Female Athlete of the Year Award. They discontinued the award in 2021. In 2023, the athletic directors of the league brought back the award. Every SCCAL school has unlimited nominations, and then the SCCAL athletic directors select the winners.

Under the new criteria, the nominees must be from an SCCAL school, and must be a senior.

This year’s winners are:

Quinn Healy, Soquel High: Water Polo SCCAL Player of the Year, CCS Player of the Year, led Soquel girls to the CCS Open Division championship and Nor Cal runner up.

Swimming SCCAL champion in 200 & 400 freestyle relays, 2nd place in 50 freestyle, 3rd place in 100 breast. CCS 12th place in 200 free relay, 13th place in 400 free relay.

Grade-point average 4.3 weighted, 3.9 unweighted

Quinn will attend Stanford and play water polo in the fall.

Dante Aranda-Pacheco, Aptos High: 1st-team Pacific Coast Athletic League running back in football, member of league championship football team, league champ at 220 lbs. in wrestling (9th in CCS), also plays lacrosse.

Dante will attend San Jose City College to further his education. n

By Mark Dorfman

Dante Aranda-Pacheco and Quinn Healy Aptos High School Wins Pat Lovell Award Again!

The Pat Lovell Award was established in 2019 to honor the legacy of Santa Cruz County Athletic League Commissioner Pat Lovell, who helmed the league for 30 years. The award is given each year to the school that earns the most points in SCCAL varsity competitions.

In 1989, Pat was hired as the commissioner of the SCCAL, a post he held for the next 30 years.

The importance and impact of Pat’s leadership as the SCCAL Commissioner cannot be overstated.

He grew the SCCAL from a tiny regional league into a CCS powerhouse. He pushed for the expansion of women’s sports. He mentored hundreds of local coaches and athletic directors.

“Pat Lovell Award” page 20

Dante Aranda-Pacheco (below) • Courtesy of Aptos Wrestling

Quinn Healy

Pat Lovell

Down to Earth’s Luncheon Fundraiser

The 15th Annual Down to Earth Women luncheon at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos in Watsonville in May attracted nearly 300 women who are involved in, or support, agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

The goal is to raise funds for Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship fund and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s school programs. Part of this year’s proceeds went to farmworker flood relief efforts. This year the event raised more than $90,000.

Featured speaker Emily Bonder, owner of Santa

Cruz Bee Company, spoke on “Bees: Essential Pollinators for a Healthy Planet.”

Krista Snelling, president/CEO, Santa Cruz County Bank, was the mistress of ceremonies.

Anita Aguirre, deputy director, chief compliance officer, Salud Para la Gente, spoke about her experience as a participant in Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program.

Diego Ramirez, 2023 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship winner, shared how it has helped him pursue his educational career. He plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, major in ag science and become a botanist. n

Ways to Give …

• All donations are directed to improve Aptos school sports related facilities and activities, “For Our Kids.”

• ASF works in partnership with PVUSD to ef ciently develop facilities at AHS and its feeder schools.

• Support from the community in the form of donated funds, donated material and labor, means we can complete projects economically.

Ways to Give ... Have Fun With ASF – Sponsor or Attend an Event. Give Today! – Immediately improve our kids here at home.

Leave Your Legacy! – Leave a lasting impact on youth sports in your community.

Women of Martinelli’s support agriculture.

Graduates of Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program in attendance.

Emcee Krista Snelling, president/CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank.

Friends enjoying the Down to Earth Luncheon at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos.

Nearly 300 women attended the Down to Earth fundraising luncheon.

✸ 1,429 Graduates

✸ 51% Latinx

✸ 37 Honors Scholars

✸ 295 Transfer Students

✸ 61% of Associate Degree CSU Transfer Students are Latinx

✸ More than 295 students transferring to 4-year universities including: UCSC, Cal Berkeley, ULCA, Cal Poly SLO, & San Diego State

✸ 22 are UCLA’s Transfer Alliance Program students & 7are UC Irvine Honors-to-Honors students

Reactions to Cabrillo On-Campus Housing

By Jondi Gumz

About 50 people attended a community meeting June 5 hosted by Cabrillo College to share plans to partner with UC Santa Cruz to build a four-story housing complex with 624 beds and a child-care center next to the softball fields in Aptos for $187 million.

That’s up from $160 million in January. The concept is for 271 units: Families, 60 one-bedroom units; apartments, 56 doubles (two beds each) and 40 quads (4 beds each) and dorms, 84 doubles and 31 quads.

“I see the need,” said Jen Raanan, principal of Delta Charter High School, who expects to relocate during construction and hopes to get space elsewhere on the Cabrillo College campus and accept more of the 120 students on a wait-list. “To rent, you have to make $75,000 a year.”

Most attendees were neighbors concerned about cut-through traffic, speeders and congestion.

“You can’t get out of the driveway at 2 p.m.,” said Andy Muzzio, who lives on Soquel Drive and said this meeting was his first inkling of the project, which Cabrillo has been contemplating since 2021.

Susan Chapin said she sees people parking in her neighborhood to avoid paying for on-campus for parking.

Full-time students at Cabrillo could count on 60% of the units, and UCSC 40%, with the idea that Cabrillo students could finish in their requirements in two years, get mentoring from UCSC students, and then move into UCSC rooms in the complex.

Enrollment down

The number of full-time students has shrunk in 10 years from 9,193 to 5,478 while part-timers has declined from 22,660 to 16,319, with the steepest decline during the pandemic.

“Cabrillo Housing” page 23

Townhomes in Soquel: $499,800

The County of Santa Cruz Community Development and Infrastructure Department will host a random drawing on July 11 or thereabouts to select two prospective Measure J homebuyers and several back-up buyers for two newly built 3-bedroom Measure J townhomes in Soquel (“The Dwellings at Soquel”). The date may be postponed if needed to process a large number of pre-applications.

The maximum sales price for each Measure J townhome is $499,800.

All Measure J homes are subject to permanent deed restrictions which impose ongoing resale price limits and affordability restrictions on current and future owners.

To enter the drawing, prospective buyers must meet eligibility criteria, including but not limited to: • Gross household income does not exceed 2023 moderate-Income limits for Santa Cruz County; • Buyer is prequalified for a

loan of at least 70% of the home price; • Household size qualifies for a 3-bedroom home (generally 4-7 household members, with limited exceptions); • First-time homebuyer: has not owned a home for past 3 years; • Buyer is Purchase Ready, as defined in Affordable Housing Guidelines

To enter, deliver a printed pre-application form, with loan pre-qualification letter attached, to the CDI Housing Office between June 20-29. Details, application form and delivery instructions at: http:// www.sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/ Housing/UnitsForSale.aspx n

•••

Applicants will be informed by email of the drawing date. Within 3 days, they will be told their rank on the list. The top 2 applicants must submit a complete Measure J eligibility application within one week of notification. If either fails to do so, staff will alert applicants in ranking order until a buyer is approved and enters into contract.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Neighbors get a closer look at Cabrillo’s proposed student housing plan.

Stakes & Binding For Trees

By Tony Tomeo

Few trees that inhabit home gardens begin their residency as nature intended them to. Most are exotic, from other ecosystems, regions and climates. Almost all initially grew in nurseries, with their roots confined to cans of soilless media. Most rely on pruning and binding to develop straight and tall trunks. In the garden, most rely on stakes for stability.

Nursery stakes are different from landscape stakes. They support the developing trunks of young trees as they grow in nurseries. They can do the same for very young trees that grow directly into home gardens. Such stakes do not stabilize trees. Within confinement of nursery cans, they can not extend into the soil below. They guide trunk development.

Some young trees with very limber trunks rely on constrictive binding to nursery stakes. Most trees need only loose binding. Ideally, binding should be as loose as possible, and is only temporary. Trunks that move with wind are less reliant on support as they mature. Once straight trunks develop, temporary nursery stakes should no longer be necessary.

Landscape stakes stabilize new trees after installation into a garden. Most of such trees lack stability while their roots are initially very confined. Root dispersion stabilizes trees as they mature. Landscape stakes are only temporary during this process. They should not be so constraining that trees rely on them for support. They must be sturdy though.

As important as it is for many trees, staking can interfere with trunk development. It limits motion from wind that stimulates trunk expansion and root

dispersion. Timely removal of stakes when no longer needed promotes healthier development. Yet, some very limber trees may briefly need both nursery and landscape stakes. Timing of removal is critical.

Small trees may need only a single landscape stake after installation. Larger trees may need a pair of stakes. Some stout trees may need no stake at all. Ties that loosely attach trees to stakes should cross over between the trees and stakes. This forms a figure eight pattern that limits abrasion between trees and stakes. Short nails can hold ties in place.

•••

Lemon Cypress Monterey cypress is a famously rugged tree that inhabits harshly exposed coastal cliffs. It grows fast to get big and gnarly with age. Lemon cypress, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’, is a more civilized cultivar. It might potentially grow nearly 40 feet tall, but at less than a foot annually. Vertical trunks support compact and relatively columnar form.

Lemon cypress foliage is densely evergreen, with tiny and tightly set scale leaves. New spring growth is impressively cheery yellow. It fades somewhat to yellowish chartreuse through summer. If the weather gets cool enough through winter, the foliage can get a bit more amber. The foliar aroma is coincidentally slightly lemony, to match the foliar color.

Once established, lemon cypress does not require much more than occasional pruning. It is satisfied with only infrequent irrigation, and might survive with none at all. Actually, it is susceptible to rot with generous or frequent irrigation. ‘Goldcrest Wilma’ is susceptible to foliar diseases within its even denser foliage. It stays compact enough for pots, though.

(Incidentally, Hesperocyparis was Cupressus.)

•••

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. com.

trunks.

Lemon cypress foliage is mildly aromatic.

CalGrows: Paid Caregivers Can Learn & Earn

Working as a caregiver for an older person is not a high-paying job.

Pay in California ranges from $15 to $22 an hour, according to Indeed.com, with the average about $18.

So workers are in short supply.

Now the state is aiming to build the health care workforce, by allowing caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities the chance to get free job training and earn up to $6,000 in incentives.

“It’s an effort to transition people from caregiving into full time other options in health care (higher paying) — in essence making it a gateway opportunity,” said County Supervisor Zach Friend.

This new program, called CalGrows, offer incentives through Dec. 15 for two types of training: Learn and Earn, up to $2,500, and Career Builder, up to $3,500.

It offers hundreds of virtual and inperson courses from a variety of providers for caregivers who have worked in California for at least two months.

Courses cover Alzheimer’s Disease

and related dementia, cultural diversity, food safety, infection control, consumer communication — and they are available in multiple languages.

For example, a search for Alzheimer’s generates a list of 27 classes.

Funds are limited so once the money budgeted for this runs out, the incentives stop.

The incentive money is considered income but taxes will not be taken out, so caregivers must set aside money to pay those taxes.

Also, incentive payments will count toward CalFresh, MediCal and public housing.

Career coaching also is available via Cell-Ed, a partner of the Department of Aging.

Unpaid family members who are caregivers can take classes but they do not qualify for incentives. n

“CruzAware” from page 13

• Comprehensive emergency alerts: Receive critical information during natural disasters, severe weather events, public safety concerns, and other emergencies.

• Non-emergency messaging : Stay informed about roadwork, community-level impacts, public meetings, and other updates affecting your area.

• Customizable communication channels: Choose to receive alerts via

“Pat Lovell Award” from page 16

He modeled professionalism, selflessness, and respect at all times.

In addition to serving as the SCCAL commissioner for 30 years, Pat was an Olympic wrestler, a collegiate allconference football player, a football and wrestling official, and a teacher and coach.

Pat is a member of the Aptos High School Sports Hall of Fame, the Sequoia High School Sports Hall of Fame, the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame, the Cabrillo College Sports Hall of Fame, and the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He passed away in November of 2018.

To determine the Pat Lovell Award winner each year, points are awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and so on, in the final varsity league standings for every SCCAL sport, and points are also awarded

text messages, phone calls, email, or the CruzAware mobile app.

• More precise: Advanced geolocation technology that delivers alerts based on your specific location, minimizing unnecessary disruptions.

• Multilingual support: Access alerts and messages in multiple languages.

To learn more and sign up for emergency notifications, visit CruzAware.org. Local city messaging platforms such as Nixle are not impacted by the switch, though city residents are encouraged to sign up for CruzAware. n

for winning an SCCAL End-of-Season Championship Tournament. The school with the highest point total at the end of each school year is awarded the Pat Lovell trophy. The winner for 2022-23 is Aptos High School.

Aptos HS accrued 106 points, just edging out Santa Cruz HS (98.5 pts). Here is the order of finish for 2022-23:

1) Aptos - 106

2) Santa Cruz - 98.5

3) Soquel - 78

4) Scotts Valley - 71

5) Harbor - 59

6) SLV - 50.5

7) Mt. Madonna - 6

Past winners

2018-19 – Aptos High School

2019-20 – Aptos High School

2020-21 & 2021-22 – no award given due to the Covid pandemic n

By June Smith

Pregnant Mare Rescue is a temporary horse sanctuary committed to rescuing pregnant mares and orphan foals from abuse, advocating for the humane treatment of all horses through education while enriching the human experience.

In 2006, introducing The Sanctuary at PMR Pastures, Lynn Hummer, founder and owner, said, “Our goal is to keep pregnant mares and orphaned foals out of harm’s way. By moving our 16-yearold rescue operation to a new location in Petaluma, we have created an eight-acre sanctuary here in Watsonville. Our goal is to make our sacred space available to host our healing programs. Our world is

Pregnant Mare rescue A Local Sanctuary

in desperate need of resources to help us find love, a safe space, and paths to move forward while violence and hatred escalate at alarming rates all around us. The time to heal and come together in love is now.”

The horses that Hummer rescues and rehabilitates are put up for adoption, and in the past 14 years, she’s found homes for more than 400 mares and foals.

Most become trail or companion horses.

Hummer became hooked on the work after buying a pregnant quarter-horse pony in 2005 for $300, saving the animal from slaughter.

“Then her baby came, and, oh, my gosh…it was just so magical,” she says. “I

thought, ‘You know what? I really can do this. I can save these mares.’ ”

She runs Pregnant Mare Rescue on a modest annual budget, and most of that money comes from individual donors, as she doesn’t take a salary.

She says, “The work is incredibly rewarding, we let pregnant mares come in, have their babies, and nurse their young in peace, we know they’ve come from a difficult place. They’re so grateful, with the tails swooshing plus licking and chewing.”

Pregnant Mare Rescue host Denna Kelley has supported many horses through various traumas.

She says, “I have over 20 years working with horses in many disciplines; my love for horses has been lifelong. However, when I began volunteering for PMR, I found the horse’s healing process extremely eye-opening and learned more about horses in nine years of rescue than I had in all my years competing. Working side by side with these horses is a spiritually enlightening journey that I wish to share. The magic that horses offer us... in their grace, beauty and peaceful nature, is undeniable and profound.”

Since the coronavirus hit, “we’re hunkering down,” Hummer says. “Our hay stash is good our bank account is good.”

What’s more, she’s posted to Facebook and sent out a few newsletters, and been rewarded with donations.

“People feel good about wanting to make a difference, every donated dollar goes to keeping the organization running, hauling, vet bills, feed, grain, Internet, and everything else,” she says.

While the world slowly comes out of quarantine, Hummer suspects more people

will need the type of magic that horses can bring.

She herself didn’t realize their ability for patience and healing and their therapeutic value until she started PMR. Over the years, she’s seen everyone from grieving adults to children with autism or Asperger’s find a quiet peace around the horses.

“What dolphins are to the sea, horses are to the land,” she says. “They’re able to really touch people on an amazingly deep level.”

The grand opening of the Sanctuary is scheduled for September. Donations can be made at www.pregnantmarerescue.org or www.sanctuarypmr.org

Lynn Hummer’s memoir on her 16-year journey in horse rescue, “For The Love Of Horse,” is available for $16.36 on Amazon. n •••

For info, call 408-540-8568 or email pmrhorses@pregnantmarerescue.com.

Lynn Hummer with mare Princess Indie

Above: Lynn and Whiskey visiting summer camp kids at the Capitola Mall. Below: Horses relaxing in the pasture enjoying the sun.

Grand Jury: Housing Our Workers

The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury investigated affordable housing for mid-class workers. Here is an edited version of the report. The complete report is at https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ Portals/0/County/GrandJury/GJ2023_ final/2023-4_Housing_Report.pdf •••

TheSanta Cruz County Civil Grand Jury examined key elements in providing affordable housing for middle-class workers in Santa Cruz County, those

earning more than $35,000/year but less than $100,000/year.

It focused on answering the following questions: • What affordable housing options are available in Santa Cruz County to support middle-class workers? • Are employers offering housing support to their employees? • What can local city and county planning departments do to provide more housing for these workers? • What changes are needed in the planning and permit process to make it easier to build

more workforce housing in our cities and unincorporated areas? • How can local jurisdictions leverage recent State of California bills and initiatives to encourage more housing here? • How can local agencies work together to help support housing for local workers? • What changes are needed to plan for the future housing needs of our workforce? • What is UCSC doing to help house its students, faculty and staff?

The Jury interviewed planners from each of the four cities, Capitola, Santa

Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville, and the County of Santa Cruz.

It also interviewed community members who were housing advocates as well as housing skeptics. It collected information from Civil Grand Jury investigations in Santa Clara County, Marin County and Santa Barbara County. It asked some employers for information regarding employee hiring and retention.

“Housing” page 24

“Cabrillo Housing” from page 18

Matthew Wetstein, Cabrillo’s president-superintendent, hoped to incentivize students who might otherwise work and take more time to finish their Cabrillo classes to go full-time and finish faster.

He said he and other community college presidents are lobbying for AB 811 to repeal the ban on repeating classes, which restricted community enrollment in classes such as choir, art, and foreign languages and sits in the Senate Education Committee.

Delta, which has about 100 students in grades 9-12, has been based at Cabrillo for 25+ years.

“We’re smaller than we were 10 years ago,” Wetstein said. “We have to find a space. I think we can.”

As for traffic, Wetstein said there was a need to flesh out traffic patterns for UCSC students. He said he expected to take 400 cars off the road with students living on the Cabrillo campus rather than driving to class – reducing the traffic impact.

There are no plans to create parking for student residents. Those with cars are expected to park in the existing lot.

Bradley Olin, who came from San Jose State four years ago to become Cabrillo’s assistant superintendent vice president of finance & administrative services, expects congestion relief with Santa Cruz County’s $26 million “Buffered Soquel Drive” project.

This year-long project will remove 111 parking spaces along a 6-mile stretch of Soquel Drive – such as those by Cabrillo College

– and replaced by bike lanes, with other safety improvements. At one point, county engineers hoped to finish the upgrade by Christmas this year.

Bids were opened March 30. The winning contractor has not set a schedule yet. Work could start in late summer/early fall.

Cabrillo is asking the state for $111 million from the $2 billion earmarked over three years for university and community college student housing grants.

If the project is funded, construction would take two years.

UCSC’s share of the cost would be $70 million.

Steve Houser, UCSC’s director of employee housing and capital planning was in the room.

Cabrillo got $0 in the first round for a Cabrillo-student only project.

So changes were made, and Cabrillo got $242,000 for planning.

The child-care center is a priority because 30% of Cabrillo students have children.

If this on-campus housing project goes forward, Cabrillo plans to outsource the housing staffing to a nonprofit, as did Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa for its 800-student housing complex, but retain oversight over student discipline.

The rent must be sufficient to cover those staffing costs, Wetstein noted.

Despite a dire shortage of affordable places for students to live in Santa Cruz County, few students attended.

Winston Spedding, an engineering student, asked about aid for students in need.

Bodie Shargel, a music student at UCSC who grew up in Felton, asked about the rates for a single room compared to a family unit.

Olin said the average rent would be $925 per room.

Wetstein mentioned a range of rates from $750 to $1,150 per room, depending on the size of the units and privacy, but the numbers are not firm.

The preliminary figures are based on legislation earmarking $2 billion for university and community college student housing grants and requiring it be affordable and below market-rate.

Some in the audience contended the proposed rates are not affordable but they are below market.

Santa Cruz County is the second most

expensive place to rent in the U.S. after San Francisco, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. To rent a twobedroom unit in ZIP code 95062, renters need to make $61 an hour.

Average Rent

There is no comprehensive database on rentals in Santa Cruz County. Many are mom-and-pops that are not tracked. ApartmentGuide.com which tracks large complexes, reports studio rent averages $3,377 per month.

One recent posting on Facebook is in Ben Lomond, one bedroom with office and a private bath in a 3-bedroom home, $1,290 per month. Studio in Boulder Creek, $1,500 per month. Two-bedroom apartment, complex has a pool, in Capitola, $3,300 per month.

This explains why so many college students locally triple up, quadruple up, quintuple up on a place to live.

As for water, another

neighbor concern, Wetstein cited the smaller enrollment reducing usage. Cabrillo College last updated its Facilities Master Plan in 2018, noting the growing popularity of distance learning but that was before the pandemic forced most classes into online offerings. n

For the February report on Cabrillo student housing see https://tpgonlinedaily.com/ cabrillo-pursues-on-campus-student-housingwith-uc-santa-cruz/ Proposal Render © 2022 Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

About 50 people attended Cabrillo’s community meeting on proposed student housing.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Jen Raanan, principal of Delta Charter High School, hopes to get another space on the Cabrillo campus.

Bradley Olin

“Housing” from page 23

It examined the new state housing laws and the 2015 Housing Elements for each city and the county. Members attended municipal planning meetings and community meetings regarding proposed housing developments and read numerous articles regarding housing from a variety of local news sources.

New California Housing Laws

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury examined the new California housing laws passed during the last few years to galvanize cities and counties into building more housing.

Beginning in 2017, California passed a series of laws to boost housing production in an effort to: • Streamline building of new homes • Break down barriers to build more affordable housing • Address systematic bias by elevating fair housing principles

• Hold governments more accountable to approve housing construction

The more well-known laws include: • Senate Bill 9 (SB9) signed in 2022 which allows ministerial approval to convert homes into duplexes and split lots to allow up to 4 units on a lot. • SB10 which allows “up to 10 dwelling units on any parcel within a transit-rich area or an urban infill site.” • SB290 which ‘grants bonuses, concessions, waivers and parking reductions to projects with qualifying affordable housing.” Usually market rate allows for only 20% affordable units. A builder can qualify for more than 20% affordable units (density bonus) by meeting some of the criteria for SB290. • Nonprofit housing organizations can qualify for increased density bonuses when purchasing a property under SB728. • Other laws that make it easier to construct Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

The laws that much of the public has already heard about are laws that permit zoning changes to allow up to 10 units per residential lot (SB10) and laws that permit cities to ease the process for building ADUs.

The streamlined process for building ADUs has been popular, and many cities, particularly Capitola with less buildable land, have encouraged the construction of ADUs. The City has even provided building code approved plans for construction. While the Capitola guidelines state ADUs cannot be used as vacation rentals, it is unknown whether or not those guidelines are enforced.

One of the most important laws was SB330 in 2019, later extended by SB8, that limits the ability of local municipalities to prolong the housing application process through repeated hearings and shifting requirements. Many people may have seen the term “objective standards.” SB35 passed in 2017 and clarified by AB1174 in 2021, allows for streamlined approval of a housing project that meets a set of objective standards for zoning, subdivision and design review.

Housing Elements, AMI & RHNA

Not only have there been dozens of new state laws designed to increase housing production, but California has required every municipality (cities and counties) meet specific housing goals.

Every eight years since 1969, California has required cities and counties to submit detailed Housing Element plans to show how they would accommodate the building of a number of homes across a range of affordability levels. For years, most communities, including many of those in Santa Cruz County have paid very little attention to the Housing Element.

That all changed with the passage of the new housing laws. Beginning with the 2015-2022 Housing Element, municipalities were required to build a specific amount of housing for each income level calculated as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI).

In 2021, a family of four in Santa Cruz County would be considered moderate income if they earned $134,300/year, median income if they earned $111,900/ year, low income if they earned $111,500/ year, very low income if they earned $69,500/year and extremely low income if they earned $41,700/year.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development for each major metropolitan area based upon the AMI for the area and the projections for population growth and additional housing that would be needed over each 8-year period.

Santa Cruz County is part of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). Our area is in the final year of the 5th Housing Element Cycle, and area municipalities are beginning to work on the 6th Housing Element Cycle due Dec. 31, 2023.

So…how are we doing?

The Jury’s interviews with the different planning directors and housing advocates in our community show some clear signs of progress, and a lot of room for improvement.

In the 5th Housing Element Cycle, AMBAG cities in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties were expected to permit roughly 10,430 housing units from January 2014 to December 2023. Santa Cruz Local on Sept. 3, 2021 reported the progress of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, unincorporated Santa Cruz County, Capitola and Scotts Valley toward that goal.

As of last year, only the City of Santa Cruz is on track to meet the RHNA goals for housing during the 5th Housing Element Cycle, and the City of Watsonville will come close.

Scotts Valley and Capitola made almost no attempt to build housing for lowincome or extremely low-income workers.

Santa Cruz County has approved zoning changes to support construction of mixed-use projects along Portola Drive.

Last spring, the state of California set the housing goals for each region. AMBAG, our region, set the 6th Housing Element construction goals for each local municipality. Those goals have quadrupled from the previous 5th Cycle goals, which most municipalities did not meet as of May, 2022.

The draft goals for housing development from Dec. 31, 2023 to Dec. 15, 2031 follow along with their progress as reported in May, 2022.

Capitola

• 1,336 new homes are targeted to be built by 2031. More than half of the new homes would be required to be affordable for people with “low” or “very low” incomes. Income limits are set by the state. The new housing construction goal is more than nine times Capitola’s current goal.

• The current goal — which the City has not met — calls for Capitola to permit 143 new homes between Dec. 31, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2023. The City has permitted 53 homes in that period. Planners have issued one of 34 required permits for “very low income” units and zero of 23 required permits for “low income” units.

Watsonville

• 2,053 new homes are targeted by the end of 2031, including 469 affordable units for people with “low” or “very low” incomes. That’s nearly three times Watsonville’s current goal, which the City has not met.

• Since Dec. 31, 2015, Watsonville has issued 302 of 700 permits required by the end of 2023. To meet the current goal, the City must permit 148 “very low income” units, 100 “low income” units, 113 “moderate income” units and 37 market-rate units by the end of 2023.

Scotts Valley

• 1,220 new homes are targeted by the end of 2031, including 649 affordable homes for people with “low” or “very low” incomes. That goal is nearly nine times Scotts Valley’s current goal, which the City has not met.

• Since Dec. 31, 2015, Scotts Valley has issued 18 of 82 permits for “moderate,” “low” and “very low income” units required by the end of 2023. The City has exceeded the state’s goal for market-rate unit development.

City of Santa Cruz

• 3,736 new homes are targeted by 2031, including about 1,400 affordable homes for people with “low” or “very low” incomes. That goal is five times Santa Cruz’s current goal.

• The City must still permit 123 of 180 required permits for “very low income” affordable units by Dec. 31, 2023 to meet its current RHNA goals. Santa Cruz has exceeded state development goals for market-rate and affordable units for other income categories.

Unincorporated County

• 4,634 new homes are targeted by 2031, including 1,492 affordable units for people with “very low” incomes. Unincorporated Santa Cruz County includes the San

Lorenzo Valley, the North Coast, Live Oak, Aptos, La Selva Beach, Freedom and other areas. That goal is about three times the area’s current goal, which has not been met.

• The County of Santa Cruz must issue 335 permits for “very low” and “low income” units and 267 permits for marketrate units by the end of 2023 to meet the state’s goal.

The Grand Jury’s research has found all Santa Cruz County municipalities are aware of the new state housing laws as well as the new RHNA housing allocations, although there is some disagreement about feasibility. It found much agreement with the need to construct more housing as well as the desire to do so within the existing urban areas rather than expanding into existing green spaces. Urban areas are closer to jobs and transportation hubs and less costly to maintain roads and utilities compared to areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Most county municipalities have already identified properties along transportation and urban corridors and made the necessary zoning and building code changes to build more housing.

The County of Santa Cruz has designated areas flanking Highway 1 and Soquel Drive and the rail corridor for more housing. (This includes Live Oak, Soquel and Aptos). The County is only proposing housing in the center of the County, where many jobs are located.

Reacting to the New Laws

Nearly 8 years have passed since our local municipalities submitted their 5th Housing Element Cycles, and as we approach the submission of the 6th Housing Element Cycle, housing costs continue to rise steeply, pricing even more middle-income workers out of the housing market.

School districts are actively looking for ways to house workers. By using districtowned land, districts can reduce the cost of rent for their teachers and classified workers.

Los Gatos Union School district recently completed a housing complex.

Live Oak School District has proposed construction of teacher housing, and the Santa Cruz City School District has successfully passed a bond measure to construct housing on one of its properties.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District is looking at a similar bond measure in South County to finance employee housing.

Peace United Church on the westside of Santa Cruz is proposing a 40-unit housing project on their land.

County municipalities are responding as well:

• Santa Cruz County has rezoned part of Portola Drive near 41st Avenue for mixed-use housing that combines ground-floor businesses with apartments above.

• There is more housing construction in Aptos Village.

• Watsonville has continued to build housing in recent years, pursuing joint housing projects with the county planners and nonprofits. The City has a rehabilitation program for existing houses.

• Capitola has eased requirements for ADUs.

• Scotts Valley just approved a mixeduse housing development.

• The City of Santa Cruz has taken a lead in housing production within the City’s urban core, beginning the construction of multi-story apartment complexes.

• Santa Cruz City voters supported construction of a mixed-use project that includes a new library, lowincome housing, a day-care center and parking.

Capitola claims to be mostly built out, although it has identified some areas in which to build housing, as shown in Figure 7 above.

The City of 9,000 has chosen instead to focus on ADUs as additional housing. Capitola has not added low-income housing.

Scotts Valley, population 12,000, has also added very little low-income housing. A proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development called Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing may make it mandatory under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to “proactively take meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination.”

Scotts Valley and Capitola need to do their part to add more low-income housing in our County.

The City of Santa Cruz has designated areas for multi-use zoning, including multi-story housing, mostly downtown.

There is a redesign of the bus station in the works that includes multi-story housing, and a possible collaboration with the Santa Cruz Warriors to construct a permanent arena and housing in the south end of the urban area.

NIMBY Opposition

Santa Cruz has had a no-growth mindset for over 40 years.

That mindset, “Not in My Back Yard,” often referred to as NIMBY, still exists, and it is hard for members of the community to envision housing as anything other than neighborhoods of single-family homes. Many homeowners rely on rising property values to build wealth, and resist new developments which might impact them.

Changing zoning to allow duplexes and apartments within a single-family home neighborhood is a rude awakening, but so is the construction of high-rise apartments in downtown Santa Cruz. Removing existing buildings will displace tenants for years while new housing is built.

Citizens and local organizations in

Santa Cruz have tried to use elements of the California Environmental Quality Act to fight housing developments.

The most recent example is a lawsuit filed against UC Santa Cruz by a group called Habitat and Watershed Caretakers to try to stop the construction of additional student housing on campus. A judge recently ruled in favor of the university, but the lawsuits have held up the construction approval process for two years.

Peril of Ignoring RHNA

ForCalifornia communities that have ignored the need to build more housing for years, the newest RHNA allocations have come as a shock. Some have ignored the mandate or continued to place roadblocks in the way of builders.

• The town of Woodside tried to have their entire town designated as a mountain lion habitat to avoid building duplexes (SB9) prompting a swift response from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

• The City of Orinda tried to designate unbuildable slivers of land as the sites for affordable housing.

• Santa Monica, which approved the construction of only 1,600 homes in the last eight years, is the first City to be subjected to “builders remedy” based on a 1990 law called the Housing Accountabilities Act (HAA). Santa Monica failed to adopt a Housing Element and under the HAA, residential zoning was suspended, freeing builders to design any housing project they wanted without needing City approval. Within one week, developers officially filed plans for 4,797 homes.

The same thing could happen in Palo Alto.

Several Bay Area cities did not file their 6th Housing Element Cycles and RHNA allocation plans by the Jan. 31, 2023 deadline, and three pro-housing groups have already filed lawsuits against eleven cities for failing to take significant steps to prepare for more housing.

YIMBY Support

There is no question that the new RHNA housing allocations for the 6th Housing Element Cycle are daunting.

The amount of housing that Santa Cruz municipalities will need to construct in the next 6-7 years is much higher than in the previous cycle.

It is especially difficult to construct Low Income and Extremely Low Income housing in this community due to the price of land and cost of construction.

Builders claim that it is not financially profitable to include more than 20% affordable units in normal market-rate construction, and the majority of middleclass workers cannot afford market-rate housing.

The housing market is actually upside down … only about 20% of the population

can afford market rate housing, and 80% of the population needs more affordable units.

All cities and the County of Santa Cruz need to find ways to increase the number of affordable housing units in new construction.

UC Santa Cruz is a large contributor to the need for more affordable housing.

The university is already a large contributor to the scarcity and cost of housing, as it only houses about 9,300 students or 50% of the student population, and the campus is expected to grow to a total of 28,000 students in coming years.

The local preference guidelines considered by many Santa Cruz County cities, would also benefit UCSC students who would be competing with the local workforce for less expensive housing. Cabrillo College and UCSC have embarked on their first ever collaboration to construct student housing on the Cabrillo campus.

They are applying jointly for a California grant to cover the cost. More collaborations between the university and local agencies would be beneficial in constructing housing that will benefit all. The cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville have taken steps to build higher density, more affordable housing in their downtown areas.

Pro-housing groups such as Housing Santa Cruz County, and Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) have organized in Santa Cruz County municipalities to advocate and provide more vocal support for affordable housing.

Opposition to housing growth still exists, but reactions to housing proposals are more constructive. Public comments to projects show an understanding of the need for more housing, especially lowincome housing, in our community.

There is support for mixed use housing along urban corridors, and while residents are somewhat daunted by multi-story buildings above 4 stories, there is acknowledgement that urban downtown areas are a better place to build than expanding into the coastal zone, hillsides or green spaces, including the Santa Cruz mountains.

Santa Cruz municipalities recognized this during the 5th Housing Element as their maps show, making zoning changes and identifying housing sites only in the urban areas.

The proposed 351-unit apartment building for the 900 block of Ocean Street is large and multi-story. It is also a good illustration of the public perception and concerns about the size of housing needed to meet the demand in Santa Cruz.

It is huge, beginning next to Marianne’s Ice Cream and continuing all the way to Togo’s. Public comments at a recent meeting included concerns about the height and size, a desire for the architecture to fit into the small-town look of Santa Cruz and relief that a much nicer looking building would replace the vacant lots and dilapidated houses that make up that block.

The public offered constructive criticism instead of automatic opposition. More multi-unit projects are moving through the planning process in Santa Cruz.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the small, charming coastal City of Santa Cruz and the surrounding county municipalities are going to have to change.

We can no longer ignore the fact that our highways and city streets have become gridlocked; rents and housing prices are beyond the reach of most; and many businesses are unable to find and keep the employees that they need.

School enrollment is dropping as families move away to find more affordable places to live, and businesses are moving to other locations.

Perhaps the state laws and high housing goals are unattainable, but living in an area that only the wealthiest can afford is untenable without access to the businesses and services that all communities expect.

It is too early to tell if it is possible to build all of the housing that the state demands, but it is undeniable that more housing, especially more affordable housing, needs to be built for the essential workers in Santa Cruz County. If that affordable housing is built near jobs and along transportation corridors, it will also alleviate traffic gridlock.

Recommendations Capitola

By the end of 2023, the City of Capitola should:

Identify enough parcels of land, zoned appropriately, to meet the new RHNA housing allocations for all income levels, especially low-income housing. Show significant progress towards planning and facilitating construction of mixed-use businesses and housing on identified parcels of land in the City.

Demonstrate a plan to work with the County of Santa Cruz as well as other forprofit and non-profit agencies to develop housing close to transportation corridors along Hwy 1 and 41st Avenue.

Develop clear, measurable guidelines to ensure local preference is given to local workers in the construction of ADUs as well as low-income housing.

Demonstrate they have reestablished regular meetings of a workgroup or entity that would allow planners from all 5 county jurisdictions to share ideas on housing development and develop joint projects.

Scotts Valley

By the end of 2023 the City of Scotts Valley should:

Identify enough parcels of land, zoned appropriately, to meet the new RHNA housing allocations for all income levels, especially low-income housing.

“Grand Jury” page 26

Moon, a Retrograde, Father’s Day, the Solstice & Risa on the Radio!

We have multiple upcoming events ahead. The Gemini new moon and Saturn retrograde (Saturday), Father’s Day (Sunday), and the solstice as summer 2023 begins. First the Gemini new moon (27 degrees). Gemini points out dualities — that of dark and light, up and down, here and there, you and me, spirit and matter, the inner and outer realities.

Gemini is the twins, Casper (personality) & Pollux (Soul). One twin (personality) is waning in light, the other (Soul) waxing. These two realities within each of us can often seem in opposition — instability, vicissitudes, confusions and separations in life. Although deeply discomforting they have purpose. They create a yearning for harmony, a quality of the Soul. This is the mystery in the Sacrament of Marriage, how two truly become One. June is the wedding month.

emotional well-being of their children, are to be both capable caretakers and disciplinarians.

Through love of their children, father’s become heroes. Father offer humor, delight, security, clarity, kindness, attention to detail, discipline, patience, awareness, the ability to see what needs to be done. Fathers are sensitive, supportive, comforting, accepting, responsible & available. We honor, recognize, praise and are grateful for our fathers. We love our fathers.

Risa on the Radio Friday, June 30, 11 am-1 pm. SantaCruzVoice.com radio.

“Time-Out Radio” with Marlene & Amy

Father’s Day & the Fifth Commandment — “Honor thy father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God has given you” (Exodus 20:12). Sunday is Father’s Day. Fathers, like mothers, are pillars in the development of a child’s emotional wellbeing. Children look to their fathers to lay down and enforce rules, provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional. Fathers, central to the

ARIES

You are known for the ability to initiate, for individuality and freedom of expression. Only Aquarius rivals you in this. In the present Kali Yuga and the times to come, the urge for individual creativity and freedom becomes extremely important. Because you must initiate changes in the present culture, the planet Uranus will radicalize and revolutionize you. Expect unexpected changes of identity, a call, too to serve the world — part of the Divine Plan to “make all things new,” for which you’re partially responsible.

TAURUS

You need to “walk through the door”. You need to be out and about most of the time because you feel a “call” to new endeavors. Also, you are often feeling a certain claustrophobia. Sometimes you find you must be and work alone so your intuitive and investigative gifts can be fully accessed. As usual you avoid anything that feels like an opposition, attempting instead to flow with the accepted reality. Something or someone shatters this calmness. It is not comfortable, yet it’s needed. Keep going. Cross the threshold.

GEMINI

Everything you think and say has importance. All that you do has importance. Your hopes, dreams, wishes, friends, groups and associates are important to your evolution. Your life goals and ambitions, always changing, unplanned unpredictable are important. Your mind, even if unsettled, is important. As your life twists and turns, as you search for the Soul of yourself, you becoming liberated and more forward thinking. You step upon the Path. You thought that could never happen. It’s happening now.

CANCER

Flashes of intuition and insight occur. It’s good to create a new Revelations & Insight Journal. So many journals are called for when one is an esoteric student. Retrograde Journal, New & Full Moon Journal. Remembrance Journal. Astrology Journal. Now an Insight Journal. Insights help us to see into the shadows and behind fogs, miasmas, glamours and illusions. Soon, people will see that you have changed. Begin to explain your thoughts and actions to others so they can understand step by step the source of your knowledge. You will teach them. Then wisdom occurs.

Saturn is the cosmic disciplinary Father. On Saturday, Saturn retrogrades (‘til Nov. 3). Saturn, like a father, is the planet of structure, boundaries and life lessons. Saturn shines with a beautiful pale yellowish light. During Saturn retro, tasks not completed suddenly appear. Saturn helps discipline us to complete tasks. So when Saturn turns direct, there are no hindrances. We are free to create new structures and make new plans and everything’s tidy and in order. Summer Solstice: Summer 2023 begins Wednesday, June 21 as Sun enters Cancer. The 6th Gate opens. The deer is once again is at the holy place. n

LEO

In the coming weeks and months, notice a new and different philosophy of life emerging. You may assume a visionary and utopian view of how to live your life, in community with others. Living with likeminded people, realizing ideas from the past need updating in order to build the new era of humanity, the new culture and civilization. To be successful in the future one must know and incorporate into one’s life the new Aquarian Laws & Principles. Unanimity, Goodwill, Right Human Relations, Group Endeavor are a few of them.

VIRGO

It’s important to review money, finances, banking, insurance and investments. Make sure they are safe and secure. The economy is behaving erratically, with sudden ups and downs in the future along with continued inflation. Attempt to stabilize all resources. A suggestion is to invest in gold and silver even as the market shifts and changes. Maintain the precious materials in safekeeping (safes). You are intuitive enough to understand these things. And also wise.

LIBRA

Careful with relationships, marriage, partnerships, close intimate connections. They may need tender loving care as sudden changes may take place and everyone feels misunderstood and wounded. The outcomes can last far into the future. Develop more stability through truthful and caring listening, asking questions, communicating more, always coming from the heart of the matter. This will absorb unexpected upsets when everything turns inside out and upside down. Health wise, careful with the liver and pancreas. Use sugar sparingly and eat accordingly.

SCORPIO

Nothing routine will occur in your daily life, concerning work or health or communication. Everything may feel disrupted. Responses to disruptions will prove to be highly creative for you, helping to develop new abilities that express unusual and original ideas. Focus your thoughts and energy into inventing things. As you upset the prevailing realities wherever you are, you are seen as the change maker - greatly needed everywhere. Tend to your health with the utmost care.

SAGITTARIUS

As you assess your deep all-around levels of creativity you discover the need for more discipline, structure and self-control, which would also provide you with more self-knowledge. This is interesting. Through discipline you come to know not only your need but you come to know yourself, and then an entirely new level of creations and creativity arise Speculation is costly. Instead focus on independent thinking and how to break with all that is old and worn out, no longer needed. You are in search of and striving for liberation.

CAPRICORN

As you attempt each day of your life to bring constancy and calmness to your home, know that sudden upsets may just continue to occur there. Moments of unexpected freedom happen, too. One needs to recognize life as a state of constant transformation. You assess present needs with past needs and see how the needs, since last summer, have changed. As life proceeds into states of breakdown, new opportunities arise. Always in chaos & conflict there is the seed for harmony. Look for these, write and communicate about them. You will be creating a new tradition. You are an artist and writer.

AQUARIUS

Be aware that your thinking, communicating, processing information and interacting with others is significant and that it changes people. Careful, therefore in the thoughts you think, which become the ways you speak. You consider striking out in different directions, going here and there and everywhere. A rebelliousness erupts, an aspect of advanced and new thinking. You become interested in sources of light. And will begin to think more and more about community. It’s where you belong.

PISCES

Often you experience daily life as not steady and stable. It’s simply a Gemini fact. During Earth lives, we see duality, conflicts and vicissitudes continually occur. We must hold ourselves with poise no matter what occurs. Material things come and go, unforeseen events upset plans. This is not due to anything you have created. All conditions in our world are changing. The new world is being created. It’s not quite here yet. It’s built through our creative visualizations. For now, remain near pine, cedar, juniper and fig trees. And rest a while.

“Grand Jury” from page 25

Show significant progress towards planning and facilitating construction of mixed-use businesses and housing on identified parcels of land in the City.

Demonstrate a plan to work with other county municipalities as well as other for profit and non-profit agencies to develop low-income housing for workers in the City.

Develop clear, measurable guidelines to ensure local preference is given to local workers in the construction of low-income housing.

Demonstrate they have reestablished regular meetings of a workgroup or other entity that would allow planners from all 5 county jurisdictions to share ideas on housing development and develop joint projects.

County of Santa Cruz

By the end of 2023 the County of Santa Cruz should:

Demonstrate progress towards identifying sites and planning for increased housing along the transportation corridors in mid-county.

Develop clear, measurable guidelines to ensure local preference is given to local workers in the construction of low-income housing.

Demonstrate a plan to work with other county municipalities as well as other forprofit and nonprofit agencies to develop low-income housing for workers in the county, (particularly on properties such as the old drive-in theater acreage which is adjacent to transportation corridors.)

Demonstrate progress in working collaboratively with UCSC to develop housing sites that are affordable for UCSC students and essential workers.

Demonstrate they have reestablished regular meetings of a workgroup or other entity that would allow planners from all 5 jurisdictions to share ideas on housing development and develop joint projects.

City of Santa Cruz

By the end of 2023 the City of Santa Cruz should:

Demonstrate they have reestablished regular meetings of a workgroup or other entity that would allow planners from all 5 jurisdictions to share ideas on housing development and develop joint projects.

Develop clear, measurable guidelines to ensure preference is given to local workers in the construction of low-income housing.

Demonstrate progress in working collaboratively with UCSC to develop housing sites that are affordable for UCSC students and essential workers.

Watsonville

By the end of 2023 the City of Watsonville should:

Demonstrate they have reestablished regular meetings of a workgroup or other entity that would allow planners from all 5 jurisdictions to share ideas on housing development and develop joint projects. Develop clear, measurable guidelines to ensure local preference is given to local workers in the construction of low-income housing. n

College Lake: $68 Million Water Supply Project COMMUNITY

On June 9, the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency hosted a groundbreaking for the $68 million College Lake water supply project at 76 Holohan Road, Watsonville.

The most visible aspect of the project will be construction of a 6-mile, 30-inch pipeline to transport treated water from the new water treatment plant to more than 5,500 acres of farmland via PV Water’s coastal distribution system.

On June 12, crews began open trenching for the pipeline. Construction is expected to last 18 months and will cause traffic impacts for Watsonville residents, as well as commuters.

The goal is to develop College Lake as a new water supply for the Pajaro Valley and achieve sustainable water resources.

The project is designed to reduce groundwater pumping, reduce groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion, and improve habitat for the endangered South-Central California coast steelhead.

The water treatment plant will have

two pumps pulling water from the lake.

A new weir will be adjustable to not increase or change flood conditions at College Lake. The weir will have a fish passage allowing fish to enter and exit College Lake during migration and out-migration periods.

The water treatment plant includes a ballasted flocculation/sedimentation function, a materials storage area, a treated water pump station, sediment drying beds and a treatment support building.

The groundbreaking featured remarks by U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Mateo), PV Water Board Chair Amy Newell, board member and former general manager Mary Bannister, and General Manager Brian Lockwood.

Bids were solicited for the treatment plant and for the pipeline.

Mountain Cascade of Livermore won both contracts.

“Mountain Cascade built portions of our infrastructure two decades ago,”

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Children and their families — and kids of all ages! — are invited to visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way in Santa Cruz, this summer to learn about the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and marine biology through interactive exhibits that give a glimpse into the world of a scientist.

“At the Seymour Center, our goal is to make science fun and interactive for all ages and we especially want to spark an interest in science at an early age,” said Jonathan Hicken, executive director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at UC Santa Cruz. “Summer is a great time to gather your kids, pack a lunch, experience the numerous indoor exhibits, join the dolphin research tour and then head outside to be in awe of the real 87-foot blue whale skeleton. Of course the trails,

scenery and ocean views at the Center are beautiful too — the whole experience at Seymour Center is representative of what makes Santa Cruz special.”

Seymour Marine Discovery Center is the public education center for the UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Lab, a worldrenowned center for innovative research in coastal ecology, marine vertebrates and invertebrates, and marine mammal studies in the lab and field, including physiology, sensory reception, behavior and bioacoustics. n

Summer hours are July 1 to Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular hours resuming Aug. 15 are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Adult $12, seniors $11, children $9, toddlers and members are free. Parking is $1.50/hour on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free on weekends.

said Marcus Mendiola, the agency’s water conservation and outreach specialist.

Construction updates will be posted at www.pvwater.org/construction and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Groundwater accounts for more than 90% of water use in the Pajaro Valley Basin.

Throughout the Pajaro Valley Basin, groundwater levels are overdrafted, meaning they are below sea level because of long-term unsustainable pumping of the groundwater aquifer.

Overdraft conditions result in seawater intrusion, groundwater quality degradation and groundwater storage depletion.

The College Lake Project is designed to provide the largest new source of water in the Pajaro Valley since the completion in 2009 of the Watsonville area water recycling facility, which is jointly operated by PV Water and the City of Watsonville. n

•••

PV Water Board of Directors, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, CA Department of Water Resources, Carmel Brown, City of Watsonville Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore

TV Dads

creature

23. *Charlie’s TV detectives

26. At sea but close to shore

30. Always, poetically speaking

31. Adjust

34. Cupid, to the Greeks

35. High

37. 9 to 5, e.g.

38. Bow-like structure

39. Hippocrates’ promise

40. Struck in certain way, in baseball

42. Paleontologist’s estimate

43. Like a kilt

45. English county

47. Boiling blood

48. ____, Stinky and Stretch

50. Shade of beige

52. *”Rainy Day People” singer Gordon ____

56. Things on a list

57. Rod of a hot rod

58. *Bee Gees or The Supremes, e.g.

59. Saintly glows

60. Never, poetically speaking

61. Pre-Easter period

62. Demeanor

63. *Banned insecticide, acr.

64. Oxen connector DOWN

1. Assert

2. *”Black Gold” singer Nina ____

3. Diplomat’s asset

4. *Popular bell-shaped part of garment

5. Gerrymander

6. Gives off

7. *Earth and Wind partner

8. *First female British prime minister

9. Pro ____

10. Operates

11. Head canal locale

13. Wisest

14. Unfriendly looks

19. Track event

22. Buck

23. Famous fable-maker

24. *Kathmandu location and Hippie Trail stop

25. Heating outlet cover

26. Research facil.

27. Shamu and such

28. *Khmer ____

29. English county

32. Sound of impact

33. Coffee holder

36. *Mao’s honorific

38. Sunbaked, archaically speaking

40. Busy flyer

41. *____ Rolle of “Good Times”

*”Killing Me ____ with His Song”

End of a shoelace

Evening purse

Wrap in waxy cloth

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A COUNTY LIKE ME COMMUNITY MEETINGS

The County of Santa Cruz has more than 40 commissions and committees that advise the Board of Supervisors and help set policy in land use, housing, race, gender, public safety, the environment, health care, historic resources and many other issues.

A study shows critical under-representation among South County residents, renters, Hispanic/ Latino residents, those with disabilities and young adults.

With Santa Cruz Community Ventures, the County is looking to address this via “A Santa Cruz County Like Me,” which seeks to make underrepresented communities aware of public service opportunities and help shape the future of Santa Cruz County. As part of this process, the County is hosting a series of public meetings.

Meetings will include Spanish translation, and in-person meetings will include light refreshments and gift cards for participants. Childcare will be available at Watsonville locations.

June 14, 6 p.m. Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola

June 16, 6 p.m. Watsonville Center for the Arts, 375 Main St., Watsonville

June 21, 6 p.m. Virtual https://tinyurl.com/ASCCLM

June 22, 6 p.m. Sheriff’s Community Service Center, 790 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

CALL TO ARTISTS

An artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for the new Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center in Santa Cruz County.

The budget for the project is $91,000. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 14.

The center will be located at 5300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, next to the Sheriff’s Public Safety Center, in an existing 30,220-square-foot commercial building to be redesigned and renovated to create a Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and the county’s first short-term residential therapeutic program.

Currently, there are no inpatient programs for youth who live in Santa Cruz County

The facility, when completed, will be operated by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.

Youth experiencing an acute emotional and psychiatric crisis will get help in their own county.

A “Call to Artists” includes detailed information about the RFP process, maps of potential public art locations, and a sample contract are available on the County Parks website: https:// www.scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists. aspx

LEADERSHIP SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Leadership Santa Cruz County is accepting applications for its 2023/2024 program. This will mark the organization’s 37th year with more than 1,600 alumni.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the many facets of our county’s cultures and institutions.

Participants are introduced to an array of community and civic experiences, with topics such as housing, education, criminal justice, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and the arts.

Class members have the opportunity to meet many decision-makers in business, government, and nonprofits.

The program runs from September 2023 through June 2024 with an orientation in August 2023.

To learn more and apply, see https://www.leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/

NEW IN SANTA CRUZ: ELECTRIC BEACH SHUTTLE

The City of Santa Cruz is introducing a new electric shuttle service for summer 2023.

The Santa Cruzer Beach & Downtown Shuttle will operate weekends and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day including 4th of July from noon to 8 p.m., taking riders from downtown Santa Cruz to the beach area for $1 per ride.

Free ride coupons are available from sponsors Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Humble Sea Brewery.

Pickup spots are:

• Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave #4415

• Locust Street Garage, 124 Locust St

The new bus was unveiled May 22 at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, which is the beach drop-off point.

The shuttle is partly funded by an AB2766 grant to reduce vehicle emissions from the Monterey Bay Air Quality Control District.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

First Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.: Movie Discussion Group

Fridays, 2–4 p.m.: Family Crafts — for kids 6-11

Third Fridays, 5-7 p.m.: Movie Night — for ages 17 and up. June 16: “She Said” with Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan

First and Third Saturdays, 2-4 p.m.: Family Movies — June 17: “Finding Nemo” Call 831-4277710 for future movie selections.

Thursdays through July 27, 2-4 p.m.: Lego Machines & WeDo Software — Kids 8-18. Drop-in, no advance registration

Saturday July 8, 2-4 p.m.: Origami Extravaganza

Thursday July 20, 1-2 p.m.: Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom

CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Closed June 16 for Juneteenth holiday

Tuesdays: Anti-racism Book Circle, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. June 20, 27; July 11 and 18. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/10808366

Third Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m.: Hugo award winning movies. June 18: Incredible Shrinking Man, 1957.

July 16: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (Rated PG)

Aug. 20: Princess Bride (Rated PG)

Sept 17: Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (Rated PG)

Saturday June 17, 1-2 p.m.: Homebuyers Right Sizing or Aging in Place — Advice from a real estate agent and mortgage broker.

Tuesday June 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Youth Chess — One-hour session includes 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6-18. Beginners should learn how the pieces move before session. Chess tournament scheduled for Saturday, July 1, Noon-5 p.m. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal. com/event/10768938

Thursday June 22, 2-3 p.m.: Tom Noddy’s Bubble Magic

Saturday June 24, 1-2 p.m.: Help your Kids Buy a Home — Rob McCarty of 101 Loan.

Monday June 26, 2-3 p.m.: Fratello Marionettes — Jack and the Bean Stalk

Sunday July 2, 2-4 p.m.: Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) — SCPL young adult advisory group, For ages 12-18.

PARKS SURVEY: COUNTY WANTS YOUR INPUT

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is working with partners, stakeholders, and community members on a 5-year update to its 10-year strategic plan.

A comprehensive bilingual survey has been drafted to gather feedback, which will help county staff better understand the wants and needs of the Santa Cruz County community and finalize this update to the Parks Strategic Plan.

Those who complete the survey and provide an email address will be eligible for free swim passes to the Simpkins Family Swim Center. The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DM2DGZC

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed.

Ben Lomond

Friday June 16, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Love Creek Road

Capitola

Saturday June 17, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave.

Santa Cruz

Tuesday June 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Scotts Valley

Thursday June 29, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Vista Del Lago

Mobile Home Park, Club House, 444 Whispering Pines Drive

Watsonville

Tuesday June 20, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

Friday June 23, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. How to Donate Blood

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood. org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS

Community Bridges offers virtual yoga, art, music, computer classes, tai chi, support groups and more — and these activities are free.

All you need is internet connection and a computer, phone or tablet.

For help, go to communitybridges.org/SCWOL or call Clara at831-458-3481.

ART AT THE BEACH IN CAPITOLA

Enjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists.

The dates for 2023 are: June 25, July 30 and Aug. 13. This family-friendly event presented by the Capitola

Arts & Cultural Commission, is free and open to the public.

https://www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-3

MEET OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The County of Santa Cruz will host two community meetings to introduce the Office of Inspector General staff to the public and answer questions about the new office, designed to promote the transparency and integrity of Sheriff’s Office operations, and ensure professionalism through objective reviews, independent investigations, and evidence-based policy recommendations.

The Office of the Inspector General was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 18, 2022.

The County appointed OIR Group, founded by Michael Gennaco, to serve as Office of Inspector General.

Meetings:

Thursday, June 22, at 6 p.m. — Online Only: https:// tinyurl.com/SCCOIG

Friday, June 28, at 10:30 a.m. — In person at Santa Cruz County Offices, 701 Ocean St., 5th floor board chambers, or online at https://tinyurl.com/SCCOIG

RECREATIONAL HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of the 2023 recreational Pacific halibut fishery, which will remain open every day until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

The 2023 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 39,540 pounds — approximately the same as the 2022 quota.

CDFW’s recommended season dates were informed by a scoping process that included an online angler survey conducted earlier this year.

The open dates are not guaranteed days, and the season could be closed early if it is determined that projected catches will exceed the California quota. Anglers can check for updated information on season dates, bag/possession limits and gear restrictions at https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/recreational-pacific-halibutfishery-set-to-open-may-1#gsc.tab=0

WATSONVILLE 2050

The city of Watsonville is seeking public input to update the General Plan for 2050.

A SurveyMonkey survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/VLR7DJS is part of the City’s efforts to shape the future of Watsonville.

The survey asks opinions about community values, challenges, and visions for the future. All questions are optional and will take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The survey is open through June.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

Santa Cruz County Parks presents free familyfriendly movie nights under the stars this summer and fall.

ART IN THE GARDEN

Ongoing through Oct. 31

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden, 2660 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville

17th Annual Sculpture

IS Show at Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden Free admission

•••

Photo: ‘Shaken not Stirred’ • Artist: Richard Starks, Gilroy

Family Movie Nights is a series of free outdoor movie events. Movies begin at dusk. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol, please. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy! The dates:

June 23: Encanto @ Mesa Village Park, 790 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville

July 14: Jurassic Park @ Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond

Aug. 11: Lego Batman Movie @ Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5, all at the fairgrounds.

Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

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

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. 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.

Tuesdays through Aug. 29

LOW INTENSITY CONDITIONING & STRETCHING

9:15-10:15 a.m., Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel

Santa Cruz County Parks offers a new fitness class for active adults, low-intensity anaerobic conditioning & stretching Tuesdays at Anna Jean Cummings Park. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at scparks.com. Information: 454-7941.

Wednesdays thru Aug. 30

CAPITOLA TWIIGHT CONCERTS

6 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Capitola Village

The Capitola Twiight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months.

All concerts take place at the Esplanade bandstand. These free events are made possible by sponsors.

June 14 – Jive Machine • June 21 – Dirty Cello •

June 28 – Tsunami • July 5 – The Alex Lucero Band •

July 12 – Ribsy’s Nickels • July 19 – The Joint Chiefs

• July 26 – Pacific Roots • August 2 – Delta Wires •

August 9 – Extra Large • August 16 – Billy Martini Show

• August 23 – Everyday People • August 30 – Digbeats

Learn more about the bands at: www.jivemachine.com • www.dirtycello.com • www.tsunami-rocks.com • www. alexluceroband.com • www.reverbnation.com/ribsysnickel

• www.thejointchiefsband.com • www.pacificrootsmusic. com • www.deltawires.com • www.extra-large.net • www. billymartini70s.com • www.everydaypeopletheband.com

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

The free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands, local eats, local artists and vendors. Midtown

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS CHALLENGE

Saturday July 29

This year the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club brings a new focus to our Mountain Challenge — combining love of local cycling with the challenge of tackling climate change by donating a portion of the ride’s proceeds to Ecology Action and the Resilient Central Coast campaign.

Registration for routes that range from 36 to 125 miles is $65-90. Registration is free for 24-mile morning or afternoon family low-stress ride.

See https://www.bikereg.com/santa-cruz-mountains-challenge-2023

Fridays starts June 2 and runs through to Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands:

June 16: James Durbin & The Lost Boys w/opener

Coffee Zombie Collective

June 23: Ribsy’s Nickel w/opener Joshua Cremer

June 30: Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz w/opener Carolyn

Sills Duo

July 7: Ancestree w/opener Hijinx

July 14: The Rayburn Brothers

July 21: Dirty Cello

July 28: Alex Lucero Band w/opener Asher Stern

Aug. 4: The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie

Aug. 11: Santa Cruda w/opener Yaya’s Kitchen

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

Aug. 25: Cowboy’s After Dark w/opener Corrina & Rick

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

Details: https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtownfridays-summer-block-party-2023/

DATED EVENTS

Friday June 16

CAPITOLA ART & WINE KICKOFF PARTY

6 – 9 p.m., Bargetto Winery,3535 N. Main St., Soquel

The Capitola Art & Wine Kickoff Party & Auction is a fundraiser in support of the 40th annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, to be held Sept. 9 & 10 in Capitola Village.

Hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce, the kickoff party takes place in the beautiful creekside courtyard at Bargetto Winery.

Dress in festive florals and enjoy authentic and hearty Mexican cuisine while sipping local wines from Festival wineries.

Bid on silent auction items featuring art pieces donated by Festival artists, and gift baskets from local businesses.

All attendees must be 21+ and will receive the official 2023 Capitola Art & Wine Festival glass for wine tasting.

Admission: $50 in advance and $60 at the door (if available — event sold out last year)

Advance registration at https://master. capitolachamber.com/events/details/capitola-art-winekickoff-party-2836

Admission includes: 2023 Capitola Art & Wine Festival Glass; wine tasting from Festival wineries; taco bar catered by Taquizas Gabriel; macarons from Sugar Bakery; music by Ryan Price; silent auction with donations from Festival artists, wineries, and local businesses; unveiling of 2023 Festival poster by artists Nicole Fischer and Amadeo Bachar

Saturday June 17

WHEELIN’ BBALL KICKOFF EVENT

11 am-1 pm, Franich Park, Menasco Dr, Watsonville County Park Friends are thrilled to add Central California Health Alliance and Salud Para La Gente as sponsors for Wheelin Bball. Thank you for sponsoring this amazing program.

Come join us for some basketball fun! Families and friends are welcome. Registration at https:// www.countyparkfriends.org/equity-programs-parkrxcalendar.html

is appreciated, but not required--FREE lunch will be provided at the end. Be sure to come back for our summer wheelchair basketball camp sessions! All wheelchair users are invited to participate (manual chairs are recommended). Beginners encouraged!

Camp Begins June 24 and runs thru July.

ABLE ARTS COMMUNITY MARKET

10 a.m.–2 p.m., 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz Common Roots Farm will host the Able Arts Community Market.

There will be art, crafts, farm-to-bottle gifts, created by people living with intellectual and developmental

disabilities. Artists Ken Muramoto and Shane Tarkington will attend. Parking is on the premises.

Information: commonrootsfarm.com

SANTA CRUZ JUNETEENTH

Noon-5 p.m., Laurel Park (behind the London Nelson Center), 301 Center St., Santa Cruz

On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and Blacks were now free.

Now, 155 years later, people celebrate this remarkable event at Juneteenth celebrations across the country. A long-held tradition among African-Americans, Juneteenth celebrates culture and is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people.

Come June 17 to Laurel Park behind the London Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz for music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race! Celebrating 30 years!

This year’s theme is art. There will be an open mic, art gallery and silent auction.

Information: https://www.santacruzjuneteenth.com

Sunday June 18

SEACLIFF STATE BEACH CLEANUP

Begins at Noon

Take part in a community clean-up at Seacliff State Beach. Join fellow nature enthusiasts and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and make a positive impact to our environment.

No registration required.

Wednesday June 21

EARLY START SUPPORT GROUP

7 to 8 p.m., Online Meeting

Are you a parent of an infant or toddler with delays or disabilities?

Meet other families who are going through a similar experience. Often new parents feel overwhelmed, and we hope this group, which meets via Zoom, can help you build a community of support.

Share what is going through your mind and learn about resources and special needs related topics. For Zoom meeting info or questions contact Crystalrose Cirujano by email at special.connections. sc@gmail.com or by phone at (408) 442-4139

Zoom ID: 88994852857

Passcode: 864130

Saturday June 24

BOOK SALE FOR APTOS LIBRARY

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Dr. Friends of the Aptos Library will host a book sale at the Aptos Grange.

Have books to donate? Email friendsoftheaptoslibrary@fscpl.org and they will arrange to meet you and get your book donations.

Also, you can bring book donations to the Grange Friday, June 23, the day before the sale, from 1:30-4 p.m.

All books will be $1 to $2.

All funds help support a variety of programs and projects of the Aptos Public Library.

Hosted by the Friends of the Aptos Library; co-sponsored by the Aptos Grange

CalAIM: Innovating MediCal

Recently, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation from the County Health Services Agency on the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative.

CalAIM has the potential to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal — and will be a large implementation and coordination responsibility for the County. But what exactly is CalAIM and how will it impact our community and state?

What is CalAIM?

The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal, or CalAIM for short, is a long-term commitment to transform and strengthen Medi-Cal, offering Californians a more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered approach to maximizing their health and life.

Beyond direct health care funding, this initiative provides a new funding source for non-clinical interventions that impact health — social determinants such as housing vouchers, meals, community-based care coordination and more.

Whole-Person Care

Much of the current national approach to healthcare is fragmented — where physical and behavioral health, for example, are often treated separately.

CalAIM aims to break down these barriers through its whole-person care approach. Instead of treating patients as isolated cases, healthcare providers will consider their unique circumstances, addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

This holistic approach promises to enhance the quality of care and result in better health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

For example, on the behavioral health side, CalAIM requires that the County develop standardized screening and transition tools, implementing a “No Wrong Door” policy to ensure beneficiaries receive

treatment regardless of the delivery system in which they seek care.

The County established the “No Wrong Door” approach in early 2023, which includes implementation of statewide standardization of screening and transition tools that improve access and coordination of care. These tools streamlined criteria to improve access to care.

Reaching Those in Need

CalAIM expands the scope of services covered by Medi-Cal and the eligibility of Medi-Cal for specific populations, with the goal of ensuring all residents of Santa Cruz County have access to comprehensive care.

CalAIM leverages the Medi-Cal program as a tool to address many complex challenges facing the state’s most vulnerable residents, such as those who are experiencing homelessness, children with complex medical conditions, the growing number of justiceinvolved populations who have significant clinical needs, those needing behavioral health services, and the growing aging population. This will increase access to care and also decrease the financial burden of that care for these populations.

Sharing Data

CalAIM leverages technology -- which became common during COVID -- such as tele-health services and other digital health tools.

In addition, CalAIM looks to enhance data-sharing between systems to effectively serve communities. Movement towards a “one person, one record” model of data integration will significantly improve services by providing actionable data, developing consensus on how systems share data, and reducing duplication of efforts in service delivery.

The County continues to work on a cross-departmental effort to analyze our internal data system, assess the data infrastructure needs for community-based

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

organizations and make recommendations for efficiencies across its systems. Datasharing will support improved readiness for the continued rollout of CalAIM initiatives providing complex care coordination for higher-risk Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

This type of collaboration will ensure resources and efforts are allocated effectively to reduce duplication of services, enhance the “no wrong door” ideology deployed in County, and further the transparency and coordination of complex service delivery to improve the wellness of Santa Cruz County residents.

Healthcare Providers

What about the impact on healthcare

...

CalAIM does change some payment models and as with any transition there will be challenges during the implementation/transition period. But overall, the program intends to enhance payment models and streamline administrative processes, reducing the burden on providers. The goal is to reduce administrative/billing tasks so healthcare professionals will have more time to focus on what truly matters: Providing quality care to their patients. n

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As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend

SCCAS Featured Pet

PARTY IN THE PARK

“Calendar” from page 29

Sunday June 25

SIP FOR SECOND HARVEST

1-4 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive

Seascape Golf Club hosts Sip for Second Harvest. Help fight hunger while sipping some of the best wine in Santa Cruz County.

Mingle and sample wines from over 10 local wineries.

Tickets are $50-90 at http://app.giveffect.com/ campaigns/26246-sip-for-second-harvest-2023

Wednesday June 28

HOUSING PLAN MEETING

5:30-7 p.m., Watsonville Civic Plaza, 4th floor community room, 275 Main St.

Cleo and Loki: Friends Forever

Cleo and Loki are a bonded pair of kitties who came to the Shelter as an owner surrender when their previous guardian was moving and unable to take them.

Loki is a 3-year-old neutered male brown tabby and Cleo is a spayed 3-yearold grey Domestic Longhair. While we are not sure they are related we do know they love each other a whole lot and they will be best served if adopted together.

While they were indoor cats in their last home they would love a home with supervised time outdoors or a catio.

When they came into the Shelter they were nervous but now love being played with and pet by volunteers. They may be nervous at first in a new home and with new people but will warm up eventually.

In their previous home they were around kids of all ages and around a dog. Both kitties are independent but also love to cuddle.

Are you looking for two new cuddly pals- check out Cleo and Loki! Their adoption fee is BOGO to encourage adopters to keep them together!

This week we are having a Cat special on cats and kittens — any cat or kitten is $50 which includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatments for fleas/worms, a discounted pet wellness exam with local participating bets and a toy/treat bag for each adopter from the Wishbone Pet Company. Good through close of business Sunday, June 18.

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Right now 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. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is located at 1001 Rodriguez St and is open every day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

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

TV Dads

Noon-4 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. Come to the 4th of July Party in Aptos Village Park with activities for the whole family.

Food trucks and vendors will include Taquizas Gabriel, with tacos, quesabirrias, burritos, asada fries, nachos, quesadillas, churros, shrimp, fish, and drinks.

India Gourmet will serve hot prepared Indian cuisine. Whiting’s Fun Foods has Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream. Clean Juice Aptos will prepare Acai Bowls and Juice. S and B Food Truck offers burgers, sandwiches, fried food and bottled drinks. The Capitola Aptos Rotary will bring beer.

In addition, there will be craft vendors, games, and dancing to the music of “James Durbin and The Lost Boys.”

Public outreach for the 2023-2031 Santa Cruz County Housing Element is underway. Residents who want to help everyone have access to healthy, safe housing, make housing more affordable while improving quality of life, and locate housing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and commute times are invited to participate. Spanish translation available.

Every eight years, the state requires all counties and cities to update their Housing Element to ensure an adequate supply of housing units can be developed to meet the needs of community members at all income levels.

The Housing Element includes a review of potential environmental impacts.

Sign up for updates and submit comments at https://www. sccoplanning.com/2023HousingElement.

Tuesday July 4

WORLD’S SHORTEST PARADE IN APTOS

10 a.m.-End of Parade, Soquel/State Park Dr. to Trout Gulch Rd.

On July 4th, Aptos will celebrate our freedoms with t-shirts, a great parade, and a party in Aptos Village Park.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks for their work in trying to restore our parks from a series of natural disasters. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive and ends at Trout Gulch Road.

The Chamber is asking the community to be the judges for this year’s parade. Send photos of your favorite floats, groups, pets, cars, and bands to chamberaptos@gmail.com. Sign up to be in the parade at aptoschamber.com.

This year’s T-shirt image is a local Burmese Mountain Dog named Birdie. T-shirts are available for $20 at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Aptos Feed, and Deluxe Foods.

Entrance donation is $5. The event is hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

Happy Independence Day!

Saturday July 15

TRUE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road Chuck Girard from Love Song will kick off the True Love Festival, now in its third year at Aptos Village Park.

Love Song was the main band that started the Jesus Movement in the 1970s and is seen in the new movie “Jesus Revolution,” which is the fifth best-selling faith movie of all time.

More than 20 churches and ministries from Boulder Creek to Watsonville are coming together to present the True Love Christian Music and Art Festival which is offered free to the community. There will be free hot dogs and tacos, fun and fellowship. Bringing extra snacks and drinks is recommended.

Attendees should bring chairs and shade covering. Parking is at Coastlands Church or Resurrection Church; take the Monte Vista Shuttle Vans. More information at www.truelovechristian.com

Wednesday July 19

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

1 p.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel The Porter Memorial Library invites pre-school and early elementary school children to an Ice Cream Social and storytelling by Jeanne Jorgensen. This theme this month is “Safari Adventure.”

Saturday July 29

SOQUEL PIONEER PICNIC

Begins at Noon, Pringle Grove, 6199-6103 Pringle Ln., Soquel

Nora Oliver Angell founded the Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association in 1938. During an “old-timers” picnic at Pringle Grove the following summer, she was elected to serve as the first president.

The Grove had been a popular spot for outdoor events since the 1880s. The wooded setting became a traditional site for pioneer gatherings, and owners Lloyd and Annie Pringle decided to make it a gift to the community. The deed was granted to the association in 1945.

This year, members and enthusiasts of Soquel history will meet on the last Saturday in July for the potluck picnic and program that begins at noon. The afternoon is filled with stories, the sharing of photographs, and speakers who talk about the town and its settlers. n