Aptos Times: September 15, 2023

More Happiness: What You Can Do

for

Photo Credit: James Stanton Photography

Cover State Grant To Fund Cabrillo-UCSC Student Housing

Community News

4 Seacliff State Beach Survey

5 Câmbio: A Charming Picture Book for Kids, By Jondi Gumz

7 Connecting Homeless Youth to Homeowners Who Care, By Robin Reynolds

8 Watsonville Hospital Overdose Awareness Day: Pills Ordered Online Often Contain Deadly Fentanyl, Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz

10 Hispanic Serving Institution Week at Cabrillo College

12 Santa Cruz Court: New Postcard for Jury Service

15 Meet Two Local Government Fellows

16 Sept. 23 Beach Cleanup Targeting Cigarette Butts

17 Out of the Darkness Walk: Sept. 30, By Jondi Gumz

18 RTC Awarded $1.9 Million

19 Milestone: $100,000 in Cash Aid for Local Veterans

20 Buddhist Teacher Tenzin Chogkyi To Speak Sept. 21

27 Aptos Artist in Pastels USA: 99 Voices in Pastel California News

9 AB 957: Author Says Bill Protects TGI Youth, By Jondi Gumz

11 AB28 – 11% Gun Tax – Heads to Gov. Newsom

14 Kaiser Settles for $47 Million Over Dumping Medical Waste

23 AB 418: Senate Oks Ban on Four Harmful Chemicals in Food, By Jondi Gumz

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – A Season of Retrogrades — Pause, Purification & Assessment, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

6 More Happiness: What You Can Do, Courtesy of Good News Network

10 Aptos High: How Parents Can Get Involved, By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal

22 Farm Guests: What Foods are Good for Me?, From the Grower Shipping Association of Central California

24 The Best is Yet to Be, By Barry and Joyce Vissell

25 Please Don’t Do This at the Airport, By Christopher Elliott

30 Serving on County, Regional, State and National Commissions, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – A Couple of Cuties

Patrice Edwards

Jondi Gumz

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contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Robin Reynolds, Risa D’Angeles, Alison Hanks-Sloan, Barry and Joyce Vissell, Christopher Elliott, Zach Friend layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer

Seacliff State Beach Survey

California State Parks is seeking public input on the future of Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches to help protect them from sea level rise and extreme weather. In the initial phase, members of the public are invited to participate in an online survey to share information on preferred recreational activities and what they value when visiting the parks.

The historic storms that impacted California’s communities this past winter and damaged Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches are evidence of a new reality

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“Housing” from page 1 Cabrillo College had sought a $111 million state grant to fund construction costs for its project with UC Santa Cruz estimated to cost $181.7 million.

The project was in limbo at the end of June after Gov. Newsom, facing a state budget deficit of $31.5 billion, switched the grants to a bond program where colleges could borrow money.

Details of the legislative fix were not available.

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With this funding, groundbreaking next to the softball field is expected in September 2024, and once completed in fall 2026, the campus will have a multistory building with 624 beds, 376 reserved for Cabrillo students, and 248 for UCSC students.

This is one of three joint student housing projects between the University of

the state’s shoreline faces because of climate change, parks leaders say. As State Parks staff develops plans to restore services and amenities for visitors, providing climate-resilient facilities will be a critical consideration.

State Parks staff says public engagement will be key to the success of these efforts.

The public outreach and engagement launched on Sept. 8 are part of the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Alternatives Study, which is analyzing the parks in the context of

climate change and sea level rise. The study, expected to be completed in 2024, will evaluate options and opportunities moving forward.

The public can participate in the online survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/ ZZZH2BG. The survey is confidential and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Information on future public engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared on social media and by email. Sign at parks.ca.gov/Seacliff.

“Seacliff” page 9

California and California Community Colleges the first such partnership between these educational institutions in state history.

“We are grateful that local legislators and the Governor have come to a historic agreement to fund our collaborative housing project for local college students,” said Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein.”This is a game changer for our students, 20% of whom are homeless. With this infusion of revenue bond funds from the University of California, we’ll be able to house our most needy students, accelerate their completion, and secure transfer opportunities for them at a world-class university.”

Laird expects this project will become a model for higher education systems to work collaboratively toward solving the all too serious and increasingly common issue of student homelessness.

“I hear on a daily basis from my constituents about the hardships they face when it comes to housing in Santa Cruz County,” Laird said. “Students are having to make really difficult choices about how or if they can continue their education in our community. That is why I have been dogged in ensuring the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program was supported in a way that recognizes the economic burdens countless students face in not only our region, but California as a whole.”

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive said, “Affordable and reliable university housing is critical in helping students successfully earn a UC Santa Cruz degree. We deeply appreciate the support of Senator Laird and other California lawmakers in helping us increase educational access by building more student housing.”

Laird represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, the majority of Monterey County, as well as parts of Santa Clara County.

He is a UCSC graduate who was elected to the Santa Cruz City Council three times, serving from 1981-1990. He was mayor twice, one of the first openly gay mayors in the U.S. Then he was elected twice to the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees, serving from 1994 to 2002. In 2002, he was elected to the State Assembly to represent the 27th District, portions of Monterey, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, and was reelected in 2004 and 2006 — the maximum three terms.

He was secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency from Jan. 5, 2011 until Jan. 7, 2019. He won election to the State Senate on Nov. 3, 2020. n

Cover Photo: Rendering of proposed housing facility near at the edge of Cabrillo College in Aptos. Inset of Sen. Laird.

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website

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Câmbio: A Charming Picture Book for Kids

By Jondi Gumz

When Taylor Lahey was working at the Celo Foundation some years back, a story company employees told made a big impression: The Curitiba Green Exchange.

It’s a true story shared by the Global Genius Trust about how the impoverished capital of Paraná, Brazil, whose wealth was in farmland, leveraged untapped resources to support environmental cleanup, job creation and city restoration.

City residents lived in shantytowns, where streets were not wide enough for garbage trucks. So garbage piled up on the street.

The mayor, architect Jaime Lerner, had an idea. He ordered large trash bins for the edge of the shantytowns. Anyone depositing a bag full of pre-sorted trash got a bus token. People collecting paper and cartons got a plastic token exchangeable for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tens of thousands of children picked the neighborhood clean. Parents used the token to ride the bus downtown, often to find jobs. Soon bus tokens were accepted at local markets to buy food.

Eventually more than 70% of the households got involved. Over time, the 62 poorer neighborhoods exchanged 11,000 tons of garbage for nearly a million bus tokens and 1,200 of food.

Lahey, 35, who now lives in Aptos, was hooked by the story.

He pitched writing a book as a company project and then pitched a research trip to learn more.

He visited Curitiba in December 2019, met the exchange director and a city planning representative, and interviewed people.

Lahey, a designer and visual communicator, created a version of the book without words, but after Covid arrived, he set the project aside.

By 2022, he was ready to start his own business, Taylor Lahey Studios, and work on the book again.

He partnered with Ryan Matias, 35, an illustrator and character designer he met at The Animation Collaborative, a school in Emeryville.

“Câmbio” page 7

Taylor Lahey, left, partnered with Ryan Matias to produce the children’s book, Câmbio.

More Happiness: What You Can Do

Editor’s note: Everyone could use a little more happiness, right? I will be sharing “good news” stories with our readers. This was originally printed by Good News Network, the #1 website for positive news at GNN.org.

•••

Apoll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 20 things that make us feel good — with a good night’s sleep and a sunny blue sky coming in at number one and two.

45% said a nice compliment is guaranteed to boost their mood, while laughing until tears flowed also scored high.

The average respondent experiences these uplifting moments three times a day and claims that, in a typical week, they feel good about their day four times out of seven.

But, some are finding it increasingly hard to be happy. In fact, 83% said they proactively avoid negative stories on social media and TV due to it leaving them feeling ‘emotionally drained.’

The survey, commissioned by the cheese company Babybel, also found that nearly half of Londoners would welcome a pick me up.

In response, the brand has created ‘the Goodness Bench’ inside King’s Cross train station in London, as part of its ‘Join the Goodness’ campaign.

It’s designed to spread feel-good vibes by sharing a few positive news stories from the week while donating to its longstanding charity partner, Comic Relief, every time someone sits on the bench.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “We all need a boost from

Market

time-to-time and feeling good goes hand in hand with doing good, which is why we wanted to spread positivity through this activation.”

68% of the Brits polled believe happiness is infectious, and as a result, over a third say they often or always go out of their way to spread a bit of positivity.

“Good News” page 7

Top 20 Things That Make Us Feel Good

1. A good night’s sleep

2. A sunny blue sky

3. Summer

4. Receiving a compliment or praise

5. Booking a holiday

6. Crying with laughter

7. Getting a quiet moment to yourself

8. Eating your favorite snack

9. Pets being happy to see you

10. Looking back at old photographs

11. Finishing a great book

12. Helping an elderly person with something

13. Finishing a workout

14. Hearing children really belly-laughing

15. Finding a parking space when it’s busy

16. A newly-cleaned car

17. When your football or other sports team wins

18. A heart-to-heart with a loved one

19. Volunteering or helping others

20. Finding out your children have done well at school

for full details.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Connecting Homeless Youth to Homeowners Who Care

By Robin Reynolds

Editor’s note: The Bill Wilson Center Santa Cruz County runs a Host Home Program for youth who are homeless. The program includes a case manager. Once a youth is matched for a 3- to 6-month stay, the homeowner is eligible for a stipend of up to $1,500 per month.

•••

Making the leap into adulthood is difficult in its own right, but becomes nearly insurmountable if a youth is unhoused without a person to mentor them through life’s hardships.

But when a connection is made and a door is opened to a homeless youth to allow time for the knowledge and resources they need to become stable and independent – a youth has the chance to be a contributing adult in a community.

Ayanna’s homelessness came suddenly in 2021 with the death of her boyfriend

“Good News” from page 6

But, oddly, according to the OnePoll results, just 24% actively set aside time on a regular basis to do things that make themselves happy.

“Doing things to make others happy also has the benefit of making us happy as well, making it a really positive circle

“Câmbio” from page 5

Matias went on to work for Pixar, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and Disney TV but the friends kept in touch and Matias was ready to pursue work he could call his own.

Lahey committed to writing and designing the book and Matias agreed to illustrate it.

Lahey told Aptos Times, “I went through many written iterations of writing but the vision of the story remained just about the same. You have to understand that I’m not a writer by trade so I received a lot of help along the way. It was Nicholas Tolfa, the editor of Câmbio that really brought my tone, structure, and eloquence that I had in mind.”

The bold and colorful illustrations complement the story, which is told for kids age 6 and up.

Lahey says the story was written to encourage intergenerational reading in groups.

Tony’s grandfather, with whom they had been living in his home. Home for the young couple, and a cat named Rusty, became their van. After six months of living out of their van and battling COVID, the winter storms proved too much for them and they found refuge on a friend’s couch for the next two months.

But a van is not a home and a couch is not a home.

The path to stability came shortly after filling out the intake forms at Housing Matters and being referred to Bill Wilson Center’s Santa Cruz Shared Housing Host Home Program. Ayanna’s boyfriend was the first to meet Bill Wilson Center’s Case Manager and Shared Housing Recruiter Valerie Arno. They were excited to find out that they could get helpand stay together.

Staying together would take the pair up to a small neighborhood in Bonny Doon

of behavior,” the Babybel spokesperson added. “And many of the things on our top 20 list of happiness-makers come at absolutely no cost at all.”

“We all need a boost from timeto-time and feeling good goes hand in hand with doing good, which is why we wanted to spread positivity through this activation.” n

The 14-page paperback book is priced at $12.

Asked why he moved his business to Aptos, Lahey said, “On a hunch, I moved my girlfriend and I to my father’s house in Aptos from San Francisco. After getting through the pandemic together, we decided to lay down roots in Aptos and begin calling this town ‘home.’ We love it here.”

He doesn’t have speaking dates yet but he said, “Very soon, I hope to become a part of the programming of the Santa Cruz Public Library, Bookshop Santa Cruz, and any educational programs (public or private schools or Cabrillo College).”

He said he’s prioritizing Santa Cruz County and Contra Costa County where Matias lives.

“I want people here to be able to check out the book and meet me in public spaces and events,” Lahey said. “I never grew up knowing an author or artist and I wish to provide that by being accessible to people in Santa Cruz.” n

spared by the CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire.

After introductory meetings to ensure compatibility between the youth and the host home, Joël opened her home to Ayanna and Tony.

“When you’re coming off from living on the street, it’s really hard to be consistent to stay in school or to hold down a job,” said Joël. “But they did a great job of maximizing their resources to put them in a good spot.”

Joël has taken in youth in the past, but working with Bill Wilson Center’s program was the first time to have the support of someone like Valerie.

“It’s nice to have a team that offers resources for the kids since it’s so hard to come up with resources in Santa Cruz because Santa Cruz is so expensive,” said Joël.

“Homeless Youth” page 9

Joël with her goat

Watsonville Hospital Overdose Awareness Day

Pills

Ordered Online Often Contain Deadly Fentanyl

Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz

When I went to Watsonville Hospital’s International Overdose Awareness Day event on Aug. 31, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of resources.

Fentanyl overdoses have tripled, 65 in 2022 in Santa Cruz County, but from what I knew, not much help is available.

However, the resource fair in Watsonville was impressive: 21 tables.

Encompass, which offers counseling on drugs and drinking for youth and adults and a 30-bed residential program for 30-90 days with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Janus of Santa Cruz, residential drug and alcohol treatment for adults and a separate program for women pregnant or parenting, with cognitive behavioral treatment.

The Camp, privately owned, in Scotts Valley, residential drug treatment for teens and adults

Friday Night Live, youth leadership at local high schools.

Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, which pointed out the brain needs fiber, healthy fats and Vitamin E to stay healthy.

Santa Cruz Community Health, with a newish location in Ben Lonond.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which has free Naloxone to reverse a fentanyl overdose.

American Addiction Centers, a publicly traded company with a national

network and a treatment center in Orange County.

Watsonville Community Hospital: Free Narcan in the emergency room and Ashlee DeHerrera, is the substance use navigator, your guide and advocate with compassion.

One of the leaders is Edgar Castellanos, who came from a broken home, experienced trauma, and by age 10, turned to crime, gangs, and drugs.

“I know that vicious cycle,” he said. He was living in the streets. At 17, his life turned around.

Why?

“God, to be honest,” he said. Now he’s reaching out to troubled youth, meeting them where they’re at.

“I just want to make a difference,” he said. One big problem with fentanyl is that it is so powerful, one dose can kill a first-timer.

Here’s another big problem: When people feel anxious or want to party, they order drugs online but they never actually order fentanyl.

The deadly fentanyl is so cheap to make, dealers mix it into Xanax or Percocet pills to boost profits. Customers never know … often it’s too late.

Perhaps fentanyl overdoses should be recategorized as fentanyl poisoning.

•••

How can you tell if someone you know is overdosing?

• The person is dizzy.

• The pupils of the eye are extremely small.

• The person makes choking or gurgling sounds.

• The person’s breathing is slow or absent.

• The person cannot be woken up.

• The person’s skin is cold.

• The person’s lip and nails are discolored.

What to do:

• Call 911 immediately.

• Give breath, one breath every 5 seconds.

• Use naloxone nasal spray if you have it.

• More than one dose of naloxone may be needed.

You have legal protection from civil liability if you act in good faith and provide care at the scene of an emergency. n

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers free Narcan to reverse fentanyl overdose.

Aiden Fuller talks about recovery: “If you fall, you just have to get back up.”

Andres Galvan is a caseworker at Watsonville Health Center.

Maisy Morrison (left) and Amanda Mahan field an inquiry for Janus of Santa Cruz

Remembrance tree: Those lost to overdose are not forgotten.

Lisa Marquez of Gilroy lost her son, Fernando Sanchez, to fentanyl at 17.

Encompass staff Sage Smiley, William Norteye, Chris Brown & Kristie Brenda are ready to help. Smiley is manager of youth substance disorder treatment, Norteye is senior manager of adult outpatient services, Brown is peer MAT specialist, and Brenda is senior manager of health and housing.

Edgar Castellanos of Youth Recovery Connections, meets Hillary Brandt, chief nursing officer at The Camp.

AB 957: Author Says Bill Protects TGI Youth

By Jondi Gumz

On Sept. 8, the California State Assembly passed AB 957 to require judges in child custody cases to make “gender affirmation” a factor in child custody cases.

The vote was 57-16 along party lines with Assembly members Gail Pellerin, Dawn Addis and Robert Rivas voting yes.

The State Senate passed the bill 30-9, along party lines. Senators John Laird and Anna Caballero voted yes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill into law. The deadline is Sept. 14.

Under it, parents who decline to affirm their child’s gender identity or gender could be guilty of failing to provide for the “health, safety, and welfare” of their child—and lose custody to another parent or the state.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, whose child identifies as transgender, introduced the Transgender, Gender-Diverse, and Intersex Youth Empowerment Act on Feb. 14. The cosponsor is State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco.

The term “gender affirmation” isn’t defined in AB 957.

In March, Wilson’s office issued a statement saying, “AB 957 empowers parents who support their TGI children by clarifying once and for all that affirming a child’s gender identity is in the best interest

of the child, allowing courts to consider a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity when making decisions about visitation and custody.”

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 13, state Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, warned parents to leave California if the bill becomes law.

“In recent years, we have put government bureaucrats between parents, children, and doctors when it comes to medical care—and now we have this where if a parent does not support the ideology of the government, [children] are going to be taken away from the home,” Wilk said, adding: “If you love your children, you need to flee California.” n •••

To read the bill, see https://legiscan.com/ CA/text/AB957/id/2823779

“Homeless Youth” from page 7

“Valerie is such a kind person,” said Ayanna. “She helped me learn to prioritize what is important for myself.”

After seven months of living with Joël in Bonny Doon, Ayanna and Tony moved into an apartment near the Boardwalk that Bill Wilson Center’s case manager was able to secure for them.

Ayanna continues to staff the front desk at Well Within Spa and Tony is employed at Sockshop.

As a host, Joël provided a spare bedroom and bathroom to Ayanna and Tony that helped them to thrive and feel supported in a safe, welcoming, host home environment.

Joël was supported through the process with ongoing training and 24/7 support from BWC case managers. Hosts also are provided with monthly rental

“Seacliff” from page 4

The recovery process is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. As operating partners with State Parks, the nonprofit has established the Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund (ThatsMyPark.org/ SeacliffRecoveryFund).

The fund provides short-term support, followed by investments in long-term recovery work to ensure public access and environmental protection at the beach. To date, the fund has raised $98,558 from 184 donors across the country. n

assistance (up to $1,500) for providing temporary shelter to BWC-placed youth.

Bill Wilson Center’s Santa Cruz County Shared Housing/Host Home Program continues to look for people who can provide temporary housing in a safe and welcoming environment for youth and LGBTQ/Ally young adults (ages 18-24) who are experiencing housing instability. Hosts can be families, couples, or singles who are allies of the LGBTQ community.

Bill Wilson Center provides background checks and works to find

compatible matches to place a young adult in an approved host home. Host homes can be located anywhere in Santa Cruz County.

The youth in the program are referred to the Bill Wilson Center by the county. Common causes for youth homelessness can include, but are not limited to, aging out of foster care, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family conflicts.

These youth lack stable housing arrangements and often sleep in places not meant for human habitation such as in the woods, in the bushes, on the sidewalk, and in vehicles.

If you can help or would like additional information about becoming a host, please contact Valerie Arno at varno@billwilsoncenter.org or (408) 679-8732.

“Just like in any family,” said Joël, “it’s definitely easier to have a team than to be the only one trying to run the show.” n Joël sitting outside her home

Photo Credit: California State Parks

The historic winter storms damaged over half of the pier and the campground at Seacliff State Beach.

If you can help or would like additional information about becoming a host, please contact Valerie Arno at varno@billwilsoncenter.org or (408) 679-8732.

Aptos High: How Parents Can Get Involved

By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal

Hundreds of parents visited Aptos High School for our Back to School Night. One set of parents included a mom who graduated from Aptos and was happy to be back on campus; dad said he started at Aptos but left to an alternative school because of the choices he made two decades earlier. Both were thrilled to be visiting classrooms and learning about their child’s school year.

No matter what experiences or feelings our caregivers brought, all of them came with a commitment to support their high school students.

While our high schoolers are a few steps away from being independent, they continue to need our support and active engagement. They might tell us that they are okay, and we don’t need to attend. However, if your schedule has flexibility, we need your support. As much as you can, be present for their games, plays, and performances.

Our schools have lots of ways to get involved:

Boosters

Agroup of parents lead this team to financially support our school and meet on a monthly basis. From team warm up clothes to purchasing dinner for teachers at Back to School Night, Boosters leads fundraisers throughout the year. They are the friendly faces selling Mariner wear at events.

This month, they are coordinating the Drive for Schools: a Santa Cruz County fundraiser that supports participating groups, classes, or teams. Buying a ticket provides a chance to win $25,000. It also gives money back to the student’s group. Boosters also hosts an annual auction and dinner with parents and teachers spending a celebratory evening together. Email aptosboosters@gmail.com for more information. Some teams have their own boosters, too.

School Site Council

EveryCalifornian public school has a site council. This group oversees and shapes the annual School Plan for Student Achievement. They examine the school’s goals, meet with department chairs, review academic / student services data, and monitor how funding strategically supports the school. It consists of elected representatives, including parents, teachers, classified team members, and students. Others are welcome at monthly Monday meetings, but not eligible to vote. Remember to follow Robert’s Rules of Orders.

Parent Advisory Amuch less formal setting, our parent advisory started last year as a way for families to come together and speak openly with the principal each quarter.

This year, we are scheduled to meet Oct. 3, Dec. 7, March 13 and May 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Supporting the Team, Club, Advisor, or Coach

Ifyou are present for the events, reach out and see how you can support. From photo taking to helping arrange drivers, there is always room for an extra hand.

It also creates a way to get to know the students with whom your child is interacting, as well as the adults leading them.

Limited Time

If your schedule prevents you from being involved, take the time to be engaged through dialogue.

Ask your student every day about their best class, worst moment, something they would change, or what they did during lunch.

Email teachers and school team members who are a part of your student’s day.

Social Media

Follow us on Twitter and be in the loop about what great things are happening. Also, be savvy on social media. This applies to both our parents and our students. Help us celebrate the great moments. When the moments get tough, be cautious about venting and posting negative messages.

What we see on social media only represents one side and often has more opinion than fact. Family and student privacy exists to protect our students; it also can limit what is shared, especially when we are discussing minors.

We need to have conversations with our students about their social media activities and to stop and pause before hitting send.

Remind our students that the photos they share or words they say can later be used against them. While relationships and friendships might not last forever, social media postings and photos don’t go away.

Some universities and employers actually research their applicants. If we as parents are paying the phone bill, it is our right to inquire and set limitations.

Respect

reminded teenagers to act as if we were watching them. Following that Golden Rule to treat others the way you want to be treated no matter what age we are.

The same is true among the adults with whom we interact.

Our teachers and team members interact daily with hundreds of students. We can’t always respond as quickly or thoroughly as you would like, but we do our best. Help us work together by communicating your students’ needs and giving us the time to find the best ways to support them.

We are all working toward the same goal of helping your students have a great high school experience that prepares them for the world beyond our campus. n

Hispanic Serving Institution Week at Cabrillo College

Cabrillo College is celebrating Hispanic Serving Institution Week Sept. 11-15, with events at 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, and the Watsonville Center at 318 Union St., Watsonville.

To better serve its Latinx population and to become truly Hispanic serving, Cabrillo has been working with Dr. Gina Garcia, author and scholar, who researches equity and justice in higher education and transformational practices to enact organizational change.

In spring 2021, Cabrillo faculty, staff, and administrators co-created an HSI Task Force grounded in Dr. Garcia’s framework. This work culminated in a 21-page report, which is at https://tinyurl.com/ cabrillo-HSI-report-2021.

At present, 48% of Cabrillo’s student population is Latinx. For the past two years, Cabrillo’s graduating classes have been nearly 52% Latinx.

•••

Thursday, Sept. 14

Empowering Student Voices at HSIs with Dr. Gina

•••

Friday, Sept. 15 Fiesta Mexicana, 5-7 p.m. Watsonville Plaza, Watsonville

Film Festival 7:30 p.m., Watsonville Center - El Rey del Barrio featuring Tin-Tan.

“I am a proud Cabrillo alumna who began my educational path here,” said Dr. Blanca Baltazar-Sabbah, Division Dean, Academic Counseling, Career and Educational Support Services, who is on the HSI leadership team. “Returning as an administrator, I have witnessed the growth of Cabrillo’s Latinx student population. I’m pleased to be a part of this transformative work to help Cabrillo better serve its students.”

Cabrillo received its Federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, based on enrollment of 25% Latinx and low-income students in 2007, which made the College eligible to apply for Federal HSI grants.

Since 2010, Cabrillo has received three HSI grants totaling $26 million, focused on increasing capacity to serve Latinx and low-income students. Grant-funded projects include more distance education, data dashboards, ‘smart’ classrooms and state-of-the-art greenhouses, peer mentor programs, and culturally-responsive professional development. n

Garcia, Watsonville Center, 12:30 -1:30 p.m., Aptos Rm. 302, from 2-3 p.m.

Lecture by Dr. Gina Garcia, 5-6 p.m. reception, 6-7 p.m. lecture, Samper Recital Hall. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/garcia-student-voices.

AB28 – 11% Gun Tax – Heads to Gov. Newsom

On Sept. 7, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill 28, a landmark measure that would impose an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition sold by gun manufacturers and dealers. The vote was 27-9.

Having cleared both the Assembly and Senate by a 2/3 supermajority vote, AB 28 – which is officially known as the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act – goes to Gov. Newsom, who must sign or veto bills by Oct. 14.

Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino), chair of the Legislature’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, AB 28 is expected to generate $150 million a year to fund school safety and violence prevention programs, including initiatives to prevent school shootings, bolster firearm investigations, reduce retaliatory violence, and remove guns from domestic abusers.

Since AB 28 was introduced at the beginning of the current legislative session, the United States has experienced hundreds of mass shootings, including horrific incidents in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay.

A recent report by the American

Academy of Pediatrics found that the firearm death rate for American children increased 40% between 2018 and 2021.

Legislative attempts to tax guns have been made since 2013 in California; this is the first bill pass the Assembly. The vote was 56-17, with seven abstaining. Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin, Robert Rivas and Dawn Addis, who represent Santa Cruz County, voted yes.

“It’s beyond shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States,” said Gabriel.

Gabby Giffords, the congresswoman from Arizona shot in the head on Jan. 8, 2011, at a constituent event by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others,

said her organizations, Giffords, advocated for AB 28.

She said, “We urge Gov. Newsom to prioritize the safety of California’s kids and communities and sign The Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, a top priority for the gun violence prevention movement.”

Kris Brown, president of Brady, the organization named for the aide to President Reagan who was shot during an assassination attempt on the president in 1981, said, “Providing long-term investments in these initiatives is a proven way to stop gun violence before it begins.”

Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, said the bill centers solutions from the communities most impacted by the gun violence crisis.

“Our grassroots army has been committed to working with our gun-sense champions to get it across the finish line,” she said.

Moms Demand Action was started by Shannon Watts, a stay-at-home mother of five, after a gunman shot inside Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, killing 20 students and six adults, in 2012.

Gun Buyback Saturday

The Santa Cruz County Chief’s Association will host a gun buyback event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, 5200 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Individuals can bring in functioning firearms and trade them in for cash. Rifles and shotguns will be allocated $50, handguns $100, and assault-type weapons $200. The goal is to provide a venue where community members can turn in firearms they no longer want or need. The previous buyback event, in 2018, yielded 470 guns. n

Gun sellers already pay a 10-11% federal tax, which goes toward wildlife conservation.

Some Republican lawmakers said the tax would penalize law-abiding firearm owners and hunters.

Gun rights advocates said if Newsom signs the bill, they would sue the state. n

Discover your well power. CalPERS members: This Open Enrollment, choose a plan that gives you access to Dignity Health.

If you’re comparing health plans this season, consider the advantages of a plan that connects you to Dignity Health, the largest physician network in Santa Cruz County. Like our more than 200 primary and specialty care providers located in more than 100 locations throughout the region. All backed up by Dominican Hospital’s nationally recognized programs for heart, cancer, obstetrics and other specialties. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/SantaCruz

Ruth Bates

831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

CalBRE#01799929

OPEN STUDIOS

Oct. 7-8, 21-22

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

271 Meadow Court, Aptos

Being that I am a Gemini, I like to do many things at one time, and in addition to selling Real Estate, I like to PAINT. So, please come to my Open Studios on October 7-8 and 21-22 from 11-5pm at 271 Meadow Court in Aptos and check out my latest Plein-Air Oil paintings. (West Cliff Arch and Forest of Nisene)

Santa Cruz Court: New Postcard for Jury Service

People who are summoned for jury service in Santa Cruz County will see a new jury summons in the mail starting early September.

The new summons, which will arrive in the mail as a postcard, is much easier to read and creates less waste.

Many California courts have moved to a postcard style summons to reduce waste and make responding to the summons easier. Orange County switched in 2014, San Francisco in 2021, San Diego County this year.

For the next couple of weeks, some Santa Cruz County jurors must still respond to the traditional summons and people should pay careful attention to the information the Court has posted to its website about responding to that summons. By mid-October, however, all jurors will be getting to the new postcard.

“We know there will be a period of adjustment over the next several weeks, but we are striving to make serving as

a juror in this county as easy and convenient as possible,” said Court Executive Officer Sasha Morgan.

Last year, the Santa Cruz County Superior Court sent 73,000 summonses to residents across Santa Cruz County and each summons included two envelopes (one to mail back to the court) along with an 8”x14” sized summons — and about 4,000 were undeliverable because of bad addresses.

While the Court makes every effort to reduce undeliverable mail, the process has its share of waste and that’s one

reason why Santa Cruz is joining other courts across the state to use a postcard summons.

The Santa Cruz County Superior Court is also adopting a new jury management system that includes both an online and phone system where potential jurors can confirm their service and make certain requests using an automated attendant.

APTOS BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Sept. 27 • 4-7 p.m.

Seascape Golf Course

Come by and say hi to me and enjoy lots of yummy munchies and freebies at the Aptos Business Showcase Wed, Sept. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course.

APTOS SOLD PAST 30 DAYS

High sale was 110 Verona Court in the Uplands, 4bed/3ba/3953SF, $3,100,000. Median Sales Price = $1,352,500. Homes near Median: 769 Cathedral - $1,400,000, 114 Bennett - $1,449,114, 113 Toledo - $1,550,000, 113 Santa Cruz - $1,380,000. Low sale was 412 Bonita, 2bed/1ba/840SF - $769,000. AVG Days on Market was 27

ACTIVE LISTINGS

The Median List Price is $1,761,500 on 36 listings, over $400K higher than Median Sales Price. AVG DOM is 42, 15 days longer than homes sold. Prices will come down.

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

Rather than mailing back a summons to request a postponement or to indicate that someone is not qualified to serve, people can simply notify the court using a computer, mobile device, or by phone — and for people who do not have access to any of these options, the Court can still mail you a paper summons if you request it.

The Court offers phone and office hours Monday through Friday from the County building at 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Still, those who use the internet or phone options may find the process more convenient with timely responses from the Court via email and text messages.

Serving as a juror is an incredibly important part of promoting bedrock democratic principles like access, fairness, and justice for all, according to court officials. People who serve as jurors often report finding the experience extremely interesting and meaningful.

These changes in the new jury system and summons are designed to enhance the experience.

An image of the new postcard style summons is available on the Court’s website at www.santacruzcourt.org. n

For questions, call the Superior Court at 831-420-2203 or email jury.information@ santacruzcourt.org.

Kaiser Settles for $47 Million Over Dumping Medical Waste

On Sept. 8, with six district attorneys, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals resolving allegations that the healthcare provider unlawfully disposed of hazardous waste, medical waste, and protected health information at Kaiser facilities statewide.

As part of the settlement, Kaiser will be liable to pay up to $49 million and required to take steps to prevent future unlawful disposals. Kaiser:

• Will pay $47.250 million. That amount includes $37,513,000 in civil penalties, $4,832,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs, and $4,905,000 for environmental projects, primarily environmental prosecutor training.

• Must pay an additional $1.75 million in civil penalties if, within 5 years, Kaiser has not spent $3.5 million at its California facilities to implement measures to ensure compliance with provisions of the law alleged to have been violated.

• Must retain an independent thirdparty auditor — approved by the Attorney General’s Office and the district attorneys — who will: perform no less than 520 trash compactor audits at Kaiser’s California facilities to ensure regulated wastes (including protected health information) are not unlawfully disposed of; and conduct at least 40 programmatic field audits each year for five years to evaluate Kaiser’s compliance. Kaiser’s unlawful disposals are alleged to violate California’s Hazardous Waste Control Law, Medical Waste Management Act, Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, Customer Records Law, and Unfair Competition Law. The disposals are also alleged to violate the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPAA.

The settlement covers six Kaiser facilities in Santa Cruz County in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.

“The illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste puts the environment, workers, and the public at risk. It also violates numerous federal and state laws,” said Bonta. “As a healthcare provider, Kaiser should know that it has specific legal obligations to properly dispose of medical waste and safeguard patients’

medical information. I am pleased that Kaiser has been cooperative with my office and the district attorneys’ offices, and that it took immediate action to address the alleged violations.”

The settlement is the result of undercover inspections conducted by the district attorneys’ offices of dumpsters from 16 different Kaiser facilities.

During those inspections, the district attorneys’ offices reviewed the contents of unsecured dumpsters destined for disposal at publicly accessible landfills, finding hundreds of items of hazardous and medical waste (aerosols, cleansers, sanitizers, batteries, electronic wastes, syringes, medical tubing with body fluids, and pharmaceuticals) and more than 10,000 paper records containing the information of more than 7,700 patients.

The California Department of Justice subsequently expanded the investigation of Kaiser’s disposal practices further throughout the state.

In response, Kaiser immediately hired a third-party consultant and conducted more than 1,100 trash audits at its facilities to improve compliance. Kaiser also changed procedures on handling, storage, and disposal of waste.

Headquartered in Oakland, Kaiser operates more than 700 facilities statewide, making it the largest healthcare provider in California.

Kaiser provides healthcare to 8.8 million Californians, as well as members of the public who seek emergency care from Kaiser facilities.

Joining Bonta were the district attorneys of Alameda, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, and Yolo counties.

“Kaiser Settlement” page 18

Meet Two Local Government Fellows

Mateo Donato and Dustin Lopez have been selected as Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows.

Both students are starting their last year at Cabrillo and will transfer to four-year schools for their undergraduate degrees. They are the first in their families to attend college.

The Fellows program was created in 2021 by current and former local government leaders throughout Santa Cruz County and the Cabrillo College Foundation.

The goal is to encourage and support Cabrillo College students, with preference to those who are the first in their family to attend college, to pursue careers in local government as the aging workforce reaches retirement age.

As Local Government Fellows, the students receive a $2,000 scholarship, an internship in a local jurisdiction, and a mentor.

In the summer of 2024, Donato will intern with the City of Capitola and Lopez with the City of Scotts Valley.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this opportunity,” said Donato. “This allows me to work with and acquire knowledge from our local government leaders and paves my way towards being involved in local government.”

Lopez said, “I am very excited to meet new people, explore my interests in local government, and deepen my understanding of my own community. I am thankful for this opportunity and hope to help others in the same way through a career in local government.”

Arne Croce, a Cabrillo alum, former city manager and one of the program organizers, said, “We are grateful for the generous community support which makes this program possible. We are excited for Mateo and Dustin and look forward to their futures in local government.”

Effective, efficient local government is critical to communities. Services such as planning, public works, public safety, libraries, parks and recreation, elections management, and health and social services are essential to quality of life and robust economy, advocates say, and developing dedicated, competent, and diverse future local government leaders is key.

The Fellows program has raised $67,000. The goal is to raise an endowment of $100,000 and support two Fellows each year.

Contributions have come from individuals, businesses, and the cities of Capitola and Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz County and the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville have committed to providing a paid internship to those students selected as Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows. n

Scholarship funds are managed by the Cabrillo College Foundation. Contributions can be made at: https://foundation. cabrillo.edu/donate. Enter “Local Government Fellows” in the notes section.

Dustin Lopez Mateo Donato

“I am humbled and honored to receive this opportunity. This allows me to work with and acquire knowledge from our local government leaders and paves my way towards being involved in local government.”

— Mateo Donato

“I am very excited to meet new people, explore my interests in local government, and deepen my understanding of my own community. I am thankful for this opportunity and hope to help others in the same way through a career in local government.”

— Dustin Lopez

Sept. 23 Beach Cleanup Targeting Cigarette Butts

What might local wildlife say about the nasty cigarette butts littering Santa Cruz beaches?

“It’s a beach, not an ashtray.”

“Fish don’t smoke.”

“Butts are gross.”

Speak up for them 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 23, during a unique cleanup at Corcoran Beach with a focus on tobacco waste.

As part of the annual Coastal Cleanup Day sponsored by Save Our Shores, the Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition is partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s Tobacco Use Prevention Education Program to raise awareness about toxic tobacco waste and possible solutions.

Cleanup participants will replace each cigarette butt they collect with a personally

designed, larger-than-life replica to show local policy-makers and the public how big a problem butts really are.

“Many people don’t realize that cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a type of plastic,” said TEC Co-Chair Rachel Kippen. “Filters provide no health benefit to smokers but create a lasting environmental threat when inappropriately discarded, which most of them are! In fact, there are 4.5 trillion butts littering streets, parks, and beaches around the globe.”

But cigarette butts aren’t just litter.

They’re toxic waste, containing dangerous chemicals such as arsenic, lead and nicotine, the same chemicals found in secondhand smoke. As with secondhand smoke, the most effective prevention strategy is comprehensive public policy, advocates say.

“It’s time for the tobacco industry to take responsibility for the toxic mess they’ve created,” said Tara Leonard, senior health educator with the Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program.

“Spend a fun morning at the beach, enjoy an art activity, and speak up for the

creatures that make the Monterey Bay their home. Because butts aren’t just gross, they’re a public health and environmental threat.” n

Tobacco Waste Beach Cleanup is part of Coastal Cleanup Day, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 23 at Corcoran Lagoon, 20th Ave. and East Cliff Drive. Information: www.saveourshores.org.

Each marker represents a place on the beach where a cigarette butt was picked up.

Out of the Darkness Walk: Sept. 30

By Jondi Gumz

For Farah Galvez, the “Out of the Darkness” Walk on Sept. 30 at Skypark to prevent suicide is very personal. She lost her 24-year-old son, Trevor Theissen, in May 2022.

“He was a big part of the community,” she said.

Trevor graduated from Scotts Valley High School in 2016.

He was into art. He was a giving person. He was an advocate who brought scootering to the skate park.

Before he spoke up, scooters were not allowed. He addressed the City Council, which helped change the rules.

Farah talks about the trifecta of suicide. Her son had a broken heart, a physical ailment (kidney stone) and severe depression.

“All of that came into play, and we lost him,” she said. “He had a wonderful job. He was happy. That was the most heartbreaking part.”

So Farah, who has a younger son, Wesley, a senior at Scotts Valley High, is dealing with grief and creating something positive from what happened.

“I wanted to make sure his life was not in vain,” she said. “Hopefully we can give hope — save families from going through this.”

Goal: 250 Walkers

She found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — whose chief medical officer Dr. Christine Moutier spoke in Santa Cruz in March.

Finding that organization led to Farah volunteering to put together the first-ever in Santa Cruz County “Out of the Darkness” walk, which is designed to raise funds and awareness.

Her goals are 250 walkers and $25,000.

She’s about halfway there, she said from a fundraiser at Woodstock Pizza, and she needs volunteers.

“I have a great committee of parents, their kids knew Trevor,” she said.

The walk in Scotts Valley is one of 22 in California and 410 in the nation.

Check-in time at Skypark is at 9:30 a.m.

Walking starts at 10:30 a.m. on a 1.8mile route that goes to Mount Hermon Road and Bean Creek Road before looping back to Skypark.

And there is an ADA route, accessible to people using wheelchairs.

People can sign up in advance or show up and register on the day of the walk.

Normalizing Farah hopes this will start normalizing the conversation about mental health.

“How are you feeling today?”

“What’s the pain level? 1-10, how do you feel?”

She’s learned that pain is a factor in suicide.

When someone thinks, I just want the pain to stop, “we need to decrease access to pills, decrease access to guns, and increase access to connectivity. Mental health, we need to talk about it, create a space where they have hope.”

She added, “Just because you’re not bleeding doesn’t mean you’re not hurting.”

She can imagine Trevor telling her, “Just keep going. If you can help somebody with what I went through… I feel him and I pray a lot. I’ll see him again. I know that.” n

•••

Register for the walk Sept. 30 at https:// tinyurl.com/out-of-darkness-walk-sept30 or email Farah at AFSPStaCruzCtyWalk@gmail.com

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Poplar Pennycoke, Lacy Rebiskie, Tamara Juracz, and Ryder Brancatelli create hope rocks at the suicide prevention walk booth Aug. 20 at Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival.

Farah Galvez and her son Trevor Theissen

RTC Awarded $1.9 Million

Caltrans has awarded the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission $1.9 million for planning projects focusing on rural highway safety, transportation demand management and Highway 1 resiliency on the North Coast.

They are:

• $285,600 to develop the Santa Cruz County Rural Highway Safety Plan to enhance safety for Highway 9, Highway 236, Highway 35 in San Lorenzo Valley, and Highways 129 and 152 outside Watsonville and Highway 1 north of the City of Santa Cruz city limits.

The plan will use data to identify locations and patterns of crashes to generate and prioritize a suite of measures aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

• $362,560 to devise “transportation management” strategies for 22 miles of Highway 1 north to the San Mateo County line, where a string of ocean beaches await.

The plan is to identify strategies for visitor transportation and address safety. Goals are to reduce vehicles miles traveled and emissions while improving safety.

• $1,254,691 to develop a coastal resiliency plan along the Highway 1 at Waddell and

“Kaiser Settlement” from page 14

“As the largest healthcare provider in the state, Kaiser has an extraordinary responsibility to the public and to its own patients to ensure that hazardous waste, potentially infectious human waste materials, and highly sensitive patient health information are handled according to state laws and not sent to municipal landfills not equipped to handle those wastes,” said San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe.

“Kaiser Permanente has a special obligation to treat its communities with the same bedside manner as its patients,” said Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. “Dumping medical waste and private information are wrong, which they have acknowledged. This action will hold them accountable in such a way that we hope means it doesn’t happen again.”

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Weissman and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Doug Poston “dedicated years of their time and expertise to ensure the residents of our County are protected from the mishandling of medical waste and Kaiser policies are improved to safeguard the public.”

San Vincente creeks where the Waddell Creek bridge, the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line and future Coastal Rail Trail corridor over San Vicente Creek are considered vulnerable to coastal climate change. This project will identify short-, medium-, and long-term actions for transportation in tandem with ecological restoration of the Waddell Creek and San Vicente Creek ecosystems. The RTC will partner with the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and Caltrans District 5.

RTC staff will provide information regarding schedule and public participation opportunities over the next few months.

All three projects are funded through Caltrans’ Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve state highways, enhance access to safe walkways and bike paths, and increase natural disaster preparedness.

This year, the program awarded $66.8 million in state and federal funds to cities, counties, tribes, and transit agencies. Statewide, 161 grant applications were submitted and 90 were awarded grants. n

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, “Hazardous waste, medical waste, and confidential patient information must be disposed of properly. When it is not, we will not hesitate to take action.”

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said, “The settlement with Kaiser places the appropriate safeguards to ensure that this never happens again.”

In 2014, the California Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Kaiser after it delayed notifying its employees about an unencrypted USB drive that was discovered at a Santa Cruz thrift store. The USB drive contained more than 20,000 employee records. Kaiser paid $150,000 in penalties and attorneys’ fees, and agreed to comply with California’s data breach notification law in the future, provide notification of any future breach on a rolling basis, and implement additional training regarding the sensitive nature of employee records.

In addition, Kaiser has been the subject of prior enforcement actions by local prosecutors for mismanagement of regulated wastes. n •••

The proposed 86-page settlement, which is subject to court approval, can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ag-kaiser-settle-2023.

Milestone: $100,000 in Cash Aid for Local Veterans

Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz announces a major milestone the nonprofit has now provided over $100,000 in emergency cash assistance for local veterans.

The emergency cash assistance program began about 5 years ago and has continued to grow every year!

Thanks to the unwavering support and generosity of donors and community partners, Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz has been able to make a significant impact in the lives of local veterans. Community contributions have enabled essential aid for food, clothing, transportation, and other urgent needs, ensuring these heroes receive the care and support they deserve.

One example is Chris W., Santa Cruz, an Army veteran 2003-2008: “I am a post 9/11 combat veteran with two deployments.

While attending school at UC Santa Cruz, I incurred some unexpected expenses which put my enrollment and housing in jeopardy. Vets 4 Vets assisted me to cover these expenses which was essential for my housing, income, and future enrollment. The assistance was beyond what I imagined, and I have since been able to volunteer my time with Vets 4 Vets. I am very grateful this organization exists.”

Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz extends deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has played a part. Your support makes all the difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. n •••

If you’d like to be a part of our mission and contribute to helping local Veterans, see: https://www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/donate.

at SeniorHomeCare

Buddhist Teacher Tenzin Chogkyi To Speak Sept. 21

Mount Madonna School will host a commemoration of the International Day of Peace on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the upper campus Assembly Room The United Nations has declared this as a day “devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of nonviolence and cease-fire.”

This year’s theme is Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals.

“Actions of peace are powerful and a single act can make a significant and lasting difference,” said Mount Madonna Head of School Ann Goewert.

“Peace is needed today more than ever,” said United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres.

All of Mount Madonna’s preschool through grade 12 students will attend the event, which will include students reading peace poems from different spiritual traditions, and songs from the high school choir and MMS elementary students. Buddhist teacher and activist Tenzin Chogkyi will speak on nonviolence and actions for peace.

Tenzin, based in Santa Cruz, became

interested in meditation in the early 1970s. She began practicing Tibetan Buddhism in 1991 during a year’s study in India and Nepal. She worked in administrative positions in several Buddhist centers in the 1990s, and completed several long meditation retreats over a six-year period. In 2004, Tenzin took monastic ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and has practiced as a monastic for nearly 20 years.

Tenzin is a certified teacher of Compassion Cultivation Training, a program developed at Stanford University. She also teaches the Cultivating Emotional Balance program, using contemplative techniques drawn from Buddhism for managing emotions, developed at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s request.

She is a volunteer for the Interfaith Speakers Bureau of the Islamic Networks Group and is on the Board of Advisors. She is a training specialist for the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County and is on the Sustainable Caring teaching team. In 2023 she started teaching regularly at Insight Santa Cruz. n

Tenzin Chogkyi

Farm Guests: What Foods are Good for Me?

From the Grower Shipping Association of Central California

The Grower Shipper Association recently sponsored and participated in the Alliance for Food and Farming’s Safe Fruits and Veggies Farm Tour for influencers, media contributors, and nutrition communicators.

While this might seem like a bit of a departure for GSA, this tour focuses on produce safety and sharing the care and commitment of our industry to provide consumers with healthy foods. The issuesbased nature of the tour made it an ideal venue for GSA to represent its members and highlight our region, its farms, its people,

and the importance of agriculture to our community and the nation.

The tour took place in the “Salad Bowl of the World” on Aug. 21, 22 and 23.

The Alliance guests, who are all registered dietitians, reach millions on social and are contributors to media outlets, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, New York Times, Washington Post, ABC News, Shape, Parents, Martha Stewart, Eating Well, Food Network, Self, Prevention, People and CNN, among others.

The tour included leafy greens, vegetable crops as well as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. New technologies were also demonstrated including the release of beneficial insects via a Parabug drone and an autonomous cultivator operating in a leafy greens field.

But the tour also provided the opportunity to directly address the misconceptions of consumers about farming

and the safety of the produce with these influencers as well as discuss the challenges we face, how we adapt and find economically viable solutions that keep us moving forward.

While the focus was on produce safety, the tour guests were curious about a wide-range of subjects. During the tour, we discussed sustainability, impacts of climate change, varietal development, similarities of organic and conventional farming, the interconnectivity of farming production techniques, pest and disease control strategies, and the importance of educating our youth about farming and agriculture.

But there were also numerous conversations from the consumer perspective. The guests shared how they are receiving more questions about how and where their food is grown versus “what foods are good for me.” And, we shared perspectives about the importance of providing affordable produce choices, challenges of parents to feed their kids healthy foods, the increasing need for

convenience, and product developments and innovations specific to produce.

The conversations were honest, straightforward, and transparent and a learning experience for both industry and our guests.

GSA sincerely thanks our members, Taylor Farms and California Giant Berry Farms, for connecting AFF with the farms and opening up their facilities for the tour. Their generous time commitment and openness made this tour a success. We often talk about the need to “tell our story” to consumers. The AFF tour is achieving that by bringing guests that have a direct impact on millions of consumers through social and mainstream media. After participating in the 2023 tour, we have witnessed the importance of providing a firsthand on-farm experience to these influencers. And, we can see how these tours yield long-term results by building relationships and networks that are mutually beneficial. n

https://www.safefruitsandveggies.com

AB 418: Senate Oks Ban on Four Harmful Chemicals in Food

By Jondi Gumz

On Sept. 11, the California State Senate passed AB 418, landmark legislation to prohibit four harmful chemicals in processed foods and drinks sold in California, starting in 2027.

Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), the California Food Safety Act would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution in California of any food product containing Red Dye No. 3, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben.

The use of these chemicals has already been banned in the European Union’s 27 nations due to scientific research linking them to cancer, reproductive issues, and behavioral and developmental issues in children.

AB 418 must get a concurrence vote in the State Assembly before the legislative session ends Sept. 14. In May, Assembly members Gail Pellerin, Dawn Addis and Robert Rivas voted yes.

If signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, AB 418 would not ban products; it would require companies to make changes to products sold in California.

Because of the size of California’s market, this could prompt a nationwide transition to safer alternatives.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, called AB 418 “the most important food safety bill in more than a decade.”

He added, “For decades, chemical companies have been able to exploit a loophole that allows food additives to escape adequate review and oversight by the FDA. Since the FDA has failed to keep us safe, it has become the responsibility of states like California to step up and lead.”

The bill has a long list of supporters, including Beyond Pesticides, California Teachers Association, Breast Cancer Action, Learning Disabilities Association of America, and Long Beach Gray Panthers.

A coalition of food product producers, retailers, and manufacturers submitted a letter of opposition, arguing that the federal government has a comprehensive food safety process that reviews food additives.

“It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it

comes to food safety,” Gabriel said. “This bill will not ban any foods or products — it simply will require food companies to make minor modifications to their recipes and switch to the safer alternative ingredients that they already use in Europe and so many other places around the globe.”

Former governor and fitness icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, who endorsed AB 418, said “Things like this aren’t partisan. They’re common sense.”

He added, “I’m a small government guy. But I’ve also seen that sometimes, in a world where every big industry has an army of lobbyists, and our kids have no one fighting for them, government has to step in.”

AB 418 was amended by the Senate to remove titanium dioxide from the list of banned additives and to delay implementation until 2027, giving food companies more time to negotiate new contracts and phase in new recipes.

Many major brands and manufacturers – including Coke, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Panera – have voluntarily stopped using the additives that would be banned under AB 418 because of concerns about their impact on human health.

In 1990, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics after studies showed it caused thyroid cancer in lab animals, but it’s still allowed in food.

A 2021 analysis of studies commissioned by the state of California reported that of 25 total studies, 16 identified some association between food coloring and behavioral problems such

as in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

Red dye is found in Doritos and

Skittles, Brach’s candies, Pez and Peeps, and Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot.

Brominated vegetable oil is used in Sun Drop soda; it was in Gatorade until Pepsi changed the recipe, pushed by a petition by a 15-year-old on Change.Org. Bromine can irritate the skin and membranes in the nose, mouth, lungs and stomach. Long-term exposure can cause headache, memory loss, and impaired balance or coordination.

Propyl parabens are endocrine disruptors and can fuel cancer cells. It’s found in Sara Lee cinnamon rolls.

Potassium bromate, often added to baked goods, was found to increase kidney and thyroid cancer in lab animals. Check the ingredients list, usually in small print on the back of the label. n •••

Read the bill at https://leginfo.legislature. ca.gov/

The Best is Yet to Be

Grow old along with me The best is yet to be

When our time has come

We will be as one

God bless our love

God bless our love

•••

This is the first stanza of a beautiful song I have been singing to Joyce for many years. I just assumed it was written by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Come to find out, it was one of the last songs written by John Lennon for his

beloved Yoko in 1980 shortly before he was killed.

There is an indicator of a deep and true love, no matter how old you are. It is imagining growing old with the one you love. If you can do that, it’s one way you know you have found true love.

Joyce and I can now say that we have grown old together. We’re both 77, and have been together since 1964. That’s going on 59 years. Naturally, we hope we have many more years together.

By Barry and Joyce Vissell

Joyce’s mother, Louise, used to say, after her husband, Hank, died, “The last twenty years of our marriage were the best.” They went through many challenges, sometimes coming close to ending their relationship. But, in those last twenty years together, they came to a peaceful sweetness and true closeness that became a treasure for them both.

Joyce and my relationship, too, has become more and more of a treasure. We’re both at peace with how much we need each other. Especially me. I fought against “needing” Joyce for many years, thinking it was a sign of weakness. I could admit to loving her, but not needing her. Now I find that my need for Joyce’s love is actually a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit human emotional need. Joyce has always had this courage. It simply took me longer to get there.

When we were younger, we argued more. We were less mature emotionally. We still very occasionally argue. It’s just human nature. But we have learned that neither of us ever want to hurt the other.

This simple truth helps us to forgive each other’s occasional clumsiness or momentary lack of awareness. Even though our fights are rare these days, the temporary pain of separation is more unbearable than when we were younger. So we are more motivated to work things out and come back to our profound closeness.

This closeness is so pronounced that the word “closeness” is not accurate. Oneness is a better word. Most of the time, when I’m with Joyce, there is no awareness of being with another person separate from me. It has become such a normal, but still sublime, feeling. Even with our kids or grandkids, who we adore, there is still the feeling of being with someone else. John Lennon writes, “When our time has come, we will be as one.”

And yes, we still thoroughly enjoy making love. Of course, it’s not the same as when we were young, but we both feel it is even better. It’s not as frequent, but we look forward to this intimate time. The goal has shifted from an ending climax, to the whole experience, just like a lovely walk in the woods is not defined by the destination, but by the enjoyment of the journey.

We have written much on this subject in our books, To Really Love a Woman and To Really Love a Man.

This may sound like a paradox, but there can be a newness to old love. A newness that comes from the enjoyment of moments. A newness that comes from more peaceful living.

Joyce and I start each day with a short, maybe 10-minute, meditation in silence. Then we hold hands, touch our foreheads together, and take turns offering a prayer of thanksgiving as well as asking our divine source for help in the things we need. After this prayer, we look into each other’s eyes and feel the newness of our old love. If you really look into the eyes of a loved one, you can’t help but find new treasures there. Please, take the time to look into the eyes of those you love. You’ll see what I mean.

Most people are afraid of growing old, afraid of increasing dependence, infirmity, weakness or chronic illness. To be fully honest, I am too. I just returned from a solo backpacking trip in the High Sierras. I love to go off-trail, cross country, to remote places where I can revel in solitude.

Because Joyce sometimes worries about something happening to me, I carry a tiny satellite communicator for emergencies. However, I acknowledge that these solo adventures are now numbered. There is no guarantee that even one more trip can happen. But when I get to the point when these outer adventures have to end, I look forward to the inner adventures, the continued discovery of the richness of life, and the newness of old love with Joyce.

It’s true, the best is yet to be. John Lennon was right. It’s sad that he never got to grow old with his true love, Yoko Ono, but the true power was in his envisioning it. It’s what he wanted. n

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

Please Don’t Do This at the Airport

By Christopher Elliott

Here’s the first rule of standing in line at the airport: No brawling, please.

I guess someone forgot to tell the folks at one of Chicago O’Hare Airport’s luggage carousels who were taking swings at each other recently. The incident, caught on Twitter video, of course, kicked off a chaotic summer air travel season.

Things have gone downhill from there. There have been incidents and altercations, too many to count. I was almost involved in one last week, thanks to the drunken passenger standing impatiently in a passport line in Bangkok. My 18-year-old son had stepped away to use the bathroom, and then he rejoined his brother and me at the front of the line.

“You can’t do that!” the passenger slurred. “Get to the back of the line, mate.”

Before I had time to explain that we were traveling together, a stern Thai customs official waved us over to present our passports.

Sorry, mate.

Airports are filled with long lines these days. There are check-in lines, security lines, lines to board the plane, lines to exit, lines for customs and lines at the luggage claim area. If you’re flying, you are probably standing in more than one of these lines, even if you have one of those platinum cards and a “doyou-know-who-I-am” attitude.

Believe it or not, there are rules for each line — and there’s one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight or landing in a holding cell at the airport.

***Should I say something?

If someone cuts in line in front of you, it’s best to let it go, says Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert who runs the Protocol School of Texas.

“Some people may be making an innocent mistake by not seeing where the line starts and you can certainly say, ‘Excuse me, the line starts over there’ in a friendly, non-confrontational voice,” she says. But the whole “Get to the back of

the line, mate” routine is a confrontation waiting to happen.

Line cutters are not the same thing as people who are holding someone’s place in line, as I was for my son. Typically, they are highly aggressive and easily agitated.

“There is a certain type of person who purposefully does not give themselves enough time to get to an airport before a flight, knowing that they can simply take advantage of the kindness of strangers to cut in line when they arrive,” says etiquette expert Nick Leighton.

“The technical etiquette term for them is ‘bad people,’ and they are tearing the fabric of society apart.”

Perhaps it is enough knowing that a line cutter is a bad person and that they will be miserable even if they make their flight.

Is it ever OK to cut in line?

Related question: Can you ever cut in line without being rude? Etiquette experts say you can.

“While it is never okay to cut in line, it is perfectly acceptable to ask,” says Jodi RR Smith, an etiquette consultant. “We know from psych studies that people are more likely to accommodate a request when a reason is given.”

So, for example, you could say they’re about to close your flight for boarding, and “would it be possible to let me sneak in here?”

Another possibility: Appeal to an official, like a gate agent, customs official, or airport staff for help. They sometimes have the authority to send you to the front of the line without raising the ire of your fellow travelers.

Can you switch lines?

Andre

Robles, managing director at Voyagers Travel Company, says: go for it!

“It is generally acceptable to switch lines if one line is moving faster,” he says. “Especially in situations where multiple lines lead to the same destination, like security checkpoint lanes.”

But don’t forget your “pleases,”

“thank-yous,” and “excuse-mes” when you’re making a switch.

Can you ask someone to hold your place?

Yes, says Jan Luescher, CEO of the travel social network ASMALLWORLD.

“I see no issue with having a member of your travel party hold your place in the line temporarily while you attend to urgent needs like grabbing a quick meal or using the restroom,” he says. “After all, you can be stuck in these queues for hours.”

But there’s a catch. Luescher says holding only works if you’re far enough back in the queue to ensure there is little

to no risk of your companion reaching the front before your return. So if you’re close to the front, it’s best to wait.

If you reach the cafe or restroom and find that the line is long and could potentially cause your companion to reach the front before your return, it’s best to hold tight and promptly rejoin the queue.

What can you do to pass the time?

There’s plenty you can do — and a few things you shouldn’t, says Shelley Ewing, president of Tier One Travel.

“Airport Faux Pas” page 26

Ocean Dwellers

41. Silver to Lone Ranger

Chows down

Mark Twain to Samuel Langhorne Clemens

46. Toupee spot

47. Pestilence pest

48. Singer Eilish

50. Rub the wrong way

52. Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no ____”

53. *A type of whale or the color of many dolphins

55. Overnight lodging

57. *Inspiration for a certain pineapple dweller

60. *Inspiration for Marvel’s Doc Ock

64. South American juice flavor

65. Bearded antelope

67. All thumbs

68. Pineda of Journey

69. Stomach pain-causing acronym

70. Hundred, in Italian

71. Hammer part

72. Not stood

73. Bar, legally

DOWN

1. R&R destinations

2. Angie Thomas’ “The ____ U Give”

3. Seaward

4. *Cetology object of study

5. Thin layer

6. *Like green sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle

7. Grass “carpet”

8. Newsstand, e.g.

9. Fungal spore sacs

10. *Edible bivalve

11. S.O.S.

12. Pilot’s estimate, acr.

15. Netanyahu’s country

20. Abomination

22. 9 to 5, e.g.

24. Bone burial spot

25. Muslim woman’s headscarf

26. Cause for food recall

27. a.k.a. Lucifer

29. Between stop and roll

31. *Coral polyps’ structure

32. Raise one’s rank

33. Potassium nitrate

34. Student’s request for ChatGPT?

36. *#19 Across’ earless cousin 38. Hostile to

Opposite of ecbatic

Smoke, sometimes

Energy unit

Attract

Front of cuirass

Religiously unaffiliated, pl.

Confident answer

Glazier’s unit

Baker’s baker

Give a boot

Closely confined

A Season of Retrogrades — Pause, Purification & Assessment

We have entered a retrograde season. As of this writing, there are seven “lights” in the sky that are retrograde. Here is the list – Mercury (communications), Jupiter (love, wisdom, expansion), Saturn (structures, time), Uranus (revolutionary, radical, revelatory change), Neptune (refining us), Pluto (transformation) and Chiron (wounds/healing).

Retrogrades turn us inward for the purpose of reflection and to review and inquire deeply about our past. When planets retrograde, the past reappears, we are flooded with memories, decisions are delayed, plans are set aside for reflection. All areas of life and subjects associated with the retrograde planets are reviewed in order to either renew, revitalize, reorganize or set them aside forever.

Timing: Mercury, our communication and contacts with others, our thinking and planning is retrograde ‘til September 15 (the first night of Rosh Hashanah). Mercury however remains in its retrograde shadow until October 1st. Jupiter, Uranus and Chiron are retrograde ‘til the end of the year. Saturn ends its retrograde the first week of November. Neptune, the first week of December. And Pluto the second week of October. In November Vesta, the asteroid of our hidden inner found object of selves, also retrogrades.

Jupiter is the traveler, the pilgrimage, the journey, politics, justice, the Truth – it is all these things, expanded. With Jupiter retrograde, it is our inner selves, our heart,

ARIES

You become diligent, dignified, bolder, cooperating more with research and investigation. Desire for recognition eventually becomes an aspiration for others to also be recognized and in the spotlight, so their gifts can be seen, identified and admired. Turning inwards, you will be able to detect and diagnose situations and their needs. A mystical and occult (two different levels of perception) sense overcomes you. You blend the two. Becoming a disciple.

TAURUS

You offer fairness and justice for everyone. You understand that “all minds are created equal.”. You seek ways to communicate, to compromise, conciliate and cooperate. You begin to speak the ways of Compassionate Communication (non-violent communication). All desires become the aspiration to harmonize and balance all interactions. You seek out leaders, bold and forceful to learn from. You become a leader. Sometimes you’re impetuous. Wear a bit of red more.

GEMINI

Usually found reading, writing or talking, sometimes in meadows amidst a bounty of flowers, your energy now focuses on activities that organize, order, and categorize efficiently, effectively and practically. You become logical (more so) and the aspiration to be pure and healthy outweighs the usual desires. Cooking and cleaning energetically become an industrious affair. Careful of cuts, scrapes and burns, mosquitoes and wasps. They’ll be gone soon. Cedar oil spray helps.

CANCER

You seek fun, games, pleasure, entertainment, and child’s play. You wonder where your childhood books and playthings went, remembering what you left behind. There are memories of the past. And perhaps some weeping, sorting and clearing. Some Cancers need to move or are looking for new homes. There’s lots of drama (crying, weeping, lamentations, remembrances.), lots of hard work being done. Soon in the future there will be playful energies, creative ideas, hopes, wishes, dreams coming true. And happiness.

our understanding, that expands. Sometimes too much. It’s love of knowledge, wisdom, abundance, generosity, temperance. Jupiter is the king of the gods, the teacher, guru, higher mind, college, journeys and seeing the big picture. Jupiter is laws, religions, spiritual studies and ethics. During Jupiter retrograde previously unexplored blessings are revealed and a greater awareness and appreciation for all things beneficent and loving dawns on us. We seek to become all the goodness that appears to us. We become Goodwill ambassadors.

Saturn is time, the Law of Economy, the teacher, the Dweller on the Threshold, the unredeemed past. Saturn is the Ring Pass Not into greater realms we cannot enter without proper preparation. Saturn is the Lord who protected the Hebrew people in their forty years in the desert, from Egypt to Canaan. Saturn disciplines.

Retrograde times can often feel dreamlike, magical. The laws, time and reality are somehow different. It’s an upside-down time, a psychological turning inward, giving us a greater understanding and perspective on the past months. Working with retrogrades, understanding them, in our reviews, reflections and assessments we become White Magicians.

Note: Follow along with daily posts and weekly updates at www.nightlightnews.org — Daily & Thursday new postings.

LEO

You consider what your true inner feelings are towards your family. You find they can be somewhat conflicted these days and somewhat suppressed. Yet you are very loyal. If you work at home, all of a sudden you see how overworked you are and how overworked your home is, too. And set about changing the environment. Making it more liberated, more orderly, a bit more traditional. You need architectural Libran beauty all around.

VIRGO

Your mind is stimulated to such a degree that sometimes you feel a movement in the heart. At times you could also experience headaches. Stand in the Sun’s light, at dawn and dusk. Allowing the rays to penetrate shoulders and the back of your neck. The Sun’s healing radiance enters the body and goes directly to the spleen, which then distributes that light to all parts of the body. This light is uplifting and vitalizing. It neutralizes all conflicts, arguments and limitations.

LIBRA

You wake each morning trying to figure out how to gain wealth and material resources so you can achieve a certain visionary goal. Perhaps to build a house for mother, for the family or for the “family called humanity.” You battle with the choice of using resources for the self or for others. You have strong values and have worked passionately for them. You fight, battle and at times, defend your values. What are those values? Is someone left out?

SCORPIO

Scorpios are often if not always in some sort of evolutionary battle. Scorpios always experience testing, especially what is called the Nine Tests of the physical, emotional and lower mental levels. Mars gives you the endurance to handle these challenges. At times you feel like you’re dying. You are but you are also regenerating (internally) every moment. You are uncomplicated, always speaking the straight truth. This is your gift. Each day is different.

SAGITTARIUS

As the days progress notice you becoming sympathetic (more), receptive, affectionate and even more sensitive. The volume of your internal music is turned up. Anything not peaceful you turn away from. With great emotion and feelings (the two are different), you study what sacrifice means. Sometimes you’re sorrowful. You consider reading and writing poetry. The dream world beckons. You walk through that door seeking to help others, unassuming and unrecognized. Read Basho.

CAPRICORN

All this energy streams out of you towards those in need, towards friendships and things social, public and communal. You begin to consider what living in an organized intentional community would be like. You wonder where they are and could you help create one? You know success is achieved through collective cooperative action. You use the word cooperative at home. Your first community is family. You teach them first. You then turn outward to assess the world. You are a world server.

AQUARIUS

Notice yourself in the weeks to come — continued development of purpose, persistence, perseverance and determination, along with great practicality to carry out actions in a professional and business-like manner. You work hard all the time, often overtime, to gain position and reputation. Achieving success through long hours, endurance and overcoming obstacles. This is to be applauded, exalted. Good job, water carrier. Carry on.

PISCES

You seek adventure, something pioneering, a way of life reflecting your principles and beliefs. Sports, travel, publishing, religions, spiritual pursuits expand your consciousness and motivation. You seek resources to bring forth, anchor and build the new era’s visions for humanity . Often, among humanity, you are inspired to teach and uplift humanity. Be careful never to be critical and/or self-righteous. You need to explore and travel with someone to a place where the waters are crystal clear and sky blue.

“Airport Faux Pas” from page 25

“You can read a book, check your flight status or browse your phone or tablet. You can listen to music on your headphones. You can have a quiet conversation with friends or family members in line,” she says.

And what shouldn’t you do?

“Don’t play loud music or videos without headphones. Don’t engage in loud or disruptive conversations. And don’t rush or push others to move faster,” she says.

So the important things to remember when you’re in line at the airport are: Mind your manners — and mind your own business. Don’t be annoying when you’re standing in line, don’t hold up the line, don’t start a fight.

In a line, everything is negotiation There’s a bigger issue here, and that is that there should be no airport lines. Airlines, airports and the TSA should find ways of processing passengers without making them wait in long lines.

There’s been some progress. For instance, CLEAR now allows you to reserve a spot in the airport security line for free. You can bypass customs and immigration lines by applying for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry. And if you’re stuck in an airline’s customer service line, you can fire up the airline’s app or contact it through social media for faster service.

And if none of that works? You can always ask an airport employee, says Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.

“There are times when hospital emergency room triage principles take precedence,” he says.

For example, at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., one recent morning, the facility was overwhelmed with more flights than there were gates. Eventually, TSA staff started calling for passengers based on the length of the backlog, sending passengers with imminent departures to the front of the line.

It’s worth repeating: If you’re in a long line and it looks like you might miss your flight, ask for help. With any luck, a kind agent will send you to the front of the line, allowing you to catch your plane.

And what about the passengers starting a riot at the luggage claim area, or the folks who fancy themselves the line police? They’ve always been there, but this summer’s record demand for air travel has made it seem like they’re everywhere. And now you know how to not be one of them. n

•••

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, email him at chris@elliott.org.

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

Aptos Artist in Pastels USA: 99 Voices in Pastel

Aptos artist Donna Theresa of DonnaTheresaFineArt.com announces her piece entitled “Poser” was juried into the prestigious 37th International Exhibition of the Pastel Society of the West Coast. She is a signature member.

This piece, along with others of the best in pastel, will be in the Haggin Museum in Stockton through Oct. 29.

Show organizers say the spirit of these artists embody what it means to see good in the world and have faith in humanity. n

For information see https://pswc.ws/ pastels-usa-2023-99-voices/

Milgard Moving Glass Walls

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FREE COVID-19 TEST KITS AT LIBRARIES

Santa Cruz Public Libraries announces the availability of free COVID-19 test kits at all library branches as Covid cases is on the upswing.

Omicron variant EG.5 is the most common in the U.S. at 21%, and a new variant BA.2.86 was detected in Denmark and Israel, notable due to its genetic differences, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lab tests at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center showed people with a recent XBB case were best able to neutralize BA.2.86. Those researchers are concerned about variant L.1.5.1, which in lab testing was the most immune evasive.

The test kits, provided by the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency, are designed for at-home use. Each adult is eligible to receive 1 box (each box contains two tests).

Kits are available at all library branches, while supplies last.

No library card is required.

For local updates on COVID-19, visit www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus

HEY CHILI CHEFS!

Join the competition Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Enjoy a day at the beach while cookin’ up a pot of your best chili! Amateur and professional divisions. Exposure for restaurants and businesses.

Fun atmosphere and camaraderie. $3,000 in cash and prizes. Free Boardwalk tickets & T-shirts for each team. Deadline to enter is Oct. 20. Sign up at https://beachboardwalk.com/chili-cook-off/

CERT BASIC TRAINING

Cert Basic training is free. The 21-hour course is conducted by FEMA-certified instructors, with classroom and hands-on training weekday evenings and/or weekend days. Upcoming classes:

• Watsonville Fire Station #2, 2 full Sundays in Watsonville and one full day in Live Oak.

Begins Sunday, Oct. 8

• Highland Park Senior Center, Ben Lomond. 4 evenings and one full Sunday. 17 spaces open.

Begins Thursday, Oct. 19 Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/certbasic#/

MONTEREY BAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP EVENTS

Thursday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — MBEP’s 9th Annual State of the Region (Embassy Suites, Seaside) — $149-169. Register now for early-bird rates at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-state-of-the-regiontickets-695045077537

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., SC 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: Oct. 24, and Dec. 5. Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY: ITALIAN FILM SERIES

7-9:30 p.m., Cabrillo College’s VAPA building 1000, Art History Rm 1001, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is sponsoring a Fall Italian Film Series: New Horizons | Nuovi Orizzonti , which started Sept. 10 at Cabrillo College

This New Horizons film series is a collection of

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send

recently released Italian films so new they have not yet made it to United States theaters or streaming.

These films deal with characters at different stages of life leaving home to explore new horizons and diverse parts of Italy, including the Friuli hills, the forests of Sicily, and roadways traversing the peninsula.

Logan Walker, film lecturer from UC Santa Cruz & director of programming, Santa Cruz Film Festival, will introduce and field questions about all films, which are in Italian with English subtitles.

Free admission; Limited seating; first come, first served. Cash donations welcome.

Remaining viewings:

Sunday, Oct. 8 — The Pioneers (I pionieri). Directed by Luca Scivoletto, 2022. (86 mins)

Sunday, Nov. 12 — Olimpia’s Way (Acqua e anice). Directed by Corrado Ceron, 2022. (109 mins) For more about the films, visit: www.dantesantacruz.com/events

GLIMPSES OF WORLD HISTORY, SECOND SERIES

Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Online meetings. La Selva Beach Branch Library presents online illustrated talks focusing on major movements that have shaped global history. Dr. Robert Strayer will explore origins of these movements, ways they found expression, and the opposition generated.

Sept. 23: Socialism — Challenging Capitalism: What is the socialist critique of modern capitalism? In what ways has it found expression?

Nov. 4: Nationalism — Constructing New Identities: To what extent is nationalism something new in human experience? What role has it played in the unfolding of modern world history?

Dec. 2: Racism — Origins, Persistence, and Opposition: What is distinctive about modern racism? How has it shaped human history over the past several centuries?

Strayer taught at SUNY: Brockport, UCSC, CSU Monterey Bay, and Cabrillo College. He has received awards for excellence in both teaching and scholarship. To join the Zoom webinars: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85086826725

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

The Mid County Senior Center is looking for artists to be a part of the Craft Fair & Garden Harvest on Oct 7 at 829 Bay Ave., Capitola, behind Woodworm. Booths are $30. If you are interested in a booth, please email Cindy at MCSC4TREASURER@GMAIL.COM for an application.

CHINESE GOLD HISTORY

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing thru September

92ND ANNUAL LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION

Open 1-4 p.m., Wed. – Sat., Santa Cruz Art League, 536 Broadway

The highly anticipated Landscape exhibition is running until September at the Santa Cruz Art League. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of landscapes captured through the eyes of California’s talented artists. Juried by Ed Penniman, this year’s exhibition promises to be a visual feast for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 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.

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 Fridays runs through Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands: Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

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

Second Friday Each Month

NEW BRIDGE GROUP

Begins Oct. 13

10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge on the second Friday of each month from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.   First meeting is Oct. 13. Bette Harken, Master Bridge player, will give an introduction for beginners. Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

Saturday October 7 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 418 Project, 155 S. River St., Santa Cruz Embark on an immersive journey through Chinese-American history in Santa Cruz as the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Flex Kids Culture Exchange, and the 418 Project present the “Chinese Gold Multimedia Book Discussion.”

Author Sandy Lydon, historian emeritus at Cabrillo College, renowned for his work in Asian and Asian-American history, will be in conversation with George Ow, Chinese-American businessman, philanthropist, and Santa Cruz native, as they delve into the captivating narrative of “Chinese Gold,” published in 1985, a ground-breaking local history that uncovers the stories of Chinese-Americans in Santa Cruz.

Artist-educator Rui Li will bring a multimedia experience to the discussion. Expect to see a treasure trove of images from old Chinatown.

Copies of “Chinese Gold” will be available for purchase in both English and Chinese. English copies of the book are at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries: https://catalog.santacruzpl.org/polaris/view.aspx?title=chinese gold

DATED EVENTS

Wednesday September 20

LIBRARY COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION

2-3 p.m., Branciforte Branch Library, 230 Gault St., Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites you to be a part of an engaging Community Listening Session at the Branciforte Branch Library.

Director of Libraries, Yolande Wilburn, and President of the Friends of the Libraries, Janis O’Driscoll, will be present for the community discussion. Here is the announcement:

“We are dedicated to serving our community and ensuring that our library services align with your needs and expectations. Join the conversation — This is your opportunity to engage directly with Yolande Wilburn, director of libraries, and Janis O’Driscoll, president of the friends of the Libraries. We want to hear your thoughts, insights, experiences, and ideas. The Library is committed to innovation and continuous improvement, and your valuable input helps us enhance the services we provide to our community.

Why Your Voice Matters

— At Santa Cruz Public Libraries, your feedback is instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives. Your perspectives drive our mission to create an inclusive, dynamic, and responsive library system. Your stories and ideas inspire us to explore new ways to serve you better. Your voice is an essential part of our library’s journey, and we look forward to hearing from you at the Community Listening Session. Together, we can build a library that truly meets the evolving needs of our diverse community.”

Saturday September 23

ANNUAL COASTAL CLEANUP

All Day, Various Beaches around Monterey Bay

Each year, Save Our Shores coordinates over 60 cleanup sites around the Monterey Bay, from our beaches to inland parks and waterways. Trash has a big impact on the health of our marine and coastal environments — and we’re trying to do something about it! We hope you will join us on as a volunteer on Sept. 23.

You can be a site captain or a volunteer trash picker-upper. Sign up at https://saveourshores.org/coastal-cleanup/

OKTOBERFEST

3-7 p.m., 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Elks Lodge will host its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser at 150 Jewell St.

Guests will find a festive atmosphere featuring German food and live music by Alpinesound of Half Moon Bay. Beer provided by Discretion Brewing will be available for purchase and the Lodge Bar will be open. All ages are welcome.

Doors open at 3 p.m. Advanced tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids under 18 and can be purchased at 2023santacruzelksoktoberfest. eventbrite.com. All pricing includes sales tax. Free for kids under 10.

Larger groups can call the lodge for table reservations at 831-423-8240.

Proceeds will support the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. which provides free therapy for children with disabilities.

Yolande Wilburn

Saturday September 23

Sunday September 24

CAPITOLA BEACH FESTIVAL

The Nautical Parade is a highlight of the Capitola Beach Festival, a family-friendly fun event Sept. 23-24 in Capitola Village.

This year’s theme is “Beauty and the Beach” and feature’s eight float building teams for the competition.

Saturday’s Schedule

8-11 a.m. — Little Wharf 3 MILER Fun Run

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Sand Sculpture Contest (2:30 p.m. Awards)

11 a.m. Start — Cornhole on the Beach

Noon-3 p.m. — Children’s Art

Noon-4 p.m. — Scavenger Hunt

4-6 p.m. — Music at the Beach

7-8 p.m. (approx) — Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek

Sunday’s Schedule

No Fishing Derby (Will return in 2024 after Wharf is repaired)

8 a.m.-Noon — Paddleboard (7:30 a.m. Pre-Meeting)

10-11:30 a.m. — Ukuleles at the Beach

10 a.m. Start — Horseshoes on the Sand

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Chalk Art on the Seawall

1 p.m. Start — Rowboat Races

Visit http://capitolabeachfestival.com for more details.

Sunday September 24

DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY: OUTDOOR ITALIAN POTLUCK

12-4 p.m., location TBA • Register by Sept. 21

Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz invites you join us for an Outdoor Italian Potluck at a local farm. Live music from Claudio Melega.

Feel free to tour the working farm, visit the owner’s small art gallery with fruit & flower stand, and play corn-hole toss.

Participants are asked to bring one of their favorite Italian dishes to share, labeled with its name and the Italian region of origin, and a beverage to share.

Location, table settings and utensils will be provided by Dante.

Cost: $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Payment must be by Sept. 21. Tickets are available at: http://bit.ly/Italian-Potluck

Proceeds will be used to fund Dante’s Cabrillo scholarship program & the Film & Lecture Series. Parking information will be emailed to participants once registration and payment have been completed. For information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com

Friday September 29

MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR

7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Mountainfilm on Tour visits Santa Cruz at the Rio Theatre.

Founded in 1979, Mountainfilm is one of America’s longest-running film festivals. The annual festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado, celebrating stories of indomitable spirit.

Mountainfilm on Tour in Santa Cruz will feature a collection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and engaging documentary short films. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mountainfilm on Tour in Santa Cruz is hosted by the Rio Theatre and will support local nonprofit Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship.

Tickets are $21 plus fees at https://www.riotheatre.com/ events-2/2022/12/13/mf

Saturday September 30

AAUW TECH TREK LUNCH

Noon, Back Nine Grill, Pasatiempo, 555 Hwy 17 (Pasatiempo exit), Santa Cruz

Join AAUW-Santa Cruz County for a luncheon meeting at Back Nine Grill, focusing on the branch’s Tech Trek Program for local middle school girls.

Learn about the STEM camp opportunity offered each summer and hear from the 2023 Tech Trekkers along with Cristina Arambula, a former tech trekker who now works at Granite Construction.

Register by Sept.15 at: https://tinyurl.com/AAUW-SCC. Contact LorraineMargon@gmail.com for more information.

PRC WALK/5K RUN

2-4:30 p.m., Start at Shrine of Saint Joseph, 544 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

The Pregnancy Resource Center presents its annual Walk/5K Run on West Cliff Drive, beginning at Shrine of Saint Joseph.

The goal is $40,000. Ask people you know to sponsor your walk. People can donate whatever they wish. Walk as a team or with friend and family. Afterward, there will be food and prizes. Register at www.prcwalk.org, call 831-475-9255 or in person at the event.

FARM TO TABLE WINEMAKERS DINNER

5 p.m., Common Roots Farm, 301 Golf Club Dr, Santa Cruz

The Capitola Coast Lions will host a Farm to Table Winemakers Dinner at Common Roots Farm, where four local wineries will pair their wines with farm fresh, culinary delights prepared by chef Beverlie Terra, formerly of Chaminade, who has her own catering company.

The wineries are Wargin Wines, Integrity Wines, Storrs Winery and El Vaquero Winery. There will be live music while you dine at this organic farm amongst the farm fields, flowers, overlooked by chickens and sheep.

The Capitola Coast Lions Club joined with the nonprofit Common Roots Farm in 2020 to raise funds for the farm and awareness surrounding their mission to help welcome and accommodate those with disabilities, particularly those with developmental disabilities. Buy tickets at $120 per person through Fred Flint at 925-705-3806 or flint-fisher@msn.com or at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/farm-to-table-winemakers-dinnertickets-694288003107

Sunday October 1

CUBAN JAZZ PIANIST JORGE LUIS PACHECO

4 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High St. Santa Cruz Distinguished Arts presents Cuban jazz pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco with his Cuban Jazz Trio in their West Coast debut at Peace United Church of Christ. Hailing from Havana, pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco is a fiery young pianist, singer and composer. His trio includes Gerson Lazo-Quiroga on bass and drummer Reiner Mendoza.

Pacheco’s music is a confluence of Cuban jazz, Cuban and Afro Cuban music, American jazz, and classical music with a measure of contemporary pop and soul. He has performed all over the world including Dizzy’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York, the Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, and the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Israel. He performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington and the legendary Apollo Theater. He has collaborated with Wynton Marsalis, Arturo O’Farrill, Lenny White, Dave Weckl and Richie Goods. He has a master in composition from the Instituto Superior de Arte de LA Habana.

Tickets are $40 at: www.distinguishedartists.org

Tuesday October 3

BROADBAND SUMMIT

9–11:30 a.m., CSU Monterey Bay University Center, 4314 6th Ave, Seaside

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Regional Broadband Summit unveiling a white paper on the state of broadband at the CSU Monterey Bay University Center.

The paper sheds light on the Hybrid Broadband Model as a solution for locations that potentially will remain unserved and bridge the divide between rural and urban communities.

Stakeholders will explore the advantages and limitations of the broadband technologies available.

Tickets are free for MBEP Members* and $39 for the general public. Registration includes continental breakfast and parking.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broadband-summittickets-690430695797?

Wednesday October 4

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

6 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club will host the second phase of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Aptos Grange.

Phase 2 of the 2023 show will feature national and international fly fishing in waters ranging from quiet freshwater streams to thunderous ocean surf. Experience Australia, Massachusetts, Mexico, Cuba, and the Eastern Sierras. Come for the action and camaraderie, enjoy the door prizes and raffle. No admission fee. Public invited. For information, visit: santacruzflyfishing.org

Saturday October 7

Sunday October 8

OPEN FARM TOURS

Time and Location TBA

Open Farm Tours returns for its 10th year on Oct. 7-8 with 12 family farms open to the public and share information about their operations.

Participants: Prevedelli Farm, Terra Sole Nursery, Esperanza Community Farms, Live Earth Farm, Beeline Blooms, Sea To Sky Farm, Thomas Farm, Mariquita Farm, Pajaro Pastures Ranch, Dos Aguilas olive grove, Fruitilicious Farm and ALBA. Look for tastings, U-picks, workshops, demonstrations and tours. Tickets at www.openfarmtours.com cost $10 to $20, and a weekend pass to seven farms is $20.

Sunday October 8

AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS

4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos Friends of Hospice hosts An Evening with Friends 4:30 — 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 at Seascape Golf Club, Aptos. This is a fun social event with music, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a photo booth that supports Hospice of Santa Cruz County community programs including music therapy, pet companions, volunteer visitors, and grief support — including a weekend camp for grieving children. Hospice also supports We Honor Veterans, care for children with life-limiting illness, and offers transitional and palliative care. Tickets are $150 per person or $125 per person for a reserved table of 10 and include a delicious buffet dinner and complimentary wine and bubbles. Tickets are at: anevening23.bpt.me n

Info, email eveningwithfriends@hospicesantacruz.org; call 831-713-6083

Beverlie Terra

Serving on County, Regional, State and National Commissions

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Each year, the Board of Supervisors makes appointments of its members to local boards and commissions.

In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors (this year as chair) I also serve on your behalf in a number of other capacities on local, regional and national commissions.

Sometimes you may need help on specialty issues that are associated with these commissions so I wanted to give you an overview of these commissions and encourage you to reach out if you have constituent needs associated with any of them.

California State Association of Counties Health and Human Services Committee — Statewide Chair

The CSAC Health and Human Services Committee has responsibility for the development of policies and proposals relating to: aging and long-term care, alcohol and drug programs, mental health, the Medically Indigent Services Program, the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (Cal Works) program, foster care, child welfare services, adult protective services, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, the General Assistance program and homeless services.

Criminal Justice Council — Board Member

The Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County was created over thirty years ago in an effort to provide a more effective criminal justice system for the citizens of Santa Cruz County.

The CJC works to increase coordination and cooperation between criminal justice partners — government, nonprofit, educational and others, reduce youth involvement in gang, create a forum for discussion of and recommendations for programs and plans for solutions to criminal issue and provide

long-range planning for the criminal justice system.

Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Zone 7 — Chair

Zone 7 was formed for the primary purpose of improving the flood carrying capacity of the Pajaro River, Salsipuedes and Corralitos Creek system within the Pajaro Valley floodplain.

Zone 7 capital projects are intended to limit the potential for flooding within the floodplain area.

Library Financing Authority — Chair

Including members from the cities and county, this joint powers authority exists for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction and improvement of public library facilities.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) — Board Member

LAFCO was created by state law in 1963 to regulate the boundaries of cities and special districts.

LAFCO’s objectives are: encourage efficient service areas for services provided by cities, counties and special districts, to guide urban development away from prime agricultural lands and open space resources and to discourage urban sprawl.

Monterey Bay Air Resources District Chair

The Air District is responsible for air monitoring, permitting, enforcement, long-range air quality planning and education related to air pollution as required by the California Clean Air Act and Federal Clean Air Act.

The District also provides rebates for fireplace conversions (to cleaner burning options) and electric vehicle lease or purchases.

National Association of Counties: Telecommunications & Technology Committee — Board Member

The National Association of Counties serves as the primary advocacy organi zation for counties.

They advocate county priorities in federal policymaking and allow for information sharing of model county polices and practices to optimize taxpayer resources and provide cost savings.

This committee focuses on all matters pertaining to telecommunications and technology policy, including the county role as a telecommunications regulator, service provider, and consumer, cable services technology and implementation, information technology development and implementation, information technology innovation, e-governance, and geo-spatial data collection and utilization.

National Association of Counties — Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for the National Association of Counties serves as the primary voice on county policy priorities to our federal partners including the Administration and Congress.

Oral Health Access Santa Cruz County Committee — Co-Chair

This group of local health industry experts, community leaders, and education advocate improve the oral health of Santa Cruz County by creating data driven strategies that increase access to care and education.

Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency — Chair

The Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency is a joint powers authority of the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation Zone No. 7, the County of Monterey, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and the City of Watsonville.

The new agency’s purpose is to plan, finance and implement projects and programs to reduce flood risk from the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Regional Transportation Commission Board Member

The RTC sets priorities for the transportation network including highways, major

for all of these transportation elements and adopts policies to improve mobility, access and air quality.

Santa Cruz County Consolidated Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board — Alternate

The Santa Cruz County Consolidated Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board oversees the activities of the five redevelopment successor agencies in Santa Cruz County.

Santa Cruz Mid-County Water Agency — Board Member

The MGA is an 11-member board who oversee the groundwater management activities of the Mid-County Basin Area in Santa Cruz County.

The basin management goals are: ensure water supply reliability for current and future beneficial uses, maintain water quality to meet current and future beneficial uses and prevent adverse environmental impacts.

Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced Managed Medical Care Commission — Board Member

This commission is the governing board for Central California Alliance for Health The board has fiscal and operational responsibility for the health plan, sets policy and strategic priorities for the organization and oversees health plan service effectiveness.

The board is comprised of members of government, the Alliance’s health care partners and the public in the Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties.

Santa Cruz County Sanitation District — Board Member

The Sanitation District is responsible for the collection of wastewater within the district’s boundaries and environmental compliance. n •••

As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. If I can be of any help on these commissions or in my capacity on the Board of Supervisors please don’t hesitate to contact me at 454-2200. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at

SCCAS Featured Pet

A Couple of Cuties

This week our Pets of the Week are two kitties: Lorelai (#A302603) and Lillie (#A302607).

Lorelai and Lillie are two adult cats that came to the Shelter with their kittens. They hung out in a foster home for a family while their kittens grew big and strong.

They were both a bit nervous when they came back to the Shelter from foster, understandably! To help capture their true personality, we moved them to a spacious catio space to live in with some other kitties.

Lorelai (wearing the red collar at the Shelter) is the more outgoing of the two sisters. She tends to be the first to greet people entering the catio. She also is the first to greet new kitties that are joining the space to be housed. Lorelai will likely do well in a home with another cat with a slow introduction and management. She has been a little hissy and tense at first but over time acclimates to her roommates.

Lillie is the more cautious of the two but warms up quickly. She tends to enjoy hanging out with new kitties a bit more than her sister. Lillie is often seen curled up napping in a kitty bed and watching the world go by.

Lorelai and Lillie will likely be a bit nervous in the transition so a patient adopter that will give them some time to acclimate to their new home. In return, they will likely blossom into wonderful adult cats for a family.

Lorelai and Lillie are not required to be adopted together but would be a great pair for an adopter looking for a pair. n

•••

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@ santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

•••

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

Ocean Dwellers