Aptos Times: July 15, 2024

Hot Ticket: In the Heights

By Mindy Pedlar

Cabrillo Stage’s production of In the Heights is a joy to behold. It begins with a panoramic view of New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It’s early morning, and we are greeted by Usnavi, owner of the corner bodega. He acts as a kind of master of ceremonies throughout the show, introducing himself and the inhabitants of this close-knit Spanish-speaking community to the audience.

Edie Flores plays Usnavi with sincerity and charm. As the morning unfolds, he introduces the beloved Abuela Claudia, played with rich vocal prowess and a compassionate heart by Lori Rivera. Spontaneously the number bursts

with joyous dance moves skillfully choreographed by Chris “Boogy” Marcos. The 13-piece band, under the leadership of Musical Director/Conductor Michael J. McGushin, adds their brilliant musical spark and the audience is uplifted by the exuberance of the cast as they sing, dance and welcome us with the title song.

Enter Nina Rosario, played by the winsome and musically gifted Sofia Rosas. Nina is an achiever and a shining light of hope in the community. Her scholastic endeavors were rewarded with a scholarship to Stanford University. ... continues on page 4

Aptos Inventor Thinks Big

By Natalia Rodriguez

Abigail Said, 13, keeps her family in mind while creating. This year, the Aptos Junior High student was awarded the Big Thinker Award at the California State Invention Convention, for her creation, “Deaf Alert.” Full Story page 5

Editor’s note: When an unexpected wave flipped Christy Banez off her standup paddleboard in Monterey Bay, Boots McGhee came to the rescue. Here’s his story. Full Story page 6

Table of Contents

Hot Ticket: In the Heights, By Mindy Pedlar

News

5 Aptos Inventor, Age 13, Thinks Big: Abigail Said Wins State Recognition for ‘Deaf Alert’, By Natalia Rodriguez

7 Cabrillo Local Government Fellow Sissi Chavez Garcia: By Jondi Gumz • Teamsters Ratify 3-Year Contract at Watsonville Community Hospital

9 Women of Wellness Give $116,000 to Dominican Hospital

10 Community Foundation named Non-Profit of the Year

11 Gold Medal of Valor for CHP Officers

12 World’s Shortest Parade Winners: Announced by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Photos by Cathe Race

13 Pajaro Valley Unified School District Welcomes Three Top Leaders

14 Aptos Road Woes: Monterey Drive is Like Swiss Cheese • Road Woe Survey: Input Due Aug. 2 • Where State Transportation Dollars Will Be Spent

17 Aptos High School Class of 2024 Graduation, Photos Credit: Van Zantes Photography

20 Grand Jury: Update Archaic County Hiring

21 Santa Cruz County Hiring: 15 Steps

22 Rebecca Hernandez Joins Watsonville Film Fest as Board President

26 Aptos Youth Chess Tournament Winners

27 Watchdog Group: $10 Billion for Regional Economies Spread Across 65 Programs • County to Ban e-Bikes on Sidewalks • Gas Taxes Go Up

Local Sports

10 Olympic Athletes to Watch: Nikki Hiltz and Dom Parrish, By Jondi Gumz

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Saturn Retrogrades — Slow Time Begins, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

6 Reunion & Rescue: A Week in My Life, By Boots McGhee

16 What Books are You Reading?: Cell Phone Policy & Get Ready for Fall in August, By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal

18 Overbilled for Closet Fix! Why Sign a Release Agreement?, By Christopher Elliott

25 Blue Ribbon for Love, By Barry and Joyce Vissell

30 Fire Season: Do You have 100 Feet of Defensible Space, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

COVER STORY

publisher

Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Mindy Pedlar, Natalia Rodriguez, Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Boots McGhee, Alison Hanks-Sloan, Christopher Elliott, Barry and Joyce Vissell, Zach Friend layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

production coordinator

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

office coordinator

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

PHONE: (831) 688-7549

FAX: (831) 688-7551

GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com

Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com

Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com

Editor: info@cyber-times.com

Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com

Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com

Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com

Production: production@cyber-times.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement

We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

“In The Heights” from page 1

While working to make ends meet, her grades fell, and she lost her scholarship. She returns home unsure of how to break the news to her parents and feeling she has let everyone down. To calm herself she sings one of the show’s most beautiful songs, “Breathe.” Sofia’s passionate rendition is not to be missed.

Brissa Nathalie Ibarra and Miguel Reyna convincingly play Nina’s proud, doting parents. They own Rosario’s Car Service where her childhood friend Benny works. Benny, earnestly played by Trevor Miller with heart and humor, adores Nina and their friendship blossoms.

Meanwhile Usnavi’s crush Vanessa, exquisitely played by Karriyma Pekary, is desperately trying to get out of a toxic home life by moving out of the barrio. She is employed by the Beauty Salon owner Daniela, played with great comedic timing by Melissa Martinez. They are joined by Alexis Williams as Carla, and this trio delights us as they sing the comic “No Me Diga” — which means “no kidding.”

Usnavi finally connects with Vanessa with help from his young cousin, Sonny, artfully played by Michael Navarro who is hilarious in the role. Every move he makes is well thought out and perfectly executed.

Ivan Dario Vielma delivers an outstanding performance as Piragua Guy, singing, dancing and selling shaved ice treats to the community. Hats off to the ensemble that enlivens every scene with energy and purpose. Special mention to Kiran Heine, a delightful Graffiti Pete, and ensemble member Adonay Gonzales for

making their challenging Hip Hop moves seem effortless.

The impressive set, designed by Scott Boynton, is perfect in every detail. The production is further enhanced by Richard Fong’s expert lighting design. Veteran Cabrillo Stage designers Maria Crush, costumes,

Skyler Kirby, sound, and Natalie Silva, properties master, add their touch of magic, and under the helm of Stage Manager Alina Goodman, this fabulous show comes to life!

Artistic Director Andrea Hart chose Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” this season “because of the beautiful and profound ways it looks at a particular community.” She put together the creative team necessary for this particular show, which included Hip Hop specialist RJ Wayne whose knowledge and coaching skills added to the authenticity of each actor’s performance.

Kudos to Estrella Esparza-Johnson who clearly put her heart and soul into directing this piece. Witness the passion, strength, authenticity and joy shine forth in this amazing musical, now playing at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos. n

Tickets range from $25 - $60 at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets.

Box Office is open for phone and walk-up sales Thursdays - Saturdays 12pm - 6pm andone1 hour prior to each performance or by phone at 831-479-6154.

Performances now through Aug. 4, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, special matinee performance Saturday, Aug. 3.

Cover Photo: Adonay Gonzales shows off his Hip Hip moves during a scene from In the Heights at Cabrillo Stage in Aptos. •

Photo Credit: Bari Lee

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine,

Danielle Paul

Cathe Race distribution

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website photography

Photo Credit: Bari Lee

Chris Salem dances with Karriyma Pekary, who plays Vanessa. In the back are Edie Flores, who plays Usnavi, Ivan Dario Vielma, who plays Piragua Guy, and Trevor Miller, who plays Benny.

Photo Credit: Shmuel Thaler

A dramatic view of Sofia Rosas, who plays Nina, and Trevor Miller, who plays Benny, lead roles at Cabrillo Stage’s In the Heights.

Aptos Inventor, Age 13, Thinks Big

Abigail Said Wins State Recognition for ‘Deaf Alert’

By Natalia Rodriguez

Abigail Said, 13, keeps her family in mind while creating. This year, the Aptos Junior High student was awarded the Big Thinker Award at the California State Invention Convention, for her creation, “Deaf Alert.”

This is the 9th year of bringing young minds together through applied problem-solving. The invention convention seeks to bring invention education to California schools and encourage entrepreneurship with the statewide event.

The first convention was held in 2017, in our local Santa Cruz, with 55 inventors. Now, due to the continued growth, there are two conventions one for North and Central California, the other for South.

This was Abigail’s 4th year competing. She was introduced through her mother, Rebecca, who works at Bradley Elementary School. When the school embarked on invention education, she knew Abigail had the mind to participate.

Her previous inventions include an ice pack beanie for migraines, to help her mother. An app to assist people with ADHD, for her sister. This year was no different; her Aunt Jackie, who is deaf, inspired her.

On a recent camping trip, Abigail wondered how her aunt could attend to her crying child if she couldn’t hear the cries. With the mind of an inventor, she knew what she had to do.

The invention cost her around $50; with her dad’s help, they used spare parts from

[Abigail Said’s] previous inventions include an ice pack beanie for migraines, to help her mother.

An app to assist people with ADHD, for her sister. This year was no different; her Aunt Jackie, who is deaf, inspired her.

around the house. For the first attempt she tried to use a baby monitor but it was too small, so they decided on an electrical box. The electrical box is wirelessly connected to a bracelet that lights up when detecting noise from a crying child. Besides some assistance with electrical issues, she did it all on her own.

When asked how long the production took, Abigail casually remarked, “About a week, it was last minute.”

She was not the only local representative at the state convention.

Three students from Santa Cruz Country were recognized as 2024 top award winners. Maya Gammino and Piper Sipila from Main Street Elementary School in Soquel, earned the Marlin/Gessler Award for Teamwork, with their invention: “Beach Saver”. Carla Alcocer from Ceiba College Preparatory Academy in Watsonville received the Girls Inventing the Future award for her invention: “WeatherMeUp”

Since its humble beginnings in Santa Cruz the California Invention Convention continues to showcase the inspiring problemsolving abilities of today’s youth. n

2024 SUMMER FESTIVAL

JoAnn Riniti, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist #PSY 12418

• Women’s Issues

• Adolescence and pre-teen challenges

• Depression

Reunion & Rescue A Week in My Life

By Boots McGhee

Editor’s note: When an unexpected wave flipped Christy Banez off her standup paddleboard in Monterey Bay, Boots McGhee came to the rescue. Here’s his story.

Last Saturday, I got a message from pal Neal Kearney. He asked me if I was going to the Woodies on the Wharf and that he was doing an article for Santa Cruz Vibe magazine and needed pics. I told him yes. Success. That was Saturday.

Sunday, Carm and I went to Kumu Lorraine’s Festival of Life at Roaring Camp. Organizers asked if I’d take professional pics. I shot for nearly 4 hours. It was magnificent. The organization, the dances, the music, the crowd of family and friends, seemingly hundreds of folks giving love and support. It was a highlight of my long photographic “career.”

• Unblocking Creative Potential (831) 427-8282

9099 S o qu el D r #11 Apt o s , C A 9 50 0 3

That night I processed woodie pics and the dozens and dozens of beautiful pics from the Festival of Life. I was fried from all of it.

The emotion, the assignment obligation, the moments captured from tears, to laughter, to awe.

Monday, Carm and I went to the airport and picked up Christy Mulleta Bañez’s family of 3, Jericho Bañez and their son and two of their friends, Anna Marie Caberoy Lpt, and Olivia, all originally from the Philippines and now teaching in southern Arizona. We had met Christy in Escalante, a tiny village in the northeast corner of the island of Negros in the central Philippines. The village consisted of Saldavia (Carm’s maiden name) and Mulleta (Carm’s middle name). Carm’s dad Phil had returned to the village and brought his Italian wife Carmela to live and “prosper” there.

Christy was 7 years old at the time and we were so endeared with her and her

family and how they watched over Phil and us when we visited in the early-mid 80s. As the internet progressed and Facebook became available to them, we kept in distant contact.

Nine months ago, she received a visa to teach in Arizona and traveled to a near border town leaving her son and husband. There, she met Olivia and Anna who traveled here to Santa Cruz with them. She received a visa for husband and son to come to Arizona just recently.

At our home in Seacliff, Christy’s husband cooked incredible meals for us. Carm’s brothers Michael Saldavia and Richard Saldavia, niece Kim Saldavia, longtime friend Nancy Nisperos, (who brought Pancit) along with several of our neighbors ate authentic adobo, chicken cordon bleu, and various other dishes. It was as if we were in that tiny village 40 years ago.

“McGhee” page 8

Boots McGhee shields Christy Banez, in the ocean after an unexpectedly high wave flipped her board, from the next wave.

Reunited after 39 years (from left): Boots McGhee, Carm McGhee, and Christy Banez with husband Jericho and son CJ Bootz Banez, 9.

Cabrillo Local Government Fellow Sissi Chavez Garcia

By Jondi Gumz

Sissi Chavez Garcia has been selected as a Cabrillo College Local Government Fellow.

She graduated with honors from Cabrillo this year and will continue her studies as a political science major at UCLA in the fall. She is the first in her family to attend college. As a Local Government Fellow, Chavez Garcia will receive a $1,000 scholarship, an internship in with the City of Santa Cruz in the summer of 2025, and a mentor.

She said, “I am honored to be selected as a Cabrillo Local Government Fellow. This opportunity will help me discover new roles in local government, and I hope to give back to my community one day. I am very excited to meet new people and learn new skills.”

She has identified three areas of interest: Politics, working with a district attorney, and county clerk. She also is appreciative of the networking opportunities this program creates.

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.

Arne Croce, a Cabrillo alum, former city manager and one of the program organizers, said, “Ms. Chavez Garcia exemplifies the student we had in mind when the Fellowship was established: strong academic performance, a motivation to learn and grow, and a passion for local government service. We are grateful for the generous community support which makes this program possible. We are excited for Sissi and look forward to her future.”

The 2023 Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows, Mateo Donato and Justin Lopez, graduated from Cabrillo this year. Dustin is doing an internship this summer with the City of Scotts Valley and Mateo is doing an internship with the City of Capitola.

Dustin will attend UC Santa Cruz in the fall, and Mateo will attend Cal State Long Beach.

Effective, efficient local government is critical to communities. Planning, infrastructure, public safety, libraries, parks and recreation, elections management, and health and social services are essential to a high quality of life and robust economy. Developing dedicated, competent, and diverse future local government leaders is key to maintaining the essential services provided by cities, counties, and special districts. n

Teamsters Ratify 3-Year Contract at Watsonville Community Hospital

On July 3, Teamsters Local 853 reported employees at Watsonville Community Hospital represented by Teamsters Local 853 voted unanimously to ratify a three-year contract with “significant wage increases, a strong benefits package with Teamsters health care coverage, and a per diem coverage schedule.”

The agreement covers 45 Teamsters working as receptionists, procedure schedulers, phone operators, counselors, registrars, and other professional staff in the business office.

He added, “This win is extra special because it is the very first time Watsonville Community Hospital Teamsters have been able to secure substantial pay increases after the hospital filed for bankruptcy three years ago. Local 853 fought hard to save the hospital to not only protect our members, but to protect the entire community.” n

Teamsters Local 853 represents15,000 workers at more than 250 employers throughout California and Nevada. For information, visit teamsters853.org.

“We spent six months working to improve wages and benefits for our members and came out successful in our efforts,” said Steven Lua, president of Local 853 in Oakland. “The road to this day has been long and winding, but we got it done. Congratulations to these members on this hard-fought victory!”

Sissi Chavez Garcia

Safe at SeniorHomeCare

“McGhee” from page 6

During the week, we took the five of them all around Santa Cruz. From the Cement Ship to the Santa Cruz wharf to see sea lions, to Roaring Camp to ride the train and view the redwoods (they couldn’t believe it). The locomotive broke down on the return trip but it seems things happen like that back in their home in the Philippines and it’s just a matter of patience and acceptance.

Thursday, they all wanted to go in the ocean. I fitted them in wetsuits the best I could and had a small life jacket for Christy’s boy. I packed my van, now called “The Boot Jeepney” or “Bootney” with SUPs and boogie boards. I decided Capitola was the easiest to enter and exit the water and Carm showed them how to start from shore as I gave instructions on the sand. They were amazed at Carm’s ability.

I paddled my board and each adult took a turn at paddling on their knees several hundred feet from the beach. They all did pretty well on their knees and, of course, fell when attempting to get to their feet. All laughing and game to try again.

The swell was quite small with an occasional 1-2 foot set of two waves. The last to go was Christy. She made it out easily, not knowing what to do with the paddle but we were greeted by Carm and ventured further out. After 20 minutes, it was time to go in. Christy paddled on her knees toward shore. I told her to take her leash off as I didn’t want it near her in the little shorebreak.

She did that but didn’t follow my command to wait until I deemed it safe to paddle in. She continued in.

I looked over my shoulder and there was the set of the morning. A south swell will do that. Calm, nothing for 20-30 minutes. Then a set of waves will make its way in.

She was caught as I yelled for her to roll off her board to let the first wave take it away from her. But having no experience in the ocean, I realized she was pleading for help. I paddled like a demon and bailed my leashless board and leaped toward her as the next wave hit.

I wrapped her in my arms shielding her from the next wave, telling her to hold her breath as 2 or 3 more 3-foot waves pounded us. I looked up and two young lifeguards, a woman and man, came to the rescue to make sure I had her safe in the knee-high water.

She was scared and said, “Thanks for saving me Uncle.”

I told the lifeguards the last time I was in the water with her was on a tiny island off their main island in the Philippines and that she was seven-- 40 years ago. They were blown away and happy all was safe.

Our adventures weren’t over. That afternoon, we all went to the Surfing Museum. I gave a private tour until Mary Verutti (longtime friend and attendant) let in 15 or more people waiting outside. I went from the 1885 Hawaiian Princes panel through the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘60s and present-day pics and board technology and then the shark attack display. I looked up and everyone had followed behind our group listening to every word I said with many using their phones to record my descriptions of each panel display. Then I finished my speech with the Jay Moriarity panel, explaining what a great human being he was. How he nearly died with a horrendous wipeout at Maverick’s at 16 years old and how much he was loved in the surfing community. I said he died in the Indian Ocean practicing long breath-holding techniques.

And that’s when it hit me.

I looked around at all the faces, young and old, near and dear, including Mary at the counter, and I suddenly welled up and started crying. I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t hold it back. Everything we’d been through that day and all these people listening to me took over me.

Christy’s boy, who she named CJ Bootz Bañez nine years ago, grabbed me, put his arms around me and said, “It’s ok uncle.”

I’ve never felt the love from someone as much as Bootz, his family and their teacher friends. Jay gave me that, too.

We took them to the airport Friday and off they went to Arizona. No ocean, no redwoods, no seabreeze. They loved our weather, our area, our home. Bootz said it was the best vacation ever. It was mine, too. n

Cover Photo: When an unexpectedly high wave flipped Christy Banez off her stand up paddle board in Monterey Bay, Boots McGhee came to the rescue.

Christy Banez, on her paddle board, launches from Capitola Beach.

Boots McGhee with namesake CJ Bootz Banez, 9, visiting from the Philipines.

Women of Wellness Give $116,000 to Dominican Hospital

On June 28, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced a $116,000 gift from the Women of Wellness Council, a local women’s giving society.

The WoW Council allocated $87,000 in funding with an additional $29,000 in anonymous support.

A program of the Dominican Hospital Foundation founded in 2018, the WoW Council’s purpose is to provide financial resources to support and expand women’s health services at Dominican Hospital. This year marks the sixth round of funding, raising more than $440,000. The WoW Council selected these initiatives:

• Noninvasive Ventilation, Respiratory Therapy — $27,971. Noninvasive ventilation is a technique employed using a mask interface to deliver positive pressure and precise amounts of oxygen to treat respiratory distress associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary edema.

• Bioness Integrated Therapy System, Occupational Therapy — $45,390 This new technology is designed for advanced rehabilitation of patients with

visual impairment due to a neurological condition.

• Carts for Fetal Monitors, Birth Center — $8,700. These will help improve nursing workflow and allow easier charting while providing 1:1 care to labor patients.

• Outpatient NICU Nutrition Program, Nutrition — $4,939. An anonymous WoW member gave $4,000 for comprehensive follow-up care for former preemies or babies experiencing nutrition-related issues possibly due to failure to thrive or drug exposure.

• DHMG Oncology Women’s Resources — $5,000. Funded by an anonymous WoW member, DHMG Oncology will create a program for patients with limited income by providing products to support their cancer treatment. The aim is to stock items

typically recommended to patients to alleviate side effects, but are expensive or not covered by insurance.

• Wig Boutique, Katz Cancer Resource Center — $20,000. Fully funded by an anonymous WoW member, this gift will create a beautiful wig room at Dominican’s Katz Cancer Resource Center at the Mary & Richard Solari Cancer Center.

“For more than eight decades, the mission and values of Dominican Hospital have been shaped by visionary female founders and senior leaders,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “It is only fitting that today, the highly influential women of the WoW Council help carry on the hospital’s legacy of improving patient care now and into the future.”

Council members pledge to donate at least $1,000 annually to support crucial technologies,

programs, and services for women at Dominican Hospital. The council convenes three times annually to stay updated on women’s health services at the hospital and to hear about new developments from key physicians and care providers.

Council members strive to recognize and understand the requirement for new or enhanced programs, equipment, or facilities, and to build new connections. They then have the opportunity to evaluate project proposals presented by the hospital and vote to decide which proposals will receive funding.

“The WoW Council is a unique opportunity to see your impact locally,” said WoW Chair Anissa Novak.

“With your membership, you choose which departments and services to support which also allows broader access to the hospital. I love learning more about the great work we’re doing in Santa Cruz and feel like I’m part of something bigger. I love this sisterhood.” n

To learn more, call the Dominican Hospital Foundation at (831)462-7712 or visit www.supportdominican.org/women-of-wellness-council

Olympic Athletes to Watch: Nikki Hiltz and Dom Parrish

By Jondi Gumz

Locals who watch the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris can keep an eye out for Aptos High School alum Nikki Hiltz, competing in the 1500 meter race.

Teammates are Emily Mckay and Elle St. Pierre.

The rules allow 45 athletes to qualify. Heats begin Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 10:05 a.m. Paris time with the repechage round Aug. 7 at 12:35 p.m., semi-finals Aug. 8 at 7:25 p.m. and final Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8:25 p.m.

Faith Kipyegon of Kenya has a world record in this event: 3:49:04.

Hiltz’ best time: 3:55.33 in the Olympic trials in June, becoming he U.S champion.

At Aptos High, Hiltz’ best time — as a sophomore — was 4:26.13.

Tom Hiltz, Nikki’s father, frequently posts updates on Facebook.

Aptos Times has not yet heard of any Olympics watch parties for Nikki Hiltz, but if we do, we will let our readers know.

Hiltz is not the only athlete from Santa Cruz County participating.

Scotts Valley High School alum Dom Parrish, who won a gold medal in the 2022

World Championships, will compete for the U.S. at 53 kilograms.

She is one of 16 wrestlers representing the U.S.

Qualification rounds and repechage rounds in her weight class are scheduled Wednesday, Aug. 7, starting at 11:30 a.m. with another repechage round and medal matches on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Parrish has been training at Beaver Dam RTC in Corvallis, Oregon.

Keep in mind Paris is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time and 9 hours ahead of Pacfic time. n

For more times, see https://olympics.com/en/ paris-2024/schedule

COMMUNITY NEWS

Community Foundation named Non-Profit of the Year

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has been named Non-Profit of the Year by Assembly Member Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay).

In her newsletter, she explained why.

“Their efforts and advocacy during last year’s winter storms made a significant impact in our community, reminding us that even in the toughest times, our community can overcome any challenge when we stand together,” Addis said. “I am deeply grateful for their dedication and service to the region.”

Established after the 1982 flood, the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County brings together people, ideas and resources to support effective programs and address community issues. CEO Susan True oversees $226 million in charitable assets and the foundation aids nonprofits through grants, community events and strategic advice.

Kevin Heuer, director of engagement & impact, thanked Addis saying, “It is our

community’s extraordinary generosity that enables us to do our work and it powered every aspect of this disaster response. We issued $3.5 million in strategic storm and flood response grants to help from Pajaro to the San Lorenzo Valley. This included $1.3 million in funding to nonprofits offering assistance to residents affected by the Pajaro flood. Neighbors helping neighbors. Because that’s what we do here in Santa Cruz County.” n

Dom Parrish Nikki Hiltz

Kevin Heuer with Assemblymember Dawn Addis staffer Diego Amaro.

Gold Medal of Valor for CHP Officers

On June 27, six California Highway Patrol officers were presented with a prestigious Gold Medal of Valor during a ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.

The Special Act Award, given on behalf of Gov. Gavin Newsom, is the highest honor the state can bestow upon employees who risked their lives to save others or protect state property.

For their noble actions, each of the following CHP officers received a Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor:

On June 6, 2020, Officers Michael Estey and Luis Rodriguez responded to an ambush in Ben Lomond in Santa Cruz County where deputies were under fire from a domestic terrorist. Despite their patrol vehicle being hit by gunfire, they engaged the shooter, wounding him and preventing further casualties. Their quick actions and bravery saved lives that day.

On Aug. 27, 2020, Officers Chad Smith and Jonathan Wion responded to a private airplane crash near Benton Airpark in Redding. They navigated a steep, brush-filled ravine to reach

the burning wreckage, rescuing two victims from the flames. Despite a

secondary explosion, they managed to move the victims to safety and

provided crucial first aid until medical teams arrived.

On Nov. 30, 2022, Officer Christian Lara rescued a driver trapped in a burning vehicle that had crashed on Interstate 8 in San Diego County. With the vehicle partially hanging over an overpass and engulfed in flames, Officer Lara broke a window and pulled the injured driver to safety, risking his own life in the process.

On May 2, 2023, Officer Jose Benitez rescued an unconscious, pregnant woman from her submerged vehicle in a canal outside of Corcoran (Kings County). Recognizing the life-threatening situation, Officer Benitez used a crowbar to smash a window, entered the water, and pulled the woman to safety despite the imminent danger of the vehicle sinking further.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, who took over that role in February 2023, said, “I am incredibly proud of these courageous officers who, even in the face of great danger, honored their sworn oath by putting their own lives at risk to protect others. Their unwavering commitment and courageous actions exemplify the true spirit of law enforcement.” n

Courtesy of California Highway Patrol

From left, Assistant Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp, Officers Christian Lara, Chad Smith, Luis Rodriguez, Jonathan Wion, Michael Estey, Jose Benitez, and Commissioner Sean Duryee)

World’s Shortest Parade Winners

Photos by Cathe Race

Pajaro Valley Unified School District Welcomes Three Top Leaders

On June 26, the PVUSD Board of Trustee approved three new members of Dr. Heather Contreras’ Cabinet: Jenny Im as chief business officer, Angelica Renteria as interim assistant superintendent of human resources, and Dr. Ivan Alcaraz as executive director of student support services.

Im is advancing from director, fiscal services, which she has been since April 2023. She started her career at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and has worked at the Sonoma County Office of Education and Petaluma City Schools. She has a background in the different functions of a school district such as accounting, payroll, budgeting, auditing and school finance.

She said, “We are at the advent of an exciting time in education in California with the state-wide focus on socio-emotional wellbeing, Universal Transitional Kindergarten, Universal Meals and the continued evolution of the Expanded Learning program, among other initiatives. At the local level, we have a talented and vibrant new Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras, an engaged school community and exciting opportunities on the horizon such as the Community Schools Partnership Program grant and the upcoming November bond measure to modernize our aging facilities.”

She added, “I am deeply passionate about the intersection

of school resource management and equity, and believe in our district’s mission statement to educate and support all learners in reaching their highest potential.”

Renteria, the director of migrant and seasonal Head Start, started as an infant childcare aide in PVUSD in 1985. She advanced to infant toddler teacher, family childcare home coordinator, and compliance coordinator. Since 2014 she has been director of migrant and seasonal Head Start.

“I am highly motivated to continue to support the vision of the PVUSD leadership with the implementation

Delivering humankindness.

Make peace of mind part of your birth plan.

Holding your baby for the first time—it’s a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. And Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center is here to help make it as special as your new bundle of joy. Our team of doctors, nurses—even midwives—will guide you every baby step of the way. And they’re supported by the only Level III NICU in the Monterey Bay area should you need it. We even have classes to help you prepare for the big day. See for yourself. Take a virtual tour of our Birth Center at DominicanBaby.org

of strong systems that will benefit staff and our student population,” she said.

She has a master’s degree in human development with a specialization in leadership and education & human services from Pacific Oaks College. She has an elementary school teaching credential from Escuela Normal para Profesores de Educación Primaria en Servicio con Sistema Abierto, Guadalajara Jalisco México. She was a Spanish literature major at Escuela Normal Superior Nueva Galicia, Guadalajara Jalisco México and earned her Licenciatura en Espanol. She also has a California Child Development Program Director permit.

Alcaraz is advancing from director of student support services. He joined PVUSD in 2013 as an intervention counselor then became an Assistant Principal at Watsonville High School, and in 2019 became principal of Rolling Hills Middle School.

A resident of Watsonville, he is a former student of PVUSD. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in business management economics at UC Santa Cruz, his master’s in counseling and student personnel, master’s of education in administration and supervision and his doctorate in educational leadership.

“I’m excited to continue to serve my community in this new role,” he said. n

Ivan Alcaraz Jenny Im Angelica Renteria

Ruth Bates

831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

CalBRE#01799929

Happy Summer. Interest Rates are still above 7%, so much for the 3-6 reductions this year. There is some talk that the Feds might do one rate decrease in September. We shall see.

APTOS SOLDS (6/06-7/06)

23 homes sold: Average Sales Price was $1,751,167 and Median Sales Price was $1,595,000.

Average Days on Market (DOM) was 39, down from over 50 last month when only 12 homes sold. High sale was 337 Kingsbury – sold for $6.2 Million on list of $6.9 Million in 42 days. The New Build at 330 Palmer finally sold for $2,350,000 after an original list price last September of $3,290,000. Close to Median Sales: 330 Loyola –2B/2Ba/1120SF - $1,700,000 – bid up from $1,495,000 list price. 732 Seacliff – 3B/2BA/1931SF - $1,630,000. 230 Bowen – 4B/3.5BA/2176SF - $1,450,000, 163 Casa Linda – 4B/3BA/2261SF$1,450,000, 31 Carol – 3B/2.5BA/2022SF - $1,400,000. Six townhomes/condos sold; 3+ bedrooms sold for $1,125,000, $960,000 and $900,000. Two bedrooms sold for $775,000, $710,000, and $660,000.

APTOS ACTIVE

There are 54 Active Listings, the Average List Pirce is $1,964,771 (after taking out the 6 properties that are listed for over $4 million) and the Median List Price is $1,772,500. Average DOM is 47, so prices are too high; homes should sell within half that time if they are priced right. High list is 422 Seaview, asking $12,500,000 and 23 DOM. 5 more homes are listed for over $4 million (618, 553, 431, and 369 Beach Drive and 733 Via Gaviota). The low list is 9013 Rhodes –2B/1.5BA/1400 SF – asking $899,000.

PRICE DROPS ON HOMES SOLD IN PAST 180 DAYS

120 homes sold in Aptos in the past 6 months, so an average of 20 homes per month. 33 of these homes had price drops before selling (28%). 16 homes sold at List Price, 33 homes sold for over List Price and 71 homes sold for less than list price (59%). There is downward pricing pressure for sure.

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

Aptos Road Woes: Monterey Drive is Like Swiss Cheese

In the wake of the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury concluding that county road conditions are deplorable, Aptos Times asked readers to identify which roads in Aptos need attention from our county public works staff.

In our last issue, Steve Gregori called out 446-449 Monterey Drive, a street in between Clubhouse Drive and Vista Del Mar Drive.

Nancy Schultz seconds that motion:

“I want to involve my neighbors in writing to make our voices heard. The section of Monterey Drive between Bonita and Alta is a disgrace. There are many potholes and the pavement has been ground to gravel. The county sent out a crew after the heavy rains

The Santa Cruz County

Regional Transportation Commission is asking residents to give input on which roads to prioritize for repairs via survey due Aug. 2.

See https://experience.arcgis. com/experience/8754cf7bc520455 08d7c58db4b89f841/

The commission applies for grants and carries out road projects, among other transportation improvements.

This survey is part of a regional transportation plan for 2050.

two years ago to patch some of the potholes but with subsequent heavy rains, the rosd is again in very poor condition.”

She adds, “Some of my neighbors are elderly and do not email or have smart phones. Who can they call or write to using regular mail to make their voices heard? We all agree that most of this section of Monterey Drive, not just between 446 and 449, is in bad need of repair.”

Heather Gomez chimed in, “The issue with Monterey Drive is that when people are on Clubhouse Drive trying to get to the beach, they go over to Monterey Drive as a cut-through to avoid the traffic jam. So Monterey Drive gets more traffic than it should, and it takes a toll on the pavement.”

She adds, “After every rainstorm, the road opens up like Swiss cheese and you have to dodge potholes about every 10 feet during the winter months. You can see how many times some of these potholes have been filled. A neighbor on our street popped a tire this past winter because one pothole was so big and impossible to see at night. There is definitely a drainage problem that needs to be addressed. The neighbors of Monterey Drive would really appreciate getting this issue resolved.”

Beware, you may have to increase the small point size.

Project ideas submitted will be shared with the agency responsible for transportation projects in your location of interest. Projects will then be considered for inclusion in the 2050 RTP.

The complete list of all transportation needs in Santa Cruz County is being updated for the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and the RTC is seeking input from the public on new projects to be considered.

This plan will be a minor update to the 2045 RTP. The project list included in the Final 2045 RTP (adopted 2022) is at sccrtc.org/ wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ Appendix-E-Project-List.pdf

The goals of the 2050 RTP are to prioritize projects that provide alternatives to driving solo, improve safety, provide maintenance and improvements efficiently, respond to climate change, and address equity.

Example projects could include a street in need of a bike lane, a turn lane to improve traffic flow, a road that needs a sidewalk, new bus services, or any other improvements you would like to see happen over the next 20 years.

Visit the RTP webpage to view a map of transportation needs already being planned countywide, and if you think something important is missing submit new project ideas using the form by Aug. 2. n

•••

Frank Gale nominated

Road and included 10 photos:

“This was a 300-foot section I shot on way home after reading your article,” he said. “The lighting did not do the pics justice.” It’s true, much of the area is shaded due to the surrounding forest.

“Road Woes” page 22

On July 11, Caltrans awarded $51.4 million in planning grants for 89 transportation projects to help communities withstand impacts of extreme weather fueled by climate change.

Nearly $29 million comes from one-time state and federal sources made possible by Gov. Newsom’s $15 billion clean transportation package in the 2022-23 state budget. Another $12.4 million comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

The awards will fund planning and conceptual design.

District 5 Projects:

$1,369,780, Climate Adaptation — To develop short-, medium-, and long-term climateresilient concepts for potential Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail at four locations most

vulnerable to climate hazards — Capitola bluffs, La Selva/Manresa bluffs, Harkins Slough Rail Crossing, and Pajaro River Rail Bridge on the RTC-owned Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. This could include 22 miles of high-capacity passenger rail service between the City of Santa Cruz to Pajaro Junction and 13 miles of a parallel bicycle and pedestrian path from Rio Del Mar Blvd in Aptos. Design concepts will consider impacts of sea level rise, flooding, bluff retreat, and coastal erosion. $2.2 million, Climate Adaptation — This Resilient Design Study Project will analyze the Pajaro Bridge on Highway 1 at the Pajaro River in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Improvements proposed from this study aim to provide a safe route during an evacuation and minimize the risk of damage to the Highway 1 evacuation route.

“State Dollars” page 22

Trout Gulch

Photo of Monterey Drive by Steve Gregori

Photo of Monterey Drive by Heather Gomez

DURABILITY DEFINED. STYLE UNPARALLELED. QUALITY UNMATCHED.

Step into a world where beauty and resilience coexist. Choose the C650 Ultra™ Series for a home that shines inside and out.

■ Fiberglass frames resist temperature fluctuations, making them a weather-resistant, durable, lowmaintenance choice.

■ The window hardware is attractive, secure, and easy to operate.

■ Choose from four beautiful exterior frame colors to enhance your home’s look.

■ Use Black Bean or Bark to create the popular dark window look with matching interior and exterior frames.

■ Ultra Series windows are covered by the Milgard Lifetime Limited Warranty for peace of mind.

COLUMNIST

What Books are You Reading?

Cell Phone Policy & Get Ready for Fall in August

School leaders never stop working; luckily, the work slows down for a small stretch in the summer. Aside from preparing for the new school year, we relish time together with our extended AHS family. A big thank you to everyone who celebrated with us by walking in and/or celebrating with us at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade. Our assistant principal Rachael Jones, Activities Director Ryane Ortiz, and Athletic Director Travis Fox joined our Aptos Sports Foundation team and me on the shortest but most enthusiastic parade route. We paraded with our Mariners from cheer, football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

AHS in July

safety drill training. Deputies will be conducting active drills on our campus from July 14 -20. Please call the school in advance as campus access will be limited to morning team practices and deliveries.

New families should contact the district office to start the initial registration process. If you have an address change, please contact our registrar via email at Argelia_ Solorio@pvusd.net.

The AHS Campus is closed to visitors through July 19 due to summer cleaning and vacation time. We are also the host site for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

We open again on July 22. We encourage all of our graduates who have not picked up their diploma (this year or the past few years) to come by the A-Building after July 22 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick it up. For the class of 2025, we will be sharing a survey from the superintendent and AHS leadership in August as we prepare for graduation next June. We want your input as we collaborate with the district about this important event. Seniors should sign up with the VanZantes to schedule their senior photo.

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

Mariner Days: Aug. 7 & 8

Save the date, as we need our Mariner families ready for the school year.

Our Mariner Days provide families an opportunity to get their schedule, return required back to school student information, purchase items including PE clothes and Mariner wear, register licensed juniors & seniors for parking permits, meet & greet the leadership team, learn about sports, and get ready for the 2024-25 school year.

Mariner families should be receiving the Back to School Student Information Update instructions and forms via USPS mail.

Please review the information and complete the required annual student information updates. You may turn in the required forms to the AHS main office between July 22 and Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. to get your express pass for Mariner Days.

You and your student can pick up their preliminary schedule at the following Mariner Days dates and times:

• Wednesday, 8/7: 11th and 12th Grade, 9 - 11 am and 2 - 4 pm

• Thursday, 8/8: 9th Grade and 10th Grade, 9 - 11 am and 4 - 6 pm

New Student Orientation: 1 pm Aug 13

Our new student orientation is scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 1 - 3 p.m.. This event is hosted by ASB students and only for students. New Mariners of all grades, please plan to attend!

Summer Exercises: Physically and Mentally

T his year, we as a school want to collaborate together to keep our SAIL’s up! Mariners, what books are we reading this summer?

What moments are we taking to enjoy time in the redwoods, at the beach, and/or be with our families? Many of our fall sports have summer training, so please complete your annual physical and reach out to Travis Fox travis_fox@pvusd.net for times and details.

“Ready for Fall” page 17

Aptos High School Class of 2024 Graduation

Photos Credit: Van Zantes Photography

The Aptos High School Class of 2024 — which had to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic — had a lot to celebrate at this year’s graduation. Each graduate’s photo appeared in the program.

Teacher Thomas Whitwam was the staff speaker.

Presenting the diplomas were: Counselors Kristin Fox, Kristen Barrett, Maureen Brandi, John Mason, PVUSD trustees Kim De Serpa and Jennifer Holm, PVUSD Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras, Lisa Aguerria, assistant superintendent, and Rachael Jones, Dominic Lis, Aaron Bielenberg, AHS assistant principals.

And now the graduates are off to make their way in the world. n

ASB leaders of the Class of 2024 lead the Pledge of Allegiance: Mariner of the Year & ASB Vice President Elizabeth Evans, ASB Treasurer Ceci Garcia, ASB Secretary Julia Nemec, ASB Communications Director Brisa Becerra-Cornejo, Senior Class Treasurer Ashley Matys, and Senior Class Secretary Chelsea Gomez-Ramirez.

“Ready for Fall” from page 16

Minimal Use of Cell Phones

Phones:

We are not banning phones from campus, which has become a trend throughout the state. However, we are taking our instructional time seriously. We also want to minimize distractions or misuse of phones during the school day.

Students are expected to follow the district and school expectations regarding cell phone use on campus. Students are allowed to use cell phones during break and lunch, but must not use their phones in class unless the teacher explicitly allows their use.

Consequences include the confiscation of student cell phones by teachers, Aptos High School, and PVUSD, which can be picked up by a parent or guardian from the school office. Our new school year packet has all the details.

Mariner Clothing Expectations

We ask our Mariners to represent our SAIL values. Our families spoke out and as a community, we ask that Mariner students not wear clothing to school or at school events that:

• Depicts or suggests any illegal activity for minors, is explicit, portrays obscenities or nudity, or promotes drugs or alcohol and/or their use, including brand names.

• Relates to unauthorized group activity or clothing that may intimidate others, or provoke others to acts of violence.

• Poses a threat to others, such as physically dangerous articles of clothing or jewelry.

If you are doing your school shopping, please keep these expectations in mind. Please reach out to an administrator if you have any questions. SAILs up, Mariners and our extended Aptos community. n

Senior speakers: ASB President Leyla MartinezCordova and Migrant Student Association Vice President Steven Zuniga-Espinoza.

Math teacher Kevin Mitchener sits next to graduating senior Malia Moreno, and valedictorians Samantha Wickham and Owen McGinty.

Aptos High School Choir sings the national anthem at the 2024 graduation. Senior choir members from left: Evelyn Potts, Madison Reid, Ellie Christensen, Avery Ruddick, Madelyn Pate, Claudia Romero, Ronja Eilfort and Ji Nay.

The procession: Salutatorian Jillian Wiesner (center) and salutatorian Ronja Eilfort at right.

Aptos High School principal Alison Hanks-Sloan, left, leads faculty into the Kaiser Permanente Arena for the ceremony with PVUSD Board Member Jennifer Holm at right.

Graduating senior Greer Hambly gets a high five.

Overbilled for Closet Fix! Why Sign a Nondisclosure Agreement?

By Christopher Elliott

After Laurence Bauman’s closet collapses, he hires Beltway Builders to fix it. But soon afterward, the closet collapses again. Now the company wants him to sign a nondisclosure agreement. What’s going on?

Irecently found a contractor on Angi to fix my bedroom closet. I reached out to the recommended company, Beltway Builders, and they sent a man named Texas Greg to give me an estimate.

Texas Greg quoted me a crazy price of $1,350 for the job. When I asked why it was so expensive, he said it was the day rate for two handymen. I accepted it because my wife was freaking out that her clothes were all over the floor.

Only one person showed up for the job. He took four hours to finish. I complained to Beltway and told Texas Greg that I should get a $500 refund for getting only four hours of labor while being charged for 16 hours. Texas Greg said I was wrong and that they undercharged me. He said my bill should have been $1,650.

Shortly after the work was finished, the shelves in the closet collapsed. This time, I fixed it myself. They offered me a $100 gift card to Outback Steakhouse and made me sign a nondisclosure agreement that I couldn’t disparage them or their work any further.

I would like a refund for the second repairman who did not show up. Can you help me?

— Laurence

Bauman, Pikesville, Md.

Acontractorshould do a competent job at a fair rate. So much went wrong with your experience, I don’t even know where to begin.

When you research a contractor, you can certainly use Angi as a resource. But you don’t want to rely on it exclusively. Ask around and get a good word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend or relative.

Also, if someone quotes you a rate that’s too high, you’re under no obligation to say “yes.” (As it turned out, you finally decided to install the shelves yourself for free.) I realize your wife was

upset about the closet, and you needed to get the job done quickly. But you didn’t have to go with the Texas Greg estimate.

Texas Greg really gave you a Texas-sized estimate for the closets. I might have requested several estimates for the job.

I see from your correspondence with Beltway Builders that there was some additional communication with the company and that you involved the BBB. That probably irritated the company, leading it to send you the gift card offer with the nondisclosure agreement.

nondisclosure agreement and do whatever you want, including complaining to a nationally syndicated consumer advocate.

I reviewed the job, and I don’t think you should have had to pay $1,350. I would have asked another contractor for an estimate or just fixed the closet myself.

A nondisclosure agreement is a legally binding contract that prevents you from revealing certain things about a business relationship — in your case, it would be anything relating to the job Texas Greg had quoted you. It would include your comments on the closets and the images of the collapsed closet that you sent me with your complaint.

Again, though, no one was forcing you to sign the contract. You can walk away from a

I contacted Beltway Builders on your behalf to see if I could negotiate a truce. A manager called and apologized. He said both of the people involved in your repair have left the company. And he agreed to refund you the $500. As for the nondisclosure? Well, the $100 gift card turned out to be worth $50, so I would say your agreement is probably voided. n •••

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliottadvocacy.org/help/ • Illustration by Dustin Elliott

Grand Jury: Update Archaic County Hiring

The County of Santa Cruz is one of the largest employers in the county, with 2,300 workers, but has a persistent shortage of social workers, psychiatrists, and senior building officials. The Grand Jury investigated root causes and proposed solutions for the County Personnel Department.

Their recommendations:

• Improve the website search engine optimization to increase job listing visibility.

• Adopt a countywide integrated HR software platform.

• Add department-specific recruiting expertise.

• Publish per-position candidate pool policies and hiring results semi-annually.

• Strengthen “Promote from Within” programs and embrace continual improvement for advancement.

• Improve communication to candidates and make candidate status easily available.

• Increase transparency of Personnel data by using a countywide Dashboard.

• Conduct a salary study based on nearby counties that recently hired County employees.

• Engage external peers and consultants to improve hiring processes.

The Grand Jury’s hope is that making progress toward full staffing will improve service levels to residents and improve morale of current County employees.

Here is an abridged version of the report:

TheGrand Jury is to identify areas where local agencies can improve effectiveness and efficiency. The 2022-2023 Grand Jury noted staffing shortages and long recruitment processes kept County agencies and departments from delivering required services. This investigation highlights issues and opportunities to accelerate hiring for difficult to fill positions.

Long term positive outcomes can be fewer vacancies, shorter recruitment times, improved staff morale and higher employee retention rates.

The Grand Jury Investigated:

• The frequently lengthy process from posting to hiring.

• Inconsistent recruiting practices across departments.

• Root causes of slow hiring processes.

• The lack of accurate integrated recruiting and hiring data.

• The lack of status information to candidates.

• Continuous vacancies taking months to fill, especially for supervisors and those requiring professional licenses.

The Grand Jury is very aware processes at the County agency level take time to change.

This investigation compared an ideal hiring process for government jobs to how the County operates, evaluated practices in neighboring counties, interviewed Personnel Department staff and other County department staff tasked with hiring, recent hires and best practices experts, looked for gaps in County recruiting, reviewed statistics from Personnel Department recruitment reports and looked at “out of the box” approaches for difficult to fill jobs.

The Grand Jury examined only recruiting and hiring processes -- and found opportunities for process improvement. This report highlights obstacles and alternative approaches for building strong candidate pools.

What Holds Back Hiring?

External reasons Santa Cruz County takes a back seat to other counties as an ideal employer include housing costs, post-Covid tight job market, salary competition with private industry/Santa Clara County, and license/credential requirements. County government issues examined include lengthy processes, wage disparity, lack of communication with candidates, poorly written job descriptions, and no designated recruiters.

Post-Covid, employment for skilled professionals in Santa Cruz County has been turned inside out. Local employers, including the County, could previously rely on the attractiveness of the area lifestyle to overcome salary limitations. The opposite is now true.

Higher salaries over the hill, combined with flexible hybrid work, have made Santa Cruz County an ideal place to live, but not to work.

Housing and rental prices are proof.

Santa Cruz was No. 1 in the nation for average wage needed to afford a twobedroom rental, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition for Housing. The irony is inescapable. Skilled County employees receive below-market wages, have limited remote work options, and cannot afford housing.

Best Practices

Here are best practices:

• Management commitment to continual improvement. Embracing the principle that best practices change and all employees can provide insights. Soliciting these ideas improves current employee morale because they feel heard.

• Consistently strong candidate pools are formed when an organization combines

COMMUNITY NEWS

a strong brand, savvy marketing, and competitive postings.

• Good integrated data, combined with analysis, to improve performance.

• Fast hiring cycles with strong governance for required skills and certifications.

• Encouraging all employees to seek more senior positions. Building from within can reduce job-hopping to higher-paying localities.

• Fast track advancement for qualified staff based on established processes and management support.

Entry Level

Within County departments, hiring is most efficient for entry level positions. Other positions are difficult to fill and may remain vacant for a long time. This is especially true for the Health Services Agency, Human Services Department and Public Works Department. The Sheriff’s office has had problems hiring for years.

Examples of the hard-to-hire: Positions requiring a specialized degree or credential (e.g., doctors, nurses, and licensed social workers, department supervisors, correction officers at the jails, IT positions that directly compete with private sector.

Recruiting and hiring requires close collaboration between departments and Personnel.

Unfilled Jobs

Hiring gaps reduce quality of life for county residents. Consider these scenarios:

• Lack of nurses in the Health Services Agency can limit care for patients.

• Understaffed social worker teams in the Human Services Agency can compromise family and child safety.

• In the Planning Department, staff shortages for permitting, plan review and inspections can lengthen the housing recovery time for fire victims or developing new housing.

• Open supervisor positions across all departments puts burdens on senior administrators.

No Data, No Answers

For the most part, County Personnel was unable to give the Grand Jury accurate data based on common recruitment measures. As a result, most of our information came from interviews.

This is unfortunate since such metrics capture data points used to track, manage, and optimize recruitment processes. Yet this is standard practice at many peer government organizations.

The lack of such published data in Santa Cruz County is an important fact for readers of this report. Documenting which functions and practices are efficient allows departments to see which recruitment methods need improvement.

Two examples are average recruitment time data and vacancy rate trend data.

Lower Salary

A salary comparison by the Grand Jury indicates Santa Cruz County compensation is on average 17% lower than Santa Clara County.

Santa Cruz County Hiring: 15 Steps

1) A vacancy opens up. The hiring manager fills out the required form and submits it to the Personnel Department.

2) After review by the Personnel technician, the hiring manager signs off on the forms.

3) Personnel may already have a list of candidates which can be filtered to identify suitable candidates for a particular position.

4) The list is shared with the department hiring manager.

5) The hiring manager reviews the list.

6) The hiring department and Personnel jointly oversee candidate qualification evaluation, testing, background checks, and training if required.

7) The Personnel technician takes part in weekly follow up meetings with the hiring manager.

8) Candidates are identified.

9) The hiring manager does reference checks.

10) The Personnel technician does paperwork and completes a Payroll Action Form.

11) The form goes to the Records team for audit.

12) A pay grade is assigned to the candidate.

13) Personnel clears the hire.

14) The Personnel technician then contacts the candidate and schedules them for in-processing.

15) A welcome letter with onboarding information is sent to the candidate.

As a result, experienced entry-level staff frequently seek out jobs over the hill to advance their careers.

Compare these salaries as of Feb. 25.

Campus Tour

There is a Board of Supervisors approved philosophy to compare salaries in our county with eight other Bay Area counties including Santa Clara (Silicon Valley) and Monterey.

Our county strives to be in the middle of the pack.

Current salary compensation guidelines (defined in 1990 and revised in 2002) call out Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa counties as benchmarks. The cost of living is much lower in those counties and using them for comparison may skew salary estimates lower.

Remote Work

Post-Covid, unemployment remains low. Prospects have many career choices and see rising salaries. Many more candidates today decline job offers not just here but everywhere. Candidates have gotten used to working from home and want to work remotely, but the County does not accommodate this requirement as well as the private sector.

Other public sector organizations have made adjustments:

• Job descriptions include more flexible scheduling, including consistent hybrid/ remote work.

“Archaic Hiring” page 24

ENROLLING FOR FALL 2024

Rebecca Hernandez Joins Watsonville Film Fest as Board President

The Watsonville Film Festival, founded in 2012, announces scholar, archivist, and community advocate Rebecca Hernandez as board president starting July 1.

Hernandez will work closely with Executive Director Consuelo Alba to expand the WFF’s mission, including broadening its work with local filmmakers, youth, Latine and Indigenous communities throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond.

Since moving to Santa Cruz a decade ago, Dr. Hernandez has been active with several organizations committed to furthering the arts, equity, and culture of all county residents. She has hosted events centered on Mexican-American music, local history, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and has supported the efforts of Watsonville is in the Heart.

She is the first UC Santa Cruz Community Archivist at the University Library. Previously she was director of the UCSC American Indian Resource Center from 2014-2022.

She serves on the Santa Cruz County

“Road Woes” from page 14

“I constantly see a disproportionate number of tow trucks coming and going,” he added. “A few years back I got a hold of head of road maintenance.

He had me go out and get milage markers where potholes I was complaining about were located. Sure enough, he sent a crew the next day and they patched 3 small holes in an area where many larger, deeper holes within 12 to 15 feet were left.”

Latino Affairs Commission and is a trustee for the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.

As community leaders, Consuelo Alba and Rebecca Hernandez are members of Rise Together, a coalition of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and a team from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County working collaboratively to advance racial equity countywide.

Hernandez is enthusiastic about her new role.

“I am honored to be working with the Watsonville Film Festival! It is imperative that we have this space to celebrate our beautiful, intersectional identities, ” she said. “The WFF provides our community with a strong sense of pride and an exceptional platform for cultural expression through film and digital media.”

She added, “I look forward to all the great things we’ll accomplish together, such as expanding our reach and advancing our goals to increase the Festival’s impact, all while we remain deeply rooted in Watsonville.”

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is asking for feedback from residents to create the “Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Transportation Priorities Report.”

He also recalled “a mudslide that covered the road for weeks and while covered it was the smoothest the road has ever been. Lol.”

Christina Grant has another nomination: Bonita Road between Freedom Blvd and Vista Del Mar, where chunk holes are visible, even in the shade.

Hernandez came to Santa Cruz after working at the UCLA American Indian Student Center as assistant director.

She earned a master’s degree from UCLA in 1999, with her thesis “Intersecting the Cross: Christian Art Created by American Indians.” She earned a doctorate in American studies at the University of New Mexico in 2004 with her dissertation, “Past is Perfect in the Present Tense: Exhibiting Native America in Museums and Culture Center.”

WFF Executive Director Alba said, “I am thrilled to work with Rebecca and take the Watsonville Film Festival to the next level. She is a brilliant and passionate leader with a

deep commitment to serving our community through the arts.”

Alba recently completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Nonprofit Leadership Program and was recognized as a Cultural Leader by the Bay Area Funders for Equity in the Arts. n •••

The Watsonville Film Festival was cofounded by Consuelo Alba, Jacob Martinez, and John Speyer in 2012 with the goal of presenting Latine filmmakers and stories to illuminate shared humanity and inspire positive change in the community. Watch for the next festival in March 2025 at www.watsonvillefilmfest.org

So Aptos Times shared the names of roads in poor condition identified by residents — Monterey Drive, Trout Gulch Road Bonita Road, Sumner Avenue, 260 Rio del Mar Blvd., and Robertson near Soquel Wharf Road.

Transportation planner Brianna Goodman, who is overseeing the CAVA Project, responded, “To clarify, this effort is not about identifying specific assets that need repair now.”

She added, “While we and our partners at the County understand that there are millions of dollars of road repairs that are needed now, the CAVA work is also needed in order to move beyond only fixing damage after it occurs, and get out ahead of climate change accelerated natural disasters by understanding where assets might be vulnerable in the future and making those locations more resilient before damage occurs.” n

Read the grand jury report at: https:// www.santacruzcountyca.gov/Portals/0/County/ GrandJury/GJ2024_final/2024-1_Roads_Report.pdf

“State Dollars” from page 14

$2.25 million, Climate Adaptation —

The Highway 1 Elkhorn Slough Corridor Climate Resiliency Project will evaluate vulnerability to storm surge and sea level rise of an 8-mile segment through Moss Landing and the rail tracks traversing Elkhorn Slough.

$309,855, Sustainable Communities —

The Transportation Efficiency Analysis 2.0 Project in San Luis Obispo County aims to provide diverse housing across all incomes near jobs.

$480,000, Sustainable Communities —

The Santa Barbara County AI Bike Mapping and Wayfinding Project aims to train Artificial Intelligence to map bikeways by safety and

efficiency, creating a consistently updated resource.

“California is at the forefront of planning transportation projects built to help underserved communities withstand the effects of climate change,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.

View the complete list of awards at https://tinyurl.com/CA-sustain-transportgrants. n

•••

Caltrans awards grants through a competitive process. Applications are evaluated on how projects advance state transportation and climate goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system.

Photo of Trout Gulch Road by Frank Gale

Photo of Bonita Road Road by Christina Grant

Courtesy of Watsonville Film Festival

From left: Consuelo Alba, film director Peter Bratt and Rebecca Hernandez.

“Archaic Hiring” from page 21

• Marketing at career fairs, colleges and universities, social media, career panels, community markets and events, inperson job fairs and networking events.

The County Personnel Department has done trials with several of these approaches, but there is no published cost/benefit analysis.

There is no public, written guidance for recruiters on best practices.

Two pilot projects: Quarterly community workshops on how to get a job with the County, and employee testimonial videos.

Continual job posting remains a longstanding County practice even though it has been shown to be ineffective.

Generic postings are left unchanged on the County website for months.

Candidates see only stale postings, and search engines rank them lower than newer postings from competing employers. Search Engine Optimization tools can help to get ranked higher.

Communication

The initial communication is with Personnel, not the hiring department, often seen as a barrier.

Applications are acknowledged with a form email. The next contact may be months later, when the candidate is asked to schedule a test or is called in for an interview. There is no ongoing communication with eligible candidates, or information on where they stand in the hiring process.

Candidates are not able to check their status online and systems are not in place to automatically generate status communications. Processes and communications rely on manual employee processes; time can be lost.

Bottlenecks

The recruiting and hiring of county employees follow strict civil service guidelines to ensure fair and equitable hiring. These requirements were put in place many years ago to block unfair hiring practices. Circumstances have changed and some, such as candidate pool sizes, simply delay hiring. Some progress has been made since the Board of Supervisors approved replacing the Rule of 10 with Rule of 5 for some positions.

Previously the Rule of 10 required Personnel to identify 10 qualified candidates before submitting the candidate list to the hiring manager. This requirement was reduced to 5 candidates. However, many rules-- while well intended to avoid the “spoils” system of the past — remain as obstacles to efficient hiring.

Provisional hiring is a means to bring onboard highly qualified candidates for more specialized positions while a determination is made as to their civil service qualifications and their credentials are checked. This has only been rarely used in Santa Cruz County. When used, it has been successful in persuading candidates to wait out the months-long processes.

Time to Hire

The process in use today often takes six months to a year. Candidates frequently accept other opportunities before the Personnel Department makes an offer.

Normally, public sector hiring takes three times longer than the private sector for higher level, special skills or credentialed

positions. This puts Santa Cruz County at a huge disadvantage.

The end result is service gaps for residents and increased workload for existing staff.

The next section looks at how to move from a pool of candidates to a hired employee.

Agency Recruiting

We found most County departments and programs lacked dedicated hiring managers. Most of the time department managers are charged with hiring. These managers often lack personnel hiring experience. The exception is the Sheriff’s department, which has an officer dedicated as a recruiter.

Comparable large departments such as HSA, HSD and Public Works, with similar complex position requirements, do not.

Typically, the most difficult positions to hire are psychiatrists, senior medical specialists, social workers, nurses, and senior building officials. These positions require specialized knowledge as well as a license.

Best Practices

The Grand Jury interviewed a Human Resources expert with many years’ experience consulting for California cities and counties. The consultant sampled advertised open positions on the County Personnel website. One Santa Cruz County job description for an engineer, for example, was not interesting to prospective candidates.

• The salary description was monthly (not annual), and salary listed in the ad used a range without context.

• There was no compelling content compared to another rural county entity’s job description for an engineer with multi-media links talking up the job, and multiple pictures.

• Best practice: Write a job description from the perspective of the candidate. An engineer would love to see a link to current County projects to see what they might work on if hired.

Simply running an ad does not work today.

The consultant recommended these best practices.

Effective Advertising:

• Personnel staff and the department hiring manager should co-write the job announcement and supplemental questions. Often HR develops an initial draft, based on priorities articulated by the hiring manager and key details of the job description plus required EEO/ADA language.

• Show hourly salary for entry-level and part-time jobs and annual salary for journey-level and above. It is acceptable to list both hourly and annual salary ranges.

• Include a benefit summary, with links to a graphic presentation “selling” benefits to potential applicants.

• Sell the job opening by highlighting key features of the job, blending specific tasks with benefits and tapping into the reason folks choose this career path.

• Continuous postings should be refreshed every month. This includes updating the posting date, so web crawlers and search engines will “see” the posting as new. Another best practice is to add new information each month, such as “Next Application review date: Oct 30. All applications received by that date will be

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

reviewed by the hiring manager within 2 weeks.”

• Contact each applicant within one week of the close of any job posting with a status update.

• Departments with chronic staff shortages would benefit from opening social media accounts where information about department happenings and future open positions may be highlighted. One best practice: the Sheriff’s Department has its own Facebook and Instagram accounts and attends law enforcement job fairs. The Personnel Department has implemented a wide variety of outreach methods which have had some success. These include social media, online job boards, career panels, information sessions, direct US mailings, direct emails, direct phone calls, attending community events (farmer’s markets, Pride Day, County Fair), attending online and inperson job fairs and internship fairs, radio ads, newspaper ads, fliers posted at local businesses, attending professional conferences and networking events.

Creative Recruiting:

• A referral bonus for current staff. Some departments use a payment split: 50% on hire; 50% when the probation period is successfully passed.

• Use job titles and keywords that resonate with current industry nomenclature even if they do not match the County’s current job title.

• Provide candidate immediate access to the hiring manager if they clearly appear to be a good candidate.

• Have a union rep present during the interview process. This sensitizes the union member to the process and promotes a better understanding from the hiring manager’s point of view. By collaborating with the union representative for creative ways to meet civil service requirements it may be possible to come up with unique ways to hire good candidates.

New Hire Retention:

• Investing in communication skills for leads, supervisors and managers is vital, so they have the tools to effectively lead their staff. Recommend coaching and mentoring trainings.

• Establish regular meetings throughout the probationary period with feedback on performance and expectations. This allows the supervisor to assess if assignments are appropriate, and/or if additional resources are needed to help an employee. It also helps the employee to have a clear idea of how well they are doing.

Referrals From Employees:

• Annual reviews that include a professional development training plan will actively encourage staff to improve their skill for advancement. This can help retain valuable employees, while helping struggling employees improve and feel good about staying long-term.

Data on Vacancies

The County Personnel Department is responsible for employee payroll and benefits, state and federal compliance issues, employee grievances and union collective bargaining issues. As a result, data is not readily available and acted upon. County Personnel staff are not as

familiar as they could be with current data on vacancies across the departments they serve, time to hire, retention rates. They wait for the department or agency to report a need for new hires. The data is held within the departments. Because of this, county-wide job vacancy data is not available.

Home-grown tracking systems and spreadsheets to capture hiring information continue to be used in this county.

Data collection is labor intensive and inefficient.

Every recent hire interviewed said it takes at least six to 12 months to fill a County position.

Sometimes things slow down because of the government hiring process. For example, candidates fill out tests and essays not necessarily for the position they will be eventually offered. Hiring managers take months to interview candidates provided by Personnel, causing candidates to lose interest.

Everyone seems to be resigned to the long process.

Software Benefits

Many peer agencies rely on software tools to automate such processes and integrate data gathering.

These tools free up managers from manual paperwork tasks to focus on sourcing, interviewing, and hiring. San Francisco reduced hiring time by 40% through streamlining the application, interview and hiring process.

Software programs enable recruiters to reach more candidates all at once, creates automatic screening, captures recruitment metrics, and ensures compliance. For candidates, software makes it easier to evaluate a job, makes the application process easier, provides an immediate response, allows candidates to schedule interviews.

Software Options

Candidate Relationship Management software streamlines recruiting and hiring. Adapting CRM software would complement and/or improve inhouse software and allow the County to more effectively compete with local counties and cities.

NeoGov provides CRM to public and civil service employers. Santa Cruz County currently uses some NeoGov modules for applicant tracking and online employee training.

When a NeoGov advertisement is posted on the County website, it is also picked up on the NeoGov website.

NeoGov is used by Watsonville, Santa Cruz City, Los Gatos, San Jose, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Clara County and San Benito County.

NeoGov saves time because it sends out notices to candidates and allows them to selfschedule interviews.

Careers in Government, another CRM software system, scrapes subscribers’ websites and publishes listings on their own, increasing visibility to potential recruits. It would also push interested candidates back to the County website.

Handshake is a free service where links to County job posting can be posted, increasing visibility to new candidates seeking job opportunities. n

For the complete report, see www.santacruz countyca.gov/Portals/0/County/GrandJury/ GJ2024_final/2024-3_Personnel_Report.pdf

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Blue Ribbon for Love

Barry and I have a delightful family hobby of raising a litter of Golden Retriever puppies every year or so. We’ve owned and loved Goldens since 1970 and are dedicated to bringing only the highest quality dogs into the world. The entire family comes together for this project, and we have so much fun with the puppies, raising them with as much love as we can.

As part of this hobby, we used to march in our town’s parade (Aptos) each July 4. We invited as many of our former puppies and their owners as possible to march with us. This is definitely a small-town parade, with children on bikes, antique cars, local bands, dancing troupes, and seven or eight dog groups. Although blue ribbons are given for the best entry in each category, we are totally unattached to winning.

This particular day, the dog groups all gathered in the parking lot of the local veterinary clinic. Our family and three of our four dogs arrived first and waited for the other Goldens and families (we leave home one senior dog who is not fond of parades). Right next to us was a group of Bernese Mountain Dogs. These are beautiful large black, brown and white dogs. The woman in charge of them told me all of her dogs were famous champions, well known in the show circles. They participate in parades all over California.

I looked at her elaborate set-up, with signs, flower harnesses for the dogs, a small fire engine for them to pull, and each dog immaculately groomed. I looked over at our three dogs and saw Barry and our children brushing away at our dogs, trying to remove the weeds and dirt that had collected in their

fur from living in the country. No, they were never going to look immaculate. I thought to myself, “Surely this woman with her fire engine, signs, harnesses, and champion dogs will win the prize this year.”

The next group of dogs to arrive was the Pugs, all 25 of them. They were being pulled in wagons. They were followed by the Dachshunds. Each little dog had a darling costume on. They looked cute, but didn’t seem so happy about the clothing.

Eventually, eighteen Goldens were ready to march. None of them had costumes or decorations, just the pure love in their hearts to offer the crowds of people gathered along the short parade route. Instead of marching down the middle of the road, we encouraged the owners to go from side to side, letting their dogs greet the crowds, which they loved to do. And yes, the oohs and ahhs were plentiful, as golden love was exchanged by all. When we passed the judges’ stand, the Goldens all wiggled up to them to give their love. The parade was fun.

The next day, we were called and told we had won first prize in the pet division. I could hardly believe it. Our dogs didn’t have any of the special things the other groups had: Elaborate costumes, wagons, accessories, championship show-ring status. The only thing they had was love and enthusiasm, and in the end that was why they won.

All that day, I felt how this is so true of life. In the end, it’s our love, pure and simple, that wins. As humans, we often think we are not enough just the way we are. Thoughts such as, “If only I had more money, a better degree, more possessions, better clothes, nicer hair, thinner or stronger body, more experience, or

By Barry and Joyce Vissell

a better job. If I had these things or even some of them, then I could be happy and live the life I want. Then I could help other people.” But we ignore the power to love within each one of us, a gift we received at birth.

There is a true story of a woman who was in the hospital dying. During the day her friends and family came and brought her loads of flowers, candy, and balloons. They ignored the fact that she was dying, pretending she would come back home soon. They filled the time at her bedside by telling

jokes to one another, discussing politics and in general ignoring what was really going on. The woman grew more and more unhappy.

One night, the old cleaning woman, Margaret, noticed her and came into her room and sat down. Margaret was in her seventies and had been cleaning the hospital floors at night for 50 years. She had seen death many times.

“Blue Ribbon” page 26

Famous Firsts

Give in to gravity

Weaver’s apparatus

The “I” in “The

Saturn Retrogrades — Slow Time Begins

Planet of (slow) time, the time keeper, the teacher teaching structure, boundaries and above all life lessons that must be learned. This is the planet Saturn, which retrograded this past week in Pisces (note: Neptune, Pisces ruler also is retrograding in Pisces). Saturn, retrograde 1/3 of the year, is a lovely pale yellow in the sky, shining through the night, hiding during the day. Perhaps Saturn is bashful! Some people are afraid of Saturn. When hearing the name Saturn people back away, fear haunts them, wondering will bad things happen to me with Saturn?

No we say. Saturn calls us to work, to task, to states of awareness of time, to responsibility, to structure our lives. When retrograde Saturn asks that we review these life issues. Are we on time, are we responsible and aware, is our life planned and structured and what relationships need remembrance and/or closure and what tasks have we left undone? Saturn calls us to set priorities, to see time as a useful tool and to lessen our sense of expectancies. Saturn really wants us to be happy!

As in all retrogrades, especially Saturn, it is not a time to begin initiate new projects. We don’t borrow money or purchase large

ARIES

In past months as you initiated multiple projects (your spiritual task), something always hindered your progress. As this begins to ease, you realize how tired you’ve become pushing the Sisyphean rock up the hill only to have it fall back down again (sometimes even rolling over you). Tend to yourself in ways that nurture your body, emotions, mind and spirit. What would that be?

TAURUS

You’re participating in something that is providing you with information for the nurturance and sustaining of humanity’s future. If you are not in a formal study/school then you are receiving information (nudges) from above, impressions are falling into your mind, ideas are beginning to flow all around concerning how to create a secure future for yourself and others. The information comes incrementally, step by step. Study each one. Are you traveling?

GEMINI

It’s important that you read all the daily teachings, each astrological sign and the introductions I write so you have access to ALL the information because you are the one who is to share information and thus help synthesize all separations, oppositions and misunderstandings in humanity. This esoteric occult Gemini task is rarely known or acknowledged. I know you seek the Ancient Wisdom and mystery teachings, a Teacher and a spiritual group and it’s right here. The door has opened for you. Enter soon.

CANCER

Who you can and will work with quite harmoniously and especially for the times to come are Taurus people. They are comforting as well as able to provide the illumined information needed now. In turn you will bring a certain nurturing vitality to the information. You provide the analytical (womblike) setting so that the seeds of everyone’s mind can grow, blossom, learn and begin to think. While Taurus provides the Light, you take that light and “build the lighted nurturing home” where others can “therein dwell.”

Risa D’Angeles

important items. We can dream & plan but no implementation should be done. We are being called to be our own authorities in our lives, to make out own inner decisions. And above all Saturn calls us to cultivate the virtue of patience which is really Saturn’s ultimate domain.

Saturn retrograded Saturday (its own day), June 29th (19 degrees Pisces) and will continue its retrograde until November 14 (back to 13 degrees Pisces). Simultaneously, Neptune, on Tuesday, July 2, began its retrograde (29.56 degrees/minutes) in Pisces. The two, Saturn and Neptune are linked via their retrograde in Pisces (further ending the Pisces Age, preparing for Aquarius).

With the two retrograde in Pisces for months on end, it’s like entering a dreamtime, where past, present and future blend, unsolved issues can be solved and we put everything in understanding order once again. Retrogrades are valuable times. We learn discipline, patience, the value of time, and inner responsibility. Things hiding over incarnations come to light. “Hello, we say, fancy meeting you once again. Well! we say, let’s get to work! There lots of reconnecting and rekindling and healing to be done!” And Saturn, pleased and looking on, smiles! n

LEO

What are your concerns these days? Are you conflicted about resources, values or finances? Is there a dilemma concerning the right use of resources? Here are some ideas. First, tithe 10%. Either to those you know in need or to Doctors Without Borders, St. Jude’s Hospital, and Heifer International. Then put 10% into savings. Then pay your bills. Then purchase what’s needed. And recite this mantra “I have everything I need at all times.” These steps insure your present/ future and your self-confidence.

VIRGO

Are you busy with various and multiple ideas? Do you have goals that seem out of date, perhaps conflicted and conflicting? Are you feeling a bit conflicted too? It’s possible you feel very very serious right now. Saturn, in your opposite sign of Pisces is your shadow. And this could make you feel self-critical, saying to yourself “I haven’t done enough.” This is a fanciful idea that needs to be ignored. Virgos often to too much! There seems to be lots of work demanded of you everywhere. Perhaps you need a rest, a state of refuge, a place of solace. Where and what would that be?

LIBRA

Libra is where decisions are made concerning our primary focus and responsibility, how to blend selfneeds with those of others, and just how family fits in as we pursue outer financial and/or relationship success. The resolution is a slow integration, a synthesis and it takes lifetimes to comprehend this (usually seven). Which stage of the path are you on and what areas of life have you chosen to focus on? When we learn each lesson, the focus shifts again. Cherish all that is around you. And drink carrot juice.

SCORPIO

At some point, you will have the courage to face all your fears, slowly and confidently. Have you been feeling too hermetic to move beyond your safety and comfort? A change arrives that forces you out and about. Everything is about values and resources, and these will change, too. An ending of things is slowly taking place for you. You thought you were the only one who transforms. Watch as humanity begins to experience what it’s like to be a Scorpio.

Aptos Youth Chess Tournament Winners

On July 6, the Aptos Youth Chess Tournament brought a lot of brain power to the Aptos Public Library.

Chess master Dana Mackenzie was the tournament organizer and official. He was assisted by Atlee Halderman and Chess Master Gjon Feinstein.

The winners are:

Ages 11 & Older

1) Ethan Burson of Scotts Valley (improved from 2nd last year)

2) Mike Qiu

3) Aiden Greenson, Logan Greenson, & Vaden Barr

Ages 10 & Younger

SAGITTARIUS

Here are a few tasks for you to focus on in the coming months. Tend to all financial responsibilities before they’re due. Care and conserve your energy (self, vitality, money, resources). Offer coworkers recognition and loving understanding (that’s the new life-wave thought coming forth). Realize nothing is moving swiftly now including career changes. Therefore you can go slow each day. Ambition is good and dreams do come true — in time.

CAPRICORN

You want to travel and learn, listen to music, see dance performances, theatre, attend museums all simultaneously. Most likely you will be traveling but, in the Saturn, and Neptune retrogrades be prepared for unforeseen changes and/or delays, different timing and schedules. These will continue through December. In the meantime what’s occurring locally is where you’ll feel the most comfort, learn the most and be most interested (and interesting to others). While out and about, be careful of other drivers. Maintain your car(s).

AQUARIUS

Usually people think Aquarians are impractical, too rigid or too lacking in discipline while pondering possible unrealistic futures. But none of these apply. Especially for the rest of the year. You will make practical decisions in all areas of your life, but especially concerning money and finances. You will seek closeness with others and make choices based on who loves and cares for you and when you are with them harmony is apparent. You seek a deepening within friendships and a certain special relationship. Humanity loves you.

PISCES

You have attempted to express your gifts and unique talents freely and without limitations and hindrances. You will re-examine your choices and reassess the past many years of your work. You will assess the following — what humanity needs; where and how you are needed in the future; hat you need to further express yourself; where you need to be in order to bring this forth; who is impacted by your decisions and how will they fare should you go forward with new directions? A question first — what would improve, enhance and enrich your life?

1) Kaiden Wang of Aptos

2) Paulo Cid

3)

Mesa n

“Blue Ribbon” from page 25

She knew the woman was dying and she knew how to love her best. She reached for her hand and merely said, “I can see that you are suffering. Do you want to talk about it?”

Night after night, the woman poured out her heart to Margaret, who merely sat quietly and listened. Margaret wasn’t a trained therapist, doctor, nurse or social worker. She didn’t even have a high school education.

She couldn’t afford to bring this woman any flowers or presents. All she did was listen to and love the older woman. In the end, it was dear Margaret’s love that helped the woman the most, and helped her to die in peace.

The love in our hearts makes us more than enough. We don’t need all the other trappings of life to reach out to another. In the end, it is simply our love that wins the prize blue ribbon of life. n

This is an excerpt from A Couple of Miracles: One Couple, More Than a Few Miracles — Semi-Finalist, Book of the Year, Online Book Club. Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/ therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors on Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 10 books and a free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org

Jacky Qiu, Liam Currid, Tor Jensen, Forrest Pilch, & Kai de

Watchdog Group: $10 Billion for Regional Economies Spread Across 65 Programs

Editor’s Note: This analysis comes from the Little Hoover Commission, an independent state watchdog agency.

•••

In November 2023, Gov. Newsom announced the state is distributing $72.5 million in awards to four regions across California for the state’s Regional K-16 Education Collaboratives grant program. The program, which creates streamlined pathways from high school to postsecondary education to in-demand jobs, is part of the Administration’s statewide strategy for strengthening regional economies.

This focus on expanding regional career training and workforce development aligns with the Commission’s previous work. Last year, we examined how state government can promote inclusive economic development in California’s less prosperous regions, and made two specific recommendations, including the creation of a single accountable leader. These recommendations are described in more detail below.

Our review largely focused on California Jobs First (formerly known as the Community Economic Resilience Fund, or CERF for short).

In 2021, California leaders invested $600 million into this statewide effort that supports regional collaboratives as they

create and implement strategies for inclusive development.

In itself, California Jobs First represents a substantial investment in the state’s regional economic agenda and presents a tremendous opportunity for regional capacity building. However, it is likely that regions will need to leverage additional funding beyond what is provided through this program to make a longstanding impact on their growth trajectories.

The good news is that in the last few years, state leaders have dedicated significant resources towards programs that could help advance regional development strategies in inland and rural regions. For instance, we identified over $10 billion in one-time and continuing investments for programs—such as K-16 Education Collaboratives—that can support regional development projects.

Not to mention the slew of recent federal investments in infrastructure, advanced technology, and clean energy projects.

While this funding presents a tremendous opportunity for regions to advance their local economies it too comes with challenges.

For example, the state funding we identified is spread across 65 programs and

investments and across 21 departments and agencies with different requirements, regulatory frameworks, and administrative processes. Programmatic goals, moreover, may not align with regional economic development priorities.

As the Commission learned, regions have the best chance of driving economic growth and generating quality jobs by building on and maximizing existing economic strengths, assets, and opportunities.

Thus, it is critical that these investments are aligned with existing and emerging regional industries and coordinated with broader regional development strategies. The state must take on this leadership role.

In its 2022 report, Equitable Economic Development across California, the Commission offers two specific recommendations toward this end:

First, the Governor should create a single leader responsible for regional economic development. California needs a senior point of leadership to facilitate the implementation of regional economic agendas.

Second, the Governor and the Legislature should encourage and, where appropriate, direct state agencies to consider regional economic development strategies as they design and implement statewide policies and regulations.

California cannot expect regions to coordinate all these resources alone.

Rather, the state should help regions by directing relevant programs and agencies to align their funding in support of regional development strategies. One example? The Legislature could target portions of funding available for the development and manufacture of clean energy technologies toward historically underinvested regions.

Critically, California Jobs First and related funding will not last forever. Yet, building sustaining regional coalitions for inclusive development takes time. To help maintain development initiatives, the Commission recommended that state leaders dedicate ongoing funding for capacity building, especially in less prosperous regions. This funding would give convening organizations predictable resources for preserving partnerships, updating regional strategies, and building expertise.

With appropriate state leadership and commitment, California can take full advantage of this incredible opportunity to enable transformational change in regional economies. n

•••

Learn more at https://lhc.ca.gov/ advancing-regional-development-strategiesrequires-strong-state-coordination/

County to Ban e-Bikes on Sidewalks Gas Taxes Go Up

Have you worried about being hit by someone on an electric bicycle taking over the sidewalk?

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has voted for a new ordinance specifying that electric bicycles (eBikes) as well as certain motorized vehicles such as mopeds may not be driven on sidewalks in unincorporated areas. The ordinance is expected to return to the Board for a second reading and final adoption on Aug. 13.

Visitors and locals can now tour the county by renting a BCycle, an electric bicycle that has docks in Pleasure Point, Chanticleer Park in Live Oak, Capitola, UC Santa Cruz and the Seymour Discovery Center.

“By updating our County code to reflect the evolving landscape of transportation, we’re taking proactive steps to ensure that all residents can safely enjoy our public spaces,” Supervisor Zach Friend said.

Once finalized, the ordinance will prohibit the operation of eBikes on Countyowned sidewalks, unless those sidewalks have been designated as bikeways.

To assure the safety of eBike operators, the proposed ordinance includes an exception in limited circumstances to allow eBikes on sidewalks where no pedestrians are present and no bikeway is available.

Does it seem as if the price of gas went up overnight? It did.

The California gas tax is now 60 cents per gallon, up from 27.8 cents per gallon in 2017.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration made the announcement in May that the gas tax increase from 58 cents to 60 cents.

As of June 28, a gallon of gas averaged $4.80 in California, according to AAA.

Gas at Aptos Chevron is $5.19, according to GasBuddy.com, and $4.69 at Coast in Capitola. Th eprice at Aptos Safeway was not available.

Here is a Q & A with the CDFA:

How are the sales and use tax prepayment rates determined?

We may continue to adjust these rates during the year if changes in fuel prices cause fuel retailers to prepay too much or too little tax.

How are the excise tax rates determined?

“The adoption of this ordinance signifies our commitment to fostering sustainable transportation options while prioritizing public safety,” Supervisor Manu Koenig said.

Motorists must allow three feet of space if passing cyclists. Youth under 18 are required to wear a safety helmet, and youth under 16 are prohibited under State law from riding Class III eBikes (all Class III eBike users must wear helmets).

Sidewalk rules vary by jurisdiction. n

We calculate the prepayment rate for each gallon of gasoline, aircraft jet fuel, and diesel fuel at 80% of the combined state and local sales tax on the average selling price of the fuel, excluding sales tax, as reported by industry publications. We are required to establish the sales tax prepayment rates by March 1 of each year.

We are required to adjust the motor vehicle fuel and diesel fuel excise tax rates on July 1 of each year, based on the percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index, as calculated by the Department of Finance. n

For information, call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except state holidays.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOV. 5 ELECTION: IMPORTANT DATES

Aug. 9: Deadline for candidates to file.

Aug. 9: Deadline for filing tax rate statement for bond measures.

Aug. 14: Deadline to file if incumbent does not run.

Aug. 16: Deadline for filing arguments for or against local ballot measures

Aug. 23: Deadline for filing rebuttals.

Sept. 26: First day to mail County Voter Information Guides.

Oct. 7: First day to mail ballots to all Santa Cruz County registered voters. In-person voting open at two locations.

Oct. 21: Last day to register to vote for the November 2024 election and receive a ballot and voter guide in the mail.

Oct. 26: Three more in-person voting locations open.

Nov. 2: Thirteen more in-person voting locations open.

Nov. 5: Election Day – polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.

Nov. 12: Vote by mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12 will be counted. Dec. 3: Last day to certify election results.

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE

Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized professional repertory theater, will offer Shakespeare’s As You Like It & Hamlet, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie through Sept. 28 under the trees and stars in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) at Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park. Showtime is 8 p.m.

As You Like It directed by Carey Perloff opens at 8 p.m. July 18.

The Importance of Being Earnest directed by Paul Mullins opens at 8 p.m. July 19. Hamlet, directed by Susan Dalian opens at 8 p.m. Aug. 2.

The Glass Menagerie directed by Charles Pasternak opens at 8 p.m. Sept. 13.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $70 at www.santacruzshakespeare.org.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK WALL OF HOPE

The Wall of Hope is designed to support Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County’s mission of alleviating hunger in our community.

Tiles range from $700 to $2,000. Proceeds support Second Harvest and will be viewed by visitors to the food bank for years to come.

The Wall of Hope is located on the patio, just outside Second Harvest’s main entrance. The tiles will be previewed at the Party in the Parking Lot event.

For more information, contact Michele Bassi at (831) 288-3002 or e-mail michele@thefoodbank.org Tiles can be purchased at https://give.thefoodbank.org/ campaigns/32191-wall-of-hope.

USED EV INCENTIVES

On July 1, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District launched the FY 2024-25 Electric Vehicle In-centive Program offering incentives to the public to buy used fully electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Electric vehicles tend to cost more than gas-powered vehicles, so by including used vehicles, the hope is to make the purchase or lease more affordable.

The incentives for new vehicles:

• $2500 for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

• $1500 for Battery Electric Vehicles

• $750 for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• $750 for Electric Motorcycles

Incentives for used vehicles:

• $1000 for Battery Electric Vehicles

• $500 for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• $500 for Electric Motorcycles

Richard Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, said, “Over 60% of the total emission of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) in the

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

Monterey Bay area comes from motor vehicles. Fully electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. By encour-aging and incentivizing their use, significant long term air quality benefits can be achieved.”

Incentive amounts are double for qualifying low-income applicants such as those households of four with earnings below $106,240.

Purchase or lease date must be after July 1. Details and applications are at: https://www.mbard.org/electric-vehicleincentive-program

NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER DAY

This is the 100th anniversary of the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and every Wednesday through Aug. 7, when visitors can ride the Giant Dipper for the retro price of $1 a ride.

Visit on Aug. 17, National Roller Coaster Day, and if you’re one of the first 100 riders, you will receive a Boardwalk souvenir cup!

CASTRO ADOBE STATE PARK RESTORED

Monthly Open House: Aug 11, Sept. 21, Oct. 13, Nov. 16, Dec. 8 10:30am- 3:30pm, 184 Old Adobe Rd, Watsonville

Thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, the historic Castro Adobe has been restored and enriched with many new multimedia exhibits.

This two-story adobe is a prime example of rancho haciendas in the Monterey Bay area.

Come view unearthed artifacts, enjoy the Fandango lessons, and learn about the vaquero culture. Admission is free. Carpooling advised due to limited parking.

CALL FOR HELP

St. John’s Helpful Shop, located at 246 Center St. in Aptos, needs volunteers for the summer. Shifts are three to four hours.

For information, call 831-703-4238 or visit the shop between noon and 5 p.m.

SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP

The Scleroderma Foundation of California announces a new support group for people living in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

The Monterey Bay Support Group will bring together individuals with scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and thickening of the skin and other areas of the body.

The support group will be led by volunteers Cheri O’Neil of Live Oak and Annette Rahn of Carmel. The mission of the Scleroderma Foundation of California is to empower patients to live better lives through programs dedicated to support, education, and research.

The support group will start by offering virtual meetings,

TRUE

with the goal of meeting monthly in person at a location convenient for members.

To learn more, email mbsclero@gmail.com. The foundation’s website is www.myscleroderma.org.

COMMENT ON BURN REGULATION

The Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association reports the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is proposing a new order that the burn association contends will add unnecessary bureaucracy, hampering prescribed burns as a tool to reduce catastrophic wildfires.

This is a proposed order for the General Waste Discharge Requirements for Vegetation and Sediment Management Activities Associated with Fire Fuel Reduction and Flood Control for the Central Coast Region.

Comments must be received by 5 pm Wednesday, July 17 by emailing: April.Woods@waterboards.ca.gov

COUNTY SEEKS NONPROFIT PROPOSALS

Deadline: August 2

The County of Santa Cruz has announced the deadline for nonprofits to apply for county and city funding from the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments Program.

The goal is to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

The Request for Proposals was released on June 3.

This year, $3,790,025 will be awarded for the 2025-28 three-year funding cycle, with the top priorities being: Lifelong Learning and Education, Thriving Families, and Healthy Environments.

County Supervisors and Santa Cruz City Councilmembers approved setting aside $1.5 million of the funding to be awarded specifically for shelter and homeless prevention services through a separate process.

CORE Investments, formerly known as community programs, has operated for more than 40 years to allocate local funds. It now engages experts in the proposal review process, provides technical assistance to applicants and promotes equity-centered and outcomes-driven results.

To view the RFP see https://santacruzcountyca.gov/Departments/GeneralServices/Purchasing/Solicitations.asp

For more information dates and training, visit: https://www. santacruzhumanservices.org/Home/FundingOpportunities/ COREInvestments

RVS 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY & NONPROFIT GRANT

Wednesday Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m., RVS Technology Group, 1046 E Lake Ave, Watsonville Grant application due July 30.

The RVS Technology Group is celebrating 25 years in the

LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Saturday July 20

10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Aptos Village County Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road

The True Love Christian Music Festival will be a day filled with faith, fellowship, family and joy at Aptos Village County Park.

Experience inspiring music — 14 bands — on two stages, art, speakers, and activities such as gunny sack races, stroller race, diaper change race, a climbing wall, three bounce houses plus five potter’s wheels to mold clay Everything is free, including food and ice cream and baby clothes.

Whether you’re a long-time church member or simply curious, this festival is open to everyone seeking joy, peace, and spiritual growth. See www.TrueLoveChristian.com Photo: Twin Lakes Spanish Ministries

Pajaro Valley with a team meet and great, BBQ and pizza, and ribbon cutting ceremony with Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, and announcing a $5,000 grant for a local nonprofit serving low-income chil-dren and families.

Watsonville Rotary will be tasked with selecting the winner. The $5,000 award will be in com-puter work.

RVS staff said the goal is to support a local nonprofit in enhancing their technology infrastruc-ture, thereby helping them achieve their mission more effectively. For grant registration and guideline visit: https://www.rvstg.com/

SECOND HARVEST NEEDS VOLUNTEERS ASAP

While many enjoy summer vacations, the need for food assistance in the community does not take a break. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County urgently seeks volunteers to come every Saturday during the summer to help sort and pack food for the next week’s distributions for 65,000 local residents.

About 20 volunteers are needed for each shift every Saturday (so 40 every Saturday) at the food bank’s Watsonville warehouse. The two shifts are:

• Early Bird Shift: 7:45 – 11 am

• Late Riser Shift: 11:15 am - 2:30 pm

No experience is needed, and volunteers can sign up for one or multiple shifts. The minimum age to volunteer is 13. Remaining Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10 and 17.

To sign up, visit thefoodbank.org or https://tinyurl.com/ SHFB-volunteer, or call (831) 232-8141.

BEGINNING BRIDGE CLASSES

Starts Wednesday, Aug. 7

9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 2450 17th Ave. Do you know someone who wants to learn the greatest card game ever?

Bette Harken will instruct Beginning Bridge Classes at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center beginning Aug. 7. First class is free. Following classes $10 each. To sign up: Contact Bette Harken at: bdharken@comcast.net

MUSIC IN THE PLAZA

The city of Watsonville presents free concerts 6-8 p.m. at the Plaza downtown. Here is the lineup: July 19: Mojo Faux

Aug. 2: Five Star Band Aug. 16: D-Kovers Sept. 6: Roots Rockers

ALL ABOARD TRAIN ART THRU AUG. 12

Studio Judy G, 430 Main St., Watsonville

Studio Judy G presents All Aboard, an exhibition broadcasting the magnificence of trains, through Aug. 12. See artwork by more than a dozen artists.

All Aboard exhibits the possibility of investing in a new Santa Cruz passenger train as locally owned tracks exist from Pajaro to Santa Cruz along the stunning scenic coast. This branch line, once upgraded, could connect with the state rail system and Amtrak to go up and down the West Coast.

Judy Gittlesohn, owner of Studio Judy G, says, “The public wants trains.”

Felipe Hernandez, Fourth District supervisor for Santa Cruz County, says his constituents have “expressed the need for sustainable multi-modal transportation and Zero Emissions Rail & Trail, specifically. They just want to alleviate the gridlock they face.”

A portion of sales will be contributed to Coast Futura, the electric rail car, and FORT (Friends of Rail and Trail).

NEIGHBORHOOD COURTS NEED VOLUNTEERS

Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Courts program is seeking volunteers. The application period closes July 19.

Goals are to “Reduce recidivism by understanding why people offend, address the harm the offense had on the victim — if applicable — and the community and, using restorative princi-ples rather than punitive

principles, effectively and efficiently restore the local community, vic-tim and offender back into community.”

Since starting in 2020 in Santa Cruz County, Neighborhood Courts has helped 240 individuals keep criminal convictions off their record — with one case of repeated crime. Eligible crimes include: Shoplifting, vandalism, passing bad checks, drunk in public, disorderly conduct, receipt of stolen property, drug possession and drug paraphernalia.

The program provides training to volunteers who talk with program participants and victims to find ways of addressing the harm caused by the crime. To apply, visit bit.ly/3RDyjxv

NEW BRIGHTON VISITOR CENTER OPEN

The New Brighton State Beach Visitor Center and ParkStore is open for the season!

The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach in Capitola highlights the history of Pacific Rim migrations and how they influenced the Monterey Bay area.

The exhibits explore the contributions of Chinese fishers, who established fishing camps on the Monterey Bay coastline in the 1850s. China Beach, as New Brighton was known, lasted until the mid-1880s.

Sooty shearwaters — small, dark seabirds — arrive by the tens of thousands in the summer and fall while gray and humpback whales mi-grate through the region twice a year. Offshore, leatherback sea turtles spend the summer in the Monterey Bay before swimming thousands of miles back to beaches in Indonesia and the Solomon Islands to lay their eggs.

The Visitor Center — supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks — is open from 12-5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Friends ParkStore offers nature and history-themed merchandise and exclusive New Brighton State Beach apparel for sale in-person and on the ParkStore Online. All proceeds benefit local parks and beaches. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park.

STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES

15 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

School Supply Donation Drive ends Friday, August 2 Stuff-A-Thon: Saturday, August 3, Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St, Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way of Santa Cruz County are celebrat-ing 15 years of partnership by providing backpacks and school supplies to local students experi-encing homelessness and financial hardships.

This year the campaign aims to raise $45,000 to provide 2,500 backpacks with school supplies.

With the rising cost of living in Santa Cruz County, school leaders want to ensure all students have the supplies needed to learn.

Those interested are encouraged to donate or drop off backpacks and school supplies at desig-nated collection points. A $25 donation is all that’s needed to fully fill a backpack.

On Wednesday, Aug. 3, volunteers to meet at Kaiser Permanente Arena to fill backpacks with donated supplies; lunch will be provided.

For donation information, volunteer registration, and sponsorship please visit: https://www.unitedwaysc.org/stb

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet each month in 2024 except September and November.

Remaining dates are July 23, Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 3.

There is no meeting in September or November. Meetings typically begin at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

COLOR ME WITH JOY

Maggie Renner Hellman is thrilled that her oil painting, “Color Me with Joy,” is juried into the prestigious 93rd Annual Statewide Landscape Show July 17 through Sept. 15 at the Santa Cruz Art League, 525 Broadway, Santa Cruz. Master juror was Calvin Liang.

This Landscape Exhibition showcases the work of artists who depict California’s foothills, mountains, seashores, and deserts of the interior and coastal regions.

A reception for the artists will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, First Friday.

Image: Color Me with Joy by Maggie Renner Hellman

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

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

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.

First Wednesdays

SONS IN RETIREMENT

Time TBD, Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz SIR (Sons In Retirement) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical public benefit organization of senior men. The organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of its members through social events while making friends.

The Twin Valleys, Santa Cruz Branch welcomes new members and meets the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Ray Disperati at 831-588-8876 for information.

Last Wednesday of the Month

PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS

6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays.

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

Last Thursdays of the Month CARS ON THE COURSE

6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos Love cars? Seascape Golf Club will host “Cars on the Course” through October. All cars are welcome (but not sideshows).

Fridays thru August 30

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Come to the Midtown Summer Block Party every Friday through Aug. 30.

Enjoy food, artists, live music, and vendors at Midtown Square.

Here is the lineup for the rest of the summer.

July 19: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat

July 26: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer

Aug. 2: Anthony Arya – Opener: TBA

Aug. 9: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez

Aug. 16: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers

Aug. 23: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad)

Aug. 30: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition

Saturdays and Sundays thru July LAVENDER SEASON

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Deer Brook Farms, 428 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos

You don’t have to travel to Provence to enjoy the beauty and aroma of lavender.

Rosie Fry, proprietor of Deer Brook Farms, welcomes the public to visit during peak season, weekends in July.

She grows several varieties on her 5 ½ acres, Provence, Grosso for distillation and Spanish for the bees.

She has a shop decorated with historical photos and her own photos of colorful butterflies attracted to her plants and a workshop where she offers classes in wreath making, soap making and Mod Podge crafts.

If you look closely, you might see the distinctive buckeye butterfly, a symbol of transformation and endurance. Did you know lavender is drought-tolerant?

See https://deerbrookfarms.com/

Every Third Sunday

MONTEREY BAY AREA CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY

12:00 p.m., Corralitos Grange Hall #487, 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville

The nonprofit Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent

Society meets every third Sunday at Corralitos Grange Hall. The next meeting, on July 21, will feature speaker Peter Beiersdorfern presenting on Treasures of the Southern Atacama Desert: The Land of the Copiopoa. The society contributes to the study and cultivation of succulents, cacti and other drought-tolerant plants. Monthly meetings include displays of plants and plant raffles. Meetings are on the third Sunday of each month with the exception of the Spring and Fall Show and Sales months (announced on the website) . New members to club meetings will receive a complimentary plant. All are welcome!

For information, contact Mary at (831) 229-3289 or e-mail crossmarylouise@gmail.com. Visit mbsucculent.org for more information.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday July 19

SIERRA AZUL ART AND WINE

5:30-8 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery, 2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

An enchanting evening of Art and Wine amidst the serene landscapes of Sierra Azul, all in sup-port of Birchbark Foundation.

All funds raised will help critically ill pets by providing financial support to low-income families. Tickets are $95 at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ birchbark-events-collection/2024/7/20/art-and-wine

Saturday July 20

CHILDCARE ACCESS: HOW TO BUILD CAPACITY

10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive

Are you concerned about access to childcare in our community?

Join the American Association of University Women Santa Cruz for an eye-opening discussion on this critical issue at the Aptos Library.

Guest speakers: Linda Asato from the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network in Sacramento and Diane Munoz, community organizer for the Childhood Advisory Council in Santa Cruz County. Attendees will learn about:

• The childcare landscape in California and Santa Cruz County

• Capacity challenges and how to build more access

• How the childcare system works and funding sources

• State and federal policy updates

• Opportunities for AAUW to support childcare initiatives Don’t miss this chance to learn about the state of childcare and why it impacts all of us. The first step to creating change is understanding the issues.

Tuesday July 23

TALK ON BONE HEALTH

6:15 p.m., Chiropractic Wellness Center, 151 N. First St., Campbell Dr. Robert Martines, a chiropractor, will give a free one-hour talk on bone health at the Chiro-practic Wellness Center. He will discuss a daily ritual that is more powerful than any drug or supplement, how to pre-vent osteoporosis and feel younger and stronger and the OsteoStrong way to building healthy bone and balance.

Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call 408-378-1881.

Info: https://drrobertm.com/

Saturday July 27

END HUMAN TRAFFICKING EVENT

1 to 3:30 p.m., Resource Center for Non-Violence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

Awareness is the first step in fighting human trafficking. AAUW Santa Cruz invites you to a powerful and informative event to raise awareness and educate our community on this critical issue at the Resource Center for Non-Violence. Members of the Arukah Project will share their experiences as a hands-on organization providing shelter and support to victims of human trafficking here in Santa Cruz County. “Calendar” page 31

Fire Season: Do You have 100 Feet of Defensible Space?

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Over the last few years our community has experienced weather extremesfrom significant flooding to historic droughts.

According to local fire agencies, the timing of this year’s rains have created grasses and fuels that can be problematic for our region and state. As we are more fully entering the summer season, now is the time to take steps to help protect your homes and businesses from fire risk.

What Steps Can You Take to Mitigate Risk?

There are some things you can do to help protect your home or business from a wildfire or a structure fire. Local and state fire agencies have put together some recommendations on how to get started.

One of the first things is to ensure you have a home emergency plan (and evacuation plan) and practice it with your family. All homes should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and at least one ABC-rated fire extinguisher in your home.

Ensuring that the Fire Department can respond quickly also means having visible address numbers on the outside of your home and business (and if you have a sidewalk — along the curb). All homes should be kept clear of combustible debris such as cardboard boxes, rags, paper products,

flammable liquids and fireplaces and wood stoves should be maintained and cleaned and inspected annually.

The topography of Santa Cruz County, and location of homes within the rural areas, means that it’s imperative to create a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home or business and the vegetation that surrounds them to prevent these structures from catching fire. The defensible space can reduce risk to both your home (from fire directly or radiant heat associated with fire) as well as to firefighters using the space to defend your property.

How do You Create a Defensible Space?

California State law requires you maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home and other buildings on your property.

This is a minimum recommended amount and should be increased if your home is on a steep slope. You can create a defensible space by ensuring that trees are the furthest from your home and that elements less likely to burn (or burn at lower temperatures) such as small plants/beddings/ high water content plants etc are closer to the home.

For the first 30 feet from all buildings, decks and structures you should:

• Remove or mow all dead plants, grass, or weeds.

from your home (extending to at least 100 feet from your home) you should:

• Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4”

• Maintain 10 ft clearance around woodpiles

• Thin trees and shrubs and leave big gaps between plants

• Remove dead or dry leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and branches from ground.

How Can You Get More Information?

• Create paved or gravel driveways, walkways, patios as firebreaks

• Remove dead or dry leaves and needles from yard, roof, and gutters.

• Trim trees regularly and maintain a minimum of 10’ between canopies.

• Remove branches that overhang your roof and any dead branches close to chimney.

• Remove flammable items near any structure

For the next 70+ feet

The Central Fire Protection District website https://www.centralfiresc.org — contains preparedness information on defensible space, general fire prevention and a smoke alarm program where Central Fire personnel provide and install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for the District’s senior citizens and low income residents (click on the “education and preparedness”

tab on their website or call their Community Risk Reduction Division at (831) 685-6698).

Fire Safe Santa Cruz County also maintains a comprehensive site with downloadable fact sheets and videos on how to prepare your home or business www.firesafesantacruz.org (click on the “education” tab on their website).

Lastly, the County’s OR3 website has a resources link with a lot of valuable information: https://www.santacruzcountyca. gov/OR3.aspx (click on the “plan and prepare” tab under “response”).

•••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue).

I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

~~~

SCCAS Featured Pet

The Little Goose

Meet our Pet of the Week- Gansita (A313088).

Gansita (aka Little Goose) came to the Shelter as an owner surrender. Her previous guardian had her since she was a little kitten. She was indoors only and used the litterbox reliably.

She lived with a dog in her previous home and did well. A home with a cat-savvy dog may be a fit in the next home with a slow, thoughtful introduction.

Gansita also lived with kids ages 7 to 18 years old so a home with children is likely a fit. She enjoys playing with balls and wand toys. Gansita sometimes hides when strangers come to the home but with time and patience, will likely warm up.

Once she gets to know you, she jumps into laps and plays. She is not a big fan of being picked up and held, but she does enjoy being brushed.

Gansita is looking for a quiet, calm home where she can relax and get to know her new family at her own pace.

If you are looking for a sweet kitty to light up your life, come and meet Gansita! 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. All adoptions are first come, first served.

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. 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

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

BOOKS & BREWS LA SELVA BEACH SUMMER FAIR

Saturday August 3

10 a.m. – 4 p.m., La Selva Beach Clubhouse & Lawn, 314 Estrella Ave.

Come to the Books & Brews La Selva Beach Summer Fair at La Selva Beach Clubhouse & Lawn. Free admission.

Buy books, brews, and baked goods. There will be 50 artisan and craft vendors, with a raffle with prizes of vendor donations. The used book sale will fill the courtyard with books of all gen-res for all ages.

Enjoy food from the bake sale, Tacos el Jesse, and S&B Burgers food trucks. Local craft beers will be on tap, as well as live music from Woody Bell, Girls & Company, and That Country Feel-ing Band.

Sponsored by La Selva Beach Improvement Association and Friends of the La Selva Beach Library. For information contact: BooksandBrewsLSB@gmail.com

“Calendar” from page 29

See the award-winning film “I am Jane Doe,” which chronicles the epic battle mothers waged against the adult classifieds site Backpage.com. This eye-opening documentary sheds light on the harrowing realities of human trafficking and the fight for justice.

PAJARO VALLEY CHAMBER AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

4 – 9 pm, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville

Get ready to celebrate outstanding community members!

This will be a night of dining, bidding on auction items, and celebrating local businesses at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Honorees are: Lifetime Achievement winner Nita Gizdich, Man of the Year Matt Ryan, and Woman of the Year Sally-Christine Rodgers, Business of the Year Staff of Life Natural Foods, Organization of the Year Watsonville Community Band and Event of the Year 2023 Veteran’s Day Parade and Program.

General admission tickets are $100 each. For information visit www.pajarovalleychamber.com

Sunday July 28

MOSS LANDING STREET FAIR

8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Moss Landing

The Moss Landing Street Fair is an annual summer event celebrating antiques, vintage and ar-tisan goods, nearly 200 booths, alongside live music, local food and cold beer. Admission is $5. Kids under 12 are free. Free parking at south entrance. No dogs allowed. Info: www.mosslandingchamber.com

Wednesday July 31

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

5-7 p.m., County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 5th Floor

The Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment hosts a series of public meetings starting July 31 from at the County Governmental Center, to inform the community of the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan goals.

Led by the Office of Response, Recovery and Resiliency and adopted by the Board of Supervisors, this is a plan with actionable steps. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 lev-els by 40% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2045, creating a future where residents live within a 15-minute walk from schools, shopping, faith gathering places, libraries, clinics, bus stops and light rail stations.

To be discussed: A 15% increase in the use of public transportation, walking or cycling for com-mute trips by 2040 and reducing the food system’s carbon footprint via reduced waste and climate friendly foods.

Kris Damhorst chairs the Commission on the Environment and Tatiana Brennan, senior administra-tive analyst with the Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, is assigned to the project.

To learn more, visit https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/ Resilience/ClimateChange.aspx

Friday August 2

COURTHOUSE TOUR

2 p.m., 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, will conduct a guided public tour of the Santa Cruz Courthouse. The tour will allow members of the public* to explore the facility, learn about the importance of jury service and view court historical memorabilia. If this tour is well attended the Court plans to conduct multiple tours a year. RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/SC-superior-court-tour-RSVP.

*Must have a work or school Microsoft account to RSVP

Friday August 9

BREASTFEEDING HEALTH FAIR & WALK

3-5:30 p.m., Watsonville Plaza Park, 358 Main St. (walk begins 5 p.m.) Community Bridges & WIC’s 17th annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk will take place at the Watsonville Plaza Park downtown.

This event, which is open to the public, celebrates World Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeed-ing Awareness Month. Breast milk provides healthy nutrition for babies and children and sup-ports the health of mothers and their children with immune protection and chronic disease-fighting power. There will be activities for the whole family, a children’s play area, a live DJ, community re-sources, healthy snacks, free t-shirts, raffle prizes, and more. Also there will be a donor human milk drive, with the Mothers’ Milk Bank San Jose.

Information: www.communitybridges.org

Friday August 9

PHENOMENON BRUNO GROENING DOCUMENTARY 6:30 p.m., London Nelson Community Center (Room 4), 301 Center St., Santa Cruz

A documentary film, “The Phenomenon Bruno Groening” will be shown at no charge at the London Nelson Community Center. The film features 50 eyewitnesses, many photos, docu-ments and some film footage from 1949. Bruno Groening gained fame in Germany in the late 1940s as a miracle healer. Prior to this, he was a member of the Nazi Party, and spent several months in a prisoner of war camp. At age 52, he died of cancer. He devoted his life to reconnecting people with God and ending people’s suffering. Some viewers report feeling a power, a tingling or current in their bodies while watching the film and some have reported the disappearance of pain and other forms of suffering.

Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. The presentation is organized by Bruno Groening Circle of Friends and Circle for Spiritual Aid for Life, Inc. For information, call Lisa Lemucchi at 831-227-0954.

Saturday August 17

CLAWS FOR A CAUSE

2-4 p.m., Watsonville Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St. Maine Lobster anyone?

Eventbrite.com now has tickets online for the Watsonville Rotary Club’s 2024 “Claws for a Cause” Maine Lobster ‘Take-Out’ Dinner Fundraiser , at the Watsonville Elks Lodge. You take home in steam pots we provide and cook in just 30 minutes. Tickets are $85 to serve two. n

2 4 . 5 median days on market

2 7 homes sold