Some people think it’s a miracle, some people think it’s a disaster. That’s the story of “Flight Behavior,” a novel by Barbara Kingsolver chosen for Our Community Reads in Aptos, Capitola, Scotts Valley and Felton by the Friends of Aptos Library.
The story follows Dellarobia Turnbow, a 28-year-old housewife and mother who discovers millions of monarch butterflies displaced from Mexico in the valley behind her home in Tennessee. ... continues on page 4
New Year’s Eve Surprise: First Egg
The Haute Enchilada in Moss Landing welcomed an unexpected surprise on New Year’s Eve — an early barn owl egg from a new owl couple living in its custom-installed nest box. Full Story page 6
County Fair CEO Steps Down
Santa Cruz County Fair
CEO/Fair Manager Zeke Fraser is resigning, effective Feb. 2, for medical and personal reasons. Fraser was hired in 2023. During his brief tenure, he led the Fair to remarkable achievements, including overseeing the most successful Fair in recent history. Full Story page 6
6 New Year’s Eve Surprise — First Egg: For New Barn Owl Pair at Haute Enchilada • County Fair CEO Steps Down
7 Feds Give SCCRTC $19.5 Million for Coastal Rail Trail • Eduardo Montesino Chairs RTC
8 Oliva Flores Voted President of PVUSD Board • Apply for Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board by Jan. 24
9 PVUSD To Consider Budget Cuts: Reasons Include Drop in Enrollment, Pandemic Funds Lost, By Jondi Gumz
11 Latinos Lead the Way in Organic Farming, Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association Goal: $2 Million to Expand Training
14 She Adventures Film Tour Returns Jan. 29 • Bay Federal Credit Union Promotes Michael Atkinson • David Terrazas Joins Soquel Creek Water as HR Manager
15 Neighbors Fight The Haven, By Jondi Gumz
18 Positive Parenting Month Events
19 Bird Flu Cancels Poultry Show • Diamond Seeks a New Home
20 Form 700 Reveals Economic Interests, By Jondi Gumz
22 First District: A Perceived Conflict or Not: High-Rise Champion Tim Gordin Exits Planning Commission, By Jondi Gumz
23 Sutter Health Closes Urgent Care Citing Storm Damage, By Jondi Gumz In Memoriam
12 Dr. Robert Quinn: 1961 ~ 2024 • Santa Cruz County RTC Mourns Dr. Quinn California News
24 Sacramento Perch Return to Sacramento
30 Meet Dr. Erica Pan, New Public Health Officer • Panetta Introduces Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Lunar Nodes of Destiny Change — Past, Present & Future, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists
10 Can We Avoid Cuts to PVUSD Mental Health Team Members?, By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal 16 Show Up for the Heroes, By Sam Kabert
Resolution and Resilience: Flooding & Fire, By Susan True
23 In Business, People Vote with their Dollars, By Marc Cuniberti
25 Travel Fakes Exposed: How to Protect Your Trip, By Christopher Elliott
27 Shiny Pen: Taking Responsibility for our Emotional Clumsiness, By Barry and Joyce Vissell
Patrice Edwards
Jondi Gumz
COVER STORY
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editor
contributing writers
Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Alison Hanks-Sloan, Sam Kabert, Susan True, Marc Cuniberti, Christopher Elliott, Barry and Joyce Vissell
CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement
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“Flight Behavior” from page 1
The timing is perfect as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the monarch butterfly as endangered and designate critical habitat as the western migratory population has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s. To comment by March 12, go to regulations.gov and https://www.fws. gov/monarch.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Natural Bridges State Park, 2531 W. Ciff Drive, Santa Cruz will host the 38th Annual Migration Festival celebrating migratory creature such as monarch butterflies that come to the Santa Cruz coast every year. There will be talks, games, crafts and music.
Here is the list of events for this year’s
Our Community Reads:
EVENTS
Tuesday, Jan. 21 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Field Trip: Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges
Join Martha Nitzberg, Interpretive Ranger, and volunteer docent June Langhoff at a Monarch overwintering site. Learn about their amazing migration and the Methuselah generation that winters on our coast. Weather permitting, take a short, guided walk to the Monarch grove. Binoculars will enhance the experience. Coffee & snacks provided.
BOWMAN RANCH BREAKFAST
BOWMAN RANCH BREAKFAST
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Sunday October 27, 2024 8:30am – NOON
8:30 a.m. – NOON
OPTION#1 Scrambled Eggs w/Cheese Veggies, Hashbrowns, Bacon or Sausage, Fruit and ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES!
OPTION#1 Scrambled Eggs w/ Cheese or Veggies, Hashbrowns, Bacon or Sausage, Fruit and ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES !!
OPTION#2 French Toast, Bacon or Sausage & Fruit
OPTION#2 French Toast, Bacon or Sausage & Fruit
$11 / Adults – $5 / Kids Ages 10 & Under
$11/ Adults - $5/ Kids Ages 10 & Under
Meet at Natural Bridges Visitor Center — 2531 W Cliff Drive (parking fee) Santa Cruz. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13810992
Note: There will be an optional stop at Lighthouse Field (another overwintering site) afterward.
Thursday, Jan. 23 • 11 am to 1 pm
Book Discussion
Join fellow readers to discuss major themes in depth. Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, will facilitate the conversation. Sandwiches provided by Aegis Living, Aptos.
The Loft Coffee Sho: 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811178
Saturday, Jan. 25 • 5 to 7 pm
Film: Ice on Fire
Ice on Fire is a documentary narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio that premiered to a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival in 2019. It explores the potential extinction level effects caused by arctic methane release and new technologies that could reverse global warming.
After the film, Dr. Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UCSC, will moderate a brief Q&A. Dr. Griggs is Chair of the California Ocean Sciences Trust, and a columnist for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. His latest book is California Catastrophes — The Natural Disaster History of the Golden State.
La Selva Beach Branch Library — 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach.
Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811658
Wedensday, Jan. 29 • 6:30 pm
Photographers in Nature
Local nature photographers Seraphina Landgrebe, Kevin Lohman, and Bruce Leventhal join fellow photographer Jim Bourne for a lively discussion of how to capture those special images in the wild.
Seraphina Landgrebe has been awarded “Photographer of the Year” by the Professional Photographers Association of the Monterey Bay Area and has operated a successful portrait studio for 30 years in Santa Cruz County.
Kevin Lohman is an award-winning wildlife photographer living in Santa Cruz, with an educational background in marine science.
Bruce Leventhal is an educator, naturalist, and photographer with degrees in biology emphasizing ecology, evolution, and behavior. Their work will be on display. Radius Gallery at Tannery Arts Center — 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz.
Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811548
Saturday, Feb. 1 • 1 to 3 pm
Poetry Writing Workshop
In a creative and supportive setting, poet-teacher Magdalena Montagne will guide you in writing poems inspired by the many themes of Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior
— identity, belonging, climate activism, & social justice. No experience necessary; appropriate for teens and up.
Scotts Valley Branch Library — 251 Kings Valley Road. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811589
Wednesday, Feb. 5 • 6:30 pm
Displaced: How Climate Change is Causing Dislocation and Economic Hardship in Latin America & Beyond Nick Rowell, Professor of Political Science at Cabrillo College, discusses how natural disasters and severe shifts in weather are destroying human habitats and forcing entire communities to abandon their homes and livelihoods, unwillingly joining the growing numbers of climate refugees.
Aptos Branch Library — 7695 Soquel Drive, and via Zoom. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811682
Friday, Feb. 7 • 11 a.m.
Preschool Story Time
Join librarian Rowan Rammer for great stories and a butterfly craft activity related to Flight Behavior, by Barbarea Kingsolver
Aptos Branch Library — 7695 Soquel Dr. No registration needed.
Thursday, Feb. 13 • 6:30 p.m.
Timber! A History of Local Logging and the Path Toward Sustainability
A thought-provoking discussion of logging in our local forests. How proper logging practices and private landownership have come into conflict regarding protected species, and how natural disasters, especially fires, have impacted environmental policy.
Panelists: Ed Orre, Cal Fire division chief, Resource Management for the Santa Clara Unit; Lisa Robinson,
TWO LOCATIONS: 509 Bay Avenue Front, Capitola, CA
Camisa Composti
Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul office coordinator
Cathe Race
Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti website
Michael Oppenheimer photography
Barbara Kingsolver
president of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, member of the Conference of California Historical Societies and the Society of California Archivists; and Bryan Largay, conservation director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.
Moderated by Judi Heher of the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.
Scotts Valley Branch Library — 251 Kings Valley Road (Also on Zoom) Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13813015
Wednesday, Feb. 19 • 6:30 pm
On the Move: How Climate Change is Disrupting our Natural Habitats and Causing Unintended Migration A discussion of factors causing displacement and population reduction of both marine and terrestrial creatures on the Central Coast. Panelists are Catherine Courtier (PhD candidate, UC Davis and NOAA SWFSC) and Paige Kouba (PhD, UC Davis).
Moderater Lauren Hanneman, associate faculty, Cabrillo College Department of Environmental Studies. Live Oak Library Annex at Simpkins Family Swim Center — 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13813426
Master Gardener Janice Kuch has worked on local habitat restoration projects, including a current native plant garden project at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Felton Branch Library — 6121 Gushee St., Felton. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13814097
Thursday, March 13 • 6 pm Trivia Night The Santa Cruz Public Library’s Victor Willis poses challenging questions inspired by Flight Behavior, its setting and subject matter. Book groups may participate, or you can fly solo.
Meet upstairs (there’s elevator access). Food and drink available for purchase. Help wrap up another stimulating and entertaining Our Community Reads! Art works from a Scotts Valley High School student art competition, redesigning the Flight Behavior book cover, will be shown. Judges are staff members of Bookshop Santa Cruz and Two Birds Books.
Bruno’s Bar and Grill @ Kings Village Shopping Center — 230 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. n Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13814105
COVER PHOTO: The Monarch butterfly,
JoAnn Riniti, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist #PSY 12418
• Women’s Issues
• Adolescence and pre-teen challenges
• Depression
• Unblocking Creative Potential
New Year’s Eve Surprise: First Egg
For New Barn Owl Pair at Haute Enchilada
The Haute Enchilada in Moss Landing welcomed an unexpected surprise on New Year’s Eve — an early barn owl egg from a new owl couple living in its custom-installed nest box.
Traditionally, barn owls lay their eggs later in January or February, making this event both rare and extraordinary.
This egg marks the first clutch for the new pair, affectionately named TJ and Tina, continuing a legacy of barn owls at the Haute Enchilada that began in 2016.
The restaurant partnered with Humane Wildlife Control Inc. to install a barn owl nest box as part of its rodent control program. Since then, the nest box has been not only a cornerstone of eco-friendly pest management but also a symbol of the restaurant’s dedication to sustainable practices.
The original owl residents, Teco and Lotte, captured the hearts of staff and visitors alike, raising numerous owlets until Lotte tragically passed in 2018. Teco found new mates over the years, with each partnership contributing to the thriving owl lineage.
The current pair, TJ (Teco Jr.) and Tina, are the latest chapter in this ongoing story. Guests can experience this captivating wildlife story firsthand. Haute Enchilada offers diners the unique opportunity to observe the barn owls live in their nest box via a YouTube stream, available in the restaurant. For owl enthusiasts and locals, the nest box provides a safe haven for the owls and a sustainable solution for rodent control. The Haute Enchilada supports awareness about proper barn owl nest box design. For the safety and comfort of the American barn owl, nest boxes should meet specific size and placement requirements. Learn more about safe nest box design and installation on the restaurant’s website at www.hauteenchilada.com/tecoandlotte or inquire about purchasing a nest box. n
Stay connected with the Haute Enchilada barn owl family through Teco & Lotte on YouTube, which has mor than 2,000 subscribers, or make a reservation at Haute Enchilada online at www. hauteenchilada.com
County Fair CEO Steps Down
Santa Cruz County Fair CEO/Fair Manager Zeke Fraser is resigning, effective Feb. 2, for medical and personal reasons.
Fraser was hired in 2023. During his brief tenure, he led the Fair to remarkable achievements, including overseeing the most successful Fair in recent history. Under his leadership, the Fair saw record-breaking attendance and the most profit to date.
Staff say his strategic vision, commitment to community engagement and innovative approach helped elevate the Fair as a vital cultural and economic event for Santa Cruz County.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair,” said Fraser. “I am incredibly proud of what we
accomplished in such a short time, and I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who made this success possible. Unfortunately, I must step down to focus on my health. I remain confident in the Fair’s continued success and wish nothing but the best for the future of the organization.”
The Fair Board, which accepted his resignation, will initiate a search for a new CEO in the coming weeks.
In the interim, the Board is working closely with staff to ensure a smooth transition and to continue delivering a successful Fair experience for the community in 2025.
“Fair CEO” page 10
Zeke Fraser
Feds Give SCCRTC
$19.5 Million for Coastal Rail Trail
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, with the City of Santa Cruz and the County of Santa Cruz, has been awarded $19.5 million in federal funds for the Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 & 9, 10 & 11, and 12 projects.
This is a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The grant will fund construction of 8 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail in Santa Cruz County between Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz and Rio del Mar Boulevard in Aptos.
“Today, we take an important step forward with this $19.5 million federal RAISE grant award to advance 8 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail,” said Eduardo Montesino, chair of the RTC. “This funding will improve access to sustainable transportation and the coast, supporting economic growth and a better quality of life for both residents and visitors. We appreciate the support from our federal partners in making this project possible.”
The federal funds will be combined with state and 2016 Measure D funds to fully fund a new dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility in some of the most densely populated areas in Santa Cruz County, the RTC said.
The 32-mile Coastal Rail Trail is the “spine” of the regional Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network, a planned 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail network
along the Santa Cruz County coast, from the San Mateo County line in the north to the Monterey County line in the south.
Expected project benefits include improved safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, expanded access to coastal resources, increased connectivity to employment, recreation, and housing opportunities, and reductions in vehicle miles traveled that will decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
The Coastal Rail Trail Segments 8 & 9 project is being delivered by the City of Santa Cruz, the Segment 10 project in Live Oak and Capitola and Segment 11 in Aptos is being delivered by the County of Santa Cruz and the Segment 12 project is being delivered by the RTC in combination with the Highway 1 improvements between State Park Drive and Freedom Boulevard.
“Federal Grant” page 14
Eduardo Montesino Chairs RTC
Watsonville City Council member Eduardo Montesino, a supervisor for Santa Cruz Metro bus service, will serve as chairman of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission in 2025.
He was voted that position in December.
Santa Cruz County supervisor Felipe Hernandez of Watsonville was voted to continue aa vice chairman.
The RTC is the agency with a mission to develop and deliver transportation solutions for a vibrant, sustainable and equitable community.
Capitola City Councils, and three members appointed by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District.
Supervisor Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson did not seek re-election. Neither did Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson or Santa Cruz City Council member Sandy Brown. Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown was termed out. So there will be new faces in 2025.
The January meeting was canceled so the first meeting of 2025 will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in Watsonville City Council Chambers, 275 Main St., Watsonville.
If
and/or exterior by February 28, 2025 we will
The 12-member commission consists of five members from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, one member each from the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and
Eduardo Montesino
Ruth Bates
831.359.2212
ruthbates1@gmail.com
CalBRE#01799929
2024 RECAP HOUSING STATS (courtesy of Compass)
HOME SALES (Santa Cruz County) — 1137 thru mid-Dec: Rio Del Mar-103, Seacliff-23, Aptos rest57, Capitola-39, Soquel –60, West Santa Cruz-109, East Santa Cruz-77, Live Oak-101, La Selva-30, Larkin Valley/Corralitos-21, Scotts Valley-133, San Lorenzo Valley: Ben Lomond-74, Felton-47, Boulder Creek-95, Lompico-36, Los Gatos Mtns58, Watsonville/Amesti-74. There actually were more homes sold in 2024 than in 2023, but days on market was longer, and there are many homes that just plain did not sell (priced too high).
MEDIAN SALES PRICE — Rio Del Mar -
$1,650K, Seacliff - $1,615K, Aptos rest - $1,450K, Capitola- $1,750K, Soquel - $1,555K, West SC$1,590K, East SC-$1,375K, Live Oak - $1485K, Scotts Valley-$1,518K, SLV-Ben Lomond$914K, Felton-$850K, Boulder Creek-$750K, Watsonville- $794K
MEDIAN PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT (PPSF)
Rio Del Mar-$900, Seacliff-$1114, Aptos other-$714, West SC-$1,083, East SC-$946, Live Oak-$966, Watsonville-$546
NAR REPORTED BUYER TRENDS —
Nationally, the Average first-time home buyer is 38 years old, typical repeat is 61 years old, both historical highs. 62% married, 20% single female, 8% single male, 6% unmarried. First-time home buyers only 24% of market, Average buyer spent 10+ weeks searching, 74% financed, 26% paid with cash, another all-time high.
NAR REPORTED SELLER TRENDS —
Nationally, the typical Seller is 63 years old, highest age ever, has lived in the home 10+ years, #1 reason to sell is to be closer to family/ friends (aka “grandkids”). 90% worked with a realtor, 6% did a ‘for-sale-by-owner’. From 2006-2013, a typical seller had been in the home 6-8 years, from 2016 to present, seller has been in the home 11-13+ years.
MIGRATION TRENDS (California) — as of 10/17/2024, 422,075 people came in and 690,502 people left
HOUSING UNITS BY COUNTY — Santa Clara–703,922, Alameda–646,309, Contra Costa–432,056, San Francisco–418,143, San Mateo–288,325, Monterey–146,355, Santa Cruz–107127, Napa–56046
MORTGAGE RATES — Unfortunately, the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate nationally averages 7.10%. The NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun stated that “the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is likely to hover around 6.5% for much of 2025, although rates might bounce around between 6% and 7% over the course of the year”.
COMING SOON … I have multiple listings in Aptos that will be coming on the market soon. It looks like 2025 will be a busy year!
Call, email, text anytime and Get Results With Ruth!
Oliva Flores Voted President of PVUSD Board
The sevenmember Pajaro Valley Unified School District board has three members following the November election and new leaders. In December, newly elected trustees: Gabriel Medina, Trustee Area III, Carol Turley, Trustee Area II, and Jessica
Carrasco, Trustee Area VI, took their oath of office.
Then the board chose a new president, Olivia Flores and vice president/clerk Dr. Misty Navarro. Flores, a graduate of Watsonville High with a degree in architecture, was elected in 2022 on a platform of “Safety, Education and employing well-paid certificated teachers in every classroom.” She has three children and owns a design and construction business with her husband.
Navarro is an Aptos parent and an emergency medicine physician who has worked for Salinas Valley Health for the past 16 years.
In 2025, the board will meet every third Wednesday with closed session at 5 p.m. and public session at 6 p.m. at the district office.
Special dates this year: March 5, approving the second interim budget report, April 23, student recognition virtual, June 11, approving third interim budget report as needed, and July 30 closed session for superintendent evaluation. n
Apply for Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board by Jan. 24
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is accepting applications to fill the Board seat for Trustee Area I, Aptos, which became vacant when Kimberly DeSerpa resigned to become county supervisor Jan. 5. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.
Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside within Trustee Area I boundaries, and be registered voters.
Interested individuals must complete the application in one of three ways: apply online at https://tinyurl.com/PVUSDTAI ProvApptForm; submit the application to Superintendent’s Executive Assistant Eva Renteria via email at eva_renteria@pvusd. net; or drop off a paper copy at PVUSD’s District Office: 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, to the attention of the Office of the Superintendent. Application forms can be found on the Board of Education’s webpage, or picked up at the Office of the Superintendent, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance, call 831-786-2135.
To verify residency within Trustee Area I, contact the Santa Cruz County Registrar of Voters at 831-454-2409, Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 5 p.m. Or visit PVUSD’s School Locator website, enter your address, and select the “2011 Trustee Areas” layer using the navigation icon on the right-hand side of the map.
Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras will host an informational session for interested applicants 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the District Office, 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville.
All eligible applicants will be interviewed during a special meeting of the Board on Friday, Jan. 31. The appointed individual will be officially sworn in and they must participate in the two scheduled Board Governance sessions, Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1.
For information, contact Eva Renteria at eva_renteria@pvusd.net or call 831-786-2135.
The board is interested in candidates who:
1) Are supportive of the District’s mission and goals;
2) Are committed to excellence in providing educational opportunities for students;
3) Will make decisions based on careful analysis of all data without regard to influence by special interest groups;
4) Will work in a mutually supportive way with other Board members, the Superintendent and staff;
5) Are willing to commit adequate time to Board meetings, Board development opportunities, and related activities;
6) Have a commitment to the school community as well as the general community, representing all constituents of the District;
7) Have demonstrated an interest in support for public education;
8) Demonstrate a background reflecting personal and professional integrity; and
9) Are committed and endorse the primary responsibility of a member in regards to policy-making. n
Oliva Flores
Kim De Sherpa, departing board member with new PVUSD board and Superintendent Dr Heather Contreras.
PVUSD To Consider Budget Cuts Reasons Include Drop in Enrollment, Pandemic Funds Lost
By Jondi Gumz
Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the largest in the county, is facing a financial challenge due to enrollment dropping 18% over the past decade, a projected loss countywide of 18% in the next decade, and the loss of one-time pandemic funding from the state and federal government.
To address this issue, Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras called together a team of staff, parents and community members, to right-size the budget and reimagine services while prioritizing student interests and educational goals, considering equity and long-term investments.
The group, which met weekly, will present their findings to the school board at 6 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 15.
Participants looked at ways to cut $5 million to $8.8 million with the goal to “maintain high-quality educational offerings while ensuring equitable access for all students.”
Naturally, they wanted to keep cuts away from students.
When one voiced hope of a larger kindergarten class, budget chief Jenny Im pointed out that Santa Cruz County ranks No. 5 on the state Department of Finance list of projected enrollment losses, an improvement from being No. 1, but still offering little hope of a turnaround.
About $1 million in cuts — 9 positions — from the District Office were identified earlier.
These included one transportation supervisor, one counseling coordinator, and one English learning services coordinator, all in management; one tech support technician, one admin secretary, teaching, and one admin secretary, SELPA special education; and 3 parent ed specialists replaced by 2 project specialists, all classified.
The discussions did not take place behind closed doors.
Instead, the discussions were filmed so the public could see.
One called the process “gut-wrenching.”
Contreras, who started her job last May, said, “I greatly, greatly appreciate this team. When we knew that we needed to have a fiscally solvent budget, and that it would require a very thoughtful process as well as input from the community, we devised this plan to help get all voices.”
She added, “I can’t thank all of you enough. This takes courage and bravery. These are not easy decisions. I want to remind you all this is a recommendation. Ultimately it is the board’s decisions but this does help … because it represents the constituents.”
After reviewing five options, the small groups honed in on Options B and D, which were identical at $5.65 million after discussion.
The proposed cuts:
• Mental Health Clinicians Non-SELPA$1.5 million
• Social-Emotional Counselors - $1 million
• PVPSA contract - $500,000
• Coordinator of Counseling $150,000
“I greatly, greatly appreciate this team. When we knew that we needed to have a fiscally solvent budget, and that it would require a very thoughtful process as well as input from the community, we devised this plan to help get all voices.”
• District Office - $750,000
• Academic Coordinator Positions right sizing - $600,000
• Elementary release right-sizing $1.3 million
Team members agreed to make a slidedeck presentation to the board Jan. 15.
When Contreras called for volunteers to present to the board, half volunteered and the rest paired up with the speakers. Each participant was asked to prepare talking points in advance with Contreras offering to format it to help as a prompt. n
— PVUSD Superintendent
Dr. Heather Contreras
Can We Avoid Cuts to PVUSD Mental Health Team Members?
A student attempted to blow up my office last May. The final list of suspects included a former student who never accepted support and who wrote an angry email after transferring.
I circle back to last spring’s incident, because it haunts me when I think about PVUSD’s recent proposed plan to eliminate mental health school-based staff in 2025-26. While I am not a mental health clinician, I believe the student could have benefited from having conversations with one of our school-based experts.
As I went through the list of suspects with the sheriff, we could often eliminate the younger people who were known to our mental health team. If I knew they were meeting with a mental health clinician, they were often in a less angry or hurt space as they were getting support on our campus or through their families’ support to address their frustrations.
It is mind-boggling to imagine starting next school year with new and returning students without having a mental health team on campus if their positions are eliminated from next year’s PVUSD budget. Their interwoven roles on our campus help create a safer space for everyone.
At Aptos High School, we have a mental health clinician who teams with our school resource officer, as part of our partnership with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Department. Our mental health clinician and our school resource officer work together to build relationships with students and families.
They are a daily part of the safety work we do in our school to secure our campus of 1,300 students plus staff, families, and visitors.
Our other two team members include a
By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal
bilingual mental health clinician and a socialemotional learning counselor who are based in our wellness center with our federal/ county grant funded wellness center navigator. On any given day, they provide three various tiers of support from group/class presentations to one-on-one therapy. We also have a mental health clinician who supports our students based on their IEP needs.
All of our team members have extensive experience and hold certifications, including their pupil personnel services and counseling credential/master’s degree.
PVUSD has a $5 million deficit, and budget reductions are necessary. These conversations are happening now at board meetings. The question I ask is: How do we avoid reductions, such as our wellness team members, that support and connect with our students on a day-to-day basis?
Our mental health team plays an essential part in our response team. From crisis situations to incidents of bullying, they are often our own first responders. They are all trained in restorative practices, which is about helping students and staff have a voice and time to reflect and resolve conflict. Our staff lead trainings in mental health first aid, ALICE (our emergency response protocol), and positive school climate strategies which lead to reduced out of school suspensions. They also play a key role in developing our students’ sense of belonging in our school, an area of need identified from our YouthTruth survey.
Last April, when we received our Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation report, the accreditors highlighted our tier systems and our wellness system. They also commended how our mental health team fosters relationships with students, parents, and community members.
At the last PVUSD budget discussion in December, one of our team members expressed that a reduction in these positions will completely undermine the student and staff support that we’ve been developing as a district these last few years. The team is completely committed to serving the whole child, as there is a direct correlation between mental health and academic achievement.
Another mental health team member shared that the CDC cites that there are
significant mental health challenges among US public school students particularly concerning suicide-related behaviors. If statistically 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; then 40% of our PVUSD students equates to around 2,000 students.
These team members are trained to respond in suicidal and crisis-related moments. With staff on campus, there is not a need to wait for an external organization to locate someone to arrive on our campus. Our team is also proactive and can identify changes in behavior or respond to immediate situations. Mental health support in our schools positively impacts our students (and staff’s) attendance; it also helps us develop the social skills and strategies to deal with difficult situations or challenging moments.
I was surprised to hear someone at the PVUSD budget meetings say that mental health issues have decreased. When we see an increase as a nation in teenagers abusing illegal substances or involved in interpersonal violence, eliminating our school-based mental health team should not be among our budget reductions.
We have an amazing qualified team of mental health counselors that need to focus on students and staff, not lobbying for their jobs or preparing their resumes for other school districts. Our students and staff SAIL, thanks to our mental health team members in PVUSD. n
“Fair CEO” from page 6
“We are deeply grateful for Zeke’s leadership and
said Rachel Wells, president of the Board of Directors. “While we are saddened by his departure, we understand and support his decision. We wish him the best and are committed to building on the momentum he has helped create.” n
Latinos Lead the Way in Organic Farming Agriculture and Land-Based
Training Association Goal: $2 Million to Expand Training
Can Latino farmworkers become successful organic farmers?
For the nonprofit Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association known as ALBA, the answer is absolutely yes.
ALBA offers the Programa Educativo para Agricultores known as PEPA, a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork, to provide aspiring farmers with the skills to launch and manage their own organic farming businesses.
Former PEPA student Gonzalo Najera now operates his own farm and trains others in sustainable pest management.
Alejandra Madrigal, another graduate, shares her passion for farming, saying, “This work is in my heart. ALBA has given me the opportunity to live my dream.”
Yuni Silva, a PEPA participant, adds, “Harvesting specialty crops has been an eyeopening experience. It’s given me confidence that I can succeed in this industry.”
Over the course of the program, participants master key areas of sustainable agriculture, including pest and irrigation management, crop planning, and organic certification standards.
Why teach organic farming practices? Because ALBA founders want to promote environmentally sustainable agriculture, meet the growing consumer demand for organic produce and support long-term ecological health.
“We see incredible potential in the farmworkers we serve,” says Patricia Carrillo, executive director of ALBA, based in Salinas, the heart of California’s bountiful Salad Bowl. “Through the PEPA program, we’re opening the door for them to become
independent farmers and leaders in sustainable agriculture.”
Despite years of experience, many Latino farmworkers earn a mere $30,000
annually, making it a challenge to support a family.
ALBA empowers these dedicated individuals to take charge of their futures.
PEPA participants get practical experience in every step of farming, from seed to harvest. Participants learn from industry experts like Martin Guerena from the National Center for Appropriate Technology and Laura Murphy from the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County who teach how to sustainably manage pests and conserve groundwater resources.
ALBA’s Sustainable Farming Advisor Albert Fraide trains participants in preparing land and operating tractors and other equipment.
PEPA participants test new specialty crops, such as frisee, in ALBA’s demonstration fields. This way, participants get practical training that prepares them for real-world farming challenges.
The PEPA program is part of a larger mission to uplift farmworkers and build a sustainable food system. With ongoing support from donors, ALBA is poised to expand its impact through the development of the Farmworker Opportunity Center, a $2 million initiative to expand the classroom and workspace, allowing more farmworkers to participate. us to provide essential training and resources to even more farmers.
So far, ALBA has raised 20% toward their goal and is asking for community support.
“Programs like PEPA are critical to transforming lives and creating opportunities,” says Nathan Harkleroad, program director. “We’re building a future where farmworkers are not just employees but leaders in sustainable agriculture.” n
For more information about ALBA and the PEPA program, visit www.albafarmers.org.
ALBA students gather for irrigation training
First year farmers Cecilia, Apolinar, and Aurelio
ALBA staffer on tractor
Dr. Robert Quinn
1961 ~ 2024
Dr. Robert Quinn, 63, died unexpectedly on Dec. 22, 2024, while relaxing at home with his family in Aptos.
He spent his last days surfing with his son, and welcoming his daughters home for the holidays from New York.
Robert is survived by his wife Polly, his children — Emily, Olivia, and Matthew (better known as Buddy) — and his siblings — Maureen, Kathleen, Joanne, William, and Michael.
Robert was born in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 5, 1961, to Margaret and William Quinn. He attended Kipling Collegiate High School and was a national champion track and cross-country runner. In 1984, he graduated from Princeton University, where he was the captain of the track team. He went on to attend McGill Medical School, where he met his wife Polly, and graduated in 1988. The pair moved to California in 1995.
three obvious triumphs — Emily, Olivia and Buddy.
He loved to surf, travel, ski, and play Boggle with anyone who dared to challenge him. His sense of fun and competitive spirit was infectious — whether tackling a word game, skiing, or shredding a wave — he made every moment memorable.
Robert was a devoted father. He coached each of his kids in mul tiple sports, performed one-man puppet shows at home, made pancakes for the kids and their friends after sleepovers. He never missed a sports game or a dance recital. He was a devoted brother and uncle and never missed an opportunity to share a laugh, offer advice or show up where he was needed.
The same can be said of his four-decade relationship with his wife Polly. He was her partner through life’s adventures, challenges, and triumphs — of which they had
Robert will be remembered for his sense of adventure, optimism and humility. But above all, he will be remembered for his unique ability to inspire those around him. His sense of humor was one of a kind. His humor, warmth, insights, and kindness left everyone feeling better, wiser, and more inspired. A true Canadian at heart, Robert was a champion of the underdog. Family, friends, patients, colleagues — everyone felt better with input from Rob. Robert worked as an acute stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation doctor at Dominican Hospital for 30 years and spent the last 4 years of his career as CEO at Dignity Health Medical Foundation. He dedicated his career to improving the lives of others, going above and beyond for his patients.
He was well-known and loved by his community and will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who were lucky enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Robert P. Quinn Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (http://www. cfscc.org/Quinn) to support a future scholarship fund in his honor. n
Santa Cruz County RTC Mourns Dr. Quinn
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is saddened to announce that former commissioner Dr. Robert Quinn passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 22, 2024. Dr. Quinn was dedicated to public service and served on the RTC from January 2022 to December 2024 as the alternate to former Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend. He was a medical doctor at Dominican Hospital for 30 years and the CEO of Dignity Health Medical Foundation for the past four years.
“It would be hard to find someone with more grace, class and intellect than Dr. Quinn. Not only did he elevate the regional transportation discussion, but he elevated the broader discourse and civility. His loss is immense, but his legacy is even larger,” Friend said.
During his three years on the Commission, Dr. Quinn was a strong advocate
for the transportation needs of the region. Dr. Quinn provided support for a number of planning studies and projects to address the vital transportation needs of the community, including the Watsonville to Santa Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program, the Coastal Rail Trail, and Soquel Drive multimodal improvements, while always being mindful of the responsibility to the needs and resources of the community. Dr. Quinn provided unique insight and perspective to transportation in our region, with a focus on public health, fiscal sustainability, and emergency response. His leadership in our community will be greatly missed.
“Dr. Quinn brought reason and perspective to the RTC,” said RTC Commissioner and Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig. “His dedicated service on the commission demonstrates just how much he did for our community.” n
She Adventures Film Tour Returns Jan. 25
The She Adventures Film Tour announces its return at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world.
This year’s screening — 2½ hours — will support Girls ROCK, an informal women’s mountain biking group. Tickets are $21 at eventbrite.com. More info: riotheatre.com
List of films (not necessarily in order): 23.4 Degrees — 10 minutes: This poetic film captures the essence of the Great Outdoors, showcasing the beauty of seasonal changes in the mountains.
Freea Ferrata — 14 minutes: two local climbers set their sights on making the
first free ascent of the famed Telluride Via Ferrata.
Above the Noise — 6 minutes: Polish athlete Maja Kuczynska, how her career as a Redbull Skydiver provides a refuge from today’s chaos.
Impact to Ignite — 20 minutes: (**not rated yet: has sensitive subject matter, suicide and eating disorders**) Brooke McIntosh embarks on a grueling 1,600-kilometre run along a treacherous Western Australian trucking route in 38°C heat.
The Debora Effect — 11 minutes: After a life-altering brain injury, mountain biker Debora DeNapoli found profound healing on the trails.
Paddle X — 20 minutes: Britt Spencer tackles an unprecedented feat: crossing the notorious Cook Strait on a prone paddle board.
Powerstar — 24 minutes: A female-led group of climbers strive to make the Indian climbing scene more inclusive by developing new routes in a town renowned for its 6th-century historic temples.
Finding the Line — 12 minutes: From the adrenaline rush of navigating whitewater rapids in her kayak to the meticulous art
of printmaking in her studio, Chachi draws profound connections between her passions for work and play.
The Speed Project — 12 minutes: Erchana Murray-Bartlett embarks on an audacious 500-kilometre journey from Los Angeles to the Las Vegas Strip, traversing the merciless Death Valley.
It Will Be Different For You — Lea Davison has always found her power through riding a mountain bike. A two-time Olympian, and one of the most decorated American women in the sport, Lea knows the toil, pain, and commitment it takes to compete at the highest level. n
Bay Federal Credit Union Promotes Michael Atkinson
Bay Federal Credit Union announces the promotion of Michael Atkinson to assistant vice president of marketing, leading initiatives to attract new members, strengthen existing relationships, and expand product offerings.
With 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Atkinson is known for implementing innovative, data-driven marketing strategies that achieve measurable results. His expertise encompasses campaign development, graphic design,
copywriting, email marketing, social media, online and mobile banking, website content and search engine optimization (SEO), digital signage, and paid media campaigns.
Atkinson, who joined the nonprofit credit union in 2002 after graduating from UC Santa Cruz, will also oversee creative production across digital, social, and traditional channels.
He began his career as a member service
representative and advanced to assistant site services manager, senior marketing and graphic design specialist, and digital marketing manager.
With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal Credit Union serves over 88,000 members and 2,700 local businesses and nonprofits in three counties.
“I’m thrilled to step into the role of Assistant Vice President of Marketing at Bay
David Terrazas Joins Soquel Creek Water as HR Manager
Soquel Creek Water District announces David Terrazas as its new human resources manager starting Jan. 6, succeeding Traci Hart, who retired in December after a decade of service. Terrazas oversees recruitment, retention, employee and labor relations, training, safety, regulatory compliance, and benefits administration.
“We are thrilled to welcome David to our leadership team,” said Melanie Mow Schumacher, general manager of Soquel Creek Water District. “His extensive experience in human resources and deep commitment to public service make him an excellent fit for our organization. We look forward to his contributions here in fostering a positive and productive work environment and a focus on the community we serve.”
Terrazas brings expertise in human resources and organizational development, complemented by a robust background in
public service and public policy. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Jose State University and a Juris Doctorate and MBA from Santa Clara University.
He worked 16 years for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, managing employee relations, public policy, outreach, and customer service operations. He was twice elected to the Santa Cruz City Council, served as vice mayor and mayor, then worked nine years as an attorney before taking a career break for family caregiving. n
Federal Credit Union, an organization I’ve been proud to serve for nearly half my life,” said Atkinson. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a member-owned cooperative and grateful for the opportunity to deepen our connection with the community while supporting our members alongside an exceptional team.”
Outside of work, he enjoys exploring both urban and natural settings, attending live music, watching movies, photography, and spending time with his family and their husky mix. n
“Federal Grant” from page 7
All five segments are in the final design and right-of-way phase with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
The RAISE program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The program has awarded more than $15 billion over 16 rounds to local governments, Tribes, transit and port authorities, states, and other entities for capital and planning projects that will improve safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. n
Michael Atkinson
It Will Be Different For You
Photo Credit: Matt Bruhns Skier Anna Segal • 23.4 Degrees
David Terrazas
Neighbors Fight The Haven
By Jondi Gumz
Neighbors of the 40-acre horse pasture on Graham Hill Road, where local developer Mike Formico proposes to built 157 homes under the California builder’s remedy, are organizing to fight the project. The development is dubbed The Haven
On Dec 4, close to 100 people crowded into the McKenzie Bar & Grill meeting room at Pasatiempo Golf Course to attend the only meeting to be hosted by the developer, raising a multitude of issues:
• Potential gridlock on Graham Hill Road, Lockwood Lane, and Mount Hermon Road, the county’s third busiest, with 33,742 vehicles on weekdays
• Unaffordable fees to hook to up to the city of Santa Cruz sewer line at Treetop Drive,
• Long response time for a sheriff’s deputy
• Inability to get home insurance against fire on property close to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks,
• Removal of hundreds of trees,
• Elimination of a wildlife corridor where mountain lions roam.
Lane Tate of Southern California, embarking on his first project in Santa Cruz County, took notes.
Neighbors along rural Graham Hill Road did not dispute the need for housing but they questioned whether this was the right location for this size of homes, given the lack of sewer line, that not all four parcels have a water connection and that Graham Hill Road is a rural country two-lane road — no bike lanes or sidewalks — with one stoplight.
Graham Hill Road sees 24,600 vehicles on weekdays, according to a 2022 count.
The Haven would add two entrances to the development on Graham Hill Road.
The project site is outside the “urban services line,” which designates areas to stay rural from areas where denser developments are allowed.
The proposal for 157 homes is “totally out of scale,” said one neighbor.
Another, noting the original zoning for large lots in this area, said the development “will change it forever.”
Another said, “It does not make sense to us” and acknowledging the state’s housing mandate, added, “The law does not say we have to like it.”
Pointing out the need for a sewer line, one neighbor said, “You’d run the sewer line by us. Would you pay for all of us?”
To this Tate said, “I wasn’t aware of that.”
Sandhills Habitat
Alexandra Sklar, an architect, noted the blocks of homes could cut off access to water and foraging for wildlife.
Tate made a note of that.
The area from Scotts Valley to Zayante is known as the Santa Cruz Sandhills, habitat for a unique community of plants and animals — the Ben Lomond spineflower and the protected Mount Hermon June beetle — protected as habitat was lost to sand mining and development.
“The Haven” page 20
Advanced cancer care for you. And near you.
Cancer can be an overwhelming diagnosis. It calls for all-encompassing care—from loved ones who step up, to providers who collaborate, to innovative treatments that make all the difference. Dominican Hospital’s nationally recognized oncology program is built on that approach, offering comprehensive services—from advanced diagnosis and procedures through supportive care and recovery—to provide care that’s personalized to your needs. And all provided with the guidance of our patient navigators who will surround you with a healing sense of confidence and purpose. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanCancerCare.
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Architect Alexandra Sklar raises her hand to make a point at the meeting hosted by a representative for the Graham Hill Road “builder’s rememdy” development of 157 homes.
Show Up for the Heroes
My heart goes out to everyone in the greater Los Angeles region affected by these devastating fires. Growing up in Northern California, Los Angeles has always felt like a second home to me. With my dad being from LA, having family down there, and in recent years, Malibu and Venice have been close to my heart, as I’ve participated in over 1,000 healing ceremonies in these areas.
All of this to say, this tragedy hits incredibly close to home. Watching videos of the dystopian, war-like destruction along the Pacific Coast Highway—homes, businesses, and restaurants reduced to rubble—has left me with an overwhelming sense of sorrow.
At the time of this writing, over 2,000 structures have burned, five lives have been lost, and more than 17,000 acres have been torched.
Honoring First Responders
In reflecting on this tragedy, I am reminded of just how vital it is to show up for our first responders.
First responders in fires include
firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, specialized units such as Hazmat and Urban Search and Rescue teams, and utility workers. These brave individuals dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety, often at great personal risk. Yet for many of us, our appreciation only surfaces during times of crisis, like this one.
This pattern is not new. We’ve rallied together before—whether during the lockdowns of 2020, the aftermath of 9/11, or tragedies like this one. It’s clear that when we unite as a community, we can make a profound impact.
A Mission to Support
It’s with this understanding that I quietly launched a nonprofit called Soul Life Balance last month. Its mission is to provide accessible wellness practices—such as Breathwork, Mental Emotional Release, and
advanced mindfulness techniques—to first responders, veterans, and other underserved communities.
By focusing on emotional healing and inner resilience, we aim to empower individuals to reduce stress, heal trauma, and cultivate unshakable purpose.
Though I haven’t formally announced SLB’s launch, I’m humbled to share that behind the scenes, I’m working with a Fire Chief Battalion Officer overseeing nearly 1,000 people to host our first healing event on Feb. 3 in Santa Cruz.
But this post isn’t about my nonprofit; it’s about us coming together as a community.
Power of Connection
As a nation, we’re at a critical juncture. In less than a week, a new president will take office. Now more than ever, we must rise above division, see ourselves in one another, and focus on building unity.
When we take the time to look into someone’s eyes, to connect with their nervous system in the present moment, and to allow ourselves to be seen in our
By Sam Kabert
own vulnerabilities, we open the door to true connection. This is how we unite—by showing up for one another with understanding, compassion, and a commitment to collaboration.
Call to Action
I encourage you to take time to reflect on your inner world. Tend to your emotional well-being and bring that sense of openness and healing into your interactions with others. Together, we can create a ripple effect of connection and resilience.
If you feel inspired to get involved— whether through supporting our first responders, joining Soul Life Balance’s mission, or simply fostering connection in your community—please reach out to me. There’s a role for everyone in this collective journey.
In the face of loss and destruction, we have the power to rebuild—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Let’s rise to this moment as a united community, grounded in compassion and fueled by purpose. Together, we can make a difference that lasts far beyond the flames. n
Sam Kabert is a breathwork and master NLP practitioner, coach, author and podcaster. Find him at https://samkabert.com/soul-life-balance/
Flooding & Fire
By Susan True
e’re coming into 2025 full of optimism, purpose, and
for our community. The first test of resilience came at the end of 2024, as powerful ocean swells damaged the Santa Cruz Wharf and Harbor, leaving hundreds of wharf workers and dozens of harbor residents in need of support. And through the power of our connection, the community rallied to make sure help came quickly.
As the year unfolds and other challenges arise, let’s find our own way to connect and help solve problems too big to solve alone.
We activated the Disaster Fund at the end of December 2024 to support those affected by the destructive ocean swells that damaged the Santa Cruz Wharf and Harbor.
“Susan True” page 21
Photo Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Debris washes ashore after part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed on Dec. 23, 2024.
Featuring Graber and Hunter Douglas Custom Draperies and Roman Shades!
Positive Parenting Month Events
This year’s theme for Positive Parenting Awareness Month is kindness. Throughout January, Triple P partners will host free family events at libraries, Family Resource Centers, and other locations.
Family Zumba at the YMCA (Bilingual)
Bring the whole family together for some fun and fitness with a free family Latin dance class. Enjoy lively Latin beats, easy-tofollow dance moves, and quality time with loved ones in a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere. All ages and skill levels are welcome—no experience necessary. Move, groove, and stay active as a family.
Jan. 24 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 27 Sudden St, Watsonville
Community Bridges Family Fairs (Bilingual)
Explore local agencies and their services, meet the Triple P Parent Educators, and enjoy a fantastic event filled with food, games and prizes!
Jan. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., La Manzana Community Resources, 521 Main St., Watsonville
The Importance of Maintaining and Strengthening Family Values (Spanish only)
Presented by Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance
This workshop will focus on the ancestral-rooted teachings that have been passed down in traditional stories and lived experiences.
Jan.16 at 5 p.m. at 411 East Lake Ave in Watsonville
Child Development Milestones 0-3 years (English only)
Presented by Stars Therapy Services / Infant Program
Are you curious about your child’s development in the areas of speech, behavior, fine and gross motor, and socialemotional learning? In this workshop, practitioners will cover the basic milestones children should be reaching from ages 0-3, and strategies families can use to get the most out of their child’s early development. A child development specialist and an occupational therapist will provide expertise and answer developmental questions you might have. Free therapeutic resources are available through the California Early Start program.
Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. and Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. at First 5 Santa Cruz County Office, 4450 Capitola Road, Capitola
Triple P Workshop: Being a Parent (Spanish Only)
Presented with Semillitas
Learn about Semillitas, a program that offers a free college savings account for children born in Santa Cruz County on or after Jan. 1, 2021. Semillitas helps families support their children’s educational future. Learn how to track your child’s account progress, how funds are added as they grow and reach milestones, and how the account grows over time. By attending a Triple P session, you will be eligible to receive a onetime $50 deposit into your child’s Semillitas account!
Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St, Suite 100, Watsonville
Family Art Day at Pajaro Valley Arts! (Bilingual)
Join Pajaro Valley Arts for a creative afternoon filled with bilingual gallery tours of the #whatever: Members Exhibit and art activities like tie-dye paintings & braceletmaking in the backyard gardens.
Jan. 30 from noon - 2 p.m. at 37 Sudden St, Watsonville (next to YMCA).
Register: https://forms.gle/RLPv7PpqMubJdbqRA
Laid Back Book Club at the Libraries (Bilingual)
Participate in a family-friendly book activity at your local library in January. Read together and express your reflections inspired by the featured books on kindness, using art supplies provided by the library. Enter your name into the raffle box by Feb. 1 for a chance to win books from First 5’s Triple P program! Participating libraries include Watsonville Public Library and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries — Branciforte, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. •••
Triple P providers also will offer virtual and in person parenting classes on topics in English and Spanish. Visit www.first5scc. org/triple-p-classes. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bird Flu Cancels Poultry Show
The state’s Department of Food and Agriculture has cancelled all poultry and beef exhibitions in California indefinitely to prevent the spread of bird flu.
The announcement followed Gov. Newsom’s executive order on Jan. 7.
Bird flu is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. The disease is spread through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds or contact with virus
Bird flu was first detected in the United States in the wild bird population in South Carolina in January 2022, in the domestic poultry population in Indiana in February 2022, and in the wild bird population in California in July 2022.
Bird Flu primarily infects birds, but can also infect mammals, including humans, in March, an outbreak of Bird Flu infection in dairy cows was reported in other states.
Since March 25, there have been 61 total reported confirmed cases of bird flu infection in humans across eight states, including 34 reported cases in California, with no documented instances of human-to-human transmission to date.
On Aug. 30, bird flu infection was confirmed in a dairy cow in Central California.
California has led the nation in milk production since 1993, accounting for 18% of the United States’ milk production in 2022, across more than 1,100 dairies.
Between Aug. 30 and early December, 641 dairies confirmed positive tests for bird flu across nine counties in Central California, prompting statewide testing and quarantine.
Currently, 985 dairies are under testing and 614 dairies are under quarantine.
Testing has confirmed highly pathogenic bird flu in three commercial flocks, one in Butte County and two in Stanislaus County.
Movement restrictions have been placed within the following ten counties: Butte, Fresno, Kern, Marin, Merced, Riverside, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare.
In December, dairy cows at four Southern California dairies tested positive for bird flu.
The governor’s order caused Gold Coast Poultry Show, a large show for 4-H’ers, to cancel.
It is not known how this will affect the Santa Cruz County Fair in September.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture strongly urge all poultry owners in California to protect their flocks by increasing their biosecurity practices. Recommended biosecurity practices can be found on the CDFA and USDA websites. n
Poultry owners with flocks that have experienced any unusual/suspicious illness or deaths should call the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866922-BIRD (2473).
Diamond Seeks a New Home
Diamond is a 12-year-old rescued mare in need of a new home. She needs a person to love and take care of her. Being a rescue means her life has already been at risk, at least one time. Tragedy struck and her owner is now living as an amputee.
Lynn Hummer, founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue in Aptos, reports the woman re-homing Diamond has been taking care of her costs for a year, but cannot keep it up.
“We know thus far that she may not be 100% sound. Several X-rays reveal only flat coffin bones, which have been corrected with shoes. Could it be a soft tissue issue? We don’t have any more information.” n
•••
Diamond is living in Larkin Valley. If you’d like to obtain more information about her, text or call 831-247-9008. Ask for Wauhillau.
Form 700 Reveals Economic Interests
By Jondi Gumz
Aconflict of interest on a planning commission occurs when a commissioner is personally involved in a development project or has a financial interest in a property that is coming before the commission for a decision, potentially causing them to prioritize their personal gain over the best interests of the community when making a planning decision.
“Conflict of interest situations come up not only when there may be an actual
“The Haven” from page 15
The Sandhills Alliance for Natural Diversity calls for development to be clustered to maintain as large an area of habitat as possible.
One sandhills area is called Rollingwoods encompassing 184 acres along Graham Hill Road.
Other developments have funded habitat mitigation projects although some environmental experts say existing habitat should be preserved.
Tate said concerns such as traffic, habitat mitigation and noise would be addressed in the environmental review process, which would begin once the application is complete, pending a geological study and title reports.
The fire insurance crisis, with many residents in neighboring Scotts Valley being dropped by their insurer or forced to pay double or triple past premiums, was triggered by the CZU Lightning Wildfire in 2020 in Boulder Creek, one of a string of destructive wildfires in California that prompted insurance companies to pull back to avoid huge losses.
The project has the potential to impact residents in the city of Scotts Valley and in San
conflict but also when there may be a perception by others of a conflict.”
That’s what C. Gregory Dale, AICP, wrote in the Planning Commissioners Journal in July August 1992. At the time, Dale was a planner in Cincinnati.
Assuming there are grounds for someone to believe you might not be impartial, Dale added, “then you should publicly disclose the existence and nature of the conflict and disqualify yourself from deliberating or voting.”
Lorenzo Valley because of its size in the unincorporated area, zoned rural residential outside the urban services line, and on a road, Graham Hill, which is the connector for the two valleys.
Builder’s Remedy
Ordinarily a project of this size would not be entertained by county planning staff but Formico took advantage of the fact that the state had not approved the county’s “Housing Element” to submit his proposal and thus became eligible for the builder’s remedy, allowing him to bypass zoning and design review.
Santa Cruz County supervisors adopted the housing element on Nov. 14, 2023, but it was not certified by the state until April 12, 2024.
Tate Development + Investment submitted a preliminary application for The Haven on April 11.
“What discretion does the Board of Supervisors have?” asked Chris Fitz, who spent nine years as executive director of Landwatch Monterey County watching local land-use policy.
For that question, there was no answer.
Formico bought the wooded property in four parcels in 2019 from Richard Lam for $3.9 million. The property runs alongside Graham Hill Road from Lockwood Lane to
California’s Political Reform Act prohibits an official from taking part in a decision if it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision would have a material financial effect on one or more of the official’s financial interests distinguishable from the decision’s effect on the public.
A perceived conflict arose in April with the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission.
Tim Gordin, co-founder of the local development company Workbench, in an
the Rolling Woods subdivision and Eagle Creek runs through it.
The Haven proposes 123 single-family market-rate homes, 34 affordable townhomes, parking for 600 cars and an oversized 18,000-square foot clubhouse, which Tate said could provide space for a sheriff’s substation. Streets in the development would be private.
Tate said the project would be reviewed by the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
Construction, he estimated, could take three years.
Among those affected:
• Hidden Glen, an equestrian-friendly neighborhood of 60 custom homes on generous lots in the unincorporated county with a median price of $2 million.
• Rolling Woods, a peaceful neighborhood built in the 1970s off Graham Hill Road across from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
• And the 20-acre Graham Hill Road showgrounds is a mile down Graham Hill Road.
Traffic & Water
Potential neighbors are worried about the increase in traffic on a rural road in a rural area not designed for it.
Would a stoplight be needed?
Tate said the county could require a stoplight.
“Because of CEQA, we’re at the county’s behest,” he said. “If a light is what we have to do, we will.”
He said the county has hired a consultant, Ecological Concerns of Santa Cruz, to do an environmental assessment.
“They’re not our consultants, they’re the county’s consultants.”
When a woman said, “We don’t have the water,” Tate replied, “A project doesn’t get approved if we don’t have the resources.”
To questions about access to water, he said the development would use the LAFCO process for annexing the property.
On Oct. 24, asked about the proposal, LAFCO Executive Officer Joe Serrano said:
“The proposed single parcel annexation (APN: 061-441-01) into the San Lorenzo
interview with the Santa Cruz Sentinel on his proposed 16-story high-rise with 260 homes at 2020 N. Pacific Ave., vacated by Lighthouse Bank and purchased by Workbench for $4.375 million, spoke of his phlosophy for projects to have maximum density and substantial height.
This prompted a letter April 9 by the 14 residents on the Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee to county Supervisor Manu Koenig, who appointed Gordin in January 2021.
Valley Water District. It is my understanding that the single parcel involved in the annexation application is not part of the proposed development (161 units), as indicated in the document you provided.
“The map also shows the four parcels owned by Mike Formico (APNs: 061-441-05; 061-441-06; 067-271-35; 067-271-36) that are part of the proposed development. As the map shows, the four parcels are non-contiguous to the annexation area and again not part of the annexation application into SLVWD.
“If Mr. Formico plans to develop the four parcels, he must get LAFCO approval in a separate application to receive water and sewer service. At this time, there is no application to annex the four parcels to SLVWD for water service or the City of Scotts Valley for sewer service. It is unknown whether the County, SLVWD, and the City of Scotts Valley would be willing, capable, and supportive of the proposed development and delivery of services to the four parcels. In order for an annexation to be successfully completed, all affected parties must be in agreement. It is also important to note that the four parcels are outside the County’s Urban Services Line (shown as a yellow boundary in the attached map). It is LAFCO’s understanding that the County uses the USL to determine where future developments may occur.”
Once the draft environmental impact report is released, people will have 90 days to provide feedback before the final impact report is prepared and certified by the county. n
Preliminary map of The Haven Santa Cruz, proposed for Graham Hill Road between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz. • Courtesy of County of Santa Cruz
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Lance Tate represents Graham Hill Road property owner Mike Formico, who wants to build 157 homes on a 40-acre horse pasture.
“We question Mr. Gordin’s ability to act impartially,” they wrote, asking that Gordin be replaced. “Do not seat another developer (or the like) in this position.”
Koenig responded, saying he didn’t see any way Gordin would subvert the process or radically change densities through his position.
Gordin, who resigned Nov. 18, did not respond to a query from CapitolaSoquel Times.
In December, when then-county Supervisor Zach Friend was asked about his Planning Commission appointee Allyson iolante and whether he considered appointing a developer said:
“Allyson is my 2nd planning commissioner (you may know there is an alternate role as well – which she filled once my original alternate stepped down). She has been in the public sector nearly her entire professional career working for Congressman Sam Farr before becoming my Chief of Staff. Neither of my previous appointees (members or alternates) were developers – Casey and Al were both from the public sector (Al was actually a county supervisor in Marin County for a long time!) – Casey had worked for the City of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley for the City Manager’s office and federally in Congress – Tricia (current alternate) had very highlevel state positions with elected officials.”
“Susan True” from page 16
Thanks to community generosity and in partnership with Community Bridges, we supported those who rely on wharf employment for their livelihood and low-income residents of harbor boats that had become substandard or unlivable.
For more information visit the Disaster Fund page at https:// www.cfscc.org/funds/disaster-fund
A big thank you to the Family Resource Collective staff at Community Bridges for stepping up to quickly get help to where it was needed most.
We still welcome donations to our Disaster Fund to bolster response efforts in the future. •••
HSouthern California Fire Relief
ere in Santa Cruz County, we know the trauma and hardship of wildfires and our hearts ache for Los Angeles County. Community Foundations are crucial philanthropic first responders in funding both immediate needs and longterm recovery.
Please consider donating to support our neighbors to the south.
Here are links to two funds activated by our peers in L.A. County: Wildfire Recovery Fund at California
California’s Political Reform Act prohibits an official from taking part in a decision if it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision would have a material financial effect on one or more of the official’s financial interests distinguishable from the decision’s effect on the public.
Friend added, “It’s important for me to appoint individuals to every commission that can take an independent look at an issue and provide their best judgement on a decision. I always told my commissioners that it was important they vote the way their read of the best policy and approach is on what’s before them and, if I disagree and the item comes before the Board, I may approach it differently. But this gives the district the benefit of multiple independent looks at an issue and multiple backgrounds analyzing an issue.”
Tiffany Martinez, spokeswoman for the Santa Cruz County Department of Community Development & Infrastructure (formerly Planning), said “Board (of Supervisors) members have broad discretion to make these appointments (including to multiple Commissions or Committees) and there is nothing that would rule out specific professions from serving, including professions involved in the production of housing (conversely, a lack of experience in land use policy does not prevent a nominee from serving, either).”
She added, “Having a specific profession serving on the Planning Commission is appropriate as long as the commissioner adheres to all state ethics and conflict of interest laws. Planning Commissioners have a mandated manner in which they must disqualify themselves from decisions made at a public meeting (including closed session decisions) and must publicly identify a conflict of interest and leave the room before the item is discussed.”
Each year, Planning Commissioners are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700.
Gordin, appointed in 2021, filed his first Form 700 on March 16, 2023, covering 2022.
This listed his investments: 841 Capitola LLC, value $10,000 to $100,000, and Sweet Developments LLC, value at $10,000 to $100,000, and 5701 Soquel Developments LLC (The Dwellings), value more than $1 million, and Workbench, value more than $1 million.
On Jan. 25, 2024, Gordin filed three
Form 700s on the same date, covering his initial appointment date as of 2021, then calendar 2021, and 2023. There is no explanation as to why.
Covering the period upon his appointment, he listed investments in 5701 Soquel Development LLC, value more than $1 million, and Workbench, value more than $1 million.
Another Form 700 listed his personal residence.
Covering activity in 2023, he listed investments 841 Capitola LLC, value $10,000 to $100,000, Sweet Developments LLC, value $10,000 to $100,000, Workbench, value more than $1 million, and 5701 Soquel Developments LLC value more than $1 million.
In this 2023 Form 700, he also reported real property interests, as LLC member, of 3500 Paul Sweet Road, value more than $1 million, and 841 Capitola Road, value more than $1 million, his status as managing member of LLC for Sweet Developments LLC and 841 Capitola Road LLC, and his status as managing director of Workbench.
The California Fair Political Practices Commission manages Form 700 filings and accepts complaints from members of the public. n
For details see https://tinyurl.com/ Cal-form-700-info.
Community Foundation: www.calfund. org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
Eaton Canyon Fire Relief Fund at Pasadena Community Foundation: https://pasadenacf.org/donate/
We hope that if you know someone impacted by these fires, that they are safe and getting the support they need. n
Susan True is CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
Photo Credit: Ethan Swope / AP
More than 130,000 have been evacuated and many have lost everything in the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County.
Susan True
First District: A Perceived Conflict or Not
High-Rise Champion Tim Gordin Exits Planning Commission
By Jondi Gumz
Lifelong local Rob Oliveros sees a conflict of interest in the First District, where county Supervisor Manu Koenig appointed founder of the Workbench development firm, Tim Gordin, as his planning commissioner, in 2021.
Gordin resigned his seat Nov. 18, three weeks before the supervisors voted to up-zone 30 parcels — including 3500 Paul Sweet Road where Gordin proposes 105 apartments as workforce housing, making the property more valuable. The reason for up-zoning — to meet the state mandate to build more housing — 4,634 homes by 2031.
The 6-story Sweet Homes project qualifies for the “builder’s remedy,” bypassing rules on height and density and bypassing public input because the state had not yet approved the Santa Cruz County Housing Element, the plan for future housing.
County planning staff write the Housing Element, which is reviewed by the Planning Commission and then by the Board of Supervisors.
The supervisors sent the Housing Element to the state in November 2023, meeting the deadline but approval by the state Housing and Community Development Department came after the Dec. 31 deadline, developers could take advantage of the builder’s remedy.
And Workbench did.
Gordin, the Nexties 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year, did not respond to questions from the Capitola-Soquel Times.
Koenig, who was re-elected March 5, did.
“Let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Developers can only build what the law allows them to build,” he
said. “State housing law has changed radically in recent years and is now making possible 5- and 6-story projects in the unincorporated county, even though our local zoning code only allows 3. The big changes in the law have happened at the state level by removing local control. Therefore you can’t blame the local planning commissioner for these changes, you have to blame the state.”
Koenig explained: “I appointed Tim in 2021 because he and his firm were working creatively to solve the housing crises. They had designed pre-approved ADU plans for a number of cities and their largest project at the time was 15 units on Soquel Drive called The Dwellings.”
In 2021, Koenig appointed Lisa Sheridan as alternate Planning Commissioner.
He pointed out, “Lisa led the Sustainable Soquel effort to fight the Nissan dealership; is a strong voice for open space preservation at Anna Jean Cummings Park; and worked as a local Realtor, giving her a background in land use.”
Koenig added, “Tim, like any public figure, was bound by conflict of interest law and abstained from voting whenever the outcome had an impact on his business. The Paul Sweet Rd parcel was identified by staff for upzoning and Tim was not present at the meeting where the Planning Commission approved the rezoning. The fact that our county was thrown into Builder’s Remedy, even though we submitted our Housing Element on time is another example of the State subverting local control.”
The alternate seat was vacant for months while Koenig recruited.
Building in Santa Cruz County has been
has grown to 22 people, some local and some coming from Southern California.
Gordin’s completed projects include The Dwellings, 5701 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 13 townhomes and two home renovations, Hanover Homes, Multi- family housing near Branciforte Library, and two custom homes in Pleasure Point.
His projects in process include: 47 studios above the Food Bin, Mission St., Santa Cruz, 16 multi-family homes on May Street, Santa Cruz, a 6-story building, 76 residential units, 1023 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, and 100 affordable rentals at 4575 Scotts Valley Drive, formerly Seagate in Scotts Valley.
On April 3, Workbench unveiled a proposal to build a 16-story high-rise with 260 homes at 2020 N. Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, vacated by Lighthouse Bank, and purchased on July 19, 2023 for $4.375 million.
This would be the tallest building downtown.
Workbench said this project “re-imagines an underutilized urban site as a sustainable high-rise community.”
historically challenging, especially for multifamily housing.
According to the Texas A&M University Real Estate Research Center, which tracks permit nationwide by county, Santa Cruz County has issued fewer than 300 multifamily permits per year since 2010.
The highs were 250 in 2016, then 283 in 2021 and 278 in 2023.
The lows were 17 in 2009 after the housing market crashed, 33 in 2010 and 71 in 2020, when the Covid pandemic hit.
Housing advocates such as Sen. Scott Weiner, D-San Francisco, and YIMBY see a lot of catching up to do.
But there are questions about how the housing mandate numbers were generated, whether the population projections were fully vetted before assumptions were made to generate need for each city and county.
But during the last housing mandate cycle, a judge declined to intervene in a lawsuit in Southern California filed by the city of Irvine.
Oliveros is the founder of Santa Cruz against Runaway Development, Facebook group with more than 1,000 members.
He said he wants to bring the conflict to light so it does not happen again.
16-Story Clocktower
For those unfamiliar, Gordin started Workbench in 2016 with architect Jamileh Cannon, a board member of housing advocate Santa Cruz YIMBY, who has designed a dozen multi-story housing projects, including 4575 Scotts Valley Drive, revisioning the vacant Seagate tech property into 100 affordable family rentals.
Since Event Santa Cruz named the pair Nexties Entrepreneur of the Year, Workbench
This new vision and Gordin’s philosophy left shock waves.
On April 9, the 14 residents on the Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee, wrote to Koenig, citing Gordin’s interview in the Santa Cruz Sentinel explaining his philosophy for projects to have maximum density and substantial height.
They wrote, “We respectfully question Mr. Gordin’s ability to act impartially with understanding, appreciation and the obligation for a middle ground, which is preserving our community’s uniqueness to a developer’s wants for size, density and profit.”
They said they welcome development on Portola Drive, the thoroughfare through Pleasure Point following established guidelines that all new development be compatible with Pleasure Point’s style and character.
For those unaware, Pleasure Point is a historic surfing community with no buildings taller than 2 stories.
The steering committee made one more ask: “do not seat another developer (or the like) in this position.”
In response, Koenig said, “The scope of Tim’s projects changed significantly at the beginning of this year with the Clocktower project proposal in April and the builder’s remedy projects. I responded to Save Pleasure Point’s letter by saying that I didn’t see any way that Tim would subvert the process or radically change densities through his position. I also said that I would start by appointing a new alternate Planning Commissioner (as Lisa had recently stepped off the commission).
Conflict” page 24
“Housing
Workbench team Tim Gordin (from left), Jamileh Cannon and Sibley Simon.
3500 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz
In Business, People Vote with their Dollars
By Marc Cuniberti
Last month I wrote an article on running a restaurant and as I was writing it, I realized, with a few specific differences, running a successful business is just as easy, or for many, just as hard as the very difficult restaurant business.
Actually it can be maddening to start a business and probably as it should be. For if it was easy, the things that make it hard are the seeds of giving good service and/or providing a good product.
An entrepreneur that starts a business will find out soon enough whether he or she is doing it correctly by how many “votes” they get in the process.
People vote with their dollars. Offer something they want and they’ll cast their votes your way and fill your coffers.
Take Apple for example. Apple gets billions of votes every year because people love what they offer in the form of their phones and their ancillary businesses like the App Store.
Votes in the business world are dollars. Put in simple terms, although business startups need time to get the word out and attract customers, eventually, given enough time, the votes (dollars) should start trickling in. Either that or what you are offering is not very much in demand.
The longer you operate, the more dollars (votes) should come rolling in. If you are doing it right, that is.
I once had lunch with a business mentor who had been in the business of mentoring for many years. He made the comment he was having a hard time monetizing his service.
To me, that meant he had a hard time making enough money at doing what he was doing. In business terms, he had a hard time getting enough votes.
If a new business is opened and the dollars don’t eventually start flowing in meaningful amounts, it either means the public doesn’t need or want whatever it is you are offering or in the way that you are offering it.
In the restaurant business, it might mean they don’t like your food or your service. If it’s a clothing boutique, maybe they don’t like the clothes you’re selling, or maybe your prices are too high.
It could be a number of things that are causing you not to get votes (make money).
The bottom line is the public, much like a disliked politician would lose due to lack of votes, are not casting enough votes in your direction.
I can’t tell you how many people I talk to year after year that couldn’t make a business work.
Like my previous article mentioned: Nine out of 10 new businesses end up in the trash heap — and unfortunately, may do significant financial damage to the entrepreneurs in the process.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sutter Health Closes Urgent Care Citing Storm Damage
By Jondi Gumz
If your doctor is at Sutter Heath, and you notice the waiting room in Watsonville or Aptos is busier than usual, there is a reason.
Sutter’s facility at 2025 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz has been closed to urgent care patients since Dec. 27, reportedly due to water damage from a flooded storm drain.
clinic in Aptos in Rancho Del Mar shopping center, but it has closed.
The failures are not tied to any one type of business, although the restaurant business seems to be the top dog in business flop overs along with web-based businesses. Web-based businesses have many home-based platforms which are started on an idea and a whim with often little capital, which may be why the numbers are so high for web business failures.
As for the high number of restaurant failures, as anyone that has run one will tell you, it’s a darn hard business both in hours and profit margins as well as the inherent mechanisms of offering a perishable item.
In conclusion, starting a successful business can be very rewarding both financially and personally if you come up with the right recipe both in your offering and how you offer it.
There are many things you will have to address and navigate in the process of starting a new business and I won’t list them all here due to space constraints, but plan on working an ungodly number of hours to both start up and run your new business.
You can forget about sleeping in and
better plan on long days and even longer nights. Most successful business owners will tell you they never worked harder nor longer. It’s just the way of it.
Those who refuse to put in the long hours are probably the nine out of the 10 that fail because they went back to bed.
All kidding aside, it’s damn hard to open a new business. So make a solid plan, perhaps get a mentor, listen to advice and research, research, research.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it if you do it right. n
Marc Cuniberti got his degree in economics with honors from San Diego State University in 1979, and bought his first piece of real estate at age 26, parlaying one property into many and buying a string of laundry mats. In 1982, a reevaluation led him into the corporate life, applying newly learned sales and engineering skills into industrial machinery sales, yet maintaining his investments and interest in economics. He called the real estate and bank implosion before main street was even considering the possibility. He hosts a show, “Money Matters,” at 6 p.m. Fridays on KVMR FM 89.5.
Patients can go to Sutter Health’s office at 550 South Green Valley Road., Watsonville, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or 1301 Mission St., Santa Cruz, open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
Sutter Health used to have a walk-in
Ashley Cabrera, a supervisor at Sutter Health, told Lookout Santa Cruz that staff was told the closure could last three to six months.
The water damage apparently came in the wake of a storm that caused the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf, which was under repair, to collapse on Dec. 23. n
Sacramento Perch Return to Sacramento
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces the return of California’s only native sunfish — the Sacramento perch — to its namesake city and county.
The agency recently stocked 3,000 mostly juvenile fish into a pond at Granite Regional Park to create a unique urban fishing opportunity.
Granite Regional Park, which is part of CDFW’s Fishing in the City Program, receives regular stockings of rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer to provide fishing opportunities for residents.
While those stockings will continue, Sacramento perch could complement those offerings with a year-round fishery at the small, former quarry pond surrounded by office buildings, soccer fields and parking lots.
“It’s an experimental, pilot effort,” said
“Housing Conflict” from page 22
He added, “The work the Planning Commission deals with is technical and complex and it’s important that appointees have some background in land use. That’s why I just appointed an architect (Shane Pavonetti) and a general contractor of 45 years (Luke Rizzuto).”
He elaborated, “I selected the new District 1 appointments because I’m confident they will champion incremental housing growth and small property owners. Luke brings extensive knowledge about building in this county thanks to 45 years as a local general contractor. Shane brings comparative knowledge having built his own home in Austin Texas as well as in Santa Cruz County.”
Sweet Homes
Sweet Homes, on .52 acres across from Oakwood Memorial Park & Cemetery, is a project in the works since Workbench bought the property for $1.325 million on Dec. 7, 2022. Gordin created an LLC for the project,
Max Fish, a senior environmental scientist within CDFW’s Fisheries Branch. “We’re trying to assess whether the fish do well in the pond first and foremost and, if so, whether anglers enjoy this unique experience to interact with a heritage fish being brought back to the Sacramento area for the first time in many decades.”
Once found in abundance within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Clear Lake in northern California, Sacramento perch have been displaced from their historical range, CDFW says, as the result of habitat modification and competition from non-native sunfish, including bluegill and green sunfish, that were widely introduced into California in the early 20th century.
Today, Sacramento perch are a “Species of Special Concern” in California and are found in only about two dozen isolated waters mostly in remote parts of northern California and along the Eastern Sierra. Where they exist in abundance, notably at Crowley Lake and Bridgeport Reservoir in Mono County, Sacramento perch support popular sport fisheries and are especially prized for the table.
The state record Sacramento perch was caught at Crowley Lake in 1979 weighing 3 pounds, 10 ounces.
Prior to the December stocking at Granite Regional Park in Sacramento, CDFW fisheries biologists surveyed the pond and found only small numbers of non-native sunfish to compete with the perch.
Although Sacramento perch struggle to reproduce in the presence of non-native sunfish, CDFW is experimentally stocking older juvenile and adult fish, which have shown to coexist more successfully.
Sweet Developments, on Nov. 17, and Sweet Developments GP on March 17, 2023.
On Oct. 10, when Koenig hosted a community meeting on the Thurber Lane-Soquel Drive housing project for 181 affordable apartments, he was asked if Gordin was still his planning commissioner.
The answer: Yes.
Asked how is that not a conflict, Koenig said, “I appointed an alternate.”
The county website however listed only Gordin, with the space for an alternate left blank.
On Dec.10, Koenig made 2 appointments on the consent agenda, Shane Pavonetti, an architect in Texas, and Luke Rizzuto, as alternate.
CDFW acquired the Sacramento perch from Livermore-based M4 Aquatics.
While the majority of stocked fish were juveniles about 6 months old and 2 to 4 inches in length, about 150 of the perch were over a year old and of “catchable size” of 6 inches in length or more.
“These fish are special for a number of reasons,” said Richard Muñoz, Fishing in the City coordinator for CDFW’s North Central Region. “These are warmwater fish we can plant pretty much year-round. And they represent an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fishing opportunities for folks who may not have had access to these fish before.”
Sacramento perch can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including waters with high alkalinity, salinity, cold temperatures and warm temperatures, which make them a good candidate to establish sport fisheries in some urban park ponds and communities historically underserved by CDFW’s fish planting efforts.
The stocking of Sacramento perch into Granite Regional Park is part of a comprehensive effort by CDFW to strengthen existing populations, expand its range and introduce the native species to more anglers statewide. Other actions within this effort include:
• The translocation of Sacramento perch between Biscar Reservoir in Lassen County and Bridgeport Reservoir to increase the genetic diversity of both populations.
• Reestablishing source populations of Sacramento perch within its historic range in the Sacramento Valley. Refuge populations recently have been established at
841 Capitola Road
Sweet Homes is not Gordin’s first builder’s remedy project.
Gordin purchased a .89 acre-property at 841 Capitola Road with a home dating to 1925 for $1.65 million on Jan. 26, 2022.
Gordin created an LLC for the project, 841 LLC, on Jan. 7, 2022.
The Workbench website says 15 singlefamily homes were proposed but Santa Cruz Local reported Gordin proposed 40 apartments then reduced the number to 28.
Another Workbench Appointee
Gordin was not Koenig’s only appointee from Workbench.
For the county Housing Advisory Commission, which advises the Planning Commission, Koenig appointed Sibley Simon, a partner with Gordin in Workbench.
Simon is the founder of nonprofit New Way Homes, which is seeking investors for its affordable housing impact investment
the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and at the Woodland Regional Park Preserve, both in Yolo County. While these new populations are closed to recreational fishing, they may provide fish for future stocking opportunities elsewhere and future translocations.
• The stocking of Sacramento perch into the recently renovated Lindo Lake, San Diego County, to establish the first population in Southern California and create another unique urban fishing opportunity. That effort has been complicated by the illegal introduction of black bass and other non-native sunfish into Lindo Lake. n
fund. He worked years to make Harvey West Studios, a five-story complex with 121 units of supportive housing at 119 Coral St., a reality. This location is near an existing shelter for the homeless.
With Workbench handling design & construction, Simon’s projects include 801 River St., Santa Cruz, renovating a Victorian home into 7 units of supportive housing, Peace Village, 40 mixed income homes on Peace United Church property, and 841 Capitola Road, 28 mixed income rentals on Capitola Road, a 6-story project with 83 affordable family units and ground-floor commercial in Oakland and 75 affordable family units with ground floor commercial in Salinas. n
Travel Fakes Exposed: How to Protect Your Trip
By Christopher Elliott
Afew weeks ago, Scott Mayer received an email from United Airlines that said his flight from Minneapolis to Florence, Italy, had been canceled and that he owed $600 in “cancellation” fees.
Just one problem: United says it didn’t send it.
Mayer, an event producer from Minneapolis, had been contacted by a scammer who was trying to prod him into sharing personal information — his address, birthday, and credit card number.
Travel fakes like this are on the uptick in 2025. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake websites, listings and social media profiles designed to separate you from your money.
But you don’t have to become a statistic.
A Fake United Email — and a Fake Call Center
Mayer says he called United and was transferred to someone who claimed to work for the airline.
Although Mayer refused to pay the $600 — which was the right call since United doesn’t charge a cancellation fee for flights it cancels — his flight somehow got canceled, anyway. He had to pay $1,596 for a ticket on another airline.
But when Mayer called United to get this resolved, it offered him neither an explanation nor a refund.
“I would like to be reimbursed for my canceled flights,” he told me.
Here’s what else is out there:
Fake vacation rentals: You find the perfect beach house, but when you arrive, it’s a run-down shack. Or worse, the property doesn’t exist.
“It’s so frustrating to arrive at your vacation accommodation and discover it looks nothing like how it was advertised,” says Don Jones, managing director of Andrew Harper, a travel company. “This happens all too often.”
How to avoid being burned? Do a reverse image search to see if the property photos are legit. Also, cross-check listings on multiple platforms.
“Listings with no reviews may be a red flag,” advises Abhishek Karnik, head of threat research at cybersecurity company McAfee. “In addition, try to validate the site exists by checking to see whether it has been referenced in legitimate media outlets.”
Fake airline and travel agency websites : These sites look real, but they’re designed to steal your credit card information. Often, they offer fares that are too good to be true. If you’re tempted by an unbelievable deal, chances are you’re looking at a bogus site.
I asked United to take a closer look at Mayer’s cancellation.
“Unfortunately, we believe this customer fell victim to a scam,” United spokeswoman Erin Jankowski told me.
The airline refunded his flight — a rare happy ending.
Jankowski noted that contacting it directly via United.com or the United mobile app for any booking or reservation changes would prevent future scams.
Perhaps. But the scammers are smart.
“Make sure the company you found online really exists by cross-referencing it against reliable third-party sources,” says Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, a cybersecurity company. “These could include legitimate travel directory listings, chambers of commerce, or official visitors guides.”
One strain of fake sites is particularly worrisome. It fools search engines into thinking it’s the correct phone number for a travel company. People will Google phrases like, “How to talk to a human at [insert name of airline]” — and up pop the scammers. Scammers wait for you on the other end of the line, waiting to collect your personal information. Never search for company information like that — always go to a trusted source or directly to the company.
Fake emails: Phishing scams are also a problem. You get an email or text message that looks like it’s from your airline, but it’s actually from a scammer trying to steal your personal information. Be careful about clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they look official.
“The proliferation of AI is an impending threat to travel due to tech-scams including deepfake cons, identity impersonation, or misleading travel advice from bots,” says Harding Bush, an associate director of security for Global Rescue. “That puts travelers at risk of fraud, misinformation, or malicious intent when booking trips or managing itineraries.”
Speaking of AI, criminals are also using AI to generate fake reviews and articles. And it’s almost impossible to spot a fake.
“In the old days, it was common to find basic mistakes in fake or impersonated websites, such as ESL language, spelling and grammar errors, odd word choices and low quality copied images and logos,” adds Pierson of BlackCloak. “However, with the advent of generative AI, this is no longer the case.”
As before, you can usually ferret out a fake with a simple sniff test: If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
“Travel Fakes” page 26
Synonyms
Lunar Nodes of Destiny Change — Past, Present & Future
In astrology, there are two symbols in an astrology chart ] called the North and South Nodes, Lunar Nodes or Nodes of Destiny. In Vedic astrology they are the head or tail of the dragon. The lunar nodes are two points in the sky that represent the two halves of a person’s karmic journey (past and present/ future).
The nodes help us understand our present and past lives.
To the ancients (and esoteric astrologers), the north node represents the direction of a soul’s evolution, and the south node represents past life patterns, talents and gifts. In the astrology chart, the nodal symbols are opposite each other. Oppositions means an integration occurs.
The nodes (neither planets nor signs) are points in space, where the Moon crosses the Sun’s path. Every eighteen months, the nodes change signs. It is an evolutionary (growth) change. At age 18 or 19, the nodes return to their original position in the sky at the time of the person’s birth. This is a cause for celebration among
ARIES
The focus of intention and aspiration will be on communication (how) and values (what are your values and how do you value intelligence?). Communication and values are linked. The more we value self and others, the more ability we have to communicate with kindness and benevolence. It would be good to consider yourself a World Server. One who has intentions for and always comes from Goodwill which creates compassion and Right Relations. A new identity has been forming. It’s almost complete.
TAURUS
You deeply influence others. There’s a magnetic appeal and charm radiating from you that many are attracted to. You’re like a light in the darkness, a harmony calming chaos, a love that is transfiguring when it shows forth. When there’s a problem, when the general state of affairs is disrupted, it’s to Taurus that all eyes turn for direction and understanding. New projects need initiating. However, before doing so, your body, heart and mind need a deep healing time of rest.
GEMINI
Jupiter is retrograde in Gemini now. A most important placement for you. And so, questions. What and whom are the main objects of your affection? What calls forth your interests, creative talents and activities? You are a communications leader. Answers to these questions are important for your identity. A good leader always is curious about, promotes and strengthens the interests of others. This produces within them a love. You are to activate and accelerate love within those around you. Define your new daily goals for health and well-being. Write more.
CANCER
Some group or groups are very vital to your sense of self and well-being now. They provide an environment, an atmosphere, an ambience and a social milieu leading to opportunities where hopes, dreams and wishes can be shared. Over time, new people may come into your life or perhaps community projects will emerge, with tasks only you can successfully perform. Within these realities, determine your ideals, hopes, wishes and dreams. And move towards them with a one-pointed focused mind. Do not ignore friends. They are silver and gold.
By Risa D’Angeles
families who understand astrology. The return of the lunar nodes to a young person’s chart means they are entering early adulthood. It is time for a party!
The North Node represents gifts, talents and abilities being developed in our present lifetime. The South Node represents gifts and talents we gather from past lifetimes. Each talent gathered (re-cultivated, remembered) creates a stepping stone. Eventually, many stepping stones are formed, leading to our North Node (present/ future path, tasks, dharma). This occurs in our early to mid-40s. At the North Node there is a door that opens and behind that door are the talents to be developed. It is a new path and we can be most uncomfortable encountering it. The South Node has provided us with all that we need to face and actually open this door. The Nodes are part of the Path of Evolution, our moving forward into our life purpose and destiny. n
More next time on the nodes. For daily writings from Risa see her Facebook page or Night Light News – www.nightlightnews.org
LEO
You may encounter various aspects of life that include contracts, superiors, parents, officials, leadership and work responsibilities. While interacting with important people your leadership skills are recognized and applauded. Many things hoped for come into focus. If parents are alive, be very aware of their needs. If they are no longer in physical form, recite Ohm Mani Padme Hum (Tibetan Mantram of Compassion) in recognition of their care for you. Do not disregard rules, laws, orders, your credit or a mountain far away that beckons.
VIRGO
Reality appears in ways different than before. Your perception has been altered, becoming more refined. This continues through the coming months. Let confusion create attention and become a potential for growth. Begin to define new daily structures for health. Be aware of the quality of your communication. Virgos talk continuously in order to understand and integrate their thoughts. Try a bit of silence. See what it tells you. Listen to the sounds of nature. Paint the bird kingdom.
LIBRA
You have many secret talents hidden behind your smile. Libra is always alluring, magnetic and charming. Charm captivates people. There’s a secret to Libra. Behind the charm is a power which shows itself as discipline, responsibility, and a deep seriousness sometimes misunderstood as sadness, unhappiness or gloom. Libra always seeks ways to bring harmony forth. A restructuring of Libra’s self-identity has been occurring. Conserving strength through rest and relaxation begins to heal what hurts. Forgiveness helps.
SCORPIO
Who are your allies, intimates and friends? Do you have partners and/or competitors? Are you considering a change of environment due to a shift in interests, a call, a new state of values? What are others requesting of you? Do you have the strength for this or must you gather different friends and acquaintances? Through daily life demands, you find yourself developing emotional poise and making certain important life decisions. You are always the warrior, ready for battle, always prepared.
But there are other ways of finding fraud online.
How to Spot a Fake
Here’s how to stay safe:
• Book through a legit source. This includes airlines, hotels, and tour operators that have a proven track record. “Stick to wellknown and reputable travel websites and service providers,” advises Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If a deal seems unrealistic, it probably is. “Given the rise in phishing in the travel industry, offers that sound too good to be true should be a warning sign of potential fraud,” says Rishika Desai, a threat researcher at Bfore.AI, a predictive security firm.
SAGITTARIUS
So much work to do, so many things to create, fulfill, so many demands, everyone depending on you for things great and small, here and there, that your mental health and necessities of life could fall by the wayside. At times you sense the past all around you, in the ethers, the air, the shadows. It can be exhausting without reprieve. Everything must improve — from surroundings to people to daily work methods to nourishment to a state of stability — a central concern. Let everything fall away. Be still.
CAPRICORN
Although it’s half over, it’s your birthday month. We hope(d) for you a festival, friends and frivolity, cakes and cupcakes, games, parties and intelligent conversation and to celebrate more than one day, a month perhaps to prepare for your new year. Birthdays don’t occur until we contact our protecting angels, presenting them with a coming-year job description of our needs and ending our birth day with gratitude. Happy Birthday. After the festivities, solitude and retreat in community are best.
AQUARIUS
Everything for a while concerns home and family, children, property and foundations, parents and elders, things creating and nurturing things that make up your life. The foundations referred to concern achievements at work. Think in practical ways how to improve all environments you find yourself in. Pay attention to what sustains, comforts and soothes you. And what allows you to be creative? Home keeps changing.
PISCES
You need communication that is spacious, thoughtful, kind and giving. You need a reality that sustains a home and brings comfort. You need environments that invite your knowledge and wisdom to come forth. Should you find yourself with people and places that do not provide these or with people who do not understand you, what will you do? Can you change your environment? There’s no more proving yourself, no more offering and giving of self to those who cannot see, understand, hear, or receive. You’re called elsewhere.
• Double-check everything. Verify your reservations and payments. “Double-check booking confirmations and payment receipts, and look for reviews on multiple platforms to validate the service or accommodation,” Harrison says.
• Be safe out there. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Don’t recycle your passwords. And be extra careful when using a public Wi-Fi network. “Public networks are often unencrypted, meaning that cybercriminals can intercept data transmitted over these networks, putting your information at risk of being compromised,” warns McAfee’s Karnik. And if you must use public Wi-Fi, get a virtual private network (VPN) to protect you. Forecast for 2025 I have a prediction: In 2025, this problem will get worse — much worse. In fact, it would not surprise me if at the end of 2025, I wrote a story declaring that this was the year of the travel fake.
Why? First, travel is expensive and that means people are desperate for deals. That’s fertile soil on which criminals can cultivate their fraud. Second, AI is so advanced that scammers can easily create sites or call centers that would fool even the most sophisticated traveler. (And before you ask — yes, I’ve almost been duped by it). And finally, I have seen how these scammers operate when they try to place their fraudulent numbers on my online directory of company executives, and I’m impressed — but not in a good way — with their determination and creativity. Cases like Mayer’s represent only a fragment of the real problem. It’s hard to tell the real thing from a fake anymore. We’re traveling in dangerous times. Be careful out there, my friends. n
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org. Illustration by Dustin Elliott
Shiny Pen Taking Responsibility for our Emotional Clumsiness
By Barry and Joyce Vissell
For a relationship to be healthy, whether lovers, friends, or family, both parties need to be willing to take responsibility for their own part when there are hurt feelings. This is sometimes very difficult to do. It is always easier to see the other person’s fault than your own. If you’re angry or defensive in a situation, look deeper and you will find your part. The following very humbling story illustrates mutual responsibility:
Joyce and I were in Maryland to lead a workshop on “living from the heart.” It was Saturday morning, and we had about an hour before our host would be driving us to begin the two-day workshop. We love to go for walks, and so we left for a nearby park. We found a trail wide enough for us to walk side by side. The conversation was light at first, but then Joyce started talking about an incident in her childhood. She was remembering something painful and, unknown to me, tears came into her eyes while she spoke.
At that exact moment, I noticed something shiny on the ground and, without thinking, stopped to pick it up. In the few seconds it took to clean off the dirt and see that it was only a shiny, but not particularly valuable, pen, Joyce had fully entered her vulnerability. She needed me to comfort her, and stopped and turned to the side to let me know this, but I wasn’t there! She turned back and saw me rubbing something in my hand.
By the time I approached her, and before I had the chance to explain why I had stopped, she felt hurt and abandoned at such a delicate moment, and made these feelings known. I immediately got defensive. In the next few minutes, we quickly devolved to a very low place of blame and anger. It’s humbling to admit that, with all our training, experience, and even love, we still can get so triggered that we occasionally act like belligerent children.
Unfortunately, that’s how we arrived back at our host’s house, minutes before we needed to leave for the workshop. Although we were not actively arguing in front of our host, we were both closed down emotionally.
We got into his car and were backing down his driveway when he suddenly stopped and noticed something on the driveway in front of his car. Unbelievably, he said, “It looks like there’s a pen on the driveway. Do either of you want it?”
“NO,” I nearly shouted with perhaps a little too much vehemence.
thoughts about these two workshop leaders from California.
Our host looked somewhat surprised at my reaction before he resumed backing out of the driveway. Perhaps he was having second
It was a workshop leader’s worst nightmare. Joyce and I arrived completely shut down to each other. We managed somehow to say a few welcoming words, then quickly paired everyone up with instructions to talk about why they were there. The two of us found a vacant spot on the floor, sat down facing one another, feeling tremendous pressure to work things out so we could lead the workshop. People were paying us to lead a workshop, not to be an incompetent mess. It was painful to see the occasional questioning and concerned glances from participants.
hearts. We held each other in an embrace of gratitude.
Now we owed an apology as well as an explanation to the group. We called everyone back together into one group and told them what had happened to us that morning. We apologized for our condition, and for taking up valuable workshop time for our own process. We did not expect, however, the response from the group.
Several of the participants were very aware of our conflict. They felt it rather than understanding the details. People were grateful for our honesty and vulnerability. Some shared their pain of growing up in homes where blame and anger were the rule, and nobody ever took responsibility.
One person said, “This is the best role-modeling I have ever seen in my life. I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of the workshop in less than an hour. I can go home now.”
Everyone laughed.
If you take responsibility for your own actions, or even lack of actions, rather than blaming someone else, you become a powerful person. Insist upon your innocence when you conflict with someone, and you become weak. Insist upon your victimhood and you become even weaker.
Taking responsibility is not about blaming yourself or labeling yourself a bad person. It’s not about guilt or shame. You take responsibility best by seeing yourself as a good person who has made a mistake. In fact, you are a beautiful divine being having a human experience. Knowing this truth, it becomes easier to take responsibility for any mistake — admit it — and then come back to love. n
•••
After about 20 minutes of trying, we finally were able to communicate the hurt behind the anger: Joyce’s feeling of abandonment and my hurt from being accused of abandoning her. I was then able to apologize for not being aware of her vulnerability when I stopped to pick up the pen. I also apologized for my lack of appropriate communication. I could have said something like, “Joyce, there’s something shiny on the path. Give me a moment to check it out.” And Joyce was able to apologize for not making sure she had my attention to hear her vulnerability, rather than assuming I knew her condition.
The moment we both took responsibility for our own parts of the conflict, the storm was over. Smiles popped up on both of our faces. Love crept back into our
Join Joyce and Barry Vissell on a one-time-only 7-day couples retreat combined with an Alaska cruise June 6-13. See https://sharedheart.org/event/ shared-heart-couples-alaskan-cruise/
Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personalspiritual growth. They are the authors of 10 books, including A Couple of Miracles: One Couple, More Than a Few Miracles, a semi-finalist for Book of the Year, Online Book Club, and a free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HONOR DR. KING WITH SERVICE
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, Jan. 20 — honor Dr. King’s legacy through service and volunteerism.
Second Harvest is looking for 100 volunteers to help pack bags of food that will be given out to the 65,000 people in need in Santa Cruz County.
This event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds is required.
The minimum age to volunteer for this shift is 10 years old (children ages 10-12 may volunteer alongside a parent, youth 13+ can volunteer independently as long as there is a signed parental waiver on file).
This is also a fantastic opportunity for high school students to earn their community service hours while contributing to a cause that matters. Serve together and make this MLK Day a day on, not a day off! Sign up at https://thefoodbanksantacruz.volunteerhub. com/vv2/lp/mlk/
TREE SCHOOL
UC Cooperative Extension will host California Tree School at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton on Saturday, April 5.
There will be 25+ classes on forestry and natural resources throughout the day, led by regional and global experts on forestry, ecology, and natural resource management.
Topics include forest health, fire ecology, pile burning, prescribed burning and tax tips for forest owners. Classes range from beginner to expert level, and participants choose 4 classes.
The fee is $70; assistance is available. Email Kim Ingram at Registration is open at https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=44008
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CERT CLASS
Enrollment is now open for volunteers willing and able to take CERT Basic training during a 21 hour class.
The class takes place over four Tuesday evenings. 6 - 9:30 p.m., January 21, 28 and Feb. 4, at Santa Cruz Senior Center, 222 Market St, Santa Cruz.
The final full training day and hands-on assessment will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Central Fire District administration building and practice yard, 930 17th, Live Oak.
CERTs are trained in responding to emergencies in their neighborhoods and develop life-saving skills with emphasis on decision-making ability, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. All sessions are required to become a CERT volunteer. Spanish-language materials available. Note: We are working on a class presented in Spanish in March. To sign up, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/2025BasicSantaCruz#/
BAY
FEDERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Bay Federal Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2025 Education Scholarship to support students as they pursue educational and career goals. The program will award up to three $1,500 scholarships to individuals enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools.
Applications are open to Bay Federal members who demonstrate a commitment to their education and have a vision for the future of financial literacy. Interested applicants should submit their completed forms, proof of enrollment or acceptance, and essays by March 16. A panel of judges will review the submissions, and winners will be announced by April 30. This year’s application asks students to reflect on the essay topic: How has technology impacted financial
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
literacy and money management for your generation?
Describe what improvements you would make to these educational resources to make them more broadly accessible and useful for young adults and others in your community.
“Our scholarship program is not just about financial assistance—it’s about celebrating the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers,” said Carrie Birkhofer, president and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union. We’re looking forward to hearing their ideas on creating more inclusive, accessible financial resources for all.”
To access the online application, visit bayfed.com/ scholarships.
WINTER ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italianspeaking instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering for Winter 2025 are for you!
Classes are conducted in Italian by instructors who are university qualified native speakers. These instructors provide training in all basic communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a systematic study of grammar.
Winter classes begin Jan. 13, 14, 27 and Feb. 19, so register now. Fee is $150-$300; see individual class descriptions for more information. Registration for each class will close the Friday prior to the first day of class. See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/classes For information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com
PODCAST TO BROADCAST CLASSES
For those who would like to use their voice to talk to the world, Community Television and Santa Cruz Voice are offering “Podcast to Broadcast” hosttraining series on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. thru Jan. 28.
January’s Podcast to Broadcast is a prototype series presented at no charge by Community Television and Santa Cruz Voice. The class will debut as a Cabrillo College Extension class on April 1. Classes will be taught by member hosts of Santa
Cruz Voice, many of whom have decades of professional media experience, at CTV, 325 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz.
Remaining dates: Jan. 21 : Recording, Editing & Processing Jan. 28 : Marketing & Monetizing Podcast to Broadcast is open to area residents on a juried selection basis. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat and obtain a syllabus, email your contact information and your theme / content (such as politics, sports, food) to info@santacruzvoice.com
CALL FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS
Becky Olvera Schultz is an indigenous artist of mixed blood, Mexican/Azteca/Kickapoo/ Shawnee from her father and Italian from her mother, and she is known for her masks.
She is trying to get a Native Arts Market going for the spring. She is looking for other artists in this community who identify as indigenous to the Americas/Native American that create art or craft to participate. Contact her at becky@native-expressions.com.
YOUTH POET LAUREATE: APPLY NOW!
Santa Cruz Public Libraries with Urban Word, Watsonville Public Library, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, and Arts Council Santa Cruz County, announces the call for applications to serve as the county’s second Youth Poet Laureate. This initiative celebrates the vibrant world of youth poetry and offers young poets a cross-county community.
The Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one-year term from April 2025 to April 2026, championing their own poetic endeavors while inspiring their peers to embrace the art of poetry.
This award offers reading and publication opportunities for the selected poet. Finalists are offered similar opportunities as part of a cohort of teen poets. The position is open to eligible individuals between age 13 and 18 who live in Santa Cruz County and can commit to serving locally throughout the year.
CIVIL RIGHTS VETERAN MARIA GITIN TO SPEAK
Friday January 17
3:30 p.m., Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road
Maria Gitin, one of the last local civil rights veterans who learned from and worked for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will share stories from her experience as a teenage voter education and registration volunteer in rural Alabama at the Capitola Library.
Her one-hour presentation will include historic photographs and personal stories from her friends and co-workers and will suggest how successful strategies from 60 years ago might inform current culture.
Her memoir, “This Bright Light of Ours: Stories from the Voting Rights Movement” (University of Alabama Press, 2014 and 2023), will be available for purchase and signing.
“Maria Gitin’s book is a unique blend of her own story and those of the local community with whom she worked in Wilcox County in the exceptionally challenging struggle of the 1960s civil rights movement.” said Bettina Aptheker, emeritus professor of feminist studies at UC Santa Cruz. “These are powerful stories profoundly relevant for our own times.”
Maria Gitin is the recipient of numerous racial justice awards recognizing her lifetime commitment to civil rights and is a member of the NAACP, Bay Area Civil Rights Veterans, J Street, and Temple Beth El in Aptos.
This event is free and open to all; seating is limited. For info, visit https://santacruzpl.libcal. com/event/13552752
Workshops on “Creating Your Youth Poet Laureate Application” are scheduled for January and February:
Eligible individuals who are passionate about poetry and eager to make a positive impact on their community are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is March 1.
Finalists will be announced March 31.
A free celebration of finalists and announcement of the 2025-2026 Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Samper Recital Hall, Cabrillo College. For details, visit the Youth Poet Laureate page at https:// sites.google.com/view/santa-cruz-youth-poet-laureate/ or reach out to Farnaz Fatemi at sasqi@mac.com.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES
The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now. To book a time, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
For the sixth year, the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering for National Blood Donor Month to invite football fans and blood donors to score big for patients in need. Those who come to give Jan. 1-26 will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIX giveaway. The trip includes access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, threenight hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Ben Lomond
Jan 17: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Love Creek Road
Santa Cruz
Jan. 22: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Firefighters at Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. Scotts Valley
Jan. 18: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive
Jan. 23: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Scotts Valley Water District, 2 Civic Center Drive
Watsonville
Jan. 21: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOMELESS COUNT
The next annual Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.
This count is an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in Santa Cruz County.
In 2024, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased slightly, up 2.6% to 1,850. The count is a requirement to receive federal homeless assistance funds and is used to support strategic decisions about programs.
If you are interested in volunteering, attend at least one of the trainings. If you are interested in receiving meeting reminders, sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ santacruzcounty/2025-pit-count
Most training is via zoom: Friday, Jan. 24 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Via zoom and in-person (location TBD)
Do you have lived experience of homelessness? There is a need for those who would like to be a peer guide during the Count.
If you are interested, add your email to the list at https:// tinyurl.com/PIT-count-peer-guide.
Maria Gitin
Becky Olvera Schultz
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
PG&E OFFERS FREE GAS APPLIANCE SAFETY CHECKS
To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold weather months, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the gas safety checks, PG&E will re-light pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.
Free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens, are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning within the home.
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.
Since 2024 began, PG&E has responded to more than 75,000 incidents where the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected. Nearly 3,400 of those incidents were reported in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties.
“This free safety program is a great way for customers to prepare for increased use of their natural gas appliances as the cold season approaches. One of our gas team members will conduct safety inspections to help ensure that gas appliances are in proper working order and also relight pilot lights,” said Joe Forline, PG&E senior vice president, gas operations.
Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by visiting www. pge.com/pilotlights. Scheduling your appointment online is free and easy and will help you avoid hold times on our customer service line.
Customers can also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments. If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever smells the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas in or around their home or business, they should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS
The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.
Scheduled meetings in 2025 are Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December have not yet been decided. For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com
ONGOING EVENTS
Mondays
LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE
10 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 2450 17th Ave. Beginner bridge classes will start on Monday, Jan. 6 at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center. Classes are taught by Nancy Wainer. Come and check out the world’s greatest game! First class is free. Reserve a spot via emai: NLMBRIDGE@yahoo.com.
Last Wednesdays of the Month
PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS
5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting
Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, challenges, and ideas. Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges. Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression,
January 15 thru February 23
Opening Reception: Sun., Jan. 19, 2-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Welcome to #whatever, an exhibition celebrating the unfiltered creativity of Pajaro Valley Arts’ artist-members. In a world where hashtags often impose classification, this show, free of a specific theme, invites artists to explore limitless self-expression. The collection offers a diverse range of perspectives and mediums, creating a vibrant mosaic of works. #whatever is intentionally open-ended, encouraging visitors to let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected.
Featuring 135 prominent local artists across various media, the exhibit includes more than 200 additional pieces available for purchase in the PVA Gallery Store and throughout the gallery. Proceeds support local artists and Pajaro Valley Arts.
This show is dedicated to Lois Robin, a longtime member and volunteer. Her photograph Any Tub Will Do is displayed in the entry vestibule for you to enjoy.
Desert Dream by Sylvia Winsby
eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each session.
For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ groups/parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794
First Saturdays
CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP
9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park
Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Park. Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola.
This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com.
DATED EVENTS
Saturday January 18
WILD WOMEN TRAVEL TO GALAPAGOS
10:30 a.m.-Noon, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road
American Association of University Women-Santa Cruz County meets at the Scotts Valley Library to discuss the topic “Travel & the Importance of Friendships among Women.” No reservations are needed; bring a friend.
Branch member Lorraine Margon of La Selva Beach began traveling in her late 20s when her job took her to universities and astronomy observatories all over the world. She later found her passion for travel to other places, especially those with opportunities for wildlife viewing and interesting landscapes. She continues to travel in her retirement and, a few years ago, became a
or crisp salad, all day part of your purchase supports the Aptos History Museum’s mission to preserve our community’s past.
Come to the Aptos Chamber luncheon at Seascape Golf Club and discover the magic of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with Karley Van Zandt Pope, director of marketing & sales and an alum of Aptos High and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
She’ll take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of this iconic destination
General admission: $35. Reservations required; no walk-ins. For information, call (831) 688-1467 or visit aptoschamber.com.
Thursday January 23
thru Saturday January 25
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
7 p.m. (2 p.m. Saturday Matinee), Monte Vista Christian School’s James Bard Black Box Theatre, 2 School Way, Watsonville
Monte Vista Christian School presents The Diary of Anne Frank, a drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic.
In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination.
Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!”
member of a small group of women that has combined budding friendships with travel.
Hear Lorraine speak about the third annual trip of her “Wild Women” group, which went to Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands this past September. She will share photos and tales of her trip along with speaking about the benefits and power of social bonds between women.
Lorraine joined AAUW in 2015.
Lorraine is a current member of the Tech Trek Committee and has served as vice president for legal advocacy.
Monday January 20
MLK PEOPLE’S MARCH
10 a.m. Start at corner Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street 11 a.m. – Noon, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St.
The NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch invites the community to join the 2025 MLK People’s March for the Dream, beginning at the Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street intersection.
We will march through downtown Santa Cruz, then convene at the Civic Auditorium for an inspiring program featuring a resource fair and keynote speaker Gregory Hodge, who is the Chief Network officer of the Brotherhood of Elders Network, with a background in community organizing and advocacy.
Wednesday January 22
DINE FOR HISTORY
10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Erik’s DeliCafé, 102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center)
Erik’s DeliCafé Aptos will host a fundraiser for the Aptos History Museum. Every meal you enjoy helps keep our local history alive! Whether you’re grabbing a fresh sandwich, hearty soup,
This is a new adaptation for a new generation. Tickets are $20 at https://www.mvcs.org/eventtickets
Friday January 24
FAIR CHANCE HIRING SESSION
10 a.m.-Noon, Cabrillo College Horticulture Center, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Employers are invited to the Fair Chance Hiring Informational Session at Cabrillo College Horticulture Center. This is your opportunity to learn how you can tap into a talented and dedicated workforce while contributing to a more inclusive economy.
Understand the benefits of hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds including justice impacted.
Learn best practices to implement fair chance hiring in your organization.
Connect with a supportive network of employers, advocates, and community partners.
Register at: https://forms.gle/G94UWedWLvjBEY8P6
Saturday January 25
Sunday January 26
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL
2 p.m., Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater, 445 Summit Road, Watsonville Mount Madonna School presents “The Addams Family, A New Musical,” a delightfully dark and comedic tale of two families: the straight-laced midwestern Beinekes and the graveyard-dwelling Addams, who despite stark differences in demeanor, personal style and preferences, have more in common than meets the eye.
“Calendar” page 31
#WHATEVER CURATED BY WENDY AIKIN
PHOTO:
Anne Frank
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Meet Dr. Erica Pan, New Public Health Officer
Starting Feb. 1, Dr. Erica Pan will become the next director and State Public Health Officer of the California Department of Public Health, succeeding Dr. Tomás Aragón, who was named in 2021 and retires Jan. 31. She will work with partners to help to implement the Governor’s public health policy goals to support healthy individuals, families and communities.
“I am confident Erica will take CDPH to the next level with her deep understanding of public health, strong servant leadership, compassion and work ethic,” Dr. Aragón.
“She brings to this role a unique combination of skills, along with a demonstrated
commitment to equity, that will help her deliver results for the people of California.”
Dr. Pan joined CDPH in July 2020 as the deputy director for the Center for Infectious Diseases and State Epidemiologist. She helped lead the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple infectious disease outbreaks, Ebola planning and the current bird flu situation.
Erica Pan
Dr. Pan has more than 20 years of public health leadership experience. Before joining CDPH, she was the Alameda County Health
Office, serving various roles at the Alameda County Public Health since 2011.
“It is an incredible honor to serve California in this role at a critical time when we need to empower and engage the public to have confidence in the science and evidence that has saved lives and promotes a healthy California for all,” said Dr. Pan. “Dr. Aragón has been an inspiration and mentor to me from early on in my public health career and he is a respected public health leader who has led CDPH to ‘become the best at getting
better.’ I aim to build on his legacy, and I’m committed to a smooth transition for the Department.”
Dr. Pan is also a clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the UC San Francisco. She maintained her clinical work at San Francisco General Hospital and at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland in Infectious Diseases until 2019.
She graduated from Stanford University, then got her medical degree and master’s in public health from Tufts University in 1996. n
Panetta Introduces Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) has introduced the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act that would initiate a comprehensive study to assess whether the coastal communities adjacent to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary qualify for designation as a National Heritage Area.
Such a designation would highlight the region’s unique cultural, historical, and ecological significance while fostering opportunities for local economic growth.
“The Monterey Bay region is home to an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, history, and culture that deserves to be recognized and preserved for future generations,” said Panetta. “We’re taking an essential first step toward recognizing and showcasing our area’s unique identity. This study will help determine the feasibility and community support for this designation, while ensuring that local voices guide the process every step of the way.”
National Heritage Areas are publicprivate partnerships that leverage federal support to empower local conservation efforts, provide technical assistance, and spur economic development without imposing federal land use restrictions or affecting private property rights. Designation would allow the Monterey Bay region to access additional resources to enhance tourism, preserve historical sites, and promote educational programs while retaining local control over land use and development decisions.
“Monterey Bay is a unique ecosystem with a longstanding history that supports a robust community and attracts visitors from across the world. California’s coast and Monterey Bay in particular, are an integral part of what makes our Golden State the truly beautiful place that it is. I am proud to join this effort that would include a robust community process to study the feasibility of a Monterey Bay National Heritage Area.”
Existing National Heritage Areas include the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California, the entire state of Tennessee, and regions across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi, Panetta said, showing how these designations can enhance regional identities, promote economic vitality, and preserve invaluable cultural and natural assets.
Original cosponsors of the bill include: Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15).
“The Central Coast is home to some of the most scenic and culturally-significant landscapes, and that includes the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I’m proud to join Rep. Jimmy Panetta in introducing this bill that will allow the National Parks Service to study the coastal area near the sanctuary and determine whether it meets the standards of a National Heritage Area. This designation will help conserve natural resources, engage and educate the public, and celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage.”
— Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15)
“I fully support Rep. Panetta’s efforts to designate coastal areas in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties as the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area,” said Rep. Eshoo. “The lands include spectacular beaches, the worldfamous Highway 1, John Steinbeck country, and famous landmarks such as Cannery Row and Hearst Castle. These extraordinary areas deserve recognition by the National Park Service so that future generations will have access to these treasures.”
“The Monterey Bay region is a true gem, rich in cultural, historical, and ecological significance and it deserves to be protected for years to come,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act will help us gauge support for this designation while collaborating with local stakeholders and honoring community voices.”
“Monterey Bay is a unique ecosystem with a longstanding history that supports a robust community and attracts visitors from across the world. California’s coast and Monterey Bay in particular, are an integral part of
what makes our Golden State the truly beautiful place that it is,” said Rep. Mullin. “I am proud to join this effort that would include a robust community process to study the feasibility of a Monterey Bay National Heritage Area.”
The National Park Service would conduct the study, which will:
• Examine whether the region meets the criteria for a National Heritage Area designation, including its cultural, historical, and ecological significance.
• Assess the feasibility of establishing a local coordinating entity to manage the area in collaboration with community partners.
• Include extensive consultation and listening sessions with local stakeholders across San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act does not designate the area as a National Heritage Area. Federal law requires a study to be completed before such a designation can be considered.
Should the study confirm strong community support and alignment with the criteria, further legislation would be necessary to establish the National Heritage Area formally.
Panetta said the agency would consult with the community to determine the most appropriate timeline to begin the study, ensuring alignment with local needs and priorities. n
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SCCAS Featured Pet
A Passover Pet
Our Pet of the Week is Dai-Dai (#A315030)! This pretty kitty is a 3-year-old neutered male British Longhair and has been at the Shelter since October. He was surrendered by his owner because of ongoing medical conditions and the cost of care- which should be a consideration to anyone looking to adopt this beautiful cat.
Dai-Dai would prefer to be an only pet, and is very social and sweet after he is able to acclimate to new surroundings. This cat is being adopted out as an indoor only cat due to medical issues, but he also is litterbox trained and likes to hang out so he is a perfect house cat!
He was diagnosed with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) and possible allergies in his previous home. These conditions are not curable and will need to be managed throughout his entire life requiring more frequent vet visits and ongoing treatments such as medications and prescription diets.
If you would like to meet this feline cutie — come to SCCAS and meet Dai-Dai!
Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6 p.m., 7 days a week! If you’d like to meet an animal for adoption, please arrive before 4 p.m. to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them. 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.
SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us
“Calendar” from page 29
Based on characters created by Charles Addams, and the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the show directed by Chelsea Otterness with music director Holly Ota features memorable characters, great physical energy, witty humor and a Tony Award-winning score.
Performances at Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater.
Tickets: mms-theaddamsfamily.brownpapertickets.com. Adult tickets are $20; seniors are $15 and $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved.
Wednesday January 29
NAMI SANTA CRUZ SPEAKER
6 p.m., Online Meeting
NAMI Santa Cruz County will present Dr. Kathryn Keithly on Special Education planning and assessment for students.
In the Zoom session, she’ll share her expertise on a variety of topics including special education planning, assessment, and common learning differences. She will also answer questions from participants! This virtual event is open to the public and will have live Spanish interpretation.
Information on how to register can be found by visiting www. namiscc.org/speaker-meetings, or by calling (831)-824-0406.
Saturday February 1
FLYFISHING FUNDRAISER
5 p.m., Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun Club, 557 Lakeview Road, Watsonville
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club will host its annual fund raising dinner at Pajaro Valley Rod & Gun Club. The dinner will feature grilled wild caught Alaskan salmon, door prizes, and a huge raffle.
Seating will be limited, purchase your tickets now. Tickets are $40 online at: santacruzflyfishing.org/productcategory/annual-fundraiser/.
Thursday February 6
AUTHOR JERI ROSS TO SPEAK
7 p.m., Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road Santa Cruz Public Libraries welcomes local author Jeri Ross to discuss her deeply personal memoir “See You in the Sky: A Memoir of Prison, Possibility and Peace,” at the Capitola Library.
“See You in the Sky is a story of childhood trauma and parental incarceration, shared by millions of sons and daughters of the incarcerated across the country. “See You in the Sky” offers hope for all families affected by incarceration and for anyone who decides, at any age, to seek a more meaningful life.
“This healing resource shares a much-needed message about love beyond bars,” said Sandra Kay Barnhill, JD, founder and CEO of Foreverfamily.
“When I started reading See You in the Sky, I didn’t want to put it down. There are so many fantastic life experiences in this story. If you only take one thing away from reading this memoir, your life will be better for it.”
Jeri Ross, a licensed health educator with a master’s in public health, is a community organizer who has raised thousands of dollars for youth violence prevention programs and programs for children with incarcerated parents. Registration for this event is not required, but recommended as it will help the organizers plan for refreshments. To register visit: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13627983
Sunday February 9 and Sunday February 23
ITALIAN FILM SERIES
6:30 p.m. p.m., Cabrillo College VAPA Forum Room 1001, The Winter 2025 Italian Film Series, “Chain Reaction/ Reazione a catena,” sponsored by Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz, begins in February at Cabrillo College. This season’s films follow protagonists living during pivotal eras of Italian history whose lives are unexpectedly changed by the far-reaching consequences of a decision. Set in the 19th century and in post-war Rome, these dramatic art films invite us to consider how historical circumstances shape our lives and how our choices create effects that ripple through history. All films are in Italian with English subtitles.
Logan Walker, film lecturer from UC Santa Cruz & director of programming, SV Film Festival, will introduce and have a Q&A after the film.
No tickets required, although seating is limited; first come, first served.
Cash donations welcome at the door.
To sign up for event reminders: https://www.dantesantacruz. com/events
Feb. 9
Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (Rapito) Directed by Marco Bellocchio, 2023
From one of Italy’s most revered directors, Marco Bellocchio, comes Kidnapped, the true story of Edgardo Mortara. A young Jewish boy living in 19th century Bologna, Italy, who, after being secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family by the Pope, to be raised Catholic. His parents’ struggle to free their son became part of a larger political battle that pitted the papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. In collaboration with the Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival Feb. 23
The Tale of King Crab (Re Granchio). Directed by Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis. 2021. 105 mins. This off-beat, sumptuously photographed film tells the tale of Luciano, a wandering outcast from a remote, late 19th-century village in Tuscia. Luciano’s life is undone by alcohol, forbidden love, and a bitter conflict with a prince of the region over the right of passage through an ancient gateway. Luciano is exiled to the distant Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego where, with the help of ruthless gold-diggers, he searches for a mythical treasure, paving his way toward redemption.
Saturday February 22
Sunday February 23
HIP TO BE SQUARE
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (4 p.m. Sunday), Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville
See the largest Quilt Collection in the County. The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association is having its annual Quilt Show “Hip to Be Square” featuring more than 300 quilts at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Featured speaker: Thom Aiken, art quilts and beaded quilts. Live quilt auction Sunday 12:30 p.m. Ongoing needlework demos, vendor mall, bargain garden, wearable walkabout and more.
Admission: $15. Ample free parking and shuttle. For details see www.pvqa.org n
