Capitola Soquel Times: June 2021

Family Owned For Over 30 Years • Capitola, Soquel, Live Oak, Pleasure Point

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Congratulations Class of 2021

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June 2021 • Vol 26 No. 6

Capitola Library Online Preview

Mark your calendar for June 12: That’s the day the beautiful new Capitola branch library will open – virtually.

The $13 million project with 11,700 square foot of space is nearly ready for patrons of all ages, young and young-at-heart.

Full Story page 6

COVID-Crazy Home Sales Full Story page 7

Soquel High’s Top Students The Soquel High School Class of 2021, which spent the past 14 months learning in a worldwide pandemic, graduated with their well-deserved diplomas Friday, May 28.

At Senior Awards Night, the school’s Jazz Band entertained attendees outdoors and the program featured

a quotation from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

The Capitola-Soquel Times is pleased to recognize the 11 valedictorians and the four salutatorians for their hard work that put them at the top of their class. ... continues on page 4

Housing & Health Coming to Live Oak

In my 25 years here in Santa Cruz County, I’ve seen lots of housing developments.

I’ve new medical buildings get built. And I’ve seen dentists invest in new offices.

Full Story page 5

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No. 6

Volume 26

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20

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Cover

Soquel High’s Top Students

Community News

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Housing & Health Coming to Live Oak, By Jondi Gumz

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Table of Contents

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Capitola Library Online Preview

Covid-Crazy Home Sales, By Jondi Gumz

Eve Nichols: Cabrillo College Saved My Life, By Jondi Gumz

10 Girl Scouts Recognize Keisha Browder • Mitigation: 168 Trees at Soquel Park • Santa Cruz County Bank Promotes Sisk • Final EIR for Hwy 1 Widening

11 Incline Village Owners May Be Due A Tax Refund

13 Cabrillo Stage Is Back This Summer: Thinking Outside The Box To Present Live Musicals, By Mindy Pedlar

California News

22 State Budget Surplus: $76B Or $38B?

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Mercury Retrogrades — a Magical Mystery Tour, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

14 Library, Zoning, Wharf & Summer Camps, By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola

15 Pop-up Bike Lane Demo Coming to Portola, By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

20 This Terrible Year, By Charlie Lowe

23 County Perspective on State Budget: Proposals for Fairgrounds,

Homeless, Broadband, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

23 California Comeback Budget Priorities: Homeless, Cal Grants, Water,

School Breakfast & Lunch, Internet, By John Laird, California State Senator, District 17

25 Pure Water Milestone: Seawater Intrusion Prevention Wells Near Completion, By Rebecca Gold Rubin

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Ratany’s Story

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Mindy Pedlar, Risa D’Angeles, Yvette Brooks, Manu Koenig, Charlie Lowe, Zach Friend, John Laird, Rebecca Gold Rubin layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

“Soquel Grads” from page 1 At Soquel High, the valedictorians have earned all A’s with an unweighted grade-point average of 4.0; salutatorians have earned all A’s and one single B. Here some of these top students share their post-graduation plans: Valedictorians

Ava Adamsen

Activities: Superintendent’s award for top weighted grade-point average of 4.48; English Award; Community Foundation Burton Scholarship; Louise & Henry Parker Scholarship; California Seal of Biliteracy; volleyball setter

Ella Vilozny

Activities: Soquel High Fund Academic Achievement Award, English Award

Kevin Falkenroth

Future plans: UC Berkeley, to study nutritional sciences Activities: Running, Soquel High Community Scholarship; Digital Media Award; California Seal of Biliteracy What I enjoyed most: Being on the crosscountry team

Madeline Weisblatt

Future plans: UC San Diego, major in clinical psychology and critical gender studies Activities: Social Studies Award; California Seal of Biliteracy What I enjoyed most: Everything we did in Leadership, Link Crew and Winter Formal 2020.

Emma McCain

Future plans: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, public health major, competing in track and cross country Activities: 4.42 grade-point average; Soquel High Fund Scholar Athlete Award;

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Louise & Henry Parker Scholarship; California Seal of Biliteracy What I enjoyed most: Returning to inperson school in 2021

Mason Carlton

Future plans: Indiana University Bloomington, major in information systems Activities: Kiwanis Club Mas Sugimoto Memorial Scholarship for Engineering, Science Award What I enjoyed most: Homecoming

Christian Buse

Activities: Math Award

Kaia Evulich

Future plans: UCLA to study biology Activities: Angell Family Scholarship, Omega Nu scholarship, Science Award, World Languages Award; California Seal of Biliteracy; class vice president What I enjoyed most: Homecoming 2019

Madelynn Piona

Future plans: Biology pre-med at Johns Hopkins University, plans to become a doctor Activities: Palo Alto Medical Foundation Scholarship, $30,000; Community Foundation Barbara J. Thompson Scholarship, Daughters of American Revolution Scholarship local and regional winner, Sunrise Rotary Club scholarship; ASB Executive Council What I enjoyed most: Homecoming 2019

Hanako Blaustein

Activities: Played tennis on 2021 team that co-won SCCAL championship with 9-1 record ••• Salutatorians

Jennifer Rocha

Future plans: UC Berkeley, major in sociology Activities: Morales Meta Scholarship,

Omega Nu scholarship, Capitola-Aptos Rotary scholarship; California Seal of Biliteracy What I enjoyed most: Blevins’ lectures and rants

Alexander Kronisch

Activities: Varsity baseball pitcher

Sarah Izenstark

Future plans: University of San Francisco, major in nursing Activities: World Languages Award; California Seal of Biliteracy What I enjoyed most: Physical education kickball tournament with Ms. Locke’s class vs. Mr. Wilson’s and Mr. Dahlen’s class because there was never a dull moment.

Kailyn Winter

Future plans: University of Alabama, major in kinesiology or biology, compete in swimming Activities: Social Studies Award What I enjoyed most: Swimming for Soquel and representing Soquel High with my teammates at the CIF State Championship swim meet.

••• Thanks to assistant principal Derek Kendall, who is leaving Soquel High to become principal at Mission Hill Middle School, and Valerie Goodwin, counseling secretary for their assistance.

••• Cover Photo: Soquel High’s top students: Front row, from left, Kaia Evulich, Emma McCain, Ella Vilozny, Hana Blaustein, Jenny Rocha; back row, from left, Kevin Falkenroth, Mason Carlton, Madelynn Piona, Kailyn Winter, Madeline Weisblatt, Ava Adamsen. Absent: Christian Buse, Alexander Kronisch, Sarah Izenstark. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

COMMUNITY NEWS

Housing & Health Coming to Live Oak

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By Jondi Gumz

n my 25 years here in Santa Cruz County, I’ve seen lots of housing developments. I’ve new medical buildings get built. And I’ve seen dentists invest in new offices.

This is the first time I’ve seen a development combining affordable housing, health care and dental care, all at one location.

It’s a first for Santa Cruz County, perhaps for the state and nation, and no small venture, estimated at $58 million to $68 million.

You’ll see construction underway at 1500 Capitola Road in Live Oak, five minutes from the Capitola Mall.

What makes this possible is a very unusual partnership of three nonprofits where the leaders were willing to step out of their silos, resulting in synergy, doing more for people who didn’t have dentists, or doctors or affordable housing in their neighborhood.

A year from now, in summer 2022, they will have a 20,000-square-foot primary care

Partners in the project put their shovels into action at the groundbreaking. center, serving pregnant moms, children, City with an office in Watsonville, owns and people who are homeless and a dental and manages 13 affordable housing comclinic with 11 chairs. Next year, con- munities in Santa Cruz County, providing struction will start on 57 affordable rental tailored on-site services to families, seniors, and people with special needs. Its share of units, projected to house 157 people. the project is $30 million to $40 million.

Let’s name names.

Santa Cruz Community Health since MidPen Housing, based in Foster

1980 has focused on underserved Santa Cruz County residents with special attention to families. Its share is $19.5 million.

Dientes, founded in 1992, sees adults and children who don’t have dental insurance and provides affordable care at three clinics. Its share is $8.3 million.

Great Need The need is stark: 15 percent of local children are considered homeless.

15,000 people do not have a doctor.

Seniors on Medicare have no dental coverage, and 78 percent of adults with the state’s MediCal insurance do not have a dentist.

No surprise that nearly 200 people showed up for a ceremonial groundbreaking May 22 where heavy equipment parked by the contractor, Bogard Construction of Santa Cruz, was silent for the day as local talent Anthony Arya performed on his guitar.

“Housing & Health” page 8

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Capitola Library Online Preview M ark your calendar for June 12: That’s the day the beautiful new Capitola branch library will open — virtually.

The $13 million project with 11,700 square foot of space is nearly ready for patrons of all ages, young and young-at-heart.

The virtual grand opening will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 12.

Photo Credit: Gayle Ortiz

The Gallery with artwork from the Capitola BookCafe before it is framed and put up on the walls.

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Saturday, June 12 capitolalibraryfriends.org

The Capitola Branch Library is part of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, which is hosting the festivities, which feature a video tour, a ribbon cutting, and speakers, including: • Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks • Capitola City Manager Jamie Goldstein • Project Manager David Tanza • Noll and Tam Architects • Carl Barrett, president, Otto Construction • Library Director Susan Nemitz • Gayle Ortiz, co-chair of capital campaign To attend the virtual ceremony, register at: bit.ly/CapitolaGrandOpening “Capitola Library” page 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID-Crazy Home Sales

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By Jondi Gumz

s everyone who sells their home in Santa Cruz County as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes a millionaire? With seven out of 10 homes sold in April for more than $1 million, it feels that way.

Home prices have been hot, with a median price touching and surpassing $1 million, and in April, the median – the midpoint of what sold – was $1,281,000 – a new record, according to Gary Gangnes of Aptos-based Real Options Realty, who tracks the numbers.

Of the 205 sales, 143 sold for more than $1 million.

A pattern of bidding more than the list price, seen in March, escalated: • 60% sold for more than $50,000 over asking price.

• 43% sold for more than $100,000 over asking price.

• 17% sold for more than $200,000 over asking price.

The reasons, same as in March, are low interest rates, about 3 percent, and rising prices motivating work-at-home Silicon Valley tech employees to buy their new home – and office—here in Santa Cruz County, where they are closer to the beach and redwoods.

Fewer people are willing to sell — once you sell, can you find another home? — so listings as of the first week of May were at an all-time low — 311 — compared to the 25-year average of 792. With 125 listings in escrow, only 186 are active, hardly enough to meet the demand from people who tried to buy and lost out to a lot of people putting in higher bids.

Gangnes sees these conditions as temporary but I’m not so sure.

Longtime agent Tom Brezsny at Sereno concludes this crazy market is a symptom of how the coronavirus has changed the world, a “let’s live in the moment” call to action.

After more than a year of life crimped to knock out the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected 16,169 people locally, took 206 lives, and Santa Cruz County is in the Yellow Tier – the fewest restrictions – and the governor promises the state will “open up” on June 15.

The Special Olympics Torch Run fundraiser is back. Police officers are raising money for 200 Special Olympics athletes in Santa Cruz County, including 10 in Capitola. The Capitola leg of the run is Wednesday, June 16, at 11:20 a.m. at Park Avenue and McGregor Drive, with a short ceremony at Capitola City Hall.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and Health Services Agency staff at Wednesday’s mass vaccination clinic at the County Fairgrounds.

To support Team Capitola, visit https://specialolympics.donordrive.com/ team/7 Some benches on Capitola Beach removed for Covid safety are back for visitors to enjoy the view.

Camp Capitola, a day camp with sports, crafts and walking field trips, will start June 7.

In the Yellow Tier, bars can open.

Restaurants, wineries, breweries, gyms, yoga studios and movie theaters can increase capacity to 50 percent indoors, and card rooms can open at 50 percent capacity.

State health officials will end weekend and holiday Covid-19 updates.

Santa Cruz County is closing its Wednesday mass vaccination clinic at the fairgrounds, switching to smaller noappointment needed pop-up vaccination clinics.

The Santa Cruz County Fair organizers are hopeful while waiting for guidance on events of that size, but some happenings are on the calendar, of course with Covid safety precautions such as masks and social distancing.

Michael’s on Main in Soquel. Felton Music Hall and the Brookdale Lodge are open and presenting live music.

Look for Cabrillo Stage in Aptos to present musicals outdoors in July.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History opted for an in-person Memorial Day gathering at Evergreen Cemetery with a self-guided walk-through replacing a ceremony where hundreds of attendees sat close together for more than an hour.

No 4th of July parade in Aptos this year, but Scotts Valley is bringing back its 4th of July parade, organized by City Council member Donna Lind, who needs volunteers, and the city of Watsonville will bring back its 4fth of July parade with floats that comply with public health guidelines.

Deadline to register is 5 p.m. June 18.

Big Job Spurt ith 15,889 recovered COVID-19 cases, only 74 active cases, 136,000 negative test results and 306,000 vaccinations, the pandemic outlook in Santa Cruz County is improving big-time with businesses adding 2,700 jobs between mid-March and mid-April, boosting the total to 98,600.

Agriculture added 1,600 jobs and hospitality – food service and hotels -- added 600. Both sectors were hard hit by COVID. The unemployment rate dropped from 8.1 percent to 7.7 percent in April, with 3,000 people taking themselves out of the workforce — and 10,000 remain

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out of work even though everyone from Penny Ice Creamery to CVS is hiring, with McDonald’s on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz offering $15 an hour.

Moms are still at home overseeing schooling for their kids and the extra $300 a week in jobless benefits until Sept. 6 from American Rescue Plan keeps some out of the work force.

Santa Cruz County, with 1.3 cases per 100,000, is one of 15 in the Yellow Tier, while Monterey County, with 1.9 cases per 100,000, remains one of 35 in the Orange Tier and must post a case rate below 2 for a second week to join Santa Cruz County.

Test positivity was .5 percent in Santa Cruz County and 1 percent in Monterey County, both below the 2 percent the Yellow Tier requires.

Research from 280 nursing homes in 21 states found vaccines are protecting residents -- only 1 percent of residents tested positive for the virus within two weeks after their second dose.

Restaurant Money Gone estaurants rushed the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund created by the American Rescue Plan and the Small Business Administration stopped taking applications on May 24 after three weeks.

Restaurants, bars, and other businesses providing on-site food and drink submitted 266,000 applications seeking $65 billion, a “huge shortfall,” according to headline in the online Journal of Accountancy.

Congress set aside $5 billion for businesses with 2019 gross receipts under $500,000, and the SBA set aside $500 million for small businesses like food carts and food trucks with gross receipts under $50,000; and $4 billion for those with gross receipts between $500,000 and $1.5 million.

It wasn’t enough.

Applications came in from 13,114 businesses making less than $50,000 requesting $330 million; 100,410 from businesses with less than $500,000 requesting $8.14 billion; and 61,535 applicants from businesses with between $500,000 and $1.5 million requesting $15.1 billion.

This indicates the economic experts advising Congress badly underestimated the pandemic’s impact on restaurants, food trucks and food carts.

The Rescue Plan allocated $16 billion for Shuttered Venues Operator Grants, a first for the SBA, but it’s not clear how many Santa Cruz County venues — many closed for a year — might get funding.

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“COVID Update” page 9

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 7

“Housing & Health” from page 5 The 3.6-acre site, like others in the county being redeveloped, is next to property with a problematic former use allowing soil and groundwater to be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals.

A 569-page report on the site found tetachloroethene, a likely carcinogen, a dry cleaning solvent known as PCE -- likely used by the Fairway Dry Cleaner, which operated from 1966 to 1984, creating an underground plume. The operators are no longer available to provide information on chemical use or waste management practices.

Sampling of soil vapor found PCE exceeded the residential environmental screening level in 22 of 34 vapor samples, with the highest 15,600 micrograms per cubic meter, and TCE exceeded it in 21 of 29 samples.

Other chemicals of concern were attributed to a gas station which had underground storage tanks and also is out of business.

Contamination issues are a major reason for-profit developers haven’t redeveloped the former Skypark airport site and the Watkins-Johnson (later Aviza) plant property.

“Capitola Library” from page 6 Afterward, tours of the library at 2005 Wharf Road will be available to small groups by appointment between 1 and 5 p.m. at 10-minute intervals. The online signup sheet is at bit.ly/TourCapitola. For those without internet access, call 831-4277713 and library staff will schedule your appointment. These tours will offer a short visit, so no library services will be available that day.

Tours will continue for two weeks after the branch opens for Active Browsing service on Tuesday, June 15 The Capitola Branch is the fourth library in the system to complete con-

Main Reading Room.

Photo Credit: Gayle Ortiz

In the case of 1500 Capitola Road, a dearth of available properties led the nonprofits to focus on a solution, with state regulators approving a remediation system.

Fundraising he biggest contribution, $6,075,000 promised over five years, comes from Central California Alliance for Health, a not-for-profit health plan serving 320,000 members in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties.

Dientes will get $2.9 million, Santa Cruz Community Health $2.65 million, and MidPen $625,000.

“Prevention and early intervention in dental care are often overlooked and are core to the vision of Dientes,” said Dientes CEO Laura Marcus. “The project would never have gotten off the ground without the Alliance and many others in our community who are stepping up to make this dream a reality.”

Santa Cruz Community Health CEO Leslie Conner said, “We are deeply grateful.”

She said Santa Cruz Community Health has been aligned with the Alliance since it launched some 25 years ago, with the two nonprofits sharing missions “to improve access to quality care for those who need it most.”

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struction from the 2016 Measure S funds.

The City of Capitola contributed significant funds to the project, which expanded the library footprint from 4,300 to 11,700 square feet.

This modern new library features: a dedicated children’s room, a dedicated teen room, study rooms, community rooms, more public computers, a fireplace, comfortable reading nooks, desks with outlets for devices and laptops, and a plenty of natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows along most of the walls.

The capital campaign, led by former mayor Gayle Ortiz, raised more than $750,000 for enhancements such as the fireplace, meeting rooms, upgraded furniture, and more. The Friends of the Capitola Branch Library are raising additional money for rooftop solar panels through sales at the Capitola Friends Bookstore in the Capitola Mall.

The Capitola Library began in the 1930s, located in the Post Office. The library changed location a few times, then moved in 1953 to 411 Capitola Ave. The building was expanded in 1963. The branch closed in 1985 due to budget cuts, and did not open again until 1999 when a temporary portable building was installed on Wharf Road.

This location, across from the Rispin Mansion, was so popular it was clear a larger facility was needed. Portable buildings do not last forever and eventually must be replaced.

In 2016 voters approved Measure S

8 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

MidPen Housing Chief Real Estate Development Officer Jan Lindenthal called the Alliance an “exceptional” partner, adding, “Thanks to their support, residents of Santa Cruz County will have the access to health care and affordable housing they need to live happy and healthy lives and achieve their dreams for the future.”

Alliance’s CEO Stephanie Sonnenshine explains, “Access to treatment, regular preventative care, and stable housing is key to achieving and maintaining positive health outcomes.”

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County is investing $2.2 million.

The California Health Facilities Financing Authority is providing $1.5 million each to Santa Cruz Community Health and Dientes.

“It takes a village,” said Drew Gagner, chief philanthropy officer of the Dominican Hospital Foundation.

“Very inspiring,” added Dr. Bill Maclean, physician in charge for Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz County.

Local philanthropists Bud Colligan and Bob and Sharon Bailey spoke to show their support.

“We’re still raising money,” said Carol Fuller, who at 75 decided to invest $500,000 out of an inheritance in this project to

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Carol Fuller (from right) with Leslie Conner and Cynthia Mathews. match other gifts. “This project spoke to me — social justice, dental care.”

After Fuller spoke, a woman approached her, check in hand. n ••• To learn more or make a donation, visit: http://1500CapitolaRoad.org Cover Photo: Anthony Arya entertains at the groundbreaking.

Photo Courtesy of Santa Cruz Public Libraries

sales tax to renovate all 10 library branches, and groundbreaking for Capitola’s new modern library began Nov. 9, 2018.

A virtual tour is on Youtube: https:// youtu.be/5Jx-gCBo-9E n ••• Summer hours at the Capitola Branch until July 10 will be: • Tuesday & Thursday: 1- 6 p.m.

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Friday & Saturday: Noon – 5 p.m.

After July 10, summer hours will be: • Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Friday through Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.

Hours for the Friends bookstore are: • Mondays: 1-4 p.m.

• Wednesdays: Noon-6 p.m.

• Fridays: 12:30-4 p.m • Saturdays: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Sundays: 1-4 p.m.

For information see https://capitola libraryfriends.org/ ••• Gayle Ortiz, former Capitola mayor, snapped her photos when she got a tour and shared them with our readers.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Eve Nichols: Cabrillo College Saved My Life

By Jondi Gumz

I

f not for her therapist, Eve Nichols might not be here, a proud 2021 graduate of Cabrillo College with a future ahead of her.

Despite dealing with suicidal ideation, despite the COVID-19 pandemic turning her world upside down and forcing her classes and activities online, she survived — and is thriving.

How? “The support system I was able to build at Cabrillo,” said Nichols, 21, who lives in Watsonville with her mom and two brothers.

Nichols, who earned a diploma at

“COVID Update” from page 7 A $50 assist in paying for Internet also was included in the American Rescue Plan for people using food stamps or Medicaid and households with a child getting free school lunch and households who lost a job or was furloughed and make less than $99,000, single, and $198,00 for joint filers.

The program ends when the money runs out. Check your status at getemergency broadband.org.

Vaccine For Kids 12-15 n May 10, federal regulators granted emergency use authorization for the two-shot Pfizer vaccine, for kids ages 12 to 15, following clinical trials for that age group. There is no approved vaccine for younger children, but there is little evidence of spread by young school-age children.

On May 14, Sutter Health, a major local provider, announced vaccine appointments for kids 12-15 with signed parental consent. To schedule, see https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/health-alerts/ covid-19-vaccine The Santa Cruz County Office of Education will present an update on student support 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 14, with Spanish translation. Watch for details at https://santacruzcoe.org/ Santa Cruz County health officials have prioritized equity, allocating 60 percent of its doses for the greater Watsonville area and its Latinx community, which has seen the most cases.

On April 27, the federal Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines on wearing masks to prevent COVID spread, saying fully vaccinated people can skip the mask outdoors — unless they’re in a big crowd.

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Sequoia continuation high school, discovered she wasn’t prepared academically for Cabrillo College.

Her first year, she took courses in English and math that didn’t give her credits transferable to a four-year university.

She had to start at the lowest level of math.

She persisted.

“My mom’s really supportive,” she said.

“She’s the reason I went to the college.”

She connected with Avelar, a family therapist in Aptos, after being reported to the dean at Cabrillo.

“I have cold-induced asthma,” Nichols

said. “I was kicked out of class for coughing.”

No doubt embarrassing at the time, the incident led the campus nurse-practitioner and then Avelar contacting her.

“We’ve built a great relationship,” Nichols said of Avelar, whom she has known for three years.

Still, thoughts of suicide were never far away.

With “a lot going on at my home,” Nichols overdosed.

She swallowed a bottleful of Xanax pills, a drug classified as a benzodiazepine, prescribed for anxiety, but it can cause depression and thoughts of suicide.

President Joe Biden told the Associated Press, “If you’re vaccinated, you can do more things.”

California is waiting until June 15 to sync its mask guidance with the federal guidelines.

To look for a vaccine see www.

MyTurn.ca.gov.

Federally qualified health care centers such as Santa Cruz Community Health and Salud Para La Gente are not using MyTurn, so to get an appointment there, go to santacruzhealth.org, click on vaccines.

The Toll OVID-19 has claimed the lives of nearly 62,000 Californians.

Deaths in Santa Cruz County have leveled off at 206, with 50 percent of deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, a percentage that was higher early in the pandemic.

Locally, 78 percent of those who died were age 70 or older and 78 percent had other health conditions – those percentages have remained stable.

A year after the pandemic began, with 37 million vaccine doses administered in the state, case rates plummeted.

On Saturday, Santa Cruz County had two people hospitalized with COVID, none in intensive care. n ••• County COVID Deaths: 206 As of May 29

Underlying Conditions Yes: 160 • No: 46

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Gender Male: 102 • Female: 104 Skilled Nursing/Residential Care Santa Cruz Post Acute: 20 Watsonville Post Acute: 18 Pacific Coast Manor: 14 Hearts & Hands Post Acute: 8 Sunshine Villa: 7 • Aegis: 4 Maple House 1: 4 • Valley Convalescent: 4 Watsonville Nursing Center: 4 Montecito Manor: 3 • De Un Amor: 2 Dominican Oaks: 2 • Driftwood: 2 Hanover House: 2 • Maple House II: 2 Rachelle’s Home 1: 2 • La Posada: 1 Paradise Villa: 1 • Rachelle’s Home II: 1 Valley Haven: 1 • Westwind: 1 Total: 103 • Not at a facility: 103

Eve Nichols celebrates her graduation from Cabrillo College.

Avelar called her in the middle of this episode and called 911 for an ambulance.

“Eve Nichols” page 10

COVID Cases by Town Aptos: 814 • Ben Lomond: 126 Boulder Creek: 154 • Capitola: 458 Felton: 158 • Freedom: 996 Santa Cruz: 3,969 Scotts Valley: 446 Soquel: 361 • Watsonville: 8,150 Unincorporated: 256 Under investigation: 281 Total: 16,169* Source: Santa Cruz County Public Health ••• Editor’s Note: Would you like to share your family’s COVID-19 story? Email Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com or call 831688-7549 x17.

See what can open in the Yellow Tier at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy. *Fewer than before because of data cleanup

Age 90 and up: 56 • 80 to 89: 63 • 70 to 79: 43 60 to 69: 27 • 50 to 59: 5 • 40 to 49: 7 30 to 39: 5 Race/Ethnicity White: 114 • Latinx: 75 • Asian: 15 • Black: 1 Amer. Indian/Alaskan Native: 1

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Keisha Browder

Girl Scouts Recognize Keisha Browder n May 20, Keisha Browder, CEO of the United Way of Santa Cruz County and an advocate for diversity equity inclusion was one of six women honored by the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, at a virtual event, “Breaking Barriers to Build Change.”

They were recognized for advocating for girls at all levels, creating opportunities for young female leaders, acting as exemplary role models, and providing girls the skills to be successful in their professional and personal lives.

This year’s honorees are: • Oxnard Police Assistant Chief Denise Shadinger, civic change-maker.

• Michelle Yee, senior vice president, Bank of America, financial literacy steward.

• Dr. Amy Fleischer, dean of engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, STEM innovator.

• Karey Muller, outdoor adventurist, and • Erika Sintigo, life skills coach.

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“Eve Nichols” from page 9 That was a turning point.

“So many great people at Cabrillo are there for me,” Nichols said.

“I don’t struggle mentally like I did before. I feel very blessed.”

Suicide Trends verdose deaths accelerated nationwide in 2020 in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak changing life as we know it beginning in March with lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, toilet paper shortages, music venues, wineries and bars, gyms and yoga studios closed, capacity limits for stores, and requirements for restaurants to halt indoor service and offer takeout only.

Santa Cruz County bucked the trend of

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• The Fund Development Award went to Rod Dewar, whose contributions supported Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast for 22 years.

• Dylan Zulueta, a high school student, received the Girl Scout of the Year Award.

• The first Employee of the Year award went to Tammie Trejo, who revamped the council’s internal technology process.

• Stewart Hall received the Art McLoughlin Award for male adults contributing two or more consecutive years supporting Girl Scouts.

••• Mitigation: 168 Trees at Soquel Park o mitigate tree removal for the Highway 1 auxiliary lanes, the RTC plans to plant 168 trees at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel.

The County Board of Supervisors reviewed this on May 25 (agenda item #30) and Supervisor Manu Koenig requested discussion on the June 7 agenda for public input and scientific analysis.

Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner raises these questions: Trees require regular irrigation for the first few years so how will these 168 new trees be irrigated?

Parks staff mows the meadow areas but will this be possible with 168 new trees, or would staff have to weed oat dry grass to reduce fire hazards?

The trees are to be planted in a grassland habitat, with an ephemeral stream planned to support willow. How will a planting of this size affect fire risk and wildlife corridors?

Would distributing the 168 trees among various County Parks accomplish the mitigation goals?

Will any trees be replanted along the Highway 1 corridor?

Could some of the trees be planted at the Seventh Day Adventist Conference Center hilltop in Soquel to hide the new cell tower?

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increasing suicides, with 32 in 2020 compared to 49 in 2019, according to county coroner Stephany Fiore.

Eve Nichols might have among them if not for Dianne Avelar and the support she got at Cabrillo from Letitia ScottCurtis, who teaches English, Denise Colosi, who teaches math, Lisa Kirk-Williams, her mentor at the math learning center, and student activities coordinator Alta Northcutt, her advisor.

After starting at the bottom in math, Nichols advanced to calculus.

She took advantage of tutoring at the math learning center, and got a job there herself helping other students.

For her, the key was understanding that math is a different language.

10 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

••• Fiorello’s Gelato at Staff of Life taff of Life now carries Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato at its Café del Sol at 1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, and at 906 E Lake Ave., Watsonville.

Fiorello’s, founded by Tony Bonviso, has been handcrafting this traditional Italian dessert in Marin since 1982. Gelato is different from the traditional ice cream as it has no air whipped in, making the flavor richer and more intense.

The Santa Cruz location has 16 flavors and the Watsonville location has 12. Flavors change frequently and both stores will soon carry organic vegan varieties.

••• Santa Cruz County Bank Promotes Sisk anta Cruz County Bank announces the promotion of Jon Sisk from regional president to regional president/chief banking officer. In his new role he will expand his leadership in the planning, development and execution of the bank’s business development strategy for lending, deposits, and will lead growth in new markets.

“Jon’s dedication to community banking, building longstanding relationships, and his Jon Sisk many decades as a community leader are perfectly aligned with Santa Cruz County Bank’s commitment to being a trusted banking partner,” said Santa Cruz County Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer Krista Snelling.

Sisk began his career in 1994 at Coast Commercial Bank in Santa Cruz. He was a founder and president of Lighthouse Bank in 2007 in Santa Cruz, and played a critical role in the merger with Santa Cruz County Bank in 2019. His leadership guided the bank’s growth in Silicon Valley.

He volunteers with the American Bankers Association, Dominican Hospital/

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“You can’t give up, you have to keep going,” she said.

“Alta Northcutt changed my life too,” she added. “I always admired her spirit. She lights up a room. Her laugh is contagious.”

Nichols connected with her after she was elected to the Cabrillo Student Senate and then chaired the Intern Club Council, which is under the Student Senate.

Representatives of all 13 active student clubs get together every two weeks, share updates and report on their activities and events.

“It’s a place to build community,” Nichols said. “It’s nice to see how many people were motivated to put in the extra work.”

Of course, those get-togethers moved to Zoom online after the pandemic arrived.

Dignity Health, Dominican Hospital Foundation, Santa Cruz Board Riders Club, Santa Cruz County Business Council, Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary, and Second Harvest Food Bank. The Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce named him 2009 Man of the Year.

Sisk is based at 75 River St. in downtown Santa Cruz.

The Small Business Administration ranks Santa Cruz County Bank 11th in Silicon Valley for number of loans and 10th in the San Francisco district by dollar amount.

On April 28, Santa Cruz County Bank announced the purchase of a building at 480 & 482 South Main St. in Salinas with plans to remodel and open a full-service branch in 2022.

••• Final EIR for Hwy 1 Widening he Final Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Assessment with findings of no significant impact for the Highway 1 State Park-Bay/Porter Auxiliary Lanes project is completed and available on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission website.

The project will widen Highway 1 to ease bottlenecks between post mile 10.54 to post mile 13.44 in the County of Santa Cruz and Capitola to include auxiliary lanes and to accommodate bus-on-shoulder operations between the State Park Drive and Bay Avenue/Porter Street interchanges.

Also, the Capitola Avenue overcrossing is to be replaced and a new pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing built at Mar Vista Drive in Aptos.

Final design is expected in fall 2022, after right-of-ways are acquired, with bids to be advertised and awarded in 2022-23, and construction starting in spring 2023 and finishing in 2025.

The Final EIR/EA with responses to all the comments is at https://sccrtc.org/ projects/streets-highways/hwy1corridor/ bayporter-statepark/. n

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She didn’t let the loss of face-to-face interactions get in the way.

“I still built great relationships,” she said.

“It definitely got me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “Alta helped me grow a lot and speak up for injustice.”

With the switch to classes online, Nichols felt the focus shifted to “can teachers teach online?” with less focus on student success.

“It’s scary to feel you’re rocking the boat,” she said.

Nevertheless, she was compelled to speak up.

Nichols, who is one of 1,240 graduates in Cabrillo’s Class of 2021, is transferring to UC Santa Barbara to major in psychology.

“I think I want to be a therapist or come back to Cabrillo,” she said. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Incline Village Owners May Be Due A Tax Refund R esidents of Aptos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and Soquel have long found Lake Tahoe is a popular area for second homes. Owners of property in Incline Village and Crystal Bay during 2002-2005 may not realize that, because one of the largest property tax lawsuits in the United States, they are due a property tax refund.

Here’s the history of the case and how to get the refund.

On Oct. 21, 2019, Judge Kathleen Drakulich of the Second Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada issued an order in favor of Village League to Save Incline Assets, Inc. (“Village League”), et.al. in the case of Village League to Save Incline Assets, Inc., et.al. vs. State of Nevada, et.al., Case No. CV03-06922.

The Village League, a 501c3 nonprofit, sued in 2003 alleging the methods used by the assessor were unconstitutional.

The Nevada State constitution mandates property taxes be fair and equitable, and only owners of property in Incline Village and Crystal Bay were assessed on their “view.”

The case went to the Supreme Court of Nevada. The Court ruled in favor of the Village League, and in 2011, Washoe County issued checks to property owners of record for 2002. The Village League then sued again for subsequent years: 20032005. It is this matter that is now being adjudicated.

The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners filed an appeal of that District Court Order and the parties were referred to the Supreme Court Settlement Program. On Oct. 5, 2020, a hearing was held by the District Court to consider the resulting settlement agreement and Judge Drakulich issued an interim order of approval for the agreement on Oct. 12, 2020.

As a result, the Washoe County Assessor’s Office has been directed to replace taxable land values for certain parcels in Incline Village and Crystal Bay billed for tax years 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 with the 2002/03 (rollback) taxable land values, applying a factor of 1.08% to the 2002/03 values for the 2005/06 tax year only.

Owners of record for a listed property

during one or more of these tax years may be eligible for refund of a resulting property tax overpayment and applicable interest.

The total amount of refunds has been estimated between $47 million and $56 million.

Owners of record or their inheritors must submit a claim in order with Washoe County to receive any refund: https://forms. washoecounty.us/f/RefundClaim One local property owner told the Aptos Times he didn’t submit a claim because he bought in Incline Village late in 2005, and he didn’t think the refund would amount to much. He reconsidered when he learned it was $900.

The claim process does not provide the refund amount. Therefore, the Village League created a secure lookup facility for property owners of record to obtain their estimated refund amount: https://nevada propertytaxrevolt.org/?page_id=22.

Calculations of the estimate are based on data provided by the Washoe County Assessor’s office.

As of February more than two dozen Incline Village and Crystal Bay property owners of record living in Aptos, Scotts Valley, Capitola and Soquel had not yet used the Village League facility to lookup their refund amount, and likely have not claimed their refund. Refund amounts depend on the property assessed value for the period, and for second homes, generally range from a hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

The clock is ticking. n

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12 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Stage Is Back This Summer

Thinking Outside The Box To Present Live Musicals

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By Mindy Pedlar

on Nordgren, artistic director of Cabrillo Stage, promises “a safe and joyful Broadway experience — a Live Summer Festival like nothing you’ve ever seen before! We’re presenting a 5 Act — 5 week festival that celebrates our return to live theatre. Each weekend in July offers a different spectacular performance held in the newly renovated Cabrillo College Outdoor Amphitheater.”

ACT 1, July 2-4: Enjoy the sounds of The Cabrillo Stage Big Band hosted by Jon Nordgren and Andrew Ceglio as they welcome you back with music that will keep your toes tapping! Travel back to the Swing Era in an early dance set followed by a parade of Stars of Cabrillo Stage reliving some of their favorite Broadway tunes and performances.

ACT 2, July 9-11: Circus – Knives, Blood, and Water boasts a brand new musical score written by Joe Ortiz and directed by Greg Fritsch. Follow the rollercoaster twists and turns of a backstage story that reveals secrets long hidden, by the Circus…

ACT 3, July 16-18: Features The Cabrillo Stage Pit Orchestra. Jon Nordgren elevates an All-star group of Cabrillo Stage Pit Musicians to the spotlight with Andrew Ceglio and Stars of Cabrillo Stage singing classic Broadway tunes. The finale features a “Battle of the Bands” and a Seasons of

Jon Nordgren

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Love tribute dedicated to our founder, Lile Cruse.

ACT 4, July 23-25: Tomfoolery. Mickey McGushin and Andrew Ceglio team up to bring us the music of Tom Lehrer, a Harvard educated math professor who taught at UC Santa Cruz and rose to fame through the hilarious satirical songs he wrote in the ‘50s & ‘60s. Lehrer took on subjects like pollution, The Table of Chemicals, and even the Vatican. Irreverent and wickedly funny, his songs remain controversial and relevant today.

ACT 5, July 30-Aug 1: Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular comic opera, ends the Summer Festival on a high note. Directed by Joseph Ribeiro with musical director Cheryl Anderson, this beloved farce will be presented with pit orchestra and full ensemble cast.

Performances will take place in the Cabrillo College outdoor amphitheater.

In keeping with all COVID-19 safety protocols, seating will be limited and socially distanced to insure the safety of patrons and performers.

Tickets in the Bleachers are sold as Box Seats in sets of 2, 3, 4 or 5 seats. Lawn Seating is available in circular pods of 2, 3, 4 or 6 seats. Prices range from $50 for 2 seats to $215 for 6 seats, depending on placement within the amphitheater.

Evening performances begin at 6 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.

Livestreaming is available for ACTs 1, 2 and 3.

Online ticketing begins June 1. Box office is open Thursday-Saturday, 12-6 p.m. at 831-479-6154. n ••• For more information, go to www.cabrillostage.com

Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.*

SUSHI MARKET SPROUTS Sushi Takeout, Japanese Snacks, Drinks, & Gifts

Party Trays Available

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831-465-1177

sushimarketsprouts.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 13

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Library, Zoning, Wharf & Summer Camps

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love spring. It is a time of new beginnings and growth. It is a time that reminds me about the importance of unity and togetherness.

Our City has worked tirelessly in sharing up-to-date information to you directly. As we enter the warmer months, I want to ensure we continue to do so safely.

As we all learn to live together again, remember it will take time to adjust and to feel safe as regulations change daily.

New Covid Guidelines and What That Means he City of Capitola continues to monitor the health guidance on Covid-19 daily. California will move Beyond the Blueprint on June 15, which will eliminate the tier system of economic restrictions and allow normal operations to resume in nearly all sectors.

While vaccinated persons no longer are required to wear masks in most outdoor settings, all residents are required to continue wearing face coverings in indoor settings until June 15.

Capitola Library Ribbon Cutting June 12 fter nearly a generation of planning, our new library is getting set to open. Thank you to all of the volunteers, Santa Cruz Public Library, City of Capitola and generous donors who made all of this happen.

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14 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola

Please join us June 12 for our virtual grand opening from 10-12, or in person tours that same afternoon (subject to reservation). For more information, or to register for a tour on June 12, please do so online.

Zoning Code—10 Years in the Making Thank you Community Development Director Katie Herlihy he City’s zoning code update kicked off in 2014, initiated with stakeholder outreach meetings, a public online survey, and an Issues and Options white paper to guide decision making on key issues raised during public outreach.

Following 25 public hearings, the City Council adopted the new Zoning Code by ordinance on Jan. 25, 2018.

To implement the new legislation inside the coastal zone, the new ordinance had to be certified by the California Coastal Commission as part of Capitola’s certified Local Coastal Program. Capitola staff worked very closely with Coastal Commission staff on the update for nearly three years.

In 2018, Coastal Commission staff reviewed the adopted zoning code and proposed extensive modifications. Following 13 additional public hearings, the City Council adopted an updated version of the zoning code on Nov. 12, 2020, which

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Congressman Jimmy Panetta tours Capitola’s historic wharf, which needs repairs, with Mayor Yvette Brooks. included most of the Coastal Commissionrequested modifications.

In December 2020, the City submitted the updated zoning code to the Coastal Commission for certification.

In April, the Coastal Commission considered the City’s proposed zoning code update and several edits requested by their staff. The City submitted comments to the Commission asking they adopt the City’s proposed zoning code in its original format.

“Capitola News” page 17

The District’s 2020 Water Quality Report is Now Available! soquelcreekwater.org/ waterqualityreport

The Water Quality Report includes information on source water, levels of any detected compounds, and compliance with drinking water regulations, plus educational information.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pop-up Bike Lane Demo Coming to Portola

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By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

ver the last month we have been busy working on issues that affect you! Here are a few highlights from the 1st District office: Bike Lane Safety Demo Starts June 25 ince taking office in January, we have consistently heard from residents who would like to see safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, and we have been working diligently to bring some improvements to the 1st District.

We are excited to announce from June 25 to July 21, the County will be trying out a temporary pop-up installation on Portola​ Drive between 36th and 41st Avenues. The pop-up demonstration introduces protected bike lanes, and includes minor variations from the detailed Streetscape Concepts presented in the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor Study.

The pop-up provides an opportunity for the community to try out the streetscape and provide feedback.

The pop-up will also help to position the County for future funding, and help ensure that the Community Vision for the Pleasure Point Corridor becomes a reality. More information is available at: Pop-up infrastructure FAQs. For questions regarding the Pleasure Point Study implementation, contact Annie Murphy at Annie.Murphy@santacruzcounty. us, and for information on the pop-up

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installation contact Ecology Action’s Amelia Conlen: aconlen@ecoact.org Relief for County Renters he COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardships for many in our County, but there is assistance available!

California’s Housing is Key program has made more than $16 million available in rent relief to Santa Cruz County residents.

Both landlords and tenants are eligible to apply, and the application can be found here.

If you need help applying for the program, call our County’s hotline at 4542332. Several community organizations can help you apply, including Communities Organized for Power in Action (COPA), Community Bridges, the United Way, Families in Transition, and the Community Action Board. Fill out this form to let these organizations know that you need help with the process.

Prepare for Wildfire In May we met with Fire Chief Ian Larkin to talk about the impending fire season.

According to Chief Larkin, moisture levels are already a month and a half ahead of schedule, meaning it’s as dry today as it would normally be in mid-July. He assured us that while it’s likely to be a challenging season, the County is as prepared as we’ve ever been.

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EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE

“Bike Lane Demo” page 18

Endless opportunities await your student at Kirby School.

Visit kirby.org and contact our Admissions team to learn more about our Test-Free Application process and to schedule a tour.

Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 KIRBY.ORG 831-423-0658 admissions@kirby.org South

North

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16 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Capitola News” from page 14 The Commission considered the City’s request, and public testimony from a number of our residents, and ultimately approved the City’s proposed zoning code with their staff recommended edits, with the exception of changes to the Monarch Cove Inn property on Depot Hill. The Commission left the zoning on that property unchanged, and asked their staff to work with the property owners to develop new regulations for the site.

At the May 13, Capitola City Council meeting, the City Council accepted the Coastal Commission’s approved language and adopted the Zoning Code.

With great pride, I recognize Community Development Director Katie Herlihy and team for their outstanding work in getting this done for our community.

Wharf Repairs ongressman Jimmy Panetta visited Capitola and toured our historic wharf. Staff updated the congressman and shared that an official funding request was going to be submitted.

Afterward, we learned we have officially been included in Congressman Panetta’s funding request as one of the 10 community projects.

Here’s the public project list: https://panetta.house.gov/services/ community-project-funding-requests Now we wait.

Thank you Congressman for taking the time to learn more about our community.

Family & Kid Camps amp Capitola will provide 2-week long sessions, full-day and falf-day, beginning June 14. The program operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is offered to youth age 6 to age 12.

Participants will be placed in stable groups per COVID protocols. Participants will be provided a diverse set of activities that take advantage of resources at the community center and within walking distance of the community center.

Camp Capitola is partnering with Soquel Union Elementary School District to provide a half-day program at Soquel Elementary, Santa Cruz Gardens, and New Brighton Middle School. This Camp Capitola expansion will operate Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an option of additional care until 5 p.m. beginning June 7. SUESD summer school students will have priority in registering, with registration then opened to the public for any remaining enrollment spaces.

For this summer, a new COVID-safe City of Capitola Family Camp. Family Camp will operate Aug 6–9 at a retreatcenter about three hours from Capitola in the foothills of the Sierra. Families will be able to book a room or cabin, with beds to accommodate up to 10 people per room to

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Capitola City Manager Jamie Goldstein (left) and Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks (right) talking with Congressman Jimmy Panetta about helping to garner funds for repairs to the aging wharf. serve a variety of family sizes. Food is provided by the retreat center, which operates under its own COVID-19 guidance. Safe social and community building recreation activities would be provided by Staff in accordance with COVID guidance.

Junior Guards will provide a 2-week long session, with AM and PM options and will provide four sessions throughout the summer beginning on June 14. The program will be offered to youth age 6 to age 15.

Participants will enroll in groups of 14 with potential for group size to expand to 20, given the County is not in Purple Tier. Participants age 16 to 17 will have the option of volunteering to support instructors or enrolling in a “Captain’s Corps with Central Fire” program, a oneweek program that teaches open water lifeguarding skills.

Capitola Recreation hopes to offer Food Truck events later in the summer.

These summer programs are essential to our community and I am so proud of our Parks and Recreation department and staff.

A Balanced 2021-2022 Budget ity staff have proposed a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The City Council is considering the budget through a series of meetings in May and June.

Council will be discussing how best to allocate funding leftover from prior years, weighing projects like the Capitola wharf, the park at the Rispin mansion site, roadway improvements, community grants and the Dedicated Children’s fund.

Museum Now Open he Capitola Historical Museum is once again open to the public. Come visit the museum to learn something new about our beloved City! The museum currently features the Capitol Then & Now exhibition, which highlights what has changed and what has stayed the same in apitola over the years.

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“Capitola News cont.” from page 17 Admission is free and there is something to see for all-ages. For fun facts and photos, follow the Museum on Facebook @ Capitola Historical Museum Capitola Waves n an effort to engage with our community and provide up-to-date information to the public, staff is piloting a new biweekly e-newsletter called Capitola Waves. Our hope is that the newsletter increases communication with the public. The newsletter will be distributed by email and posted on the website the Friday after City Council meetings. If you would like to have each edition of Capitola Waves delivered to your inbox, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 475-7300 or sign up on the City website CityOfCapitola.org Mayor’s Town Hall Series t my last town hall event, I welcomed Kaiser Permanente who shared updates on the pandemic and the status of their work in our County. We had a

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great conversation around their proposed project and its impact on our community.

You can watch the recording on our city’s Facebook page.

Next, the four local mayors, Watsonville Mayor Jimmy Dutra, Scotts Valley Mayor Derek Timm and Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers will come together to talk about moving forward post-pandemic and uniting as a community in a safe and healthy way.

The 4 Mayors Town Hall meeting, Stronger Together, will take place June 17 at 6 p.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live. To Watch on FaceBook Live: https://www. facebook.com/cityofcapitola (you do not need a Facebook account for this option) To Join Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/ SC-mayors-town-hall (Full URL: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/83736835797?pwd=V2dm cEZ0OGtsTDlqKzFaN0JFRXV6dz09) n ••• As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me directly at brooksforcitycouncil@gmail.com

Mayors, from left, Derek Timm, Yvette Brooks, Jimmy Dutra, and Donna Meyers will speak June 4 at a virtual town hall meeting on Zoom and Facebook Live.

“Bike Lane Demo” from page 15 To assist in the County’s efforts, the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County has begun its Summer 2021 Chipping Program.

Available to County residents within the Wildland-Urban Interface area (map), the RCD’s Community Chipping Program will chip, at no-cost to residents, up to three piles of cleared vegetation that originated within 100 feet of occupied structures or 10 feet on either side of a private road.

The goal of the chipping program is to incentivize the creation of defensible space around homes in high wildfire risk areas, but regardless of where you live in the county, creating defensible space around our homes is the best way we can each reduce the risk of a catastrophic fire.

FAA and Jet Noise n May I met with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to discuss the FAA flight path

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issue. Congressman Panetta reassured me that the Select Committee’s recommendation to move the flight path is still the guiding directive, and he and Congresswoman Eshoo reinforced that with the FAA Director when they met a few weeks prior.

He attributed lack of progress so far to turnover in FAA leadership, communication issues within the FAA itself, and the general challenges of working with the previous administration.

We are expecting an update from the new FAA Director soon, and will promptly share any new information.

As always, we welcome your feedback on these issues and others, and invite you to email us at first.district@santacruzcounty.us. We also welcome you to join us for constituent meetings, held every Monday evening prior to Board of Supervisor’s meetings. Please visit District 1 (santa-cruz.ca.us) for a complete list of upcoming constituent meetings. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 19

FEATURED COLUMNIST

This Terrible Year

By Charlie Lowe

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20 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Editor’s note: Charlie Lowe, 11, of Aptos, a fifth grader, shares what he wrote for a school assignment in September 2020, calling it an accurate (or, as accurate as possible) record of the day he learned about the coronavirus pandemic. Enjoy.

••• This terrible year Has made wildfires and SARS-CoV-2. Perfect.

That pretty much sums it up.

I sit inside, staring at the ash on my dad’s car. Can’t go outside. Can’t see friends. So I guess I’ll write.

Y’see, way back before the pandemic happened, 6 months or so ago, people were scared. This VIRUS had been made and no one knew how to fix it. On Friday, March 13, it was officially declared a pandemic.

It was a novel virus that had the form of a coronavirus, a virus that had only been found infecting animals.

That sparked terrified theories and scared news reporters talking about any animal could’ve started it; from the snake to the humble pangolin. You see, I could talk about the psychology of the debate that was coming up… the impeachment looming possible. But I would probably bore you.

So, instead, I’ll talk about my birthday, just a couple days before March 13.

I rushed into class. Finally, the portable classrooms (i.e. Giant Shoeboxes) littered around the school were taken down and we had a big building for 1st to 5th grade. The downfall was that sinking feeling you get when you walk into a white classroom with white walls and not much… pizzazz.

Once there, I sat down and looked around. My small plastic chair is uncomfortable- well it’s always uncomfortable but it’s worse now. I look around. Survey says: Stony faces. Sad people. SIGH. Ok. Not the BEST omen. I clear my throat. Listen. Pin drop silence.

Shoot. My teacher, Mrs. Wilson, sighs, straightens up.

“The coronavirus has been the talk of the town for a while (New Yorker joke. That may have happened in real life, but most likely just in my mind.). I’d like to confirm any of your questions,” she says.

“What is it?” asks a classmate.

“I don’t know.”

(Not what we wanted to hear) “How did it start?”

“I don’t know.”

Yeah. So we were all scared. We

thought our teacher knew EVERYTHING. Or at least more than she did. The bright lights reflect Mrs. Wilson’s face onto the SmartBoard. (It’s like a TV, but for teachers.

Mrs. Wilson was and still is VERY tech savvy.)

“All we know is that old folks and babies are susceptible. The virus is especially dangerous to anyone with asthma and/or compromised lungs.”

Pause. I scrape my chair across the floor. My mouth is a sack of sand. Not the sand part, the sack part. Burlap. But not the itchy part. That would be weird.

Ms. Wilson mercifully interrupts my train of thought: “Any REASONABLE questions?”

One hand. Before I even realize that the hand is MINE, the question is out of my mouth.

“Are they dying?”

Eager heads everywhere.

Mrs. Wilson stiffens like a news reporter being hounded for answers.

“Um… yes.”

Pin drop silence.

“Lunchtime.”

Wait. HOLD ON JUST ONE FLIPPIN’ SECOND! Did she just say my grandparents were in danger of death by disease and had the NERVE to end that sentence with LUNCHTIME? My classmates file out to get hand sanitizer. They’re still freaked out. It’s like a prison camp. Only less cheery. Okay.

Happy birthday to me. Ugh. I guess, nothing a little Charlie Charm can’t fix.

What’s the problem? It’s not a PANdemic, only an EPIdemic.

But still I had a feeling this epidemic would change into a pandemic. A big, earthshaking one. We all did.

God, I hate it when I’m right. n

Charlie Lowe

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Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 21

CALIFORNIA NEWS

State Budget Surplus: $76B Or $38B?

Editor’s note: Here is an edited version of the Legislative Analyst’s Office May 17 analysis: Key Takeaways e Estimate the State Has a $38 Billion Surplus to Allocate. We estimate the state has $38 billion in discretionary state funds to allocate in the 2021‑22 budget process, an estimate that is different than the Governor’s figure—$76 billion.

The differences in our estimates stem from our differing definitions. The Governor’s estimate includes constitutionally required spending on schools and community colleges, reserves, and debt payments. We do not consider these spending amounts part of the surplus because they must be allocated to specified purposes.

In Contrast to the Governor, We Recommend Legislature Restore Budget Resilience. Despite a historic surge in revenues, the Governor uses $12 billion in reserve withdrawals and borrowing to increase spending. The state will need these tools to respond to future challenges when federal assistance might not be as significant. We urge the Legislature not to step back from its track record of prudent budget management.

State Appropriations Limit (SAL) Is Important. The Governor’s May Revision estimates the state will collect $16 billion in revenues in excess of the limit this year. However, the ultimate amount of a potential excess will depend on decisions by the Legislature, which has substantial discretion in how to meet the constitutional requirements.

Addressing Many Issues or Making Significant Inroads on Fewer Issues.

The May Revision includes roughly 400 new proposals. While the surplus is large enough to make significant inroads in addressing a few key policy priorities, it is unlikely sufficient to do so across the number of issues contemplated in the May Revision. If the Legislature preferred to make substantial progress in a few key areas, it could allocate the surplus in a targeted manner.

Consider Postponing Some Decisions. The surplus, in combination with the federal fiscal recovery funds, represents resources equal to about half of pre-pandemic General Fund budgets.

Departments’ capacity to allocate this funding in a timely and effective manner likely will be constrained. More importantly, the Legislature’s time to deliberate over choices is extremely limited. We recommend the Legislature delay some decisions.

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Introduction n May 14, 2021, Gov. Newsom presented a revised state budget proposal to the Legislature, the “May Revision.”

In coming days, we will analyze the plan in more detail and provide comments in hearing testimony and online.

This information is based on our best understanding of administration proposals as of Saturday, May 15, 2021. In many areas, our understanding of the administration’s proposals will continue to evolve as we receive more information. We only plan updates for changes greater than $500 million.

General Fund Condition evenues Higher by $51 Billion Compared to Governor’s Budget. Reflecting very strong cash collections in recent months, the May Revision adjusts 2020‑21 revenues (and transfers) up by $26.8 billion to $182 billion. This represents a 27 percent increase over 2019‑20, the largest singleyear increase in over four decades. Much of these revenue gains carry over into the budget year, with 2021‑21 revenues being adjusted up $24.4 billion to $179 billion.

Constitutionally Required Spending Higher by $16 Billion. The constitution requires the state to spend minimum annual amounts on schools and community colleges (under Proposition 98) and budget reserves and debt payments (under Proposition 2). Mainly due to higher revenues, relative to January, constitutionally required spending is higher by nearly $16 billion.

Costs Reduced by $3 Billion. Other budgetary costs are, on net, lower by $3 billion compared to January. This number obscures billions of dollars in budgetary changes. For example, relative to the Governor’s budget, the Legislature enacted $6.4 billion in spending increases and revenue reductions through early action.

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Baseline costs associated with the state’s major safety net programs are lower by $3.7 billion.

Total Reserves Would Reach Nearly $20 Billion Under Governor’s May Revision. Under the administration’s proposals, total reserves would reach $19.8 billion in 2021‑22. This total differs from the administration’s estimate of total reserves because we exclude the dedicated reserve for schools and community colleges, which we do not consider part of General Fund reserves.

Spending Choices he Governor made choice n allocating state and federal money, totaling $85 billion: the General Fund surplus, school and community college spending, American Rescue Plan funds for relief and capital projects. Schools and community colleges would receive the largest allocations. In the other category, the second largest, are $5.5 billion for broadband, $1.1 billion to replenish the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, and $305 million for the Employment Development Department to address workload.

General Fund Surplus e estimate the Governor had a $38 billion General Fund surplus to allocate in the 2021 May Revision. This surplus reflects higher revenues, higher constitutional spending, and net lower other spending.

What Is the General Fund Surplus?

The Governor’s May Revision is the starting point for legislative deliberation.

Ultimately, the Legislature will make its own determination about how to allocate available funds. Here we estimate how much capacity the budget has to make those allocations under the Governor’s revenue estimates. We answer this question by assessing which of the Governor’s proposals are “discretionary.” We

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define discretionary spending to mean spending, reserve deposits, debt payments, and tax reductions not already authorized or required under current law. (Our definition of discretionary excludes the cost to maintain current state services, such as base increases for the universities and employee compensation.)

Why Does This Figure Differ From the Governor’s Estimate? The Governor and administration have cited a surplus estimate of about $76 billion, which is different than our estimate. The primary reason is the Governor’s estimate of the surplus includes constitutionally required spending, whereas our estimate excludes it. For example, the Governor counts $27 billion in constitutionally required spending on schools and community colleges, nearly $8 billion in required reserve deposits, and $3 billion in required debt payments. After excluding these amounts, our surplus estimates are nearly the same.

How Can These Monies Be Used? In a normal budget year, General Fund surplus monies are available to use for any public purposes. This is not necessarily the case in this May Revision. That is because the State Appropriations Limit, which limits how the state can use revenues that exceed a specified threshold, applies to the budget process this year. The administration allocates $23 billion towards purposes that meet SAL requirements. The remaining surplus is used more flexibly.

The Governor Proposes Allocating $26 Billion in Surplus Funds to Spending.

Using the $38 billion surplus, the Governor proposes roughly 400 spending proposals, which would cost $26 billion.

Less than one-quarter of these proposals are unchanged from the Governor’s budget. The remaining three-quarters are either modified proposals or entirely new proposals.

State Appropriations Limit AL Limits Use of Surplus. Each year, the state compares the appropriations limit to appropriations subject to the limit.

If appropriations subject to the limit exceed the limit (on net) over any two-year period, there are excess revenues.

The Legislature can use excess revenues in three ways: (1) appropriate more money for purposes excluded from the SAL (under the Governor’s proposal, the common new spending is capital outlay), (2) split the excess between additional school and community college district spending and taxpayer rebates, or (3) lower tax revenues.

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“State Budget” page 24

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County Perspective on State Budget

Proposals for Fairgrounds, Homeless, Broadband

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ov. Newsom recently proposed what is believed to be the largest economic recovery package in California history. What exactly is part of this recent budget proposal (colloquially called the “May Revise”) and how will some of it impact Santa Cruz County?

Here is a look at proposed state budget and some key elements.

Budget Process The State Constitution requires the Governor to submit a balanced budget proposal to the Legislature by Jan. 10 of each year. This initial budget is generally revised closer to June in the “May Revise” as more details become known about the economic health of the state.

Like our local County budget, the budget document outlines the state’s spending

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

plan for the fiscal year beginning on July 1.

Nearly immediately after the introduction in January, the state Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Legislature’s nonpartisan fiscal advisor, publishes a series of reports that review the Governor’s budget proposal.

These analyses often inform the budget debate in the Assembly and the Senate and include economic projections, context and background information and possible revisions. Ultimately, the Legislature has until June 15 to pass the budget.

Proposed Investments This year’s budget revision from the Governor includes $100 billion in funding with about 90 percent of the proposed increases for one-time costs, many spread over multiple years, and the other 10 percent is for ongoing programs. Total

reserves at the end of the fiscal year are projected to total $24.4 billion.

For Santa Cruz County, some of the items of greatest interest include investments to combat homelessness, housing supports for behavioral health, climate, water and forest resilience and broadband infrastructure.

Additionally, the Governor has proposed to provide tax rebates of $600 to $1,100 to many Californians, double rental assistance to $11.4 billion, provide $2 billion of utility bill assistance, and significantly expand tax exemptions, tax incentives, and fund grants to small businesses.

Schools, likewise, will enjoy recordhigh funding levels. Total funding, including one-time federal funding, in the budget for K-12 public schools will exceed $20,000 per pupil for the first time.

In addition, the Governor is proposing universal transitional kindergarten for all

4-year olds. The UC, CSU, and community college systems are also receiving notable increases.

Here is a more in-depth look at some of these line items (and things that could end up providing some level of funding to our county).

“Friend” page 30

California Comeback Budget Priorities

Homeless, Cal Grants, Water, School Breakfast & Lunch, Internet

By John Laird, California State Senator, District 17

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alifornia state budgets are confusing in normal times. Due to an over-reliance on income tax, state revenues overperform the economy in good times and underperform the economy in bad times. Why? Because just a few wealthy Californians account for a large share of state revenues.

This year, a completely new scenario has emerged. As millions of Californians struggled through the shelter in place – losing their jobs as businesses closed or paused — the wealthiest Californians scored big in the stock market.

The result is a projected $75.7 billion surplus for this year. With an additional $25 billion in federal relief, California is farther ahead in projected revenues than in any previous budget. Half of that $75 billion in revenue automatically go to schools and to the “Rainy Day Fund’ created under Gov. Jerry Brown.

Given this situation, how do we

address California’s needs as we move to finalize the budget by June 15?

First and foremost, those most in need due to the pandemic must be our central priority. Earlier this year, for the first time in history, California passed its own stimulus program to provide support to struggling businesses and citizens across the Central Coast, as well as the entire state. In the

budget now proposed by the Governor, an additional $12 billion is proposed to be returned to those most in need through stimulus payments and support.

The Governor’s proposed budget for the remaining surplus will help all Californians address critical needs: • The updated budget makes the largest investment to address homelessness

in California history — $11.87 billion over two years. Project Roomkey worked to house homeless individuals and families over the last year. A proposal to spend an additional $7 billion for Homekey will further expand the types of housing available to those living with mental illness, seniors, and veterans.

• A proposal to invest $5.1 billion over several years for a water resilience package to expand and protect water supplies in California as we confront another drought year. The funding would invest in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, water recycling projects, immediate drought support to communities, and environmental restoration projects to help vulnerable species survive a changing climate.

“Laird” page 30

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 23

“State Budget” from page 22 How Does the Governor Use the Surplus for SAL-Related Purposes? Under the administration’s proposals, $23 billion of the surplus is split between two SALrelated purposes: $15 Billion in Discretionary Spending on Excluded Purposes. The Governor’s General Fund discretionary proposals include $15 billion in discretionary SAL exclusions. These exclusions are proposals for capital outlay projects. $8 Billion for Tax Rebates. The administrations estimates indicate the state would have excess revenues of $16.2 billion across 2020‑21 and 2021‑22. The Governor allocates half of these excess revenues—$8.1 billion—to taxpayer rebates for taxpayers with incomes less than $75,000. The administration does not allocate the remaining half to schools and community colleges.

(The State Constitution allows the state two years to make the payments.) The estimate of the amount owed to K-14 education could change substantially in coming years due to changes in revenue estimates and legislative decisions.

Noteworthy Administrative and Proposed Statutory Changes. These three changes increase room under the SAL. First, the administration will stop counting vehicle registration fees as proceeds of taxes. Second, the administration is making an correction of its treatment of schoolrelated deferrals. Third, the administration is proposing trailer bill language to absorb school districts’ room. We think all these changes are reasonable.

American Rescue Plan hat Are ARP Flexible Funds? The Rescue Plan included $350 billion in funding to state and local governments for fiscal recovery. California’s state government will receive $27 billion.

In addition, California will receive $550 million in Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, which also are available to the state on a more flexible basis.

How Can These Monies Be Used? The state can use the fiscal relief funds: (1) to respond to the public health emergency or negative economic impacts associated with the emergency; (2) to support essential work; (3) to backfill a reduction in revenue that has occurred since 2018‑19; or (4) for water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

The state has until Dec. 31, 2024 to use the funds. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released detailed guidance.

The Governor’s Proposal. The single largest proposal using these monies is $5.5 billion for broadband access, affordability, and infrastructure; next, nearly $5 billion to housing and homelessness and $3.6 billion to higher education, nearly $3 billion for health and nearly $3 billion for resources and environment. The administration also proposes language to provide flexibility to reallocate these funds. We are still receiving

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information from the administration on the million endowment for learning-aligned employment. uses of these funds.

Reserves and Debt School and Community Colleges overnor’s Spending Choices. The State 11 Billion in Constitutional Reserve Constitution sets a minimum annual and Debt Requirements. With the funding requirement for schools and com- administration’s revenue estimates, the munity colleges. The May Revision includes Constitution would require the state to nearly $23 billion in spending proposals deposit $7.6 billion into the Budget Stabito provide the constitutionally required lization Account and spend another $3.4 funding increases. The Governor proposes billion to pay down debts. These deposits allocating nearly $10 billion to pay down would be required regardless of whether deferred payments from previous years, $5 the state made withdrawals from the billion (including $2.1 billion ongoing) for account in 2020 to address the anticipated high-poverty schools and districts, nearly budget problem. They are large because of $1.4 billion for community colleges, and revenue revisions. the remaining $6 billion) for other K-12 Using Surplus, Governor Repays $700 spending.

Million in Loans and Proposes Special Fund Budget Structure for Economic Uncertainties Balance of $3.4 or the $38 billion General Fund surplus, Billion. The Governor also dedicates $700 which excludes spending on schools million in discretionary resources to repay and community colleges, the Governor special fund loans and sets the balance of the fund at $3.4 allocates: $25 billion to billion for the end of one-time or temporary The [American Rescue 2021‑22, somewhat spending, including higher than balance nearly $15 billion Plan] included $350 at the end of June for capital outlay; $7 billion in funding to 2020. Notably, the billion to revenuestate and local administration’s related reductions; multiyear estimates $3.4 billion to the governments for fiscal include a negative Special Fund for Ecorecovery. California’s balance of $6 billion nomic Uncertainties; in the Special Fund and nearly $2 billion state government will for Economic Uncerto ongoing spending receive $27 billion. tainties in 2022‑23. increases, although Governor Mainthese costs would grow substantially over time. The Con- tains Borrowing and Reserve Withdrawals. stitution requires the state to set aside $11 The Legislature passed the 2020‑21 budget in the face of major uncertainty. Revenues billion for reserves and debt payments. were expected to fall sharply. The LegisOne-Time Spending he Governor proposes spending $25 lature took $54 billion in actions to address billion of General Fund surplus monies that problem -- it withdrew funds from on a one-time or temporary basis. The reserves, shifted costs, reduced spending, majority of these one-time proposals ($15 and increased revenues. However, under billion) meet the definition of capital outlay the administration’s estimates, General Fund tax revenues actually grew between under the SAL and are excludable.

Governor Proposes $15 Billion in 2019‑20 and 2020‑21 by 27 percent, the Spending on Capital Outlay. The Gov- largest increase in four decades.

While the Governor’s proposals this ernor proposes allocating $15 billion of General Fund to capital outlay. For year eliminate most of the spending-related example, the Governor’s General Fund budget solutions, they do use reserve withproposals include $2.6 billion for transit drawals and borrowing from 2020 for $12 and rail projects, $2 billion for affordable billion in spending.

Tax Reductions college student housing, $550 million for Homekey (to house the unhoused), and overnor Proposes $7.1 Billion to Tax$500 million for zero-emission vehicle and Revenue-Related Reductions. The fueling infrastructure. If the Legislature most significant of these proposals is $8.1 wants to make different decisions (without billion in tax rebates to households with statutory changes or fund shifts), it can incomes of $75,000 or less. either: (1) use the funds to make tax rebates These payments would satisfy half of and additional payments to schools, (2) the constitutional requirement under the spend on other SAL-excluded purposes, or SAL.) Partially offsetting the cost of the (3) use the funds to reduce taxes. rebates is revenue from a proposal for a Governor Proposes $10 Billion in new tax on certain businesses.

Spending on One-Time or Temporary Ongoing Spending Programs. The Governor proposes overnor Proposes $1.8 Billion in spending $9.8 billion on a one-time or Spending on Ongoing Programs, temporary basis for a various program With Significant Outyear Cost Increases. expansions that are not capital outlay. The The Governor’s spending proposals also largest proposals include $500 million for include $1.8 billion in ongoing discreGolden State teacher grants and a $500 tionary spending. (We exclude funding

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provided to maintain the cost of current state services, such as base increases for the universities and employee compensation, from discretionary spending. These baseline cost increases increase ongoing spending by roughly $2.3 billion.)

Some of the largest include the Governor’s proposals to increase child care slots, expand full-scope Medi-Cal coverage to all adults 60 and older and to implement reforms to Medi-Cal called California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). Some of these proposals are phased in over a multiyear period, so we estimate the cost at full implementation of all of these proposals at $3.7 billion in 2024‑25. By 2024‑25, the state would spend $2.7 billion ongoing for Transitional Kindergarten. (Under the Governor’s proposal, spending on schools and community colleges under Proposition 98 would increase to accommodate this expansion.)

••• LAO Comments Budget Structure n Contrast to the Governor, Recommend Budget Resilience. Despite a historic surge in revenues, the Governor proposes to use nearly $12 billion in reserve withdrawals and borrowing to increase spending. Using strategies designed for a budget crisis to support state spending at this time is shortsighted and inadvisable.

The state will need these tools to respond to future challenges when federal assistance may not be as significant. In the next recession, the state is likely to have sizeable declines in revenues. To avoid reductions to safety net programs that support Californians when economic hardship is most acute, budget reserves are critical. For instance, in last year’s budget process, when the state anticipated a historic budget problem, cuts to safety net programs were largely avoided because of the state’s significant reserves. We urge the Legislature not to take a step back from its track record of prudent budget management.

Budget Decisions Are More Complex Due to State Appropriations Limit. The SAL places significant restrictions on how the Legislature can use the surplus. The Legislature, however, can make different decisions, which will affect whether tax rebates or future tax cuts are necessary.

Moreover, the Legislature could change calculation of the SAL. Ultimately, the Legislature has substantial discretion.

Spending Choices roposals to Address Problems Exacerbated by Crisis. Appropriately given the dramatic and widespread impacts of the pandemic, many of the Governor’s larger proposals seek to mitigate either the pandemic’s direct impacts or problems exposed by the health and economic crisis.

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“State Budget cont.” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pure Water Milestone

Seawater Intrusion Prevention Wells Near Completion

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

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he Soquel Creek Water District’s Pure Water Soquel project has three primary elements: water treatment facilities; conveyance pipelines; and seawater intrusion prevention wells. I’m thrilled to share with you that one of those three key components — a set of three seawater intrusion prevention wells — is nearing completion of the well drilling!

Construction of these wells is an important milestone for this project, putting us one major step closer to providing a new, drought-proof, supplemental source of water for the community.

These wells go to a depth of around 500–800 feet and will be used to pump purified water into the groundwater

basin. This will help replenish the underground aquifers, raise the water level to create a barrier to seawater contamination, and supplement this source of drinking water.

Part of the work on these wells included drilling activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two-tofour-weeks at a time.

We are so grateful to the residents near these wells for their patience as the work was underway! The next steps of these seawater intrusion prevention wells will occur in 2022 with installing the well equipment, site improvements, fencing, and landscaping.

Construction of the pipelines is commencing this spring that will transport water to and from the Santa Cruz Waste-

water Treatment Facility and the Water Purification Center (to be built at Chanticleer Ave and Soquel Ave), and then carry that ultra-clean water to the seawater intrusion prevention wells for replenishment into the groundwater basin.

Be sure to visit soquelcreekwater.org/ PWSconstruction for information about

Screen-Free Playtime

ACROSS

ABOVE: Welding of the screen well casings. at the Willowbrook SWIP well RIGHT: These glass beads are the packing material that goes around the well casing. They allow water to flow out into the aquifer.

ongoing and upcoming construction for Pure Water Soquel, including maps and schedules, and to sign up for email construction updates. n ••• Visit www.soquelcreekwater.org/PWS for background and details about the Pure Water Soquel project.

1. Ivory, in the bathroom 5. Letter of the ____ 8. Kiln for drying hops 12. Marine eagle 13. Muffin Man’s Drury 14. Zest 15. Landlord’s collection 16. Chieftain in Arabia 17. Frequently precedes “nonsense” 18. *Tabletop fun (2 words) 20. Passage in a coal mine 21. Clear the whiteboard 22. Sean’s mom Yoko 23. Alpine structure

26. Slabbered 30. Clothing border 31. Incense burning container 34. Gauche or Droite, in Paris 35. In a frenzy 37. Unagi 38. Fancy necktie 39. Eye protection, sing.

40. Not dangerous to health 42. Dwight the President 43. Worked the dough 45. *Screen-free message 47. Hairpiece, slangily 48. Libra symbol 50. Buenos ____ 52. *Dirty hobby?

56. African prairie

57. Like family lore 58. Don’t let it hit you on your way out 59. *Ten-pin establishment 60. Challenge 61. Purse to match a gown 62. Lake of Scottish lore 63. *Between ‘game’ and ‘match’ 64. Deliver a tirade 1.

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DOWN

Belgrade native Dessert sandwich Pavlova, e.g.

Tube-nosed seabird Tibetan priests Japanese cartoon

7. Used to be 8. *Explore the great ____ 9. ____ spumante 10. Editor’s mark 11. Craggy peak 13. Official emissary 14. Bird-deposited fertilizer 19. Same as schlock 22. Famous Bobby, on ice 23. *Sidewalk art medium 24. Macho man 25. *Tell jokes, e.g.

26. Sub station 27. Permissible 28. Extract a memory, e.g.

29. Try to prevent 32. It’s not a want 33. ____ Bernie Sanders, abbr.

36. *Guessing game 38. Administer an oil 40. “Don’t make me ___!”

41. With pleasure 44. Full of bunnies?

46. Full of gentleness 48. Ranee’s wrap 49. *Macrame or wood carving, e.g.

50. Expunge 51. Bodily disorders 52. Hermes and Apollo 53. ‘I’ in Greek alphabet 54. Person, place or thing 55. John Wayne’s “True ____” 56. Delivery vehicle © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 25

Mercury Retrogrades — a Magical Mystery Tour Esoteric Astrology • June 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

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ercury begins a three-week retrograde retreat on Saturday, May 29th and continues in reverse ‘til June 22nd, moving from 25 to 16 degrees Gemini. It’s good to consider Mercury retrograde as an alchemical span of time when selfreflection, introspection, the ability to understand the past (since last Mercury retrograde) occurs. It’s a time of correcting misunderstandings and misconceptions, entering into a more unifying reality through inner contemplation. A true mindfulness takes place as we have time to pause and reconsider our lives past, present and future.

Mercury retrograde asks us to consider the content and quality of our thoughts and communications. Do we talk about people, events or ideas — three different levels of the consciousness? Do we gossip, tell the truth, philosophize, practice ahimsa?

During the retro we review, revise, reappraise, reevaluate, reassess, reexamine, reread and redo just about everything. We also eliminate thoughts and ideas no longer useful. I have suggested to students through the years to create a Retrograde Journal, writing thoughts, ideas, experiences, feelings in this journal only when the ARIES

planets are retrograde. That time is now and for the next three weeks.

When Mercury is retrograde we enter into an experimental cycle of time, with new realizations and understandings. Mercury retrograde, especially in Gemini, impacts our communication, developing in us new thinking, ideas and plans. It causes us to be simultaneously both more alert and reflective, observing life from a higher perspective.

The “do nots.” Remember we do not sign important papers, make important purchases, send important documents, expect agreements to be binding, understand each other or drive well. In Mercury retrograde, the rules and flow of energies are different, and everything seems to disappear.

How we can work with the retrograde is to be playful, adapt to the changing rhythms, slow down, reconnect with the past, play games, listen to everyone’s communication, be humorous and consider Mercury as the magician taking us on a magical mystery tour.

Note from Risa — For further study and daily updates, go to my website www.nightlightnews.org/ and click on Daily Studies & Postings.

LEO

Overtime, Aries who works predominantly with instinct, With friends and in groups, all plans may be delayed, changed or begins with Mercury’s help to develop intunot happen at all. Those close to you may seem ition. In the next three weeks that intuition distant (everyone’s internal during retrogrades), will assume a tone, color and focus. Care quiet or confused. Friends, places, ideas from the needs to be taken with thinking, compast make contact and you consider returning munication, writing and driving. Something from the past somewhere, to a place, a group or to friendships from long ago. reappears. Be aware of forgetfulness. Walk in your neigh- Allow no heartache or anguish from the past to remain in your borhood, be in touch with family and siblings and study the heart. Visualize yourself in warm soothing tropical waters.

I Ching, book of Divination.

SAGITTARIUS

Maintain clear communication with partners, intimates and those close to you. All relationships may enter into a phase of mis-understanding, perhaps disappointments, criticisms, over-reactions, mixed messages and perhaps the need to call upon mediation for understanding to occur. It is a time to assess the quality and value of thoughts, decisions and needs and discriminate between the self and all others. A difficult task, but necessary. A new home might become a necessary.

VIRGO TAURUS

Do not create any shifts or waves in your financial picture. No loans (given or applied for), for example. Take this time to review finances, create new budgets (to be applied after three weeks), assess the flow of money (what’s coming in, what’s going out), the hows and whys of these transactions and review if everything monetary is proceeding as planned. Include a review of precious metals, your values. And remember to tithe.

Notice if there is sensitivity (extra) around these subjects: CAPRICORN money, partnerships, joint resources/ Everything concerning daily life is re-evaluated. Review everyday finances, something from the past, speaking agendas and weekly plans, check all surrounding with superiors, thinking about career choices, environments — the house, the car, the garden communicating with co-workers, being — for needed upkeep. Make lists. Assess how misunderstood while in public, your life path, your future. It you want to shift, change and adapt to make life seems like every subject is sensitive. When you feel you’re more happy and pleasant. You realize you require more peace, being tested, say over and over, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” quiet and beauty. Careful communication is needed. Always have Remember, also, that you’re perfect.

Goodwill. But boundaries are essential too. Also assess the state of your health, diet, exercise and how you awaken each day.

LIBRA

GEMINI

Are you feeling somewhat distant, detached, reserved and unable to communicate feelings? Are others wondering where you are these days? You become internally focused, assessing all aspects of yourself — who you are, why you are, what your values are, your everyday actions, who you’re with and why. You review previous choices asking if they reflect your present wants, hopes and needs. Then the answers change within the month.

Rest a bit for the next four weeks, make no promises or important decisions, refrain from the following — signing anything into permanence (it won’t be) or making travel plans.

Thinking about communications, interactions and especially tending to your money (be careful) may be confusing, and previous realities won’t make sense. Only you will know why this is so (Mercury retrograde). Take up the Alan Watts Laughter meditation. Here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXWNMmj9qCk

Interesting situations and communication may occur with those close to you, with children, and your own self as a creative being. Any Issues not resolved in relationships will reappear. Try to listen to the core message within all communications. Don’t react or defend or ignore. These destroy. Listen with the heart. Unresolved issues must be dealt with or there will be a dissolving and dissolution of important connections.

Assess everything with care. Take good care of yourself.

SCORPIO

PISCES

CANCER

Thoughts, ideas, beliefs, decisions and issues not tended to for a long time appear in the present seeking attention and needing reassessment. Much of your communication may not be heard or understood by others.

Therefore, try to be very clear when communicating, speak slowly, listen well. Be non-judgmental, call forth compassion, retreat. This retrograde for you is a time of deep quiet, prayer and understanding forgiveness.

AQUARIUS

You want to be practical with money and resources. After the Everything about home, family, early life, mother, real estate, retrograde travel would be good. For now, things domestic, comes into focus and will consider new goals concerning money and need careful evaluation and assessments. resources, reaffirm what is of value to you.

Make no important decisions concerning the Eliminate what is no longer useful or what home unless an emergency occurs. Remember you haven’t used, touched or looked at in the past several everyone in the family is experiencing the present astrological months. Use this Mercury retrograde time to visualize new retrograde transit. And everyone is experiencing it differently. ways of living, building community and finding your like- Use your compassionate Pisces mind and heart to observe and minded companions. Consider all dreams as practical. discern the differences. And helping everyone to understand.

•••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“State Budget cont.” from page 24 The Governor’s homelessness proposal would allocate significant resources to a longstanding problem that has been heightened by the pandemic. The state also plays a foundational role in enabling economic growth by maintaining well-functioning infrastructure, transit, and higher education.

The May Revision includes many proposals in these areas. A notable number of proposals augment new programs, rather than making significant increases to existing safety net programs—like California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) and Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP)—or rate increases in programs like the Department of Developmental Services.

Trade-Off: Address Many Issues or Inroads on a Few. The May Revision aims to address many well-known problems, for which solutions—particularly coming out of a pandemic—are less understood.

For example, whether the administration’s workforce proposals will attract workers to retrain remains to be seen. Many of the Governor’s proposals touch on similar issues, but ways in which they would interact remain unclear. We recommend considering whether to spread funding across many dissues or to dedicate more substantial resources to a smaller set of problems for which the Legislature has greater assurance of success.

Limited Capacity for Oversight. The surplus, in combination with the federal fiscal recovery funds, represents resources equal to about half of pre-pandemic General Fund budgets. This is an extraordinary amount of funding. Departments’ capacity to allocate this funding and oversee new spending will be limited.

While the administration proposes a relatively small new unit in the Department of Finance to oversee new federal spending, more robust mechanisms for both state and federal funding—administratively and legislatively—are warranted.

Consider Withholding Some Decisions.

The administration proposes allocating almost all of the surplus and fiscal relief funds now. Given the constrained time line of the budget process, limited administrative capacity, and potential for future action at the federal level, we recommend the Legislature withhold decisions on some components of the May Revision. Delay would give the Legislature more time to determine which solutions would be most effective and develop a detailed plan. For example, the Legislature could wait to allocate the federal fiscal relief funds until more is known about what supports and services are needed as more Californians return to work, federal relief winds down, and the pandemic ebbs. n ••• To view charts and updates, see https:// lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4432

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS: FRESH AIR ’21 THIS SUMMER Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center’s Black Health Matters Initiative is kicking off a summer of free programming, Fresh Air ’21, to address and elevate the mental health and wellness of the Black community of Santa Cruz County.

Black Health Matters, with Santa Cruz County Parks and County Parks Friends, will produce a diverse and accessible lineup of COVID-mindful events and experiences led by and for Black residents (and allies) in beautiful outdoor spaces.

From movement classes, guided nature hikes, and self-care workshops, to weekly virtual content, community gatherings, and celebrations, this summer-long campaign is geared toward having a seat at the table for all.

Register: https://tanneryworlddance.com/bhm-happenings/ TWDCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twdcc_ dance/?hl=en

Libraries’ Summer Reading Program June 1 – July 31 and earn prizes and entries to a raffle of local merchant gift cards.

Go to santacruzpl.org/srp, call 831-427-7713, or text 831-264-0647 to sign up and for more information.

Kids up to age 18 get a $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld gift Sign-up today — and If you need to change it, it’s ok!

We need to get a head-count early — so we appreciate certificate toward a collection of comics and graphic your commitment to volunteer today! You can edit your novels.

After reading for 5 hours, kids up to age 11 get a shift or cancel before August 1st. You can do that by new book selected by librarians, kids 12-18 get a tote logging in to your registration sign-up and make the bag with goodies, and adults get a tote bag and a raffle change at any time! ticket. Prizes include a free scoop from The Penny Ice Let us know if you’d like to be a part of this year’s Creamery. Grand prize is family membership to the Festival by submitting your Volunteer Registration by Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Santa Cruz Museum of clicking on the button above. Thank You! Art and History.

For more information, contact (text only) Cherie La-France Anderson, Volunteer Chairperson, at (831) 239-4616, or Kevin The Beanstack online platform with mobile app will track summer reading and allow readers to claim Anderson, Volunteer Chairperson, at (831) 206-2943. rewards. Paper reading logs are available.

Summer reading events include magic shows, circus acts, SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS NorCalBats, musical performances, and STEAM projects. See This new program from Community Bridges brings santacruzpl.org/calendar. enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 Ongoing Through Labor Day and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you LOCH LOMOND RESERVOIR OPEN need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or Hours: August–Labor Day: 7 a.m-8 p.m. • June & July: 7 smartphone.

To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges. a.m.-8:30 p.m. • Closed Wednesdays org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the Loch Lomond Recreation Area is owned and operated by the City of Santa Cruz Water link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem Department, primarily storing water for Santa Cruz connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481. residents and offering boat rentals, picnicking, CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR SCOTTS VALLEY ART WINE fishing and hiking.

After Labor Day, the Reservoir will remain open on & BEER FESTIVAL The Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival is looking for weekends through the second weekend of October, open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. artists for the 2021 event, Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 Vehicle entrance fee: $8 • Season pass: $80 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 Information: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/ p.m. at Siltanen Park on Vine Hill Road, Scotts Valley. government/city-departments/water/watershed/ The festival has been approved by the Santa Cruz County Public Health Director Gail Newell and the City loch-lomond-recreation/park-map of Scotts Valley.

All artwork will be juried, with initial results posted on June 15.

Artists must have original, quality art and excellent craftsmanship. No kits, mass-produced items, commercial reproductions or imports will be allowed. The charge is $220 for a single booth and $390 for a double booth for Santa Cruz County residents, and $330 and $620 for out-of-county residents.

Artists apply at svartfestival.com. Artists who apply before June 15 get a $40 early bird discount. Applicants after June 15 will be juried on an individual basis. Final registration deadline is July 20. .

Artist check-in is noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, with First and Third Monday Each Month no late check-ins allowed due to limited access to the SENIOR LIFE ONLINE new venue.

4 p.m., Online Meeting Artist questions? Email Angela Marshall, artist chair, at Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life amarshall@scottsvalleychamber.com Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. Senior Life Online meets SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION on the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m.

Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distriView the schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/currentbution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds activities/. throughout the summer with new hours beginning in May. June 7: Scotts Valley Fire Chief Ron Whittle on Fire Upcoming dates and times: Prevention for Property Owners.

Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds June 21: Piret Harmon, General Manager at the Scotts Fridays, 9 a.m.-Noon Valley Water District, giving an update.

June 4 • June 18 • July 9 • July 23 To participate, you need an Internet connection Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 and a computer, tablet or smartphone. A one-time Food hotline: 831-662-0991. preregistration is required at https://tinyurl. com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763.

ONGOING EVENTS Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Ongoing thru July 31 Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at SUMMER READING All ages are invited to register for the Santa Cruz Public http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by June 18 Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org.

••• Second Wednesdays Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza.

Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

STUDENT STORY CONTEST DEADLINE Stories Due Wednesday, June 30 The Palo Alto Humane Society invites 7th and 8th graders in Santa Cruz County to participate in a writing competition on the theme of animals and people helping each other. Stories can be fiction or nonfiction and should illustrate a sense of kindness in their characters.

The top prize is $500, with $200 each for two runner-ups. Winning stories will be published by CABRILLO CLASSES Palo Alto Humane Society and highlighted during Cabrillo College’s summer session begins June 14. Act the 2021 Creating Compassionate Communities campaign. now to see if the class you’re looking for is available.

Stories must be original and between 800 and 1,000 The fall semester begins Aug. 23. words. Competition guidelines — plus a submission form Register at www.cabrillo.edu — are at https://tinyurl.com/paloalto-humane-write-2021.

Vandana Ravi won the inaugural contest in 2019 with RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES a story about a lonely girl who came across a donkey The American Red Cross urges individuals of all who also needed a friend. The 2020 winner was “The blood types to schedule an appointment now to Sun,” by Aaron Huang, depicting the life of a mother dog trapped in a puppy mill from the dog’s point of view. give blood, and in most cases, those who have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. Knowing the 20TH ANNIVERSARY BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL name of the manufacturer of the vaccine is important VIRTUAL TOUR in determining eligibility. Appointments can be made June 11-20, Online Film Festival The 20th Annual Bicycle Film Festival offers a virtual by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, screening of short films curated for visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED Santa Cruz County. The Festival CROSS (1-800-733-2767). is a fundraiser for local nonprofits The Red Cross will give people who donate May 28-June 13 a T-shirt, while supplies last. Donation dates Community Bike Collective and Bike Santa Cruz County. are: Tickets have sliding-scale prices of $10, $20 and $30 and can ••• be found at https://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/ Aptos June 5: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Highlands Park Senior SCOTTS VALLEY FESTIVAL NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Center/San Lorenzo Valley, 8500 Highway 9 Capitola Planning for the 2021 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer June 4: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. — Jade Street Community Festival is well underway. We are calling for volunteers Center, 4400 Jade St. to help make this year’s event a success!

Santa Cruz Volunteer shifts will begin early on Friday, August 20 June 3: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ to help with the event set up, such as tents, signage, of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. tables, chairs. Specifically, checking in the festival Watsonville artists and wineries and assisting them on to the field.

June 1: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. — Community Health Trust of We also need a team of volunteers to help on Saturday, Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. August 21 and Sunday, August 22 during the main event.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Volunteers Shifts include the following areas: CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Festival set up (Friday) • Meet and greet festival goers, hand out programs • Check ID’s and & Drink Alzheimer’s Association is Bracelets • Artist assistants • Parking Lot assistance offering video and phone • Kid Zone • Cops N Rodder’s Car Show (Saturday meetings for caregivers only) • Doggy Day (Sunday only) • Tear Down (Sunday throughout the month: afternoon) Second and Fourth Wednesdays If you are interested in a leadership role or have past Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill festival experience and would like to volunteer for a Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. specific role, please email us at volunteerchairartwineFirst and Third Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facili- beerfest@gmail.com All volunteers will receive: tators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney.

Festival T-Shirt • Food and Drinks during your shift • Second Saturdays Volunteers over 21 will receive a festival glass and drink Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — ticket • Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation Party!

Facilitator: Diana Hull.

28 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DATED EVENTS

Tuesday June 8

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT 7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR BODY Quench your thirst for international travel with the 2021 10-11:30 a.m., Alzheimer’s Association online seminar Ocean Film Festival World Tour, a short-film online The Alzheimer’s Association presents: “Healthy Living festival benefiting Save for Your Brain and Body” a webinar available via phone our Shores. and online.

The festival is presented Join us to learn about research on diet and nutrition,

by Rio Theatre and will exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and open on the big screen help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan and then be available for healthy aging. online through Monday, June 21.

Call 800-272-3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF The 2-1/2 hours of short films will take you free diving Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation with in the Coral Sea, sailing north to Alaska, exploring call-in information and instructions for joining our webinar. remote Russian Islands and surfing in Spain.

Meet Benoit, a surfer from Basque country who lost FIFTH ANNUAL GET HIRED his arm, Wayan Nyo, a fisherman who pulls plastic trash 6:30 p.m., UCSC Competition from the ocean so he can fish again, conservationist 7 p.m., Santa Cruz Works Job Fair Vladimir Burkanov, and kayakers Lucy Graham and 7:30 p.m., Design Your Life Presentations Matilde Gordon.

More than 10 companies will offer 300+ jobs and internships, including Joby Aviation, Paystand, Parallel Cost to attend the limited live audience show at Rio Theatre is Flight Technologies, LIFEAID, Claret Bioscience, Astrea $18.90.

Cost to rent online the festival for a 48-hour period is $18.

Forensics, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at this virtual Get tickets for either at https://www.riotheatre.com/eventsevent presented by Santa Cruz Works.

2/2021/6/8/ocean-film-festival-world-tour The night starts at 6:30 p.m. with the UC Santa Cruz Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development Business Plan Contest. Watch the top 3 teams who won Wednesday June 9 the annual competition and cast your vote in the People’s CHEF BRANDON COOKING DEMO Choice virtual ballot.

4 p.m., Online Class At 7:30 p.m., attendees can go to breakout rooms to Carmel chef Brandon Miller will host a free cooking meet recruiters, talk to company employees to learn demonstration featuring fruit from the Farmer’s Market about career paths, or listen to author and career guru for salads, desserts and main courses. .

Dave Evans, who will give a 30-pminute crash course To view, visit: https://zoom.us/j/93873965233 on “Designing Your Life,” has taught to thousands.

Meeting ID: 938 7396 5233 Tickets range from $0-$50. Register at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/5th-annual-get-hired-ucsc-cied-business-plan-contest- Thursday June 10 tickets-153589643759 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SEMINAR: WARNING SIGNS Thursday June 3 3-4:30 p.m., Online Class AUTHOR MARIA DAHVANA HEADLEY The Alzheimer’s Association presents: “10 Warning 7 p.m., Mt. Madonna Public Speaker Online Series Signs of Alzheimer’s” webinar, available both online and The Mount Madonna School public speaker series by phone. based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, Goals presents “Rethinking Traditional Gender in Classic thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily Literature,” featuring New York Times-bestselling author living.

Maria Dahvana Headley.

Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; Headley’s “Beowulf: A New Translation,” is a feminist how to approach someone about memory concerns; the reworking of the tale of entitlement and encroachment, importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; powerful men seeking to become more powerful, and possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic one woman seeking justice for her child. Her most recent process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. novel, “The Mere Wife,” follows the arc of the original Beowulf but places the epic into a women-centered story Call 800-272-3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF in modern suburbia.

OCEAN & CLIMATE JUSTICE SUMMIT Author, editor, and historian Tiffany Wayne, Ph.D., 4-6 p.m., Online Summit former English teacher at Mount Madonna School and TRUTH + JUSTICE = HOPE is a California Ocean & an alumni parent, will moderate.

Tickets are by donation at https://www.sdgspeakerseries.org/ Climate Justice Summit.

The summit, hosted by The Resource Center for Nonviolence and Save Our Shores, will amplify the stories of Monday June 7 emerging BIPOC environmental justice leaders to inspire UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S California to recognize how its diverse population, 1-2:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association online seminar cultural influence, vast wealth, and startup mindset can The Alzheimer’s Association presents “Understanding be essential collective forces to regenerate our ocean.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” a webinar available via Tickets and link information are available at Eventbrite.com phone and online.

Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference (https://tinyurl.com/cal-ocean-climate-summit) between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk Friday June 11 factors; current research and treatments available ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SEMINAR: for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association DEMENTIA CONVERSATIONS resources.

Call 800-272-3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF 1-2:30 p.m., Online Class Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation The Alzheimer’s Association presents: “Dementia with call-in information and instructions for joining our Conversations” webinar, available both online and by webinar. phone.

Wednesday June 2

LUNAFEST 2021 Thursday June 3 thru Saturday June 5, Virtual Film Festival Viewing begins June 3 at 7 p.m. Ticket sales end June 5 at 7 p.m. Details below LUNAFEST is a series of short films by and about women. The Santa Cruz virtual screening June 3-5 will benefit WomenCARE Santa Cruz; proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships go directly to WomenCARE, which provides a safe haven where women with any type of cancer find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.

Virtual viewing begins Thursday, June 3, at 7 p.m. You have 48 hours from then to unlock the films and then 24 hours to watch them. The run time is 86 minutes. Ticket sales end at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5.

This year’s films feature strong women, powerful images, and impactful language — and may not be suitable for children or teens.

••• OVEREXPOSED: FILMING AN ARCTIC ODYSSEY : By Holly Morris. A behind-the-scenes look at the film team that captured the daring story of the Women’s Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition.

KNOCKING DOWN THE FENCES: By Meg Shutzer. AJ Andrews, the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, struggles to make it as one of the best professional softball players in the world.

A LINE BIRDS CANNOT SEE: By Amy Bench. Separated from her mother at the border, a 12-year-old sets out on a harrowing journey to the United States to find her.

THE SCIENTISTS VERSUS DARTMOUTH: By Sharon Shattuck. A young neuroscientist and her colleagues make a life-changing decision to speak up for women in science.

UNTIL SHE IS FREE: By Maria Finitzo. Mixed-media artist Sophia Wallace imagines a world where all people are able to live with possibility and purpose.

CONNECTION: By Tracy Nguyen-Chung & Ciara Lacy. A lifelong angler, Autumn Harry had never fished beyond the waters of her reservation — until she picked up a fly rod.

BETYE SAAR: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: By Christine Turner. There’s no stopping this legendary artist, even at age 93.

••• Tickets are $20 at https://www.lunafest.org/screenings/virtual-screening-friends-of-womencare-santa-cruz-060321 When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable.

This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address issues such as going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care.

Call 800-272-3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF

Tuesday June 15 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SEMINAR: HEALTHY AGING 1-2:30 p.m., Online Class The Alzheimer’s Association presents: “Healthy Aging”, available both online and by phone.

Science is providing insights into how to lifestyle choices may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.

Learn about research on diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and tools to help you incorporate these insights into a plan for healthy aging.

Call 800-272-3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF

Wednesday June 23 CHEF IVAN COOKING DEMO 4 p.m., Online Class Executive Chef Ivan from Tarpy’s Roadhouse will give a free demo of healthy Farmer’s Market salad creations.

To view, visit: https://zoom.us/j/97161327724 Meeting ID: 971 6132 7724

Thursday June 24 BOOK TO ACTION: JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS 8 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online Seminar The Watsonville and Santa Cruz Public Libraries invite teens and adults to participate in a Book to Action Zoom meeting featuring Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen author Jose Antonio Vargas.

Free copies of his book are available at all library locations while supplies last. It’s also available in e-book and audio formats.

About 280 seats are available. Register at https://www. santacruzpl.org/pages/book-to-action/ n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2021 / 29

“Friend” from page 23 Homelessness Funding For homelessness, the proposed budget includes funding for Project Roomkey—$150 million one-time General Fund to support the stability of the state’s FEMA-funded non-congregate shelter population and transition of individuals from Project Roomkey into permanent housing following the September 2021 sunset of the federal reimbursement. It also includes $2.75 billion over two years for additional acquisitions and rehabilitation of sites through these programs. Other funding includes supportive services for formerly homeless veterans—$25 million one-time funding to administer a competitive grant program to support aging veterans and $1.4 billion in 2022-23 to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate behavioral health assets to expand the community continuum of behavioral health treatment resources.

Community Resilience Funding he May Revise could provide local funding in different ways. For example, counties will be able to access grant funding

T

“Laird” from page 23 We must also backstop water agencies who have lost revenue during the pandemic as customers were unable to pay their water bills.

• As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, we cannot return to business as usual in our approach to education of California’s next generation of innovators and leaders. The budget must make meaningful investments in our financial aid system and enact the debt free college plan. This would allow for over 300,000 more students, particularly non-traditional and older students, to be eligible for Cal Grants.

Expanding Cal Grant eligibility for students in both public and private

for community hardening through a new “Prepare California” program at CalOES. Counties with fairgrounds, and other local facilities that are regularly used for disaster and evacuation, will have access to funding for significant upgrades through a new California Department of Food and Agriculture allocation. Funding for climate adaptation, home hardening, and hazard mitigation is also included.

Specifically, the proposal includes $250 million of one-time funds to develop and implement a new initiative, Prepare California, modeled after a successful FEMA program. It is designed to build disaster-resistant communities through state, local, federal, and private sector and nongovernmental organization partnerships. $150 million is proposed to support the development and enhancement of community resilience centers. Funding could be used to support infrastructure for emergency evacuation, shelter, base camps during emergency events, and critical deferred maintenance. Elements for this infrastructure may include cooling and heating centers, clean air centers, and

universities would be investment of about $1 billion. I am committed to working with my colleagues and the administration to find a path to success for this important program.

• The Legislature has the opportunity for significant investment in K-12 education. As Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, I advocate that we require Local Education Agencies to participate in the National School Lunch Program, as they would be able to offer breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income level.

This would modernize our approach to school nutrition and ensure any student who wanted a meal would get one. Further, this would eliminate stigma for students who receive school meals and alleviate barriers faced by immigrant families who are reluctant to provide information in order to receive meals, finally removing “school lunch debt” from our vocabulary. If this crucial investment gets included in the budget, it will cost between $500 million to $1 billion.

• The digital divide continues to persist across rural and urban California.

HELLO!

Book a photo session for your dog! evasacher.com 30 / June 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

extended emergency evacuation response centers. These centers could be equipped with community kitchens, shower facilities, broadband, back- up power, and other community needs due to wildfires, floods, and other emergencies or climate events.

For wildfire protection, the May Revision proposes to maintain the Governor’s January Budget proposal with $708 million in 2021-22 to support the Forest Management Task Force’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan while adding $38.9 million to support the staffing of three additional California National Guard crews for a total of 13 fire crews from July through December, and continue staffing 8 additional CAL FIRE crews that began in April.

Broadband he Governor is proposing to invest over $7 billion in broadband infrastructure. If approved, on top of other proposals at the state, the investments could lead to significant broadband improvements throughout the state. The funding would extend reliable high-speed access to homes and businesses and build a backbone infrastructure that

will make future investments more efficient and competitive.

Of the $7 billion the proposal calls for $4 billion for a statewide middlemile network, reducing the cost of future last-mile deployment and increasing competition and affordability. $2 billion will support last-mile fiber through an existing state subsidy program, providing 100 Mbps broadband to those without.

Additionally, $35 million is slated to expand broadband access to isolated and under-served communities through a collaborative partnership of local education agencies, regional libraries, and tele-health providers.

This is just an outline of the significant number of budget proposals and how they may impact our area. At this point, they are just proposals and still need adoption by the legislature. If you would like to see more information you can visit the state’s budget site at http://ebudget.ca.gov n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this or any other County issue feel free to contact me at 454-2200.

In response, this budget makes significant investments in broadband connectivity, an issue made even more important as schools and workplaces were forced to close their doors and relocate to homes, garages, or anywhere there was a signal. Students should not be faced with no option other than to sit in front of storefronts to access online classrooms, nor should our increasingly digital workforce struggle to tap into adequate broadband speeds to contribute to our economy. To address this inequity, between those able to fully embrace our technologically driven state and those who remain disconnected, California is investing $7 billion over three years as part of a plan to expand broadband infrastructure, increase affordability, and enhance access to broadband for all Californians.

Expanding and enhancing internet connectivity is a long overdue step toward the future.

• And also of great importance, this revised budget includes $24.4 billion in reserves, which as last year demonstrated, is vital in budgeting

through difficult circumstances.

The proposed budget will continue to pay down the state’s long-term retirement liabilities, paying down over $10 billion in liabilities over the next 4 years.

••• As legislators, it is important that we invest in today’s needs and better prepare the state of California for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities — both in terms of investments to meet our biggest challenges, returning money to those in need, and saving money to be ready for the next downturn.

As a veteran of the state’s budget cycles, I can say unequivocally that this spending plan likely poses once-in-alifetime opportunities to make investments that will benefit California for decades to come. That’s what we should aim for as the legislature fine-tunes the Governor’s proposal. n ••• State Sen. John Laird represents the 17th District, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties and parts of Monterey and Santa Clara counties. To contact him, see https://sd17. senate.ca.gov/

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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Our customer service team answers over 100,000 calls a year.

Ratany’s Story

ello everyone, I’m Ratany (A281241), but don’t take me for a shrub! I’m a 1 year old male black and white domestic shorthair with quite the story.

Before arriving at the shelter I lived in an RV with 50 other kitties! Trust me, it was not as fun as it sounds! In fact, it has left me a bit hesitant. I like to take my time getting to know new folks, but once I know you’re safe I warm up fast!

My favorite thing to do is talk to you. Yup, I’m one of those! I can talk all day every day, especially if I learn that you give good cheek scritches. I also LOVE toys. Playing is the fastest way to my heart. Personally, I prefer the wand toy, as it requires a superior level of skill which I have honed during my time here at the shelter. And yes…that is an open invitation to challenge me. *winks* So if you’re bringing lots of love, fun, and patience to the table, come down to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter so we can have a chat!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

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