Stage 3 Water Cutback: What You Can Do, By Rebecca Gold Rubin

FEATURED COLUMNIST Stage 3 Water Cutback: What You Can Do

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Recurring droughts are something we’ve all learned to live with here in California, and unfortunately this year is shaping up to be one of the worst.

As of last month, 94% of California is reported to be in a “severe” (or worse) drought condition, while 73% of the state is in the “extreme” drought category – and that includes right here in the Santa Cruz midcounty region. While the overdrafted groundwater supply we rely on to serve our customers may not be as immediately impacted by the current drought as surface water supply sources, it does have a negative impact over time.

Thus, we remain in a Groundwater Emergency and Stage 3 Water Curtailment due to historical groundwater overdraft and seawater contamination occurring at the coastline. The community is already doing a remarkable job of daily water conservation – and during a drought, that commitment to saving water is even more important. Using our WaterSmart Customer Portal, considering smart irrigation controllers, and maintaining your irrigation system are three things that can really help.

Our WaterSmart Customer Portal is an online tool giving you more control over your water use and billing, leak detection, and more. It can notify you about potential water leaks so you can find and fix the leak before it becomes a bigger problem. You can also set up alerts for when your water use level or bill amount reaches your designated thresholds. With that information, you can minimize water loss due to a leak, reduce potential water damage, and get fewer surprises in your water bills. You can also pay your water bill, see how much water your irrigation system uses, identify watersaving opportunities, access conservation resources, and even apply for conservation rebates. Visit soquelcreekwater.org/ watersmart for more information and to register for this free online service.

July is Smart Irrigation month! So, you might consider installing a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts your watering schedule based on daily weather changes will help you save water. Smart irrigation controllers, also known as weather-based irrigation controllers, use current weather information to create appropriate irrigation schedules that adjust as the weather changes.

They are most cost-effective for medium-size or larger landscapes; however, they can be used for any size landscape. The District offers rebates of up to $125 when you buy and install a weather-based irrigation controller. Visit soquelcreekwater.org/rebates to learn more about this and other rebates available when you install water-saving tools.

Smart irrigation controllers reduce landscape water use by an average of about 8% as part of a well-maintained irrigation system. But they can’t correct common irrigation problems — to really benefit from a weather-based controller, you should ensure your existing irrigation system is working well.

“Stage 3” page 26

The 4th of July

ACROSS 1. Steps to the river, in

India 5. Hot springs resort 8. Meal in a shell 12. Driver’s misbehavior? 13. *Grilling technique 14. Medal of Honor descriptor 15. Cracked open 16. What Knave of Hearts stole from Queen of

Hearts, sing. 17. Raise one’s rank 18. *July 4th pyrotechnic display 20. Hubble Space

Telescope operator, acr. 21. Chip dip 22. i topper 23. *Main Street tradition on the 4th 26. Superlative of fumy 30. Ribonucleic acid 31. Store as fodder 34. Moonfish 35. Rose oil 37. Number cruncher 38. Fairytale garden dweller 39. Indian Lilac tree 40. Extinct type of zebra 42. Steampunk decoration 43. Did 2 + 2 (2 words) 45. Crocheted blanket 47. Swedish shag rug 48. Ancient port city in

Israel 50. Smiley face 52. *First President to hold July 4th celebration at the

White House 56. Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and ____” 57. Medicinal succulent 58. Hit the bottle 59. Earthenware pots 60. View from a highspeed train? 61. Observer 62. “Glengarry ____

Ross” 63. G, in solfa 64. “The Fountainhead” author

DOWN

1. Former tennis pro

Steffi 2. One who’s made the pilgrimage to Mecca 3. Petri dish filler 4. Mother of Calcutta 5. Roebuck’s partner 6. a.k.a. anorak 7. A in B.A. 8. *”No ____ without representation” 9. Unfortunately, exclamation 10. *Drink to wash down burgers and hot dogs? 11. Table scrap 13. Steal, past participle 14. What haters spew? 19. Crane or heron 22. Expecting woman’s date 23. Life force in Sanskrit 24. Chipped in 25. What Motion Picture

Association of

America did 26. *Most popular July 4th decoration 27. Notable period 28. Polynesian island country 29. Feudal lord 32. Fish a.k.a. porgy 33. Beer acronym 36. *Lee Greenwood’s

“Proud to Be an ____” 38. Blooper 40. Sine ____ non 41. Old-timer 44. Force units 46. Wedding tossable 48. Jiggly dessert 49. Run _____ of the law 50. Type of sea bird 51. Agitate 52. Kickboxing moves 53. Miso bean 54. U.S. ____ in golf or tennis 55. Egghead 56. Leisurely run

As summer begins, we are influence by Cancer, sign of mother, family, home, the embryonic waters nurturing new life. Cancer, its light flowing through the moon, nurtures the masses of humanity.

In our very earliest incarnations on Earth everyone entered planet Earth under the sign of Cancer. Cancer therefore has a deep and abiding connection with the human race. Cancer is called the “Gate Into Matter” — the doorway through which humans (from the spirit world) appear on Earth. Cancer guards and guides all of humanity. Cancer people (Sun, Moon, Ascendant) intuitively understand the common everyday person’s basic wants, needs and motivations.

Cancer rules (oversees, protects) home, (the parent who is the) mother, family, tribes, birth, childbirth, the sea, women (in general), instincts, inherited tendencies, domestic life, cooks, kitchens, nurturing, gestation, protectiveness, baskets, the sea, the demarcation line between water and land, moody feelings and all places of refuge and repose. Cancer receives and distributes Ray 3 (new ideas) and Ray 7 (taking root, anchoring in the world, the great sea of life). Cancers are very intelligent. Cancer is the “Light within the form — awaiting the Light of the Soul.” Cancer lives half on earth and half in the water. Often Cancer hides away under its shell, silently waiting for the environment to be safe and trusting. Cancer rules our treasures, our private life, conception, heredity and one’s spiritual security (ashram or sangha). Cancer is always seeking home for its refuge. Cancer has unrealized gifts buried deep within. Cancer’s gifts of nurturing and nourishment are profound and mysterious. What they don’t realize is they need nurturing and nourishment, too. n “Stage 3” from page 25

Maintaining your irrigation system

will help ensure you are watering as efficiently as possible — in fact, landscape irrigation issues are one of the top three causes of water leaks and waste. The first step is to monitor your water bills (it’s easy with the WaterSmart Customer Portal!). Here are some of the basic things you can do to keep your irrigation system running smoothly: • While the irrigation is running, look for and fix or adjust overspray onto hardscapes or other run-off, broken heads or leaking seals, obstructed or misdirected heads, and dying or drowning plants. • Know how to use your irrigation controller and consider purchasing a

“smart” one that automatically adjusts for recent rainfall and time of year. • Create a map of your yard showing each irrigation zone and its valve number — this will save time when trouble-shooting any problems. • Add mulch to help hold moisture in the landscape and prevent erosion on slopes. • Irrigate when the sun is down (but inspect your system when the sun is up). • Adjust your irrigation schedule with the four seasons.

The drought we’re now experiencing emphasizes the importance of the District’s Pure Water Soquel supplemental water supply project (soquelcreekwater. org/PWS), and we’re happy to report that construction of eight miles of that project’s pipelines is now underway. This is the “conveyance system” that will transport water to the Pure Water Soquel advanced purification facility to be built, and then carry that ultra-clean water to the seawater intrusion prevention wells where it will be pumped underground to replenish our overdrafted groundwater basin.

This construction began in late May at two locations, as crews started installing pipeline in Santa Cruz on California Street through the Laurel Street intersection, and on Soquel Avenue near Chanticleer Avenue. Construction of the pipeline system is anticipated to continue at various locations into 2023.

Be sure to visit soquelcreekwater.org/ PWSconstruction for information about ongoing and upcoming construction for Pure Water Soquel, including maps and schedules, and to sign up for email construction updates.

Visit our website at https://www. soquelcreekwater.org/186/Stage-3-WaterShortage-Emergency for a list of our current water use restrictions and directions on how to report water waste in our community.

We thank our customers for continuing to conserve water and being diligent about preventing water waste. n

ARIES

Opportunities are presented along with challenges. You find the courage to meet each one because of your nature — fiery, willing, enthusiastic. This year and for many more, you will experience vast changes, radical shifts, a state of impermanence that, in the end, will constitute unusual creative endeavors and ways of being based on new rhythms and archetypes. Keep moving, pausing for rest here and there only when needed.

TAURUS

You’re the lucky one this year. You drew the lucky card and all that you’ve wished for begins to appear. Know however, this includes lots of work, much pondering, thinking and study, detailed planning, and waiting for right timing (astrological) to occur. Your good judgment has others seeking your advice and insight. You may travel this year for information, comfort and beauty. And perhaps a wedding. Plan now.

GEMINI

Notice if (and when) much of the past, including people and events, begins to slip away. This is not good, bad or something to be frightened about. It means you’re traveling onward; your life itself is clearing any limitations and hindrances. A healing is occurring and patterns of thought no longer useful are being released. “Healing”, the Tibetan writes, “allows for the Soul to be free”. You need to be free.

CANCER

Summer belongs to you. Are you communicating with friends and neighbors? Do not be involved in gossip. It’s good to be somewhat secluded or helping others in need. Be aware of power struggles with others. There’s a projection from you of being in charge and it’s possible you’re not listening to others’ communication. This creates separation and misunderstandings. You must ask yourself what’s most important in relating to others. Be restorative with others.

LEO

As work comes with more responsibilities, you will notice how strong and courageous you are, able to assume multiple tasks with skill and agility. Many people seek your help, trusting your constancy, sense of rightness and patience. Simultaneously, you’re harboring secret thoughts, hopes, wishes and dreams. It’s important to take time away from the world. Step into the shadows. What do you see and feel there? Who will join you?

VIRGO

Take time to consider what you would like for the future. Create a picture/photo journal depicting how you want your life to be. Begin before your birthday so that when it arrives you have a clear idea of your new coming year. Don’t be predictable. Be groundbreaking, inventive and original. Use nothing from the past — no beliefs or plans — to create your possible future. The past needs to be transcended completely. So a new future can present itself that you yourself create.

LIBRA

You need to run away at times to places far away. You need to travel, have many adventures, find new people to communicate with, see new art and artifacts, bathe in warm blue pools at midnight. You need environments and communications to be more harmonious. You need a new garden to work in. You need to think the impossible. Know that ideas become ideals and slip into form and matter when we visualize. You need change, a feeling of being submerged in a completely new reality. What do you think you need?

SCORPIO

As daily life changes, and continues to, all relationships begin to shift and change. This includes all the ways you can think relationships (interactions, partnerships) can improve and expand. Daily life becomes different and unusual. What’s unusual eventually becomes the usual, but it will take a bit of time. The past, showing up on your doorstep, arrives in order to eventually disappear again. Perhaps for the last time. We hope.

SAGITTARIUS

You need the same things Libra needs, but more so. Something of fantasy may come and stay a while. You may not know what it is. It will have two faces. Don’t be confused. Be spontaneous, curious yet cautious. Careful with money. The usual warning, but more so, again. As home feels like it’s dissolving away, your creative expression takes on Aquarian tones, work becomes ever more expanded. You can do all of this with poise and equanimity. And joy. Joy is a choice. You seem to need community now.

CAPRICORN

Here are the energies for Caps as they enter the summer months. A shift in self-identity, something precious being found, small joys in daily life, new thinking, refining tasks and communication, a change at/of home, pursuing the Art of Living, little gardening tasks, summer walks in different neighborhoods, an ice cream maker, nurturing intimate relationships, enlivened through travel, bringing forth balance through Right Relations in the world. And finally, and most important, having an interlude of rest.

AQUARIUS

You’re interacting and making contact with many different groups of people. This is your spiritual task. To be an acquaintance to everyone, gathering and dispersing information about the future endeavors of humanity. The Hierarchy looks down on Earth seeking to find who carries the “light” within. You carry that light. Therefore you’re sent here and there to disperse that light. Rest a while sometimes. Play more. Share. Visualize. What you need eventually appears.

PISCES

New and different worlds are becoming acquainted with you along with new and different experiences. An unexpected endeavor is being introduced and considered. An impression from above. Follow this path and do the work needed each day. It will eventually heal hurts and separations. A depth of communication is available at this time. Use this opportunity to make contact with all (people, kingdoms, events) that you value. If some cannot be contacted, visualize the two of you, heart to heart. Love happens then.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS Brought to you by Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services. Register at scparks.com. Movies begin at dusk. Bring blankets, jackets and low-back chairs.

Dates and Locations:

July 9: Finding Nemo, Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Soquel San Jose Road, Soquel. And bring your dog!

July 23: Onward, Highlands County Park, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond.

LITERACY PROGRAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Nearly every day someone reaches out to the Literacy Program, part of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, to ask about learning English. Some want to get a job, advance their career, or to be able to talk with their child’s teacher. The Literacy Program aims to connect these motivated adults with a volunteer tutor.

Tutors impart more than English. They provide a wealth of information about how life works in Santa Cruz County. They may assist students in gaining the basic skills to go shopping, engage socially, navigate the local landscape, or they may provide insight about work norms. And tutors provide basic training for students to further their education and to obtain citizenship. Training is offered four times a year. There is a one-time $50 materials fee. To volunteer, call 427-5077. Then participate in a one-hour online orientation: https://scvolunteercenter.org/ programs/literacy-program/volunteer/

HEART OF THE CACTUS On Display Thru Aug. 1, viewing by appointment at Pajaro Valley Arts Center, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Pencas del Corazón/Heart of the Cactus — community artwork created in a series of virtual pop-up events guided by

local visual and performing artists and curators — is on display at Pajaro Valley Arts Center beginning June 16 through Aug. 1, with galley hours Friday-Sunday by appointment.

Pencas del Corazón is a tribute to the culturally significant cactus plant that symbolizes resilience and sustenance for many Latinx cultures.

An inaugural Rydell Visual Arts Partnership awardee, Pencas del Corazón celebrates the culmination of a year-long project between lead artists, Yesenia Molina and Irene Juárez O’Connell, the Watsonville community, and Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Contributors include: Guillermo Aranda, Janet Johns, Salvador Lua, Gabriel Medina and Mayra Ruiz-Valtiera. https://pvarts.org/pencas-del-corazon-heart-of-the-cactus/

SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 On display thru Oct. 31 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden.

The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators.

Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoor exhibit.

Admission is free. Visitors can see works created by:

Jamie Abbott • Cristy Aloysi • Susana Arias • Jeff Arnett

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by July 19

• Nessy Barzilay • Michael Bashista • Lucia Bruer • Trudi Burney • Jay Capela • Lee Cavanaugh • Paul Cheney • Kathleen Crocetti • Sally Diggory • Franco Di Majo • Barbara Downs • Scott Graham • Leonard Groner • Roy Holmberg • William Hufmann • Kristen Kolbek • Marilyn Kuksht • Ron Lion • Lyn MacDonald • Mike McClellan • Kirk McNeill • Susan Megorden • Annie Morhauser • David Mudgett • Geoffrey Nicastro • Nancy Niles • Jeff Owen • Jane Reyes • Pierre Riche • Jewel Rogers • Mandy Spitzer • Judy Stabile • Richard Starks • Aaron Vanderkerckhove • Susan von Schmacht • Jenni Ward • Lea de Wit • April Zilber

SUMMER DANCE CLASSES

Agape Dance Academy in Scotts Valley and Aptos presents Swan Lake ballet classes July 6-31.

Sign up at https://agapedance.com/ Questions? Call 831-359-0850 or email agapedance7@gmail. com

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

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and phone meetings for caregivers throughout the month: Second and Fourth Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. First and Third Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facilitators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney. Second Saturdays Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Facilitator: Diana Hull. 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.

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges. org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon on the following Fridays: July 9 • July 23 Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991.

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing thru July 31 SUMMER READING All ages are invited to register for the Santa Cruz Public 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 certificate toward a collection of comics and graphic novels.

After reading for 5 hours, kids up to age 11 get a new book selected by librarians, kids 12-18 get a tote bag with goodies, and adults get a tote bag and a raffle ticket. Prizes include a free scoop from The Penny Ice Creamery. Grand prize is family membership to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.

The Beanstack online platform with mobile app will track summer reading and allow readers to claim rewards. Paper reading logs are available. Summer reading events include magic shows, circus acts, NorCalBats, musical performances, and STEAM projects. See santacruzpl.org/calendar. Ongoing Through Labor Day LOCH LOMOND RESERVOIR OPEN Hours: August–Labor Day: 7 a.m-8 p.m. • June & July: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. • Closed Wednesdays Loch Lomond Recreation Area is owned and operated by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, primarily storing water for Santa Cruz residents and offering boat rentals, picnicking, fishing and hiking.

After Labor Day, the Reservoir will remain open on weekends through the second weekend of October, open 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Vehicle entrance fee: $8 • Season pass: $80 Information: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/ city-departments/water/watershed/loch-lomond-recreation/ park-map First and Third Monday Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. Senior Life Online meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m. View the schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/currentactivities/.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. A one-time preregistration is required at https://tinyurl. com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT 1-2:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).

You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register (Full URL: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld6trTgjEtOukidbv3qCQQTitZ92kXFf)

If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. For a recording of the March 18 speaker or more information on support groups and classes, https://www. namiscc.org/ Tuesdays FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

ROTACARE RETURNS! 5:30-8 p.m., Behind Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St. Santa Cruz The Free RotaCare Santa Cruz Clinic is reopening at its new location. For more info, call 831-204-6040 or visit https://www. rotacarebayarea.org/santacruz First Tuesdays Of The Month FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. https://arboretum.ucsc.edu