Capitola Soquel Times: December 2022

By

By Toni Campbell

The holidays have arrived at the Capitola Library Friends’ bookstore in the Capitola Mall.

Just before Thanksgiving, a group of vol unteers stocked tables and shelves with hundreds of holiday-related items and festooned the store with

decorations celebrating the season. The community is invited to stop by daily to browse holiday and general interest materials.

This well-organized store has become a favorite browsing place for Mall shoppers. ... continues on page 4

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“Used Book Store” from page 1

About five years ago when the ‘temporary’ Capitola Library closed for construction, the Capitola Mall donated an

empty store to the

Library Friends for used book sales.

In their current 4,000-square-foot location, the Capitola Friends’ volunteers sell used books, CDs, and DVDs that have been donated to them by folks from throughout Santa Cruz County, and some times beyond!

Almost all of the approximately 15,000 items are $1 or $2.

The store is packed with materials for all ages ... picture books for the young set; hundreds of chapter books for new readers; young adult books that meet teens’ interests; and, of course, hundreds of novels in both paper and hardback for adults.

In addition to fiction, the store has healthy collections of history, gardening, biography, sports, music, crafts, travel, cookbooks, and many more categories.

The money raised benefits the Cap itola Library. n

For information about scheduling a donation pickup up, contact Karen at karen@ sploids.com.

Store hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (12 – 5 Mondays).

Capitola

Cover Photo: Michelle Jesberg, the librarian at New Brighton Middle School, is a volunteer at the Capitola Library Friends bookstore in the Capitola Mall.

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Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator

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Capitola Plein Air 2022 Winners

By Joe Ortiz

Capitola Arts and Cultural Council Commission welcomed 30 artists— many local, several from other Bay Area cities, and one from Ukraine—to Cap itola, Nisene Marks, and Pleasure Point at the beginning of November to participate in the Seventh Annual Capitola Plein Air 2022 paint-out.

To cap the weeklong event, artists displayed their work at Jade Street Com munity Center on Sunday, Nov. 6. Many attendees and artists noted how the venue’s light helped display the art to great effect for an audience of many attendees, both local and from over the hill.

Previously the display was at New Brighton School.

Kudos must go to event organizer Laurie Hill and her enthusiastic group of volunteers for their organization and com munication to artists and attendees alike.

According to Laurie: “Through the cold and wet, these talented and determined artists captured Capitola’s brilliance.”

Sales for the event netted $23,990, with a total of 52 paintings sold.

Judge Cyndra Bradford selected these winners:

FIRST: Durre Waseem “Morning Greetings” Oil 12x16

SECOND: Kristian Matthews “Van Life” Oil 9x12

HONORABLE MENTION: Lucinda Eubanks “Capitola” (Home)” Watercolor 12x16 • Joan Hel lenthal “View from Deasy Park” Pastel

12x9 • Chad Hunter “New Brighton

Sunset” Oil 8x10 • Bill Kennan “Jack O’Neill House in November” Oil 12x12 •

Lisa Mozzini McDill “Motel” Oil 12x12 • Steven McDonald “Forest Meander” Oil 12x9 • Mark Monsarrat “Capitola Avenue View” Oil 20x16

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Lupe Santos “Going to the Village” Watercolor 10x16

ARTISTS’ CHOICE: Louis Chan “Cap itola Beach” Watercolor 19x14

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION: Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce Award: Lupe Santos “Going to the Village” Watercolor 10x16 Capitola Village Business Improvement Association Award: Kerrie Brandau Oil •••

Cover Photo: An art lover enjoys beau tiful scenes of Capitola on display at Plaein Air 2022 •Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Photo Credit: Kelly Mozumder

People’s Choice: Lupe Santos

Photo Credit: Teresa Green

Second Place winner Kristian Matthews.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Artists’ Choice: Louis Chan.

Photo Credit: Kelly Muzumder Durre Waseem with her 1st place piece.

COMMUNITY NEWS Ride The Bus With Us

By Teresa Hidalgo Dance

Axel Garcia and Marge Valencia love riding the bus. As a Cabrillo College student, Axel gets to ride the Santa Cruz Metro bus for free as do stu dents of UCSC. About 70 percent of the bus line’s passengers are enrolled in college.

Marge, who declines to drive on Highway 17, frequently rides Metro’s accommodating Highway-17 Express to San Jose.

Without Santa Cruz’s bus line, people like Axel and Marge would have to rely on the kindness of car drivers, adding to the congestion on the streets and emissions in the air.

Instead, the Metro gives them a measure of independence and the oppor tunity to let the bus line do what it’s good at–transporting people to their destina tions. Indeed, through the years, the Metro has proven itself to be what it should be — a convenience serving the person on the street and in addition, the environment.

The Metro offers amenities to all its passengers, who mostly range in age from 18 to 60. There is the handy Metro Splash

Pass, a mobile ticketing app that can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play.

“Ride The Bus” page 9

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Wrier Teresa Hildalgo Dance rides the Metro.

Jersey Joe Walcott & Coney Island

Previous Episode: The family doctor paid a visit to help me through an aspirineating spree and Mom soothed my tummy with a plate of Pasta Aglio e Olio.

Iwoke up feeling better. I knew I had the chance to go somewhere with Dad because he often took us out on Sundays, and I didn’t want to spoil it by complaining.

After breakfast he sat me on a phone book on the sofa, propped up my feet on a large can of Italian plum tomatoes, and started to shine my shoes.

He slapped his hand into the wax. Olive tan in color, his hands and arms looked like leather, the same shoe leather he was reputed to be such an expert at repairing. He spread the wax with his fingers—first rubbing them into the polish, then onto the shoes—building up a rhythm, like shadow boxing. When he used the brush, he worked it so hard my feet fell off the tomato can. He did the final buff with the canvas shoe rag, which snapped and popped in his alternating handwork, as if he was punching at you with jabs and pauses, imitating Jersey Joe Walcott for me. As far as I knew, the snap and pop of the rag was the sound of leather meeting skin in a prizefight.

Then he just halted short and said, “Ya wanna go ta California?”

Before I could answer, he counter punched, “Well, maybe we’ll go ta Cali fornia this winter.” A few more pops of the rag and he stopped: “But maybe we’ll go fishing today.”

Dad lifted me off the pillow and stood me on my newly shined shoes.

Sure, I wanted to go fishing at the beach. But with Dad we never knew what we were in for. Would there be some glitch? Some so-called work Dad had to do? Would he ask us to be accomplices in one of his crazy schemes? Would he take us for a long subway ride, only to realized that he’d forgotten his money and we’d have to turn right around and go back home?

Later Dad devised some makeshift fishing lines, wrapped around an old stick so you can hold on with one hand and throw the hook, bait, and sinker end with the other. Instead of those cool lead sinkers to weight our line, Dad used tobacco bags filled with sand. He found some cruddy sticks in the alley behind the shoe shop, so Laura and I didn’t expect much. We felt odd and slightly abused at having to carry those contraptions on the subway, but we were still excited to get out of the projects.

Even back then the subway stop at Queens Borough Plaza looked like a gro tesque, steam-punk space station, serving several lines heading off in different direc tions. Once we caught the BMT line and Dad became distracted trying to look up a woman’s dress, Laura leaned over to me and said, “Maybe this time we’ll actually get our lines in the water.”

Soon, we got off that first train to change lines. Little did we know, but the trip would take us eight subway changes. So, we rode and stopped and caught another train. Then we did it all again. Like with the aspirin, I stopped counting after I got up to seven fingers. Laura and I started to get fidgety, so Dad launched into a story that gave him the captive audience that would slowly bring him out of his Sunday hangover and us out of the agony of the long ride.

“Lotta people think I’m the smartest shoemaker in New York, Laura,” he said.

“Grimy Eddie comes in last week wit a pair of fifty dolla shoes, wit a knife cut across the toe. Dey’re wasted and nobody can use ‘em. So, I talk him inta givin’ me ten dollas. That’s almost enough fa Joey’s doctor bill.”

As the train slowed down and pulled into the station at Coney, Laura whispered:

“Daddy always ends a story at the good part—the stuff Mom doesn’t want us to hear.”

Dad marched us past the hot dog stands; past the rides; the colorful shops with Kewpie dolls and oversized Teddy bears; the stacked leaded milk bottles you had to knock over with battered base balls. Breezing right by all the color and excitement, Dad walked swiftly ahead of us, constantly looking back, and saying, “Come on kids, get going.”

Laura saw the disappointment on my face. “Nevermind,” she said. “Don’t even ask. This is Coney, but you and I are going fishing. There’s no money for all this good stuff.”

When we finally arrived at the beach, my father dragged us down to a bait shop, where he forked up 15 cents for a bag of live anchovies. My sister and I perked up. Dad had never gone this far before. Maybe we really were here to fish.

Eventually, far from the boardwalk, we walked out halfway onto the pier and Dad threw down our gear. He baited up our lines and heaved them out into the sun-speckled ocean, and said, “You kids wait here and fish for a while. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Laura said, “We’ll be right here.” She must have known from the tone of his voice and her teenage wisdom that Dad would be gone for a while, but I was in a glaring dream. Fishing. At the beach.

After a few hours, I got bored and started throwing rocks, shells, bottle caps into the ocean to see if I could hit one of

By Joe Ortiz

those million glittering specks of light reflecting off the water.

“Joey, will ya stoppit?” Laura said. “You’re scaring away all the fish.”

“How d’ya know?” I said.

“Well, you don’t see any of them biting do ya?” “Ortiz”

Recipe: Hot Potato Knish

Thiswas one of the foods I smelled when Dad took me to Coney Island. Their aroma was intoxicating.

When we passed the boardwalk that day to go fishing, there were two cowboys in the bar singing “Good Night, Irene” and the knishes smelled so good, I’ll forever link those two memories in my mind.

I enjoyed the smells of the knishes so much that I thought I’d include my own fabricated recipe. Like Dad’s fabricated fishing lines, they work just fine when you don’t have the real thing.

Serves 6

1 pound stewing beef

1 onion, diced fine

2 tablespoons butter salt and pepper to taste

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 egg

½ cup chopped parsley

6 cups mashed potatoes (firm)

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 cups vegetable oil for frying Salt and pepper the surface of the beef. Fill a medium stockpot with water and add the beef. Turn up the heat to high and when the water comes to a boil, turn the heat to low. Cook the beef long and slow, around an hour or so until it is still a bit pink inside. Remove and set aside.

When the beef is cool, shred it into thin strips and chop fine. Heat the butter in a skillet and add the chopped beef, onion, salt and pepper, and cinnamon.

Sauté the mixture 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat, until the beef is browned, and the onions are caramelized. Allow to cool. Then add the beaten egg, half of the breadcrumbs and parsley.

To fill, take 1 cup of mashed potatoes and shape into an oval ball with your hands. Use your finger to poke a cavity in the center of the mashed potato oval.

Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of meat mixture (1/6 of the mixture) into the cavity and then cover it over with some of the mashed potatoes. Prepare 5 more knishes the same way.

Roll the knishes in the rest of the breadcrumbs.

Heat the oil in a skillet until very hot. Add 2 to 3 knishes at a time and fry, first on one side, then on all the other sides, until golden brown.

Serve hot with spicy mustard or mayon naise flavored with a bit of horseradish. n •••

Note: This is a conceptual recipe, so you’ll have to make some adjustments as you go. Let me know your feedback via email: joe@ gocapitola.com

Joe Ortiz Memoir: Episodes & Recipes

Joe Ortiz’s memoir, Pastina — My Father’s Misfortune, My Mother’s Good Soup, became the framework for the musical Escaping Queens, which ran at Cabrillo Stage in 2012 and 2013.

In July, The Capitola Soquel Times began the exclusive publication of various episodes from the book — including a recipe that helps shape each installment. You may have read one of the pieces in the Times a few months

ago entitled, “Pastina, Food for the Soul — The Night Freddie the Bookie Showed Up with the Gun.”

The idea of weaving anecdotes about food with an ongoing narrative came to Joe after reading Heartburn by Nora Ephron.

“Using recipe descriptions to help tell a story seemed the perfect way to weave the angst of a father’s chaotic life with the salvation of a mother’s cooking,” Ortiz explains. n

Fired Employees Sue Nike, NBA Over Covid Vaccine Mandate

By Jondi Gumz

Two newer Omicron subvariants BQ1.1 and BQ.1 are now more pervasive than BA.5, the variant included in the new bivalent booster for this fall along with the original 2020 coronavirus, which is no longer circulating.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported BQ1.1 in the lead comprising 25.5%, then BQ.1, 24.2% and then BA.5, 24%.

Researchers say the new Covid-19 variants are more spreadable but there is no indication they make people sicker than their predecessors.

The U.S. is averaging 300 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged.

Santa Cruz County reports 50 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

According to CDC data, vaccinated people made up 42% of Covid deaths in January and February during the peak of the omicron surge, compared with 23% during the Delta surge in Sep tember 2021.

In June, a paper co-written by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, MIT researcher, in Food & Chemical Toxicology, reported the MRNA vaccines promote “sus tained synthesis” of the spike protein, which suppresses the body’s interferon responses and impairs innate immunity.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed across the nation challenging vaccine mandates, according to the National Law Review, with 75% against employers.

The latest is Nike, sued by three former senior employees, claiming religious discrimination, medical dis crimination and battery after they lost

their jobs due to Nike’s vaccination mandate. The former workers, represented by Health Freedom Defense Fund, are seeking punitive damages.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 15 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland, alleges Nike refused to consider reasonable accom modations, even though the vaccines did not stop transmission of Covid -19 and the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s mandate that large employers require employees to get vaccinated.

The lawsuit alleges Nike fired Doug Kerkering and Hannah Thibodo because they had a “perceived dis ability” — their immune systems did not sufficiently protect them from Covid-19, a perceived disability pro tected under federal law, according to their attorney Scott Street.

The employees, who proposed testing, masking or working from home, were fired.

The third worker, Wanda Roz wadowska, applied for religious accommodation and was denied. She appealed, and Nike granted her request after the vaccine deadline date, so she was coerced into getting the shot, and suffered an autoimmune reaction so severe she could not work, according to Street.

“We want to send a loud and clear message to corporate America that their employees’ rights are not negotiable,” said Leslie Manookian, president of Health Freedom Defense Fund.

In October, Nike lifted its vaccine mandate, acknowledging that community spread is possible even when people are fully vaccinated.

On Nov. 12, in a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, longtime NBA referees Kenny Mauer, Mark Ayotte and Jason Phillips said they were fired because they declined to get vaccinated for religious reasons. They are seeking front and back pay and punitive damages.

On Nov. 11, former Washington State University SU football coach Nick Rolovich, sued the university, Wash ington Gov. Jay Inslee and WSU athletic director Pat Chun seeking damages after he was fired last year for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Rolovich, who is Catholic, claims discrimination against religion, wrongful withholding of wages, and loss of future income.

WSU Vice President for Marketing and Communications Phil Weiler told The Seattle Times via email that Rolov ich’s lawsuit “is wholly without merit” and that the university enforced the vaccine mandate “in a fair and lawful manner.”

He told The Daily Wire host Allison Williams that he refused the vaccine because of the “lack of answers, lack of dialogue” about the effects of the vac cines and his beliefs as a Catholic.

Williams left ESPN after 10 years when ESPN mandated Covid-19 vac cines for all staff.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Superintendent Faris Sabbah have until Dec. 13 to respond to a lawsuit filed by Santa Cruz County Parents United in October.

The lawsuit alleges Sabbah coerced Pajaro Valley Unified, San Lorenzo Valley Unified, Santa Cruz City Schools and private schools Twin Lakes Christian and Waldorf to punitively implement “nonbinding guidance relating to masking, testing and quarantining resulting in emotional damage, discrimination, child endangerment, humiliation, learning loss, and illegal exclusion from school and sports, and harassment.”

After a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the Monterey Bay Half

Marathon returned, putting Dr. Steven Lome, a plant-based cardiologist, into action. He not only ran the race but also gave CPR to two runners who collapsed.

“I just thought, crazy odds, random event that there were 2 cardiac arrests, and both happened to be right in front of me,” he told the Washington Post.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education reports 658,200 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, and are now 188.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, is now 1.64%.

Santa Cruz County reports 644 active Covid cases, the first increase after declining since July, and one more death, bringing the total to 275 since the pandemic began in 2020.

The last eight deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.

The California Department of Public Health reports 25 patients hos pitalized in Santa Cruz County with a positive Covid test, including three in intensive care.

The very contagious BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted summertime Covid cases.

The new bivalent boosters mix vaccine for the original no-longer cir culating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the previously dominant Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are far less deadly than the Delta variant.

The bivalent combo was expedited by federal officials who asked drugmakers to test on mice rather than humans. Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice.

California reports 16% of eligible people had a bivalent booster. In Santa Cruz County, it was 23%.

The federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

On Oct. 20, the Advisory Com mittee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously in favor of adding the Covid vaccine to the federal recom mended immunization schedule for children and adults.

“COVID Update” from page 8

The existing schedule recommends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6.

Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, the committee said.

The committee heard Dr. Tom Shimabukuro report the death of a boy 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myocarditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection.

The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System, and verified by the CDC. Com mittee members determined Covid vaccine benefits outweigh the risks.

The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, with the decision up to states, counties and municipal officials.

California’s SB 277 requires stu dents be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Homeschoolers are exempt.

The CDC stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of

“Ride The Bus” from page 6

Danielle Glagola, Metro’s marketing and communications director, describes it as a “cash-free, contactless mobile ticketing solution that allows riders to purchase fares and display tickets on their smartphone device anytime, anywhere.” For infor mation, visit www.scmtd.com/apps

I used the Splash Pass recently and found it much easier than digging through my pockets for loose change. If someone doesn’t have the exact amount of money to pay for the bus, the Splash Pass spares them the trouble of, say, borrowing change from their friends or worse, missing their ride.

The Metro also makes sure riders can stay up to date with route alerts and schedule changes with their “Schedule-byStop Alerts” or “Subscriber Alerts” online

at scmtd.com or by visiting http://scmtd. com/en/riders-guide/stay-connected.

Riders needing to plan their trips, can view real-time route information on bus arrivals and pinpoint where their bus is by using www.cruzmetro.com. Axel considers this feature extremely helpful. Without it, he would need to simply wait for the bus and wonder how long he would need to do so.

There’s also the popular perk–Metro’s complimentary Wi-Fi on board the Highway-17 Express buses that run from the Metro Center in downtown Santa Cruz to Diridon Station in San Jose. The Wi-Fi connection helps keep Marge in contact with family members in San Jose.

The Metro goes a step further. As Axel has experienced, riding the Metro is light on the pocketbook!

The bus line offers several free fare days per year such as on National Transit

Americans 16 and up have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection.

On Feb. 28, Gov. Newsom plans to lift the state of Covid-19 emergency.

Local information: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n •••

Active Cases: 644 •••

COVID Deaths: 275

As of Nov. 17 Age 85 and older: 121 • 75-84: 63 • 65-74: 49

Equity Day and CA Clean Air Day. Glagola revealed that this year, free fares were also offered for the first two weeks of the Metro’s fall 2022 service. Year round, the METRO offers free fares daily on their Wat sonville Circulator Route that leaves from the Metro’s Watsonville Transit Center and operates through Watsonville.

There are many reasons to choose public transport over private vehicles. All over Santa Cruz, the Metro is transporting people like Axel, Marge, and me, those of us who are looking to reach places in a sure and ready fashion.

The bus allows people to arrive at medical appointments and social visits, run errands, get to work and visit many outdoor recreation areas such as beaches and parks without hassle. On a bus, riders are spared from dealing with traffic themselves. They can sit back and relax on their way to a destination. Also, gas prices are almost pro hibitively high for many car drivers!

60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10

35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5

Underlying Conditions

Yes: 225 • No: 50 Vaccinated

Yes: 38 • No: 237 Race

White 162 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 • Black 3 Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender

Men: 139 • Women: 136 Location

At facility for aged: 118 Not at a facility: 157

two rides per week of personal vehicle use to public transit makes a difference in reducing emissions and congestion on our roads.” With more zero emission buses being purchased by the Metro, emission savings have been increasing. Right now, the Metro runs four electric buses in the county and will receive five more electric buses in 2023 for its Highway-17 Express service.

The Metro, it is good to note, is nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels of ridership.

Glagola said, “Thanks to our colleges moving back to in-person classes we have seen a significant incline in our ridership since the start of the pandemic. In fact, due to college classes starting this fall, Metro ridership actually reached 91% of pre-pan demic levels for September.”

“Ortiz” from page 7

After sitting there quiet, motionless, and without feeling so much as a nibble, I realized we were alone.

“Where’s Daddy?” I asked Laura.

“He’s over at the bar near the station, having a beer with his friends,” she said.

“So shut up and pay attention to your line.”

“But I thought we were going fishing,” I told her. “I thought Daddy was taking us to the beach to go fishing.”

“Well, we’re at the beach,” she said, staring out into the speckled, glittering ocean herself, never once looking at me.

“And we’re fishing, aren’t we?” n

The Metro encourages people to ride its buses and not take cars for other good reasons.

“Using public transit is a great way to reduce emissions in our community,” said Glagola. “Just switching out one to

However, many more people still work remotely and no longer need to commute to their jobs. “We haven’t seen a large amount of commuters returning to Metro services,” Glagola observed.

The Santa Cruz Metro bus service could become as popular as riding a personal vehicle rather than as a transport of last resort.

For more information about this great Santa Cruz service, visit www.scmtd.com. n

Family at Coney Island

Giving To The Givers

Santa Cruz Gives, a countywide holiday crowd-funding campaign in its 8th year, is raising funds for 63 local nonprofits until midnight Dec. 31.

The giving platform, which opened Nov. 16, is at SantaCruzGives.org.

Donors may browse individual profile pages to learn about each nonprofit’s mission and “Big Idea” for 2023, a project to be funded with donations, use a shop-ping cart to give and track the progress of their favorites on a leaderboard. The minimum donation is $5.

Donations topped $1 million for the first time last year, raising $1,100,659.

This year’s participating nonprofits present the most diverse slate of projects yet, from a welcoming network for foreign refugees to support for pregnant women in the post-Roe era.

The organizations come from all parts of the county geographically and represent youth, seniors, animals, the environment, education, health and wellness, food and nutrition, housing and homelessness, the arts, veterans, families, LGBTQIA+, and the disabled.

A committee with diverse non profit experience vetted the applications,

and potential social media reach was a consideration.

The number of participants is limited so each organization has the potential to raise sufficient funds for the staff time spent on the campaign.

Selection each year includes estab lished groups known to be effective, as well as emerging organizations doing promising new work.

“If any of the local nonprofits tried to create a platform like this for fundraising, it would not be economically feasible,” said Karen Delaney, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “Only large national organizations have had a tool like this at their disposal. Santa Cruz Gives puts this tool into the hands of local nonprofit community.”

Nonprofits will receive individually donated funds, matching funds provided by sponsors, and are eligible for three awards each worth $1,000: Most Donors, Most Creative Campaign, and Project of the Year.

Participants in Santa Cruz Gives report a majority of donors are new donors and tend to be younger.

Presenting sponsors are Good Times

and the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Additional sponsors include Com munity Foundation Santa Cruz County; two funds at the Community Foundation SCC: The Applewood Fund, The Joe Collins Fund; and Driscoll’s, Inc. Other business sponsors are Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner.

For information, contact Jeanne Howard at 831-601-1691 or Jeanne@santa cruzgives.org.

•••

Findings:

1. Nonprofits report a majority of new donors, up to 80%.

2. The majority of funds raised come from donors who gave to an average of four nonprofits.

3. Nonprofits report an increase in

younger donors, as well as older. New donors are potential volunteers, future fundraisers, and perhaps leaders and board members.

4. Each year there is significant growth, compared to the prior year, in number of donors, amounts per donor, and total challenge grants.

5. The exposure nonprofits gain through Santa Cruz Gives is beyond what any could achieve on their own.

6. The campaign has a ripple effect. Some nonprofits find donors learn about them through SantaCruzGives but give at a different time of year.

7. Nonprofits are raising more funds while sharing ideas and learning from one another. Organizations that had little contact with one another before Santa Cruz Gives and felt a sense of

Fair Manager, Barns Issues on Board Agenda For December 6 Meeting

Don Dietrich, interim CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair, reports the board on Dec. 6 will get an update on the live stock barns — deemed unsafe and also historic — and will consider hiring an interim manager, allowing him to return to being board president.

Details on the latter are not final.

A determination relating to the historic designation of the barns is pending.

He’ll also have a report on hiring a per manent manager to success Dave Kegebein, who was fired in the wake of a critical state audit citing a lack of receipts for $163,442 of purchases.

Dietrich said a recording secretary has been hired subject to board approval.

“I’ve hired an administrative assistant with an background in accounting who is starting the 28th, there is no other planned staff hiring at this point in time,” he reported via email.

As for the Holiday Lights, “they appear to be ready to go. I would invite everyone to come out and enjoy them.”

That event is presented Nov. 25 through Dec. 25 at the fairgrounds by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation for the benefit of the fairgrounds.

To read the agenda for the 1:30 p.m. meeting see https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/ images/stories/agenda/2022/dec/0-MeetingNotice-and-Agenda-December-6-2022.pdf

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Friends of Santa Cruz County Libraries

County Parks Friends

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker

Tickets Make a Great Holiday Gift!

By Betty Sanchez

Santa Cruz County’s resident ballet company Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker at the Civic Audi torium this December 10 and 11. This year marks the 20th of this holiday classic at the Civic with live orchestra.

SCBT moved its production to the Civic in 2002, building a custom stage using local union stage hands, and setting the musicians in front, which allows the audience to see them in action during the performance.

SCBT continues to bring 52 professional

musicians under the baton of Music Director Pamela Martin to local audiences. 2022 also marks Maestro Martin’s 10th year conducting the orchestra.

The SCBT Nutcracker features over 50 local dancers, including its own tal ented pre-professional company dancers. These dancers train rigorously all year long, honing their physical and artistic skills for many hours every week. Many of these young dancers will move on to a career in the field, as the graduate ratio of professional dancers produced by SCBT is incredibly high.

Come see the professional dancers of the future in their formative years! The official academy of SCBT includes choreog raphy training in its syllabus, and this year, three of the company dancers are creating the Arabian divertissement for the stage. With the right training and mentoring, these young people can do it all!

Guest artist and SCBT alumna Melody Mennite will star as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Melody is the quintessential Sugar Plum and has danced this role with SCBT many times, including as a 16-year-old student as well as guest artist.

A principal dancer with Houston

Ballet, Melody relishes the ability to return to her hometown and reconnect with local audiences as well as the dancers who might just follow in her footsteps.

Cabrillo to Change Name Board Agrees Explorer’s Name No Longer Fits The College

On Oct. 14, six of the seven elected Cabrillo College trustees voted to accept the board subcommittee’s recommendation to change the name of Cabrillo College, chosen when the junior college was founded in 1959.

Trustee Rachael Spencer voted no.

The rest of the trustees set a goal of selecting a new name by the August 2023 meeting, and beginning to use the new name on July 1, 2024.

The subcom mittee was formed in July 2020, in response to a request to rename the college, amidst widespread social unrest in the United States and a reap praisal of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator who was the first to visit California and made his fortune in Guatemala, with the help of indigenous people enslaved to work in his farms, mines and on his ships.

The Name Exploration Subcommittee, composed of trustees Christina Cuevas and Adam Spickler, and student trustee Amidia Frederick, later succeeded by student trustee Krystal Buenrostro, produced a comprehensive 60-page report concluding that the positive impacts of a name change would outweigh the negative, and that community engagement is needed to ensure widespread agreement on the new name.

The Committee recommended, and the Board agreed that a new name should either be rooted in Cabrillo’s values or a geographic touchstone — not honoring an individual.

The board directed the subcommittee and College President Matthew Wetstein to work on fundraising to address cost con cerns surrounding a name change, while seeking input on a new name.

When the issue first arose, it was estimated that name change could cost $1 million.

Further study found it could be accomplished for $500,000.

This decision follows a two-year process of research, community education, surveys, opportunities for community input, and community dialogue, all initiated by the subcommittee, which created a Name Explo ration Advisory Task Force to help solicit stakeholder input; develop community engagement strategies; and examine the costs and resource implications of a name change.

“In reaching its recommendation, the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee adhered to its core principles of aligning with the mission of being critical thinkers; ensuring we did the kind of deep critical thinking that is expected of an institution of higher edu cation,” said Christina Cuevas, who chaired the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee.

She added,“ We conducted rigorous outreach to ensure all voices, demographics and perspectives had an opportunity to receive the information and voice an opinion, and prioritized historically underrepresented and emerging student populations. This was an incredibly thorough and academically rigorous process, and I feel like all involved learned something significant about the namesake of Cabrillo College.”

Donna Ziel, who chairs the Cabrillo governing board and was re-elected Nov. 8, said the board decided “the right action at the time is to change the name.”

She added, “As stated in the report, the harm caused by colonial expansion is real and it is a harm that represents trans-generational trauma to this day. As

many people pointed out during the com munity dialogues, now that we know the name Cabrillo does continuing harm to members of the College’s public, we have a responsibility to correct that harm.”

Trustee Adam Spickler said, “I’m really proud of the education and outreach effort that the College engaged in and I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to have strong community input moving forward, as we work to select a new name for this great College.’

The other trustees are Felipe Her nandez, Dan Rothwell and Steve Trujillo.

The student trustee this year is Devine Hardy. n •••

To read the Board Name Exploration Sub committee Report, please visit: www.cabrillo.edu.

Capitola Mayor Bids Farewell

The midterm election is behind us and true to form, the race in Cap itola is close and too early to call.

As of this printing, Yvette Brooks has a comfortable lead with 26.0% of the vote, Alexander Pedersen is second with 18.8% of the vote, and Joe Clark is third with 18.6% of the vote. Only 17 votes separate Joe and Alexander. Gerry Jensen is running a close fourth, only 28 votes behind Joe Clark.

Races for Capitola city council are known to be nail-biters with the out comes determined by only a handful of votes and sometimes by only one vote.

As typical in a midterm election, the turnout was moderate (63% of registered

voters), however, the election’s department is still counting ballots so the make-up of the new Capitola City Council is still unknown.

Regardless of the outcome my congratulations and thanks to all the candidates Yvette Brooks, Joe Clarke, Alexander Pedersen, Gerry Jensen, and Enrique Dolmo, Jr., for running for Capitola City Council and being willing to serve the community.

I am grateful to all the candidates that ran because running for elected office requires throwing one’s heart and soul into a campaign of persuasion while at the same time being willing to gra ciously lose.

By Sam Storey, Mayor, City of Capitola

It’s the sport of democracy, during the game you give it your all, but be willing to accept the final score and either move up or move on. The game may allow you to ask for a review or recount, but once the rules have been exhausted and the clock has run, the game is over. If you lose, be proud that you gave it your best shot, but accept the final score and start preparing for your next game. Poor sportsmanship is never an attractive look and is not befitting in the sport of democracy.

On Dec. 8, the top three vote-getters will be seated on the Capitola City Council. Councilmember Jacques Ber trand and I will step down from our seats to make room for the councilmembers elect.

Making room for new minds to grapple with the challenges and oppor tunities that Capitola will face in the coming years. It’s the process of revi talizing leadership. To the new and continuing coun cilmembers, I wish them the best of success.

I will be stepping down from the Capitola city council to focus on my personal and professional life.

It has been my honor to serve three terms on the Capitola City Council and to serve three times as mayor. My heartfelt thanks go out to the citizens of Capitola, the city staff, my family, and my sup porters for allowing me this opportunity to serve.

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

It’s the sport of democracy, during the game you give it your all, but be willing to accept the final score and either move up or move on.

Health & Wellness in Live Oak

By Jondi Gumz

When Leslie Conner and Laura Marcus eyed the ranchette at 1500 Capitola Road for a first-ofits kind in California health-and-housing complex, not everyone was enthusiastic.

This is where Robert Merriman raised chickens before studying agricultural economics, going off to the Spanish Civil War and inspiring Ernest “For Whom the Bell Tolls” Hemingway.

But Conner, executive director of the nonprofit Santa Cruz Community Housing, and Marcus, executive director of the nonprofit Dientes Community Dental Clinic, were undeterred.

On Saturday, they hugged and high-fived, celebrating the fruits of their efforts, six years in the making, with a ribbon-cutting and open house of two new facilities, attended by more than 400 people.

Perhaps the attendance reflected the need in Live Oak, where 13% of school children are homeless, thousands of adults do not have a doctor and 78% of low-income adults who have stateprovided medical services do not have a dentist.

Appointments for Dientes, which has 11 chairs, will start Dec. 5; appointments

for Santa Cruz Community Health, which offers family practice, pediatrics, prenatal care, optometry and behavioral health, start Dec. 6.

Bogard Construction of Santa Cruz was the contractor for the new buildings, a $28 million project completed on time and on budget, despite the pandemic.

When Marcus said $18 million came from donations, everyone applauded.

The two non profits are hiring; the complex is expected to be the workplace for 100 medical staff and 26 dental staff.

Bogard is also building the affordable housing component of the project, 57 rental apartments for non profit MidPen Housing, to be finished in 2023.

“It feels like a dream come true,” said Diana Valadez, who said her doctor at Santa Cruz Community Health is “part of our family.”

She and Julissa Silva are co-chairs of the Santa Cruz Community Health Patient Advisory Committee and Live Oak Cradle to Career leaders.

“This is a monumental day,” said Manu Koenig, who chairs the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Dr. Casey KirkHart shows off his new environs.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Isabella enjoys hula hooping at 1500 Capitola Road, the new location for Santa Cruz Community Health and Dientes.

“Vision and conviction got us here,” said Ashley Schweickart, senior project and operations manager for MidPen, which is recruiting community managers for locations in Aptos and Santa Cruz.

Newly re-elected U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta came bearing a gift, $1 million he had personally earmarked for dental equipment for Dientes.

He called the project “a good example of what can happen when all hands are on deck.”

The art gracing the medical office and the dental clinic is welcoming.

Bold and colorful paintings by longtime Santa Cruz artist Anna Oneglia decorate the walls of the medical office.

In the dental treatment rooms, color photographs by Greg Milligan of Capitola Wharf, Cement Ship and Boardwalk roller coaster add a touch of beauty.

A framed black-and-white poster showcases a poignant quote from Greek poet Sappho: “What Cannot Be Said Will Get Wept.”

The design by architects Wald Ruhnke & Dost takes advantage of natural light, creating an outdoor green plaza on the 3.6 acresite where children can safely play.

Indeed, kids were hula hooping and tossing a ball around Saturday.

The plaza is named for Central California Alliance for Health, the not-for-profit health plan serving 320,000 members in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties, which pledged $6,075,000 over five years.

“It’s really inspiring,” said Dr. Casey KirkHart, looking over his new environs.

KirkHart, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, left Los Angeles eight years ago to work at Santa Cruz Community Health as chief medical officer.

“Nothing like it,” he said. n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Dientes’ new waiting room at 1500 Capitola Road, Live Oak.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Sappho: What cannot be said must be wept.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

More than 400 people attended the open house for new medical and dental offices at 1500 Capitola Road, Live Oak.

“Nutcracker” from page 11

SCBT recommends viewers be at least 3 years of age, as the performance is approximately 2 hours long with one twenty-minute intermission. Concessions will be sold, but must be enjoyed in the lobby or outside, not brought into the auditorium.

Downtown Santa Cruz sports a vibrant restaurant scene, so please enjoy your favorite eatery or find a new one to try for a snack or meal before or after the performance.

SCBT is following local and federal health protocol and recommends that every person entering the Civic Audi torium be vaccinated. It is also highly recommended that audience members wear masks while indoors. Should health and safety recommendations change by December, SCBT will follow local and federal mandates.

To lessen the spread of all commu nicable diseases and illnesses, please do NOT come to the performance if you are feeling sick or have any Covid or flu-like

“Storey” from page 14

It has been a great opportunity to work with and learn from many fellow councilmembers, community volun teers, and staff of the many boards and commissions that I have served on.

My thanks to the Capitola-Soquel Times and other media outlets for allowing me to com municate with the community.

symptoms. SantaCruzTickets.com offers a new ticket insurance policy which can be added to any ticket purchase. n

The Nutcracker presented by Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre with live orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Performances are Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 at 1 pm and 4:30 pm each day. Tickets can be purchased at SantaCruzTickets.com or by calling (831) 420-5260 or at the Civic Box Office, 307 Church Street.

It has been my honor to serve three terms on the Capitola City Council and to serve three times as mayor. My heartfelt thanks go out to the citizens of Capitola, the city staff, my family, and my supporters for allowing me this opportunity to serve.

I originally ran for city council because of my love of Capitola and my interest in civic engagement. Although I still possess those qualities, it is time that I take my bow and step aside. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Editor’s note: By law, county elections officials must finalize their official results by Dec. 8. Thanks to Sam Storey for your service. With the City Council changing, seats on commissions are open on the Art & Cultural Com mission, Commission on the Environment, Finance Advisory Committee, Historical Museum Board and Planning Com mission. A 5-minute application is online, and appointments will be made in December and January. Details: Call 831-475-7300 or email Chloe at cwood mansee@ci.capitola. ca.us. n

Sam Storey served as mayor of Capitola during 2022.

Capitola’s ‘Beached’ Festival

By Laurie Hill

Editor’s note: In case you wondered about the 2022 Nautical Parade results, here they are!

•••

On Sept. 24 and 25 the Capitola Beach Festival again provided a weekend in Capitola Village filled with traditional and new family activities for the “Marvel of it All.”

The Festival team cheered the early rain the weekend before the Lighted Nautical Parade. Looking forward to improved water conditions on Soquel Creek for the floats, the team suddenly faced the possibility that the substantial rain might breach the sand barrier that secures the seasonal lagoon. No lagoon, no parade. Worst yet, the turbid runoff forced the City to release water from the lagoon to help the now oxygen-starved fish. The barges were forced off the creek just 2 days before the scheduled parade.

Not wanting to cancel the parade, this resilient team envisioned barges on the sand. Serving as “land stages,” the barges were lit individually to simulate the “parade.”

Only 4 of the original 7 float teams shared this vision – but the parade must go on and the activity pivoted to the beach. For over 70 years, the Begonia and Beach Festivals have produced nautical parades. Only a few parades were can celed or moved to the streets, this was the first parade moved to the beach.

“It was a marvel that we pulled it off at all,” said Festival President Mary Beth Cahalen.

The warm-up act was a fisherman, Neal Savage, rowing along the beach closely followed by a shark fin. “Perhaps a land shark?”

First-place parade winner, the Mid County Senior Center’s entry captured the “Marvel of Fall in the Garden.” A

colorful homespun garden gazebo was a delicately lit collective of scarecrows, sunflowers, lavender, and pumpkins. The team celebrated nature’s bounty and the return of the Senior Center as a gathering and activity space.

The second-place winner, the Jewel Boxers returning for their third year, featured the “Marvelous Captain Cap itola” played by Annie Ellers. With an ever-changing display of lit images and music, the Captain took us on a journey of “marvelous” Capitola sites and activities. The 20-member float team, led by Karl Shubert, built a highly technical float that featured over 5,000 digital lights, ani mated by four stage controllers, much of which was recycled from their first-place entry in 2021.

The third-place float, entitled “Reflec tionNNN” definitely benefited from the static display. The col laborative duo behind MCXT, Monica Caniloa and Xara Thustra, pro vided performances and an exotic display of recycled materials and costumes that reflected upon the grandeur of past water festivals and paid homage to the First Peoples of these waterways. Their float included flowers as their nod to the Begonia Fes tival. The artistic team invited visitors to their

upcoming installation at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.

Although not eligible for an award, the Festival’s “Water” Marshals’ own pivot from lighted-kayak dancing to dancing in the sand was clearly the crowd favorite. Celebrating nurses and health professionals, they were energetically led by Nautical Parade Chair Thea Luiten, holding an oversized syringe. They drew in the crowd and danced to tunes that humorously parodied the role of nurses.

In reflection, Nautical Parade Chair Thea Luiten said, “It was a hard fast pivot for this parade. Makes the team ponder what the future might hold for our beloved Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek.”

The Lighted Nautical Parade was just one of 13 activities that took place over the weekend that included: Lil Wharf 3-mile foot race, a new Corn Hole Popup, Sand Sculptures, concert, Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament, and others. Both days included a new and popular Scav enger Hunt designed by Teresa Green. Unfortunately the rowboat races were cancelled due to the creek conditions.

Let’s see what next year brings. n

Capitola Soquel Times

Team RN: Crowd favorite

Jewel Boxers: Marvelous Captain Capitola

MidCounty Senior Center: Marvel of Fall in the Garden

KSCO Radio for Sale

By Jondi Gumz

Michael Zwerling has been in love with KSCO since he was a high school kid broadcasting Santa Cruz High On The Air in the mid1960s. As the station owner since 1991, he’s created a radio station that’s a voice for pretty much everyone.

But now, at 71 — his birthday was Nov. 9 — he has a new love in his life, Amy Hao, co-host of the China Watch show on KSCO and a veteran traveler, and he wants to spend his time traveling with her.

The couple, who met in 2019, are “totally into free speech,” Zwerling said.

They recently returned from a twoweek safari in Africa.

“Amy’s not happy unless she’s trav eling, and she wants to take me to all these places,” Zwerling said.

That’s why he’s looking for a buyer for KSCO 1080 AM, with sister station KOMY 1340, and the one-acre of flat land at 2300 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, overlooking Corcoran Lagoon.

Asking price is $1.5 million cash for the two radio stations and the broadcasting business.

Asking price is $6 million cash for the property, which includes the Art Deco studio building, garage, parking lot, concrete event patio, plus the three broadcast towers in the lagoon, which give the 10-kilowatt station the power of a 50-kilowatt station on dry land, according to Zwerling.

He said he’s open to keeping the land and leasing it to the next radio station owner for $15,000 a month.

Of course, a developer admiring the view at Silicon Beach could buy the property and go through the often onerous county permitting process, seeking to change the zoning from broadcasting to something else.

Every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, Zwerling — who dubs himself MZ — hosts the Saturday Special, an eclectic show that might feature him singing karaoke, proponents and opponents of a proposed empty home tax in Santa Cruz, or the recently fired CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair.

In an earthquake — remember Loma Prieta in 1989 — a wildfire or major winter storm, KSCO provides a lifeline, replacing regular programs with news updates on current conditions, road closures and the like.

Zwerling leans conservative, but not all the listeners are.

In fact, Zwerling boasts that former Sen. Henry Mello (from 1980 to 1992) listened to KSCO on his way home from Sacramento.

Conservative radio icon Rush Lim baugh held the morning slot from 9 a.m. to noon until he died. Now Rob Carson, who used to write jokes for Limbaugh, fills that spot.

Watsonville

Local Talent

local Charles Freedman

offers local news talk from noon to 2 p.m. His claim to fame is you can call and actually get on the air. He has encyclo pedic knowledge of tunes from the 20s and 30s, used for his bumper music, playing requests, too.

Program director Rosemary Chalmers, with her delightful British accent, helms God Morning Monterey Bay from 6 to 9 p.m.

Other local hosts include:

• Gary Shapiro, From the Bookshelf, interviewing authors

• Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick of Money Moves, financial tips and tools

• Jonathan Parkhurst, My Empowered Hour, talking to people who have made a new life for themselves after incarceration and inspired others

• Conservative Kristin Hurley of Mama Bears Radio

• Dave Michaels, co-pilot of Flight 1080

from 4 to 7 p.m. and selling supple ments produced by Dr. Joel Wallach, 82, the veterinarian-turned-naturopathic doctor who discovered that remedying nutrition deficiencies is the way to health. Sales of those Youngevity products by Dave Michaels help finance KSCO operations.

But the radio operation isn’t a big money-maker.

In fact, Zwerling said he always operated the station at a deficit because he hasn’t had the heart to lay off any of his “great” staff.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

General manager Michael Olson at KSCO radio, which boasts an Art Deco studio.

Adopt a Family for Christmas

There Are Many Ways to Have a Meaningful

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County serves as the heart of holiday giving, coordinating with agencies and support networks across the county to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have the support they need.

To make it easy for potential volun teers to connect with causes they care about, the Volunteer Center launched its annual Holiday Volunteer Guide, where individuals can easily search for volunteer opportunities that meet their personal interests.

Sponsored by Santa Cruz County Bank, the 2022 Holiday Volunteer Guide is at https://www.scvolunteernow.org/ holiday.

“This time of year, community members are looking for ways to connect and make their holi-day celebrations more meaningful,” said Christine Thurston, director of volunteer connections at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “There is something for everyone, no

matter how much time or money you have to give. If you’re struggling to find just the right fit for giving back, we will help you find the perfect match for your needs and interests.”

The Volunteer Center’s own Adopta-Family Project coordinates with the community to meet the needs of about 450 families struggling to make ends meet during the holidays.

One such family is led by Crystal, a single mother of a 3-year-old daughter who is expecting her second child, due Dec. 26. Tragically, Crystal lost her sister to alcoholism two years ago, and as a result, she adopted her now 6-year-old nephew. With two little children and one on the way, Crystal has been pursuing her dream of becoming an accountant and is enrolled in classes at Cabrillo.

Adopters can search for families like Crystal’s, who need help making the holidays special. On the Adopt-a-Family website, donors and adopters can find

CASA Welcomes New Advocates

On Nov. 10, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Timothy Schmal swore in six community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care.

They are Diane Morgenstern, Peter Cooper, Susan Maroun, Melissa Hutchinson, Rebekah Herrick, Daniela Suarez and Ian Gillies.

CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advo cates who are matched one on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with

the Court. As officers of the court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

There is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, however people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are encouraged to learn more. n •••

For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaof santacruz.org/volunteer

families and their list of needs. Of-ten, the needs are essential items as well as gifts. Crystal needs diapers and basic baby sup-plies, nursing tops for herself, and warm jackets for the kids. Her 6-year-old nephew dreams of learning guitar and her 3-year-old daughter wishes for a tea set.

You can adopt a whole family, buy individual items or grocery gift cards, vol unteer in the Adopt-a-Family warehouse to wrap and sort gifts, or donate funds to support the project. For information, visit https://scvolunteercenter.org/programs/ adopt-a-family/ “I love helping families who are in need!” said Adopt-a-Family volunteer Jessyka Soto. “Some-times families have hardships, but the children still have holiday wishes. Adopt-a-Family re-minds them that they are special and the com munity cares…priceless gifts! The joy this pro-gram gives to so many homes is the reason I volunteer.”

Adopt

Holiday

n •••

Many deserving projects in Santa Cruz County need volunteers or financial support this holiday season. For details, see https:// www.scvolunteernow.org/holiday

or learn more by calling the Adopt-a-Family Hotline at 831-457-9834.

Judge Timothy Schmal (center), Roxy Greenspan, CASA trainer (left), and new advocates.

A Year of Many Accomplishments for Our Customers & Community

By Dr. Tom LaHue, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

As we approach the end of 2022, I want to say that I sincerely hope it has been a good year for you – our customers, community members, and all who read this article and have an interest in the Soquel Creek Water District. Here at the District, 2022 has been a remarkable year, and I’d like to share with you a brief overview of some great things that we’ve accomplished — entirely focused on delivering, protecting, and enhancing the water supply on which we all depend.

I am excited about the significant progress on our Pure Water Soquel (PWS) project, which will create a drought-proof, sustainable water supply by purifying recycled water and using it to replenish our overdrafted groundwater basin.

I am happy to report on several milestone accomplishments in 2022 on construction on the eight-mile dual pipeline (80% complete) and the advanced water purification center (30% complete).

And, not related to construction but important for the project’s recognition and awareness, the staff-designed “butterfly” logo for PWS earned an award from the California Association of Public Infor mation Officials, as one of 2022’s most creative and effective communications/ marketing efforts by a public agency.

During 2022, we continued our remarkable record of gaining significant funding support for PWS. In October, the California State Water Resources Control Board awarded us additional Proposition 1 funds — a $13.25 million grant and a $13.25 million low-interest (1.6%) loan. This is in addition to a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grant for $21 million for PWS awarded during the summer.

To top off the year, I am so proud of our

staff and our partners for their work in 2022 to bring inter national attention to Pure Water Soquel, with a minidocumentary about the project. We are one of two chosen in the United States of the 16 short films produced by BBC StoryWorks as part of their series called “Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water,” presented by the International Water Association, which highlights innovation and innovators who are advancing positive change toward water sustainability. See them all at bbc.com/storyworks/specials/ beneath-the-surface.

To help us stay on track with the evolving needs of our community and changing circumstances, the Board updated our Strategic Plan, which con sists of the District’s Mission Statement, Values, and Primary Organizational Goals. Our mission continues to be that we are dedicated to providing a safe, high quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply to meet our community’s present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible manner.

The Plan helps us stay aligned with our customers and community, and to most effectively allocate resources to accomplish the desired goals (keeping in mind that financial resources are limited). This is an important tool to help us best provide you with water for today and for decades to come. It guides not only our overall direction but also our departmental implementation plans and ultimately the day-to-day efforts of our staff.

As part of the District’s core business of pro viding you with water, we gained State approval of our Urban Water Man agement Plan, which outlines how we will achieve a sustainable water supply. We have also completed upgrading all water meters to i-Meters (intelligent metering technology), making it easier for you to track water use and get timely alerts about leaks or unusual, excessive use.

Our ongoing commitment to ensuring you have safe, clean water included conducting over 13,000 drinking water quality tests, repairing several water main and service pipeline leaks, and conducting maintenance of our infrastructure, while providing water to our customers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are proud to have won and been recognized as one of the Top 10 award winners by Government Technology in the leadership category for their 2022 District Innovation Awards program. The District was also recognized with the Transparency Award from the Special District Leadership Foundations, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Operating Budget of Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.

Our Outreach team has been able to return to public events this year and October brought the return of the inperson Water Harvest Festival, which was relegated to online-only during the prior two years of the pandemic. Several hundred people came to enjoy great music,

water-related information and resources, and fun family activities — there was a clear sense of celebration at having this beloved event once again in-person!!

On the infrastructure front, we have some big capital improvement projects that have ended and are beginning. We installed 3,400 feet of new water main on Cliff Drive and Bayview Drive.

We also began construction on a replacement well for the 70-year-old Country Club Well. And we were awarded funds this year from a $7.6 million grant that the Mid-County Groundwater Agency received from the California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Ground water Management Grant Program that will be used to design and partially fund building a new well on Cunnison Lane.

Cunnison Lane is part of our Well Master Plan where we are shifting our pumping away from the coast. All of these will improve our system’s resiliency. Finally, thank you to the community for all your support during 2022, and I hope you share my optimism for 2023 in all things water, and beyond! n •••

Dr. LaHue has served on the Board of Directors since 2003 and is serving his 11th term as President of the Board. He is also the District representative and current Chair on the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, and serves on the District’s Water Resources Management and Infrastructure Committee.

Dr. LaHue is a former member and vicechair of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from CSU Monterey Bay.

Pleasure Point Public Hearing on Zoning For Housing

Santa Cruz County supervisors are expected to consider zoning changes on Portola Drive in Pleasure Point to allow more housing when they meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

There are 21 parcels in unincorporated areas that could be rezoned. Areas that

would allow denser housing are mainly in Live Oak and Pleasure Point.

Santa Cruz County Board Chairman Manu Koenig wants to keep “Community Commercial” zoning for 3501 Portola Drive (home to Emile’s Sports Car Performance) because changing to “Residential Flex”

would not allow commercial use this way and he sees this section as vibrant with shops, restaurants and a surf school close by.

The state requires Santa Cruz County to permit 4,634 new homes by the end of 2031 in Soquel, Aptos, La Selva Beach,

Freedom and San Lorenzo Valley and other unincorporated areas. This is three times the unincorporated area’s current goal.

Supervisors are considering changes to the General Plan that aim to reduce traffic by planning neighborhoods with amenities & services within a 15-minute walk. n

“Not a smart way to run a business I know, but if I can’t have a radio station with a heart, a soul, and a personality, I don’t even want to be in that business,” he said.

He has about a dozen employees, and he’s loath to pay a sales staffer a salary because that person might not generate any advertising.

Other radio stations have gone auto mated, with message machines to answer calls instead of humans, but that’s no option for Zwerling.

It just wouldn’t be KSCO.

Zwerling’s mother Kay, who intro duced her son to talk radio, was often on KSCO, using her distinctive voice to comment on current events. She died at age 95 in 2017.

The KSCO lineup includes a few nationally known figures: Dr. Joel Wal lach’s show, “Dead Doctors Don’t Lie,” same title as his 1999 book, “Pharmacist Ben” Fuchs, a Youngevity rep, on Flight 1080 on Fridays, and George Noory’s Coast to Coast at 10 p.m.

Michael Olson, KSCO general manager and host of the Saturday morning Food Chain show, is active in Think Local First Santa Cruz County, a nonprofit formed to support locally owned businesses.

For several years until the pandemic, KSCO hosted Think Local First mixers on its concrete patio overlooking the lagoon. In August, Zwerling revealed on the Saturday Special that county planning department staff had ordered removal of much of the patio because there was no permit. Zwerling said he didn’t think a permit was needed. He signed an agreement that he hoped would resolve the matter, and afterward realized he had signed, in his words, “a blank check,” which he cannot afford.

The patio is still there, fenced off.

Another recent development: Rosemary Chalmers made a public service announcement to say KSCO can no longer be heard after sunset. Listeners must tune in to KOMY, the sister station at 1340 AM that KSCO bought in 1997.

Zwerling elaborated: KSCO has a 10,000 watt non-directional signal during the day, which is why it’s so strong, and a 5,000 watt directional signal at night, which resulted in losing 80% of the coverage area.

For years, Zwerling said, he had operated the non-directional signal at 20% at night because he believed it was in the public interest.

For years, Federal Communications Commission, which grants the radio station license, “looked the other way,” Zwerling said.

This year, surprise FCC inspections found the station not conforming with its license.

“In October, they got real tough with us,” Zwerling said.

The FCC has rules on “harmful inter ference,” and the enforcement bureau responds to complaints.

Zwerling contends there has not been a single complaint of interference.

After sunset, listeners must turn to 1340 AM, or listen online via the free KSCO app, but Zwerling expects the FCC problem to be resolved “fairly soon.”

Longtime followers of KSCO might recall that KSCO was put up for sale in 2007 but no sale took place.

Zwerling said he’s enjoyed his run, keeping the station alive for nearly 32 years, but it’s time for someone else to take over.

“I’m done,” he said.

This is what worries Michael Olson.

An employee purchase is not in the cards, so Olson hopes a gazillionaire will come out of the woodwork and buy KSCO.

Mackenzie Bezos? Reed Hastings? Sol Lipman?

But what if that doesn’t happen?

What if, on Dec. 31, there is no one to take over?

Does that mean the door closes forever?

Olson has an idea: Could KSCO follow the example of KMBY in Monterey?

That radio station was created after KNRY went silent in 2020 and then was donated to the Fresno nonprofit Hanford Youth Services.

KMBY began operating in April 2022.

Radio stations are bought and sold all the time but usually through behindthe-scenes channels, according to Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers, which covers the talk-radio industry.

Harrison called Zwerling “one of the industry’s most transparent owners… so this is just another case of him letting everyone in on what’s happening in his business. He seems extremely concerned

with the station continuing to serve the local community, which it has done for the last 30 years under his unique style of ownership.”

Asked about comparable radio station sales, Harrison said, “KSCO’s value cannot be judged solely on comps — the station is somewhat of a unicorn in terms of its special heritage not to mention location and assets. I cannot predict whether or not Zwerling will find a buyer in today’s radio market but it would nice if someone in the community could step up to the plate and keep this gem of a facility locally owned and committed to the region.”

The concrete patio next to the lagoon is fenced off.

Only time will tell. n

What is the future of KSCO?

Credit: Jondi Gumz

Interested parties should send an email with qualifications and questions to Michael Zwerling at mz@ksco.com.

Photo

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Gratitude as Amulet & Talisman, a Radiance of Kindness

We have entered the Season of Gratitude. A season filled with rituals of light and gift giving, of eating together and of sharing generously our abundance. It is also the season Advent (something’s coming!).

At the last new moon in November, Jupiter (benevolence, goodness, love, wisdom) turned direct. A very auspicious celestial move for our Season of Gratitude and Giving. With Jupiter direct we are more charitable, optimistic and most of all more com passionate. We see everyone as a character, doing their part, always doing their best.

About Gratitude — some are attempting to elim inate, ignore and forego the rituals of the holidays. But the autumn and winter festivals (Thanksgiving, Advent, Sol stice, Christmas,etc.) are not about some random historical event from long ago. The season of Gratitude is a time to recognize the past year’s “harvest of blessings.” It’s a reminder to appreciate — to be glad and pleased and grateful, happy and content. It’s a time to praise and bless and it’s a day for graciousness, too. All of these are also Jupiter’s virtues. It is also time to ask the self what we are grateful for. Gratitude creates well-being and happiness. Gratitude releases us into a state of freedom.

ARIES

It’s most important to find times for reflection and contemplation because there’s such an onrush of activity, ideas and ideals flowing here, there, everywhere in this season. There’s a desire to travel, discov ering new realities important to your well-being. Without pausing a bit, they will be missed. It’s also good to review what’s of value while observing what’s occurring in the world. A question — how are you aiding in building the new society and what do you envision for the future?

TAURUS

You continue to tend to the care and well-being of others. Some times you remember to care for yourself. You must remember that you are a valuable resource. If you are not tended to well enough, you cannot be a resource for others. Ideas and visions for the new era and what’s needed continue to appear. Their manifestation into form has been elusive. There is an esoteric equation for manifestation. We see the need, we call in the needed resources, we imagine the outflow of abundant resources. It’s an Aquarian triangle (and art) with Uranus at the center.

GEMINI

It’s most important to reflect upon what your relationships are based upon. Include all relationships, but begin with your most intimate one(s). Consider what’s taken for granted, what’s understood and not understood, and what allows you to be most truthful. Is there talk about moving, relocating and rethinking resources? A new path comes forth and a new message within the relationship. Listen with patience, perseverance, poise and serenity. Poise allows creation to unfold.

CANCER

Your idea of a schedule quickly dissipates and you find yourself with no routines, plans or the ability to take control of daily events. Anything you’ve thought of doing simply melts into states of chaos seeking the next level of harmony. However, the harmony’s not manifesting for a while. The best thing to do is to read, study and in between prepare nourishing foods for others. They will receive it as manna (goodness) from the heavens. You are that.

The theme of the season therefore, from now through January 6th, is Gratitude, referred to in the Wisdom teachings as the “Kingly or Royal Way”, a way of life. The Royal Way is a state of constant and ceaseless gratitude and appreciation. “Gratitude” comes from Latin “gratus,’ meaning pleasing, thankful and related to grace. The Wisdom teachings refer to Gratitude as a potent releasing agent. It is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul. Gratitude is scientific in nature. It salvages humanity, brings forth deep joy, lifts others up, and creates a steadfast orientation toward the Light of Life itself.

Gratitude is an amulet and a talisman, creating merit and virtue leading to forgiveness. Gratitude liberates us from karma and sets us free. The autumn season with its many festivals of Light invites us to embark on a journey of Gratitude together. When disciples and the New Group of World Servers offer Gratitude, there is a “radiance of solace, kindness and love that flows into the sorrow and suffering of the world.” n

My Gratitude to all my readers for their presence in my life. May Goodwill, Joy and Loving-Kindness be the gifts of the Season for everyone! Risa

LEO

The past year has been rather serious for many, especially you - restructuring and disciplining us in confronting the past and bringing forth new ways of thinking. This new moon with its Sagittarius fire calls you to a new study, possible journeys, to recreation, children, pleasure, creativity, games, fun, enjoyment and being with like-minded others. Is there a wound that has come into your awareness, a sadness, a loss? Do you need to communicate about it so the veils of sorrow can drop away? I will listen.

VIRGO

Family and parents, the foundations of your life, your childhood, beliefs learned while young and carried into the present time will be on your mind for the purpose of appraising, cleansing, clearing, and eliminating all that is no longer useful. Be aware that moodiness, brooding, and perhaps intense feelings will arise. Let them be your friends. Contemplate and evaluate these with intelligence, patience and careful observation. There’s a brilliance in them, like a jewel to be polished at the center of a lotus.

LIBRA

It’s good to be in touch with siblings, communicating with them, sharing news, family gossip, hopes, wishes, dreams, plans and ideals. Do all things with family that makes everyone feel empowered. Do not allow anything (ideas, sorrows, pain, unforgiveness, misunderstandings, etc.) from the past to obscure your connections. Allow nothing to be misconstrued. Communicate with the intention to make contact, which releases Love. Your family loves you with all their hearts and Souls.

SCORPIO

The entire world’s in a state of reorientation, a condition you know well, for you experience reorientation continually. The entire world is in a Scorpio state of transformation, testing, of dying and regenerating, so that the new era can come forth. Your importance in this great shift is the fact that your knowledge, dedications, curiosities and research abilities become the core information source for humanity and the new culture and civilization. What are your present tasks? What are you using your resources for? Are you happy?

SAGITTARIUS

There’s an opportunity now, not wanting to waste a moment of life’s energy or time, to redefine yourself, your self-identity and purpose. You’re able to change your mind about who you (think you) are and how you see yourself. Be aware that your presence is very impactful to many others around you. Issues and decisions, you thought were concluded reappear for re-evaluation and reassessment. New rhythms, tempos and patterns are appearing. Just let the music play. It’s magic. This is Jupiter in Pisces stationing in your heart.

CAPRICORN

You may feel you’re waiting in the wings for new realities to appear. It’s like planning a winter garden –arugula, kales, mustards, onions, wintergreens, thyme, oregano, parsley – envisioning spring for the first green shoots to appear. Everything on inner levels is being restructured. You feel this but it hasn’t manifested in your outer world. Everything is in right timing. Be as reclusive as needed to allow the roots and flowers and blooms of a new reality to anchor, grow, become strong, later to reshape your life with a new sort of beauty.

AQUARIUS

In the weeks and months to come you discover your true friends, what groups support your endeavors and whom you can turn to for nurturance, needs and simple friendship. So many of humanity are mis-informed. Become a researcher (not a reactor) so you can provide humanity with true information. Then you become part of the education of humanity. Assess your life’s journey. When traveling, follow the rules of the road. For safety and direction. Whatever is hap pening in your physical world is where you need to be.

PISCES

There have been thoughts on teaching, presenting the self to the public, writing, perhaps a small book or two. Perhaps a publishing company of the new art, charts, games. It’s good to think of new endeavors, considering them without making final decisions. Acknowledgements and recognitions come forth unexpectedly. Careful of miscommunication to and with the public. Tend to previous tasks and continue to work with focused con sistency. New tasks will appear. The Hierarchy looks on offering guidance and impressions.

Jobs in Santa Cruz County

Sector October 2022 Change from October 2021

Government 22,200 Up 1,300 Private education 17,800 Up 600 & health

Manufacturing 7,700 Up 200 Construction 5,100 Up 200 Other 4,800 Up 200 Trade/transportation/ 16,600 Up 100 utilities

Professional/business 10,900 Up 100 services

Financial 3,300 0 Information 600 0 Leisure/hospitality 12,900 Down 100 Nonfarm 102,900 Up 2,600 Farm 8,600 Down 200 Total 111,500 Up 2,400

Labor force 136,700 Up .7% Employment* 131,800 Up 2.1% Unemployment 5,300 Down 25% Unemployment rate 3.6% 4.9%

Count is on the 12th of the month *Includes commuters out of the county Source: California Employment Devel opment Department

Unemployment in Santa Cruz County was 3.6% in October, down from 4.9% a year ago as the labor force grew from 135,800 to 136,700. Unemployment has dropped below 3.8% for the past two months, compared to 17+% in 2020, fueled by pandemic restrictions.

Bay Fed’s Roark Wins Info-Tech Award Bay

Federal Credit Union’s CTO, Richard Roark, has been named a 2022 Info-Tech CIO Award winner by Info-Tech Research Group, one of the world’s leading IT research and advisory firms.

Roark is one of the top winners for the Small Business Division. He also received the award in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Roark, who lives in Capitola, joined Bay Federal in 2016 to lead the Technology and Information Security departments. He is committed to ensuring the best and most secure banking experience for members. Roark is an alum of the Credit Union Exec utives Society and has earned the Certified Chief Executive designation.

“This award represents a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication by our teams to keep our credit union members’ information safe and secure,” said Roark.

Winners of the award say participation in Business Vision provides a high-level report with details for follow-up and discussion.

To see the full list, visit https://www. infotech.com/benchmarking/cio-awards

Richard Roark

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

Every year, the Jacob’s Heart Adopt-a-Family program helps alleviate some of the stress families feel during the holiday season.

Some of our families feel the burden of medical expenses, constant hospital trips, grocery needs, and other financial challenges the most during the holiday season.

Your help can lessen this burden and bring joy to these kiddos and their families. We still have 25 families that need to be adopted.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/jacobsheart-AoF-signup or reach out to pao-la@jacobsheart.org to learn more about how you can give some holiday cheer to a child who has cancer. •••

Another way to help: Host a Holiday Drive. It doesn’t have to be toys. It could be shoes, coats, or household essentials. Help Jacob’s Heart spread some holiday cheer and sign up for a Holiday Drive today! Reach out to Brianna@Jacobsheart.org to learn more.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give now to help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply. Donors — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are asked to make an appointment to give.

There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot. Make an ap-pointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering donors a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15. Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together. •••

As many gather for celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood.

Dec. 1: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz. Dec. 3: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond Dec. 14: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS

Choose from 20 volunteer opportunities at Grey Bears. Fill out the form at https://greybears.org/volunteer. Call Rosie: 831-479-1055 ext 226.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year.

Dates are: Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. for

training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others.

If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS AT CAPITOLA MALL

Flynn creek Circus presents “Winter Fairytale,” featuring wild acrobatics, hilarious comedy, and extreme skills Dec 16-Jan. 1 at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola. The Woodsmen, the Fairy, and the Spring Sprite are some of the colorful characters you will meet in this memorable holiday production. This tale speaks to the quiet darkness of Winter and the value of rest and reflection.

Flynn Creek Circus performances will take place under a big top tent.

Showtimes vary. Tickets are at https://www. flynncreekcircus.com/

Tickets are sold by table reservation, single seats or seating at a shared table.

Seating prices range from single bar stool, $23, and single seat, $38, to high top tables seating 4-6, $121 to VIP tables. Beer, mulled Wine, hot drinks and light concession are available for purchase.

Charity shows are at 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 and are open to the public. To donate a ticket to a local charity, contact Nicole at (707) 684-2118.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Special performances: Mini Nutcracker performance by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance at Colonnade Stage – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4. School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95.

Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 26-28, Saturdays & Sundays Dec. 3 – 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

FREE PARKING IN CAPITOLA VILLAGE THRU CHRISTMAS

Once again, the Capitola City Council has approved free 3-hour parking in Capitola Village from Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) through Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Enjoy this perk when holiday shopping, visiting Capitola Beach, or treating yourself to a festive meal with an ocean view.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.

Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa –reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience.

Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

DATED EVENTS

Thursday December 1

CABRILLO LIONS TOY DRIVE

Cabrillo Host Lions & Friends are running a Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 1-15.

Toy Bins will be at:

• Ocean Honda, 41st Ave., Soquel, which has a Giving Tree

• Central Fire Department, all 6 offices, Aptos station included.

• Wonderland Toys & Surf City Coffee, Aptos

• Woodworm Party Store, Capitola

• Sword & Board Games, Capitola Mall

• Santa Cruz Host Lions’ Christmas tree lot, Santa Cruz

• Horsnyder’s Pharmacy in Midtown Santa Cruz

See more locations at www.CabrilloHostLions.org

The Lions’ distribution through the Center for Farmworker Families is set for Dec 9.

Social workers will help place toys one-on-one with children of foster families. For questions, email JeannieCCollins@gmail.com

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth. You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: 831-423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

RESOURCE FOR CAREGIVERS

As families gather for the holiday, people may see grandma or grandpa, their mom or dad, or their aunt or uncle more forgetful or frail and in need of care.

Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center has served Santa Cruz County families of persons living with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions that cause memory loss and confusion.

Trained staff are tuned in to the experiences and issues caregivers face, ready and able to connect, listen and support. The center receives funds from the state Department of Health Care Services. For information, see https://www.delmarcaregiver.org/ or call toll-free (800) 624-8304.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

PURE WATER SOQUEL PUBLIC HEARING 5:30 p.m., Online Meeting

The public is invited to attend a virtual hearing on the Pure Water Soquel Ground-water Replenishment Reuse Project. The public hearing will be online via Zoom. Join from a computer/phone/tablet by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/pws-public-hearing-dec-1-2022 Passcode: 676862 •••

Public comments are due by 5 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 8. All public comments on the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment Reuse Project Title 22 Engineering Report can be made as written or oral comments at the public hearing.

Email: PureWaterSoquel@soquelcreekwater.org Use subject line: PWS Title 22 Engineering Report

Friday December 2

CAROLS, COOKIES & COCOA!

6 - 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Drive

Members of Soquel Congregational Church will bring seasonal joy to Soquel Village through caroling.

Participants are asked to meet in Parish Hall, and to wear festive and warm clothing, and bring friends for this multigenerational event! https://ccsoquel.org

Saturday December 3

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

5:30 – 6:45 p.m., Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz

Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, the Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Charter boats are available.

This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor.

Parade begins at 5:30 p.m, rain or shine. Call 831-425-0690 for more information.

HOLIDAY AND ENTERTAINING INSPIRATION AND TASTING SANTA CRUZ

3 – 6 p.m., Staff of Life Natural Foods, 1266 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz

Enjoy the specialties of the season with a handpicked assortment of wine from 12 different wineries, cheese, charcuterie and pastries at Staff of Life.

Tickets are $25 in advance at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/holiday-and-entertaining-inspiration-and-tastingsanta-cruz-tickets-465325600397.

Proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, and there will be a collection barrel for food.

Saturday December 3

Sunday December 4

COOKIE WALK

Noon-5 p.m., Capitola Village (participating stores) Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores.

Meet at the Craft Gallery, 209 Capitola Ave., to begin. Cost is $20 per ticket at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/capitola-village-cookie-walktickets-464771924337

This family-friendly event is sponsored by the Capitola Village Business and Wharf Improvement Association.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

30TH ANNUAL ART IN THE CELLARS

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel Bargetto Winery hosts the 30th annual Art in the Cellars, a holiday festival in their historic cellars, featuring artwork and goodies from 30+ vendors.

Admission free; enjoy wine tasting with the purchase of a $20 festival glass.

More information at http://bargetto.com or call 465-2258.

Monday December 5

HOW TO COMBAT FLU & COLDS

6-7:30 p.m., 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, Capitola American Institute of Medical Massage is giving a free seminar at 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, on how to combat the cold and flu season.

Alla Mia, a certified Massage Therapist and founder of the institute, will give a demonstration on sinusitis and share ideas on how to stay healthy and prevent get-ting worse if you become symptomatic.

Register in advance to attend by emailing aimmhigh11@gmail.com or calling 831-291-1025. www.institutemedicalmassage.com

Monday December 5 thru Saturday December 10

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AUCTION

9 a.m. start / 8 p.m. end, Online Auction

Home for the Holidays is an online auction to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to build homes, communities and hope with affordable home construction in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

All proceeds will benefit the Rodeo Creek Court project, an 11-home community in Live Oak.

Six homes have been built; support is needed to continue construction of the remaining five homes. Some of the items you can bid on:

• Private Sailing Adventure on Monterey Bay: 2-3 hours on a 30-foot cruiser/racer leaving Santa Cruz Harbor.

• Storrs Winery & Vineyards in Corralitos: Tasting and afternoon of bocce for six guests on their outdoor patio.

• Chaminade Resort & Spa: An overnight stay and breakfast for two at Chaminade’s scenic resort.

HOLIDAY ART BY STUDENTS

The talented students at the Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine Kiebert-Boss at gombhtc01@gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program.

Students will also show their greeting cards, melamine trays, and prints at the Tannery Arts Center Winter Market, 1070 River St., Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10.

Thursday December 8

50 YEARS OF TRANSPORTATION OPEN HOUSE

2-7 p.m., 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 250, Santa Cruz

Join the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to celebrate 50 years of delivering vibrant, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions for Santa Cruz County.

Stop by our open house to learn about the RTC’s history, current projects and the vision for the future. https://sccrtc.org

drive-thru is now taking orders. Vegetarian option available.

Reserve your meal and schedule your pickup at at https:// greybears.org/dinner-2022/

Saturday December 17 Sunday December 18

SANTA CRUZ DANCE GUILD’S NUTCRACKER

1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos

to bridge divides on the topic of homelessness at the Capitola Library.

Learn how to problem-solve and create solutions in your neighborhood together. RSVP required at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/9929879

For information call Marsa Greenspan, Housing Matters Volunteer Program Manager: (831) 226-2486.

HABARI GANI! HONORING KWANZAA

6 – 8 p.m., Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz

Curated by Santa Cruz Black Health Matters Initiative, this community at the Museum of Art & History honors the annual celebration of Kwanzaa.

Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been recognized amongst the winter holiday classics. However, many lack understanding of its significance and practice.

Habari Gani! welcomes the community for: Kinara lighting ceremony, traditional dance, music, and a gift-giving ceremony.

Featuring a pop-up by black-owned bookstore, BlknPrint, plus a Kwanzaa market.

10% of sales will be donated to the Santa Cruz Ofrenda.

Wednesday December 21

Thursday December 22

AGAPE’S NUTCRACKER

2:30 / 6:30 p.m., Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos

This Christmas, Agape Dance Academy presents their 10th anniversary Nutcracker, playing at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater.

Enjoy all the fun of a timeless classic while your family is in town for the holidays and celebrate ten years of amazing community and Agape love!

The show is one hour and 45 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission.

Box office opens one hour before event; doors open 30 minutes before. Masks are required during the performance.

All seating is assigned. Tickets are $35, $30 for seniors 65+ and children 18 and under, plus a $5 convenience charge.

• Santa Cruz Warriors Fan Pack: Authentic photo signed by Jordon Poole, authentic bobblehead signed by Klay Thompson, XL t-shirt, pom pom, nightlight, small towel and a “2018 Champs” hat. Go Warriors!

The auction closes at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The auction link is https://www.32auctions.com/HomefortheHolidays2022

Tuesday December 6

JAZZERCISE RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE

5 p.m., 1855 41st Ave. D-04, Capitola

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will welcome Jazzercise to the Capitola Mall with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5pm Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1855 41st Ave. D-04, Capitola, followed by a Holiday Open House. Robin Berkery is the owner of Jazzercise Santa Cruz and Aptos.

Information: (831) 316-4059 and www.jazzercise.com/ location/capitola-mall

TREE OF LIGHTS

CELEBRATION

5-6:30 p.m., Tannery Arts Center courtyard, 1010 River St, Santa Cruz

Hospice of Santa Cruz County is hosting its annual Tree of Lights celebration, a short program to remember those we have lost in our community and light up the tree in the courtyard of the Tannery Arts Center.

People will also light luminarias, and it’s a beautiful scene to witness and be a part of.

Visit www.hospicesantacruz.org/event/tree-of-lights/ or call 831-430-3000 for more information.

Saturday December 10

Sunday December 11

GREY BEARS HOLIDAY DINNER DRIVE-THRU

Time TBD, Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz or Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. 5th St. (Sat. Only) The 49th Annual Grey Bears Holiday Dinner

Join us for our annual Santa Cruz Nutcracker perfor mance! Featuring dancers from all ages and backgrounds, we’ve come together to offer you this spectacular show.

Many members of our beloved staff, including Studio Director Shannon Chipman and ballet teacher Vicki Bergland, performed in the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker Production. Even more, they continue to dance and teach to this day.

Invite in the holiday spirit and come enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with our talented dancers, right in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater.

Visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/vapa/ticket-info/ for tickets

Tuesday December 20

NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS @ CAPITOLA

5:30-6:30 p.m., Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road

Fostering compassionate action in Santa Cruz County neighborhoods — a meet-up for people who want to learn how to take an active role in their neighborhood

Thursday December 29

HABARI GANI! HONORING KWANZAA

6 – 8 p.m., Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz

Curated by Santa Cruz Black Health Matters Initiative, this community at the Museum of Art & History honors the annual celebration of Kwanzaa.

Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been recognized amongst the winter holiday classics. However, many lack understanding of its significance and practice.

Habari Gani! welcomes the community for: Kinara lighting ceremony, traditional dance, music, and a gift-giving ceremony.

Featuring a pop-up by black-owned bookstore, BlknPrint, plus a Kwanzaa market.

10% of sales will be donated to the Santa Cruz Ofrenda. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A Gathering of Earnest Women: YWCA Conferences in Capitola

By Deborah Osterberg

When one first thinks of Capitola, teeming summer beach crowds come to mind. But it was an annual offseason event in the early 20th century which helped raise the profile of the small, seaside resort.

Each spring from 1900 through 1911, hundreds of coeds from western colleges descended upon Capitola for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Pacific Coast Stu dents’ Conference.

The YWCA, a non-sectarian Chri stian lay movement for women, is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organi zation in the world.

In the late 1890s the YWCA began to coordinate regional conferences for college women. The initial Pacific Coast Students’ Confe rence held at Capitola in May 1900 was a 10-day spring event attracting 115 dele gates from 23 Western colleges and normal (teachers’) schools.

Capitola was one of four regional conferences held annually but soon became the most popular. Capitola’s scenery and resort attributes made “… it an ideal place for a religious gathering of earnest women ...”

The conference provided young women the opportunity for Christian study, leadership training, networking, and recreation.

With his permission, the students took up residence at F.A. Hihn’s Hotel Capitola. The ladies were charged a $5.00 program fee and board at the hotel cost them just $1.00 per day. The conference attendees handled the hotel kitchen under the welcomed supervision of manager, Mrs. Patty Reed Lewis. The students also

vividly decorated the hotel in their mul tiple school colors.

Phoebe Apperson Hearst donated funds to support the conference as well as paid the traveling expenses for many delegates. Hearst continued to be a major proponent and supporter of the conference, including later finding it a permanent home.

Capitola’s location afforded delegates the opportunity to hold some of their sessions out on the beach. Though the main focus of the conference was spiritual learning, delegates were advised to pack “walking skirts, tennis racquets, kodaks, bicycles, etc.”

The girls’ free time was spent in all types of frolics including hiking, bonfires, gathering sea moss and shells and even putting on vaudeville shows. There was also an intercollegiate field day filled with running, baseball, and basketball competitions.

By year three, conference attendance tripled, far outpacing the growth of other regional conferences. Throughout the years there were large delegations from the two major universities (Berkeley and Stanford), groups of students from smaller colleges and city associations and occasionally girls from Indian boarding schools.

The Associations of more favored stu dents pay the expenses of these Indian girls to Capitola; there they are the inspiration of all because of their spiritual earne stness and joy. They are marked Christian leaders afterwards in their schools, and may readily become leaders in their Indian communities …

One Native American conference attendee was 23-year-old Maggie Lafonso, also known as So-Wil-Len-No, of the Mechoopda Indians of the Chico Rancheria.

In 1905, famed women’s rights and temperance activist, Annie Bidwell, sent Maggie to the conference in her place. In a letter home Maggie wrote, “Have I ever been to such a glorious place as Capitola? ... I have [met] many lovely ladies here …”

In addition to the Bible lessons and lectures on missionary work, Maggie enjoyed a journey to see the Big Trees in Felton. She later reflected that her “... experience at Capitola is more to me than anything I have undertaken” concluding that she “... packed deep into my heart much to teach my people.”

Yet, it is important to understand that there was a darker history to the conference involvement of young ladies like Maggie.

For decades, Indian children were removed from their families and were the subjects of forced assimilation at boarding schools with mottos such as “Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” Even well-intentioned Indian advocates had little understanding or regard for Native American culture or spirituality. Today the traumatic impact of boarding schools upon Indian children is finally beginning to be better understood and acknowledged.

In 1907, one conference attendee stated “… that Capitola, to a girl who has never

stands for all that is beautiful and noble in life, for inspirations and decisions for the future, and for the highest type of American womanhood.”

Alas, Capitola as home to the YWCA students did not last.

By 1911 the conference’s popularity began to outstrip available accommoda tions in Capitola and organizers formulated plans for their own, larger venue.

In 1913 the YWCA officially opened the Asilomar Leadership Camp in Pacific Grove. The framework and eventual success of what became Asilomar, deve loped over the twelve years when earnest, young college women annually met in search of spiritual enrichment and fel lowship in the charming seaside resort of Capitola. n

To read more about the YWCA confe rences in Capitola, view the entire article by Capitola Historical Museum Curator Deborah Osterberg, which is posted at the Online History Journal of the Santa Cruz

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Museum of

Young women with their college banners at YWCA conference hosted by F.A. Hihn’s Hotel Capitola, circa 1903 • Photograph taken by H.W.H. Penniman for the 1903 Y.W.C.A. souvenir booklet which F.A. Hihn commissioned as a gift for conference attendees. (Capitola Historical Museum)

Maggie Lafonso of Chico Rancheria Courtesy of California State University, Chico, Meriam Library Special Collections

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs … Oh My!

This week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are all of our bunnies and guinea pigs!

We are having severe overcrowding of bunnies and guinea pigs at the Shelter and need to find foster homes and adoptive homes to help make space. We have 7 adoptable rabbits and 12 guinea pigs. Sometimes “pocket pets” like bunnies and guinea pigs are said to be a starter pet but these animals do need care just like any other pet. Both need fresh hay, special food, produce snacks and lots of cuddles.

When rabbits are happy they do a little jump in the air called a “binky”- this is like a purr for bunnies. Guinea pigs love to squeak when they here the rustling of plastic since they expect snacks to come their way.

Both species can be very human social and be tolerant of other animals in the home. Rabbits can also be litterbox trained which makes clean up easier. If you are an experienced rabbit or guinea pig owner, or willing to put in the work to learn about and raise these special creatures, please visit us at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today and see all of our tiny furry pals!

Now through the end of December SCCAS is having a “Home for the Holidays Adoption Special” where all Shelter pets will be available for a “Pay it Forward” adoption donation of the adopters’ choice.

The suggested donation is between $50-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their dona tions to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals).

The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip (including registration), age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for worms/fleas, and a free pet wellness exam with a local partici pating veterinarian. If you are looking for a furry friend for the holidays, come to the Shelter and meet your new best cuddle buddy!

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 831454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information!