Capitola Soquel Times: January 2023

Clerk Julia Moss

Hello to the Capitola-Soquel Times community, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Margaux Keiser and I am the newly elected Mayor of the City of Capitola!

My husband and I have lived in Capitola for over 15 years and have loved being here since day one.

We even were lucky enough to get hitched at the

historical Monarch Cove Inn on Depot Hill.

Capitola is a beautiful, unique & wonderful city, which I am so happy to be a part of, and now serve my community. ... continues on page 4

Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” is one of the best-known images of Depression-era California.

Marisa Silver’s Mary Coin is a richly imagined back-story — and after-story — of that photograph.

Full Story page 5

Margaux Keiser

‘Mamma Mia!’ Onstage In January

Janus of Santa Cruz New Board Members

Twin Lakes Church: 1 Million+ Meals for Food Bank

Gutzwiller Memorial Groundbreaking: Strock Family to Match December Donations, By Kieran Kelly

New Capitola City Clerk: Julia Moss

Offers Money to Repair Old Fair Barns, By Jondi Gumz

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The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2023. All rights reserved.

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Helping Job-Seeking Veterans

The California Employment Development Department recognizes and honors all military veterans for their service to our country.

While in the military, a veteran gains valuable skills and experience and the EDD is here to help maximize on those gains. The agency, which has an office in Capitola at 2045 40th Ave., offers resources for veterans to meet their career and employment goals to successfully transition from military service to a civilian career.

A recent success story is Andre Samayoa.

A working with fellow veterans following his discharge from the military, Andre Samayoa found himself unemployed in October 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He decided to seek help from America’s Job Center of California in Capitola as he began looking for a new job.

COVER STORY

Many people ask me: “Did you always know you wanted to be involved with politics?” and the answer is: “No, not at all!”

I had never imagined myself even running for City Council, let alone being voted into the mayoral position.

The whole process has been very eye-opening and extremely informative. I have learned so much in my last two years on council and look forward to using that knowledge, while gaining even more as the mayor.

“As a veteran, he was referred to the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program, or

JVSG, and was assigned to an EDD program representative Amy Vradenburg,” said Alan Burrafato, manager at the Capitola AJCC office.

An assessment determined that Samayoa would benefit from support with resume development, job searching, and mock interview practice.

“Andre was motivated and very focused on finding a job,” said Vradenburg. “He took advantage of all the tools we provided to help him with his job applications and subsequent interviews.”

At the job center, Samayoa also took advantage of labor data available and information on job openings to concentrate his job search around his home in Santa Cruz County.

We have an amazing city staff, police department, and public works, which has made this new venture of mine completely doable. Everyone is so committed to this City and its well-being, that working together is as natural as it is effective.

I have worked tirelessly in a few locally owned restaurants right in Capitola Village and I also own and operate my own personal training business.

Needless to say, I prioritize our local infrastructure. Both career paths have allowed me to work closely with

many wonderful local citizens and build strong, meaningful relationships. Each line of work has also helped me build assertive qualities along with great people skills.

In this new position as mayor, I am looking forward to the Capitola Wharf rehabilitation project for which the city was just given a $3.5 million grant to make our iconic wharf the best it can be.

Some other projects to look forward to are the re-landscaping of the grounds around Rispin Mansion and (fingers crossed!) the ever-elusive Capitola Mall project!

I really hope we can take steps in the right direction of that project and give the community something to really look forward to.

I am excited to serve as the mayor of Capitola for 2023 and continue to serve the community that I hold so close to my heart.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season, stays happy, healthy and that all the best continues for the year of 2023! n •••

Margaux Keiser owns her own business, www.keisernutritionandfitness. com and can be reached at margauxkeiser@ gmail.com.

Cover Photo: Capitola City Council members elected in November have been sworn in to serve four years, from left, Alex Pedersen, Joe Clarke, and incumbent Yvette Brooks. • Photo credit Jondi Gumz

“Meet Mayor Keiser” from page 1

“Veteran

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Andre Samoyoa

Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” is one of the best-known images of Depression-era California.

Marisa Silver’s Mary Coin is a richly imagined back-story — and after-story — of that photograph. Her book is the focus of the 2023 Our Community Reads, a program of the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Community members read the book and then come together for a series of events presented with the friends of the Capitola, Felton, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley libraries, and in partnership with Cabrillo College and Aptos High School.

New this year: Our Community Reads Passport offers special incentives to attend all the 2023 events. For Passport information, go to: www.FriendsofAptosLibrary.org

Mary Coin is one of the thousands of Oklahomans displaced by the Dust Bowl. She — and her many children — end up in the migrant camps of California, where photographer Vera Dare encounters her and captures an image that takes on a life of its own. And in the present, college professor

Walker Dodge finds that the photograph might have significance in his own life.

NPR called the book “... a fresh angle on the Great Depression and a lesson in learning how to really look and see ... remarkable, quietly heroic yet very human characters.”

Goodreads summed up: “In luminous prose, Silver creates an extraordinary tale ... a reminder that a great photograph captures the essence of a moment yet only scratches the surface of a life.”

All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Doors open half an hour before programs begin.

This year’s Our Community Reads events will take place in person and via Zoom (H for hybrid, P for in person only, and Z for Zoom only.

To register: Go to www.SantaCruzPL.org and click on Calendar at the top of the home page. Scroll the Calendar page to the event you want to attend, and click the link for the name of the event. You will find registration instructions.

•••

Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion (H)

A spirited discussion of Mary Coin,

led by Marjorie Bowles. La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach

Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Capitola Book Discussion Group (Z) led by Dian Duchin Reed Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

A Talk with the Author (H)

From her home in Los Angeles, Mary Coin author Marisa Silver talks about creating the fictional world of an iconic image. Watch online at home or join us in the Ow Family Community Room of Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, with moderator Geneffa Jonker, Cabrillo College English professor.

Sponsored by Friends of the Capitola Library.

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.

Concert: Songs We Sang in the Great Depression

“Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime,” “If You Ain’t Got the Do Re Mi” (In-person only).

“Mary Coin” page 8

Housing on the Way In Soquel

Contruction is underway at 2838 Park Ave., Soquel, to build Park Haven Plaza, a three-story building with 32 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments for veterans, foster youth aged out of the system and families at risk of being homeless.

EECAR is doing the undergrounding work now.

The developer is 2838 Park Ave. LP, affiliated with Novin Development of Walnut Creek.

The cost is projected to be $19 million, funded by state, county and private sources.

Modular units built off site are expected to speed up construction time and lower the carbon footprint.

Completion is projected for June 2023, according to developer Iman Novin.

This is supportive housing with an on-site manager, and assistance from nonprofit Abode Servcies of Fremont o help residents apply for services such as healthcare, education, and food.

The project received $10.7 million

in from the state’s Homekey program created By Gov. Newsom.

All told, Homekey has awarded $2.753 billion to create 12,676 housing units across California.

In December, Homekey awarded $36 milliuon statewide, including $2.4 million to the County of San Benito to buy 11 factory-built homes and $2.2 million to the County of Santa Cruz to adapt a former medical office in the city of Santa Cruz into two studio and five one-bedroom units.

The Department of Housing and Community Development will release a third round of Homekey funds in early 2023.

For information, visit hcd.ca.gov and the Homekey Awards Dashboard where Homekey project awards are tracked by dollar totals, project type, progress and region.

Dr. Vasavi Chinnam, a dentist, maintains the office at 2340 Park Ave., Soquel. Thrive Natural Medicine, a holistic medicine practitioner that had shared that site, has moved to Aptos at 36 Seascape Village. n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

The first step in building housing at 2838 Park Ave. is undergrounding.

Vaccine Boosts Pfizer Revenue

By Jondi Gumz

On Dec. 12, Pfizer said annual revenue from its mRNA vaccine portfolio could reach $10 billion to $15 billion by 2030, soothing investor fears about decline in Covid vaccine demand and expiring patents.

Pfizer shares rose to $52.59 in afternoon trading and helped lift the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 528 points, up 1.58% — the biggest one-day percentage gain since Nov. 30.

FiercePharma expects the drugmaker’s 2023 revenue to top $100 billion — a new record and more than double the pre-pandemic level — due to demand for its Covid-19 vaccine and oral treatment Paxlovid. The world’s largest pharmaceutical company by revenue, Johnson & Johnson, reported $82.6 billion revenue in 2020.

On Dec. 22, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to convene a grand jury as requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate any wrongdoing with respect to Covid-19 vaccines. The grand jury will meet for one year.

Studies funded by drugmakers that developed the vaccines have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and federal regulators granted emergency use authorization after reviewing data on their safety and effectiveness.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo pointed out that pharmaceutical companies have not provided their data on Covid-19 vaccines to independent researchers.

DeSantis contends the drugmakers had a financial interest in creating a climate in which people believed that getting a coronavirus vaccine would ensure they would not spread the virus to others.

On Dec. 19, U.S. District Judge John Kness approved a $10.3 million settlement for about 500 workers fired by NorthShore University Healthsystem in Illinois for refusing to get a Covid-19 vaccine.

Each fired worker stands to receive $24,225. The named plaintiffs are in line to receive an extra $20,000.

Lawyers for Liberty Counsel, who represented the 13 initial named plaintiffs and won class action status for others, said Kness approved of the settlement verbally and will release a written judgment next week.

NorthShore in a statement wrote, “We are pleased with the Court’s approval of a supportive resolution to this matter.”

“This case should set a precedent for other employers who have violated the law by denying religious exemptions for their employees,” Harry Mihet, vice president of legal affairs for Liberty Counsel, said in a statement.

On Dec. 12, the college football world was stunned to learn Mike Leach, the influential football coach at Mississippi State University, collapsed at home and died of complications from a heart condition at age 61.

The MSU announcement did not include his Covid vaccination status.

In 2021, Mississippi State University required Covid vaccination for faculty and staff to comply with President Biden’s executive order, the reason being not to jeopardize $271 million in federally funded research.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that deaths after COVID-19 vaccination are rare and that reports of adverse effects after vaccination, including deaths, “do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem.”

On Nov. 27, a published report by six pathologists from Heidelberg (Germany) University Hospital who performed autopsies on 25 individuals who died unexpectedly at home and within 20 days after Covid vaccination.

They found five cases where “autopsy findings indicated death due to acute arrhythmogenic cardiac failure. Thus, myocarditis can be a potentially lethal complication following mRNA-based antiSARS-CoV-2 vaccination.”

None had signs of a pre-existing heart disease.

The study, “Autopsy-based histopathological characterization of myocarditis after anti-SARS-CoV-2-vaccination,” appeared in Clinical Research in Cardiology, official journal of the German Cardiac Society.

Evasive New Variants

The new Omicron subvariant BQ1.1 dominates with 38.4% of cases, followed by BQ.1, with 30.7%, according to weekly Nowcast projections by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

BA.5, the once-pervasive variant included in the new “bivalent” booster for the fall along with the original 2020 coronavirus, has shrunk to 10% of new cases.

A new variant of concern, XBB, comprises 7.2% of cases.

This is important because scientists in new independent studies published in Nature and the Lancet report the bivalent booster “did not produce robust neutralization against the newly emerged BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, or XBB.1” – in other words, these newer subvariants can evade immunity from infection and vaccination.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of Americans age 16 and up had some immunity from vaccination or infection.

Now that immunity may be in question.

California reports 60.6% of people have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 20.5% got the bivalent booster.

In Santa Cruz County, 68.2% have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 28.5% got the bivalent booster.

The bivalent combo was expedited by federal officials who asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans.

Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization.

On Dec. 8, the FDA amended that emergency use authorization to allow bivalent Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for children as young as 6 months. More Spreadable Researchers say the new Covid-19 variants are more spreadable, but the state’s test positivity rate slipped to 10.6%, and there is no indication they are more deadly than previous versions.

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 September 2021.

Deaths per day in the U.S. jumped this week to 1,024, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged.

Santa Cruz County reports 51 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, 2021, before Omicron.

Santa Cruz County reported one more death in the past month, bringing the total to 276 since the pandemic began in 2020.

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

Tests at Home

Santa Cruz County reports 1,152 active Covid cases, double from a month ago.

Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases and vaccinology at UC Berkeley School of Public

Health, contends Covid case data are not valuable for monitoring the virus because so many people buy tests sold at drugstores for use at home, which escape tracking by public health officials.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education reports 684,700 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, 2022, and have risen in the past month from 161 to 363.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% in January 2022, has risen from 1.61% to 2.71%.

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

Avoid Emergency Room

After Thanksgiving, Santa Cruz County health officials reported a surge in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus cases along with Covid and asked people with no symptoms or mild cases, or other non-serious illnesses, to “avoid unnecessary trips to already burdened hospital emergency departments.”

People with significant difficulty breathing, intense chest pain, severe weakness, or an elevated temperature that persists for days are among those who should consider seeking emergency medical care for their condition, health officials said.

They said people with “relatively mild” respiratory infections “can effectively recover from their illness at home, or by seeking primary care treatment and/or speaking with their primary care provider.”

See the CDC guidance for RSV at https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/clinical/index. html

2023 Recommendation

CDC plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

The

In Santa Cruz County, 68.2% have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 28.5% got the bivalent booster.

A Candle in the Darkness

Twin Lakes Church in Aptos will host Christmas Eve candlelight services at 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, and 3, 4:30 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.

A remembering service is planned at 7:15 p.m., Dec. 23, and a service in Spanish will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.

The Christmas Day service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, including fun for kids and Christmas brunch. n

Photos Credit: David Schlaepfer

“Mary Coin” from page 5

Join local singers Aileen Vance, Bob Reid & Judi Jaeger, Jack Bowers & Vicki Coffis at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 2402 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel, for a live concert of songs that deepen our understanding of the world of Mary Coin and millions of other Dust Bowl migrants.

Host Julie Olsen Edwards Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m Workshop: “Our Community Writes” (H)

Here’s your chance to create flash fiction, mini-essays, or poetry based on the world of Mary Coin.

Using evocative prompts and plenty of encouragement, writer June Langhoff and members of the Monterey/Santa Cruz chapter of Shut Up & Write will focus on the joy of the creative process at Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Writer fuel will be provided.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Panel: “The Photographer’s Eye” (H) Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.

Local photographers Shmuel Thaler, Kevin Painchaud, and Mary Altier will talk about their work, show examples, and contrast their experience with that of earlier photographers like Dorothea Lange.

Moderated by Jim Bourne, whose photographs are on exhibit in the library through March 2023. Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Saturday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.

Hands-on Art Event

In-person only at Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

Using the medium of collage, participants will create an “extended” pencil drawing using a photo of the Dust Bowl era

to which a six-word memoir is added for deeper meaning. Presenters Jo-Neal Graves and Sharon Ferguson, Open Studios artists and art educators, will provide background information, drawing pointers, memoir development, and lots of encouragement. No prior skills necessary to be successful.

Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Panel: “Farm to Table: Smooth Road or Bumps Along the Way?” (H)

Temple Beth El Social Hall, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos Panelists will compare the working conditions of today’s farmworkers to the conditions of the Depression era, look at labor issues from a historical perspective, and show how best practices are being applied in today’s farming.

Dr. Ann López, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens, Peter Shapiro, author of Song of the Stubborn One Thousand: The Watsonville Canning Strike, 1985-87 .Alicia Bencomo Garcia (Professor of Ethnic Studies, Cabrillo College), moderator.

Sponsored by Friends of the Aptos Library.

Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Film: “The Grapes of Wrath”

In-person only at La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach.

Topsy Smalley, Librarian with a special interest in Steinbeck, introduces John Ford’s classic adaptation of the immortal Steinbeck novel.

Sponsored by Friends of La Selva Beach Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

Film: “Dolores”

In-person only at Garden Room, Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz.

A documentary about Dolores Huerta, co-founder—with César Chávez—of the precursor to the United Farmworkers

Union. Introduction by Jerry Kay, longtime friend of Ms. Huerta.

Come a few minutes early to view a video display of the work of Aptos High School students, whose class assignment was to redesign the book cover for Mary Coin or use art to tell the story behind the photo. Student work will be judged by members of the Bookshop Santa Cruz staff and awards given to the top work.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. Reading in the Redwoods In-person only at Felton Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St., Felton. Book group discussion of Mary Coin led by April Zilber.

Sponsored by Felton Library Friends.

Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

Music & Film: The Depression, the Dust Bowl, and Dorothea In-person only at Felton Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St., Felton

During the 1930s, music painted a vivid picture of a nation in crisis. Felton’s own Patti Maxine, along with Alison Steele of Sugar by the Pound, will play songs of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

The music will be followed by the short documentary “Dorothea Lange, An American Odyssey,” a portrait of the photographer portrayed as Vera Dare in Mary Coin, best known for her work documenting and humanizing the plight of migrants and farm workers in the 1930s. Refreshments served.

Sponsored by Felton Library Friends.

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Reminiscence: A Universal Language (H) Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos.

A personal glimpse into the life of Dorothea Lange—portrait photographer, witness to the Great Depression and the Japanese Internment, visual chronicler of

the Irish Country people—as told by her son Daniel Dixon.

Presented by Dixie Dixon, widow of Daniel and herself a photographer. Sponsored by the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Trivia Night

In-person only at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, 20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley.

The ever-popular Trivia on Tap, hosted by the Santa Cruz Public Library’s Victor Willis, poses challenging questions from Mary Coin. Book groups may participate, or fly solo. Beer available for sale, a food truck out front or eat elsewhere in Victor Square. n

NOTES: This calendar is as accurate as was possible at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date Our Community Reads information, go to www.FriendsofAptosLibrary.org

There might be a photographer present at in-person events. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer or a member of the Friends.

Expand your mind, engage your senses, challenge your creativity, and be a part of the Our Community Reads community! The more events you attend, the more enriching the experience will be, which explains the Passport: To encourage participants to attend as many events as possible.

• Those who attend 12 events will win a “Grand Prize.”

• There will be “runner-up” prizes for those who attend 10 or 11 events.

• At each in-person event you will receive a stamp in your passport.

• For virtual events, you will get a write-in code.

Pick up your Passport at library branches or when you check in at the first event. The Friends’ website (www.FriendsofAptosLibrary. org) will tell you how to turn in your Passport at the end of the season.

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

‘Mamma Mia!’ Onstage In January

On the eve of her wedding, a young woman’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years ago. Set to the hit songs of the Swedish pop band ABBA, “Mamma Mia!” tells the story of Sophie Sheridan and her mother, Donna, in a hilarious, “take-a-chance” tale of love, laughter and friendship as portrayed on stage by Mount Madonna School’s high school cast.

After headstrong Sophie secretly reads her mother’s journals, she narrows down her father’s identity to three possibilities. The story heats up as Sophie, unbeknownst to Donna, invites all three men to her wedding.

Performances are January 27 at 7 p.m., January 28 at 2 p.m. and a special sing-along performance is offered on January 28 at 2 p.m. at the Hawks’ Nest Theater at Mount Madonna School. Tickets are available at mms-mammamia.brownpapertickets.com.

Adult tickets are $15; $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved. Tickets for the singalong performance are $20.

The original musical premiered onstage in 1999 and was later adapted into a 2008 film starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep.

“ABBA’s music will get the audience excited and up on its feet,” commented junior Anya Gonzalez, who plays Sophie in the MMS production.

“In ‘Mamma Mia!’ there’s a universal theme of identity and the struggle revolving around finding one’s identity, which is part of human nature.

Sophie is a prime example of that in that she is attempting to find her dad to fill in the missing piece of herself. Through the experience of portraying Sophie, I think I’ve learned how to be more carefree and bubbly.

“The story itself has characters who

“COVID Update” from page 7

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

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

“Veteran Jobs” from page 4

“The help they gave me was very important in finding a job,” said Samayoa.

He applied for a job at the Service, Employment and Redevelopment Jobs for Progress National, Inc. in Watsonville, a national network of community-based organizations that offers assistance to disadvantaged communities. He was called in for an interview, and was hired in November 2021 as a regional director for their National Farmworker Jobs Program.

Samayoa now oversees staff in Santa Barbara, Imperial, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties.

Samayoa partially credits his past

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. Committee 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 students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Homeschoolers are exempt.

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

experience assisting people in connecting with employment programs and services, but is also very grateful to the Capitola AJCC and its staff for their invaluable assistance, such as providing tips on interviews and preparation on how to answer specific behavioral and situational questions. He said the interview training made a positive impact on his confidence while he was answering questions from upper management during his job interview.

Samayoa is thankful for the “encouragement and counsel” from the center’s program representatives. n •••

Veterans who are job-hunting can call 831-464-6286.

are all longing for something bigger than themselves and I think that’s something that high school students can all relate to,” continued Gonzalez. “It also sends the message that it’s important to let loose from your everyday life and be a little bit more carefree. The show completely counters the idea of the hustle culture that is prominent in today’s society.”

Mount Madonna’s high school performing arts program includes all students; grades nine through twelve.

“The arts are a marvelous place for a community to gather, and in the spirit of creativity and collaboration, we are pleased to see the student cast “own” this story, embrace the soundtrack and entertain us with their inspired movin’ and groovin’,” commented Director Chelsea Otterness.

Director Seán Boulware agreed.

“We are thrilled that MMS high school students chose “Mamma Mia!” as their winter production,” said Boulware. “It has wonderful themes and music that takes you back to the golden age of disco and ABBA. What a joy to be part of this stellar production.” n •••

“Mamma Mia!” music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with additional lyrics by Stig Anderson. “Mamma Mia!” was originally produced in London by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal. Additional Material & Arrangements by Martin Koch. Music published by Universal Music Publishing Group and EMI Grove Park Music Inc. and EMI Waterford Music Inc. “Mamma Mia!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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

Santa Cruz County

In hospital with positive Covid test: 25 Intensive care: 2 •••

COVID Deaths: 276

As of Dec. 22 Age

85 and older: 121 • 75-84: 64 • 65-74: 49 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10

35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5

Underlying Conditions

Yes: 226 • No: 50 Vaccinated

Yes: 39 • No: 237 Race White 163 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 • Black 3 Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender

Men: 140 • Women: 136 Location

At facility for aged: 118 Not at a facility: 158

Braciola and Eddie’s Shoes

Editor’s note: This biographical story contains slang from 70 years ago that is offensive today.

Previously: Dad left us alone at the Coney Island Pier to fish while he went “on errands” — which probably meant bar-hopping near the Boardwalk. •••

We waited and waited. By then Laura and I were cold and shivering, and the sun was fading toward New York, we weren’t even fishing anymore. Laura said that, by the way Dad talked, she wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t left for Miami and the dog races, or maybe we’d hear from him in a few weeks from Arizona or even California. At this news I felt myself becoming numb, starting to shiver even more.

As the evening became darker, a figure walking toward us on the pier came closer, and we could tell it was Dad because of his familiar swagger, whistling as if nothing had happened.

We started clawing at him, asking questions but he didn’t listen. He just said, “Pack up, kids, let’s go.” Laura knew what was happening. We were going to sit at a bar while Dad drank beer and yakked with his friends. If nothing else, we’d be out of the cold, and maybe he’d buy us glasses of Coke with ice and cherries on top. And maybe get in on a few more stories.

On the way to Sal’s Bar, Dad started talking about the crap game again.

“The game always takes place in the alley behind the shoe shop, kids,” Dad said.

“Eddie trows da dice and they land next to his new cordovan French-toed shoes, and we all see a two-inch knife cut right on the toe.

“Eddie said they cost him eighty dollas at shop on Lexington Avenoo. And when he said it happened in Harlem, everyone gasped. It’s a miracle to come back from Harlem with shoes at all, kids. With all your limbs intact.”

Laura and I stared at one another.

“People like us cause trouble in Harlem, kids.” Laura told me later that it didn’t matter if a Puerto Rican like Dad had olive-colored skin, he better watch out in Harlem. And if you were a whitie like Eddie was even worse.

“Eddie and this darkie get to scuffing and punching,” Dad said, “... when the guy pulls out a knife.”

Laura’s eyes were bugging out and I’m sure mine were too.

“Eddie sweeps dis guy’s feet out from under him,” Dad said. “And the darkie lunges wit da knife and slashes Eddie’s shoe.

“Eddie made it outta Harlem wit his

life, kids,” Dad said. “But his shoes are dead. So, he decides ta bring ‘em ova to my shoe shop ta see what magic I can do.”

Dad waited for a response from us, but we were speechless.

“Eddie said he wished da guy ha cut his leg instead,” Dad said. “Can you imagine? He was almost in tears.”

Dad was getting to the good part just as we arrived at Sal’s Place near the Boardwalk. When we walked in, Uncle Johnny and Cousin Rosemarie, were sitting at the bar. But Johnny was too busy telling everyone he can make Braciola even better than most Italians to even notice us.

“A lot a people think they know how ta make brasho,” Uncle said. “But all kina people told me my brasho’s da best.

“The secret is ta use all raw ingredients

ta roll up in da beef. But I don’t use no hardboiled egg.”

Everyone used to laugh at him until they tasted his braciola. Rosemarie started to say something about the egg, but Uncle Johnny said, “Shut up, Rose, don’t tell nobody my secret.”

Laura and I laughed; it was good to see someone else get told to shut up. Still, no one noticed us because Dad was practically holding us hostage by the door so we could hear the whole story.

“Da trouble wit the way da Dagos make it is using cooked egg,” Uncle said. “But I use raw egg. Dat way, when you bake it, the egg doesn’t dry out. And the meat doesn’t taste like shoe leather.

“And speaking of shoe leather,” Johnny said, lifting his glass and spotting

Braciola — Stuffed Skirt Steak

Serves: 4

This recipe is linked to the time Dad fixed the knife cut on Eddie Ryan’s shoes by gluing ground shoe leather into the crack, then — according to my Uncle Johnny — grinding it down so “the naked eye couldn’t tell da difference.” It was the same night we caught Johnny bragging about his secret technique for adding the egg. But now I’m realizing no one uses egg at all, it was just Johnny’s penchant for fictional elaboration (read “lying”) in telling a story.

1 skirt steak weighing 1 1/2 pounds

Salt and pepper to taste

5 to 6 slices of Prosciutto

½ cup chopped spinach

½ cup chopped parsley

6 cloves garlic, minced fine

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 ½ cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter

2 (28 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes.

(To prep the tomatoes, sauté 6 cloves of garlic, minced, in a few tablespoons of olive oil, add the tomatoes and simmer with a little water for a few hours over low heat, stirring frequently.)

•••

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the steak between 2 pieces of

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Joe Ortiz

Dad in the corner and. “There’s my brotha now, the best goddamn shoe repairman in the greata New York area.”

Laura, Rosemarie, and I, now seated at the bar, began to perk up when Johnny started talking about fixing shoes instead of food.

“Last week,” Johnny said, “Herman proves he’s da greatest. Eddie’s got a cut on da toe of his shoe as wide as a darkie smilin’ in the night. And Herman’s da only shoe repairman in da greata New York area dat has da cajones to try and fix it. But it’s gonna cost Eddie 20 bucks.

“Herman doesn’t wanna give away no secrets. But I seen him do it before. He takes ground shoe leather, mixes it with cordovan shoe dye and some special glue and rubs it inta da crack. Den he takes da filling down to the surface on the sanding wheel, buffs it out, and re-dyes the front tip of da shoe. Da naked eye can’t tell da shoe’s been touched. Like wit our cookin’, da Puerto Rican mind can turn garbage inta gold.”

wax paper and, pound until it’s about ¼ inch thick (thin as possible). The steak should measure about 6 to 7 inches wide by 20 inches long. Set aside. Poach the spinach in a little pan of hot water over low to medium heat for a few minutes. When cool, squeeze it try with your hands.

Heat the butter in a skillet and sauté the garlic until translucent. Let cool.

In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, spinach, and until well blended.

Lay the steak out on a flat surface, fat side down, and cover the meat with the prosciutto slices, then about a ¾-inchthick layer of the filling.

The mixture should be an inch or so from the back edge, and then roll it into a log of about 2 inches in diameter.

Secure with toothpicks (tying with kitchen twine is best). Heat the olive oil and butter in a casserole pan large enough to hold the log (or cut in 8-inch lengths to accommodate) and fry the meat until brown on all sides (4 to 5 minutes).

Pour 4 to 6 cups of the tomato sauce over the meat and bake in the 350-degree oven for 1 hour 30 minutes.

Let the logs cool ten minutes, then slice and serve with some of the sauce on top. n

“It costs Herman 50 cents to do the job and he makes twenty bucks on da deal.

“But you’re gonna die when you hear what happened next. . .”

“Now, Johnny,” Dad said. His face turned that pale, pasty look it got when he wound up in hot water with Mom. Uncle just kept on talking.

“When Eddie gets his hands on the dice,” Uncle said, “Strange numbas start showing up. Eddie’s numbas.

“Da pot grows,” Uncle Johnny said. “Eight, sixteen, thirty-two dollas. Herman starts ta turn blue.

“Pretty soon Eddie’s thirty dollas up, and da twenty dollas Herman just talked outta Eddie ta fix da shoes are right back in Eddie’s pocket.”

On the subway home, a pretty lady across from us had her skirt hiked up. I looked over at Dad, whose head was cocked back, his mouth wide open. He must have fallen asleep while taking a look. Laura was distracted by playing with the fishing lines, so I leaned back and slid down in my seat to get my own look up the lady’s skirt.

When we arrived at the elevated Queensborough station and went down to street level, we went into the Asian fish market where Dad bought a few flounder filets. Outside the shop, he ripped off the white butcher paper and wrapped the fish in newspaper.

“Mom asks, we caught this offa da pier,” he said. “It’s fa her I’m doin’ it. You know she gets sad when we don’t catch no fish,” he said.

“She doesn’t ask, don’t say nothin’.”

“And Eddie’s shoes? Keep ya mouths shut.” n

Janus of Santa Cruz New Board Members

Janus of Santa Cruz announces three new board members who will help expand substance use disorder treatment services in Santa Cruz County. They are: Ana Ventura Phares, Freny Cooper, and Angela Chesnut.

The Santa Cruz County SheriffCoroner’s Office reported 57 acute drug-related deaths in 2019, then 61 in 2020 and 95 in 2021. This year, from January to September this year, there were 64 such deaths.

The increase is due to highly addictive methamphetamine and more recently poisonings, in which pills, often ordered online, are tainted by deadly fentanyl. Fentanyl deaths have risen from five in 2019 to 19 in 2020, then 42 in 2021. From January to September this year, there were 39.

Ventura Phares, an attorney, is a native to Santa Cruz County and the first Latina mayor of Watsonville in its over 100-year history. She is the executive director of Catholic Charities, development consultant for the Siena House (Maternity Home) of Santa Cruz,

former Equal Employment Opportunity officer with the County of Santa Cruz for 22 years and is the human resources consultant and workplace trainer for Sloan, Sakai, Yeung and Wong, LLP. She has prior board experience with Dignity Health Foundation, O’Neill Sea Odyssey and the United Way. She will assist Janus with strategic resourcing .

Cooper is the former chief operating officer and broadband director at Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. Her background is in tech and Fortune

500 companies with a focus on growth strategies, revenue generation, customer acquisition /retention, brand building, and change management. She is a consultant at CTC technology and Energy. Her nonprofit board experience includes Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History Santa Cruz. She will help lead the finance committee.

Chestnut, who has national fundraising expertise and a passion for social justice, is the former district director

for Senator John Laird, supervising and directing staff in the Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo offices. She also has been an analyst for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. She will focus on strategic resourcing and fundraising at Janus.

Janus Board Chair Edison A. Jensen said the organization “is very fortunate to have such highly qualified and remarkable members of our community join us in fighting the war against addiction.” n •••

Janus of Santa Cruz was founded in 1976 by Dr. Robert G O’Brient, who introduced a highly effective approach for treating alcoholism.

Janus became a private nonprofit and has expanded over the years to serve 2,500+ clients annually.

Care includes a medically supervised detox unit, inpatient and outpatient treatment, perinatal services, DUI education, medication-assisted treatment, mental health services and supervised “Sober Living Environment” housing.

Angela Chesnut

Freny Cooper

Ana Ventura Phares

Twin Lakes Church: 1 Million+ Meals for Food Bank

In five weeks, Twin Lakes Church in Aptos raised funds for over one million meals for local families.

During Sunday services, the congregation celebrated the announcement that donations to Second Harvest Food Bank totaled more than $250,000 plus hundreds of pounds of food.

Many church members sold items at yard sales and donated all the proceeds.

“I think this is getting back to what Christians did in the first place,” said Rev. René Schlaepfer, Twin Lakes Church pastor. “The Bible describes followers of Jesus selling their possessions and giving the money to the poor. That’s exactly what happened here.”

Typical of donations was a handwritten note from a 6-year-old child, “Church, please use this money to help the people who are hungry. Signed, Lucas.” He included money from his piggy bank.

The donation is the church contribution to the countywide holiday food and fund drive.

Inflation has hit local families hard: Before the pandemic, 55,000 people a month received food through Second Harvest’s partners. The number is now 75,000.

Second Harvest’s goal to help meet that need is five million meals. The food bank provides four meals for every dollar donated. This year’s holiday drive goes through Jan. 15. To donate, go to www. thefoodbank.org

“As the new CEO, I am amazed at the community embrace of Second Harvest Food Bank. Twin Lakes Church has a long history of embracing our mission. We’re ecstatic!” said Erica Padilla-Chavez, Second Harvest CEO. “On behalf of the children, families and individuals that will benefit, I thank them for their continued support.”

Dr. Cynthia Larive, UCSC chancellor and food drive co-chair, added, “I am so grateful to the Twin Lakes Church community for their generous support of the food bank. It will make a difference for so many in Santa Cruz County.” n

Strock Family Matching December Donations

By Kieran Kelly

Local officials officially broke ground on the Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller Memorial at Willowbrook County Park in Aptos on Nov. 14.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, Supervisor Zach Friend, County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney, County Park Friends Executive Director Mariah Roberts, and Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Ethan Rumrill plunged shovels into the park’s damp soil in a symbolic beginning to the memorial’s construction.

Sgt. Gutzwiller was killed in the line of duty on June 6, 2020, leaving behind his wife and two young children. His many friends and colleagues wanted to find a way to honor the legacy of his service and the idea for a memorial in his neighborhood park was born.

“Today’s groundbreaking allows for hope and a new story to be told,” said Supervisor Friend. “As we create a reimagined park filled with sounds of cross-generational happiness from children and adults playing, and reflection, love and community support at the new memorial site.”

Damon Gutzwiller grew up in Santa Cruz County and owned his first home in the Willowbrook neighborhood. He could often be found there playing with his

beloved dog, Shasta. A dedicated public servant, Damon served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years where he rose to the rank of sergeant.

The memorial will include a circular seating area near the park’s pedestrian bridge that will face towards a new flagpole near the park’s southern entrance. The site will feature a plaque honoring Sgt. Gutzwiller.

“This memorial will serve as a place of beauty, peace and reflection for so many of us here in the community and will ensure that Sgt. Gutzwiller’s sacrifice, and that of his family and all who knew him, will be forever remembered and honored,” said Rumrill, speaking as president of the Santa Cruz Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

“Groundbreaking” page 14

Artists Rendering

Alyona Borchaninova

New Capitola City Clerk: Julia Moss

Capitola has a new City Clerk, Julia Moss.

She brings four years of experience in municipal government, and more than a decade of experience in customer service.

Her starting salary is $7,915 a month.

Moss, 30, previously was a deputy city clerk in San Marcos and Oceanside. In these positions, she gained experience in the 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections, while overseeing the administration of public records requests and document management and retention.

She enjoys interacting with an engaged community and appreciates those who dedicate themselves to public service.

She also has a strong background of implementing technology to advance efficiency and transparency for staff and the public.

Moss was born in France but has lived in California for most of her life. She attended the University of San Diego, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in sociology and communications.

Early in her career, she worked almost three years as a flight attendant, and then for a tech company before switching to local government.

This position helps oversee IT, human resources, risk, the Capitola Historical Museum, and a lot of special projects that cross departmental responsibilities.

Since joining the City five years ago “she has demonstrated a remarkable level of flexibility and innovation,” said City Manager Jamie Goldstein, taking on new responsibilities, updating the website, expanding public access during the pandemic, just to name a few accomplishments.

Alyona Borchaninova is

trusted multilingual local realtor that offers her clients dedication and hard work, always ending in a successful transactions for first-time buyers, families, and investors.

Using her extensive marketing and real estate experience and training, Alyona is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals and specializes in Trust, Probate, Commercial and Multi-unit properties.

Alyona prides herself on building successful relationships that help her clients succeed.

Recently

attorney

She has continued her education through technical training and professional development courses for California city clerks.

She grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, attending Loma Prieta Elementary School and C.T. English Middle School, and is currently living in Scotts Valley. She enjoys walking her dog by the beach, baking, and reading.

Chloe Woodmansee, named City Clerk in April 2020, has been promoted to the assistant to the city manager, succeeding Larry Laurent, who retired.

Her salary is $9,449 a month.

“Groundbreaking” from page 13

In a nod to Sgt. Gutzwiller’s young children, the park’s playground will also be updated with new features to make the park more accessible for children.

The park’s existing sport courts were also recently resurfaced and re-striped for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.

“We are excited to start construction on the renovations to Willowbrook County Park in honor of Sgt. Gutzwiller,” said Jeff Gaffney, county parks director.

Goldstein said the job of City Clerk “has certainly evolved over the last 50 years,” since Pam Greeninger first started, but at its core the basic role is the same -publishing City Council agendas, minutes, maintaining the City’s Municipal Code, and supporting Councilmembers.

“But for each of those tasks, over the last 50 years, the legal framework has evolved creating many more requirements,” he said via email. “The technical skills needed to complete those tasks have increased due to the need to use multiple purpose-built software systems, and public expectations around transparency and access to information have grown significantly. So all in all, same job, just more so.” n

“I am truly amazed at how so many community members came together to make this first phase of the project start so quickly.”

In an effort to finish the final stretch of fundraising for the project, the Strock family of Aptos is donating a dollar for every dollar donated in December up to $16,000. n

For info, visit: www.classy.org/campaign/ willowbrook-memorial-1-1-matching-challenge/ c451688

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Julia Moss

BUSINESS PROFILE

InterIor VIsIon FloorIng DesIgn

‘Think Green’

By Edita McQuary

The New Year is right upon us! Is home redecorating in 2023 on your mind?

When you look around your home, do you see areas that need improvement and updating?

If new flooring, carpets or window treatments are on your horizon, a visit to Interior Vision Flooring Design is a must.

The only woman-owned mom-anddaughter business of the kind in this area, Deborah Cypert and her daughter Bobbie Frandeen have just what you need at their Soquel Village location. They take pride in their work in this male-dominated industry.

Deborah has been in the flooring industry for 35 years. Her father was a builder so the construction industry is “in her bones.” She learned about flooring while working with him.

Deborah and daughter Bobbie have been working together for 17 years. Their company, Interior Vision, will celebrate 20 years in May 2023 with an expansion of their location. When finished, the store will have almost 3,000 square feet of sustainable mostly-made-in-U.S.A. flooring, carpets and window treatments.

As much as possible, they deal in sustainable, made in U.S.A., hard and soft surface products.

The wood companies they deal with use responsible harvesting methods and sell environmentally friendly products. Many people are allergic to all but natural products so Interior Vision carries natural wood, cork, wool, and linoleum.

“We like to go green all the way through,” said Deborah.

Interior Vision offers free in-home

consultation, and advice on what would work best in the customer’s situation.

“We are invested in developing relationships and want the customer to love what they end up buying. After all, floor covering is the third most expensive investment homeowners are likely to make,” according to Deborah.

In regard to window coverings, Bobbie explained some state legislators tried to pass a bill to eliminate all cords on window coverings to be safe for children. However, the bill was amended several times and never passed.

Therefore, in 2018 the industry set its own safety standards to assure safety for children and now we can be assured no new window shades pose a threat to children.

Interior Vision carries Hunter-Douglas and Graber draperies and Roman shades. So if you still have the old Venetian blinds or pull-own shades, come and visit Interior Vision and have them show you into the 21st century with their uniquely beautiful and unusual collection of window coverings.

There are also some interesting shutters to look at. There is a selection of many different kinds of products, some made of grasses or wood fabric.

Some of their wood fabric slides are made by Honeycutt Verberglide and open side- to-side rather than vertically. They also carry Luminet, modern vertical and they carry fabric draperies. These really unique window slides have to be seen to be believed.

If you need an area rug, you can see some in the store or view online catalogs to select one that is right for your home.

Always community-minded, the Deborah and Bobbie have donated the flooring for the Children’s Museum of Discovery at Capitola Mall. Some of the other charities they have supported are the Make-a-Wish Foundation in San Francisco and our local Habitat for Humanity. They have also worked with Housing Matters and the Santa Cruz City School District and Live Oak School District.

Some interesting period projects were in restoring several Victorian homes on Walnut Street and Lincoln Street in Santa Cruz. They have also helped restore a historical house in Capitola. One of their fun projects was running an “Ugly Carpet Contest,” where the winner received $1,000 of floor covering.

When asked what it is like working with your mother/daughter, their response was that they have developed a trust in each other so both are working for the best

interests of the business and the best part is they get to see each other every day.

For a very interesting experience, come visit their store and meet Deborah and Bobbie. They welcome homeowners, property managers, contractors, real estate agents and commercial business people. n •••

Interior Visions, 2800 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 pm. 831-4768780, Interiorvision.biz19

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Bobbie Frandeen and Deborah Cypert

First Day Hikes

Big Basin Redwoods State Park will be part of the First Day Hikes program on Jan. 1. Join staff for a hike up to one of Big Basin’s lookouts as part of the First Day Hikes program!

This is a fun-for-all hike with some incline up to the summit. Participants will go at an enjoyable pace and stop along the way to smell the flowers they may come across. Participants will see an overview of the park post-2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and learn about the park’s flora and fauna.

Once reaching the summit, ocean views will be amazing if it is a clear day. Parking for the first day hike is through the park’s reservation system and must be made 24 hours prior to arrival at https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30737

On Dec. 23, Big Basin reopened an additional four miles of roads and trails.

Visitors on foot can explore the newly renovated Meteor Trail, a one-mile segment of Skyline to the Sea Trail, and dog-friendly access along the first mile of North Escape Road.

The first mile of Sunset Trail is finishing reconstruction and is expected to open sometime next month. Redwood Loop and Dool Trail, both which opened in the summer, are also available to visitors.

About 20 miles of multiuse fire roads near the historic park core remain open to hiking and biking. The Big Basin Redwoods State Park webpage at https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540 contains a map detailing new trail access.

Services in the park remain limited; there is no cell phone coverage, running water, or electricity.

“We are pushing to reopen fire damaged trail segments in Big Basin as they are safely reconstructed and look forward to welcoming more visitors in 2023,” said Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “These newly opened trails offer a novel window to witness the remarkable recovery of the ancient forest – come visit and enjoy!”

•••

Since Big Basin reopened to the public on July 22, more than 16,000 people have visited through the online parking reservation system created and operated by nonprofit partner Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Visitors must make a reservation online in advance to guarantee access to the limited parking area.

The amount of parking available by reservation on a daily basis has nearly doubled, according to Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Executive Director Bonny Hawley.

Most spaces of the 100 spaces offered daily are available up to 60 days in advance, while a limited number of reservations are released three days before the visit date. Entry is $6, plus a $2 reservation fee for daylong access. State Parks day-use passes and other park entry programs are honored with a reservation, including the Golden Bear Park Pass, which provides free access to state parks for families receiving CalWORKS benefits. n

2022 First Day Hikes participants on a snowy trail at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

IN MEMORIAM

Judge Paul Marigonda: (1960~2022)

Amemorial service to celebrate the life of Paul Mario Marigonda will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz.

He passed away Dec. 10 at home surrounded by his family and his beloved canine companion, Duke. He died 15 months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

A first-generation American, Paul was the son of Laura and Cesare Marigonda of Trieste, Italy.

Italian was his first language; Paul was extremely proud of his Italian heritage. He spoke with his relatives in Italy on a daily basis. Born in Oakland on May 9, 1960, he

graduated from Skyline High School in 1978 and the University of California at Berkeley in 1982, where he studied political science, which became a lifelong passion. He was a proud Cal Bear and rarely missed a home football game.

He received his juris doctorate from Golden Gate University in 1986, then started his legal work at New and Kay in San Francisco. In 1989, he started a long career at the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, where many treasured lifelong friendships were born.

He felt he had more to give to his community and decided to run for a seat on the Scotts Valley City Council in 2000, serving

as mayor in 2005. In 2006, he left the City Council when he was appointed to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

He was passionate about his work as a judge, presiding over many different types of cases including criminal, civil, probate, and family law. He was an early champion of the collaborative courts, where he helped stabilize people with substance use disorders and mental illness. He served as presiding judge in 2014 and 2015.

Even when he was ill and undergoing treatment, he found the courage and the energy to hear cases whenever he could. Working with his Superior Court family was one of the biggest joys in his life.

In 2018, he accepted a nomination to serve on the executive board of the California Judges Association. During his three-year tenure, he was very active and served as vice president and chair of both board membership and CJP work groups. He found his efforts with this organization profoundly rewarding and a great deal of fun, and he gathered additional friendships and deep relationships along the way.

In 2021, he received one of his highest honors, the California Judges Association president’s award.

People knew Paul as an incredibly fun and warm person. He was so full of joy and had an incredible love of life. He was enthusiastic about everything presented to him. Paul never lacked supportive friends or wonderful relationships, and he was blessed to have these friends carry him through this challenging illness.

You often would hear Paul coming

before you ever saw him with his loud voice and huge, booming laugh. He loved his daily walks, usually with his best friend Duke at his side.

Paul loved to travel, and he and his wife Margaret took many wonderful trips together to Europe and Mexico.

The highlight of his life was raising his two sons and enjoying his family. He was proud to say he never missed one of their sporting events and looked forward to attending all their activities.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret (Baker), sons Peter and Patrick, daughter-in-law Brittney, and grandson Ryan. Rather than flowers, consider making a donation in Paul’s name to a charity of your choice. n

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Bobbie Frandeen

$103 Million for Bike & Walk Trail

For Live Oak and Aptos residents, it’s the biggest Christmas surprise ever: On Dec. 7, the California Transportation Commission approved $103.3 million in grant funds for 6.5 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail, a bike and pedestrian path next to the railroad tracks from Beach Street in Santa Cruz to 17th Avenue in Live Oak, then to State Park Drive in Seacliff.

This means more than 18 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail from Davenport to Aptos are now fully funded. These sections of Rail Trail are expected to be completed by 2025.

The funds come from the state’s Active Transportation Program.

“This is a big win for Santa Cruz County,” said Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director Guy Preston. “The Coastal Rail Trail projects are going to transform the way people travel through our county and will benefit generations of bicyclists and pedestrians. This is a great example of how voter-approved local funding can leverage larger state and federal grants.”

Santa Cruz County’s 2016 voterapproved Measure D sales tax provided a match to leverage the funding.

The trail is a multi-jurisdictional project, and the County of Santa Cruz was awarded $67.6 million for 4.5 miles of trail known as Segments 10-11.

This is the largest active transportation grant the state has ever awarded.

The project, rated 95 out of 100, is in the environmental phase with final design expected to begin in 2024.

Game Changer

“The Coastal Rail Trail is a gamechanger for the County’s residents,

bringing them new recreational and commuting options while helping us reduce greenhouse gasses and improving the health and safety of the community,” said Santa Cruz County Parks planner Robert Tidmore. “This will be remembered as an important day in building Santa Cruz County’s transportation future.”

The City of Santa Cruz was awarded $35.7 million to deliver segments 8 & 9 of the trail, rated 90 out of 100. Environmental, design and right-of-way work for this 2.2-mile trail is underway.

“We are so excited to secure funding to advance constructing the Coastal

Rail Trail. This is an important project for our community,” said Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker. “Families, children, and visitors will be able to safely walk and bike in Santa Cruz to all of our amazing amenities.”

Segments of the Rail Trail in Santa Cruz from the Wharf to the Westside are completed or under construction.

Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail, which in June successfully fought Measure D, Greenway’s vision to drop passenger rail service from the county general plan and use the rail corridor for an interim multi-use trail, congratulated the staff at the City of Santa Cruz, County of Santa Cruz and RTC who applied for the money.

“The CTC’s decision to approve these grant applications and fund the construction of the Rail Trail alongside the existing railroad tracks confirms that Rail With Trail can be built and is being built in Santa Cruz County,” said FORT Board Chair Faina Segal.

Segal said all 32 miles of trail are now in construction or design phases, and planning for electric passenger rail service from Santa Cruz to Pajaro has started.

“On a personal level, as a resident of Live Oak, I am particularly excited for the brand-new direct route between Santa Cruz and Live Oak for bikes and pedestrians,” she added.

The Coastal Rail Trail plan includes a wide, flat, multi-use trail as well as future electric passenger train service. The goal is to improve walkability and

bike safety for people living near the Branch Rail Line. It is hoped the electric train will offer a real alternative to people stuck in Highway 1 traffic jams and give South County residents a commuting solution.

Measure D Oversight

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is accepting applications for the Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee for representatives from Districts 1, Santa Cruz, & 2, Aptos. The deadline is Jan. 13.

This committee is tasked with reviewing how the funds generated by the transportation tax are being spent.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing expenditures annually to ensure they conform

• Reviewing the annual audit prepared by an independent auditor, describing how funds were spent

• Producing a publicly available Annual Report of Oversight Activities

The committee shall include at least one person with an accounting or fiscal management background. Applications are at https://sccrtc.org/ wp-content/uploads/2022/12/OvrSghtCommApp-2022_final.pdf

Smaller Projects

The state also awarded $12.3 million for smaller “active transportation” projects in Santa Cruz County. They are:

• City of Watsonville, $6.9 million for Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville, pedestrian and bicycle improvements at schools

• Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, $1.8 million for Safe Routes for Watsonville School Families and Community, education for pedestrian and bicycle safety

• City of Santa Cruz, $2.9 million to construct a multiuse path on Swanton Boulevard and sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and intersection improvements on Delaware Avenue

• UC Santa Cruz, $0.7 million for the culturally inclusive “SlugBikeLife” Bike Safety and Education Program Phase 2

Statewide, the California Transportation Commission programmed $1.02 billion for 93 active transportation projects.

About 13% of the funding was awarded to Santa Cruz County, one of the smallest counties. n •••

To see the ratings of the funded projects, see file:///Users/patriceedwards/Downloads/184-6-a11y.pdf

Jacob’s Heart Supports Families

The love radiating from these photos perfectly reflects the spirit of Jacob’s Heart — Family.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. Family is at the core of everything we do. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Siblings, they all belong at Jacob’s Heart.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the effect ripples through everyone who loves that child. The fear and uncertainty of childhood cancer can be life-changing, and every single person deserves to be cared for.

Each year, over 350 families come to Jacob’s Heart for love, hope, belonging and support. You are the reason we can wrap every family up in love and build their resilience with hope and healing.

Because of you, we will get them through.

Thank you for your donation and support. It means the world to me, our staff and most importantly to the families we are honored to serve.

Give at https://give.jacobsheart.org/ give/453716/#!/donation/checkout

—

Heidi Boynton, Executive Director, Jacob’s Heart

Storm Blows Everything Apart. Help!

It’s hard to stand in the pouring rain, looking at ruined canopies and up-ended shelters while your horses are standing there clustered away from the area you have been working on for months.

They stand there, freaked out because of the shelter blowing onto its head. They’re looking worried and cold. This area was designed to be covered and dry.

We work with a very tight budget. The most important task is keeping the horses fed, safe, warm, and dry.

We have been working hard for months. From coordinating volunteer work from the wonderful conservation corps to sitting at tables to collect donations and share our story, we have been working tirelessly. So here we are. It feels like a punch to the gut.

Thank God, Denna, Billie, and the (non-horse guy) husband, Dave went into action. It was dangerous!

We had to wait for a break in the blowing wind, then get straight to work and unhook the canopy, keep it from blowing away, keep it from whipping us in the face, and keep it from moving the frame onto the top of us!

Once tipped on its side, we could safely take it all apart. All the pipe panels were down, we had to un-attach each one, stand them upright, and reattach them with better bracing.

It has been a wet, challenging day.

We have to buy a heavier garage cover for the horses. We need $3,500.

If you can help, we’ll get thru this hurdle quickly.

Give at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/pregnantmarerescue

— Lynn Hummer, founder, Pregnant Mare Rescue, Aptos

By Jondi Gumz

The 1955 livestock barns at the Santa Cruz County Fair are not going to be demolished under the new regime in place since CEO Dave Kegebein was dismissed Oct. 4.

On Dec. 6, the fair board, with new members Nick Colubaquib of Aptos and Rachel Wells of Felton, voted with board member and interim manager Don Dietrich and acting board president Stephanie

Fontana abstaining, to rescind the motion to demolish and instead agreed to pursue repairs to engineered specifications with money proffered by Michael Flores, deputy director of the state Department of Food and Agriculture.

“The state will step up,” Flores said. “No strings attached.”

An audit of the Santa Cruz County fair by that agency, which oversees operations at state-owned fair property, found no receipts for $163,442 in purchases and led to the dismissal of Dave Kegebein, who in 11 years had orchestrated a financial turnaround with $1.75 million cash on hand, albeit with omissions in record-keeping.

As in October, the fairgrounds meeting room was full, some calling for more transparency on the financials, which are behind schedule, and more watching on Zoom.

Flores, dressed in a suit, stepped to the microphone at the fair board meeting and said that state resiliency funding will pay for the repairs.

“We feel it’s prudent,” Flores said, acknowledging it would take time to come up with plans for a new multi-purpose building, as Kegebein had proposed and the board supported.

Kegebein, at the microphone, said resiliency funding was “widely perceived” as a plan to adapt fairgrounds for use by homeless people.

Flores, responding to Kegebein, said, “He couldn’t be more wrong.”

Flores said resiliency funding is designed to upgrade heating and cooling systems at fairgrounds, which are needed in disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and flooding.

He said the money is also going to install commercial kitchens to provide meals to disaster victims and incubate startup food businesses, proper showers and broadband, and RV access.

“That’s what this money is meant for,” Flores said.

Some in the audience were unconvinced.

“We want no strings attached,” said Kevin Hurley, a volunteer who heads up the fair’s beef cattle department.

The barns were deemed unsafe by the state and cordoned off during the fair. Tents were put up for fair animals and their exhibitors.

Historic Mess

Dietrich, in his role as interim manager, said he got the impression from talking with CDFA and California Construction Authority (designed to facilitate construction projects at fairgrounds) that

due to the historic designation, it would be easier to repair than demolish the barns.

Asked he could get the historic designation corrected, Dietrich said he tried to reach the county planning department, which oversees historic resources.

“They’ve been fairly unresponsive,” Dietrich said.

“If you need help, I’m available,” said fair board member Dana McRae, county counsel for 22 years before retiring.

“Our legal team can certainly help,” said Flores of CDFA.

The county Historic Resources Commission meets in January.

Board member Tony Campos said demolition was stalled because of “an honest mistake” designating the entire fairgrounds property as historic.

The intent had been to designate the Rodgers House, built in the 1870s, donated by Melanie Kett Wirtanen to the fairgrounds and moved there in 1998, as historic.

However, Wirtanen, who spoke, said she was “completely shocked” by the designation, which limits what can be done to the property.

Kegebein said the historic designation is by parcel and the fairgrounds is one parcel.

That explains why the historic designation was applied to the fairgrounds as a whole.

Fontana pointed out the access for fire trucks and trailers is difficult with the current setup. This is why she had favored pursuing a new multi-purpose building. New Interim Manager

Anew interim manager is coming on board Jan. 2.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz New Santa Cruz County fair board members Rachel Wells and Nick Colubaquib

$5.7 Billion Opioids Settlement with Walgreens

On Dec. 12, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $5.7 billion multistate set-tlement agreement in principle with retail pharmacy chain Walgreens to address its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

The settlement would resolve allegations the company failed to appropriately over-see the dispensing of opioids at its pharmacies and could bring more than $500 million for California to fight the harms caused by the opioid epidemic.

The announcement comes on the heels of last month’s announcement of a proposed $3.1 billion settlement with Walmart to resolve similar claims.

“To all those struggling with substance abuse disorders, to all those desperately in need of treatment and recovery options — help is on the way,” Bonta said. “The California Department of Justice is working to bring valuable funding to our state’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis from the

Funds from the settlement will be divided among participating states, local governments, and tribes. The vast majority of settlement funds must be used to combat the opioid crisis, including by providing treatment and recovery services to people struggling with opioid use disorder.

companies who once chose profits over the well-being of our communities.”

Funds from the settlement will be divided among participating states, local governments, and tribes. The vast majority of settlement funds must be used to combat the opioid crisis, including by providing treatment and recovery services to people struggling with opioid use disorder.

California would be eligible to receive up to approximately $510 million.

The settlement would also have courtordered injunctive relief requirements to help prevent such a crisis from happening again:

• A Controlled Substance Compliance Program to ensure compliance with

injunctive terms, train employees, and help prevent drug diversion;

• A requirement to investigate and resolve prescriptions with potentially suspicious “red flags” before dispensing;

• Site visits and compliance reviews of individual pharmacy locations;

• An agreement to provide unblinded “867” sales data from the company’s distributor to drug manufacturers, to help identify and prevent drug diversion.

An executive committee of attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts,

Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas have served as the lead negotiators on this deal. The settlement has been endorsed by the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments, and Walgreens.

Terms of this agreement go to the states for their review. Each state has until the end of 2022 to join.

If sufficient states sign on, the agreement will go to local governments around the country for sign-on during the first quarter of 2023.

California is assessing the terms of a similar settlement agreement with retail pharmacy chain, CVS.

To date, California’s DOJ has secured $30 billion through nationwide settlements against opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and Mallinckrodt; distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen; and consulting firm McKinsey & Company. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

2023

Capitola Parking Permits

Parking permits for 2023 are available for purchase.

Village and Neighborhood Parking Permit renewals can be submitted by mail.

Village and Neighborhood Parking Permits

There are four types of residential parking permits each with different rules and guidelines.

Parking permit requirements are strictly enforced.

Seasonal Neighborhood Parking Permits

Enforcement runs May 20 through Sept. 20

Coffee and Surf Permits

Capitola offers a Coffee and Surf permit that allows a vehicle to park in the Village from 8 am to 10 am, 7 days a week. You do not have to be a resident of Capitola.

This permit is available for purchase at the Capitola Police Department, 422 Capitola Ave., during regular business hours.

The number of permits is limited.

Due to popularity, this permit is only sold in person, mailed requests not accepted, “first come, first serve” and one per customer.

For questions call the Capitola Police Department Business Office MondayFriday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., excluding holidays at (831) 475-4242.

For requests to renew by mail and guidelines, see https://www.cityofcapitola.org/police/ page/2023-parking-permits

•••

CASA’s New Program Director Nicole Irigoyen has joined CASA of Santa Cruz County as program director. She is passionate about uplifting and upholding human rights, particularly the rights of marginalized groups.

She has previously worked to prevent gender-based violence, end the school-to-prison pipeline through policy change, and create dialogue through restorative practices.

Irigoyen was prevention education director with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, then deputy director at Rancho Cielo, a 100-acre ranch that serves as a learning and social services center for underserved and disconnected youth in Monterey County.

She is in her final semester of obtaining dual master’s degrees in public administration and education management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

•••

Jobs in Santa Cruz County

Sector Nov. 2022 Change from Nov. 2021

Government 23,400 Up 1,300 Private education 17,800 Up 600 & health

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

Professional/business 10,900 Up 100 services

Construction 4,900 Up 100 Information 600 0 Financial 3,300 0 Leisure/hospitality 12,600 Down 100 Nonfarm 102,800 Up 2,500 Farm 6,000 Down 300 Total 108,800 Up 2,200 ~~~

Labor force 134,500 Up .2%

Employment* 128,600 Up .8%

Unemployment 5,900 Down 10.5% Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.9%

Count is on the 12th of the month

*Includes commuters out of the county

Source: California Employment Development Department •••

Unemployment in Santa Cruz County rose from 3.6% in October to 4.9% in November as the labor force declined from 136,700 to 134,500.

Before November, unemployment has hovered around 3.8% for the three months, compared to 17+% in 2020, fueled by pandemic restrictions.

Santa Cruz Community Health and Dientes are hiring for positions at their new complex at 1500 Capitola Road, Live Oak.

Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, is healthy with nearly 5,000 jobs. So is manufacturing, which tops 7,500 jobs. •••

New Planning Commissioners

With two new City Council members, there are two new faces on fivemember Planning Commission. Each council member gets one appointment.

Gerry Jensen, who finished fourth behind incumbent Yvette Brooks, Alex Pedersen, and Joe Clarke, is a new appointee along with Paul Estey.

Returning are Courtney Christiansen, Susan Westman, and Peter Wilk. Departing are Mick Routh, a former mayor, and Ed Newman.

City Hall will be closed for the holidays, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2. The next City Council meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. This is one hour earlier than before. n

Nicole Irigoyen

New Cabrillo Stage Artistic Director

Cabrillo Stage, the beloved professional summer musical theatre festival, has a new artistic director, Andrea L. Hart, who hails from Berkeley and produced the Fringe Festival at the Great Plains Theatre Conference.

Hart, 46, will be only the fourth Cabrillo Stage artistic director, and the first woman to lead the company, founded in 1981 by Lile O. Cruse.

She was hired to succeed Jon Nordgren, artistic director for 17 years, who retired in September.

Cabrillo Dean of Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts John Graulty said, “Our national search for a new artistic director for Cabrillo Stage landed us a bright, young, articulate star in the theater firmament.”

Hart is an accomplished playwright and theatre maker, having had her work developed at the Great Plains Theatre Conference, CounterPulse, MacDowell, New Ohio Theatre, Hyde Park Theatre, and the University of Texas New Theatre Festival of New Work.

She came to Santa Cruz in July after finishing a master’s in fine arts in directing at the University of Texas at Austin.

Before graduate school, she lived in the Berkeley area for 20 years, where she was a co-founder and member of several small theatre companies, including 6NewPlays, which focused on producing new plays by Bay Area playwrights.

She also taught visual and performing arts and directed musicals and plays in schools all over the Bay Area.

“Studying how to make live theatre during a pandemic was not what I set out in graduate school to do,” said Hart. “However, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been in school during that time. It served as a crucible to not only my artistic practice, but my thinking on how to keep live performance relevant to our communities as we move forward.”

In a letter to the Cabrillo Stage mailing list, Hart wrote: “Whether it’s an unforgettable performance from years ago, a tune that never leaves your head, or the lyrics that remind you you’re not alone, musical theatre has the power to connect and uplift us like nothing else.”

Hart is invested in community building and supporting a healthy local artist ecosystem.

When she was director of education

and public programs at the Oceanside Museum of Art, she began the first dance residency with local dancer Alyssa Junious, who created new work and community events in response to the artwork in the galleries.

“Theatre, by its very nature, is a local endeavor,” Hart said. “It exists in a particular place and time and it speaks to those who see it in that moment. I want Cabrillo Stage to represent the Monterey Bay community in all of its fullness and to be a place our audiences call home.”

Hart answered these questions for Aptos Times:

As a playwright, you wrote “Murky as Hell.” What’s it about?

Murky as Hell” is based around stories of women who aided Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Terry Richardson, amongst others.

What began as an exercise in imagining fitting punishment for these women, turned into a meditation on the unnerving

grey areas around the violence women inflict on each other and the systems that teach us how to do it.

The show included a Mad Max-style wasteland, a sci-fi reprogramming center and an over-the-top Wrestlemania-inspired Thunderdome fight sequence.

Your favorite musical?

As a child, we had the record to “Annie.”

My mom sat by the record player and transcribed all the lyrics using a typewriter and we used that script to sing those songs incessantly.

I can’t say that’s my “favorite” musical, but it is inscribed on my psyche in a very deep way. I also learned “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow” in sign language. Why Cabrillo Stage?

Any time a mention of Cabrillo comes up in conversation, it is always with the most loving and reverent tones. Anyone I know who has studied there always raves about it. I also had looked into the theatre when I arrived in town and heard what quality productions they put on.

During the application and interview process, I was encouraged by the questions that were asked and the thinking that was going into season selection and culture around the theatre.

As I’ve gotten started, I’m repeatedly touched by how many people hold this place dear.

“Fair Barns” from page 22

He is Kelly Ferreira, who retired as San Benito County fair manger in 2013 after 27 years and has been working as a fair consultant since.

Recommended by staff at CDFA, Fontana called him well qualified.

Because of his retirement status, Ferreira will work three days a week at 60% salary.

His pay will be $99,060, which Dietrich said is 60% of what Kegebein was paid.

Dietrich said he would fill in on days Ferreira is not at work.

There were 7 yes votes, with Dietrich abstaining due to his dual role.

Betty Aboytes, who owns property next to the fairgrounds, said she appreciated being able to call on Dave Kegebein whenever she saw something amiss or the event music was too loud.

“I just need to know who to call,” she said.

Recruiting Permanent Manager

Dietrich recommended creating an ad hoc committee to recruit a permanent manager, and the board agreed.

Directors Dana McRae and Michael Pruger are on that committee.

Donna Steward, who has 24 years of experience, was hired as board secretary to take minutes at $37.50 per hour.

The financials for September and October are not yet ready, but the fairgrounds is booked for many weekend events.

Fairgrounds Shop Use

Dietrich explained, as he had promised, why he had used the fairgrounds shop to work on his own equipment. He said he had brought his tools to do fairgrounds repairs on a volunteer basis. When he needed to work on his own vehicle, he asked Kegebein if he could use the shop and Kegebein said it was OK.

Dietrich said he had repaired equipment of fair customers and staff and had notified CDFA.

“I like helping people,” he said. “I’m going to con tinue until I’m no longer needed.”

As for plans to repair leaks in the roof of the Harvest Building, Dietrich said it’s a work in progress. He hopes to have a report on Jan. 24. n •••

Future meeting dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, Dec. 5, all at 1:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Meeting is also on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcoun tyfair.com.

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Andrea L. Hart

Jason Blanke’s Samsung dishwasher stops working after less than three years. And Samsung can’t seem to repair it. Can he get an exchange or a refund? •••

My Samsung dishwasher, which is less than three years old, recently started to leak and would not operate.

I called Samsung, and although the dishwasher is out of warranty, they agreed to cover any parts needed so long as I pay for the $200 service call. I agreed.

A Samsung technician came to my home and replaced a part. However, after a couple of weeks, the dishwasher stopped working again.

A technician returned, inspected the appliance, and told me the dishwasher needed “a few additional parts.” He said he would come back to install them.

But nobody came. When I called the service company handling the installation, a representative said Samsung had canceled the service call. Samsung said they could not get the parts.

I then asked to be transferred to the department handling exchanges. A representative told me Samsung couldn’t exchange the dishwasher because it was out of warranty.

I am demanding Samsung give me a refund or exchange. I agreed to pay for the service call because they agreed to cover the

parts. Otherwise, I would have just bought a new dishwasher. Can you help me?

— Jason Blanke, Parsippany, N.J.

Your dishwasher shouldn’t have broken down after just three years. The average dishwasher lasts about a decade, with some minor repairs needed after five years. Even though your Samsung appliance was out of warranty, the company should have found a way to get you a working dishwasher quickly.

When you notified Samsung that the dishwasher broke again, it should have kept you posted on the parts instead of canceling your service visit without telling you.

Technically, Samsung is right. Your dishwasher is out of warranty, and the company owes you nothing. It repaired your dishwasher as agreed and had it working, and then the appliance broke again. Samsung has no liability.

But you don’t have to be a consumer advocate to look at this situation and know that it’s wrong. The dishwasher should have lasted longer than three years. The repair you paid for should have given you another eight years of life on the appliance — not a few weeks. Who cares what the warranty says?

A brief, polite email to one of the

Samsung executives I list on my consumer advocacy site at https://www.elliott.org/ company-contacts/samsung might have convinced the company to help. I also publish a few exclusive strategies on how to fix a consumer problem at https://www. elliott.org/answers/how-to-fix-your-ownconsumer-problem/ that might be helpful.

I contacted Samsung on your behalf.

By Christopher Elliott

A representative reached out to you and agreed to refund the $700 you paid for your ailing dishwasher. n •••

Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http://www. elliott.org/help • © 2022 Christopher Elliott.

The Bird Chirps the Future

In sacred liturgy, the days of December 26 — January 8th are referred to as the 12 Days Of/After Christmas — a time in which we walk with the Three Astrologer Magi Kings carrying gifts to the holy child (the Soul within each of us).

Each of the days also represents one of the upcoming astrological signs — from Aries to Pisces — their characteristics, talents, gifts, abilities and tasks to develop. Each day we contemplate upon a sign. As we do so, the signs begin to communicate with us.

The “bird chirps of what’s to come ... the twelve signs become the future in each of us.”

From beginning to end, from the Alpha to the Omega, in the silence of winter, in the quietness of the Earth, the signs tell us new life and new livingness is to come.

ARIES

A new phase of reality begins. Great aspirations push you forward into dedication and hard work. Your self-identity, sense of family and home, intimate relationships and professional career will change and expand. Work with others cooperatively. All that you aspire to do will come forth only if cooperation is foremost. Tend carefully to moods. Use them imaginatively to create all things new.

TAURUS

Your religion and spirituality, your mind (thinking, study, ideas), daily life, health, teaching and travel are all divinely influenced. Life will seem to be rather dreamy. You might not like this much as it feels impractical. However, it’s a time of rest and healing. Dreams help manifest long-held visions. Be in the Sun as much as possible. Write down plans and ideas. A new phase of life begins. Try not to be too distant with those you love.

GEMINI

We work in between incarnations. Each lifetime we attempt to discover our place in the Sun. When we die, it’s our last thought that determines where we go. In this lifetime, we are to train our minds in all ways. Planning and strategy are important in the coming year. We can also plan consciously for when we die. You are not dying at this time. This is only an exercise of preparation. Begin training your mind on what you will think about at the time of death.

CANCER

The New Year brings great promise of happiness. You won’t feel distracted. Your mind will be clear, harmonious and challenged to move toward what you’ve always wanted. You will be creative. When there are differences you will step aside (like the crab you are) circumventing disharmony. See each day as an opportunity to do your very best. Begin your spring garden early. Create a medicinal garden and a flower garden.

Each sign also signifies a different light. Like the new light of Winter Solstice. So, we consider Aries, the Light of beginnings. Taurus, the Light of Illumination. Gemini, the Light of Duality.

Cancer, the Light of life hidden in the womb of matter. Leo, the Light of our Creative Self. Virgo, the Hidden Light.

And Libra, the Light of “I & Thou” (relationships).

During these twelve days and into the new year, we stand with five words … recreation, regeneration, reorientation, renunciation and recapitulation.

Each year, we begin anew. And the rod of justice rules. The Ark reaches the shore. The past reaches the future in each of us. And, direction, sign by sign, is given.

LEO

The New Year is golden for you in terms of work, confidence and growth, both subtle and steady. You want will to make changes concerning health and healing. Become a member of a spa, begin an exercise and diet regime with yoga, tai chi, biking, swimming, etc. Continued focus on health is most important. You will seek the Diamond Light. Compassion and altruism become your newest psychological orientations.

VIRGO

Allow constancy of effort into your life, not turning back when difficulties arise. Stand at the middle point. You may feel your life is not moving forward. However, many things are occurring within. New realities, resources, and things social rise to the surface offering satisfaction and intimacy. Tend to partners and those who love you with care and nourishment. Let your mind be at ease.

LIBRA

You will work very hard this coming year. When in doubt call upon your angels to flood your life with light, information and assistance. It will happen immediately. You felt challenged this past year. The upcoming year offers greater progress and power. Avoid controversial decisions. Allow time for Right Decisions leading to Right Action. Don’t show dissatisfaction in relationships. Love is not a feeling. It’s a willingness to love more.

SCORPIO

You will look back on the past year and see that it was good. There was (and will be) exceptional growth, support, gains and progress with creativity rewarded. You might be too impulsive, leading to expectations that are unreasonable to others. Provide affection and attention to everyone, especially friends and loved ones. You will be busy socially for a while. Then your temperament becomes serious and internal. Spending time alone is part of your destiny.

SAGITTARIUS

You will feel quite dynamic as the New Year unfolds. There will be a fire within burning brighter and fuller. You may need to control that fire a bit lest conflicts with others are created. Use that inner fire for creativity, achieving greater goals, greater focus and direction. You will rise in stature through new ways of thinking. This has already begun. You’re more positive, bright like the Sun eliminating obstacles and hurdles. Do not compete. Share instead.

CAPRICORN

Saturn is your ruler, the planet helping you in all endeavors, especially climbing the mountain, which means ladder of success. Success in whatever way you see success for yourself. Saturn helps you choose good shoes, too. I wish you a happy birthday for your new year. Remember to speak with your angels. They stand by waiting for instructions. They are to help you with all that you need and want in the coming year. Make your list. Check it twice, three times.

AQUARIUS

The New Year focuses upon relationships, love, friendship and romance. Avoid any major changes at the first half of the year. Instead focus on building a firmer foundation of security and creativity. New realities can emerge the last half of the year. Travel when you can. It brings you pleasure, excitement, friendships and relaxation. Have pride in your accomplishments, in yourself, and the important social role you play in the world.

PISCES

Rest more in the coming year. Focus, stamina and vitality return gradually. Remain conscious of fluctuating finances. You want Right Use of money and resources. Past friends and lovers continue to occupy your mind. Send them on their way with love and blessings. Or invite them along the Path. Not many will be able to absorb the fiery field of the Path. You will be called to leadership. Step into this with confidence. The many years of the past struggles have prepared you.

“Hart” from page 24

It feels like an institution that is very much rooted in and serving its local community. I find that very inspiring and energizing.

How will you decide which shows to stage?

Season selection is always a process of trying to thread the needle on many different needs and desires. I believe in a collaborative process that involves as many stakeholders in the conversation as possible.

We reached out to the community with a survey that presented genres to gauge audience interest, we’ve reached out to the artistic community to see what is exciting to collaborators, we look at what is being produced in surrounding communities to gauge what niche hasn’t been filled, and then a group of us gets in a room and has a spirited discussion.

In the end, you want to get to a place where the community can trust that even if they don’t know the show or feel they don’t like the show, they are excited to see what Cabrillo Stage will do and that will keep them coming back.

Where do you live?

What’s your impression of the Santa Cruz County housing market — for homebuyers & renters?

Ilive in the Westside of Santa Cruz. We moved here because my partner, Ross, got an exciting job at the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. His entire family lives here, though, so it’s a place we’ve often come back to in our years away.

Let’s just say we moved here in July and we didn’t move into our rental until October. We were lucky enough to have wonderful family to stay with until we could find a rental we could afford. (Buying was never an option.)

When I left Berkeley (after 20 years and an incredibly sweet rental deal) I never thought I’d come back to the Bay Area because as a theatre artist I’d never be able to afford it.

There were some desperate feeling moments between July and September, but in the end we got very lucky with a sweet landlord. And an opportunity to get rid of a lot of stuff! In all seriousness, I love our neighborhood and feel incredibly lucky to walk my dog to the beach on any given day.

I do think the cost of living directly impacts the type of arts that a community can sustain. So many of us consider our work a labor of love, but I know I’ve tried to make love pay the rent many times and it never works out.

I feel very fortunate that we stumbled on the place we got and I hope that as the conversation continues in this area, solutions to the lack of affordable housing will continue to move forward. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

CARE: A Vision for 2023

By Carla Christensen, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

Iam honored to welcome a New Year and begin my first term as Board President of the Soquel Creek Water District. We enter 2023 with a list of goals and objectives that are consistent with the District’s mission to provide our community with a safe, high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply.

I will focus on four areas summarized in an acronym: CARE — Collaboration, Adaptation, Resiliency, Economics/Environment. CARE embodies the principles behind the mission of the Soquel Creek Water District and its Board: to truly care about our community, our water, our economy, and our environment.

Collaboration

Collaboration with our neighboring communities and agencies remains a fundamental priority for 2023 and we will continue to work together on a variety of regional water-supply topics such as water transfers and recycled water.

The District is among the four agency members of the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency charged with managing the groundwater Basin to ensure that water users have access to a safe and reliable groundwater supply that meets current and future Basin demand.

The District understands that regional solutions are critical to managing the health of the entire Basin, not just the portion that lies within the District’s boundaries.

We appreciate the continued collaboration with the City and County of Santa Cruz, City of Capitola, Central Water District, local community groups and with our customers!

Adaptation

The Pure Water Soquel (PWS) project, which will protect our water supply

from seawater intrusion and allow us to replenish the aquifer with purified recycled water, is currently under construction, and is a prime example of how the District is adapting.

Once the project is complete and operational, the District will transform from being solely a water district that extracts groundwater to serve its customers into a full-fledged groundwater replenishment district that will also be putting purified water back into the basin.

Resiliency

Climate change is testing everyone’s resiliency, and the District is committed to maintaining its efforts to adapt to climate change and its impacts.

As a water provider, preparing for drought and long-term water-supply shortages is one of our top priorities. When completed, PWS will provide a reliable, sustainable, and droughtresilient water supply that prepares our community for the impacts of a changing climate.

The PWS project, one of our key resiliency projects, was designed with the capability to double its purified water production capacity from its initial 1.3 million gallons per day to 2.6 million gallons per day in the future, should the need for additional water and suitable economic conditions exist.

The District has and will continue to discuss potential expansion needs with the Cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency. In 2022, a state grant was awarded to our region to conduct a study on the feasibility of expansion of the PWS project and the study may begin as soon as this year.

Economics/Environment

Ibelieve that we can be good stewards of the environment and also support a healthy, vibrant economy. Our District’s mission includes a commitment to operating in an “environmentally sensitive and economically responsible manner.” Our Board fully supports transparency and community involvement.

This year we will once again be appointing a Rate Committee made up of interested customers to understand the rate setting process and make recommendations on upcoming water rate adjustments.

I was the chair of the Rate Committee during the District’s last rate-setting process and the experience educated me and my fellow committee members about all the factors that go into the rate-setting process, and reinforced my understanding of the value of water to our community.

We will strive to help ratepayers understand how their money is being spent and the work that District staff carries out every day to ensure that safe, reliable drinking water is being delivered.

I would like to acknowledge the community for its support and thank you for your confidence in the direction we are headed as a Board and District.

Finally, please remember that I CARE deeply and personally about water and our community. I am proud to be part of your Board of Directors and optimistic that the New Year will provide all of us — customers, staff, and community at-large and your Board — with opportunities to work together in meaningful ways to provide a safe and reliable water supply that supports our environment and economy. Thank you and best wishes for safe and abundant water in 2023! n •••

Carla Christensen has been on the SqCWD Board of Directors since 2014. She is a resident of Capitola and is a retired environmental scientist. Carla has been an active community member in the mid-county area for over 25 years and has served on the Board of the Capitola Junior Guard program for more than a decade and was a founding member of the Friends of Soquel Creek.

CALL FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is now recruiting for its Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee.

Vacancies open for Districts 1 & 2 representatives

This committee will be tasked with reviewing how the funds generated by the Measure D transportation tax are being spent to ensure they conform to the ordinance. The responsibilities of the Committee include:

■ Reviewing Expenditure Plan expenditures on an annual basis to ensure they conform to the Ordinance

■ Reviewing the annual audit and report prepared by an independent auditor, describing how funds were spent

■ Producing a publicly available Annual Report of Oversight Activities Application Deadline is January 13, 2023.

For application and more information, e-mail smunz@sccrtc.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE U.S. & THE HOLOCAUST

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries plans a screening and discussion of the Ken Burns documentary The U.S. and the Holocaust, in partnership with Temple Beth El, the Resource Center for Nonviolence, and Santa Cruz County United for Safe and Inclusive Communities from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola.

This is the day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day Jan. 27.

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended but not required. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/10067554.

Discussions will focus on lessons learned and how to eliminate hate and violence from society. Facilitated small-group discussion followed by report-outs will provide a framework for attendees to glean lessons from the documentary and how those lessons can be applied here and now.

Attendees are encouraged to watch the entire 3-part documentary in advance of the discussion, which will air on local PBS Station KQED at 9 p.m. on Jan. 6, 13, and 20 and will be available to stream on the PBS website through Feb. 3. On Jan. 26, attendees will see a 40-minute screener from the series provided by PBS Books, who is supporting programming around the documentary for libraries nationwide.

Art at https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by January 20

Students help participating businesses redesign their websites for e-commerce, list product catalogs in virtual marketplaces, and offer other technical assistance as needed. Much of the website creation curriculum comes from Wix, a no-code website building platform.

In the Coursera class, those in the class build a website for themselves.

The GetVirtual program already has partnerships with the city of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County Small Business Development Center.

The GetVirtual team is now working on a Spanish version.

Nada Miljković, a continuing lecturer at UCSC co-founded GetVirtual two years ago with serial entrepreneur Toby Corey.

“Students can be anyone from those about to graduate to young professionals wanting to go out on their own to retirees wanting to continue having a purpose in life,” she said.

GetVirtual has completed more than 150 client projects with 70% of those businesses in the city of Santa Cruz, all at no cost to the clients.

Nonprofit Santa Cruz Works honored Miljković as one of its 2022 Titans of Tech for contributing to the growth of the local tech and entrepreneurial community.

See: https://www.coursera.org/learn/getvirtual

WINTER ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italianspeaking Instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in be-tween, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering are for you!

The 10-week session begins the week of Jan. 23.

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

CONSIDER FOSTER CARE

Foster care is a critical program provided by the nonprofit Pacific Clinics with dedicated resource parents (formerly known as foster parents). Thousands of children and youth in California of varying ages, backgrounds, and need are looking for a temporary home with a nurturing family. Resource families provide the stable, supportive environment these youth need to be successful in school, their communities, and beyond. Ready to get started on your foster care application?

Pacific Clinics, based in Loangeles and serving 18 counties, makes it easy to apply, with its online Foster Care and Adoption portal at https://family.binti.com/ users/signup/uplift-family-services-rfa

You must create a log-in with a password to get started. The application includes a criminal record statement, agreement forms, and policy and procedure forms. Once completed, a resource family recruiter will contact you to set up an informational interview, start a family and child profile, complete a background check, and, finally, a home study interview is conducted to evaluate your readiness to foster. Your resource family recruiter will also coordinate with you to complete all required training, such as CPR and First Aid. The entire process typically takes two to four months to complete.

FOR NEW MOMS

VOLUNTEER FOR MILES FOR SMILES

The independent nonprofit Partnership for Children, which increases access to medical care for children with serious illnesses and supports their families, needs volunteers for its Miles of Smiles holiday giving program.

Volunteers are needed at the organization’s “toy room” in Salinas, where they will wrap gifts from which Partnership for Children, children, will be able to select dur-ing the holidays.

To volunteer or for information, call (831) 422-3002.

OPEN STUDIOS SURVEY

Do you love Open Studios?

If you experienced Open Studios this year, we’d love to get your feedback. What worked well? What could have worked better?

Whether you visited one location or many, we’d love to hear from you.

The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ OS_Visitor_Survey

GETVIRTUAL: LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

A popular UC Santa Cruz entrepreneurship class that pairs students with local business owners wanting to pivot from foot traffic to sales online is expanding beyond Santa Cruz.

The recently launched Coursera version, GetVirtual: How to Launch your Online Business, is available to students at other UC campuses as well as anyone with an internet connection. For people outside the UC system, it’s free.

Pricing & location (on-line & in-person) varies; see individual class descriptions for more information. The last day to register is Jan. 20.

See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/classes. For information email: dan-tesantacruz1265@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

IS YOUR PHOTO TOO SMALL?

The Santa Cruz County Nurse Family Partnership is a program to support pregnant women expecting their first baby and new moms with their first baby. For information, call 831-454-4339 or text 831-566-3592.

HELP MATCHINGDONORS.COM

Currently, 270 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; those that live wait 7 to 12 years to receive a kidney transplant through the government’s deceased organ donor waiting list. Many patients receive their kidney transplant within

only six months of registering on MatchingDonors. com, which is appealing to people to help by becoming a living organ donor or donating cars, boats, RVs, real estate, or planes to support the nonprofit organization, founded in 2003 and based in Boston.

Supporters include NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who raises money in the memory of his College of San Mateo coach Tom Martinez, who died of a heart attack in 2012 while waiting for a kidney transplant. Visit https://www.matchingdonors.com/life/ for more information.

RED CROSS JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES

Aptos

Jan. 4: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive

Jan. 7: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive

Ben Lomond

Jan. 20: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Love Creek Road

Santa Cruz

Jan. 5: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Jan. 18: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Jan. 20: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Firefighters at Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St.

Scotts Valley

Jan. 14: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive

Watsonville

Jan. 17: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

OPERATION GRATITUDE

Operation Gratitude gives Americans the opportunity to go say “Thank You” to all who raise their hands to serve. Writing a letter is a meaningful way for Americans to say “Thank You” support for all who serve. It only takes five minutes of your day but will bring lasting joy to the recipients. Operation Gratitude includes handwritten letters in every Care Package sent to Military and First Responders. In these unprecedented times, our heroes need our unwavering support.

Taking the time to put pen to paper and share your heartfelt thoughts can be what motivates a First Responder or a service member.

Register to get a guide, then write your letters. Get creative.

Fill out the form with detailed instructions and labels for shipping. You pay the postage.

HELLO DEAR READERS, One of my new year’s resolutions for 2023 is to help you get news into our community calendar.

You’ve probably noticed every issue has a “photo box,” a photo of an upcoming event with a description, what where, how much it costs to attend.

How does your event get into the photo box?

Step No. 1: Email me a photo with enough bytes so it doesn’t turn into pixels. This means actual size on a cellphone, or minimum 1 MB, for optimum picture quality.

I’ve seen too many small photos, 33 kb, or medium, 88 kb or 250 kb, which might be acceptable on our website, www.tpgonlinedaily.com but not in a print publication. We do both!

If I have to request a larger photo, that takes time, and often, we’re up against a deadline, and sadly the larger photo does not arrive in time.

You’ve seen photos accompanying other calendar events. Again, I recommend emailing a larger photo, actual size, 1 MB.

Step No. 2: Include a caption.

Step No. 3: Check the calendar of each issue for the next deadline. That way, your announcement will get to us in time!

Pro tips: To expedite your announcement, put it in the body of the email instead of an attachment. That way, I see it immediately — no waiting for a sluggish computer. For the subject line, put the date of the event first, followed by the name of the event.

Best wishes in 2023!

— Jondi Gumz, editor

Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

For more information and ways to show support, see https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/ letters/

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.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

Fridays thru April 14

DOWNTOWN FRIDAYS!

Starting Jan. 13

The party is coming to Downtown Santa Cruz. Downtown Fridays mean free live bands, along with events, activities, and Friday-only specials at dozens of Downtown restaurants, galleries, shops, salons and more. Thank you to Nicole from Rootstock Collective for designing our poster. Stay tuned for a schedule of bands and events.

DATED EVENTS

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.

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.

Saturday December 31

NOON YEAR’S EVE

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Live Oak Library, 2380 Portola Drive, S C No need to wait until midnight — ring in the New Year at noon at the Live Oak Library for crafts, snacks, and a balloon drop with the countdown to noon. This program will be bilingual.

Tuesday January 10

COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER TO SPEAK

6 p.m., Online

Meeting

Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County Health Officer, will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County via Zoom.

Dr. Newel will provide an update on the current status of Covid-19 cases in the county, as well as the uptick in flu and RSV cases.

She will also discuss the most common sources of exposure and precautions county residents can take to stay healthy and avoid contracting these viruses.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Visit www. svslvdemocrats.org for the zoom meeting link. Social time starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

CAPITOLA SOROPTIMIST CLUB MEETS

4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will meet at United Way of Santa Cruz County. The meeting is free and open to the public.

A new member will be inducted, the current status of the “Live Your Dream” program, and two pending fundraising projects will be discussed.

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

For information, visit www.best4women.org, or email sicapitola.by.the.sea@gmail.com

Saturday January 14

JUSTICE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

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

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women will present “Justice for Survivors of Human Trafficking” at the Resource Center for Non-Violence.

It is free and open to the public.

Rose Mukhar, founder of Justice at Last, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit law firm that provides free legal representation for survivors of human trafficking, is the featured speaker. She has experience in cases involving children, women, refugees, and survivors of domestic violence, torture, and human trafficking.

After law school, Mukhar studied the prosecution of war criminals and war crimes involving child combatants in The Hague, Netherlands and later determined that child soldiering during armed conflicts is a form of human trafficking. That inspired her to serve survivors of all forms of human trafficking, especially commercially sexually exploited children and children who are labor-trafficked.

For information about this event and human trafficking issues,

MACIEL AVENUE: 21 DETACHED HOMES PROPOSED

Tuesday January 17

6 p.m., Sheriff’s Center Community Room, 5200 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz

A community meeting with the developer of the proposed 1960 Maciel Ave. project will take place in the Sheriff’s Center Community Room.

Maciel Development Limited Partners purchased the property, 2.27 acres with a single-family home built in 1921, in September 2021 for $1.5 million and is proposing to build 21 detached homes.

ACTORS’

THEATRE: NEW 8 TENS PLAY FESTIVAL

January 20 thru February 19

8 p.m., Thursdays thru Saturdays • 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St. After nearly a year without new shows, the Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre is kicking off the 2023 season with its popular 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival — 16 new productions Jan. 20 through Feb. 19.

The new plays, selected from nearly 260 submissions coming from across the country, will alternate Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with additional Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The weekend shows will feature one line-up at 2 p.m., and another selection at 8 p.m., allowing theater fans to see all 16 plays on the same day.

All performances will be in the Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St. Playgoers will be required to wear a mask in the theatre and lobby areas, but proof of vaccination is not required.

Tickets are $32 general, $29 for students and seniors. Thursday performances offer a discount: Two tickets for the price of one. A package deal for both shows is $58 general, $54 students and seniors. For the play lineup and tickets, see: www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/tickets

•••

Photo: Actors Sarah Cruse (left) and Avondina Wills, pictured here in a past show, both return to the 2023 8 Tens @ 8 Festival.

call AAUW at (831) 425-1306. For information on AAUW, see https://santacruz-ca.aauw.net.

Saturdays & Sundays, January 21-29

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM OPEN HOUSE

10 a.m.-5 p.m., 886 Cannery Row, Monterey To show appreciation to the local community, Monterey Bay Aquarium will host a Community Open House for residents of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties (valid identification required).

No tickets or reservations necessary, but visitors must present a photo ID and proof of current Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito county residence. This includes:

• Photo I.D. with a local address

• Matricula Consular

• Current student identification from any university or community college located within any of these counties

• Utility bill

• Monthly bus passes from Monterey-Salinas Transit, Santa Cruz Metro, or San Benito County Express

• Individuals who reside in a senior center or other group home may present a letter from the organization where they live with their name listed as a resident. Photo ID will be required.

Don’t forget to bring your matching photo ID. Guests of local tri-county residents must pay regular admission prices and pur-chase tickets in advance.

Tuesday January 24

NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS @ CAPITOLA

5:30-7 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 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.

Thursday January 26

VOLUNTEER

FOR 2023 PIT COUNT

5 p.m.-10 a.m., Location TBD

The County of Santa Cruz is moving to conducting the Point in Time homeless count annually and needs community support.

The 2023 PIT count will be done using an app-based data collection tool, and will cover the entire county in one morning. Sign up at https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_2f3KayP7qtQJNdk

Volunteers will work in groups, meeting their team members either at a central deployment center location or a convenient location before walking/driving their assigned routes and aiding with data collection.

Volunteers are asked to bring their vehicles to use in the count if they are able.

Contact Alex Werner at alex@appliedsurveyresearch.org. for more information.

RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ santa-cruz-county-2023-point-in-time-count-planningmeeting-tickets-464743970727 n

Gail Newel

Supervisors OK Sustainability Update, Zoning Changes

By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

At the Dec. 6 meeting, the County Board of Supervisors, approved the Sustainability Update, a regulatory document 10 years in the making. This is the first time in nearly 30 years that the Santa Cruz County General Plan/Local Coastal Program has been updated.

The Sustainability Update will modernize county planning, bringing it into compliance with updated state laws as well as guide policy for planned future growth in unincorporated county regions.

The approved Sustainability Update amends sections of the County Code, Design Guidelines and Land Use/ Zoning maps, which will impact policies related to housing production, transportation, agriculture and resource conservation, commercial development, community services, sustainability and environmental justice.

The plan places an emphasis on sustainable practices in general, including “green building” guidelines surrounding solar, rainwater harvesting and recycled building materials.

One aspect of the Sustainability Update that generated significant public

interest was the proposed rezoning of parcels on Portola Drive in Pleasure Point.

My office heard from hundreds of residents who supported increased housing opportunities on the Portola corridor but were opposed to the density being proposed.

Local residents agreed more housing, particularly for working class people and families, is needed, but felt we shouldn’t max out the density and risk losing what makes the area so special.

I agreed, and made a motion to use the lower R-UH residential zoning designation for 8 of the 9 parcels under discussion. For the 9th parcel, 3501 Portola, I proposed retaining the current Commercial zoning designation. The rest of the Board supported my motion, and the revised Portola rezonings were approved along with the Sustainability Update.

Mobile Home Protections

OnDec. 13, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to amend Chapter 13.32 of the Santa Cruz County Code to ensure the affordability of our Mobile Home communities is preserved. These amendments will strengthen protections for residents living in mobile home parks across the County.

The amendments include:

• Ensuring operational increases are calculated based on the annual Consumer Price Index and nothing greater; and

hearing officer providing multiple opportunities to resolve issues fairly without costly litigation that could lead to increased rents.

The revised ordinance is scheduled to be finalized at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 10.

Our office heard from dozens of residents who advocated for these changes. The Board heard you, and voted accordingly. Your participation in local government makes our community stronger.

Assisted Living in Soquel

Residents may have noticed site work occurring at 5630 Soquel Drive, the site of the former Inner Lights Ministries Church. This location will be developed into an 80-unit assisted living and memory care facility.

The developer is planning a community meeting in January 2023, and our office will share details via email newsletter as soon as they become available.

The current timeline for the project anticipates a hearing before the Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors in the first quarter of 2023.

We welcome your feedback and involvement! n •••

Join us at an upcoming community town hall meeting: January Town Hall

Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Hybrid meeting: In-person location at the Sheriff’s Center, Community Room 5200 Soquel Ave., and on Zoom: https:// zoom.us/j/96708318897

A sign posted in 2020 at the former Inner Light Ministries building at 5630 Soquel Ave. shows what the new 80-unit assisted living and memory care facility will look like.

• A new dispute resolution process for special rent increases, wherein an expert third party Certified Public Accountant reviews any proposed rent increase to determine if it is necessary. A hearing officer will review the case if the residents or park owner do not agree with the expert’s analysis. The case would go to court only if one side doesn’t agree with the expert and

The developer, Fulcrum Development, completed demolition in November and began grading shortly thereafter. This facility will provided a much-needed service for our community and will be an asset to our County.

Kaiser Medical Community Meeting Many residents have inquired about

Visit https://www.co.santa-cruz. ca.us/Government/BoardofSupervisors/ District1.aspx for 2023 Community Town Hall dates, locations coming soon.

•••

Come to our office at the Sheriff Center (5200 Soquel Ave.) for office hours with Supervisor Koenig, the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Office hours for January will be Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Give us a call anytime (831) 454

Kaiser Permanente has proposed a 160,000-square-foot medical office with a parking garage for 730 cars at 5940 Soquel Ave.

Krissi greets everyone with big purrs. She loves people and is very engaging. She gets her kitten energy out with wand and feather toys and after a play session is happy to curl up in your lap. Krissi’s fur is sooo soft — it’s one of our favorite things about her!

You have to feel it to believe it. She is an easygoing kitten and we think she would do well in a variety of environments.

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 donations 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 participating 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 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n •••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Bare-Root Stock Arrives For Winter

By Tony Tomeo

Spring is overrated. It is obviously the best season for planting warm season vegetables and bedding plants. It is the most colorful season with more flowers in bloom. There is so much more to gardening, though. Most plants prefer autumn planting. Some prefer winter planting. That is why this present bare-root season will be so relevant all through winter.

Dormancy is an advantage to stressful procedures such as planting. Spring bulbs prefer autumn or early winter planting while they are most dormant. For the same reason and to avoid late frost, summer bulbs prefer later winter planting. It should be no surprise that so many deciduous woody plants likewise prefer dormant planting during bare-root season.

Bare-root season is simply when bareroot stock becomes available for planting through winter. Unlike more familiar canned (potted) stock, bare-root stock lacks the medium that it grew in. Their roots are literally bare. Most bare-root stock awaits purchase at nurseries with its roots resting within damp sand. Roots of some are bagged within damp sawdust.

Bare-root stock is innately more practical than typical canned stock. It is significantly less expensive. It is much less cumbersome, and therefore easier to transport from nurseries. Planting is easier within much smaller planting holes. Formerly bare roots disperse new roots into their garden soils more efficiently than crowded formerly canned root systems.

Deciduous fruit trees and roses are the most popular of bare-root stock. Most of such fruit trees are stone fruits and pomme fruits. Stone fruits include almond, apricot,

cherry, plum, prune, peach and nectarine, as well as their unusual hybrids. All stone fruits are species of the genus, Prunus. Pomme fruits include apple, pear, Asian pear and perhaps quince.

Fig, pomegranate and persimmon trees should also be available. So should grapevines, currants, gooseberries, blueberries and various cane berries. Strawberries, rhubarb and asparagus are perennials that are available bare-root. Except for almond, most nut trees, including English walnut, pecan, filbert or chestnut, may be available only by mail order. Most mail order catalogs are online now.

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English Walnut

It has been in cultivation for several thousands of years. Throughout that time, it escaped cultivation to naturalize in many regions between the Balkans and the Himalayas. It most likely originated from a much smaller natural range within Persia. An interesting certainty of its dubious original range is that English walnut, Juglans regia, is not actually English.

English walnut likely arrived at Spanish Missions of California prior to 1800. It became a major agricultural commodity of both the Sacramento Valley and the San Joaquin Valley.

A few old trees survive within urban areas that were formerly orchards of the Santa Clara Valley. Newer trees are unfortunately rare within home gardens because they get messy.

Winter Fun

English walnut trees rarely grow more than forty feet high and wide here. Their abundant foliar, floral and fruit debris is toxic to young plants though, and stains hardscapes. Each type of debris sheds during a different season. Squirrels might claim most or all nuts, but drop shredded hulls. The deciduous and pinnately compound leaves can be a foot long. n

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. com.

Bare roots might fail to impress.

English walnuts are popular among squirrels.

Krissi the Kitten!