Capitola Soquel Times: May 2023

Highway 1 Groundbreaking

By Jondi Gumz

Everyone who knows about the Highway 1 commuter traffic jam, especially in the afternoon southbound from Santa Cruz to Watsonville, tries to avoid being one of those 100,000.

Solutions have been elusive but on April 19, transportation leaders broke ground on a $100 million project they believe will break the logjam. The answer, we’re told, is “multi-modal.” ... continues on page 4

Open on the Esplanade

Sixteen weeks after epic ocean waves crashed into Capitola’s Esplanade, causing enough damage to shutter all the restaurants, nearly all of them have reopened. Once again, people are dining under the blue umbrellas on the spacious deck of Zelda’s on the Beach.

Full Story page 6 Mermaids

The Cisco Kid and Pancho at the Silvercup

It was Sunday morning about a week after the big crap game. When I dragged myself out of bed, the house was quiet. Laura and Mom had gone to early mass.

Full Story page 7

Cover Highway 1 Groundbreaking, By Jondi Gumz

Community News

6 Open on the Esplanade,

8 Hearts & Hands Resolves Litigation With Fine, By Jondi Gumz • Got a Ukelele? Come to Capitola Beach Festival, By Judie Block

9 Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park: Thirty Years Of Ownership by Resident Owners, By Stacey Vreeken

10 New Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Leader • Santa Cruz Shakespeare Brings Three Plays To Its Summer Festival, By Lauren Gunderson

11 Breath+Oneness: A Healing Place, By Jondi Gumz

12 Capitola Summer Rec is Back!

13 Affordable Housing Conversations • Jobs in Santa Cruz County

14 Veterans’ Art On Display

16 A Spark of Art in Aptos, By Jondi Gumz

17 Santa Cruz County: $223 Million Needed for Sewer System

18 Thank You, Second Harvest Volunteers

20 Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh: New MAH Exhibit by Cannupa Hanska Luger

23 New CEO Todd Wilson at Preferred Strategies • Museum Needs Volunteers • Open Seat on Museum Board • Time to Focus on Child Neglect

24 Apply for Affordable Rentals • Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day • County Awarded $5.6M • Mount Madonna Students to Share Washington, D.C. Reflections

California News

17 AG Wants Transparency on Nursing Home Ownership

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – A Festival, an Appearance & Pluto Goes Underground, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

7 The Cisco Kid and Pancho at the Silvercup, By Joe Ortiz • Cream Pudding

19 Recognizing Students & Staff, By Scott J. Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District

22 Mermaids & Mermen: Capitola Swimming Competitions in the 1920s, By Deborah Osterberg

25 Annual Groundwater Report Reaffirms the Value and Need for Pure Water Soquel, By Rebecca Gold Rubin

27 Student Summit Focuses on the Environment, By Avonlea Harwood

30 Incentives to Buy Electric Vehicles, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

31 California Native Plants Grow Wild, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Fall in Love With Lovebug

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Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Judie Block, Stacey Vreeken, Lauren Gunderson, Risa D’Angeles, Joe Ortiz, Scott J. Turnbull, Deborah Osterberg, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Avonlea Harwood, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin

graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

“Groundbreaking” from page 1

What does that mean?

It means investing in multiple strategies: Building auxiliary lanes and allowing Metro buses to bypass traffic on the shoulder — an initiative requiring legislation championed by then-Assembly member Mark Stone — building crossings over Highway 1 for people on foot and bike, and building a trail alongside the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.

Metro, by the way, is working on more solutions: Boosting bus ridership to 7 million by 2027 and building 224 affordable rentals at its bus stations so people could live closer to where they work.

Here are the numbers: Downtown Santa Cruz (Pacific Center North), 120 units, to break ground in late 2023, Watsonville, 60 units, requires 24 months of design and permitting, and ParaCruz project, Highway 1/Soquel Avenue, 60 units, groundbreaking in 5-7 years.

phase, from Bay/Porter in Soquel to State Park Drive in Aptos, including an overcrossing near Mar Vista Elementary, with the possibility of construction in late summer/early fall.

For the third phase, from State Park Drive to Freedom Boulevard with four overcrossings, environmental work is underway.

Michael Tree, named Metro general manager in March, called bus on shoulder “a game-changer” in the agency’s push for buses to be seen as fast and reliable. Metro’s board committed to make buses arrive every 15 minutes, he noted.

Bus on shoulder was pioneered on freeways in San Diego, starting in 2022 for three years, using driver assistance technology.

Future Vision

Sarah Christensen, RTC engineering construction manager, emceed the groundbreaking, promising this would be “the first of many celebrations.”

She said construction will begin in a few weeks on the Soquel Drive buffered bike lanes, another part of the multimodal strategy to reduce congestion, boost safety and encourage more people to switch from cars to bikes for short trips.

2,167 Jobs

Caltrans estimates the Highway 1 project will create 2,167 jobs.

The contractor is Granite Construction of Watsonville.

Another expected benefit is a reduction in greenhouse gases from vehicle emissions, aligning with the state Climate Action Plan.

The multi-modal approach has support from the state with Matthew Yosgott, deputy director of the California

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The first phase of Highway 1 focuses on 41st Avenue in Capitola to Soquel Drive, with the pedestrian-bike walkway over the freeway connecting the Santa Cruz Gardens and Emerald Bay neighborhoods near the Animal Shelter with the Sheriff’s Office, a 2-mile walk to Twin Lakes State Beach or Schwan Lake.

Target completion date is end of 2025.

Bids are being sought for the second

Leaders of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, which is spearheading the project with CalTrans, are so excited about the future they ordered Freedom Bakery to create shortcake cookies topped by icing showing an uncrowded Highway 1 and a parade of people on the to-be-built overcrossing.

“It’s possibly the largest transportation project in our county,” said Supervisor Manu Koenig, who represents the area where the first overcrossing will be built.

Guy Preston, RTC executive director since 2018, was on hand, despite his foot being in a walking boot.

Comment on Highway 1 Project

May 2 and May 4

Speak up now on the environmental impact report on a project to ease congestion on Highway 1, from Freedom Boulevard to State Park Drive, that stretch that is jammed every afternoon.

The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and Caltrans are overseeing the project which involves building auxiliary lanes, making it possible for Metro buses to bypass traffic on the shoulder — a first in the state — and build Segment 12 of the Coastal Rail Trail, 1.2 miles for people on foot and on bikes along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line with four crossings over Highway 1.

Two meetings are planned to accept public input before the final design. A virtual meeting is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. May 2.

The other will be in person, an open house 6-7:30 p.m. May 4, at Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos.

The environmental impact report covers ways to minimize impacts along with alternatives.

Email lara.bertaina@dot.ca.gov by 5 p.m. June 2 or write Lara Bertaina, California Department of Transportation, 50 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. June 2. n

See the report at libraries in Capitola, Live Oak and Watsonville, Santa Cruz County Public Works Department, fourth floor of the county building at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz, and online at bit.ly/StatePark-FreedomBlvd.

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website

photography

Future Highway 1, as pictured by Freedom Bakery.

Transportation Commission, recommending $107 million.

He was in attendance for the groundbreaking along with Scott Eades, named in February as director of Caltrans Region 5, which includes Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

“It’s an iconic symbol, being able to move across the highway,” Eades said.

The multi-modal approach also found favor with Congress, getting $30 million in federal funds. It is one of nine in the nation

to receive “mega grant” funding through the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 2021.

Officials credit voters for passing Measure D, the half-cent sales tax in 2016, leveraging state and federal funds to meet transportation needs over the next 30 years. n

•••

Cover Photo: The April 19 groundbreaking on the Highway 1 multimodal improvements: Auxiliary lanes, bus on shoulder and freeway overcrossing.

offer from Milgard.

Steve Walter (facing) is one of Granite Construction’s Highway 1 project managers.

Open on the Esplanade

By Jondi Gumz

Sixteen weeks after epic ocean waves crashed into Capitola’s Esplanade, causing enough damage to shutter all the restaurants, nearly all of them have reopened.

Once again, people are dining under the blue umbrellas on the spacious deck of Zelda’s on the Beach.

Also reopened:

• My Thai (which has boba tea)

• Pizza My Heart

• Paradise Beach Grille

• Margaritaville

• Capitola Bar & Grill (upstairs from Margaritaville)

• Mr. Toots Coffeehouse (upstairs) When President Joe Biden came to Capitola Village after the Jan. 5 storm, he promised support.

As reported in the February issue, Biden said, “To the people of California, we are here for you and with you. We are not leaving until things are built back and built back better than they were before. You can recover from storms. We’ll be with your every step of the way.”

However, reports are that these business owners have not received federal assistance.

Still working on recovery: Tacos Moreno, Bay Bar & Grill and The Sand Bar.

Michelle Strong, owner of Capitola Bar & Grill, which reopened Jan. 19, reports her landlord, Steve Yates, claims she defaulted on her lease by having music last year, a dispute that went to mediation then arbitration. She hopes the arbitrator will find in her favor.

Want to support these business owners?

On Friday, May 5, Capitola Village and OfftheLipradio.com will present popular band Broken English from 4-6 p.m. at Esplanade Park.

Then on Saturday, May 13, Capitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Association will host Sip & Stroll from noon to 5 p.m.

Pre-registration is $45. This includes: Sip & Stroll commemorative glass, 12 two-ounce pour tickets, and a map of Village shops hosting Check-in begins at 11 a.m. at the community room in the City Hall at 420 Capitola Ave., next to the Capitola Police. Bring your Eventbrite ticket and photo ID to check-in.

State ABC regulations prohibit walking between tasting locations with any wine in your glass. So drink up or pour out any leftover wine before walking to the next! Event will be rain or shine.

Let’s hope for sunshine.

The Cisco Kid and Pancho at the Silvercup

Previous Episode: Eddie Ryan, leaving the crap game, had been seen heading toward the Queensborough Bridge, never to be heard from again.

It was Sunday morning about a week after the big crap game. When I dragged myself out of bed, the house was quiet. Laura and Mom had gone to early mass.

As I walked down the hall in my pajamas, I heard voices and tinkling glasses from the kitchen, where Dad and Uncle Johnny were sitting at the table, drinking beers, and eating Lupine, an Italian appetizer of fava beans soaked in brine. The Puerto Rican brothers, in from a night of salsa dancing, were doing what they’d learned from the Italian side of the family: biting off the tips of the skins and squeezing the insides into their mouths.

“So, Herman,” Uncle said. “What you heard from Eddie?”

“Nothing,”

Dad said, popping a lupine and washing it down with a swig of Rheingold. “Not one word. For all I know he’s got a broken arm and he’s lying low so Freddie will fagetabout ‘im.”

When I walked in, they both clammed up and Johnny said, “Ya goin’ ta see Cisco and Pancho today, Joey?”

Herman and Johnny reminded me of Cisco and Pancho, but without the horses and sombreros. When they were dressed for a night of dancing, they wore broadcollared, pinstriped suits—Dad’s navy blue, Johnny’s chocolate brown, their jetblack hair slicked straight back. My father was thin, handsome, streetwise, and crafty and he always wanted to be in charge. With his occasional pencil-thin mustache, he looked just like Cisco. Uncle Johnny was the sidekick. Stout with an even thicker mustache, he always flashed a fiendish smile. And he would wink at you and pump his eyebrows — just like Pancho—as

if you were able to understand what he was gesturing about.

Still, just like Dad, Cisco and Pancho were my heroes.

When I heard that they were going to make a personal appearance at the Silvercup Bakery in Long Island City, Queens, I couldn’t think of anything else until the day I would see them ride up on their horses.

The Silvercup factory was a dingy old building under the Queensborough Bridge. Silvercup Bread was their sponsor, but Laura and I could never quite figure out what a fluffy, white bread had to do with two Mexican cowboys. Like Dad and Johnny, Cisco and Pancho never ate bread. Yet there they were — The Cisco Kid and Pancho, pushing a fluffy white bread at 1,000 multi-ethnic kids in Queens.

The only reason Mom let me go to the personal appearance without her was because Laura had agreed to take me, watch me, and never let me out of her sight. Had my mother ever anticipated how crazy it would get, she never would have let me go.

Laura and I arrived at the bakery along with a thousand screaming kids trying to squeeze themselves through the bakery’s huge roll-down doors, the same doors which each morning spewed forth an endless caravan of trucks on their way to deliver bread, muffins, and crumb cakes to local stores. The mob of hysterical kids was pulsating rhythmically like a giant serpent.

The minute we arrived, I wanted to be a part of the action. The magic of T.V. had imprinted on our minds an image of these two handsome caballeros in brightly embroidered outfits, their sombreros bouncing up and down as they rode. That day our heroes would be right in front of us, not just fuzzy images on a screen, nor a

cluster of tiny black and white dots. Their skin, like Herman and Johnny’s, would have a romantic olive color instead of the lifeless gray of television. And they would speak to us . . . and sign autographs.

After we stood outside a few moments, Laura wanted to find the best way in, so she grabbed my hand real tight, looked me straight in the eye, and said:

“Joey, you wait here.” How many millions of times had I heard that?

Then she let go of my hand, turned away, and left.

By Joe Ortiz

There I was alone. What Mom feared most. Now I knew why. I stood there for what seemed like forever, not moving an inch — when suddenly I was caught up in the wave of delirious kids streaming into the big roll-down doors that looked like the mouth of a giant, hungry whale. In a moment, I was carried helplessly by this torrential wave of children—whose screaming delight only terrified me—my feet never touching the ground.

“Cisco Kid” page 9

Cream Pudding

Serves 4

When we got back from the Cisco and Pancho appearance at the Silvercup, Aunt Rose and cousins Rosemarie and Anthony were at the house. Even though Mom didn’t notice anything, Aunt Rose saw that I needed a treat. She always made this pudding to soothe our ills. It was a cheap peasant slurry of thickened egg yolks, milk, and sugar as far as I can tell. Maybe thickened with flour or cornstarch. You can serve it warm in bowls, refrigerated in cups (it gets a nice skin on top), or mixed with whipped cream to fill cream puffs.

2 cups whole milk (or half and half)

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon to taste

In a small casserole or saucepan, heat the milk until it’s just warm. Meanwhile, separate the yolks and place them in a bowl and beat with a wire whisk. Add the sugar and combine fully, using the whisk. Add the cornstarch and whisk one final time.

Slowly add the warm milk to the egg/sugar/cornstarch mixture and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, cooking 10 to 15 minutes until it just starts to becomes thick, like heavy cream. The moment the mixture starts to thicken, remove it from heat and continue to whisk for several minutes.

Pour the Cream into four shallow soup bowls and serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. n

Joe Ortiz Memoir: Episodes & Recipes

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

Since 2022, the Capitola Soquel Times is the exclusive publication of various episodes from the book — including a recipe that helps shape each installment. You may have read one of the pieces in the Times a few months ago entitled, “Pastina, Food for the Soul — The Night Freddie the Bookie Showed Up with the Gun.”

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

“Using recipe descriptions to help tell a story seemed the perfect way to weave the angst of a father’s chaotic life with the salvation of a mother’s cooking,” Ortiz explains. “For me, the soothing aromas and descriptions of my mom’s food became the salve to assuage my father’s abusive actions, and the ironic humor of it all helped to dull the pain.” n

Hearts & Hands Resolves Litigation With Fine

By Jondi Gumz

On April 13, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey S. Rosell announced resolution of litigation with Santa Cruz Skilled Nursing Center, Inc., doing business as Hearts & Hands Post Acute Care & Rehab Center at 2990 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, with a stipulated judgment, a $50,000 fine and paying costs of the investigation, calculated to be $52,584.

The investigation started in November 2018, when the state Department of Justice and the Santa Cruz District Attorney’s office began looking into allegations of improper discharges, substance abuse, and inadequate staffing at the 144-bed nursing home, which had residents with dementia and substance abuse disorders.

DOJ investigators found that Hearts and Hands frequently failed to provide the mandatory 30-day notice to residents it discharged. Even when residents were provided with the appropriate discharge notice, they were sometimes inappropriately sent to temporary shelters or unlicensed ‘board and care’ homes not equipped to meet their needs.

In other instances, the facility ‘discharged’ residents by calling law enforcement to essentially evict them in violation of regulations and laws.

Investigators found evidence that indicated Hearts and Hands did not have enough staff to care for its residents and was relying on law enforcement to help manage behavior at the facility. Some of those removed by law enforcement ended up without a place to live, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.

In Sepember 2019, the California Department for Justice and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office sued the facility after investigators found it frequently discharged residents deemed too difficult — in violation of laws and rules meant to ensure their safety.

The lawsuit, filed in Santa Cruz County Superior Court, accused Hearts and Hands of violating California’s Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, misrepresenting staffing in reports to obtain the Medicare’s favorable Five Star rating.

The lawsuit also alleged the company

had an inordinate amount of emergency calls at this location.

The owner is Trilochan Singh.

In April 2020, Santa Cruz Superior Court entered a preliminary injunction and appointed a monitor to report on compliance with its terms.

In January 2021, Hearts & Hands was accused of bad faith bargaining by Service Employees International Union Local 2015, but the case was dropped after two months.

Now, after almost three years of supervision by an independent monitor appointed at the request of DOJ and Santa Cruz County, Hearts and Hands “has

made significant changes and progress in its operations and compliance,” Bonta said. He noted full compliance with discharge planning and notice, reduction in emergency calls by 90% and improvement in patient care.

“For years, Hearts and Hands failed to properly treat vulnerable residents. I am glad to see that our lawsuit has improved conditions for these vulnerable residents and that Hearts and Hands is on a better path to meeting the standard of care its residents need,” Bonta said.

The facility’s management litigated at first, then changed course and worked cooperatively over the last three years to dramatically improve the facility and its operations, which was the goal of the joint prosecution, according to Rossell.

The monitor reported a new administrator has brought the facility up to required standards, according to Bonta. Initially the judgment imposed a $250,000 penalty for violations; however, all but $50,000 was stayed due to the facility’s cooperation, he said, noting monitoring will continue for two more years to ensure compliance.

“It’s gratifying to see our joint prosecution efforts reap positive change and benefits for our dependents and seniors, among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Rosell.

To read the Medicare deficiency reports, see https://projects.propublica. org/nursing-homes/homes/h-055017 n •••

A copy of the settlement agreement is at https://tinyurl.com/hearts-hands-settle-2023

Got a Ukelele? Come to Capitola Beach Festival

By Judie Block

Over 20 years ago, two men walked up from the chilly waters of the Capitola shores with surfboards thrust over their shoulders.

They were Geno Gallo and Brad Handzel. As they walked along, they both gazed up at the Capitola bandstand and commented on another activity they shared… ukelele playing.

“Wouldn’t it be fun to get a few of us ukie folks together and sing on the stage with our ukuleles?”

The seed was planted. Shortly thereafter the Capitola Ukulele players began.

The group has grown from 4 or 5 players 20 years ago.

Now in 2023, the group has on a warm sunny day or a foggy chilly morning nearly 50-75 ukers filling the

stage. The group, which meets on Sunday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m., has become quite an event that attracts quite a following.

Hula hoopers, children dancing, people sitting on the beach wall with their coffee ..all enjoying the Sunday serenade. The songs sung and played are old favorites from the ‘60s through the ‘90s. The audience is invited to sing and dance along.

This year the group has been asked to entertain at the Capitola Beach Festival.

Anyone with a ukulele is welcome to join in the musical merriment. Grab your coats and grab your hats and don’t miss this joyful and energetic group. They will be on stage Sunday morning, Sept. 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. n

Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park

Thirty Years Of Ownership by Resident Owners

By Stacey Vreeken

Editor’s note : The largest mobile park landlord in the U.S. is real estate investor Sam Zell. His Equity LifeStyle Properties owns 165,000 units and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange as ELS. His mobile home portfolio is a key part of his $5.2 billion fortune. Out of California’s 4,500 mobile home parks, about 180 are resident-owned communities. Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park in Capitola has 111 homes and 150 permanent residents.

~~~

Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park in Capitola marked 30 years of resident ownership this April, and more than 50 years as a mobile home park. A potluck with residents April 15 celebrated the small community, its memories and the success of privately owning and managing a mobile home park.

“As residents of Brookvale Terrace, we enjoy our natural surroundings, the community of nice neighbors and having private control of our land and mobile home park. It’s truly an honor to volunteer on the board and serve my community,” says Board of Directors President Sheryl Coulston.

Brookvale Terrace was constructed in the early 1970s by John Minges of Scotts Valley and his partners, according to “The History of Noble Gulch and Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park” written by resident Stephanie Kirby.

The Gulch and surrounding land were originally inhabited by the Ohlone native people and given to Maria Martina Castro Lodge in 1833 by the Mexican government as part of the Rancho Soquel land grant, according to Kirby’s history.

Much of the land later was sold to Frederick Hihn (who sailed at age 19 from his native Germany to California and prospered by opening a general store in Santa Cruz when Santa Cruz County has fewer than 700 people) and the Castro-Lodge homestead area on top of Hill Street to Augustus Noble in 1856.

Thus, Peck Gulch, named for a Castro-Lodge heir, became Noble Gulch, writes Kirby.

Due to the extensive rose gardens fed by extensive nearby springs, Noble called his estate Rosedale.

In the development of Brookvale Terrace, Kirby’s write-up shows photos and describes how the path of the Noble Gulch was diverted, trees removed, ground leveled and then replanted to reshape the land into the terrace and brook areas of the mobile home park today.

Noble Gulch cuts through the center and, in an update to a more modern era, is part of a resident-led, native-plant restoration project.

More than 100 plants were propagated by residents and were ready for planting this season, according to Coulston.

“We are two years in to the enhancement project and lots more to go,” she said.

The first mobile home residents arrived in 1972 and all spaces were filled in three years. In the intervening decades, increasing conflict over rent increases in Capitola led to rent stabilization ordinances and lawsuits with park owners.

Abraham Keh, who bought the park in 1981, battled with the residents and the City of Capitola over rents and maintenance, as detailed by Kirby in her well-researched history.

Residents feared higher rents would force them out.

In 1993, residents bought the 20-acre property for $6.8 million with the help of

a bond established by the City of Capitola and established the Brookvale Terrace Property Owners Association.

Today the park is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors and is one of the most desirable mobile home parks in the county.

Coulston said there are no homes for sale in the park right now that she knows of.

“Our last one sold for $870,000 a few weeks ago and hardly makes for affordable housing,” she said. “It is a highly desirable location. There aren’t that many resident owned parks in the community.”

Visit www.brookvaleterrace.com for more information.

“Cisco Kid” from page 7

Just when this human river went through another doorway, narrowing its wide swath to enter—the energy became uncontrolled, intensified, ferocious. I was pushed, pulled, bobbed up and stuffed down into this churning river; then one quick moment later, a sudden wave heaved me into the air and then back under, tossed and tumbled onto the dirty gray concrete floor, underneath a blur of stampeding feet. I was being trampled, suffocated. I tried to take a breath, but no air came in. I felt the river becoming an ocean as big as any in the world and tried desperately to lift my head above the raging torrent.

My body was helpless, so my mind tried to escape, resort so some form of fantasy—think about my fairy cowgirls, rolling dice with Dad, the soothing saltiness of Pastina—anything to help me

“go away for a while,” my typical escape of refusal, my denial of reality. But no amount of mental fantasy would work. I was trapped, asphyxiated.

And I blacked out for what seemed like an eternity, drowning in a dark sea of amnesia.

But a miracle happened. Someone grabbed hold of my arm, lifting me out of the current. Now — along with this teenage girl who tugged me out of the nightmare—I floated on top of the wave of children. Suddenly, it felt like a waterfall had burst over a cliff and emptied the turbulent river into a warm, placid pool of calm.

I don’t remember what happened next. I can’t recall if I found Laura, or she found me. I didn’t care if I never got a glimpse of Cisco and Pancho before they rode off. I didn’t care if Laura had seen them without me. I was just glad to be alive. n

Master Gardener Sharon Caredio next to some of the native plant resoration at Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park where she lives.

Frederick Hihn

The celebration potluck at Brookvale Terrace Mobile Home Park was attended by 62 residents.

New Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Leader

Ken Alstott is the new interim manager of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, also known as 14th District Agricultural Association, for the next six months.

He’s coming after Dave Kegebein was fired in October by the governorappointed fair board after 11 years and a critical state audit, with board president Don Dietrich taking over as interim manager and then Kelley Ferreira as a parttime CEO.

In an email, Alstott described himself this way: “I’m a retired manager from the District Agricultural Association Fairs. I’ve managed/consulted numerous fairs over the past 18 years. My vision is to ensure the daily operations of the fairgrounds and the upcoming fair are met with high expectations.”

He added, “This area has a wonderful fair/facility in which they should be proud. We will work hard to maintain the appearance and customer service this community expects. Please continue to volunteer and support your fairgrounds!”

Alstott was CEO of the Cow Palace in Daly City for three years. After that, he was called to the Mother Lode Fair, where his task was to reunite the board and listen to the community. There he called himself a project guy who has experience with nonprofits and foundations.

He knows state rules and regulations for fairs.

Originally from the San Bernardino area, he spent 8 years at CEO of the San Bernardino County Fair.

He also spent 20 years in law

enforcement, including working investigations at the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office.

San Benito County Fair has been advertising for volunteers since February.

Community volunteer Ron Sandidge said Alstott has stepped in and resolved issues with multiple fairgrounds.

Currently Alstott lives in Tennessee and will split his time between here and there, Sandidge said, noting Alstott hit the ground running “by getting staff to weed flower beds at Heritage Hall entrance before the Farm Bureau lunch. He’s made time to meet with representatives from the Fair Foundation to review their reports to the fairgrounds and was favorably impressed.”

Sandidge said Alstott has talked to Fairgrounds Foundation volunteer executive director Jeannie Kegebein

and John Kegebein, the fair CEO who retired in 2010, and Jessica Ayala, a regular attendee at fair board meetings and a critic of Dave Kegebein.

“He apparently cuts right to the chase, and sees through the hogwash,” said Sandidge of Alstott. “Everything we have heard about him so far is favorable.” n

The fairgrounds office phone number is (831) 724-5671. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The next meeting is 1:30 p.m. May 23. The agenda will be posted at www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Santa Cruz Shakespeare Brings Three Plays To Its Summer Festival

The Book of Will

By Lauren Gunderson

Join Santa Cruz Shakespeare in its beautiful outdoor theater under the trees in

The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz for its 2023 Summer Festival and the production of Lauren Gunderson’s The Book of Will.

A play that tells the funny and moving story of the two actors who worked to preserve Shakespeare’s legacy with the creation of the First Folio (the first published collection of Shakespeare’s plays), it is a love letter to William Shakespeare and his plays. 2023 will mark the 400th anniversary of the printing of the First Folio.

Mike Ryan, SCS’s outgoing artistic director, and Charles Pasternak, incoming artistic director, will play the roles of Heminges and Condell, the men who collected Shakespeare’s texts.

Directed by Laura Gordon, performances of The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson, will take place July 8 through August 27. Tickets on sale May 1, 2023.

Don’t miss this memorable and delightful experience in one of Santa Cruz’s most majestic settings!

Other productions in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2023 Summer Festival include Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear. Learn more at santacruzshakespeare.org.

Saturday, July 8 - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 11 - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 13 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, July 21 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 22 - 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 6 - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, August 11 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 12 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 20 - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 23 - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 27 - 1:00 p.m.

•••

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

Join Santa Cruz Shakespeare in its beautiful outdoor theater under the trees in The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz for its 2023 Summer Festival and its 10th anniversary of thrilling and imaginative theater.

In one of Shakespeare’s most raucous comedies, The Taming of the Shrew, characters struggle against the roles they have been prescribed by gender, class, or age. While the results of these struggles provide some of the most hilarious moments in the canon, they also leave us with unsettling questions about the human cost of maintaining the status quo.

Thorny, funny and deeply human, Kate and Petruchio are two of Shakespeare’s most

fascinating characters. Out of place because of their honesty in a world of deception, can these two broken people find happiness where they least expect it?

Join us as we explore Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with humor and grace, and discover the deeply complex characters at the story’s heart as they journey to find love.

Other productions in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2023 Summer Festival include Shakespeare’s King Lear, and The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson. Learn more at santacruzshakespeare.org.

Tickets on Sale May 1, 2023. Don’t miss this memorable and delightful experience in one of Santa Cruz’s most majestic settings!

Sunday, July 9 - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 14 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 - 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 22 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 23 - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 29 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 30 - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, August 4 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 5 - 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, August 12 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 13 - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 17 - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 20 - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 25 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 26 - 2:00 p.m.

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Join Santa Cruz Shakespeare in its beautiful outdoor theater under the trees in The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz for its 2023 Summer Festival and its 10th anniversary of thrilling and imaginative theater.

This year’s production of King Lear will explore how the craving for power can shatter both kingdoms and families. King Lear paints a chilling picture of the plight of humanity in an indifferent universe and charts a monarch’s disturbing descent into madness. Featuring some of the most powerful and harrowing verse that Shakespeare wrote at the height of his powers, this powerful tale will star former Shakespeare Santa Cruz artistic director and Royal Shakespeare Company actor Paul Whitworth in a not-tobe-missed tour de force performance.

Performances of Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Paul Mullins, will take place from July through August. Other productions in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2023 Summer Festival include Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson. Learn more at santacruzshakespeare.org.

“Summer Festival” page 12

Paul Whitworth

Breath+Oneness: A Healing Place

By Jondi Gumz

Breath+Oneness — sounds like a yoga studio, and it is, but it’s also a place for healing, offering classes such as crystal bowl sound bath, mushroom cultivation, qigong, emotional freedom technique, dance exercise, healing circles for women, and men’s groups. A few classes are online.

The location is 708 Capitola Ave., Capitola, in the shopping center just past Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticerria.

This enterprise is a mother-daughter venture launched by Carrie Burr, a vinyasa yoga instructor, and her mom, Leslie Warren, who has a business background working in Silicon Valley for 20-plus years.

In addition to the Capitola classes, Breath & Oneness is offering a summer retreat July 13-17 in Mount Shasta.

Want to treat your mom to a special experience? Try the Thai massage and sound bath workshop on May 14.

Capitola-Soquel Times asked Carrie

and Leslie about how they got started and how the end of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency is affecting their business.

What gave you the vision to do what you are doing?

Originally we were looking for a classroom for Carrie to teach. As soon as we saw the building we both had a strong vision of what this place could be and were immediately inspired and our vision became that of a healing center.

We both had a very strong sensation, feeling of what the offerings would be and how it would benefit our community. Carrie had been doing healing work for many years and knew which offerings to bring to Breath+Oneness for maximum positive impact. And with Leslie’s business Background, we knew that we had what it would take to bring the vision into fruition.

This place knew what it wanted to be and it called to many people (we knew

this because many people told us they had also inquired with the property owners about bringing healing arts/classes here). This healing center in Capitola wanted to be here. We said yes and Anna Marie Gotti said yes.

When did you open?

We opened Breath+Oneness in September 2017.

We were into our third year when Covid hit, and we were forced to be closed for an entire year. And the next year we might as well have been closed because of the fear still in the community.

It was through the gracious patience and generosity of Gotti Properties, the property owners, that we are still here. They are also a local business so I thought I’d give them a shout out. Several yoga studios and other healing centers in Santa Cruz were not so fortunate. How did you learn about EFT & Qigong?

For EFT & Qigong, Carrie who is our visionary leader, had known about for them for years before opening Breath+Oneness and knew she wanted to include them in

our offerings because of their powerful abilities to support mind, body, heart and spirit wellness.

“Breath+Oneness” page 12

Every heart has a story. We can help you live yours.

Sharing family traditions with your grandkids. That big career move. These moments define your story, and a healthy heart makes it possible. At Dignity Health, our nationally recognized heart and vascular program provides the area’s most comprehensive cardiac care. So, whether you have concerns or are due for a checkup, we’ll help you write your next chapter. Learn more about our innovative services at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.

Owners Carrie Burr (left) and her mother Leslie Warren.

Capitola Summer Rec is Back!

Capitola Recreation is operating classes fully now since the Covid-19 pandemic emergency has ended.

This summer, there will be a variety of options for both kids and adult programming this summer.

Recreation Coordinator Kaysie Anderson said some of the new programming for the youth in the community include a new Sewing and Fiber Arts Camp, a new Chess Camp, as well as several youth class options.

In addition, Camp Capitola is looking for Junior Leaders (ages 14-17). Being a Junior Leader is an “amazing volunteer opportunity” that allows for job development while enriching teens in a fun environment, Anderson said.

For adults, Capitola Recreation offers a variety of programming for adults and seniors in our community. These include art, exercise, lifestyle, writing.

“Summer Festival” from page 10

Tickets on Sale May 1, 2023. Don’t miss what is sure to be a memorable and delightful experience in one of Santa Cruz’s most majestic settings!

Wednesday, July 26 - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 27 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 28 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 29 - 2:00 p.m.

“Breath+Oneness” from page 11

This is also why we include the practices of Breathwork, meditation, crystal bowl sound healing, and more.

How many instructors do you have?

We have 20 regular instructors. Why did you decide to offer membership programs?

We offer memberships because it helps our guests commit to their practice and because it give us the ability to incentivize them to have a lower price per class, a win-win.

We have found that people don’t really get the benefit of their practice unless they come regularly.

How many members do you have?

Currently we have 31 members. We

One of Capitola Recreation’s most popular programs — Therapilates — is back in full swing following the pandemic. Therapilates is a Pilates-based work-out that focuses on balance and bone health to help maintain and improve your strength. Instructor Gina Enriquez has been certified by the American Council on Exercise for 20 years and has glowing reviews. n

If you are interested in summer programming, visit https://www.cityofcapitola. org/recreation

Wednesday, August 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 5 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 6 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 10 - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 13 - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 18 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 19 - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 24 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 26 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 27 - 7:00 p.m. n

were at 50 when we were forced to shut down and many of the people still haven’t come back.

One of our first and strongest members finally came back just last week. How has the ending of the Covid pandemic emergency affected your business?

With the ending of the Covid pandemic emergency, things are slowly beginning to come back to life.

We are hopeful that our community will continue to pursue all the healing arts offered in Santa Cruz, and also come back and join all our various community offerings, as this is the way to the health of our mind, body and spirit.

For info, see www.breathandoneness.com or call (831) 515-7001.

Gina Enriquez

Affordable Housing Conversations

Housing Santa Cruz County kicks off the Affordable Housing Month Community Conversation 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall in Aptos. Co-hosted by Santa Cruz Public Libraries, this event features speaker Shane Phillips, an urban planner, policy expert and author.

There will be a children’s corner with a book reading by author Leticia Hernandez-Linares, an outdoor resource fair, food trucks and live music from Matt Masih and the Messengers.

Capacity is limited; please preregister for this free event at https:// tinyurl.com/housing-SC-May2023

On Thursday, May 11, a strategist and social scientist Dr. Tiffany Manuel will speak at two events at Temple Beth El in Aptos:

• “Reimagining Issues that Determine our Future in Santa Cruz County,”

1:30-4 p.m., a deep dive into how local leaders can make real progress on important issues. Tickets are $35 and include lunch.

• The public is invited to the talk, “Building Public Will for Action,” 4-6:30 p.m., a presentation about reimagining the systems and thinking strategically to advance housing, open space and climate issues.

Make a Great

•••

Also scheduled: Film screening Gentrification, 7 p.m. May 4 at Resource Center for Nonviolence; Policy discussions for Scotts Valley & San Lorenzo Valley online 7 p.m. May 8; 5:30-7 p.m. supported housing in Santa Cruz;

Housing Element bike tour with Santa Cruz NIMBY, 10 a.m. May 13; online 7-8:15 p.m. May 18; Happy hour with Workbench 5-7 p.m. May 19 at Abbott Square, living in your vehicle 2-3 p.m. May 20 on Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz; 3-5 p.m. May 21 affordable housing at 732 Riverside Ave., Santa Cruz; Less parking less rent 7-8 p.m. May 22;

Community engagement online 10:30 a.m. May 25 with Architects FORA; Groundbreaking, Natural Bridges Apartments, 11 a.m. May 30; Panel discussion, 5:30 p.m. May 30, downtown Santa Cruz library.

See the full list at: https:// www.housingsantacruzcounty.com/ affordable-housing-month.

Dr. Tiffany Manuel

Veterans’ Art On Display

Visit the Santa Cruz Public Library downtown branch to see art created by local veterans.

Vets 4 Vets worked with library staff to produce an evening of art and poetry in April, featuring local veterans, and to curate this show, which will be on exhibit until the end of June.

Here are a couple of the artists.

Steven Rauch, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and served in Germany and Vietnam. He was a professional firefighter for 31 years, then started painting after retirement with watercolors. He now mixes his paintings between acrylics and watercolor.

Nana Montgomery, who has a long career in veteran services, makes quilts in the traditional manner and combine fabric and paint to create her images.

Travis Deyoung, poet, veteran, and co-organizer of the event, has been working to create veteran art events in Santa Cruz over the past 6 years.

“I believe these events are important for both the veterans and the community at large,” he said. “For the veteran, these events offer a safe space to express their creativity, explore their emotions, and share their perspective. For the community, it is an opportunity to see veterans in a different light. By allowing veterans to showcase their creativity, we can disrupt common stereotypes and expand the pub-

lic’s understanding of the nuances of the veteran experience.”

The event, he said, “allowed the artists and the audience to connect, to laugh together, to struggle with challenging emotions together, and to find healing together. When the event ended, I felt that I had grown, that I had been nourished, and that I had experienced something authentic and beautiful.” n

“County Jobs” from page 13

Count is on the 12th of the month

*Includes commuters out of the county

Source: California Employment Development Department

6.9%

as the labor force grew from 134,900 to 135,600.

During 2022, unemployment hovered around 3.8%, compared to 17+% in 2020, fueled by pandemic restrictions. As the rain gave way to sun, hiring in hospitality gained 1,000 jobs. Many of these job are entry level, not highpaying. n

Artist Steven Rauch (right) and coordinating librarian David Addison stand with Steven’s art.

All of the artists and poets who participated in an evening of art and poetry.

Art by Nana Montgomery, who makes contemporary quilts.

A Spark of Art in Aptos

By Jondi Gumz

For the first time since the Covid pandemic emergency, locals will have an opportunity to see art being made in Aptos and take their favorites home.

The dates are Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 503 St. Andrews Drive, off Clubhouse.

This is encaustic art, made by four local artists, each with a different style.

Most people are not familiar with encaustic art even though it’s an ancient art form, using melted beeswax mixed with pigment – pre-dating oil painting.

Artist Terry Dowell, who hosts A Spark of Art, has been making art this way for 12 years.

She saw a demonstration at Lenz artists’ supplies store in Santa Cruz that got her started.

She was inspired to enter Open Studios, and when she was accepted, she created a studio where she could show her work.

The beeswax can be layered to produce compelling images, like one Dowell made of powerful blue ocean waves rolling in.

Dowell got a grant for $43,000 to upgrade her electrical setup — you need heat to melt beeswax — to create a teaching studio.

All of the artists participating in the May show and demonstration enjoy being able to get feedback from fellow artists.

Dawn McGinty, who has come from Boulder Creek for a year and a half, said inspiration can come from anywhere.

Among her recent images: The secretary bird that lives in Africa.

“I just do what I like to do,” she said.

Laura Martin, who retired from the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, has taken watercolor and acrylic painting classes, but she has stayed with encaustic.

“It holds my attention,” she said. “You’re never bored.”

Ann Bitonti, who has made jewelry, saw encaustic art in the Open Studios catalog and was captivated.

“I loved the look of it,” she said. She immediately signed up for Dowell’s workshop.

Ceramics by Nancy Niles also will be in the show.

Bitonti pointed to a box full of 3x5 works of encaustic art, which will be on sale for $10 each. All proceeds from those sales will go to Native Animal Rescue.

Dowell promises “great gift ideas” for Mother’s Day.

So, even if you never heard of encaustic art, it’s worth your while to stop in and check it out. n •••

For more about the workshops, visit https://www.facebook.com/terrydowellart/

Ocean wave rolls in • Artist: Terry Dowell

Artists Laura Martin and Ann Bitonti

Santa Cruz County: $223 Million Needed for Sewer System

Santa Cruz County Sanitation District is proposing a 6.1% increase in sewer service charges for the 2023-24 fiscal year over the last years.

For the average single-family homeowner, paying $940 a year, this is $4.80 per month. The district has 32,300 customers in Aptos, Soquel, Capitola and Live Oak.

The increase for longterm care homes is 10.2%, Chaminade 7.6%, Dominican Hospital, 6.4%, Cabrillo College, 6.2% and State Parks, 6.2%.

Written protests must be received by May 4 at 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Room 410.

A hybrid public hearing will take place at 4:45 p.m. May 4 at 2750 Lode St., Santa Cruz, and via Zoom at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89115975221

Meeting ID is: 891 1597 5221.

Or phone: +1 669 900 6833 US

About 3 million gallons of wastewater a day are pumped from Aptos, Soquel, Capitola and Live Oak to the treatment plant in Santa Cruz. During storms, pumped flows can increase 800%.

Sewer charges generate $32,570,000 a year. An additional $38 million

from bonds are to be invested in infrastructure.

Forrest Revere, senior engineering associate with the sanitation district, said significant contributing factors to the rate increase are inflation (San Francisco/ Oakland/ San Jose Bay Area Consumer Price Index for 2023 has increased at a 4.9% a year) and planned capital improvements at the City of Santa Cruz’s wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, the District plans to increase capital spending for sewer collection system improvements to address the aging, failing, and overwhelmed infrastructure.

According to Revere, it is estimated $143 million is needed to rehabilitate infrastructure with a ‘poor’ rating per the National Association of Sewer Service Companies, and another $80 million to address capacity issues that put the system at risk of overflowing during a large storm.

With increasing investments in capital improvements, the District estimates nearly 95% of the known deficiencies in the system can be remedied in the next 10 years, according to Revere. n

CALIFORNIA NEWS

AG Wants Transparency on Nursing Home Ownership

On April 19, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced joining a multistate coalition in support of a proposed federal rule that would require nursing facilities to be more transparent about their true owners.

A 2020 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identified abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of property as widespread problems in nursing homes. However, those responsible for such substandard care decisions have in the past successfully hidden behind complex ownership and operations structures to evade accountability.

An analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association found

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that when a nursing home is owned by for-profit, private equity companies, the residents’ quality of care is often negatively impacted due to reduced staffing, services, supplies, or equipment.

Another analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research found a 10% increase in the short-term mortality of Medicare patients of nursing facilities with private equity ownership. This study also found worsening mobility of residents, declines in nurse availability per resident, and elevated use of antipsychotic medications in nursing facilities owned by private equity.

“Transparency” page 23

Our new wine program celebrates and showcases locally

Thank You, Second Harvest Volunteers

On April 21, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County hosted a volunteer appreciation event at Aptos Village Park.

As the nonprofit feeding 65,000 people a month, Second Harvest leaders are most appreciative of people who volunteer their time to help.

Such as Sherry Yokim, and Maritza and Angel Hernandez.

All three have helped with food distributions at the county fairgrounds, and pop-up distributions at Second Harvest’s warehouse in Watsonville. In addition, Sherry has volunteered for a pack and sort.

Maritza registers participants. Angel and Sherry help load vehicles.

“I can always count on these three to help at any distribution we are hosting,” said Dawn Barreras of Second Harvest. “I don’t think there is one time that I have reached out to them and asked for their help, and they didn’t jump at the chance to volunteer. All three have infectious personalities and care deeply about our community and really bring fun and joy to the distributions.”

When people volunteer, it brings them satisfaction — and that is true for these three volunteers.

Sherry said, “My favorite part of volunteering is how much I’ve learned about how great the needs are and how effective Second Harvest Food Bank is. At the first event I attended, a drive-through distribution at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds, I couldn’t help but cry to see how many cars were lined up and how they kept coming.”

She added, “After the Pajaro River flood, as I was contemplating how and where I could help, Second Harvest Food Bank contacted me! I am

so glad that Second Harvest Food Bank reached out to volunteers to be able to conduct pop-up distribution events. I was encouraged by the joint event they held in March with other organizations for flood victims.”

She concluded, “It has been eyeopening to see all the food Second Harvest Food Bank is able to glean from government and commercial sources — much more than I imagined. I look forward to learning more about how Second Harvest Food Bank makes connections between food sources and those who need it.”

Maria said, “I enjoy working with an organization which I can help the Watsonville community.”

Angel said, “I enjoy working with Second Harvest because I get to meet and work with more people who’ve also been doing volunteer work.”

Their dog Cinnamon has been a part of the Second Harvest food distributions, bringing joy to everyone who shows up.

This is what Cinnamon likes about volunteering: “I like being held and I love getting pets from volunteers. Also, I like being able to boost morale when the work starts to feel hard.” n

Mary Casey, Suzanne Garcia and Stephanie Russo

Recognizing Students & Staff

By Scott J. Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District

I’d like to share a few items with you as we wind down another fantastic school year in Soquel Union Elementary School District. The first two are an opportunity to recognize some of our amazing students and staff!

•••

Annual Reclassification Ceremony

First, I’d like to recap our “Reclassification Ceremony” or, as I like to call it, “the best night of the year!” This event took place on the evening of April 19. Our district’s Reclassification Ceremony formally recognizes every student in our district who began their education as an English learner (meaning their primary language is a language other than English) and has now reached a level of being fluent in English.

This year we hit a high note with 37 English learners in our little district formally meeting the criteria for reclassification.

The criteria to become reclassified is rigorous. Students have to meet benchmarks on California’s English Language

Proficiency Assessments for California as well as teacher evaluation, parent consultation, and achieve basic skills relative to English-proficient students.

In other words, these students have to learn English as a second language

while also learning all the new content in reading, writing, math, science, and history that their English-only peers have to learn.

What an accomplishment! It was wonderful to see the students’ families at the ceremony because this sort of achievement

Ripe for the picking!

is an accomplishment not only for the student but for their families. Every child received a certificate, a rose, and a book with a personal inscription.

Of course, our amazing teachers play a big role in helping students achieve reclassification (many came on their own time to help celebrate their students). This is true of every single classroom teacher and especially true of our English Language Development specialists (a special thank you to them for their hard work and dedication):

• Julie Livingstone, Soquel Elementary School

• Hilda Hernandez-Meza, Soquel Elementary School

• Beth Willen, Main Street Elementary School

• Caryn Yee, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School

• Tina Bonar, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School

“SUESD” page 21

Whether you’re tossing them in a salad, whipping up a fruity dessert, or just snacking on them in the sunshine, our local organic strawberries are ripe and ready to enjoy.

Students at Soquel Elementary are reclassified and recognized.

Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh

New MAH Exhibit by Cannupa Hanska Luger

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History presents Cannupa Hanska Luger: Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh , a solo exhibition from May 12–Sept. 3 at 705 Front St., Santa Cruz.

Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh presents new and recent regalia and video work from Luger’s series, Future Ancestral Technologies, Indigenous science fiction --a methodology, a practice, a way of future dreaming.

The series develops an ongoing narrative in which Indigenous people develop sustainable, migrationbased technology to live nomadically in hyper-attunement to land and water. The project prototypes designs for objects and their use and advances new materials and new modes of thinking within Indigenous methodologies.

Muscle, Bone & Sinew embody the celebration of food, shelter, and tools—paying attention to gratitude for sustenance and reverence for the technology of more than human kinships—this work is a symbol of abundance. Watȟéča looks at using the detritus of our time, making do with what is left. These two ideas make up a spectrum of possibilities to tell a full narrative of complexity in the act of survival.

Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh is presented as part of the MAH’s Kincentricity project, a three-year initiative launched with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, that explores Indigenous culture. Funding is provided through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Museums for America program. Additional support provided by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

Born on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, Cannupa Hanska Luger is based in New Mexico. He is an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold and is of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara and Lakota heritage.

Luger is a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow, a recipient of a 2021 United States Artists Fellowship Award for Craft, and was named a 2021 GRIST Fixer. He is a 2020 Creative Capital Fellow, a 2020 Smithsonian Artist Research Fellow, and the recipient of the Museum of Arts and Design’s 2018 inaugural Burke Prize, among others.

Luger has exhibited nationally and internationally including at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gardiner Museum, Kunsthal KAdE, Washington Project for the Arts, Art Mûr, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. He has a bachelor’s of fine ats in studio arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts. n

Photos Credit: Ginger Dunnill

Cannupa Hanska Luger

Erica Marquez, New Brighton Middle School

Employees of the Year

The strength of our district, any school district for that matter, rests with our stellar staff. It’s always rewarding when outside agencies recognize some of our staff. This year, we have two such employees who represent all of our tremendous staff members in SUESD.

The first employee is Jackie Gomez, assistant to the assistant superintendent of educational services. Jackie helps keep our district on track in myriad ways including supporting curriculum procurement, student assessment, and staff professional development. One of the nights where she shines the brightest is at our annual Reclassification Ceremony. Her work behind the scenes in all of these areas is done with a wonderful mix of excellence and humility. Anybody who knows her will agree that she sets a high bar for herself in terms of job performance, outreach to the community, and a strong code of ethics.

It is for all the reasons above, and many more, that Jackie Gomez was recently recognized by the Association of California School Administrators as their Confidential Employee of the Year in Region 10! She will be recognized for this achievement on May 5 at the Embassy Suites in Monterey.

Our other award winner this year is Craig Broadhurst who came back to serve as a bridge principal this year at Santa Cruz Gardens (where he began his career as a teacher in our district). He began working for SUESD in 1988! He has dedicated over 30 years to our district as a teacher and site administrator.

From all accounts, Craig started in 1988 with a youthful spirit, a student-centered approach, and a love for learning. I can say unequivocally that he still has all of those qualities. It was quite poetic for him to come full circle by leading the school where he started teaching in his last year before retirement.

It makes this scenario even sweeter now that he has been recognized as the Administrator of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education! He will

be officially recognized at the SCCOE board meeting on May 18.

By the way, I am pleased to announce that we have already selected Carlo Albano as Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School’s principalm beginning in the new school year. This will ensure the smoothest transition possible for the school community.

•••

Enrollment for 2023-24 School Year

Our school office staff are actively engaged in enrolling and registering students for the 2023-24 school year. The earlier the better, to ensure students get off to a great start. If you know someone with young children in our area please make sure they have the information below about our processes:

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year has begun in Soquel Union Elementary School District. Registration information & procedures may be obtained from your neighborhood school. Your child must turn five on or before September 1, 2023, to be eligible for Kindergarten.

If you have a child who turns five between September 2, 2023 — May 24, 2024, they are eligible for our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. The registration process for all grades, including TK, takes place at your neighborhood school (school of residence).

If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact the district office at (831) 464-5639 or go to our website at www.suesd.org/enrollment.

•••

And finally, our last day of school this year is May 26. Our calendar for next year, 2023-24, can be found at www.suesd.org/ calendars (the first day of school next year is Aug. 9). n

•

•••

Scott W. Turnbull is superintendent of Soquel Union elementary School District.

Students at Main Street Elementary (Left) and Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary are reclassified and recognized.

Jackie Munoz Craig Broadhurst

Mermaids & Mermen Capitola Swimming Competitions in the 1920s

By Deborah Osterberg

When oil entrepreneur Henry Allen Rispin bought much of Capitola in 1919, he set about modernizing the resort town. To ensure the success of his large investment, Rispin needed to attract tourists and prospective land buyers.

In January 1920, the San Francisco Examiner described Rispin as “the leading spirit of the new enterprise” in Capitola to host major swimming races that summer.

The 1920s were an age of exuberance. Contests and record-breaking feats of all sorts garnered a great deal of media attention, from dance marathons to flagpole sitting.

From his youthful days as a theater promoter, Rispin was well aware of the lure of spectacle. He also recognized the latest

athletic craze, competitive swimming. Since the reintroduction of the Olympics in 1896, and the establishment of the first worldwide swimming association in 1908, the sport of swimming grew rapidly in popularity during the first two decades of the 20th century.

Capitola’s pristine ocean shoreline, protected lagoon, and Soquel Creek were the ideal setting for competitive swim races.

The first major swimming event in Capitola was the men’s one-mile roughwater ocean race on July 11, 1920. The race was for the Pacific Coast title sponsored by the Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.). Swimmers who were unable to attend the Olympic trials in Chicago came to Capitola for the rough water mile championship.

Out of a field of twelve, the winner was James Carson of the Olympic Club of San Francisco. Carson, who swam the course in 22 minutes and 12 seconds, and won by twenty yards over his closest competitor, came within seven seconds of beating the world’s mile swimming record.

In the early 20th century, not only was swimming rising in popularity, but also becoming recognized as a competitive sport appropriate for women.

The first worldwide swim competition for women took place in Scotland in 1892. In 1912 women’s swimming finally became an Olympic event.

An important contributor to this change was the change in women’s bathing costumes.

Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman, noted in the early 1900s for her athletic ability and advocacy of swimming for health, became both famous and infamous for designing a one-piece women’s swimsuit.

She discarded the bulky Victorian swim dress with bloomers, for a fulllength, form fitting design allowing for fuller movement.

Her swimsuit was originally considered indecent, even getting her arrested for wearing one on a Massachusetts beach in 1907.

By the 1920s, a Kellerman-inspired, stockingless, slimmer one-piece swimsuit became the standard for women and finally made competitive swimming a reality for women athletes.

On Sept. 19, 1920, Capitola hosted the A.A.U.-sanctioned Pacific Coast mile swimming championship for women.

“Capitola Swimming” page 26 Newspaper image of swim champion Marie Curtis, 1922 Soon-to-be swim champion Hilda Curtis at Hotel Capitola, 1921 (not related to Marie Curtis)

New CEO Todd Wilson at Preferred Strategies

Preferred Strategies, a business intelligence and data analytics company based in Soquel, has a new CEO, Todd Wilson, who was chief information officer at Clif Bar and on Preferred Strategies’ Board of Advisors. He also was a customer using Preferred Strategies’ QuickLaunch product.

Its information engine helps companies access data that is hard to get to and understand, and turn it into usable information to make better decisions. The framework is built on the Microsoft Power BI platform and offers data visualization.

Wilson will partner closely with Founder and President Adam Crigger.

“Todd’s been a trusted advisor on our Board for several years now and was a highly

respected client,” said Crigger. “His firsthand knowledge of our QuickLaunch product will be invaluable.

Wilson joins Preferred Strategies from Kids2, parent company of Baby Einstein, where he was executive vice president, chief information officer and managing director-Asia Pacific.

At Clif Bar, Wilson was an Orbie Awards winner as Bay Area CIO of the Year in 2020. He brings nearly 30 years of technology experience to his new role.

“In many ways, taking on the CEO position at Preferred Strategies feels like a natural progression in my career,” said Wilson. “It is an outstanding team and product with an unwavering commitment to our customers’ success.”

Museum Needs Volunteers

TheCapitola Historical Museum is recruiting volunteers for open hours this coming year. You don’t need to be an expert on Capitola history. Capitola Historical Museum is located at 410 Capitola Ave., next to Capitola City Hall.

For further information call 831-464-0322. •••

Open Seat on Museum Board

Would you like to help guide the future of the Capitola Historical Museum?

There is an opening on the Historical Museum Board of Trustees to fill an unexpired term ending June 2024. Regular board meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Capitola City Hall at 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola.

The deadline to apply is Monday, May 15.

To see the vacancy notice and link to a board application go to https:// www.cityofcapitola.org/.../historical-museum-board

Applications are also at City Hall and Capitola Library. For questions, call Museum Curator Deborah Osterberg at 831-464-0322 or email dosterberg@ci.capitola.ca.us n

A year ago, when Preferred Strategies marked its 20th anniversary, the company:

• Posted record breaking increases in yearover-year customer base and revenue growth

• Reported 37 percent staff growth with more positions to fill in 2022

• Expanded its QuickLaunch product line for Salesforce and NetSuite users

• Launched a redesigned website showcasing educational content.

• Announced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to become an employee-owned company

• Earned an employee Net Promoter Score® of 92 (loyal promoters). •••

Visit www.preferredstrategies.com.

Time to Focus on Child Neglect

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, more than 390,000 children in the United States are in the dependency court and foster care systems because of experiencing abuse or neglect.

In Santa Cruz County, about 300 children are in this system. A child in foster care, on average, will move into multiple homes and attend multiple schools. This instability, chaos and inconsistency has long-term effects.

On April 21, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties, along with elected officials participated in a press conference highlighting the importance of community support, economic opportunities, and working together to prevent child abuse.

Among those participating: U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Assembly member Gail Pellerin, and Watsonville City Councilmember Krystal Salcido.

CASA organizations in Santa Cruz, Monterrey, and San Benito counties support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

CASA leaders say families need connections to housing assistance and nutritional necessities to reduce child welfare interactions that could be prevented by meeting their basic needs. n

“Transparency”

from page 17

In their letter, the coalition of 18 state attorneys general and the Inspector General of Washington D.C. argued that the proposed rule by HHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would help states investigate and prosecute crimes in the management of nursing homes, including abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident funds.

“The owners and managers of residential care facilities should be dedicated to ensuring the residents in their care can live a healthy, happy, and dignified life,” said Bonta. “Unfortunately, there are some for-profit companies operating nursing facilities that sacrifice their residents’ quality of life and focus instead on lining their own pockets. At the California

Department of Justice, the health and safety of residents is always a top priority. That’s why we stand in support of this proposed federal rule, which will increase transparency about the ownership of nursing facilities and help us hold bad actors accountable for their neglectful, predatory, or abusive management practices.”

If the proposed rule by CMS and HHS takes effect, nursing facility providers would have to disclose information about which entities have ownership interest in the facility, and whether any owners are a for-profit private equity company or real estate investment trust. In their letter, the coalition asserted that the proposed rule will:

• Help ensure CMS has sufficient data on these kinds of owners and can thus better monitor their nursing homes

and hold them accountable; and

• Allow consumers to select nursing homes with better knowledge of their owners and operators.

Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of 17 states, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington in filing the letter.

A copy of the letter is at https:// tinyurl.com/nurse-home-clarity-letter.

The Attorney General’s Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse works aggressively to protect senior residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from physical and financial abuse or neglect. Elder abuse in any form is not tolerated.

For more information about the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, visit oag. ca.gov/dmfea or email DMFEAOutreach@ doj.ca.gov.

•••

Editor’s note: With fewer nuns to run nursing homes, investment by private equity firms has grown to $100 billion. They look for efficiencies by cutting costs, which means cutting staff, while Medicare rates remain the same, not adjusted for quality of resident satisfaction.

Private equity firms own 11% of U.S. nursing homes, a 2021 report to Congress found.

To read that report, see https:// www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/ import_data/scrape_files/docs/default-source/ default-document-library/jun21_ch3_medpac_ report_to_congress_sec.pdf

Todd Wilson

Apply for Affordable Rentals

Rental applications are being accepted up to 5 p.m. May 12 for Bienestar Plaza, a new affordable 56-unit housing complex at 1520 Capitola Road in Live Oak to be completed this fall. Applicants must meet income guidelines and will be selected by lottery.

There will be 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units. Amenities include onsite laundry facilities and bike room, a courtyard and children’s play area, onsite resident services, events, and a community room with lounge area.

Constructed and operated by MidPen

Affordable Housing Open House: May 16

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay will host an Affordable Housing Month open house 5-6:30 p.m. May 16 at Rodeo Creek Court, 2340 Harper St., Santa Cruz (cross street is Chanticleer Ave. Tour the homes at Rodeo Creek Court, Habitat’s 11-home development in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz. A future homeowner will walk you through her soon-to-befinished home and share what homeownership means for her family. See www.habitatmontereybay.com

Housing, Bienestar Plaza is part of a 3.7-acre housing and health hub located on former redevelopment property once owned by the County of Santa Cruz. The County con-

tributed more than $7.5 million toward the project.

Bienestar Plaza includes 40 projectbased Section 8 vouchers, of which 25 will be

filled by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz from its Section 8 waitlist. These units will have a local preference. The remaining 16 units will be filled through MidPen’s waitlist for this property. To apply, visit www.midpenhousing.org/bienestarplaza. Online applications are strongly encouraged. For questions, call (831) 318-6061 or email bienestarplaza@midpen-housing.org. Pre-applications may be submitted online or downloaded from the website. Forms are at a temporary leasing office at St. Stephens Apartments, 2510 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon. thru Fri. n

Awarded $5.6M Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day

Editor’s note: Senior Rabbi Paula Marcus of Temple Beth El in Aptos was chosen to deliver convocation to California State Legislature on April 17, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Here is what she said:

Hannah Senesh was born in Hungary in 1921. In 1943, at the height of World War II, she volunteered to go into Nazi-controlled areas in Europe to save Jewish lives.

She was one of 37 Jewish Special Operation recruits from Mandate Palestine who parachuted into Yugoslavia. Their mission was to organize resistance to the Germans, and aid in the rescue of those who had been captured by the Nazis.

After staying with the resistance fighters, known as the partisans, she was seized in German-occupied Hungary and executed by

the Nazis in Budapest on 7 November 1944, at the age of 23.

She is known both for her courage and her poetry. The words of this song are from one of her poems, and they speak to the universal understanding that we are all connected through our hearts, our appreciation for the beauty of creation, resilience, and the powerful ways we elevate the memories of all who have worked to spread goodness and peace in the face of evil.

May they inspire us to continue this sacred work together. n

www.yadvashem.org/yv/en/exhibitions/ through-the-lens/hannah-szenes.asp

County

The County of Santa Cruz announces more than $5.6 million in funding for health and safety programs through the California Board of State and Community Corrections.

The three grants were awarded to the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Cruz County Probation Department, and are aimed at reducing youth cannabis use, increasing school safety and achievement, and delivering services to vulnerable populations.

The grants include:

• $3 million to the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency to prevent and divert youth from cannabis use. This grant will sustain current programming for middle and high-school students.

• $2.1 million for a School Safety Program led by the Santa Cruz County

Sheriff’s Office, including two school resource officers, an assistant division director in the Probation Department, a County Office of Education Director of School Safety and specialists at the Community Action Board to initiate, coordinate, and expand evidence-based programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency, increasing school credit accruals, reducing on-campus bullying and harassment, and improving collaboration between school districts and law enforcement.

• $423,475 to the Santa Cruz County Probation Department to establish the Santa Cruz County Mobile Success Center to assist 300 unhoused individuals struggling to meet their probation terms, by providing access to legal services as well as housing, health and other resources. n

Mount Madonna Students to Share Washington, D.C.

What do high school students think about Washington, D.C., after visiting the nation’s capitol. Students at Mount Madonna School will share reflections on their experiences on Friday morning, May 12, Upper Campus, 445 Summit Road, Watsonville.

A reception is at 9 a.m. with the presentation 9:30-11:30 a.m. •••

A Revolution of Sound

Isaiah Orozco

The National Museum Of African American History and Culture preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of African Americans...

There were seemingly endless walls celebrating African American artists from genres such as psychedelic funk, R&B, soul, blues, and gospel ... An exhibit

entitled “Revolutions of Sound” depicted how artists such as Prince tackled social issues such as racial segregation, unequal pay, and the discrimination to which black artists have been subjected...

I nearly came to tears while viewing a display of an African American artist singing about inequality, surrounded by black and white people holding each other and crying. I felt the emotion and connection the music brought to the people listening.

Reflections

•••

Humanizing Government

Cy Harris

came to realize

public servants understand the human consequences of their decisions and that it is a mistake to take the popular view that they are not “human” like the rest of us ...

Former Secretary of the Interior Bernhardt mentioned that when making decisions it’s important to stay true to the law despite one’s own ideology.

Contradictions can arise, because you face the decision to sacrifice either your

own beliefs or your oath to uphold the law.

Public officials make difficult decisions that affect people every day. It is therefore important to humanize government workers and politicians.

We have to “drown out [the] hate” that many in the public have towards public servants and come to see them as people whose jobs have them serving us. n

I

that

Hannah Senesh

Isaiah Orozco Cy Harris

Annual Groundwater Report Reaffirms the Value and Need for Pure Water Soquel

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

The torrential rainfall and recordsetting snow of the past winter did much to alleviate California’s three-year drought. However, unlike most of the state, all of our water in the mid-Santa Cruz region comes from rainfall that percolates into the ground and becomes groundwater.

Groundwater basins take years to be replenished by rainall. For those that rely entirely on groundwater for their water supply, one year of above-average rainfall does not make up for years of drought and decades of over-pumping our groundwater basin.

The Soquel Creek Water District, which relies exclusively on groundwater, shares the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin with other water users, including the city of Santa Cruz, Central Water District, small mutual water companies, and private well owners.

In accordance with the State Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency (MGA) was formed in 2016 to manage the basin and ensure that all water users have access to a safe and reliable water supply.

In addition, because the basin is designated as “critically overdrafted” — the MGA is mandated to prepare an Groundwater Sustainability Plan and perform annual reports to demonstrate the basin will be sustainable by 2040.

The draft annual report is required to be submitted to the state on April 1 and was presented to the MGA at its March meeting.

Findings included in the Report for Water Year 2022 included:

• Groundwater levels at most wells declined or remained similar to the previous year.

• There are undesirable results for seawater intrusion because 7 coastal representative monitoring points with 5-year moving average groundwater elevations are below their respective minimum threshold groundwater elevation proxies.

• Chloride concentrations at 4 monitoring wells have exceeded minimum thresholds for seawater intrusion

• Net groundwater extraction remains greater than sustainable yields in 2 of 3 aquifer groups

Thus, the MGA notes in the report that seawater intrusion continues to occur and remains an issue to mitigate.

The report also describes how the MGA is moving in several positive actions with its programs, activities, and projects within the basin. Among those are:

• Pure Water Soquel (PWS) – Con -

struction of purified recycled water project continues with anticipated start up in 2024

• Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) – Pilot testing started in WY 2022 and will end in November 2024. For a full scale project, the City is working with the State on its water rights petition. n

Fill-In-The-Blank

A Festival, an Appearance & Pluto Goes Underground

Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, the volcanic force that transforms us, retrogrades May 1st at 0 Aquarius. As Pluto retrogrades (till October 10), we move into deeper layers of interior awareness. Certain areas of our lives turn inward for assessment, reorganization and transformation. The question becomes how are we being transformed? With Pluto retrograde certain areas of life fall away, some things linger in shadows, some things rise up into the light. Pluto gives us a rare window into ourselves.

The talk today about halting AI is part of the Pluto in Aquarius (technology) turning retrograde (turn back). During the retrograde of Pluto, issues of birth, death and rebirth are considered. Pluto was last in Aquarius during the 18th Century, from 1778 to 1798. What happened during those years so long ago? From that research we get a glimpse of the issues that may appear in our present world too. Before the 18th century, Pluto was in Aquarius during the Holy Roman Empire. Pluto circles the zodiac every 246 years. Pluto is not subtle!

ARIES

A time of great change has arrived. You will find yourself breaking with the past, attempting new endeavors and different ways of presenting yourself to the world. However, as you do so, realize we have three weeks of Mercury retrograde. The past blends with the present and they both seek the future. Everything must be discerned for what is real. All relationships will also shift and change, take on different hues, meaning everything becomes unconventional. Including your appearance. Revel in all of it.

TAURUS

Someone or something is asking you to adopt a different value system, one that is not your usual and regular way of being. You resist (as you should, giving time for research and evaluation). Look deeply into all new ideas presented. The new era is a completely unknown. It’s a good idea to ponder what the new era means; what humanity needs at this time. The old ways are in the way, everywhere. They are falling down at the blink of an eye. There must be a clearing for the new Age to unfold. You are one of its thought leaders.

GEMINI

Be very aware that Mercury is retrograde at the moment. Mercury is your teacher, mentor, friend and healer. It’s your Soul and Spirit. Mercury is your angel and protector. Mercury and Venus work together. Mercury is retrograde now. Venus will retrograde the last week in July for forty days. Everything you thought you felt and knew will change. Anything you think, you must review and assess with a clear mind. For now, experiment. Everything’s magic in Mercury retrograde. Let it captivate you.

CANCER

Amidst the sudden decision to travel, have an adventure, go on a journey, you realize you’re seeking a paradise, utopia, a heaven, a dreamland, a community, a new way of life with like-minded people. Not for you the conventional path, customs and traditions. These are being set aside for new independent ideas and exotic places that reflect advanced ways of living and thinking. It’s an experiment. Research and caution are advised. What is your happiness goal?

Wesak Festival: We have a full moon lunar eclipse Saturday, May 5th. It is the Taurus Buddha full moon Wesak festival. It is a time when the Buddha makes his annual appearance bringing a blessing to humanity from the Lord of the World. Working with him is the Christ, his brother and thus it is a festival in which the east (Buddha) and west (Christ) meet.

Their presence invokes spiritual forces (extra planetary) to that “restore humanity’s health and well-being by re-establishing the Plan on Earth. Accompanying the Buddha and Christ are the Forces of Enlightenment who illumine the minds of humanity to recognize the truth. In the present Kali Yuga humanity is enfolded in darkness and cannot see the truth. It is the “Will of God” that we develop a clear mind, make right choice, care for and love one another, recognize our true identity, build the new era (Aquarian Age), and step upon the Path of Return. Everyone is invited to the Wesak festival. It’s in the Himalayas in a secret valley. We enter, through aspiration, in dreamtime. (Note: The Wesak story will be on www.nightlightnews.org Saturday, May 5th) n

LEO

Do you sense money, finances, investments and legal issues affecting your life are becoming a bit out of control. Do you also feel at a loss as to what to do? Your keen intuition is telling you to keep track of all market ups and downs and to realize sudden changes may occur in business and banking and also in relationship interactions. What is there to hold onto? A suggestion that is important for the future — invest in gold and silver as soon as possible. As much as you can.

VIRGO

With Saturn in Pisces, Virgo can feel quite free. Some Virgo’s may unexpectedly marry without much thought. Some will divorce with even less thought. Other Virgos will be aware that unusual realities may occur within relationships erratic behaviors, independence, major upsets and unexpected fluctuations of emotion. All things are upside down inside out during retrogrades. Some Virgos will take all this in stride. It’s the astrological Virgos who will. They understand and remain poised.

LIBRA

Your daily work environment, routines, schedules and also your health may shift, become unpredictable moving toward the irregular. Think of it a creative, a time of opportunity. Some Librans love this for it allows for more freedom. Others need the structure of reliable and regular agendas imposed upon them. You might become angry, impatient, anxious and nervous. Careful with health. You sometimes learn the hard way. Through loss and suffering. Gather around your beloveds.

SCORPIO

You’re imaginative, ingenious, resourceful, inventive and creative. At times you sense the need for a bit more self-control. You learn this eventually. Self-knowledge sometimes comes through being reckless and foolhardy. Are you this way with relationships, perhaps? You want now most of all freedom and independence. How do these needs affect your relationships, co-workers, family and/or children? How are you using all your talents and skills?

SAGITTARIUS

Perhaps there will be a change to your home life, to the environments you live and/or work in. You want freedom to experiment, to journey forth, to come and go at will (from home and work). You want different and unusual living conditions. Although you love family traditions, they may feel counter to your needs at this time. The foundations of your entire life feel unreliable and changeable. This persists. It’s difficult but it is, in the long run, good. The new era will be everything we never expected it to be.

CAPRICORN

Your thinking and communications, over time, have become filled with qualities of leadership, right thinking, right reasoning, and thus quite revolutionary. Gradually, or spontaneously, or unexpectedly (Uranian words) you become involved in advanced, new thought thinking, the Wisdom Teachings. The foundation of these teachings is astrology, the 7th Art. Very few may think like you. A sense of aloneness develops until you find your group. Off you go, at a moment’s notice to discover it! Mercury will lead the way.

AQUARIUS

When Aquarians hear of someone in need, their heart opens and they often say, “How can I help you?” Are you able to say and do this yet? In the esoteric Ageless Wisdom teachings the disciple task is to always “see the need” and then to assist in filling that need however they can. In this way the Aquarian task of serving others (humanity) is always on the forefront of a disciple’s consciousness. When one serves others, one is, in turn, also always “served.” What we offer is returned to us ten-fold. How do you serve?

PISCES

Most think of Pisces as a quiet shy fish hiding behind ferns, a subtle, other worldly being surrounded by mists and veils. But there comes a time when Pisces emerges from the Neptunian waters and becomes a warrior, like St. Michael, holding a fiery sword, leading humanity into battle in order to save the world. This archetype of warrior with a fiery sword comes alive in all Pisces soon as darkness threatens to engulf the world. These words are offered as preparation for all Pisces to understand.

“Capitola

The competition attracted swimmers from throughout California including from the Olympic Club in San Francisco, the Neptune Club in Alameda, and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Florence Friesenhausen of the Young Ladies Institute in San Francisco won that first Capitola women’s race with a threefoot lead over her nearest competitor.

Starting with the 1921 season, the onemile course was moved to Soquel Creek. The 220-yard swim course, composed of eight laps, was “… held by international experts to be one of the finest in the world.”

In 1921 Rispin decided to give the winner of the women’s Pacific Coast onemile championship an additional honor, the “Rispin Cup.” The San Francisco Examiner’s sportswriter declared that the new prize was “… the biggest and most valuable swimming trophy ever offered on the Pacific Coast.”

In 1921 and 1922, the contest and the “Rispin Cup” went to one of the most celebrated women swimmers of the day, Marie Curtis of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The “Rispin Cup” designation was applied retroactively to Friesenhausen for her 1920 win.

The “Rispin Cup” women’s competition in 1923 was the most dramatic in Capitola’s history.

The renowned Marie Curtis was expected to retake the title for a third straight year. On June 17, the competitors leapt from the platform in the lagoon, heading up Soquel Creek for their first lap.

For the first three quarters of a mile, 14-year-old Hilda Curtis (no relation) of the Neptune Club of Alameda kept pace with the favorite. One observer noted that “… most of the time their hands [were] touching as they took their stroke.”

By the seventh lap, young Hilda “electrified the crowd” with a sprint giving her a five-yard lead. With less than 50 yards to the finish, Marie Curtis, whose late sprint nearly closed the gap, suddenly faltered. When she sank for the second time, two race organizers swam out and pulled her safely to shore where she was resuscitated by physicians.

The victor, teenaged Hilda Curtis, set a new record of 31 minutes and 7.25 seconds, breaking the former mark for the course.

Though the Capitola swim competitions were a success, they were not enough to save Rispin from eventual bankruptcy by the late 1920s and the loss of his “modern” resort. n

•••

The Capitola Historical Museum will have a display on Rispin’s 1920s Men’s and Women’s Aquatic Competitions at the admission- free Santa Cruz County History Fair on Saturday, May 13, at Felton Community Hall, Highway 9, from 1 to 5 p.m.

•••

Deborah Osterberg is curator of the Capitola Historical Museum, 410 Capitola Ave., which is open Wednesday through Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Student Summit Focuses on the Environment

By Avonlea Harwood

Monday, April 22, was a day filled with community collaboration, moving student stories, and abundant opportunities for change.

Youth for Environmental Action’s 2023 Summit: Empowering Teens for Climate Action embraced communication between students and policy-makers in a unique, impactful way. We, student leaders in Youth for Environmental Action (YEA), had been anticipating seeing our work-inprogress come to life, and could not wait to observe its impact on the high schoolers from across Santa Cruz County that joined us.

The summit was held at Koinonia Conference Grounds, where about 200 attendees gathered to educate themselves and take initiative for the planet. Despite it being a cold morning, the atmosphere was filled with an eager, hopeful sense of unity.

We heard from two resilient Pajaro Valley High School teens, both displaced due to the disastrous floods in March. As they began their stories of being evicted from their homes and forced to live in the county shelter, it became potently real how climate change is accelerating and our locals are facing the brunt of it.

One of the students bravely voiced, “We’ve been living at the Santa Cruz fairgrounds for a month now and I’m pretty sure there’s more to come. I’m pretty sure we got really affected but it was also a life lesson that we learned we could have

everything in a moment and then lose everything.”

The keynote panel, featuring Professor and ecological anthropologist Flora Lu, Youth for Climate Justice student leader Tamarah Minam, and director of the Natural History Museum, Felicia Van Stolk, was a true highlight. Tamarah’s comments uplifted the crowd, “So if we’re all able to work on smaller things … to work on curriculum and making our schools more sustainable, if we all do it together we can create change in this system and tackle this major issue.”

We then transitioned to the Community Action Fair, where the focus of the day leaped from absorbing the inspirational words of local leaders to taking the first step to change. In all, Environmental Innovations, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the Homeless Garden Project, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Clean Oceans International, the Bird School Project, and Regeneración had 188 sign-ups for activities and volunteer opportunities.

Walking by the fair-like array of organization tablings, one would see students enthusiastically asking questions, suggesting ideas for community engagement, and even writing postcards to their congresspeople. Coastal cleanups were arranged, specific actions for making schools greener were discussed, and commitments to volunteer were taken.

Molly Gannon from Pacific Collegiate School said, “I thought it was really cool

how there were a variety of organizations from different environmental focuses. I went to the Regeneración booth and signed up for their newsletter. They hold meetings with local politicians and advise them to improve their environmental policy in Watsonville– an important agricultural center. I also thought more about my diet after talking to the Eat for the Earth booth representatives, and I’ve been trying to eat less processed and meat-based foods. It made me want to involve myself further with local organizations, even if it’s simply attending meetings or doing a volunteer day.”

Ziggy Lukasiewicz, from Pacific Collegiate School, added, “A big take-away from talking to all the booth organizations was that it’s inspiring to be around groups of people who are prioritizing similar things. I felt that not everyone is against the environmental movement, lots of people are pushing forward. It really reenergized me to keep fighting for the environment.”

Everyone proceeded to divide into school-based groups to brainstorm what needs to change in the school districts. The San Lorenzo Valley High School group spoke with their superintendent, resulting

in a productive conversation about making board meetings more accessible for students. They plan to begin a dropbox for students to voice their concerns about school matters, and implement compost bins and use lower-footprint containers for cafeteria meals.

As the day came to an end, we closed with a speech, in which we quoted the following lines from We are the Change, a poem written by YEA member Carolyn Randolph: “And say we stay silent? / Listen in the call of the bird, the motion of the grass, the march of the ants / Each voice avalanches forming a chant.” n •••

Avonlea Harwood is a senior at Pacific Collegiate School and a student leader of Youth for Environmental Action.

Avonlea Harwood

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SOQUEL HIGH SENIOR EVENTS

May 12, 7-10 p.m.: Senior Prom, Roaring Camp, Felton May 19, 6-9 p.m.: Multicultural graduation, football field, 401 Old San Jose Road, Soquel May 20, 4-7 p.m.: Spring concert & taco feed, multipurpose room and first quad

May 23, 6-7:30 p.m.: Senior Award Night, multipurpose room

May 23-25: Finals

May 26, 10-11 a.m.: Graduation

SAVE OUR SHORES SEEKS $30,000

Save Our Shores, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, has been working hard on the long-term goal of increasing access to our beaches and responding to this winter’s devastating storms.

Work to increase access to our beaches and coastal areas in underserved communities has been a longterm strategic goal, funded in part by a state grant and by donations.

Response to the winter storms was funded through individual donations.

To backfill the winter storm work, Save Our Shoes is seeking $30,000 by the end of May.

See https://saveourshores.org/donate-to-save-our-shores/

SEACLIFF INN HAPPENINGS

Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, announces monthly and weekly happenings for locals and visitors:

Wine30: Third Thursday art walk, sip & stroll with pour-off from a featured winery, 30% off 30 wines and pairings with menu items.

Tacos and Tequila: 6-10 p.m. Mondays, chef’s choice taco specials, $2 off tequilas, Margarita & Paloma specials;

Burgers and Beer: 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays, chef’s choice burger specials, discounted select beers, monthly off-menu local beer.

Sunday Supper Club: 6-10 p.m. with 10% discount on food for teachers, students & seniors

Neighborhood Night: Happy Hour 3-10 p.m. with live music 6-9 p.m.

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE AT ROARING CAMP

Saturday June 3 and 4, Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton

This is a weekend-long, family-friendly music festival with 20+ bands on three stages, local beer/ wine/cider, local artists, locally made food and a kids zone.

It all takes place in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Gates open at 10:30 am. Music, 11 am-8 pm.

This is a benefit for local nonprofits. Buy tickets at the gate, $30 per day for adults. Kids 12 and under free. $20 parking: cash only or pre-purchase online. Green event: Bring a RMF glass or purchase onsite More details at www.redwoodmountainfaire.com

OPEN FOR WINETASTING

Regan Vineyards Winery, 1610 Green Valley Road, Corralitos, will open for winetasting for the third season, Sundays only, starting May 7. The tasting season runs into early November.

This tasting experience offers three Regan estate wines, 2021 Regan Chardonnay, 2021 Regan Pinot Noir and 2020 Regan Merlot plus views of the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 2020 Regan Pinot Noir received 94 points from the Wine Enthusiast.

The tasting fee of $25 per person includes a small snack and a personal vineyard tour.

For a reservation, go to reganwinery.com.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Here are the dates of the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday:

May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec.

5, all at the fairgrounds. Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

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.

Wednesdays

APTOS TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS

Noon, Shorelife Community Church, 875 Monterey Ave., Capitola

Aptos Toastmasters Group meets every Wednesday at noon at Shorelife Community Church.

SO MUCH RAIN, SO MANY BLOOMS

Have you noticed how abundantly flowers are blooming this year?

Such beautiful colors brightening the landscape. Email a photo of your best spring bloom — at least 1 MB — to info@cyber-times.com with the name of the plant and we’ll share some with our readers in the next issue.

Toastmasters welcomes people who want to learn how to become a better communicator, better negotiator, and a better leader. Online access at www.Meetup.com/toastmasters-in-aptos/ events/288974889

First and Third Fridays thru May 19

CABRILLO NAME CHANGE TASK FORCE

Noon-1:30 p.m., Online Meetings

The Cabrillo College Name Selection Task Force will meet four times during the spring semester via zoom: April 21, May 5, and 19.

These virtual Task Force meetings are not open to the public.

Task Force members are trustees Adam Spickler and Christina Cuevas, student representative Krystal Buenrostro, and president Matt Wetstein. To communicate with them, see https://www. cabrillo.edu/governing-board/name-explorationsubcommittee/

The college aims to resolve the name issue this year.

Fourth Fridays

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley

The region’s favorite Friday returns April 28 to Skypark with Food Trucks A Go Go’s Food Truck Friday season opener.

Back for its eighth season, Food Truck Friday will have more food trucks and more surprises! More dinner options. Food vendors scheduled: Scrumptious Fish & Chips, Kuki’s Bowls, Pana, Saucey’z, Taquizas Gabriel, Cracked Cookies, Living Swell Kombucha, Aunt LaLi’s. Local faves The Essentials Band will provide music.

The Beer & Wine Garden is hosted by Scotts Valley Educational Foundation with proceeds supporting Scotts Valley’s four schools. Local author Tricia Montalvo Timm will sign her new book, Embrace the Power of You!

The Scotts Valley Ping Pong Club will be set up for play & fun!

Free admission; free and easy parking. Plenty of open space for families to spread out & plenty of picnic tables. Bring a blanket & lawn chairs — friendly pups on leashes are welcome!

Second Saturdays of the month

GREY BEARS THRIFT STORE 50%-OFF SALE

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz

Upcoming dates: May 13 and June 10

Saturdays & Sundays

ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH

Tours start: 10 and 11 a.m., Sat. and Sun.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville

Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/

Second Sundays of the Month

SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Ave., Lincoln St. and Cedar St. More than 40 vendors participate in this monthly outdoor fair.

Weather updates are posted on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/santacruzantiquefaire

DATED EVENTS

Monday May 1

RECREATIONAL HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announces the opening of the 2023 recreational Pacific halibut fishery, and remain open every day until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

The 2023 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 39,540 pounds – approximately the same as the 2022 quota.

CDFW’s recommended season dates were informed by a scoping process that included an online angler survey conducted earlier this year.

The open dates are not guaranteed days, and the season could be closed early if it is determined that projected catches will exceed the California quota. Anglers can check for updated information on season dates, bag/possession limits and gear restrictions at https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/recreational-pacific-halibutfishery-set-to-open-may-1#gsc.tab=0

Tuesday May 2

PET FIRST AID

6:30-7:30 p.m., Online seminar

When mishaps occur and your pet is sick or injured, do you know how to assess the situation, provide immediate care, and take action to help stabilize your pet until veterinary care is possible?

On May 2, listen to Dr. Lissa Richardson, DVM, DACVS of SAGE Veterinary Centers, discuss this very important topic.

Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/birchbarkevents/2023/5/2/pet-first-aid.

FLAMENCO BOBBY

7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Tortilla Flats, 4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel. Tortilla Flat’s restaurant will host Flamenco Bobby, who has been sharing the lively sounds of Flamenco music since 1974.

https://www.reverbnation.com/flamencobobby

Saturday May 6

ABOUT PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

Noon-4 p.m., Curated by the Sea Art Gallery, 703 Front St., Santa Cruz

Curated by the Sea Art Gallery hosts an exhibition called “About Printmaking” through May 27. As part of the message of the exhibit, the gallery will host a free Print Day Workshop.

The exhibition showcases the work of 12 world-class printmakers from around the country. Artists Jane Gregorius and Robynn Smith aided with the curation and hanging of the show and will coordinate the workshops.

Melissa Kreisa, owner of the Curated by the Sea, said the printmakers were chosen for their talent and connection to the area and represent a variety of printmaking techniques. All are masters: Jody Alexander, Liz Chalfin, Juan Fuentes, Jane Gregorius, Erin Goodwin-Guerrero, Karen Kunc, Robin McCloskey , Luz Marina Ruiz, Princess

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Karen Kunc’s Drifts of Ice & Gold

Rashid, Robynn Smith, Francesco Siqueiros, Dan Welden.

The exhibition is inspired by Print Day in May, the annual global celebration of printmaking founded in 2007 by a small group of faculty and students at Monterey Peninsula College, which has grown tens of thousands of printmakers in nearly 100 countries, on all seven continents.

Jane Gregorius with experimental printmaker Lu Lee will conduct a workshop in the technique of Trace Monotype. Attendees can participate at no cost with all materials provided, and take home a beautiful work of art.

Prints are photographed and sent to Print Day in May headquarters to be recorded as part of the 16-year-old event.

Jane Gregorius writes, “It’s so exciting to be joining with thousands of printmakers throughout the world as they make prints from elaborate lithographs and etchings to maybe a humble handprint on a wall.”

Sunday May 7

CENTRAL COAST BASKETBALL ALL-STARS

Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Scotts Valley High, 555 Glenwood Drive.

Scotts Valley High will host the Reggie Stephens Foundation’s 10th annual Central Coast All-Star Basketball Games, showcasing top basketball talent in middle school and high school.

Santa Cruz County players are on the North teams. Monterey County players make up the South teams.

Eighth grade boys play at noon, senior girls at 2 p.m., senior boys at 4 p.m.

North senior boys, coached by Robert Shipstead and Lawan Milhouse:

Two-time SCCAL MVP Aden Cury and Jackson Douvia (Santa Cruz), Tristan Roure (Scotts Valley), Karlos Corpus (Watsonville), Tosh Woods (Aptos), Matthew Silos (Pajaro Valley), Skyler Thayer (SLV) and Marton Safranka, Lazar Cankovic and Luka Kokochasvili (all of Oakwood), North senior girls, coached by Todd Trowbridge, Kenedi Walters and Zach Cook: SCCAL MVP Claire Thompson (Santa Cruz) and her teammates Mackenzie Gomes and Madison Yazalina, Lucy Lilenthal-Wynn, Mia Sizemore and Bella Reynolds (SLV), Meaghan Diaz, Gianna Winterhalder, and Lily Thayer (Soquel), and Xitlali Montesino (Watsonville).

North eighth-graders, coached by Nate Swearengin and Stan White II: Matteo Vidal and Cole Christensen (Monte Vista Christian), Cade Bogle (Aptos), Malik Wooden and Devon Williams (Branciforte), Chase Petersen (San Lorenzo Valley), Caelen Harris and Kaden Miritz (Mission Hill), Braydon Scoma (Baymonte Christian), and Levi Race (Salesian). A three-point shooting competition will take place during halftime and awards will be presented after each game.

Thursday May 11

DOWN TO EARTH WOMEN LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, 242 Corralitos Road

The 15th Annual Down to Earth Women (DEW) Luncheon will take place at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos.

This event is for women who are involved in, or support local agriculture. The luncheon raises funds for Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship and Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau educational programs. Part of this year’s proceeds will go to farmworker flood relief.

LUNAFEST BENEFIT FOR WOMENCARE

Wednesday May 17

7 p.m. (5:30 - 7 p.m. preshow reception), Del Mar Theater, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz Friends of WomenCARE announce the live showing of the 22nd Annual LunaFest Film Festival. A preshow reception features wines from Hallcrest and Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards. The virtual showing will be available May 17-20.

This year, LunaFest features seven short films with a total running time of 95 minutes suitable for ages 13 and up. The event again supports the nonprofit WomenCARE, a safe haven where women with any type of cancer find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.

For tickets, visit https://www.lunafest.org/screenings/hybrid-friends-of-womencare-santa-cruzca-051723

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Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith by Faith E Briggs — As a member of the Ebony Beach Club, Natasha Smith surfs, skates, and makes her own waves.

Miss Chelove: From Java to the Streets of D.C. by Sara T. Gama — As she paints a mural, artist Cita Sadeli aka Miss Chelove opens up about her life, her cultural heritage, and how she fell in love with graffiti in the 1980s.

Pete by Bret Parker & Pete Barma — The true story of Pete Barma explores gender identity, Little League Baseball, the people who inspire change by being themselves, and the superheroes who champion that change.

This is Beth by Jen Randall — As celebrated rock climber Beth Rodden grapples with her body image, she rediscovers the love of her sport...and herself.

More Than I Want to Remember by Amy Bench — After her southeastern Congo village is bombed, 14-year-old Mugeni sets out on a solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people.

Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night by Fawzia Mirza & Kausar Mohammed — All cards are on the table when Noor, a queer Pakistani Muslim woman, brings her Puerto Rican girlfriend, Luz, home for the first time on the family’s annual game night.

Swimming Through by Samantha Sanders — Amid a brutal Chicago winter and the global pandemic, the friendship of Deirdre, Helen, and Jennefer grows as they commit to a daily sunrise plunge together in Lake Michigan.

Emily Bonder, owner, Santa Cruz Bee Company, will speak on “Bees: Essential Pollinators for a Healthy Planet.” Emcee will be Krista Snelling, president/CEO, Santa Cruz County Bank.

The ticket price is $150. To make a reservation, become a sponsor, or make a donation to the event, call (831) 722-6622 or email: agri-culture@sbcglobal.net or look on www.eventbrite.com

through the charming shops and boutiques in Capitola Village.

This fun event is hosted by the Capitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Association.

To buy tickets and learn more, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/capitola-village-sip-strolltickets-619542898487.

Pre-registration is $45 and includes:

• Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass

• 12 two-ounce pour tickets to be used as you shop

• A map to locate which Village shops are hosting Visit https://capitolavillage.com/event/capitola-sip-and-stroll/ for full details and regulations.

QUEER YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

5:30 - 8:30 p.m., New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center, 250 Wash-burn Avenue, Capitola

Tickets: $25-$125 (sliding scale). Information: QYLA.org or 831.427.4004

Saturday May 20

VETS’ BOWLATHON

1 p.m., Boardwalk Bowl, 115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz Vets4Vets announces the Pat Pratt and Dennis Taku Memorial Tournament bowlathon at Boardwalk Bowl. Cost is a $15 donation to Vets4Vets.

Vets4Vets is a Santa Cruz nonprofit that is made up of local veterans and friends committed to assisting our brothers and sisters in need.

To RSVP, email Vets4Vets@Vets4VetsSantaCruz.org www.vets4vetssantacruz.org

FISHING GEAR SWAP MEET

9 a.m.-1 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club will have its annual swap meet, rain or shine, at the Aptos Grange parking lot. Buy, sell, trade all things fishing and outdoor activities.

Open to the public, free admission. Vendor spaces free to club members, $10 fee to nonmembers. For info, call or text Jeff at 831-234-0033.

SKATETOLA CONTEST

11 a.m.-4 p.m., McGregor Park, Capitola

The City of Capitola hosts the 3rd Annual Skatetola Skateboard Contest at McGregor Park. It’s free to enter and all contestants will receive a raffle ticket for prize giveaways!

This is a fun, family-friendly event to bridge the gap between law enforcement, youth, and our greater community. The event includes safety-gear fittings, food, and raffle prizes.

Thursday May 25

LAUNCHPAD JOB FAIR

6-8 p.m., Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Works’ annual job fair and student business plan pitch competition event, Santa Cruz Launchpad, is back for its 6th year in a row!

The student business plan pitch competition with $50,000 in prizes is by invitation only, and the job fair open to the public.

Santa Cruz Launchpad 2023 will take place at the Cocoanut Grove.

Local companies will offer hundreds of jobs ranging from internships to entry-level and seasoned professionals.

Bring your resume, learn about a variety of companies, and their job opportunities. Free parking with ticket validation. To register your company to participate, see https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-cruz-launchpad-2023tickets-616154222867

Saturday June 10

Sunday June 11

CAPITOLA ROD & CUSTOM CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Parade begins Saturday Morning, 8:30 a.m. at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The 16th Annual Capitola Rod and Custom Classic Car Show is hosted by the Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Foundation.

Saturday May 13

CAPITOLA SIP & STROLL

Noon-5 p.m., check in at 11 a.m., Capitola Community Room, City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling

The Queer Youth Task Force is proud to announce the 26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards will take place on at New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center in Capitola .

A Community Resource Fair will take place at 5:30 p.m. followed by a catered buffer dinner at 6 p.m. and the award ceremony at 7 p.m.

Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline Saturday morning from the Boardwalk to Capitola.

Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach.

Info: www.capitolafoundation.com/car-show or email info@ capitolafoundation.com n

Photo: Women in Swimming Through

Incentives to Buy Electric Vehicles

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

The Monterey Bay Air Resources District, administers the AB 2766 Emissions Reduction Grant Program, which provides funding to public agencies and individuals for certain emissions reduction purchases. What is this program and how can local governments and residents apply for the grants? Let’s take a look at this program and the Air District in general.

What is the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD)?

TheMonterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, of which I currently serve as Chair, protects public health and the environment from the effects of air pollution. The District is responsible for air monitoring, permitting, source testing, enforcement, long-range air quality planning, regulatory development, education and public information activities related to air pollution. Additionally, the District administers the AB 2766 Emissions Reduction Grant Program (among other programs), which can provide funding to local governments and individuals for emissions reduction.

What is the AB 2766 Program?

Assembly Bill (AB) 2766 was enacted over thirty years ago and it authorized the DMV to collect a motor vehicle surcharge of $4 for each vehicle registered within the boundaries of the Air District and to have those funds “…be used solely to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles and for the related planning, monitoring, enforcement and technical studies.” Since the grant program was initiated over 30 years ago, the Air District has authorized over $40 million to over 600 projects in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

What is the funding used for?

The funding is used for three main buckets: the Clean Air Management Program, the Clean Vehicle Incentive Program and the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program. Here is a breakdown:

Clean Air Management Program: These projects (from public agencies, such as the County of Santa Cruz) are fixed assets for which trade activity data is available to calculate reductions in motor vehicle emissions. Funding from this program has funded

roundabouts in our area as well as adaptive traffic control systems (on areas including Ocean Street, 41st and soon on Soquel).

Clean Vehicle Incentive Program: This provides funding for public agencies and/or fleet owners to replace gas powered engines with electric vehicles. Local cities and the County have used this program to retire older (high gasusage vehicles) with electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Incentive Program: Provides incentives to residents of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties to purchase or lease plug-in hybrid, battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Funding for this program will open again in July of this year.

How much funding is available to local residents?

F or Santa Cruz County residents interested in the incentive program you may be eligible for funding for certain vehicles mentioned above. Specifically, for new battery electric vehicle

$1,000 for a used one. For a plug-in hybrid you can receive $1,000 for a new and $700 for a used. For an electric motorcycle the incentive is $1,000 for new and $500 for used.

These funds have run out before and are provided on a first-come, firstserved basis (with funding becoming available again in July of this year). Low-income qualified residents may be eligible for doubled incentive amounts. How can you apply for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program funding?

To learn more about the program in advance of it opening in July, you can visit the Air District website dedicated to the program at: https://www.mbard.org/ electric-vehicle-incentive-program - or, you are welcome to contact the District directly at (831) 647-9411. n

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As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend

SCCAS Featured Pet

California Native Plants Grow Wild

By Tony Tomeo

Fall in Love With Lovebug

This week we have the sweetest cat- Lovebug- as Pet of the Week! She is a 7-year-old tortie and brown tabby spayed female who came to the Shelter as an owner surrender. Lovebug really lives up to her name- she is friendly and affectionate, but also enjoys her independence.

Sometimes she can be shy when first meeting new people but once she trusts you she loves to cuddle, and would even burrow under the covers with her foster mom at night. She will gently tap you on the arm if she wants attention as well. This precious kitty is looking for a mellow home where she can be someone’s cat companion, but she would prefer a home without dogs- they tend to scare her.

A home with another cat might work with slow introduction. Her favorite activities include playing with wand toys and napping. Lovebug is patiently waiting for her forever home at the Shelter- will you be her new cuddle buddy? Come meet Lovebug today!

Lovebug’s adoption fee is decreased by $20 because she is a sweet senior- but she still has many years of love and fun ahead of her!

Right now the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun!

If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian. ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz 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. Adoption hours are 10 am-5 pm. All adoption shows must begin before 4:45pm. n

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

Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

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

Fill-In-The-Blank

California native plants seem like they should be very appropriate for home gardens. In the wild, they require neither irrigation nor maintenance. They are quite satisfied with local climate and soil. Of course, gardening with natives is not so simple. Home gardens are very different from wild ecosystems.

Furthermore, wild ecosystems here are very different from wild ecosystems elsewhere. California is a very big place, with many different ecosystems. Some alpine species from the Sierra Nevada would be unhappy on the coast. Some coastal species from Del Norte County would be unhappy in the Mojave Desert. California native plants should be regionally appropriate.

Therefore, chaparral species are generally most appropriate for local chaparral climates. Many riparian species perform satisfactorily here as well, but expect more irrigation. However, appropriateness to a climate is not the same as appropriateness to a garden. Actually, many chaparral species are unappealing within home gardens. Some are difficult to domesticate.

A few species of California lilac are native here. Any of them are pleased to inhabit local home gardens. However, some grow quite large, and then die after only ten years or so. They may not last even that long with typical irrigation. Few respond favorably to pruning. They prefer to grow wild. Such big, awkward and temporary plants are undesirable within many compact and refined home gardens.

Combustibility might also be a concern for chaparral plants. Some chaparral ecosystems rely on fire for periodic renovation. In the wild, some such ecosystems may

burn as frequently as every few decades. After burning, fuel begins to accumulate for the next fire. Even if not copious enough to be hazardous, such accumulation can be unkempt.

Only a few specialty nurseries provide wild California native plants. Most nurseries provide cultivars of such plants that are more adaptable to home gardens. ‘Carmel Creeper’ is a densely sprawling California lilac that gets only a few feet tall. It is commonly available. The original species can get more than fifteen feet tall, with open branch structure.

•••

California Lilac

Almost all California lilac that inhabit refined landscapes are cultivars of native species. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus is one of such native species that grows wild near here. It is a bit less adaptable to home gardens than cultivars are. However, it can be splendid within unrefined and wildland landscapes. New plants need irrigation only until they establish their root systems. Wild plants need none.

Wild California lilac can get taller and wider than fifteen feet.

That is larger than cultivars, but with more open branch structure. Their evergreen foliage is somewhat glossy. Individual leaves are only about an inch and a half long, with prominent veins. Fluffy floral trusses that bloom in spring are about two or three inches long. Tiny individual flowers are sky blue or pale blue.

Like many chaparral species, California lilac does not respond favorably to pruning. It performs best where it can grow without disruption. Wild specimens perform well for only about ten years. They might then die suddenly. Some may survive for nearly fifteen years. They grow faster with occasional irrigation, but do not survive as long. n

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. com.

Some natives are difficult to domesticate.

Native California lilac lacks lilac fragrance.