Capitola Soquel Times: December 2023

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Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents ‘The Nutcracker’

For the 21st time, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents its annual “Nutcracker” at the Civic Auditorium with a live orchestra.

Full Story page 6

Soquel Boys Water Polo Claims CCS Title Full Story page 5

First CCS Championship

Held Hostage in Gaza

Ex-NFL Star Coaches Top Talent

By Jondi Gumz Talented players and a defensive-minded coach who played in the NFL, that’s the story of this year’s Soquel High football team, which has earned 11 wins and the Central Coast Section Division II championship.

On Nov. 25, the No. 2 seed Knights shut out — 28-0 — No. 5 seed Christopher of Gilroy (11-1) at San Jose City College.

... continues on page 4

For Benjamin and Rutie, who have lived in Capitola for 35 years, the reports on the 240 hostages held by Hamas are much more than news stories.

It is personal.

Full Story page 7

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Volume 28 No. 12

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Table of Contents

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Cover First CCS Championship: Ex-NFL Star Coaches Top Talent, By Jondi Gumz 6 7 11 15 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 27

Community News Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ with Live Orchestra, By Betty Sanchez Held Hostage in Gaza, By Jondi Gumz Capitola Plein Air 2023 Winners John Hakin: A Champion for Mobilehome Residents Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign Bay Federal’s Richard Roark Wins Info Tech CIO Award • Central Fire Holiday Toy Drive Palace Art Classroom Space Returns Willowbrook Park Playground Opens: Memorial to Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller,

By Jondi Gumz County Asking For Public Opinions • Zach Friend, Robert Ratner Recognized Cabrillo Hosts Holiday Food Drive Kickoff: Second Harvest Food Bank’s Goal: 4.5 Million Meals, Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz Fatal Hit-and-Run in Capitola: Do You Have Video?

World War II Hero: Finally The Story is Told

Local Sports Soquel Boys Water Polo Claims CCS Title, By Jondi Gumz Ashlyn Boothby Wins Third CCS Crown: At State, she’s 6th; Evie Marheineke is 7th 9 SCCAL Boys Water Polo 2023-24 All League 22 Eli Fitchen-Young 4th at State • SCCAL Girls Volleyball 2023-24 All-League • SCCAL Girls Flag Football 2023-24 All-League • SCCAL Girls Water Polo 2023-24 All League 31 Metro: More Bus Service in December 5 8

Business Profile 14 Two Birds Books: The Little Bookstore That Can, By Teresa Hidalgo Dance Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Gratitude — Radiance of Solace for a World in Crisis, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 10 Palm Trees, Giant Ice Cream Cones and Orange Salad, By Joe Ortiz 23 Tips for Easy & Joyful Giving, By Susan True, Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation SCC 25 How do We Determine the Value of Water?, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 County Housing Element Approved: 4,634 Units by 2031, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – On Point!

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 3

COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Betty Sanchez, Teresa Hidalgo Dance, Risa D’Angeles, Joe Ortiz, Susan True, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend

layout

Michael Oppenheimer

graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

photography Michael Oppenheimer

website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul Cathe Race

office coordinator

“Soquel Football” from page 1 They earned one more playing opportunity, a CIF NorCal Regional Bowl, hosting Casa Roble (12-1) of Orangevale, rated 107th in the state, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.

In this division 4AA, the Matilda Torres Toros (11-3) play the Jurupa Hills Spartans (8-6) The State Bowl Championships are Dec. 8-9.

Soquel High Coach Dwight Lowery is a Soquel High alum who played at Cabrillo College, San Jose State University and then for the New York Jets.

This season, he has guided his team to a 16-2 record.

Both losses were away, to 9-0 Salinas, which won Pacific Coast Gabilan Division league championship, and a non-league loss to Los Gatos, the first game of the season.

Lowery, who has coached the Knights since 2018 – during the Covid years— is grateful for the team chemistry that he sees as a part of this season’s success.

Coaching, of course, is a factor.

“I don’t ever go into a game thinking we’re going to lose,” he said after the Nov. 4 victory over Aptos. “You always go in with a plan to win.”

The 22-0 semi-final win over Monterey

on Nov. 17 was at home on the field named for Dewey Tompkins, a legendary coach at Soquel High for 32 years who guided the Knights to a 9-0 undefeated season in 1976.

In a post-game interview, Lowery said, “We have some guys that can really play, that really should be getting recruited.”

He named four seniors: Malakai Ross-Graves, defensive end, All-League First Team defense in 2022 at Santa Cruz High. He had a 93-yard two-point safety vs. Monterey. He’s second on the team with 4.5 sacks and third in tackles with 4.9. He’s 6-3 and 250 lbs.

Cade Petersen, linebacker, defensive line and athletically gifted, able to play multiple roles, All-League First Team Defense in 2022. He has 4.5 sacks. He’s 6-1 and 225 lbs.

Justice Grauel Tebong, running back, outside linebacker, middle linebacker, AllLeague First Team defense in 2022, leading the team in tackles with 6.3 per game. He has six rushing touchdowns, and he’s credited with causing a fumble and two quarterback hurries.

He’s 6-4 and 218 lbs.

Jordan McCord, wide receiver, cornerback, and athletically gifted, League co-MVP in football in 2022 and ran 100 meters in 10.81 in track. He has 10 receiving touchdowns and leads the team with 46.5 receiving yards per

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Photo Credit: Sam Crane

Soquel High football coaches and seniors on Senior Night. Kneeling (from left): Esteban Gonzalez-Cruz, Owen Cattaneo, Cruz Ferris, Troy Vienna, Braylon Noble, Jordan McCord, and coach Jacob Myers. Back Row: coaches Sean Ortega, Chuck Jones, Darryl Williams, Dwight Lowery; seniors Malakai Ross-Graves, Cade Petersen, Luke Bettey, Tito Ramirez, Jacob Magaña, and Justice Grauel Tebong.

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Senior Jordan McCord rushes against Carmel. He has 10 touchdowns this season. game. He has 558 receiving yards, and 2,092 yards in three years. He also has two interceptions. He’s 5-11 and 170 lbs.

It helps that quarterback Sam Whelan, only a sophomore, has 1,317 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes and a rating of 113.6.

CCS Championship This was a game with big plays on offense.

Jordan McCord slipped through defenders like a ghost on a 67-yard touchdown run at the outset.

Braylon Noble, a senior, rushed for 50 yards and two touchdowns.

Hudson Summerill, a sophomore who had a 41-yard touchdown reception against Monterey, saved a drive with a 33-yard gain on third-and-15.

Once again, the defense prevented their opponent from scoring. Justice Grauel TebongTebong and Cade Petersen tallied four sacks between them.

Monterey The defensive line held the Monterey Toreadores to 74 yards of offense.

Justice Grauel Tebong was named MaxPreps’ Player of the Game.

His two touchdowns came on seven carries.

This is his third Player of the Game award.

Tyreis Lundy, a newly eligible junior halfback, rushed for 97 yards, bursting through the Monterey defense on a 28-yard run.

Carmel In the quarterfinals against previously undefeated Carmel, the Knights got off to a slow start, tied 14-14 at halftime, and left with a 34-14 win.

There were plenty of second half highlights: a 98-yard touchdown run by Lundy, who scored twice on only eight carries, and 84-yard touchdown pass by sophomore quarterback Sam Whelan, and senior Jordan McCord scoring two touchdowns.

Braylon Noble, senior receiver and defensive back, was MaxPreps’ Player of the Game.

Palma & Aptos When Soquel played powerhouse Palma, the Knights won 14-7.

MaxPreps named three Players of the Game, Jordan McCord, Esteban Gonzalez Cruz and Justice Grauel Tebong.

Another satisfying victory came against Aptos 26-14.

The Mariners coached by Randy Blankenship had beaten Soquel 62-0 in 2015, before Lowery became coach.

This year, the Knights put Soquel back on the map for football. n ••• COVER PHOTO: Senior Tito Ramirez (22) revs up the Soquel Knights on Senior Night vs. Palma. • Photo Credit: Sam Crane

LOCAL SPORTS

Soquel Boys Water Polo Claims CCS Title

T

By Jondi Gumz

he Soquel High boys’ water polo team put together a very memorable season: Winning the League championship with a victory over a very tough Santa Cruz, finishing 21-5 overall, and an upset over No. 1 Leland to win the Central Coast Section Division II title for the first time since 2002.

MaxPreps.com rated Soquel as the 78th best in the nation.

Their performance led to being seeded No. 3 in the CIF NorCal regional playoffs quarter-final where they were edged, 12-10,

by No. 6 Garces Memorial (24-10).

Coach Trevor Wiens, who played water polo at Willow Glen High School, West Valley Community College and Long Beach State University, is stepping down after 10 years.

He was happy with what the team accomplished.

His son, Malloy Wiens, a senior, was the

top scorer, with 101 goals, followed by Hayes Pizzica, a senior, 57, and junior Cash Wolf, 53.

Malloy also led in steals with 37, sophomore Stryder Stelck, 34, and senior Tucker Graessle, 33.

Stryder led in assists, 53, followed by Malloy, 41, and Tucker, 31.

Goalie Jacob Henshaw had 220 saves.

Malloy was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and his dad was named Coach of the Year.

The coach’s older son, Cooper, who played for his dad at Soquel High, is on the Golden West Community College water polo team, which won the state championship.

Capitola-Soquel Times interviewed Coach Wiens via email.

••• “CCS Champs” page 9

The Soquel High boys water polo team after their 13-8 upset win over Leland to win the CCS Division II title. From left: Coaches Tim Outtrim, Trevor Wiens, and Bruce Watson; players Donny Clane, Cash Wolfe, Tucker Graessle, Cane Mitchell, Malloy Wiens, Coach John Collins, Hayes Pizzica, Stryder Stelck, Noah Mitnick, Jacob Henshaw, Josh Novick, Kai Queenan, Nico Palandrani, Tanner Conners, and Sam Robertson.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ with Live Orchestra

F

By Betty Sanchez

or the 21st time, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents its annual “Nutcracker” at the Civic Auditorium with a live orchestra.

Led by Music Director Pamela Martin, formative years with SCBT — enhances every the artistry of 52 professional musicians fills step they take together.

Supporting these stars and the pre-profesthe auditorium with Tchaikovsky’s ebullient score. The SCBT production is a holiday tra- sional SCBT Company dancers are additional guest artists from New Ballet, Tango Hayato dition for many.

Recorded music does not compare to Fujita-Gomez and Jack Concordia. Local dancers from all over the county the experience of listening to round out the talented cast of this masterpiece being played more than 50 dancers and charlive. When these two classical acter artists, several on the cusp performance arts of dance and of professional careers. music collaborate, the proTo honor the history and duction becomes much more contribution of local Chinese beautiful and expressive. immigrants in Santa Cruz, SCBT The Santa Cruz Ballet will feature a new Chinese Theatre performances feature Pamela Martin divertissement in Act II, a tradiguest stars and SCBT alumni Melody Mennite as the Sugar Plum Fairy and tional Chinese Dragon dance.

Supported by the Ow family for years, Lucien Postlewaite as her Cavalier.

Melody is a principal dancer with through the training and professional career Houston Ballet, and Lucien is a principal of Ow descendant Lauryn Winterhalder, SCBT dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Each is proud to honor the history of these settlers bring their unique and formidable talents who helped make Santa Cruz what it is today.

Many “Nutcracker” productions are to this production, in turn inspiring cast members and audience alike. Their unique removing stereotypes of the different nationchemistry — having been partners in their alities featured in Clara’s visit to the Candy

Kingdom. SCBT endeavors to honor Chinese ethnicity and the value of its culture as a repayment for their dedication to the shaping of Santa Cruz. n ••• Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre celebrates the start of its 40th season with “The Nutcracker” with live orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Performances are Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 and 4:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 1 and 4:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at SantaCruzTickets.com or by calling (831) 420-5260 or in person at the Civic Box Office, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Held Hostage in Gaza

F

By Jondi Gumz

or Benjamin and Rutie, who have lived in Capitola for 35 years, the reports on the 240 hostages held by Hamas are much more than news stories.

It is personal.

Benjamin’s cousin Aviva Siegel, 62, along with her husband, Keith Siegel, 64, are two of the hostages.

Benjamin and Rutie, who are both 70, shared their situation with Capitola-Soquel Times with the agreement not to print their given names. Their names have been changed to protect their identities for personal safety concerns because of the antisemitic incidents that occur daily. The American Defamation League, the ADL Center on Extremism, noted a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents reported year over year. They do not feel safe, even in Santa Cruz County.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations calls the spike in Islamophobia “unprecedented” and says that the recent increase in anti-Arab sentiment across the U.S. marks a 216% increase over the previous year.

On Oct. 7, Aviva and Keith, her husband were kidnapped from their home in Kfar Aza

by Hamas. Aviva’s twin sister, Fiona, now cares for their children and grandchildren.

Their names and faces appear on the posters created by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum to bring attention to their plight.

The website https://media.bringthem-

homenow.net states, “We formed the Hostage and Missing Families Forum less than 24 hours after the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, in which thousands of innocent civilians were murdered and taken hostage by Hamas.”

Men, women, and children as young as three months were wounded, murdered, burned alive, beaten, and raped by Hamas on Oct. 7. After forensic investigation, Israel revised its death toll downward to 1,400, with approximately 240 abducted from their communities.

Israel responded by launching air and ground strikes on the 141-square mile Gaza strip controlled by Hamas, killing 14,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health. These casualty numbers remain unverified, and there is no mention as to how many of the casualties were Hamas fighters.

On Nov. 22, Israel’s cabinet approved an agreement for the release of 50 hostages in Gaza in exchange for a four-day ceasefire. Israel is expected to release about 150 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and teenagers, and allow 300 aid trucks and fuel to enter Gaza from Egypt during that time,

according to Axios. Hamas and Israel credited Qatari and Egyptian efforts with reaching the truce.

“Hostages” page 19

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 7

LOCAL SPORTS

Ashlyn Boothby Wins Third CCS Crown

At State, she’s 6th; Evie Marheineke is 7th

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O

n Nov. 11, Ashlyn Boothby, a senior at Scotts Valley High School, led the way at the Central Coast Section cross country meet at Crystal Springs in Belmont, winning her third consecutive Division IV crown and helping her team to their third consecutive title.

Her time on the 2.93-mile course was 17:52.2, a personal best.

She was the fastest of 450 runners in all five divisions.

Ava Decleve, her sophomore teammate, finished second in 18:31.1.

Scotts Valley sophomore Jenni Brownfield was 10th in 19.50.5.

Scotts Valley freshman Hanna Shehorn was 11th in 19:57.1.

Scotts Valley junior Violet McCutcheon was 35th in 21:49.2.

The Falcons team score was 46.

State Championships At the CIF state championships Nov. 25 at Woodward Park, Fresno, Scotts Valley took 8th place with 228.

Ashlyn Boothby ran with an injured foot, hurt at practice two weeks before the race.

Ava Decleve finished 15th 18:24.3 Jenni Brownfield was 61st in 19.50.4.

Hanna Shehorn was 91st in 20:24.5 Violet McCutcheon was 123rdin 21:16.6 Heidi Green, Santa Cruz junior, was 59th in 19:48.6.

SCCAL Cross Country Girls Championship 1) Scotts Valley, 27 2) Aptos, 59 3) San Lorenzo Valley, 84 4) Santa Cruz, 84 5) Soquel, 121 6) Harbor, 153 Top 10 Runners in SCCAL 1) Ashlyn Boothby, senior, Scotts Valley, 17:14 2) Ava Decleve, sophomore, Scotts Valley, 17:47 3) Rachel Hoops, senior, Aptos, 18:36

Evie Marheineke (10) of Santa Cruz runs in the state championship.

Division II Evie Marheineke of Santa Cruz, a junior at Archbishop Mitty, who was 1st at the League race with a time of 18:05.2, finished 7th out of 197 runners in 17:58.6, a personal best and a medal.

“Girls Cross Country” page 16 4) Kenzie Culbertson, freshman, Mt Madonna, 19:10 5) Maya Schiro, sophomore, Aptos, 19:17 6) Jenni Brownfield, sophomore, Scotts Valley, 19:33 7) Heidi Green, junior, Santa Cruz, 19:41 8) Marissa Garcia, freshman, Soquel, 19:55 9) Beth Gabrielson, freshman, San Lorenzo Valley, 20:00 10) Hanna Shehorn, freshman, Scotts Valley, 20:02 In the junior varsity race, Aptos runners placed first with a score of 15. They took four of the top five spots, some dressed in tutus. 1. Mia Parello, junior, 21:28. 2. Ceci Garcia, senior, 22:19. 4. Grace Graff, junior, 25:25. 5. Jordan Brown, sophomore, 25:50.

LOCAL SPORTS SCCAL Boys Water Polo 2023-24 All League MVP: Malloy Wiens - Soquel – Sr Coach of the Year: Trevor Wiens - Soquel Defensive Player of the Year: Mattias Cruz - Santa Cruz - Jr First Team • Jacob Henshaw - Soquel - Jr • Stryder Stelck - Soquel - So • Matias Cruz - Santa Cruz - Jr • Pakalani Saxton-Vaka - Santa Cruz - Jr • Hayden Johnson - Santa Cruz - So • Tate Wilson - Santa Cruz - So • Gabriel Suarez-Abraham - Aptos - Fr

“CCS Champs” from page 5 What got you into coaching?

I think initially it was that I wanted to give back to the sport that gave me so much.

As my coaching career progressed, it changed to the enjoyment of potentially being a positive influence in a young person’s life.

How do you juggle your job with coaching?

A job as a firefighter affords me a lot of time off, but I would not be able to coach without the amazing help that I get on the pool deck.

Through my years I have been very fortunate to have some great coaches help share the load….Russell Simpkins, John Collins, Tim Outtrim, Aiden Howard, and this year Bruce Watson.

I also had the pleasure of having my high school coach, the late Steve Martin, help me for a couple of seasons, which meant the world to me.

Everyone at Soquel was very supportive and understood the challenge of needing to be flexible because of my schedule. Special mention to A.D. Stu Walters and the girls water polo coach, Ryan Chapette.

I couldn’t have done it without all of their support.

What are you most proud of in your coaching career?

The thing the I get the most pleasure from is seeing people around town that I have coached and hearing what they are doing with their life. This is a small community and it seems like many people find their way back.

I often see people surfing or just out walking and get to hear about what they have accomplished since high school. The most fulfilling part of that is hearing that I had a positive influence in their lives in one way or another.

And, obviously, the last six years have meant the most as I was able to coach my sons.

What made this season so successful?

When we began the season, I honestly thought that this was going to be a mediocre team at best. We had only eight varsity players which meant just one sub. Physically we weren’t a big team, and we didn’t have a ton of team speed.

Second Team • Hayes Pizzica - Soquel - Sr • Cash Wolf - Soquel - Jr • Connor Garde - Soquel - Sr • Rafael Suarez-Abraham - Aptos - Fr • Lucas Primavera - Santa Cruz - Sr • Nikolaus Kay - Santa Cruz - So • Jayden Chopra - Santa Cruz - Sr Honorable Mention Aptos — Gavin Abundis, Jr, Jack Widman, Jr Harbor — Logan Manildi, Jr, Elias Keen-Server, Jr SLV — Jon McClaren, Sr, Jack Bradford, Sr Santa Cruz — Nathan Rascon, Sr, Laird Bower, Fr Soquel — Tucker Graessle, Sr, Josh Novick, Jr This team, from day one, competed and played so hard. The four seniors really took on strong leadership roles and kept everyone focused during practice. The very first game against Los Altos, I noticed that this group had a different energy and focus. We were very fortunate to avoid injuries and really no one was sick this season.

We also had a great group of players who we considered hybrid - meaning they played both JV and Varsity. They were instrumental in giving our pure Varsity team minutes in practice for scrimmage and in many games, were able to see minutes in the game.

I also have to mention that having the legendary Bruce Watson (coach for West Valley College and now San Jose State) on deck this season was a game changer as well.

Bruce has been a college coach for decades and had this opportunity to help as he was in between coaching jobs. His insight and experience had an impact on the boys that will carry them through their polo careers.

Can you talk about coaching your son?

I was able to coach both my boys at Soquel. When I had them both on the same team in 2021, Cooper was a senior and Malloy was a sophomore — that is a memory that will live on for me.

I’m sure for some it’s dicey coaching your kids and trying to find that balance between Dad and coach. I feel very fortunate in the fact that I never felt like it drove a wedge in the relationships that I have with my boys.

It’s something that I will remember forever.

Do you have seniors who will play water polo in college?

I’m not exactly sure what the plans are for the other seniors, I think these discussions will happen after the first of the year.

I do know that Malloy plans to continue playing and has his sights set on a few programs but he is waiting to see his full set of options prior to making a decision.

Any favorite moments you’d like to highlight?

The highlight from this season is definitely seeing the joy the team had when they won the DII CCS championship.

My career highlight is being able to coach my boys through their high school career. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 9

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Palm Trees, Giant Ice Cream Cones and Orange Salad

Last Episode: We had escaped from Queens and Freddie the bookie and caught a flight to Los Angeles.

••• ad was supposed to be at the airport to meet us when the plane landed in California. I walked off the plane holding Mom’s hand, using the other hand to shade the sun from my eyes.

Before we could even get into the terminal, I started to whine and Mom could tell I was boiling up under my gray wool overcoat and fluffy hat with the built-in earmuffs.

“It’s okay, Joey,” Mom said. “Daddy will be here soon, and he’ll carry your coat.”

But Dad was nowhere to be seen. After picking up our luggage, we sat in the terminal for hours. It was like old times. Waiting for Dad. Laura and I started counting things as they went by. First sailors, then cowboy boots. Later we started slugging one another. Mom quickly got aggravated and twisted Laura’s ear to make her stop.

Finally, Dad arrived as if nothing had happened. He got stuck in traffic, he said. He had to get gas. Always the deflection. We didn’t know if Dad would be there if we needed him. Mom put up with it; Laura and I had no choice.

On the way back from the airport, we saw giant donuts

By Joe Ortiz

D

10 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

and Paul Bunyan-sized tires, the oversized sculptures we’d heard about back in Queens but only imagined existed in Texas.

When we pulled into Wilmington, it looked like paradise.

Everything was clean and sparkling. Apartment buildings were painted in pastels of pink, salmon, and turquoise;

40-foot-tall palm trees swayed in the breeze. But the best thing we saw, right downtown, was the giant ice cream cone on top of Currie’s Ice Cream parlor. I thought the intense heat would melt the strawberry ice cream on top of the cone but Laura said I was being stupid again. But there it stood—bold and glistening. I wanted to climb up and start licking. And I wanted an ice cream so bad, but Mom said no.

While Dad stopped to get groceries, Mom explained to me that the giant tires and donuts, and even the ice cream cone, were all made of concrete. Sure, I was disappointed. The cones were not only fake, but I also didn’t get to eat a real one.

In the back seat Laura looked at me, rubbed her fingers together and shook her head, as if it was about the money.

Sure enough, Dad came out of Von’s Supermarket holding a six-pack of beer and a bottle of whiskey in one arm. And in the other arm, he held a bag of groceries that looked paltry in comparison.

On the way from downtown to our new house, they all kidded me about thinking the giant sculptures were real.

“Even so,” Dad said. “You still gotta admit California’s not Queens.”

“Ortiz” page 12

COMMUNITY NEWS

Capitola Plein Air 2023 Winners A native of Michigan, artist Kristian Matthews is no stranger to Capitola.

He won honorable mentions at the Capitola Plain Air competition in 2019 and 2021, took second place in 2022, and this year won first place for “The Magical Forest.”

This oil painting captures the glow of the sun and reflections in the stream, inviting the viewer to explore.

First place brings a $1,800 prize.

Matthews also won the Artists’ Choice award, selected by the participating artists.

Matthews discovered fine art while at community college. His next step was the renowned School of the Art Institute in Chicago, where he focused on the human figure. After graduation, he changed his focus on painting outdoors – en plain air – clearly a switch that paid off.

In his bio, he says he is drawn to dramatic lighting and enjoys finding the beauty in everyday scenes.

Artist Louisa Lorenz won second place and $1,000 for “The View.”

She was raised in the Central Valley around farming, painted murals to earn

Kristian Matthews won first place at Capitola Plein Air Festival for “The Magical Forest.” money for college studied at Brigham Young University-Idaho under Leon Parson and now lives in Bountiful, Utah, with her husband.

She has won three plein air events this year.

Najeeb Abdulrahiman won the People’s Choice and $200.

Matthews and Lorenz are among the 40 artists who were invited to Capitola this year to paint for six days, whatever the weather, compete for prizes – and perhaps sell their work to a local art lover.

Laurie Hill, who organizes the event, was pleased with the results.

“Plein Air” page 16

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“Ortiz” from page 10 The bright, new, bigger-than-life patina told us we were in for a new life, he said. We were free. And the possibilities were bigger than our imaginations. Even before we got to our new house, we started to relax. The sunshine and clean air helped us shed that nagging fear that Dad was trapped and that we were being pulled down with him. It was a new feeling that no one was after us. But would it hold?

The place Dad found was a castle compared to our dingy apartment in the projects. First of al,l it was a house. Our Aunt Margie and Uncle Frank lived in a house back in Flushing, but everyone else we knew lived in a projects apartment. Our new place had freshly painted walls, bright curtains, and windows that let the sunshine flood in every afternoon. It looked out onto a field—an oil field—but at least it was open space.

Everything seemed perfect until one day when Dad came home early from work, drunk and almost in tears. Mom sent me to bed even though it was early afternoon.

“Mom, it’s still light out.”

“I don’t care,” she said. “Go to bed.”

I heard yelling. Dad got angry. I heard furniture and plates crashing in the living room. Mom was sobbing and Dad was getting louder and louder, and eventually I just stuffed the pillow over my head and fell asleep and blanked out.

The next day Dad started combing the real estate listings for a new house. He said he was looking for a cheaper place, but he would often stop reading the house ads and instead read out loud to Mom about shoe repair jobs in Fresno, Bakersfield, even Las Vegas. It seemed like we were always looking for something else. Maybe Dad had lost his job again. Or maybe he lost another piece of furniture in a bet. Or were we trying to cover our trail?

That evening Dad was sitting on the couch, cigarette, and beer in hand, reading the classified ads.

“Nonnie,” Dad yelled out to Mom. “I don’t know how we’re gonna find a new place. Every house and apartment in here that’s cheap enough says, “Adults Only. No pets. No Kids.”

He wadded up the paper and threw it on the couch with a disgusted look on his face

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and said, “What do they expect us to do with the kids . . . Drown them?”

“No, Daddy, No,” I said. It was that same old fear of water covering over me again and the nightmare of drowning. I ran to Mom. “Joey, Daddy’s only kidding,” Mom said, hugging me and rocking me protectively.

It brought back the memory of Dad’s friend Eddie and his disappearance down by the East River. Maybe everything wasn’t as safe as it seemed.

But food was always the diversion. Fortunately, Mom had been to the grocery that day and had already stocked up on eggs, toilet paper, milk, and hamburger.

But she also bought a whole bag of California Sunkist Navel oranges. Oranges were a symbol of California for us. Oranges. Their color, their perfect roundness, their shiny dappled skin. For some reason they called California the Golden State. Maybe it was because of the Gold Rush that happened a long time ago, or because of the color of the hills in summertime. But according to my sister, it was because of the oranges.

••• Orange Salad here were so many oranges in the market that season, and they were so cheap, that Mom had to dig out an old peasant recipe she had learned from a Jewish lady who lived in Miami for the winter.

Mom peeled a few oranges, broke them up into wedges and put them in a bowl.

She covered the oranges with a little olive oil and water, then sprinkled them with salt and pepper. She added her own “California touch,” as she called it: a few leaves of fresh mint. Sounds strange, I know, although you haven’t heard the weird part. (But have faith; it tastes delicious.)

Mom added minced garlic to the dish, making it sound even stranger. Dad just stuck up his nose and told her that oil and water don’t mix.

She must have known what he meant because she didn’t say a word.

4 oranges, peeled and divided into wedges 1 to 2 tablespoons garlic, minced very, very fine 2 tablespoons very fruity olive oil ½ cup cold water 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped Put everything in a small bowl. Toss the ingredients together until the oranges are well coated. Serve at room temperature or chill in the fridge for a few hours. n

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Joe Ortiz Memoir: Episodes & Recipes

oe 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

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 13

BUSINESS PROFILE

Two Birds Books

By Teresa Hidalgo Dance

The Little Bookstore That Can

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hen some businesses were shuttering or downsizing at the height of the covid pandemic, Gary Butler and Denise Silva quietly opened a bookstore in Pleasure Point close to Capitola. Was it a brazen, foolhardy move? Hardly. Just two years later, in 2022, Publishers Weekly, a respected trade journal, chose Two Birds Books as one of the five best bookstores across the country partly to recognize its owners’ dedication to running a bookstore against such odds.

It’s been both an easy and hard road, Butler and Silva attest.

“Opening during the pandemic brought many challenges, but we had strong support from the community from day one,” said Butler.

Two Birds Books has kept its doors open by accommodating book-buying trends that buck long-ago predictions that print would be swallowed up by the digital age.

Butler said, “There’s still a strong desire for browsing and owning physical books, and the happy accident of finding the perfect book tucked away on the shelves.”

With only 900 square feet of available space, the bookstore owners have to be choosy about what to carry. They are known for their thoughtful curation of new and used books for all ages, giving special attention to their nature, sci-fi, and fantasy sections. For sale, too, are unique greeting cards and gift items, many of which are from local makers.

“We try to have a little something for everyone, and to reflect the interests and tastes of our neighborhood,” said Silva.

Both lifelong book lovers and bookstore haunters, Butler and Silva think indie bookstores are worth fighting for.

“Small, local independent bookstores reflect their community better than a national

company which is stuck with the corporate representation of what they feel a bookstore should be,” said Butler. “When you walk into these big companies’ bookstores in San Jose or rural Alabama, you’ll find they both sell the same titles.”

For all the drama that opening during a pandemic brought, at the end of the day, Two Birds Books was meant to simply be a nurturing nook in the community where readers could find meaningful experiences in books.

“Being a democratic, welcoming space is a big priority for us,” said Silva. “We want to be a safe haven. We want to be a source of inspiration and community and connection.”

Supporting local authors is big with Butler and Silva.

“We carry local well-known Santa Cruz writers like Jonathan Franzen, Elizabeth McKenzie, and Karen Joy Fowler,” said Butler.

They also offer a consignment program for local authors who don’t have national recognition or are published on a smaller scale.

Two Birds Books was named after

Owners Gary Butler and Denise Silva 14 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

two ravens that stood watch during their engagement ten years ago.

“We see the ravens as good luck,” said Butler. “They’re like little mascots for us.”

Good fortune may have played a part in the bookstore’s success but there is also the owners’ passion for books and authors. They strive to be inclusive of everyone’s stories and literary tastes, not just their personal preferences. Butler has also been known to acquire a book just because he thought a particular customer might like to have it. Such personalized service and recommendations are a hallmark of the mom-and-pop shop.

To top it off, Two Birds Books is dog-friendly with its owners very supportive of animal rescue.

Butler and Silva look forward to celebrating the third anniversary of Two Birds Books on Dec.

10 and 11 with a sale (half off their entire inventory of used books), raffle, and special giveaways. They have high hopes that they will be around for as long as people love books. n ••• Two Birds Books is at 881 41st Ave. and can be found online at www.twobirdsbooks.com and @ twobirdsbooks on Facebook and Instagram.

John Hakin: A Champion for Mobilehome Residents

Editor’s note: The Jan Beautz Award was created by the Santa Cruz County Manufactured and Mobilehome Commission to honor people who help mobile home residents in the county.

This year’s award honors John Hakin, who led the effort to reestablish mobile home space rent controls in the City of Capitola.

He died in August, so the award was presented to his widow, Charlotte Linck, when the Cabrillo Mobile Home Estates residents association met on Nov. 8. She has assumed the leadership role that John held for that association.

Here is the letter from Henry Cleveland and Charlene Garza, the chair and vice chair respectively of the Manufactured and Mobilehome Commission: ••• he Santa Cruz County Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission is pleased to award John Hakin the 2023 Jan Beautz Award for Outstanding Service to the mobile home community.

John’s work to re-establish a space rent ordinance in the City of Capitola will have long-lasting benefits for mobile home residents in the City. Moreover, this success is an

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inspiring story for mobile home residences statewide.

John was as shocked as everyone when the owner of Cabrillo Mobile Home Estates announced in a letter to residents in February 2023 that effective June 1, 2023 rents would be increased 56%. This increase would have forced people out of their homes. It would have destroyed the value of everyone’s home.

Residents had no existing recourse. Only their activism could save them. They had to get the City of Capitola to enact a new space rent ordinance. Many residents had skills essential for success.

They needed a leader. John met that challenge and provided the needed leadership. He served as president of the newly re-instated Cabrillo Mobile Home Owner’s Association and Golden State Mobile Home Owners League chapter.

Working together, John, you and dozens of your neighbors worked the necessary long hours; making countless calls, emails, and personal contacts. His research on other space rent ordinances, and work with supportive attorneys and other mobile home activists

COMMUNITY NEWS

guided the effort for a new ordinance. This brought success closer as he tirelessly lobbied and educated all the city’s leaders of this housing issue.

This goal came closer when Vice Mayor Kristin Brown proposed a new space rent ordinance.

Your community bravely continued rallying, filling the City Council meetings and giving heart-wrenching testimony of the disastrous effects coming if the rent increase stood. The 5 to nil City Council vote to adopt the space rent ordinance stands as proof of the necessity of your cause.

John led the effort to correct the City’s error in 2010 when it abandoned its mobile home residents. His passing Aug. 2 raised the question of how to continue the cause. Charlotte, your stepping up to continue to lead the residents assures a brighter future. You will be able to continue the organizing and education efforts to assure that all mobile home resident rights are honored.

On behalf of the Santa Cruz County Mobile and Manufactured Home Commission, we express our sincere appreciation

John Hakin with Charlie

for the work of John Hakin to protect the interests of mobile and manufactured home residents in the City of Capitola and his inspiration for mobile home residents everywhere. n

Exercise your well power.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 15

“Girls Cross Country” from page 8

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Division IV Kylie Brunelli, a junior at Monte Vista Christian who was 6th of 69 runners at the League race with a time of 19:49.2, finished 49th of 199 runners in 19:57.6.

Kenzie Culbertson, a freshman at Mount Madonna who was 8th in 20:03.4 at the League race, was 90th in 20:54.1. n

Asked about her experience, she said, “Overall, it was a good race. My main goal going into the race was to get that podium spot. Throughout the race, I used those hills to push and pass girls one by one. Using the girls in front of me was my main way of staying connected and motivated during the race.”

She added, “Going into the last mile I knew I had to push during the last section of rolling hills even though I was tired. I am very happy with my race and cannot wait to get back on the track in the spring.”

Division III For Aptos, sophomore Maya Schiro was 64th in 19:30.2.

Senior Rachel Hoops Evie Marheineke, competing for Mitty, is happy with her podium finish at the was 117th in 20:24.5. state championship.

“Plein Air” from page 11

CASA CARES ABOUT BEING THERE. NO MATTER WHAT.

The judging awarded special recognition, third place awards, to Tanvi Bush for “Happy Hour” and Marti Walker for “Rise Above.”

Twelve artists won honorable mention: Natalia Aandeweil, Susan Butler Graham, Chad Hunter, Tamara Keiper, Wendy Brayton, Beth Grant, Meisha Grichuhin, Najeeb Abdulrahiman, Steven McDonald, Wendy Franklin, Brian Rounds and Larissa Anaya.

Louisa Lorenz won second place at Capitola Plein Air Festival with “The View.”

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The Shadowbook restaurant hosted a reception for the visiting artists.

Abdulrahiman painted the deck at Zelda’s on the beach, showing outdoor table next to the sand and the waves.

In a new event, the Quick Draw, added this year, Najeeb Abdulrahiman won best watercolor and Best Overall.

Wendy Brayton won best oil and Artists’ Choice.

Joan Hellenthal won best pastel.

Best Overall and Artists’ Choice each awarded $100; the other prizes were $50 each. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign S anta Cruz Gives, the countywide crowdfunding holiday campaign in its eighth season, will raise funds for 65 local nonprofits until midnight Dec. 31.

It is the largest fundraising campaign in Santa Cruz County supporting local nonprofits serving all types of needs.

The online platform is live Nov. 15 at SantaCruzGives.org.

Donors can learn about each nonprofit’s mission and “Big Idea” for 2024, a project that will be funded with donations, then use a shopping cart to give.

The minimum donation is $5.

Since its founding in 2015, the sixweek campaign has raised more than $4 million — with $2.3 million in the past two campaigns.

This year ’s participating nonprofits presents a diverse slate of projects— from a welcoming network for foreign refugees to support for pregnant women in the post-Roe era. They cover the county geographically and represent a

variety of needs: Youth, seniors, animals, the environment, education, health and wellness, food and nutrition, housing and homelessness, the arts, veterans, families, LGBTQIA+, and the disabled.

The nonprofits will receive individually donated funds, matching funds provided by sponsors, and be eligible for three special awards, each with a $1,000

prize: Most Donors Overall, Most Creative Campaign, and Project of the Year.

A committee with diverse nonprofit experience vetted the applications. The number of nonprofits is limited each year so each organization has the potential to raise sufficient funds for the staff time spent on the campaign. The public exposure and the platform that nonprofits

gain through the Santa Cruz Gives campaign is beyond what any could achieve on their own.

New donors are the lifeblood of nonprofits. Participants in Santa Cruz Gives reported a majority of donors are new donors and younger donors.

“Santa Cruz Gives” page 18

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Bay Federal’s Richard Roark Wins Info Tech CIO Award ay Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Richard Roark, has been named a 2023 Info Tech CIO Award winner by Info-Tech Research Group.

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••• Central Fire Holiday Toy Drive entral Fire District is accepting donations of new or gently used toys, kids clothing and baby essentials for the local nonprofit, Hopes Closet of Santa Cruz!

Decorated collection bins are located at each fire station through Dec. 15, to help meet the needs of local children and families in need this holiday season. While the focus this season is on toys for the kids, Hope’s Closet also accepts donations of: Clothing (newborn to pre-teen), shoes, baby blankets, baby bottles, mobiles, diapers, books and batteries (especially AA and AAA). See: https:// www.hopesclosetsc.com/wish-list.html To donate cribs and strollers, going directly to the Hopes Closet donation center, 2557 Soquel Drive , Santa Cruz, which is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm and Saturday 11 am to 3 pm. Or call (831) 566-1731.

Hopes Closet assists Santa Cruz County children, ages birth to pre-teen, who are in foster care or whose families are in crisis, may be experiencing homelessness, are facing financial hardship, and/or are low income. www.hopesclosetsc.com/ Stations are in Aptos, La Selva, Capitola, Soquel and Santa Cruz. For addresses, see, www.centralfiresc.org/2181/Facilities n

Central Fire Holiday Toy Drive

“Santa Cruz Gives” from page 17 Good Times and the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County are the presenting sponsors. Additional sponsors include Community Foundation Santa Cruz County; two funds at the Community Foundation SCC: The Applewood Fund, The Joe Collins Fund; Driscoll’s, Inc.,

Comcast, and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. Other business sponsors are Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner. n ••• For more information, see the FAQ at Santa CruzGives.org. Or contact Jeanne Howard at 831-601-1691 or Jeanne@santacruzgives.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Palace Art Classroom Space Returns S ince 1949, Palace Art & Office Supply has a been a mainstay for the Santa Cruz community – supporting the creative pursuits of artists and creators of all ages and skill levels.

When the business changed hands in 2021, from one local family to another, Palace took the opportunity to lean in to its offerings of arts and craft supplies and expand on its already broad selection of gifts, puzzles, and kids crafts, toys and games.

Holiday shoppers will find Cavalinni puzzles, Artvantage wood puzzles, Voluspa candles, Uno jewelry, and locally designed Socksmith socks.

Store manager Valarie Jones has expanded the art supply lines to include DaVinci brushes, Liquitex, Golden acrylics, Daniel Smith watercolors, Daler Rowney System 3 acrylic fluids, Liquitex recycled canvas, Fredrix professional canvas and more.

Customers will find the largest selection of handmade papers, artists spray paint and POSCA markers on the Central Coast.

And the store now shares a space with Moods Boutique which carries Free People,

“Hostages” from page 7 The first hostages released on Nov. 24 included 13 Israelis, 10 Thai nationals, and one Filipino citizen. The exchange also resulted in the release of 39 Palestinian women and teenagers who were held in Israeli jails. More are expected to be released daily as the cease-fire continues.

Benjamin grew up in South Africa under the Apartheid regime. He is Jewish and was 19 when he first went to Israel.

“It was a place that drew me; I was reconnecting with who I was. I felt a sense of home,” he said.

He met Rutie in 1971. She was a member of an American-Jewish tour group working on the same kibbutz where Benjamin completed a year’s study in Israel, culminating in a sixmonth stint living and working on that same kibbutz.

Rutie appreciated her experience in Israel.

“It opened up worlds for me; I met the most fascinating people,” she said.

The couple married four years later and became members of a different kibbutz. It was where their first child was born and raised; members from more than 100 countries learned how to live and work together.

They last saw Benjamin’s cousin face to face when they left Israel. In 1983, the couple enrolled in UC Santa Cruz, which offered family housing and childcare for their youngsters, then ages 5 and 2.

After completing their studies, Benjamin became a therapist, and for 26 years, Rutie’s career was working with students’ children and families.

Pendleton, Johnny Was, Hamlin, Helsi, Pistol, Elan and more.

Now, by bringing back its classroom space and ongoing manufacturer demos, Palace is returning to its pre-pandemic prime and setting up for its next 75 years of serving its loyal customers throughout the Santa Cruz area.

Artists and instructors can now rent a classroom space inside the store, available at a low cost in three-hour blocks several times a week. For example, Toaa Dallo offers classes on Tuesday.

This, in addition to their ongoing, monthly featured artist program is another avenue that allows Palace to serve and support the local artist community.

As the staff gears up for a big anniversary celebration in February 2024, Palace would love to hear your stories about growing up in and around their store. If you have a story to share, tag @palaceartsupply on social media and use the hashtag #palace75 in your post. n ••• You can visit Palace Art & Office Supply 7 days a week at 1501-K 41st Ave., Capitola. Call (831) 464-2700 or visit www.palaceartsupply.com

Trying to Reconnect year ago, they were in Israel again and hoping to connect after many years of absence. They spent time with many of their cousins living there, but Aviva and her husband had moved, and no one knew how to find them.

They emailed the Secretary of the Kibbutz where they met, who forwarded the email to their family members still living there.

Calling Relatives fter the attack, Benjamin and Rutie called their relatives in Israel to see if they were safe. They connected with all of them except for Aviva and her husband.

Three days later, Benjamin got a call from Aviva’s twin, Fiona, confirming the terrorists had taken them hostage. She sent a video recorded by Aviva’s youngest daughter, telling what little she knew.

Benjamin and Rutie have yet to learn where their loved ones might be.

They know Aviva and her husband are missing their medications.

“The family doesn’t know how they’re dealing with that,” Keith said.

Because Israel is such a small country, “Everyone knows someone who is a hostage or knows someone who knows a hostage,” he added.

“The whole country is traumatized,” said Rutie. “We want to see everybody come back; we hold hope for all of them.” n ••• Update: On Sunday, Nov. 26, Aviva was part of the third round of the hostage exchange.

She was released and returned to Israel without Keith, who is still a hostage. Her relatives in Capitola hope to speak with her soon.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Willowbrook Park Playground Opens

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Memorial to Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller

By Jondi Gumz

or 8-year-old Megan Carpenter, who lives near Willowbrook County Park, the new playground is bigger and that makes it better.

If Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller were with us, he’d probably smile to see families enjoying the improvements at the park, a place he himself enjoyed.

A 14-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and known as a family man, he lost his life in the line of duty on June 6, 2020.

On Nov. 13, a bright sunny day, the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services hosted a ribboncutting for the new playground, which has a climbing apparatus, a rope ladder and a slide, complete with rubberized surfacing making it accessible to all children.

The new playground, which opened last week, results from collaboration by the County of Santa Cruz, County Park Friends and the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

County Park Friends raised $400,000, according to Mariah Roberts, who heads that

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

From left: Jeff Gaffney, Ethan Rumrill, Mariah Roberts, Megan Carpenter, Dan Freitas, Zach Friend. organization and emphasized the importance $100,000, and Capitola-Soquel Rotary Club, of new surfacing for access. which gave $50,000.

Big donations came from the Deputy “Rarely does a day go by that we don’t Sheriff’s Association, which contributed think of him,” said Chief Deputy Dan Freitas.

Ethan Rumrill, president of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, recalled the “dark day” when the deputy was shot to death, appreciating how “people have come together to make something beautiful.”

The project is being completed in phases, the first aspect the resurfaced courts which on Monday and Tuesday is devoted to the extremely popular sport of pickleball, the second the flagpole, third the playground, and finally, the memorial across the bridge to Sgt. Gutzwiller, which is under construction.

Boulders in the park came from the Sierra in recognition of an area he loved.

“We hope this playground will provide years of memories to Damon’s family and all families,” Santa Cruz County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said. “The renovations at Willowbrook are an example of what happens when a community comes together, and this project will serve as a fitting memorial to Damon’s service and sacrifice.”

“Willowbrook Playground” page 24

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

20 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Asking For Public Opinions R TC Seeks Input on Aesthetic Design Elements for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes, Bus-on-Shoulder, and Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 Project Hwy 1 Auxiliary Lanes Dec. 5 Open House on Aesthetics The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is hosting an open house Dec. 5 in Aptos to obtain public input on concepts for aesthetic design elements for the Highway 1 auxiliary lanes, bus-on-shoulder (State Park Drive to Freedom Boulevard) & Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 project. The open house will be 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive in Aptos.

The proposed project will include improvements to enhance safety on

Highway 1, and 1.2 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trail.

Many highway and rail trail infrastructure assets are being considered for aesthetic elements to effectively blend with the character of Aptos, such as retaining walls, sound walls, bicycle/pedestrian bridges, fencing, landscaping, and public art.

The open house will provide information about the design inspiration and illustrations for some of the aesthetic concepts, as well as an overall project update.

Community members can share their feedback on the aesthetic design elements and learn how they can stay involved in the project. n ••• See www.bit.ly/StatePark-FreedomBlvd.

Zach Friend, Robert Ratner Recognized

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anta Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Zach Friend and Housing for Health Director Robert Ratner were recognized for statewide leadership Zach Friend by the California State Association of Counties, which advocates for county programs and services throughout the state.

At CSAC’s 129th Annual Meeting Nov. 14-16 in Alameda County, Supervisor Friend and Dr. Ratner both received CSAC’s prestigious Circle of Service Award, presented to recognize county officials, employees, and other members whose service to the county family, CSAC membership and the advancement of CSAC goals is substantially above and beyond the norm.

The awards were two of just eight Circle of Service Awards this year.

Friend, who chairs CSAC’s Health and Human Services Policy Committee, was recognized for advocating on behalf of CSAC for all 58 counties via public testimony during legislative hearings on the Mental Health Services Act and other mental health initiatives, advocating for counties through media and in meetings with legislative members.

Friend, who was first elected in 2012, also advocates on behalf of the County at the federal level, including serving on the National Association of Counties board of directors.

Robert Ratner H4H Division director since 2020, Ratner was recognized for his assistance in developing CSAC’s statewide AT HOME plan, which advocates for a statewide and comprehensive plan to address homelessness effectively and equitably.

Dr. Ratner was a leader on the Homelessness Policy Solutions Group, lending his expertise to peers throughout California. He was an indispensable resource in generating and refining policy ideas for consideration within the AT HOME plan and continues his work leading the County’s Housing for Health Division as it makes progress to address homelessness in Santa Cruz County.

“Supervisor Friend and Dr. Ratner exemplify what it means to be public servants,” said Graham Knaus, CSAC’s chief executive officer. “We are proud to recognize their contributions to the mission of all counties throughout California in assuring that we are delivering the highest quality programs and services to our residents.” n

“Supervisor Friend and Dr. Ratner exemplify what it means to be public servants. We are proud to recognize their contributions to the mission of all counties throughout California in assuring that we are delivering the highest quality programs and services to our residents.”

— Graham Knaus, chief executive officer, California State Association of Counties

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 21

LOCAL SPORTS

Eli Fitchen-Young 4th at State E li Fitchen-Young, a junior at Santa Cruz High who easily won the Division II Central Coast Section cross country crown at Crystal Springs in Belmont, took fourth place of 203 runners at the CIF State Championships in Fresno on Nov. 25.

He earned the opportunity to race in the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 2.

His time was 14:49.5, a personal best.

His time at Crystal Springs was 14:55.1.

His senior teammate Kees Van der Meer was 31st in 16:06.4.

Emiliano Villareal, a Santa Cruz junior, was 99th in 17:08.7.

Alan Lee, a Santa Cruz junior, was 107th in 17:15.0.

Owen Fitchen-Young, a Santa Cruz freshman, was 127th in 17:34.6.

The Santa Cruz Cardinals finished 11th with 276.

Scotts Valley For Scotts Valley, Ben George, a senior, was 32nd in 16:07.6 Aaron Weiss, Scotts Valley sophomore, was 69th in 16:45.0.

SCCAL Cross Country Championship Boys 1) Scotts Valley, 30 2) Santa Cruz, 43 3) Aptos, 49 4) Soquel, 123 5) San Lorenzo Valley, 126 6) Harbor, 170 SCCAL Top Ten Runners 1) Eli Fitchen-Young, junior, Santa Cruz, 14:34 2) Mason Lantz, senior, Scotts Valley, 15:41 3) Ben George, senior, Scotts Valley, 15:46 4) Kees Van der Meer, senior, Santa Cruz, 15:55 5) Aaron Weiss, sophomore, Scotts Valley, 15:57 6) Evan Niles, senior, Aptos, 16:13 7) Brady Bliesner, sophomore, Aptos, 16:16 8) Eli Granados, senior, Scotts Valley, 16:27 9) Emiliano Villarreal, junior, Santa Cruz, 16:34 10) Sam Hansen, freshman, Aptos, 17:01

Mason Lantz, Scotts Valley senior, was 75th in 16:53.7.

Eli Granados, Scotts Valley senior, was 108th in 17:15.1.

Jackson Stull, Scotts Valley freshman, was 138th in 17:55.3.

The Falcons finished 12th with 319.

Division V Monte Vista Christian finished 20th with 461 in their first appearance at state.

Justin McCullick, a junior, came in 29th of 202 runners in 16:21.4.

Gavin Beckmen, a sophomore, was 98th in 17:17.1.

Bradley Orlando, a junior, was 154th in 18:06.7.

Conor Gilliam, a sophomore, was 155th in 18:06.7.

Eli Kieft, a sophomore, was 159th in 18:09.2.

Division III Aptos senior Evan Niles finished 136th in 17:00.7. n

SCCAL Girls Volleyball 2023-24 All-League

Most Valuable Player Gwen Grigsby — Harbor, Libero Frosh of the Year Ella Dueck — Aptos, Outside Hitter Coach of the Year: Matt Schutz — Harbor First Team • Maren O’Farrell —Harbor, Junior, Setter • Kayla Rhee-Pizano — Soquel, Senior, Setter

• Sabine Kemos — Harbor, Junior, Middle Blocker • Daisey Manako — Santa Cruz, Senior, Middle Blocker • Isla Johnson — Harbor, Junior, Outside Hitter • Jesse Dueck — Soquel, Junior, Outside Hitter

SCCAL Girls Flag Football 2023-24 All-League MVP: Izzy Graf — Aptos, Junior Co-Coach-of-the-Year: Denise Russo — Aptos | Chris Coulson — SLV Sportsmanship: Olivia Chen — Harbor, Senior

First Team • Gaby Dow — Aptos, QB, Junior • Claire Skinner — Scotts Valley, Junior • Chloe McGilvray — Soquel, Junior • Sonja Hulphers — Harbor, Senior • Trinity Wilson — Soquel, Junior • Brooklyn Williams — Scotts Valley, Sophomore Second Team • Olivia Chen — Harbor, QB, Senior • Dakota Johnson — Harbor, Senior • Angelique Nunez — Aptos, Senior • Nancy Cervantes — Aptos, Senior • Lilly Rittenhouse — Scotts Valley, Sophomore • Addie Somerville — Soquel, Sophomore • Ruby McAlister — Harbor, Senior Honorable Mention • Aptos: Mia Parello, Junior, Siena Black, Junior

• Summer Pederson — Santa Cruz, Senior, Libero Second Team • Antonia Wilson — Santa Cruz, Senior, Setter • Kenzie Smith — Aptos, Sophomore, Opposite • Hayden Smith — Scotts Valley, Sophomore, Middle Blocker • Natalie Monroe — Santa Cruz, Sophomore, Outside Hitter • Grace Emanuelson — Scotts Valley, Senior, Outside Hitter • Eden Fisher — Mount Madonna, Sophomore, Outside Hitter • Ali Reger — SLV, Senior, Libero

Honorable Mention Aptos: Claire Willoughby, Jr.; Peyton Westjohn, Sr. Harbor: Dakotah Johnson, Sr.; Holly Pendergraft, Sr. Mount Madonna: Cy Harris, Sr.; Emma Monclus, Sr. San Lorenzo Valley: Janie Reynolds, Sr.; Ari Ballard, Jr. Santa Cruz: Lily Pederson, Sr.; Kelaiah Wynn, Jr. Scotts Valley: Natalia Cash, Sr.; Ava Morrison, Jr. Soquel: Claire Peterson, Jr.; Lily Juarez-Sapone, Jr. n

SCCAL Girls Water Polo 2023-24 All League

Izzy Graf

• Harbor: Alejandra Davila, Freshman, Zoe Sonen, Senior • San Lorenzo Valley: Jordan Berkemeyer, Junior, Ingrid Aleman Martinez, Senior • Scotts Valley: Ashley Haver, Junior, Abi Shi, Junior • Soquel: Mia Barton, Freshman, Bella Hogan, Junior n

22 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

MVP: Leah Murphy — Soquel. Senior Coach of the Year: Ryan Chapatte — Soquel • Serena Manildi — Harbor - Junior First Team • Abigail Higgens — Harbor - Junior • K.K. Matthies — Soquel, Senior • Natalie Salerno — Soquel - Sophomore • Summer Stelck — Soquel, Senior Honorable Mention • Maddie Barwick — Soquel, Junior Aptos: Madi Knudsen, Sophomore, • Zoe Ann Watson — Santa Cruz, Senior • Fiona Carey — Aptos, Senior Bellame Breen, Sophomore • Daisy Mueller — Santa Cruz, Senior Harbor: Scout Bauman, Senior, Kate • Violet Rubin — Santa Cruz, Sophomore Brandon, Sophomore Second Team San Lorenzo Valley: Tess Reedy, Senior, • Elizabeth Penny — Soquel - Frosh Natasha Gunion, Ssenior • Amelie Stotland — Soquel - Senior Santa Cruz: Ben Sommerville, • Giulia D’Souza — Santa Cruz - Junior Sophomore, Sage Steller-Croll, Freshman • Mary Suarez-Abraham — Aptos - Frosh Soquel: Isabella Bridi-Milligan, Freshman, • Adelaide Friedley — Aptos - Sophomore Libby Forrest, Sophomore n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Tips for Easy & Joyful Giving

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By Susan True, Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation SCC

n this busy season of gratitude and giving, we want to pause and give thanks to you for your generosity and commitment to making Santa Cruz County a better place.

Together, we are taking on the challenges of today and helping build a more just, equitable, and resilient tomorrow.

You may feel like we do, grateful to be a part of this community and wanting to give back. We can help make your year-end giving meaningful, joyful, and easy.

We offer funds to care for the future as well as guidance to help give to today’s needs. We’ve got over 40 years of expertise on community issues, trusted knowledge of local nonprofits, and strategic and tax-smart ways to help you meet your charitable and financial goals this year.

Please be in touch with our team to discuss critical needs that you can help address through grants from your donoradvised fund. Or reach out to learn more about how to donate assets—from cash to appreciated securities and property—so you can give with confidence this holiday season.

1. Consider a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds.

If you have stocks or other publicly traded securities that are worth more than what you paid for them, consider using these for your charitable giving this year.

Appreciated stock and mutual funds can offer a more cost-efficient deduction, based on current fair market value, not your cost basis.

The Foundation can accept marketable securities of any kind. We recommend initiating year-end mutual fund gifts by Nov. 1 and stock gifts by Dec. 20.

2. Bunch multiple years’ gifts into a Donor-Advised Fund.

With the increased standard deduction ($13,850 for individuals, $27,700 for couples for 2023), it may be difficult for some people to receive a tax benefit from charitable giving every year.

One solution?

Bunch multiple years worth of donations into a gift to a Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation. You’ll get the full tax deduction now, while spreading out grants to your favorite charities over time, and benefiting from the larger standard deduction in those later years.

We can set up a Donor-Advised Fund for you in one meeting.

3. Recycle your dollars for good, with a gift to our revolving loan fund for nonprofits.

Our Community Investment Revolving Fund helps nonprofits solve social challenges on key issues in our community like housing, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship by providing them with lowinterest loans.

When paid back, these local dollars get recycled to fund new initiatives into the future. Join us and other donors in making these loans possible.

4. Use your required IRA distribution for giving, skip the taxes.

If you are age 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your traditional Individual Retirement Account directly to a charity.

If you are 73 or older, the transfer counts towards your Required Minimum Distribution and allows you to avoid paying income tax on the distribution, while supporting your favorite charity or any fund at the Community Foundation that is not a Donor-Advised Fund.

These tax-free rollovers can benefit any public charity, you may direct qualified charitable distributions to any of our nondonor-advised funds, or we can help you set up a new fund that benefits an interest area of your choice, a specific nonprofit, or greatest needs grantmaking.

This year we recommend using your RMD to support the Greatest Needs Fund, Friends of the Foundation Fund, Rise Together Fund for Racial Equity, or the Santa Cruz County Scholarship Endowment Fund.

5. Give in someone’s honor.

Donate in lieu of a holiday gift. Whether it’s to your own Donor-Advised Fund or one of our other funds, be sure your gift is postmarked or submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31.

6. Let the Community Foundation do the legwork.

Working with the Community Foundation gives you access to our extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit community and the broad charitable needs of our region—so you can stay informed about the organizations you support and the effect your giving will have on the future of our community.

We’re happy to discuss any options for accomplishing your charitable giving. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Hosts Holiday Food Drive Kickoff

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Second Harvest Food Bank’s Goal: 4.5 Million Meals

Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz

n Nov. 3, Cabrillo College in Aptos hosted the kickoff of the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive, which aims to raise enough money to provide 4.5 million meals.

The location was quite appropriate as Cabrillo College president Matt Wetstein said 20% of students surveyed in October said they had been homeless in the past year and two-thirds reported skipping meals and struggling to find food for themselves and their family.

Erica Padilla-Chavez, who took over as Second Harvest CEO 18 months ago from Willy Elliott-McCrea, thanked her team and pointed out the new logo on the såemi tractor-trailer that served as a backdrop for the kickoff.

The logo features green to represent the agricultural community and the forest, blue to represent precious water resources, and an apple in hand, showing the “commitment to nourishing our community,” Padilla-Chavez said.

Last year’s goal was 5 million meals,

and she had expected a decline in food insecurity with the end of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency. But many are in need of food: 65,000 people seeking help, including 20,000 children.

“We are seeing longer lines at all of our distribution sites,” she said.

But she remained upbeat.

“We are going to do this together,” she said, introducing Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, and Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County superintendent of schools.

True pointed out moms face the rising cost of food due to inflation, but Second Harvest Food Bank can provide three healthy meals for every dollar.

Sabbah said he was excited about youth

24 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

participating in the campaign.

Dr. Nan Mickiewicz, president of Dominican Hospital, a major sponsor, said, “We see the effects of food insecurity … poor nutrition and poor health.”

The hospital raised 124,000 meals last year and this year’s cochairs, Kyle Middleton and Eric Conrad, have a goal to raise 150,000 — “Challenge accepted,” she said.

Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker, a Second Harvest board member, said the need skyrocketed in the past three years of the pandemic.

He offered a friendly wager to his successor in Watsonville, City Manager Rene Mendez, saying if Watsonville, population 51,500, raised more than Santa Cruz, population 61,800, then he, Huffaker, would do a polar plunge off the Santa Cruz Wharf into the ocean.

“How could I say no?” responded Mendez, adding, “I’m going to need a lot of heavy lifting to beat Santa Cruz.”

Chris Weiler, race director for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, said as long as Santa Cruz supports the Turkey Trot, “we are going to keep supporting you.”

The foundation has given the food bank between $60,000 and $90,000 a year from this 5K and 10K event.

Kristen Brown, Capitola City Council member and vice president government relations for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said she will run the Turkey Trot “to support our food bank.”

Also running: Erica Padilla-Chavez and her family.

To sign up, go to https://www.svturkeytrot.com/ Pastor Rene Schlaepfer of Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, which raised more than 1 million meals last year, explained how to run a successful holiday drive.

Set a goal, show the need, explain who is helped, seniors, working single moms, families with one parent in prison and immigrant families. And have a countdown to build excitement.

One success story from the past: A young boy by the name of Travis brought paper kites to sell and collected names with a promise to make paper kites for those folks. He raised $2,000 — he’s now in college, Pastor Rene said.

New technology — such as a QR code for your team — to deliver donations swiftly can help.

In Live Oak, the moms in the Cradle to Career initiative not only support food distribution but also started a Zumba exercise group and wanted to show their moves.

Ana Rosa, Eva Flores, Maria Cabrera and Lidia Santillan got some folks in the audience — and Erica Padilla-Chavez--to start dancing to the lively Latin music.

Finally David Kao, chief operating officer of the Santa Cruz Warriors, said the team raised 162,000 meals in the last three years by scoring baskets.

This is called Swishes for Dishes.

For every point made, the Santa Cruz Warriors will give 10 meals — and with this year’s roster, Cao hopes to donate 50,000 meals. n ••• To donate to Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food and Fund Drive, visit thefoodbank. org.

“Willowbrook Playground” from page 20

“Step-by-step, we are getting closer to fulfilling the promise to reimagine Willowbrook Park in Damon’s honor.”

He added, “These improvements provide for a safer, more accessible play area for our community and ensure that future generations of kids visiting the park can create the joyful memories that playgrounds uniquely bring.”

Indeed, after the ribbon-cutting, Jameson, 1, began exploring the playground’s steering wheel with his 2-year-old pal, Lucy.

The memorial area will include donor bricks and engraved pavers, a reflection bench seating area and new landscape plantings. n ••• For more information on the project, see www.countyparkfriends.org/willowbrook.html.

Supervisor Zach Friend, a frequent visitor to the park with his son, said,

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Jameson, 1, at left, plays with friend Lucy, 2.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

How do We Determine the Value of Water?

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

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enjamin Franklin once said, “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”

What is the value of water in our community? It’s not something many of us spend much time thinking about, but it is a question worth asking. Water is a primal element that we cannot live without.

And yet, we often take water for granted and give little thought to its value relative to other essentials of life, such as housing, food, and energy. We assume that safe and clean water will appear when we turn on the tap.

But delivering water from the local groundwater basin to your tap is not a simple — or inexpensive — undertaking. While drinking water wells in our community won’t go dry, they are threatened by seawater contamination, which is impacting our Mid-County region’s only source of water.

Numerous steps are required to bring water safely and reliably into local homes and businesses, including the operation and maintenance of infrastructure,

water quality testing and regulatory compliance, protecting our groundwater basin from seawater intrusion, and water-use efficiency, to name a few.

All of these steps are critical to the Soquel Creek Water District’s commitment to ensure that we have a reliable and sustainable water source for the future.

How the District Evaluates and Sets Water Rates oquel Creek Water District is a not-forprofit local government special district that relies on water sales and related fees for 100% of its revenue. We are dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water to meet our community’s present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible manner.

The District is currently conducting a water rates study, which is a public process led by an independent, third-party financial expert and includes an in-depth look at the District’s current revenues, operation and maintenance costs, capital investment plan,

S

and reserves (essentially the District’s savings account). The study also makes recommendations for any rate adjustments needed for review and consideration by the District’s Board of Directors.

We created an Ad Hoc Water Rates Advisory Committee to make this process more inclusive. Comprising 10 District customers and two Board Members who are all ratepayers, this committee has provided valuable input and shared their questions, ideas, and oversight to help shape their recommendations.

We invite our community to learn more

about our rate study process, how rates are determined, and how adjustments may impact individual water bills. Visit the District’s website at www.soquelcreekwater. org/ratestudy.

“Value of Water” page 26

The 1980s

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Capitola: Do You Have Video?

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he Capitola Police Department is investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8:30 p.m. on Crossroads Loop, a private road off of the 800 block of Bay Avenue.

Debra Towne, 70 who lived blocks away, was struck and killed by an SUV. Detectives are asking that anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has video camera footage in the area of Hill Street and Crossroads Loop to contact police at (831) 475-4242.

Owners of Tesla vehicles with Sentry Mode enabled, or any drivers who have active dash cameras, that were in or around the area are encouraged to call. You may have captured useful video, police said.

The woman’s daughter who lives

in the Santa Cruz Gardens area posted on NextDoor, asking neighbors to come forward with any video footage of the area.

“Please help us find who took our mom,” she wrote.

Multiple private donors have pledged $20,000 as a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible.

Police Chief Andrew Dally hosted a meeting at 4 p.m. Nov. 29 to talk about safety improvement for the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection.

The Capitola city newsletter reported one situation and shared this: “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and community, as we grieve and process these emotions together.” n

ACROSS

1. *”Heaven’s on Fire” band 5. *Setting of “Cheers” TV show 8. Derive 13. “I’m ____ you!”

14. Gas station brand 15. Affirmatives 16. Image in Orthodox Church 17. *Robert Wagner or Stephanie Powers, on TV 18. *Vote for H.W. Bush, e.g.

19. *Weird Al’s last name 21. Forum, pl.

22. Dog-____ book 23. Clingy plant

24. Spiky succulent 56. Recipient of money 27. Accumulates (2 57. *Umberto Eco’s “The words) ____ of the Rose” 31. Turkish military leader 58. Oration station 32. Consequence 60. Some tournaments 35. *Wintour of Vogue 61. In the thick of 36. Zoroaster follower 62. Place, in French 38. E in B.C.E. 63. Not at all good 39. #53 Down, third 64. Bitty person singular 65. Other than what is 40. Do like exhaust pipe DOWN 41. Hertz’ offering 1. Ornamental pond 43. Extra cost dweller 44. Expert, in U.K. (2 2. Deep black words) 46. *Ricky Martin’s boy 3. Greek promenade 4. Shakespeare’s band output 48. Arrival time acronym 5. * Lou Reed’s “Home 49. *Piano player Lee of the ____” Curreri on “Fame” 6. Like thick smoke 51. *Baltimore player 53. *Mikhail Gorbachev’s 7. Campus military org.

8. Attractive to look at policy

9. *”Back to the Future” car 10. One on drugs 11. Cecum, pl.

12. Is, in Paris 14. “A horse is ____ ____, of course, of course” 20. Resin-producing tree 23. Took the bait 24. *Christopher Reeve’s sartorial style in “Superman II” 25. Old World lizard 26. Indigenous person from Suriname or Guyana 27. Surveyor’s map 28. Mix-up 29. Not married 30. Promenade in Spain 33. Tournament ranking 34. Remains container

37. *Washington’s volcano Mount ____ ____ 39. *Close of “The Big Chill” 41. Genetic initials 42. Entertained 45. Affirm to be true 47. Cavatappi or udon, sing.

49. Scapegoat’s due 50. Fiber crop variety 51. Head of family 52. Deed hearing 53. Chew on 54. Schooner canvas 55. *TV’s “Family ____” 56. Sound of explosion 59. *”Peggy ____ Got Married” © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 25

Gratitude — Radiance of Solace for a World in Crisis Esoteric Astrology • December 2023 • By Risa D’Angeles

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he season of Goodwill and Gratitude each year begins at Thanksgiving.

And it continues through December and onto January 6 at Epiphany.

The month of December is mostly under the light of Sagittarius. Then for the last eight days, after Winter Solstice, the Sun is in Capricorn.

Under the sign of Sagittarius, ruled by benevolent Jupiter, humanity is reminded to bring forth goodwill, kindness, gratitude and generosity.

The weeks from Thanksgiving to Epiphany (Jan. 6) are weeks of sharing with family and friends. We are more charitable, kind and loving. We remember when gathering with family members, that everyone is a character, playing their part and doing their best.

Every year there is some sort of movement to downplay the season’s festivities. In the last month of our year, when the festivals of light (Advent, Hanukkah, Solstice and Christmas) are celebrated, the most important theme is gratitude. It’s a time set aside each year to give thanks for the past year’s “harvest of blessings.”

We are reminded in the season to appreciate, to be glad, pleased, grateful, happy and content. It’s a time to praise and bless and for graciousness, too. All of these are Jupiter’s virtues. It is also a time to recognize what we are grateful ARIES

It’s most important to find times for reflection and contemplation because there’s such an onrush of activity, ideas and ideals flowing here, there, everywhere in this season. There’s a desire to travel, discovering new realities important to your well-being.

Without pausing a bit, they will be missed. It’s also good to review what’s of value while observing what’s occurring in the world. A question — how are you aiding in building the new society and what do you envision for the future?

TAURUS

You continue to tend to the care and well-being of others. Sometimes you remember to care for yourself. You must remember that you are a valuable resource.

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

GEMINI

It’s most important to reflect upon what your relationships are based upon. Include all relationships, but begin with your most close and intimate one(s).

Consider what’s taken for granted, what’s understood and not understood, and what allows you to be most truthful. Is there talk about moving, relocating and rethinking resources? A new path comes forth and a new message within the relationship. Listen with patience, perseverance, poise and serenity. Poise allows creation to unfold.

for. Gratitude creates well-being and happiness. Gratitude releases us into a state of freedom and joy.

The Wisdom teachings refer to Gratitude as a potent releasing agent. It is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul. Gratitude is scientific in nature.

It salvages humanity, brings forth deep joy, lifts others up, and creates a steadfast orientation toward the Light of Life itself.

Gratitude creates merit and is a virtue leading to forgiveness. Gratitude liberates us from karma and sets us free.

The autumn season with its many festivals of Light invites us to embark on a journey of Gratitude together. When we offer Gratitude, there is a “radiance of solace, kindness and love that flows into the sorrow and suffering of the world.”

Here again is the Tibetan’s quote on Gratitude.

“Gratitude, a scientific and occult releasing agent, is a service. Gratitude releases us from the past and lays open for us our future path leading to the new culture and civilization, the rising light of Aquarius, the Age of Friendship and Equality. The Hierarchy (inner world government) lays much emphasis upon gratitude.”

May we light our advent candles, wishing each of us a Happy Hanukkah and a merry and joyful Christmas time. Then we are prepared for the new year of 2024. With love, Risa n

LEO

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

VIRGO

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

SAGITTARIUS

Not wanting to waste a moment of life’s energy or time, you have an opportunity now, to redefine yourself, your self-identity, creativity and life purpose.

You’re able to change your mind about who you (think you) are and how you see yourself.

Be aware that your presence is very impactful to those around you. Issues and decisions, you thought were concluded reappear for re-evaluation and reassessment. New rhythms, tempos and patterns are appearing. Just let the music play.

This is Jupiter in Taurus (retrograde) resting in your heart.

CAPRICORN

You may feel you’re waiting in the wings for new realities to appear. It’s like planning a winter garden — arugula, kales, mustards, onions, wintergreens, thyme, oregano, parsley — envisioning spring for the first green shoots to appear. Everything on inner levels is being restructured. You feel this but it hasn’t manifested in your outer world. Everything appears in right timing.

Be as quiet as needed to allow the roots, leaves, flowers and blooms of a new reality to anchor, grow, become strong. Later they will reshape your life with a new level of beauty.

LIBRA

It’s good to be in touch with siblings, communicating with them, sharing news, family gossip, hopes, wishes, dreams, plans and parties. Participate with family in ways that everyone feels seen, recognized and of value. Do not permit anything (ideas, sorrows, pain, unforgivenesses, misunderstandings, etc.) from the past to obscure your connections. Allow nothing to be misconstrued.

Communicate and make contact. This releases Love. Your family loves you with all their hearts and souls.

AQUARIUS

In the weeks and months to come you discover your true friends, what groups support your endeavors and whom you can turn to for nurturance, needs and simple friendship. So many in humanity are mis-informed. Become a researcher (not a reactor) so you can provide humanity with true information.

Then you become part of educating humanity. Assess your life’s journey.so far. When traveling, for safety, follow all rules of the road. Whatever is occurring and wherever that is in your physical world is where you are needed.

SCORPIO

The entire world’s in a state of crisis and reorientation, a CANCER condition you know well, for you experience Your idea of a schedule quickly dissipates and you find yourself reorientation continually. The entire world is in with no routines or plans or even the ability to a Scorpio state, a burning ground of transfortake control of daily events. Anything you’ve mation, testing, of dying and regenerating, so thought of doing simply shifts into states of that the new era can come forth. Your importance in this great chaos. Chaos calls for our creativity and seeking shift is the fact that your knowledge, dedications, curiosities the next level of harmony. However, the harmony may not and research abilities become the core information source for manifest for a while. The best thing to do is to read, study and in humanity and the new culture and civilization. What are your between prepare foods that you love for others. They will receive it present tasks? What are you using your resources for? What as manna (goodness, angel food) from the heavens. You are that. changes are you experiencing?

•••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com

26 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

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

The Hierarchy looks on, offering guidance, direction and impressions.

“Value of Water” from page 25 Protecting the Groundwater Basin roundwater is the only source of water for the District and the groundwater basin is critically over-drafted and becoming contaminated with seawater intrusion.

To protect the groundwater basin, the District developed a Community Water Plan that outlines three primary solutions: water conservation, groundwater management, and new water supplies. Efficient water-use and groundwater management are ongoing efforts.

A new supply will be provided by the Pure Water Soquel project that will replenish the groundwater basin and prevent further seawater intrusion using highly treated and purified wastewater, which otherwise would be discharged into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Pure Water Soquel is currently under construction with completion expected in 2024.

A 2020 survey poll showed that 89% of the District’s customers supported “taking strong action now to address the issues of over-drafting and seawater contamination of the local groundwater,” and 73% were “comfortable with Pure Water Soquel.”

An economic study of the Pure Water Soquel Project showed a $903 million economic benefit to the community in housing, business, and environmental impacts. The study also showed that without the project, water could cost up to three times as much for customers despite using less.

As we navigate the intricate web of determining the value of water, the District stands as a guardian of this indispensable resource, striving to ensure a sustainable future for our community. The current exploration into water rates is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a reflection of the District’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative to maintain a safe, high-quality, and reliable water supply. n

G

As we navigate the intricate web of determining the value of water, the District stands as a guardian of this indispensable resource, striving to ensure a sustainable future for our community.

The current exploration into water rates is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a reflection of the District’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative to maintain a safe, high-quality, and reliable water supply.

COMMUNITY NEWS

World War II Hero: Finally The Story is Told S econd Lt. Philip Larimore’s service in World War II was punctuated by remarkable acts of bravery on the Southern Front of the European Theater of Operations but for years he kept his exploits to himself.

Larimore’s son Walt Larimore spent 16 years researching his father’s accomplishments before, during and after World War II, and he shares his discoveries in the book, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse.

“After my father passed away, we found over 450 of his letters. We found his exploits documented in a number of history books and archives,” Walt Larimore explained.

“And after over 16 years of research, all that material coalesced into an amazing, almost unbelievable story about a forgotten teenage hero who fought on the Forgotten Front in Europe.”

The youngest graduate of the Army’s Officer Candidate School and one of the most decorated front-line junior officers in the war, Philip Larimore commanded a front-line platoon, shot snipers out of trees from 100 yards away, flew behind enemy lines into Czechoslovakia late in the war, completed a clandestine mission to save the Lipizzaner horses from Hitler ’s clutches and became one of the youngest Company Commanders in the war.

Capt. Larimore with the horse he loved

After VE-Day, he developed a friendship with President Harry Truman and played bridge with General Ike Eisenhower, who succeeded Truman as president.

A rambunctious adolescent, Philip Larimore was enrolled in the Gulf Coast Military Academy, where he graduated and then went to Officer Candidate School in 1941.

During his military service in World War II, his bravery did not go unnoticed.

He saw 413 days of front-line combat and was awarded three Purple Hearts, including one for losing his right leg in a desperate battle in the last month of the war.

“He never talked about those medals; he never talked about those battles,” his son Walt said. “And a lot of Walt Larimore the men were like that.

They fought for freedom; they fought for liberty. But when they came home, they wanted to live life.”

Larimore lost his right leg below the knee and used a prosthetic. He battled the U.S. War Department over its policy of not allowing amputee officers to continue in the Army.

The final courtroom testimony, uncovered in the U.S. National Archives, reads like the chilling trial scene between the characters played by Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in the movie, A Few Good Men. The book concludes with Philip Larimore’s connection with a war horse that he saved — and that saved him.

He eventually created a career at Louisiana State University, specializing in cartography – mapmaking – and he married and had four sons.

Since publication, At First Light has been awarded a Silver Medal by the Military Writers Society of America, was named a finalist by the International Page Turner Awards, was featured in the Louisiana Book Festival and led to the 2023 induction of Phil Larimore into the 3rd Infantry Division’s Hall of Fame.

As a result of the book, Larimore has been inducted into the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division Hall of Fame (alongside Generals Marshall, Eisenhower, and Ridgeway) and has been nominated for the U.S. Army’s Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.

Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.) four-star general, former Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and former Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan wrote: “This story is extraordinary: an almost forgotten hero, tough combat, tragic sacrifice, gripping

aftermath, a marvelous horse, and an astonishing ending. Don’t miss reading this remarkable book.”

Walt Larimore is an internationally recognized family physician, an awardwinning medical journalist, and a bestselling author of more than 40 books.

He traveled to a dozen archives and military installations in eight U.S. states, England, France and Italy, and interviewed many soldiers (and their families) to research, document and write this epic narrative about his father and the countless men and women who fought on “the forgotten front” in southern Europe in World War II. n ••• For information, visit https://www.drwalt. com (click on the “At First Light” tab).

Philip Larimore commanded a front-line platoon, shot snipers out of trees from 100 yards away, flew behind enemy lines into Czechoslovakia late in the war, completed a clandestine mission to save the Lipizzaner horses from Hitler’s clutches and became one of the youngest Company Commanders in the war.

Capt. Philip Larimore, 1947

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by December 18

and Jenny Kurzweil of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to produce the event.

The theme is meant to suggest “an immense scale of collaboration,” Alba said. “How do we rise together? How do we build effective and lasting collaborations?”

The theme was inspired by the Rise Together coalition, a Community Foundation initiative that brings together local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color leaders to advance racial equity. Rise Together members are volunteering to help organize the event, particularly lunchtime networking.

To apply to be a speaker, volunteer, or sponsor, see tedxsantacruz.org. Speaker applications are due Dec. 3.

HEBREW HIGH MENORAH LIGHTING Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Temple Beth El Online Event.

Join Hebrew High on Zoom for Chanukah songs and candle lighting.

Learn more at https://www.tbeaptos.org/event/joinhebrew-high-on-zoom-for-menorah-lighting.html SENIOR CONNECTIONS BAKING CLASS Thursday, Dec. 14 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERTS Making sweet and savory knishes with Certified Master FREE PARKING IN CAPITOLA VILLAGE BLM RECRUITING FIREFIGHTERS The Watsonville Community Band presents 3 winter concerts: Baker Stephany Buswell Thanksgiving thru Christmas HOLIDAY SHOPPING Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m., The Bureau of Land Management is hosting recruiting Capitola Village offers free parking for shoppers from Nov. Find all your Chanukah needs at Temple Beth El through Scotts Valley Performing Arts events Dec. 1-3 in Riverside and Feb. 2-4 in Sacra23 through Dec. 25.

Dec. 15.

Center, Kings Village Road, Scotts mento to quickly fill 100+ vital wildland firefighter Enjoy! https://www.tbeaptos.org/chanukah Valley. and dispatch positions in California for the 2024 fire Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., season.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES CLAM CHOWDER COOKOFF COMING Mello Center, 250 E Beach St., Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a Watsonville (Opened by the Watsonville Community The 43rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, will be Saturday Dec. 1-3: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pacific Southwest national blood shortage and asks the public to book Youth Band) and Sunday, Feb 24 and 25, at the Santa Cruz Beach Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside. a time to give as soon as Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 Boardwalk.

Feb. 2-4: Friday, 12 pm - 4 pm; Saturday. 8 am to possible. Donors of all blood High St., Santa Cruz.

Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by 4 pm; Sunday 8 am to 2 pm. at Doubletree by Hilton types are urgently needed, professional chefs on Sunday.

Hotel, 2001 Point W Way, Sacramento. especially type O and those giving platelets.

Order your tasting kits and merch at www.cityofsantacruz.

Staff will be on-site to review resumes, conduct COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS To make a donation appointment, download the Red com/chowdermerch. Tasting kits are $15 and include 6 interviews and background checks and, at the 1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call tasting tickets, a bowl, a spoon, a napkin, and a ballot to vote Sacramento event, potentially make job offers.

The remaining County Fair Board meeting date in 2023 is 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for your favor-ite Boston and Manhattan Chowders!

“California’s need to build our wildland firefighter Tuesday Dec. 5. Meetings also take place on Zoom.

Aptos Interested in competing in the cook-off? Register your workforce is increasing and the Bureau of Land For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

Dec. 6: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cabrillo College Cafeteria, 6500 team by Feb. 19 at https://beachboardwalk.com/ClamManagement is looking to expedite the hiring Soquel Drive Chowder-Cook-Off/. process,” said State Fire Management Officer Peter Dec. 9: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo CHANUKAH CELEBRATIONS WITH TEMPLE BETH EL Event details are at www.cityofsantacruz.com/chowder or call Kelly.

College Drive COMMUNITY MENORAH LIGHTING 420-5273.

See www.firejobs.doi.gov/crews for available jobs.

Ben Lomond Thursday, Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m., Town Clock, Downtown Santa Cruz A Webinar with tips for applicants will be held Jan. 25.

Dec. 15: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Join families and friends of all ages to sing and light giant RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY Register at www.blm.gov/california-firehire Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Love Creek Road menorah at the Santa Cruz Town The Salvation Army has kicked off its 2023 Red Kettle Salaries, application instructions and deadCapitola Clock. holiday drive. lines, will be at www.usajobs.gov/Search/ Dec. 16: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Chanukah crafts for the kids. No Their bell-ringing, Christmas spirit-emoting volunteers Results?l=California&a=IN05&p=1 Bay Ave. need to RSVP can be found outside most large supermarkets in shopping Applicants can visit www.blm.gov/california-firehire Santa Cruz More information at https:// centers throughout the county.

Dec. 7: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of www.tbeaptos.org/event/ Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St. Santa Cruz. chanukah-menorah-lighting-atONGOING EVENTS TEDX SANTA CRUZ SEEKS SPEAKERS the-town-clock1.html Organizers are calling for speakers, volunteers, and Ongoing thru December 23 CURIOUS NARRATIVES: IMAGINED MEMORIES CHANUKAH EXTRAVAGANZA sponsors for the next TEDxSantaCruz: Rising Together, Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 6, 2024, Santa Cruz Art League, 526 THE GIFT OF ART Friday, Dec. 8, 5:45 p.m., Temple Beth slated for Saturday, April 13, at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Open Noon-5 p.m., Thurs. thru Sun., 9341 Mill St, Ben Lomond Broadway, Santa Cruz El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos Theater. The call is open to everyone who lives or works in The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center will host “The Gift The Santa Cruz Art League will present Curious Narratives Festive latke dinner followed by Rock of Ages Chanukah Santa Cruz County.

— Imagined Memories, featuring creations by Santa Cruz service. Partly mystical, mostly magical, always musical. of Art,” a holiday exhibit through Dec. 23 at 9341 Mill St., “Santa Cruz County has been through so much County artists Wendy Aikin of Aptos, Jean Sheckler Beebe Bring your menorah!

Ben Lomond. There will be framed paintings, crafty wall of Aptos and Judy Stabile of Watsonville. The exhibit is on hangings, functional ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, cards, SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS JEWISH HERITAGE GAME since we held our last TEDxSC event in 2019 – the display from Nov. 17 through Jan. 6.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m. Kaiser Permanente Arena, Santa Cruz. COVID pandemic, CZU fires, and back-to-back storms glass, and woodwork. and floods,” said event co-producer Nada Miljkovic, This exhibition is an expansion of Aikin’s installation The Watch the game with your TBE friends.

Events for this exhibit: UC Santa Cruz program manager of the Center for Curator’s Office which was part of The Museum of Curious Learn more at https://www.tbeaptos.org/event/santaFirst Friday Open House: Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 – 7 pm Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development. “Our Perceptions exhibition at Pajaro Valley Arts in 2018. Aikin cruz-warriors-jewish-heritage-game.html Holiday Sale: Saturday, Dec. 9, noon – 5 pm community has literally risen together, disaster after Information: (831) 336-3513 created a life-size cabinet of curiosities of an imaginary CHANUKAH STORY HOUR disaster, to meet each challenge.” museum curator.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Consuelo Alba, co-founder and executive director of Aikin, Beebe and Stabile are expanding on their interpre- Listen to Chanukah stories read out loud.

Third Thursdays the Watsonville Film Festival, is working with Miljkovic tations of the characters in Aikin’s assemblages. Through SIP AND STROLL sculpture, collage, assemblage, painting, found objects 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old and fiber arts, the artists are creating environments for SOQUEL INDIGENOUS HISTORY NIGHT Dominion Court, Aptos their imagined lives.

Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for Sunday December 3 a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell CERT BASIC IN-PERSON CLASS 6-7:30 p.m. Subud Center, 3800 Old San Jose Road, Soquel their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery This class is a free in-person class. The class will 3 Sister 3 Corners Community presents Martin Rizzo-Martinez speaking at will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. consist of 4 evening classes and one weekend day Subud Center about his extensive research of the local indigenous peoples and Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strollwhich combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on skills the many tribal bands. tickets-668910307737 practice.

He is a Soquel resident, former State Park historian and author of “We are Not Topics covered: Disaster Preparedness, CERT Animals.” See https://rizzomartinez.com/ Second Friday Each Month Organization, Disaster Medical Operations, Disaster It was just confirmed within the last 10 years that Año Nuevo was the original NEW BRIDGE GROUP Psychology, Fire Safety and Utility Controls, Light contact point of the Spanish conquistadors and the native peoples here. This 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Search and Rescue, and CERT and Terrorism. means the history of our region was systematically wiped out, starting here.

Come for bridge on the second Friday of each month Martin Rizzo-Martinez Four Tuesdays: Jan 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6 from 6 to Another new discovery: Inland from Año Nuevo is the traditional tribal meeting from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.

9:30 pm at Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market St., place called Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve. See https://www.coastsidestateparks.org/articles/ First meeting was Oct. 13. Bette Harken, Master Santa Cruz. quiroste-valley Bridge player, will give an introduction for beginners.

One Saturday: Feb. 10 from 9 am to 4 pm, at Central Suggested donation $10. Questions? Email 3sisters3corners@gmail.com Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

Fire Station, 930 17th Ave, Santa Cruz/Live Oak. ALL class sessions are required.

COVID precautions used during the class:https://santacruzcountycert.org/cert-covid-19-policy/ Click Submit and Sign Up after selection is made.

Note* The sign-up page will only list the January 16th date, but you will be registered for the entire series of classes.

You will receive a confirmation email if sign-up was done properly.

28 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR eighth grader Jacqui Overson, who plays Jovi, Buddy’s love interest.

“My character is Walter Hobbs and he seems scarred from his past,” said eighth grader Aiden Powers. “His ex-wife died and now he has a son and new wife, and only cares about his job… he learns how to embrace family.”

Tickets at mms-elfthemusical.brownpapertickets. com are $15; for adults; $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved.

Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features, “Elf The Musical Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

DATED EVENTS Friday December 1

SOQUEL VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING 6-8 p.m., Soquel Village, 4900 Soquel Dr. (at Main St.) Get ready to deck the halls and light up Soquel Village at the first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Join the festive fun with caroling, early evening shopping and scrumptious snacks.

Sponsored by: The Vintage Pick & Art Studio, Congregational Church of Soquel, The Multi Shoppe, Salvage Hut, Center Street Antiques, After Effects and Traders Emporium Antiques.

Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/659107156206816/? ref=newsfeed

Saturday December 2 SPARKLY SENIOR WINTER SOCIAL 2- 4 p.m., London Nelson Center, 301 Center St, Santa Cruz Kick off the holiday season with a Sparkly Senior Winter Social at the London Nelson Center.

Attendees must be 60 years of age or older.

Wear whatever makes you feel sparkly! (Sparkles encouraged) Winter crafts, light refreshments, live music from the Moondance Band. Bring your favorite winter dessert to share.

There is a suggested $10 donation at the door.

Sunday December 10

ST. JOHN’S HELPFUL SHOP TURNS 70

Sunday December 3

CLASSICAL CONCERT 4 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz Danny Alvarez, broker associate, David Lyng Real Estate, and Michael Tierra present violinist Oliver Neubauer and pianist Zhu Wang in the Distinguished Artists Concert Series at Peace United Church.

The program includes performances of Beethoven Sonata No. 1, Enesco Sonata No. 3, Grieg Sonata No. 3, and works by Tchaikovsky and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson.

Tickets are $40 at: www.distinguishedartists.org

WINTER FIESTA & MARKET 1:30 p.m., 125 Canterbury Drive, Aptos 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., El Pájaro CDC’s Commercial Kitchen A charity shop run by the community members of St John’s Episcopal Church in Aptos will celebrate 70 years of Wednesday December 13 Incubator, 413 E. Riverside Drive, Watsonville service on Dec. 3. and Friday December 15 Originally located in Capitola Village until the building owner changed, the shop moved to Seacliff five years ago.

El Pájaro CDC presents the Winter Fiesta at the Kitchen, SOUQEL HIGH WINTER CHORAL CONCERTS Each year St John’s awards different nonprofits and charities their earnings from the shop. For a grant, apply a two-part event El Pájaro CDC’s commercial kitchen Times below, Soquel High School Multipurpose Room, 401 online or at the store at 246-A Center Ave. in Seacliff. incubator.

Old San Jose Road.

At 1:30 p.m. Dec. 3, the shop will provide shoppers with snacks and refreshments to celebrate 70 years. Hours First is the kitchen’s 10th Anniversary Brunch, honoring Soquel High Music presents their Winter Choral Concert. are noon to 4 p.m. the achievements of the Kitchen Incubator program. Guests Wednesday’s performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. will enjoy a delicious brunch while gaining a glimpse of Phone: 831-708-4238. p.m.; Friday’s take place at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 our co-packing facility. Guests will get early access to the Photo: Volunteers Rebecca Yant and Jackie Davis p.m.

Winter Market event before it opens to the public.

All concerts will be in the school’s Multipurpose Room.

Keynote speaker will be Tara Lynn Gray, the Director women, will host a mixer for the Capitola-Soquel of the Office of the Small Business Advocate at the Saturday December 2 Thursday December 14 chamber.

California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Sunday December 3 Enjoy beverages, light appetizers, shopping and Development (GO-Biz). Tickets are: $100 per person at: APTOS CHAMBER LUNCH ART IN THE CELLARS raffle prizes, while connecting with business owners, www.elpajarocdc.org 11:30-1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members.

••• “Prepare for Winter Storms” is the topic for the Aptos The Winter Market, which is free, open to the public from Bargetto Winery hosts the 31st annual Art in the Cellars, Networking + sipping + shopping.

Chamber of Commerce luncheon, taking place at an annual holiday festival in the historic cellars featuring https://www.theclosetshoppersantacruz.com noon to 5 pm, offers a showcase for 20 Kitchen Incubator Seascape Golf Club. artwork and goodies from 30+ vendors Admission free. entrepreneurs, local food trucks and local vendors.

Matt Machado, who heads county Public Works, will speak.

CHAMBER MIXER Enjoy wine tasting with the purchase of a $20 festival This is the only occasion where you can meet the Reservations are required. Price: $35 per person. Call 831-6885-7 p.m., Hampton Inn & Suites, 75 Lee Road, Watsonville kitchen entrepreneurs under one roof, and it’s the only day glass ($15 for wine club members).

1467.

Hampton Inn & Suites will host a mixer for the Pajaro of the year when you can get an inside look at the kitchen. http://bargetto.com Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

Friday December 15 BOARDWALK MINI-NUTCRACKER Appetizers, wine, cookies, raffle. Free admission.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS RECITAL 2 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., MidCounty Senior Center Gift Shop, 829 Bay Ave., The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will host a mini 7 p.m., Cabrillo College VAPA5000 Music Building, Room 5156, Saturday December 9 Capitola Nutcracker performance at Colonnade Stage.

Soquel Drive, Aptos Sunday December 10 The MidCounty Senior Center Gift Shop hosts a Holiday The Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program will ELF THE MUSICAL JR Bazaar the first Saturday in December.

Wednesday December 6 present a Fall Recital at Cabrillo College’s VAPA5000 Holiday crafts are offered for sale at great prices.

2 p.m., Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater, 491 Music Building in Room 5156.

AI HORIZONS PART 2 Summit Road, Watsonville Donations are requested at the door: $10 General, $5 6 8:30 p.m., Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach St Santa Cruz SANTA IS COMING TO APTOS Mount Madonna School’s middle school presents this students/seniors, and children 17 and younger, free.

Santa Cruz Works presents AI Horizons Part 2, a look into 1-4 p.m., Aptos Village Green, 448 Granite Way hilarious comedy, “Elf the Musical Jr.,” at Mount Madonna For those interested in participating in or making contributions to the world of artificial intelligence featuring Microsoft, NVIDIA, School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater.

Celebrate, shop and sing. this program, call (831) 479-6101 or visit https://www.cabrillo.

AI-R, Amazon, DALL-e from 6-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 6, Bring your children and your shopping list to the Aptos Based on the holiday film, “Elf Jr.” is a sleigh ride edu/cabrillo-youth-strings. at the Coconut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz.

Village Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Craft Fair at the through the core values Are you ready to embark on a journey into the future of Aptos Village Green between Penny Ice Creamery and of friendship, openness Sunday December 31 artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on a New Leaf Community Markets. and self-discovery — variety of industries?

The first event sold out quick.

NOON NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR KIDS Santa will arrive by fire truck to listen to your children’s It’s a story that will The evening starts with food and beverages while 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave. wishes and pose for photos. A red mailbox will be entertain, and also networking. Live music & demo tables showcasing cool The Museum of Discovery hosting the popular Noon Year’s available until Dec. 20 to send letters to Santa. teach lessons our Eve Celebration for a fun way to ring in the new year with The celebration will include music by Aptos High School AI-driven innovations. young cast will carry the little ones.

Chamber Choir, Soquel High Jazz Band, Performance Vocal Tickets $20 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-horizons-partwith them for life,” 2-tickets-753308204117?aff=oddtdtcreator A timer will count down to 12 p.m. on Saturday, and the Santa Cruz Ballet will perform a scene from the said Director Chelsea complete with a disco ball drop and a blast of paper Nutcracker. Hot chocolate from Manuel’s Mexican ResOtterness. confetti at the end. taurant, and cookies from New Leaf Community Markets. Thursday December 7 “The message of Admission is $10 for just the event, and free with admission to HOLIDAY MIXER AT THE CLOSET SHOPPER The event is free and hosted by the Aptos Chamber of this story is that it is Commerce. important to believe in the museum.

5-6:30 p.m., The Closet Shopper, 1205 41st Ave., Pleasure Point Info: 831-316-5200. n For information call 831-688-1467. things even if you think they are childish and silly,” said The Closet Shopper, a buy, sell, trade boutique for

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County Housing Element Approved: 4,634 Units by 2031

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

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few weeks ago the Board of Supervisors voted to approve Housing Element.

The Housing Element approval was a culmination of a number of public hearings and community outreach meetings over the last year and included feedback from a number of community members.

What exactly is the Housing Element and what changes are possible in our district?

What is the Housing Element? ince 1969, under California Government Code, all local jurisdictions are required plan to meet the housing needs of all people in their community. California’s local governments meet this requirement by adopting a Housing Element as part of their general plan, which is also required by the State. The Housing Element is just one of the required elements of the County’s General Plan, the document that guides land use planning and development activities in the unincorporated area.

However, it is the only General Plan element that requires regular updates (currently every eight years) and review and certification by a State agency.

What is the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)? he Regional Housing Needs Assessment is mandated by State law and is part of the process for updating a Housing Element.

There are State and regional elements at play as part of the RHNA. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (often referred to as HCD) provides population growth projections by geographic region.

Within each region, Councils of Government (COGs) are designated

by HCD and are responsible for determining how the potential growth will be allocated within the jurisdictions within the region. Within our region, the COG is the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments — or AMBAG. AMBAG determined that for our upcoming Housing Element, effective

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H 2023-2031, the unincorporated area will be allocated 4,634 housing units at varying affordability levels.

AMBAG determines this as the number in order for our County to meet the projected housing needs. This 4,634 number is the unincorporated area’s RHNA. Cities within Santa Cruz County also have their own RHNA numbers.

This number is significantly higher than previous allocations to our region and, in particular, the unincorporated area — meeting the number is one of the largest challenges in the process.

While many community members expressed support for additional affordable housing in the community, others did express concerns over how the over 4,600 units would be built with current water, transportation, education and other challenges.

Much of this comes from overall changes in State land use policy making it easier to construct housing (in particular affordable housing) and removing elements of local control traditionally held by counties and cities in land use decisions.

Where are the Units to be Concentrated? nderstandably, because of Measure J and the Urban Service Line and urban growth boundaries, the proposed housing is concentrated in the urban areas of the unincorporated County.

The majority of the urban services line area falls within the 1st Supervisorial District (represented by Supervisor Koenig) and the 2nd Supervisorial District (represented by me) — which means nearly all of the proposed units fall within

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30 / December 2023 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

these two districts (with most falling within the 1st District).

As part of this process, the County is required to provide the programs, policies, and appropriate zoning to accommodate these additional units.

This means, in part, that the County is required to review underutilized residential and commercial sites and vacant residential and commercial sites to determine where (and how many) units can be accommodated.

Put simply, this means some parcels would be identified for rezoning or an intensification of housing including parcels that have been vacant for quite some time.

While it doesn’t necessarily mean that something would be constructed on these locations, the process for building housing would become much easier if approved.

What is Proposed for the 2nd District? s part of this analysis, County staff have identified some potential locations in the 2nd District for housing.

This means that some sites in the 2nd District are proposed for rezoning in order to meet the RHNA number for the unincorporated area.

What are the Specific Locations Proposed for Rezoning in the 2nd District? ere are a list of locations and what County Housing staff have recommended for rezoning for housing: 610 and 664 Clubhouse Drive (Seascape Golf Club) 2600 Mar Vista (Aptos Par 3 property) 9900 Soquel Drive, Aptos 100 and 235 Primrose Lane. Watsonville What are the Next Steps? ven though the Board of Supervisors approved the Housing Element, it doesn’t mean that it’s fully approved.

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Mid-County Lots Proposed for Rezoning

ere are a few sites that could accommodate the most housing units: • 5606 Soquel Ave., currently residential, 157 • 855 and 901 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, vacant, 95 • 2755 41st Ave., Soquel, was proposed for car dealership, 93 • 3845 N. Main St., Soquel, vacant, 80 • 3501 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, currently commercial, 65 • 2091 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, vacant, 65

County Planning staff has sent the Housing Element to the State for the final sign-off. It’s possible the State may have some additional comments or questions that will need to be addressed before it’s officially complete or it’s possible that they will require changes be made to the Housing Element.

Communities that do not have a compliant Housing Element face the possibility of losing funding, litigation from the State or facing what’s known as the “builder ’s remedy” — which allows (in certain cases) for parcels to be developed outside of the County’s zoning requirements.

The County has been in regular contact with the State during this process including sharing the draft Housing Element so it seems unlikely there would be significant concerns. However, given it still requires final sign-off from the State, it’s always possible the County will need to address additional issues posed by the State. n ••• As always, you are welcome to call me at 454-2200 with any questions or feedback on this or any County-related issue. If you’re interested in learning more about the Housing Element, County Planning has more detailed information on their website — www.sccoplanning.com — about the Housing Element and maps of proposed locations for all of the districts.

SCCAS Featured Pet

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On Point!

his week our Pet of the Week is Fallon (A#306065). This adolescent husky came to the Shelter as a stray, so we do not know much about her life before now.

A good Samaritan found her by Manresa Beach and held onto her for a couple days and Fallon did great with the resident dogs and 2-year-old child. Fallon Is an active, playful puppy who would benefit from a guardian that will commit to positive reinforcement-based training to help her gain some life skills and manners.

Fallon was in foster for a bit and the report was that she was a delight with everyone she met- kids, strangers and other dogs. Her foster mom also said that Fallon loves playing with toys and chasing balls, and while Fallon was a little scared to come in the house at first eventually, she was sleeping right next to the foster’s bed! We do not recommend that Fallon go to a home with small animals or chickens.

Fallon would love to have a doggy playmate in her new home, but all resident dogs should meet at the Shelter before adoption. This adorable Huskie mix would be a great addition to your home if you are looking for a sweet, energetic and fun-loving pup to brighten up your home and holidays!

Right now, we are having our “Home for the Holidays” Adoption Event! Now through December 3rd all adoptions are half price and animals over 6 years old are FREE (licensing fee applies to dogs). The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open 7 days a week from 11am-6pm, closed for government holidays.

We will be closed to the public Christmas Eve (12/22), Christmas Day (12/25) and New Year’s Day (1/1/24).

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••• 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@santacruz county.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 11 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

The 1980s © Statepoint Media

COMMUNITY NEWS

Metro: More Bus Service in December O n Nov. 15, Santa Cruz Metro announced plans to roll out its new three-year initiative to upgrade bus service in Santa Cruz County and double ridership to 7 million rides per year.

The first phase of the Wave Service will be in December and the second in 2024.

Key aspects: • 43% more service • 15-minute service all day • Bus priority at intersections • No need to transfer buses from Capitola and Live Oak to downtown Santa Cruz and the UC Santa Cruz campus. A frequent local route from Watsonville to Cabrillo College.

• Faster service from San Lorenzo Valley into Santa Cruz, more frequent service in Watsonville, and the return of the all-day express service from Watsonville to downtown Santa Cruz.

• 64 new jobs, including 60 bus operators, two mechanics and two supervisors ••• Funding On Dec. 7, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will vote on three types of funding that, combined, would fully fund the service for three years. They include: • $27 million in one-time funding for Transit and Intercity Rail Capital from the State of California. The intent from the legislature and governor for this funding is to help transit agencies build ridership.

• $7 million in one-time Zero Emission Capital funding from the State of California. The intent from the legislature and governor for this funding is to help transit agencies fill funding gaps in purchasing and building infrastructure for zero emission vehicles.

• $5 million sourced from the $27 million available in Consolidated Grant Funding from SCCRTC. This funding will support technology at key intersections to provide buses with green lights, so they can keep moving through traffic.

Other benefits from the proposed Wave Service are: Reducing vehicle miles traveled by 9,852,903 miles and reducing congestion and cutting an estimated 40,068 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually , reducing greenhouse gases.

An estimated 100,000+ residents will access the bus with a 5-minute walk.

The proposed service initiative is the result of a community engagement process in 2022 and 2023.

“Wave Service is all about responding to the needs of our community,” said Metro Board Chair Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson.

“People want to get to their destinations

faster. They want to be able to rely on buses that arrive on-time. They want to ride directly from point A to point B, without making transfers from bus to bus. Wave Service will do all of that.”

Metro Vice Chair and Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Vice Chair Kristen Brown predicted these “changes will be transformational for our community.”

The Wave Service name was inspired by the reliable waves that come in from the Monterey Bay. ••• Hydrogen Hub Funding Kalantari-Johnson and Brown applauded the federal Energy Department decision to award $1.2 billion for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, a statewide hydrogen hub Metro plans to shift from compressed natural gas and diesel to hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric buses.

••• New Buses to UCSC For buses that run to UCSC, Metro has secured 12 articulated buses to meet surging transit demand. Currently four 60-foot articulated buses – with greater capacity --serve the campus; six more are expected to go into service by the end of 2023, with two in reserve.

An articulated bus can accommodate 60-65 seated passengers and 15-25 standees while a traditional 40-foot bus can carry 36 seated passengers with 10-15 standees.

Ten vehicles are coming from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System; Metro already had two.

Two went into service the second week of the school year with three expected to arrive in December.

UCSC riders constitute almost 70% of Metro’s total ridership systemwide. At the start of the 2023 fall term, Metro averaged 13,409 UCSC riders per day, up from 10,349 in September 2022.

“UCSC students, faculty, and staff are our largest population of riders and we appreciate their commitment to environmentally friendly transportation,” said Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / December 2023 / 31

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