Scotts Valley Times: August 2021

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Paystand: $50 Million from Investors & Hiring

On July 26, Paystand, the blockchain-enabled payment network for business, announced its $50 million Series C round of funding ...

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Sutter Closes SV Urgent Care

By Jondi Gumz Retiring doctors. Physicians with 2,000 to 2,300 patients.

Younger doctors who want their weekends.

Leaders at Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation say these factors led to the decision to halt urgent care in Scotts Valley as of Aug. 30, send

patients to the Santa Cruz Westside location, and convert the clinic at 4553 Scotts Valley Drive to a family medicine practice — a change being contested by residents, city officials and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. ... continues on page 4

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Tina Friend Heads to Coronado as City Manager

Scotts Valley City Manager Tina Friend has accepted a new job as city manager in Coronado in Southern California, which will mean changes for her family ...

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No. 8

Volume 24

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16

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Table of Contents

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Cover

Sutter Closes SV Urgent Care, By Jondi Gumz

6 7 8 9 10

Community News Tina Friend Heads to Coronado as City Manager, By Jondi Gumz Paystand: $50M From Investors & Hiring, By Jondi Gumz Felton COVID-19 Outbreak: ‘Delta Variant Is No Joke’, By Jondi Gumz Games for the Globe: Nonprofit Created by Teens Needs Your Support New SV Public Works Director • Visit SC County’s Maggie Ivy To Retire • UC Tuition Hike Starts Fall 2022 • Santa Cruz County Jobs 15 Got Groundwater?: Comments Due Sept. 21 on Draft Plan for Sustainability 16 Second Harvest CEO Retiring • Dignity, Anthem Talks Break Down • Anthem, Sutter Health Extend Contract 17 Fourth of July Parade Returns!

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14 11 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Show Your Dog Pride on Dog Day Sunday 12 Get to Know the Local Breweries Pouring at the Art Wine & Beer Festival 13 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Offers Diverse Cuisines & Popular Local Favorite’s 14 Scotts Valley Rotary Shows Appreciation to Our Essential Workers

Letters to the Editor 23 The Closure of Urgent Care in Scotts Valley, by Bonnie Burns • Urgent care: 20-minute drive without traffic, by Suzy Hunt

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Hercules, the Lion’s Skin & Two Full Moons, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21

Featured Columnists 19 My Family is Vaccinated, By Derek Timm, Mayor, Scotts Valley 22 Coming Together a Year Later, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Meet The Adorable Whiskers!

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

“Urgent Care” from page 1

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contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Bonnie Burns, Suzy Hunt, Risa D’Angeles, Derek Timm, Bruce McPherson

layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Tara Carcamo office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

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Patients were notified of the change but no explanation was provided, prompting Scotts Valley City Councilman Randy Johnson to host an outdoor meeting July 24 at MacDorsa Park with Councilman Jim Reed to detail his talk with PAMF leadership and what’s next.

To address the groundswell of disapproval, Dr. Larry deGhetaldi, president of PAMF Santa Cruz, hosted a webinar July 26 with Dr. Rebecca Barker, director of primary care and based in Santa Cruz, who explained her plan to make it possible for Sutter doctors to accept new patients, and Dr. Chris Bernardi, a newish doctor at Sutter’s El Rancho clinic in Scotts Valley, who is not accepting new patients due to his current workload.

Responding to comments of abandonment, deGhetaldi said, “That is a fair point. I have to own that.”

Later, he conceded, “I know it feels like a takeaway.”

Sending people in Scotts Valley to the Santa Cruz Westside means a 20-minute drive if there is no congestion on Highway 17, the “Fish Hook,” and the Mission Street traffic signals, often not the case.

For Sutter patients in Boulder Creek, it’s 30 more minutes – slightly less for those in Ben Lomond, Felton and Mount Hermon.

“We totally understand the ‘Fish Hook,’ the inconvenience,” deGhetaldi said.

No Solo Doctors n San Lorenzo Valley, the shortage of family medicine doctors just got worse, with Dr. Steve Leib, who announced his retirement after 43 years in the field and the shutdown of his practice in a historic church in Ben Lomond.

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PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Sutter Health’s clinic at 2980 El Rancho Drive, Scotts Valley, lacks the labs needed for it to be used for urgent care.

In decades past, a retiring physician would sell his practice to a new doctor but deGhetaldi said, “There was nobody in primary care interested in a solo practice.”

A 2016 analysis by the Commonwealth Fund reported between 1983 and 2014, the percentage of physicians practicing alone fell from 41% to 17%.

The reasons: Younger physicians prefer larger practices for more predictable income and work–life balance, avoiding the demands of running a small business.

New laws require collecting, managing and reporting digital data, far afield from doctoring. And physician practices feel pressure to grow to bolster their negotiation position with insurers that can dictate how much reimbursement they will pay for services.

Locally, Santa Cruz Medical Clinic, founded by local doctors, was acquired

by Palo Alto Medical Foundation, which was acquired by Sutter Health, with 55,000 employees and headquartered in Sacramento.

“We provide care for almost half the patients in Santa Cruz County,” deGhetaldi said, referring to Sutter.

Finances he COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on health care systems.

In May, Sutter Health reported a $49 million operating loss for the first quarter of the year, after a $236 million loss in the first quarter of 2020, according to Fierce Healthcare Losses for the first nine months of 2020 totaled $607 million, which would have

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COVER STORY been higher without a third-quarter profit of $250 million.

Many hospitals got federal relief funds; Sutter got $292 million.

Sutter also has big bills: A $575 million settlement with the state over 2018 allegations of price-gouging, charging higher prices after acquiring market power, according to then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who compared prices for the same inpatient procedure: $223,278 at Sutter and $131,586 in Southern California.

At the time, Sutter said there were no claims its contracting practices with insurers affected patient care or quality. The American Hospital Association warned the settlement would increase healthcare costs.

One point deGhetaldi made on closing Scotts Valley urgent care: “This is not a financial decision.”

Highest Priority n Scotts Valley, Sutter lost Dr. Terry Hollenbeck to retirement, with Dr. Jane Koopman and Dr. Laura James-Beckham to follow, leaving Dr. Dean Zweng in urgent care and Dr. Michael Johnson in primary care.

Barker said her plan is to hire three new doctors for 5,000 primary care patients.

Advertising began a month ago, and she’s interviewing.

“This is my highest priority,” she said,

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Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Scotts Valley City Councilman Randy Johnson (center) shares his frustration with the Sutter Health decision at a meeting for the public outdoors. Councilman Jim Reed is at left. adding, “You can’t start recruiting until practice clinician,” a type of physician assistant, which Barker said is “not as difyou have the space.”

She said family medicine doctors are ficult to recruit.”

Bernardi said two work at El Rancho highly sought after, able to choose where they want to work, with Scotts Valley and and two on Scotts Valley Drive, handling Santa Cruz attractive because of proximity to same-day visits.

Barker suggested calling in the Silicon Valley for couples with one partner in morning to get one of the two slots for tech.

Barker said access is difficult this same-day appointments; the other is for a summer because providers are taking well walk-in. She expects once the new doctors overdue vacations, and that should change arrive, Johnson and Bernardi “will have more availability due to less pressure to see when they return.

Sutter also is recruiting an “advanced those overwhelming their practice.”

SANTA CRUZ

Each doctor has on average 2,000 patients, and that’s increasing to 2,300 because of retirements, Barker said, adding, “Chris and I have more… We all have to be super-efficient and do the best we can.”

Bernardi, who recalls getting poison oak and seeing Dr. Zweng and Dr. Hollenbeck, said he hopes Sutter will find similar-style doctors “who want to do family medicine” as new housing is built, attracting more people to Scotts Valley.

Asked if El Rancho clinic, where Dr. Donald Seapy, the first family doctor in Scotts Valley once practiced, could be converted to urgent care, Barker said no. That location doesn’t have lab facilities needed for urgent care.

The seven-day-a-week urgent care hours will be cut back to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for primary care appointments.

Asked if weekend hours could become available, Barker said, “Working weekend hours is problematic. I don’t think it’s appropriate.” n ••• Cover Photo: Scotts Valley residents feel a sense of abandonment after learning Sutter Health plans to close its urgent care on Scotts Valley Drive and send patients to its Santa Cruz Westside location. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Tina Friend Heads to Coronado as City Manager

S

By Jondi Gumz

cotts Valley City Manager Tina Friend has accepted a new job as city manager in Coronado in Southern California, which will mean changes for her husband, Second District County Supervisor Zach Friend, and their six-year-old son. She will start in September.

“The pandemic helped solidify the importance of family,” she said. “While I will miss the Scotts Valley community, this career opportunity brings me close to our extended family where I can help care for our parents as they enter their golden years.”

Friend, 44, heads to Coronado, a coastal city of 24,000 with a $61 million general fund budget and 249 full-time employees, after spending two years as city manager of Scotts Valley, population 12,000 with a $13.6 million general fund and 54 full-time employees.

In 2020, she guided Scotts Valley through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping shuttered businesses to reopen, and during the CZU Complex Wildfire, which forced Scotts Valley to evacuate and closed businesses for a week.

“Tina is an invaluable member of the Scotts Valley family and her leadership was critical to our City,” said Mayor Derek Timm. “She helped stabilize our City finances, navigate the myriad challenges of the pandemic and steward our City through evacuations during the fires. She

6 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Tina and Zach Friend enjoy the 2016 World’s Shortest Parade in Aptos with their son, Elliott. set our City up for long-term success, and her contributions are significant and longlasting...We are proud of all that she has accomplished here and excited to see what she will accomplish in the future.”

As Tina Shull, she spent nine years as assistant city manager for the City of Santa Cruz, population 75,000 with a $103.6 million general fund and 903 employees, when the city was recovering from the recession triggered by the housing market collapse. She started as a research analyst in 2005 when the economy was booming.

She has a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Idaho.

Her appointment in Coronado was unanimous.

The Coronado mayor cited her experience in coastal government and her service on local and regional commissions and boards on economic development, tourism, libraries, public safety and housing and homelessness.

She will replace interim city manager Mark Ochenduszko, who filled in since Blair King resigned in April after 11 years to become city manager in Bainbridge Island in Washington State.

Small Business Loans oronado is known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888, and tourism is an essential part of the economy.

“Coronado is a world class community and I feel very fortunate to be joining the City team,” Friend said in Coronado’s announcement.

In April 2020, a month after the pandemic shelter-in-place began, Coronado’s City Council created the “Lifeline

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Business Loan” program to provide loans up to $20,000 to small locally owned businesses generating sales tax and adversely impacted by COVID-19 to strengthen their ability to recover. The amount outstanding is about $300,000.

Salary for Coronado’s city manager: Approximately $250,000, according to the post by the Ralph Andersen consulting firm.

The job drew 65 candidates, and Friend was one of six invited to interview, according to the announcement from Coronado, resulting in two finalists.

Family Balance riend comes from a military family and her father was stationed in Southern California.

Her husband, Zach Friend, who was first elected to represent Aptos in 2012, is a native of San Diego and lifelong fan of the Padres, an interest he’ll share with their 6-year-old son.

Asked about the new post, Zach Friend responded by email, saying, “I am exceptionally proud and supportive of my remarkable wife. To be selected to manage another storied community while giving our son an opportunity to spend more time with his grandparents as they age just speaks to who she is as a person.”

He added, “Many families have carved a path for us on how to strike a balance between service and family especially when distance and two professional careers are involved. My career isn’t more important than hers and I am committed to finding the balance in actively representing my district while also travelling regularly down there to ensure I am deeply present for Tina and our son.”

In Coronado, the city manager is the administrative head of the municipal government under the direction and control of the City Council, responsible for all city operations. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Paystand: $50M From Investors & Hiring

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By Jondi Gumz

n July 26, Paystand, the blockchainenabled payment network for business, announced its $50 million Series C round of funding led by NewView Capital with participation from SoftBank’s Opportunity Fund, King River Capital, Industrious Ventures, and Transform Capital.

This nearly doubles the funding raised in prior rounds for Paystand, which is based at the Enterprise Technology Centre (formerly Borland) in Scotts Valley and is hiring for a total of 38 positions there, and in Jalisco, Mexico, and Draper, Utah.

“Paystand has been quietly rebooting commercial payments since 2013,” said Jazmin Medina of NewView Capital, who is joining the board.

“Payments can now happen instantly and securely as money has become software; yet, most finance teams are still mired in paper, manual processes, and fees,” said Paystand co-founder and CEO Jeremy Almond.

The privately held company reports more than 250,000 companies make payments through its network, resulting in more than $2 billion in payment volume.

The company, without providing numbers, reports 1007% revenue growth in the past three years and 200% increase in monthly network payment volume since raising $20 million for its Series B in 2020.

Paystand reported companies that shifted to its “payments-as-a-Ssice” subscription have more cash to invest in growth, with the average customer over three years realizing: 50% savings on the cost of receivables, 30% — 75% savings on transaction fees, $90,000 saving on labor cost and 62% reduction in days sales outstanding.

While businesses serving consumers see the 2% to 3.5% payment acceptance fee charged by card networks and tech providers as a necessary cost of doing business, midsize

and enterprise companies can no longer justify these fees.

In March, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National Retail Federation asked to join a federal lawsuit filed in 2005 that led Visa, Mastercard and some big banks to agree to pay $5.54 billion to settle the case. Appeals are ongoing, but the retail industry’s two largest trade groups said the class of merchants was too broad and would prevent retailers who don’t like the settlement terms from opting out and taking legal action on their own. The official court-authorized website at https://www.paymentcardsettlement.com/en reports oral arguments in the appeal have yet to be scheduled and the claim filing deadline not yet set.

The company uses cloud technology and the Ethereum blockchain to power its “Bank Network” — which it describes as “a digital, highly secure payment network with zero fees.”

Digital alternatives to paper processes – Visa and Mastercard – have amassed a value of $875 billion (outstanding stock times share value) on the back of transaction costs, according to Paystand, which sees a “clear need to replace the legacy payment monopolies with a business-first alternative.”

Last year, Mastercard, which estimates commercial payments are a $125 trillion industry, unveiled Track Business Payment Service, a network designed to reduce inquiries suppliers make to buyers regarding payments. n ••• To get a free demo for your business, see https://www.paystand.com/ get-started?utm_source=businesswire&utm_ medium=referral&utm_campaign=seriesc.

To view job openings, see https://www. paystand.com/careers. Paystand had 38 career job openings posted on its website at press time.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Felton COVID Outbreak ‘Delta Variant Is No Joke’

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By Jondi Gumz

elton Music Hall reported an outbreak of COVID-19 after Grateful Shred of Los Angeles gave a July 18 indoor concert attended by 291 people, and postponed upcoming shows with Steely Dan and Anthony Arya.

“What started out as one person with symptoms has turned into a couple of confirmed cases,” the hall posted on Facebook.

“Nearly all the band and crew have also tested positive and are at home recovering with their families … Apparently the vaccine does not prevent transmission.

But fortunately it does seem to really help in reducing sickness and preventing hospitalization.”

The hall, owned by Thomas Cussins, reported all employees will be required to provide a negative PCR test and “when we come back, masks will be required for all staff and patrons … This Delta variant is no joke.”

The music and dinner venue reopened July 29, saying staff will wear masks at shows hosted by Roaring Camp and anyone not masked will be ejected.

Active COVID cases, which had fallen to 40 in June in Santa Cruz County, now stand at 256. Hospitalizations, which were zero, are up to five, with three people in intensive care.

On July 27, Gov. Newsom said state employees and health care workers must show proof of vaccination starting Aug. 9 or be tested weekly as the Delta variant, which spreads more easily, comprises 80% of the California’s COVID cases.

Vaccination proof is being required for students, faculty and staff at Cabrillo College and community colleges statewide, CSU Monterey Bay and all CSU campuses, and UC Santa Cruz and all UC campuses.

Exemptions can be requested for medical or religious reasons.

On July 27, federal health officials recommended everyone regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors to slow the spread of Delta COVID-19 cases.

On July 28, state health officials recommended universal masking in public settings — groceries, retail stores, theaters, family entertainment centers — a huge pivot from June 15 when cases in the 18-month pandemic were at a low point.

Impact on Education Cabrillo expects 8,000 students when fall classes begin Aug. 23. Enrollment dropped 18% during the pandemic, “tragic to watch,” Cabrillo Superintendent/ President Matt Wetstein said during a July 28 Zoom webinar on education & COVID hosted by Casey Beyer of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.

The students not enrolling are firstgeneration, poor, largely Latino students, which Wetstein finds troubling.

It’s a trend in community colleges nationwide, with the average decline 21 percent, he pointed out.

Yet applications to UCSC were up 11 percent, and CSU Monterey Bay projects stable enrollment, fewer freshman but more transfers.

CSU campuses had been waiting for full approval of vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration, which has granted emergency use, but after a federal judge upheld Indiana University’s vaccine mandate, the CSU chancellor on July 27 mandated vaccines, citing the Delta variant.

CSU Monterey Bay, which will have 50% face-to-face classes, 40% virtual and 10% hybrid, already has a vaccine registration system, President Eduardo Ochoa said.

UCSC, which expects 18,500 students including 9,300 living on campus, starts later — on Sept. 18 — and can learn from others, Chancellor Cindy Larive said.

She noted the campus policy for masking indoors and “zero person-toperson transmission on campus” with “most cases in the community.”

Sequencing to identify variants at the Colligan diagnostic lab on campus is “better than contact tracing” and “important to understanding community spread,” Larive said.

Asked about vaccination percentages, Cabrillo’s Wetstein said, “About 50%.

We’re finding lots of reluctance.”

He estimated 50% of students 18 to 21 are vaccinated.

“We’re sending a message the mandate is there – it’s easy to upload (your certificate). We hope those students get the message. It is a hard lift. It has plateaued.”

Reason for Spread On July 22, at a rare press conference outdoors, public and private sector health leaders in Santa Cruz County urged people to get vaccinated to avoid a hospital stay.

The Delta variant spreads more easily.

“Everyone who is currently in the hospital in Santa Cruz County is unvaccinated,” said Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel.

Dr. Katherine Martin, a 2016 medical school graduate with Sutter Health in Watsonville, made a plea to millennials under 30, who have the lowest vaccination rate.

“Even if you never develop symptoms from Covid-19, you can pass it to others,” she said.

A UC San Francisco study of 5,000 young adults 18 to 24, who are more likely to spread the virus, reported in July they are concerned about possible side effects.

“COVID Update” page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Games for the Globe

Nonprofit Created by Teens Needs Your Support

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ike many teens, Ethan Schneider stayed home a lot in the past year. He noticed piles of video games in the living room, no longer in use, because they were designed for the Xbox 360, which he has outgrown.

So Ethan, 15, and brother Andrew, 13, decided to donate them to kids who would enjoy them as much as he once did.

“For us, it just made more sense to donate our games and share the fun instead of selling them for next to nothing — most outdated games devalue quickly anyway,” Ethan said.

Ethan, who attends Los Gatos High School, and his brother, who attends CT English Middle School, founded Games for the Globe.

It is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in the Santa Cruz Mountains that collects and ships used video games to non-governmental organizations in Kenya, who then redistribute the games to schools, hospitals and churches.

The goal is to repurpose and redistribute the massive storage of used video game supplies in American households.

They identified Close the Gap as a good partner, delivering pre-owned computers to developing and emerging countries to bridge the digital divide.

“COVID Update” from page 8 A study in China referenced by The New York Times found viral loads in Delta cases 1,000 times higher than the alpha or beta variants.

Tracking pro athletes has found players who test positive carry very high amounts of virus for seven to 10 days compared to two or three days of the initial virus.

The Times cited two Delta spread situations.

One was a bachelorette party where a dozen vaccinated but unmasked attendees went to downtown bars in Oklahoma City. Afterward, 17 guests at the July 10 wedding re ported positive tests and mild symptoms.

The other was July 4 in Massachusetts: 256 cases — two-thirds vaccinated and 66 in other states — were tracked back to Provincetown, where a reported 60,000 unmasked people celebrated at bars and house parties.

Since June, the number of recoveries in Santa Cruz County has increased from 15,975 to 16,153 and fully vaccinated numbers from 144,000 to 155,600, with 178,600 fully vaccinated.

This means 56.8% of the population is fully vaccinated and 65% partly vaccinated.

Hospital Impacts On July 22, Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, CEO at Dignity Health Dominican

Brothers Ethan and Andrew Schneider, founders of Games for the Globe, with their donation bin at Scotts Valley Market.

The first shipment of 500+ games has already gone out.

The brothers placed their first donation bin at the Summit Store, which resulted in many donations from the mountain community.

Then they got permission to put a donation bin at the Scotts Valley Market.

They are accepting donations of consoles, controllers and games of any kind from anyone who has games not in use and would like to make other children happy.

Scotts Valley Market is at 14 Victor Square, Scotts Valley. To learn more about Games for the Globe, see gamesfortheglobe.org. n Hospital, said there has been an uptick in COVID patients.

“They are unvaccinated,” she said.

By the time they get admitted, it’s too late to give the vaccine to impact their outcome, she explained.

Health officials coined the term “vaccine hesitancy” to describe people choosing not to vaccinate.

Some are concerned about long-term side effects, and since the vaccines were created and tested in a year, those results are not available yet. Some may be mothers caring for young children at home; others may have jobs that don’t allow time off.

Job Rebound On June 15, the state reopened for business after crimping life for more than a year to knock out the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected 3,830,008 and taken 63,800 lives statewide.

Tourism and ag rebounded in Santa Cruz County, adding 2,200 jobs in ag, and 600 in food service and hotels between mid-May and mid-June, boosting total jobs in the county to 105,400.

June unemployment was 6.9%, down from 12.2% a year ago, frustrating short-staffed employers. Still, 9,200 people are jobless.

Indeed.com reports Scotts Valley has 80 jobs paying $35 an hour, including Warmboard, UC Santa Cruz, and the city of Scotts Valley, offering $6,987 monthly for an entry-level police officer. n

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New SV Public Works Director hris Lamm is the new public works director/city engineer for the city of Scotts Valley. He starts Aug. 9.

He comes from the City of Menlo Park where he was assistant public works director and managed the land development, utilities and capital improvement divisions.

He oversaw the rebuilding of the city’s capital improvement program, an update Chris Lamm to the Urban Water Management Plan and fiscal sustainability measures for the municipal water utility.

In Scotts Valley, he will oversee engineering, recreation, wastewater treatment, the capital improvement program and maintenance of streets, parks and facilities.

A licensed civil engineer with experience in the private and public sectors, Lamm earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Santa Clara University in 2002.

He lives in Scotts Valley and has been involved with the Silicon Valley chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a fundraising participant and triathlon coach for Team in Training.

“The City is exceptionally fortunate to have found Chris,” said City Manager Tina Friend, “He has the experience and skills to take the City forward, especially in these challenging times. Chris will bring new energy and vision to the delivery of public services that are so critical to our community’s quality-of-life.”

Lamm succeeds Daryl Jordan, who departed after three years and recently became public works director in Gilroy. Scott Hamby, who spent 25 years with the city of Scotts Valley, the last four as public works director, has been filling in on an interim basis.

••• Visit SC County’s Maggie Ivy To Retire fter 26 years, Maggie Ivy, CEO and executive vice president of Visit Santa Cruz County, has announced she plans to retire Nov. 12.

Ivy, 58, of Aptos, told the 25-member Board of Directors in July.

“It is time for me to begin the next chapter of my life and to make way for new leadership to guide and support our local tourism industry,” she said.

Her leadership — establishing a countywide tourism marketing district in 2010 with an assessment on hotel Maggie Ivy rooms and vacation rentals, provided resources for promotional programs and grew the budget for tourist promotion by 500 percent.

The assessment supported by the lodging industry was recently renewed for

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seven more years by elected city and county officials, leaving Visit Santa Cruz County in a strong financial position, according to Visit Santa Cruz County. Careful oversight of resources by Board of Directors and staff has ensured maintenance of a healthy reserve.

••• UC Tuition Hike Starts Fall 2022 n July 22, the University of California Board of Regents approved a five-year tuition hike that will take effect for incoming students in fall 2022. The vote was 17-5.

Each incoming undergraduate class will be charged a higher rate every year based on inflation, then keeps it flat for six years. A previous version would have kept those increases going forever.

Currently California residents pay $11,442 per year for tuition, with mandatory and campus fees bringing the total to just over $14,000.

The tuition increase is projected to be $540.

Annual tuition hikes are to be capped at 5 percent.

The policy does not apply to non-resident students from other states or international students who pay nearly $44,000 a year.

All graduate students will be affected by the tuition hike, not just incoming students.

UC officials projected a $694 million shortfall by 2026-2027 unless tuition were increased.

According to UC, 55 percent of UC undergrads — from low- and middle-income families — have their tuition and fees fully covered by state, federal and university financial aid. A third of the revenue from higher tuition is to go into financial, according to UC staff.

After five years, the Regents will have to re-authorize tuition hikes.

The state provided 80 percent of the funds for the UC system in the 1980s. Last year it was 41 percent, with tuition and fees providing 38 percent.

••• Santa Cruz County Jobs Report posted July 16 June unemployment 6.9% Sector June 2021 Change from

a year ago Leisure & hospitality 10,000 Up 800 Trade/Transportation/ 16,100 Up 800 Utilities Manufacturing 7,200 Up 500 Other services 4,900 Up 500 Private education & Health 17,100 Up 400 Professional & 10,500 Up 200 Business Services Construction 4,500 No change Financial 3,100 No change Information 500 No change Government 19,400 Down 300 Nonfarm 92,400 Up 2,900 Farm 12,100 Up 1,400 Total 105,400 Up 4,300 Labor Force 134,300 No change Employed 125,100 Up 6% Unemployed 9,200 Down 44% Count is on the 12th of the month.

Sources: California Employment Development Department n

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Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Show Your Dog Pride on Dog Day Sunday

ne of the highlights of the Scotts Valley Valley Councilwoman Donna Lind; Realtor and Art, Wine and Beer Festival is Dog Day My Scotts Valley Founder, Robert Aldana; PerSunday. This year event organizers are formance Vocal’s, Bobbie Ward; and Kindred Spirit’s Owner and Dog introducing new contests Trainer, Lori Katz. including two on-line Leading up to the There will also be a contests. In addition to K9 Demo by Nicholas Balthe traditional Best Tricks, event, two online dridge of the Santa Cruz Best Costume, and Best Facebook contests County Sheriff’s Office.

Look Alike, new this year Dog-related organiwe are adding additional will be held for zations can exhibit and contests include Smallest have a booth at the event Dog, Largest Dog, Best Cutest Canine and to reach the dog-friendly Pooch Smooch, and Funniest Dog. crowd. To date, exhibitors Fastest Fetcher. include Birch Bark FounLeading up to the event, two online Facebook contests will be held dation, George Menna Dog Training, Oh My for Cutest Canine and Funniest Dog. People Dog Treats, and Coast Veterinarian and sister can enter their pictures on the event’s Facebook location, Mt. Hermon Vet who will also be propage up until Friday, August 13th and then on viding a photo booth. Organizations wishing Monday the 16th a collection will be posted to join the festivities should contact Committee on the same page so that the community can Co-Chairwoman, Susan O’Connor Fraser at pick their favorites. Top vote getters will be on susan@tamcom.com.

To enter your furry family member into display at the event.

Phil Gomez of KSBW returns as the event one or more of the contests and learn more MC and he’ll also be one of the judges for the about Dog Day Sunday, visit svartfestival.com/ day of contests. Joining Phil will be Scotts dog-day.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / August 2021 / 11

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Get to Know the Local Breweries Pouring at the Art Wine & Beer Festival Buena Vista Brewing Company ocated in the heart of Santa Cruz, Buena Vista Brewing Co is a familyowned business looking to share with you, what has brought us together.

It all started as a weekly gathering with family and friends, creating craft beer recipes with our favorite ingredients. It soon grew into something we needed to share with all.

Melding culture with beer to share in your backyard! Brew Thursday.

That’s what started it all. Brothers coming together to create tasty craft beer to share with all. After late nights of softball, weekend grilling, juntando para el chisme, it was our craft beer that brought us together for those good times.

Uniting Latin culture and craft beer is our dream.

Thank you for helping it become our reality

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Discretion Brewing e are a Family-Owned Company Dedicated to Handcrafted Exquisite Beer.

Once upon a time, and again and again, we gathered around the old kitchen table and dreamed of starting a business that would allow us to work together as a family. The business would be guided by the qualities of wisdom, wit, and kindness, rooted in the community that has nurtured us all our lives, and dedicated to producing goodness.

After a world-wide search, we found our brew master, Michael, who shared our quest for excellence and elegance and had deep roots in Santa Cruz. We each brought their own gifts to the table, and Discretion Brewing was born. For millennia, that most ancient and jolly of beverages has been drawing people together, encouraging them to share their stories and to find comfort and refreshment in each other.

That’s why we brew and what we hope our beer does for you.

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When science and art are skillfully wedded, delicious consistency, clean balance, and exciting flavors and aromas result. We respect tradition but are not constrained by it. Irrespective of style, all Discretion beers have a recognizable, essential quality that draws people to them Elegant. Solar-powered.

High Quality Ingredients. Brewed with love. Our ingredients are carefully sourced to support sustainable farming, a choice that’s good for the earth and its people as well as the beer.

We are the first Santa Cruz brewery to invest in solar power, harnessing the power of the sun to brew our beer.

Water is precious, and we treat it that way. We are constantly seeking ways to lessen water usage. We divert 100% of our spent grain to local farms where very lucky pigs feast on the goodness left over after a brew day, sparing the landfill over 225,000 pound of grain a year.

Grandsons like to nibble on it, too!

Faultline Brewing Co. aultline blasted onto the microbrew scene in December of 1994.

The goal was to create a fine dining experience that focused on handcrafted beers and food that could be described as contemporary eclectic. The goal was an elegant, yet approachable menu that complimented our wide variety of beer styles.

Since then, Faultline has maintained its reputation for beer and food that satisfies the senses. Our venue offers a wide variety of options when it comes to drinking and dining.

Our large dining room has plenty of available seating for parties of 20 or more. The view is surprising, to say the least, with an outdoor dining patio that overlooks a manmade lake with a very welcoming vibe. Our bar is equipped with more than 25 televisions to give Bay Area sports fans a great place to gather.

If you need to host a corporate gathering or dinner, we have a spacious banquet room available for semi-private or private bookings.

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12 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Greater Purpose Brewing Company reater Purpose Brewing Company is a place where every pour has a purpose. A portion of our profits each month will be allocated to five local/ and/or national charities for social justice, environmental efforts, social equality, and community service.

Greater Purpose is funded by an interfaith social justice community known as the Greater Purpose Community Church though our brewery is NOT a church! With the skyrocketing cost of living in our community, Greater Purpose sold their sanctuary to fund a taproom that would use its income to support community service organizations.

They did this to remove the choice between leisure and philanthropy for many locals that have limited disposable income. At Greater Purpose, every purchase accomplishes both. That is why we say at Great Purpose Brewing Company we “Pour with Purpose”.

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Highway 1 Brewing Company ighway 1 Brewing Company is the brainchild of Jeff & Melissa Page.

They opened Highway 1 Brewing Company in February of 2013, with the goal of sharing their mutual love of great beer and food with the local public, while enjoying the amazing Pacific Ocean views located in Pescadero.

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Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing hile attending college in Portland, Emily Thomas spent many weekends learning the art of brewing and ‘beer appreciation,’ from her uncles. She, in turn, passed this hobby onto Chad and with the support of family and friends, has created a fine establishment.

Founded in 2005 with have women

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brewers and owners. Well, what can we say? Strong women brew strong beer.

We have great male brewers, as well., Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is proud to produce an American made product that is putting people to work locally.

With twelve employees, we are a small but efficient operation. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. An award winning, local, certified organic brewery. Yes, beer helps the economy. Buy local.

Drink up. Feel good about organic beer.

And thanks for supporting your local, neighborhood brewery.

Shanty Shack Brewing o-Owners Brandon Padilla & Nathan Van Zandt first met while Brandon was working at 7 Bridges, the home brew supply store in Santa Cruz.

N a t h a n would come in to purchase ingredients and he and Brandon would talkshop, discussing different recipes. A few months later they recognized each other in a business class at Cabrillo College.

By chance, they were both there because they both wanted to start a professional brewery one day. The two quickly became home brew partners.

Nathan lived in a dilapidated shack on Chanticleer Avenue where they first began brewing and the name “Chanti Shack” came about to describe their brews. Meanwhile, Brandon lived in a run-down church on Pennsylvania Avenue which was coined “The Beer Church”.

They threw parties with live music & burlesque dancers to show case their beer. They catered weddings by pouring their unique creations for the guests.

What started as a hobby swiftly grew into a business.

They formed a CSB (Community Supported Brewery), and their neighbors and friends called them the “Milkman but for beer” as they delivered different flavors of beer to doorsteps on a bi-weekly basis.

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“Breweries” page 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Offers Diverse Cuisines & Popular Local Favorite’s

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he Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival will be offering festivalgoers a plethora of choices serving something for everyone. Here is the food vendor line up and menu choices:

Aroma Concessions, Inc. American Cuisine Chicken Kabobs, Smoked Turkey Legs, Fried Zucchini, Fried Artichoke Hearts, Tri Tip Sandwich and Garlic Fries ••• Nomad momo Hawaiian Cuisine Tibetan Momo (Dumplings) Beef, Chicken & Vegetable ••• Pono Hawaiian Food Truck (Holopono) Hawaiian Cuisine Ahi Poke bowls Chicken Teriyaki Plate Lunch Kalua Pork Plate Lunch Kalua Pork Sandwich Vegan bowl Manapua Poke Salad ••• California Corn Vegetarian Cuisine Roasted Corn on the Cob Corn in a Cup ••• Taquizas Gabriel Mexican Tacos Burritos Quesadillas, Asada Fries Super Nachos Quesabirrias, choices of meats: Asada, Pastor, Chicken, Carnitas, Birria.

••• PANA Venezuelan Arepas

“Breweries” from page 12 After searching for a location for several years, fate occurred in May 2015 when they found a perfectly sized warehouse with two large roll-up doors on Fern St. in Santa Cruz’s Harvey West neighborhood.

Formally Soil Solutions, a hydroponics/soil shop, Brandon and Nathan worked day in and day out transforming the space into a comfortable

Beer

••• Ānuenue Juice California Vegetarian Fresh Fruit Drinks Acai bowls.

Pitaya bowl ••• Ashby Confections Dessert/Chocolate Handmade Chocolates and Candies Beer Brittle made with Local Craft ••• Indonesia Satay Indonesian Satay Chicken, Pork, Beef, and Lamb Indonesian Fried Noodles Indonesian Steam Dumpling Indonesian Egg Roll Lemonade Mango Drink •••

and functioning brewery. Shanty Shack Brewing officially opened for business in December 2016. You can now find a space full of vibrant art, local music, and a community of people happily enjoying Brandon and Nathan’s craft.

Steel Bonnet Brewing cotts Valley’s First and Favorite Brewery. California Brewed with Scottish Attitude.

Aunt LaLi’s Treats Dessert/Ice Cream ••• Sauceyz American Sandwiches Fries, Tacos Wraps Brussels sprouts Churros Banana Shortbread Pudding Cups Il Biscotto

Dessert/Italian Prepacked Italian cookies & Sicilian Cannoli’s ••• Steve’s Shave Ice Hawaiian Shave Ice ••• Mattia Pizza Italian Pizza Bomboloni

Need directions to your financial destination?

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Cheryl D Rebottaro, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor MKT-5894J-A-A1

221 Mount Hermon Rd

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / August 2021 / 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Rotary Shows Appreciation to Our Essential Workers S erving to Change Lives” — that is the new vision that the Rotary Club of Scotts Valley recently voted on for this year.

This vision is in line with many of the projects the club has been doing in the past years, increasing focus on youth education and adding new causes: “Together we work to make the world better.

Our causes are youth and the environment. We empower women and educate our youth to become leaders in their community and stewards of the environment.”

Recently, the Rotary Club of Scotts Valley has been giving thanks to the community. Club members brought meals and snacks recently to the Scotts Valley Unified School District Office (SVUSD), SV Police Department, and to the SV Fire District to show their appreciation for the

Scotts Valley Rotary (from left): Dr. Steve Hoy, Ron Sekkel, Cindy Schuette, Mary Navas, Marc Winquist, and Cathie Simonovich.

extraordinary services provided to our community especially during the Pandemic and the CZU Fire.

The Rotary Club also wants to extend their gratitude to all of the essential workers who continue to help keep our community safe during this still challenging time.

At the club’s first in-person meeting this July, members welcomed new member, Susan Riddle of Bay Federal Credit Union. They also presented Tanya Krause (Superintendent of the SV Unified School District) and Sira Taylor (Realtor) with their Blue Badges.

This ceremony signifies that completion of certain tasks and that they are no longer considered “new members” of the Club. Congratulations!

The Rotary International and Rotary Club of Scotts Valley’s motto is “Service Above Self” and members look forward to serving the community in whatever way they are able during this time.

The club meets on most Mondays from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. The club previously met at the Four Points Sheraton on Scotts Valley Drive but started meeting on Zoom since “Shelter in Place” began. They hope to return to the Sheraton by the Fall.

If you would like to know more about Rotary or may be interested in joining the Club, they would love to invite you to come as their guest.

For a Zoom link, contact Club President Patrizia Materassi at (831) 334-2383 or email her at mpatrizia2@ gmail.com.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Got Groundwater?

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Comments Due Sept. 21 on Draft Plan for Sustainability

erhaps you’ve noticed the new booth at the Scotts Valley farmers’ market, with a sign saying Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency.

This is a relatively new government agency, mandated by the state after severe drought years, and covering Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.

Chris Perri, Scotts Valley Water District, chairs the board. Gail Mahood, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, is vice-chair; Jack Dilles, Scotts Valley City Council, is secretary.

Directors are: Edan Cassidy, well owner representative; Doug Engfer, City of Santa Cruz Water Department; Manu Koenig, Santa Cruz County supervisor; Jeff Koopman, well owner representative; Bruce McPherson, Santa Cruz County supervisor; Dale Pollock, Mt. Hermon Association; Mark Smolley, San Lorenzo Valley Water District; Ruth Stiles, Scotts Valley Water District.

••• I pay my water bill to SV Water District.

How does Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency affect residents of Scotts Valley? anta Margarita Groundwater Agency was formed in response to the state’s 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which gave authority and responsibility for managing groundwater resources to local agencies.

Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin is the main water source for communities in Scotts Valley and the rest of North Santa Cruz County. Scotts Valley Water District, along with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District and County of Santa Cruz, is one of the member agencies and is actively participating in the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for approval by the California Department of Water Resources.

Scotts Valley Water District has been involved in management of the groundwater since early 1990s and is committed to ensuring the health of the groundwater basin.

So SMGWA includes private well owners?

How many are there? he 11-member Board of Directors includes one representative from Mount Hermon Association and two private well owners who represent a diverse group of stakeholders: small water systems, industrial use, private domestic wells and other non-domestic private groundwater users.

About 29,000 people reside in the basin and 5,300 of them receive their water from non-municipal sources (1,300 in Mount Hermon Association, 1,000 in small water systems and 3,000 from 777 domestic private wells).

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Does anyone know how much water is pumped that way?

Compare that to the pumping for water through Scotts Valley Water District. ublic water systems and larger private pumpers are required to measure and report their pumping. Below table has the total annual groundwater use by category.

SLVWD also uses surface water and the number in the table represents only their groundwater pumping; domestic private well use is estimated.

Why is the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency hosting a community event on Saturday, July 31? he main focus since 2017 has been a development of its Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

At its July 22 meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed the final draft and opened the 60-day public comment period.

The event on July 31 provides a chance for community members to learn about the plan and better understand what influences long-term groundwater sustainability in the region.

The event also connects short-term drought impacts to future groundwater management solutions that will make the region more resilient during dry times.

If the agency is working on sustainability, what does that mean?

More requests to use less water? chieving groundwater sustainability is a multifaceted process that includes individual actions, such as efficient use of water, as well as large-scale supply projects.

One of the foundational activities is establishing a better system for monitoring the health of the basin and having a consolidated data management system.

Some of the projects and management actions that are under consideration and might be implemented in the future are: Reduction of water losses, expanded stormwater infiltration, conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, optimizing use of recycled water, aquifer replenishment with surface water and purified wastewater recharge.

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“SMGWA” page 22

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16 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Second Harvest CEO Retiring

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n July 22, Second Harvest Food Bank ation of Food Banks from 1995-98, Elliott-McCrea Santa Cruz County announced CEO shaped the future of food banks across the state.

Willy Elliott-McCrea will retire next June.

Most recently, he led the Food Bank through The board of directors has started the COVID-19 and the devastating CZU fire. His process to hire his successor and build on his experience led him to reach out to U.S. Rep. legacy.

Jimmy Panetta as soon as shelter-in-place was His retirement will coincide with the food ordered, prompting Congress and the Governor bank’s 50th anniversary, and a big shindig is to deploy the National Guard across California planned to celebrate both. food banks to keep services going.

Elliott-McCrea, 68, of Soquel, Since the pandemic began, has been the Food Bank’s leader for Second Harvest has seen need for more than 30 years, making many sigfood double — and met that need.

Second Harvest worked with not only nificant contributions during floods, the National Guard but also County fires and a global pandemic.

Emergency Services, Twin Lakes After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthChurch, County Fairgrounds, Santa quake, Second Harvest was ground Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Community zero for disaster relief (epicenter was five miles from the warehouse) – Willy Elliott-McCrea Foundation Santa Cruz County, local scaling services six-fold for the first month and school districts and many others to provide fresh doubled after. and healthy food to the community.

Building a strong network of partners from As Santa Cruz County slowly recovers every sector of the community, Second Harvest from the economic devastation of the pandemic has consistently ranked in the top two percent and fires, the food bank is distributing 65% more of healthiest food banks in America, with more food than before. than 60% of food distributed being fresh fruits Elliott-McCrea began his food banking and vegetables. career in 1978 as a warehouse manager and As founding president of California Associ- driver. n

Dignity, Anthem Talks Break Down

Editor’s note: People with Anthem health insurance who see doctors at Dignity Health and Dominican Hospital are caught in the middle as talks on a new contract broke down mid-July.

How are you affected? Email Editor Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com. Put Anthem-Dignity in the subject line. Each side put out statements, appearing here in abbreviated fashion.

••• Robert Quinn, MD, president/CEO, Dignity Health Medical Foundation ignity Health and Anthem Blue Cross have been negotiating new contracts

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in good faith for six months. Despite our collective efforts, most of Dignity Health’s California agreements with Anthem terminated as of July 16.

“We remain in active discussions and hope to reach a responsible new agreement soon that will protect patients’ access to the care they need.

“Dignity/Anthem Split” page 18

Anthem, Sutter Health Extend Contract

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nthem and Sutter Health have reached agreement on a multi-year extension to their previous contract, set to expire in 18 months. This provides Anthem members with continued innetwork access to Sutter facilities through Dec. 31, 2024.

“We are pleased to continue working with Sutter to make healthcare simpler and more accessible,” said John Pickett, Anthem’s regional vice president of provider solutions. “We value the relationships we have with the providers in our network, which are important to creating choices for

our consumers and fulfilling our mission of improving the lives of the people in the communities we serve.”

“We are pleased to partner with Anthem in their expanded portfolio of networks and products as it will give our Sutter patients stability and access to our integrated network for years to come,” said Grace Davis, Sutter’s chief public affairs officer.

This agreement applies to Anthem Blue Cross consumers enrolled in MediCal, HMO and PPO plans. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fourth of July Parade Returns!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / August 2021 / 17

Hercules, the Lion’s Skin & Two Full Moons

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Esoteric Astrology • August 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

he Sun entered Leo last Thursday (July 29th) And the next night, Friday, we had a full moon (Leo solar festival). There are two full moons under Leo. The second occurs on the last day of Leo (August 22), nine hours before the Sun enters Virgo.

Both full moons under Leo are Festivals of Sirius, with emphasis on the second full moon, as it occurs in the heart of the lion which is the star Regulus, the Law Giver. Regulus is the Royal Star and thus referred to as Magha, Maga or magic. Sirius flows through Leo, offering humanity love, intelligence, liberty and freedom, qualities much needed by humanity at this time of the Kali Yuga when the world is filled with darkness.

Each of the 12 Labors (zodiacal Gates and signs) of Hercules is a story about the Light, the Soul and personality. Leo is the 5thgate, sign, labor and task for Hercules. He is to overcome the Nemean Lion (reactive personality) destroying the lands creating fear in the people. Hercules is courageous, strong and brave - Leos qualities. There are two lions in the story. One is the kingly lion, Hercules himself (the Soul). The other is

the animal lion (the roaring personality). The animal lion (uncontrolled personality) is “destroying the countryside” (one’s life).

And so Hercules, alone and unafraid enters the world and tends to his labor. Eventually he hears the “Lion’s roar in all the land, especially in the evening air”, and comes upon a cave and entering it faces the fierce lion whose breath is fiery hot. Hercules grasps the lion by the throat and lifts him into the air holding him aloft “til the lion’s roars of hate subside”. Hercules overcomes the lion with great courage, strength and an act of will.

And the great Teacher, looking on, said to Hercules, “The lion is dead, Hercules, but lions and serpents must be slain again and again. You have done well. Rest now.” Hercules in his task wore a lion’s skin.

It informed the Teachers he was ready for testing and training. Humanity must now slip on its lions’ skin, gather its strength and courage, stand valiantly with resolve, pluck and willingness, and actually save the world from the “menacing lions”. For humanity’s tests have already begun.

ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

You may struggle physically, emotionally and mentally to maintain equilibrium between desires, hopes, wishes, dreams and what is actually possible. It’s good to study the subject of sacrifice (from the heart) — the 1st Law of the Soul. At the center of sacrifice is Love ... a paradox. Love and sacrifice both come from the heart.

We’re on Earth because we each chose to be here, leaving heaven to experience earth. You may not have known this before. You have chosen the Art of the Warrior as identity. Your companion is Mars, then Mercury. Spiritual warriors always win.

Ponder upon how you want to be seen, known, admired, praised and recognized in the world. Consider your identity as one who is called to use all your talents to build the new culture and civilization. Leos are to nurture the new era at its foundational stages because Leos are leaders. Begin to share with everyone your thoughts, ideas, resources and discoveries about the future. Cultivate all creative gifts. Leo’s talents must move from self to the community called humanity.

Life becomes subtler, slightly different, a bit inside out, upside down, too. These changes in our lives awaken many feelings. One is that of compassion. In daily life, tend to all debts and then give (tithe) to charity. Example of giving to those in need: St. Jude’s Hospital; Doctors Without Borders; the Heifer Project.

These are difficult financial times for many. The spiritual law is what we give is returned ten-fold. When we give to others our life in turn is cared for. You need deep and loving care.

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

TAURUS

You’re coming into a new self-identity. You keep re-identifying yourself. Your newest identity is filled with thoughts of goodness and goodwill. It’s important to tend to the home. Its value is now and in the future. A certain set of teachings holds possibilities for greater Love & Wisdom. This study allows you to enter into the life stream of humanity through understanding the mysteries. Uranus asks if you’re studying astrology and the wisdom teachings consistently?

Things seem transformative at times, restricted other times. Then along comes joy streaming in from the garden through the back door. An interesting photography book to consider doing would be called Dinner in the Garden. Sometimes the days and evenings seem moody. And sometimes a new identity is forming with the sense of a new self. The river of life is taking you downstream into new territories, showing you new ideas for the new culture and civilization. What do you think is your part in its creation?

You assess all relationships in terms of value. You must also assess what you value, whether you are of value, what value that may be, and then the values you offer others. Often you sense there is more you can offer, supply and give. Always you are to begin when giving with intentions for Goodwill which create Right Relations. You offer the goodness, kindness and stability of yourself in relationships. You know love isn’t a feeling.

LIBRA

It’s a spiritual practice, especially in Leo to realize that one is valuable. Is this consideration as one who Tend to all things great and small, to all events and tasks both is of value difficult for you? If so make lists in between and necessary in daily life. Observe of all your gifts, abilities, talents, kindnesses, all habits, agendas, and how you serve the good deeds, thoughts, ideas and plans and kingdoms around you. We evolve step-bystep, beginning with tending to our physical, all that you give. There you discover, realize and recognize then emotional, then mental bodies. Then we progress to the your value. Place the lists on your walls, reading them each Soul. Each day “brood as a Soul upon the work, tasks and day. This knowledge of self as valuable harmonizes you. It’s service for the coming day.” Emotions are then calmed. And the beginning of your self-identity as a server of Goodwill for humanity. the full moon shines upon you.

GEMINI

AQUARIUS

You see the need for nourishment of self and others. One source of nourishment is financial security in terms of home and land. Visualize a home on vast amounts of land. Include many small cottages, a barn or two, a large workspace for the arts, multiple gardens, fruit and nut trees, ponds, a communal professional kitchen, a lodge. See friends and loved ones living close by, Work daily on this through visualization. Draw and paint and talk about it. These begin to anchor your dream.

PISCES

CANCER

SCORPIO

You reassess goals and aspirations, plans and agendas for the next two months. Interacting with nature (soil, trees, plants, air, sky, weather) is very important for your well-being. Make sure you’re out and about in the sun both morning and evening. Stand in nature, the most balanced kingdom.

Its radiations strengthen your heart and mind, refocus your enthusiasm (“filled with God”), allowing calmness to emerge.

Where is your garden and are the devas your companions?

Things, stars, people sometimes go into hiding. You understand this because hiding away for Scorpio is second nature. Sometimes you find someone else hiding away and make their acquaintance.

There’s someone in your life of great value to you. They’re knowledgeable and have the skills needed for your next creative stage. They are concerned with humanity’s future. Call forth all your resources, using them to help others.

Then you have a reason to come out of hiding.

•••

You sense the need to be creative, to construct and build something. Returning to a previous, perhaps put-aside creative work allows you to reaffirm its importance in your life. There’s a renewed fire in the mind, calling you to two things.

Laughter with a sense of play, much missed in your life since childhood. And a new level of creative work reflecting art and beauty . All parts of you yearn to create a close spiritual community, offering humanity refuge. It will appear in its right timing. It will be a paradise.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Dignity/Anthem Split” from page 16 “… Dignity Health is a nonprofit health care system and California’s largest Medi-Cal provider and has lost money in recent years, while Anthem is a for-profit insurance company that earns billions of dollars in profits.

“New contracts with Anthem will let our doctors and nurses continue confronting the COVID-19 pandemic and providing essential services to our patients.

Dignity Health has offered Anthem a proposal with rates that do not even cover hospital inflation costs and are below increases included in prior agreements.”

Dignity Health will continue to treat all patients in need of emergency care through our hospitals’ Emergency Departments, regardless of the hospital or physician’s network status.

Dignity Health is a nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians, 60,000+ employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and 400+ care centers in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Info: www.keepdignityhealth.org ••• Anthem Blue Cross July Press Release or many years, Anthem members have been able to receive in-network care from Dignity Health, which unfortunately has become one of the more expensive health systems in California.

Dignity issued contract termination notices to Anthem for the vast majority of its Anthem business and has now informed us if we do not agree to substantial rate increases it will leave our health plans, making care at Dignity hospitals, medical groups and clinics unavailable to Anthem members.

Anthem’s intent is to reach agreement on reasonable contractual language and reimbursement rates that will help protect affordability for consumers. We cannot, and will not, agree to excessive rate increases that will make care at Dignity even less affordable for those we serve.

Dignity rates are … almost 30 percent more expensive than other health systems.

Dignity charges commercial insurance members in excess of 300 percent of the Medicare allowable rate for some services.

If we were to give in to Dignity’s demands for excessive rate increases, it would result in higher out-of-pocket and premium costs for our members. That’s something we just can’t do.

If we do not reach a new agreement by July 15, Dignity facilities will no longer be in our health plans for members enrolled in Commercial PPO, EPO, HMO, and POS benefit plans as well as some Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans. This includes Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital. n Info: www.anthem.com/ca/dignity/ ••• Editor’s Note: Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center in Santa Cruz is in Anthem’s network but it doesn’t have an emergency room or urgent care. Also in Anthem’s network is Watsonville Community Hospital, which does have an emergency department.

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

My Family is Vaccinated

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s we turned the corner, the cheers were louder than I expected. You could feel the elation in the air as our community was able to celebrate together for what felt like the first time in ages.

Scotts Valley’s parade on the 4th of July, was not just a celebration of our country’s independence, but our own freedom after being under COVID restrictions for over a year. That joyous feeling has carried over into daily life, and I see it in ongoing reunions with family and friends that have been happening throughout the community.

Yet, lurking in the background, with even a name that sounds like an evil Marvel character, is the Delta Variant.

Rising COVID cases around the country threaten to throw a wrench into celebrations everywhere — from vacations to the Olympics. Underlying this rise in cases is the more infectious variant combined with a stall in vaccinations, as there are many who have hesitancy around taking the vaccine.

It is difficult to see the rise in cases, and not worry about the community’s overall health.

As a public official, I do not feel it is my job to tell people they must get vaccinated, but it is proper to share my experience and connect people with information. Personally, as a family, we have all gotten vaccinated, including our two teenagers. Our parents and siblings, and everyone in their families who are age-eligible have as well. None of us experienced any serious side effects.

By Derek Timm, Mayor, Scotts Valley In talking with community members, I have spoken with people concerned about taking the vaccine. I like to listen and understand what underlies their hesitancy — without judgment. If they ask for my recommendation, it is very simple — I suggest they talk to someone in the medical community that they trust. It could be any medical professional- a friend, acquaintance, family doctor, etc., but most importantly, someone that they respect and trust. There really is nothing that can replace a discussion with a trusted professional, from whom you can ask their opinion on the vaccine and its risks and rewards.

Not long ago, we all relied on professionals trained in their field to give us advice on how to proceed with matters related to our health, and we believed it.

However, our communities seem more divided now than ever, and much of that is based on the way we receive information. Algorithms determine which news we see in our browsers and social media feeds, and we are served information that fits our likes and dislikes. This news loop helps reemphasize our concerns by perpetuating only certain information. Breaking this cycle requires the step of receiving direct advice from someone with experience you trust.

There is a larger issue at play that we must keep in mind, not just about this pandemic, but the future of all public health.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, our Surgeon General, recently relayed, “the spread of health misinformation … can cause confusion,

sow mistrust, harm people’s health, and undermine public health efforts.” Protections against misinformation used to be maintained through peer review and factchecking media sources, but that is lacking in so much online commentary. Stopping misinformation is a larger societal mission that we must address, but as individuals, it simply underscores the need to check in with a professional you trust.

At the moment, we need to continue to celebrate the successes we have made as a community, but we also need to remember

how fragile that progress can be. The world still has a long way to go before we move past the pandemic, and we all need to do our part to help. Individually, that may mean simply talking to someone you trust with a medical degree. These small steps, when taken by an entire community, are what will help us move past this crisis for good. n ••• Derek Tim is mayor of Scotts Valley.

Contact him at dtimm@scottsvalley.org or 831-239-9203.

Legendary Athletes

ACROSS

1. *Baseball’s “The Say Hey Kid” 5. TV tube in days of yore 8. Proof of age, pl.

11. Medicinal succulent 12. Toward shelter, nautically 13. White heron 15. Poet ____ Angelou 16. Where a bib is tied 17. Taste like grapes 18. *First African American to play in MLB 20. Chap or fella 21. Do like Etna 22. Auction set 23. Property defacer

26. Italian vermouth brand 30. 2nd largest bird in world 31. Informal wear 34. “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 35. Relating to Scandinavia 37. Chicken ____ ____ king 38. Nearsited one 39. Bear in the sky 40. The largest Asian antelope 42. *Dolphin great ____ Marino 43. Reusable painting pattern 45. Stands out 47. Cotillion V.I.P. 48. Deli item 50. Cain’s brother 52. *a.k.a. The Great Bambino

55. Oyster gem 56. Dwarf buffalo 57. Algonquian people 59. Body trunk 60. Hay spot 61. *”Battle of the Sexes” champion 62. A in FANBOYS 63. Altitude, for short 64. “Comme ci, comme ça”

DOWN

1. Mom in Scotland 2. Wing-shaped 3. Walk-the-dog toy 4. Bottom of the ocean 5. Fastener 6. Move a plant 7. *Pele or Bob Feller when they debuted 8. Armenia’s neighbor 9. Cabinet div.

10. Dirty dwelling

12. Declares invalid 13. Encourage, two words 14. *NHL’s “The Great One” 19. Very angry 22. Type of English course, for short 23. Where women are from?

24. “To death” in France 25. Florence Nightingale, e.g.

26. Mountain goat terrain 27. Opposite of cathode 28. Himalayan country 29. *Track and field star of 1936 Olympics 32. Frozen rain 33. “____ at ease” 36. *He simultaneously played in MLB and NFL 38. Ginger beer in a cocktail, e.g.

40. Pen point 41. Sea in the Mediterranean 44. Yo-Yo Ma’s instrument 46. Talks like a chicken 48. Overfamiliar from overuse 49. Terminate, as in mission 50. Same as eon 51. Shakespeare, a.k.a. ____ of Avon 52. “Ali ____ and the 40 Thieves” 53. *Tinker, Evers and Chance, e.g.

54. Egg-layers 55. Parent volunteer organization 58. Id’s partner © Statepoint Media

Answers on 23 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / August 2021 / 19

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

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

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

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

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

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

internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone.

ONGOING EVENTS To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, Mondays click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have COOKING WITH GREY BEARS a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481. 1 p.m., 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz or Online Join Cooking with Grey Bears live in-person or via Zoom SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION — Your choice!

Second Harvest Food Bank’s Chef Poppy DeGarmo is the instructor.

To attend remotely visit https://us02web.zoom. drive-through food distribution us/j/92906805068. will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon First and Third Monday Each Month on the following Fridays: SENIOR LIFE ONLINE Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991.

4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES presentation by a local expert. View the full schedule at 10-week Online Session, Begins Sept. 13 scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/current-activities/.

Registration is now open for fall Italian language classes.

Upcoming: Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with instructors Aug. 2 — June Gilliam will discuss her “Journey from a who are native speakers. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, Former Chinese Communist to a Fervent American Patriot.”

Aug. 19 — Dan Haifley, Monterey Bay Sanctuary the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz Foundation’s Secretary of the Board, will speak about is offering — beginning, intermediate, advanced, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary: its ocean health, research conversation — are for you. and education programs.

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE IS BACK! The online 10-week session begins the week of Sept.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a Featuring professional actors from around the country and 13, so register to secure your spot and get the early bird computer, tablet or smartphone. inspired by deep local roots that go back more than 40 discount, which ends Aug. 21. If classes fill, a wait list A one-time preregistration is required at https://tinyurl. years, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages bold productions of will be created. com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. the plays of Shakespeare and other great playwrights that The price ranges from $175 to $225 for 10 weeks. To register Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life stimulate audiences’ senses and spark their imagination. see: https://bit.ly/Dante-Classes. For more information email: Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances take place in dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at The Audrey Stanley Grove (or just “The Grove”) at Upper http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

AUGUST ‘ROADMAP TO RECOVERY’ VIRTUAL DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz.

WORKSHOPS FOR 2020 WILDFIRE SURVIVORS ••• Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Agitators: July 20- August 29 United Policyholders’ webinars in August 2021 for people NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT RII (Richard II): July 21- August 29 affected by wildfires in California in 2020.

Mon/Wed 1-2:30 p.m., Fri 6-7:30 p.m., confidential Zoom Tickets start at $25 ••• meetings.

For more info about SCS, visit https://santacruzshakespeare.

Survivor to Survivor Forums National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County org/season-2021/, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Wednesdays, August 3 and August 17: 7 p.m. offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, Due to limited capacity at the venue, people are encouraged to — Connect and confer with trained volunteers with past peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has purchase tickets early. wildfire recovery experience. • Register: www.uphelp. experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no org/aug3 / www.uphelp.org/aug17 diagnosis required).

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Q&A for Wildfire Survivors Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Wednesday, August 17: 5:30 p.m. — Team UP and It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

CA-based experts will answer pre-submitted questions.

Alzheimer’s Association is To attend, complete the registration form. You will • Register: www.uphelp.org/aug17_QandA offering video and phone immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will Submit your question: www.uphelp.org/r2rhelp meetings for caregivers need to do this only once, and will be able to use the throughout the month: same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https:// CAPITOLA’S FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Second and Fourth Wednesdays tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register.

Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music? If so, If you are unable to register, do not have an email Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. the Capitola’s Food Truck Friday events are perfect for you! address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)First and Third Wednesdays The events are Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. Upcoming 824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org.

Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facili- events are on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24.

View previous sessions at https://www.namiscc.org/ tators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney.

EL PAJARO KITCHEN ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING First Tuesdays Of The Month Second Saturdays Aug. 9, Aug. 19 & 20, Sept. 1 Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — FIRST TUESDAYS FREE El Pajrao Community Development Corp., which has a Facilitator: Diana Hull.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org. commercial kitchen in Watsonville for food entrepreneurs, Santa Cruz will offer online training for free, with a focus on Spanish- Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free ••• speaking start-ups. The dates: Second Wednesdays admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m. Start a Food Business in Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana the United States, online Mendoza. enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade.

Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchen https://arboretum.ucsc.edu Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

Incubator, program orientation, online .

Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchens Wednesdays thru Sept. 1 SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS Incubator, program orientation online This new program from Community Bridges brings CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERTS ARE BACK Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6 p.m., enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, 6-8 p.m., Bandstand at Esplanade Park, Capitola Village cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and Orientation of the Entrepreneur Program.

Aug. 4: Mike Hammar & the Nails, playing blues up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/el-pajaro-cooking.

Aug. 11: Tsunami, playing classic rock/R&B, dance 20 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Fridays MIDTOWN FRIDAYS Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to the fire station) Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, and more.

Admission is free.

Every Saturday SCOTTS VALLEY FARMER’S MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Scotts Valley Square Shopping Center, Kmart parking lot, 270 Mount Hermon Road.

Ongoing thru Thanksgiving https://santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets/scotts-valley/ ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, firstserved basis.

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

For more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ esnerr/tours/

DATED EVENTS Sunday August 1 and Sunday August 15 ART AT THE BEACH 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Capitola Village’s Esplanade Park Enjoy Sunday Art at the Beach at Esplanade Park.

View and purchase quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media from local artists.

This family-friendly event, presented by the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission, is free and open to the public.

Artists applications are accepted up to Aug. 10.

Download an Artist and Artist Requirements at https://www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-artbeach-2021.

For information, contact Leslie Fellows at 831-419-7485 or leslieafellows@yahoo.com

Monday August 2 Tuesday August 3 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ONLINE WEBINARS 1-2:30 p.m., Phone/Online Seminar Aug. 2 Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Aug. 3 Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior Learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Please call 800.272.3900 to register or visit ALZ.org/CRF. Once you complete registration for the meeting, you will receive an email confirmation with the call-in information and instructions for joining the webinars.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR planning the annual party for current members and potential new members who have been vaccinated.

If you love to cook, enjoy fine wine and conversation, this is your opportunity to meet vaccinated locals that share your interests. A festive, gourmet meal with margaritas and wine (for purchase) will be served along with live music.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Price is $20 for nonmembers.

To learn more & get the location, email Rhonda Mills in advance at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com. n

DATED EVENTS (cont.)

Tuesday August 3 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: ZOOTOPIA 5 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz Police Department celebrates National Night Out, co-sponsoring with the Santa Cruz Warriors a free family movie night, showing Zootopia.

There will be games, crafts, bounce house, K9 demos, popcorn, and treats. Movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

No pets, no smoking, and no alcoholic beverages are allowed. An adult must accompany children under 12.

National Night Out is designed to reinforce relationships between citizens, businesses, and local law enforcement. RSVP at bit.ly/scpdzootopia

Saturday August 21

Thursday August 5 FREE TEEN DRIVER CLASS 5:30-7:30 p.m., Online Seminar The California Highway Patrol offers a free traffic safety program for teenage drivers and their parents, Start Smart, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5.

Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds so the goal is to provide teens and parents with an understanding of how poor choices behind the wheel can affect the lives of numerous people.

Topics include: Defensive driving, traffic laws, dynamics of traffic collisions, tips on avoiding traffic collisions, and DUI — driving while under the influence — awareness.

The class will be virtual via Microsoft Teams.

Information on how to log onto Microsoft Teams will be sent after the class reservation.

Call the Santa Cruz CHP Office to reserve a spot: (831) 662-0511.

Saturday August 7 LIONS ‘MAGIC MARKET’ 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road Cabrillo Host Lions will present “Magic Market,” a benefit supporting Lions charities.

Vendors include Ed Jenkins, who makes wooden toy trucks, Megan Purdue, who makes signs out of driftwood, and Dale Herra, who sells avocados, and Mid-County Senior Center will sell produce grown in the garden in Capitola.

For information, call 831-688-3356.

HIROSHIMA/NAGASAKI REMEMBRANCE Noon-1 p.m., Town Clock, downtown Santa Cruz A remembrance for Hiroshima and Nagasaki — featuring speakers, music, and prayer — is being sponsored by the United Nations Association of Santa Cruz County, Resource Center for Nonviolence, Veterans for Peace, Santa Cruz Chapter of the ACLU, and Santa Cruz’s Branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

The United States detonated atomic bombs over those Japanese cities in 1945 during World War II to pressure Japan to surrender, which it did, six days after Nagasaki was bombed. Between 129,000 and 226,000 people in the two cities died, most of them civilians.

SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION Wednesday August 3 thru Saturday August 6 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Drive All students should plan to attend SOAR Day (Student Orientation And Registration) with their grade level.

Students will get their class schedule, textbooks, yearbook/ID photos, pick up PE uniforms, and learn more about Associated Student Body activities. All students (including seniors) must have their picture taken for ID cards.

SOAR Day Dates Come anytime on your scheduled day!

• August 3: 12th Grade • August 4: 11th Grade • August 5: 10th Grade • August 6: 9th Grade Also, after registration on August 6, there will be New Student Orientation, 2:30-3 p.m. in the gymnasium.

If you cannot attend your scheduled SOAR Day, you MUST contact Kelly Cox 831-439-9555 x1. (Include student’s name and grade level in email or voicemail.)

Information: https://www.svhs.santacruz.k12.ca.us/ https://www.goaladultlearning.org/events/month?lang=es Questions? Call Adriana Torres, 831-400-8128

Wednesday August 11 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Students in Scotts Valley Unified School District return to school on Aug. 11.

Back-to-school nights for parents will be: Brook Knoll School, Sept.1 • Scotts Valley Middle School, Sept. 2 • Scotts Valley High School Sept. 8 • Vine Hill School, Sept. 9.

Thursday August 12

SENIOR DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM 9 a.m., Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Community Room located at 5200 Soquel Ave. The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for senior drivers.

The Age Well, Drive Smart Program is designed to provide drivers with the keys to driving safer and driving longer. This program is designed as an educational tool for mature drivers. Topics of discussion will include: Tuesday August 10 • How to tune up driving skills.

CABRILLO COLLEGE REGISTRATION FAIR 6-10 p.m., Cabrillo College Watsonville Center, 318 Union St. • Refreshing their knowledge of the rules of the road.

• Learning about normal, age-related physical Cabrillo College Watsonville Center will host an changes and how to adjust to them in-person registration fair to help people with the • When it may be time to limit or stop driving. registration process.

• Understanding the alternatives to driving.

GOAL — Great Opportunities through Adult Age Well, Drive Smart classes are approximately two Learning — a program at Building 1602 at Cabrillo’s hours long and are free of charge. These classes are main campus in Aptos, 6500 Soquel Drive, offer geared toward drivers age 65 and up, but they are open to classes for everyone.

anyone who feels they can benefit from this information.

Space in this class is limited. To make a reservation, call the Santa Cruz CHP Office at (831) 662-0511.

Saturday August 14 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY Free Comic Book Day, one of the comic book industry’s most beloved and anticipated celebrations, will again be a single-day event.

The event, traditionally on the first Saturday in May, shifted to August in hopes that disruption related to COVID-19 will have passed. As this is the 20th anniversary of Free Comic Book Day, there are themed t-shirts and posters.

Joe Field, founder of Free Comic Book Day and owner of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord, said, “While the world has changed over these last 20 years, our love of comics and the power of comics to entertain and enlighten is stronger than ever. … I can’t wait to see all the first-time comic-curious readers, as well as our long-time faithful fans come together.”

Free Comic Book Day 2021 will feature up to 50 free titles at participating shops, including Atlantis Fantasyworld, 1020 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-0158, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Comicopolis, 829 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-1929, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Visit freecomicbookday.com.

Sunday August 15 SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB ANNUAL PARTY 4-8 p.m., Aptos Hills The Santa Cruz Dinner Club, a fine dining club, is

MEET KEVIN KILEY Noon-4 p.m., Corralitos Grange Hall, 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville The Santa Cruz County Republican Party plans a family BBQ which will feature guest speaker Kevin Kiley, 36, the Republican assemblyman who has represented the 6th District, Placer, Sacramento, and El Dorado counties since 2016 and is running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the Sept. 14 recall election.

Kiley, vice-chair of the Education Committee, declined a pay raise granted in 2021, and has introduced legislation to end special perks like the private DMV office for state lawmakers and their staff.

He is the author of a 200-page ebook, “Recall Gavin: The Most Corrupt Governor in the Nation,” focusing on the results from his policies.

The son of a doctor and a special education teacher, Kiley comes from Granite Bay and has three siblings. He graduated from Harvard and became a high school English teacher in South Central Los Angeles, where he started an award-winning speech and debate team.

Next he graduated from Yale Law School, joined a private law firm in California, then became a deputy attorney general working on cases involving convicted felons.

The past three years, the BBQ has sold out. Tickets are $40 per person or $100 for a family (2 adults with children). To buy, see https://santacruzrepublicans.com/upcoming-events/

Monday August 30 RECALL REGISTER DEADLINE The deadline to register for the Sept. 14 governor recall vote is Aug. 30. Visit votescount.us to do so.

If you miss that deadline you must use same-day registration, register in person Sept. 14 at the county Election office or a voting center, and your ballot will be conditional until the voter registration is processed.

To find your polling place, see https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place/

Wednesday September 15 thru Sunday September 19 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR Opens Noon Wed.-Fri. / 10 a.m. Sat. & Sun., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville For information about fair entry guides and education days see https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/ To volunteer, go online at https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/fair-time/general-info/volunteer

Monday September 17 BANFF FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings outdoor adventure to the big screen at the Rio Theatre.

Expect remote vistas, topical environmental issues, and adrenaline-packed action sports. Reserve your tickets.

For a list of films (check film ratings first; some are subtitled) visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2021/9/17/banffcentre-mountain-film-festival-world-tour n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / August 2021 / 21

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Coming Together a Year Later

A

s we approach the first anniversary of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, it’s hard to imagine any other year in recent memory that tested the resilience of our County so deeply.

The fact that we weathered the most devastating fire in our history in the middle of a pandemic is hard to believe. But we did — and we continue to work through the process of recovery one step at a time.

Community members have planned an event called “Coming Together A Year Later” at the Brookdale Lodge, 11570 Highway 9, starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 18. The evening will feature opportunities to participate in community art and see an art installation called “From the Ashes” by Lille Aeske, as well as enjoy music by Wolf Jett and Post Folk Revivalists.

I will be there along with other County representatives and members of the Long-Term Recovery Group that is working with fire survivors to provide financial assistance and other resources.

Meanwhile, rebuilding efforts are under way, with at least 21 single-family dwelling sites able to break ground in addition to the nearly 300 building permits issued to date for other structures covering 235 individual parcels.

The County’s dedicated Recovery

“SMGWA” from page 15

With the agency working on a groundwater plan, how far along is it? he draft document is available for public review. Comments are due Sept.

21, and input is welcome.

Visit www.smgwa.org to view the plan and provide comments What strategies are in the plan so far? ection 4 describes a range of potential projects and management actions designed to allow the basin to reach and

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By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

Permit Center has also issued nearly 700 pre-application clearances for three health and safety categories: fire access, septic standards and geologic hazards.

With the possibility of debris flows, the latter of those clearances has proven to be a challenge for some survivors.

In response, the Board of Supervisors approved a deferral process in late June for survivors to choose to evaluate geology after a building permit is issued, and the Board will consider a further exceptions process this fall.

Meanwhile, the County is undertaking a flood study of the fire zone, funded by Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to get a better handle on risk levels. We hope the study will reduce the number of parcels that need to be further evaluated.

In addition to the fire recovery work, the County is still managing the local response to COVID amid an increase of cases stemming from the Delta variant of the virus. The fact that there is a more contagious strain nearly 18 months into the pandemic underscores the importance of administering as much of the vaccines as possible.

As of late July, about 56 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated, and it is our hope that more will avail themselves

of the vaccine in coming months to slow the spread of the disease and support our local economy as it continues to recover.

In Scotts Valley, there is an upcoming closure, not an opening, That is worth noting. The Scotts Valley Branch Library is expected to close July 31 for renovations that are part of the systemwide Measure S funding approved by voters in 2016. The improvements — which will include seismic retrofitting, new carpet and paint, as well as reworking the entrance, children’s area, and fireside room — are expected to be completed in the spring of 2022.

In other Scotts Valley news, I want to congratulate City Manager Tina Friend on her new job as city Manager in coronado, near San Diego, which she will begin in September. Tina has done a great job at the helm of Scotts Valley, shepherding the city through some very difficult financial challenges, which were improved by the passage of Measure Z in March 2020 to increase sales tax and avoid significant budget cuts. Her professionalism and creativity will be missed at City Hall and throughout the community.

Lastly, I am excited about the upcoming Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival on Aug. 21 and 22. It will be great to gather with community members again and enjoy arts and crafts, along with locally made wine and beer. The event presented by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce

at a new location, Siltanen Community Park, will also feature a car show and a bunch of great music.

I hope to see you there and that you enjoy the rest of summer.

To buy tickets for the Art, Wine and Beer Festival visit svartfestival.com. n ••• I always appreciate hearing the community’s ideas on how we can support you.

District 5 residents can send any comments or questions to me at bruce.mcpherson@santacruz county.us or 831-454-2200.

maintain sustainability over the next 50 years (2022-2072).

The primary groundwater condition these activities aim to improve is lowered groundwater levels in one of the Basin’s primary aquifers (Lompico).

A few potential projects were used in the Santa Margarita Basin Groundwater model to simulate future groundwater conditions, based on climate change assumption. Several projects have the added benefit of creating supplemental drought supply to improve water supply reliability

for SLVWD, SVWD and City of Santa Cruz.

Not all projects and management actions are needed to attain sustainability, but they provide possible options in the event that backup projects are needed.

What’s the deadline to finish the plan? he final plan is expected to be adopted by the end of year and must be submitted to the state Department of Water Resources by Jan. 31, 2022.

Who has to approve it? he state Department of Water Resources will have two years from the date

of submission to evaluate the plan and designate it as approved, incomplete or inadequate.

Agencies with approved plans will continue to implement their plan. Agencies must provide annual reports and five-year updates to the state.

Agencies with incomplete plans are given up to 180 days to revise and resubmit.

Plans designated as inadequate will be referred to the State Water Board to consider intervention. n

22 / August 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Brookdale Lodge

SCCAS Featured Pet

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Meet The Adorable Whiskers!

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owdy, I’m Whiskers (A283024), a black and white male kitty that was transferred here from the Hitchcock road animal shelter down in Salinas!

I’m so excited to be in front of new faces, and take full advantage of this second chance for a furever home. So if you’re looking for a cuddly, playful, fun-loving kitty, read on!

As you can see from my photos, I am just as cute as I am inquisitive. I weigh just under 9 lbs, which means I can be picked up and cuddled with ease. I turn into a total purrmachine when I’m being held, and love to be carried around everywhere!

But don’t worry, I also love being on allfours; whether that means entertaining myself or playing with you! I do have to admit, from time to time I can get a little overwhelmed and need a break. You can count on me to tell you, gently, when I’m ready for some me-time.

“Overall, you couldn’t ask for a better kitty,” and that’s coming from the shelter staff themselves!

So what are you waiting for?

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Legendary Athletes © Statepoint Media

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Closure of Urgent Care in Scotts Valley he imminent closure of PAMF’s Urgent Care Center in Scotts Valley is evidence of the growing power of health care organizations.

Santa Cruz Medical Foundation, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Sutter Health, all nonprofits of varying types, have each entered into interlocking, overlapping contracts for medical care. Each of these medical systems is run by highly paid administrators contracting with each other’s organization and with the payers of health care coverage like Medicare and MediCal, and employers small and large like the UC employees health care system.

Individuals who get their health care through these interlocking health care contracts have no voice in the decisions by these health care owners and administrator. They alone determine what and where we will receive health care in our communities. As taxpayers, we subsidize these foundations and the networks they create through their tax-exempt status, but we have no part in the decisions they make about our health care services.

The Legislature should consider holding hearings to determine if the tax status of these organizations as not-forprofit continues to be a justified expense for taxpayers. If as some allege, they are losing money keeping the urgent care center in Scotts Valley open, maybe scrutiny of the salaries of high paid executives and administrators in each of these overlapping networks is a line item for potential cost savings and not the elimination of urgent care services for thousands of Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley residents.

The closure of the Scotts Valley urgent care will require rural residents in the San Lorenzo Valley, and rural residents of Scotts Valley and the North County, to travel many more miles for urgent care services, sometime during peak traffic hours that can take 40 minutes or more.

More miles and longer travel times can have serious consequences for people seeking urgent medical attention, and is particularly dangerous for older people with serious health care conditions. Some people seeking urgent medical attention and unable to quickly get an assessment of their medical condition may call 911, call an ambulance, or go to Dominican to get care. At a recent meeting on this topic I heard people relate each of these actions they would have taken if urgent care had not been available.

Early this year, my elderly husband had a fall in the hills above Scotts Valley High School and ripped the skin off of both his arms as he rolled down the hillside. He was bleeding profusely, is diabetic and was in shock.

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Fortunately urgent care was close to where he fell. They quickly got his blood pressure and blood sugar stabilized while they were treating his wounds. It took them more than 3 hours of medical care before he was able to go home, bandaged from his wrists to above his elbows on each arm.

Had urgent care not been there I would have driven him to Dominican that during afternoon commute hours would have taken at least 45 minutes, during which he could have passed out from a low blood sugar and shock, or because of his age and health condition had a heart attack.

We were very lucky that urgent care was so close. We were grateful they were there, and we sincerely hope that PAMF will keep that resource in our community.

— Bonnie Burns, Scotts Valley ••• Urgent care: 20-minute drive without traffic he question is: What would they need for them to change their decision?! Or from a different perspective: why are they making this decision?! Clearly it’s not because there aren’t enough urgent events nor people who have them. So what do they say is their reason?!

I have lived in Scotts Valley for over 30 years and the urgent care facility has been an important part of my and my family’s health care. And still is. One of my daughters now lives in Boulder Creek...20 minutes away on a day without traffic. As it is, I worry about if she needs to see a doctor urgently...add another 20 minutes for her to get over to...where??

And then last Wednesday there was the major traffic backup heading south mid-afternoon (not even “rush hour”)... no movement on Highway 17, barely movement on Glen Canyon. What if there was an urgent medical need for anyone from Scotts Valley or the San Lorenzo Valley?

Over the 30 years I”ve watched Sutter/PAMF take over Scotts Valley Medical and Santa Cruz Medical. We used to have an independent hospital on Frederick Street in Santa Cruz, now part of Dignity Health.

Can the county supervisors mandate that if a major medical company operates within the county borders they MUST provide an urgent care facility in each community? (ie Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Soquel, Watsonville). Of course then, that said...we already know how the insurance companies manipulate the medical practices in California, and Sutter might just say screw you Santa Cruz and split. n — Suzy Hunt

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