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Septic Solution in San Lorenzo Valley?
Our San Lorenzo River watershed includes the communities of Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Felton, Lompico, Zayante, Mount Hermon and Scotts Valley. Full Story page 5
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SVHS Girls’ Tennis: Co-Champs!
What does ice cream and tennis have in common? Well, probably not much unless you are a member of the Scotts Valley High School Girls tennis team. The Falcons, who shared the 2022 SCCAL tennis championship with Aptos, combined high quality tennis with plenty of fun along the way, finishing the season 11-2 overall and 9-2 in league play.
This is the second league championship in school history for Scotts Valley, the last coming in 2015. Ice cream was added into the team mix early in the season. Head coach Scott Goodrich knew the Falcons enjoyed ice cream from last year and decided to add in a new wrinkle this season. ... continues on page 4
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Scotts Valley School Board Candidates
Scotts Valley Times asked Scotts Valley Unified School District candidates Pat Adams, Lucía Rocha Nestler, Roger Snyder and Corey Warner to answer three questions. Two seats are open in the election on Nov. 8. Full Story page 7
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kp.org/downtownsantacruz 2 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
No. 11
Volume 25
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Table of Contents
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Cover
YOU PUT THE GRAND IN GRANDMA
SVHS Girls’ Tennis: Co-Champs! Community News 4 5
Cabrillo To Discuss Name Change
Septic Solution in San Lorenzo Valley?: What It Could Cost The North County Community: $57,000 & Up, By Tom Decker
6 7 8
The Bold, The Young and The Murdered Scotts Valley School Board Candidates County Fair Upheaval, By Jondi Gumz
17 Second Harvest Holiday Drive
19 CDC Advisory Group On Kids’ Vaccine, By Jondi Gumz
21 Cancer Can’t Have Her: Friends Rally for Katy Marsh Thompson, By
831-359-4670
Garth Taylor
22 SLV High Raises $50,000 in Drive for Schools 23 AG: Block Safeway Parent $4B Dividend
Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14
11 CineLux Networking Mixer & Movie • Togo’s Grand Re-opening/
Remodel Ribbon Cutting • Calendar of Upcoming Community Events
12 Congratulations to MADabolic!
13 Joint Ribbon Cutting Faultline Brewing Company & MADabolic
14 Scotts Valley Students Honored for Outstanding Academic Achieve-
ments in Kumon Math and Reading Program • Valley Churches United Missions Holiday Gift Shop
Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Scorpio: We Rise by Kneeling, Conquer by Surrendering, By Risa D’Angeles
Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21 Featured Columnists 10 Scotts Valley: Projects Around Town, By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley
22 A Lot To Celebrate, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Have Some Flap Jacks!
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 3
COVER STORY
Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz
publisher editor
contributing writers Tom Decker, Jondi Gumz, Garth Taylor, Risa D’Angeles, Donna Lind, Bruce McPherson
layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin photography Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine Cathe Race
office coordinator
distribution Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham
Cabrillo To Discuss Name Change O n Monday, Nov. 14, the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees will consider the Ad Hoc Report and Recommendations regarding a possible name change. This was announced during a presentation on the college history by retired faculty member Sandy Lydon. Lydon said via email, “I have it from many sources including President Matt Wetstein” that the subcommittee of the Board tasked with making a recommendation(s) will make that recommendation to the seven-member board, which meets at 6:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 via Zoom. To email trustees, see www.cabrillo. edu/about-cabrillo/#board-of-trustees There is a possibility, Lydon added, the subcommittee might propose several alternatives as to how to proceed, not necessarily a yes or no on the name change. Surveys found 67% of Native Americans want a name change; 39% of Latinos agree and 36% of whites.
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
supporters, 46 Native American, 495 white, and 157 Latino. n ••• Survey results are at: https://tinyurl.com/ cabrillo-name-survey. The Nov. 14 agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting at: https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/cabrillo/Board.nsf/ goto?open&id=BWC2QF034862
COVER STORY “Champs!” from page 1
Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission
A majority of people over 50 want to keep the name; 44% of those age 31-50 agree, as do 50% of those 21-30 and 39% of those 20 and under, and 61% of those who feel well-informed. The online survey got 818 responses, including 256 current students, 125 current employees, 304 Cabrillo Foundation
“We have a drill where hitting an orange cone with a tennis ball is the objective,” he said. “I thought, let’s add some fun to this drill. Each time a player hits the cone, it’s ice cream for the team.” After four cones were hit, Goodrich quickly realized he had created a monster. While the drill was adjusted, Goodrich did pay up. The team enjoyed ice cream bars at various points of the season. As the Falcons endured hot August practice days on the court, Goodrich and assistant coaches Patricia Dyc-O’Neal and John Szymanski quickly began to realize that this team had something special: Depth. With a strong nucleus of experienced players along with new additions to the team, this could be a special year for the Falcons. The Falcons got rolling quickly with two non-league wins over St. Francis High School (Watsonville) and at Watsonville High School. The team ladder solidified quickly with senior Emma Dyc-O’Neal at No. 1 singles, senior Veronica Farquhar at No. 2 singles, junior Stella Cheney at No. 3 singles and sophomore Sofia Niklaus rounding out the singles crew at No. 4. In doubles action, there was some mixing and matching but senior Livia Johnston and sophomore Erin Szymanski held down No. 1, juniors Maya Bensen and Samantha Warner secured the No. 2 spot
4 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
and freshmen Julia Kennedy, Maya Wexler, Riya Kuiriakose and senior Oona Poikonen rotated at No. 3. Sophomore Isabella Padilla injured her knee early in the season and while she did come back to practice, it was decided that rest was best when it came to playing competitive matches. As the league season began, the Falcons had a quiet confidence heading into their first match with Soquel, always a top contender. Scotts Valley won that match 5-2 and rolled through the first round of league play defeating Harbor, Santa Cruz and Aptos. “The Aptos win was a milestone for us as we had never come close to beating the Mariners and they are always so talented,” Goodrich said. “That win gave the girls a jolt of confidence.” Goodrich, in his third year coaching both the boys’ and girls’ teams’ at Scotts Valley, now had to make sure the team didn’t get ahead of itself. “Winning is great but sometimes it can lead to overconfidence and complacency,” he said. “We made sure the team stayed focused and to be honest, they responded beautifully.” The second half of the league season started off just like the first half for the Falcons with victories over Soquel, Harbor, Santa Cruz and SLV. In the final week of the season and in a battle in Aptos to determine the league champion, the Mariners ended Scotts Valley’s undefeated hopes with a 5-2 win. With
both teams now 9-1, after Scotts Valley defeated SLV in the’ final home match of the year, the Falcons and Mariners were crowned 2022 co-league champions. The final piece of the puzzle was now to determine which team would represent the SCCAL in the Central Coast Section playoffs. A one-match playoff took place on Halloween afternoon at Soquel High to determine the league CCS entry. In a dramatic afternoon featuring competitive and exciting tennis in singles and doubles, the Mariners edged the Falcons 4-3, with two of the three Falcons’ losses going to tiebreakers. “I was so proud of each girl and the team as a whole,” said Goodrich. “Everyone played great against great competition and that’s all you can ask for.” And yes, there will surely be a postseason party to celebrate what will go down as one of the best girls’ tennis teams’ in Scotts Valley history. And yes, no doubt there will be plenty of ice cream! n ••• Cover Photo: SVHS Girls Team Back row (from left): Senior Livia Johnston, junior Stella Cheney, senior Veronica Farquhar, senior Emma Dyc-O’Neal, junior Maya Bensen, sophomore Erin Szymanski and sophomore Sofia Niklaus. Front row (from left): Freshman Julia Kennedy, freshman Riya Kuriakose and junior Samantha Wagner. Not pictured: Senior Oona Poikonen, sophomore Isabella Padilla and freshman Maya Wexler.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Septic Solution in San Lorenzo Valley?
What It Could Cost The Community: $75,000 & Up Per Home Owner
O
By Tom Decker
ur San Lorenzo River watershed includes the communities of Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Felton, Lompico, Zayante, Mount Hermon and Scotts Valley. Our watershed has the highest septic system density of any comparable area in the state of California. Within the 138 square miles of the watershed are more than 13,000 individual on-site private septic systems. We live in Ben Lomond. We greatly appreciate and value the natural beauty of our forests, streams, creeks and the San Lorenzo River that flows through our valley. We all want clean, pure drinking water. We all want our San Lorenzo River to be clean and safe for people, wildlife and fish. The state of California tells us that they want the same things that we do. Nevertheless, the state’s answer for
Tom Decker points out to county Environmental Health workers where homeless are using the San Lorenzo River in Boulder Creek for a toilet. solving local problems often makes the problems worse.
EnrollEbnyroDllebcyem Debceerm 7 ber 7 Enroll by December 7
A year ago, on Oct. 14, 2021, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted
to approve the Local Agency Management Program for our area. This is the state’s plan for oversight of septic systems in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. The program is many pages long. What really stood out was the state’s concern over the large number of standard and non-standard private septic systems in the SLV watershed area. The intention of the program is to protect our watershed, and keep our watershed safe for people, wildlife and fish. In order to achieve this, the LAMP program imposes some very harsh financial requirements on the homeowners in our area. When fully implemented, the LAMP program would require a homeowner to replace their septic system with an engineered wastewater management system if it didn’t pass the state’s new certification standards. “Septic Issues” page 15
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he SLV Theatre Department presents The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered, written by Don Zolidis and directed by San Lorenzo Valley High School seniors Jamie McLean and Asher Trageser, at the SLV Performing Arts Center Oct. 28 through Nov. 6. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is a special Community Night performance on Jamie McLean and Asher Trageser Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. when all tickets are $10 each. showcases. Jamie also has a passion for The Bold, the Young, and the Mur- the technical side of theater, most notably dered takes place on the television set of the lighting, and has been the lighting long-running soap opera, The Bold and the designer for the theatre class showcases Young, which is in its last days. Its hunky and the SLVMS production of Dear hero has self-esteem issues, its villainous Edwina JR. Jamie also been the assistant old man is more interested in soup, and stage manager and soundtrack operator its heroines are slightly psychopathic. The for shows and companies outside of high executive producer gives the squabbling school. cast an ultimatum: Complete one episode Asher has been involved with theater overnight or the show dies. But when the since he was forced into a school production director ends up murdered, and other cast at the age 8. Since then, he has taken part members start dropping like flies, it seems in a total of 15 shows -- acting, directing, like his threat might actually come true. scene writing, poster designing, assistant Can these misfits discover the murderer stage managing, etc. Previous acting before the show is literally killed off? credits include Little Shop of Horrors, The Jamie started doing theater as a End of the World (With Prom to Follow), freshman with the SLVHS production of Clue (High School Edition): Stay-at-Home Like, Like Like? and fell in love with it. Version, and many others. Asher’s visual They’ve been involved with almost every art experience includes designing show school production possible, acting in Clue posters for both theatre class showcases (High School Edition): Stay-at-Home in 2022. Previously staged pieces he has Version, The End of the World (With authored include “Passing Notes,” “Order Prom To Follow), Little Shop of Horrors, in the Court,” and “Bottled Up.” and the theatre class’s scene and musical All performances will be at the SLV Performing Arts Center, 7105 Hwy 9, Felton. Ticket prices: General, $12; senior/ The Bold, the Young, student/SLV staff, $10; Community Night, and the Murdered $10. A limited number of tickets will be takes place on the available to buy at the door one hour television set of the prior to show time; advanced tickets are available online at the SLV Theatre long-running soap Boosters webpage. Advanced tickets are opera, The Bold and highly recommended. n ••• the Young, which is in The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered its last days. is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
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Scotts Valley School Board Candidates S cotts Valley Times asked Scotts Valley Unified School District candidates Pat Adams, Lucía Rocha Nestler, Roger Snyder and Corey Warner to answer three questions. Two seats are open in the election on Nov. 8. Are you satisfied with board policies of the last four years reflecting the wishes of the Scotts Valley community? Give examples. at Adams: We can do better for our students, our teachers, and our parents, but if we keep doing the same thing, with the same people, we’ll get the same result.
P
Local school boards should make pertinent decisions for the students that live in their district, without wasting vital finances on what may not apply locally. Distant government making rules for locals don’t even know who we serve. Politics should not rule education, and children should never be pawns in the political machine. For example, locally our only inperson school for months and months was Baymonte. Many parents un-enrolled their kids from public school and transferred because our local kids were not getting
the quality education they deserve, and that our tax dollars were paying for. Pat Adams Lucía Rocha Nestler Roger Snyder Corey Warner As other districts began to reopen, our school the district responded well to the direcboard kept students at a distance, cre- tives they were getting from the State and ating drastic learning loss, and mental/ County. I think that having an increased focus on mental health to support stuemotional hardships for our kids. ucía Rocha Nestler: I understand dents at schools has been a welcomed that the board has been trying to addition to the schools. lead the district while living through the “SV Board Candidates” page 16 pandemic, so in that regards, I think that
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 7
VOTE Gail Pellerin for Assembly using the ballot mailed to you or in person by November 8
COMMUNITY NEWS
County Fair Upheaval By Jondi Gumz
M DEMOCRAT FOR CALIFORNIA'S
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ore than 75 people came angry and frustrated to the Santa Cruz County Fair board meeting in Watsonville on Oct. 25, with another 68 on Zoom, watching how the leadership would carry on after firing longtime CEO Dave Kegebein Oct. 4 in the wake of a critical state audit. Kegebein, in 11 years had orchestrated a financial turnaround with $1 million in the bank for the fairgrounds, a state agency known as the 12th District Agricultural Association, but the audit found the fair had no receipts for $163,442 of purchases from 2017 to 2021 including $31,345 of fuel for his truck, one of a dozen lapses in requirements which Kegebein called “red tape compliance.” Only four board members attended in person, Don Dietrich, Dana McRae, Stephanie Fontana and Tony Campos with Lupe Flores and Michael Pruger participating via Zoom. Fair board member Bill Barton of Aptos, appointed in 2014 at age 70, resigned his seat. One surprise: Leaks were discovered in the Heritage Building during the unseasonable September rain, and it’s not yet known whether the roof can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Another surprise: The 1955 livestock barns, deemed unsafe by the state Department of Food and Agriculture and unusable for the 2022 fair, have been designated historic by another state agency, along with the entire 102-acre fairgrounds property. This is due to an error made in a map when historic designation was sought for the Rodgers House in 2000. It’s not known if this status can be changed. Dietrich, the board president turned acting CEO, will continue in that role, as none of the other board members volunteered and it may take six months to recruit a replacement manager.
During public comment, the board got an earful from Kegebein and his supporters. Kegebein delivered a check for $33,582, the amount in the state audit spent on fuel and maintenance on his truck, and contended Dietrich had taken advantage of the fairgrounds shop building for personal use, a charge Dietrich said he would respond to at the next meeting, which is Dec. 6. One credited Kegebein with negotiating a line of credit when the fairgrounds was “practically in bankruptcy” to save it. “Who made the motion to fire Dave?” asked fair volunteer Paul Vitale, his comment applauded. “Who is behind this heartless direction has yet to be determined,” said former fair board president Dave Cavanaugh, urging attendees to appeal to state officials. “Fight back.” The two fair board members who voted against firing Kegebein, Loretta Estrada and Jody Belgard, were dismissed by the governor’s office, which makes the appointments. Their replacements, Nicolas Calubaquib, 42, of Aptos, and Rachel E. Bickert Wells, 29, of Felton, named Oct. 21, did not attend. During public comment, Estrada, a fair board member for 34 years, said she and Belgard, on the board for 16 years, lost their seats for supporting Kegebein. She said she will continue to support the fair and the fairgrounds foundation. “I’m truly heartbroken about what’s happening to Dave Kegebein and the fairgrounds,” said Jeanette Crosetti. “I believe the state has a hidden agenda.” Mary Bannister, the volunteer fair board secretary, resigned the day before the meeting.
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Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Fair board members Stephanie Fontana, Dana McRae, Don Dietrich, and Tony Campos listen to public comment on Oct. 25.
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County fair board meetings are usually sparsely attended but not on Oct. 25. That left board president Dietrich to run the meeting, give reports and take minutes, which he said was “impossible.” He struggled with his agenda presentation of a contract under “other financial documents,” with former mayor Dennis Osmer saying items not properly noticed run the risk of being nullified. That item was postponed, and board member Fontana asking for an explanatory narrative to accompany it. “I hear you,” Dietrich said. “I’ll try to do better next time.” During public comment, former city councilwoman Trina Coffman-Gomez said the meeting was the most disorganized she’d seen. Also on the agenda, an independent accountant’s review of the fair’s 2019 finances by McGilloway, Ray, Brown & Kaufman of Salinas. Omitted from the review was management discussion of postemployment benefits, typically a requirement. “Why is it still a draft from 2019?” asked Osmer, contending this review conflicted with the 2021 state CDFA audit. Dietrich said he negotiated with the Fairgrounds Foundation, which raises money for fairgrounds facilities, to lower the share of revenue on gross sales paid to the fair from 15% to 12%. The reason, he said, was to ensure the upcoming Holiday Lights event makes a profit. No one objected. “I think this event is very important to the public,” Dietrich said. “I don’t want the foundation to cancel.” Dietrich said the fair has no agreement with the County of Santa Cruz regarding 38 acres at 188 Whiting Road next to the fairgrounds which the county would like to acquire for parks and recreation. Asking price is $2.65 million. The county has no funds to buy it but twice sought grants, which were turned down, explained Kim Namba of county parks.
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
John Eiskamp of the Ag History Project at the fairgrounds said proponents interviewed people at Second Saturday on the Farm, but there’s no agreement. Dietrich said he was in Sacramento last week to learn about state Resilience Center funding for fairgrounds’ climate change projects, but most of the money will go to the Central Valley. Dietrich said state rules do not allow him to be board president and interim manager, so Fontana, the most senior member, took over running the meeting. Dave Kegebein suggested getting a list of potential fair CEO candidates from CDFA, which Dietrich supported. CDFA branch chief Michael Francesconi, on the Zoom call, said he did not have a list on his desk but he could reach out to the industry. Coffman-Gomez suggested putting the recruitment on the Santa Cruz County Fair website. To support the fair, Jeanne Kegebein, who runs the Fairgrounds Foundation and is Dave Kegebein’s stepmother, urged people to attend the Holiday Lights event, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Nov. 25 through Dec. 25. The state audit did not appear on the board agenda for Oct. 4, the date Kegebein was fired. The short agenda, posted Sept. 24, listed a closed session with CDFA Legal to discuss personnel. After the meeting, Dietrich said he was “heart-broken about Loretta.” He said he saw the state audit in his official county fair email, which he checks regularly. Under the state’s Bagley-Keene Act, he is allowed to communicate with one other board member, not the whole board, he said. Estrada said she saw the audit only minutes before Kegebein was fired. As for her fair email, she told Aptos Times, “They knew I’ve never used the state email.” n
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 9
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Scotts Valley: Projects Around Town
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his month I’m responding to inquiries about Scotts Valley parks and street maintenance and repairs. City Hall improvements are also in process. In Public Works, 2022 has largely been a rebuilding year. In late 2021, the City reinstated the Maintenance Division Manager position. This position was last filled in 2006 before being frozen and eventually unfunded for 15 years. The manager position allows for more advanced planning of internal resources and strategic use of contract services to ensure the City’s parks, streets, facilities and storm drain system are properly maintained. The Maintenance Division is still staffed at approximately 2/3 the staffing levels of the early 2000s. The City is experiencing the same challenges as all employers in both the public and private sectors in regards to hiring and retaining staff. Even so, work is getting done to bring back our parks and facilities to the standards we all expect in the community, but it will take time. Through the first half of this year, Public Works has entered into a series of contracts to ensure regular maintenance activities continue to occur regardless of staffing levels and improvement projects are in varying stages of planning, design and construction. In spring of 2022, the City entered into an agreement with Brightview Landscaping to maintain the soccer fields at Skypark and greenbelts in the Skypark neighborhood. Over the summer, the City entered into an agreement with K&D Landscape to perform maintenance activities throughout the City. Residents have shared their appreciation of the work along the Skypark Linear Trail. K&D is also working on median islands on Scotts Valley Drive, Mount Hermon Road, the Pinewood Estates landscape assessment district, the Community Center, Senior Center, and newly planted Library parking lot landscaping. These two maintenance agreements have provided flexibility within the Public Works team to dedicate more resources in other areas of the City like Siltanen Park. Over the 4 months of having dedicated maintenance resources at Siltanen, we’ve seen field conditions improve, tree health improve and general park conditions improve.
10 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley Public Works Director Chris Lamm (left) with Maintenance Division Manager Tyler Thomas at the Public Works office. Staff has noticed and appreciated the positive emails, posts on social media and letters to the editor, thanking staff for their work. It’s good to see some of the other improvements in our parks including the systematic replacement of broken park drinking fountains with new fountains that include bottle filling stations. Epoxy coating of the restroom floors at Hocus Pocus Park and Skypark have been completed, with work to be completed at other park restrooms. Staff had to deal with a recent major plumbing break at Skypark that created a delay but has been corrected. A major irrigation overhaul of Siltanen Park is in design, planned to go into construction this winter. The existing system is problematic and very maintenance intensive, averaging one break per month over the past year and a half. At Skypark, Council expects to award an agreement to replace the small children’s playground. This project began planning prepandemic and is primarily funded through the State’s Prop. 68 Parks and Water Bond Act of 2018. Additional projects have been approved by City Council. A large list of projects began in July, to go along with previously funded projects underway. These projects have a longer lead time that many times include a need for design professionals and public contract bidding. The full list of projects is too long to mention here. Below is a highlight of a few projects staff are working on: • Bean Creek Road pavement rehabilitation project is being
finalized. That project will go out to bid over the winter to have a contractor ready to begin work in the spring. • Citywide striping: In September, City Council awarded a construction contract with Chrisp Company to perform pavement striping throughout the City. Engineering staff will be coordinating work efforts to refresh striping on a number of streets throughout the City and incorporating some Active Transportation Plan projects where appropriate. • Mount Hermon signal improvements: This project is just kicking off a review of traffic signal timing and reviewing options for some short-term improvements. The review will also provide the City with a report of possible hardware/software solutions for signal interconnectivity improvements. • Public Works facility replacement (currently unusable): Over the winter work will begin to demolish the existing facility and clean up the site. Site preparation and the new facility will be installed in the spring/summer of 2023. This project is funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding. • Police Department Improvements: A long-standing project to make improvements to the women’s locker room is in design. That project will also incorporate ADA access improvements to and within the public lobby. • Council Chambers/City Hall: Audio/visual improvements within the Council chambers have been made. These improvements allowed the City Council to begin meeting in a hybrid format (both in person and online). Other projects that are just kicking off including improvements to the HVAC system and a roof replacement project. Physical work on these projects is anticipated to begin in 2023. It’s exciting to see the many projects Public Works staff is undertaking and we look forward to the many improvements to City Parks, streets and facilities! n ••• Donna Lind is mayor of Scotts Valley. Contact her at dlind@scottsvalley.gov.
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oin us on November 17th, 5:30 p.m., at CineLux Scotts Valley Café & Lounge for a special Networking Mixer and Movie. Attendees will be treated to popcorn, drinks, and refreshments provided from the CineLux Café, as well as a special screening of Marvel’s new movie, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This event is open to Chamber
Members and the Community. Thank you to the owner of CineLux Theaters, Paul Gunsky for hosting this event! “The Chamber has done a lot over the last two or three years through Covid and the CZU Fires to support our community and our local businesses,” says Gunsky. “I wanted to do something to give back to the Chamber to show our appreciation, which is why we offered to host this event.”
Togo’s Grand Reopening/Remodel Ribbon Cutting
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oin us Thursday November 3rd from 5:30-7 p.m., to celebrate the Grand Reopening/Remodel for Togo’s Scotts Valley! This event is free of charge and open to the entire community. There will be beverages, refreshments and a raffle. Togo’s Scotts Valley has been serving the community since 1986. The current local owners bought the location in 2019 and have been investing in the community in many ways since through the business. They also own locations in Capitola and Watsonville. They support many programs such as art, dance, music and athletics. They provided thousands of sandwiches to evacuees during the fires. “We love this community and look forward to supporting and serving the community for many years to come,” says co-owner Greg Wimp. “Come join us to celebrate the remodel of our location and center on 11/3.”
Thursday, November 3, 5:30-7 p.m.
Calendar of Upcoming Community Events Thursday November 3 5:30-7 pm — Grand Re-opening/Remodel Ribbon Cutting Togo’s Scotts Valley 266 Mt. Hermon Rd., SV
Thursday November 17 5:30-7 pm — Networking Mixer & Movie Cinelux Scotts Valley 226 Mt. Hermon Rd., SV
Friday April 14, 2023
Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala Roaring Camp
Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter • Call or Visit Today: www.scottsvalleychamber.com
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 11
Scotts Valley Chamber News
Congratulations to MADabolic!
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elcome to the Scotts Valley Chamber! On November 20th we celebrated the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for MADabolic, located in the new Hangar building at 262 Mt. Hermon Road #101. Congratulations! Looking to lower stress levels, improve mental wellness, and look better physically? MADabolic Scotts Valley has you covered. MADabolic officially opened their doors 7 months ago at the Hanger in Skypark. The first and only location in California! MADabolic is the Industry’s one and only strength-driven interval training program accessible to all levels of performance.
October Ribbon Cutting
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12 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
to torch body fat, increase strength, and promote lean muscle. The experienced trainers at MADabolic Scotts Valley are here to help transform Everyday People into Everyday Athletes including improving and increasing performance of existing athletes. The MAD team has worked nationally with tens of thousands of clients; from everyday people to professional athletes delivering top-notch programming that drives the MADabolic reputation. Follow them on IG @MAD_ScottsValley and go to www.madabolic.com/locations/ scotts-valley to sign up for their new client special, 5 consecutive days for only $5!
Enroll in WaterSmart! Stay informed about your water use and catch leaks quickly. WaterSmart, a free online platform, can help! This is extra helpful because the District’s leak adjustment program will sunset at the end of this year. Register with WaterSmart to ensure that you are notified if you have a leak.
Scotts Valley Chamber News
Joint Ribbon Cutting Faultline Brewing Company & MADabolic
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Joint Ribbon Cutting Faultline Brewing Company & MADabolic • Photo Credit: Arwen Reber Photography.
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Scotts Valley Chamber News Scotts Valley Students Honored for Outstanding Academic Valley Churches United Missions Holiday Gift Shop Achievements in Kumon Math and Reading Program
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tudents enrolled at the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Scotts Valley are proving that hard work and daily practice pays off. As a result of attending weekly sessions, several students made significant academic improvements and are studying above their school grade level. An award ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 12, will honor the academic successes of local Kumon students. Kumon goes beyond tutoring, by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress
independently through carefully crafted math and reading curriculum. More than 290,000 preschool to high school aged children throughout the United States are developing advanced skills and confidence through Kumon’s Method of Learning. “At Kumon of Scotts Valley, we believe children have unlimited potential to succeed,” said Kumon Director, Marwan Mezher. “My goal is to help each child develop strong academic skills, a love of learning and the confidence to excel beyond the classroom.”
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he Annual Holiday Gift Shop at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond opened on November 1st. The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Extremely talented volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s gift shop an exceptional holiday shopping experience. New toys, quality jewelry, vintage items, Christmas decorations, puzzles, household items, and more can be found at very reasonable prices. All proceeds from the gift shop support Valley Churches United’s nonprofit year-round food pantry. The Gift Shop is located in the heart of Ben Lomond at 9400 Highway 9. For more information, call 831-336-8258.
••• Award Ceremony Saturday, November 12 12 — 2 p.m. 218-D Mt. Hermon Road Scotts Valley Free Raffle tickets will be drawn every 15 minutes ••• Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program. Kumon’s comprehensive program serves children in preschool through high school. Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 55 countries and regions.
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14 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Boulder Creek. The San Lorenzo River flows along the southern border of our These systems are very expensive. property. We discovered that this man, The current cost to install an engineered along with a number of other homeless system ranges from $75,000 to over individuals, had been using the river under $140,000. These systems also require 24/7 the Highway 9 bridge in Boulder Creek as monitoring, which costs an additional $250 their toilet. We called the County’s Environmental to $300 every month. The state expects the homeowners in our area to accept this Health Department. They sent out a crew very expensive solution to achieve a ques- to clean up the mess. Last week, I discovered again the river tionable result without questioning why. We all want clean drinking water. The under the bridge was still being used by SLV Water District gets most of its water the homeless as their toilet. Based upon from the many mountain springs in our my very small and unscientific sample, I watershed. The quality and purity of our wonder how many times and in how many water consistently ranks among the best in other locations along the 26 miles of the San Lorenzo River is this happening on a the state. We would like to swim in the river. daily basis? I’m curious if the state has factored Longtime residents of SLV will fondly recall swimming in the public swimming in this information when determining pools in Ben Lomond and Lompico every the amount of raw sewage that is in our watershed. summer. These commuThe sad irony is that nities used these public I wonder how many no matter how much we pools on the river for times and in how many spend to upgrade our decades. other locations along septic systems to meet the Then the state put an the 26 miles of the San new state standards, it will end to using the river for Lorenzo River is [used never be enough. I believe public swimming. as a toilet] happening on that the minimal results They told us the a daily basis? achieved will never justify reason for this was so fish could swim unimpeded in the San Lorenzo the high cost paid to achieve them. The residents in the SLV watershed River. Historically, the San Lorenzo River area are very diverse group. Nevertheless, had the largest population of steelhead there is one place where we all share trout and Coho salmon of any river in common ground. Everyone has a septic system. Central California. Any program that forces homeowners Sixty years ago, the San Lorenzo River was home to one of the largest steelhead to spend more money to upgrade their trout and Coho salmon hatcheries in the septic system will not be received well. To find out how the public feels state. Then the state shut down the hatcheries. Since then, the trout and salmon about the LAMP, check out the public population in the San Lorenzo River has comment portion of the Oct. 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. On your computer dropped to almost zero. A possible but never spoken-of search engine enter: Board of Supervisors solution to that problem might be to reopen Santa Cruz County, California. When you get to the BOS website, in the box on the the fish hatcheries. It’s no wonder the residents of the SLV left click on: Minutes and Agendas. Click watershed area are upset. We don’t trust on the Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. meeting: the state. We are angry about the harsh Video. The public comment part of this video financial consequences being put on us from the LAMP program. We no longer starts at: 3:10. You will see and hear many trust the state as they try to impose their of your friends, neighbors and community members addressing this issue at that will in this very local matter. The state wants the LAMP program public meeting. After hearing from the many members to require every septic system in our watershed to be inspected and state-cer- of the public, all of them opposed to the tified. They have a zero tolerance policy for LAMP, our supervisors wisely voted modify some of the conditions of the failed systems. What if every homeowner in the SLV LAMP. Our supervisors also wisely watershed was ready, willing and able to decided to kick the can down the road and replace their septic system with a new (and look at this matter again at some later time. It appears that the residents of the SLV very expensive) engineered wastewater management system, how much would watershed won this fight. Nevertheless, that help with the problem of wastewater the war to require homeowners in the SLV getting into our watershed? No one really watershed to upgrade their septic systems is far from won. knows. Stay vigilant. n That’s a very important question. A few weeks ago, we discovered a ••• homeless man living in a heavily wooded Editor’s Note: For another perspective, corner of our property in downtown see Bruce McPherson’s column on page 22 “Septic Issues” from page 5
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 15
“SV Board Candidates” from page 7 The increase of counselors, and the increased attention to kids’ social emotional well being, in addition to suicide prevention has been received well and created a positive reaction by students and families. However, I also think that for some time now, the community, parents in particular, have been trying to get a better response to bullying at school, and also actions in regards to diversity, equity and inclusivity in our schools, and that has appeared to be slower moving. The Inclusion Counts Report that was conducted in the spring and shared in the summer, shows some incredible areas of growth and attention by the district which to many, has been slow going. I personally would have welcomed a school board policy in regards to DEI work and a grounding statement that could have supported a lot of the work to move forward. It still sometimes feels like DEI work is secondary to the goals of the district, and I think that really needs to change. oger Snyder: As a trustee for the SVUSD for the last six years, I have worked hard to listen to the needs of our community and ensure that they are reflected in the District’s priorities. Since 2020, from our marginalized students to our mayor, we’ve heard the need to
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address racism and bullying issues in our schools. In response I helped the District address these concerns through unconscious bias training, a task force to update our curriculum to be more inclusive, and updated discipline policies to better protect victims while educating perpetrators with restorative justice practices leading to more severe consequences when necessary. During the pandemic, as board president, I ensured that we followed everchanging state requirements, but stayed true to our mission to keep our children safe and did our best to enable their academic success under the most trying circumstances. orey Warner: I’m very proud of the work we’ve done (and continue to do) to update board policies and have them more accurately reflect the community we all live in. During my six-year tenure on the board, we have updated numerous policies including: Bullying / Suicide Prevention and general school safety, as well as added new policies: for charter school / Covid mitigation plan and a comprehensive school improvement plan. There is more work to be done but none of these changes were taken lightly. There is a lot of thought, input, discussion, and effort put into creating a new board policy and updating a current one. We look
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forward to finalizing our updated inclusion policy very soon! How does teacher pay compare to other districts? What incentives can be offered to teachers to stay? at Adams: Our teachers do not get paid as much as teachers who drive over the hill to work. We lose many good teachers every year because it makes more financial sense for their families than staying local. Continuing education is a nice incentive for teachers, but even that incentive seems to wane over time. To really engage teachers in our community, we must make sure they can afford local housing. Affordable housing for teachers, police, firefighters, and other public servants makes the most sense, because we want good people to stay, not just train and move on because the paycheck is bigger. ucía Rocha Nestler: It is no secret that Scotts Valley teachers make considerably less income than teachers in the surrounding districts. For comparison, a new teacher to SVUSD with a credential, makes $46,910, versus a new teacher in San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District $54,750 or in Santa Cruz City Schools District $60,460, and the gap only increases with seniority (SV: $86,570, SLVUSD $105, 904 and SCCSD $113,206) those are drastic differences when you take into consideration that most credentialed teachers have more education beyond their BA/BS because they have had to attend a credentialing program. In terms of incentives for teacher to stay, we really need to address the low teacher salary first and foremost. In addition to that, I think that supporting teachers with the tools and materials they need (so they do not have to spend additional funds of their own), lower class sizes and less additional, unpaid work hours. Their working conditions need to be addressed so they are not having to spend any more time to plan and prep that is beyond their contracted time. And they need professional development around areas that can impact their teaching practice.
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oger Snyder: Teacher pay in our district is not competitive. This is because we are the 7th lowest funded unified district in the state, due to inequities in the state’s Local Control Funding Formula. We offer one of the best benefits packages for our teachers compared to other local districts, but this is still not enough. We passed a parcel tax in 2018 to increase teacher salaries, and will need to renew it in the next two years. In parallel, I have engaged with state and federal legislators to highlight our funding inequities, and serve in the California School Board Association to lobby Sacramento for full and fair funding. orey Warner: I have consistently voted for teacher raises. Unfortunately, our base salaries pale in comparison to other districts in our area because SVUSD is so underfunded, but we do provide an exceptional benefits package and bonuses whenever possible. Employees are provided information about becoming homebuyers and I’d like to see the city set aside a percentage of lowincome housing for qualified teachers. Some people would prefer fewer teachers in exchange for bigger class sizes and higher salaries, but I don’t agree. I am committed to finding a fiscally responsible balance between class sizes, teacher salaries, and the overall budget. Experts say the pandemic increased anxiety and depression 25% globally, and a Scotts Valley High School student killed himself this year, prompting calls to address racial bullying. What should the school board do? at Adams: School board should acknowledge that constitutionally all are created equal, then extend that concept to teachers and counselors. Focusing on differences causes divisiveness, and eventual bullying. Teach that are all part of the human race, living in a great city, in a great state, in a great country, with equal opportunities.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Second Harvest Holiday Drive T he plea goes out: Help Second Harvest Food Bank fill the gap and feed hope again this holiday season. Second Harvest’s annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive 2022 invites you to get inspired and excited at an old-fashioned outdoor kickoff rally on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Aptos Village Green, 161 Aptos Village Dr., next to New Leaf Market.
Tina Chavez shows off a small portion of the food collected during Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual holiday food drive.
There will be opportunities to mix and and partner locations in Santa Cruz mingle with community members, sign up County. Every $1 raised will provide four to support the drive, and listen to guest healthy meals for neighbors in need. speakers. At the rally, teams can sign up to be Erica Padilla-Chavez, Second Harvest Food Bank CEO, said, “While part of the holiday drive and hear about we have made strides in Covid recovery, creative ideas to raise funds, such as the need for food assistance has not mini-barrel donation stations and virtual campaign pages where people decreased to pre-pandemic can donate online. levels. With inflation, many They’ll also hear from the families and working people event’s co-chairs, UC Santa are not making ends meet. Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive This year’s food and fund and Community Foundation drive is crucial to making Santa Cruz County CEO Susan sure no one goes hungry in True, about the importance of Santa Cruz County.” making sure all Santa Cruz The goal this year is to County residents have access raise enough money to serve Michele Bassi, Second Harvest to healthy food, both during the 5 million meals. holidays and year-round. During the annual drive, Food Bank board chair. Reservations are required to attend businesses, organizations, schools, and neighborhoods are encouraged to form the rally. See https://give.thefoodbank. teams and gather funds to help achieve org/campaigns/23600-holiday-foodfund-drive-2022-kickoff this goal. Cost to attend is $15, which includes All funds raised during the holiday drive — 100% — go to provide food to to-go box lunches provided at the end of distribute at Second Harvest’s 160 agency the rally.
Alex Jimenez and Jennifer Welling
Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank has been meeting the needs of hungry people locally for 50 years. Second Harvest was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. provide nourishment for all community members. Its network of nearly 100 local agencies and programs feeds 85,000 people in Santa Cruz County every month. The Holiday Food & Fund Drive will continue through Jan. 15, 2023. Information on how to sign up a team for Holiday Food & Fund Drive 2022 can be found at https://www.thefoodbank. org/holiday-food-fund-drive. n
YOU’RE INVITED!
Holiday Food & Fund Drive Kickoff Rally
Mix, mingle, and hear guest speakers explain the importance and urgency of providing nourishing food for our neighbors in need.
Thursday, November 10 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Aptos Village Green, next to New Leaf Market
RSVP required to attend. Scan QR Code or visit thefoodbank.org/kickoff22
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 17
Scorpio: We Rise by Kneeling, Conquer by Surrendering Esoteric Astrology • November 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles
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unday, October 23, the Sun left Libra to enter the deep transforming waters of Scorpio. The Light began to shine on the 8th Gate and Hercules (humanity) was given his eighth labor. As the Gate opened we hear the words spoken by the Teacher, “We rise by kneeling; we conquer by surrendering, we gain by giving up. Go and conquer the Hydra, Hercules.” Six and a half hours prior to Sun entering Scorpio, Saturn (the Lawgiver), retrograde since June 4th, turned direct at 18 degrees Aquarius (sign of humanity’s freedom). With Saturn retrograde, we organized and structured our inner lives. Saturn direct calls us to truth, the Rule of Law, and the new structures needed for the new Aquarian era. Saturn direct gets the work done, work that has been waiting a long time to be completed. Saturn is practical. It’s earth. Saturn is the taskmaster, karma, the Dweller, awaiting the Angel of the Presence. The Dweller is all that needs purification everywhere. It is what is not forgiven, not redeemed, all that we have yet to love. The Angel of the Presence is Venus, who shines ARIES
a light on the unredeemed shadows. It is the light of Love, which “underlies all the happenings of our lives and times.” On Sunday, October 30, as Saturn patiently moved us lawfully forward, Mars, planet that impels and propels us to act (at times irrationally), stopped in its tracks (25 degrees Gemini) and began 72 days of retrograde (looking back). Mars retrograde continues until January 12, 2023 (8 degrees Gemini). Mars retrogrades every two years, thus it is considered a rare retrograde. As Mars is our energy, during Mars retrograde our energy turns inward and some may feel rather exhausted. The purpose of Mars retrograde is to give us time to assess and reassess all past actions, desires, aspirations, beliefs, devotions and visions. The word Karma becomes a keynote of discussion. It’s the planet of passion, instinct, desire, aspiration, actions, anger, war and aggression and wild impulses. Mars is also our strength and courage. And Mars, as a planet, is rather fierce! Mars, ruling Scorpio says “Warrior am I and from the battle I emerge triumphant!” (more on Mars retrograde next time) n
Mars is what propels you. It’s your physical energy. During this time, you may experience communication and interactions slowing down, not working in ways expected. It’s good to understand retrogrades. Because there can be anger and frustration. It’s good to allow setbacks to be taken in stride. And to know different opportunities will be offered. When interruptions occur at work, just refocus and review everything. Something from the past becomes important. Remain poised.
LEO
SAGITTARIUS
You may be looking deep within the self, assessing communications in past relationships. Nothing is clear or direct. There is such a focus upon the past that the present doesn’t seem to exist. Assessing one’s behavior within relationships is important at this time. Relationships with everything, not just lovers. This is very important inner work. Daily schedules and agendas may change. Notice setbacks, hindrances. Work around them with agility and poise. You’re always the leader.
Here are the areas of life that may be affected in some ways. Observe them. And go on your way. Creativity, recreation, pleasure, children, hobbies, love affairs, enthusiasm, creative projects, leisure. Or perhaps ideas, thoughts, self-expression, social interactions, communication, money making and security. In all these things, one after another, something may occur that makes you rethink past actions. You will revise some things, eliminate many others. In between times use mantras to reorganize your thinking.
TAURUS
VIRGO
The task for Hercules in the sign of Scorpio is to lift up instincts and intellect to the intuition; holding intuition close to the heart. Your intuition is very keen. You are able to sense the false, deceptive and unreal. Things you planned on doing may experience setbacks. Simply reorient yourself to a different agenda. One that changes day to day. Review previous studies, cultural interests and important goals. Do you have the same aspirations?
You may feel less than enthused about your present daily life. Projects and routines may have lost their luster. Work may seem difficult, unexciting. Expressing the self may be frustrating. It’s a good time to re-organize all levels of everyday life. Experiment with different time schedules, ways of eating, exercise, walks and chats in the garden. Notice any anxieties, confusion, preoccupations or changes of heart. Keep a journal of daily life contemplations and revelations.
GEMINI
It’s time to return to your artistic abilities, a creative project previously set aside. It’s time to reconsider leisure, work, travel, creativity and self-identity. Time to consider new approaches to interactions with friends, groups. Time also to consider the future. Are you remembering and questioning something? These will produce feelings, deep and complicated. There could be exhaustion, too. It’s time to rest more. It’s also time to contemplate, to ponder, to understand more and to forgive.
LIBRA
During retrogrades our enthusiasm for interactions in the world slows down. Life becomes an internal drama, we’re more cautious, we question more, we wonder about past choices and should we redo them? We want to refine and perfect, refocus and review, reorganize and reorder. Especially our old ways of thinking and old beliefs. Money and communication with intimates can become complicated. Look at finances once, twice, three times. Review everything.
SCORPIO CANCER
Finances, insurance, shared resources — all these may need to be explored once again. Review all previous transactions. Fix what’s broken. And don’t allow any buried anger to surface and hurt others. Have the intention to manage emotions with equanimity and poise. Communication may be difficult. Something may become an obsession. Reassess how you approach relationships. Find ways to have more kindness, less protection under your shell. Reach out and touch the heart of everything.
All Scorpios are deeply affected by Mars and Mercury retrogrades. Mars brings the Nine Tests of Discipleship. And Mercury informs Scorpio (especially) to be careful of thoughts and words, which either create or destroy. In the meantime things around the home begin to have a life of their own. Breakdowns may occur, things long waiting to be fixed won’t wait anymore. Family situations occur, emotional issues from the past appear. Siblings call needing help. Daily routines aren’t anymore. No matter the situation, carry on, Scorpio. •••
CAPRICORN
Is the issue of money or resources up for review and discussion? Do you feel that you are a resource for your family and friends? Things may appear quite close and personal. Emotions may be up and down. Are you responding or reacting? What needs refining, reorganizing, rethinking and/or repaired? What is creating frustration? What are you concerned about and need answers for? Is there a need to redo or coordinate something? What new initiatives do you want to put into place? Questions are good. AQUARIUS
It’s important to realize that everything you have done has been perfect. And according to plan. Aquarians are sometimes hard on themselves, thinking they don’t do enough, aren’t enough of something. They worry a lot, too. However, it’s important to know that Aquarians are quite different than most of humanity. Aquarians come from another star system, from the future. They don’t perform or accomplish things like the rest of humanity. They have different tasks altogether. Aquarius, you’re perfect. PISCES
You’re hidden away for a while, Pisces. As it should be. It’s time for resting more, contemplating the future, reaffirming dreams or letting them go. Something has changed in your work. A new level of study has appeared after many months of preparation. It’s important to tend to health now, to assess what’s needed for your well-being. Focus on the little things that make up each day. Accomplish each task with order and strive to do your very best. One’s best is better than perfect.
Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
“SV Board Candidates” from page 16 We have to stop draconian policies that drive fear and anxiety. One parent shared with me that his son lost five friends in the last 2-3 years. Three took their own life. Three! We have failed our kids, and it’s time for change. We can and must do better! ucía Rocha Nestler: I agree completely that the district needs to address racial and all types of bullying-- especially in regards to diversity and inclusivity with race, learning differences and LGBQT+ issues. The first thing that the district should have already done, is created a School Board policy denouncing any type of bullying, especially naming race, and LGBQT+. Similarly, the language of DEI should be included in the district core values for all kids in the district so that the grounding work will always be lead by that work. In addition, the district’s guiding principles should be explicit in order to achieve the district mission and vision grounded in the Core Values to further articulate why we do what we do. oger Snyder: We’ve started the work to improve our District culture to be more inclusive and equitable for all students. This work continues as the District has launched a new DEIB steering committee that includes district staff, teachers, parents, and board trustees. This committee is implementing the recommendations of the Inclusion Counts Equity Report that was published this summer to improve every facet of our District, including hiring policies, curriculum, cultural awareness, professional development, student services and resources, and discipline policies. I serve as one of the two trustees on this committee to help advance these efforts. orey Warner: Addressing bullying begins in the home. All families and our community at large have a responsibility to teach children how to be inclusive, kind, respectful, and compassionate. Our district has implemented inclusion training for administration and staff, which I myself have participated in, while simultaneously updating our social studies curriculum. Our district’s progressive discipline approach was revamped and the school board is currently updating inclusion policies. Change is hard and doesn’t happen overnight, but I am confident that we can work together to continue making our schools a safer and more inclusive space for all of our students and staff. n ••• Pat Adams: www.PatriciaAdams.net and PatAdams@PatriciaAdams.net Lucía Rocha Nestler: https://lrn2111. wixsite.com/lucia and lucianestler@mac.com Roger Snyder: https://Snyder4schools.org Corey Warner: cwarner@scottsvalleyusd.org
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COMMUNITY NEWS
CDC Advisory Group On Kids’ Vaccine O
Act Now To Earn a $1200 Tax Credit in 2022!
By Jondi Gumz
n Oct. 20, an advisory committee to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted unanimously in favor of adding the Covid vaccine to the recommended immunization schedule for children and adults. The existing schedule recommends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6. Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The new bivalent boosters mix vaccine for the original no-longer circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the recently dominant Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are far less deadly. The CDC, which is expected to sign off on the recommendation, plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023. To expedite the review, federal officials asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans. Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice. The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, noting the decision on vaccines required to attend school is a state or local decision. “Local control matters,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the ACIP meeting. “We honor that the decision around school entrance for vaccines rests where it did before, which is with the state level, the county level and at the municipal level, if it exists.” Kansas officials have no plans to require the Covid-19 vaccine to attend school. Texas law protects parents’ rights to decide their children’s vaccination. California’s SB 277 requires students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Homeschoolers are exempt. Covid cases in kids comprise 13% of cases and declined in October, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Tom Shimabukuro reported to ACIP that a boy died 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. The boy had a fever, then abdominal pain and vomiting in the emergency room before he died. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myocarditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection. The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System, and verified by CDC. The committee members did not
discuss the death but determined Covid vaccine benefits outweigh the risks. The CDC stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of Americans 16 and up have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection. On Oct. 21, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, up to date with her vaccines, tested positive for Covid. She took Pfizer’s Paxlovid, then tested positive Oct. 31. Dr. Vinay Prasad of UC San Francisco asked, “What is the vaccine efficacy of the bivalent booster you have received?” He contends “the leadership at the White House has permitted this product to come to the US market without any credible evidence that it has any vaccine effectiveness. We simply don’t have human randomized data for clinical endpoints.” The very contagious BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted summertime cases. Now the CDC estimates BA.5 comprised 49.6% of cases as of Oct. 26, with new variants BQ.1 at 14%, BQ.1.1 at 13.1%, BA.4.6 at 9.6%, and BF.7 at 7.5%. On Sept. 12, the state health department reduced daily Covid updates to weekly. On Oct. 18, Gov. Newsom said California’s state of Covid-19 emergency will end Feb. 28. With the U.S. averaging 399 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged, there is no evidence the Omnicron subvariant causes more serious illness. Santa Cruz County reported 49 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron. In Santa Cruz County, one death was reported after a month of no fatalities. The last seven deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions. Santa Cruz County reports 588 active cases and 64,000 since the pandemic began. On Wednesday, the state reported 4 people in Santa Cruz County hospitalized with a positive Covid test, none in intensive care. According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, and are now 130. The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, is now 1.15%. Local information: www.santacruz health.org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. n
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36. Original matter, according to Big Bang Theory 38. *Stewart’s successor 42. Judge Judy’s event 45. Remnant of the past 49. *Regis and Kathie ____ 51. Critical situation 54. Hostile force 56. Black tie one 57. Football great Graham 58. Skin infection 59. Tiny river 60. “My bad!” 61. Whirlpool 62. Commuter line 63. Pine juice 65. Bambie’s mom 67. Clinton ___ Rodham © Statepoint Media
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 19
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS CALLING VOLUNTEERS Scotts Valley Educational Foundation is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds to support efforts that positively impact the educational experience of all students in the Scotts Valley Unified School District. If you are interested in finding out more or attending a meeting, email the SVEF president: nicole.meador.mace@ gmail.com AMERICAN PICKERS COMING TO CALIFORNIA The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel plans to return to California in January. The crew is looking for leads on interesting characters with fascinating items — something different, unusual, of unique items — something they’ve never seen before with an extraordinary story. The team will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state. Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call (646) 493-2184 or email at AmericanPickers@cineflix.com. Include full name, city/ state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection. The Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public. GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS Choose from 20 volunteer opportunities at Grey Bears. Fill out the form at https://greybears.org/volunteer. Call Rosie: 831-479-1055 ext 226. ADOPT A FAMILY We have an opportunity to ease the struggles of families in our community and make the holidays brighter for our neighbors. Each year the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County partners with 26 fellow nonprofits to meet the needs of 400+ families struggling to make ends meet. Our nonprofit partners provide us with a short bio about each family and a list of the items each family member requests. Adopt a Family Project volunteers then connect these families with donors who shop for them for the holidays. Requests include basic necessities like sheets, towels, or shoes along with special gift requests for the children. All of these families are struggling with special circumstances such as homelessness, parents in recovery, parents or children with disabilities, victims of violent crime, families facing serious health challenges or other hardships. To support these families, see: https://scvolunteercenter.org/ programs/adopt-a-family/ VALLEY CHURCHES UNITED THANKSGIVING PROJECT The nonprofit Valley Churches United Missions provides special food bags, turkeys, and grocery store gift cards to clients in need. To support this project, see https://vcum.org/services/specialprojects/ FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank will provide community distributions at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. to accommodate working families. Dates are: • Nov. 7 & 21 • Dec. 5 & 19 Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers
The Scotts Valley Market is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on Scotts Valley Drive and will host its last day on Nov. 19. • The Market Match Double Up continues at the Scotts Valley and Downtown SC markets all of 2022. Use $10 of EBT at these markets and receive $20 of WILDER RANCH PRESCRIBED BURN Market Match for fresh fruits and vegetables for free. California State Parks announces prescribed burns for • The Felton Farmers’ Market is closed for the 300 acres at Wilder Ranch State Park starting Nov. 3 through Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Some trails will season and will reopen in May 2023. close temporarily, including parts of the Englesmans Loop, • The Downtown SC Farmers’ Market hours change to 1-5 p.m. for fall/winter beginning Nov. 9. Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin and Long Meadow Trail. This is part of the prescribed fire program for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, Every Fourth Saturday COMMUNITY WRITERS and wildlife habitat improvement. It is designed to remove duff, leaf litter and fuel buildup, restore essential Calling all writers! Monthly virtual open mic for poets nutrients to the soil and reduce the chance of wildfires. and prose writers. Monitoring and patrol will take place. All burning will From 2:30 - 4: 30 p.m. via Zoom. Sign-up to read depend on weather and air quality conditions favorable ahead of time at the email communitywritersscco@ for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not condu-cive gmail.com or come at 2:15 p.m. for burning, burns will be rescheduled. Time limit 5 minutes for any original work. Free. This prescribed burn is permitted, planned and coorAll levels of writers welcome. dinated with the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management Zoom: 532 385 492 • passcode 42020 District and the Bay Area Air Quality Management communitywritersscco@gmail.com District. People around Monterey Bay and those driving on DATED EVENTS Highway 1 may see smoke on the day of the burns. If you see or smell smoke in your surroundings, Santa Friday November 4 Cruz County officials recommend avoiding strenuous TWEEN LEGO ENGINEERING CHALLENGE outdoor activity and staying in-doors-- especially 3-5 p.m., Fireside Meeting Room, Scotts Valley Branch important for children, the elderly and people with Library, 251 Kings Village Road respiratory and heart conditions. Are you looking for fun, and competitive challenges? The California State Park district of Santa Cruz has a new partnership with the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association Do you like building stuff with LEGOs? Are you between 8 and 12 years old? If you answered yes to in which qualified CCPBA members can volunteer on state park burns. For information email childress.ember@gmail.com all these questions, then you are invited to join our Lego Engineering Challenges! The Chal-lenges are a fun way for tweens to learn about basic engineering, ONGOING EVENTS teamwork, and leadership by completing various Lego projects. Mondays Challenges take place 3 to 5 p.m. every 3rd Friday of SCOTTS VALLEY ROTARY the month in the Fireside Meeting Room at the Scotts Noon-1:15 p.m., Online meeting (in person last Monday of the Valley Branch Library. Space is limited and registration month, location TBD) is highly encouraged but walk-ins are welcome if space The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley is a humanitarian is available. The first event will be Nov. 4 due to the service and leadership club. cancellation of the Oct. 21 event. Rotary provides invaluable opportunities for taking on Questions? Contact Iván Llamas at llamasi@santacrupl.org or leadership roles while providing networking opportu(831) 427-7700 Ext 7752. nities and mentoring. Meetings are every Monday virtually via zoom and CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS CONCERT in-person on the last Monday of the month outside the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce courtyard or at a 7 p.m., Samper Recital Hall, VAPA 5100, Cabrillo College, Aptos (intersection of Cabrillo College Drive/Soquel Drive) member’s backyard. The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program presents a To visit a Rotary meeting as a guest or learn more about joining, contact Club President, Patrizia Materassi fall concert featuring tango, bossa nova, English folk at 831-334-2383 or email mpatrizia2 @gmail.com to song, French music, and fiddle tunes. String orchestra music will be performed by local learn more and receive an Agenda and meeting zoom youth at Samper Recital Hall. link. Admission is: $12.50 general, $10.50 students/ https://tinyurl.com/sv-rotary-facebook seniors, $3 for students ages 6-18; children 2-5, free. Facial coverings are required. Tuesdays For information about joining the orchestral, chamber or PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT private lesson programs, call 479-6101 or visit www.cabrillo. VIA ZOOM edu/cabrillo-youth-strings 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Saturday November 5 Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a VETS FEST licensed grief counseling therapist. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hallcrest Vineyards, 379 Felton Empire Road, Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ Felton griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. Hallcrest Vineyards hosts Vets Fest. The event includes six Saturdays thru Nov. 19 bands performing, food & art vendors and kids activities. Bands are: Sugar by the Pound, Ginny Mitchell, Patti SCOTTS VALLEY FARMERS MARKET Maxine, Vito & Friends, New Horizons, Blind Pilots and (CLOSING FOR THE WINTER) Ripati & Rose. Treasure the autumn. This season, might hands wrap This is a benefit for the SantaCruzfreeguide.org and around a warm mug of tea held under a starry sky with supportive services to the Veterans Village. little else to do but stay longer.
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by November 22 are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 pm for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others. If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186. WELLNESS & STRESS MANAGEMENT The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers a free online support group for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 22 Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. and a free support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. More information at https://www.diversitycenter.org/ Meeting link for both support groups: http://santacruzcoe-org. zoom.us/j/85783611933 NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS Housing Matters and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are sponsoring a new program, Neighbors for Neighbors, to bring residents together to talk about issues related to homelessness in Santa Cruz County. The first in-person meet-up is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from 4-5 p.m. at the Garfield Park branch. Register: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/9774575 The first Capitola meet-up is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/9690444 The meetups will give residents a chance to learn about local issues, and take an active role in identifying and proposing solutions that can be implemented in their specific neighborhoods. “It is our goal with the Neighbors for Neighbors program to help people who want to take an active role in their neighborhood, but don’t know what to do, by providing a framework for discussion and opportunities for engaging in meaningful activities right in their own neighborhood,” said Mer Stafford, Housing Matters’ chief impact officer. Housing Matters will provide an overview via guest speakers and facilitate discussions. Group members will brainstorm activities that could help reduce or resolve homelessness in their neighborhoods. Examples may include: Heighborhood food pantries and voter canvassing. Discussion topics may include: Housing stability; Housing First; barriers to permanent supportive and low-income housing; renters rights and tenancy; local neighborhood initiatives; and city and county ballot initiatives. SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth. You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: 831-423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org CHILDCARE RESOURCES The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, has launched a new website to better assist local families searching for childcare. See https://childcare.santacruzcoe.org/.
20 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Cancer Can’t Have Her
COMMUNITY NEWS
Friends Rally for Katy Marsh Thompson
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By Garth Taylor
n August 9th, my best friend and love Katy in business. The bottom line, Katy shows up for her Marsh Thompson, was diagnosed with a nasty, community again and again now she needs our help. Currently unable to run her business or produce aggressive cancer. A trip to the Emergency Room for stomach pain, Copper Moon Apothecary products, Katy is in for a quickly escalated into a straight shot to the Stanford long, tough battle to get past this cancer. The funds Oncology Unit. After much poking and prodding created from this campaign will go for the basic necessities, a roof over her head, food on from her Stanford Oncology Team, her table, and bills so she can focus on the original findings of a large and fighting this cancer. aggressive tumor on her left ovary Additionally, it will help tackle the morphed into a metastatic cancer, mountain of medical costs. The extraoraffecting most of her major organs. dinary care Katy receives at Stanford If you haven’t had the pleasure Oncology comes at a high price, as it should. of meeting Katy, you may have seen Finally, it will allow her to keep her her warm smile or heard her inclusive beloved family together, her grand old laugh while selling her fantastic Copper Katy Marsh Thompson horse Billy, the furry love bug Quinn Moon Apothecary products at your local Santa Cruz Farmers Markets. Maybe you’ve the Great Pyrenees, and her sly cat Pippin. Katy is a vital, beloved, and necessary member of just shared in her inspiring social media. More than likely you saw her hauling ass through the Santa Cruz our community. She always puts others first. Now, she Mountains in her work van “Pearl” rescuing pets and needs our help. No amount is too small; sharing on your social media livestock during the CZU fires or perhaps during her years volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center or to keep momentum is priceless. Everything matters. Thank you for being a part of Katy’s fight. n Equine Evac. A strong female entrepreneur, Katy is a champion To support Katy, see https://www.gofundme.com/f/ and advocate of small business, particularly women wb87d-katys-fight
Katy at the farmers market
••• Editor’s note: Katy’s Cooper Moon Apothecary is based in Ben Lomond and her products are available at local stores such as Scotts Valley Market.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tickets are $25 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hallcrestWednesday November 9 vets-fest-tickets-450883182737. Free for children under 12, HONORING VETERANS $10 for those under 21. Noon, Santa Cruz County Superior Court steps, 701 Ocean St. In honor of Veterans Day and on behalf of the County SLV SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION 4-10 p.m., Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St, Santa Cruz and City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chairman Manu Koenig and City of Santa Well-known athletes will take their place in the San Lorenzo Valley Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Cruz Mayor Sonja Brunner will recognize County and City staff who served in the United States Armed Forces. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge. Brunner and Koenig will be joined by Santa Cruz They are: State champion runner Anna Maxwell, track standout Eli Gladden, quarterback Dave Neal and the 1999 County Sheriff and Santa Cruz Police Department Honor & 2000 Central Coast Section Champion football teams and Guards for a short special ceremony on the steps of the track and cross country coach Rob Collins, 1998 to 2016, Santa Cruz County Superior Court to honor staff who have served our country. who coached Maxwell and now coaches in Colorado. All are invited to attend. The price is $55. Space is limited. Email Mark Mercer at mmercer4242@gmail.com
Monday November 7 DEBRIS REMOVAL INSURANCE PROCEEDS RECOVERY PROGRAM 6:30-8 p.m., Online Meeting Fire Families, did you participate in the State Debris Removal Program? The FEMA required Debris Removal Insurance Proceeds Recovery Program is start-ing. Please join the office of Response, Recovery & Resilience and our experienced pro-ject consultants via Zoom for a community orientation to the Debris Removal Insur-ance Program, which you will begin to get information on next month. Learn about the program and get you questions answered https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81000608672
pandemic caused the veterans to suspend the meal until it could be hosted safely. And now that time has come. The Veterans for Peace, along with the Friends of Thanksgiving, announce that the Santa Cruz Community Thanksgiving Dinner will return to the Veterans Memorial Building, this Thanksgiving. Everyone is invited to enjoy a hot, traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings created by chef “India Joe” Schultz. The hall will again be decorated by local Girl Scouts and music provided by local artists. Eat, share stories and experiences and enjoy the holiday spirit. Volunteer at vetshalldinner@gmail.com Your donation will help turn a time of want and need into a season of joy and gen-erosity. See: https://gofund.me/ c50416f2
programs for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Resource Center for Nonviolence. The celebration features participant accomplishments, the film “Mission: JOY” and Douglas Abrams, co-author of The Book of Joy, focusing on Nobel Peace Prize win-ners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu talking about the challenges of living a joyful life. The film consists of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama’s residence, as these luminaries recount stories from their lives, each having Tuesday November 22 lived through periods of incredible strife. SENIOR LIFE ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Tuesday November 29 “My value as a writer is ‘truth hunting,” Abrams said. 4 p.m., Online meeting “The adventure of life and finding the secrets of how The Scotts Valley Senior Life Association board meeting GIVING TUESDAY to live a good and meaningful life and how to create a is available on Zoom. Giving Tuesday, often styled as #GivingTuesday for See http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/ hashtag activism, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in wiser, healthier, and more just world.” Small bites and beverages, plus products for sale the United States. It is touted as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organi- made in Homeless Garden Pro-ject’s training program. Thursday November 24 “For this one special evening, we’re offering a wide zations to transform their communities and the world.” VETERANS’ THANKSGIVING DINNER variety of the beautiful prod-ucts made in our program, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., bringing our store to our guests,” said Executive DirecThursday December 1 Santa Cruz tor Darrie Ganzhorn. “Guests help support trainees in HOMELESS GARDEN PROJECT HOLIDAY BENEFIT For nearly 30 years, veterans have hosted a the year-long program to transform their lives.” Thanksgiving meal at the Veterans Memorial Building 6:30-9 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean Ticket price: $15 at https://bit.ly/HGPHoliday22, or $10 per in downtown Santa Cruz for those in the community St., Santa Cruz ticket at Homeless Garden Project downtown store, 1338 The Homeless Garden Project will host a Holiday who are houseless or of very modest means. Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Attendees are en-couraged to wear Celebration to benefit their train-ing and employment Public health considerations arising from the Covid a mask. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 21
FEATURED COLUMNIST
A Lot To Celebrate
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By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District
s the seasons change and we head into the holiday season, there is a lot to celebrate around Scotts Valley as new businesses welcome local patrons and revamped community spaces fling their doors open once again. I was pleased to attend the opening Oct. 20 of Faultline Brewing Co. and MADabolic on Mount Hermon Road. The brewery and gym provide a great complement to the other businesses located within the Hangar at Sky Park development, including Penny Ice Creamery and Home by Zinnia’s. Of course, many were also eager to see the new Target store open nearby in the former Kmart building. In fact, the whole part of town is abuzz with change. I attended the Oct. 1 ribbon-cutting for the Scotts Valley Cultural Art Center, a project that has long been in the works by the City and the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild. The opening of the theater comes just two months after renovations were completed on the adjacent Scotts Valley Branch Library, which received seismic upgrades, a new roof and HVAC system, and an enclosed community room. The library’s reopening marks the completion of Measure S projects in
Supervisorial District 5. The $67 million bond measure for library improvements, passed by voters in June 2016, also made possible the construction of the Felton Branch and significant renovations of the Boulder Creek Branch. Meanwhile, the Regional Transportation Commission continues to make progress on the San Lorenzo Valley Schools Complex Circulation & Access Study, which is designed to address traffic congestion and safety along Highway 9 around the combined campuses. The RTC scheduled online and in-person workshops in early November to receive community input on the plan, and if you missed those events, you can read more about the study on the Highway 9/SLV page of the RTC website at sccrtc.org. Moving on to environmental improvements, the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 25 approved amendments to the County’s new onsite wastewater treatment systems ordinance, which is designed to reduce contamination of water resources while also removing
barriers to septic improvements and protecting potential buyers of properties that contain septic systems. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved the County’s Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) in October 2021 in keeping with AB 885, which is state legislation that required enhanced septic systems for some new construction or when environmental concerns include threats to groundwater or habitat for species. The LAMP allows the County to approve most septic system installations or expansions without an application to the state. The new septic rules are triggered when systems are replaced, if there is a major remodel or bedroom additions, or if the property is s o l d . There is more information about the LAMP on the County’s Environmental Health Department website at scceh.com. Lastly, there is much change ahead with county, state and federal representation of our community.
On Oct. 18, the Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation for Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, whose district in the U.S. House of Representatives was redrawn to exclude Santa Cruz County in the redistricting process that takes place every decade. Congresswoman Eshoo has been a fierce advocate for Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley for many years. The Board on Oct. 25 honored retiring Assemblymember Mark Stone, a predecessor of mine on the Board, for his years of service in the state Legislature, representing most of Santa Cruz County. And after the Nov. 8 election, the Board will welcome two new members representing District 3, which covers the North Coast and most of the City of Santa Cruz, and District 4, which covers parts of South County, including most of the City of Watsonville. I have enjoyed working with both Supervisors Ryan Coonerty and Greg Caput, who are not seeking re-election, and wish them well in their next chapters. n ••• Contact Supervisor Bruce McPherson at bruce/mcperson@santacruzcounty.us
COMMUNITY NEWS
SLV High Raises $50,000 in Drive for Schools
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rive for Schools, the largest school fundraiser in Santa Cruz County, raised $726,757 for local schools this year. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Drive for Schools has raised $8,716,602 for Santa Cruz County schools since it started in 2005. Participating Santa Cruz County schools keep all the proceeds from their tickets sales and use the money raised to fund important school programs.
This year, ticket sales were exceptionally strong. San Lorenzo Valley High School raised the most money for their school: $50,106. The winner of the $25,000 grand prize donated by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was Jenelle Bouchard of Aptos. Janelle and her husband Morgan have two young children and their oldest began attending Mar Vista
22 / November 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Elementary School this year. This was the first year Janelle and her family participated in Drive for Schools, selling over $800 worth of tickets themselves. “We are so grateful to have won the grand prize,” Janelle said. “It’s something no one really expects to win so we are happy to use this as an investment in our family’s future.”
Melissa Harrell of Felton credits co-volunteers Alex Harrell, Debbie Prudhomme from SLV Music Boosters and Carey Liston the SLV music director.
“Drive for Schools” page 23
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SCCAS Featured Pet
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Have Some Flap Jacks!
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his week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is Flap Jacks! This one-year-old Belgian Malinois mix has been at SCCAS for about a month and is looking for his new best friend. When he first came to the Shelter as a stray, he was a bit nervous, but has blossomed with all of the TLC from staff and volunteers. He loves to play but tends to bark at dogs before greeting, but once he has had a slow introduction, he has a great time and is in some fun play groups with Shelter buddies. Flap Jacks is working on his manners and life skills but is making amazing progress. At events he is lovely- has meet people out in public and been so sweet and relaxed. Riding the car is also something that Flap Jacks is great at, and he tends to lay down and entertains himself while riding along. A home with another playful dog might be a great fit provided that the dogs meet at the Shelter first. Flap Jacks should not live in a home with cats, and children should be older and respectful. Come to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez in Santa Cruz to meet Flap Jacks — an amazing dog looking for an amazing home! 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
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COMMUNITY NEWS
AG: Block Safeway $4 Billion Dividend O n Nov. 2, Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the attorneys general of the District of Columbia and Illinois, asked the D.C. District Court to temporarily block Albertsons’ planned $4 billion payment of a special dividend to shareholders on Nov. 7, amid concerns the payment would dramatically hamper Albertsons’ ability to compete. Albertsons, which owns the grocer Safeway, is seeking federal approval to merge with the grocer Kroger to compete with Walmart. Safeway has stores in Scotts Valley, Aptos and Soquel. Albertsons is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm specializing in distressed investing and based in New York City, The complaint follows a letter sent to Albertsons and Kroger arguing that the planned payout is premature and would substantially deplete Albertsons’ cash flow as inflation drives up prices and an economic downturn appears imminent. The attorneys general seek to delay the payout while regulatory review of the proposed merger is ongoing. “Albertsons and Kroger are the second and third largest grocery chains in the U.S., with nearly 5,000 stores between them, including hundreds in California,” said Bonta. “As inflation drives up grocery prices, a decrease in competition has
“Drive for Schools” from page 22 Local businesses donated more than 100 prizes worth more than $47,000. “SLV High School and Music Boosters are thankful to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for sponsoring Drive for Schools,” said Melissa Harrell of San Lorenzo Valley High School. “We believe that every student should have access to music education and experiences, regardless of their ability to pay. The money raised this year will help fund our trip to New Orleans in the spring. This fundraiser allowed our students to offset the cost of their trip by selling tickets to friends and family.” Drive for Schools runs for approximately 5 weeks every fall. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk covers the cost of the cash prizes and donates staff time to organize and run the fundraiser.
the potential to be devastating for hardworking California families and for those who work at these stores. This proposed merger is far from a done deal, making Albertsons’ decision to give away one-third of its market cap very concerning. I urge the court to delay this payout to allow for a thorough consideration of its impacts on Albertsons’ ability to compete while the proposed merger is under review.” Albertsons and Kroger supply daily necessities to millions of people throughout the United States and employ more than 700,000 workers in communities across the country. The state attorneys general are dedicated to ensuring that the proposed merger of these grocery behemoths complies with federal and state antitrust law and does not result in higher prices for consumers or suppressed wages for workers. The federal Sherman Act forbids parties from entering into agreements that substantially lessen competition or unreasonably restrain trade. Although Albertsons could attempt to borrow money to cover its operating expenses, that may become difficult in the face of an economic downturn, according to Bonta. Albertsons also lacks an investment grade rating, which means it would very likely pay a high interest rate if it were to obtain a loan. n
Tickets and posters are generously printed by Mission Printers. Hundreds of school volunteers coordinate their school’s ticket sales. n ••• Visit https://beachboardwalk.com/drivefor-schools for a complete list of winners.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2022 / 23
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