Scotts Valley Times: December 2022

By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

School District, Fire Department, Police Department and City Manager Mali LaGoe.

It’s been exciting to attend a variety of community events at the new Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center/ Theater the past couple months!

I was honored to present the Mayor’s State of the City Address with leaders from Scotts Valley Water District,

The State of the City Address was sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Living Association at the Performing Arts Center, which made it even more special. It was great to share the many accomplishments of the past year including returning staffing to levels that hadn’t been seen since prior to the depression of 2008. It was also good to share a strong balanced budget with a healthy reserve while being able to address several important projects for the City.

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COVER STORY

The Performing Arts Center hosted the Santa Cruz Film Festival in October the week they opened. They’ve already booked several performances for the holidays and into the next year. Scotts Valley High School Drama Club is also looking forward to presenting their plays in a professional theater.

Faultline Brewing Company Scotts Valley opened last month to much enthu siasm from the community. Faultline was the last business in the Hangar Center to open, joining Zinnia’s Home Store, Penny Ice Cream and MADabolic Fitness Center.

The grand opening & ribbon cutting drew a large crowd ready to welcome both new businesses in addition to the adjacent new Target Store and newly remodeled Togo’s. The City looks forward to the synergy of these new businesses with the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center!

This past month, Ambient Photonics celebrated the groundbreaking of its stateof-the-art, 43,000-square foot low-light solar cell manufacturing facility in Scotts Valley.

This manufacturing facility is one of the largest low-light indoor energy har vesting technology factories in the world. The company’s recent $48.5 million Series A funding accelerated the factory con struction timeline to position Ambient to serve the high demand for its novel technology.

Ambient’s high-power density solar cells enable connected device manufac turers to reduce the carbon footprint of their products by 80% by eliminating disposal batteries. These solar PV cells will replace the AA, AAA and 9 Volt batteries we all use in our homes and often end up in the landfill.

Ambient had recently opened its new headquarters in Scotts Valley. They project to employ over 125 full-time posi tions between the locations before the end of next year. Ambient CEO Bates Mar shall reported, “The Scotts Valley factory groundbreaking is a major milestone as we prove that both the U.S. and California can be leaders in the manufacturing of decar bonization technologies for the world.”

Ambient brings quality jobs to Santa Cruz County with an appealing work-life balance — avoiding stressful traffic jams and unnecessary air pollution that comes with a Silicon Valley commute.

Living sustainability is fundamental to the health and well-being of our com munity. Ambient’s work to reduce waste and carbon emissions in our everyday devices is something we can all be proud. They are worldwide leaders in this tech nology and have chosen Scotts Valley as their home!

Another exciting addition to the City of Scotts Valley is Poly/HP. On Aug. 29, HP Inc. announced its acquisition of

Plantronics, a leading global provider of workplace collaboration solutions under the brand name of Poly

This deal is expected to accelerate HP’s strategy to create a more growthoriented portfolio, strengthen its industry opportunity in hybrid work solutions, and position the combined organization for long-term sustainable growth and value creation.

“This is a historic for our business as we mark the union of two iconic companies that are innovating at the heart of hybrid work,” said Enrique Lores, president and CEO of HP. “Poly brings incredibly strong talent, differentiated technology, and a com plementary go-to-market system that we believe will further strengthen our position in large and growing markets. Together, we will have vast opportunities to innovate for customers and grow our business as we continue building a stronger HP.”

Poly/HP have been working with city officials on their plans to locate in Scotts Valley. Locating near Ambient Photonics and 1440 Multiversity with Salesforce seems to bring opportunities and synergy.

As we approach the new year, I’m excited to see a variety of exciting opportu nities for our community. I’m also thankful for the City’s work in partnership with the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses in the Economic Recovery Task Force. This work and the community support helped Scotts Valley survive the pandemic and was critical to economic recovery. Thankful and looking forward to a bright future for Scotts Valley! n •••

Donna Lind is the mayor of Scotts Valley until the December swearing in of the newly elected council members. Contact her at dlind@ scottsvalley.gov.

Cover Photo: Theater Guild board members Trish Melehan, Larry Smith, Carolyn Dugger, Councilman Jack Dilles, Ray Gorski, Mayor Donna Lind and Mike Smith at Nov. 12 gala at the new Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center. •

Credit: Jim Melehan

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Now Open!

Ten years from dream to reality — that’s the story of Trish Melehan and the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center.

Supporters formed the nonprofit Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild and put in a lot of hard work, elbow grease and fundraising to turn a vacant space next to the Scotts Valley library into a per forming arts center.

On Nov. 12, they hosted a gala to thank donors for their support, with the Patio Geezers Jazz Band, a delightful “dance” choreographed by Karl Schaffer, platters of tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine to toast their success.

The space at 251 B Kings Village Road looked beautiful.

You’d never guess this was once a roller rink.

The stage, purchased from Arizona State University theater, framed by alluring red curtains. Professional lights. A touch of glamour, thanks to 250 blue plush seats from Bethany University, which came origi nally from Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas.

The Guild raised “hundreds of thou sands of dollars,” Melehan said, and obtained $95,000 from the city.

As for the restrooms, they are in a sep arate building outside — they have upscale granite counters.

All that’s missing now is a “greenroom,” a quiet room where per forming artists dress to go on stage, and a marquee out front to tell people driving by about coming attractions.

You can donate to support those projects. n

See svctheaterguild.org

SPECIALIZING IN Residential Repaints & Custom Homes Homeowners Associations Property Managers

WINTER SPECIAL

Photos Credit: Jim Melehan

Joby Aviation To Buy Plantronics HQ

On Nov. 30, Joby Aviation, the local company that aims to launch electric air taxis, is scheduled to close on the purchase of a storied tech office in Santa Cruz, formerly Plantronics, for $25.5 million.

Plantronics built the headset used by astronaut Wally Schirra to orbit the earth in 1962.

Plantronics became a NASA supplier. Its headset conveyed these famous words during the Apollo 13 mission: “Houston, we have a problem.”

Plantronics, which became one of the largest private employers in Santa Cruz, had a reputation for inno vation. One of the first companies to produce Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics installed solar panels over the parking lot, teamed up with CityBlooms to grow greens for employee lunches, and redid its workspace to create alternatives to cubicles.

In 2018, Plantronics, known for headsets, acquired Polycom, known for videoconferencing, for $2 billion and hoped to get noticed in the audio visual space. A year later, the company was rebranded Poly. During the pandemic, Zoom took over the videoconferencing market.

HP then acquired Poly in August for $3.3 billion.

The Plantronics site, five buildings with 162,000 square feet at 345 Encinal St., is assessed at $15.6 million.

The purchaser is Aero, a subsidiary of

Joby Aviation, founded in 2009 by JoeBen Bevirt in Bonny Doon.

The key to the electric air taxi is its ability to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, with no need for an airport runway.

The speed of the craft would make a trip to San Jose or San Francisco, a breeze, instead of being snarled in highway traffic, as it is now.

Joby Aviation is now backed by venture capital and Toyota, and has a partnership with Delta Airlines. Joby has more than 600 employees, offices in San Carlos and Munich, Germany, and a manufac turing facility in Marina.

Bevirt lives in Bonny Doon and has operated his company in stealth fashion.

In July, Flying Car News posted a video of a test flight of the sleekly designed craft.

In October, Santa Cruz Works along with 200 bankers, investors, aviation companies, and public officials got a tour of the Marina facility, reporting “automation insures quality, safety, and scaled production.”

Bevirt gave credit to all of his employees, calling them “the heart, the soul of the company.” The tour included a flight demo, reporting how quiet the Joby craft is compared to conventional aircraft, and two videos are posted at www.santacruzworks. org/news/joby-field-trip n

Joby Aviation, which went public in August 2021 and is valued at $2.6 billion, aims to launch the air taxi by 2025.

www.santacruzworks.org/news/joby-field-trip.

A scene from one of the videos found at

UK Oncologist: Halt Covid Boosters, Study Cancer Rise

By Jondi Gumz

Dr. Angus Dalgleish, a sought-after oncologist in London, has written a letter to the editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal, urging the journal to “make valid informed consent for Covid vaccination a priority topic” because cancers and other diseases are rapidly pro gressing among “boosted” people.

Dalgleish, 72, is a professor of oncology at St George’s, University of London, known for his contributions to HIV/ AIDS research. Here is his letter:

“Covid no longer needs a vaccine pro gramme, given the average age of death of Covid in the U.K. is 82 and from all other causes is 81 and falling.

“The link with clots, myocarditis, heart attacks and strokes is now well accepted, as is the link with myelitis and neu ropathy. (We predicted these side effects in our June 2020 QRBD article Sorensen et al. 2020, as the blast analysis revealed 79% homologies to human epitopes, especially PF4 and myelin.)

“However, there is now another reason to halt all vaccine programmes. As a practicing oncologist, I am seeing people with stable disease rapidly progress after being forced to have a booster, usually so they can travel.

“Even within my own personal con tacts, I am seeing B cell-based disease after the boosters. They describe being dis tinctly unwell a few days to weeks after the booster – one developing leukaemia, two work colleagues Non-Hodgkin’s lym phoma, and an old friend who has felt like he has had Long Covid since receiving his booster and who, after getting severe bone pain, has been diagnosed as having multiple metastases from a rare B cell disorder.

“I am experienced enough to know that these are not the coincidental anec dotes that many suggest, especially as the same pattern is being seen in Germany, Australia and the USA.

“The reports of innate immune sup pression after mRNA for several weeks would fit, as all these patients to date have melanoma or B cell based cancers, which are very susceptible to immune control — and that is before the reports of suppressor gene suppression by mRNA in laboratory experiments.

“This must be aired and debated immediately.”

In June, a paper co-written by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, MIT researcher, in Food & Chemical Toxicology, reported the MRNA vaccines promote “sustained synthesis” of the spike protein, which suppresses the body’s interferon responses and impairs innate immunity.

BA.5 Variant Shrinks

Two newer Omicron subvariants

BQ1.1 and BQ.1 are now more per vasive than BA.5, the variant included in the new bivalent booster for this fall along with the original 2020 coronavirus, which is no longer circulating.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported BQ1.1 in the lead comprising 25.5%, then BQ.1, 24.2% and then BA.5, 24%.

Researchers say the new Covid-19 variants are more spreadable but there is no indication they make people sicker than their predecessors.

The U.S. is averaging 300 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged.

Santa Cruz County reports 50 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

According to CDC data, vaccinated people made up 42% of Covid deaths in January and February during the peak of the omicron surge, compared with 23% during the Delta surge in September 2021.

Lawsuits

More than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed across the nation challenging vaccine mandates, according to the National Law Review, with 75% against employers.

Angus Dalgleish

Brookdale Senior Living Rent Skyrockets

By Jondi Gumz

For most people, the holidays are a season of joy – not for senior citizens at Brookdale Senior Living at 100 Lockewood Lane in Scotts Valley.

They are scrambling to find affordable places to live after getting notices of rent hikes from 11% to 17% on Jan. 1 – compare that to Social Security increasing 8.7%.

One woman, 67, said her new rate is $7,000 a month.

“Nobody can afford that,” she said. “This news has stressed people out. This should be a relaxed, joyous time of year… The sad thing is, most people do like it here.”

She provided the figure to Scotts Valley Times with the agreement her name would not be used.

Quite a few residents, she said, have booked a spot at Dominican Oaks, retirement apartments in Santa Cruz where assisted living starts at $5,580 a month.

Some may have to move in with their children.

One reached an agreement with the director to lower the rent increase, and she’s not allowed to talk about it.

Alverda Orlando, 92, moved in after

living with her daughter in Santa Cruz. She paid $3,000 a month for a studio. Now she pays $4,000+. Her daughter figures the increase is between 13% and 17%.

After she pays, she has $50 left. Health insurance costs $60 and there’s nothing left for extras like an ice cream or a pair of shoes.

Orlando, who worked 35 years at the Santa Cruz Public Library and wrote a book about Davenport with Ed Dickie and Sally Iverson, said she’s at a point in life where she needs some care. She goes to dialysis three times a week, with a daughter paying for her Metro rides. She volunteered to alphabetize the Brookdale library, and she’s taking an art appreciation class and writing about a princess who lived in Davenport.

“The staff is fabulous,” she said, wishing there were more of them in the dining hall.

A new parking charge takes effect Jan. 1. Residents said they were never charged for parking before.

The Oct. 21 notification letter to resi dents said “We are constantly working to minimize costs” while continuing to provide quality care services and cited significant increase in expenses due to inflation and pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brookdale communications manager Heather Hunter elaborated, “Everyone, including older Americans living at home, have seen higher than normal increases in their cost of living this past year.”

She said expenses have increased for wages, utilities, insurance, supplies, food and Covid-19, making rate increases necessary.

“We are also striving to attract and retain the best associate teams for our resi dents at a time when the overall demand for workers is high and the supply cannot keep up,” she said.

“We typically increase rates each year in January with advance notice and in accordance with the terms of the resi dency agreement,” she added, noting rate increases vary, depending on care required.

Acknowledging that residents are dealing with rising costs and fixed incomes,” she said, “we actively work with residents to find ways to help offset rising costs.”

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Brookdale Senior Living resident Alverda Orlando, with a photo by her co-author, Ed Dickie, on the wall.

Agapé Dance Presents The Nutcracker

The holidays are just around the corner, and we all know that marks the return of the perennially exciting ballet The Nutcracker.

This year’s show is going to be extra special for the community at Agapé Dance because it marks their 10th anniversary! Ever since Melanie Useldinger started Agapé Dance in 2012, they’ve been trying to bring their characteristic blend of the rigor of classical ballet and the warmth and care of agapé love.

While this isn’t most of the dancers’ first rodeo, this Nutcracker will be partic ularly special for one of Agapé’s newest dancers, Yeva Ziniak. Yeva’s family just moved to the Santa Cruz area after the conflict started in Ukraine earlier this year.

After starting ballet on scholarship in the spring, Yeva got to experience the excitement of ballet for the first time dancing in Agapé’s summer production of Swan Lake. Now, she’s working hard to get ready for her very first Nutcracker!

“Working on Nutcracker really gets

Bank Volunteers at Veterans Village

On Nov. 5, Santa Cruz County Bank employees volunteered at the Veterans Village property in Ben Lomond.

Bank volunteers Doug Fischer, Paul Happich, Brianna Carabba, Irma Freeman, Heather Schnell, Jenny Grove, Sue Quijano and Kim Luke worked under the direction of Keith Collins, Veterans Village director of operations, and current resident veteran Gabriel Barthel to clear debris and enhance fuel breaks under the canopy of redwoods that encircle the residential cabins on the site.

Veterans Village, veteran-owned and operated, currently provides permanent full-time housing for five veterans. It’s a

place were veterans dealing with PTSD, iso lation, and combat-related trauma seek the help and community they need to thrive.

The six-acre property includes a large main house and ten fully appointed cabins.

A planned project will expand occu pancy to 25 veterans and their families.

“We value our partnership with the Veterans Village and the opportunity for our employees to volunteer in a mean ingful way for the benefit of the residents,” said Krista Snelling, president and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank. “We’re proud to be the financing partner for this vital project providing housing for local vet erans and look forward to celebrating its completion.” n

me excited about the holidays coming up,” says Director Conrad Useldinger, “and all the things I love about the holidays–the community, the quality time spent together–they can really be felt when I’m working with my students and their families on the show. I’m also looking forward to trying

mid-week performances. That way, people don’t have to miss all their holiday parties, and it’s so close to Christmas that people can bring their holiday guests to this super fun experience.”

Santa Cruz County Bank employees (from left): Brianna Carabba, Jenny Grove, Doug Fischer, Heather Schnell, Sue Quijano, Paul Happich • Veterans Village resident Gabriel Barthel, and Director of Operations Keith Collins.

Cross Country: Champions!

By Todd Hoffman

The Scotts Valley High School boys and girls cross country team just wrapped up another great season on Nov. 26 at the CIF State Cross Country Meet in Fresno. We lost 19 seniors at the end of last year and at that time there was some doubt how this team would respond.

At the beginning of summer, our cap tains Rafie Putnam, Jack Brownfield, Aiden Boothby and Amber Boothby sat down with others on the team and set goals. They wel comed new runners in and the team instantly

became a family. They worked hard over the summer and came into the season ready to go.

The boys’ team started the season with a 2nd place finish at the Monterey Bay Invi tational, which gave confidence to the team. They followed that with wins at Jackie Hen derson Memorial Invitational and Artichoke Invitational, and a 4th place finish at the Clovis Invitational. They were undefeated in the dual meets and won league titles at the SCCAL league championship in JV and varsity. Boys’ varsity went to the CCS championship and

repeated as section champions and qualified for the CIF state Cross Country meet where they finished in 7th place.

The girls’ team started the season strong with win at Jackie Henderson Memorial Invi tational and a 3rd place finish at the Clovis Invitational. The girls also were undefeated in league dual meets and won league titles in both JV and varsity. Girls’ varsity also repeated as CCS champions and qualified for the CIF State Cross Country Meet, where they finished 6th as a team (best placing in school history).

This was a very successful season, but that’s just a part of the story.

Our team bonded very early and we became a family. Coming to practice, our athletes knew it was a supportive safe place to come and be yourself. Everyone truly cared for each other and knew that they were important. Team rankings didn’t matter, you, the individual mattered.

When we hosted a meet or went to a meet, our family cheered and supported everyone there. We treated everyone like

family and made sure it was fun. Yes, we wanted to win, but our team wants to show kindness and sportsmanship and try to bond with other teams.

At dual meets, our team does a tunnel for the last few racers and cheer them to the finish. This is a tough sport, but we try to make it fun. I could talk about individuals on the team, but we are a family and everyone on our team is so important to our success.

Some see we had a successful season by winning Invitationals, league and section titles and doing well at state.

It is important to us, but more important is coming together as a family, reaching out to other teams and showing support, kindness and sportsmanship and having fun while working hard. By doing all of those things, we know our family/team has made a difference and we are champions. n

Coach Todd Hoffman and team captains

The Scotts Valley High School Cross Country teams at SCCAL finals

The Scotts Valley Exchange Club Presents ‘Light up the Night!’

December 3 • 5-7:30 p.m.

The Scotts Valley Community Holiday Tree next to Walgreens will be lit up on December 3, 2022, continuing a tradition dating 30 years.

The celebration itself will take place at the Scotts Valley Community Center. This special community event benefits Valley Churches United Missions and is a won derful family event enjoyed by guests of all ages!

Scotts Valley Firefighters will deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Community Center to greet guests and enjoy free photos with kids and families.

Local talented Scotts Valley Community members will provide enter tainment. Holiday characters will be on hand to chat with children and for photos.

Hot Chocolate, Cider, Coffee and cookies will be provided by local service clubs including The Kiwanis of Scotts Valley, The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley and the Santa Cruz Moose Lodge #545. The Scouts BSA Troop 614 will be selling popcorn.

Unwrapped new toys will be accepted by the Scotts Valley Police Officers Asso ciation. Valley Churches United Missions will be on hand to accept canned food or other donations.

Our thanks to our generous sponsors including our Platinum Sponsor: Mari Rossi, Gold Sponsors: The Exchange Club of Scotts Valley, Donna Lind, Derek Timm, Paul Burrowes, Garrison Plumbing & Septic Con struction, Scotts Valley Fire District, Scotts Valley Police Department, Silver Sponsors: Robert Aldana, Valley Churches United Missions, Business with Pleasure, Bustichi & Son, Kings Village and Bronze Sponsors: Musical Me and Corvin’s Legal Services.

We also appreciate our Supporters: Scouts BSA Troop 614, Cruise Coffee, Rotary Club of Scotts Valley, Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley, Bobbie Ward, Cindy Gorski, Ray Gorski, Vineyard Church, Otis

Coen (Hear the Call Music), and Victor Alejandro.

To donate or for further information email: victor.alejandro.usa@gmail.com.

Join the Giving Revolution!

Valley Churches United Missions (VCUM) is one of 63 nonprofits participating in this year’s Santa Cruz Gives. VCUM serves a region of the County that is chronically underserved.

This past year, with the huge increase of food costs, they are experiencing more new clients in need of food than in the past seven years.

They hopes to raise enough funds to provide at

least 15,000 pounds of food for their grateful clients — currently 7,000 annually: 5,000 adults and 2,000 children.

If you have the means, please consider donating to Valley Churches United Mission.

To donate through the Santa Cruz Gives Campaign, go to santacruzgives.org, then “meet our Nonprofits”, and click on Valley Churches United Missons.

Scotts

IT Service Provider, and Scotts Valley Local, CyAs Tech, Improves Technology Platforms for the City of Scotts Valley

Last year, Scotts Valley City Hall was in the middle of an email crisis. Their e-mail server was in-house, and highly tempera mental. It was up. It was down, and the City’s Administrative Director was at their wits end.

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Danny Reber, referred fam ily-owned business, CyAs Tech (Cyber Ascend Technologies), to the city and a mutual part nership was formed.

CyAs Tech is known for completely custom izable IT Packages which provide cloud backup, endpoint protection, security monitoring, cyber awareness training, and cloud migrations.

Coordinating with other suppliers, CyAs Tech managed to modernize the City’s email system to a cloud-based model, dramatically increasing the email system’s flexibility, uptime, security, and response potential in case of a disaster.

Once engaged with the City, CyAs Tech saw other areas where Scotts Valley’s IT infra structure could be modernized to provide residents with the standard of excellence the City’s growth and progress deserved.

The phone system was a bulky PBX type system circa the 1990s. The audio-visual system used to capture the City Council meetings for transmission to Public Access Television, was not much better. During the pandemic, a single camera was pointed to a Zoom Call on a tele vision screen to broadcast City Council meetings.

The City has now been moved decades forward and into the modern age. The phone system has been migrated to a modern VOIP system utilizing Microsoft Teams voice collabo ration technology. Not only will you be able to reach people with greater efficiency, but staff members can also collaborate more effectively, and constituent satisfaction is on the rise.

Check out the sharp video production of City Council meetings! Now equipped with a three-camera production strategy, videography is managed via iPad and live streamed to YouTube.

Please consider subscribing to the City’s YouTube channel by searching for City of Scotts Valley, or at the following URL: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCLNTBScelB4wTfidYHrocWA

City Hall is now better pro tected from potential IT disasters, and the communication infra structure has never been better prepared to serve our great community.

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Scotts Valley Chamber News

Kumon of Scotts Valley Honoring its Students for their Outstanding Academic Achievements

Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. More than 290,000 preschool to high school aged children across the United States are developing their math and reading skills independently through the Kumon Method of Learning.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, American students were significantly outperformed by 29 nations in mathematics. America’s stagnant performance and lack of advanced stu dents impacts the country’s future growth, which is why Marwan Mezher cares deeply about helping Scotts Valley students in his after-school enrichment program achieve academic success.

The Kumon Program aims to guide children to a point where they not only reach their grade level but surpass it. In fact, many Kumon students study material one to three years above their school grade levels in math and reading.

Through continuous Kumon study, students become self-motivated, inde pendent problem solvers. Daily Kumon study helps boost confidence and improve study habits, providing benefits that last a lifetime.

“Reading is one of the most important benchmarks in a child’s academic journey so developing a love for reading early is key,” said Marwan. “By encouraging a love of reading, Kumon can help children develop inquisitive minds, full of purpose and imagination.”

We don’t replace or replicate school. Our program works alongside schoolwork.

Kumon’s time-tested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets and guidance from an on-site instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving

children an academic advantage in the classroom — and throughout life.

Elijah was awarded the “J by 6” achievement award in recognition for studying advanced algebra before the end of sixth grade. By reaching ‘J by 6,’ Elijah is well on his way to program completion

and is well prepared for high-school math. Research has shown that a student is much more likely to attend and complete a fouryear college program after completing coursework equivalent to algebra II.

‘Tis the Season Kalani Day Spa Gives Back

The holiday season in Scotts Valley brings such a warm and welcoming feel to our mountain com munities. Neighbors, friends, and families coming together is one of the core reasons Kalani Day Spa Owner, Kim Pursley, chose Scotts Valley for her award-winning day spa.

In fact, her commitment to the community is why you’ll find a Valley Churches United barrel at Kalani through the holidays to give others an opportunity to drop off canned goods and dry food for those in need.

Giving back is a year-long component of Kalani’s services with the spa’s “Tender Touch” program for seniors and “Healing Heroes” program for first responders, vet erans, and current members of the military.

“What isn’t there to love about the holidays in Scotts Valley? It’s almost like being in a Hallmark movie-- the tree lighting ceremony, the holiday lights and decorations

that go up throughout the city, our com munity out shopping for those they love,” adds Pursley.

Relaxing face and body treat ments are always on the menu at Kalani. “It’s our busiest time of year—whether someone is buying one of our spa products or a gift card, it’s joyous to be part of the gifting process. And who doesn’t want to receive a gift card to enjoy a massage or facial after the hustle and bustle of the season has passed?”

On December 10th & 11th, Kalani is also celebrating their annual “spa-la-days”, Those that come in on one of those two days will be treated to spa gifts, special shopping discounts on retail, BOGOs on spa services, and an opportunity to enter a drawing for a spa day. There will, of course, be treats for everyone that stops by. Kim notes, “My team and I are all-in when it comes to the holiday spirit, and it shows.”

“Kumon” from page 13

Thimmaiah, 4th grade, is studying 2 Levels above his grade in Math. Thimo is a role model for the other students at the center. He faces the challenge of new concepts with confidence and enthusiasm.

Zoe is in 4th grade and is studying 2 Levels above her grade in both Math and Reading. Zoe created a daily routine to complete her Kumon worksheets, even during the summer, holidays and her birthday — never missing a day. In the Reading Program, Zoe studied inter pretation and critique of great works of literature ranging from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot. In math, she mastered concepts like differential calculus, indef inite/definite integrals and differential equations.

“As parents plan for kindergarten enrollment, it’s important to remember that while many schools accept stu dents based on age, a child’s readiness really relies on social, emotional, motor and language development,” said Marwan. “The habits and attitudes with which children approach learning are important factors when it comes to school success.” For that reason, we

honored multiple preschool students studying and getting ready before school starts:

• Belanna (6 years): Math

• Nandhanna (4 years): Math and Reading

• Taha (5 years): Reading

• Nathan (6 years): Math and Reading

• Lana (5 years): Math and Reading “The holidays are a great time for families to take a break from the hectic school schedule, but that doesn’t mean children should stop learning,” said Marwan. “There are many ways to incorporate a few educational activ ities that will encourage learning and promote screen-free entertainment, while enjoying quality family time.”

Here’s more about the Kumon Program:

• Students complete daily assign ments that take about 30 minutes per subject.

• Assignments are completed twice weekly at the Kumon Center, and the other five at home.

• Kumon’s Math Program progresses through calculus.

• Kumon’s Reading Program progresses to critical reading of high-school level literary text.

option 3.

Some letters arrived in mailboxes in November.

Elders who questioned rent hikes were asked: Can your family help you? Do you have a house you could sell?

Lots of apartments are empty – only 125 of 180 are occupied, residents say, as some people left to live with family during the pan demic and new people are seen getting tours.

The rent increase letter came when the senior facility temporarily did not have a director.

An expired job listing on GlassDoor said the salary was $129,000 to $165,000.

A Brookdale operations specialist who filled in had two weeks’ off when notices went out.

The new director is the 7th one in six years, residents say.

Employees have left, too.

There used to be four staff in activities, now there are two – “they’re overworked,” residents say.

The bus driver left. With no one qual ified to operate a bus with a wheelchair lift, residents who use a wheelchair are left out of field trips.

To fill shortages, the facility turned to “contract labor,” which requires a higher pay, and pushed up labor expenses until September, when employee pay was raised.

The staff who have stayed are praised by the residents—“they love us, they take care of us.”

The new director who started last week did not attend the Nov. 16 meeting of the resi dents association.

Ordinarily few people attend. This time, 45 residents plus family members came, a huge turnout, plus a Press Banner reporter.

Steven Matzie, coordinator of the Long Term Care Ombudsman program at nonprofit Advocacy Inc. in Capitola and committed to helping older adults, came.

So did Brookdale Senior Living’s director of district operations, who started her Brookdale career 18 years ago as a caregiver.

After an hour of listening to questions, the reporter was asked to leave – despite being invited by residents and following pro cedure to sign in.

Residents were told the meeting was private and media could not be invited.

According to Matzie, residents in longterm care homes such as Brookdale Senior Living are excluded from Assembly Bill 1482, the California Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

In his opinion, there is no protection for these elders.

All the company needs to do is provide a 60-day notice (based on postmark) of the rent increase.

Legislators elected in November will be sworn in Dec. 8, so action before then is unlikely.

After that date, Gail Pellerin of Santa Cruz will represent the 28th Assembly Dis trict, essentially replacing Mark Stone of Scotts Valley, who is retiring.

Scotts Valley Times reached out to State Sen. John Laird of Santa Cruz.

His chief of staff Richard Stapler said, “We will be taking a close look at these rent increases and staffing issues, and confer with the Dept. of Social Services and Aging on potential actions. Sen. Laird takes issues around aging and secure housing very seriously.”

Brookdale Senior Living is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, based in Tennessee, the largest operator of senior housing in the U.S., with 60,000+ residents at 700-800 locations, employing 58,400 people in 2019 and 30,000+ people in 2021.

Revenue in 2019, pre-pandemic, was $3.26 billion, then $3.02 billion in 2020, and $2.56 billion n 2021.

The stock price has fallen and some analysts forecast the company will be unprof itable for the next three years. n

Cabrillo College to Change Name Board Agrees Explorer’s Name

No Longer Fits The College

On Oct. 14, six of the seven elected Cabrillo College trustees voted to accept the board subcommittee’s recommendation to change the name of Cabrillo College, chosen when the junior college was founded in 1959.

Trustee Rachael Spencer voted no.

The rest of the trustees set a goal of selecting a new name by the August 2023 meeting, and beginning to use the new name on July 1, 2024.

The subcommittee was formed in July 2020, in response to a request to rename the college, amidst widespread social unrest in the United States and a reappraisal of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portu guese navigator who was the first to visit California and made his fortune in Guatemala, with the help of indigenous people enslaved to work in his farms, mines and on his ships.

The Name Exploration Subcommittee, composed of trustees Christina Cuevas and Adam Spickler, and student trustee Amidia Frederick, later succeeded by student trustee Krystal Buenrostro, pro duced a comprehensive 60-page report concluding that the positive impacts of a name change would outweigh the neg ative, and that community engagement is needed to ensure widespread agreement on the new name.

The Committee recommended, and the Board agreed that a new name should

either be rooted in Cabrillo’s values or a geographic touchstone — not honoring an individual.

The board directed the subcommittee and College President Matthew Wetstein to work on fundraising to address cost con cerns surrounding a name change, while seeking input on a new name.

When the issue first arose, it was estimated that name change could cost $1 million. Further study found it could be accomplished for $500,000.

This decision follows a two-year process of research, community edu cation, surveys, opportunities for community input, and com munity dialogue, all initiated by the subcommittee, which created a Name Explo ration Advisory Task Force to help solicit stakeholder input; develop community engagement strategies; and examine the costs and resource implications of a name change.

“In reaching its recommendation, the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee adhered to its core principles of aligning with the mission of being critical thinkers; ensuring we did the kind of deep critical thinking that is expected of an institution of higher education,” said Christina Cuevas, who chaired the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee. “Cabrillo

The latest is Nike, sued by three former senior employees, claiming religious dis crimination, medical discrimination and battery after they lost their jobs due to Nike’s vaccination mandate. The former workers, represented by Health Freedom Defense Fund, are seeking punitive damages.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 15 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland, alleges Nike refused to consider reasonable accommodations, even though the vaccines did not stop transmission of Covid -19 and the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s mandate that large employers require employees to get vaccinated.

The lawsuit alleges Nike fired Doug Kerkering and Hannah Thibodo because they had a “perceived disability” — their immune systems did not sufficiently protect them from Covid-19, a perceived disability protected under federal law, according to their attorney Scott Street.

The employees, who proposed testing, masking or working from home, were fired.

The third worker, Wanda Roz wadowska, applied for religious accommodation and was denied. She appealed, and Nike granted her request after the vaccine deadline date, so she was coerced into getting the shot, and suffered an autoimmune reaction so severe she could not work, according to Street.

“We want to send a loud and clear message to corporate America that their employees’ rights are not negotiable,” said Leslie Manookian, president of Health Freedom Defense Fund.

In October, Nike lifted its vaccine mandate, acknowledging Lawsuit community spread is possible even when people are fully vaccinated.

On Nov. 12, in a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, longtime NBA referees Kenny Mauer, Mark Ayotte and Jason Phillips said they were fired because they declined to get vaccinated for reli gious reasons. They are seeking front and back pay and punitive damages.

On Nov. 11, former Washington State University SU football coach Nick Rolovich, sued the university, Wash ington Gov. Jay Inslee and WSU athletic director Pat Chun seeking damages after he was fired last year for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Rolovich, who is Catholic, claims discrimination against religion, wrongful withholding of wages, and loss of future income.

WSU Vice President for Marketing and Communications Phil Weiler told The Seattle Times via email that Rolovich’s lawsuit “is wholly without merit” and that the university enforced the vaccine mandate “in a fair and lawful manner.”

He told The Daily Wire host Allison Williams that he refused the vaccine because of the “lack of answers, lack of dialogue” about the effects of the vaccines and his beliefs as a Catholic.

Williams left ESPN after 10 years when ESPN mandated Covid-19 vaccines for all staff.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation and Superintendent Faris Sabbah have until Dec. 13 to respond to a lawsuit filed by Santa Cruz County Parents United in October.

The lawsuit alleges Sabbah coerced Pajaro Valley Unified, San Lorenzo Valley Unified, Santa Cruz City Schools and private schools Twin Lakes Christian and Waldorf to punitively implement “nonbinding guidance relating to masking, testing and quarantining resulting in emotional damage, discrimination, child endangerment, humiliation, learning loss, and illegal exclusion from school and sports, and harassment.”

After a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the Monterey Bay Half Mar athon returned, putting Dr. Steven Lome, a plant-based cardiologist, into action. He not only ran the race but also gave CPR to two runners who collapsed.

“I just thought, crazy odds, random event that there were 2 cardiac arrests, and both happened to be right in front of me,” he told the Washington Post.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation reports 661,700 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, and are now 161.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% in January, is now 1.61%.

Santa Cruz County reports 607 active Covid cases, in decline since July, and one more death, bringing the total to 275 since the pandemic began in 2020.

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

The California Department of Public Health reports 22 patients hospitalized in Santa Cruz County with a positive Covid test, including two in intensive care.

The very contagious BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted sum mertime Covid cases.

The new bivalent boosters mix vaccine for the original no-longer circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the previously dom inant Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are far less deadly than the Delta variant.

The bivalent combo was expedited by federal officials who asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans. Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice.

Gratitude as Amulet & Talisman, a Radiance of Kindness

We have entered the Season of Gratitude. A season filled with rituals of light and gift giving, of eating together and of sharing generously our abundance. It is also the season Advent (something’s coming!).

At the last new moon in November, Jupiter (benevolence, goodness, love, wisdom) turned direct. A very auspicious celestial move for our Season of Gratitude and Giving. With Jupiter direct we are more charitable, optimistic and most of all more com passionate. We see everyone as a character, doing their part, always doing their best.

About Gratitude — some are attempting to elim inate, ignore and forego the rituals of the holidays. But the autumn and winter festivals (Thanksgiving, Advent, Sol stice, Christmas,etc.) are not about some random historical event from long ago. The season of Gratitude is a time to recognize the past year’s “harvest of blessings.” It’s a reminder to appreciate — to be glad and pleased and grateful, happy and content. It’s a time to praise and bless and it’s a day for graciousness, too. All of these are also Jupiter’s virtues. It is also time to ask the self what we are grateful for. Gratitude creates well-being and happiness. Gratitude releases us into a state of freedom.

ARIES

It’s most important to find times for reflection and contemplation because there’s such an onrush of activity, ideas and ideals flowing here, there, everywhere in this season. There’s a desire to travel, discov ering new realities important to your well-being. Without pausing a bit, they will be missed. It’s also good to review what’s of value while observing what’s occurring in the world. A question — how are you aiding in building the new society and what do you envision for the future?

TAURUS

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

GEMINI

It’s most important to reflect upon what your relationships are based upon. Include all relationships, but begin with your most intimate one(s). Consider what’s taken for granted, what’s understood and not understood, and what allows you to be most truthful. Is there talk about moving, relocating and rethinking resources? A new path comes forth and a new message within the relationship. Listen with patience, perseverance, poise and serenity. Poise allows creation to unfold.

CANCER

Your idea of a schedule quickly dissipates and you find yourself with no routines, plans or the ability to take control of daily events. Anything you’ve thought of doing simply melts into states of chaos seeking the next level of harmony. However, the harmony’s not manifesting for a while. The best thing to do is to read, study and in between prepare nourishing foods for others. They will receive it as manna (goodness) from the heavens. You are that.

The theme of the season therefore, from now through January 6th, is Gratitude, referred to in the Wisdom teachings as the “Kingly or Royal Way”, a way of life. The Royal Way is a state of constant and ceaseless gratitude and appreciation. “Gratitude” comes from Latin “gratus,’ meaning pleasing, thankful and related to grace. The Wisdom teachings refer to Gratitude as a potent releasing agent. It is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul. Gratitude is scientific in nature. It salvages humanity, brings forth deep joy, lifts others up, and creates a steadfast orientation toward the Light of Life itself.

Gratitude is an amulet and a talisman, creating merit and virtue leading to forgiveness. Gratitude liberates us from karma and sets us free. The autumn season with its many festivals of Light invites us to embark on a journey of Gratitude together. When disciples and the New Group of World Servers offer Gratitude, there is a “radiance of solace, kindness and love that flows into the sorrow and suffering of the world.” n

My Gratitude to all my readers for their presence in my life. May Goodwill, Joy and Loving-Kindness be the gifts of the Season for everyone! Risa

LEO

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

VIRGO

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

LIBRA

It’s good to be in touch with siblings, communicating with them, sharing news, family gossip, hopes, wishes, dreams, plans and ideals. Do all things with family that makes everyone feel empowered. Do not allow anything (ideas, sorrows, pain, unforgiveness, misunderstandings, etc.) from the past to obscure your connections. Allow nothing to be misconstrued. Communicate with the intention to make contact, which releases Love. Your family loves you with all their hearts and Souls.

SCORPIO

The entire world’s in a state of reorientation, a condition you know well, for you experience reorientation continually. The entire world is in a Scorpio state of transformation, testing, of dying and regenerating, so that the new era can come forth. Your importance in this great shift is the fact that your knowledge, dedications, curiosities and research abilities become the core information source for humanity and the new culture and civilization. What are your present tasks? What are you using your resources for? Are you happy?

SAGITTARIUS

There’s an opportunity now, not wanting to waste a moment of life’s energy or time, to redefine yourself, your self-identity and purpose. You’re able to change your mind about who you (think you) are and how you see yourself. Be aware that your presence is very impactful to many others around you. Issues and decisions, you thought were concluded reappear for re-evaluation and reassessment. New rhythms, tempos and patterns are appearing. Just let the music play. It’s magic. This is Jupiter in Pisces stationing in your heart.

CAPRICORN

You may feel you’re waiting in the wings for new realities to appear. It’s like planning a winter garden –arugula, kales, mustards, onions, wintergreens, thyme, oregano, parsley – envisioning spring for the first green shoots to appear. Everything on inner levels is being restructured. You feel this but it hasn’t manifested in your outer world. Everything is in right timing. Be as reclusive as needed to allow the roots and flowers and blooms of a new reality to anchor, grow, become strong, later to reshape your life with a new sort of beauty.

AQUARIUS

In the weeks and months to come you discover your true friends, what groups support your endeavors and whom you can turn to for nurturance, needs and simple friendship. So many of humanity are mis-informed. Become a researcher (not a reactor) so you can provide humanity with true information. Then you become part of the education of humanity. Assess your life’s journey. When traveling, follow the rules of the road. For safety and direction. Whatever is hap pening in your physical world is where you need to be.

PISCES

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

“COVID Update” from page 17

California reports 16% of eligible people got a bivalent booster. In Santa Cruz County, it was 23%.

The federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

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

The existing schedule recommends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6.

Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, the committee said.

The committee heard Dr. Tom Shima bukuro report the death of a boy 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myo carditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection.

The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System, and verified by the CDC. Committee members determined Covid vaccine ben efits outweigh the risks.

The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, with the decision up to states, counties and municipal officials.

California’s SB 277 requires students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Home schoolers are exempt.

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

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

Active Cases: 607 •••

COVID Deaths: 275

As of Nov. 28 Age

85 and older: 121 • 75-84: 63 • 65-74: 49

60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5

Underlying Conditions

Yes: 225 • No: 50 Vaccinated

Yes: 38 • No: 237 Race

White 162 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 • Black 3 Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender

Men: 139 • Women: 136 Location

At facility for aged: 118 Not at a facility: 157

School Behavior Specialists

By Tyler Crawford

On Nov. 8, the Scotts Valley Educa tional Foundation announced a $100,000 grant to the Scotts Valley Unified School District for the 2022/2023 school year.

The funds will be matched by the district in order to provide two behavioral intervention specialists to support students and staff district-wide.

The behavioral inter vention specialists will provide in-service and on-site training to staff on instructional and behavioral management strat egies to help teachers and staff better support our students.

Each year Scotts Valley Edu cation Foundation works with leadership at the district to identify the greatest needs for the upcoming school year. A recent study conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics found

“Nutcracker” from page 9

Christina Frankiv, 16, will be playing the role of Sugarplum Fairy this year alongside guest artist Aly Ely. Both Christina and Aly have been dancing at Agapé ever since its opening, so it’ll be fun having both dancers on-stage for the 10th Anniversary show.

Along with these fabulous dancers, this year’s show will be featuring a special new section for Agapé alumni choreographed by Aly Ely. The creative team at Agapé can’t wait for the community to see this spec tacular show. n •••

This year, you can catch Agapé Dance’s 10th Anniversary Nutcracker at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater, where it will be showing on Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22, with shows at 2:30 p.m. and

that “87 percent of public schools reported that COVID-19 pandemic has nega tively impacted student socio-emotional development.”

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are finding this to be directionally true in the Scotts Valley Unified School District where we are seeing an uptick in chal lenges facing our educators.

This incremental resource for our schools will be a support to our students as well as the wonderful teachers and faculty of the district.

Developing a sound foun dation to support mental health and wellness of students in the district is more important than ever and the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation is pleased to be able to help contribute our support to this important cause. n

6:30 p.m. on both days. A portion of the ticket sales for the show will be donated to Nova Ukraine, an orga nization providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians during the ongoing struggle. Tickets start at $35.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road La Boutique at the Scotts Valley Senior Center is ready for the holidays.

Come and shop. Or drop off your nice holiday things that you no longer want.

Information: (831) 438-8666 or check Facebook.

JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

Every year, the Jacob’s Heart Adopt-a-Family program helps alleviate some of the stress families feel during the holiday season.

Some of our families feel the burden of medical expenses, constant hospital trips, grocery needs, and other financial challenges the most during the holiday season.

Your help can lessen this burden and bring joy to these kiddos and their families. We still have 25 families that need to be adopted.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/jacobsheart-AoF-signup or reach out to pao-la@jacobsheart.org to learn more about how you can give some holiday cheer to a child who has cancer. •••

Another way to help: Host a Holiday Drive. It doesn’t have to be toys. It could be shoes, coats, or household essentials. Help Jacob’s Heart spread some holiday cheer and sign up for a Holiday Drive today! Reach out to Brianna@Jacobsheart.org to learn more.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give now to help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

Donors — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are asked to make an appointment to give.

There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot. Make an ap-pointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering donors a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15. Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together. •••

As many gather for celebrations with family and friends, the American Red Cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood.

Dec. 3: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond Dec. 14: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year.

Dates are: Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. 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.

FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS AT CAPITOLA MALL

Flynn creek Circus presents “Winter Fairytale,” featuring wild acrobatics, hilarious comedy, and extreme skills Dec 16-Jan. 1 at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola.

The Woodsmen, the Fairy, and the Spring Sprite are some of the colorful characters you will meet in this memorable holiday production. This tale speaks to the quiet darkness of Winter and the value of rest and reflection.

Flynn Creek Circus performances will take place under a big top tent.

Showtimes vary. Tickets are at https://www. flynncreekcircus.com/

Tickets are sold by table reservation, single seats or seating at a shared table.

Seating prices range from single bar stool, $23, and single seat, $38, to high top tables seating 4-6, $121 to VIP tables.

Beer, mulled Wine, hot drinks and light concession are available for purchase.

Charity shows are at 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 and are open to the public. To donate a ticket to a local charity, contact Nicole at (707) 684-2118.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Special performances: Mini Nutcracker performance by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance at Colonnade Stage – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4. School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95.

Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 26-28, Saturdays & Sundays Dec. 3 – 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.

Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa –reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience.

Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

HOLIDAY ART BY STUDENTS

The talented students at the Monterey Bay Horsemanship

Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

& Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug Cof feeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine Kiebert-Boss at gombhtc01@gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program.

Students will also show their greeting cards, melamine trays, and prints at the Tannery Arts Center Winter Market, 1070 River St., Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10.

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

RESOURCE FOR CAREGIVERS

As families gather for the holiday, people may see grandma or grandpa, their mom or dad, or their aunt or uncle more forgetful or frail and in need of care.

Since 1988, Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center has served Santa Cruz County families of persons living with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions that cause memory loss and confusion.

Trained staff are tuned in to the experiences and issues caregivers face, ready and able to connect, listen and support. The center receives funds from the state Department of Health Care Services. For information, see https://www.delmarcaregiver.org/ or call toll-free (800) 624-8304.

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting

BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

DATED EVENTS

Friday thru Sunday

December 2-4 and 9-11

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS BOUTIQUE

1:30-7:30 p.m. (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday), Mount Hermon Conference Center, 37 Conference Dr, Felton Mount Hermon Conference Center will host a Christmas Crafts Boutique in the multi-purpose room below the dining hall.

There will be 30+ exhibitors with original creations. Proceeds benefit Campership Fund. More info at MountHermond.org/Christmas or call 831-3354466.

Saturday December 3

SAN VICENTE REDWOODS TRAILS OPEN

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), Sempervirens Fund and Save the Redwoods League, who own and manage the nearly 9,000-acre San Vicente Redwoods property in north Santa Cruz County open the first phase, 7.3 miles, of an envisioned 38-mile multi-use trail system.

The parking lot is at 12001 Empire Grade, Bonny Doon.

For information see https://www.landtrustsantacruz.org/

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

5:30 – 6:45 p.m., Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz

Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, the Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Charter boats are available.

This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor.

Parade begins at 5:30 p.m, rain or shine. Call 831-425-0690 for more information.

HOLIDAY AND ENTERTAINING INSPIRATION AND TASTING SANTA CRUZ

3 – 6 p.m., Staff of Life Natural Foods, 1266 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz

Enjoy the specialties of the season with a handpicked assortment of wine from 12 different wineries, cheese, charcuterie and pastries at Staff of Life.

Tickets are $25 in advance at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/holiday-and-entertaining-inspiration-and-tastingsanta-cruz-tickets-465325600397.

Proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, and there will be a collection barrel for food.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunday December 4

WINTER BOUTIQUE & SANTA COMES TO TOWN

Noon-7 p.m., Downtown Rec Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder Creek

The Boulder Creek Parks and Recreation District announces a Winter Boutique with 20 vendors noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 4.

There will be a Santa photo booth 1-2 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Price: $10 per family

Proceeds help fund a family’s child care tuition for 2023-2024 school year.

Register Online at bcrpd.org

Monday December 5

HOW TO COMBAT FLU & COLDS

6-7:30 p.m., 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, Capitola

American Institute of Medical Massage is giving a free seminar at 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, on how to combat the cold and flu season.

Alla Mia, a certified Massage Therapist and founder of the institute, will give a demonstration on sinusitis and share ideas on how to stay healthy and prevent get-ting worse if you become symptomatic.

Register in advance to attend by emailing aimmhigh11@gmail.com or calling 831-291-1025. www.institutemedicalmassage.com

Monday December 5

thru Saturday December 10

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AUCTION

9 a.m. start / 8 p.m. end, Online Auction

Home for the Holidays is an online auction to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to build homes, communities and hope with affordable home construction in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

All proceeds will benefit the Rodeo Creek Court project, an 11-home community in Live Oak. Six homes have been built; support is needed to continue construction of the remaining five homes. Some of the items you can bid on:

• Private Sailing Adventure on Monterey Bay: 2-3 hours on a 30-foot cruiser/racer leaving Santa Cruz Harbor.

• Storrs Winery & Vineyards in Corralitos: Tasting and afternoon of bocce for six guests on their outdoor patio.

• Chaminade Resort & Spa: An overnight stay and breakfast for two at Chaminade’s scenic resort.

• Santa Cruz Warriors Fan Pack: Authentic photo signed by Jordon Poole, authentic bobblehead signed by Klay Thompson, XL t-shirt, pom pom, nightlight, small towel and a “2018 Champs” hat. Go Warriors!

The auction closes at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The auction link is https://www.32auctions.com/HomefortheHolidays2022

Tuesday December 6

CZU FIRE RECOVERY

7 p.m., Online Forum

Nonprofit United Policyholders presents a Survivor to Survivor Forum .

Connect and confer with trained volunteers with past wildfire recovery experience.

Register at: www.uphelp.org/dec6

JAZZERCISE RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE

5 p.m., 1855 41st Ave. D-04, Capitola

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will welcome Jazzercise to the Capitola Mall with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5pm Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1855 41st Ave. D-04, Capitola, followed by a Holiday Open House.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Thursday thru Saturday, December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

7 p.m., Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Dr, Scotts Valley Scotts Valley High School’s fall production is the comedy The Play That Goes Wrong.

The show is written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, directed by teacher Kendra Kannegaard and student-directed by Kyan Lundberg. The student producer is Ava Kreer.

This is a play within a play. The Cornley University Drama Society is presenting “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” but things go from bad to utterly disastrous.

It’s a 1920s whodunit with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).

Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.

Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for students at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/68708

Photo: Performers (from left) Asher Hildebrand, Alex Wirth, Corvinrook Champion, Dani Dunn and Chloe Kitch.

Robin Berkery is the owner of Jazzercise Santa Cruz and Aptos.

Information: (831) 316-4059 and www.jazzercise.com/ location/capitola-mall

Tuesday December 6

thru Thursday December 8

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

2 p.m. Tues / Thurs | 7 p.m. Wed, Spring Lakes Park clubhouse, 225 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley Spring Lakes Park Choir will give three identical Christmas concerts at the Spring Lakes Park clubhouse. The choir will sing a wide variety of Christmas music, sacred and secular, tradition-al and classical.

Directed by Larry Sampson, the choir has a reputation for performing concerts that are thoroughly enjoyable. Admission is free; there will be opportunity to donate for choir expenses.

Thursday December 8

LEARN ABOUT KINDERGARTEN

6 p.m, Scotts Valley Middle School, 8 Bean Creek Road Scotts Valley Unified School District will host a meeting for parents about kinder-garten and transitional kindergarten programs at Scotts Valley Middle School.

50 YEARS OF TRANSPORTATION OPEN HOUSE

2-7 p.m., 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 250, Santa Cruz Join the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to celebrate 50 years of delivering vibrant, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions for Santa Cruz County.

Stop by our open house to learn about the RTC’s history, current projects and the vision for the future. https://sccrtc.org

TREE OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION

5-6:30 p.m., Tannery Arts Center courtyard, 1010 River St, Santa Cruz Hospice of Santa Cruz County is hosting its annual Tree of Lights celebration, a short program to remember those we have lost in our community and light up the tree in the courtyard of the Tannery Arts Center. People will also light luminarias, and it’s a beautiful scene to witness and be a part of. Visit www.hospicesantacruz.org/event/tree-of-lights/ or call 831-430-3000 for more information.

Thursday December 8 thru Sunday December 11

ALICE@WONDERLAND

7 p.m. (2 p.m. only on Sunday), SLV Performing Arts Center, 7105 Hwy 9, Felton

San Lorenzo Valley Middle School Theatre presents Alice@Wonderland, with book by Jonathan Yukich, music by Bill Francoeur, lyrics by Scott DeTurk, and additional lyrics by Bill Francoeur.

The 80-minute musical is directed by Tara McMilin, music and vocal direction by Nicki Kerns, and choreog raphy by Ava Barrett.

Fairly faithful to Lewis Carroll’s original tale, this Alice is a texting, tweeting, and Googling girl of the modern digital era who finds herself in the old Wonderland. The play appeals to children and adults.

General admission $15, and $10 for students, seniors and staff. Advance purchase advised at https://hs.slvusd.org/apps/ pages/theatreboosters

Friday December 9

DEADLINE TO FILE FOR SVUSD BOARD

SEAT

Candidates interested in running for a vacancy on the Scotts Valley Unified School District board in a March 7 special election must file candidate papers with the County Elections Department by Dec. 9

Mitali Weiglin was appointed by the board Oct. 5 to fill the seat vacated by Sue Rains, and 1.5% of the voters petitioned for a special election within 30 days of that date. The March 7 election date was set by the County Superintendent of Schools.

Candidates must be 18, a citizen and a registered voter of the Scotts Valley Unified School District.

Candidates have the option of submitting a 200-word statement of qualifications to be published in the County Voter Information Guide and posted online at the candidate’s expense.

Rules and laws governing candidate filing are strict. Those interested are encouraged to call the Elections Department, 831-454-2060.

Saturday December 10

Sunday December 11

GREY BEARS HOLIDAY DINNER DRIVE-THRU

Time TBD, Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz or Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. 5th St. (Sat. Only)

The 49th Annual Grey Bears Holiday Dinner drive-thru is now taking orders. Vegetarian option available.

Reserve your meal and schedule your pickup at at https:// greybears.org/dinner-2022/

Sunday December 11

BENEFIT CONCERT: PAUL SIMON’S LEGACY

3-5:30 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz

Enjoy a cozy afternoon of music, food & drink with world-class local musicians Dan Frechette, Lauren Thomsen, Joe & Hattie Craven playing the songs of Paul Simon at Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz.

Tickets are: $35 general, $50 Gold Circle or $20 to watch from home via livestream. Benefit for Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal of Santa Cruz.

For tickets: www.CYevents.org. More info: 295-8467.

Friday December 16

BCRPD’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

6-9 p.m., Downtown Rec Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek Recreation’s Holiday Party will be at the Rec Hall.

There will be dancing, a DJ, music and fun for the whole family. Free.

There also will be a dinner fundraiser by donation, with pasta bar, gluten free op-tions and vegan/veggie options.

Register at Online at bcrpd.org

Saturday December 24

SIXTH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN 5 K 9 a.m. Start (check in 8:30 a.m.), Junction Park, Boulder Creek

The 6th Annual Reindeer Run will take place starting at Junction Park.

Runners start at 9am, joggers at 9:30 am and walkers at 10 am.

The price: $20 comes with T-shirt; $25 after Dec. 10. Register at Online at bcrpd.org n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times

KSCO Radio for Sale

By Jondi Gumz

Michael Zwerling has been in love with KSCO since he was a high school kid broadcasting Santa Cruz High On The Air in the mid1960s. As the station owner since 1991, he’s created a radio station that’s a voice for pretty much everyone.

But now, at 71 — his birthday was Nov. 9 — he has a new love in his life, Amy Hao, co-host of the China Watch show on KSCO and a veteran traveler, and he wants to spend his time traveling with her.

The couple, who met in 2019, are “totally into free speech,” Zwerling said.

They recently returned from a two-week safari in Africa.

“Amy’s not happy unless she’s traveling, and she wants to take me to all these places,” Zwerling said.

That’s why he’s looking for a buyer for KSCO 1080 AM, with sister station KOMY 1340, and the one-acre of flat land at 2300 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, overlooking Corcoran Lagoon.

Asking price is $1.5 million cash for the two radio stations and the broadcasting business.

Asking price is $6 million cash for the property, which includes the Art Deco studio building, garage, parking lot, concrete event patio, plus the three broadcast towers in the lagoon, which give the 10-kilowatt station the power of a 50-kilowatt station on dry land, according to Zwerling.

He said he’s open to keeping the land and leasing it to the next radio station owner for $15,000 a month.

Of course, a developer admiring the view at Silicon Beach could buy the property and go through the often onerous county permitting process, seeking to change the zoning from broadcasting to something else.

Every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, Zwerling — who dubs himself MZ — hosts the Saturday Special, an eclectic show that might feature him singing karaoke, proponents and opponents of a proposed empty home tax in Santa Cruz, or the recently fired CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair.

In an earthquake — remember Loma Prieta in 1989 — a wildfire or major winter storm, KSCO provides a lifeline, replacing regular programs with news updates on current conditions, road closures and the like.

Zwerling leans conservative, but not all the listeners are.

In fact, Zwerling boasts that former Sen.

Conservative radio icon Rush Limbaugh held the morning slot from 9 a.m. to noon until he died. Now Rob Carson, who used to write jokes for Limbaugh, fills that spot.

Local Talent

Watsonville local Charles Freedman offers local news talk from noon to 2 p.m. His claim to fame is you can call and actually get on the air. He has encyclopedic knowledge of tunes from the 20s and 30s, used for his bumper music, playing requests, too.

Program director Rosemary Chalmers, with her delightful British accent, helms God Morning Monterey Bay from 6 to 9 p.m.

Other local hosts include:

• Gary Shapiro, From the Bookshelf, inter viewing authors

• Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick of Money Moves, financial tips and tools

• Jonathan Parkhurst, My Empowered Hour, talking to people who have made a new life for themselves after incarceration and inspired others

• Conservative Kristin Hurley of Mama Bears Radio

• Dave Michaels, co-pilot of Flight 1080 from 4 to 7 p.m. and selling supplements produced by Dr. Joel Wallach, 82, the veterinarian-turned-naturopathic doctor who discovered that remedying nutrition deficiencies is the way to health.

Sales of those Youngevity products by Dave Michaels help finance KSCO operations.

But the radio operation isn’t a big money-maker.

In fact, Zwerling said he always operated the station at a deficit because he hasn’t had the heart to lay off any of his “great” staff.

“Not a smart way to run a business I know, but if I can’t have a radio station with a heart, a soul, and a personality, I don’t even want to be in that business,” he said.

He has about a dozen employees, and he’s loath to pay a sales staffer a salary because that person might not generate any advertising.

Other radio stations have gone automated, with message machines to answer calls instead of humans, but that’s no option for Zwerling.

It just wouldn’t be KSCO.

Zwerling’s mother Kay, who introduced her son to talk radio, was often on KSCO, using her distinctive voice to comment on current events. She died at age 95 in 2017.

The KSCO lineup includes a few nationally known figures: Dr. Joel Wallach’s show, “Dead Doctors Don’t Lie,” same title as his 1999 book, “Pharmacist Ben” Fuchs, a Youngevity rep, on Flight 1080 on Fridays, and George Noory’s Coast to Coast at 10 p.m.

Michael Olson, KSCO general manager and host of the Saturday morning Food Chain show, is active in Think Local First Santa Cruz County, a nonprofit formed to support locally owned businesses.

For several years until the pandemic, KSCO hosted Think Local First mixers on its concrete patio overlooking the lagoon. In August, Zwerling revealed on the Saturday Special that county planning department staff had ordered removal of much of the patio because there was no permit. Zwerling said he didn’t think a permit was needed. He signed an agreement that he hoped would resolve the matter, and afterward realized he had signed, in his words, “a blank check,” which he cannot afford.

The patio is still there, fenced off.

Another recent development: Rosemary Chalmers made a public service announcement to say KSCO can no longer be heard after sunset. Listeners must tune in to KOMY, the sister station at 1340 AM that KSCO bought in 1997.

Zwerling elaborated: KSCO has a 10,000 watt non-directional signal during the day, which is why it’s so strong, and a 5,000 watt directional signal at night, which resulted in losing 80% of the coverage area.

For years, Zwerling said, he had operated the non-directional signal at 20% at night because he believed it was in the public interest.

For years, Federal Communications Com mission, which grants the radio station license, “looked the other way,” Zwerling said.

This year, surprise FCC inspections found the station not conforming with its license.

“In October, they got real tough with us,” Zwerling said.

The FCC has rules on “harmful inter ference,” and the enforcement bureau responds to complaints.

Zwerling contends there has not been a single complaint of interference.

After sunset, listeners must turn to 1340 AM, or listen online via the free KSCO app, but Zwerling expects the FCC problem to be resolved “fairly soon.”

Longtime followers of KSCO might recall that KSCO was put up for sale in 2007 but no sale took place.

Zwerling said he’s enjoyed his run, keeping the station alive for nearly 32 years, but it’s time for someone else to take over.

“I’m done,” he said.

What is the future of KSCO?

Only time will tell. n

Interested parties should send an email with qualifications and questions to Michael Zwerling at mz@ksco.com.

Henry Mello (from 1980 to 1992) listened to KSCO on his way home from Sacramento.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

General manager Michael Olson at KSCO radio, which boasts an Art Deco studio.

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs … Oh My!

This week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are all of our bunnies and guinea pigs!

We are having severe overcrowding of bunnies and guinea pigs at the Shelter and need to find foster homes and adoptive homes to help make space. We have 7 adoptable rabbits and 12 guinea pigs. Sometimes “pocket pets” like bunnies and guinea pigs are said to be a starter pet but these animals do need care just like any other pet. Both need fresh hay, special food, produce snacks and lots of cuddles.

When rabbits are happy they do a little jump in the air called a “binky”- this is like a purr for bunnies. Guinea pigs love to squeak when they here the rustling of plastic since they expect snacks to come their way.

Both species can be very human social and be tolerant of other animals in the home. Rabbits can also be litterbox trained which makes clean up easier. If you are an experienced rabbit or guinea pig owner, or willing to put in the work to learn about and raise these special creatures, please visit us at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today and see all of our tiny furry pals!

Now through the end of December SCCAS is having a “Home for the Holidays Adoption Special” where all Shelter pets will be available for a “Pay it Forward” adoption donation of the adopters’ choice.

The suggested donation is between $50-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their dona tions to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals).

The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip (including registration), age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for worms/fleas, and a free pet wellness exam with a local par ticipating veterinarian. If you are looking for a furry friend for the holidays, come to the Shelter and meet your new best cuddle buddy!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n

Santa Cruz County

Toys

“Cabrillo Name” from page 16

She added, “We conducted rigorous outreach to ensure all voices, demographics and perspectives had an opportunity to receive the information and voice an opinion, and prioritized historically underrepresented and emerging student populations. This was an incredibly thorough and academically rigorous process, and I feel like all involved learned something significant about the namesake of Cabrillo College.”

Donna Ziel, who chairs the Cabrillo governing board and was re-elected Nov. 8, said the board decided “the right action at the time is to change the name.”

She added, “As stated in the report, the harm caused by colonial expansion is real and it is a harm that represents trans-generational trauma to this day.

As many people pointed out during the community dialogues, now that we know the name Cabrillo does continuing harm to members of the College’s public, we have a responsibility to correct that harm.”

Trustee Adam Spickler said, “I’m really proud of the education and outreach effort that the College engaged in and I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to have strong community input moving forward, as we work to select a new name for this great College.”

The other trustees are Felipe Her nandez, Dan Rothwell and Steve Trujillo. The student trustee this year is Devine Hardy. n

To read the Board Name Exploration Sub committee Report, please visit: www.cabrillo. edu.

Photos ©Maurice Q. Liang