Scotts Valley Times: January 2023

By Donna Lind

As 2022 concludes, I want to express my appreciation for the great work of City Manager Mali LaGoe and Scotts Valley’s exceptional staff.

As mayor this past year, I also want to share my appreciation to the community, which has been very supportive. Wishing you all a healthy New Year!

It was wonderful to begin the holiday season with the Community Tree Lighting Festival, “Light up the Night” at the Scotts Valley Community Center.

Much appreciation to the Exchange Club of Scotts Valley for taking the lead to bring back this wonderful family event. ... continues on page 4

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COVER STORY

In the past this event had been presented by the Scotts Valley Park Advocates. Even with heavy rains this year, the Community Center was packed with families anxious to see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a Scotts Valley fire engine and take photos.

Scotts Valley police officers were on hand accepting unwrapped toy donations for Valley Churches United. The Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley, Rotary Club of Scotts Valley and Moose Lodge served hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies. Scout Troop 614 volunteered and sold Christmas wreaths. We all enjoyed the local talent of all ages entertaining guests. This special holiday event was made possible by the generosity of several sponsors, supporters, and volunteers!

The Scotts Valley Theater/Performing Arts Center hosted their first ballet for the holidays with the Tiny Dancer Ballet School. These darling little dancers performed the traditional Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker! The Theater also hosted a winter concert for Kirby School including performances by String Methods, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz Choir and Chorus.

It’s heartwarming to be able to see the young dancers and musicians be able to perform on stage at the beautiful, professional new Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center!

As we move into 2023, there is much to look forward to, including new interest in the Town Center project. The Town Center committee has been working on an updated appraisal for the portion of the property owned by the City of Santa Cruz, which recently expressed interest in selling.

City staff has been working with Santa Cruz staff on additional drilling and testing of the soil to determine where soil needs to be removed due to contamination that occurred decades ago. As this work is completed, the Town Center committee is considering the need to update the Town Center Specific Plan, originally adopted in 2008.

The City of Scotts Valley was blessed to have Ali Robinson step into the position of Scotts Valley Recreation Division Manager.

Ali came to us from the City of Santa Cruz, where she worked for Parks and Rec, Water, and Economic Development departments. She grew up in Scotts Valley and knows our city well. She brings great energy and experience and is currently working on rebuilding recreation programs. Ali recently conducted online and interactive surveys to hear community priorities.

Ali has been working with the Parks & Recreation Commission to kick off the Parks Master Plan & Recreation Strategic Plan, which will be developed in 2023. She is working to bring back several popular programs, including the swim program.

The swimming pool maintenance has been completed and pool refilled to be ready for swim activities this summer. City staff is also working on replacing the young children’s play structure at Skypark next year, funded by a Prop. 68 grant.

You may have seen surveyors and other professionals at the Granite Creek overpass. They are working on a large project to improve the Granite Creek overpass, including improving bike and pedestrian lanes. This is very heavily traveled, used by adults and students going to three schools in the area. This project has grant funding through the Regional Transportation Commission.

It’s been great to see community members at City Council meetings in person. The City completed a much-needed major technology upgrade, funded by the 2021 Rescue Act, for Council chambers that allows us to hold hybrid meetings. Community members now have a choice of attending meetings in person or participating online. Live-stream and recordings of meetings are available on the City of Scotts Valley YouTube channel.

When you read this column, newly elected City Council members Derek Timm and Allan Timms will have been sworn in and a new mayor and vice mayor chosen by the council.

It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor for 2022 and I look forward to the great work that will be done in 2023. Wishing you all the best in the New Year! n •••

Contact Donna Lind at dlind@scottsvalley.gov

Cover Photo: The Tiny Dancer Ballet School presents the Nutcracker at the new Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center. • Credit: Donna Lind •••

Editor’s note: The new mayor is Jack Dilles, who will be writing this column in 2023.

Watch www. scottsvalley.gov for dates of a study session of the City Council to talk about goals for 2023.

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Photo Credit: Donna Lind Police officers collect toys for Valley Churches United.

Jack Dilles

Ali Robinson

Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” is one of the best-known images of Depression-era California.

Marisa Silver’s Mary Coin is a richly imagined back-story — and after-story — of that photograph. Her book is the focus of the 2023 Our Community Reads, a program of the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Community members read the book and then come together for a series of events presented with the friends of the Capitola, Felton, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley libraries, and in partnership with Cabrillo College and Aptos High School.

New this year: Our Community Reads Passport offers special incentives to attend all the 2023 events. For Passport information, go to: www.Friendsof AptosLibrary.org

Mary Coin is one of the thousands of Oklahomans displaced by the Dust Bowl. She — and her many children — end up in the migrant camps of California, where photographer Vera Dare encounters her and captures an image that takes on a life of its own. And in the present, college professor Walker Dodge finds that the photograph might have significance in his own life.

NPR called the book “... a fresh angle on the Great Depression and a lesson in learning how to really look and see ... remarkable, quietly heroic yet very human characters.”

Goodreads summed up: “In luminous prose, Silver creates an extraordinary tale ... a reminder that a great photograph captures the essence of a moment yet only scratches the surface of a life.”

All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Doors open half an hour before programs begin.

This year’s Our Community Reads events will take place in person and via Zoom (H for hybrid, P for in person only, and Z for Zoom only.

To register: Go to www.SantaCruzPL.org and click on Calendar at the top of the home page. Scroll the Calendar page to the event you want to attend, and click the link for the name of the event. You will find registration instructions.

Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion (H)

A spirited discussion of Mary Coin, led by Marjorie Bowles. La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Capitola Book Discussion Group (Z) led by Dian Duchin Reed Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

A Talk with the Author (H)

From her home in Los Angeles, Mary Coin author Marisa Silver talks about creating the fictional world of an iconic image.

Watch online at home or join us in the Ow Family Community Room of Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, with moderator Geneffa Jonker, Cabrillo College English professor.

Sponsored by Friends of the Capitola Library.

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.

Concert: Songs We Sang in the Great Depression

“Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime,” “If You Ain’t Got the Do Re Mi” (In-person only).

Join local singers Aileen Vance, Bob Reid & Judi Jaeger, Jack Bowers & Vicki Coffis at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 2402 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel, for a live concert of songs that deepen our understanding of the world of Mary Coin and millions of other Dust Bowl migrants.

Host Julie Olsen Edwards

Fire Hazard Comment Deadline

Prices On Michelin & BF Goodrich Tires Prices On Michelin & BF Goodrich Tires

CalFire is in the process of revising the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps that identify wildfire hazard in areas for which the State has financial responsibility for wildland fire protection. The existing map was last approved in 2007.

The Administrative Procedures Act requires a minimum 45-day period for the public to comment to the Office of the State Fire Marshal in writing on the proposed regulation. A comment link is at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/

community-wildfire-preparedness-andmitigation/wildfire-preparedness/ fire-hazard-severity-zones/

A hearing for Santa Cruz County is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Ben Lomond Training Center, 13575 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz.

Public hearings are not a public forum for discussion; these hearings are only to receive comments as required by code. Questions will not be answered. Verbal comments will be restricted to a maximum of three minutes.

“Mary Coin” from page 5

Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m Workshop: “Our Community Writes” (H) Here’s your chance to create flash fiction, mini-essays, or poetry based on the world of Mary Coin.

Using evocative prompts and plenty of encouragement, writer June Langhoff and members of the Monterey/Santa Cruz chapter of Shut Up & Write will focus on the joy of the creative process at Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Writer fuel will be provided.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Panel: “The Photographer’s Eye” (H) Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.

Local photographers Shmuel Thaler, Kevin Painchaud, and Mary Altier will talk about their work, show examples, and contrast their experience with that of earlier photographers like Dorothea Lange.

Moderated by Jim Bourne, whose photographs are on exhibit in the library through March 2023. Refreshments served.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.

Saturday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.

Hands-on Art Event

In-person only at Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

Using the medium of collage, participants will create an “extended” pencil drawing using a photo of the Dust Bowl era to which a six-word memoir is added for deeper meaning. Presenters Jo-Neal Graves and Sharon Ferguson, Open Studios artists and art educators, will provide background information, drawing pointers, memoir development, and lots of encouragement.

No prior skills necessary to be successful.

Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Panel: “Farm to Table: Smooth Road or Bumps Along the Way?” (H) Temple Beth El Social Hall, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos

Panelists will compare the working conditions of today’s farmworkers to the conditions of the Depression era, look at labor issues from a historical perspective, and show how best practices are being applied in today’s farming.

Dr. Ann López, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens, Peter Shapiro, author of Song of the Stubborn One Thousand: The Watsonville Canning Strike, 1985-87 .Alicia Bencomo Garcia (Professor of Ethnic Studies, Cabrillo College), moderator.

Sponsored by Friends of the Aptos Library.

Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m.

Film: “The Grapes of Wrath” In-person only at La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach.

Topsy Smalley, Librarian with a special interest in Steinbeck, introduces John Ford’s classic adaptation of the immortal Steinbeck novel.

Sponsored by Friends of La Selva Beach Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

Film: “Dolores” In-person only at Garden Room, Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz.

A documentary about Dolores Huerta, co-founder—with César Chávez—of the precursor to the United Farmworkers Union. Introduction by Jerry Kay, longtime friend of Ms. Huerta.

Come a few minutes early to view a video display of the work of Aptos High

Written comments will be accepted at the hearing and for the entire 45-day period. Comments will be collected, summarized, and addressed in the final regulatory submission to the Office of Administrative Law.

The only public comments considered

School students, whose class assignment was to redesign the book cover for Mary Coin or use art to tell the story behind the photo. Student work will be judged by members of the Bookshop Santa Cruz staff and awards given to the top work.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.

Reading in the Redwoods In-person only at Felton Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St., Felton.

Book group discussion of Mary Coin led by April Zilber.

Sponsored by Felton Library Friends.

Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

Music & Film: The Depression, the Dust Bowl, and Dorothea In-person only at Felton Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St., Felton

During the 1930s, music painted a vivid picture of a nation in crisis. Felton’s own Patti Maxine, along with Alison Steele of Sugar by the Pound, will play songs of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

The music will be followed by the short documentary “Dorothea Lange, An American Odyssey,” a portrait of the photographer portrayed as Vera Dare in Mary Coin, best known for her work documenting and humanizing the plight of migrants and farm workers in the 1930s.

Refreshments served.

Sponsored by Felton Library Friends.

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Reminiscence: A Universal Language (H) Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos.

A personal glimpse into the life of Dorothea Lange—portrait photographer, witness to the Great Depression and the Japanese Internment, visual chronicler of the Irish Country people—as told by her son Daniel Dixon.

Presented by Dixie Dixon, widow of Daniel and herself a photographer.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Trivia Night

In-person only at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, 20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley.

The ever-popular Trivia on Tap, hosted by the Santa Cruz Public Library’s Victor Willis, poses challenging questions from Mary Coin. Book groups may participate, or fly solo. Beer available for sale, a food truck out front or eat elsewhere in Victor Square. n •••

NOTES: This calendar is as accurate as was possible at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date Our Community Reads information, go to www.FriendsofAptosLibrary.org

There might be a photographer present at in-person events. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer or a member of the Friends.

Expand your mind, engage your senses, challenge your creativity, and be a part of the Our Community Reads community! The more events you attend, the more enriching the experience will be, which explains the Passport: To encourage participants to attend as many events as possible.

• Those who attend 12 events will win a “Grand Prize.”

• There will be “runner-up” prizes for those who attend 10 or 11 events.

• At each in-person event you will receive a stamp in your passport.

• For virtual events, you will get a write-in code.

Pick up your Passport at library branches or when you check in at the first event. The Friends’ website (www.FriendsofAptosLibrary. org) will tell you how to turn in your Passport at the end of the season.

Bee Fruitful Farm Welcomes Brook Knoll Students

In November, the air was electric with enthusiasm and gratitude when the pandemic eased and the Draper family hosted 250+ students from Brook Knoll Elementary School over five days at Bee Fruitful, their small organic farm in rural Scotts Valley.

On previous field trips the focus was on teaching the connection between healthy foods and a healthy environment. Then field trips were canceled for two years to avoid spreading the Covid-19 coronavirus.

This year’s focus was different.

“Our goal for this particular field trip, coming out of Covid, was to help build community through connection,” said Sue Draper, a local real estate agent passionate about instilling a love of nature in children.

Her daughter-in-law Mandy Draper, a parent herself, designed five stations of activities, with that purpose in mind. They were: Yoga: Being mindful, empowering from within

Planting: Discovering the earth is alive Cooking With Fresh Apples: Learning to work together — many hands make light work Turkey Art: Kids scavenged in the woods for twigs, ferns and feathers to adorn their construction-paper turkey body Campfire Reading: Storytelling at its best with hot chocolate Plus playing on the slide and jumping on mulch mountains to build relationships “The benefits were so visible I termed it a Wellness Camp,” Sue Draper said.

Third graders arrived first, followed by second grade, first grade, then kindergarten. Students were joined by many enthusiastic teachers, dedicated parents,

and committed Scotts Valley volunteers. The Brook Knoll PTO financed students’ transportation and activity supplies.

The teachers who participated: 3rd Grade: Mike Igoe, Sharon Keane, Kari Thornley, Jennifer Lane.

2nd Grade: Robyn Bariteau, Tira Schindler.

1st Grade: Kristen Lesniak, Meghann Gelter, Lelia Golder.

Kindergarten: Carly Rice, Paula Pasquini, Bonny Fulton.

“We discovered the benefits were not

limited to the students,” Sue Draper said. “Teachers, parents, and volunteers alike shared an experience that brought us all closer together — It truly was a magical experience for everyone.” n

Photos Credit: Orenda Randuch

Judge Paul Marigonda: (1960~2022)

Amemorial

to celebrate the life of Paul Mario Marigonda will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz.

He passed away Dec. 10 at home surrounded by his family and his beloved canine companion, Duke. He died 15 months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

A first-generation American, Paul was the son of Laura and Cesare Marigonda of Trieste, Italy.

Italian was his first language; Paul was extremely proud of his Italian heritage. He spoke with his relatives in Italy on a daily basis.

Born in Oakland on May 9, 1960, he graduated from Skyline High School in 1978 and the University of California at Berkeley in 1982, where he studied political science, which became a lifelong passion. He was a proud Cal Bear and rarely missed a home football game.

He received his juris doctorate from Golden Gate University in 1986, then started his legal work at New and Kay in San Francisco. In 1989, he started a long career at the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, where many treasured lifelong friendships were born.

He felt he had more to give to his

community and decided to run for a seat on the Scotts Valley City Council in 2000, serving as mayor in 2005. In 2006, he left the City Council when he was appointed to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

He was passionate about his work as a judge, presiding over many different types of cases including criminal, civil, probate, and family law.

He was an early champion of the collaborative courts, where he helped stabilize people with substance use disorders and mental illness. He served as presiding judge in 2014 and 2015.

Even when he was ill and undergoing treatment, he found the courage and the energy to hear cases whenever he could. Working with his Superior Court family was one of the biggest joys in his life.

In 2018, he accepted a nomination to serve on the executive board of the California Judges Association. During his three-year tenure, he was very active and served as vice president and chair of both board membership and CJP work groups. He found his efforts with this organization profoundly rewarding and a great deal of fun, and he gathered additional friendships and deep relationships along the way.

In 2021, he received one of his highest honors, the California Judges Association president’s award.

People knew Paul as an incredibly fun and warm person. He was so full of joy and had an incredible love of life. He was enthusiastic about everything presented to him. Paul never lacked supportive friends or wonderful relationships, and he was blessed to have these friends carry him through this challenging illness.

You often would hear Paul coming before you ever saw him with his loud voice and huge, booming laugh. He loved his daily walks, usually with his best friend Duke at his side.

Paul loved to travel, and he and his wife Margaret took many wonderful trips together to Europe and Mexico.

The highlight of his life was raising his two sons and enjoying his family. He was proud to say he never missed one of their sporting events and looked forward to attending all their activities.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret (Baker), sons Peter and Patrick, daughter-in-law Brittney, and grandson Ryan. Rather than flowers, consider making a donation in Paul’s name to a charity of your choice. n

Paul Marigonda coached the Scotts Valley High School mock trial team.

Vaccine Boosts Pfizer Revenue

By Jondi Gumz

On Dec. 12, Pfizer said annual revenue from its mRNA vaccine portfolio could reach $10 billion to $15 billion by 2030, soothing investor fears about decline in Covid vaccine demand and expiring patents.

Pfizer shares rose to $52.59 in afternoon trading and helped lift the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 528 points, up 1.58% — the biggest one-day percentage gain since Nov. 30.

FiercePharma expects the drugmaker’s 2023 revenue to top $100 billion — a new record and more than double the prepandemic level — due to demand for its Covid-19 vaccine and oral treatment Paxlovid. The world’s largest pharmaceutical company by revenue, Johnson & Johnson, reported $82.6 billion revenue in 2020.

On Dec. 22, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to convene a grand jury as requested by Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate any wrongdoing with respect to Covid-19 vaccines. The grand jury will meet for one year.

Studies funded by drugmakers that developed the vaccines have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and federal regulators granted emergency use authorization after reviewing data on their safety and effectiveness.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo pointed out that pharmaceutical companies have not provided their data on Covid-19 vaccines to independent researchers.

DeSantis contends drugmakers had a financial interest in creating a climate in

which people believed that getting a coronavirus vaccine would ensure they would not spread the virus to others.

In the past two weeks of December, the less deadly Omicron subvariants shifted again, according to weekly Nowcast projections by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

BQ1.1: Down from 38.4% of cases to 35.7%.

BQ.1: Down from 30.7% to 27.4%.

XBB: Up from 7.2% to 18.3%

BA.5: Down from 10% to 6.9%.

The newest “bivalent” booster targets once-pervasive BA.5 variant along with the original 2020 coronavirus.

This is important because scientists in new independent studies published in Nature and the Lancet report the bivalent booster “did not produce robust neutralization against the newly emerged BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, or XBB.1” — in other words, these newer subvariants can evade immunity from infection and vaccination.

The CDC stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of Americans age 16 and up had some immunity from vaccination or infection.

Now that immunity may be in question.

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, and the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration granted emergency use authorization.

On Dec. 8, the FDA amended that emergency use authorization to allow bivalent Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for children as young as 6 months.

California reports 60.7% of people have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 21.4% got the bivalent booster.

In Santa Cruz County, 60.7% have primary vaccinations and boosters, and 29.4% got the bivalent booster.

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

Meanwhile in Uganda, health officials report they are not seeing Covid cases in the hospitals, not seeing people getting vaccinated, not seeing people with respiratory distress, according to John Campbell, a retired nurse educator with a PhD based in England who has been producing daily video reports on studies and data.

On Dec. 19, U.S. District Judge John Kness approved a $10.3 million settlement for about 500 workers fired by NorthShore University Healthsystem in Illinois for refusing to get a Covid-19 vaccine.

Each fired worker stands to receive $24,225. The named plaintiffs are in line for an extra $20,000.

Lawyers for Liberty Counsel, who represented the 13 initial named plaintiffs and won class action status for others, said Kness approved the settlement verbally.

NorthShore in a statement wrote, “We are pleased with the Court’s approval of a supportive resolution to this matter.”

Harry Mihet, vice president of legal affairs for Liberty Counsel, said in a statement, “This case should set a precedent for other employers who have violated the law by denying religious exemptions for their employees.”

On Dec. 12, the college football world was stunned that Mike Leach, the influential football coach at Mississippi State University, collapsed at home and died of complications from a heart condition at age 61. In 2021, he declined to reveal his vaccination status, and the MSU announcement did not say.

In 2021, Mississippi State University required Covid vaccination for faculty and staff to comply with President Biden’s executive order, the reason being not to jeopardize $271 million in federally funded research.

On Nov. 27, a published report by six pathologists from Heidelberg (Germany) University Hospital who performed autopsies on 25 individuals who died unexpectedly at home and within 20 days after Covid vaccination.

They found five cases where “autopsy findings indicated death due to acute arrhythmogenic cardiac failure. Thus, myocarditis can be a potentially lethal complication following mRNA-based antiSARS-CoV-2 vaccination.”

None had signs of a pre-existing heart disease.

The study, “Autopsy-based histopathological characterization of myocarditis after anti-SARS-CoV-2-vaccination,” appeared in Clinical Research in Cardiology, official journal of the German Cardiac Society.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that deaths after COVID-19 vaccination are rare and that reports of adverse effects after vaccination, including deaths, “do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem.”

More Spreadable

Deaths per day in the U.S. at the end of December was 901, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged.

Santa Cruz County reports 51 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, 2021, before Omicron.

Santa Cruz County reports 276 deaths since the pandemic began in 2020.

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

Researchers say the new Covid-19 variants are more spreadable, and the state’s test positivity rate rose to 11.9%, but there is little indication they are more deadly than previous versions.

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.

Tests at Home

Santa Cruz County reports 901 active Covid cases, a dip from a week ago.

Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of infectious diseases and vaccinology at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, contends Covid case data are not valuable for monitoring the virus because so many people buy tests sold at drugstores for use at home, which escape tracking by public health officials.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2022 Scotts Valley Community Awards

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 3rd.

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce seeks your assistance in recognizing the people and businesses that make our Community such a special place. Please send us your 2022 nominations for outstanding businesses and individuals for the following categories:

We are looking for nominations in the following categories:

• Alvin Scarborough Memorial MAN OF THE YEAR

• Annette Marcum Memorial WOMAN OF THE YEAR

• YOUTH OF THE YEAR

• EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

• Claire Hodgin Memorial BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT OF SCOTTS VALLEY

Criteria For Nomination

• Each nominee must have made a valuable contribution to Scotts Valley.

• It may be in the previous year or over a period of time which you will specify

• A business of the year nominee must be a current Scotts Valley Chamber member.

• An individual may live or work outside the city limits, but their

contribution must be within Scotts Valley.

• Youth of the year nominee must be of High School age

Nominating is quick and easy! Just go to ScottsValleyChamber.com

Photos: 2022 Awards Gala.

Credit: Arwen Reber Photography

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts

Danny Reber

Danny Reber has served as the Executive Director for the Scotts Valley Chamber for the last eight years and before that he served on its Board of Directors for seven years. Danny is a lifelong Scotts Valley resident and feels privileged and honored to serve his community.

In addition to the Chamber, Danny also serves as Board President for Valley Churches United Missions, where he has served on the Board since 2016.

He is also a Past President of Scotts Valley Rotary and was named Scotts Valley “Man of the Year” in 2006. Danny also holds public office on the Scotts Valley Water Board where he has served since 2012.

In addition, Danny serves on the Boards for Leadership Santa Cruz County and the Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition. He is also a Freemason and member of Paideia Lodge No. 852.

Some of Danny’s hobbies include hiking, playing guitar, singing, and he also hosted the Think Local First Radio Show on KSCO.

Danny and his wife, Michelle, consider themselves blessed to be able to raise their two daughters, Maya and Arwen, in this Community they love and call home.

Chamber of Commerce

Jeanette Larkin

Jeanette was raised in Scotts Valley in the hospitality industry as a young woman learning the family business from the ground up. She enters her 8th year involved with the Scotts Valley Chamber, serving six years as chair of the Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival/Cops ‘N Rodders cars show.

Passionate about supporting local businesses, Jeanette serves on the Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force, was a DJ for KSCO’s Think Local First radio show, and earned Scotts Valley’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.

She is a former co-owner of Larkin Precision Machining Inc. in Scotts Valley and a graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County. She currently works as a Human Resources Generalist/Business Partner for all Bay Federal Credit Union branches.

Jeanette received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University and also serves on the board of Valley Churches United.

The new secretary of the SV Chamber Jensen Shada. She has lived in Scotts Valley since 1971 and has raised three children (Gigi, Vicky, and Kristian) here.

Jeanne became a realtor in 1977 and started her business, Scotts Valley Property Management, LLC in 1981.

She is a founding member of the SV Arts Commission, a former President of the SV Chamber Board of Directors, a Scotts Valley Woman of the Year, and a long-time member of the Scandinavian Cultural Center of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Symphony League.

Formerly, she taught in the grades 2, 5, 6-8.

Jeanne enjoys the beauty of Scotts spirit of its citizens.

Jeanne Jensen

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Commerce 2023 Executive Board Members

Phil Neuman is CEO of Cyber Ascend Technologies, a locally owned Information Technology firm operating from its headquarters in Scotts Valley, California. CyAs Tech reflects Phil’s commitment to service and to the local community, as it is fully geared to support Santa Cruz County’s business builders with technology on their upward path to success.

After earning his Computer Science degree from Cal Poly SLO, Phil grew his IT skills within The Santa Cruz Operation. He increased his IT and business-building expertise directing IT departments at Fortune 500 companies and dot com startups until the entrepreneurial bug bit him in 2001, forming what would eventually become CyAs Tech.

A big believer in the importance of community involvement, Phil has served as a volunteer firefighter and board member with Bonny Doon Fire & Rescue. He’s enjoyed board member and ambassador roles with Scotts Valley’s Chamber of Commerce since 2017 and is a graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County Class 34. He’s a member of the Santa Cruz Business Builders BNI group, and active with Twin Lakes Church.

Phil resides in Scotts Valley. His wife and son are part of CyAs, supporting Phil’s vision for strengthening community through better tech.

Victor is a SW

years of experience in High Tech, based in Silicon Valley. He is married, with 3 children either attending Scotts Valley schools or recently graduated.

He is the Treasurer for the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, and is also an Ambassador. He sits on the Economic Recovery Task Force, and is a proxy attending Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition meetings, including 18 Chambers of Commerce in the region.

He is also President of the Exchange Club of Scotts Valley, which has been

ley for over 50 years.

Jensen Shada Chamber Board of Directors is Jeanne

the SV Unified School District in Scotts Valley and the community

Phil Neuman

Victor Alejandro

Offer Product Manager at Cisco. He has 30+

serving Scotts Val

Fallen Officer Foundation Ball February 25

Local First Responders need your help! First Responders have been severely challenged this past year. As we all struggled with the pandemic, first responders have been on the front line. First responders have had to deal with increased acts of violence and negative public perceptions. In recent years we’ve had the worst wildfire seasons in history. These challenges are in addition to all the other ‘everyday’ community emergencies that our First Responders deal with. This has taken a toll as local first responders continue to battle for our safety.

In the endeavors of all our first responders, there is both a physical and emotional toll. With all they’ve endured, our first responders have suffered the effects, many suffering with Post Traumatic Stress.

They have continued through the challenges while they try to heal. The Fallen Officer Foundation stands ready to render aid to local first responders and their families. It’s a privilege to assist those who serve as guardians of our communities. With your help we can continue our mission.

Fallen Officer Foundation is a nonprofit, volunteer board 501c (3). The Foundation has been assisting First Responders since formed January 2004 after a law enforcement officer was critically injured suffering a traumatic brain injury when hit by a motorist.

He was newly married, and the couple needed financial support to provide the 24-hour care necessary to care for him at home. Since that time, the Foundation has assisted over 65 First Responders in crisis or special need.

Come join us for an evening of great food, wine, live music, and dancing to Lost Boys featuring James Durbin, Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Most importantly, please join local first responders to celebrate their work. Show your support and give a little back to our First Responders who serve us so valiantly.

You can donate or purchase tickets at www.fallenofficerfoundation.com. You can also donate items for the silent or live auction — call 831-662-3105 or email: postmaster@ fallenofficerfoundation.com n

— Donna Lind, President, Fallen Officer Foundation

LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy at Vine Hill Elementary

Over the past two months, LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy has been busy at work in the Scotts Valley Community!

The owner and newly promoted 6th Dan Black Belt Senior-Master Matt Salisbury has been educating the students of Vine Hill Elementary with “Verbal Judo” — a movement that encourages anti-bullying.

Students were able to engage in sometimes difficult conversations about bullying and even got to break boards at the end of the series! Talk about empowerment!

Now, LightSpeed Martial Arts is

excited to EMPOWER the Scotts Valley Community with a special 6-week challenge starting in January 2023.

Their classes will provide more than just getting “fit” “toned” or “losing weight.” Tae Kwon Do focuses on mindset — with benefits in organization, vision, body development and mental awareness.

Their goal is to provide you with a sense of selfesteem, knowledge of self defense and heightened mental and physical well-being. For more information contact them at 831438-6068 or email LightspeedLexie@gmail.com!

Master Matt Salisbury at his promotion to 6th Dan Black Belt.

Vine Hill Principal Breaking Boards

BUSINESS PROFILE

InterIor VIsIon FloorIng DesIgn

‘Think Green’

By Edita McQuary

The New Year is right upon us! Is home redecorating in 2023 on your mind?

When you look around your home, do you see areas that need improvement and updating?

If new flooring, carpets or window treatments are on your horizon, a visit to Interior Vision Flooring Design is a must.

The only woman-owned mom-anddaughter business of the kind in this area, Deborah Cypert and her daughter Bobbie Frandeen have just what you need at their Soquel Village location. They take pride in their work in this male-dominated industry.

Deborah has been in the flooring industry for 35 years. Her father was a builder so the construction industry is “in her bones.” She learned about flooring while working with him.

Deborah and daughter Bobbie have been working together for 17 years. Their company, Interior Vision, will celebrate 20 years in May 2023 with an expansion of their location. When finished, the store will have almost 3,000 square feet of sustainable mostly-made-in-U.S.A. flooring, carpets and window treatments.

As much as possible, they deal in sustainable, made in U.S.A., hard and soft surface products.

The wood companies they deal with use responsible harvesting methods and sell environmentally friendly products. Many people are allergic to all but natural products so Interior Vision carries natural wood, cork, wool, and linoleum.

“We like to go green all the way through,” said Deborah.

Interior Vision offers free in-home

consultation, and advice on what would work best in the customer’s situation.

“We are invested in developing relationships and want the customer to love what they end up buying. After all, floor covering is the third most expensive investment homeowners are likely to make,” according to Deborah.

In regard to window coverings, Bobbie explained some state legislators tried to pass a bill to eliminate all cords on window coverings to be safe for children. However, the bill was amended several times and never passed.

Therefore, in 2018 the industry set its own safety standards to assure safety for children and now we can be assured no new window shades pose a threat to children.

Interior Vision carries Hunter-Douglas and Graber draperies and Roman shades. So if you still have the old Venetian blinds or pull-own shades, come and visit Interior Vision and have them show you into the 21st century with their uniquely beautiful and unusual collection of window coverings.

There are also some interesting shutters to look at. There is a selection of many different kinds of products, some made of grasses or wood fabric.

Some of their wood fabric slides are made by Honeycutt Verberglide and open side- to-side rather than vertically. They also carry Luminet, modern vertical and they carry fabric draperies. These really unique window slides have to be seen to be believed.

If you need an area rug, you can see some in the store or view online catalogs to select one that is right for your home.

Always community-minded, the Deborah and Bobbie have donated the flooring for the Children’s Museum of Discovery at Capitola Mall. Some of the other charities they have supported are the Make-a-Wish Foundation in San Francisco and our local Habitat for Humanity. They have also worked with Housing Matters and the Santa Cruz City School District and Live Oak School District.

Some interesting period projects were in restoring several Victorian homes on Walnut Street and Lincoln Street in Santa Cruz. They have also helped restore a historical house in Capitola. One of their fun projects was running an “Ugly Carpet Contest,” where the winner received $1,000 of floor covering.

When asked what it is like working with your mother/daughter, their response was that they have developed a trust in each other so both are working for the best

interests of the business and the best part is they get to see each other every day.

For a very interesting experience, come visit their store and meet Deborah and Bobbie. They welcome homeowners, property managers, contractors, real estate agents and commercial business people. n •••

Interior Visions, 2800 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 pm. 831-4768780, Interiorvision.biz19

Bobbie Frandeen and Deborah Cypert

$103 Million for Bike & Walk Trail

For Live Oak and Aptos residents, it’s the biggest Christmas surprise ever: On Dec. 7, the California Transportation Commission approved $103.3 million in grant funds for 6.5 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail, a bike and pedestrian path next to the railroad tracks from Beach Street in Santa Cruz to 17th Avenue in Live Oak, then to State Park Drive in Seacliff.

This means more than 18 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail from Davenport to Aptos are now fully funded. These sections of Rail Trail are expected to be completed by 2025. The funds come from the state’s Active Transportation Program.

“This is a big win for Santa Cruz County,” said Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director Guy Preston. “The Coastal Rail Trail projects are going to transform the way people travel through our county and will benefit generations of bicyclists and pedestrians. This is a great example of how voter-approved local funding can leverage larger state and federal grants.”

Santa Cruz County’s 2016 voterapproved Measure D sales tax provided a

The trail is a multi-jurisdictional project, and the County of Santa Cruz was awarded $67.6 million for 4.5 miles of trail known as Segments 10-11.

This is the largest active transportation grant the state has ever awarded.

The project, rated 95 out of 100, is in the environmental phase with final design expected to begin in 2024.

Game Changer

changer for the County’s residents, bringing them new recreational and commuting options while helping us reduce greenhouse gasses and improving the health and safety of the community,” said Santa Cruz County Parks planner Robert Tidmore. “This will be remembered as an important day in building Santa Cruz County’s transportation future.”

The City of Santa Cruz was awarded $35.7 million to deliver segments 8 & 9 of the trail, rated 90 out of 100. Environmental, design and right-of-way work for this 2.2-mile trail is underway.

“We are so excited to secure funding to advance constructing the Coastal Rail Trail. This is an important project for our community,” said Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker. “Families, children, and visitors will be able to safely walk and bike in Santa Cruz to all of our amazing amenities.”

Segments of the Rail Trail in Santa Cruz from the Wharf to the Westside are completed or under construction.

Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail, which in June successfully fought Measure D, Greenway’s vision to drop passenger rail service from the county general plan and use the rail corridor for an interim multi-use trail, congratulated the staff at the City of Santa Cruz, County of Santa Cruz and RTC who applied for the money.

“The CTC’s decision to approve these grant applications and fund the construction of the Rail Trail alongside the existing railroad tracks confirms that Rail With Trail can be built and is being built in Santa Cruz County,” said FORT Board Chair Faina Segal.

Segal said all 32 miles of trail are now in construction or design phases, and planning for electric passenger rail service from Santa Cruz to Pajaro has started.

“On a personal level, as a resident of Live Oak, I am particularly excited for

the brand-new direct route between Santa Cruz and Live Oak for bikes and pedestrians,” she added.

The Coastal Rail Trail plan includes a wide, flat, multi-use trail as well as future electric passenger train service. The goal is to improve walkability and bike safety for people living near the Branch Rail Line. It is hoped the electric train will offer a real alternative to people stuck in Highway 1 traffic jams and give South County residents a commuting solution.

Measure D Oversight

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is accepting applications for the Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee for representatives from Districts 1, Santa Cruz, & 2, Aptos. The deadline is Jan. 13.

The

This committee is tasked with reviewing how the funds generated by the transportation tax are being spent. Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing expenditures annually to ensure they conform

• Reviewing the annual audit prepared by an independent auditor, describing how funds were spent

• Producing a publicly available Annual Report of Oversight Activities

The committee shall include at least one person with an accounting or fiscal management background. Applications are at https://sccrtc.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/12/OvrSghtCommApp-2022_ final.pdf

Smaller Projects

The state also awarded $12.3 million for smaller “active transportation” projects in Santa Cruz County. They are:

• City of Watsonville, $6.9 million for Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville, pedestrian and bicycle improvements at schools

• Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, $1.8 million for Safe Routes for Watsonville School Families and Community, education for pedestrian and bicycle safety

• City of Santa Cruz, $2.9 million to construct a multiuse path on Swanton Boulevard and sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and intersection improvements on Delaware Avenue

• UC Santa Cruz, $0.7 million for the culturally inclusive “SlugBikeLife” Bike Safety and Education Program Phase 2

Statewide, the California Transportation Commission programmed $1.02 billion for 93 active transportation projects. About 13% of the funding was awarded to Santa Cruz County, one of the smallest counties. n

State Offers Money to Repair Old Fair Barns

By Jondi Gumz

The 1955 livestock barns at the Santa Cruz County Fair are not going to be demolished under the new regime in place since CEO Dave Kegebein was dismissed Oct. 4.

On Dec. 6, the fair board, with new members Nick Colubaquib of Aptos and Rachel Wells of Felton, voted with board member and interim manager Don Dietrich and acting board president Stephanie Fontana abstaining, to rescind the motion to demolish and instead agreed to pursue repairs to engineered specifications with money proffered by Michael Flores, deputy director of the state Department of Food and Agriculture.

“The state will step up,” Flores said. “No strings attached.”

An audit of the Santa Cruz County fair by that agency, which oversees operations at state-owned fair property, found no receipts for $163,442 in purchases and led to the dismissal of Dave Kegebein, who in 11 years had orchestrated a financial turnaround with $1.75 million cash on hand, albeit with omissions in record-keeping.

As in October, the fairgrounds meeting room was full, some calling for more transparency on the financials, which are behind schedule, and more watching on Zoom.

Flores, dressed in a suit, stepped to the microphone at the fair board meeting and said that state resiliency funding will pay for the repairs.

“We feel it’s prudent,” Flores said, acknowledging it would take time to come up with plans for a new multi-purpose building, as Kegebein had proposed and the board supported.

Kegebein, at the microphone, said resiliency funding was “widely perceived” as a plan to adapt fairgrounds for use by homeless people.

Flores, responding to Kegebein, said, “He couldn’t be more wrong.”

Flores said resiliency funding is designed to upgrade heating and cooling systems at fairgrounds, which are needed in disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and flooding.

He said the money is also going to install commercial kitchens to provide meals to disaster victims and incubate startup food businesses, proper showers and broadband, and RV access.

“That’s what this money is meant for,” Flores said.

Some in the audience were unconvinced.

“We want no strings attached,” said Kevin Hurley, a volunteer who heads up the fair’s beef cattle department.

The barns were deemed unsafe by the state and cordoned off during the fair. Tents were put up for fair animals and their exhibitors.

Historic Mess Dietrich, in his role as interim manager, said he got the impression from talking with CDFA and California Construction Authority (designed to facilitate construction projects at fairgrounds) that due to the historic designation, it would be easier to repair than demolish the barns.

Asked he could get the historic designation corrected, Dietrich said he tried to reach the county planning department, which oversees historic resources.

“They’ve been fairly unresponsive,” Dietrich said.

“If you need help, I’m available,” said fair board member Dana McRae, county counsel for 22 years before retiring.

“Our legal team can certainly help,” said Flores of CDFA.

The county Historic Resources Commission meets in January.

Board member Tony Campos said demolition was stalled because of “an honest mistake” designating the entire fairgrounds property as historic.

The intent had been to designate the Rodgers House, built in the 1870s, donated by Melanie Kett Wirtanen to the fairgrounds and moved there in 1998, as historic.

However, Wirtanen, who spoke, said she was “completely shocked” by the designation, which limits what can be done to the property.

Kegebein said the historic designation is by parcel and the fairgrounds is one parcel.

That explains why the historic

designation was applied to the fairgrounds as a whole.

Fontana pointed out the access for fire trucks and trailers is difficult with the current setup. This is why she had favored pursuing a new multi-purpose building. “Fair Barns”

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz New Santa Cruz County fair board members Rachel Wells and Nick Colubaquib

The Bird Chirps the Future

In sacred liturgy, the days of December 26 — January 8th are referred to as the 12 Days Of/After Christmas — a time in which we walk with the Three Astrologer Magi Kings carrying gifts to the holy child (the Soul within each of us).

Each of the days also represents one of the upcoming astrological signs — from Aries to Pisces — their characteristics, talents, gifts, abilities and tasks to develop. Each day we contemplate upon a sign. As we do so, the signs begin to communicate with us.

The “bird chirps of what’s to come ... the twelve signs become the future in each of us.”

From beginning to end, from the Alpha to the Omega, in the silence of winter, in the quietness of the Earth, the signs tell us new life and new livingness is to come.

ARIES

A new phase of reality begins. Great aspirations push you forward into dedication and hard work. Your self-identity, sense of family and home, intimate relationships and professional career will change and expand. Work with others cooperatively. All that you aspire to do will come forth only if cooperation is foremost. Tend carefully to moods. Use them imaginatively to create all things new.

TAURUS

Your religion and spirituality, your mind (thinking, study, ideas), daily life, health, teaching and travel are all divinely influenced. Life will seem to be rather dreamy. You might not like this much as it feels impractical. However, it’s a time of rest and healing. Dreams help manifest long-held visions. Be in the Sun as much as possible. Write down plans and ideas. A new phase of life begins. Try not to be too distant with those you love.

GEMINI

We work in between incarnations. Each lifetime we attempt to discover our place in the Sun. When we die, it’s our last thought that determines where we go. In this lifetime, we are to train our minds in all ways. Planning and strategy are important in the coming year. We can also plan consciously for when we die. You are not dying at this time. This is only an exercise of preparation. Begin training your mind on what you will think about at the time of death.

CANCER

The New Year brings great promise of happiness. You won’t feel distracted. Your mind will be clear, harmonious and challenged to move toward what you’ve always wanted. You will be creative. When there are differences you will step aside (like the crab you are) circumventing disharmony. See each day as an opportunity to do your very best. Begin your spring garden early. Create a medicinal garden and a flower garden.

Each sign also signifies a different light. Like the new light of Winter Solstice. So, we consider Aries, the Light of beginnings. Taurus, the Light of Illumination. Gemini, the Light of Duality.

Cancer, the Light of life hidden in the womb of matter. Leo, the Light of our Creative Self. Virgo, the Hidden Light.

And Libra, the Light of “I & Thou” (relationships).

During these twelve days and into the new year, we stand with five words … recreation, regeneration, reorientation, renunciation and recapitulation.

Each year, we begin anew. And the rod of justice rules. The Ark reaches the shore. The past reaches the future in each of us. And, direction, sign by sign, is given.

LEO

The New Year is golden for you in terms of work, confidence and growth, both subtle and steady. You want will to make changes concerning health and healing. Become a member of a spa, begin an exercise and diet regime with yoga, tai chi, biking, swimming, etc. Continued focus on health is most important. You will seek the Diamond Light. Compassion and altruism become your newest psychological orientations.

VIRGO

Allow constancy of effort into your life, not turning back when difficulties arise. Stand at the middle point. You may feel your life is not moving forward. However, many things are occurring within. New realities, resources, and things social rise to the surface offering satisfaction and intimacy. Tend to partners and those who love you with care and nourishment. Let your mind be at ease.

LIBRA

You will work very hard this coming year. When in doubt call upon your angels to flood your life with light, information and assistance. It will happen immediately. You felt challenged this past year. The upcoming year offers greater progress and power. Avoid controversial decisions. Allow time for Right Decisions leading to Right Action. Don’t show dissatisfaction in relationships. Love is not a feeling. It’s a willingness to love more.

SCORPIO

You will look back on the past year and see that it was good. There was (and will be) exceptional growth, support, gains and progress with creativity rewarded. You might be too impulsive, leading to expectations that are unreasonable to others. Provide affection and attention to everyone, especially friends and loved ones. You will be busy socially for a while. Then your temperament becomes serious and internal. Spending time alone is part of your destiny.

SAGITTARIUS

You will feel quite dynamic as the New Year unfolds. There will be a fire within burning brighter and fuller. You may need to control that fire a bit lest conflicts with others are created. Use that inner fire for creativity, achieving greater goals, greater focus and direction. You will rise in stature through new ways of thinking. This has already begun. You’re more positive, bright like the Sun eliminating obstacles and hurdles. Do not compete. Share instead.

CAPRICORN

Saturn is your ruler, the planet helping you in all endeavors, especially climbing the mountain, which means ladder of success. Success in whatever way you see success for yourself. Saturn helps you choose good shoes, too. I wish you a happy birthday for your new year. Remember to speak with your angels. They stand by waiting for instructions. They are to help you with all that you need and want in the coming year. Make your list. Check it twice, three times.

AQUARIUS

The New Year focuses upon relationships, love, friendship and romance. Avoid any major changes at the first half of the year. Instead focus on building a firmer foundation of security and creativity. New realities can emerge the last half of the year. Travel when you can. It brings you pleasure, excitement, friendships and relaxation. Have pride in your accomplishments, in yourself, and the important social role you play in the world.

PISCES

Rest more in the coming year. Focus, stamina and vitality return gradually. Remain conscious of fluctuating finances. You want Right Use of money and resources. Past friends and lovers continue to occupy your mind. Send them on their way with love and blessings. Or invite them along the Path. Not many will be able to absorb the fiery field of the Path. You will be called to leadership. Step into this with confidence. The many years of the past struggles have prepared you.

“Fair Barns” from page 17

New Interim Manager

Anew

interim manager is coming on board Jan. 2.

He is Kelly Ferreira, who retired as San Benito County fair manger in 2013 after 27 years and has been working as a fair consultant since.

Recommended by staff at CDFA, Fontana called him well qualified.

Because of his retirement status, Ferreira will work three days a week at 60% salary.

His pay will be $99,060, which Dietrich said is 60% of what Kegebein was paid.

Dietrich said he would fill in on days Ferreira is not at work.

There were 7 yes votes, with Dietrich abstaining due to his dual role.

Betty Aboytes, who owns property next to the fairgrounds, said she appreciated being able to call on Dave Kegebein whenever she saw something amiss or the event music was too loud.

“I just need to know who to call,” she said.

Recruiting Permanent Manager

Dietrich recommended creating an ad hoc committee to recruit a permanent manager, and the board agreed.

Directors Dana McRae and Michael Pruger are on that committee.

Donna Steward, who has 24 years of experience, was hired as board secretary to take minutes at $37.50 per hour.

The financials for September and October are not yet ready, but the fairgrounds is booked for many weekend events.

Fairgrounds Shop Use

Dietrich explained, as he had promised, why he had used the fairgrounds shop to work on his own equipment. He said he had brought his tools to do fairgrounds repairs on a volunteer basis. When he needed to work on his own vehicle, he asked Kegebein if he could use the shop and Kegebein said it was OK.

Dietrich said he had repaired equipment of fair customers and staff and had notified CDFA.

“I like helping people,” he said. “I’m going to continue until I’m no longer needed.”

As for plans to repair leaks in the roof of the Harvest Building, Dietrich said it’s a work in progress. He hopes to have a report on Jan. 24. n

Future meeting dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, Dec. 5, all at 1:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Meeting is also on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

New Cabrillo Stage Artistic Director

Cabrillo Stage, the beloved professional summer musical theatre festival, has a new artistic director, Andrea L. Hart, who hails from Berkeley and produced the Fringe Festival at the Great Plains Theatre Conference.

Hart, 46, will be only the fourth Cabrillo Stage artistic director, and the first woman to lead the company, founded in 1981 by Lile O. Cruse.

She was hired to succeed Jon Nordgren, artistic director for 17 years, who retired in September.

Cabrillo Dean of Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts John Graulty said, “Our national search for a new artistic director for Cabrillo Stage landed us a bright, young, articulate star in the theater firmament.”

Hart is an accomplished playwright and theatre maker, having had her work developed at the Great Plains Theatre Conference, CounterPulse, MacDowell, New Ohio Theatre, Hyde Park Theatre, and the University of Texas New Theatre Festival of New Work.

She came to Santa Cruz in July after

finishing a master’s in fine arts in directing at the University of Texas at Austin.

Before graduate school, she lived in the Berkeley area for 20 years, where she was a co-founder and member of several small theatre companies, including 6NewPlays, which focused on producing new plays by Bay Area playwrights. She also taught visual and performing arts and directed musicals and plays in schools all over the Bay Area.

“Studying how to make live theatre during a pandemic was not what I set out in graduate school to do,” said Hart. “However, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been in school during that time. It served as a crucible to not only my artistic practice, but my thinking on how to keep live performance relevant to our communities as we move forward.”

In a letter to the Cabrillo Stage mailing list, Hart wrote: “Whether it’s an unforgettable performance from years ago, a tune that never leaves your head, or the lyrics that remind you you’re not alone, musical theatre has the power to connect and uplift us like nothing else.”

Hart is invested in community building and supporting a healthy local artist ecosystem.

When she was director of education and public programs at the Oceanside Museum of Art, she began the first dance residency with local dancer Alyssa Junious, who created new work and community events in response to the artwork in the galleries.

“Theatre, by its very nature, is a local endeavor,” Hart said. “It exists in a particular place and time and it speaks to those who see it in that moment. I want Cabrillo Stage to represent the Monterey Bay community in all of its fullness and to be a place our audiences call home.”

Hart answered these questions for Aptos Times:

As a playwright, you wrote “Murky as Hell.” What’s it about?

Murky as Hell” is based around stories of women who aided Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Terry Richardson, amongst others.

What began as an exercise in imagining fitting punishment for these women, turned into a meditation on the unnerving grey areas around the violence women inflict on each other and the systems that teach us how to do it.

“COVID Update” from page 10

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which has not updated data due to the holiday, last reported 684,700 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

Avoid Emergency Room

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

After Thanksgiving, Santa Cruz County health officials reported a surge in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus cases along with Covid and asked people with no symptoms or mild cases, or other non-serious illnesses, to “avoid unnecessary trips to already burdened hospital emergency departments.”

They said people with “relatively mild” respiratory infections “can effectively recover from their illness at home, or by seeking primary care treatment and/or speaking with their primary care provider.”

See the CDC guidance for RSV at https:// www.cdc.gov/rsv/clinical/index.html

2023 Recommendation

The CDC plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

On Oct. 20, the Advisory Committee 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 Shimabukuro 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 myocarditis; 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 benefits 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. Homeschoolers are exempt.

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

Santa Cruz County

In hospital with positive Covid test: 22 Intensive care: 1 •••

COVID Deaths: 276

As of Dec. 30

Andrea L. Hart

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE U.S. & THE HOLOCAUST

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries plans a screening and discussion of the Ken Burns documentary The U.S. and the Holocaust, in partnership with Temple Beth El, the Resource Center for Nonviolence, and Santa Cruz County United for Safe and Inclusive Communities from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola.

This is the day before International Holocaust Remembrance Day Jan. 27.

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended but not required. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/10067554.

Discussions will focus on lessons learned and how to eliminate hate and violence from society. Facilitated small-group discussion followed by report-outs will provide a framework for attendees to glean lessons from the documentary and how those lessons can be applied here and now.

Attendees are encouraged to watch the entire 3-part documentary in advance of the discussion, which will air on local PBS Station KQED at 9 p.m. on Jan. 6, 13, and 20 and will be available to stream on the PBS website through Feb. 3. On Jan. 26, attendees will see a 40-minute screener from the series provided by PBS Books, who is supporting programming around the documentary for libraries nationwide.

Art at https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/us-and-the-holocaust/

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by January 25

Students help participating businesses redesign their websites for e-commerce, list product catalogs in virtual marketplaces, and offer other technical assistance as needed. Much of the website creation curriculum comes from Wix, a no-code website building platform.

In the Coursera class, those in the class build a website for themselves.

The GetVirtual program already has partnerships with the city of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County Small Business Development Center.

The GetVirtual team is now working on a Spanish version.

Nada Miljkovic, a continuing lecturer at UCSC co-founded GetVirtual two years ago with serial entrepreneur Toby Corey.

“Students can be anyone from those about to graduate to young professionals wanting to go out on their own to retirees wanting to continue having a purpose in life,” she said.

GetVirtual has completed more than 150 client projects with 70% of those businesses in the city of Santa Cruz, all at no cost to the clients.

Nonprofit Santa Cruz Works honored Miljkovic as one of its 2022 Titans of Tech for contributing to the growth of the local tech and entrepreneurial community.

See: https://www.coursera.org/learn/getvirtual

WINTER ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italianspeaking Instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in be-tween, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering are for you!

The 10-week session begins the week of Jan. 23.

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

CUP CHARGE STARTS JAN. 1

The County of Santa Cruz reminds local retailers, restaurants, food trucks, convenience stores, hospitality establishments and event planners that new rules for the collection of single-use cup taxes take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

In June, county voters passed Measure C, the Santa Cruz County Clean Water/Beaches, Public Health, Environmental Protection Measure. This measure mandates that businesses subject to the County’s single-use cup charge remit half of the $.25 collected for each cup — $.125 — to the County of Santa Cruz as a tax with the remainder retained by the seller.

Payments are due to the county quarterly. Due dates are: April 30, July 31, Oct. 31, and Jan. 31.

Businesses using the online form online on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website will not need additional documentation. Those paying with check or cash will need to submit a reporting form with each payment. For an FAQ, see https://www.co.santacruz.ca.us/Departments /TaxCollector/SingleUseCupTaxFAQs.aspx

FOR NEW MOMS

The Santa Cruz County Nurse Family Partnership is a program to support pregnant women expecting their first baby and new moms with their first baby. For information, call 831-454-4339 or text 831-566-3592.

HELP MATCHINGDONORS.COM

Mateo coach Tom Martinez, who died of a heart attack in 2012 while waiting for a kidney transplant. Visit https://www.matchingdonors.com/life/ for more info.

RED CROSS JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES

Aptos

Jan. 4: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive

Jan. 7: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive

Ben Lomond

Jan. 20: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Love Creek Road

Santa Cruz

Jan. 5: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Jan. 18: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Jan. 20: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Firefighters at Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St.

Scotts Valley

Jan. 14: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive

Watsonville

Jan. 17: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.

OPERATION GRATITUDE

Operation Gratitude gives Americans the opportunity to go say “Thank You” to all who raise their hands to serve. Writing a letter is a meaningful way for Americans to say “Thank You” support for all who serve. It only takes five minutes of your day but will bring lasting joy to the recipients.

VOLUNTEER FOR MILES FOR SMILES

The independent nonprofit Partnership for Children, which increases access to medical care for children with serious illnesses and supports their families, needs volunteers for its Miles of Smiles holiday giving program.

Volunteers are needed at the organization’s “toy room” in Salinas, where they will wrap gifts from which Partnership for Children, children, will be able to select during the holidays.

To volunteer or for information, call (831) 422-3002.

OPEN STUDIOS SURVEY

Do you love Open Studios?

If you experienced Open Studios this year, we’d love to get your feedback. What worked well? What could have worked better?

Whether you visited one location or many, we’d love to hear from you.

The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ OS_Visitor_Survey

GETVIRTUAL: LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

A popular UC Santa Cruz entrepreneurship class that pairs students with local business owners wanting to pivot from foot traffic to sales online is expanding beyond Santa Cruz.

The recently launched Coursera version, GetVirtual: How to Launch your Online Business, is available to students at other UC campuses as well as anyone with an internet connection. For people outside the UC system, it’s free.

Pricing & location (on-line & in-person) varies; see individual class descriptions for more information. The last day to register is Jan. 20.

See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/classes. For information email: dan-tesantacruz1265@gmail.com

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

IS YOUR PHOTO TOO SMALL?

Currently, 270 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; those that live wait 7 to 12 years to receive a kidney transplant through the government’s deceased organ donor waiting list.

Many patients receive their kidney transplant within only six months of registering on MatchingDonors. com, which is appealing to people to help by becoming a living organ donor or donating cars, boats, RVs, real estate, or planes to support the nonprofit organization, founded in 2003 and based in Boston.

Supporters include NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who raises money in the memory of his College of San

Operation Gratitude includes handwritten letters in every Care Package sent to Military and First Responders. In these unprecedented times, our heroes need our unwavering support.

Fill out the form with detailed instructions and labels for shipping. You pay the postage.

For more information and ways to show support, see https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/ letters/

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.

HELLO DEAR READERS, One of my new year’s resolutions for 2023 is to help you get news into our community calendar.

You’ve probably noticed every issue has a “photo box,” a photo of an upcoming event with a description, what where, how much it costs to attend.

How does your event get into the photo box?

Step No. 1: Email me a photo with enough bytes so it doesn’t turn into pixels. This means actual size on a cellphone, or minimum 1 MB, for optimum picture quality.

I’ve seen too many small photos, 33 kb, or medium, 88 kb or 250 kb, which might be acceptable on our website, www.tpgonlinedaily.com but not in a print publication. We do both!

If I have to request a larger photo, that takes time, and often, we’re up against a deadline, and sadly the larger photo does not arrive in time.

You’ve seen photos accompanying other calendar events. Again, I recommend emailing a larger photo, actual size, 1 MB.

Step No. 2: Include a caption.

Step No. 3: Check the calendar of each issue for the next deadline. That way, your announcement will get to us in time!

Pro tips: To expedite your announcement, put it in the body of the email instead of an attachment. That way, I see it immediately — no waiting for a sluggish computer. For the subject line, put the date of the event first, followed by the name of the event.

Best wishes in 2023!

— Jondi Gumz, editor

Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

Third Fridays

LEGO ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

3-5 p.m., Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Rd Are you looking for fun, and competitive challenges? Do you like building stuff with LEGOs? Are you 8 to 12 years old?

If you answered yes, you are invited to join the Lego Engineering Challenges! The Challenges are a fun way for tweens to learn about basic engineering, teamwork, and leadership by completing Lego projects.

Challenges take place every third Friday of the month in the Fireside meeting room at the Scotts Valley Branch Library.

Space is limited and registration is highly encouraged but walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

Questions? Contact Iván Llamas at llamasi@santacrupl.org or (831) 427-7700 Ext 7752.

DATED EVENTS

Tuesday January 10

COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER TO SPEAK

6 p.m., Online Meeting

Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County Health Officer, will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County via Zoom.

Dr. Newel will provide an update on the current status of Covid-19 cases in the county, as well as the uptick in flu and RSV cases. She will also discuss the most common sources of exposure and precautions county residents can take to stay healthy and avoid contracting these viruses.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Visit www.svslvdemocrats.org for the zoom meeting link. Social time starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday January 14

JUSTICE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

1 p.m., Resource Center for Non-Violence, 612 Ocean St., SC

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women will present “Justice for Survivors of Human Trafficking” at the Resource Center for Non-Violence. It is free and open to the public.

Rose Mukhar, founder of Justice at Last, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit law firm that provides free legal representation for survivors of human trafficking, is the featured speaker. She has experience in cases involving children, women, refugees, and survivors of domestic violence, torture, and human trafficking. For information about this event and human trafficking issues, call AAUW at (831) 425-1306. For information on AAUW, see https://santacruz-ca.aauw.net.

Friday January 20

BLM FIRE COMMENT DEADLINE

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a plan to expedite fuels reduction treatments and fire protection efforts near high fire-risk areas on public lands in 44 counties throughout

ACTORS’ THEATRE: NEW 8 TENS PLAY FESTIVAL

January 20 thru February 19

8 p.m., Thursdays thru Saturdays • 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St. After nearly a year without new shows, the Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre is kicking off the 2023 season with its popular 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival — 16 new productions Jan. 20 through Feb. 19.

The new plays, selected from nearly 260 submissions coming from across the country, will alternate Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with additional Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The weekend shows will feature one line-up at 2 p.m., and another selection at 8 p.m., allowing theater fans to see all 16 plays on the same day.

All performances will be in the Santa Cruz Center Street Theatre, 1001 Center St. Playgoers will be required to wear a mask in the theatre and lobby areas, but proof of vaccination is not required.

Tickets are $32 general, $29 for students and seniors. Thursday performances offer a discount: Two tickets for the price of one. A package deal for both shows is $58 general, $54 students and seniors. For the play lineup and tickets, see: www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/tickets •••

Photo: Actors Sarah Cruse (left) and Avondina Wills, pictured here in a past show, both return to the 2023 8 Tens @ 8 Festival.

California and northwest Nevada. The BLM will consider all substantive comments received by Jan. 20.

The statewide Wildland-Urban Interface fuels treatments programmatic Environmental Assessment aims to facilitate projects on 900,000 acres of public land near rural communities.

“This initiative is designed to streamline on-theground projects to reduce hazardous fuels … and to protect local communities,” said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen.

Fuels reduction projects aim to reduce intensity, severity, and spread of wildfire on public lands by reducing overgrowth, creating fuel breaks and thinning forest density.

The goal is for reduced likelihood of loss of life, property, and community infrastructure from wildfires.

These treatments also aim to improve firefighting conditions when wildfires happen, allowing for greater success of fire suppression and fire perimeter control, increased safety for firefighters and decreased costs by reducing potential fire damage and fire size.

To submit written comments on the plan, potential impacts, and alternatives in the preliminary environmental assessment and the Findings of No Significant Impact, see https:// eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016583/510 or email: blm_ca_swft_ea@blm.gov.

Thursday January 26

VOLUNTEER FOR 2023

The 2023 PIT count will be done using an appbased data collection tool, and will cover the entire county in one morning. Sign up at https://asr.sjc1. qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2f3KayP7qtQJNdk

Volunteers will work in groups, meeting their team members either at a central deployment center location or a convenient location before walking/

driving their assigned routes and aiding with data collection.

Volunteers are asked to bring their vehicles to use in the count if they are able.

Contact Alex Werner at alex@appliedsurveyresearch.org. for more information. •••

The Housing for Health Partnership and Applied Survey Research will host community meetings to gather input and volunteers for the count Friday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Jan. 12, time TBA. Meetings will be in person.

RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ santa-cruz-county-2023-point-in-time-count-planningmeeting-tickets-464743970727

Saturday January 28

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

10 a.m.-4 p.m., 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga

Local residents, veterans, active-duty military and their families are invited to Wreaths Across America mobile education visit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, sponsored by the Santa Clara Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. This is the closest local stop for Santa Cruz County. Admission is free.

The exhibit educates visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes and serves as an official ‘welcome home’ station for our nation’s Vietnam Veterans.

“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who have served and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” said Karen Worcester, executive director. “The Mobile Education Exhibit provides the unique opportunity for communities to come together and share the stories of those who served and sacrificed.”

On Dec. 17, Wreaths Across America coordinated 596 truckloads of wreaths to all 50 states and beyond, delivering to 3,702 locations a total of 2.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths.

Sponsoring a wreath is $15 at www.wreathacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes toward a live balsam wreath to be placed on the headstone of an American hero on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, National Wreaths Across America Day. n

PIT COUNT

5 p.m.-10 a.m., Location TBD

The County of Santa Cruz is moving to conducting the Point in Time homeless count annually and needs community support.

Gail Newel

A Year in Review: Hwy 9, Tiny Homes on Wheels & Energy

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

As I reflect on 2022, it’s difficult to imagine another year that brought as much change to Santa Cruz County in terms of policymaking and planning.

As we continued recovering from the CZU Fire and COVID pandemic, the Board of Supervisors completed a number of critical actions in 2022 that had been many years in the making. We also saw major investments in transportation and infrastructure that will continue to develop in 2023. Let’s start there.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission worked for more than two years with Caltrans, the County, Metro, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District and hundreds of SLV residents to evaluate and develop the comprehensive Highway 9 Complete Streets Plan.

Passed by voters in 2016, Measure D set aside $10 million for priority transportation projects along the corridor, including $1 million toward initial work and matching grant funding for the southern entrance to the SLV Schools Complex.

All five agencies par ticipated in preliminary engineering, traffic analysis and a feasibility and needs assessment for improving the circulation in front of the campus and within the complex, as well as the bicycle and walking facilities in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Measure D also earmarked $5 million to build the Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing, which broke ground in 2022 and will provide safe passage for wildlife under Highway 17 near Laurel Road, which bridges two habitat areas.

Other priority projects in 2022 included the Boulder Creek Complete Streets Improvements to construct new

sidewalks, update existing infrastructure and improve crosswalks with bulb-outs for enhanced pedestrian safety, as well as the proposed expansion of County Service Area 7, which provides sewer service to parts of Boulder Creek. I want to thank Congressmember Anna Eshoo, who represented the San Lorenzo Valley for 20 years before her district was redrawn last year, for embedding in the 2023 federal budget $1.5 million for the Boulder Creek transportation project and $2 million to further explore the sewer expansion.

In 2022, my office continued to work with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District on planning for a potential consolidation with Big Basin Water District. I’m also proud that our County organized the purchase of Watsonville

Community Hospital — a critical public health resource for our entire region, not just for South County — and returned it to public ownership. And it was an honor to welcome residents into the newly renovated Boulder Creek Branch Library.

All of these initiatives came as the Board of Supervisors approved the first major update in 30 years to our General Plan and Local Coastal Program, known as the Sustainability Update, which guides land use in the unincorporated area and includes a modernization of County Code regarding housing, transportation and environmental justice, among other issues.

We also approved an ordinance allowing for Tiny Homes on Wheels and passed the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, the cornerstone of which is Central Coast Community Energy, which my office led the way in founding more than five years ago.

Now the largest geographical community choice energy agency among the

20 established in California, and one of the largest by load, number of customers and budget, Central Coast Community Energy has 33 County and City members covering five counties on the Central Coast and we serve 95% of customers with clean energy rates well below PG&E.

By 2030, we expect 100% of the electricity provided by Central Coast Community Energy to be renewable, which is 15 years before the State mandate to achieve zero-emissions energy sources.

Lastly, 2022 also brought big changes for the Board of Supervisors itself. On Dec. 13, we bid farewell to Supervisors Ryan Coonerty and Greg Caput, who represented District 3 and District 4, for eight years and 12 years, respectively. It was my pleasure to serve with both of them, and I wish them and their families the very best in the years to come.

At our first meeting of the Board in 2023 we will welcome two new members: Supervisor Justin Cummings for District 3 and Supervisor Felipe Hernandez for District 4, both of whom I look forward to working with on issues facing Santa Cruz County. I also am excited to partner with the City of Santa Cruz’s first directly elected Mayor Fred Keeley, with whom I served in the Legislature, as well as our new Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. n

The new year 2023 will no doubt bring new challenges and opportunities, and as always, if my office can be of assistance, please contact us at fifth.district@santacruzcounty.us or 831-454-2200.

All of these initiatives came as the Board of Supervisors approved the first major update in 30 years to our General Plan and Local Coastal Program.

the Kitten!

Krissi greets everyone with big purrs. She loves people and is very engaging. She gets her kitten energy out with wand and feather toys and after a play session is happy to curl up in your lap. Krissi’s fur is sooo soft — it’s one of our favorite things about her!

You have to feel it to believe it. She is an easygoing kitten and we think she would do well in a variety of environments.

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 donations 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), ageappropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for worms/fleas, and a free pet wellness exam with a local participating 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 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

Decarbonizing Requires All-Electric Homes

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, starting Jan. 1, 2023, the County of Santa Cruz will require all new residential construction in urban unincorporated areas to be designed with permanent sources of electricity as the only form of energy.

“This is a major first step in our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint from the built environment,” said David Reid, the County’s director of the Office of Response,Recovery and Resilience. “Through our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, we can achieve carbon neutrality and protect the planet for future generations by taking more actions to decarbonize our lives like this one.”

The rules, adopted Nov. 15, 2022 as part of a State Building Code update, do not affect construction in Capitola, Scotts Valley, Watsonville or the city of Santa Cruz.

“Hart” from page 19

The show included a Mad Max-style wasteland, a sci-fi reprogramming center and an over-the-top Wrestlemania-inspired Thunderdome fight sequence.

Your favorite musical?

As a child, we had the record to “Annie.”

My mom sat by the record player and transcribed all the lyrics using a typewriter and we used that script to sing those songs incessantly.

I can’t say that’s my “favorite” musical, but it is inscribed on my psyche in a very deep way. I also learned “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow” in sign language. Why Cabrillo Stage? Any time a mention of Cabrillo comes up in conversation, it is always with the most loving and reverent tones. Anyone I know who has studied there always raves about it. I also had looked into the theatre when I arrived in town and heard what quality productions they put on.

During the application and interview process, I was encouraged by the questions that were asked and the thinking that was going into season selection and culture around the theatre.

As I’ve gotten started, I’m repeatedly touched by how many people hold this place dear.

It feels like an institution that is very much rooted in and serving its local community. I find that very inspiring and energizing.

How will you decide which shows to stage?

Winter Fun

Season selection is always a process of trying to thread the needle on many different needs and desires. I believe in a collaborative process that involves as many stakeholders in the conversation as possible.

We reached out to the community with a survey that presented genres to gauge audience interest, we’ve reached out to the artistic community to see what is exciting to collaborators, we look at what is being

Electricity is required for all forms of energy consumption in homes, including heating and cooling, cooking appliances, water heating including pools and spas, and clothes dryers.

The rules apply to all newly constructed residential developments, including residential areas of mixed-use projects, multifamily, single-family and accessory dwelling units within the urban services line.

The rules do not apply to non-residential buildings, non-residential sections of mixed-usebuildings, or buildings outside the County’s urban services line.

Nor do they apply to existing or permitted residential buildings or CZU Fire rebuilds in San Lorenzo Valley and Bonny Doon, which are outside the urban services line. n

produced in surrounding communities to gauge what niche hasn’t been filled, and then a group of us gets in a room and has a spirited discussion.

In the end, you want to get to a place where the community can trust that even if they don’t know the show or feel they don’t like the show, they are excited to see what Cabrillo Stage will do and that will keep them coming back.

Where do you live?

What’s your impression of the Santa Cruz County housing market — for homebuyers & renters?

Ilive in the Westside of Santa Cruz. We moved here because my partner, Ross, got an exciting job at the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. His entire family lives here, though, so it’s a place we’ve often come back to in our years away.

Let’s just say we moved here in July and we didn’t move into our rental until October. We were lucky enough to have wonderful family to stay with until we could find a rental we could afford. (Buying was never an option.)

When I left Berkeley (after 20 years and an incredibly sweet rental deal) I never thought I’d come back to the Bay Area because as a theatre artist I’d never be able to afford it.

There were some desperate feeling moments between July and September, but in the end we got very lucky with a sweet landlord. And an opportunity to get rid of a lot of stuff! In all seriousness, I love our neighborhood and feel incredibly lucky to walk my dog to the beach on any given day.

I do think the cost of living directly impacts the type of arts that a community can sustain. So many of us consider our work a labor of love, but I know I’ve tried to make love pay the rent many times and it never works out.

I feel very fortunate that we stumbled on the place we got and I hope that as the conversation continues in this area, solutions to the lack of affordable housing will continue to move forward. n

Krissi

Bobbie Frandeen