Scotts Valley Times: June 2023

SVHS Valedictorian & Salutatorian

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Grand Jury: More Funds for Anti-Crime Programs

Every year, the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury examines detention facilities within the County, including the Main Jail, the adjacent Blaine Street Women’s Jail, the Rountree Men’s Medium Security Facility in Watsonville, and Juvenile Hall in Felton.

Full Story page 8

Rehearsals Begin at Cabrillo Stage!

By Mindy Pedlar

Rehearsals have begun for Cabrillo Stage’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, featuring songs from Disney’s Academy Award-nominated score.

Full Story page 7

Cover SVHS Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Community News

5 Outstanding Volunteers

7 Rehearsals Begin at Cabrillo Stage!, By Mindy Pedlar

8 More Funds for Anti-Crime Programs: Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Report

17 Community Foundation Awards 77 Grants to Nonprofits • Memorial Day Weekend Concert

18 75th Anniversary of Israel Independence • State Funds Zero-Emission

Passenger Rail Report

23 Santa Cruz County Fair: Home Grown & Locally Shown!

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14

11 Cruise Coffee Café: Mixer and Two-Year Anniversary Celebration

12 Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade & Flyover at 1 p.m.!

13 Member Spotlight: Two Knights Insurance Services

14 May Ribbon Cutting and Business Showcase at Bruno’s Bar & Grill • Fringe Salon Announces New Medi-Spa & Wellness Services

Local Sports

15 SVHS Athletes Sign with Colleges • SCCAL Baseball: All League • SCCAL Softball: All League

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Gemini’s Light Beams & the Two Columns, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21

Featured Columnists

6 Celebrating Public Works, By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

16 Insights Into Infertility, By Dr. Maureen Rozenn, LAC, DAOM, FABORM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)®

22 Regional Water Collaboration: Progress, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District, along with Fred Keeley & Mark Smolley

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Sweet Koa Looking For New Home

Jondi Gumz

Mindy Pedlar, Risa D’Angeles, Jack Dilles, Maureen Rozenn, Bruce McPherson, Fred Keeley, Mark Smolley

layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

“Scotts Valley High Seniors” from page 1

I will be majoring in evolutionary biology and ecology at Temple University. What activities did you participate in at Scotts Valley High?

During my time at Scotts Valley High, I was a member of the cross country and track teams for all four years and captain of both my senior year.

I also participated in the Model United Nations club all four years and was vicepresident my senior year. I was also a part of the Haunted House for the last three years, as structure manager, treasurer, and tour guide.

Finally, I’ve participated in the visual arts classes for three years, and showed my IB art portfolio at art night in March.

How did Covid affect your high school experience?

Covid completely derailed high school during my freshman and sophomore years. Classes were taken online to varying degrees of success, and it took a lot of adjusting to get used to not seeing my teachers or classmates outside of the little zoom boxes.

The transition back in person at the end of sophomore/beginning of junior year was also difficult, as we all had to remember how in person classes work and get back into the rhythm of normal school with a normal school schedule.

What did you enjoy most at Scotts Valley High?

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The best thing about Scotts Valley High for me was the people I met and the communities I found in my time at the school. I made some amazing friends and found great groups of people through various activities that really shaped my high school experience.

Teachers and staff members also played a big role, and made me feel welcome at the school and supported when I needed it.

The running teams were especially important for me, and basically became a second family to me throughout my time at SVHS. I will never forget the kindness of my coaches, the guidance of the older runners, the support of my teammates, or the joy I found in being a captain for younger athletes.

I will miss the people I met at SVHS more than anything else.

Parents: Cheryle and Rod Brownfield

•••

Salutatorian Amy Weiss

What will you do after you graduate?

Do you have a major in mind?

This fall I will be attending UC Berkeley where I plan to major in urban planning. What activities did you participate in at Scotts Valley High?

At Scotts Valley High, I participated in many activities, from sports to the arts

and clubs. I played girls’ basketball for four years, two years on the JV team, and two years on the varsity team. It was a joy to compete and practice with such a fun and kind-hearted squad, and I am forever grateful for their impact on my life. In my freshman year, I also participated on the swim team but unfortunately never got to compete due to Covid.

In junior year I decided to try a new sport and joined the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, where I was surprised by how easily my basketball skills transferred. I continued playing this year and developed my skills and relationships as I bonded more closely with my teammates.

I played flute in the school band at the beginning of high school but stopped when Covid hit, choosing instead to focus on piano, which I continue to play.

During my freshman year, I joined the Maji Project, a school club centered on clean-water advocacy. As a sophomore, I took on the role of vice president and then led the club as president my junior and senior years. Over my two years as president, the club raised $2,000 for clean water infrastructure through the nonprofit organization Charity: Water, which I am very proud of.

I was also involved in Green Team, our environmental club on campus, and Spanish Club, which raised money for communities in Central America through the Pulsera Project every year.

I also enjoyed participating in the lip sync battle at each homecoming rally and cheering friends on at sports games. I especially loved watching my brother Aaron compete in cross country this year, where the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams competed in the state meet.

How did Covid affect your high school experience?

Covid began in the spring of my freshman year. I distinctly remember the first day of lockdown.

I was supposed to compete in my first

swim meet that Friday, only to find out that school was canceled, and we had to stay home.

From the end of my freshman year to the end of my sophomore year, all of my classes were online.

While it was difficult not to get to play sports or see friends, having classes online meant I could take a Cabrillo art class online, something I would not have been able to do during a regular year. That small taste of college-level courses partly motivated me to continue my Spanish education and take Spanish at Cabrillo this year.

During Covid, I spent time hiking the trails in my neighborhood and got to know the wild spaces in my backyard much better. I also had the opportunity to try to learn how to surf with my mom, which was a fun challenge to embark on together.

I won’t pretend that period was easy; it was not. I was often lonely and felt isolated, but it did allow me to explore new things I would not have had the opportunity to experience in a typical year.

What did you enjoy most at Scotts Valley High?

At SVHS, I had the opportunity to take a rigorous load of all International Baccalaureate classes. While the challenging nature of the classes was compelling, I found what I enjoyed most about them was the people.

My peers were a joy to learn alongside, and we grew into a tight community, supporting each other through the demanding classwork. I can honestly say that I learned just as much from my peers as from my professors, and I am so happy to have found a group of such engaged and passionate learners during my high school experience.

Participating in sports has been another important part of my life, especially throughout high school. Not only did I enjoy playing sports, but I also loved to watch friends, and my younger brother, compete and cheer them on at their games.

Another thing I loved at Scotts Valley High was watching drama productions every year. I am always amazed by how much talent we possess in such a small school, and the drama department never fails to stun me with the quality of their productions. It was a joy to watch them.

Lastly, I am grateful for my experience joining different clubs. I enjoyed finding like-minded people and coming together to set goals and advocate for ideas I am passionate about. It was lovely to find many different communities across campus which I could join.

Parents: Scott and Sally Weiss

Cover Photo: Valedictorian Jack Brownfield and salutatorian Amy Weiss • Credit: Christie Danner

Patrice Edwards editor

contributing writers

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website

photography

The best thing about Scotts Valley High for me was the people I met and the communities I found in my time at the school.

— Jack Brownfield

My peers were a joy to learn alongside, and we grew into a tight community, supporting each other through the demanding classwork.

— Amy Weiss

Outstanding Volunteers

Michele Mosher, left, Felton Library Friends treasurer and Nancy Gerdt, right, Felton Library Friends president, beam with pride after Felton Library Friends received a 2023 Be The Difference award, selected by the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Eleven organizations were recognized.

The program acknowledgment reads, “Felton Library Friends is a dedicated group of volunteers who support the Felton Branch Library and Discovery Park.

They have raised over $500k for the 9,000 sq.ft. branch and collaborate with Santa Cruz County Parks for beautification and promotion of the Discovery Park. With monthly volunteer days and community-led learning programs, they make a positive impact on the Felton and San Lorenzo Valley communities.”

Meetings are on 4th Wednesday of the month in the library’s community room at 4 p.m. To learn more, see https://www.feltonlibraryfriends.org/ activities.

Celebrating Public Works

National Public Works Week was celebrated from May 21 to 27, so let’s take a look at what Public Works does here in Scotts Valley. We have around 20 staff in Public Works who

caretake wastewater, streets, parks, engineering, and recreation services.

Wastewater

Did you know that 1.5 million gallons of soiled water normally passes through our wastewater treatment plant every day? When it was raining this winter, the system topped out at 3 million gallons per day.

During the first big storm on New Year’s Eve, staff camped out on cots all night to make sure it didn’t spill. These workers are dedicated!

They also maintain 40 miles of collection pipes and 8 pump stations that bring all your waste to the plant.

After the water is treated, more than 60 million gallons of recycled water is produced each year for our parks, and the rest flows through 6 miles of pipes to the bay. Along the way, some water is diverted at the Pasatiempo Golf Course. Pressed solid material is hauled off to the Marina Peninsula Landfill every day.

The wastewater treatment plant was

By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

last updated in the 1990s. The city must undertake $10 million in critical upgrades in the next 5 years, including $3 million next year.

Streets

The city maintains 72 lane miles of public streets, but most streets in Scotts Valley are privately maintained. We also have 276 drainage inlets and 111 manholes to keep in working order.

Our 5-member maintenance crew is busy filling potholes from winter storms, and many ongoing repairs are needed.

We have $4 million in street projects in the pipeline from before the winter storms. To help prioritize repairs, the city reassessed the conditions of all streets. On a scale of 0-100, our average street rating is 60, similar to other California cities.

Currently the city is focused on Bean Creek Road between Bluebonnet Lane and Redwood Way and another project at the Granite Creek Road overpass. Permanent landslide repairs are needed further up Bean Creek Road and on Green Hills Road.

We’re working on getting back into a regular striping routine to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. I can’t thank our maintenance crew enough for keeping streets clear during the recent storms. When you see our crews working, please wave and smile to say thank you!

Parks

The city is home to 7 parks with 44 acres of parkland, 5 playgrounds and a pool, plus more than 200 acres of open space preserves. The same crew that maintains our streets also maintains parks. Our crew stays busy fixing irrigation leaks, and maintaining restrooms, drinking fountains, barbeque areas, trees, grass, and various structures.

The city hired two landscape companies to maintain Skypark soccer fields, greenbelts and street medians, and to help with projects this year. This freed up our crews to focus on Siltanen and Hocus Pocus parks.

We’ve identified $5 million in park improvement projects. This year, we plan to replace the Siltanen Park irrigation system and replace both Skypark playgrounds with more modern and accessible and equipment.

Engineering

Our three engineering staff review proposed developments, issue permits for utilities to work in the public right of way,

and help design and oversee all capital improvement projects.

They issue bids, review plans, oversee construction, manage grants and write reports. Our team works with many consultants to help us through this work.

This year, engineering staff are busy with traffic planning, especially along Mount Hermon Road, focusing on signal timing, pedestrian safety, and new development impacts on traffic flows.

Recreation

Our recreation program took a big hit during the pandemic and we’re still in the process of rebuilding. We’re taking a fresh look and reimagining how our programs serve our community.

In 2021, a recreation restoration plan was developed by a consultant and adopted by the City Council. The plan included 24 recommendations for a new, leaner structure. Currently, we have 3 recreation staff in charge of facility rentals, programs, events and activities.

A City Council priority is to restore programming to support our diverse community. A strategic plan is underway to ensure we know what the community wants. We’re involving more teachers and organizations to deliver programs. If you want to teach a class, please contact recreation.

We all benefit from Public Works efforts to protect our health, safety and quality of life. Whether working in the streets, parks, pipes, or plant, our dedicated staff are hard at work every day. Please join me in honoring them. n

Photos courtesy of City of Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley Maintenance Worker Robert Ormonde spruces up a water fountain.

Scotts Valley Public Works Director Chris Lamm (third from left) ready to accept Mayor’s Proclamation Honoring National Public Works Week from Mayor Jack Dilles and City Council. From left: Council Member Allan Timms, Council Member Donna Lind, Lamm, Mayor Jack Dilles, Council Member Derek Timm, and Vice Mayor Randy Johnson.

Rehearsals Begin at Cabrillo Stage!

By Mindy Pedlar

Singing beautiful music in harmony with others is one of my greatest joys.

Yes! Rehearsals have begun for Cabrillo Stage’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, featuring songs from Disney’s Academy Award-nominated score.

Musical Director Michael McGushin describes the score as “lush and full of drama.” As he works with us, it’s clear he understands the musical nuances of the score and never loses sight of the story we are telling. With his clear instruction and commitment to quality, we know we are creating something truly special.

McGushin will also be conducting the full live orchestra, a key component of every Cabrillo Stage production. Meanwhile, renowned and inspirational Choir Director Cheryl Anderson prepares the onstage choir that will add more layers of harmony and vocal dynamics to this sweeping score.

“The choral-inspired music is very impressive to me,” says Director Vinh Nguyen who grew up in a Catholic household and sang in the choir throughout high school.

Vinh is drawn to the deep messages of this story “which condemns the mistreatment of people who are different than we are and preaches love, acceptance and unity. Hunchback of Notre Dame is a grand, epic musical but I want to make sure we maintain the heart and humanity of the story.”

Vinh is excited to be collaborating with his cast “to explore these beloved characters

in greater depths and celebrate the artistry and diversity of our performers.”

Such a large-scale show demands that the set must also be epic and grand! A challenge Scenic Designer Skip Epperson has embraced. His set design is amazing.

As an integral part of Cabrillo Stage, Skip feels he “has been blessed to enjoy working with the tremendous artists who have been part of Cabrillo Stage. Whether designing scenery, constructing sets, building props, or painting backdrops, I am always inspired by the quality of work that each production brings forth both onstage and backstage.”

With each show Skip works to create an inspiring theatrical space that can be explored by insightful directors, designers, technicians and casts who will “breathe life and excitement into this world transporting our audience for a couple of hours. To me, every show is an honor to share.”

The sets come together with the expertise of Resident Technical Director Marcel Tjioe, who enjoys the standards of excellence and collaborative environment of working with Cabrillo Stage. The show will be further enhanced by Brance Sousa’s lively, creative choreography and of course, glorious costumes by Designer Maria Crush.

New Artistic Director Andrea Hart could not be prouder of this remarkable cast and production team. n

•••

Tickets are online at Cabrillo Stage.com. All performances are in the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Box Office opens for phone & walk-in sales June 15, Thurs. – Sat., Noon-6 p.m. 831-479-6154.

Musical Director Michael McGushin begins rehearsal for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

More Funds for Anti-Crime Programs Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Report

Editor’s note: Here is an edited version of the report. For the full report see https:// www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/ County/GrandJury/GJ2023_final/2023-5_ Jails_Report.pdf •••

Summary: Every year, the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury examines detention facilities within the County, including the Main Jail, the adjacent Blaine Street Women’s Jail, the Rountree Men’s Medium Security Facility in Watsonville, and Juvenile Hall in Felton. During the tours, which uncovered little information not reported by previous Grand Juries, it learned about the ongoing crisis in correctional officer staffing that has caused some detention facilities to be closed.

While touring the aging, dismal Main Jail, the Grand Jury also learned about the need for a new jail. This became the subject of our report.

The Grand Jury recommends increasing funding for the Sheriff’s Office to combat the longstanding and serious staffing issue. It recommends increased funding for anti-recidivism programs run by the Public Defender’s Office, Behavioral Health and others to reduce the distressingly high number of inmates who commit further crimes and end up right back in jail. An approximately $200 million new Main Jail should be considered only after anti-recidivism programs have been funded adequately and for a sufficient period to evaluate the needs of a much-reduced inmate population.

The Main Jail, at 259 Water St., Santa Cruz, was constructed in 1981 to house 92 inmates. It was expanded in 1986 and again in 1999, bringing the total capacity to 319 inmates. It currently houses some women because the women’s jail is closed, and the requirement to keep women separated reduces the capacity slightly.

Rountree, at 90 Rountree Lane, Watsonville, includes two medium security units and the minimum-security Rehabilitation and Re-entry Facility. The Rountree medium security units have a capacity of 48 each, totalling 96. One of these units is currently closed due to lack of staffing. The R&R facility has a capacity of 64.

Blaine Street Women’s Facility, at 141 Blaine St., Santa Cruz, has a capacity of 32. It is currently closed due to lack of staffing, the expected reopening date is mid-May 2023. Juvenile Hall, at 2650 Graham Hill Road, Felton, was built in 1968 and can house up to 42 juveniles.

During the tours, the Jury asked about the chronic and significant staffing

shortage among Correctional Officers, the main subject of this investigation proposal.

The Jury was also told about the need for a new jail to replace the aging and obsolete Main Jail. The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury interviewed members of the Sheriff’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, County Government, the jail’s medical contractor, and private citizens having knowledge germane to the investigation. It reviewed numerous law enforcement, criminal justice and mental health websites, published articles on criminal justice and mental health, and local newspaper reports. The Sheriff’s Office was prompt and helpful with the many document and information requests. In addition, the Jury reviewed the several reports of prior grand juries dealing with the jails in Santa Cruz County.

Touring the Jails

The 2022-23 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury toured the Main Jail, the Rehabilitation and Reentry Facility at Rountree and Juvenile Hall in October and November 2022.

Staff were helpful and forthcoming. Some jurors were able to tour the women’s facility, which is closed. The Jury found the adult jails to be as described in the 2015-16 and 2018-19 reports, but with a few more years of normal wear and tear.

The Jury was impressed with Juvenile Hall. If kids need to be detained, this was a good place for the 13 boys and 1 girl to be.

The building is old and in need of upgrade, but staff have done what they can to make the environment friendly and appealing. The Jury learned about the school that provides high school classes up to graduation.

The day some jurors attended, they observed “Unchained,” a program that brings dogs in need of training to Juvenile Hall, where students are paired with a dog to promote a positive learning experience while working with their dog on the socialization skills they need before adoption. The Jury found this inspiring and effective for both kids and dogs.

Life in Jail

Being in jail is an entirely different experience depending on which jail, and which part of the jail the inmate is in. Some of the Grand Jury toured the Main Jail and the Rehabilitation and Re-entry facility at Rountree on the same day, making the huge contrast between the facilities even more striking.

While the Main Jail is crowded,

foreboding, and with little to distract the inmates from the boredom of incarceration, the Rehabilitation and Re-entry facility is spacious, light and with much programming which both serves to engage the inmates and to provide necessary skills for life on the outside.

During the tours, the Jury was informed that Rountree/R&R provides food service and laundry for the Main Jail. Some staffing for these functions is provided by inmates, allowing them to gain useful work experience, as well as save the jail a little money.

Both jails suffer from a significant staffing shortage, described in the 2018-19 Grand Jury Jail inspection report and again in the 2020-21 investigation.

Both reports describe mandatory overtime, especially for newly-hired Correctional Officers. Mandatory overtime is often coupled with long commutes to where housing prices are slightly less unaffordable than Santa Cruz County.

Being a Correctional Officer is stressful; mandatory overtime and a long commute make this much worse. Abuse of sick leave and other negative behavior has been reported, suggesting that there is dissatisfaction among the Correctional Officers. Turnover is high for new COs; some become deputies, some go to another agency.

The Corrections Policy Manual describes in detail how COs should treat inmates, and how their safety and welfare should be protected. But expecting an overworked CO to always follow policy is a recipe for failure.

The Sheriff’s Office appears to be doing what they can to make the Correctional Officers’ work experience more positive; among other improvements, their locker room is being fixed.

The Main Jail is used to house inmates deemed a high security risk. Most are pretrial, even though they may have been incarcerated at the Main Jail many years. The Grand Jury is concerned about the civil rights of those detained long-term without being convicted, but that question is beyond the scope of this investigation.

However, living in this unending limbo must have a negative effect on the inmates. Those who have never been incarcerated cannot imagine what life is like behind bars, especially the dungeon-like Main Jail.

Inmates may be locked in their cells for 23 hours a day and let out for an hour of exercise in a small area open to the sky, but still without a view of any green plant.

The exercise hour might be in the middle of the night!

Exorbitant cost of the commissary and phone calls are also a common inmate complaint.

Rountree is where lower-level offenders are housed. Rountree includes two medium security units and the minimum security Rehabilitation and Re-entry facility. Unlike the Main Jail, Rountree is spacious, with outdoor exercise areas including basketball and handball. The Grand Jury watched inmates weeding their home-grown vegetable plots.

Inmates have access to a large variety of programming including educational, motivational and life skills classes. These are both aimed at keeping the inmates occupied and at providing necessary skills for life after incarceration.

The Grand Jury understood that not all programming has been resumed post-Covid.

Inmates initially housed at the Main Jail may be transferred to Rountree once they have demonstrated sustained appropriate behavior.

In recent years, there have been a number of lawsuits against the Main Jail when inmates suffered injuries or worse. Some of these lawsuits have resulted in set-

tlements in the millions of dollars, which our County pays.

Additionally, there have been sexual assaults, violence, drugs, and serious equipment failures, all described in the 2020-21 investigation. That report also shows in Appendix B that while Santa Cruz County has the eighth lowest death rate in California, the total number of incidents suggests that all is not well at the jail.

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

The Santa Cruz Main Jail has been described as the largest mental health holding facility in the County.

Approximately 40% of jail inmates have been diagnosed with mental illness; 65% have an active Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and an additional 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crime. Clearly, some inmates have both mental illness and substance use disorder.

Treatment for mental illness or SUD for incarcerated people is limited, most inmates do not get the care that is available for insured people on the outside, although treatment in jail may be the first and only treatment they receive.

The National Alliance on Mental

Illness estimates between 25-40% of all mentally ill Americans will be jailed or incarcerated at some point in their lives. By contrast, about 6.6% of the general population will experience this.

Rates of recidivism are between 50% and 230% higher for persons with mental health disorders regardless of diagnosis.

Prison conditions such as crowded living quarters, lack of privacy, increased risk of victimization, and exposure to punitive segregation are strongly correlated with emerging and worsening psychiatric symptoms.

Treatment for inmates suffering from mental illness or SUD can be effective but must be followed by significant continuing care after release. Without adequate followup, a released inmate will find it easier and cheaper to score street drugs rather than follow the laborious process to get medical insurance coverage for methadone, or whatever medication assisted treatment they were on.

Keeping People out of Jail

Santa Cruz law enforcement has made several very successful efforts to keep low level offenders out of jail.

The Pretrial Division of the Probation Office uses evidence-based tools

to determine which defendants are at low risk of failing to appear for court dates, or committing another crime, and who may be released until trial. Moderate risk individuals may be allowed more supervised release.

Higher risk individuals may be fitted with electronic monitoring and/or be subject to home detention. Only those for whom a significant public safety concern exists are detained. Since 2015, the population of pretrial-released individuals has increased from 38 to 249 in 2022.

The Pretrial Division estimates that keeping offenders out of jail saved more than 91,000 jail bed days in 2022 resulting in a cost saving of over $26 million.

The District Attorney’s Office administers several diversion programs allowing a person charged with a crime to avoid a conviction by engaging in treatment designed to tackle the root cause of their involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Sheriff’s Custody Alternatives Program allows qualified, sentenced, low-level offenders to serve their sentence while working, or performing supervised community service, with electronic monitoring and restricted movement.

“Grand Jury” page 10

Come see the new Style Line black vinyl window on display

“Grand Jury” from page 9

In 2019, the County received a $6 million grant that was used to start the Neighborhood Courts, a successful diversion program designed to keep lowlevel misdemeanor offenders from entering the criminal justice system.

In August 2022, the County received another $6 million grant that will continue the Neighborhood Courts program, and allow the County to expand its Coordinated Access for Empowering Success (CAFES) program, a collaboration of the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Santa Cruz County Superior Court and County Behavioral Health.

It aims to prevent unnecessary engagement in the justice system, and reduce recidivism for those already involved, while improving the health and well-being of adults who have committed low-level crimes so they are less likely to reoffend.

CAFES focuses on first-time offenders who do not qualify for other programs. Its main goals are to increase diversion opportunities, reduce recidivism, and improve existing support for those already incarcerated.

CAFES is sufficiently new that little data on its effects are available, especially including the impact of Covid. However, the report notes that of 197 people authorized to CAFES, just eight, or 4% have recidivated.

The Focused Intervention Team is a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and Santa Cruz Behavioral Health aimed at reducing recidivism among qualified, but more serious, repeat offenders who have demonstrated aggressive, threatening or assaultive behavior, and who are resistant to being helped.

These offenders, mostly homeless people with substance use disorder, get intensive police supervision and support

services. Offenders, both in jail and after release, get positive incentives, including employment training, housing assistance, and behavioral health treatment.

Combating Recidivism

The programs noted above are not an exhaustive list of all law enforcement is doing to keep people out of the criminal justice system; however it is clear that local law enforcement is putting significant effort and resources into reducing the number of offenders going into detention, and reducing the number who commit further crimes after being released.

In spite of these laudable efforts, recidivism is still around 60% within 10 years, and the Main Jail is sometimes overcrowded.

During Covid, the jail population was reduced by about a third to reduce spread of the disease. This made the jail more manageable with the staffing level at the time.

About 15% of those released were soon rearrested, but most apparently stayed out of trouble. This suggests there is yet more that could be done to keep people out of jail.

In spite of all the efforts listed above to prevent recidivism, the lack of sufficient step-down programs for released inmates, was noted during several of our interviews. Many released former inmates are either unhoused or have insecure housing. Being homeless is a full-time job; just getting food, shelter, bathroom access, medical and dental care, and access to whatever limited services local government or non-profit organizations provide is all-consuming.

More than 40% of released inmates have additionally been diagnosed with mental illness, making reestablishing life on the outside even more difficult for the

unhoused. A person needs secure housing before they can be expected to take an active role in dealing with their mental health, or complying with probation or other restrictions imposed for their release from custody.

This does not mean that the step-down programs that do exist are not working, but that they are inadequate.

Santa Cruz County Probation enrolled 464 low-level, unduplicated participants in an anti-recidivism program. For those who completed the program, recidivism was calculated at nearly 12%, while those who had left early were calculated as repeat offenders more than 18% of the time. Program participants who received only one-time services had recorded recidivism rates of nearly 24%, twice that of those who completed the program.

The jail’s healthcare contractor, Wellpath, does provide some assistance for inmates being released, including a “discharge planner”similar to a case manager, who helps the inmate get medical insurance restarted and other necessities of life on the outside.

There is a 6-7-month wait for getting a bed at a state mental hospital, which is no help for an inmate needing inpatient care.

The Public Defender’s Office tries to help inmates being released by having a social worker do reentry planning.

The Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Department provides mental health care for those without private insurance and is often the only source of mental health care for released inmates. Behavioral Health is also part of the CAFES program. Behavioral Health states that 43% of their client population has some involvement with the criminal justice system, mostly post-release supervision.

They further state there is a lack of coordination with other county systems, such as law enforcement or the jail, and a lack of warm handoff to outpatient providers and ensuring a sufficient amount of medication until a pharmacy is open.

(A warm handoff means that jail staff actually introduces the inmate to the outpatient provider rather than just providing a referral.)

This year’s Grand Jury is also investigating Behavioral Health, which we found to be overworked, understaffed and under-funded.

Expecting Behavioral Health to improve step-down programs without a significant improvement in staffing and funding is unreasonable.

The Case for a New Jail

Local law enforcement really wants a new jail!

After touring the grim, gloomy, cramped Main Jail, which lacks natural light or even a view of the trees around the building, the Santa Cruz County Civil

Grand Jury was inclined to agree. The jail was intended for inmates being held for less than a year, but many have been held pretrial for several years.

The current jail does not meet the needs of inmates or modern requirements for incarceration. The Sheriff’s Office has also suggested that a new jail is needed because the current jail is near the end of its useful life.

A new jail would be expected to cost around $200 million for a 500-bed facility, and it would take 5-8 years to build.

Put another way, a new jail would cost $400,000 per inmate bed.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel published an editorial in 2021 entitled “Santa Cruz County must start planning for a new jail.”

Crime Rates

The figures for 2012-2021 show an overall decline in arrests for felonies and drug offenses (although the numbers for the last three years may have been affected by Covid).

The decline in drug arrests is likely due at least in part to changing criteria for making an arrest, plus successful efforts to divert low level drug offenders away from the criminal justice system. The decline in arrests for property crimes is likely due to the same causes. The increase in arrests for violent offenses is small compared to the decline in arrests for felonies.

The data is for arrests, not those who are actually booked into jail, but arrests for felonies are those most likely to require incarceration in a maximum security jail.

However, the number has declined by a third over 10 years, and likely explains why the jail is not as overcrowded now as it was a few years ago. It would be wonderful if this trend continues, but there is no guarantee of this. The declining number of felony arrests suggests a declining need for a new jail.

Alternatives to a New Jail Building

a new jail will not solve the chronic Correctional Officer staffing problem, although a more pleasant working environment might help with retention.

The Blaine Street women’s jail and one unit of Rountree are currently closed for lack of staffing. During the tours, the Grand Jury was told that reopening Blaine Street was a priority, and with sufficient staffing, will happen mid May 2023. Over the last few years, turning Blaine Street into a men’s facility, using part of Rountree for women and expanding Rountree have all been suggested to maximize the utility of our local jail system.

The primary mission of our criminal justice system is public safety. Could more inmates be moved from the Main Jail to Rountree while meeting that mission?

The Grand Jury is not equipped to answer this question.

“Grand Jury” page 16

Cruise Coffee Café Mixer and Two-Year Anniversary Celebration

June 22nd 5:30-7pm

Cruise Coffee Café is turning 2 Years Old! Come and join Cruise Coffee Café and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce for this special 2nd Anniversary Mixer!

“This party is a chance for us to thank our wonderful community for making Cruise Coffee Café a successful and buzzing local hub” say owners Brand-di and Erin. “The grace and generosity of the Scotts Valley community is unrivaled! In the past 2 years we have been blessed with growth, countless new friends and even the award for SV Chamber Business of the year! None of that would be possible without our Scotts Valley family and we want to thank you!”

It is going to be a fun evening with music, food, drinks, games, prizes, party favors, and art! They will also be serving up BBQ, Erin’s Lunchbox Cocktails and Brand-di’s Boozy Cocktail Cupcakes! This is event is free of charge and open to the community! See you then!

•••

Erin and Brand-di met in 2018 when Brand-di, a board member for the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, was organizing the food for Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival. She was searching for a local coffee vendor and discovered Erin’s drive-thru on Mount Hermon Road.

Erin launched Cruise Coffee in 2018 after spending over 20 years as a nanny. Inspired by her long commute back and forth on 17, she came up with the name

Cruise Coffee and her Signature blend EFD — “Every F**’n Day.” — It was such a success that she knew she wanted to take it further unfortunately, we were in the middle of a pandemic.

In 2020 when Erin was presented with a chance to open a cafe at the Metro Station, she knew who to call.

Brand-di spent over 17 years as a behavioral therapist before committing to her side-hustle, The Hot Pink Box, full-time. Her baking skills came from her love for cookbooks, her grandmother who would bake with her when she’d get home from school, and her mother who would take her to cake decorating classes. In 2007 when numerous

friends began to ask her to bake cakes and various desserts for their weddings, The Hot Pink Box Dessert Catering Co. was born.

Erin handles the coffee and customer service side of things and Brand-di handles the sweets.

Together, they make up Cruise Coffee Café.

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade & Flyover at 1 p.m.!

Scotts Valley is celebrating 4th of July with our Community Parade and Spectacular Flyover on Scotts Valley Drive between Carbonero Way & El Pueblo Drive at 1 p.m.

Scotts Valley is celebrating 10 years with Little Tampico, Pilot Said Karssli, providing the awesome flyover with planes traveling from all over the West coast to participate.

Unfortunately, Scotts Valley will not be able to provide the Annual Fireworks Celebration this year, but the Parade and Flyover will continue @ 1PM. It’s hoped the earlier start time will provide cooler weather and allow everyone to enjoy family activities.

The Boys & Girls Club is arranging for food trucks/carts at their location. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club. There will be ADA Viewing and Seating available at 5007 Scotts Valley Drive. Check the City website or the Scotts Valley 4th of July Celebration Facebook Page for maps showing the parade route, the ADA Viewing & Seating location and other information.

For decades the Scotts Valley Park Advocates provided the 4th of July Fireworks Festival. The Park Advocates were disbanded a few years ago.

The City is hopeful a new Park Advocates will be created with a 501©3 nonprofit.

Through the years, the Scotts Valley Park Advocates raised funds for many community projects including new playground equipment, improvements for the Community Center, Senior Center & the SV Library. These wonderful projects were in addition to providing the Fireworks Festival & Community Tree Lighting Festival.

If you’re interested in serving the Community and helping reform the Park Advocates, email dlind@scottsvalley.gov

Be part of the celebration, enter the parade at https://www.scottsvalley.gov/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=184.

You can also volunteer or become a sponsor, email July4th@scottsvalley.gov or dlind@scottsvalley.gov

We look forward to seeing you July 4 at 1 p.m.!

Celebrating 42 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 - 2023

$6500/mo 4BR/3BA light & airy 2-story home on N. Main Street in Soquel. Patio. Garage. Available NOW

$5600/mo 3BR/2BA single-story Condo on Castillion Terrace in Santa Cruz. W/D. No pets. Available early July

$5200/mo 4BR/3.5BA 3-story Solar Townhome on Blue Bonnet in Scotts Valley. Available early July

$4300/mo 4BR/2BA Farmhouse with a large sunny yard on East Zayante in Felton. W/D Available mid June

$4000/mo 3BR/1.5BA Home on Madrone Ave. in Mt. Hermon in Soquel. Single-level. Hot tub. Pet negotiable. Available early July

$2500/mo 1BR/1BA Cottage with Bonus room and extra storage on Redwood Drive in Felton. No pets. Available mid June

$2500/mo 1BR/1BA Home on the 7200 block of Hwy 9 in Felton. Great location! W/D. Pet negotiable.

Available mid June

Two Knights Insurance Services

Two Knights Insurance Services, LTD is an Independent Agency servicing individuals and small to midsize businesses throughout the state of California. They provide Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Covered California, Medicare, and Long-Term Care. Two Knights partners with you and your families to find the best care for your personal needs.

The Agency was founded in

2004 by the father-daughter duo of Herb Knight and Theresa Hall. Team member and Scotts Valley local, Danielle Chorjel, joined in 2021. Herb and Theresa share backgrounds in accounting, management and insurance.

The recent addition of Danielle, a lifetime resident of Santa Cruz County and UCSC graduate, brings a shared excitement to serve the local

community. Their 40 years of collective experience in the health care, finance, and human resources industries, coupled with their empathetic approach to the needs of their clients, make Two Knights a true partner.

In addition to brokering insurance, they offer services and solutions to help businesses meet HR and compliance challenges with confidence. They specialize in companies that need quality employee support but do not have the extensive human resource staff to provide it by incorporating online benefits platforms like EASE to simplify the administration of employee benefits programs.

By working closely with their clients, Two Knights can help integrate best practices and recommend policies and procedures that fit their specific needs.

Two Knights Insurance Services, LTD looks forward to visiting clients in person and continues to offer one-onone service when needed. This hands-on approach has given them a clearer understanding of the culture of the companies and the employees they serve. •••

You can reach them via email Theresa@ twoknightsins.com, Danielle@twoknightsins. com, or phone 408-448-1662. You can also check out their website at twoknightsins.com.

License #0F22325.

Local Representative Danielle Chorjel

Herb Knight and Theresa Hall

Fringe Salon Announces New Medi-Spa & Wellness Services

Fringe Salon is thrilled to announce the launch of medi-spa and wellness services, now available in a serene and private room at the back of Fringe Salon. Rejuvenates skilled and experienced Aesthetic Nurse, Shannon, is committed to helping clients relax and revitalize.

These new offerings will further enhance the exceptional experience clients have come to expect from Fringe Salon.

With Shannon, clients can experience the ultimate in self-care and wellness. She is ready to assist with the medi-spa and wellness services clients need to look and feel their best.

Whether it’s Botox, dermal fillers, or other treatments, Aesthetic Nurse Shannon provides a range of services tailored to each client’s individual needs.

“We’re thrilled to have Shannon join us at Fringe,” says Fringe Salon owner, Carly Vollers. “Our goal is to provide a deluxe and stylish full-service salon to the city of Scotts Valley while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We strive to offer a space where everyone who visits our salon leaves feeling their best. We believe that Shannon is the perfect fit to help achieve that goal.”

To book an appointment with Aesthetic Nurse Shannon at Fringe Salon, please call 831.588.6738.

•••

Fringe Salon is a full-service salon located in Scotts Valley, CA, offering a range of hair and skin services.

The salon prides itself on providing a relaxing and welcoming environment for clients.

SVHS Athletes Sign with Colleges

On May 23, Scotts Valley High School hosted a signing ceremony for seniors committed to compete in college athletics this fall.

They are (from left):

• Sam Freeman, Fordham University, track

• Amber Boothby, UC San Diego, cross country and track

• Elana McGrew, UC Santa Cruz, golf

• Elisa Ruffo, UC Davis , lacrosse

• Siena Wong, Vassar College, lacrosse

SCCAL Baseball: All League

Player of the Year

Matt Hood (Aptos, Jr)

Oscar Knapp (Santa Cruz, Sr)

Pitcher of the Year

Gabe Gaeckle (Aptos, Sr)

Coach of the Year

Joseph Allegri (Harbor)

First Team

Langston Burkett (Santa Cruz, pitcher, Sr) • Colin Melrose (Scotts Valley, pitcher, Jr) • Carlos Cruz (Harbor, infielder, Jr) • Nico Hilger (Santa Cruz, infielder, Sr) • John Clinkenbeard (SLV, infielder, Jr) • Quinn Turowski (Scotts Valley, infielder, Jr) •

Dylan Bettencourt (Harbor,

outfielder, Sr) • Preston Pillsbury (Santa Cruz, outfielder, Sr) •

James Craig (Aptos, outfielder, Sr) • Jake Abel (Scotts Valley, catcher) • Jake Fiorenza (Harbor, utility/DH, Jr)

Second Team Colin Karwick (Harbor, pitcher, Jr) • Damian Aguilar (SLV, pitcher, Sr) • Julian Lopez (Harbor, infielder, Sr) • Isaiah

Work (Aptos, infielder, Jr) • Jaden Shabry (SLV, infielder, Soph) • Hudson Summerrill (Soquel, infielder, Frosh) • Jake Escalante (Soquel, outfielder, Frosh) • Jack Sanders (Scotts Valley, outfielder,

Soph) • Gabe Virgallito (Soquel, outfielder, Soph) • Kaden Smith (Santa Cruz, catcher, Jr)

Honorable Mention

Edward Peters (Aptos, Sr) •

Jordan Espinoza (Aptos, Jr)

• Luke Hartel (Harbor, Sr) • Cole McCombs (Harbor, Soph)

• Blaine Mitchell (SLV, Sr) •

Benji Stretch (SLV, Sr) • Damos

Deworken (Santa Cruz, Jr) •

Nick Bogomilsky (Santa Cruz, Jr) • Kaleb Wing (Scotts Valley, Soph) • Clayton Pryor (Scotts Valley, Soph) • Josh Fahrner (Soquel, Sr) • Nolan Nguyen (Soquel, Jr) n

SCCAL Softball: All League

Most Valuable Player

Alyssa Struthers, IF, SLV, jr.

Pitcher of the Year

Amelia Sizemore, SLV, sr.

Impact Player of the Year

Jewels Chavez, IF, Aptos, sr.

Coach of the Year

Mark Brown, SLV

First Team

Kailani Aguayo, OF, Aptos, soph.

• Mileena Carbajal, P -Aptos, jr. •

Gracie Delgado, IF, Scotts Valley, soph. • Morgan DeVillires,

IF, Harbor, jr. • Jazzy Doubek, OF, Scotts Valley, soph. • Lucy

Federspiel, OF, Soquel, frosh •

Angie Fulkerson, IF, SLV, soph. •

Bailey Fulton, OF, Aptos, soph. •

Olivia Renouf, C, SLV, jr. • Bella Reynolds, IF, SLV, sr. • Taylor

Wilson, IF, Scotts Valley, soph.

Second Team

Riley Carrera, OF, Aptos, sr. •

Poppy Coursey, IF, Santa Cruz, soph. • Bailey Ghigliazza, IF, Soquel, soph. • Lanies Nunez,

IF, Aptos, frosh • Cheyenne Owen, OF, SLV, soph. • Molly Pisciotta, C, Santa Cruz, soph.

• Jazzy Phillips, P, Scotts Valley, frosh • Charlotte Ramirez, OF, Aptos, sr. • Leah Serna, IF, Santa Cruz, frosh • Anaya Sutcliffe, OF, SLV, sr. Honorable Mention

Makenzie Lashley, Aptos, soph.

• Lilly McGee, Aptos, soph.

“All League” page 17

Photo courtesy of Scotts Valley High School

Insights Into Infertility

By Dr. Maureen Rozenn, LAC, DAOM, FABORM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)®

June is World Infertility Awareness Month, which was created to bring awareness to the scope of this issue, debunk myths, introduce couples to fertility enhancing solutions, and provide hope to the millions of people worldwide who are struggling to build their families.

Infertility

impacts men and women all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, 15-20% of people experience infertility within their lifetime, leading WHO to dub infertility a worldwide health problem.

The diagnosis of infertility is generally given to couples who do not conceive after 12 months of regular

“Grand Jury” from page 10

Over the last year, the occupancy rates stated in the Background section of this report indicate Rountree is only about 23% full; Re-entry and Rehabilitation is more fully utilized at 78%.

There is room for about 60 more inmates at Rountree if both units were open. If these people could be moved from the Main Jail, that would relieve pressure on the at-capacity facility.

Re-opening Blaine Street would also make more room in the Main Jail. Rountree might also be expanded at far less cost than the expected $200 million for a new jail. Given the security needs of the inmate population, what is the optimum use for the Main Jail, Rountree/R&R and Blaine Street?

Could moderate expansion of Rountree plus some renovation of the Main Jail suffice to keep us all safe? The Grand Jury believes there is good reason to study this before a complete new Main Jail is proposed.

Reducing recidivism is the main alternative to building a whole new 500-bed jail. As noted previously in this report, recidivism remains stubbornly high at around 60%. Once a person goes to jail, there is a 60% chance they will go back to jail some time in the future, hugely contributing to the need for a new jail.

Step-down or continuing care for released inmates is inadequate, contributing to recidivism. Better funding for step-down programs, such as those described above and run by the Public Defender’s Office and Behavioral Health is desperately needed. This could produce positive results much quicker, and at far less cost, than the estimated 5-8 years to build a new jail.

unprotected intercourse. If the female partner is over 35, the diagnosis of infertility can be given after 6 months. The term also applies to women with a history of frequent miscarriage.

We tend to assume that the responsibility of infertility lays with the female partner, but that is simply untrue. Looking at the statistics: 1/3 of the time infertility is the woman’s “fault”, 1/3 of the time it is the man’s “fault” and in 1/3 of cases a couple’s infertility has its roots in both partners. Thus, 2/3 of the time the male partner has some influence on the couple’s fertility struggles! Yet, I rarely see both men and women wanting to build their families in my practice.

Why?

I believe that most people do not know how big of a role men play in infertility. For example, while many people know a women’s fertility declines as she ages, few

Conclusion

In a perfect world, the Sheriff’s Office would have sufficient funding to raise Correctional Officers’ pay sufficient to hire all the officers they need, and build the new jail they want.

But in that perfect world, there would also be sufficient resources to give all inmates the mental health care they need and to provide adequate continuing care after they are released, including supportive housing as appropriate.

This report asks the question “In the real world, with the funding constraints in this County, what is the best solution to both the aging Main Jail and to the distressingly high recidivism rate?”

The Santa Cruz County Grand Jury believes that funding for the Sheriff’s Office to hire and retain more Correctional Officers should be increased. Funding for the Public Defender’s Office and County Behavioral Health should also be increased so their anti-recidivism efforts can reduce the current horrifying 60% recidivism rate.

Findings

Permanentmandatory overtime for Corrections Officers has a negative effect on them that leads to high turnover, and the need to hire more COs and train them, which is inefficient and demoralizing for the Sheriff’s Office.

Overcrowding at the Main Jail would be alleviated if the Blaine Street Women’s Jail and the second unit at Rountree could be reopened.

Keeping women who do not need to be in a high security facility in the Main Jail is clearly detrimental to their mental health, and to their chances of staying out of jail once released.

are aware that the same is true for men. By age 40, men’s fertility starts to decline. While a lot of weight is placed the women’s age, men’s fertility declines with age as well.

Male fertility is plummeting around the world and is cause for great concern. We are seeing negative trends in sperm rates across the globe. The big question is why.

There are many theories, but chemical pollutants, pharmaceuticals, alcohol use, smoking and stress can all have a detrimental effect on the key components of sperm health: enough fluid, good shape, motility and DNA.

An interesting fact that many people, even reproductive endocrinologists (RE), do not know is that cannabis has an detrimental effect on male fertility. From changing sperm shape, motility, DNA, hormonal balance and reducing testicle size, cannabis has been linked to male

Reopening Blaine Street and the second unit at Rountree would give the Sheriff’s Office much more scope to balance the jail population between the three facilities, and would allow some inmates from the Main Jail to move to Rountree and take advantage of the programming available there.

Lack of programming at the Main Jail is bad for inmate welfare, both their mental health while on the inside, and their ability to stay out of the criminal justice system once released. F6. Programs such as those run by the Public Defender’s Office and CAFES that reduce recidivism are effective because they give former inmates the mental health and/or substance abuse treatments they need, as well as case management and supportive housing.

Lack of continuing care for released inmates, most especially those with mental illness, SUD and/or who will be homeless after release, significantly contributes to recidivism, which then contributes to the need for a new jail.

Some continuing care does exist, but is massively underfunded, especially for former inmates who need supportive housing.

The Main Jail is old, has been overcrowded, and does not meet current requirements for incarceration.

The Main Jail might be adequate for incarcerating inmates who need to be in a high-security facility, providing it can be renovated to meet current incarceration requirements for a much reduced population.

Recommendations

In the next budget cycle the Board of Supervisors should allocate more funding to the Sheriff’s Office to be used to increase Correctional Officer pay, and/

infertility in both animal and human studies for years. Cannabis also has a deleterious effect on female fertility, pregnancy and the postpartum era.

“Infertility” page 18

or give out increased hiring or retention bonuses as the Sheriff’s Office determines.

The Blaine Street Women’s Jail should be reopened as soon as practical, but definitely before the end of 2023. (The reopening is imminent and will occur mid May 2023)

After Blaine Street, the second unit at Rountree should be reopened as soon as sufficient staffing is available, and preferably by the end of 2023.

Programming at the Main Jail, both that intended to stimulate and entertain inmates, and that intended to provide them with skills for life on the outside, should be restarted as soon as practical and as Covid restrictions allow.

The Public Defender’s Office should receive funding in the next budget cycle to provide adequate anti recidivism programs.

In the next budget cycle, County Behavioral Health should be funded to adequately treat released inmates with mental illness, including supportive housing where necessary.

The Sheriff’s Office should commission a study to determine the most effective use of the three jails and any modifications to existing facilities needed to house the expected jail population into the future. This study should be completed by the end of 2024.

Commendations

The Probation Office and the Public Defender’s Office are doing an excellent job of diverting low level offenders away from the criminal justice system.

The Probation Office is providing their Juvenile Hall youngsters a more physically and emotionally healthy environment that most of them ever had at home.

Maureen Rozenn

Community Foundation Awards 77 Grants to Nonprofits

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has awarded $1.58 million to 77 local nonprofits including those supporting youth, seniors, and families, contributors to the arts and culture ecosystem, and partners working toward a sustainable Santa Cruz County where all can thrive.

The annual grants are made possible thanks to the generosity of dozens of families who entrusted the Community Foundation with their charitable visions or made a gift to the Greatest Needs Fund. That includes the extraordinary legacy of the Borina family whose giving to support the Pajaro Valley for years to come is a cornerstone of the Community Grants program.

As in many years, more than half of the grant funds benefit South County programs.

A majority of grants support organizations directed by leaders from Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Latino communities.

Half of this year’s funding came in the form of multi-year general operating support grants.

Kevin Heuer, the Community Foundation’s director of engagement and impact

said, “Our annual Community Grants fund community solutions that improve the quality of life in Santa Cruz County. Each year we look to leverage these resources towards a future that is just, equitable, and inclusive of our diverse community. We see these grants and the work our nonprofit partners will be able to do, as building blocks toward a more resilient and equitable future.”

“We are extremely grateful to offer our meaningful programs to more than 125 youth from Live Oak families, at no cost, “ said Theresa Cariño, founder and executive director of Salud y Cariño. “This is really important in such a high-cost community, where parents often work two or more jobs just to make ends meet. Having a multiyear and unrestricted grant was huge for us! It allows more time and energy to focus our efforts on deepening our program impact and strengthening our connections with other youth-serving organizations in our community.”

“While we continue to offer core support to frontline service providers— especially those helping people recovering from this year’s devastating storms—we also wanted to fund emerging organizations working to advance social justice and

Memorial Day Weekend Concert

civic participation to help ensure the people most affected by issues are trusted to help drive the solutions,” said Community Foundation CEO Susan True.

First-time awardees included Santa Cruz Black, Housing Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Welcoming Network.

The Community Grants address racial equity, family wellbeing, and water and climate resilience. Examples:

Racial Equity: Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action will help train and support new leaders, including from Spanish-speaking communities, so they can engage effectively in civic life and have the power to influence the decisions that affect their families.

Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative is expanding its Youth Ambassadors program, through weekly programs and events that center Black culture and mental wellness. Watsonville Law Center is working with pregnant, undocumented agricultural worker households and their doctors to integrate immigration legal services and access to state paid maternal, disability, and parental leave into maternal health care.

Family Wellbeing: Families in Transition will serve more than 300 families working to secure and retain stable housing, with an aim of maintaining a 90% success rate. Monarch Services, will team with nonprofit Ventures to disrupt patterns of intimate partner violence by supporting housing and economic security and financial literacy for women and children. Mountain Community Resources, a program of Community Bridges, will help San Lorenzo Valley residents access health insurance and other benefits, support disaster recovery, offer weekly food dis-

tributions, youth activities and parent education.

Water & Climate Resilience: Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s Climate Corps Leadership Institute will empower 34 high school youth with the skills to lead their community in climate action. With leaders of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is launching the First People’s Educator Workshop series, a new subject matter resource for teachers of our region’s natural history. Coastal Watershed Council will expand their Watershed Rangers program, inspiring more Santa Cruz students to become environmental leaders.

2023 Community Grant Partners

Activities4All - $15,000 • Agricultural History Project - $10,000 • Asian American Pacific Islander Collective, SC - $1,615 • Association of Faith Communities of SC County - $10,000 • Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy - $20,000 • Big Brothers Big Sisters - $20,000 • Black Surf Santa Cruz$10,000 • Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County - $20,000 • Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music - $1,179 • CASA of Santa Cruz County - $40,000 • Catholic Charities of Monterey Diocese - $40,000 • Central Coast YMCA - Watsonville Family YMCA - $30,000 • Coastal Watershed Council - $20,000 • Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action - $20,000 • Community Action Board - $50,000 † • Community Bridges - $50,000 † • Cradle to Career - $30,000 • Dientes Community Dental Care - $25,000 • Digital NEST$30,000 • El Sistema - $30,000 • Esperanza del Valle - $10,000 • Families in Transition - $45,000 • Food What?! - $20,000

“77 Grants” page 23

“All League” from page 15

Honorable Mention cont.

Raegan Fulton, Aptos, jr. • Malibu Dominguez, Harbor, soph. • Juliet Ray, Harbor, soph. • Addisyn Schaefer, Harbor, frosh • Jori Fields-Rapley, SLV, soph. •

Andrea Oropeza, SLV, soph. • Ali Reger, SLV, jr. • Shaya Craig, Santa Cruz, frosh • Akita Gomez, Santa Cruz, frosh • Mikayla Norman, Santa Cruz, frosh • Sofia Grigg, Scotts Valley, jr. • Abby Howell, Scotts Valley, soph. • Nick Powell, Scotts Valley, soph. • Natalia Perez, Soquel, jr. • Eliza Srevens, Soquel, frosh n

On May 27, the San Lorenzo Valley Community Band gave a free concert at Montevalle in Scotts Valley, the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. The band, a 501c3 nonprofit, is led by Nikki Kerns, and the manager is Teresa Roffe.

We are now under the light and influence of Gemini, the Light of Interplay. Gemini, the 3rd sign of the zodiac, is portrayed as twin brothers. At other times as two columns, Boaz and Jachin, of Solomon’s Temple (and Masonry).

The pairs symbolize opposites, polarity and dualism, inherent in our world. The two columns (black and white, left and right, moon and Sun) signify earthly knowledge (B) and spiritual knowledge (J), one the personality, the other the Soul. See the High Priestess card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck.

Gemini, the first air sign of the zodiac, is the “thinker”. It is the thinking principle that lifts humanity up from the animal kingdom. Gemini energies alternate and flow in the air — here and there, up and down, and just about everywhere. The mind of Gemini is like a butterfly in a meadow of flowers, never alighting on one for long.

In Gemini there is mental restlessness and constant change that seems contradictory, which it is. Gemini’s task is to demonstrate this duality in our world so that it is in plain

ARIES

It’s time to step forward and recognize you are a leader, one who innovates and brings the light of knowledge to others. This light is what humanity needs to recognize their true selfidentity — as World Servers and Saviors. Whatever your discipline and vocation your words and actions are to be teachings for others. Then you will be seen as a “light bearer”. Before we can have true self-identity, we must have true knowledge. You are the mentor & teacher for this.

TAURUS

You take pride in your possessions, in your ownership of things. What you have is based on your values. But something is shifting now. A new set of values is coming forth. You no longer need to identify with what you own and what you’re worth based on possessions. This identity is the past. Not only must you create a secure and sustainable foundation, built to last, but you must also come into your creativity. Ponder on this. There are many levels of creativity.

GEMINI

You shine when you care for, make contact with and serve others. Your love opens the hearts of everyone, especially hearts that through suffering or sadness, loss or confusion, are closed. Because of this task you require times of rest, reflection and seclusion. Here you gather compassion so you can assist others whenever the need arises. Do not allow yourself to feel lonely. You are not alone. In your “isolated unity” we all stand with you.

CANCER

You have very high hopes, plans, agendas and goals, sometimes, no oftentimes, not expressed. It would be good if you could communicate what is in your heart. Sometimes you have a wide and open tolerance of others. Sometimes you forget. More and more you’re called to have a coherence of heart and mind. This calls for an upliftment from emotional choices to mental knowledge. Your close friendships are most important. Continue to keep them close.

sight. Behind this doublemindedness is a spirit seeking to fuse the many varied ideas into one harmonious whole. The display of dualism is Mercury. The fusion of the opposites is Venus. Gemini can be scatter brained or a genius. Geminis are adaptable and expansive, impressionable and intellectual. They are also childlike, quite charming and brilliant.

The Festival of Humanity, the Gemini solar festival at the time of the full moon. Saturday, June 3 is the Gemini festival, the Festival of Humanity, when the Forces of Reconstruction stream forth into our world. It is also World Invocation Day — using the Great Invocation, calling forth the Soul of humanity and the Soul of all nations. We call forth the Four Freedoms so that humanity may discern the truth, be led from darkness to light. Through the united power of thought and prayer, on this festival day, we create the thought-form of solution to humanity’s problems & together we can change the world. n

Music: Change the World — https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=x11NA63gLDM

LEO

What goals, successes, accomplishments and recognitions are you seeking? It’s important to realize your aspirations and ambitions because your capacity to lead is actually your purpose and when you know this, your energy is identified and focused. All levels of leadership are important to cultivate and this leads to your creativity and then to your success. Some Leos are shy. Shy ones can still be leaders. Quiet yet powerful ones. It’s about identity and purpose.

VIRGO

When Virgos turn their focus to the world around them, especially to their environments, especially to gardens and the other kingdoms in nature (mineral, plant, animal), they are able to control their restlessness and apply their vast organized and detailed state of knowledge to what is needed. Virgos are quite curious. But there is another call which is to venture out and be adventurous, quite unusual for Virgos. What could the Appalachian Trail and Spain’s Camino de Santiago (Way of St. John) mean for you?

LIBRA

Have you observed that your desires and aspirations have become intense, powerful and concentrated? The usual daily experiences are not enough. You need to go deeper, wider and higher, seeking what lies beneath the surface, and what lies within spiritual realms. Everything unexplored is magical and fascinating for you. Like the Hierarchy (inner world helpers), you must move in two directions — within and without, into deep emotional waters and into heaven itself — creating the Cross of Life. Libra balances all levels. Stay in love.

SCORPIO

For the next month or so create harmony wherever you are and whatever you do. Then take pride in creating that harmony in all interactions and relationships. You will feel the need to be close to loved ones, perhaps one or two in particular. You drop one or more of your veils of protection, knowing you’re safe being vulnerable and begin to say what you truly and deeply want and need. Social skills become easier. Peace results. This is a rare time for you. Observe and cherish it carefully.

SAGITTARIUS

All that you do concerning your work and profession are of course in relation to your sense of identity. Each day it’s most important to feel busy, to have activities planned and to produce work that is your very best. It is also important that you create Right Relations with everyone around you, including the kingdoms. If these are not cultivated each day, you somehow feel less than and it moves to depression. Upon waking each morning plan your day with intention to be a good steward to all you contact. Dedicate yourself to the Will to Love. The results are like magic!

CAPRICORN

You have special and unique qualities combined with a deep level of creativity. You must have time as well as opportunities to express yourself each day. You have a dry sense of humor, a bit ironic, a bit dramatic and a lot of fun. Eventually those who need to, notice you and this leads to new ventures and adventures. Knowing this calms your sense of restlessness. Children are most important for your creativity to emerge. Write the daily stories of your life down for future family generations.

AQUARIUS

You are private and protective about your home, family and personal life. You seek to find your way each day into a deeper sense of security and a foundation from which you can work. You seek to integrate all endeavors in your life under one roof. This is most practical and allows for greater flexibility. You seek emotional attachments so that your heart is not so lonely. Find a home first. Fill it with all that you love. Plant a garden, even a small one. Friends come by. They love you.

PISCES

You take walks each day because you need a change of scenery. You need life in all its forms, but especially people to talk and share with. You need new friendships and new conversations. You adapt well, but only to a point. You are a teacher and need to teach. You are curious about others, asking lots of questions. Many don’t understand you. You never use powerover with others. Only power-with. Sometimes you’re sad. You need music all the time. And beauty.

“Infertility” from page 16

Thus, in my practice I offer alternatives to cannabis so that patient’s needs (sleep, appetite stimulation, stress reduction, etc.) are met.

My job is to provide information and give options, but not to insist patients make diet and lifestyle changes they are not able or willing to make at the time.

In terms of women, age is one of the more well-known causes of infertility. Other conditions that predispose women to infertility are polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, infections, and reproductive organ structural issues. Most women who have trouble conceiving go to their OB/GYN for advice.

Frequently they are referred to a RE for evaluation and treatment. This path often involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is often an expensive road and depending on the root cause of infertility has a wildly varying degree of success.

In my practice I work with women (and hopefully men!) prior to embarking on Western treatment, during IVF cycles, or when Western treatment was not successful. One of my passions is working with women who have been told that they are too old to get pregnant. Earlier this year I had one mom aged 42 and another, aged 45 give birth. Both of them came to me during a failed IVF cycle.

Given that infertility is a world-wide issue, studies have been conducted across the globe showing East Asian Medicine can dramatically improve male and female fertility through acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and dietary therapy.

In addition to describing the problem of infertility, plus giving information and solutions, Infertility Awareness Month has the goal of providing hope. There is hope for the 15-20% of you reading this article struggling with infertility; you have options.

Riding the rollercoaster of disappointment every month can leave couples feeling overwhelmed and depressed. If you are not experiencing infertility but know someone who is, let them know that they are not alone and that there is help.

•••

Dr. Maureen Rozenn has been helping women become pregnant for over two decades. After attaining a doctoral (DAOM) dual specialization in women’s health and pain management, she went on to become the first female DAOM to become a fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine.

Dr. Rozenn authored a book on fertility and co-authored several research studies examining the effects of different acupuncture protocols on IVF outcomes. She has enjoyed teaching the amazing field of integrative fertility to doctoral students since 2010.

Dr. Rozenn blends East Asian Medicine, Japanese acupuncture, and functional medicine to enable her patients to reach their health goals at her private practice in Santa Cruz. n

•••

For more information, contact her at 831.426.1093 or office@acupuncturesantacruz.net

75th Anniversary of Israel Independence

When a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) visited Israel from April 30 to May 2 to celebrate and mark 75 years of independence, the group included U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley).

Panetta and the congressional delegation met with Israeli leadership, including Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

According to Panetta, discussions centered around Israel’s history, its vibrant democracy, the strong and long relationship between Israel and the United States, threats to Israel’s national security, Middle East security and economics, regional relationships and the status of the Abraham Accords, Palestinian relations, the make-up of the current administration in Israel, recent proposals for judicial reforms in Israel, recent protests by the Israeli people to uphold their democracy, and the potential for a constitutional convention by the Israeli government.

The congressional delegation visited Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center to honor those killed in the Holocaust, the Western Wall, an archeological site in the City of David, and Israel’s legislative body, the Knesset.

“It was an honor to celebrate and mark Israel’s 75th anniversary and participate in dialogue and cultural exchanges as we work to strengthen the close relationship between Israel and the United States,” said Panetta.

He added, “However, as the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel is at the forefront of civil rights, the rule of law, economic opportunity, and the challenges that come with building a free, democratic, and pluralistic society. Israel continues to face threats both foreign and domestic to its security and to the core democratic values that form the foundation of our two countries. I look forward to the work ahead to fortify this critical partnership as we work together to foster peace, security, and democracy.”

“Israel Delegation” page 23

State Funds Zero-Emission Passenger Rail Report

In April, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission was awarded $3.45 million in state funding for the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project.

“This project plans to convert the underutilized branch line into a multimodal corridor, transforming the way people travel to and within Santa Cruz County,” said RTC Executive Director Guy Preston. “Zero emission passenger rail offers a carbon-free alternative to highly congested Highway 1 for commuters, students, and visitors. The trail will provide an additional sustainable travel mode with first- and last-mile connections to proposed rail stations.”

The grant from the California State Transportation Agency’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program will fully fund the project concept report, which will refine the locally preferred alternative and provide a defined project to proceed

Outdoor Fun

through environmental review, pending additional funding.

This report will involve community outreach, development of performance metrics, system planning, with early engineering and ridership projections.

Once environmentally cleared, the Commission would likely seek full funding for zero-emission passenger rail service on 22 miles of the RTC-owned Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, from Pajaro Junction to Natural Bridges, as well as the remaining sections of the Coastal Rail Trail.

The project concept report is expected to be completed in 2025. Next steps would be: Additional engineering, environmental studies, and initial right-of-way services to complete an environmental impact report.

In May, the RTC received a second Federal Lands Access Program grant to build the North Coast Rail Trail for a total of $37.7 million in federal competitive funding. n

ACROSS

1. Bryan of “Summer Of ‘69” fame

6. Lake in Provence

9. ____ ____ good example

13. Hypotenuse/opposite side

14. Fuss, to Shakespeare 15. Pine

16. Filthy dough

17. Marxism or Taoism, e.g.

18. Skylit lobbies

19. *Outdoor repast 21. *Two-wheeling 23. Agreement word 24. *Climbing turf

25. “I wish I ____, I wish I might...”

28. Cracked by yegg

30. Cowardly color

35. Slightly (2 words)

37. Matterhorn location

39. Charles III’s ex

40. She played Carla on “Cheers”

41. Nev.’s neighbor

43. Rotisserie skewer

44. Indianapolis team

46. Underwater “nose”

47. Color of a bruise

48. Trying experience 50. “The Breakfast ____”

52. p in mph

53. Ranee’s husband

55. ____ de plume

57. *Gather berries, e.g. 60. *Water slaloming

63. Soft single in baseball

64. *Sun “kiss”

66. Beau’s and Jeff’s acting dad

68. Cut-down sailing sheep

69. How many “if by sea?”

70. Have effect

71. Gibbons, e.g.

72. Coniferous tree

73. Rejuvenate or renovate

DOWN

1. Knee-related acronym

2. Make pretty (2 words)

3. Mushroom spore sacs

4. Shawn Mendes’ 2016 hit

5. Parts of a play

6. Secular

7. Commercial break clips

8. Fast food option

9. Looking for aliens org.

10. Get bacon?

11. H.S. math class

12. All Nippon Airways, acr.

15. Rattled on

20. Writer Asimov

22. Like icee

24. Not an original

25. *Call to Polo

26. Opposite of adore

27. Triangular road sign

29. *Capture it!

31. Speech defect

32. Drink like a cat (2 words)

33. Chilled (2 words)

34. *Balloon filler

36. U.K. art gallery

38. Place for a house plant

42. Get an F 45. Serape, alt. sp. 49. Jet follower 51. Water-heating apparatus

54. Bulwark 56. Hundred Acre Wood creator

57. Wing motion 58. Exude 59. Fish eggs, pl. 60. Winter precipitation 61.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta and the Congressional delegation are welcomed by speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW IN SANTA CRUZ: ELECTRIC BEACH SHUTTLE

The City of Santa Cruz is introducing a new electric shuttle service for summer 2023.

The Santa Cruzer Beach & Downtown Shuttle will operate weekends and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day including 4th of July from noon to 8 p.m., taking riders from downtown Santa Cruz to the beach area for $1 per ride.

Free ride coupons are available from sponsors Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Humble Sea Brewery.

Pickup spots are:

• Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave #4415

• Locust Street Garage, 124 Locust St

The new bus was unveiled May 22 at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, which is the beach drop-off point.

The shuttle is partly funded by an AB2766 grant to reduce vehicle emissions from the Monterey Bay Air Quality Control District.

PARKS SURVEY: COUNTY WANTS YOUR INPUT

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is working with partners, stakeholders, and community members on a 5-year update to its 10-year strategic plan.

A comprehensive bilingual survey has been drafted to gather feedback, which will help county staff better understand the wants and needs of the Santa Cruz County community and finalize this update to the Parks Strategic Plan.

Those who complete the survey and provide an email address will be eligible for free swim passes to the Simpkins Family Swim Center.

The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DM2DGZC

ART AT THE BEACH IN CAPITOLA

Enjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists.

The dates for 2023 are: June 25, July 30 and Aug. 13. This family-friendly event presented by the Capitola Arts & Cultural Commission, is free and open to the public.

https://www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-3

NURSE WORKGROUP

Santa Cruz County healthcare professionals and those working in health education and training programs are invited to join the Health Workforce Council Nurse Workgroup which meets monthly online. Interested participants can contact Health Improvement Partnership’s Workforce Development Program Manager Hayley Mears at hmears@hipscc.org.

RECREATIONAL HALIBUT SEASON OPENS

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of the 2023 recreational Pacific halibut fishery, which will remain open every day until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

The 2023 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 39,540 pounds — approximately the same as the 2022 quota.

CDFW’s recommended season dates were informed by a scoping process that included an online angler survey conducted earlier this year.

The open dates are not guaranteed days, and the season could be closed early if it is determined that projected catches will exceed the California quota.

Anglers can check for updated information on season dates, bag/possession limits and gear restrictions at https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/recreational-pacific-halibutfishery-set-to-open-may-1#gsc.tab=0

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed.

Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice.

Santa Cruz

June 14: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Scotts Valley

June 9: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit Red-CrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

SCOTTS VALLEY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Friends of the Scotts Valley Library host a book sale Gently used books, DVDs and audio books will be sold. All proceeds benefit programs at the Scotts Valley Library.

Tuesday, June 13, 3-4:30 p.m. — Summer Reading

“Find Your Voice!” Decorate your own book bags.

Wednesday, June 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a program of Senior Network Services, a Santa Cruz nonprofit, will explain to learn how to compare plans and hear what is new with Medicare in 2023. HICAP provides unbiased Medicare Insurance information throughout California. Presentations are free but pre-registration is helpful. Call 831-462-5510 to pre-register.

Friday, June 16, 2-4 p.m. — NextStage Productions Reader’s Theater presents 5 Short Comedies.

Rental - Valerie sends her best friend a surprise birthday gift. • Rosa’s Eulogy - Requiem for a cat Ferris wheel • Sometimes the unexpected occurs at the Carnival Norm Anon • Looking on the bright side Emotional Baggage - If your luggage could only talk!

Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Bystander Intervention Trainings from teaches bystanders about the principles of nonviolence and de-escalation techniques. Participants learn how to de-escalate a hate incident before it leads to violence, how to create a safe space, and how to support the person being targeted. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/1074492i

Thursday, June 22, 11 a.m. to noon. — Tom Noddy Bubble Magic.

Tuesday, June 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m. — “Find Your Voice!” You get your own journal to decorate inside and outside to express yourself.

Saturday, July 1: Slim Chance and the Circus of Possibilities, 3-4 p.m.

•••

Second and Fourth Wednesday, start 3 or 3:30 p.m. — Tales to Tails. to help children improve their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Call 831-427-7713 to make a 30-minute appointment.

Second and Fourth Saturdays, noon to 2 p.m.

— Ping pong club for teens and adults, at the patio. Open to ages 12 and up, materials are provided and all levels of experience are welcome. Maximum of 12 players. Registration at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/10597903 is highly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed if spaces are available.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

Santa Cruz County Parks presents free family-friendly movie nights under the stars this summer and fall. Family Movie Nights is a series of free outdoor movie events. Movies begin at dusk. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol, please. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy! The dates:

June 23: Encanto @ Mesa Village Park, 790 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville

July 14: Jurassic Park @ Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond

Aug. 11: Lego Batman Movie @ Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel

MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE AT THE BOARDWALK

June 15 – Aug. 11

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach, Santa Cruz, hosts free live music, free movie and free entertainment all summer.

Thursdays, 8:30-10 p.m. — Bands play on the Colonnade.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5, all at the fairgrounds.

Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10 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.

Tuesdays through Aug. 29

LOW INTENSITY CONDITIONING & STRETCHING

9:15-10:15 a.m., Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel

Santa Cruz County Parks offers a new fitness class for active adults, low-intensity anaerobic conditioning & stretching Tuesdays at Anna Jean Cummings Park. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at scparks.com. Information: 454-7941.

Wednesdays thru Aug. 30

CAPITOLA TWIIGHT CONCERTS

6 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Capitola Village

The Capitola Twiight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months. All concerts take place at the Esplanade bandstand. These free events are made possible by sponsors. June 14 – Jive Machine • June 21 – Dirty Cello • June 28 – Tsunami • July 5 – The Alex Lucero Band •

July 12 – Ribsy’s Nickels • July 19 – The Joint Chiefs

• July 26 – Pacific Roots • August 2 – Delta Wires • August 9 – Extra Large • August 16 – Billy Martini Show • August 23 – Everyday People • August 30 – Digbeats Learn more about the bands at: www.jivemachine.com • www.dirtycello.com • www.tsunami-rocks.com • www. alexluceroband.com • www.reverbnation.com/ribsysnickel • www.thejointchiefsband.com • www.pacificrootsmusic. com • www.deltawires.com • www.extra-large.net • www. billymartini70s.com • www.everydaypeopletheband.com

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

The free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands, local eats, local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts June 2 and runs through to Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands:

June 2: Broken English w/opener Soquel High Jazz Band

June 9: The Neverland Band w/opener Shoreline Middle School “Summer Band”

June 16: James Durbin & The Lost Boys w/opener Coffee Zombie Collective

June 23: Ribsy’s Nickel w/opener Joshua Cremer

June 30: Afrobeats Nite Santa Cruz w/opener Carolyn Sills Duo

July 7: Ancestree w/opener Hijinx

July 14: The Rayburn Brothers

/ Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

July 21: Dirty Cello

July 28: Alex Lucero Band w/opener Asher Stern

Aug. 4: The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie

Aug. 11: Santa Cruda w/opener Yaya’s Kitchen

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

Aug. 25: Cowboy’s After Dark w/opener Corrina & Rick

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

Details: https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtownfridays-summer-block-party-2023/

DATED EVENTS

Sunday June 4

FIREWISE COMMUNITY EDUCATION

1:30-4:30 p.m., Temple Beth El Grounds, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos

FireWise neighborhoods — Viewpoint, Cathedral-Redwood, North Trout Gulch-Fern Flat, and Porter Gulch — have organized a FireWise community education event outside at Temple Beth El. Program begins at 2 p.m. Topics are: Preparing for 1st Responders • Home Hardening Concepts • Situational Awareness • Resource Conservation District • Home and Fire Insurance Email questions to nlyellin@comcast.net.

POETRY AFTERNOON

1-4 p.m., Brommer Street County Park, 1451 30th Ave., Santa Cruz

County Park Friends and Santa Cruz County Park will offer a free afternoon of poetry at Brommer Street Park. Bring a picnic to enjoy during the poetry reading for all ages from 1-2 p.m. with local poets Victoria Bañales, Billy Butler, and Farnaz Fatemi

After, from 2-4 p.m., youth ages 10 to 18 are invited to participate in free, fun poetry-writing activities. Bañales teaches English at Cabrillo College and lives in Watsonville. Butler is a writer and educator from Northern California. Fatemi is serving a two-year term as Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate.

Monday June 5

JOBY CELEBRATES NEW SANTA CRUZ HQ

4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 333 Encinal St., Santa Cruz Joby Aviation and the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grand opening of Joby’s headquarters with Mayor Fred Keeley, located at the former Plantronics complex.

The company was founded by serial entrepreneur and 1991 Santa Cruz High School alum JoeBen Bevirt in 2009 on his ranch in Bonny Doon to develop an electric air taxi.

His goal is to end commuter traffic congestion by offering an alternative: A faster and cleaner air taxi that can get from Point A to Point B without jamming highways.

The technology is known as electric vertical takeoff and landing—eVOL for short.

Joby Aviation now has 1,317 employees, according to the city of Santa Cruz business license database.

In April, Joby announced a $55 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to produce nine aircraft for the military. The first two are to be delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in early 2024.

Joby Avaiation has jobs in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, Marina, San Jose, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. See https://www. jobyaviation.com/careers

FORUM ON WHY POLICY MATTERS

6:30 p.m., Online Forum

WILDR announce a forum focusing on Why Policy Matters: the power of public service

This forum is for anyone who wants to see and

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK TALK

Saturday June 10

5-7 p.m., Mr. Toots Coffeehouse, 231 Esplanade #100, Capitola First-time author Russ Rogers, who raised his kids in Scotts Valley, will launch his new book series at Mr. Toots Coffeehouse in Capitola Village.

He’s written a series of five books for young families, children and grandparents, starting with Today: My Firsts. The rest are Today: Baby Steps, Today: Something New, Today: Great Adventures, and Today: Here I Go. The illustrators are Ana Paula Sanchez and Oliver Esparza. The price is $9.99 on Amazon. Rogers wants to encourage families to get outside and do activities together. One reviewer on Amazon said, “Super cute book.”

support more women and diverse representatives in elected, appointed, or community service to impact policy such as housing, climate action, and education. Register at: https://bit.ly/WILDR060523

A list of speakers will be out soon. Info: wildrsantacruz.com.

Tuesday June 6

PUBLIC DEFENDER HEATHER ROGERS TO SPEAK

6 p.m., Online Meeting

Santa Cruz County Public Defender Heather Rogers will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County online gathering. Rogers will talk about the justice system and issues related to homelessness, including cycles of recidivism, the right to fair treatment, and mental health issues exacerbated by homelessness. 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.

Wednesday June 7

SANTA CRUZ NEW TECH MEETUP

6 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. Network at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Featured businesses include Checkerspot, Earth.Island, Stakabl, Swell Cycle Surfboards, The Floow, and X Academy. Presentations start at 7 p.m. $10 tickets at EventBrite.com

Thursday June 8 thru Sunday June 11

44TH ANNUAL MUSICAL ‘RAMAYANA!’

7 p.m. (June 8/9) • 2 p.m. (June 10/11), Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose Ramayana! — the 44th Mount Madonna School musical theater production — returns to entertain audiences of all ages Mexican Heritage Theater. The production features a cast of students ranging from preschool to high school, and includes traditional and contemporary music and features an adult choir and musicians, with more than a dozen original, standout songs.

This version of the show features choreographed fight scenes, monkeys and monsters, comedy, deep introspection by many characters, including King Ravana (in his 10-headed costume). Within the action are rousing choreographed dances from Bharatanatyam to Hip Hop, as well as plenty of stage combat and spectacle. The costumes, demon and monkey masks, elaborate sets, props, and monster rigs were created by Baba Hari Dass, as well as artisans associated with both the center and the school. Every item in the show is a work of handmade art. All seats are reserved; tickets available at mountmadonna school.org/ramayana.

Saturday June 10

NATASHA’S RUN

9 a.m. to 1 p.m (Registration 7:30 a.m.), Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd.

The second annual Natasha’s 5k Run for Justice,

presented by Arukah Project, will be at Aptos Village Park.

This will be an all-ages event. After the 5k run/ walk through Nisene Marks State Park, attendees are welcome to enjoy activities, including face painting, bounce houses, a concert by the danceable Alison Sharino Band that starts at 10 a.m., food trucks, a beer and wine garden.

Register to run at https://raceroster.com/ events/2023/73132/natashas-run-for-justice# For information about Arukah Project, visit www.ArukahProject.org

JAPANESE CULTURAL FAIR

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Outside Akido Santa Cruz, 103 Emmett St., SC This event with Japanese culture, crafts, music and food, will take place at 103 Emmett St. in Santa Cruz. There will be chanting, martial arts, storytelling, dance and taiko. The kimono workshop will be at 3 p.m. Due to Covid concerns, Akido Santa Cruz will not open its studio this year.

LWV ANNUAL MEETING

9:30 am – Noon, Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

The League of Women Voters Santa Cruz County will have its annual meeting at Seascape Golf Club. Guest speaker Assembly member Gail Pellerin will give her perspective on what is happening with legislation in the California Assembly.

Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. with The Classic Breakfast buffet from 10:00-10:30 a.m., followed by business meeting and guest speaker.

Please pay in advance $30 via PayPal at https:// my.lwv.org/california/santa-cruz-county/event/annualmeeting-lwvscc

If you wish to attend, contact Barbara Lewis at Bobbi44@ gmail.com. She will send you a link to join.

Saturday June 10

Sunday June 11

CONCERTS AT MONTEVALLE

2 p.m., Montevalle Mill, 552 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley The Montevalle Chorale and BELLissimo present “Our Wonderful World,” an uplifting concert at the Montevalle Mill.

There will be a tribute to our armed forces. Tickets are $8, with admission accepted at the door.

CAPITOLA ROD & CUSTOM CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Parade begins Saturday Morning, 8:30 a.m. at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The 16th Annual Capitola Rod and Custom Classic Car Show is hosted by the Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Foundation.

Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline Saturday morning from the Boardwalk to Capitola.

Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach.

capitolafoundation.com

Wednesday June 14

RESTAURANT WALK FUNDRAISER

5:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Santa Cruz Restaurant Walk is coming up on Wednesday.

Fifteen downtown Santa Cruz restaurants will provide samples of their cuisine to everyone presenting a Passport. Passports are at Eventbrite.com at Santa Cruz Restaurant Walk for $40. This event sold out last year.

The Capitola Coast Lions Club sponsors this event as a fundraiser for Common Roots Farm, with pro-grams for youth and young adults of all abilities. Projects include the Garden Classroom and the Seed to Salad Garden. See: www.commonrootsfarm.org.

The Capitola Coast Lions Club also supports: Baseball for All Abilities Lions Club Allstars Team, Lions International Peace Poster Contest for Youth, California Lions Student Speakers Contest, Hunger Initiatives and Holiday Toy Drive, and the Farm to Table Winemaker’s Dinner at Common Roots Farm.

Saturday June 17

ABLE ARTS COMMUNITY MARKET

10 a.m.–2 p.m., 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz Common Roots Farm will host the Able Arts Community Market.

There will be art, crafts, farm-to-bottle gifts, created by people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Artists Ken Muramoto and Shane Tarkington will attend. Parking is on the premises.

Information: commonrootsfarm.com

SANTA CRUZ JUNETEENTH

Noon-5 p.m., Laurel Park (behind the London Nelson Center), 301 Center St., Santa Cruz

On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and Blacks were now free.

Now, 155 years later, people celebrate this remarkable event at Juneteenth celebrations across the country. A long-held tradition among African-Americans, Juneteenth celebrates culture and is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people.

Come June 17 to Laurel Park behind the London Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz for music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race! Celebrating 30 years!

This year’s theme is art. There will be an open mic, art gallery and silent auction.

Information: https://www.santacruzjuneteenth.com

Wednesday June 21

EARLY START SUPPORT GROUP

7 to 8 p.m., Online Meeting

Are you a parent of an infant or toddler with delays or disabilities?

Meet other families who are going through a similar experience. Often new parents feel overwhelmed, and we hope this group, which meets via Zoom, can help you build a community of support.

Share what is going through your mind and learn about resources and special needs related topics. For Zoom meeting info or questions contact Crystalrose Cirujano by email at special.connections. sc@gmail.com or by phone at (408) 442-4139

Zoom ID: 88994852857

Passcode: 864130 n

Regional Water Collaboration: Progress

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District, along with Fred Keeley & Mark Smolley

In Santa Cruz County there are seven separate water agencies that serve our community, each with different sources of water, customer demographics, and infrastructure ages.

As a result, each agency has different needs and approaches to operations and, until recently, operated largely independently of each other. However, challenges posed by climate change including persistent drought, flooding, and wildfires, as well as new state mandates for managing groundwater resources, have prompted agencies to work more collaboratively in recent years.

We believe this new, more regional approach to using community water resources is a big plus for water customers, as it provides an opportunity to use our precious water resources more efficiently while producing more reliable supplies and resilient infrastructure.

One example is the collaboration between the City of Santa Cruz Water Department and San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) to study options for SLVWD to access water from Loch Lomond Reservoir. Loch Lomond primarily serves City of Santa Cruz water customers. However, SLVWD has a contractual right to about 100 million gallons of the reservoir’s water annually.

Currently, SLVWD is pursuing a feasibility study to understand the best way to access and treat Loch Lomond water and supply it to its customers. Working together, SLVWD and the City will explore different ways the water can be conveyed from the reservoir to SLVWD for treatment, or, alternatively, how the City could

provide SLVWD’s allocation as treated drinking water.

Both SLVWD and the City currently rely heavily on surface water for their drinking water supplies. However, groundwater provides about half of SLVWD’s supply, as well as critical summer baseflow to the San Lorenzo River and tributary creeks. As a changing climate leads to extended droughts, it is likely we will all need to rely more on groundwater in the future.

SLVWD is working toward decreasing its impact on groundwater by utilizing surface water throughout its distribution system by providing excess winter flows to areas that historically used only well water.

SLVWD and the City are actively involved in a regional coalition working to ensure the sustainability of the Santa Margarita groundwater basin. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act passed in 2014 requires groundwater users in overdrafted basins statewide to develop plans for how their basins will be managed

SLVWD and the City have worked with Scotts Valley Water District, City of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, Mount Hermon Association, and private well owners to develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan to manage the Santa Margarita groundwater basin so that it remains a viable water source for generations to come. The plan was approved by the California Department of Water Resources in April 2023.

SLVWD and the City have long collaborated on efforts to protect water sources. These agencies recently completed a joint watershed sanitary survey for 2023.

Sanitary surveys are required by the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure that drinking water agencies are complying with all state requirements to protect the watersheds of their source waters.

In the aftermath of the 2020 CZU Fire, the City and SLVWD expanded its collaboration on watershed protection to efforts in the area of fire prevention. The City also continues to welcome San Lorenzo Valley High School students to its immersive Watershed Academy and to sponsor watershed education programs for San Lorenzo Valley Elementary and Middle schools, provided by the Coastal Watershed Council.

Extreme weather events accelerated by climate change have hit Santa Cruz County hard during the past decade, as evidenced by multiple years of drought and seasons of extreme storms and atmospheric rivers. As we have experienced, local water supplies are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events.

We are encouraged by the ways local water agencies are collaborating to address these impacts. These new and expanded

partnerships open the door to shared innovation and funding opportunities and promote climate-proof drinking water supplies for future generations. n

Bruce McPherson is Santa Cruz County supervisor, 5th District, Fred Keeley is Santa Cruz mayor, and Mark Smolley chairs the San Lorenzo Valley Water District board.

Extreme weather events accelerated by climate change have hit Santa Cruz County hard during the past decade, as evidenced by multiple years of drought and seasons of extreme storms and atmospheric rivers. As we have experienced, local water supplies are particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events.

SCCAS Featured Pet COMMUNITY

Santa Cruz County Fair: Home Grown & Locally Shown!

The Santa Cruz County Fair announces the theme of the 2023 Fair and the winner of the Fair Theme Contest.

Drum roll please…

The Fair theme is “Home Grown and Locally Shown!”

Sweet Koa Looking For New Home

Our Pet of the Week is a sweet dog named Koa! This very adorable 4-yearold black Chinese Sharpei mix was an owner surrender when his owner could no longer care for him.

At first Koa was a little scared at the Shelter but has really opened up after working with staff and volunteers- his shining personality has come out and charmed everyone! He has gone to events with volunteers and not only loves riding in the car but is great with people out in the world.

At the Shelter he has made several dog friends and would probably do well in a home with another dog provided they meet prior to adoption. This pup has a little history with resource guarding around other animals and will have to have separate mealtimes with other dogs and caution with high value items.

In his previous home he was described as mellow and lived with other dogs (large and small), kids under 12, men, women, and seniors- and has done well with all! Koa loves to roll in the grass and play fetch- especially with tennis balls!

This smart cookie knows “sit”, “down” and “shake”. He could continue his learning and skills with positive reinforcement training which also helps with bonding and daily mental stimulation! This dog is a real treat and is just waiting for the perfect forever home.

Come by the Shelter and meet our superstar dog! n

•••

Right now the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian. ganley@santacruzcounty.us. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is located at 1001 Rodriguez St and is open every day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

•••

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

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

Outdoor Fun

© Statepoint Media

For submitting the winning theme, Kathryn receives a Fair VIP Family Pack. It includes a parking pass, four admissions, and carnival wristbands.

The theme beautifully captures the spirit of the Fair and the agricultural roots of the community.

The winning theme comes from Kathryn Doman of Watsonville. Not only is Kathryn a fan of the Fair, but she’s also a neighbor.

“I live right next door to the fairgrounds in the house that I grew up in. It’s truly a joy to be neighbors with the fairgrounds. The love for this area lives deep within my heart. Thank you for considering my suggestion,” says Kathryn.

Thank you, Kathryn! At the Fair, which will take place Sept. 13-17, everything is Home Grown and Locally Shown!

The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of the community and people and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth.

The 2023 Fair will take place at the Fairgrounds on Highway 152 east of Watsonville. n

Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds — a year-round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com

“Israel Delegation” from page 19

Other attendees included Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ05), Garret Graves (LA-06), Erin Houchin

“77 Grants” from page 17

2023 Community Grant Partners cont. Girls Inc. of the Central Coast - $25,000 • Grey Bears - $45,000 • Health Projects Center$20,000 • Housing Matters - $5,000 • Housing Santa Cruz County - $5,000 • Juneteenth Festival (Friends of Parks & Rec) - $2,500 • Life Lab - $40,000 • Monarch Services - $20,000

• Mountains 2 Sea - $15,000 • NAMI Santa Cruz County - $25,000 • O’Neill Sea Odyssey

- $10,000 • Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes -

$25,000 • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services - $30,000

• Positive Discipline Community Resources

- $15,000

• PVUSD (Raising A Reader) - $845

• Raíces y Cariño - $5,000

$25,000

- $4,500

• Salud y Cariño -

• San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society

• Santa Cruz Art League - $10,000 •

Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos - $5,000 • Santa

Cruz Black - $5,000 • Santa Cruz Community

Health - $15,000

• Santa Cruz County Black

Health Matters Initiative - $15,000

• Santa

Cruz Local - $20,000 • Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History - $30,000 • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - $20,000 • Santa Cruz

Welcoming Network - $5,000 • Save Our

(IN-09), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Thomas Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Julia Letlow (LA05), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Max Miller (OH-07), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Bruce Westerman (AR-04). n

Shores - $10,000 • Save the Music Foundation$25,000 • Second Harvest Food Bank - $45,000

† • Senderos - $25,000 † • Senior Legal Services

- $25,000 • Senior Network Services - $25,000

• Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center -

$25,000 • Teen Kitchen Project - $30,000 • The 418 Project - $5,000 • Tobera Project - $2,500 • United Way of Santa Cruz County - $10,000 • Valley Churches United Missions - $10,000 • Ventures - $25,000 • Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz$20,000 • Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center - $25,000 • Watsonville Film Festival$25,000 † • Watsonville Law Center - $40,000 •

Watsonville Wetlands Watch - $30,000 • White Hawk Indian Council - $3,000

Compassionate Care 2023

Coastal Kids Home Care - $30,000† • Hospice of Santa Cruz County - $90,000†

• Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association - $30,000

Diversity Partnership LGBTQ+ Fund 2023

Birds of a Feather - $5,000 • Diversity Center - $17,300 • Queer Youth Task Force -

$7,777 • Santa Cruz Pride - $10,000 • School

GSA, Pride, Rainbow clubs (25) - $2,500 n

† Two-year commitment