Scotts Valley Times: July 2023

A Tale of Two Cities

By Tom Decker

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the beautiful redwood forests, it was the CZU Lightning Fires. My wife and I live in Ben Lomond. We have six children and 21 grandchildren. We’ve been in the real estate business more than 40 years. When people in San Lorenzo Valley ask us what we do for a living, we used to say we work over the hill.

Folks in SLV don’t care too much about what goes on over the hill. This has always been just fine with us.

We’ve never, ever wanted to build any residential projects in Santa Cruz County.

Our county takes quiet pride in its well-earned reputation for being one of the most difficult counties in California in which to build. ... continues on page 4

Ready to Ring That Bell

The sitzprobe (Theatre lingo for the first rehearsal with the full orchestra and cast, where the focus is entirely on the music and singing) is always exciting.

Full Story page 7

Supervisor Bruce McPherson to Retire in 2024

On June 16, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson, who represents the Fifth District, announced he will not seek a fourth term in 2024.

Full Story page 5

Cover

A Tale of Two Cities, By Tom Decker

Community News

5 Supervisor McPherson to Retire in 2024: Monica Martinez, Jayme Ackemann Running; Christopher Bradford, Too

6 New Improved Fall Creek Fish Ladder: $2.365 Million

7 Ready to Ring That Bell: Cabrillo Stage Wrapping Up Preparation for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, By Mindy Pedlar

9 The Healing Power of Music, By Diane Dearinger

10 Grand Jury: County Mental Health Underfunded, Understaffed

15 ParkRx Santa Cruz County, By Jondi Gumz

23 CalGrows: Paid Caregivers Can Learn & Earn • Ride the Bus to Big Basin

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter •

11 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Returns to Skypark

12 Scotts Valley Chamber Member Spotlight: Empowering Hands Thera peutic Massage • Scotts Valley Chamber New Member Spotlight: Sherry Scott

13 Scotts Valley Fire Protection District News: Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Welcomes New Fire Chief • Congratulations to Fire Chief Whittle

14 Meet This Year’s Festival Poster Artist: Cheyanne Donald

California News

22 State Parks Recruiting for Cadet Academy

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Planets Guarding & Guiding Humanity Each Day & Into the Night, Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment –

Featured Columnists

8 Scotts Valley Parks Await You, By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Sweet Cider

COVER STORY

publisher

Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Tom Decker, Mindy Pedlar, Diane Dearinger, Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Jack Dilles

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

“Two Cities” from page 1

For over 20 years, we’ve been placing high-end manufactured homes in manufactured home parks in Northern California.

Our company is based in Antioch, two hours from here, next to Suisun Bay.

In August 2020, we were forced to evacuate our Ben Lomond home as the CZU Fire approached our property. We stayed six weeks with friends in Soquel until we were able to return home.

We were greatly relieved to discover our home had survived the fire although 925 homes of our friends, neighbors and community members did not.

In the first few weeks after the fire, the Red Cross, FEMA, and people from all branches of County, State and Federal government agencies were everywhere. Many good people from community organizations and churches volunteered to help the fire victims. They gave us support, hot meals, water, clothes, good advice, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, sympathy and understanding.

Two months after the fire, things began to settle down and get back to normal — except that 1,000 families were now homeless without a clue how to rebuild.

Before the CZU Fire, the Santa Cruz County Planning and Building Departments usually permitted around 10 homes a year in our mountain communities.

homes or knew someone who had lost theirs in the fire.

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Suddenly, they faced the reality of pre-clearing, permitting and allowing up to 1,000 new homes to be rebuilt. This proved to be a task far greater than anyone had anticipated.

We discovered this as we attended the many CZU Fire rebuilding meetings organized and put on by the County of Santa Cruz, FEMA, 4 LEAF and groups and gatherings of the CZU Fire victims. After a few more months, we began to wonder if there might be an easier way for folks to rebuild.

My wife made a bold decision. She said it was time to tell folks about our manufactured homes in Antioch.

For the next few months, we told people we could rebuild their home three times faster, for half cost and built better than a home built on site.

We may have told a hundred people about our homes. They had either lost their

Single Family Dwellings: Fifth District

Permits in process: 135

Issued/ready for pickup 109

Building completed: 11

Resubmittal routing: 9

Initial routing: 3

Application submitted: 2

Fees not paid: 1

Amazingly, only two people, a senior couple, ended up making the long drive to Antioch to visit us and look at our homes. They loved our homes. But they decided to sell their Boulder Creek fire property and buy a farm in Ohio near their children. We didn’t blame them.

We altered our plan. Rather than asking people to drive to us, we brought one of our homes to downtown Boulder Creek.

In August 2021, we placed one of our homes on a parcel on Highway 9 in Boulder Creek, between the Boulder Creek Library and the Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department. We opened the doors in September, one year after the CZU Fire.

Within a week, we realized we would be able to rebuild only a very small number of the many hundreds of homes that needed to be rebuilt.

By November, after meeting with

Single Family Dwellings: Third District

Permits in process: 104

Issued/ready for pickup 69

Building completed: 21

Resubmittal routing: 5

Initial routing: 7

Application submitted: 0

Fees not paid: 2

many fire victims and inspecting their sites, we chose a dozen families to rebuild their homes.

From that point it took us:

• two sets of structural engineers

• three heotech companies

• one licensed registered environmental engineer

• two California licensed general contractors

• three permitting consultants

• two sets soils engineers

• one topo map placement consultant

• one ancient debris flow advisor

• thirteen months and

• a 166-page plan set ... just to permit our first home.

Our first permit in the CZU Fire scar area was issued on Christmas week 2022.

Our general contractors started prepping the site the last week of December. On New Year’s Day 2023, the rains began. It rained heavily for many weeks and then a lot for a few months.

Mudslides closed the roads. Fallen trees knocked down power lines, cut off approaches. Construction material deliveries became impossible. All our construction projects halted.

About a month ago, our crews were finally able to get back to work on our sites. At the same time China Grade was reopened.

“Two Cities” page 6

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website

photography

Supervisor McPherson to Retire in 2024

Monica Martinez, Jayme Ackemann Running; Christopher Bradford, Too

On June 16, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson, who represents the Fifth District, announced he will not seek a fourth term in 2024.

McPherson, 79, first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020, will retire at the end of his current term in early December 2024.

The seat will be open for the presidential primary election on March 5, 2024.

“We have accomplished so much together and have weathered many challenges, from the CZU Fire to the COVID pandemic to the storms of 2017 and this past winter,” McPherson said. “During the next 18 months, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, our County staff and community members to tackle a long to-do list that includes disaster recovery, climate adaptation, housing growth and continued strong fiscal management.”

Santa Cruz County has the worst market in the nation for renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which reports renting a modest two-bedroom home here requires a wage of $63.33 per hour, compared to $56.56 for Santa Clara County and $51.44 for Monterey County. This explains why at homeowners rent out bedrooms and UC Santa Cruz students drive farther in search of affordability.

The housing shortage is most acute in the Fifth District and the Third District because of the 2020 CZU lightning fire, which destroyed 900 homes. So far, 11 homes have been rebuilt in the geologically challenging Fifth District and 21 in the Third District.

In April, Monica Martinez, 41, of Felton, CEO of the nonprofit Encompass Community Services, a major county contractor, and before that executive director of nonprofit Housing Matters, announced her candidacy.

She will face one, or perhaps two, 2020 CZU Fire survivors.

Jayme Ackemann, 46, of Ben Lomond, San Lorenzo Valley Water District director, who has worked in communications locally and over the hill, has filed.

Christopher Bradford, 43, owner of

Bird’s Eye View Drone & Photography Services in Boulder Creek, who has shared his struggles to rebuild his home on YouTube and Facebook, says he intends to run to change policies so more housing can be built.

Before his political career, McPherson was editor of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, a newspaper his family owned from 1864 until 1982. He is a graduate of Santa Cruz High School and a 1985 journalism graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

McPherson invested 13 years in state elective offices: California Assembly (1993-1996) and Senate (1996-2004) and Secretary of State (2005-2007).

He currently is a County representative to the California State Association of Counties, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, Santa Cruz Metro, Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency board of directors, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, and the policy board for Central Coast Community Energy.

He considers the creation of 3CE as his most important achievement in County government.

His Fifth District Office in 2013 began exploring how to boost renewable energy sources regionally, and this has become a 34-member community choice energy agency spanning five counties, the largest by geographical footprint in California.

“I regard serving in local government as the highlight of my career in public service,” Supervisor McPherson said. “I have been so fortunate to represent the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and parts of Santa Cruz alongside the incredible staff at the County and fellow Board members who care deeply about this amazing community.”

McPherson looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 55 years, Mary, as well as his daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

“My family has been tremendously supportive of my commitment to state and local government throughout the last 30 years,” McPherson said. “I couldn’t have done this work I love so much without them.” n

Bruce McPherson

New Improved Fall Creek Fish Ladder: $2.365 Million

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District reports the Fall Creek Fish Ladder is being rebuilt to improve fish passage and improve operations.

Fall Creek is a primary source of drinking water for the town of Felton and provides 160 million gallons of water to customers annually. Water diverted there is pumped to the Kirby water treatment plant and then delivered to homes. The fish ladder helps fish to swim upstream past the water diversion.

The fish ladder, owned and operated by SLVWD since 2008, is in Felton a halfmile upstream from the San Lorenzo River at the edge of the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Initially constructed three decades ago, the Fall Creek Fish Ladder was designed with jump heights that have been discovered to be too high for salmonoid passage.

“Two Cities” from page 4

CalTrans was then able to issue us a one-day transport permit for our home.

It took us three weeks to prep the site, build the foundation and transport the house.

The pictures tell the story.

So you may ask, what does this have to do with two cities?

Allow me to explain. We have friends who live in a beautiful home near the city pier in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida.

Last September, Hurricane Ian destroyed their home. Hurricane Ian also destroyed hundreds of other homes, many square miles of high-end residential and commercial properties — and all of the bridges and causeways.

The 150 mph hurricane winds pushed 15-foot ocean swells that destroyed everything in their path.

Ian was the most destructive hurricane in Florida’s history.

To appreciate the scope of the damage, you would have to take all the homes destroyed in our CZU Fire and then add in every structure in downtown Boulder Creek, Brookdale and Ben Lomond.

That is the scale of the devastation caused by Ian.

After Ian had destroyed these gulf cities, the Florida Highway Department worked its crews 24/7 and reopened the causeways and the bridges in less than a week.

The state of Florida set up emergency power, and food and water delivery to

Previous efforts to modify the structure were not successful in meeting standards for jump heights and did not correct operational inefficiencies. The District has worked closely with the National Marine Fisheries Service

homeowners and construction crews working on their sites.

The state along with the local municipalities set up construction camps on public and private parcels. These camps were complete with field kitchens, sanitary facilities, showers and sleeping accommodations for hundreds.

Thousands of volunteers, construction crews and workers began pouring into Fort Meyers Beach from other states with their equipment.

The local churches set up housing facilities and accommodations for the construction workers and displaced homeowners.

Food, shelter and hot showers were available to anyone anytime at no cost.

The Florida Insurance Department allowed for private insurance adjustors to work together with the local building inspectors.

They developed an innovative process in which the insurance settlements and building permits were issued in tandem.

In some cases, they even delivered the insurance settlements and the building permits to homeowners at their construction sites.

The city’s goal was to keep the rebuilding moving forward as rapidly as possible. Through the magic of the internet, we were able to watch our friends rebuild their home in Fort Meyers Beach. They had awesome help and support from their community and an excellent construction crew

and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a fish ladder design to support the native steelhead in Fall Creek.

“Fish Ladder” page 9

from South Carolina. They rebuilt their home and moved in by March. That was less than six months after it had been destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

The city of Fort Meyers Beach has set an ambitious goal to be 50% rebuilt by September 2023.

That’s the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian’s landfall.

The goal is to be completely rebuilt by September 2024.

That’s just two years after Hurricane Ian.

September 2023 is the three-year anniversary of the CZU Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

In the two-and-a-half years since the CZU Fire, fewer than 55 homes have been rebuilt, compared to 925 homes destroyed.

At this rate, how many years will it take to rebuild our community?

Why was Fort Meyers Beach able to rebuild faster from Hurricane Ian than we have been able to do in Santa Cruz County?

Are there more construction supply stores in Fort Meyers Beach?

Do the people work harder there? Is the weather better? Do the workers get paid more? Inquiring minds want to know.

How is it possible that Fort Meyers Beach can rebuild 10 times faster than Santa Cruz County? It’s truly a mystery for the ages. n

Cover Photo: Construction is complete at 405 Hill House Road, Boulder Creek.

Ready to Ring That Bell

Cabrillo Stage Wrapping Up Preparation for The Hunchback of Notre Dame

By Mindy Pedlar

The sitzprobe (Theatre lingo for the first rehearsal with the full orchestra and cast, where the focus is entirely on the music and singing) is always exciting. This production of Hunchback includes the additional layer of a 24 voice choir expertly coached by Choir Director Cheryl Anderson.

The resultant sound is simply magnificent.

The excitement from everyone is palpable. After months of working in separate rooms, we finally hear and see the product of the combined work of over 100 people, on and off stage.

Set Designer Skip Epperson and Technical Director Marcel Tjioe have created and built a set that encompasses the majestic backdrop of Paris and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It spans three stories and boasts beautiful hand crafted bells. While still unfinished, this back drop sets the scene for our rehearsal.

The actors have been fitted with microphones. The orchestra members tune in the pit. Sound Designer Skyler Kirby adjusts the speakers, and the actors and singers sit onstage giving Musical Director/Conductor Michael McGushin their undivided attention. The incomparable McGushin asks the singers to rise, raises his baton, and begins. Over the next few hours, he leads the musicians and singers through the show from the Prologue that begins with the ringing of the bells of Notre Dame, to the Finale Ultimo with its wall of glorious sound!

At the close of rehearsal, every talented artist leaves the theatre satisfied and uplifted. Each anticipating the thrill of sharing this magical show with audiences.

Don’t miss Cabrillo Stage’s grand, epic production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It will entertain, inspire and tug at your heartstrings.

July 6 through July 30. Run time with intermission approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. All performances are in the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. n

Special Opening Night Discount $10 off adult and senior tickets Fri., July 7, with the promo code TheBells. Tickets available online at cabrillostage.com. Box Office now open for phone and walk in sales, Thur.–Sat., 12-6 p.m., 831-4796154. Flash discount Fri., July 14, 2 tickets for the price of 1, promo code DateNight14. $20 student rush tickets available at the box office 15 minutes before curtain (excludes Sunday matinees) Group discounts for 10 or more available on the website.

Michael J. Mc Gushin (right) conducting the cast, choir and orchestra of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Juan Castro as Quasimodo is surrounded by his gargoyle and statue friends in ”The Hunchback of Notre Dame” rehearsing for Cabrillo Stage this summer.

Choir Director Cheryl Anderson (bottom) watches Michael J. Mc Gushin conduct the cast, choir and orchestra of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Scotts Valley Parks Await You

By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

The official beginning of summer welcomes warmer weather, longer days and many opportunities to be active. Being outdoors makes us feel good and, as we have learned during these past few COVID-filled years, it benefits both our mental and physical health.

For years, I’ve have enjoyed exploring Scotts Valley and the surrounding areas on my road bike. Whether riding with friends or solo, I always notice and appreciate the changing of seasons and the perspective I get from my bike, instead of a car.

This month, I’m excited to highlight what Scotts Valley Recreation is bringing to our community in classes and events at our parks this summer – including two newly created outdoor spaces for classes at our Community Center patio and our Outdoor Classroom at Skypark.

This year is a reimagining of the Recreation programming and we look forward to the journey. It will not be rebuilding back to previous years with a large staff and scope. Instead, a team

Locally Owned and Operated!

of three Recreation staff is dedicated to connect you with enriching programs and fun educational things to do, at city facilities, through a developing partnership with community organizations and community members.

The possibilities with this new model are exciting as we tap into the passions, expertise, skills and experience of our whole community.

The City’s new summer activity guide “What’s Happening in our Parks” was mailed to residents in May and is available at www.ScottsValley.gov. You’ll find Recreation-hosted workshops across the City.

We have a diverse lineup at the new Performing Arts and Cultural Center and a few thoughtfully curated workshops that the community asked for on surveys. You’ll see that our event listing also includes park happenings planned by dedicated local

community groups and non-profits. There are so many opportunities to get connected this summer!

Look for the debut of a full listing of Recreation contracted classes and camps from talented instructors including five summer camps for youth – from Prehistoric Week to Basketball Drills Week.

There are chances for adults to get active with yoga at the Community Center; teen writing workshops in our Outdoor Classroom; and 12 new art classes! You can also join hiking meetups at the Glenwood Preserve or at Lodato Park, or participate in a Beginner’s Bike Maintenance Workshop.

In our guide you can also learn about improvements that are being made in City parks including new playground equipment at Skypark. In addition, the pool at Siltanen Park has been refurbished and will soon reopen pending approval as a county-operated program.

We’re also hosting a Trail Passport Program. Just stop by the Recreation office and pick up your passport. Find stickers out on the trails, turn your passport in and you might win a prize!

Thank you for your support as we reimagine recreation in Scotts Valley. As you can see, there is a lot happening in Scotts Valley’s parks. I encourage you to take a look at the “What’s Happening in our Parks” guide, get outside and have some fun! n

Photos Credit: Jack Dilles

Glenwood Preserve pond

LEFT: Hocus Pocus Park playground LOWER LEFT: Siltanen Park youth camp sign

BELOW: Lodato Park trail with redwoods

The Healing Power of Music

By Diane Dearinger

On Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, Montevalle Chorale & Bellissimo Bell Choir performed Our Wonderful World … So Much to be Thankful For to sell-out crowds at Ye Olde Mill.

The music was a great assortment of well-known tunes and featured three soloists.

This concert was conducted by Darlene Woodburn who has conducted both choirs for over 20 years. She will be retiring after this year’s December concert at the age of 90. Thus, this was the last spring concert for Darlene to lead these two groups.

She has been fortunate to have local musicians accompany her performances. They were Carolyn Christian (piano), Teresa Roffe (clarinet), Tony DeVincentis (flute & sax), Karl Rhoads (drums).

During these times, it is so important to enjoy the healing power of music. n

“Fish Ladder” from page 6

In October 2022, the District was awarded a $1,116,166 CDFW Proposition 1 watershed restoration grant toward the total cost, estimated at $2,365,720.

Work began in early June when Carly Blanchard, the district’s environmental programs manager, and two biologists relocated more than 10 steelhead salmon upstream and away from the ladder. Fish relocation will continue as the section of Fall Creek surrounding the fish ladder is dewatered to allow construction. The work is expected to be completed by October 2023.

“Aligning the fish ladder design with current standards will improve fish passage and have a profound positive impact on the Fall Creek watershed,” Blanchard predicted. “As stewards of our local watershed, we are proud to be leading this initiative and look forward to witnessing the long-term benefits it will bring to our community and the environment.”

The modifications include installation of six new or modified concrete weirs downstream

of the intake screen, each with a 12-inch drop height. An additional concrete weir will be placed upstream of the intake screens to provide grade control, set to a 6-inch drop height. There will be measures to provide improved habitat for juvenile steelhead rearing.

The upgraded ladder pools aim to create optimal leaping conditions and increase fish passage.

“Our goals are to ensure successful fish passage while enhancing operations, access and maintenance of the facility,” said SLVWD Manager Rick Rogers. n •••

San Lorenzo Valley Water District is the only water district in Santa Cruz County responsible for managing a year-round fish ladder.

Diane Dearinger

Grand Jury: County Mental Health Underfunded, Understaffed

Editor’s note: This is an edited version. To read the complete report, see https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/ GrandJury/GJ2023_final/2023-6_BHD_Report.pdf •••

The Grand Jury investigated the Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Agency to ascertain how well they were handling the additional demands on their services caused by the Covid pandemic.

It found the BHD to be seriously understaffed — as much as 30% — including management, clinicians and support staff.

It also found inadequate crisis stabilization capacity, lack of step-down capability for those released from jail, and insufficient outreach to the Latino/a community, but the BHD cannot be expected to improve in these areas without significantly more staff.

Statistics point to a disturbing reality. Santa Cruz has more homeless people per capita than anywhere else in California; some 2,300 residents are without housing. An estimated 37% of the BHD’s clients are homeless. About 67% of homeless residents experience chronic substance abuse, and 43% of BHD’s substance use disorder clients are involved with the criminal justice system.

The Grand Jury urgently recommends increasing

BHD’s staffing to meet the overwhelming demand for mental health services in this county.

It further recommends increasing capacity of the crisis stabilization program and transitioning the Mobile Emergency Response Teams for adults and youth to 24/7 availability.

It finally recommends improving service to marginalized populations, especially homeless people, those involved with the criminal justice system and the Latino/a community.

Background

The United States has been in the midst of a mental health crisis since long before the Covid pandemic, which has made it even worse. Mental health struggles and rates of substance use disorder have been dramatically escalating for more than two years in Santa Cruz County.

A longstanding shortage of mental health workers in the country, combined with the now increased demand for mental health services following the pandemic, has impacted all parts of the country, including Santa Cruz County.

What makes the problem even more pressing here is Santa Cruz has the highest number of homeless persons per capita in the state, along with a very high incidence of substance use disorder.

The County’s Behavioral Health Division is the primary provider of mental health care for low-income adults and children who lack private health care coverage.

BHD is one of four divisions of the Health Services Agency. BHD services are designed to address the most significant mental health needs of the County and to ensure services and access for all residents, with an emphasis and priority focus on serving individuals at highest risk for experiencing mental health service gaps and access barriers.

“Mental Health” page 16

Come see the new Style Line black vinyl window on display

A graphic of Encompass’ plan for the Si Se Puede Behavioral Health Center in Watsonville.

Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Returns to Skypark

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of our signature summer event the Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival. It will take place in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. The premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains that has something fun for everyone!

The festival is a two-day event and is always held on the third weekend in August; Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Festival goers can purchase their tasting kits early to receive a significant savings offered online only. The presale tickets will end the day before the festival on Friday, August 18th at 5pm. To take advantage of the discounts and to buy tickets and avoid the lines at

the festival, visit the festival website at svartfestival.com. Pre-sale tasting kits can be picked up at the will-call window.

There will be over 100 fabulous artists

and you can view the growing list on the festival website at svartfestival.com

The area’s most prestigious wineries that include: 37th Parallel Wines, Aptos Vineyard, Armitage Wines, Bargetto Winery, Hallcrest Vineyards, Integrity Wines, Inversion Wines, Kissed By An Angel Wines, Sones Cellars, Doon to Earth, Saison Winery, Wargin Wines and Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery.

The award-winning micro-breweries include: Highway 1 Brewing Company, Humble Sea Brewing Co., Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, La Cantina Brewing Co., Discretion Brewing, Buena Vista Brewing Co., Faultline Brewing Company, Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, Anzani Cider, and Unreal Brewing Company who will be pouring their best.

There will be culinary creations from Aroma Concessions, Aunt LaLi’s Treats, Big Bite, California Corn, River Dogs of Boulder Creek, Epoch Eats, Indonesian Satay PANA, Steve’s Shave Ice, Taquizas Gabriel and more to be announced!

The festival also includes a car show, the Cops ‘N Rodders on Saturday that benefits the Scotts Valley Police Department and the popular Bring Your Dog Day Sunday with pet tricks, costume, and look-a-like contests.

This year’s live entertainment schedule is as follows:

Saturday, August 19

10 a.m. — Bobbie Ward’s Performance Vocal Noon — Michael Gaither and His New Best Friends

1:30 p.m. — Beach Cowboys of Santa Cruz

4 p.m. — The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin

Sunday, August 20

10 a.m. — Scotts Valley Schools Talent show

11:30 a.m. — International Academy of Dance Competition and Performance

1 p.m. — Lyin’ I’s

3 p.m. — The Joint Chiefs

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Chamber Member Spotlight Empowering Hands Therapeutic Massage

Empowering Hands Therapeutic Massage has been serving the community since 2017. They are conveniently located at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive.

Their new facility has five treatment rooms and they have recently expanded retail selections,

offering the community a local space to shop for self-care products such as foam rollers and massage tools.

Their goal at Empowering Hands goes beyond providing a relaxing massage for clients. They aim to provide a safe healing environment to bring the body and mind back to optimal health through therapeutic bodywork.

Working with each client’s individual needs their therapists will develop a road map that will be customized to exactly what each client needs whether you are seeking a long-term treatment plan for chronic pain or are interested in finding the tension and

stress relief provided by occasional sessions.

Empowering Hands has received a number of awards for their excellent care. Empowering Hands Therapeutic Massage has a diverse staff trained in a variety of different modalities ready to partner with you through your health and wellness journey. They are equipped to work with a range of clients from athletes, pregnant women and the elderly. Visit their website — EmpoweringHandsMassage.com — to read more about each of our therapists or call them today at 831-888-7614 to schedule an appointment.

Scotts Valley Chamber New Member Spotlight: Sherry Scott

Isagenix International is a trusted and well-respected health and wellness company established in 2002 in Gilbert, Arizona. Sherry Scott joined the company in 2015, and she is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant.

Sherry’s past work experience includes Human Resource Management in high tech manufacturing, biotech, non-profit organizations, cosmetic franchise owner, crew manager and marketing associate for 3 faith-based films. When introduced to the Isagenix nutrition

line, she could not stop thinking about how she might help her family and others improve their health. Chronic illness is happening all too often. Food and diet can make a huge impact on reducing chronic illness — to quote Hippocrates… “Let food be thy medicine.”

Sherry is driven to help people feel better, look better if they choose, and age better. The Isagenix online products include weight management, natural beauty, daily nutrition, targeted health, and performance fitness. Sherry makes no claim to cure, heal

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

6000/mo 4BR/3.5BA 3-story Solar Townhome on Skyforest Way in The Grove in N. Scotts Valley. W/D. Garage. Small pet ok. Great commute location. Available NOW

$5350 3BR/2BA 2-story Beautifully Updated Home on El Camino in N. Scotts Valley. Lg yard. Central heat & 2 FP’s. W/D. Quiet neighborhood. No pets. Available NOW

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

$4300/mo 4BR/1.5BA Farmhouse with a large sunny yard on East Zayante in Felton. W/D Available NOW

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or prevent illness. If you’ve been thinking about improving your health in any way, contact Sherry to start the conversation. 702763-0529 | Sndscott78@gmail.com | http:// SherryScott1.isagenix.com

Sherry and husband Dale USAF (Ret) reside in beautiful Scotts Valley near their newest granddaughter. They have two grown sons.

Visit Sherry’s booth at the Art, Beer & Wine Festival in Sky Park August 19 & 20 for fun contests and prizes.

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Welcomes New Fire Chief

On behalf of the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that the Board unanimously voted to hire a new Fire Chief, Mark Correira. He brings with him extensive fire service experience, and we are confident

that he will be a valuable addition to our District.

Chief Correira comes to us from the City of Snoqualmie, Washington, where he has been the chief since 2014. Prior to that, Chief Correira worked for the Snohomish County Fire District for 16 years.

Please join me in welcoming him to our organization. His official start date was June 24.

Congratulations to Chief Correira!

•••

Congratulations to Fire Chief Whittle

On behalf of the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate Chief Ron Whittle on his impeccable nearly 40-year career.

Despite retiring at the end of last year, he agreed to stay on as the interim Fire Chief to help with the recruitment of the new Fire Chief, keep the district running,

Chief Mark Correira

Meet This Year’s Festival Poster Artist Cheyanne Donald

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce this year’s poster artist, Cheyanne Donald. Cheyanne is super excited to be sharing her art this year. “After feeling like all I do is make art for my cats, there’s a moment of, ‘oh man, people like me, they really like me!’”, says Cheyanne.

She says her art is based on “the feeling of things — places you know and love made into a vision of what I think they would be like if you knew them.”

Cheyanne describes her work as “a little dramatic, flirty, spooky, always fun, filled with historical and fun fact illustrations that are hidden in each piece.”

When asked to work on this year’s poster, she first jumped up and down excitedly, and then went to work on making sure all of the details that were asked of her were included, but also, that it had a reflection of how she creates, “telling a story and giving us an idea of the process, while hiding all the pieces in sight.”

Inspired by pop art, street art, nouveau, folk imagery and the movement of fashion illustration, she pushes her

ideas constantly and challenges herself to find something new to say each time she makes something, no matter how simple or complicated the image. She’s thrilled by a

unique color way, or a subject that makes her think differently than what’s just on the surface.

“There’s a hidden gem in everyday things, something to be explored, or dreamed of all the time,” says Cheyanne. “I never stop creating, even when I think I’m going to sleep, or eating dinner, my brain is constantly pulling from the experiences, people, animals and places that I’ve come across and what they would look like, feel like, be like as illustrations.”

Cheyanne says that she loves the feeling of pen to paper, ink and paints gliding across a canvas and the satisfaction of painting digitally. It’s all important, equal, and useful. There is no art or creative tool that she won’t use to get her vision across.

Be sure to come check out Cheyanne’s work at this year’s Scotts Valley Art Wine and Beer Festival. Her booth will be located at the very center of the Festival, marked with a star on the map.

Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

ParkRx Santa Cruz County

By Jondi Gumz

Now that the sun has finally come out, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the great outdoors and the fresh air to improve your health and the health of your family.

ParkRx is an international movement to prescribe parks, nature and programming to improve health. Japan has a tradition of “forest bathing,” spending

time in nature, a concept that traveled to Texas.

Locally, we have a plethora of city and county parks in Santa Cruz County — which are free to all — and we have ParkRxSantaCruzCounty.

At the website, medical practitioners will find a template prescription for their patients, which points out benefits such

as improving heart health, help control blood sugar, and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Backers include the Santa Cruz County Public Health’s CalFresh Healthy Living Program, County Park Friends, and Watsonville Parks and Community Services.

Spending two hours a week outdoors increases physical activity and can improve your health, research shows.

The power of this initiative is partnerships, said Mariah Roberts, executive director of County Park Friends.

The initiative is focused on working with two medical providers, Salud Para La Gente and Santa Cruz Community Health, with plans to expand as capacity allows.

“They have stepped up hugely,” said Jessica Beebe, community engagement and events supervisor for Watsonville Parks and Community Services of Salud Para La Gente. “We bring the programs.”

“How can we redesign the system to look at equity?” asked Kristal Caballero, a project director with Santa Cruz County Public Health.

Examples include free “Passport to Fun” programs that meet the needs of moms with multiple children, with the funding from the city of Watsonville. Another is to scheduling hosts to greet people coming for a walk in an unfamiliar location.

Transportation — riding the bus or filling up the gas tank to drive somewhere — is a barrier for some.

Another is that some parents are uncomfortable about bringing children to a beach or lake because they have not learned to swim and could not rescue their youngsters.

State parks have entry fees and parking charges, so even if people live close by, they may lack the resources for frequent visits.

Other medical providers can download a free tip sheet of talking points with patients, a wall poster for their clinic and an interactive map of all parks in Santa Cruz County. n

See https://www.parkrxsantacruzcounty. org/resources.html

“Mental Health” from page 10

This population includes individuals experiencing homelessness, those who do not speak English as their primary language, racial and ethnic minorities, low-income people and inmates released from county jails. Santa Cruz has continued to see increased community need for behavioral health services, especially for serving Spanish speaking residents and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The County has a complex network of preventive and mental health treatment options for adults and children. Approximately 34% of the services are provided directly by the County and 66% are provided by private contractors.

The BHD oversees many programs, including but not limited to the following:

Two county mental health clinics, one in North and one in South County ● A Crisis Stabilization Program for adults and children

● A 16-bed Psychiatric Health Facility for adults (opened for $15 million in 2013) ● Crisis response teams: Mobile Emergency Response Teams for Adults and Youth in North and South County, known as MERT and MERTY ● A mental health liaison program to local law enforcement ● Homeless support programs such as the Downtown Outreach Team ● A locally staffed 988 Suicide Crisis Line ● A 24-hour line for referrals to local mental health services ● Jail mental health program ● Residential step-down programs - sub acute and residential ● Case management services for severely mentally ill persons.

BHD’s annual budget to accomplish this is over $100 million, includin County money and State funding such as Medi-Cal.

Investigation: Goals Not Met

The Grand Jury began this investigation by examining documents that evaluated whether goals set by BHD for itself were met. It soon discovered nearly all goals were not met, even those representing very small improvement.

Of 14 goals in their Integrative Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Work Plan, FY 2021-2022, only two were met, and these were not directly related to service quality.

Goals not met included access to services, response times to service requests and cultural responsiveness.

In March 2023, BHD released a draft of their Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) FY 2023-2026 Three-Year Plan and FY 20232024 Annual Update.

This plan includes results of the Community Program Planning Process, a method of soliciting community input to identify local needs and funding priorities.

The results of this process are startling.

The plan states, “Community members and providers alike shared concerns about staffing shortages throughout the county system of care, including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and specialty mental health case managers.”

The report highlights the lack of enough beds in higher-level care facilities that can lead to people with serious mental illness repeatedly cycling through the system. Patients and families report delays

in receiving needed services, or inability to find services when they need them.

The report states that homeless people and those involved with the criminal justice system have unique needs and barriers, and experience long wait times to access BHD services.

Looking at the county’s Medi-Cal population, BHD serves a lower percentage of the eligible Latina/o residents than any other ethnic group.

The major service gaps became the focus of the Grand Jury’s investigation.

While the scope of mental health care overseen by the county is commendable, the complexity of the system, with each program having its own eligibility requirements, makes understanding and accessing services difficult for patients, especially marginalized people the County serves.

Gaps in continuing care are particularly difficult for these vulnerable persons. Studies show a delay in diagnosis, a delay in appropriate treatment, and a lack of continuity in care make achieving successful outcomes more difficult and increases the overall cost of mental health care.

Staffing Crisis

The Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division has a 30% staff vacancy rate.

At the time, 4 of the 10 director positions were vacant, filled by interim employees performing the tasks of at least two positions.

In response to critically low management staffing, the department hired a consultant to consider structural changes. There are vacancies at every level, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed mental health practitioners, and other direct service practitioners, especially bilingual staff.

Contractors providing mental health services for the county are reported to be struggling to fill open positions.

Behavioral Health and Personnel staff point to limited pools of applicants for licensed mental health clinicians.

Despite openings in all licensed mental health job classifications, there were no available candidates in the pipeline.

The BHD lacks analyst positions, which would allow them to analyze tracking data more efficiently, to evaluate contracts and to financially plan.

to expand to weekend coverage due to lack of staffing despite having funding.

Year over year Quality Improvement reports reference low staffing as the reason for not meeting performance goals.

Staff shortages impact contractors’ ability to meet contracted goals.

Telecare, the contractor that runs the only Crisis Stabilization Unit Program in the county, has frequently had to close admissions due to staff shortages.

These closures cause diversions to local hospital emergency rooms.

Multiple interviewees (all high-level managers) did not know who was responsible for oversight of each contract. This may be due to temporary staffing in these positions or unfamiliarity with the oversight hierarchy.

In response to behavioral health staffing shortage statewide, Gov. Newsom and the State Legislature have recently passed large initiatives focusing on more funding and more streamlined funding for mental health support.

But factors specific to Santa Cruz County heighten the staffing crisis:

Extremely high cost of living, especially housing, ● Increased competition with private and public mental health providers and hospitals, ● Competition with wealthier local counties, ● Lower salaries ● The difficulty of the work, and ● The large homeless population which makes delivering mental health treatment very challenging.

Multiple interviewees pointed to Santa Cruz County’s hiring practices and lower salaries as a barrier to being competitive. Some noted that it takes as long as two months between the interview and the final hire --these practices are outdated and out of alignment with current hiring practices.

They pointed to the need for more automated application processes and more responsiveness in updating hiring classifications to suit a younger workforce that wants more flexibility.

County Personnel Department

The County Personnel Department does not recognize a staffing shortage in Behavioral Health and maintains Behavioral Health salaries are locally competitive by pointing out that Santa Cruz County behavioral health salaries are average in comparison to six other Bay Area counties.

The closest county where workers can comfortably commute is Santa Clara, where in 2020, they paid Sr. Mental Health Specialists $10,000 more per year.

While some hiring incentives have been introduced for psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physicians and medical directors, there are no incentives for licensed mental health practitioners such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Marriage, Family and Child Counselors.

Santa Clara County has a $5,000 signing bonus, loan repayment, workforce tuition, and public service loan forgiveness for open MFCC and LCSW positions. Recruitment and retention is a problem.

It is difficult to recruit and retain people in a county with the second highest housing costs in the nation without commensurate salaries. UC Santa Cruz does not offer master’s degree programs in psychology or social work. San Jose State University and Cal State University Monterey Bay are the nearest universities to offer these degrees. Interviewees pointed to the need to develop connections to these university programs such as internships or stipends to strengthen the professional pipeline for licensed and unlicensed mental health clinicians in Santa Cruz County

Crisis Stabilization Crisis

Crisis stabilization services are needed for people who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis. These services assess a patient’s mental health status, providing the initial steps in diagnosis, treatment, and determination of their mental health needs.

While MERT and MERTY can provide some screening in the field, this initial evaluation is meant to be provided by the Crisis Stabilization Program at the Psychiatric Healthcare Facility or PHF. A patient may stay up to 24 hours in the CSP which is considered an outpatient setting. Since an overnight stay is not allowed, patients are considered to be in chairs, not beds. If a patient is deemed to not be gravely disabled or a threat to themself or others, they can be discharged to outpatient care. Otherwise they remain on a mental health hold, known as a 5150 for adults and a 5585 for minors.

This is an involuntary 72-hour mental health hospitalization, which for adults could be at our PHF if beds are available.

The County’s CSP and PHF are operated by Telecare, a company based in Alameda and has been treating mental illness since 1965.

Critically low staffing levels have had a negative impact on access to and quality of treatment.

From interviews the Grand Jury learned that the Crisis teams—the Mobile Emergency Response Team (MERT) and the Mobile Emergency Response Team for Youth (MERTY)—are frequently understaffed by as much as 50% and are unable

2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The Personnel Department does not regularly conduct competitive analysis of salaries, only as needed or prior to negotiations with the union.

In trying to verify the hiring practices, the Grand Jury was told the Personnel Department does not collect data by department such as Time to Hire, Acceptance Rates, Turnover Rates, and Retention Rates. They only collect data for the county as a whole, so they have very little means for analysis by department. Data collection about hiring is left to each department. What they did report is that “a typical process could be 30-90 days.”

Santa Cruz County is the primary provider of mental health crisis stabilization services for all adults and children, regardless of payor class.

Unfortunately, the demand for acute crisis services often exceeds the capacity of the 12-chair CSP and 16-bed PHF. Capacity depends on the number of chairs/beds and staffing available.

Since the facility often lacks the capacity to take new patients, patients are diverted to the Emergency Department of local hospitals.

In 2022 the average number of CSP patients at the Dominican ED was 29.1 per month, and at the Watsonville ED 8.8 per month.

Patients may have to wait up to 24 hours in the ED to be evaluated. This evaluation can be performed by MERT or MERTY. However, these teams are available only from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Efforts to expand have been hampered by staffing shortages.

Outside those hours, hospitals must rely on their own resources to assess the patient. If the patient cannot be released for outpatient mental health follow-up, the arrangement for a 5150 or 5585 psychiatric inpatient stay becomes the responsibility of the hospital.

This placement can take days and is generally outside of our county, since our PHF is often full.

According to the nonprofit Treatment Advocacy Center our current 16-bed PHF falls far short of the number of beds needed to serve this county’s population. They estimated 50 beds are needed per 100,000 population, which means that for the county’s population of about 270,000, there should be about 135 beds, vastly more than are actually available.

Even considering the County’s efforts to treat patients in the least restrictive environment, more beds are needed.

The occupied ED bed negatively impacts the hospital’s ED, which is already very busy dealing with patients who do not have a mental health emergency.

Patients brought into the ED by law enforcement require continuous supervision by an officer to protect against violence or possible escape until a mental health assessment. This practice not only ties up an ED bed but also pulls law enforcement away from other critical duties.

The patient’s assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is delayed when they are diverted to an ED.

Psychiatric Healthcare Facility Issues

The current PHF is a free-standing facility and is therefore limited to 16 beds to be eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare reimbursement for services.

Since there has not been a separate unit for children or youths needing crisis support, up to four of the 12 CSP chairs at the PHF have been held for youths under 18. However, patients under 18 who need inpatient psychiatric treatment must ultimately be placed in a facility outside of our county, since our current PHF is for adults only. The County has acquired a building in Live Oak and plans to open a psychiatric healthcare facility specifically for children and youth, which will include 8 CSP chairs and 16 inpatient beds, by late 2024 or early 2025. (This is a $15.2 million project.)

Unfortunately, starting on July 1, 2023, patients under 18 will no longer be accepted at the current PHF for CSP services. While this will free up four chairs in the CSP, the BHD says the total number of chairs at the adult CSP will remain 12.

To minimize the potential 18-month gap in youth crisis care, the BHD is trying to open a temporary four-chair CSP for children and youths by the fall of 2023.

Due to ongoing issues at the PHF run by Telecare, the County sent out a request for proposals to see if other vendors could run the current adult CSP/PHF programs. While about a dozen groups received information about the RFP, as of the March Mental Health Advisory Board meeting, only one group had responded.

Some in the Health Service Agency feel that many groups did not submit a proposal due to the staffing challenges in this county.

In February this year, the County increased payment to Telecare, because they have had to increase their wages to attract and retain clinical staff.

Since that time, the percentage of time the CSP is diverted to the hospital ED has been falling.

In the final quarter of 2022, the diversion rate for children was 86.7%, and for adults 44%. During February through April 2023, this dropped to 50.3% for children and 11.8% for adults.

Presumably, this means the diversion rate is also falling. However, factors such as seasonal variation may affect demand.

High-Cost Beneficiaries

The FY 2021-2022 Medi-Cal Specialty Behavioral Health External Quality Review revealed that Santa Cruz County has three times the number of mental health High-Cost Beneficiaries than the state average for calendar years 2018 through 2020.

This review defined a HCB as a MediCal patient who has approved treatment claims of $30,000 or more in one year.

There are many possible reasons. High cost of care typically occurs when a beneficiary requires intensive treatment repeatedly. This may result from failure to provide timely appropriate care, especially step-down care.

HCBs occupy treatment slots and may cause a cascading effect on other beneficiaries, who in turn cannot receive sufficient care. This places them at risk of becoming a high utilizer themselves.

External auditors found through analysis of our Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health plan billing and claims data that our county’s Medi-Cal beneficiaries received more crisis stabilization and intervention services than the statewide average.

The auditors postulated this was in part due to the “robust” crisis stabilization and intervention services the County of Santa Cruz provides compared to other counties.

However, it was also reported that the County pays for the transfer of a patient from our CSP to an out-of-county inpatient psychiatric facility and pays 100% of the cost for that care for a Medi-Cal beneficiary. Since the County does not receive the Federal match for any Medi-Cal outof-county care, the shortage of in-patient psychiatric beds in this county hurts the County financially.

It is not clear if the high cost of crisis stabilization and intervention services is due to the “robust” services, number of patients sent out of the county for treatment, or other factors.

Watsonville Behavioral Health Center

In spite of the severe staffing issues and in addition to the planned Live Oak facility, there is some really good news. Encompass Community Services has just been awarded more than $9 million in state funds to support continued development of a new South County mental health facility, the Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center, a $14 million project to be built at 161 Miles Lane, Watsonville.

Encompass is the county’s largest community-based behavioral health and human services provider, offering counseling, substance use recovery, and housing for mental health patients.

Groundbreaking will commence in 2023 on the new facility with 7 new residential substance-use disorder treatment beds specifically for the 18-25 years old, and 30 residential treatment beds in total. There will also be 106 annual outpatient treatment slots available and the center will have capacity to serve an estimated 1,300 community members annually.

Encompass has partnered with nonprofit developer MidPen Housing to include a 72-unit affordable housing development on the forthcoming health campus.

Learn more about the project at https:// www.sisepuedecenter.org/.

Step-Down Care

Behavioral Health’s FY 2021-2022

Quality Management Plan outlines significant capability to support patients leaving mental health care either as an outpatient or from an inpatient psychiatric facility.

Their Assertive Community Treatment Team provides intensive, wrap-around case management services for patients returning to the community from locked psychiatric care. The goal is to support their psychiatric stabilization, successful transition back into the community, increase independent living skills and decrease the need for locked care.

BHD works with Encompass, which runs the El Dorado Center, a communitybased, short-term treatment program for individuals who may be stepping down from locked care. An intensive structured residential program, EDC is an unlocked, home-like environment facilitating the healing process in preparation to transition back to community living. Staff provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, structured activities, community outings, and assistance with independent living skills and connecting to the community.

Encompass’s funding from the County was recently increased by $1.7 million to a total of $9.4 million. (This is separate from the funding for the new Watsonville facility described above, and is in addition to Behavioral Health funding.)

Encompass also runs programs for anyone diagnosed with mental illness, including treatment, counseling, emergency shelter, case management, outreach and education, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing.

Some interviewees noted the lack of step-down facilities, and the consequent need for BHD to repeat treatment because the patient relapses.

Behavioral Health’s Draft Three-Year Plan notes that for people with serious mental illness, a lack of enough beds in higher-level care facilities can lead to a “revolving door of insecurity, including jail and street life.” Some patients are sent to other California counties, which is expensive. Others are released from inpatient psychiatric care with no follow-up care.

Homelessness

About37% of BID clients are homeless. There were 2,167 people unhoused in Santa Cruz County in 2019, and 2,299 people unhoused in 2022.

Nationally, 26% of homeless people self-identify as severely mentally ill.

“Mental Health” page 18

Planets Guarding & Guiding Humanity Each Day & Into the Night

Everything in heaven is reflected on Earth. There is a relationship between the planets and the days of the week. Planets and stars carry frequencies that influence all aspects of our lives.

Each day of the week is named after a planet. And each planet is a Lord whose forces and energies offer us experiences and opportunities. Therefore each day of the week, like each one of us, is distinct and unique. The planets guard, direct, expand and guide humanity. Here is a list of the days of the week and their planetary rulers.

Sunday — the Sun’s (Ray 1) Day. A golden day of rest, reflection, ease, comfort and contemplating the week ahead. We do the Sun Salutation (yoga).

Monday — the moon (Ray 4) watches over humanity calling us to nourish and nurture ourselves and others. Previously, Monday was wash day.

Tuesday — Mars (Ray 6) all actions, hopes, dreams, wishes are expressed with kindness, and in a rhythmic regulatory way, creating Goodwill which uplifts and transforms all that it touches.

Wednesday — Mercury’s day. With Mercury (Ray 4 of Harmony

ARIES

Being creative is a self-identity. Creativity seeks you every moment, calling you to initiate new endeavors that respond to all the changes coming your way in terms of work, how you’re recognized, relationships and self-identity, which is more than you think. Observe everything with calmness. Tend to health with a focus on proper digestion (probiotics, enzymes, green foods, etc.). Stand at the center of dispassion with heart aflame yet still.

TAURUS

Something at home and something about your relationship must hold your focused attention. There’s much to be done here. Ask yourself what the bigger picture is concerning your life, home, geography, relationships, partnerships. Careful if working in the hot sun. You may not be absorbing enough water. Maintain proper and adequate electrolytes each day. Something challenges you, calling you to consider other realities. Cultivate joy. It changes others.

GEMINI

Mercury, the Messenger is your personal planet that guards and guides Gemini. A line of love light streams from the star Sirius directly into your mind and heart. It creates a framework within that unifies all dualities and polarities but only if you love (Ray 2) more, which happens when enough information has been gathered. Study and gather facts on finances, resources, gold and silver, land, gardens, and foods that sustain.

CANCER

Communication may be difficult and you may feel anger and frustration. Simultaneously others could be acting out those feelings for you. There’s a situation with money. Whatever you offer a gate opens. Always what you give is returned tenfold. That’s a cosmic law. Is there a wound or hurt occurring? Something you don’t understand and it’s limiting you? A cold laser light would help.

emerging out of conflict and chaos) we come upon new ideas, learn new things, talk a lot, apply discernment to all thoughts, words and actions.

Thursday — Jupiter’s day of Love/Wisdom (Ray 2). Jupiter teaches us to be loving, expansive, wise and generous. The New Group of World Servers prepare in meditation for the Reappearance of Christ (Aquarian World Teacher whose precipitation begins 2025). Chaos and conflicts in the world always presage the appearance of a World Teacher, carrying a fiery sword and the Rule of Law.

Friday — Venus (Ray 5 of Truth, (unbiased) Science and Concrete Knowledge) guides us towards beauty and kindness. Venus unifies all separations. Our God came from Venus. (which begins to retrograde July 23 this year).

Saturday — Saturn (Ray 3 of Divine Intelligence), the Teacher, who guarded and guided the Jewish people through their 40 years in the desert. Saturn is the Dweller on the Threshold (karma) seeking the Angels of the Presence (Venus). We learn more, clarify all matters, complete our past week with gratitude under Saturn. n

Each day we are guided by these planets. At the end of each day, reviewing our day, we see that our days were good. Then we sleep.

LEO

Sitting amidst your Sun is the past offering you an opportunity to consider forgiveness as a healing path. Gratitude is walking hand in hand with forgiveness. These ask that you value every person, event and occurrence in your life. When you’re able to understand and work on this, a new breath of life fills you and anything that restricts and obstructs disappears. You are free.

VIRGO

As you begin new projects, navigate through them slowly, allowing yourself deep rest so your physical body, emotions and mind can restructure, integrate fresh thoughts, ideas and new realities. We need this reorientation several times in our lives so new values and inner resources can emerge from spiritual sources. There is a deep gestation occurring within. It’s the Soul seeking to more fully direct your personality. Just say yes ... and a magical transformation happens.

LIBRA

You jump between home and work, attempting to be fully present in both. Emotions pull you home for there is a deep need for rest. Both home and work offer comfort in different ways. Daily life seems complicated at times with relationships ever-shifting. Are you stretched out on a cross, attention called in multiple directions? Nothing’s consistent. You’re learning how to navigate the waters of change. Return to the foundations of your upbringing. Understanding slowly emerges.

SCORPIO

Try not to be careless when communicating about people’s lives. Maintain ethics within the constant variations of reality. Your values have shifted so now you’re evaluating interactions. This is good. Home is dissolving and coming together simultaneously, so you seek comfort within groups. A wound seems to come from the past/future settling in the present. Don’t worry about these strange occurrences. They are normal in times of reorientation.

SAGITTARIUS

There is a need to focus on finances, valuations, money and resources. Questions appear concerning what it is you truly value. It’s good to create a list of values and principles concerning all aspects of life; personal, professional, political, public, possessions, people. Who do you value? And why? What do you value, in terms of relationships and communication? And why? Your inner self needs to be discovered more deeply and so these questions are posed. Pluto in Aquarius is asking.

CAPRICORN

An illumination, a fruition, a completion and then a new beginning occurs simultaneously. Do you (like Libra) feel stretched upon a cross, called in four directions? The direction of others, of partnerships, colleagues; of work and being recognized in the world, of home, family and daily realities, and finally yourself (where are you)? This can all feel very complex. Acknowledge all realities. Place an angel at each of the four directions in your home and garden. Stand at the center of the cross and willingly, intelligently and lovingly direct those angels to assist you.

AQUARIUS

Each day seems filled with responsibilities, tasks, errands, restorations, healing and strivings for the purpose of comfort, care and nurturance. On the other hand a dreaminess seems to permeate your days and nights. Your choices and relationships become more important and you wonder if you need to learn new and different communication skills. The answer is yes. Ones that are less strict and more conciliatory. Listen deeply to what others are saying. Reflect their words back to them. This has magical results.

PISCES

As you step more into the world, new abilities are called forth that awaken both your sense of self-identity and your ability to direct, teach, work with and serve others. All of these “others” need nurturing. They are the “little ones” (seekers). And you’re the one recognized as having the needed teaching and nurturing qualities. You may feel a great tension and unease of not being in the right place. Yet you must continue forward. Something will change soon. Quietly and bravely carry on.

“Mental Health” from page 17

Locally, 67% are experiencing chronic substance abuse. Just being homeless is associated with declines in mental and physical health.

Homeless persons experience high rates of HIV infection, tuberculosis, and other conditions as well as the mental illness and substance use disorder that contributed to their homelessness.

A homeless person may enter mental health treatment, but have nowhere to live upon completion if an inpatient, or during treatment if an outpatient.

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 nonprofits provide is all consuming.

A person needs secure housing before they can be expected to take an active role in dealing with their mental health. There is a huge need for permanent supportive housing.

In their Draft Three-Year Plan, BHD reports that “some of those with the least financial resources are those who need services the most.” They identify “unhoused populations” among their service gaps.

Newly Released Inmates

Some 43% of BHD substance use patients are involved with the criminal justice system.

About 40% of jail inmates have been diagnosed with mental illness.The jail provides some discharge care for released inmates and may coordinate with BHD if the inmate was a former patient.

The 6-7 month wait for a bed in the state mental health system means an inmate needing in-patient care is out of luck.

The Public Defender’s Office runs some programs to help inmates get the services they need. They also coordinate with BHD, but the effort is severely underfunded.

In their Draft Three-Year Plan, BHD identifies “ Incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people with mental health needs” among their service gaps. 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. This is in spite of the “mental health liaison program to local law enforcement” and “Jail mental health program” they claim on their website. (A warm handoff means that jail staff introduces the inmate to the outpatient provider rather than just providing a referral. A lack of warm handoff to therapists, outpatient providers, and ensuring sufficient medications can pose challenges to clients’ continuity of care.

This year’s Civil Grand Jury investigated Santa Cruz County’s jails and found a high recidivism rate -- around 60% -- for individuals released from jail. Released inmates with mental illness or SUD have much higher recidivism rates than those without.

Many released inmates get in trouble with the law again and go right back into the criminal justice system because that is the only easy option for them. Anti recidivism programs do work, but are underfunded and inadequate. The Jail report recommends increased funding for anti recidivism programs, including increasing funding for Behavioral Health to support released inmates.

Latino/a Use of Services

Latinos/as in South County Santa Cruz have experienced mental health problems due to lower incomes, housing uncertainty, documentation status, language barriers, and cultural differences. Nevertheless, according to Medi-Cal data, the percentage of Latinos/as in Santa Cruz County seeking mental health services is less than any other ethnic group and lower than the state average for this ethnic population.

There are probably multiple factors involved, but historically, investment in South County has been less than in North County. South County previously used a converted building with no private space for treatment. However, an outpatient building for mental health services in Watsonville was opened in 2018.

The new Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center in Watsonville will make the distribution of mental health facilities in the County more equitable.

Outreach to the Latino/a community has historically been less successful than to other populations. While outreach efforts have improved for South County in the recent past, more could be done. The limited availability of bilingual and bicultural services is the main issue.

Cultural competency, as well as language, is important in encouraging people to seek and undergo needed mental health treatment.

Currently, the County provides an increase in pay of $1. per hour for Level One bilingual services and $1.35 per hour for Level Two bilingual services.

Level One is the ability to converse in the second language and to translate English into the second language. Level Two is the ability to converse in the second language, to read the second language, to translate the second language orally into English, and to write in the second language. At the present time this bilingual pay differential is available only for Spanish.

Unfortunately, in spite of this pay incentive, the County has a shortage of practitioners who are bilingual Spanish speakers. Some of the farmworkers are indigenous immigrants from southern Mexico and speak Mixteco, which is different from Spanish.

The Grand Jury understands that covering all languages is impossible but more qualified interpreters are needed.

In North County, homelessness plays a big role in the services needed, while in South County the focus is more likely to be on youths and families. Understanding the family unit is important in providing mental health services, especially in South County. This emphasizes

the importance of bicultural awareness beyond bilingual services.

Mental Health Conclusion

The longstanding and serious staffing shortage at the Behavioral Health Division is a contributing factor to all the issues in this report, such as lack of stepdown capability, services for marginalized groups including homeless persons, those involved with the criminal justice system and racial minorities.

Until the staffing level is significantly improved, expecting improved service in any of these areas is unreasonable.

The Grand Jury typically recommends an increase in funding when an agency has more responsibilities than budget, even while understanding that if there were funding available to increase the budget, this would already have been done.

In this case, however, not only are County residents not getting adequate mental health services, the cost to the County is also higher because patients sometimes need to repeat treatment.

Recommendations

Staffing

Competitive salaries and hiring incentives should be put in place for all vacant Behavioral Health Division (BHD) positions that don’t already have them. The BHD should consider the salaries and hiring incentives offered by Santa Clara County as a guide -- such as hiring bonuses, loan repayment, public service loan repayment, and workforce tuition. The Personnel Department must plan for increases in salary and incentives by the end of 2023 with the goal of including them in the next budget cycle.

The County Personnel Department should:

Plan to do an analysis of the hiring process for BHD positions and put measures into place to reduce the time it takes to hire by at least half. They should streamline the process and make use of upto-date automated processes by the end of 2023.

Institute an annual competitive analysisby th end of 2023 for all open BHD positions that includes consideration of the extraordinarily high cost of living in Santa Cruz, benefits and incentives.

Develop connections and internships with nearby universities that have Psychology and Social Work programs to groom a clinical workforce. A plan should be completed by the end of 2023.

Crisis Stabilization

To eliminate the frequent offloading of the Behavioral Health Division clients to local hospital emergency departments, the Board of Supervisors and BHD should by the end of 2023 evaluate ways to increase the number of Crisis Stabilization Program chairs and psychiatric beds available, which may include planning for another adult Psychiatric Healthcare Facility.

The Behavioral Health Division should:

• Improve staffing and expand coverage to 24/7 by the Mobile Emergency Response Team and the Mobile

Emergency Response Team for Youth by the end of 2023.

• Ensure a smooth transition plan and back-up plan for the treatment of children and youths from the current Crisis Stabilization Program to the planned new facility in Live Oak other than diverting them to emergency departments. This should be completed by Sept. 30.

Step-Down

The Behavioral Health Division should request sufficient funding from the County to provide adequate step-down care so patients do not relapse and need yet more care. This request should be in place by the end of 2023.

Latino/a Services

The Behavioral Health Division should continue to improve bilingual/bicultural outreach to the Latino/a population, including whether any language besides Spanish reaches the threshold to warrant

offering the bilingual pay differential. Improvements should be in place by the end of 2023.

The Behavioral Health Division should review recruitment and retention of bilingual staff, including an increase to the current bilingual pay differential by the end of 2023.

Commendations

The Grand Jury commends the Behavioral Health Division:

For development of a psychiatric healthcare facility for children and youths which will provide much needed mental health services for this population. For efforts to develop a wide range of crisis care services not routinely offered in similar-sized counties, including Mobile Emergency Response Teams for adults and youth, a Crisis Services Program, and a Psychiatric Health Facility. n

Independence Day

68. Opposite of #17 Across

Go for the gold

70. “Silas Marner” author

71. Mexican money

72. Not yang

73. Down and out

1. ____ constrictor, anagram

2. Word on a door

3. Duet plus one

4. Angry

5. Large California bird

6. Smelting waste

7. Stuff of inflation

8. Adagio and allegro, e.g.

9. German city on Rhine river

10. Con

11. Not of the cloth

12. Down with a bug

15. ____ someone ____ bed

20. Satirical publication, with The 22. Calligrapher’s purchase

24. *”From the ____ forest to the Gulf Stream waters”

25. *Old ____

26. Waterwheel

27. Hymn of praise

29. *Popular decoration

31. *”Rockin’ in the USA” band

32. Certain church member

33. Yiddish busybody

34. Theater guide 36. Kind of rock

38. Heroic tale

42. B on Mendeleev’s table

45. “Where ____ is heard a discouraging word...”

49. Sushi restaurant staple

51. Shiny cotton

54. High-strung

56. Car rack manufacturer

57. Charlie Chaplin’s prop

58. “Oh, my!”

59. Agrippina’s slayer 60. “I’ll second that” 61. Great Lake 62. State of mind

One in a litter 65. *King George ____ 67. Farm structure © Statepoint

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

The 2023 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival needs volunteers.

Volunteer shifts will begin early on Friday, Aug. 18 to help with set up, such as tents, signage, tables, chairs, checking in festival artists and wineries and assisting them on to the field at Skypark. A team of volunteers is needed to help on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20 during the main event.

Volunteer shifts include: Festival set up (Friday) • Meet and greet festival goers, hand out programs • Check ID’s and & Drink Bracelets • Artist assistants • Parking Lot assistance • Kid Zone • Cops N Rodder’s Car Show (Saturday only) • Doggy Day (Sunday only) • Tear Down (Sunday afternoon)

All volunteers will receive: Festival T-Shirt • Food and Drinks during your shift • Volunteers over 21 will receive a festival glass and drink ticket • Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation Party

To sign up go to https://svartwinebeerfest.regfox.com/2023volunteer-registration

CABRILLO COLLEGE NAME CHANGE INPUT

The Cabrillo College Board Name Exploration Subcommittee has added two Zoom meetings for community feedback on Cabrillo’s name change, to complement the two remaining in-person meetings at Cabrillo’s Watsonville Center, 318 Union St. (6 p.m. Wednesday, June 28) and Felton Library (6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12). Here are the links: Thursday, July 13, Zoom link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/86103659537

Wednesday, July 19, Zoom link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/86103659537

All community members are invited. At each forum, attendees can discuss the top 5 finalists, ask questions about the process, and vote on their favorites. The 5 names (in alphabetical order) are: Aptos College, Cajastaca College, Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, and Seacliff College.

A survey on Cabrillo’s Name Exploration website (and published in local media) gave community members a place to suggest new names and to volunteer on a task force to narrow down the list.

More than 1,500 responses generated 350 viable names. The 23-member task force, which included indigenous scholars and native Spanish speakers, narrowed the list to 5 names presented at the first community forum in Aptos.

The community can vote for their favorite and donate to support the name change at: https://www.cabrillo. edu/governing-board/name-exploration-subcommittee/.

WANT TO HELP HORSES?

Want to do a good deed?

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center in LaSelva Beach needs the support of our community and has put together a wish list. Every little bit helps a lot.

The center is located at at 475 Eucalyptus Way and open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (831) 761-1142 for more information.

•••

Wish List

Paper products: Paper towels, napkins, disposable utensils, disposable cups, and plates, Bathroom Products: TP, hand sanitizer, hand soap, wipes, disposable seat covers

Furniture: bean bag chairs for calming and postseizure napping

Basic cleaning supplies: spray cleaners, sponges, brooms, mops, wet Swiffer mop refills

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

General Maintenance: hoses, regular lawn sprinklers, leftover paint, lumber, gravel, sand Supply gift cards: Home Depot, Costco, Corralitos

Feed, San Lorenzo Lumber

BBQ: Industrial waterproof gas iPads or Laptops: in good condition

MUSIC AT SKYPARK

The Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley proudly presents 2023 Music at Skypark Summer Concerts

Aug. 27 and Sept. 24 at Skypark. Kids’ activities. Food concessions.

Aug. 27: Vintage motorcycle show, 10 a.m. to noon. Music 1:30-5 p.m. SambaDa and Wolf Jett

Sept. 24: Noon to 5 p.m. Elisabeth Carlisle Band, Arena, The Joint Chiefs.

Proceeds go towards music programs at local high schools and middle schools.

SOROPTIMISTS AT SC SHAKESPEARE

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will be renting cushions, beach chairs and blankets on cold nights at all 50 of the Santa Cruz Shakespeare shows in the Audrey Stanley Grove in Delaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, beginning July 8.

Potential members or others interested in learning more about the Club’s work and activities are invited to visit the rental booth and talk to a member.

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fund-raiser and a portion is shared with Santa Cruz Shakespeare. For information, see www.best4women.org, This year’s season: The Book of Will, Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear. The shows run July 8 through Aug. 27. For the schedule, see www.santacruzshakepeare.org

SCOTTS VALLEY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

2nd and 4th Saturday: Scotts Valley Branch Library Ping Pong Club noon to 2 p.m.

•••

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

Friday, July 7:Traveling Lantern Theatre Company: Rhonda Appleseed and the Tree that Learned How to Speak -3–4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 11: Find Your Poetry Voice! (Tweens 6-12) with Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatemi. 2—3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18: Find Your Voice, Kids Karaoke, sing your favorite songs, 3–4 p.m.

Thursday, July 20: Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom 4–5 p.m.

Tuesday July 25: Find Your Voice storytelling workshop, 3–4:30 p.m.

Details: www.santacruzpl.libcal.com

CALL TO ARTISTS

An artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for the new Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center in Santa Cruz County. The budget for the project is $91,000. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 14.

The center will be located at 5300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, next to the Sheriff’s Public Safety Center, in an existing 30,220-square-foot commercial building to be redesigned and renovated to create a Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and the county’s first short-term residential therapeutic program.

Currently, there are no inpatient programs for youth who live in Santa Cruz County

The facility, when completed, will be operated by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.

Youth experiencing an acute emotional and psychiatric crisis will get help in their own county.

A “Call to Artists” includes detailed information about the RFP process, maps of potential public art locations, and a sample contract are available on the County Parks website: https://www. scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx

LEADERSHIP SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Leadership Santa Cruz County is accepting applications for its 2023/2024 program. This will mark the organization’s 37th year with more than 1,600 alumni. This is a great opportunity to learn about the many facets of our county’s cultures and institutions.

Participants are introduced to an array of community and civic experiences, with topics such as housing, education, criminal justice, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and the arts.

Class members have the opportunity to meet many decision-makers in business, government, and nonprofits. The program runs from September 2023 through June 2024 with an orientation in August 2023.

MUSIC, MOVIES AND MORE AT THE BOARDWALK

Ongoing thru 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.

July 6 FAST TIMES • July 13 SANTA CRUDA • July 20 TSUNAMI

BAND • July 27 THE DEADLIES • Aug. 3 4TO PRES-TIGIO • Aug. 10 PACIFIC ROOTS

Fridays, 9 p.m. — Movies will screen on the beach in front of the Colonnade.

July 7 LABYRINTH July 14 SELENA • July 21 MINIONS: THE RISE of GRU+ July 28 TOP GUN: MAVERICK • Aug. 4 SHREK • Aug. 11 THE NEVERENDING STORY Daily Entertainment: Ongoing thru Aug. 11 from Noon-6 p.m. Shows on the Colonnade stage in front of the Pirate Ship at 12

Pop-up performance near Logger’s Revenge

For current schedule, visit: beachboardwalk.com/shows

To learn more and apply, see https://www.leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/

SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE?

If you suspect elder abuse, reach out to the Santa Cruz County Adult Protective Services for support by calling (831) 454-4101 or by visiting santacruzhumanservices. org/AdultLongTermCare. Your report is confidential.

“The County is here to help,” said Melissa Villalobos, a licensed social worker, and an Adult Protective Services Program manager. “We might think it doesn’t happen in our community or even in our family, but it can. Fortunately, families going through this are not alone.”

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.

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:

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

FREE SWIMS AT SIMPKINS

Various times, Simpkins Pool, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Simpkins Pool will host a free swim on Tuesday, July 4, from noon to 4 p.m., and again on Labor Day, Sept. 7. On Saturday, July 29, Simpkins Pool will host a free family fun day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, bounce houses, and food trucks.

Info: scparks.com

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: 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.

July 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

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

July 7: Ancestree w/opener Hijinx

July 14: The Rayburn Brothers

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

Saturday July 1

THINK LOCAL FIRST JOINS SANTA CRUZ VOICE AT APTOS FARMERS’ MARKET

9 a.m.-Noon, Farmers’ Market, Cabrillo College. Think Local First and Santa Cruz Voice streaming radio will host a live Roadshow Remote broadcast in celebration of our local food community from the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market at Cabrillo College in Aptos.

Santa Cruz County is home to one of the most productive local food communities in the world, and Think Local First and Santa Cruz Voice believe that is worth celebrating.

Market CEO Catherine Barr says the July 4 weekend market is the biggest of the year, and the broadcast will feature as many of the market’s farmers as possible. Tune in at www.santacruzvoice.com

Tuesday July 4

SCOTTS VALLEY 4TH OF JULY PARADE & FLYOVER

1 p.m., Scotts Valley Drive between Carbonero Way and El Pueblo Drive

Scotts Valley is celebrating 4th of July with a Community Parade and Spectacular Flyover on Scotts Valley Drive.

BASTILLE DAY AT BOOMERIA!

Saturday July 8

1–5 p.m., 60 Verde Dr., Bonny Doon Boomeria’s annual celebration of Bastille Day, replete with wine, dance, and music of ages past will be 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the stunning Chapel Royale in Bonny Doon.

Preston Boomer’s unique estate in the Bonny Doon redwoods houses a large Baroque-style, trackeraction pipe organ, on which expert organists will perform their art.

Santa Cruz Brass Ensemble and the Bonny Doon Baroque consort provide musical delights, including Martin Gaskell’s Ceremonial Music for Organ and Brass.

Costumed Baroque-era dancing adds to the spectacle. Inquisitive minds can satisfy their curiosity about the organ’s workings by making the ‘organ crawl.’ Delicious snacks and fine wines.

Tickets are $59 presale at https://tinyurl.com/Boomeria-Bastille-Day-BD-2023 and $70 at the door.

Directions: 60 Verde Drive is located off Empire Grade Road, 10 miles past UCSC west gate, past Pine Flat, past Conifer Lane. LEFT on Vick Drive, go past Molina & Robles, down the hill. House chapel on the right.

Visit https://scbaroque.org or contact General Manager Kate Smit at manager@santacruzbaroquefestival.org or call 831-457-9693 for more information.

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 is not able to provide the fireworks this year, but the Parade and Flyover will continue. 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.

www.scottsvalley.gov

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & MORE

Events start at 7 a.m.

Boulder Creek has celebrated with a July 4th parade for generations! This is one of the Boulder Creek Business Association’s favorite events!

The Boulder Creek Fire District will serve up their famous pancake breakfast at 7 to noon (while supplies last). Prices: $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Highway 9. This year, a block party with vendors and a band will begin after the parade has ended. There will be vendor booths and events throughout the day.

Highway 9 will remain closed until 2 p.m., allowing folks to safely wander through vendor tables and dance to the band at the grandstand.

Kids can pan for gold in the San Lorenzo River from noon to 3 p.m. for $5.

The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District will host their annual BBQ at Junction Park from noon to 5 p.m., with music by Ancestree and Kerry Wing of Pacific Vibration, food and fun!

FIRECRACKER RACES

8 a.m., Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz

The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise announce the full Firecracker race is in its 38th year.

That means all three courses will be available: 10K, 5K, and a Kid’s 1K Fun Run at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz, on the morning of July 4th.

What a great way to kick off a holiday celebration of our nation’s Independence Day!

Runners on the 10K will take on the challenging “Thrill of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before topping out on the Spring Trail that winds through the beautiful meadow by UCSC before dropping down into the neighborhoods before returning to Harvey West Park.

5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained in the Harvey West Business Park area. The 5K course is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible. Everyone ends up in beautiful Harvey West Park for great music, post-race burritos and awards.

Entry fees are 10K, $45, 5k, $40 and kids 1k, $20. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruzFIrecracker10Kand5K

Saturday July 8

Saturday July 15

INTERMEDIATE PRUNING FOR ORNAMENTALS CLASSES

10 a.m.–Noon, Watsonville Demonstration Garden, 1432 Freedom Blvd.

Join Carol Nickbarg, UC Master Gardener, pruner and landscape consultant, will lead two workshops to learn how to look at plants in a methodical way to set pruning goals and develop a pruning plan that will guide growth, maintain health and highlight your plants’ inherent beauty.

Participants will be guided through hands-on exercises during the first hour, followed by the opportunity to work in small groups to practice class concepts and pruning in the Watsonville Demonstration Garden. All attendees will receive handouts to provide guidance at home.

The class is limited to 20 participants so register at bit.ly/IntermediatePruning

Donated suggested.

Tuesday July 11

CALCARE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL

6 p.m., Online Meeting

Ryan Skolnick, community organizer for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, will be the guest speaker for a Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County’s online meeting.

Skolnick is working on the campaign to pass CalCare, Assembly Bill 1400, an attempt to implement a single-payer health program, which in 2022 never came up for a vote.

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.

Friday July 14

thru Sunday July 16

BYTHEAL

RATLIFF’S BLAST BY THE BAY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

The Cabrillo Gals Softball League will host a tournament July 14-16 at Soquel High and Blue Ball Park (Anna Jean Cummings).

Some 30 travel teams will compete in 4 divisions with teams coming from 6 different counties in Northern California.

Information: https://www.cabrillogals.com/Default. aspx?tabid=1383516

Saturday July 15

HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Hop N’ Barley Beer Festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide! From San Diego’s Modern Times Beer to Eureka’s Humboldt Cider, makers from across California will be in attendance at Scotts Valley’s Skypark.

Santa Cruz’s booming craft beverage scene will also be heavily represented by breweries and cideries. The festival is family and dog friendly.

Saturday August 12

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

2 p.m., Scotts Valley Theatre, 251b Kings Village Road

Mark your calendar & come see Watsonville Community Band’s 76th Anniversary Concert!

The show will be conducted by Brad Gronroos and performed at the 264-seat Scotts Valley Theatre, next to the library.

Tickets are free! n

State Parks Recruiting for Cadet Academy

California State Parks has reopened the application period for the State Park Peace Officer cadet exams. The new deadline to apply is Monday, July 31.

Cadet academy graduates can serve the state as rangers and lifeguards to safeguard both visitors and the historical, cultural and natural resources in 280 state park units. Offices are located near beaches or waterways, or in deserts, parks, museums, historic parks and state vehicular recreation areas.

“I know firsthand how rewarding it is to be a ranger to not only ensure public safety, but to educate our visitors about the rich history and amazing state parks available here in California,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We invite you to Live the Parks Life by applying to the State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy.”

The minimum age to be a peace officer is 21. Candidates are required to have a valid California driver’s license and have 60 units of college credits, with 21 units being general education.

The selection process for becoming a ranger or lifeguard takes about15 months.

The first step is to mail, email or hand deliver an application during the open application period. The application is used to determine if the candidate meets the minimum qualifications for admission into the examination, which consists of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery written exam.

This exam is used to admit the candidate into the next phases, which include the physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, and medical and psychological evaluations. Successful applicants will be sent a notification to attend the eight-monthlong POST-certified law enforcement academy.

The academy instruction prepares cadets physically, mentally and emotionally to enter the workforce as a state park peace officer ranger or lifeguard.

Rangers and lifeguards are sworn officers equipped with a firearm and badge.

Cadets will learn how to conduct investigations, make physical arrests, use firearms and perform emergency responses.

Training also includes how to actively protect park resources, assist visitors and run interpretive programs. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy: Do I have to carry a firearm to serve as a ranger or lifeguard? Yes. Cadet training includes how to conduct investigations, make physical arrests, use firearms and perform emergency responses.

What is the age minimum and age maximum to apply?

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to become a peace officer.

State Park Peace Officer’s mandatory

retirement age is 65 years, but there is no maximum application age. I have not completed two years of college yet. Can I still apply while I am still taking classes?

Candidates may be enrolled in college at the time of application but must have at least 21 units of general education credits satisfying general education curriculum standards with courses (which may include courses in natural science, social science, mathematics, language and humanities).

By the time of appointment, a candidate must have completed 60 semester units of study at a state-accredited college or university. A degree in park administration, natural sciences, social sciences, law enforcement or a related field is desirable.

Where is the Cadet Academy located?

Most cadets attend training at Butte College Law Enforcement Academy (Butte County).

However, the department may use several academy sites, including Mott Training Center at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, South Bay Regional Public Safety Academy at Fort Ord in Monterey, and the Ben Clark Law Enforcement Training facility in Riverside.

It is at the department’s discretion to determine an academy location for each class.

Do I get paid while at the academy?

Yes. Cadets earn a salary; currently, the monthly salary range is $3,930 to $5,300.

Most cadets start at the low end of the range unless they are a current state employee with a salary within the range. n •••

To hire a workforce reflective of California’s diverse population, California State Parks is committed to ensuring equal access and connecting all job seekers to opportunities through fair hiring and employment practices. For more information,visit LiveTheParksLife.com.

Sweet Cider

Cider is a 6-year-old neutered male German Shepherd who is as sweet as he could be. He originally came to the Shelter as an owner surrender when his owner was hospitalized and was unable to care for him.

Cider had been an emotional support pup for his owner and was with them 24/7 since he was a puppy. His foster home reported that he was such a sweet and easy dog, except he does get stressed when he is separated from his human. An adoptive home where Cider can be someone’s shadow would be the best fit.

At the Shelter he is known by volunteers and staff as being a gentle and calm dog who loves to walk, hang out at home and carry around his favorite toy.

While Cider did not come with a history with cats he was exposed to cats on an overnight with a volunteer and seemed to ignore them. With dogs Cider is fairly neutral and prefers to coexist instead of play; a home with another dog might be a fit provided they meet at the Shelter before adoption.

Cider also has been around young children in his previous home and did well.

This pup is a big boy and will pull on the leash when excited but calms down with longer walks and is very manageable on a harness. If you are looking for a more mature, gentle pup to be your best pal and daily companion come to SCCAS and meet Cider today!

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

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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.

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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

Working as a caregiver for an older person is not a highpaying job.

Pay in California ranges from $15 to $22 an hour, according to Indeed.com, with the average about $18.

So workers are in short supply.

Now the state is aiming to build the health care workforce, by allowing caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities the chance to get free job training and earn up to $6,000 in incentives.

“It’s an effort to transition people from caregiving into full time other options in health care (higher paying) — in essence making it a gateway opportunity,” said County Supervisor Zach Friend.

This new program, called CalGrows, offer incentives through Dec. 15 for two types of training: Learn and Earn, up to $2,500, and Career Builder, up to $3,500.

It offers hundreds of virtual and inperson courses from a variety of providers

CalGrows: Paid Caregivers Can Learn & Earn Ride the Bus to Big Basin

California State Parks and Santa Cruz Metro announce a convenient option to access Big Basin Redwoods State Park on weekends through Sept. 10: Take Metro Route 35, explore California’s oldest state park, reopened after the devastating 2020 CZU lightning fire. Day-use parking at the Scotts Valley Transit Center is free.

Those who ride the bus to the park do not need to pay a parking or entrance fee.

Other visitors should make a day-use parking reservation online to guarantee a spot.

Weekend departures from the Scotts Valley Transit Center include 7:55 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 2:10 p.m. and 4:10 p.m.

Return departures from Big Basin are scheduled at 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Riders from Santa Cruz and Watsonville can catch the Route 35 bus at the Metro Center on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz and transfer to the Big Basin Route 35 Bus at the Scotts Valley Transit Center.

Fares for adults are $2 each way; a bus

for caregivers who have worked in California for at least two months.

Courses cover Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, cultural diversity, food safety, infection control, consumer communication — and they are available in multiple languages. For example, a search for Alzheimer’s generates a list of 27 classes.

Funds are limited so once the money budgeted for this runs out, the incentives stop.

The incentive money is considered income but taxes will not be taken out, so caregivers must set aside money to pay those taxes.

Also, incentive payments will count toward CalFresh, MediCal and public housing.

Career coaching also is available via Cell-Ed, a partner of the Department of Aging.

Unpaid family members who are caregivers can take classes but they do not qualify for incentives. n

day pass is $6. Riders can buy fares using the Splash Pass app. Youth ride free.

Buses are equipped with bike racks. More info: scmetro.org.

Park access is limited due to extensive damage sustained by the CZU Fire. Currently there are 4 miles of hiking trails and 18 miles of fire roads available for hiking and biking. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water in the park, and wear sunscreen. n