Scotts Valley Times: November 2023

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November 2023 • Vol 26 No. 11

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Two New Leaders to Join Scotts Valley Full Story page 4

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SVHS Football Wins Title!

The Scotts Valley High School Falcons earned the Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission North Division title on Oct. 27, with a 14-0 shutout over North Monterey County.

The Falcons were undefeated 5-0 in their division with an 8-1 record overall with one game against winless Santa Cruz left on the schedule.

This is the third league title in four years for the Falcons, who are coached by Louie Walters.

Defense has been the key to victory this season.

They shut out Gonzales, 35-0.

They edged Willow Glen, 31-23. ... continues on page 4

Fire Recovery at Big Basin

The Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council is sponsoring a free virtual symposium about post-fire research and recovery at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Full Story page 17

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No. 11

Volume 26

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Table of Contents

5

Cover SVHS Football Wins Title!

4 6 8 10 15 17 23

Community News Two New Leaders to Join City of Scotts Valley • SVUSD Parcel Tax Ahead Caltrans: $80 Million for Hydrogen Trains Women in Jail: Changing Lives, By Jondi Gumz CZU Permit Dashboard My Ukrainian Daughter: Nancy Cooper Shares Tragedy and Triumph of Sister City Family, By Jondi Gumz • Learn More about GRO Community Fire Recovery at Big Basin • Thanksgiving Meal Operation Christmas Child

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14 11 The Scotts Valley Exchange Club Presents ‘Light up the Night’ • Valley Churches United Announces Opening of Holiday Gift Shop 12 New Member Spotlight: Jersey Mike’s Subs • Ribbon Cutting: Beautiful Life Estate Planning 13 Holiday Pie-Looza; A Slice of Fundraiser Fun • Scotts Valley Real Estate Market Sluggish: Days on Market up by Two Weeks, But Still a Sellers’ Market, By Robert Aldana

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Local Sports Top Runners at Mitty • Baymonte Grade 2-6 Girls Win Cross Country League Title

California News 19 AB 418: Chemicals in Food Banned in 2027, By Jondi Gumz Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Scorpio Sun & Mercury – Eclipse Effects, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21 Featured Columnists New Police Officers Join Scotts Valley, By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley 10 Top Young Scientist Invents Soap to Fight Skin Cancer 22 Infrastructure Update: Water and Roads, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District 7

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Meet Whiskers!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Robert Aldana, Risa D’Angeles, Jack Dilles, Bruce McPherson

layout

Michael Oppenheimer

graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer

photography Michael Oppenheimer website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine Cathe Race

Two New Leaders to Join City of Scotts Valley T he City of Scotts Valley announces two new staff in leadership positions starting in November.

Nelson Alfaro will join Scotts Valley as the full-time building official.

He is a certified building official with 12 years of experience in the building inspection industry. Most recently, he was the building official for the County of San Benito.

He graduated from Cabrillo College

with an associate’s degree in building inspection and has earned 16 professional ICC certifications in building inspections. He lives in Soquel with his wife and has three college-aged children. He starts Nov. 13.

Bret Swain will join Scotts Valley as public works director, coming from the Town of Moraga where he’s been senior engineer.

Raised in the Monterey Bay area, he attended North Salinas High School before

Nelson Alfaro

Bret Swain

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

distribution

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2023. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

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graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a double major in physical sciences.

He has a master’s in civil engineering from Fresno State focused in environmental and geotechnical engineering, and an MBA from UC Davis focused on finance and general management.

He has 26 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, working 13 years in industry including URS and AECOM, and 12 years as a municipal senior engineer in East Palo Alto, Manteca and Moraga.

He has professional engineering licenses in civil engineering and in chemical engineering and has extensive experience in stormwater and wastewater capital project delivery.

He starts Nov. 20.

With these positions filled, the City of Scotts Valley has a 93% staffing rate with just 4 vacant positions remaining of the nearly 70 budgeted staff.

“We’re actively recruiting for these remaining 4 positions. It’s been a goal in 2023 to get the city back to full staffing and we’re almost there,” said City Manager Mali LaGoe. n

SVUSD Parcel Tax 72% Yes

ith 4,471 votes cast, a parcel tax of $168 a year for seven years for the Scotts Valley Unified School District is far ahead, with the final count due on Nov.10.

The count on Measure V as of Oct. 31 shows 3,241 yes and 1,223 no – 72.6% yes.

A two-thirds yes vote is required for passage.

No one filed an argument against Measure V. Turnout in this largely mail ballot

election was low: 32.6% of the 13,695 registered voters.

Of the total votes cast, only 37 people voted in person; the rest used the mailed ballots.

In 2018, voters approved Measure A, a tax of $108 per parcel for five years, which began July 1, 2019, and expires on June 30, 2024.

Supporters said the parcel tax revenue, estimated at nearly $1 million a year, was needed to pay competitive wages to attract

and retain high quality teachers, staff, and counselors and provide mental health supports.

Scotts Valley Unified is one of the lowest-funded districts in California; it qualifies for little need-based funding. State budget surpluses that recently boosted salaries have run out, and SVUSD competes with nearby school districts that get more state funding and have passed significant local parcel taxes to attract and retain staff and teachers. n

COVER STORY “SV Football” from page 1 They topped rival San Lorenzo Valley, 35-13.

They lost to Soquel, coached by former NY Jets safety Dwight Lowery, 21-7.

They shut out St. Francis, 28-0.

They shut out Watsonville 32-0.

They topped Monte Vista Christian, 33-8, at homecoming.

4 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

They defeated Seaside 52-7.

Some of the top players earned individual honors last year and returned to put their experience on the field: Juniors Marshall Dodge, offensive line, Niko Iles, running back, Chaser Keegan, defensive line, Brady Siechen, defensive back and sophomore Jess Ringel, linebacker. n Photo Credit: Karen Covello

Lukas Murphy 1 WR/LB Sr Quinn Turowski 2 WR/DB Sr Brady Siechen 3 WR/DB Sr Jack Parker 4 TE/LB Sr Niko Smutzer 5 QB/RB/DB Jr Colton Duerson 6 WR/DB Sr Robert Bradfield 8 WR/DB Sr Jacob Womack 10 WR/DB Jr John Murphy 11 WR/DB Sr Lucas Ringel 13 QB/DB Jr Dylan Branch 15 WR/LB Sr Eli Velez 25 RB/DB Jr Niko Iles 32 RB/LB Sr Adam Cain 40 RB/DL Jr

Jay Fishler 42 RB/LB Sr Jess Ringel 44 TE/LB Jr Chaser Keegan 50 OL/LB Sr Lorenzo Gonzalez 52 OL/DL Sr Brody Robbins 53 OL/DL Sr Bobby Arcangeli 54 Ol/DL Jr Logan Collins 55 OL/LB Jr James Bullock 56 OL/DL Sr Anthony Collins 62 OL/DL Sr Shawn Mosley Jr. 64 Ol/DL Sr Marshall Dodge 66 OL/DL Sr Aiden Fay 70 FB/LB Sr Khaliel Millhouse 77 Ol/DL Jr Gabriel Dodge 79 Ol/DL So

LOCAL SPORTS

Top Runners at Mitty O n Oct. 12, the West Catholic Athletic League had its second center meet of the season at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale.

Santa Cruz resident Evie Marheineke, a junior at Archbishop Mitty, ran a very tactical race to earn 1st place (18.17).

Scotts Valley resident Alessia Carbone, a sophomore at Archbishop Mitty, placed 24th (21:41) in the varsity race.

Mitty placed 2nd as a team. Next up is WCAL Finals at Crystal Springs on Nov. 1 n

Alessia Carbone • Photo Credit: Marie Marheineke

Baymonte Grade 2-6 Girls Win Cross Country League Title

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n Oct. 26, the Baymonte Christian grades 2-6 cross country teams won the league championship at their final meet at Anna Jean Cummings County Park in Soquel.

The girls’ score was 12, followed

by Salesian, 33 and Wavecrest Montessori, 34.

The boys’ score was 13, followed by Kirby, 39 and Wavecrest Montessori, 44.

Sixth grader Gaby Boffy was first in 13:35, classmates Eva Holmlund second in 13:32 and Jordan Staley third in 13:56.

Fourth grader Audrina Martin was fourth in 15:09.

Sixth grader Ian Bushman was second

in 11:37. Classmates Tad Bushman was fourth in 11:48 and Nicolas Gutierrez fifth in 12:56, Dylan Randolph, a fifth grader, sixth in 13:15.

In the grades 7-8 race, Kensingtyn Horn was fourth in 13:54 and Colton Jones was eighth in 13:19.

Runners also competed from Chrysostum Classical Academy, Gateway, Green Valley Christian, Holy Cross, Tierra Pacifica and Twin Lakes Christian.

The meet for the Santa Cruz Small Schools League featured four races, and each race had about 30 runners. n https://baymonte.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Caltrans: $80 Million for Hydrogen Trains O

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n Oct. 12, Caltrans signed an $80 million contract with Stadler Rail, Inc. of Bussnang, Switzerland, to deliver zero-emission hydrogen passenger trains.

The contract includes a base order of $80 million for the first four trainsets between Merced and Sacramento with options for up to 25 additional trainsets that can be used throughout California.

Trains are to be delivered in early 2027.

While the base order of trains is expected to operate between Merced and Sacramento and Merced and Bakersfield, Caltrans said the trains also will be demonstrated on corridors throughout the state in coordination with regional rail partners.

The purchase is funded through Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $10 billion, multiyear zero-emission vehicle package, which included $407 million for the California State Transportation Agency to demonstrate and purchase or lease stateof-the-art clean bus and rail equipment and infrastructure.

Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler US, based in Salt Lake City, said, “It is great to be part of California’s move toward eco-friendly travel with another zero-emission project in the state.”

The vehicles will be based on Stadler’s Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) developed for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, which was unveiled this month at an expo in Orlando.

This hydrogen powered passenger train — no locomotive needed — is to be

launched as part of Metrolink service from Redlands to San Bernardino in late 2024.

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin described California’s order as “state-of-the-art hydrogen train sets.”

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares added, “California is using our transportation dollars to fund innovation solutions like these zero-emission, hydrogen passenger trains to significantly reduce planetwarming pollution and combat and adapt to climate change — while providing travelers an alternative to driving.”

Newsom is betting big on zeroemission transportation, investing more than $1 billion in the past few months.

In July, he announced $450 million for zero-emission infrastructure, locomotives, vessels and vehicles. In April, he announced $690 million to buy 277 zero-emission vehicles statewide and develop high-priority mobility hubs and rail projects.

Alstom, based in Germany, pioneered the Coradia iLint™ which it says it the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. In operation, this train emits no carbon dioxide and exhausts only water, the company says.

The train is operating in Germany and Austria and ran on a demonstration basis carrying 10,000 passengers from June to September from Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul.

Since 2015, Alstom Power & Grid have been owned by GE, which is headquartered in Boston.

Caltrans spokesman Ed Barrera pointed out this is California’s first purchase — it is not a test, as in Canada. n

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Officials sign $80 million contract for first zero-emission, hydrogen intercity passenger trains in North America.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

New Police Officers Join Scotts Valley

By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

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cotts Valley works hard to maintain a full complement of communityoriented police officers. This article introduces recently hired Police Officers Seavana Patzke and Vitani Harrison.

It was my great pleasure to recently spend time getting to know these two individuals.

Scotts Valley Police Officer Seavana Patzke with Mayor Jack Dilles

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•••

Seavana Patzke

fficer Patzke previously worked for the Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer in the county jail. In that role, she regularly interacted with police officers, which she found to be a positive experience. She also served as a certified training officer and occasional acting supervisor. Her husband also works for the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff.

At one time, Officer Patzke wanted to be out on the streets fighting crime, but after her first child was born, she had a change in perspective. She is happy she can work in a quiet community like Scotts Valley; it suits her family’s needs. Before she joined the Scotts Valley Police Department, she did her homework and talked with female sergeants on the force, asking them what it was like to work in Scotts Valley.

When Officer Patzke comes to work,

every day is different. She is not a desk person; she is a go-getter and enjoys the constant interaction with other people and the good, positive connections that she is making with her coworkers and the community. She finds that people in Scotts Valley are friendly and that she likes working here.

Seavana was a swimmer in college and likes to swim at UC Santa Cruz, San Lorenzo Valley High School and Cowell Beach. She also works out at a local gym to stay in shape.

After successfully completing the Police Officer Training Academy, Officer Patzke will finish her Scotts Valley-specific field training in January.

In this phase, everyone in SVPD, from officers to emergency dispatchers to administrative staff, are helping her learn how to be an officer in our community.

Eventually, she would like to become a field training officer, canine officer or detective. She loves kids and

teens and likes solving crimes. She would like to see more staff hired in the police department.

If anyone has an interest in working in law enforcement, she says this is a great place to work with lots of support.

•••

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Vitani Harrison

fficer Harrison came to Scotts Valley because he knew some community members and because he likes the feel of our city. He feels very welcome in Scotts Valley and likes smaller towns.

He previously worked in security for six years protecting residential and corporate buildings in San Francisco, Dublin and San Ramon.

Officer Harrison enjoys connecting with the community, talking with, and getting to know people. He enjoys making a positive impact. He completed his field training last month and noted that he has some great mentors in the department.

“New Officers” page 9

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Women in Jail: Changing Lives

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By Jondi Gumz

2017 report found most of the women in the Santa Cruz County jail were repeat offenders — all but one woman interviewed had been booked into jail at least once before, and as many as 37 times, with 84% addicted to drugs or alcohol.

On Dec. 14, 2016, the average length of stay for all the women in custody was 37 days — not much time to turn your life around.

Once in the criminal justice system, they are more likely than not to return, over and over. With no place to go once released, it is common for people to resort to old social networks and coping behaviors, typically feeding their addictions and ultimately leading back to jail.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office got a state grant in 2018 to make changes, but had “a rocky start,” according to Kristie Clemens, inmate program manager.

Staffing to run the program was inconsistent and at one point, Santa Cruz County program leaders wanted to give the money back to the state, unsure they could do what they had promised.

State officials said no, so Santa Cruz County kept trying, and they got another grant in 2021 to keep going.

The results: 51% of the incarcerated women participated in the program while in custody before transitioning to community services.

“We feel really good about that,” Clemens said.

So do officials at the U.S. Department of Justice, which recognized the Santa Cruz County Women’s Recovery and Reentry

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Visitors from Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Vermont, and locals working with incarcerated women line up for a photo at a 2-day training offered by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Program as a national model for other communities.

On Monday, about two dozen people from agencies in nine states came to find out what is working in Santa Cruz County.

The program reached 63 of the 100 women targeted for services; the average length of programming was 90 days.

Key to success is working with community partners, Gemma House, a 6-bed drug rehab facility that is part of the nonprofit Encompass, and Friends Outside, a

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program of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County in which volunteers support women to make change.

Gemma House was home to 25 women, and 22 women had support from Friends Outside.

At Gemma House, children are not allowed but Friends Outside supports mothers wherever they live.

This funding cycle, five women completed the in-custody program and nine completed community services programming.

The program includes urinalysis and medication-assisted treatment (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone to treat dependence on opioids and 25% took advantage.

Participants must have stable mental health and be motivated to change.

They must spend 10 hours a week in coursework — culinary and computer classes at Cabrillo college count — personal development — poetry and Triple P parenting classes count — and case management.

They must take 24 sessions of substance use disorder curriculum and six sessions of healing trauma, both with Friends Outside, and 12 sessions of dialectical behavior therapy to bring about lasting change, with nonprofit addiction treatment provider Janus of Santa Cruz.

“The Four Agreements,” a book by Don Miguel Ruiz to change your life, comes into play. Number 3: Don’t take anything personally.

Participants also create a relapse prevention plan.

Kelly Joyce, Gemma program coordinator, said there is no charge to stay at Gemma House but participants must work 25 hours a week or go to school, and 60% of their income must go into saving for the future.

Katie Anaya of Friends Outside can help a participant pay fees or fines at Cabrillo College or provide gift cards to stores or to get a haircut.

Santa Cruz County has a 32-bed minimum-security facility for women on Blaine Street, a dorm-style residence that is more suited for the re-entry program than the Main Jail.

However, due to staffing shortages — 10 of 94 authorized corrections positions unfilled — the Sheriff’s Office closed Blaine Street in September 2021. It reopened in May to accommodate an electronic upgrade at the Main Jail that may take a year to complete. n ••• The 2017 report Gender Matters is at https://tinyurl.com/women-in-jail-SC2017.

“New Officers” from page 7 He too has ambitions to become a field training officer or sergeant for the Scotts Valley Police Department.

Vitani likes to work out and he enjoys kayaking. He also hikes on local trails and he enjoys the company of his wife and father. He has volunteered at local community events, including Music at Skypark and the Art, Wine and Beer Festival.

••• Ride-Along o better understand a day in the life of a Scotts Valley police officer, I rode with Officer Harrison in his patrol car for an hour as he patrolled Scotts Valley in the early evening.

We travelled through commercial areas and residential neighborhoods, looking for anything that seemed amiss. A list of specific things to watch out for is posted in the patrol car. He greeted youths in shopping areas and at the high school.

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Nothing serious happened during my ridealong I am glad to report.

Officer Harrison ran some license plates, checking each license plate, model and color to see if all was in order. He pulled over two cars with flashing lights. One car had a dirty license plate that made it hard to read and the other had a brake light that did not work. Both received verbal warnings.

Interestingly, when Officer Harrison learned that one driver he stopped had a restraining order against him, he checked to make sure that the person who was protected by the order was not the other person in the car.

••• I am grateful that Scotts Valley has a dedicated, professional and compassionate police department, as exemplified by our two new employees, Officers Harrison and Patzke. n ••• Photos Credit: Scotts Valley Police Chief Steve Walpole

Scotts Valley Police Officer Vitani Harrison with Mayor Jack Dilles

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 9

FEATURED COLUMN

Top Young Scientist Invents Soap to Fight Skin Cancer H eman Bekele, 14, won this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge. He invented a soap as a treatment for melanoma skin cancer.

Heman Bekele competed against nine other finalists at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minn.

He is a freshman at W.T. Woodson High School in Virginia.

Born in Ethiopia, he came here when he was 4.

He says the memories of people working long hours outside under the glaring sun in Ethiopia stayed with him as he made his way through the Fairfax County Public Schools school system. He was struck by the dramatic differences in skin cancer survival rates in parts of SubSaharan Africa compared to places where high-tech cancer treatments are available.

“Skin cancer is mostly found on people who live within developing countries,” Heman says. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000. I was devastated by the idea of people having to choose between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.”

He was determined to find a better way.

So Heman researched skin cancer, learning about dendritic cells, which he says help

10 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Heman Bekele experiments with different combinations of products to develop his skin cancer treating soap protect skin by boosting immune response.

Heman thanks University of Virginia Then he spent months playing with salicylic researchers, his teachers and his parents — acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin, trying to including his mom Muluemebet Getachew, find the right combination to help treat skin a special education teacher at Lynbrook cancer. He developed SCTS, which stands Elementary School — for supporting him for skin cancer treating soap, and works by and developing his love of science. reactivating dendritic cells.

He secured his victory during chal“I was just looking for a fun science lenge events at 3M’s global headquarters experiment at first,” he says. in St. Paul, Minn. The final 10 contestants One major challenge was to find were evaluated on their ingenuity and the right combo to ensure the soap held innovative thinking, application of STEM together. Using 3M Cavilon (a moisturizer principles, demonstration of passion and and barrier cream), coconut oil, and research, presentation skills and ability to organic shea butter, he was able to make inspire others, according to 3M. that happen.

Along with his title comes a $25,000 “It was so difficult to get a bar of soap prize, which Heman hopes to put toward that didn’t just melt immediately,” Heman securing a patent and college. says, adding he probably tried a dozen difHis future goals include developing ferent combinations. “Persistence is a very a nonprofit organization to distribute his important part of the scientific process.” soap in low-income communities by 2028.

As Heman advanced in the 3M Young Heman’s product, SCTS, can be made Scientist Challenge, he received support for $0.50 a bar, or $8.50 for a pack of 20 from a 3M-assigned mentor who worked bars, he says. He believes using the soap with him over the summer to turn his ini- every few days can help treat certain forms tiative into a prototype. of skin cancer. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

CZU Permit Dashboard

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ore than 900 single-family dwellings were destroyed in the August 2020 CZU lightning fire. Here is the update on the rebuilding permit process: District 5: SLV Permits in Process: 136 Permits issued/ready for pickup: 98 Building completed: 23 Resubmittal routing: 9

Fees not paid: 3 Initial application submitted: 2 Initial routing: 1

District 1: Bonny Doon Permits in Process: 100 Permits issued/ready for pickup: 73 Building completed: 19 Initial routing: 7 Resubmittal routing: 1

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

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he Scotts Valley Community Holiday Tree next to Walgreens will be lit on December 2, 2023, from 5-7:30, continuing a tradition dating 30 years.

This special community event benefits Valley Churches United and is a wonderful family event enjoyed by guests of all ages!

Scotts Valley Firefighters will deliver Santa and Mrs. Clause to the Community

Center to greet guests and enjoy free photos with kids and families. Local talented Scotts Valley Community members will provide entertainment.

Hot chocolate, cider, coffee, and cookies will be provided by local service clubs, along with a food truck for heartier fare.

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

Look for their food barrels showing up around town soon!

Sponsors that would like to support the effort can contact Victor Alejandro at victor.alejandro. usa@gmail.com or (408) 410-1566 or Donna Lind at dlindslind@gmail.com or (831) 438-4187.

Valley Churches United Announces Opening of Holiday Gift Shop

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he Annual Holiday Gift Shop at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond opens on November 1st.

Amazingly talented volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s gift shop an exceptional holiday shopping experience.

New toys, vintage items, Christmas decorations, puzzles, household items, and much more can be found at very

reasonable prices. All proceeds from the gift shop support Valley Churches United’s nonprofit year-round food pantry.

The Gift Shop is located in the heart of Ben Lomond at 9400 Highway 9. For more information, call 831-336-8258.

••• The Mission of Valley Churches united is to bridge the gap in times of crisis by providing assistance to local residents, thus promoting stability, self-sufficiency and hope.

They are a food pantry organization serving the needs of low-income residents of San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon.

VCU is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that does not receive government funding — they rely entirely on the generous donations of individuals and local businesses and organizations.

••• The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter • Call or Visit Today: www.scottsvalleychamber.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 11

Scotts Valley Chamber News New Member Spotlight

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Jersey Mike’s Subs

rett and Char Johanson, SLV residents, opened Jersey Mike’s at 1820 Mission St on the Westside of Santa Cruz in November 2021.

Brett retired from teaching to run the day-to-day operation. Char is a mortgage consultant and continues to serve the community with their home loan needs. They are proud to have created jobs in our local community and provide good quality subs at that.

The Santa Cruz community embraced their subs, so they decided to open a second location in Scotts Valley at 235A Mount Hermon Road. The community has been welcoming and supportive and Brett and Char would like to thank you!

At Jersey Mike’s Subs, they are all about quality. What makes a Jersey Mike’s Sub so good? It’s the ingredients!

High quality meats and cheese sliced in front of you, store

baked bread, and the authentic taste — served Mike’s Way, fresh lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, and spices!

Of course, everything is served with a smile. They also serve hot subs grilled right front of you.

Have an event or party coming up? Jersey Mike’s catering is sure to please. Choose from their subs by the box or personal boxed lunches and don’t forget the dessert! Their cookie and brownie trays are the perfect finale to any type of gathering.

Jersey Mike’s is hiring! The opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to work in a fun and fast-paced environment that focuses on creating a positive culture and environment for their team as well as for their customers.

As part of a growing and locally owned business, there will be opportunities for advancement and career growth.

Congratulations to Ashley Thompson of Beautiful Life Estate Planning on her Official Ribbon Cutting!

Celebrating 42 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 - 2023 $3550/mo 3BR/2BA Townhome on Seascape Blvd in Aptos. Corner unit with full ocean view. No pets. .....AVAIL NOW $3200/mo 3BR/2BA Single-level Triplex unit on Pedro Avenue in Ben Lomond. Deck. Garage. No pets. ...........................................................................................................................................AVAIL LATE NOVEMBER $2400/mo Large sunny 1BR/1BA on Glenwood Dr. in Scotts Valley. FP. Patio. Laundry. No Pets..............AVAIL NOW $2200/mo 1BR/1BA Triplex unit on Old Orchard Road in Los Gatos. Includes PG&E, water, propane and trash. Garden.

Laundry. Pets negotiable. ............................................................................................................................AVAIL NOW $2100/mo 1BR/1BA Home with office and loft on Ralston Ridge in Boulder Creek. Custom woodwork throughout.

Deck. Lanai. Garden. No pets................................................................................................AVAIL EARLY NOVEMBER $2100/mo 2-story Studio Home with large loft on Hwy 9 in Felton. Deck. No laundry onsite. .AVAIL NOVEMBER $1825/mo Unit Attached to Home on Pine Cone in Scotts Valley. Private bathroom. Shared laundry. Private patio. No pets. Includes water, garbage & PG&E ..........................................................................................................AVAIL NOW

12 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Scotts Valley Chamber News

Holiday Pie-Looza; A Slice of Fundraiser Fun December 15th • 4-7pm • Free Admission

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RO Community, is a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underserved children in our community. As a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit, we are committed to providing educational and extracurricular opportunities to young minds in our community.

GRO Community is hosting our first annual Pie Fundraiser held at the Scotts Valley Community Center, which we hope becomes a beloved tradition in our community.

The event is free with a sliding scale donation to GRO Community.

We will have 15 vendors serving their pie with the hopes to be the WINNER and secure the title of Best Pie Maker and be awarded the $1,000 prize.

We will have music, coffee and other treats and hope the community comes to celebrate with us. The event will be December 15th from 4-7pm Come one and all!

The funds raised from our Pie Fundraiser go directly towards enabling children to access after-school programs such as tutoring, dance, art, theater, and martial arts.

These programs have a significant impact on the children we serve, helping them develop essential life skills, and helping maintain positive mental health. By partnering with us, you become an integral part of our mission to provide access to after-school programs that empower the next generation.

We are seeking sponsorship at various levels, and we would be grateful for your consideration. In addition, your donation is a tax write-off. It’s a win-win. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or if you have any questions about this opportunity, please feel free to contact Gina Odom at ginaodom@gmail. com or 831-331-9455.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Holiday Pie-Looza!

Scotts Valley Real Estate Market Sluggish

Days on Market up by Two Weeks, But Still a Sellers’ Market

By Robert Aldana

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s we head into the holiday season, the story remains the same as it has throughout the year with a sluggish real estate market. While it is indeed still a seller’s market, it is neither a hot market nor a cold market, it remains a lukewarm market as the demand remains for housing even though rates continue their upwards surge.

Bottom line is people need a place to live and many will jump into the market if it is the right property.

For example, I recently listed a home at 2907 Granite Creek Road in Scotts Valley (2907GRANITECREEK.COM ) for an asking price of $1,590,000 and within 4 days it sold with multiple offers for $1,700,000.

Why? Although the marketing certainly was on point, it was also a nice home that had features and upgrades that you don’t find every day. Unique homes that are in neighborhoods that are hard to come by and have been updated or at least staged, priced and marketed right will attract home buyers.

There is indeed a demand for that type of home.

Currently there are 43 total homes for sale, with 10 out of 43

listings currently pending (23%).

That is just under 1 in 4 listings being in pending status which is noticeably lower than the 33-38% that we have typically seen for several years in a normal and solid market.

With rates at their highest in decades, the market has come to somewhat of a standstill. And when

I mean somewhat, that means not in its entirety as homes are indeed selling, but they are taking their time to go into contract as days on market has went from 23 days at the same time last year year-to-date to 37 days currently. That is a substantial increase of two more weeks that it is taking for homes to sell on average.

Another noteworthy and telling stat is the total amount of closings YTD, which as of this writing is 116, versus a total of 158 during the same time last year. That is a decrease in closings of 36%.

That is a noticeable drop.

But one of the reasons why there are less closings is because less people are putting their homes on the market due to some of the highest interest rates that we have seen in decades as home sellers cannot afford to make a move either upwards or downwards because it is not affordable to do so. With current interest rates in the 8-8.5% range for a 30 year fixed, that is quite the jump from 2.75-3.5% that many homeowners obtained when rates were at their low point for many years.

“Real Estate” page 14

Cheryl D Rebottaro, ChFC®, AAMS™, CRPC™ Financial Advisor 221 Mount Hermon Rd Suite F Scotts Valley, CA 95066-4038 831-461-9311

Cheryl D Rebottaro, ChFC®, AAMS™, CRPC™ Financial Advisor MKT-13987-A-A2

221 Mount Hermon Rd Suite F Scotts Valley, CA 95066-4038© 2023 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD 831-461-9311 www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News “Real Estate” from page 13 That is more than double for a new mortgage today and for many, it just does not make sense to sell and buy even if they are downsizing.

Predictions I expect more of the same throughout the holidays and heading into the new year if rates continue to stay where they are, but if rates do come down like some are predicting during election year, that will cause a surge in real estate activity.

But I am talking about a noticeable downward trend in rates. Anything less that a 2% drop will not make much of an impact. Anything more than a 2% drop will without a doubt cause a surge in home buying activity. Let’s face it, rates of 2.75-3.5% for a 30 year fixed is not normal and those that took advantage of rates like that may not see that again at any time in the foreseeable future.

A 5.5 to 6% rate is indeed an outstanding rate and

many home buyers are on the sidelines waiting for something close to that.

Home Buyer Tips If you are buying, consider asking the seller to pay for a buy down of your mortgage rate so that you can secure a lower interest rate than the going rate. Look into what is called a 3-2-1 Buydown which buys down your rate for 3 years and settles in to where rates are today more or less after year 3.

While typically rates tend to go down during election year as previously stated, which is next year in 2024, its tough to completely count on that. A buy down or 3-2-1 Buydown will help you out substantially with a lower rate and payment.

Home Seller Tips Get your home ready before you put it on the market. Decluttering, paint, carpet, staging, and yard work goes a log was as does professional photography, video, 3D virtual tour and floorplans. The way your home shows from the moment a buyer sees it on the Internet is crucial. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

And of course, don’t forget the importance of a powerful marketing plan and properly pricing your home.

As always, Happy Selling and Happy Buying, and Happy Holidays!

••• Robert Aldana, The LOCALS’ Choice REALTOR® | DRE #00921165 Keller Williams Realty in Scotts Valley www.robertaldana.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

My Ukrainian Daughter

Nancy Cooper Shares Tragedy and Triumph of Sister City Family

By Jondi Gumz After Russian attacked Ukraine in 2022, Santa Cruz County resident Nancy Cooper texted her Ukrainian daughter, Sveta, in Kyiv. The attack up-ended Sveta’s life.

But she found love, married, and last year, gave birth to Pasha, her baby boy who will celebrate his first birthday in November.

Nancy, a Pajaro Valley teacher for 32 years, had visited Alushta, a resort beach town of 29,000 in Crimea,as a chaperone with the Pacific Collegiate School band as part of the Santa Cruz Sister Cities initiative in 2002 when Alushta was part of Ukraine.

Sveta, a talented trumpet player with the Alushta Music School, stayed at Nancy’s house when the school arranged a weeklong visits to Santa Cruz in 2005 and 2008.

The Alushta musicians gave concerts at Rio Del Mar Elementary School in Aptos, where Nancy worked, and Peace United Church in Santa Cruz.

During the first visit, Sveta met John Thomas, owner of the Thomas Musical Instruments and founder-conductor in 1994 of the Santa Cruz City Band, where Nancy played oboe, and bought a new trumpet to replace her old one.

On a later visit to Alushta, Thomas met a conservatory-trained pianist, Marina, who still has a brother and nieces in Ukraine. They fell in love and married and today, live in Ben Lomond.

Sveta moved from Alushta to Kyiv to take a job with the renowned all-female band, Freedom- Jazz. (Listen to their music on YouTube.com) Her brother joined the military.

When Russia attacked, her brother had to choose: Stay Ukrainian, or return to Alushta, which since 2014 had been taken over by Russia. He returned to Alushta, where Sveta ’s parents still live.

“Nancy & Sveta” page 16

Learn More about GRO Community Editor’s note: Gina Odom wrote about GRO Community & Jersey Mike’s Subs for the October issue, but the ending was omitted. Here it is: RO Community is a nonprofit organization that focuses on nurturing the potential of children in the community. GRO’s mission is to create opportunities for all children to have access to enrichment programs in Santa Cruz County.

GRO’s primary initiative is providing grants to children who would otherwise face barriers to accessing extracurricular activities. By removing financial obstacles, they ensure every child has the opportunity to explore their interests, whether it’s through art, music, sports, or academic support.

••• The Impact he $2,430 raised by Jersey Mike’s during their Scotts Valley opening weekend will have a profound impact on GRO Community’s ability to support local children.

As the founder of GRO Community, I started the nonprofit because “I saw children falling behind in academics and facing mental health challenges during the pandemic and decided to take action.”

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What I did not know was that — although the need was exasperated by the pandemic — it had always existed.

To date, GRO has given out 48 grants. Sarah Wagner, GRO Community board member, said, “The need in our community is overwhelming and we must raise additional funding to cover all the applications we have received.”

The collaboration between Jersey Mike’s and GRO Community isn’t just about monetary donations; it’s about fostering a sense of community, generosity, and giving back. By working together, they send a powerful message to the community: local businesses and nonprofits can make a meaningful impact when they join forces for a common cause. n ••• You can find Jersey Mike’s Scotts Valley location at 235A Mt Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, and to read more about GRO Community and make a donation, go to www. gro-community.org

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 15

“Nancy & Sveta” from page 15 To tell Sveta’s story, with her permission, I am sharing the texts that have gone back and forth from the U.S. to Kyiv.

Nancy’s texts are in bold.

••• Feb. 22, 2022: How are you doing? I hope you are doing OK. We are thinking of you and sending love. Be safe!

Feb. 23, 2022: Hello, we are afraid and don’t understand what happed, so now we just waiting any information…thank you for wishes, everything will be ok)) Keep me informed on how you are doing. Have you been able to work during COVID? We worked a lot, everything was ok, and this night… terrible, I hope finished very soon, I will write you)) Stay safe.

I am situated near Kyiv, in small town, now most terrible is near me, my boyfriend with me, we hope this situation will be finished very soon, we are staying home and waiting news Keep talking to me. Love you!

Thanks!

Feb. 27, 2022: How are things today?

Terrible day, very terrible, we are ok, sit all day in a very small room without windows all day I’m so sorry. I think you are doing the right thing trying to stay safe. I wish I could help you. Sending lots of love.

Thank you (heart) Feb. 27, 2022: If you can get to Poland and want to come here, we will sponsor the two of you. Here is a link to request acceptance into the US. Here is the application to file https://uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylumasylum. I don’t know if you want to do this or if you can but we will help you if you want us to.

Feb. 27, 2022: Thanks, but we haven’t a car, our roads are destroyed, this place is our home, we will stay)) thank you (heart) Feb. 27, 2022: That’s what I thought but I wanted to offer in case you wanted to leave. I hope things have settled down some. Heart heart.

Thumbs up sign.

March 2, 2022: How are you doing?

Not good.

If someone from western Ukraine can pick you up, would you like to go to another part of Ukraine? My friend knows someone that could possibly get you.

It impossible, most safe place is our house, all roads dangerous.

Ok. Do you have food?

All stores closed, we have many food at home.

Happy to hear that. Know that we are always thinking of you. Lots of love.

March 3, 2022: How are things today?

Photo of destruction. It’s place near me. I feel sad and angry March 3, 2022: I wish I could help. We are all sad and angry, too.

I’m so glad you have internet! At least we know you are OK! And I am so glad) How are things today?

Normally) What is your boyfriend’s name? What does he do? How long have you been together? Picture?

His name is Dima, he is not musician, we are 2 years together and wanted married It will happen. Very good looking! Congratulations! Will he have to join the forces?

March 4, 2022: What is happening today?

March 5, 2022: Are you still online?

March 9, 2022: Praying that you are OK. Please contact me as soon as you can. 5 hearts March 10, 2022: Hello, it was terrible, we leave our home and now sit in underground and to leave Kiev and go to my friend Ira in Rovno, we are ok)) March 10, 2022: I am so glad. Is there a passage out?

The offer is still open if you need to come here.

Thanks, thanks, thanks, people is come out, now in a train, a lot of my neighbors, everything ok)) relatives of Dima waiting us)) Wonderful. Keep me informed. I worry a lot.

cool)

March 11, 2022: Did you make it out of Kiev?

March 12, 2022: Yes we are now in safe, quite, it’s so

Where are you? I am so happy. Are you with Dima’s relatives? Do you have food? Did you save your trumpet?

We are with relatives of Dima trumpet in Kiev, I hope it’s ok)) I only took documents and nothing more (( Here are a lot of food) She attaches a video Fantastic. The video shows terrible things. I hope soon you will be able to go back and be safe. So happy you are safe now.

March 13, 2022: What city are you in? Is it close to a border? He’s very close to Poland now.

It’s not close to Poland. Hmelnizk, a small city not near any borders Safer I hope.

Safer) Heart March 14, 2022: How are you today? We are headed back home after camping this weekend. I have to go to the doctor to check on my broken arm that I broke while walking our new dog. Thinking of you always! Heart heart You are so cool, you are walking all year, a lot of beautiful fotos, it’s amazing)) hope your arm is ok, we are setting in new hone and waiting good news) John Thomas says hello. He is so glad that you are OK and that you have been in touch with me. Your dad has been so worried.

Say hello to Jon) my father is worried, tired… it’s so hard when your daughter is not safe Yes it is. I claim you as my daughter too.

March 14, 2022: A big hi and hugs right back to her.

Thank you. From John March 17, 2022: Checking in! Luckily I don’t need surgery for my arm, just physical therapy, All is good. Hugs to everyone there.

It is very good, I am so happy I’m so glad. I’ll keep checking in every couple days.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Happy St. Patrik’s day March 23, 2022: How are you doing? Has the stuff in Kiev affected you very much? We’re all doing fine here March 24, 2022: Hello, usually we are happy that everything is over, but sometimes we want to cry that our whole life has changed and will never be the same, how are you?

We are all praying that Putin will give up soon and you can begin to build back Ukraine. Steven’s birthday is on Monday. We will celebrate with a nice dinner. Sending lots of love It is so cool, how are Steven doing? I will wait for foto of dinner)) March 25, 2022: Texts photo. This is Casey’s husband Erich, Casey, Ken, me, Steven and my brother Doug. I will send one from Steven’s dinner if he let me take one. He doesn’t like pictures. He is doing well and looking for a new job.

I hope Steven will find a new job)) you are so happy I like this foto so much March 28, 2022: Tell please Steven my best wishes and Happy Birthday, I hope he will get a new job from his dreams)) He says thank you!

I forgot to take a picture. He wanted barbecue. It was delicious!

It is ok)) barbecue…wonderful April 12, 2022: Checking in. How are you doing?

April 13, 2022: Hello, we are ok)) little secret-I am pregnant, and I have very strong toxicosis (if you understand this word) so now I am sleeping all days It is a secret Oh how exciting! When is the baby due? I had toxemia with Casey but only at the very end of the pregnancy. Can I tell Casey that you are pregnant? Do your parents know?

Yes you can say Casey)) my parents know it, they are happy, now we are 9 weeks, and I wait for 13 weeks and hope toxemia will finished)) very hope Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and hope you will feel better soon.

Thanks for congratulations Have you been able t get anything from Kiev or are you staying away still?

16 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

I am stay away, we want to return to Kiev, maybe in Moscow, now it is not safe in Kiev Others have said that it was better and I thought maybe you would pick up some of your things but not move back.

Stay safe! Don’t go back until you feel safe there.

Thumbs up sign April 18, 2022: I know your birthday is somewhere around now. I have lost the date. Happy birthday, probably late!

April 21. 2022: My birthday is 25 of June)) , I am normally but it so hard, I am so tired, every day is nausea Hopefully that part will be over soon and you will have more energy. It’s all worth it when you get to hold that beautiful baby. I don’t know why I thought your birthday was in April. It is the month after Casey’s, not the month before.

Hers is May 2.

I hope it will finish soon) Me too!

May 2, 2022: Congratulation with Casey’s birthday)) now I understand how it’s difficult to create a child)) happiness for all of your family Hope you are feeling better now. Casey went to Disneyland today. I’m sure she had a lot of fun. Two of my nieces are pregnant now too. They are due in September and October.

May 3, 2022: Disneyland is amazing, so good idea to spend her birthday)) I am a little bit feeling better, sleeping a lot)) tomorrow we will go to kiev, I am so happy Are you going to stay there or just pick things up? They were bombing again there We want to stay in kiev, now it is quiet, where we are is also bombing, if situation become dangerous we will go back here Just be safe! I hope everything in Kiev is safe where you left it Thanks)) we will be happy)) May 11, 2022: How did you find everything in Kiev?

Was your home ok and everything still there?

Hello, our home is ok)) we are happy, and my condition has improved, everything is very good)) how are you doing) May 12, 2022: We are good. I have an orchestra concert tonight and band concert Sunday. Then we leave for our trip on Monday.

Good luck)) for concert and trip Aug 19, 2022: Happy birthday Nancy)) I wish you more interesting trips, more good concerts and more and more happiness every day Thank you so much. How is my baby doing? Send tummy pics please. How are you holding up? Still in Kiev? Can I tell people yet?

Aug. 20, 2022: Photos attached. We are good, I eat a lot of apples, bananas and it makes me happy, we are living in Kiev, here is quiet How are you and Casey, Steven, Ken? Aug. 20, 2022: We are all good. You look so cute. Two of my nieces are due near the same time as you are. 3 babies at once. I love it!

Aug. 23, 2022: We wait a boy)) your friends also wait boys or girls? It is very interesting for me Aug. 23, 2022: How exciting. Neither of my nieces want to know the sex until the baby is born. It makes it hard to buy gifts for them! It will be a surprise! Is it ok to tell people now?

What is your address?

How are they buying clothes? Yes, you can tell people about me)) Address follows Thank you!

We aren’t buying clothes yet. We have to wait!

I don’t want to wait. I bought a little bit clothes. We are thinking about the name, it is so interesting)) Let me know when you pick a name. Are you getting everything you need?

We have almost everything, I say the name lately, it is so difficult to choose for us It’s always hard. We changed Casey’s name after she was born. We had a different name picked out.

Really? I think it wait us)) Have a couple ready and see what fits him.

In a quintet rehearsal at my house now. Everyone says hello When you have the next rehearsal say hello from me))] Sept. 22, 2022: How are you doing? When is the baby supposed to arrive? Do you have Amazon there? Is there a

way for me to get a gift certificate to your account? I know that they deliver in Ukraine. Can you order from them? No babies here yet.

Sept. 23, 2022: I’m fine, I’m a little tired, I sleep all the time and my ribs hurt a lot, husband says it’s the beauty of pregnancy, we don’t have Amazon. We still have a month to wait for a baby or more )) Attaches photo of herself and Dima, and her baby bump Did you get married? Congratulations! What do you need for the baby? Did you change your name? You look happy and beautiful!

Sept. 24, 2022: Thanks for the congratulations, we got married a long time ago, we are almost ready for the appearance of Pasha in our world Sept. 27, 2022: First baby was just born. It’s another girl for my nephew. Wren Olivia is her name Sept. 28, 2022: this is so cute. I hope you are having a good trip.

We are having a great time. I’m still trying to figure out how to get a useful gift to you. What do you want or need? Just clothes or other things?

We have everything for our baby, a lot of things were given by friends and acquaintances, enjoy every moment of the journey, it will be the best gift for me Oct.3, 2022: The second one is a boy, 5 days apart Now we are waiting the third baby)) He will be here before you know it! Getting excited!

Thumbs up sign Boy/girl. Gunnar/Wren. 2 photos attached They’re so cute.

They look like twins, not just cousins.

I think so too Can’t wait to see you.

1 or 2 months we must wait Yes. He’ll be a happy, healthy boy I hope.

Oct. 10, 2022: Checking to make sure that you are OK. How bad was it today?

Hello) we are sitting in a bomb shelter today, now we came home to eat and soon we will go there again, a little scary Stay safe. Keep me informed 3 hearts Everything is OK)) we are in the safe place Oct. 17, 2022: How are you doing?

Oct. 18, 2022: hello. I am ok, hard time has come, we’re holding on Stay safe and keep messaging so I know you’re ok.

Love you!

Nov 13, 2022: How are you doing? I have COVID right now but a light case. Just tired and stuffed up. Any contractions happening?

It is so bad that you have covid, my husband had covid in summer, it is difficult, I hope you will be healthy very soon I wait on my baby, one or two weeks maybe (attaches meme of Donald Duck nervously tapping on a table) Nov. 14, 2022: So exciting! I can’t wait and I know you are ready!

I am ready but my baby is not ready.

You never know. One of our babies came 3 weeks early and is super healthy. As long as their lungs develop it is good.

He will come when he’s ready. Are you staying warm? We have heard terrible stories of you not having power to get heat. I hope it will not be bad in the winter We have warm, only the electricity is turned off for 8 hours every day, we are already used to Let’s see what happens in winter, we hope for the best Hoping that it stays warm so your baby will be happy, warn and healthy Nov, 18, 2022: Pasha was born yesterday. Attaches photo of baby cradled in her arms with Dima looking on.

Congratulations! He’s beautiful and you look terrific!

Keep the pictures coming. Good job Mom! 5 hearts I hope everything went easily without complications Everything was ok, I tired Fantastic. Get some sleep while you can. You’ll be missing lots of sleep for a long time! He’s worth it though.

Nov. 26, 2022: Are you staying warm? How is that precious little one doing? Send more picture when you can I hope you’re getting some sleep.

“Nancy & Sveta” page 18

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fire Recovery at Big Basin

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Wednesday, November 15 • 6-8 p.m., Online Symposium

he Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council is sponsoring a free virtual symposium about post-fire research and recovery at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

This online event on YouTube and will connect the public with researchers and their findings. Research and recovery topics include: • Status of fish, frogs and habitat on Coastal Waddell Creek (Jerry Smith, SJSU) • Redwood sprouts fueled by reserves and buds (Drew Peltier, University of Nevada Las Vegas) • Ceanothus invasion of redwood & knobcone pine stands (Jon Keely, US Geological Survey, UCLA) • Initial impacts of the fire on breeding birds (Alex Rinkert, consulting biologist) • Planning for the future park—Reimagining Big Basin (Will Fourt, California State Parks) Local redwood expert Zane Moore of UC Davis will moderate. n •••

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

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Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by November 30, 2023 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

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See the complete program agenda at www. scmbc.org.

Attend the livestream at: www.youtube. com/live/DtdmH3KCU8s

Thanksgiving Meal T

he Veterans for Peace and the Friends of Thanksgiving announce the Santa Cruz Community Thanksgiving Dinner will once again be hosted at the Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz, from 11am to 3pm Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Nov. 23.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings prepared by local chefs.

The hall will once again be decorated by local Girl Scouts and music will be provided by local artists. Join us for a day of true community as we eat, share stories and experiences and celebrate the holiday spirit.

Your generous donation will help turn a time of want and need into a celebration of joy and generosity. n ••• To donate, visit: https://gofund.me/af57f069

ACROSS 37. *____ Strip on 1. Sylvester Stallone’s Mediterranean Sea, “____ King” 1948 6. And so forth, abbr.

39. Roman goddess, 9. Mongolian desert patroness of hunters 13. Uniate church member 40. *Moscow ____ 14. Additionally cocktail, created in 15. Modified “will” 1940s 16. Heart surgery prop 41. Beach souvenir 17. Remains container 43. Inspiring horror 18. Follow 44. Not long 19. *Thor Heyerdahl’s raft 46. Home to Bryce 21. *Jackie Robinson’s Canyon new team, 1947 47. Smoothie bowl 23. *Cassius Marcellus flavor Clay, Jr., born in 1942 48. Become available (2 24. Animal prod words) 25. Give a nickname 50. Links hazard 28. Dwarf buffalo 52. Mozart’s “L’____ del 30. Edible corn part Cairo” 35. Functions 53. Back of the neck 55. Transgression 57. *Carmen of “The Gang’s All Here”

61. *United _____, 6. Purse for the red 33. *Considered first established 1945 carpet general-purpose 65. Popeye’s sweetie 7. High craggy hill computer, acr.

66. *The BAA and NBL 8. Type of dwelling 34. a.k.a. vampire merged, forming this 9. “The ____ Show” 36. Espied ball org., 1949 (1976-1980) 38. a.k.a. Daminozide 68. Battle royal 10. Yorkshire river 42. ____ Apso 69. Denigrating 11. Hangover memory? 45. Tornado visual statement 12. 15th of March 49. Helicopter landing 70. What divots and divas 15. Tied the knot 51. Coal miners have in common 20. *Leopold III of 54. Bear of bamboo forest 71. Audience’s approval Belgium and Christian 56. Brother’s daughter 72. Lad’s counterpart X of Denmark, e.g.

57. Gangster’s gal 73. Number on a birthday 22. Acorn producer 58. Hip bones cake 24. Common newspaper 59. Barbecued anatomy 74. Not o’er name 60. Birds 25. *”When I See an 61. Part of cathedral DOWN Elephant Fly” elephant, 62. Cantina cooker 1. Poacher’s trophy 1941 63. Sans mixers 2. “Do ____ others...” 26. Steal a throne 64. Comedian Meyers 3. Bank claim 27. Misrepresent 67. *”The ____ Sleep,” 1946 4. *1947’s “Here Comes 29. *Pearl Harbor location ____ Claus” 31. Capital of Latvia © Statepoint Media 5. King of the Huns 32. Narcotics agent

Answers on 23 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 17

Scorpio Sun & Mercury – Eclipse Effects Esoteric Astrology • November 2023 • By Risa D’Angeles

B

oth Sun and Mercury are in Scorpio now. Hermes, the messenger (Mercury), sending information to humanity via the rays of the Sun. It’s a Scorpionic message, concerning Scorpio’s Nine Tests, given each year at this time by the Lord of Mars, preparing us for discipleship (Scorpio and Sagittarius), for service (Capricorn and Aquarius) and should any of us aspire to save the world, for our work in Pisces.

Mars, Scorpio’s personality and Soul ruler, provides the tests. They are both rigorous and very subtle. One must be very observant to see and understand how they are working out in our lives. It’s good to have an astrology chart – one’s own personal heavenly geometry to gaze at and learn from.

Mercury in Scorpio means we can use our words to create, encourage, hearten, cheer, reassure and offer hope. Or communication (ours/others) can be damaging, destructive, cruel, unkind, merciless and heartless.

Should we observe the latter in ourselves, we may choose a formal study of Compassionate/Non-violent Communication techniques. So we learn to no longer unconsciously be cruel and destructive in our words.

October 28, at the full moon festival of Scorpio, there was a lunar eclipse. The influence of the eclipses last three months after the actual ARIES

event. During a lunar eclipse, the full moon slowly dims as it passes through the Earth’s shadow, revealing what is hidden in our personal lunar shadow. A lunar eclipse is subtle, but its electromagnetic effects can be felt if observed. The lunar eclipse full moon was at 5 degrees Scorpio/Taurus. Issues related to certain areas of life will continue as an undercurrent of change for the next three months.

At a lunar eclipse, as the moon’s reflected light/energy is hidden, it means something in form and matter in our lives disappears too. The moon represents our past, that which must be left behind leaving room for the new world era.

The most important astrological information to understand is the neutrality of eclipses and actually all the signs, planets and stars as their energies (in the form of light) precipitate down into our earth. How we experience the influence of the heavens is dependent upon our state of awareness, our knowledge of the science and art of astrology and our developmental stage. Astrology as a study of the heavens is humanity’s new psychology.

••• Read more on Risa’s FB page and website: www.nightlightnews.org.

LEO

Subtle yet important shifts will be occurring in your life and on For some Leos, new and exciting, intelligent and loving inner levels. You may feel as if you’re in a boat relationships will be appearing. For other Leos, having property and money in rocking to-and-fro wondering where you’re being common becomes either unavailable or taken and why. Attempt to anchor yourself within too much responsibility. Other Leos will whatever spiritual reality calls to you while also reaching out to friends for support as well as reaching well into experience deep psychological changes. For all Leos past the future with hope. No one is prepared for the future. It is an needs have shifted to new needs and unexpected situaunknown. But you will be one of those asked to help bring it forth. tions feel intense and fated. They are. And through it all, you say “I am a creator, I am creative, I am loving, I am You can and you will. For now, observe and be a silent watcher. all of that.”

TAURUS

New and different ways of living are being shown to you and they challenge your previously conservative (a safeguarding way to live for you) ways.

There will be new dreams, goals and visions offered also, and at first you will say “No” which is good as it gives you time to think. Then you will, after pondering, come around to realizing these are worthy ideas you need to ponder upon and pursue. Take your time.

When you decide on something you move quickly.

VIRGO

It seems certain changes must be made in relationships.

This does not signify a fault. It signifies growth. You may also unexpectedly embark upon an unusual relationship. Although not advisable, you’ll learn through its instability.

Daily strategies will need to shift. Conflicts arising alert you that past patterns of relating won’t work anymore. The new ones will either be created by you, by others, or simply appear.

GEMINI

LIBRA

Sometimes we express our identity by creating conflict or challenging authority. As we bear the consequences of this, we learn more and more about ourselves defining who we are and what we want (or don’t want) and how to not be unskillful.

You may feel limitations, which drive you to change. These changes lead to a new sense of freedom. New opportunities suddenly appear and events may occur that surprise or shock. Then a new direction suddenly manifests.

Should anyone or anything make excessive demands upon you, choose a path different than yours and expect you to follow, should there be extreme responsibilities professionally, or anything too binding or restrictive, you will break free in order to ease tension, you will escape in order to find your own way, and you will seek your own path in order to maintain health and happiness. Your entire life will be revolutionized.

Slowly.

CANCER

SCORPIO

It’s important you consciously choose to have an open mind (Mantram: “I have a clear, unlimited open mind at all times” recited over and over) to absorb the new possibilities soon appearing that change your worldviews. Events inform you your previous thinking was a bit askew, uneven and off kilter. Allow your thinking to be adjusted toward the truth and no longer based on others’ opinions and judgment. This will be a large step in creating a new mind and awareness.

Does life feel a bit more exciting? Are relationships during these years not very long term? They may be durable but you find you can’t have expectations. It could be that children or a very creative enterprise are/is in your life.

With both (children and creativity) you see the need to be innovative, more attentive, and taking different approaches, which help you, redefine and then refine your abilities. More understanding follows. Yes? •••

SAGITTARIUS

Your relationships to family, parents, home, the past are most important aspects of your life. There is a release occurring and a reform within the family and you are the one whose task it is to bring the past to the present. On outer levels you feel unsettled no matter what you’re doing. You must summon flexibility. Whatever you have not looked at will emerge and gaze at you. The deepest level of your being is shifting to new heights. Hold onto your parachute.

CAPRICORN

It is important that you observe your communication and how it affects others. You must also know that the tempo of your life has increased and this can make for impatience with others, especially those slower than you, younger, more vulnerable. It shows the quality of a person in how they communicate with those who, needing help, look to us for guidance and care. Your old and learned habits, if they do not serve others, must fall away. Goodwill in all ways is your new keyword.

AQUARIUS

Have your finances begun to withstand changes and is your economic and material situation not what it was before. This is occurring, or will occur, for everyone, but it seems to have begun with you. You will find that through this, your values also change. You already know to be thrifty, organic, biodynamic, and sharing. This is only the beginning. The next steps for Aquarians are two: astrology and community. One leads to and encompasses the other.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

Have you been acting in ways different from your usual behavior? It could be a seeking of a new life or maybe for freedom even though others may see it as rebellion on the personality level. Should this behavior continue, you must then heed the message that perhaps certain changes in your life are overdue. Sometimes limitations appear to help us develop discipline, self-identity, contemplation, and a new plan for life. What would that new life look like?

“Nancy & Sveta” from page 16 Nov 29, 2022: It is warm)) I want to sleep every moment..and now I am sleeping)) Attaches photo of her holding the baby He is so precious!

YES with a meme of a penguin nodding yes Dec. 17, 2022: Pasha is father’s child. Attaches 2 photos, one where she holds the baby and the other of Dima holding the baby looking at the camera Awe. So cute! He looks like he’s Mama’s boy too!

Dec. 19, 2022: I hope he takes something from me)) Of course he will. Love, love, love.

Dec. 24, 2022: Merry Christmas Thumbs up sign Jan. 5, 2023: Merry Orthodox Christmas! Are you doing anything to celebrate? Hope all is well Jan. 7, 2023: Thank you, we don’t celebrate much, there was a festive dinner with my husband’s parents, we are a bit tired now )) Sleep while you can!

Texts a photo of baby sleeping on his sleeping father’s chest He’s growing! So sweet 5kg of happiness Comfy cozy happiness! 4 hearts Feb. 18, 2023: Hello)) How are you doing? Attaches a photo of herself cuddling the baby. I and Pasha send kisses and rays of happiness for you.

Two beautiful people! Kisses and love right back to you.

Stay warn with yur cuddly little guy! 5 hearts March 21, 2023: How are you doing? How is that little sweetheart doing? What new tricks has he learned?

March 23, 2023: Texts a video of baby on his tummy on his playmat, and 2 photos, one a closeup of baby smiling and the other laying on his father’s chest and looking up at the camera.

He smile every day He is so cute! What a good job you are doing! Happy boy and happy mama and daddy.

This is my job next 3 years)) March 24, 2023: The best job ever!

Aug. 19, 2023: Dear Nancy, Happy Birthday)) we wish you a lot of fun, healthiness and happiness Thank you so much! I need a new baby picture!!! Hope you are doing well Aug. 20, 2023: We are well, now we are having barbecue with parents of my husband. Attaches 3 photos of baby I was showing these pictures of Pasha to Rowan yesterday and there was a friend there who is a reporter.

She wants to write an article about you and has some questions What is your husband’s last name? What is his job? Has he had to serve in the military? How did you meet each other?

Do you have access to things for the baby? Is there any way we can help you? … Is it Ok with you for her to write your story?

Aug. 25, 2022: It is ok to write but I am very busy right now, a little later will write answers.

Sept. 7, 2023: Hello, it was a terrible two weeks. My husband, Gamayunov Dmytro, he is engineer of health and safety, we met on a dating site, he did not serve in the military, his eyesight is very poor We have everything for baby, there is a lot of humanitarian aid in Ukraine. My husband’s parents are living near us and help us. My parents see me and Pasha on Skype.

Thank you. I hope things are calmer now. I’m so glad that thigs like Skype exist so you can see your parents and they can see the baby. Not the same as holding him though Sept. 8, 2023: Everything is fine with us now and I hope that everything is fine with you.

On Skype, my parents can see every stage of Pasha’s development) n ••• The next Sister Cities committee meeting is Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Santa Cruz started a Sister Cities relationship with Alushta in 1984 and Shingu, Japan, in 1974. Teens in grades 8-10 are invited to visit Shingu during spring break 2024. Applications are due Nov. 15. To learn more about Santa Cruz Sister Cities, see https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/citydepartments/parks-recreation/advisory-bodies/ sister-cities-committee

CALIFORNIA NEWS

AB 418: Chemicals in Food Banned in 2027 O

By Jondi Gumz

n Oct. 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 418 to prohibit the use of four dangerous chemicals in processed foods and drinks sold in California — starting in 2027.

Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), AB 418 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution in California of any food product containing red dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propyl paraben.

The use of these chemicals has been banned in the 27 nations in the European Union as well as many other countries due to scientific research linking them to cancer, reproductive problems, and behavioral issues in children.

Until 2027, California parents will have to read the ingredient list on the back of the package to see if these chemicals are in their children’s favorite treats or candies.

The State Senate amended the bill to delay implementation, giving food companies time to negotiate new contracts and phase in new recipes, and to remove titanium dioxide from the list of banned additives.

The Assembly vote was 65-6, nine abstentions, representatives Robert Rivas,

Dawn Addis and Gail Pellerin voting yes, and 33-3 in the Senate, John Laird voting yes, with four abstentions, including Anna Caballero.

Coke, Pepsi, Gatorade, Panera, Whole Foods and Kroger voluntarily stopped using the additives that would be banned under AB 418 because of concerns about their impact on human health.

“The Governor’s signature … represents a huge step forward in our effort to protect children and families in California from dangerous and toxic chemicals in our food supply,” said Gabriel. “It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to food safety. This bill will not ban any foods or products — it simply will require food companies to make minor modifications to their recipes and switch to the safer alternative ingredients that they already use in Europe and so many other places around the globe.”

The Environmental Working Group, which sponsored the bill with Consumer

Reports, called it landmark legislation.

“AB 418 is the most important food safety bill in more than a decade and its passage is a historic victory for protecting kids and families from dangerous food chemicals,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group. “For decades, chemical companies have been able to exploit a loophole that allows food additives to escape adequate review and oversight by the FDA. Since the FDA has failed to keep us safe, it has become the responsibility of states like California to step up and lead.”

Because California’s economy is the largest in the U.S., the legislation may lead to safer alternatives nationwide.

“We’ve known for years that the toxic chemicals banned under California’s landmark new law pose serious risks to our health,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports. “California has taken an important stand for food safety at a

time when the FDA has failed to take action.

Safer versions of food products that are available in other countries should be made available to U.S. consumers, too.”

The American Chemistry Council opposed the bill, on behalf of 11 organizations representing manufacturers, distributors and retailers of food and beverages, including the Consumer Brands Association. The National Confectioner’s Association also was opposed.

A “loophole” known as “Generally Recognized as Safe” allows food additives to be used in the U.S. without premarket review and approval by FDA, as long as they have been “adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use” through common use.

Many of the chemicals in AB 418 have been banned in Canada, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Nigeria, Japan, South Korea, Peru, Sri Lanka, China, India, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan.

Red Dye No. 3 is banned by the FDA for use in cosmetics but is allowed in food. n ••• For fast-food testing results see https://www. momsacrossamerica.com/fast_food_results

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 19

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by November 27

The recital will be 7 pm, Friday, Dec. 15, at VAPA5156.

To participate or support this program, call (831) 479-6101.

Register at https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings or via Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or email extension@ cabrillo.edu before the first class.

SCOTTS VALLEY LIBRARY EVENTS Nov. 9. 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Advance Healthcare Directives Workshop — Join Hospice of Santa Cruz County and construct small artworks, cards, ornaments, FELTON LIBRARY EVENTS for a workshop on Advance Healthcare Directives, gift tags, bookmarks and more.

Nov. 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: FAFSA Changes Alert Planning ahead for your healthcare is a gift you can This will be a make-and-take workshop, and there for Parents — The Free Application For Federal TEDX SANTA CRUZ SEEKS SPEAKERS give to yourself and those you love . will be many ideas for participants to take home and try. Organizers are calling for speakers, volunteers, and Student Aid or FAFSA, is undergoing massive Nov. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: A Death Café — Come changes this fall, resulting in a delay in the opening Materials provided, but you can bring your own. sponsors for the next TEDxSantaCruz: Rising Together, gather and enjoy a pastry and a Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ slated for Saturday, April 13, at Cabrillo College’s coffee, while we discuss death and of the FAFSA filing window from October until event/11368482 Led by volunteer Lise Bixler.

Crocker Theater. The call is open to everyone who lives dying in small groups, A Death Café sometime in December.

Ongoing Through Nov. 8: Día de los Muertos or works in Santa Cruz County. is a group-supported discussion of death with These changes will likely have a direct impact on Community Altar — Celebrate departed loved ones, the financial aid of many high school seniors and “Santa Cruz County has been through so much no agenda, objectives or themes. ancestors, and our community by bringing your own since we held our last TEDxSC event in 2019 – the Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Friends of the Scotts Valley returning college students. photographs and loving tributes to celebrate Día de A timely and informative review of the changes COVID pandemic, CZU fires, and back-to-back Library Book Sale — Find many great fiction and los Muertos (Nov. 1 and 2). Anyone and everyone may storms and floods,” said event co-producer non-fiction books, cookbooks, sheet music, children’s and their impacts by Steve Shapiro, a certified participate! financial planner who has been guiding families Nada Miljkovic, UC Santa Cruz program manager books, and more. through the college funding gauntlet for 20 years. of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m.: Living on Rural Properties, (at Development. “Our community has literally risen CURIOUS NARRATIVES: IMAGINED MEMORIES Felton Community Hall) — This Resource Develtogether, disaster after disaster, to meet each Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 6, 2024, Santa Cruz Art League, 526 opment Center event is co-sponsored by Felton challenge.”

Broadway, Santa Cruz Library Friends, and will be held in the Community Consuelo Alba, co-founder and executive director Opening reception: 6-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 Hall because the number of registrants exceeds the of the Watsonville Film Festival, is working with Artist talk: 1:30-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 Miljkovic and Jenny Kurzweil of Community FounThe Santa Cruz Art League will present Curious Narra- library’s Community Room capacity of 75.

Is your private road a rough ride? Want a more dation Santa Cruz County to produce the event. tives — Imagined Memories, featuring creations by fire resilient landscape? Need to improve drainage The theme is meant to suggest “an immense Santa Cruz County artists Wendy Aikin of Aptos, Jean scale of collaboration,” Alba said. “How do we rise Sheckler Beebe of Aptos and Judy Stabile of Watsonville. or reduce erosion? Or increase the longevity of your well or septic system? together? How do we build effective and lasting The exhibit is on display from Nov. 17 through Jan. 6.

IF YES, then join your neighbors for a free collaborations?”

This exhibition is an expansion of Aikin’s installation The theme was inspired by the Rise Together The Curator’s Office which was part of The Museum of presentation with tips for managing & improving your property & our natural resources. Topics: coalition, a Community Foundation initiative Curious Perceptions exhibition at Pajaro Valley Arts in that brings together local Black, Indigenous, 2018. Aikin created a life-size cabinet of curiosities of Best practices for maintaining private roads; understanding drainage & erosion; fire resiliency & and People of Color leaders to advance racial an imaginary museum curator. healthy landscapes; managing your well & septic equity. Rise Together members are volunteering Aikin, Beebe and Stabile are expanding on their to help organize the event, particularly lunchtime interpretations of the characters in Aikin’s assemblages. system. Light food & drinks provided. networking.

Through sculpture, collage, assemblage, painting, found Register at https://www.rcdsantacruz.org/rcdTo apply to be a speaker, volunteer, or sponsor, see objects and fiber arts, the artists are creating environ- public-events/79-rural-living-2023 ••• Nov. 7, 4-5 p.m.: Writing workshop with Doug tedxsantacruz.org. Speaker nominations are due Nov. 5 ments for their imagined lives.

Morris — This workshop that is perfect if you are All library branches will be closed Nov. 10 & 11 in observance and speaker applications Dec. 3. of Veteran’s Day. writing on your own, or working on a novel for Felton Library Hours: Mon. thru Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Volunteer Doug Morris is a retired teacher who The American Red Cross continues to experience a will take you through a simple yet fantastic process national blood shortage and asks the public to book a CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS based on Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down Artwork by: Wendy Aikin • Jean Sheckler Beebe • Judy time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood the Bones.

Registration for the Cabrillo Youth Strings chamber Stabile types are urgently needed, especially type O and those You will walk away from this program with the music program is underway. giving platelets. basis to write a sustained piece. Open to teens and Classes will meet 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Fridays for five CERT BASIC IN-PERSON CLASS To make a donation appointment, download the Red adults. weeks in the Music Building, VAPA 5000, beginning Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call This class is a free in-person class. The class will consist Nov. 8, 10 am-1 p.m.: New Lives for Old Books Nov. 10.

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) of 4 evening classes and one weekend day which crafts — Harvest illustrations, pages, words, String players with good note-reading experience, Aptos combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on skills practice. covers, and spines from discarded books to collage ages 8 to18 are welcome to participate.

Nov. 4: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Topics covered: Disaster Preparedness, CERT Cabrillo College Drive Organization, Disaster Medical Operations, Disaster Santa Cruz Psychology, Fire Safety and Utility Controls, Light Search COMMUNITY INTERFAITH MEMORIAL SERVICE Nov. 2: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ and Rescue, and CERT and Terrorism. of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St. Four Tuesdays: Jan 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6 from 6 to Wednesday November 15 9:30 pm at Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market 7 p.m., Resurrection Catholic Community Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos BLM RECRUITING FIREFIGHTERS St., Santa Cruz.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County invites the community to attend a special One Saturday: Feb. 10 from 9 am to 4 pm, at Central The Bureau of Land Management is hosting holiday memorial service at Resurrection Catholic Community Church to Fire Station, 930 17th Ave, Santa Cruz/Live Oak. recruiting events Dec. 1-3 in Riverside and Feb. 2-4 honor our loved ones.

ALL class sessions are required. in Sacramento to quickly fill 100+ vital wildland The Interfaith Memorial Service is an opportunity to pause ahead of COVID precautions used during the class:https:// firefighter and dispatch positions in California for the busy holiday season, reflect, and remember. Whether your loved one santacruzcountycert.org/cert-covid-19-policy/ the 2024 fire season. recently passed or is someone who you have carried in your heart for Click Submit and Sign Up after selection is made.

Details: many years, this memorial service nourishes heart and spirit by honoring Note* The sign-up page will only list the January 16th date, Dec. 1-3: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pacific Southwest both the sadness and joy that comes with remembrance. but you will be registered for the entire series of classes.

Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, This is a candle-lighting ceremony accompanied by music, words of You will receive a confirmation email if sign-up was done Riverside. encouragement, and reflection to help us prepare for the holiday season. properly.

Feb. 2-4: Friday, 12 pm - 4 pm; Saturday. 8 am to This free event will be held in-person with livestream online access at 4 pm; Sunday 8 am to 2 pm. at Doubletree by Hilton www.hospicesantacruz.org/event/interfaith-memorial COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS Hotel, 2001 Point W Way, Sacramento.

You are welcome to bring a photograph of your loved one to add to 1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville Staff will be on-site to review resumes, the remembrance table at the service. After the candle lighting service, you will take your photo and a candle The remaining County Fair Board meeting date in 2023 is home. This memorial is a gathering of people of all faiths and beliefs in our community, regardless of whether conduct interviews and background checks and, Tuesday Dec. 5. Meetings also take place on Zoom. at the Sacramento event, potentially make job your loved one was a hospice patient or not. All are welcome.

For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com. offers.

20 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR “California’s need to build our wildland firefighter workforce is increasing and the Bureau of Land Management is looking to expedite the hiring process,” said State Fire Management Officer Peter Kelly.

See www.firejobs.doi.gov/crews for available jobs.

Webinars with tips for applicants will be Nov. 9 and Jan. 25. Register at www.blm.gov/californiafirehire Salaries, application instructions and deadlines, will be at www.usajobs.gov/Search/ Results?l=California&a=IN05&p=1 Applicants can visit www.blm.gov/california-firehire

Tuesday November 14

ONGOING EVENTS

CAREGIVER UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Chaminade Resort, 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center presents the 2023 Caregiver University Conference at Chaminade Resort.

This is an opportunity for caregivers to gather to learn, connect, and empower each other.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caregiver-universityconference-2023-tickets-699315580727?aff=website

Third Thursdays SIP AND STROLL 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

THANKSGIVING LUNCH 1-3 p.m., Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road The Scotts Valley Senior Center, supported by Brookdale Senior Living and Bruno’s Bar & Grill, will host a Thanksgiving lunch.

Sign up to attend by Nov. 9; space is limited.

In other news, Lisa Bustichi and Harvey Milder have joined the Senior Center board.

For more November activities, see the Senior Center page on Facebook.

Saturday November 18

ANNA HAULENBEEK HUSKEY’S OIL PAINTINGS

Saturday November 18 Sunday November 19

AROMAS HILLS ARTISANS HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave Second Friday Each Month Aromas Hills Artisans invite you to their Holiday Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road NEW BRIDGE GROUP Festival at the Aromas Grange, with 30 arts and The current exhibit of Art in the Scotts Valley Library features the oil paintings of Anna Haulenbeek Huskey.

10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. crafts booths, music by Jesse Martinez and free “Abstraction and the Figure” will be on display thru Dec. 28.

Come for bridge on the second Friday of each workshops taught by members. Everything is The human and animal form, gesture and motion inspires her work and is the jumping off point for month from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach handmade. The artists will be on hand. You can further abstract paintings. library. create something wonderful to take home as a The Scotts Valley Library is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (5 p.m. Fri. & Sat.) First meeting was Oct. 13. Bette Harken, reminder of a day well spent.

Master Bridge player, will give an introduction for Raffle tickets to win a beautiful piece of artwork beginners. may be purLocal youth will perform with a violin soloist and County will share insights on AI’s role in their Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710. chased up until guest artists. sectors.

Suggested donations at the door: General, $10, A “live” avatar will greet you at the door. Demos from the drawing at 2 p.m. Sunday. students/seniors, $5, children 17 and under, free.

10+ companies. Location to be announced. Tickets DATED EVENTS are $25 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-horizons- Proceeds All proceeds benefit the Cabrillo Youth Strings Program Thursday November 2 support the tickets-741295042427 nonprofit Saturday November 4 BIG BASIN WATER MEETING Aromas Hills 25TH ANNUAL HOT RODS AT THE BEACH 7-8:30 p.m. Boulder Creek Fire, 13230 Central Ave. Friday November 10 Artisan’s Guild Big Basin Water customers are invited to attend 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St Saturday November 11 which promotes a community meeting at Boulder Creek Fire, The 25th Annual Hot Rods at the Beach will take place GOAT HILL FAIR art education. hosted by Supervisor Bruce McPherson and fea- at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

10 a.m.(Fri) / 9 a.m.(Sat) to 4 p.m., Santa Cruz County The AHA turing Silver & Wright LLP, the court-appointed Proceeds go to the Santa Cruz Police Officers fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville organization receiver.

Association.

Goat Hill Fair, an antique and vintage show, will take also provides On Oct. 5, Santa Cruz County Superior Court For information, call 831-425-0362 or www.hotrodsatplace at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds. scholarships Judge Timothy Volkmann signed an order granting thebeach.com Christine West displays her jewelry Enjoy two full days of shopping over 100 vintage and to members, the California Water Resources Control Board’s antiques vendors.

A wide variety of food offerings will enabling them to attend classes to further develop request to appoint Silver & Wright as receiver over Tuesday November 7 be available. their artistic abilities. the Big Basin Water Company’s drinking water SWING LEFT SANTA CRUZ TO SPEAK Presented by the Agricultural History Project.

When you visit Aromas, take a look around the town system.

6:30 p.m., Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Kings Village Shopping Tickets start at $10, children under 12 can enter for free.

No at the eight murals, including the bridge full of fish, a As receiver, Silver & Wright is to assume Center, 230 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley pets. Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goat-hillcommunity project, designed and sponsored by Aromas possession and control of the system and work to Jane Eagen and Rene Bloch from Swing Left Santa fair-tickets-717255880647.

Hills Artisans. maintain a reliable supply of water to the utility’s Cruz will be the guest speakers for the Democratic Admission is free. n more than 500 customers in compliance with state Club of North Santa Cruz County upstairs at Bruno’s Sunday November 12 and local laws.

Bar and Grill.

Customers may attend this meeting in person or virtually.

The speakers will discuss ways club members can DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY: ITALIAN FILM SERIES Pre-registration required, at https://tinyurl.com/BigBasinWater get involved to help support Democratic candidates 7-9:30 p.m., Cabrillo College’s VAPA building 1000, Art History Rm 1001, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos in swing districts in California and across the Friday November 3 Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is sponsoring country.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. a Fall Italian Film Series: New Horizons | Nuovi CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS CONCERT Orizzonti, which started Sept. 10 at Cabrillo 7 p.m., Cabrillo Music Building, VAPA 5156, 6500 Wednesday November 8 College Soquel Dr. Free admission; Limited seating; first come, first AI HORIZONS Cabrillo Youth Strings presents a Fall Orchestra served. Cash donations welcome.

Concert at the Cabrillo College Music Building.

6-8:30 p.m., Location TBA Olimpia’s Way (Acqua e anice). Directed by Corrado The concert features string orchestra selections, Guy Kawasaki is set to lead a Santa Cruz Works Ceron, 2022. (109 mins) Celtic, international, and contemporary music: Soon Fireside Chat with UCSC’s Chancellor Cindy Hee Newbold, Pharrell Williams, Dmitri Shostakovich, Larive and Shift AI’s Boaz Ashkenasky. SapientX, For more about the films, visit: www.dantesantacruz.com/ and others.

Painting by Kati D’Amore events Baskin School of Engineering, and Santa Cruz

On Display thru December 28

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 21

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Infrastructure Update: Water and Roads

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

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his month, we are focused on two issues that are often in the forefront throughout Santa Cruz County and especially in District 5 — water and roads.

Let’s start with water. My office has spent a great deal of time in the last several years working on shaping a better future for the customers of Big Basin Water Company, which has struggled for a long time to provide a consistently safe and adequate water supply.

As you may have read, state regulators filed a lawsuit against the privately owned Boulder Creek company this summer, which resulted in Superior Court Judge Timothy Volkmann granting the state’s request to appoint a receiver who will manage the company and restore stability.

The County has been working closely with the receiver since their appointment in early October and has committed to providing some emergency funding to avoid a public health crisis for the 500plus customers of Big Basin after the company’s contracted operator and potential buyer, Central States Water Resources, abruptly quit.

Representatives from Silver & Wright, LLP, the law firm appointed as receiver, joined my office for a town hall meeting with Big Basin customers in early November to answer questions about the status of the system and immediate plans to shore up the company’s finances.

In close partnership with my state colleagues, Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, we will continue making every effort to provide support to the receiver and Big Basin customers throughout the challenging weeks and months ahead, including what I hope will be efforts to eventually

consolidate with the publicly owned San Lorenzo Valley Water District.

This all comes at a time when SLVWD faces a big shift: the retirement of District Manager Rick Rogers after a 47-year career. Rick has been a steady figure, both in operations and administration, and a wonderful community partner.

He played a key role in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency’s establishment of a state-required Groundwater Sustainability Plan in partnership with Scotts Valley Water District, the County and other stakeholders. He also played critical roles in SLVWD’s merger with Felton and Lompico water agencies.

Lompico is a good place to segue into the topic of addressing repairs on privately maintained roads.

Lompico residents are invited to a community meeting November 14 at which representatives from the County and the Santa Cruz Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) will present information about the benefits of forming a County Service Area to make roadway access and safety improvements.

22 / November 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The meeting will be 6-7:30 p.m. at the Zayante Fire Protection District, 7700 East Zayante Road.

How to properly care for privately maintained roads in the Santa Cruz Mountains will also be a key topic of a free workshop called “Living on Rural Properties,” hosted by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County from 6-9 p.m. Monday, November 6 at Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9.

Other topics will include understanding drainage and erosion, supporting fire resiliency and healthy

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landscapes, managing wells and septic systems, and obtaining grant funding for projects. RSVP is required by visiting rcdsantacruz.org.

Lastly, the County is requesting public input on its Local Road Safety Plan, a framework that will identify, analyze and prioritize improvements on County-maintained roads, which comprise about 600 miles of roadway.

Examples of valuable input include reporting intersections with frequent accidents or roads that experience frequent speeding. Input will be accepted only until November 3 through the project website at santacruzcountysafe streets.com, but visiting the site will also provide information generally about the safety effort.

Next month, our column will focus on preparing for winter. Last year, we experienced unprecedented atmospheric river events that caused flooding and other damage throughout District 5 and the County overall.

In collaboration with the County’s Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, we will be planning a town hall meeting to help residents prepare and are supporting the County’s ongoing efforts to update its Emergency Operations Plan. n

SCCAS Featured Pet

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Meet Whiskers!

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his gorgeous gal came to the Shelter as an owner surrender because she was being bullied by the other kitty in the home. Whiskers (#A280391) has lived in a home with children under 12 years old, men and women.

Her favorite activities are playing with balls, snuggling, and looking out the window. Her favorite toys are ball toys and balls on tracks. Whiskers has lived indoors only in her previous home and did well. She is a bit of a nervous nelly and is scared of children, dogs and loud noises.

Whisker’s best fit for a home would include a quiet, cat-savvy home where she is the only pet. Once she is comfortable, she is friendly and affectionate.

Whisker’s adoption fee is reduced by $20 thanks to the Laurie Roberts Bogey Fund — a fund to draw adopter’s eyes towards the often overlooked black cats in Shelters. n ••• 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. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

••• 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

The 1940s © Statepoint Media

COMMUNITY NEWS

Operation Christmas Child L ocal families are turning empty shoeboxes into gifts of hope for boys and girls in need by filling them with school supplies like pencils, crayons and notebooks, personal care items and fun toys.

This is the 30th year of Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse to reach around the world.

In 2023, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children.

The nationwide collection week is Nov. 13-20. Across the U.S., the boxes head to eight processing centers where they are inspected, packed into cartons and shipped.

People are invited to repurpose an empty shoebox, wrap the lid separately from the box, and fill the box.

Kathy Newman, Santa Cruz County coordinator with her husband, recommends starting with a “wow” item, such as a stuffed animal or soccer ball, deflated, accompanied by a pump.

Yes, a soccer ball will fit in a shoebox once deflated and rolled.

Newman said volunteers at Felton Bible Church recently packed more than 500 soccer balls.

After the wow, then add toys, personal care items, toothbrush, washcloth, a bar of soap, and school supplies, such as pens and crayons.

No liquid or gels, nothing breakable.

Nothing with an expiration date — such as candy — is allowed because that will create problems at the border. n ••• There are three drop-off locations: Corralitos Community Church 26 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos Hours Nov. 13 & 16 &18: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nov. 14, 15 & 17: 2- 5 p.m.

Nov. 19: 1-3 p.m.

Nov. 20: 9-11:30 a.m.

Santa Cruz Community Church 411 Roxas St., Santa Cruz Hours Nov. 13 & 18: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Nov. 14: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nov. 15: 3-6 p.m.

Nov. 16: 1-4 p.m.

Nov. 17: 4 – 6 p.m.

Nov. 19: 12:30 – 4 p.m.

Nov. 20: 9 – 11 a.m.

Felton Bible Church 5999 Graham Hill Road, Felton Hours Mon, Nov. 13 & 14 & 16 &17: 1- 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 15: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 18: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nov. 19: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

••• For a video on how to pack the shoebox, see amaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operationchristmas-child/?utm_source= For questions, call Kathy Newman at 831818-6648 or email santacruzocc@gmail.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / November 2023 / 23