Scotts Valley Times: June 2024

By Jondi Gumz

Deborah Cypert Owner

Bobbie Frandeen

Table of Contents

Scotts Valley High Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Community News

4 Santa Cruz County Bank-First Capital Merger: A Deeper Dig, By Jondi Gumz

5 Bay Fed: Scholarship Winners

7 Home Insurance Crisis: My Story, By Jondi Gumz

8 Ballot Measure: $87 Parcel Tax to Address Fire Resilience, Flood Protection, Recreation, By Jondi Gumz • Welcome Back, Capt. Grimm

17 Can You Lower Your Home Insurance Premium?, By Jondi Gumz

18 Free Well Water Testing Program

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14

11 Damian’s Ladder: Ribbon Cutting and Luncheon • TherapyWorks Celebrates 5 Years in Scotts Valley

12/13 2023 Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala, Arwen Reber Photography

14 Where Adventure Awaits!, Summer Camps and SUP lessons at the SUP Shack • New Member Spotlight: Pacific Flow Swim School

Local Sports

5 Scotts Valley High Softball: League Champs!

15 Girls Beach Volleyball All League 2023-24 • Boys Volleyball All League 2023-24

19 SCCAL Athletes of the Year: Braylon Noble, Danica Kelley & Ashlyn Boothby

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Gemini: Lines of Lightbeams, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21

Featured Columnists

6 Is Your Home Insurance Being Dropped?, By Randy Johnson, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

16 Healing the Father-Son Wound, By Barry and Joyce Vissell

22 Rail Trail: $400 Million to $500 Million to Build, $66 Million to Maintain: RTC Commits to Fully Funding Live Oak to Aptos Stretch, By Bruce McPherson and Eduardo Montesino

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Not Peter … Justin!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz County Bank-First Capital Merger: A Deeper Dig

By Jondi Gumz

When Santa Cruz County Bank has taken pride in being a local community bank for 20 years, why would the bank leaders agree to a $63 million merger with First Capital Bank, headquartered in Salinas?

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Santa Cruz County Bank is bigger — $1.7 billion in asset, loans of $1.4 billion and deposits of $1.5 billion — compared to First Capital — assets of $1 billion, loans of $600 million and deposits of $900 million.

Santa Cruz County Bank has more employees — 140 — compared to First Capital, which has 100.

Santa Cruz County Bank, founded in 2004, is a bit older compared to First Capital, founded in 2007.

The answer, according to Santa Cruz County Bank CEO and President Krista Snelling, who will lead the merged bank, is regulatory expenses.

In a press conference Monday, she said, “The regulatory environment is getting tougher.”

With two banks joined together, those regulatory expenses will be paid once, not twice.

COVER STORY

“Scotts Valley High Vals & Sals” from page 1

Valedictorian

Lyra Alers

Parents Glenn Alers and Sue Carter

What will you do after you graduate? College?

During summer I’ll be traveling and taking a break from all of school. I

What will the name of the merged bank be?

That is to be determined, but Snelling pointed out, “We are the surviving legal entity.”

A fine point you may not know: Santa Cruz County Bank has a holding company called West Coast Community Bank.

The headquarters will remain in Santa Cruz, and First Capital’s administrative office will remain in Salinas.

The merged bank’s board will expand from eight to 10, and Kurt Gollnick, a retired winery executive, and Dr. Daniel Hightower, chairman and vice chairman respectively of First Capital, will fill those seats, with Gollnick as vice chairman.

STerritory Overlap

nelling conceded there is territory overlap, with Santa Cruz County Bank’s branches in Salinas and Monterey fairly close to First Capital’s branches in Salinas and Monterey.

First Capital has a branch in Santa Cruz at 3110 Mission Drive and Santa Cruz County Bank’s headquarters is three miles away.

So decisions will be made about which locations to keep.

Will there be layoffs?

Snelling concedes there will be some duplicated positions, but it’s too early to tell.

“We don’t know,” she said.

Some territory is not duplicated.

Santa Cruz County Bank has an office in Silicon Valley, Cupertino, across from Apple, thanks to its acquisition of locally owned Lighthouse Bank.

In fiscal 2023, Santa Cruz County Bank made 23 SBA loans totaling $22.58 million in Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties), earning the No. 1 ranking for number of loans and No. 3 for dollar volume of SBA loans.

“Santa Cruz-First Capital” page 8

will be going to University of California Berkeley.

Do you have a major in mind?

I’ll be pursing chemistry or chemical engineering, and potentially go into law school afterwards or graduate school.

What activities did you participate in at Scotts Valley High?

SCCAL All League Softball 2023-24 Scotts Valley’s Taylor Wilson Voted MVP

Taylor Wilson, a junior shortstop for the Scotts Valley High Falcons with a .508 batting average and 20 stolen bases, was voted Most Valuable Player by the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League coaches, and Scotts Valley Coach Jeremy Wilson, who led the team to a 13-2 record to capture the League championship, was voted Coach of the Year.

Mileena Carbajal, a senior at Aptos High, was voted Pitcher of the Year.

Morgan Devilries, a senior at Harbor High, was voted the Heart & Hustle Award.

First Team

Alyssa Struthers - OF - SLV (12)

Sofie Seese - P - Scotts Valley (11)

Bailey Fulton - IF - Aptos (11)

Chloe Kent - OF - Scotts Valley (9)

Angie Fulkerson - IF - SLV (11)

Emma Burgueno - OF - Aptos (9)

Olivia Renouf - C - SLV (12)

Regan Fulton - IF - Aptos (12)

Gracie Delgado - IF - Scotts Valley (11)

Emma Niizawa - Utility - Soquel (9)

Second Team

Kalani Aguayo - OF - Aptos (11)

Ella Dunton - IF - Santa Cruz (9)

Ali Reger - IF - SLV (12)

“All League” page 19

I participated in the Haunted House, Mock Trial, the Drama Department, Fashion Show, and various other clubs.

What will you remember most about Scotts Valley High?

I will remember the people the most, how dedicated and hard-working so many are, whether they are in my classes, are my friends, or participate with me in my extracurriculars.

There are so many outstanding people and students at this school.

•••

Salutatorian

Jules Dudek

Parents: David and Naiomi Dudek

What will you do after you graduate? College?

Attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC

Do you have a major in mind?

Mechanical engineering

What activities did you participate in at Scotts Valley High?

Boys varsity tennis, Engineering Club

What will you remember most about Scotts Valley High?

The friends that I made and good times had

•••

Cover Photo: Lyra Alers and Jules Dudek• Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti-Talbott

Michael Oppenheimer website photography

Krista Snelling Kurt Gollnick

LOCAL SPORTS

SV High Softball: League Champs!

The Scotts Valley High Falcons softball team enjoyed a stellar season, winning the League championship with a 13-2 record.

It was a tight race with Aptos one game behind, 12-3, and San Lorenzo Valley two games back, 11-4.

Coach Jeremy Wilson was voted the league’s Coach of the Year, and his daughter, Taylor Wilson, a junior who led the team with a batting average of .508, on base percentage of .544 and 20 stolen bases, 31 hits, and 25 runs, was voted Most Valuable Player.

Scotts Valley lost to San Lorenzo Valley in April, 1-0, in a defensive battle,

but turned the tables in May with a 9-4 win on a barrage of hits.

Scotts Valley played Aptos three times, earning wins of 3-1 and 7-1 before falling 0-1.

Gracie Delgado, a Scotts Valley junior, gave the offense a big boost, leading her team with a slugging percentage of .758, a batting average of .397, and four home runs. She had 23 hits, 20 runs and 5 stolen bases. Her fielding percentage was .956.

The Falcons entered the Central Coast Section playoffs with a 14-6 record, facing Milpitas and a pitcher who struck out eight batters resulting in a 3-0 loss.

This is a fairly young team, with only three seniors graduating. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bay Fed: Scholarship Winners

Bay Federal Credit Union announces the winners of its 2024 Education Scholarship and Mac McCormac Employee Scholarship.

Members Felicia Mitchell, Kayla Magdaleno, and Katherine Hodges were named Bay Federal’s Education Scholarship recipients.

Felicia Mitchell, who is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing at University of San Francisco.

Kayla Magdaleno, who is pursuing a degree in cellular molecular biology at CSU East Bay.

Katherine Hodges, who is pursuing a degree in human biology and a double minor in occupational science and psychology at the University of Southern California.

Brittany Saldana, member service representative at the Salinas branch and accepted into the CSU Monterey Bay master’s program for business administration, was awarded the

Mac McCormac Scholarship in honor of the credit union’s first employee.

Each winner will receive $1,500 toward education-related expenses.

To promote education amongst its membership, Bay Federal has given back $90,000 in scholarships over many years.

“Each year I am inspired by the potential of our scholarship recipients,” said Carrie Birkhofer, Bay Federal’s president and CEO.

“Bay Federal is proud to invest in these students. We look forward to the difference these individuals will make in the future.”

The application process included an essay exploring ways in which one can cultivate financial resilience such as saving for emergencies or managing student loan debt. Applicants were asked to share any personal anecdotes, research, or innovative ideas that can inspire positive change when building financial resilience. n

Photo Credit: Covello & Covello

Back row (from left): Coaches, Bill Kent and Matt Kurlee, Sofie Seese, Jessa Strong, Ellen Eagle, Ava Eagle, Jazzy Phillips, Nick Powell, Bella Williams, Jazzy Doubek, coaches Jeremy Wilson and Garrett Grigg.

Front row (left to right): Abby Howell, Brooklyn Williams, Kylie Stern, Ava Grundy, Chloe Kent, Sofia Grigg, Gracie Delgado, Natalie Murry-Skalland, Lorelie Warner, and Taylor Wilson.

Is Your Home Insurance Being Dropped?

By Randy Johnson, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

When Scotts Valley city manager Mali LaGoe suggested hosting a community meeting to address the ongoing wildfire threat and the accompanying insurance crisis, there was a hesitation on whether or not people would attend.

Well, that question was answered the night of May 14 when hundreds poured into the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center to hear from fire and insurance professionals address their numerous concerns.

Although the CZU lightning wildfire literally exploded onto the scene nearly 4 years ago, it became obvious to those in attendance that this horrific event still lingers and haunts a large portion of the county’s population.

As the audience filtered in, I sensed a note of collective anxiety and unease, as if the presentation was something they needed to hear, but the message and the words would not allay their discomfort. They were hopeful, however, that the session could provide a least some clarity on the future of the wildfire threat and relief from the very real exposure to the financial abyss they face over insurance premiums.

I think the meeting met those goals for many of the folks who were there.

Scotts Valley Vice Mayor Derek Timm was the moderator and introduced the fire professionals who led the

audience through the importance of “home hardening” your residence by eliminating combustible materials around the home’s perimeter and having margins of safety in the 5-foot and 30-foot corridors that surround the residence.

Non-combustible roofs play one of the most import roles in a home’s safety and as we would hear later, one of the most important considerations to insurance underwriters.

My heart sank a little when the CalFire rep conveyed that trees too close to a home’s perimeter are a viable threat and need to be addressed.

Thinking about my own yard, I contemplated if our flowering plum and crepe myrtle and beloved Japanese maple were really a true enemy of fire safety and focus of evil. Apparently so, if they grow too close to your home.

I was gratified that Scotts Valley Battalion Chief Chris Stubendorff stressed the importance of family preparedness in the face of impending catastrophic circumstances. Just knowing evacuation routes, communication protocol and survival kit items was very instructive in coping with fire threats and disasters.

Perhaps his most sobering, but important message was that everything is replaceable, except for life. Survival is the most importance priority, with possessions placing as a very distant second.

Next, a representative from a group called Firewise USA presented a collective that works together, neighbor to neighbor, to reduce the risks from wildfires in their community. It was comforting to know that individuals are taking their safety responsibilities personally and to new levels and adding another layer of protection for themselves and their families.

The second part of the program dealt with homeowners insurance. Fire safety and home hardening are important topics, but I believe the uncertainty surrounding insurance availability and premiums is the source of most of the discomfort people have.

Edan Cassidy from Cassidy Insurance gave a very good synopsis of the challenges people are facing as they endure cancelations and premium hikes.

“Mayor Johnson” page

Scotts Valley residents raise their hands after being asked if they are losing their home insurance policy.

Derek Timm

Home Insurance Crisis: My Story

By Jondi Gumz

My husband & I have owned our home in the city limits of Scotts Valley (1.6 miles from the fire station) since 1992.

We have home insurance, Farmers then State Farm, and never filed a claim.

We have paid faithfully for earthquake insurance.

Our home insurance has gone up from $1,000 a year to $3,290.

Our quake policy has gone up from $900 to $1,300.

We live on Whispering Pines Drive, where homes were built in 1974 tucked in between six 100-foot tall Ponderosa pines.

Where we live was approved by the city. There was no requirement for defensible space.

After the windstorm last year, we noticed a 6-foot diagonal crack in one giant pine, the one tucked between our house and garage.

The way it was leaning, it could smash our garage, the PG&E power lines on the street, knocking out power for the neighborhood, and our neighbor’s house.

I asked PG&E’s Davey tree crew guy to look and got an opinion that it was a hazard, but he could not give a time frame as to when. My husband, who is retired, didn’t want to wait so we got bids. I called State Farm to see if this could be covered by insurance. No, I was told, only if it falls. My husband didn’t want to take that chance.

So we paid $10,000 to take down ONE tree — yes, $10,000 for ONE tree.

Our Social Security checks are not enough to pay this kind of expense over and over.

As I said, we have five of these 100-yearold Ponderosa pines.

Personally, I am still healing from breast cancer, diagnosed 2018.

I am thankful I am still here, and that my holistic integrative approach has so far been successful, but maintaining my health without side effects is unbelievably costly — about as much as cutting down four giant pine trees.

Still, my health is my priority.

In 2022, after the CZU, Dixie, Santa Barbara, & Caldor fires destroyed thousands of homes, and Gov. Newsom boasted the state of California had a $97 billion surplus, he should have proposed payments to homeowners in counties where wildfires had occurred to help them pay for safety improvements such as defensible space.

But I never heard that idea mentioned.

In 2023, the USDA put $97 million into California’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant program, which was to help communities in the wildland urban interface maintain resilient landscapes, create fireadapted communities, and ensure safe, effective wildfire response.

“Insurance” page 10

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

A 100-foot Ponderosa pine leaning with a 6-foot crack is cut down in Scotts Valley.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ballot Measure: $87 Parcel Tax to Address Fire Resilience, Flood Protection, Recreation

By Jondi Gumz

Local environmental leaders are gearing up for a campaign to persuade voters to support an $87 permanent parcel tax for property owners in Santa Cruz County.

If approved by 50% plus 1 voters in the Nov. 5 election, the tax will be in place until ended by the voters.

The parcel tax is designed to “safeguard water quality, preserve clean ocean and beach areas, reduce wildfire risks, protect forests, enhance wildlife habitats, and improve community spaces,” according to an analysis prepared by the Santa Cruz County counsel.

Santa Cruz County has 101,311 parcels, and supporters say the parcel would raise about $7.5 million each year. There are no senior exemptions.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors would distribute funds, with 40% going to eligible applicants for eligible projects as grants, 20% going to the four cities for projects, 20% going to County of Santa Cruz projects, and 20% to the Resource Conservation District and “a local land stewardship implementation partner” — not named — for projects on private lands resulting in a public benefit.

The initiative says each city should get at

least $200,000 if the per capita allocation is less than that amount.

The measure also says: $600,000 for projects to increase fire resilience on forested property in North County protected by “the largest conservation easement in the County.” The property owner is not named, but the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is leading the campaign and owns more than 3,137 acres of conservation easements in the county. Sempervirens Fund has conservation easements over 495 acres in Santa Cruz County.

The measure also says: $600,000 a year for projects that benefit the residents of Pajaro Valley, including the City of Watsonville, 7 urban areas bordering the city, and areas within a mile of the Watsonville Slough system, Pinto Lake, and the Pajaro River and its tributaries. Funds are to go to one to three entities.

Many projects are eligible, including those focusing on water conservation, water quality, flood protection and restoration, protection of public access to beaches, wildlife protection, pollution reduction, development of shaded fuel breaks and reduction of hazardous fuels, forest management, wetlands restoration, trail

Welcome Back, Capt. Grimm

After an assignment in Susanville, Capt. Jason Grimm is now commander at the CHP Santa Cruz area, posted in Aptos.

One of his first duties: Introducing himself at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Seascape Golf Course May 9.

He previously was assigned to the Santa Cruz area from 2015-2019 in the role of motor sergeant. At that time, the CHP had a safety campaign to reduce crashes by focusing on drivers holding their cell phones while at a wheel, a ticket-able offense.

Grimm started as an officer with CHP Marin.

His journey with the CHP has taken him to locations such the CHP Capitol Protection Section, where he was an officer, and CHP Bakersfield and CHP San Luis Obispo, where he was a lieutenant. In 2023, he was promoted to captain in the CHP Susanville office.

Grimm also had a fellowship with the FBI in Washington, D.C., as a sergeant/lieutenant as part of the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team.

CHP Officer Israel Murillo Jr, who handles communications for the CHP office in Aptos, posted on Instagram: “Welcome back, Captain Grimm!” n

development, park improvements, recreation programs, and climate risk-reduction.

Priority will go to projects that “address extreme weather and natural disasters, climate change impacts, water pollution, or saltwater intrusion impacts,” or “meet the greatest need of communities lacking adequate access to parks and recreational facilities in the incorporated cities,” or “repair or enhance existing parks and recreational facilities.”

The measure also gives priority “to the extent feasible,” to:

• Projects that are a local source of match funding that makes eligible or makes more competitive grant applications to other public or private sources

• Support multiple benefits maximizing climate resiliency and adaptation, including water conservation, air quality improvements, climate pollution reductions, habitat protection, and public health improvements

• “Invest resources for stewardship, development, restoration, Community Development, and other improvements in Disadvantaged Communities for flood protection, drought protection, improved water quality, groundwater supplies, improved public access to resources, or recreation, including improvements to lakes, rivers, creeks, beaches, ocean, wetlands, and the coast.”

The initiative creates a Citizens Oversight Advisory Board that would conduct hearings and receive public input, receive reports from local agencies on funded projects, and approve a fiveyear vision plan to help prioritize expenditures.

The measure, named the Water and Wildfire Protection Act, has support from Sen. John Laird, (D-Santa Cruz), Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) and Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay),

“Santa Cruz-First Capital” from page 4

First Capital has offices in King City and San Luis Obispo, where Santa Cruz County Bank has not been active.

Sam Jimenez, the president and CEO, said in a statement “the merger allows us to leverage our combined resources more effectively.”

Higher Loan Limit

What’s the benefit for customers? A higher loan limit: $80 million to a single borrower, instead of $60 million, Snelling said.

While San Francisco is seeing billions in loans on commercial real estate coming due on empty high-rise offices as people work from home and empty stores as people shop from home, that is not the case in Santa Cruz. Some San Francisco borrowers have asked lenders for extensions.

Snelling said Santa Cruz County Bank has “not a single loan with a problem.”

Asked who made the overture, she said it was “mutual.”

Some employees have worked for the other bank, and some are related, she said.

Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, and Watsonville City Councilmember Eduardo Montesino.

“Flooding, fires and other threats from climate change are real. We’ve seen the impacts in the Pajaro Valley, as well as throughout Santa Cruz County. We have to do more now and for future generations to become climate change resilient,” said Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, who represents Watsonville.

“Sempervirens is proud to help lead the effort to pass this essential ballot measure in Santa Cruz County,” said Sara Barth, Sempervirens Fund executive director.

Sarah Newkirk, executive director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, said the CZU lightning wildfire and the Pajaro River levee flooding were wakeup calls.

She added, “I’m excited about the coalition that has come together to support this measure because, for the first time, we have the opportunity to take collective action to stand up to climate change in Santa Cruz County.”

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has been working with the Peninsula Open Space Trust to develop easement terms with the owners of the 1,204-acre Estrada Ranch tin South County to permanently protect that property under the management of the Estrada family.

The measure also has the support of: Save Our Shores, Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County, Coastal Watershed Council, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, Save the Redwoods League, Regeneración - Pajaro Valley Climate Action, County Park Friends, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Friends of Watsonville Parks & Community Services, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship and Mid County Democratic Club. n For info, see www.sccforwaterandwildlife protection.org

The benefit she sees is bringing together two banks with similar business models.

“What we liked most was their responsibility to serving the community,” she said.

Asked to name Santa Cruz County Bank’s biggest accomplishment, she said the 573 Paycheck Protection loans extended during the pandemic to save 50,000 jobs.

The boards of directors have given their OK. Shareholders and regulators must approve.

Regulators look at the community reinvestment rating. Santa Cruz County Bank’s is outstanding. First Capital’s is satisfactory.

The merger is an all-stock transaction, paying $10.78 for each FISB share of stock, based on Santa Cruz County Bank stock price of $29.94.

Shareholders of FISB stock are expected to receive .36 shares of SZCZ stock in exchange for each share of FISB stock.

Snelling expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter, October or thereafter.

A system conversion is required and that will take two to six months. n

“Mayor Johnson” from page 6

A representative from the California Insurance Commissioner’s office conveyed that with 7 of the 12 top insurance companies restricting business, this is indeed a crisis. He offered a glimmer of hope in that the California FAIR plan is becoming more efficient and that if some of the Commissioner’s reforms are approved, that a least one company will be re-entering the market to provide much needed coverage.

Perhaps the most dramatic moment came when ViceMayor Timm asked through a show of hands, how many people had had their insurance coverage canceled. Virtually everyone put their hand up.

Fireworks?

With July coming up very soon, people are asking: Will Scotts Valley schedule a Fourth of July fireworks show at Skypark?

According to city officials, a decision has not been made.

Sobering.

I’m not sure if everyone left this meeting with a full degree of comfort. There are still a lot of unknowns, but I was impressed by the maturity of the attendees. While probably not liking everything they heard, they seemed to accept answers on questions that have lingered for too long.

If you are interested in watching this event on YouTube, here is the link: www. youtube.com/watch?v=hckaswxmoO8 n

Randy Johnson is the mayor of Scotts Valley. Contact him at rlj12@comcast.net

Summer Sessions Summer Sessions

• New Students

“Insurance” from page 7

Grants, 29 of them, largely went to fire departments, fuel breaks, fuel reduction, all well and good, but none for homeowners and none for Scotts Valley. If we’re going to be charged wildland rates in the city of Scotts Valley, shouldn’t Scotts Valley get help?

This year, the state announced federal grant funding up to $50,000 per household for wildfire mitigation and home hardening.

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Find the registration date for YOUR student status!

4-week Sessions: June 10–July 6

6-week Sessions: June 10–July 20

8-week Sessions: June 10–August 3

No help for us, because it won’t cover work you already did — like that $10,000 pine — and since I tapped my retirement accounts to pay for my holistic integrative health care and the tree, we are no longer a “low income” household at 80% of the $132,800 median.

Expecting us to pay for a 50-year-old government policy that is obsolete is just plain wrong.

If we have 100-foot pine trees within five feet of our house, and our garage made of wood is within 30 feet of our house, and

our wood deck is attached to the side of the house because we can’t afford all this removal and demolition, does that mean under Regulation 2644.9, we will only be offered an insurance policy we can’t afford??

Should we drop our home & quake insurance policies and spend that money on tree and garage removal?

Is there any hope of the federal grant for median-income households?

Because if the neighbors on our city street get funding for hardening and we don’t, won’t our home pose a risk for the neighborhood?

What options do you see? n

How to Search for Home Insurance

Arepresentative of the California Department of Insurance told me he took a half day to find a better deal for his homeowner’s policy in Los Angeles County, using tools at www.insurance.ca.gov.

I haven’t tried it yet but here’s where to look:

Click on Consumers at the top, look at the third column and click on the box that says Homeowner/Residential., and you’ll see the Shop Around page.

Now you can choose Compare Premiums, where you can enter your county, type of coverage, age of home and how much coverage, and get estimates. I got 12 pages of companies to call. I recognize only a couple; most of them are not big on advertising. Alternatively, go back to the Shop Around page, click on Home Insurance Finder. I got names of 12 companies plus the FAIR last-resort plan funded by insurance companies. n

For your search to work, make sure to use Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.

A full house came to the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center learn why their policies are being dropped and premiums raised. Editor Jondi Gumz (lower right), a Scotts Valley resident, attended the meeting.

Damian’s Ladder: Ribbon Cutting and Luncheon

June 21st, at Noon

Damian’s Ladder and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce invites the Community to celebrate a Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony honoring the newly founded 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Damian’s Ladder. The event takes place on June 21st from 12 – 1:30 pm at the Scotts Valley Senior Center located at 370 Kings Village Road. Come and learn about Damian’s Ladder while enjoying a delicious no-cost luncheon. To RSVP for the

Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony please email czelak@comcast.net

Damian’s Ladder is a newly formed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization benefitting low-income Seniors and those with disabilities here in our beloved San Lorenzo and Scotts Valleys. Their founding was inspired by the life and legacy of Damian Lanctot, who left us all too soon in 2022.

Maintaining a healthy and safe home can be difficult, especially for those on a limited income. Damian’s Ladder enables seniors and the disabled to stay comfortably and safely in their homes, while enjoying a good quality of life. Their Handyman Program assists low- and moderate-income older and disabled homeowners by providing minor home repairs that they cannot perform due to lack of funds and/or the inability to physically perform the repairs themselves. Since

TherapyWorks

On June 27, TherapyWorks invites you to celebrate their 5-year anniversary in Scotts Valley.

TherapyWorks, a counseling practice serving kids, teens, and adults, was founded in 2009 by Maaliea Wilbur, a Scotts Valley native. Through clinical best practices and proven expertise, the therapists at TherapyWorks are dedicated to professional excellence and confident care. Their collaborative team is comprised of highly-skilled professionals, each with specialized training, proven clinical expertise and a passion and commitment for quality care. Focused on creating positive change and effective solutions, their genuine approach to evidenced-based care provides practical support, a refocused perspective and a personal touch.

January of this year, Damian’s Ladder has been making repairs to both the inside of homes, as well as clearing yards of unsafe debris. Wheelchair ramps have been installed, leaky faucets and broken light switches have been repaired.

If a Senior needs help and is not lowincome, Damian’s Ladder will provide the repair and only request a donation to the organization.

Damian’s Ladder envisions that their program and services will grow and become a collaboration between local tradespeople, building maintenance suppliers, and other organizations, i.e. ‘local’ service clubs.

Damian’s Ladder has received initial pledges of financial support that have covered their costs to date — including Liability Insurance and operating costs. No

salaries are paid, and all work is done by volunteers, who have undergone background checks. Donations are appreciated.

To Date, Damian’s Ladder has served over 75 Seniors and is in the process of assisting several others.

Damian’s Ladder is honored to be a member of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and invites you to join them in assisting Seniors living in our community. You can reach out to them by emailing: atyourservice@damiansladder.org

Celebrates 5 Years in Scotts Valley

Ribbon Cutting: Jun 27, 5:30-7 p.m.

“Everything we do is in support of our local community. We don’t take for granted the trust and confidence our clients place in us. Our mission is to be your trusted, local counseling practice,” Wilbur said.

The anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday June 27th from 5:30-7 p.m. at the TherapyWorks office at 125 Bethany Drive in Scotts Valley, CA 95066. All are welcome!

“It has been so fulfilling to see what TherapyWorks has become and the impact our team has made. We can’t wait to see what the next 5 years have in store,” added Wilbur.

For additional resources, or to learn more about TherapyWorks, visit mytherapyworks.com.

In 2019, TherapyWorks opened its Scotts Valley office at 125 Bethany Drive, and in 2023 expanded the Bethany Drive space to better serve the community.

Scotts Valley Chamber News

2023 ScottS Valley c

Celebrating 43 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 – 2024

$5500/mo 4BR/3BA Single-level Home on 100 block of Dell Way in Scotts Valley. Large patio. Ample parking. 1 pet ok. AVAIL Mid June

$3850/mo 3BR/3BA 2-story Townhome on Jolley Way in Scotts Valley. Patio. Laundry hookups. No pets. AVAIL Early June

$3200/mo 2BR/1BA Single-level Apartment in a Duplex on the 1400 block of Glen Canyon Road in Santa Cruz. Laundry. Small patio and a deck. Pet negotiable. AVAIL Early June

$2500/mo Custom 1BR/1BA Cottage on 7800 block of Empire Grade Road in Bonny Doon. Loft. Large deck. Large yard w/space to garden. Extra Storage. Water, garbage & PG&E included. No pets AVAIL NOW

$2250/mo 1BR/1BA Apartment in a Duplex at 885 Hillcrest in Felton. Yard. No laundry onsite. 1 pet ok. AVAIL Mid June

$1850/mo Updated Studio on 300 block of Farmer Street in Felton. Kitchenette. Small yard. No laundry onsite. No pets. ......................................................................................................................................................... AVAIL Mid June

Arwen Reber

Photography

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Where Adventure Awaits!

Summer Camps and SUP lessons at the SUP Shack

Are you ready for a summer of fun, friends, and unforgettable memories? Look no further than the SUP Shack! Discover the thrill of stand-up paddling (SUP) at the SUP Shack in Santa Cruz, where they offer an exceptional learning experience for all ages. Their expert instructors provide personalized guidance, ensuring you master the basics quickly and confidently.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, their top-notch equipment and supportive environment set the stage for a fantastic paddling adventure.

For younger enthusiasts, Sup Shack’s Summer Camps are the perfect blend of fun and education. Kids embark on

exciting paddleboarding excursions, explore scenic coves, and engage in water games and SUP yoga. Their exciting summer camps offer a variety of activities to keep children engaged, active, and inspired. These camps are more than just an introduction to paddleboarding; they are immersive experiences that foster a love for the outdoors and water sports. Participants engage in various activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and environmental education sessions. The summer camps emphasize teamwork, confidence-building, and respect for nature, ensuring that young adventurers leave with new skills and cherished memories. The classes are friendly, active, and small with a 5:1 studentto-instructor ratio a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 kids. Kids will be able to spend time Sup’n or

kayaking with trips to the beach to go boogie boarding. Summer Camps begin on June 3rd and run weekly through the summer. For more information contact Trudie at trudie@supshack.com or go to SUPShack.com to sign up.

About the SUP Shack: The SUP Shack in the Santa Cruz Harbor has become the go-to paddle boarding location since they opened in 2011. Owner and founder of the SUP Shack, Trudie Ransom, and her team of seasoned professionals are dedicated to sharing their passion for paddleboarding and outdoor adventures. The team, composed of certified instructors and experienced guides, ensures that every visitor receives top-notch training and a memorable experience on the water.

Your Home Loan Partners

PNew Member Spotlight

Pacific Flow Swim School

acific Flow Swim School will be taking over the Siltanen Pool on Vine Hill School Road starting this summer. This new local business will feature a USSSA Accredited Swim School run by lifeguard-certified professional instructors, year-round swim lessons for infants to adults in small group settings, recreational swim times throughout the week, 2-hour party rental blocks available on weekends, and Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED/First Aid Courses.

Pacific Flow Swim School owner and local dad of 3, Jeff GriffithJones, brings 20+ years of experience in aquatics and recreation with his full-service swim school. “I’m so excited for this opportunity where I live. We have a lot of hard work as we ramp up staffing and programming for the summer but the end result will be a much-needed high-quality swim school for our town,” says Griffith-Jones.

including installing a steel structure with canopy cover and rollup walls for comfortable year-round swimming, state-of-the-industry UV filter to remove undesirable water compounds, and new filter and pump system to deliver drinking quality water to swim in.

Pacific Flow boasts features which make it a unique swim school such as: instructors both background checked and registered on California Guardian, prominent and contributing member of the US Swim School Association, professional recreation experience including digital skill tracking and parent communication, instructors all lifeguard certified and trained in Pacific Flow’s proprietary child development-based curriculum, and on-site swim shop offering the best in infant, toddler, and school-age swimwear and protective gear.

The swim school already has some upgrades planned for the pool

Pacific Flow Swim School can be reached at pacflowswim.com, 831.334.3949, and social media @ pacflowswim.

LOCAL SPORTS

Girls Beach Volleyball

All League 2023-24

First Team

• Summer Pederson (12) & Antonia Wilson (12) - Santa Cruz

• Shelby Leonardich (11) & Natalie Monroe (10) - Santa Cruz

• Sabine Kemos (11) & Maren O’Farrell (11) - Harbor

• Gwen Grigsby (12) & Isla Johnson (11) - Harbor

• Grace Emanuelson (12) & Hayden Smith (10) - Scotts Valley

• Kenzie Smith (10) & Ella Dueck (9) - Aptos

Second Team

• Gemma Reyes (9) & Zoe Adams (10)

- Soquel

• Cy Harris (12) & Anya Gonzalez (12)Mount Madonna

• Ava Boyd (12) & Haley Curatin (12)

- Aptos

• Ava Lord (12) & Lily Pederson (12)Santa Cruz

• Aila Papopoulos (10) & Makayla McDonnell (10) - Scotts Valley

• Grace Stryker (11) & Tea Stockwell (11) - Harbor n

Boys Volleyball All League 2023-24

Justin Bates, who coached the Santa Cruz Cardinals, undefeated in league, was voted Coach of the Year.

Solomon Coleman of Mount Madonna School was voted Frosh of the Year, a special award, and Jackson Bloom of Aptos High was chosen for the first team. Here are all the honorees: First Team

• Maverick Manor - Senior - Setter

• Tim Pohlmann - Santa Cruz - Senior

- Opposite

• Abe Schmidt - Harbor - Junior - Libero

• Jackson Bloom - Aptos - Junior - Middle Blocker

• Gammon Nilssen - Santa Cruz - JuniorOutside Hitter

• Leo Sapunor - Santa Cruz - JuniorMiddle Blocker

• Julien Pally - Santa Cruz - JuniorOutside Hitter

• MVP - Gammon Nilssen - Santa Cruz - Junior

Second Team

• Noah Luksich - Harbor - Junior - Outside Hitter

• Isaac Koontz - Soquel - Junior - Setter

• Gryphon Butler - Harbor - Senior - Opposite

• Jon McClaren - SLV - Senior - Middle Blocker

• Nathan MacCarthy - Soquel - JuniorOutside Hitter

• Grady McKee - Harbor - SophomoreMiddle Blocker

• Lucas Kamalani - Santa Cruz - Sophomore - Libero Honorable Mention

• Aptos - Iman Moshari, Anthony Smith

• Mount Madonna - Peter Shoemaker, Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp

• SVHS - Chase Welle

• Soquel - Francisco Rothman-Solado, Tucker Graessle

• Santa Cruz - James Bush, Charlie Hess

• SLV - Hunter Lallemand, Zach Frederich

• Harbor - Josh Rejfir, JJ Laughlin n

Healing the Father-Son Wound

Ijust had the opportunity to talk with Jed Diamond, mostly about this important topic. You can watch this video conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ pmJvM0_0ToQ.

I feel it is vital for not only men, but also women, to understand the father-son wound, and to know how to heal it.

Over the decades, I have watched (and of course helped) men become better fathers. I have seen men who have had difficult relationships with their fathers go on to father their own children with much more love and awareness.

Of course there are father-daughter wounds, mother-daughter wounds, and mother-son wounds too. But I want to focus on the father-son wounds for this article.

Let’s look at two broad categories: The wounds from abuse and the wounds from neglect.

The wounds from abuse include verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. My father would rage. He was like a volcano. The pressure inside him would build when things didn’t go his way. Then he would explode with loud yelling. Sometimes, the explosion would become physical. I particularly remember defying him when I was perhaps 12 years old. He used his fists on me until I was bloody.

The wounds from neglect include not being present enough (physically or emotionally) or withholding praise and love. My father often worked at a job swing-shift, the afternoon and evenings, a one-hour drive into New York City, making it 10 hours a day. I basically didn’t see him except for the weekends, when he mostly slept. I remember longing to have him play catch with me, but he never did.

Many people don’t realize that the

How do we heal these wounds? If our fathers are still alive, we can have important conversations with them, allowing them to hear our pain. Sadly, I never took the opportunity to do this before my father died. I expressed my anger at him plenty of times, but this did little good.

By Barry and Joyce Vissell

neglect of an absent father can hurt just as much as the abuse of a raging father.

I didn’t realize until I was well into adulthood that my father was often jealous of me. While my older sister, Donna, and my younger brother, Richard, seemed closer to my father, I was deeply bonded to my mother.

A typical evening on the weekend when my father was home involved watching television. There were two couches in our little TV room. On one couch sat my dad with my brother and sister on either side of him. On the other couch, I have fond memories of lying with my head in my mom’s lap, while she stroked my head.

Of course, he felt jealous. The way he expressed these feelings was not healthy. At every meal, when he was present, he insisted on being served first by my mom, and then the children after him.

How do we heal these wounds? If our fathers are still alive, we can have important conversations with them, allowing them to hear our pain. Sadly, I never took the opportunity to do this before my father died. I expressed my anger at him plenty of times, but this did little good.

It’s called dissociation. Joyce would be incredulous after these explosions that I wasn’t aware of what had happened. I realized I needed help to stay in my feelings. I humbly asked the person who was acutely aware of the pain and sadness resulting from these episodes… my wife. Thanksgiving was approaching in three months. My parents were planning to be with us for a week. I asked Joyce to train me to stay present in my feelings when the inevitable explosions of rage took place. She asked me how these explosions made me feel. I dug deep and felt the pain, sadness, and yes, fear. This was my key vulnerability that I needed to feel, rather than dissociate. It was like I was training for a marathon. I needed help, and Joyce was a dedicated trainer.

I would like to offer a powerful method of healing: Vulnerability. Here’s an example from maybe 30 years ago. As a child, I learned to cope with my dad’s outbursts of anger by disappearing emotionally. He would yell and I would be gone.

My body would be in the same room, but my mind and feelings were elsewhere.

Finally, Thanksgiving came, and my father was in the kitchen wanting to cook something the day after they arrived. My mantra was “be ready, be ready.” My dad couldn’t find an ingredient in our cupboard, and I watched the old familiar build-up of volcanic pressure. The mantra kept going. Be ready. Be ready.

And I was ready when the explosion came. He started yelling at my mother, who was sitting at the dining room table. I allowed myself to feel the pain and sadness, then quickly approached my dad in the kitchen. I gently took hold of his shoulders, looked into his eyes and said, “Dad, your yelling is scaring and hurting me!”

It was just like I had awakened my

father from a dream or trance. He was completely unaware of his behavior. I noticed tears forming in his eyes, then he said, “Barry, that’s the last thing I would ever want to do to you.” Within seconds, we were hugging each other, while my mom sat at the table watching and wondering what had just happened.

I was prepared for these explosions to happen often during the visit, but it never happened again, so powerful was my vulnerable intervention.

The key here is to become aware of your feelings. Although Joyce helped me, you may need the help of a therapist.

And what if your father is no longer alive. The healing work can still be done. You can still voice your feelings to him, and it will help you.

Here’s another powerful healing tool: No matter how difficult your father was, nobody is all bad. Remember anything positive about him.

Once you open to even one good memory, others will follow. I now realize a great quality I inherited from my dad. He took social risks that would sometimes embarrass my mom, without caring what people thought about him.

Waiting on the checkout line at the supermarket, he would turn around and look into the shopping cart of the person behind him. He would say, “I see you’re buying asparagus.

What are you planning to do with it? The person would hesitantly start to tell my dad their plans, but he would interrupt with something like, “Let me tell you what would be better.” And then he would, whether the person wanted this or not.

While I sincerely hope I am more sensitive than he was, I hope I have taken his gift to the next level, where I have spoken what I see even if it is met with resistance. Thank you, dad, for this chutzpah! n

•••

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 10 books, including their most recent work

A Couple of Miracles: One Couple, More Than a Few Miracles, a semifinalist for the Online Book Club’s Book of the Year, and a free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org.

Jed Diamond

Can You Lower Your Home Insurance Premium?

By Jondi Gumz

Iattended the May 15 workshop in Scotts Valley on home insurance, hoping I could find a way to lower my State Farm premium, which has jumped from $1,000 a year before the CZU wildfire in Boulder Creek to $3,290 a year.

The panel of experts, Richie Sayavong from the state Insurance Commissioner’s office, Joel Laucher from the nonprofit United Policyholders (a UC Santa Cruz grad who spent 35 years with the state Department of Insurance, becoming chief deputy commissioner), Edan Cassidy and Kami Cady of Cassidy Insurance, the last independent agency in Scotts Valley, and real estate agent Maggie Barr, did not offer much hope.

Scotts Valley, a small city of 12,000 with the fire station 1.6 miles away, seemed safe until Cassidy Insurance Agency put up a map on the screen showing the city as a gray splotch surrounded by mustard color indicating high risk and a bit of yellow indicate moderate risk. All along Highway 9: Red for very high risk.

It was standing room only at the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center, with all of the 264 seats filled.

When the audience was asked, “Is your policy not being renewed?” at least half the hands went up.

When State Farm decided not to renew policies in California after multiple wildfire payouts, that left 72,000 homeowners in limbo.

About 4,300 are in Santa Cruz County.

Sayavong mentioned the “wildfire risk score,” which was new information.

I checked my bill and found the score in small print near the back: 33.9%.

Wondering what that’s based on, I called to find out.

I was hoping my husband and I would get credit for our investment in dual-pane windows ($15,000) and removing a 100-feet Ponderosa pine ($10,000).

Alese Greene, a State Farm agent for 17 years, told me those actions are not considered mitigations that could bring a discount.

What’s required is a roof that is asphalt composition, tile, metal, or concrete.

Siding must be 100% noncombustible: Stucco, metal, fiber concrete, brick, concrete or stone.

There must be clearance around the property – no continuous plantings like we have, only small patches of flowers.

Shrubs and trees must be 10 feet apart.

If you’ve ever driven on Whispering Pines Drive, you can see this is not how homes were built in 1974.

I can touch the pine tree from my (wood!) deck – no clearance there.

Greene said getting your neighborhood certified as “FireWise,” a program of the National Fire Protection Association, makes you eligible for a discount.

How much?

One homeowner who commented on NFPA.org said the discount was $8, far less than what was spent to make the property safer.

Another commenter said point of FireWise is not necessarily discounts but working cooperatively with neighbors to make the neighborhood safer from wildfire risk.

Sally Mack, a FireWise coach in the Santa Cruz Mountains, encouraged attendees to look into FireWise.

She said there are 744 certified FireWise neighborhoods in the state and 56 in Santa Cruz County, investing $11 million and 112,466 hours in safety improvements.

On her road, which has 27 homes, neighbors created a phone tree, shared tools such as a chain saw and a chipper, and did a risk assessment, “ideally with the input of the fire department,” she said, and wrote a 3-year action plan.

Andrew Clark is CalFire’s defensible space inspector in this area.

He showed a photo of a firefighter in the dark, surround by glowing embers.

Those embers, carried on the wind, can easily start a fire.

For your home to be defensible by firefighters, CalFire wants five feet of space between your house and the rest of the property — “Zone Zero,” the “no burn zone.” n

To request a defensible space inspection, see https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

To view the Scotts Valley home insurance workshop, go to: https://scottsvalley.gov/Civic Alerts.aspx?AID=236

Joel Laucher, former chief deputy insurance commissioner, is now an advocate with the nonprofit United Policyholders.

Gemini – Lines of Lightbeams

Esoteric

Most of June is under the dual sign of Gemini, the two brothers, the two light – one waxing one waning. Gemini is considered the “fun” sign of the zodiac. Whereas Aries is always in a state of self-identity, And Taurus is learning the art of living, Gemini is having fun, being humorous, finding the world of duality interesting, while doing walkabouts in neighborhoods with siblings and friends. Gemini can be entertaining and fun to be with. It is the “fun of interplay.” The sign of Gemini is the sign of light beams revealing all the opposes in our material world. This is duality and is a characteristic of life on Earth. Gemini is the sign of relatedness. Often Gemini will relate two things, introduce two people or events to each other and then suddenly disappear...their work of relating things is complete. Gemini will blend, merge, create conflict or seem to harmonize dualities. So often they simply step out of the picture, onto the next duality seeking harmony. These are the functions of Mercury and Gemini (gather, distribute, find information for dispersement creating awareness). When Venus (as Soul ruler) steps in, there is harmony and balance.

ARIES

You wonder these days what your true values and ideals may be. It’s important to know for they presage the future. You ponder upon your circle of friends. Do you all think the same and do they bring you comfort? Our friends are important for support and nurturing. In the coming months and for several years you will re-evaluate and re-examine who your friends are and why. You will also assess your importance to them, your communication, and will deepen the spiritual basis that holds you together. Or separate.

TAURUS

Long held dreams, hidden and perhaps buried for years may reappear, lighting the way toward your future and a possible new vocation and profession. It may be the right time for new study and training, venturing into new fields of endeavor. You will assess your needs and the needs of humanity during these trying times. Before entering once again into fields of service, it’s important to tend and care for yourself in all ways — physical, emotional, mental and spiritually. This orients you towards the needed personal care. Your health is most important now.

GEMINI

You constantly seek knowledge — that is your spiritual task. Assess all that you have learned, the many fields of study you’ve endeavored to assimilate. Where is it you would like to go now? What would you like to pursue? Study? Previous beliefs and ideas that held you are now becoming useless. You will need to fashion a new philosophy and delve deeper into those you know will expand you spiritually. Long distance travel may be involved. Is there something holding you back?

CANCER

In your daily life you often think of loved ones who have passed on. Perhaps you feel they have left you behind. But the reality is they are working quite closely with you. Always by your side. You simply need to communicate from the heart with them. They will respond. On another subject, how is your monetary situation? Begin to use your resources based on creating a future different than the past. You will be called to nurture humanity, to teach them, and provide them with food. We thank you for all that you nurture now.

By Risa D’Angeles

Gemini’s task is to behave in such a way that everyone see, experiences and learns about the basic duality in form and matter. Duality is a relationship of two things. There is this and that, up and down, light and dark, right and left, you and me, etc. Gemini points out that not only is there duality in our world but there is a deep and abiding relationship between the two. It is the relationship between spirit and matter, the father and the mother. In between the two is the child, born out of love, Ray 2 of Love/Wisdom.

Gemini, flowing through Mercury, is the conversationalist in everyday life. It is the butterfly in the meadow, sipping nectar from each flower. It is the two dual columns one passes when entering the Halls of Masonry or Solomon’s Temple. When duality is understand, wisdom and love are the result. Behind Gemini is Ray 2, the star of emergence of love and wisdom. Gemini changes, mutates, rearranges and adjusts everything so that, over time, the Soul can come forth.

Gemini, an air sign, rarely touches ground, living within the field of the etheric where the chakras are located. Gemini can be a mystery (like Pisces). They need to be tended to very carefully. n

LEO

It would be good to review all relationships, past and present, seeking the truth of how you communicate, your vicissitudes, moods, and what you offer others. Always cultivate a depth of connection with others for this releases love. How were you in relationships? Did you expect too much? Did you create illusions, were you defensive and demanding? Or were you always kind, loving and understanding? Do you understand that love is based on communication and seeing the Life-spirit within the other? Then you (and they) remain free.

VIRGO

It’s good to be especially careful with health for several months. You can be extra sensitive. Do not stay away from any particular food, unless you have an allergy. Instead create a balance by eating all foods, prepared in all types of ways. Some people follow diets for religious reasons, ignoring what their body needs. All work should be thought of as service work. Tending to the house and garden serves the mineral and plant kingdoms. Tending to the animals serves the animal kingdom. They show their gratitude. Tending to self serves the human kingdom.

LIBRA

Sometimes certain situations or relationships haven’t met your needs. And perhaps you suffered silently through it. ‘til one day you removed yourself. On one level this was courageous. So you could feel independent, never again allowing yourself to be hurt. This is wise. On one level. It depends on the type of relationship. If you have children tend to them with extra care. Much of the past is coming to your attention. Reframe it and make that past one of love and not abandonment. Creativity comes a ‘calling. Art is your refuge.

SCORPIO

Has your home undergone perhaps strange and subtle shifts and changes in the past several years? Are you feeling strange and subtle changes within, too? Our homes are our psychological fortresses. When we change, they change, and those changes at first disassemble our sense of security and safety. Does home feel confusing, is communication with family difficult? Attempt to make your home, or wherever you find yourself, as beautiful as possible. Beauty and order sustains us. Use love language all the time.

SAGITTARIUS

You reflect on deep inner concerns. Outer success seems less important. Instead you question and evaluate your life in terms of values and the world of spirit. Are you seeking inner fulfillment? You wonder what’s real and true or a charade and masquerade? Spiritual dimensions are tugging at you, perhaps not completely apparent but they are there. At times you want to withdraw, find peace, drop into deeper dimensions, classify your knowledge, and make new plans for the future. It will happen slowly, over time. Then in a blink of an eye!

CAPRICORN

A need to ensure your future through expanded resources is important with financial security a focus and goal. Begin with a budget, jotting down in detail how your money is spent, what you must have and what you can do without. Assess your skills, gifts and talents. This is where your future resources will emerge. A fundamental change of values has appeared. They have spiritualized. Take great care in decisions concerning property and ownership. The transition (economic, housing) we are experiencing will last a long time. Do you have your greenhouse yet?

AQUARIUS

You will review who you think you are as a person and who you are with others. Do they synchronize? Attempt to be aware of beliefs, ideas, notions, and judgments learned from childhood. How are they serving you? What do you think of your life thus far? Is it exciting and wholesome or is it sad and dreary? You will ponder upon and learn more about yourself in the next few months. Then a new self-identity gradually emerges. Do not feel confused by this. Cultivate compassion with all others. Always be kinder than needed. This will save you.

PISCES

Assess your lifelong experiences, accomplishments and learnings. Make them a book. Take time to focus upon yourself. Find places of quiet and solitude. Establish yourself there and notice your thoughts centering on life and death, beginnings and endings, the physical and spiritual realms. Also notice previous hopes, wishes, dreams and endeavors may no longer important. Your life energy is being withdrawn internally in order to establish a deeper spiritual sense of direction. The future will appear slowly, over time. It’s formed in the etheric realms first, where you and Gemini live.

Free Well Water Testing Program

Santa Cruz County announces a free water quality testing program that includes opportunities for point of use treatment and drinking water replacement for residents relying on groundwater wells for their drinking water.

In Santa Cruz County, an estimated 21,000 residents drink water from unregulated household wells and smaller water systems that have never been fully tested for safety.

Without knowing if their water is safe, these residents could face serious health risks.

This is especially concerning for those in South County, where high levels of nitrate, hexavalent chromium, and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) have been found.

Consuming too much nitrate can cause “blue baby syndrome,” which can be fatal.

A 20-year study of 2,200 women in Iowa found at levels of 2.5 mg/liter, there was a twoto-three-fold increase in bladder, ovarian, and thyroid cancers.

This testing initiative, funded through the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program — Groundwater Assessment and Protection and a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board, aims to collect data essential for developing sustainable solutions for water supply in affected areas.

All personal information gathered for testing purposes will be treated confidentially and will not be disclosed to immigration or law enforcement agencies.

Participants will receive their sampling results along with a comprehensive “Guide for Private Domestic Well Owners,” interpretation of results, actions to take if contamination is detected, and strategies to safeguard the well from further contamination. Anyone whose well tests positive for contaminants will be provided with detailed information about their options and will be guided to free drinking water replacement programs if eligible.

“We encourage Santa Cruz County residents to get their household well tested through this free program to ensure that their water is safe to drink, “said Sierra Ryan, Water Resources Manager with Santa Cruz County Environmental Health. “If your well water does not meet drinking water standards, you may qualify for additional free alternate water sources, such as bottled water delivery, water storage tank filling, and Point of Use treatment systems.” n •••

To schedule an appointment for free well testing, call the Central Coast Drinking Water Testing Program at (844) 613-5152 or visit www. centralcoastwelltesting.org

LOCAL SPORTS

SCCAL Athletes of the Year

Braylon Noble, Danica Kelley & Ashlyn Boothby

In a tradition started in 1977, the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League announces the winners of the 2023-24 SCCAL Male & Female Athletes-of-the-Year Award:

Braylon Noble, Soquel High School

Danica Kelley & Ashlyn Boothby, Scotts Valley High School

The awards are voted to seniors by the athletic directors.

In the 47 years, there have only been two ties previously (1994 and 2019), and this is the first time for a tie for the female awards.

Braylon Noble Soquel High School

Braylon is a 3-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track and field. Coaches call him a generational talent, and Athletic Director Stu Walters said he’s a great human being.

With a name that means “brave and ready for battle,” Braylon proved himself to be an outstanding competitor athletically and academically.

In football, he played wide receiver and

“All League” from page 4

Abby Howell - IF - Scotts Valley (11)

Lanies Nunez - C - Aptos (10)

Abby Krepelka - P - SLV (11)

Jazzy Doubek - OF - Scotts Valley (11)

Makayla Normon- IF - Santa Cruz (10)

Cheyenne Owen - OF - SLV (11)

Malibu Dominguez - Utility - Harbor (11)

Honorable Mention

Cara Allshouse - Aptos (10)

Lilly McGee - Aptos (11)

Nova Neu - Aptos (9)

Addison Schaefer - Harbor (10)

defensive back, and, as team captain, led the Knights to a Central Coast Section championship and to Santa Cruz County’s first state championship in football.

In basketball, he was a 2nd-team AllSCCAL selection.

In track and field, he won the Bob Enzweiler Award for earning the most points at the SCCAL Track and Field Championships, winning four events – long jump, pole vault, high jump and 400-meter run.

With an overall 4.05 grade-point average, he was selected as the 2023-24 CCS Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Braylon is being recruited by college coaches. He has not selected his college destination yet, but he plans to pursue track and field, becoming a decathlete.

•••

Danica Kelley

Scotts Valley High School

One of the finest wrestlers, male or female, to ever come out of Santa Cruz County, Danica had a remarkable senior season. Wrestling at 135 pounds, she was the SCCAL, Central Coast Section, and California Interscholastic Federation state champion.

It was her 3rd consecutive league championship (her freshman year was canceled due to Covid), and her 2nd CCS championship.

Danica will wrestle at Menlo College in the fall.

•••

Ashlyn Boothby

Scotts Valley High School

Ashlyn is one of the most decorated runners to come out of Santa Cruz County.

In cross country, Ashlyn is a 4-time SCCAL individual champion and a 3-time Central Coast Section champion.

In track and field, she is a 3-time SCCAL champion and a 2-time CCS champion.

Ashlyn will keep running in the fall at Stanford University. n

At the Theater

Juliet Ray - Harbor (11)

Miranda Navarro - Harbor (10)

Jori Fields-Rapley - SLV (11)

Fallyn Lachmund - SLV (12)

Grace Purscher - SLV (9)

Amaris Gonzalez - Santa Cruz (11)

Leah Serna - Santa Cruz (10)

Izzy Fetke - Santa Cruz (9)

Ava Eagle - Scotts Valley (12)

Natalie Murry-Skalland - Scotts Valley (9)

Nick Powell - Scotts Valley (11)

Katie Niizawa - Soquel (9)

Mallely Valdez - Soquel (10)

Lucy Federspiel - Soquel (10) n

Female Athletes of the Year: Danica Kelley (left-photo credit Nick Reyes) and Ashlyn Boothby (photo credit John Lee)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COUNTY FAIR ENTRY GUIDE AVAILABLE

Don’t be shy! Make this the year you finally enter the Santa Cruz County Fair!

The 2024 Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is available now.

There are so many exciting divisions… Livestock, AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, LEGOs, Photography, Poultry, Floriculture, Collections, Home Arts and Innovation… just to name a few.

New this year, the Poultry Department is offering a Decorated Egg Contest — “eggs-tremely” creative entries are expected.

There are several ways to get a Guide. You can find it online at santacruzcountyfair.com.

A printed Guide is available at the Fair Office: 2601 East Lake Ave. (Highway 152) in Watsonville.

The Guide is available at local libraries and feed stores throughout the county. See locations at santacruzcountyfair.com.

Most online entry deadlines are Aug. 22, including livestock and poultry. Check the Entry Guide to confirm the deadline and receiving schedule of the department you’re entering.

Call the Fair office with any questions: 831-724-5671.

2024 RIVER & OCEAN SALMON SEASON

CLOSED

Not only is ocean salmon season closed this year, salmon sport fishing in the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley rivers is closed for the second straight year.

The May 16 vote by the California Fish and Game Commission affects Chinook salmon in the Sacramento, American, Feather and Mokelumne rivers and their tributaries, the Klamath and Trinity rivers and their tributaries.

The regulations are expected to take effect by July 1, following approval by the state Office of Administrative Law.

Regulators say the salmon returning to California’s coast and rivers were “impacted by a multi-year drought, severe wildfires, and associated impacts to spawning and rearing habitat, harmful algal blooms and ocean forage shifts.”

The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended closure of both commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries off the California coast due to continued

BRANCH OUT! FESTIVAL

Saturday June 8

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Felton Library and Discovery Park, 6121 Gushee St.

Felton Library Friends invite the community to celebrate the Felton Library and Discovery Park at the new Branch Out! festival.

low numbers, and federal fisheries managers concurred. California’s ocean salmon sport fishing seasons and regulations automatically conform to federal regulations.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK WALL OF HOPE

The Wall of Hope is designed to support Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County’s mission of alleviating hunger in our community.

Tiles range from $700 to $2,000. Proceeds support Second Harvest and will be viewed by visitors to the food bank for years to come.

The Wall of Hope is located on the patio, just outside Second Harvest’s main entrance. The tiles will be previewed at the Party in the Parking Lot event.

For more information, contact Michele Bassi at (831) 288-3002 or e-mail michele@thefoodbank.org

Tiles can be purchased at https://give.thefoodbank.org/ campaigns/32191-wall-of-hope.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

Starting May 29, rides on the Big Dipper will be $1 — retro price — every Wednesday through Aug. 7.

The Big Dipper has been continuously operating in its original location since May 17, 1924. It is the fourth oldest operating roller coaster in the U.S., and one of the top 10 oldest in the world.

LANDOWNER SURVEY ON FIRE MANAGEMENT

Do you own land in California? Do you have opinions about fire management?

If yes, we want to hear from you!

The U. S. Department of the Interior Joint Fire Science Program is conducting a survey in California to understand landowner opinions about fire management.

Researchers need help pre-testing the survey before it is sent out in August. This will take 10-15 minutes.

The questions being tested assess knowledge and experience with wildfire and interest in prescribed fire for meeting management goals. Data collected during pre-testing will not be published, and all answers will be kept confidential.

Village from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All completed paintings will be on exhibit and for sale at New Brighton Middle School auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 27.

This is a juried show and only 40 selected artists will compete for cash prizes, ribbons and special accolades from fellow artists and exhibition attendees.

Interested artists can apply at www.onlinejuriedshows. com. The application fee is $50, and the process requires the artist to include 2-3 images of their plein air work to be reviewed by jurors. Deadline for applications is Aug. 1. Details: www.capitolapleinair.com

BIG BASIN STATE PARK OPENS TRAILS

The Red Cross has teamed up with Tetris, creators of the best-selling video game, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and build the blood supply for patients. All who give blood by June 9 will get an exclusive Tetris® + Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov. See RedCrossBlood.org/Tetris  Capitola

June 7: 9:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m., Jade Street Community Center, 4400 Jade St. Santa Cruz

June 6: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Scotts Valley

May 31: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

GIANT DIPPER TURNS 100

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is celebrating Giant Dipper having turned 100 years old on May 17.

Enjoy free environmental activities from15 local organizations, make a wildflower seed packet, create a fish print, see the sun through a telescope, and much more! Enjoy live music, featuring Patti Maxine & Friends, Sharon Allen & Jimmy Norris, and the Plateau Jazz Band. For the little ones, Librarian Jackie will do a storytime at 11 a.m. and Vicki Neville Coffis will sing songs at noon. Marianne’s ice cream will be available for purchase. Participating organizations include: County Parks; County Parks Friends; Felton Farmers Market; Felton Library Friends; Friends of Quail Hollow Ranch; Friends of SLV Water; Mountain Parks Foundation; SC Astronomy Club; SC Natural History Museum; SC Public Libraries; Resource Conservation District; SLV Museum; SLV Water District; UCSC Master Gardeners; Valley Women’s Club. Felton Library Friends is producing the festival with County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. For information email feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com.

To participate go to: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/ form/SV_23tqYtKlTTndyuO

If you have questions about this project, contact Arun Regmi at abr5708@psu.edu.

HAM RADIO FIELD DAY

When the next disaster strikes, hundreds of amateur radio (ham radio) operators will be ready to assist government agencies in Santa Cruz County and beyond. These volunteers will demonstrate their radio skills during their annual Field Day event on Saturday, June 22, in Aptos.

Field Day is ham radio’s open house. Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio. The general public is welcome to attend and participate. Admission is free.

This year’s Field Day site is in the large open field behind Sevy’s (Severino’s) on State Park Drive in Aptos. It is the former site of Par 3 Golf Course and the three large aluminum antenna poles by Highway 1. Follow directional signs from the entrance on Old Dominion Court off State Park Drive.

SUMMER ITALIAN CLASSES

Registration is now open for summer Italian language classes with Dante Alighieri Society.

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italian-speaking Instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, you will have an opportunity to practice via reading and discussion. The 8-week session has in-person classes and online classes. Read the descriptions carefully to determine the best class for you. The cost varies. The last day to register is June 9. Classes start mid-June.

To register go to: www.dantesantacruz.com/classes

CALL TO ARTISTS FOR CAPITOLA PLEIN AIR

October 21 thru 27

Capitola Plein Air 2024 is happening!

Plein Air Artists are invited to apply to paint in Capitola Art and Cultural Commission’s 9th annual Plein Air event scheduled to take place one week earlier than past years.

During the week of Oct. 21-26, the selected artists will paint out of doors in Capitola. The public is invited to watch the artists paint throughout the week, but particularly on Saturday, Oct. 26, when all the artists gather in Capitola

Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek is gearing up for the summer. This season is a monumental one for the state park, which will soon welcome its 100,000th visitor since it reopened following the devastating 2020 CZU Wildfire.

The 100,000th visitor will win a gift basket full of goodies from Friends, Mountain Parks Foundation and the Boulder Creek Business Association. That visitor could be you! Make a reservation to guarantee parking. State Parks staff are working diligently to reopen trails and additional parking. The remaining segment of the Creeping Forest Trail was reopened, adding 3/4 mile of trails in the park. Big Basin also recently opened horse trailer parking. Make a reservation to ensure there is a place to park your horse trailer.

Reservations for day-use parking must be made at least one day in advance. Day-use parking is $8 (a $6 day-use parking fee with a $2 reservation fee) and stays local to support the park.

Santa Cruz Metro offers weekend service through Sept 10 to Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Route 35. There are 5 round trips, departing from the Scotts Valley Transit Center on Kings Village Road, at 7:55 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 2:10 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. with a stop 10 minutes later at San Lorenzo Valley High School on Highway 9 in Felton. Return trips are at 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 1, 3 and 5 p.m.The ride is about 49 minutes. No entrance fee or reservation is required for visitors who arrive by bus.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS & TACO TUESDAYS Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A GoGo’s Food Truck Fridays and Taco Tuesdays run through October.

Food Truck Fridays — Time: Open at 4:30 p.m. • Dates: June 28, July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 27, Oct. 25. Taco Tuesday — Time: 5-8 p.m. Dates: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8.

SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP

The Scleroderma Foundation of California announces a new support group for people living in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

The Monterey Bay Support Group will bring together individuals with scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and thickening of the skin and other areas of the body. The support group will be led by volunteers Cheri O’Neil

Patti Maxine

Kristian Matthews, first place, 2023

of Live Oak and Annette Rahn of Carmel. The mission of the Scleroderma Foundation of California is to empower patients to live better lives through programs dedicated to support, education, and research.

The support group will start by offering virtual meetings, with the goal of meeting monthly in person at a location convenient for members.

To learn more, email mbsclero@gmail.com. The foundation’s website is www.myscleroderma.org.

MAKE A MOSAIC FOR CAPITOLA WHARF

Capitola residents are invited to Capitola Mall to participate in a community mosaic making for the Capitola Wharf, which is being repaired after being cut in half by the epic storm in January 2023.

The mosaic panels, to be installed this summer, have a theme of sea life.

Volunteers can pitch in Mondays & Thursdays 3:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. until the project is finished.

Come to Space E09 by Kohl’s department store in the mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola.

The community project is led by artist Kathleen Crocetti, with collaborative partner Maha Taitano, and the City of Capitola as part of the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project. Funding was generously contributed by donors.

This artwork will be part of the new entranceway of the Capitola Wharf, which city officials say will reopen Aug. 14, which would be prior to the Capitola Art & Wine Festival Sept. 14 & 15 and the Capitola Beach Festival Sept. 28 & 29.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet each month in 2024 except September and November.

Remaining dates are June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 3.

There is no meeting in September or November. Meetings typically begin at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

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

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

Tuesdays

FELTON FARMERS’ MARKET

1:30-5:30 p.m., St. John’s Church parking lot, 120 Russell Ave

The Felton Farmers’ Market can be found at the St. John’s Church parking lot.

Foodshed dates: June 25, Penny Ice Creamery free mini scoops • Sept 10, Applefest • Oct. 15, Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza.

The season runs through October. More info: www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org

Saturdays

SCOTTS VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot, 5060 Scotts Valley Drive

The Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market can be found at the Joe and Linda Alberti Boys & Girls Club.

Foodshed Project dates with Mountain Feed & Farm Supply: Summer Sweets: July 20 • Pepper Party: Aug. 24 • Fruity Wreath Making: Nov. 9.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday June 1

PANCAKE BREAKFAST & FLEA MARKET

8 a.m.-2 p.m., Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road

The Scotts Valley Senior Center’s All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast — a delicious treat for the princely sum of $12 (with table service and no tip required) — and the popular Flea Market are back!

Breakfast is 8 a.m. to noon. With apple, cinnamon, pecan and blueberry pancakes, ham, eggs, orange juice and coffee. Kids under 10 cost $6, and kids under 2 are free. Proceeds benefit the Senior Center. For vendor information, email Darshana at dcroskrey@scottsvalley.gov

SUMMER READING KICKOFF AT APTOS LIBRARY

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Drive

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries will kick off the 2024 Summer Reading Program with a special event at Aptos Library, celebrating the newly opened branch.

Tour the remarkably designed, state-of-the-art library and to sign up to participate in the Read, Renew, Repeat Summer Reading Program designed for all ages.

There will be performances for everyone to enjoy, from magician James Chan to a bilingual Musical Me storytime and a musical performance by Cement Ship, a local artist and Sound Swell artist from the SCPL SoundSwell local music database.

Children can get their face painted by Chelsea Wright of Wisteria’s Faerie Creations.

Remember when the grand opening with all of this entertainment was cancelled due to wintry weather? This is your opportunity to experience all those special activities. Celebrate the building, pick up a brochure and a keepsake sticker.

Saturday June 1

Sunday June 2

THE REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE

11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton

The Redwood Mountain Faire returns to Roaring Camp.

Gates open at 10:30am.

The faire features 26 bands on 3 stages; including Coffis Brothers, Coco Montoya, Taylor Rae, and Banana Slug String Band.

There will be kids’ activities, arts & crafts and local beer cider & wine. Adult tickets are $50 or $90 for a weekend pass; seniors 65+ and teens 16-18, $30. Kids 15 and under free with parent/guardian.

Purchase at RedwoodMountainFaire.com.

You may not bring coolers or any outside food or beverages to Roaring Camp on the day of the Redwood Mountain Faire. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the faire, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Prepaid parking is $20 and highly encouraged. Day of parking is $25 (Cash Only) at Roaring Camp.

Sunday June 2

DOUBLE RAINBOW: MARIGOLD FINE POETRY & MUSINGS

2 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

In her new memoir, Double Rainbow: Collected Poems & Memoir Musings, Marigold Fine tells of a Chicago childhood in the 1950s, a move West seeking spiritual life in the natural world, and creating a career as a video producer/documentary filmmaker.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WOMENCARE VIRTUAL FILM FUNDRAISER ( FORMERLY LUNAFEST )

Available thru June 5 • Tickets at www.eventbrite.com

Did you know local favorite Clif/LunaBar was acquired by Cadbury maker Mondelez for $2.9 billion?

That shuttered the 2023 Lunafest film festival, a benefit for WomenCare, the nonprofit supporting women diagnosed with cancer. Lunafest raised $150,000 for WomenCare, averaging $16,000 annually, so this was a significant loss.

Local promoter Kathy Ferraro was heartbroken to lose such a brilliant and inspiring film festival, and the Santa Cruz Lunafest committee came up with alternative to raise money for WomenCare, a virtual film event with viewing from May 30-June 5.

There are 3 films about women, donated by the filmmakers. Tickets are $25-$40. Ticket buyers will receive an email with links and instructions on how to stream the films for one week from May 30-June 5. The three films together run about two hours. You can start and stop watching but you must finish before the links expire June 5.

The goal is to raise $10,000.

Presenting sponsor Lanai Financial Solutions and an anonymous local family foundation have donated $4,500 in matching funds. With sponsor support, $6,000 is in hand, and the committee hope community members will buy tickets — and make an additional donation if possible — to raise the rest for WomenCare.

Films:

A New Color — Decades before her nephew’s final words “I can’t breathe” ignited a national outcry for racial justice, Edythe Boone embodied the truth that black lives matter. A fearless muralist, activist, and educator, she works to tackle poverty. Ice Mermaid — Melissa Kegler’s freezing quest to swim colder and longer than any American. Mink! — Told by her daughter Wendy, Mink! is the story of the remarkable Patsy Takemoto Mink, a JapaneseAmerican from Hawaii who became the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress, on her harrowing mission to co-author and defend Title IX, the law that transformed athletics for girls and women in America.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womencare-virtual-film-event-fundraiser-tickets-906938075197

TOP PHOTO: Mink! The story of Patsy Takemoto Mink

long-time Santa Cruz resident, and a gifted writer and storyteller.

The book will be available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12436255 to assist in planning refreshments.

Tuesday June 4

The market closes in November before Thanksgiving. More info: www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org

The founder of Full Circle Video Productions, she lives in Santa Cruz with her husband Jim Stanford, writes, and performs locally with NextStage Theater.

She will present an afternoon of poetry and musings at the Capitola Branch Library.

She brings her writing friends for brief readings of their works. Carolyn Davis Rudolph is co-owner of the local restaurant, Charlie Hong Kong and a food activist who believes in feeding the community healthy, organic food and supporting local farmers. Judy Phillips is a

PELLERIN TO DISCUSS STATE BUDGET IMPACTS

6 p.m., Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Kings Village Shopping Center, 230 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley Assembly Member Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County.

Pellerin will discuss the Governor’s “May Revise” budget priorities and potential impacts on local programs and services.

In recognition of Pride Month, local activities and events

in June will also be discussed. Club meetings are upstairs at Bruno’s Bar and Grill.

Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Arrive at 6 p.m. to write “Get Out the Vote” letters for upcoming competitive races. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Friday June 7

MAH ASKING FOR HELP TO FIND NEW DIRECTOR

5-7 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. After four years at the helm of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Robb Woulfe will step down as executive director in the next 9 months, citing his family’s plans to relocate. The MAH’s Board of Trustees has convened a search committee to identify the next leader.

A New Color: Muralist, activist and educator Edythe Boone

Rail Trail: $400 Million to $500 Million to Build, $66 Million to Maintain RTC Commits to Fully Funding Live Oak to Aptos Stretch

By Bruce McPherson and Eduardo Montesino

As long-time elected representatives for the northernmost and southernmost reaches of Santa Cruz County, we believe the community conversation over the Rail Trail should be thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive.

We have sought to model those ideals both through our respective roles within county and city government and as members of the countywide Regional Trans portation Commission.

The debate over how to shape transportation and recreation options along the 32-mile rail corridor has been decades in the making with the shared goals — if not always shared methods — of improving the quality of life for our residents, bolstering the health of our environment, and adding to our economic vitality. Each choice comes with financial costs, some higher and more unpredictable than others, and each choice carries the potential to serve some constituents more meaningfully than others.

The past several weeks has proven to be yet another inflection point. In an effort to advance work on Segments 10 and 11 stretching from Live Oak to Aptos, governing bodies for the County and RTC were recommended by their respective staffs to support an “ultimate trail configuration” that builds a bicycle and pedestrian trail alongside tracks that may someday offer passenger rail service.

Supervisors Bruce McPherson, Manu Koenig and Felipe Hernandez voted in favor of Supervisor McPherson’s motion seeking more financial clarity, while Supervisor Justin Cummings was opposed, having favored, as did Supervisor Hernandez on a failed first vote, to pass the recommendations as presented by County staff.

However, after the RTC voted April 18 to reaffirm its commitment to the ultimate trail configuration — and after Commission staff provided a much more complete financial analysis — the Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 on April 30 to approve Segments 10 and 11 and related agreements, including the California Transportation Commission grant mischaracterized as being in jeopardy.

County and RTC planners predict the funding gap for Segments 10 and 11 could be closed with value analysis on designs, approval of a pending $20 million federal grant, and successful negotiations with Roaring Camp Railroads to bear the cost of moving historic rails that are unsuitable for future rail service. Diligent grant writing is held up as the major strategy for backfilling future gaps.

The County Board of Supervisors’ decision to fully move forward and accept a historic $68 million state grant was temporarily delayed March 26 on a vote of 3-1 in favor of accepting the project’s Environmental Impact Report while also seeking a clearer understanding of the broader financial implications for unfunded South County segments.

At $27 million over budget amid a limited pool of local funds to match future grants and pay for maintenance, a reality check was merited.

Still, questions remain unanswered, such as financing for the rail or trail in South County, which has raised equity concerns that beg to be addressed. We will need $400 million to $500 million to build out the South County Segments 13-20.

To qualify for state and federal grants, a 10-20% local match will be required, which could mean another $40 million to $100 million.

What’s more, the RTC reports that maintenance of the Rail Trail corridor will cost $66 million between now and the end of Measure D in 2047.

Passed by voters in November 2016,

Measure D provides local funding for roads, Highway 1 improvements, METRO, ParaCruz, and rail. Measure D’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) will have $97 million remaining after meeting $77 million in commitments related to the Mid and North County ultimate trail segments.

Reserving most of the rest of those ATP funds for South County projects and overall corridor maintenance would be prudent, as was urged April 18 by RTC Commissioner Eduardo Montesino and will be considered during the June 6 RTC meeting.

Controlling costs and ensuring adequate

Tresources to maintain the entire corridor are necessary to being responsible stewards of public dollars and demonstrating that we take social equity seriously. Continuously evaluating the financial feasibility of enormous infrastructure projects is not obstructionism — it’s a hallmark of good governance. n

Bruce McPherson is the Fifth District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County. Eduardo Montesino is the First District Councilmember for the City of Watsonville. Both serve on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.

What We’ve Learned

he California Coastal Commission, due to concerns over bluff erosion on the coastal side of the tracks near Park Avenue in Capitola, requested the Rail Trail Project include an option to detour inland.

Santa Cruz County Supervisors agreed to that change.

The stretch from Live Oak to Aptos dubbed Segments 10 & 11 has $84.9 million in funding, but the cost estimate of $112.7 million leaves a gap of $27 million to $28 million.

The proposed agreement with Caltrans says Santa Cruz County is responsible for securing additional funding.

So Supervisors Bruce McPherson and Manu Koenig, worried the county would have to contribute money it doesn’t have, held off on signing the agreement with Caltrans.

On April 18, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission voted to commit to fully funding the Project with state, federal, and local funding sources, which means the county is off the hook.

A major local source of funding for RTC projects is Measure D, the half-cent 30-year sales tax approved by voters in 2016 to repair potholes, add bicycle paths, provide safe routes to school for students on foot, and reduce Highway 1 congestion.

Other actions to address the funding gap: County staff will seek grants and use value engineering to lower costs or pursue track relocation with Roaring Camp Railroad.

The concern is if Rail Trail expenses go over budget, it will mean less money for other transportation projects. Getting an agreement with Caltrans takes three months.

To get a request for funding or an extension on the June 27-28 California Transportation Commission, items must be submitted by April 29.

Not knowing if the supervisors would advance the Rail Trail project, staff submitted both an allocation and an extension request to Caltrans, with the intention to pull whichever request was irrelevant prior to the meeting. n

Greenway’s Plan for rail corridor

SCCAS Featured Pet

Not Peter … Justin!

Justin (A310026) is a male neutered shorthaired rabbit. He came into the Shelter as a stray initially with a wound on his ear and medical staff jumped in to help him heal. It took some time with cleaning and monitoring, but Justin has recovered and is ready to find his new family.

Justin spent some time in a foster home so we could learn more about him. He appears to appreciate being the only bun in a home. Justin would thrive in a rabbitsavvy adoptive home that understands that some buns like their home set up a certain way and does not want people messing with their set up or food.

Justin is bunny that is full of personality and any rabbit knowledgeable home will be lucky to have him! 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. 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

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

“Calendar” from page 21

Before the search begins, the board invites staff, partners and the public to take part in a survey at https:// form.jotform.com/241365043899061 and input sessions the first on 5-7 p.m. June 7, at 705 Front St., in downtown Santa Cruz. More outreach will be in MidCounty and Watsonville this summer.

“The MAH belongs to everyone in the county and we look forward to hearing your voice as we work to identify an outstanding leader for the future,” said Board Chair Jorian Wilkins.

Woulfe started just before the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, which closed the museum for a year. Woulfe focused on financial resilience and broader public visibility.

His work resulted grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services, California State Library, and Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions.

He conceived and introduced the museum’s two biennial festivals, Frequency and CommonGround, and brought the world-renowned public art installation RedBall Project for the MAH’s 25th anniversary in 2021. The museum staged works at Evergreen Cemetery and Davenport Jail, The Art of the Santa Cruz Speed Wheel with iconic skateboard company NHS; Ocean of Light: Submergence by U.K. digital arts collective Squidsoup; Strange Weather with the Institute of the Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Cruz; The Land of Milk and Honey with the Mexicali Biennial, Sé’sh Shóto’sh Psí’sh by Indigenous artist Cannupa Hanska Luger; and Richard Mayhew: Inner Terrain, a retrospective of the acclaimed Soquel landscape painter.

He also introduced a pay-what-you-wish admission policy.

Friday June 7

Saturday June 8

50TH ANNUAL UC SANTA CRUZ PRINT SALE

10 a.m.–6 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Art Department, Room G-101, 1156 High Street

UC Santa Cruz Art Department is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its legendary print sale in Room G-101 on campus — in conjunction with the Art Department’s Spring Open Studios.

Free and open to the public.

Hundreds of original prints will be for sale, including: Woodcuts, lithographs, etchings, photo-based prints, screen prints, & more.

All proceeds benefit art students: 80% of proceeds go to the individual artists, 20% goes to support the Print Studio (and thereby back to printmaking students).

On Friday there will be special exhibits and live-printing at the print studio.

Updates on Instagram: @ucscprintstudio

Friday June 7 and Friday July 5

SHELTER FROM THE STORM RECEPTIONS

Noon-5 p.m., M.K. Contemporary Gallery, 703 Front St., Santa Cruz

The new art exhibit Shelter from the Storm: An art exhibition offering refuge in tumultuous times, is open to the public thru July 28 at M.K. Contemporary Gallery.

from wars, privation, envy, greed, old age, or death, it can revitalize us amidst it all.”

Admission is free. Gallery hours are Thursdays thru Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

For info, visit www.mkcontemporary.art or contact Melissa Kreisa at melissa@mkcontemporary.art or (408)250-2224.

Saturday June 8

Sunday June 9

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Capitola Village

Capitola Village will host the 14th Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show.

Presented by the Capitola Foundation, this familyfriendly event features more than 200 classic cars plus vendor booths in the seaside village. Streets in the village will be closed for this event.

Register at https://www.capitolafoundation.com/classic-car-show

Saturday June 15

NATASHA’S RUN FUNDRAISER

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Skypark in Scotts Valley Arukah Project, a Santa Cruz nonprofit that works to restore, renew, and rebuild the lives of sex trafficking survivors in Santa Cruz County, will host the third-annual Natasha’s 5K Run for Justice, a fundraiser at Skypark. The run registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. There is also a stroller division. The entry fee is $40; kids under 6 are free.

After the run/walk, there will be food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, bounce houses, and a concert by the Alison Sharino Band at 10:30 a.m.

The fundraising goal is $15,000.

•••

Every week between 100 and 200 people are sex trafficking victims in Santa Cruz County and Natasha was one of them. Advocates named the race to honor her courage and bravery.

Natasha’s run for justice took her over 15 years. She fought for her voice to be heard, for people to believe her, and to see her trafficker brought to justice. Due to her determination, her trafficker was sentenced to 174 years in prison, preventing him from ever terrorizing another. Sign up at Natasha’s Run For Justice | arukahproject

Saturday June 15

FREE WELLNESS TALK

12:30-1:30 p.m., Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road Dr. Tom Yarema, a local practice MD, speaker/educator and volunteer for the nonprofit Foundation for Wellness Professionals, will give a free talk at the Capitola Library. His topic will be “What To Do When Viagra/Cialis Fails For Erectile Dysfunction.”

Saturday June 22

BOOSTING IMMUNITY: FROM IV NUTRITION TO NISENE MARKS BOTANICALS 11 a.m.–Noon, Scotts Valley Library Fireside Room, 251 Kings Village Road

At the Theater

© Statepoint Media

Curated by Dee Hooker and Chris Miroyan, the exhibit is an array of paintings, sculptures, photographs, video and mixed-media installations by 10 artists from Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Oakland and Corrales, New Mexico.

The artists:

Sculpture: Jerry Barrish and James Shefik

Pigment prints and mixed-media: Holly Roberts

Photography and video: Brighton Denevan’s sand drawings

Painting: Anne Green, Cheryl Moreno, Ian Everard and Jane Harlow

Mixed-media: Chris Miroyan and Dee Hooker

Shelter From The Storm is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, ignite and unite. As Ray Bradbury said, “So while our art cannot, as we wish it could, save us

Dr. Tom Yarema, a local practice MD, speaker/educator and volunteer for the nonprofit Foundation For Wellness Professionals, will give a talk, **Boosting Immunity: From IV Nutrition to Nisene Marks Botanicals**, at Scotts Valley Library Fireside room.

Sunday June 23

SIP FOR SECOND HARVEST

1-4 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos Second Harvest Food Bank announces “Sip for Second Harvest” at Seascape Golf Club.

This will be a wonderful afternoon tasting fine, local wines, hosted at the beautiful Seascape Golf Club. Wine tasting, appetizers, and a stunning view all included! All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and provide healthy food and nutrition education to neighbors in need in Santa Cruz County.

Tickets are $60 per person pr $110 for two at https:// app.giveffect.com/campaigns/31918-sip-for-secondharvest-2024 n

Robb Woulfe