Scotts Valley Times: January 2025

Neighbors Fight The Haven

By Jondi Gumz

Fight The Haven, By Jondi Gumz

22 Tornado Terror: A First for Scotts Valley, By Jondi Gumz

23 Now Is All We Really Ever Have, So Why Not Do Something Beautiful With It?, Story and Photos by John P. Weiss

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14

11 The Sinatra Show comes to Chaminade Resort and Spa • Last Chance for Nominations for the 2024 Scotts Valley Community Awards • Calendar of Upcoming Community Events

12 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce: 2025 Executive Team: Danny Reber, Executive Director • Joanne Guzman, 2025 Board President • Keira Mulder, 2025 Board Secretary • Nick Kurns, Treasurer • Phil Neuman, Past President • Victor Alejandro, 2025 Board Vice President

13 Join Us for the 2025 Fallen Officer Ball • Fintastic Fish Ribbon Cutting

14 Cabrillo Launching the Spanish Supervisory Academy • City Council Approves Purchase of Property for Town Center Letters to the Editor

6 Community Responds to Haven Development — Cutting Down 610 Trees: Harm to Ecosystem • High Traffic Volume on Graham Hill Road • Multiple Hundreds More Vehicle Trips • Big Money puts on Pressure • A Loophole for Local Developer • Significant Adverse Effects: Traffic, Schools, Wildlife • Sandhills Ecosystem Irreplaceable Resource • Impacts of The Haven on a Magical Place • Siphoning Precious Resources from SLV • Siphoning Precious Resource from SLV • The Only Way to Stop This

9 A Request to Sheriff Chris Clark

Profile

8 Santa Cruz Montessori: Celebrating 60 Years of Inspiring Young Minds, By Rebecca Levy

15 Scotts Valley Trouble Wins Gold in Stellar Season for 10U Girls Softball Team!

News 16 State Auditor Reviews Housing Mandate Process

Horoscope • Page 18 – Beginnings — New Year 2025, By Risa D’Angeles

AGING IS LIFE

Jondi Gumz

COVER STORY

“The Haven” from page 1

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, John P. Weiss, Rebecca Levy, Risa D’Angeles

Michael Oppenheimer

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

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• Potential gridlock on Graham Hill Road, Lockwood Lane, and Mount Hermon Road, the county’s third busiest, with 33,742 vehicles on weekdays

• Unaffordable fees to hook to up to the city of Santa Cruz sewer line at Treetop Drive,

• Long response time for a sheriff’s deputy

• Inability to get home insurance against fire on property close to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks,

• Removal of hundreds of trees,

• Elimination of a wildlife corridor where mountain lions roam.

Lane Tate of Southern California, embarking on his first project in Santa Cruz County, took notes.

Neighbors along rural Graham Hill Road did not dispute the need for housing but they questioned whether this was the right location for this size of homes, given the lack of sewer line, that not all four parcels have a water connection and that Graham Hill Road is a rural country two-lane road — no bike lanes or sidewalks — with one stoplight.

Graham Hill Road sees 24,600 vehicles on weekdays, according to a 2022 count.

The Haven would add two entrances to the development on Graham Hill Road.

The project site is outside the “urban services line,” which designates areas to stay

rural from areas where denser developments are allowed.

The proposal for 157 homes is “totally out of scale,” said one neighbor.

Another, noting the original zoning for large lots in this area, said the development “will change it forever.”

Another said, “It does not make sense to us” and acknowledging the state’s housing mandate, added, “The law does not say we have to like it.”

Pointing out the need for a sewer line, one neighbor said, “You’d run the sewer line by us. Would you pay for all of us?”

To this Tate said, “I wasn’t aware of that.”

Sandhills Habitat

Alexandra Sklar, an architect, noted the blocks of homes could cut off access to water and foraging for wildlife.

Tate made a note of that.

The area from Scotts Valley to Zayante is known as the Santa Cruz Sandhills, habitat for a unique community of plants and animals—the Ben Lomond spineflower and the protected Mount Hermon June beetle-protected as habitat was lost to sand mining and development.

The Sandhills Alliance for Natural Diversity calls for development to be clustered to maintain as large an area of habitat as possible.

One sandhills area is called Rollingwoods encompassing 184 acres along Graham Hill Road.

Other developments have funded habitat mitigation projects although some environmental experts say existing habitat should be preserved.

Tate said concerns such as traffic, habitat mitigation and noise would be addressed in the environmental review process, which would begin once the application is complete, pending a geological study and title reports.

The fire insurance crisis, with many residents in neighboring Scotts Valley being dropped by their insurer or forced to pay double or triple past premiums, was triggered by the CZU Lightning Wildfire in 2020 in Boulder Creek, one of a string of

Patrice Edwards editor

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

Camisa Composti

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul office coordinator

Cathe Race

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Lance Tate represents Graham Hill Road property owner Mike Formico, who wants to build 157 homes on a 40-acre horse pasture.

destructive wildfires in California that prompted insurance companies to pull back to avoid huge losses.

The project has the potential to impact residents in the city of Scotts Valley and in San Lorenzo Valley because of its size in the unincorporated area, zoned rural residential outside the urban services line, and on a road, Graham Hill, which is the connector for the two valleys.

Builder’s Remedy

Ordinarily a project of this size would not be entertained by county planning staff but Formico took advantage of the fact that the state had not approved the county’s “Housing Element” to submit his proposal and thus became eligible for the builder’s remedy, allowing him to bypass zoning and design review.

Santa Cruz County supervisors adopted the housing element on Nov. 14, 2023, but it was not certified by the state until April 12, 2024.

Tate Development + Investment submitted a preliminary application for The Haven on April 11.

“What discretion does the Board of Supervisors have?” asked Chris Fitz, who spent nine years as executive director of Landwatch Monterey County watching local land-use policy.

For that question, there was no answer.

Formico bought the wooded property in four parcels in 2019 from Richard Lam for $3.9 million. The property runs alongside

Graham Hill Road from Lockwood Lane to the Rolling Woods subdivision and Eagle Creek runs through it.

The Haven proposes 123 single-family market-rate homes, 34 affordable townhomes, parking for 600 cars and an oversized 18,000-square foot clubhouse, which Tate said could provide space for a sheriff’s substation. Streets in the development would be private.

Tate said the project would be reviewed by the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Construction, he estimated, could take three years.

Among those affected:

• Hidden Glen, an equestrian-friendly

Tate said the county could require a stoplight.

“Because of CEQA, we’re at the county’s behest,” he said. “If a light is what we have to do, we will.”

He said the county has hired a consultant, Ecological Concerns of Santa Cruz, to do an environmental assessment.

“They’re not our consultants, they’re the county’s consultants.”

When a woman said, “We don’t have the water,” Tate replied, “A project doesn’t get approved if we don’t have the resources.”

To questions about access to water, he said the development would use the LAFCO process for annexing the property.

On Oct. 24, asked about the proposal, LAFCO Executive Officer Joe Serrano said:

neighborhood of 60 custom homes on generous lots in the unincorporated county with a median price of $2 million.

• Rolling Woods, a peaceful neighborhood built in the 1970s off Graham Hill Road across from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

• And the 20-acre Graham Hill Road showgrounds is a mile down Graham Hill Road.

Traffic & Water

Potential neighbors are worried about the increase in traffic on a rural road in a rural area not designed for it. Would a stoplight be needed?

“The proposed single parcel annexation (APN: 061-441-01) into the San Lorenzo Valley Water District. It is my understanding that the single parcel involved in the annexation application is not part of the proposed development (161 units), as indicated in the document you provided.

“The map also shows the four parcels owned by Mike Formico (APNs: 061-441-05; 061-441-06; 067-271-35; 067-271-36) that are part of the proposed development. As the map shows, the four parcels are non-contiguous to the annexation area and again not part of the annexation application into SLVWD.

“The Haven” page 16

Preliminary map of The Haven Santa Cruz, proposed for Graham Hill Road between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz. • Courtesy of County of Santa Cruz

Community Responds to Haven Development

Cutting Down 610 Trees: Harm to Ecosystem

Iam writing to oppose the proposed housing development, The Haven, on Graham Hill Road. My home, which I built and have lived in for over 40 years, is directly behind the planned site. This project raises serious concerns about the environment, infrastructure, and community.

The development is across from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, an area renowned for its natural beauty. Cutting down 610 trees will irreversibly harm the ecosystem and threaten several endangered species. Since the land was purchased, I’ve noticed a sharp decline in wildlife. I used to see at least 20 deer daily on my property, but they have vanished.

The transition from a quiet, rural area to a dense residential development will bring excessive noise and light pollution. It would feel like living on an airport runway. Water restrictions are already an issue here during the summer, and adding more homes will strain resources further.

Our overcrowded schools, which rely on portable classrooms, cannot handle an influx of students. Traffic and safety concerns will worsen, and there are unresolved questions about fire protection, sewage capacity, and increased crime risk.

This is a rural area. Developments like The Haven belong in urban settings, not the countryside. I purchased my property for its peaceful, natural surroundings and plan to protect that way of life.

—

Linda Eberhardt, Hidden Glen

High Traffic Volume on Graham Hill Road

Dear Planning Commission, I am writing in the hope that you will carefully review the impacts of allowing 157 homes to be built on a 40-acre parcel adjacent to Henry Cowell State Park.

My biggest concern is that I fear that the developer is not concerned, at all, about the inability to purchase reasonable fire insurance since we are considered to be in a high fire danger zone. At the last meeting, I got the impression that the developer felt that fire insurance was not his problem.

Living just one house in from Graham Hill Road, I can attest to the high traffic volume now on Graham Hill Road.

Graham Hill Road has become a main artery for the San Lorenzo Valley. Traffic on Graham Hill Road, Lockwood Lane, Whispering Pines and Mt. Hermon Road will be significantly impacted by this development. Other things to consider are the impact of 157 homes on our local schools, removing habitat from local wildlife, and where will the development get water and sewer.

I respectably request that the Planning Department carefully review this proposal and work with members of the community to find a reasonable development for this property.

— Diana Bailey, Rolling Woods

Multiple Hundreds More Vehicle Trips

Iam writing in opposition to The Haven project proposal. To place such a large, dense, high-

impact project directly across from Henry Cowell State Park would be ruinous to the Park and its flora and fauna, and makes me heartsick. As a resident on Lockewood Lane, I am particularly concerned about the traffic impact.

Lockewood — what was once a quiet neighborhood-area lane — will become a primary route in and out for residents of this proposed project to access Hwy 17, as well as the services along the Mt Hermon corridor through Scotts Valley.

The cumulative traffic impacts brought by this project, on top of the close-to-approval housing at Valley Gardens former golf course, will add multiple hundreds more vehicle trips along both roads daily, especially at the stoplight/turn lanes at the intersection of Lockewood and Mt Hermon.

We all know traffic on Mt Hermon is bad now and keeps getting worse. Current traffic volumes are much heavier on both Lockewood and Graham Hill than just a few years ago based on my experience living here.

Imagine the backups at the stoplights on either end of Lockewood (at Graham Hill and Mt. Hermon respectively) if/when both The Haven and old golf course projects were to be completed? I know we need more housing but at this scale and location, NO to The Haven. — Linda Haas, Lockewood Lane/Scotts Valley

Big Money puts on Pressure

Ilive on Lockewood Lane. When my grandfather bought the property in 1935, it was sand. Now it is crazy with fast traffic.

I fear for my husband’s life when he puts the trash cans out. An elderly neighbor no longer drives because the traffic scares her.

I don’t want to think about more traffic with 157 homes added to Graham Hill Rd. There’s already too much traffic for Graham Hill, and no easy ways to widen it.

Then there’s the water issue — our rates are too high now because there’s not enough water already. Add in the Mount Hermon June beetle and the special Sandhills ecosystem — why do we need to build homes there??!! If the existing laws, management plans, and protections that should prevent this development get overturned because big money puts on pressure, it would be a very sad day.

Taking away beautiful open spaces like the property on Graham Hill Road reduces the quality of life for those of us who already live here and enjoy a slightly less hectic environment.

— Margaret Nelson

A Loophole for Local Developer

We can all agree Santa Cruz County needs affordable housing, but recent moves by lawmakers in Sacramento have created a loophole for one local developer to abuse our planning process and circumvent all restrictions on density, fast-tracking a project almost nobody wants.

The state recently established mandates for housing with which the county has complied, but due to missing a deadline by one day it has allowed one outlandish development application to come forward through the “Builder’s Remedy” loophole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“The Haven,” a 157-unit project, is proposed on a 40-acre Graham Hill road property across from the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The project would turn an environmentally sensitive site into a visual and environmental debacle-- all to obtain a small number of affordable housing units.

Additionally, this project depends on the San Lorenzo Valley Water District annexing the site and supplying all 157 units. In recent years the San Lorenzo Valley Water District has had considerable difficulty supplying water to its existing base, employing stage 3 rationing. How can it stretch supplies even further?

There are far better ways to reach the same housing goals and the people of Santa Cruz County should be making these decisions, not politicians in Sacramento. Take back our local oversight and planning and let’s develop Santa Cruz in a sensible way. Stop “The Haven!”

— Jack DeStories, Scotts Valley

Significant Adverse Effects: Traffic, Schools, Wildlife

Iam writing to formally express my strong objections to planning application number 241369, marketed as “the Haven.” The Haven is a proposed 157-unit development on a 40-acre parcel on Graham Hill Road, between Hidden Glen and Rolling Hills neighborhoods. As a concerned neighboring resident, I have reviewed the proposal and identified significant concerns regarding its compliance with zoning and potential adverse impacts on the neighborhood.

Traffic

The increased population density resulting from the proposed development will strain existing traffic and infrastructure in the area. This includes concerns related to public transportation accessibility, and most importantly the capacity of local roads to handle the additional vehicular traffic. Ensuring this development does not unduly burden the existing infrastructure is crucial to maintaining the quality of life in our community. Traffic on Graham Hill, Lockewood Lane, Whispering Pines and Mt. Hermon will be significantly impacted by this development. These roads are already strained with traffic coming out of San Lorenzo valley.

The developer stated there will be two access points on Graham Hill. I assume this will cause the need for two traffic lights on an already congested main access road connecting San Lorenzo Valley to Santa Cruz and Highway 17.

Schools

Our local schools do not have the capacity to meet the increase of students this development will cause. It is my understanding that Brook Knoll and Vine Hill are already using portable classrooms. There is already a planned development of 196 homes (Scotts Valley Planning Dept. Application #s GPA 19-002, ZC19-002, PD 19-003, DR 19-009, UP 19-005, EA 19-006, MLD 19-002, EIR 19-002) behind the Safeway shopping center on Mt. Hermon, the location of the former golf course in Scotts Valley.

This new development will clearly cause overcrowding at our schools. Does the developer have a plan to address these concerns?

Wildlife

The development is located on the edge of Henry Cowell State Park, home to the Santa Cruz Sandhills. The sandhills are a unique habitat and home to three endangered animal species, the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat, the Mount

June Beetle and the Zayante BandWinged Grasshopper.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that the Planning Department carefully review this development proposal. I firmly believe the proposed development does not align with the County’s environmental objectives and may have significant adverse effects on our community.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that the Santa Cruz County Planning Department will act in the best interest of the community. I look forward to receiving updates on the progress of this application and any further opportunities for community input.

— Caroline Raffo, Hidden Glen Scotts Valley

Sandhills Ecosystem Irreplaceable Resource

Iam writing to express my deep concerns about the proposed development, The Haven, in the Santa Cruz Sandhills—a region of exceptional ecological value. This unique ecosystem is home to rare and endangered species, along with a variety of endemic plants found nowhere else on Earth. These species, along with the broader Sandhills ecosystem, are critical to Santa Cruz County’s biodiversity.

The proposed development poses a significant threat to this fragile environment by fragmenting habitats, increasing traffic pollution, and altering the natural landscape.

Given the ecological importance of the Sandhills, any encroachment on this area risks the loss of irreplaceable species and the degradation of the ecosystem’s health.

Sensitive habitats like these are particularly vulnerable, and once developed, they are impossible to restore. While development is an inevitable part of community growth, it is essential that we pursue a balanced approach that prioritizes environmental preservation.

The Santa Cruz Sandhills are an irreplaceable resource—not only for local wildlife but for the overall health of our natural environment.

We must explore alternative development strategies that prioritize both conservation and sustainable growth. I urge local policymakers, developers, and residents to carefully consider the long-term ecological consequences of this development. Instead of further compromising the Sandhills, we must work together to protect and preserve this extraordinary landscape for future generations.

— Orenda Randuch, Conservation Photographer

Impacts of The Haven on a Magical Place

We moved to the Hidden Glen neighborhood 5 years ago, after looking for the perfect place for 6 years. My wife and I have had extremely demanding and stressful careers, and wanted a safe, peaceful, wilderness-adjacent place where we could raise our kids safely.

Hidden Glen was absolutely a dream come true - right near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with a beautiful common area in the center, and plenty of room to run around. I remember my wife’s excitement when we first toured the neighborhood: “This is magical!!” (I had not heard that statement in the prior 6 years of looking).

We have a neighbor nearby who similarly moved from Mountain View, and he said moving to Hidden Glen “lowered the collective family blood pressure.” We totally agree with that!

“Haven

Hermon

Santa Cruz MonteSSori Celebrating 60 Years of Inspiring Young Minds

By Rebecca Levy

Santa Cruz Montessori is marking a major milestone—60 years of inspiring young minds through curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

Since its founding in 1964, the school has been a cornerstone of Montessori education for Santa Cruz County families, offering an approach to learning that emphasizes respect, self-determination, and learning-bydoing under the guidance of specially trained Montessori teachers.

Located just north of Cabrillo College on Soquel Drive, the main campus spans over three acres, including an administration building, community room, primary and elementary school classrooms, art room, an after-school room, play areas, picnic tables and a large grassy lawn. The school’s toddler and middle school programs are housed at a second location off Park Avenue. Bright and inviting classrooms are thoughtfully organized, with projects and learning materials carefully organized on low shelves to encourage inquiry and investigation.

“What sets Montessori apart is its individualized approach,” said Molly DiPiero, the school’s enrollment director. A former SCM student herself, Molly later returned as a teacher and now has a child enrolled at the school. “Classrooms and lessons are tailored to the developmental stages of the child, whether they’re 3,9, or 14. It’s all about meeting children where they are and supporting their growth in a way that’s unique to them.”

Santa Cruz Montessori was founded by a group of parents, many of whom were instructors at the newly opened UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College. The school began in a single classroom at Good Shepherd School in Santa Cruz. By the early 1970s, it had outgrown its original location and moved to the current site, which has expanded significantly over the years. Today, SCM serves

more than 200 students, ranging from 18 months to 14 years old, and employs 60 fulland part-time faculty and staff.

The school is modeled on the methods and philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizing the development of the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

“Montessori is built on trusting the potential of the child and fostering curiosity and independence,” said Kim Saxton, SCM’s head of school. With 24 years at SCM, first as a teacher and the last nine as head of school, Kim has seen firsthand the power of this approach. She is also the parent of twins who attended the school.

“Montessori is like a way of living—it’s about how we treat each other, how adults relate to children, and how children connect with each other,” she adds. “It’s amazing to see kids learning in an environment where they have this natural drive to explore and grow. They become creative, critical thinkers who know how to live in society with others.”

Unlike more traditional education where teachers impart information, Montessori teachers — known as guides — encourage independent thinking and help students find answers

for themselves. Each child progresses at their own pace, with guides tailoring lessons to individual needs. Teachers also work to eliminate competition and to create an environment without negative pressures.

Like many private schools, SCM has faced enrollment challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Once home to nearly 280 students, enrollment has declined due to shifting family demographics and the high cost of living in Santa Cruz County.

In response, SCM has expanded its parent programming to encourage stronger community connections. Recent initiatives include parent development workshops and guest speaker events.

“We’ve heard from many families that they value the sense of connection our school offers,” says Molly. “By providing opportunities for parents to engage and learn, we strengthen our community while supporting their children’s growth.”

Tuition at SCM ranges from $2,400 to $3,500 per month, depending on program and attendance. However, the school is committed to accessibility, with approximately 50% of families receiving financial assistance. SCM allocates over $1 million annually to tuition assistance programs.

“Socio-economic diversity is one of our core goals,”

explains Kim. “We’re proud to provide financial aid programs that enable more families to experience the benefits of Montessori education.”

Fundraising efforts further support these initiatives.

As SCM celebrates its 60th anniversary, the school is reflecting on its past while looking toward the future. A historical photo display in the community room highlights its rich history, and special events are planned throughout the year to bring alumni, families, and community members together in celebration. n

•••

Santa Cruz Montessori is located at 6230 Soquel Drive in Aptos. For additional information or to schedule a tour, contact Enrollment Director Molly DiPiero at 831-476-1646 or visit www.scms.org.

Head of School Kim Saxton (left) and Enrollment Director Molly DiPiero in front of the main campus in Aptos.

COMMUNITY NEWS

City Council Proclamation Honors Randy Johnson

WHEREAS, Council Member Randy Johnson has served the City of Scotts Valley since Nov. 5, 1996, an impressive 28 years, the longest serving Councilmember in the history of the Scotts Valley City Council; and eight of these years were spent performing the duties of the Mayor in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2020; 2024; and

WHEREAS, Council Member Johnson has been the City of Scotts Valley’s representative on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Board of Directors since 2001. He also served on the City’s Economic Development Subcommittee, the Joint City/School District Subcommittee, Budget Subcommittee and Town Center Subcommittee. He served on the Santa Cruz City/County Library Joint Powers Board and Library Facility Financing Authority Board; and WHEREAS, Council Member Johnson spearheaded Measure D to improve Scotts Valley Drive with underground utilities, medians, bike lanes, storm drains and overall beautification; and

WHEREAS, Council Member Johnson was instrumental in shaping Skypark into

the robust park that it is today, complete with soccer fields, playgrounds, a skate park, a dog park, and plenty of space for events such as the beloved fireworks display and the popular annual Art, Wine and Beer Festival; and WHEREAS, An active participant of the Town Center Subcommittee. Council Member Johnson has been an invaluable champion for removing barriers, engaging with the community, and engaging with developers to ensure forward progress; and “Randy Johnson” page 19

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A Question for Sheriff Chris Clark

Congratulations on your new role as Santa Cruz County Sheriff. If I may be so bold, may I ask you one important question?

In your new role, are you committed to abide by Title 8? Title 8 United States Code 1324 (iii): It is a felony if you knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien from immigration authorities.

The reason I am asking you this is that I, along with other citizen residents of Santa Cruz County, no longer feel safe here.

As a candidate for the City of Santa Cruz District 4 in 2022, and as a homeowner in the Unincorporated District 1 of Santa Cruz County under the helm of Supervisor Manu Koenig, it would be quite incomprehensible to me for a person in your position to not uphold Title 8 for the reasons I outline below:

Catch and Release — to knowingly release criminal aliens back into our community poses health and safety risks to our residents by choosing to “conceal” these criminal aliens and placing them back into our general population.

Title 8 is your legal obligation to proactively notify federal authorities in these cases. By removing these individuals from our general population, you will aid to substantially reduce:

General Crime — including, but not limited to, property damage, home invasions, theft (automobile, bicycle, retail products, etc.), child trafficking, assaults, rapes and murders.

By failing to adhere to Title 8 and choosing

NOT to assist Federal immigration agents in this regard, you will not only be breaking federal law, but you will also be placing the safety of members of the Santa Cruz County community at further risk–residents who you have sworn to protect and serve.

Illegal Narcotics — as you know, Santa Cruz County has a major drug epidemic.

Our homeless community has been especially hard hit by it. The number of annual overdoses is staggering. Fentanyl is now being laced into just about every street drug. It is cheap, plentiful and killing our community.

By ignoring your Title 8 obligations, you will be directly responsible for many of these future overdose cases and the related gang activity associated with the distribution of this deadly narcotic. Fentanyl and other narcotics like heroin and methamphetamine have permeated our schools and the lives of our children.

Our young people and our homeless communities are especially vulnerable and are relying on you to make a real impact in cleaning up our streets. Title 8 is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal where you can make a real difference. By choosing to “knowingly harbor and conceal” these individuals from Federal law enforcement and releasing them back into our community, it will become immediately apparent that you are NOT here to protect and serve us, but, in fact, to further harm us.

“Request to Sheriff” page 10

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Randy Johnson (center) is departing the Scotts Valley City Council after 28 years. He is joined by his granddaughter Penny (from left), daughter Laney, son Brett, and wife Kathy.

“Request to Sheriff” from page 9

By not upholding Title 8, you are just another puppet of the politicians here — and we have had a long history of puppets in law enforcement in Santa Cruz County, Sheriff Clark.

It takes true courage to do the right thing. The tide is changing. You just have to care about the people here and help us to feel and be safe again.

Please go on the record in regards to your

“Haven Letters” from page 7

The proposed Haven development would ruin a lot of the things we love about our neighborhood:

1) The peaceful “spur” (dead end of Spreading Oak) is a safe place where our kids have learned to ride bikes... this would transform into a high traffic area

2) Our neighborhood currently only has one spot of ingress and egress, which allows us to keep it safer... the new development would open this up and make it a lot less

3) We already have occasional problems with non-neighborhood folks trying to use our beautiful community pool and common area... the chance of this going up dramatically is quite high if 157 units go in right next door to our 60 units.

4) We specifically moved to this area for LOW density (calm, de-stressing, mature trees, low noise, safe area for our kids to run around)... putting in a HIGH density neighborhood, 2.5x our size, immediately next to us will lower property values and is the exact opposite of the reason we moved there!

I thought we would never leave Hidden Glen, but if this development goes in, we will have to leave... which obviously seems quite unfair, given how much we love our area.

This development would dramatically lower our quality of life, lower our family’s safety, lower our hard-earned property values, and make us want to leave our dream home.

— Kurt Schwarz, Hidden Glen

Siphoning Precious Resources from SLV Iattended the neighborhood meeting on Dec. 4 conducted by Tate Development of Del Mar California. It was unnerving to see the scope of the project dubbed “The Haven” planned for the 40 acres of undisturbed land on Graham Hill Road.

The developer is using a loophole called “Builders’ Remedy” to bypass the county and cram 157 homes and 600 parking places onto the site.

What alarmed me more was his plan to have San Lorenzo Valley Water District annex the site into the SLV Water District, thus siphoning off a precious resource from the people of the San Lorenzo Valley.

The arrogance of this Southern California developer thinking that he is entitled to SLV Water, when there are CZU fire victims that still don’t have water, should ring alarm bells for everyone living in the valley.

SLV Water District has not yet voted to annex “The Haven” Development into the district.

Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond and Felton residents must let SLV water board members know how they feel about this project.

— Rosemarie Slawinski, Scotts Valley

Siphoning Precious Resource from SLV Iattended the neighborhood meeting on Dec. 4 conducted by Tate Development of Del Mar

role and commitment in support of Title 8.

Believe me, the majority of the Santa Cruz County community will have your back if you have ours — and I’ll be the first to stand up for you.

— Greg Hyver, Santa Cruz Editor’s note: When asked by Capitola-Soquel Times, Sheriff Clark provided this response: “California’s law enforcement response to immigration is shaped by state policies. The state has adopted several measures that provide clear guidance in regard to our office’s collaboration with Federal

California. It was unnerving to see the scope of the project dubbed “The Haven” planned for the 40 acres of undisturbed land on Graham Hill Road.

The developer is using a loophole called “Builders’ Remedy” to bypass the county and cram 157 homes and 600 parking places onto the site.

What alarmed me more was his plan to have San Lorenzo Valley Water District annex the site into the SLV Water District, thus siphoning off a precious resource from the people of the San Lorenzo Valley.

The arrogance of this Southern California developer thinking that he is entitled to SLV Water, when there are CZU fire victims that still don’t have water, should ring alarm bells for everyone living in the valley.

SLV Water District has not yet voted to annex “The Haven” Development into the district.

Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond and Felton residents must let SLV water board members know how they feel about this project.

— Rosemarie

Slawinski, Scotts Valley

The Only Way to Stop This

Like roughly 90 of my neighbors, I attended the Haven review meeting on Dec. 4 at Pasatiempo. The project reminds me of when Scotts Valley School Superintendent Andre Lacouture wanted to combine the grammar, middle and high school on a single property across from Juvenile Hall on Graham Hill (circa 1997).

He was about as popular as Mike Formico is now and for similar reasons; it is a total misappropriation of land use.

That said, adding 157 housing units on Graham Hill (across from Henry Cowell) is considered a viable project because the state has mandated Santa Cruz County to build 4,500+ housing units by 2031.

Adding fuel to that fire, the County missed a deadline to file a development plan opening the door for an expedited approval process. Forget that under current law the project would not satisfy zoning guidelines or that water approval would hold it up for years, this project is headed for approval and on an expedited path.

Here is my advice; If you care about the quality of life in your neighborhood, the only way to stop this is through legal representation. If you live anywhere upstream or downstream of the building site on Graham Hill (Lockewood, Rollingwoods, Hidden Glen, Woods Cove...) consider donating to a TBD legal fund that will protect your interests.

This project easily has a budget over $100 million and undoubtably a team of lawyers willing to defend it.

Your normal, difficult to deal with County Planning department is going to get run over by Sacramento, just like the grading trucks lining up to build this monster.

— Brian Sheredy, Scotts Valley neighbor and longtime resident of Santa Cruz County

The Sinatra Show comes to Chaminade Resort and Spa

Saturday, February 8 • Chaminade Resort & Spa: 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz

Here is your chance to dress up and step out!

Experience a delicious Italian buffet prepared by world-class Executive Chef Avrum. Immerse yourself in the warm ambiance of the elegant Santa Cruz Ballroom, where you will be transported to another time and place.

Get ready for a high-octane performance as David Hamilton, a sensational vocalist and entertainer, takes the stage with the dynamic band Essence. David’s three-octave range and the charisma of a bygone era will inspire everyone to dance to Sinatra’s signature songs.

Seating is limited, so don’t miss this unforgettable evening! This marks the third year of Chaminade presenting the Sinatra Dinner. Dance. Show.

• RSVP (831) 465-3421

• No-Host Cocktail Reception: 6:30 p.m.

• Dinner: 7 p.m.

• Show Begins: 8 p.m.

• $150 Per Person

For more info visit: Chaminade.com and/or GoldenSightProductions.com. You can also contact Kallen Hamrah of

Golden Sight Productions at 831-4611682 or email at kallenhamrah@sbcglobal. net, as well as contact Connie Hagston in sales at the Chaminade 831-475-3405.

Last Chance for Nominations for the 2024 Scotts Valley Community Awards

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce seeks your assistance in recognizing the people and businesses that make our community such a special place. Please send us your 2024 nominations for outstanding businesses and individuals for the following categories:

• YOUTH OF THE YEAR

• EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

• Alvin Scarborough Memorial MAN OF THE YEAR

• Annette Marcum Memorial WOMAN OF THE YEAR

• ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

• Claire Hodgin Memorial BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT OF SCOTTS VALLEY

••• Criteria for Nomination

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

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

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

• An individual may live or work outside the city limits, but their contribution must be within Scotts Valley.

• Youth of the year nominee must be of High School age ••• Nominating is quick and easy! Go to ScottsValleyChamber.com and help us honor the leaders of our community.

David Hamilton

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce: 2025 Executive Team

Danny Reber

Executive Director

Danny Reber has served as the Executive Director for the Scotts Valley Chamber for the last ten years, and before that he served on its Board of Directors for seven years.

Danny is a lifelong Scotts Valley resident and feels privileged and honored to serve his community.

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

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

“Reber” page 13

Nick Kurns Treasurer

Nick Kurns is currently the Finance and Customer Service Manager for Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) which he joined in 2018. Kurns is responsible for the finance, accounting, utility billing, and customer service functions at SVWD.

During his tenure with SVWD, Kurns has led efforts to improve the District’s financial resiliency, such as the implementation of a funding strategy to reduce the District’s long-term pension liability and transitioning to monthly billing.

Kurns also serves as Treasurer for the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, the Groundwater Sustainability Agency for the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin which includes the City of Scotts Valley.

“Kurns” page 14

Joanne Guzman

2025 Board President Joanne “Jo” Guzman is co-owner of Bruno’s Bar and Grill, where she takes pride in giving back to the community. Her passion for helping others stems from decades of volunteering for The American Cancer Society and her former work as Marketing Manager of Hospice of Santa Cruz County.

In 2020, her dedication to helping businesses pivot to stay open during the pandemic led her to create the Stayin’ Alive Small Business Santa Cruz Group to share information with 270+ other small business owners and to assist with COVID challenges, loans, and assistance.

To further her desire to make a positive impact and keep small businesses open, she joined the Scotts Valley Chamber and the Scotts Valley Economic Task Force.

“Guzman” page 13

Phil Neuman

Past President

Phil Neuman is the President and CEO of CyAs Tech, a locally owned Information Technology firm headquartered in Scotts Valley, California. CyAs Tech embodies Phil’s dedication to service and his passion for supporting the local community working under the motto “Better Tech Together”.

The company empowers Santa Cruz County’s business builders by helping them leverage technology to secure data and drive profitable outcomes on their upward path to success.

Phil earned his Computer Science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and began his IT career at The Santa Cruz Operation.

“Neuman” page 14

Keira Mulder

2025 Board Secretary

Keira Mulder has been active with the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce as a Chamber Ambassador since 2019, and as a Board Member since 2023.

Her most recent appointment has been Ambassador President, acting as an integral member of the team while balancing a full-time work schedule and chasing a very active 5-year-old. Even while juggling these critical responsibilities and now holding dual roles, her enthusiasm has never wavered.

Throughout her almost 6-years of service, Keira has volunteered her time and co-chaired events for the Chamber such as The Scotts Valley Community Awards & Gala (2020-2024), Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show (2021-2024), and Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival (2021-2024).

“Mulder” page 14

Victor Alejandro

2025 Board Vice President

Victor is a Product Manager at Cisco and is the 2023 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. He is married, with 3 children.

He is the Vice President for the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and is also an Ambassador. He sits on the Economic Development Committee and attends Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition meetings, which include 18 Chambers of Commerce in the Bay Area.

He is also President of the Exchange Club of Scotts Valley, which has been serving Scotts Valley for over 50 years. Exchange Club events include A.C.E. award scholarships for 2 SVHS seniors, the Alfred Hitchcock festival for the Scotts Valley Community Theater, the Blue & Gold Celebration for the Police and Firefighter of the year.

“Alejandro” page 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Join Us for the 2025 Fallen Officer Ball

5:30 – 11 p.m., February 22 • Cocoanut Grove • 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz

Local First Responders have been blessed with strong community support, which is greatly appreciated. The past several years have seen massive wildfires throughout the State of California and neighboring states.

Law Enforcement has been under attack while they and firefighters work to heal from the losses suffered. There is both a physical and emotional toll for first responders as they face traumatic loss.

First Responders have seen a dramatic increase of injuries, many suffering posttraumatic stress. Fallen Officer Foundation continues to be there to render aid for local first responders and their families. It’s a privilege to assist the men and women who serve our communities. It’s only with your support that we’re able to be there during their times of crisis.

Fallen Officer Foundation is a non-profit,

volunteer board 501c (3). You can help us continue this worthwhile cause supporting those who are always there when we need them:

• Purchase tickets and attend — Individual Tickets

$150 each

• Be a Sponsor — Platinum is $7,000 with 20 tickets; Gold is $3,000 with 10 tickets; Silver is $1,500 with 5 tickets; Bronze is $700 with 2 tickets.

activities and events at Facebook.com/ FallenOfficerFoundation/

D• Donate an auction item

If you’re unable to attend but wish to donate, you can contact us or go to our website, SCFOF.org to donate. You can find us on Facebook to keep track of

Join us for an evening of great food, wine, live music and dancing to the Alex Lucero Band. Most importantly, please join local first responders to celebrate their work. Show your support and give a little back to the men and women in uniform who serve us so valiantly.

Fintastic Fish Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, January 16 • 5:30 to 7 pm • 224 C Mt. Hermon Rd.

ive into the world of aquatic wonder as Fintastic Fish, the newest aquarium and tropical fish store pet store in Scotts Valley, celebrates with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

This event is free and open to the entire community!

Fintastic Fish specializes in freshwater fish and aquatic plants, offering all the essentials to help you create your perfect aquatic habitat. With over 5 years of fishkeeping experience, Fintastic Fish is here to serve the community.

Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or maintaining a well-established tank, Fintastic Fish has everything you need to keep your aquatic friends happy and healthy.

Fintastic Fish is locally owned and operated by Devin Runneals, a lifelong Boulder Creek resident and former San Lorenzo Valley High School math teacher.

With a passion for nature and education, Runneals started the business hoping to amend the lack of good local fish stores in the area. Offering a wide selection of freshwater fish, live and frozen fish food, aquatic

plants, aquariums and supplies, Fintastic Fish aims to revamp the aquarium hobby in the community.

Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, Fintastic Fish is here to make your aquatic dreams come true.

Don’t miss this Fintastic celebration!

“Alejandro” from page 12

More events include participation in the 4th of July parade handing out flags, Adopt a Family for Christmas, as well as the Light up the Night! Holiday tree lighting event, hosted in partnership with the City of Scotts Valley, the Scotts Valley Police and Fire departments, and other Service Clubs. Light up the Night! benefits Valley Churches United.

He is in the Parent Club of Scotts Valley High School and volunteers annually at the Fallen Officer’s Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Weston Road Firewise Steering Committee and coordinates 2 chipping events annually, in coordination with the Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District.

“Guzman” from page 12

Reflecting her strong belief to give back to those in need, during the pandemic and CZU fire she donated and supported families who lost their homes and jobs, providing free meals twice a month to families. In recognition for her efforts, she was named Scotts Valley’s Woman of The Year.

Joanne and her husband continue to donate monthly to local non-profits, schools and the community. She currently serves on the Scotts Valley Economic Development Committee to contribute to local economic growth.

“Reber” from page 12

In addition, Danny serves on the Boards for Leadership Santa Cruz County and the Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition. He is also a Freemason and member of Paideia Lodge No. 852. Some of Danny’s hobbies include hiking, playing guitar, singing, and he also hosted the Think Local First Radio Show on KSCO. Danny and his wife, Michelle, consider themselves blessed to be able to raise their two daughters, Maya and Arwen, in this Community they love and call home.

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Cabrillo Launching the Spanish Supervisory Academy

Cabrillo College Extension created the Supervisory Academy in 2013 to support first time supervisors, and experienced supervisors who never had proper training, with the supervisory and managerial skills necessary for today’s workforce.

Cabrillo’s Supervisory Academy is a 12-week program that has been a valued by many of Santa Cruz County businesses and organizations such as Bay Federal, the Boardwalk/Seaside Company, Salud Para La Gente and many more.

“Kurns” from page 12

Prior to joining the District, Kurns served in various roles in the Budget Office for the City of Sunnyvale.

Career Development Committee. Kurns initially began his career in the private sector, as a finance analyst at SAP, supporting complex government deployments.

“Thanks to the instructors and their vast experience in the field of leadership, it helps us achieve our greatest potential in professional and human development,” says Academy student, Manuel Ferreyra.

Registration for the Spanish Academy’s winter session is now open and begins on Feb. 5. Classes will be held at the Watsonville campus Wednesdays, 9am - Noon thru April 23.

Visit https://extension.cabrillo.edu/classes/ supervisoryacademy/ or call 831-479-6331 for info.

In 2023, Cabrillo College Extension introduced a Spanish version of the Supervisory Academy that has seen great results with the first two cohorts of students. A large percentage of students are bilingual, and many students comment that learning the course material through their native Spanish speaking tongue would support their comprehension further.

City Council Approves Purchase of Property for Town Center

The City of Scotts Valley achieved an important milestone in the development of the Town Center in December. The City Council approved the purchase of the final eight acres of vacant former airport land at the Dec. 4 meeting. In addition, the Council approved the updated “preferred vision” for the Town Center core area.

The updated vision emphasizes pedestrianfriendly streets, wide sidewalks, bike paths, and plenty of space for outdoor dining and community events. At least 300 housing units, with a portion designated as affordable, will be part of the development, alongside a variety of retail and public spaces. The design envisions a new grid of streets that will integrate the Town Center

with surrounding areas, offering a walkable environment with shared parking, plazas, and potential for street fairs or farmers markets.

The next steps include updating the Town Center Specific Plan and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the development community.

The Town Center promises to be a dynamic destination for Scotts Valley, creating a hub for residents, visitors, and businesses to connect and thrive. With strong ties to nearby communities and easy access via major highways, it will be a key area for social and economic growth in Northern Santa Cruz County.

For more info, including images of the preferred vision, visit ScottsValley.gov/TownCenter.

Kurns earned his MBA from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Claremont Mckenna College.

Kurns is an active member of the California Society for Municipal Finance Officers where he currently serves as Chair of the

“Mulder” from page 12

In addition to those events, Keira has also been an Ambassador volunteer or organizer for ribbon cuttings and mixers for businesses in the area.

When asked about the future, Keira was quick with an answer. “As an Ambassador, one of the things I have loved is serving our local businesses and promoting our beautiful city. In my dual role as Board Secretary and Ambassador President, I am excited to craft innovative ways to serve our local businesses and community. Our residents and business owners love each other, and the joint effort both sides bring to keep this city vibrant and flourishing energizes me to make Scotts Valley the best city in the world!”

Keira is just as passionate about her position as a Treatment Coordinator at Empowering Hands Massage, a local Scotts Valley business specializing in therapeutic massage.

In her down time, Keira enjoys spending time at home in Ben Lomond with her husband Ryan and daughter Grace.

Kurns lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, who is the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Boys and Girls Club, and their two children, Parker and Cameron. When not at work or spending time with his family, Kurns can be found running the trails throughout beautiful Santa Cruz County.

“Neuman” from page 12

He expanded his expertise managing IT departments at Fortune 500 companies and dot-com startups until his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish PDNC, Inc. in 2001, which has since evolved into our full business name of Cyber Ascend Technologies. Deeply committed to community service, Phil has volunteered as a firefighter and served on the board of Bonny Doon Fire & Rescue. He has also been an active board member and ambassador for the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2017, serving as Board President for two terms in 2023 and 2024.

Phil is a proud graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County, Class 34, where he now serves on the board. Additionally, he contributes his time to Twin Lakes Church as a volunteer on the video production team.

Phil and his wife Debbie reside in Scotts Valley. Their son, Zac, is CyAs Tech’s Service Manager and is actively involved in the family business.

Scotts Valley Buys Town Center Land

By Jondi Gumz

On Dec. 4, the Scotts Valley City Council approved buying 8 acres from the city of Santa Cruz to jumpstart a longplanned project at a former airport site: The Town Center.

The price was $7.75 million minus $270,885 for environmental cleanup of hazards materials paid by Scotts Valley.

the Town Center project, the loan could be paid off sooner.

History of Town Center Site

1947: Skypark Airport built as a private airport by Jack and Lola Graham.

1962: Airport purchased and operated by city of Santa Cruz

1966: City of Scotts Valley incorporates.

1981: Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, crashes on takeoff at Skypark

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta secured a $1 million federal grant for the down payment on the land, three parcels at the corner of Kings Village Road and Mount Hermon Road.

1983: Santa Cruz closes airport.

1995: Skypark neighborhood of 200 homes built along with city park.

2008: Town Center Specific Plan.

City officials, including City Manager Mali LaGoe, was giddy with excitement to announce the deal with Santa Cruz, where the vote on the council was unanimous.

Santa Cruz agreed to finance the balance of $6.4 million with interest at 4.5% over eight years. To compare, the rate on a 30-year fixedrate home mortgage in December was 6.88%.

If a developer buys the land to carry out

Afterward, Jane Lin and Ryan Call of Urban Field Studio presented a new vision for the Town Center – More homes, at least 300 units as recommended by retail consultant Bob Gibbs, at least 25% affordable, less retail and an open air pavilion with a grassy area for a concert and a splash pad for kids, a new intersection with Mount Hermon Road.

Their presentation, offering attractive visuals, noted “the project must be developable or it won’t be realized.”

Previously the idea was to attract 40 to 50 retailers and restaurants.

The next step is to put out a request for proposals and see if developers are interested.

The concept of the Town Center has been around for 28 years, initially as a retail hub but that faded with the invention of Amazon, Google Ad Words, eBay, iPhone and Shopify as more and more people shop online.

In 2001, Santana Row was built on 42 acres in San Jose with upscale shops and dining with 831 residences, 615 rentals and 219 condos.

Some developers did sign agreements for the Town Center but they never followed through, whether due to lack of financing or economic challenges when the housing market collapsed in 2008, the expense of environmental cleanup, or the pandemic in 2020 prevented people from gathering.

Post-pandemic, eating out still has some

cachet so the hope is that restaurants will be attracted.

The size of Scotts Valley with a population of only 12,000 has been a tough sell, even though 24,000 residents of San Lorenzo Valley have to drive through the city to get home.

Symbolic of the challenge, the restaurant space in the Target shopping center next to the Town Center site, vacated by Chubby’s in 2022 when the center upgraded, remains empty.

Though it remains to be seen whether developers will be drawn to the Town Center site now that the city owns all the land, all of the Scotts Valley City Council members were thrilled to see this piece of progress.

Scotts Valley City Councilmember Derek Timm credited Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley with playing a key role.

Scotts Valley City Council member Randy Johnson envisioned the Town Center back in 1996, and now that the city owns the land, he hopes it will become a reality. n •••

To view the meeting, visit https://www. scottsvalley.gov/249/City-Council

Scotts Valley Trouble Wins Gold in Stellar Season for 10U Girls Softball Team!

Scotts Valley Trouble’s 10U competitive girls fastpitch softball team capped in early November at the AST 10U State Championship Tournament.

In four tournaments throughout the greater Bay Area, the team lost only five games the entire season.

“These girls put a lot of practice time in, and I’m so proud of how they improved over the season,” said Head Coach Samantha Matson. “And, most importantly, we all had tons of fun!”

Trouble’s 12U team also had an impressive showing at their three tournaments, with come-from-behind wins against several very competitive teams, including the Los Gatos Magic and the Cabrillo Crushers. This fall, the teams participated in the Salinas Pink Panther Tournament, and the Monster Mash and Diamond Classic tournaments in the East Bay.

The teams will take a short break until the Scotts Valley

Girls Softball recreational league starts up in February. SVGS spring rec play helps the players keep their skills sharp ahead of the summer Trouble season, and provides an opportunity for new players to learn the game at the recreational level. The Trouble organization plans to field teams in the 8U, 10U, and 12U age brackets for summer 2025.

“Our program is really growing,” said Trouble Director Nick Torres. “At every level of play, the coaches and players are working hard on skill-building and fostering a love of the game.”

Scotts Valley Girls Softball is a volunteer-run organization and this Fall’s dedicated Trouble coaches were Nick Torres, Kevin Sugarman, Alexandra Sklar, Samantha Matson, and Matt Ducharme.

Many thanks to Trouble sponsor Santa Cruz Memorial, which helped cover the cost of uniforms and equipment for the

and

teams,

community fundraising partner, Laughing Monk Brewery.

“Trouble Wins Gold” page 18

State Auditor Reviews Housing Mandate Process

The California State Auditor is conducting an audit of the state’s housing element review process.

The audit, according to California State Auditor Grant Parks, will provide independently developed and verified information related to the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s procedures and oversight regarding housing element reviews.

The audit’s scope will include, but not be limited to, the following activities pertaining to HCD and 10 cities selected by the State Auditor for their diversity in population, geography, and compliance with HCD’s housing element standards:

1) Review and evaluate the laws, rules, and regulations significant to the audit objectives.

2) Identify and evaluate HCD’s requirements and guidance for local housing elements. Perform the following:

• Determine whether HCD’s standards and guidance are detailed enough for cities to apply to their housing elements.

• Assess whether HCD is available for assistance when cities are developing their initial drafts of housing elements and determine the median time cities wait for assistance from HCD.

3) Assess HCD’s responsiveness in reviewing housing elements for the 10 selected cities by doing the following:

• Identify the median range of time HCD took to complete each review (or reviews) of the fifth and sixth housing element cycles.

• Identify the median range of time HCD took to approve the housing elements and compare these times to the times of those from the fifth housing element cycle.

• Assess how and when HCD communicated housing element submission deadlines for the sixth housing element cycle. Determine whether these deadlines differed from the fifth housing element cycle.

4) Evaluate HCD’s comments and feedback to each of the 10 selected cities in the sixth housing element cycle by doing the following:

• Determine the consistency of HCD’s

comments among the 10 selected cities.

• Determine whether HCD reviewers provided precise, measurable, and criteria-based comments and feedback.

• Compare the overall comments and feedback to HCD’s comments and feedback on the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing standards and site analysis requirements of the housing element.

5) Evaluate HCD’s staffing levels and turnover rate, to the extent data is available, by doing the following:

• Identify the total number of reviewers HCD had in the fifth and sixth cycles. For each cycle, determine the median time that reviewers worked at HCD. Compare the turnover and totals between the two cycles.

• Determine the median number and full range of reviewers that evaluated the housing elements of each of the 10 selected cities.

• Determine how long a reviewer remained assigned to the same local government in the sixth housing element cycle and compare this time to the average for the fifth housing cycle.

6) Identify and evaluate HCD’s policies and procedures for training new and existing staff assigned to review housing elements and determine the following:

• The length of time for and procedures taught in new employee training.

• Whether HCD offers additional training to existing staff and, if so, how often and on what topics.

“Housing Mandate” page 18

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Romance of Rosy Ridge

Mary Swinn reports: “My father bought this painting from the artist while it was still wet in approximately 1960 to early 1962. It is painted on burlap and depicts the original ranch gate at 2960 Graham Hill Road in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

It is only signed “KM” in the lower right corner.

“Artists used to stop along road to paint the scenery. This was painted quite a few years after the filming of The Romance of Rosy Ridge (a 1947 Western featuring Van Johnson). My father watched some of the filming of the movie, and he said that the large wooden barn on the property (still present) was built for the movie.”

Look for the film on YouTube.

As Graham Hill Road was the route for yesteryear travelers, could this property have been a stagecoach stop?

Before Mike Formico bought the 40-acre property, it was owned by Arthur Lam, 19302017, who enjoyed farming as a hobby.

Before that, the owner was Nick Belardi, 1897-1974, owner of the Felton Hotel, at Graham Hill Road and Highway 9, which was torn down circa 1937. n

“The Haven” from page 5

“If Mr. Formico plans to develop the four parcels, he must get LAFCO approval in a separate application to receive water and sewer service. At this time, there is no application to annex the four parcels to SLVWD for water service or the City of Scotts Valley for sewer service. It is unknown whether the County, SLVWD, and the City of Scotts Valley would be willing, capable, and supportive of the proposed development and delivery of services to the four parcels. In order for an annexation to be successfully completed, all affected parties must be in agreement. It is also important to note that the four parcels

are outside the County’s Urban Services Line (shown as a yellow boundary in the attached map). It is LAFCO’s understanding that the County uses the USL to determine where future developments may occur.”

Once the draft environmental impact report is released, people will have 90 days to provide feedback before the final impact report is prepared and certified by the county. ••• COVER PHOTO : Architect Alexandra Sklar raises her hand to make a point at the meeting hosted by a representative for the Graham Hill Road “builder’s rememdy” development of 157 homes. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Grant Parks

Deborah Cypert Owner Bobbie Frandeen CoOwner/Estimator Todd Ivy Sales/Estimator

The beauty of cork, wood and laminates

Featuring Graber and Hunter Douglas Custom Draperies and Roman Shades!

Beginnings — New Year 2025

Esoteric

“A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.” — F. Herbert, Dune

At the beginning of anything new, we are to be very careful. The first day of the new year is a new beginning, a template for the entire upcoming new year. On the new day of the new year of 2025, let us take the most delicate care that all things are in balance. With intentions to care for, tend to, harmonize bring comfort forth and to love one another more in the new year.

At the beginning of a new year, we are given the task of a new creation. “If enough of us believe, a new thing can be made to exist. And chaos is shifted into order.” (from Heretics of Dune).

By Risa D’Angeles

harmony (Venus), to new rhythms and rituals (Uranus), and intentions for Goodwill (Saturn). It is also the 7th day after Christmas, walking with the Magi Astrologer Kings in search of the holy child.

The first day of each new year is also the Feast of the Holy Family, acknowledging the sanctity of the family structure — father/will, mother/intelligence, child(ren), result of the Love between the mother and father. This is esoteric.

The first day of a new year is under the guidance of Libra, the seventh zodiacal sign, that of balance, divine intelligence, and harmony in relationships. Libra also enters the Earth during times of transition (as we are now between the Ages of Pisces and Aquarius).

Libra calls us to the Law of Right Human Relations, to

ARIES

Last year was a year of responsibilities, challenges, testing. And this year continues those lessons (with Mars retrograde), along with interesting new dreams coming true. You rush into the new year with your usual impatience, intrigued with what’s to come. At one point you realize your life is a Divine Plan that wants you to be happy. Education plays a big role in 2025. Your mind expands. Work is good and you initiate innovative changes. Spirit catches you. You don’t fall down.

TAURUS

A balancing and sense of freedom occurs. Ceres comes along offering the nurturing, food, herbs, rest, quiet, care and warm waters you need. An integration happens at home which has been a long time coming. Uranus in your sign shifts into Gemini this year. New worlds, ideas, thoughts appear! Expect brilliant flashes of insight, radical changes in identity, novel ideas, new doors opening. Tend very carefully to health. Have your well-being be a priority and goal all year long. Rest and sing and laugh more.

GEMINI

You need a harmony, inner and outer balance and a feeling of care and contentment. You call these forth in great quantities in the new year through personal and intimate relationships. A strong bond grows between you and another. It’s important to challenge yourself, to move and act more. Do not allow anxiety or uncertainty to hinder feelings of health. Life may become fast, unusual and changing. Remain poised, remember the sign of the disciple is adaptability. You can do this. You already have in the past.

CANCER

Your true self has often been hidden by the shell you hide under. It has offered great protection for your tender self. However, the new year will ask that you express yourself with more truth, candor and creativity. You may encounter new and unusual people and their presence gives you the courage to be yourself. It will be a significant step for you, one you’ve longed for throughout many years. As the new and unexpected occur, you remain calm, cool and composed. Life is lived at your garden gate.

January 1, 2025, has Capricorn Sun and Aquarius Moon, a calling forth new structures of freedom for humanity. The Sun and Jupiter are prominent too — illuminating the love inherent within humanity. With Sun/Jupiter all things and relationships are adjusted. There is a planetary adjustment. Right angles are established. Wrong angles adjusted. Angels appear out of the angles and we hear during Christmas and Hanukkah and well into the new year — the words — Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all the kingdoms and peoples of the Earth

And all is well for a time for humanity. n

LEO

Being the sign opposite Aquarius, this coming year will bring needed unexpected changes to all Leos. Life and plans, routines and agendas shift and rearrange themselves. So many years you have felt under circumstances that held you back. This year, there will be a release from hindrances and limitations. You will feel freedom in acting more spontaneously, often on a whim. Some may think you odd. But really, you’re exercising your royal independence and sovereignty. One caution. Always act with and exhibit kindness. Or you lose your golden crown.

VIRGO

Perhaps you have been considering making certain life changes. But it hasn’t felt quite like the right time. Well, that time is soon in the new year. You will have the opportunity to express another side of yourself, one that is more lively, vivacious, vital and full of life. All parts of your life will substantially improve in relation to your expressions of a loving heart. All that you choose to do will be effective, refreshing and valuable to self and others. Your ideas will bring people together into a unified field of endeavor.

LIBRA

Health, wealth, honor, riches, good times with friends and family, a hopeful ending of conflicts and separation through understanding, dreams coming true through kindness, patience and hard work. This already sounds like your hopes, wishes and dreams and actually somewhat of your life already. These will continue with more emphasis. Care for yourself, then for your resources, learning to value whatever the past offered you. Let love be the heart of all communications. Have gratitude.

SCORPIO

The new year offers such unpredictableness for you, so many changes that all you can do, what you would do well to do, is stand in the midst of the whirlwind, poised and anchored, calling forth stability and security to be your priority. These may feel elusive, but summon them to soothe any disruptive energies. Be open-minded, adaptable, allowing nothing to disrupt your sense of peace. This will be a test for you. But you’re used to tests, Scorpio. Call forth your will and courage. You know the burning ground.

SAGITTARIUS

We can at times, in this shadowy Kali Yuga time, feel lost in the darkness. However, we have the ability to hold a light up in the darkness, weaving into our lives holiness and connectivity with the sky, earth, sun and rain. And with the people we encounter each day. Sagittarius is the sign of inner silence. When we remain in silence, we hear a still, small voice inside returning us to what is essential. We are now in the days when the light has returned. We are each a solstice and an equinox to each other.

CAPRICORN

Some new movement, subtle shifts of energies will occur at home. You will make very important changes in the new year. With Pluto having left your sign and entered Aquarius, life now has the prospect of freedom and transformation. Saturn in Pisces brings good things, slowing things down for you to enjoy life more. Saturn also brings maturity and the ability to have conscious awareness and pride in yourself. You savor life and all that life offers. Share your dreams and aspirations and imagine yourself as what you are — wonderful, marvelous!

AQUARIUS

Serenity is the keynote to your coming new year. Happiness, confidence and times of joy will bring tranquility to your life. The home situation remains moveable, changeable, shifting here and there. This keeps you flexible for the unusual times to come. Stability will come forth for you in time. Meanwhile, think of the new year as a fresh planetary breeze opening you up new opportunities, new attractions and unusual experiences. Love, maybe, too.

PISCES

New learning and new levels of communication, new realms to consider, some like thunderbolts, enter your life. The new year may feel like you’re in a dream. Music, healing, art, poetry, dance, photography, films form a pattern of offerings. You contemplate the idea of death at times. It’s important to state boundary needs or a situation can get out of control. Do not allow harmony to descend into chaos. A richness of friendships and opportunities enter your life for good. State your needs. The angels are listening. You are the White Magician.

“Trouble Wins Gold” from page 15

Sign-ups are now open for SVGS Spring Rec softball, and a placement clinic will take place in late January. About 150-200 girls in transitional kindergarten through 8th grade are expected to participate.

For more information about Scotts Valley Girls Softball, and to sign up to participate in Rec, visit https://www.svgsoftball.com/. Follow Trouble: FB @scottsvalleytrouble | IG @scottsvalleytrouble | scottsvalleytrouble@gmail.com

“Housing Mandate” from page 16

• Whether HCD’s training is sufficient to prepare reviewers to review housing elements and provide clear comments to local governments. 7) Review and assess any other issues that are significant to the audit.

The California State Association of Counties is encouraging counties to provide comments and feedback to the auditor’s office with their experiences with the state’s housing element review process.

This audit request was put forth by Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) and received unanimous approval from the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

CSAC supports this audit based on feedback from counties about the challenges they faced in the 6th Regional Housing Needs Allocation cycle and achieving housing element certification from the Department of Housing and Community Development.

The audit provides an opportunity to highlight ways to improve the housing element review process in the future.

Counties can submit comments and feedback about their individual experiences with HCD during the last RHNA cycle to the auditor’s office.

These comments will help the state auditor’s office better understand the complexity of the housing element review process and how more technical assistance, financial resources, and other solutions could help cities plan more effectively for much-needed housing. n •••

Counties can participate in the audit by submitting comments about their experiences with the 6th RHNA Cycle to audit-2024-109@auditor. ca.gov.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hello and Fond Farewells

On Dec. 18, Scotts Valley bid a heartfelt farewell to outgoing Council Member Jack Dilles, who served 8 years, and Mayor Randy Johnson, who served an incredible 28 years — including 8 terms as Mayor, making him the longest-serving mayor in Scotts Valley history.

The city posted the following comments:

“Thank you both for your transformative leadership and dedication that have shaped our community for generations. We were honored to present Randy Johnson with an official key to the City of Scotts Valley!

“As we turn the page, we welcome three new council members — Krista Jett, Steve Clark, and Donna Lind (incumbent) — who were sworn in last night. Derek Timm was appointed mayor, and Allan Timms will serve as vice mayor.

“We’re excited for the future and look forward to working together to continue making Scotts Valley an even better place to call home. n

Two Longtime County Supervisors Exit

“Randy Johnson” from page 9

WHEREAS, Council Member Johnson collaborated to bring to life the Community Garden, the Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market and the City’s E-waste program; and his forward thinking allowed him to advocate for the development of the Scotts Valley Hilton Hotel, the 1440 Multiversity, the Sheraton Four Points, and the Target store; and

WHEREAS, Council Member Johnson was a key figure in fostering positive relationships among City organizations, City staff and across the County so that Scotts Valley could flourish.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Derek Timm, as Vice Mayor of the City of Scotts Valley, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby honor Council Member Johnson for his incredible 28 years of service to the City of Scotts Valley. n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Jack Dilles, departing Scotts Valley City Council after eight years, with City Manager Mali LaGoe.

Krista Jett

Steve Clark

Zach Friend, Second District, and Bruce McPherson, Fifth District, step away after each serving 12 years.

Donna Lind • Allan Timms • Mayor Derek Timm • Krista Jett • Steve Clark

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FELTON LIBRARY EVENTS

Tuesday, January 28 and February 4, 4:30-5:30 pm.

The Art of Listening — Community Room

This interactive two-part seminar provides practical advice on creating and sustaining harmony in daily life through effective communication.

Presenter Timothy Lydgate helped establish the divorce mediation program at the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz, served on the board of the National Association for Community Mediation and has trained mediators across the country. As the Mountain Mediator he provides services for anyone facing discord in family, business or faith settings.

Wednesday February 5 • First Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. Ping Pong Popup — Community Room

Do you love ping pong ? Wish there was an opportunity to play more? Drop in anytime between 3 and 5 on the first Wednesday afternoon of every month to have some fun. Adult players of any level are welcome! For information, email feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CERT CLASS

Enrollment is now open for volunteers willing and able to take CERT Basic training during a 21 hour class.

The class takes place over four Tuesday evenings. 69:30 p.m., January 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4, at Santa Cruz Senior Center, 222 Market St, Santa Cruz.

The final full training day and hands-on assessment will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Central Fire District administration building and practice yard, 930 17th, Live Oak.

CERTs are trained in responding to emergencies in their neighborhoods and develop life-saving skills with emphasis on decision-making ability, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. All sessions are required to become a CERT volunteer. Spanish-language materials available. Note: We are working on a class presented in Spanish in March. To sign up, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/2025BasicSantaCruz#/

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS ON ZOOM

NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for loved ones of those who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. By sharing your experiences in a safe setting, you can gain hope and develop supportive relationships. This group allows your voice to be heard and provides an opportunity for your personal needs to be met. It encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. You’ll benefit from other’s experiences, discover your inner strength and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space. NAMI’s support groups follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.

• Free to participants • Drop-in friendly

• Designed for loved ones of people with mental health conditions

• Led by family members of people with mental health conditions

• 90 minutes • Confidential

• No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed There are five different Family Support Groups: for loved ones of adults, loved ones of young adults, parents and caregivers of youth, and Spanish speakers.

Sign up at https://www.namiscc.org/nami-familysupport-groups.html

Questions? Email sophia@namiscc.org, or call (831)-824-0406.

BAY FEDERAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Bay Federal Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2025 Education Scholarship to support students as

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com

For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

they pursue educational and career goals. The program will award up to three $1,500 scholarships to individuals enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools.

Applications are open to Bay Federal members who demonstrate a commitment to their education and have a vision for the future of financial literacy. Interested applicants should submit their completed forms, proof of enrollment or acceptance, and essays by March 16. A panel of judges will review the submissions, and winners will be announced by April 30.

This year’s application asks students to reflect on the essay topic: How has technology impacted financial literacy and money management for your generation? Describe what improvements you would make to these educational resources to make them more broadly accessible and useful for young adults and others in your community.

“Our scholarship program is not just about financial assistance—it’s about celebrating the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers,” said Carrie Birkhofer, president and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union. We’re

OUR COMMUNITY READS: FLIGHT BEHAVIOR

Set in the Tennessee mountains, Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver looks at the effects of climate change on people and the environment. Dellarobia Turnbow stumbles upon a valley teeming with millions of Monarch butterflies which veered off course in their migration from the mountains of Mexico. As the news spreads, the tiny town becomes the center of media attention, religious fanaticism, and scientific scrutiny.

A team of ecologists investigates; tourists flock to the mountain; opportunists look for ways to make a fast buck; myth-makers invoke religion to explain “the miracle.”

Our Community Reads is a program of the Friends of the Aptos Library in which the community selects a book and then comes together for a series of events related to themes in the book.

Presented with the Friends of the Branciforte, Capitola, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley libraries, in partnership with Cabrillo College, Aptos High School, Scotts Valley High School, and with the support of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

These events aim to create a shared experience that will increase appreciation for community libraries and for local bookstores; foster pride in the experiences this area offers; and the enrichment –– culturally, intellectually, and emotionally –– from the joy of reading!

EVENTS

Tuesday, Jan. 21 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Field Trip: Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges

Join Martha Nitzberg, Interpretive Ranger, and volunteer docent June Langhoff at a Monarch overwintering site. Learn about their amazing migration and the Methuselah generation that winters on our coast. Weather permitting, take a short, guided walk to the Monarch grove. Binoculars will enhance the experience. Coffee & snacks provided.

Meet at Natural Bridges Visitor Center — 2531 W Cliff Drive (parking fee) Santa Cruz. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13810992

Note: There will be an optional stop at Lighthouse Field (another overwintering site) afterward.

Thursday, Jan. 23 • 11 am to 1 pm

Book Discussion

Join fellow readers to discuss major themes in depth. Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, will facilitate the conversation. Sandwiches provided by Aegis Living, Aptos.

The Loft Coffee Sho: 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811178

Saturday, Jan. 25 • 5 to 7 pm Film: Ice on Fire

Ice on Fire is a documentary narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio that premiered to a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival in 2019. It explores the potential extinction level effects caused by arctic methane release and new technologies that could reverse global warming.

After the film, Dr. Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UCSC, will moderate a brief Q&A. Dr. Griggs is Chair of the California Ocean Sciences Trust, and a columnist for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. His latest book is California Catastrophes — The Natural Disaster History of the Golden State. La Selva Beach Branch

Library — 316 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811658

Wedensday, Jan. 29 • 6:30 pm

Photographers in Nature

Local nature photographers Seraphina Landgrebe, Kevin Lohman, and Bruce Leventhal join fellow photographer Jim Bourne for a lively discussion of how to capture those special images in the wild. Seraphina Landgrebe has been awarded “Photographer of the Year” by the Professional Photographers Association of the Monterey Bay Area and has operated a successful portrait studio for 30 years in Santa Cruz County.

Kevin Lohman is an award-winning wildlife photographer living in Santa Cruz, with an educational background in marine science. Bruce Leventhal is an educator, naturalist, and photographer with degrees in biology emphasizing ecology, evolution, and behavior. Their work will be on display.

Radius Gallery at Tannery Arts Center — 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz.

Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811548

Saturday, Feb. 1 • 1 to 3 pm

Poetry Writing Workshop

In a creative and supportive setting, poet-teacher Magdalena Montagne will guide you in writing poems inspired by the many themes of Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior — identity, belonging, climate activism, & social justice. No experience necessary; appropriate for teens and up.

Scotts Valley Branch Library — 251 Kings Valley Road. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811589

Wednesday, Feb. 5 • 6:30 pm

Displaced: How Climate Change is Causing Dislocation and Economic Hardship in Latin America & Beyond

Nick Rowell, Professor of Political Science at Cabrillo College, discusses how natural disasters and severe shifts in weather are destroying human habitats and forcing entire communities to abandon their homes and livelihoods, unwillingly joining the growing numbers of climate refugees. Aptos Branch Library — 7695 Soquel Drive, and via Zoom. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13811682

For more events visit https://www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org/ our-community-reads.html or read next month’s issue.

looking forward to hearing their ideas on creating more inclusive, accessible financial resources for all.” To access the online application, visit bayfed.com/scholarships.

HONOR DR. KING WITH SERVICE

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, Jan. 20 — honor Dr. King’s legacy through service and volunteerism.

Second Harvest is looking for 100 volunteers to help pack bags of food that will be given out to the 65,000 people in need in Santa Cruz County.

This event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds is required.

The minimum age to volunteer for this shift is 10 years old (children ages 10-12 may volunteer alongside a parent, youth 13+ can volunteer independently as long as there is a signed parental waiver on file).

This is also a fantastic opportunity for high school students to earn their community service hours while contributing to a cause that matters. Serve together and make this MLK Day a day on, not a day off! Sign up at https://thefoodbanksantacruz.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/mlk/

WINTER/SPRING ACTIVITY GUIDE

The Recreation Division’s 2025 Winter/Spring Activity Guide is live at bit.ly/svrecreation. Explore a variety of classes and events for all ages and interests, including Morning Yoga, Watercolor, Advanced Pickleball Skills, and an exciting new After-School Chess Wizard program.

Events: Family Dance Night: Jan. 25 | Paint Night with Sarah Orre: Feb. 8, | MacDorsa Park volunteer day: March 19. New this year: Puzzle Mania — a team-based challenge starting in March where participants race to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest time. Team names, shirts, and plenty of team spirit are highly encouraged! For more information on all these activities and to register, visit bit.ly/svrecreation.

PODCAST TO BROADCAST CLASSES

For those who would like to use their voice to talk to the world, Community Television and Santa Cruz Voice are offering “Podcast to Broadcast” host-training series on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 7 to 28. January’s Podcast to Broadcast is a prototype series presented at no charge by Community Television and Santa Cruz Voice. The class will debut as a Cabrillo College Extension class on April 1.

Classes will be taught by member hosts of Santa Cruz Voice, many of whom have decades of professional media experience, at CTV, 325 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Jan. 7: Hardware, Software & Distribution Jan. 14: Programming & Formatting Jan. 21: Recording, Editing & Processing Jan. 28: Marketing & Monetizing Podcast to Broadcast is open to area residents on a juried selection basis. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat and obtain a syllabus, email your contact information and your theme / content (such as politics, sports, food) to info@santacruzvoice.com

YOUTH POET LAUREATE: APPLY NOW! Santa Cruz Public Libraries with Urban Word, Watsonville Public Library, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, and Arts Council Santa Cruz County, announces the call for applications to serve as the county’s second Youth Poet Laureate. This initiative celebrates the vibrant world of youth poetry and offers young poets a cross-county community.

The Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one-year term from April 2025 to April 2026, championing their own poetic endeavors while inspiring their peers to embrace the art of poetry.

This award offers reading and publication opportunities for the selected poet. Finalists are offered similar opportunities as part of a cohort of teen poets. The position is open to eligible individuals between age 13 and 18 who live in Santa Cruz County and can commit to serving

locally throughout the year.

Workshops on “Creating Your Youth Poet Laureate Application” are scheduled for January and February:

• Wednesday, Jan. 29, 4:30 p.m., Watsonville Library

• Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 p.m., Aptos Branch Library

• Thursday, Feb. 13, 4 p.m., Downtown Branch Library

• Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m., Felton Branch Library Application Process

Eligible individuals who are passionate about poetry and eager to make a positive impact on their community are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is March 1. Finalists will be announced March 31.

A free celebration of finalists and announcement of the 2025-2026 Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Samper Recital Hall, Cabrillo College.

For details, visit the Youth Poet Laureate page at https://sites. google.com/view/santa-cruz-youth-poet-laureate/ or reach out to Farnaz Fatemi at sasqi@mac.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOMELESS COUNT

The next annual Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30.

This count is an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single day in Santa Cruz County.

In 2024, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased slightly, up 2.6% to 1,850.

The count is a requirement to receive federal homeless assistance funds and is used to support strategic decisions about programs.

If you are interested in volunteering, attend at least one of the trainings. If you are interested in receiving meeting reminders, sign up at https://mailchi.mp/ santacruzcounty/2025-pit-count

Most training is via zoom:

Friday, Jan. 24 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Via zoom and in-person (location TBD)

ZoomGov Meeting, https://santacruzcounty-us.zoomgov. com/j/1602531515?pwd=aL5C9nq0Kghdszw9a5TyhZhnBpzmAB.1

Meeting ID: 160 253 1515 | Passcode: 986265

Do you have lived experience of homelessness? There is a need for those who would like to be a peer guide during the Count.

If you are interested, add your email to the list at https://tinyurl. com/PIT-count-peer-guide.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

How to Donate Blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

FOCUS AGRICULTURE CLASS 34 APPLICATIONS

Applications are available to be submitted for Class 34 of Focus Agriculture, a “first-in-the-nation” program, designed for selected community leaders to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

The program consists of once-a-month, daylong seminars, held over a period of eight months. Speakers, ranging from elected officials to representatives from environmental groups, address the class.

The sessions cover such topics as:

Technology • Marketing • Commodities • Research • Environment • Farm Tours • History • Hands-on experiences

Twenty people will be selected for Class 34. In announcing the application process for Class 34, Agri-Culture President, Steve Bontadelli, stated, “Many people who are involved in the community are interested in agriculture. Focus Agriculture was created to allow community leaders an opportunity to learn, through discussions and hands-on experiences, about local agriculture.” Bontadelli continued, “We are proud that the program is a recipient of a National Award.” Alumni of the program include:

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WILD WOMEN TRAVEL TO GALAPAGOS

Saturday January 18

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road

American Association of University Women-Santa Cruz County meets at the Scotts Valley Library to discuss the topic “Travel & the Importance of Friendships among Women.” No reservations are needed; bring a friend.

Branch member Lorraine Margon of La Selva Beach began traveling in her late 20s when her job took her to universities and astronomy observatories all over the world. She later found her passion for travel to other places, especially those with opportunities for wildlife viewing and interesting landscapes. She continues to travel in her retirement and, a few years ago, became a member of a small group of women that has combined budding friendships with travel.

Hear Lorraine speak about the third annual trip of her “Wild Women” group, which went to Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands this past September. She will share photos and tales of her trip along with speaking about the benefits and power of social bonds between women. Lorraine joined AAUW in 2015. Lorraine is a current member of the Tech Trek Committee and has served as vice president for legal advocacy.

Jimmy Panetta, 20th District Congressman; John Laird, California State Senator; 2nd District County Supervisor Zach Friend,; 4th District County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez; Stephanie Connor Kent, CEO, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center; Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank; Nan Mickiewicz, President/CEO, Dominican Hospital; Ted Burke, Owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant; Steve Gray, CEO, Watsonville Community Hospital; Bud Colligan, Founder/CEO, South Swell Ventures; and Susan True, CEO, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.

Sessions will be held one full day per month commencing March 14, 2025 and ending October 24, 2025.

Applications are available online at www.agri-culture.us or at the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Avenue, Watsonville and by calling (831) 722-6622.

Applications are due Thursday, January 9, 2025

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board typically meets each month 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

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

10 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 2450 17th Ave. Beginner bridge classes will start on Monday, Jan. 6 at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center. Classes are taught by Nancy Wainer. Come and check out the world’s greatest game! First class is free. Reserve a spot by emailing to NLMBRIDGE@ yahoo.com.

Last Wednesdays of the Month

PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting

Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, challenges, and ideas.

Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges.

Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each session.

For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794

DATED EVENTS

Sunday January 5

REVERÓN PIANO TRIO CONCERT

4 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz

The Distinguished Arts Concert Series and Danny Alvarez, broker associate, David Lyng Realty, present the Reverón Piano Trio at Peace United Church.

The program — Bach: Partita no 1: Fanny Mendelssohn Piano Trio

Works by Latin American composers Teresa Carreno, Astor Piazzolla, Gabriela Frank and Ricardo Lorenz

The trio’s goal is to introduce audiences to underrepre-

sented music from Latin America alongside contemporary and standard repertoire.

Venezuelan pianist Ana Maria Otamendi, violinist Simon Gollo and Venezuelan cellist Horacio Contreras are not only exceptional musicians, but they are also true ambassadors of the music from Latin America.

The Reverón Trio is named after Venezuelan painter and sculptor Armando Reverón (1889- 1954), one of the earliest American modernists and considered one of the most important visual artists in Latin America.

Admission is: $40 | General online at: www.DistinguishedArtists. org., or suggested donation at the door of $40 or pay what you can.

Sunday January 12

ESPRESSIVO ORCHESTRA CONCERT

3 – 5 pm, San Lorenzo Valley High Performing Arts Center, 7105 Highway 9, Felton

Espressivo — Santa Cruz’s “small intense orchestra” — will present a concert for string ensemble at the Performing Arts Center of San Lorenzo Valley High School. The program opens with Bela Bartok’s rustic and lively Romanian Dances then steps back two centuries into the royal court of Frederick the Great of Prussia, where Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – J. S. Bach’s second son – wrote his elegant keyboard concerto in d minor. After the intermission, Espressivo journeys to St. Petersburg, where Tchaikovsky composed his charming and Mozartian Serenade for Strings in C. Conducting the concert is Russian-born Alexander Katsman, music director of Livermore Valley Opera.

The piano soloist is Hilda Huang, winner of the Leipzig Bach Competition when she was only 18 and now an international soloist. Santa Cruz will remember her recent spectacular performance of Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” with Ensemble Monterey. General admission $45, senior $35, student $18. Tickets at the door or at www.espressorch.org

Saturday January 18

DANCE BRIGADE PRESENTS: A WOMAN’S SONG FOR PEACE 7:30-9 p.m., Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos

Krissy Keefer’s Dance Brigade kicks off its 50th anniversary season with a seven-city West Coast Tour — including a stop at Cabrillo College.

The troop will be performing **A Woman’s Song for Peace**, a new dance theater work featuring iconic musician and activist Holly Near, seminal queer feminist singer-songwriter Ferron, and groundbreaking AfroCaribbean jazz artist Christelle Durandy, intertwining their music with Dance Brigade’s fierce, nuanced choreography. This is a cry for peace to end all wars so that peace and justice can prevail, not only in the Middle East, but also in Sudan, Ukraine, and at our borders and inner cities of the U.S. 1975 was the birth of the Wallflower Order Dance Collective. Original member Keefer has carried on the legacy of provocative, feminist dance producing productions that explore the intersection between art and social justice with Dance Brigade, a dance company, which formed in the Bay Area in 1984. Tickets are $30-$50 at https://cabrillovapa.universitytickets. com/w/event.aspx?id=1894

See https://dancemissiontheater.org/dance-brigade/the-peacetour/ for more details.

Monday January 20

MLK PEOPLE’S MARCH

10 a.m. Start at corner Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street 11 a.m. – Noon, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. The NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch invites the community to join the 2025 MLK People’s March for the Dream, beginning at the Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street intersection. We will march through downtown Santa Cruz, then convene at the Civic Auditorium for an inspiring program featuring a resource fair and keynote speaker Gregory Hodge, who is the Chief Network officer of the Brotherhood of Elders Network, with a background in community organizing and advocacy. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tornado Terror: A First for Scotts Valley

By Jondi Gumz

Watching the video of the tornado in Scotts Valley was like watching “The Wizard of Oz” movie come to life in your front yard.

It’s hard to believe.

This was the first tornado in the history of Scotts Valley.

Dec. 14: rain came down in buckets, wind whipped trees and knocked out power, destroying 15 traffic signals, cars and trucks were flipped on their sides. Or upside down, shattering glass.

Yes there were injuries — three people taken to the hospital, one with a punctured lung, but fortunately no fatalities.

Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Nest camera captured the funnel cloud approaching, crossing Skypark, through the Target shopping center parking lot, crossing Mount Hermon Road, the busiest in the city, wreaking havoc in the shopping area 11 days before Christmas.

Dec 16: A tree fell onto the roof of the Christmas House, at 2850 Bean Creek Road

where the owners put up a traditional light display, causing extensive damage to the roof but the decorations intact.

What a grinchy thing to do.

Tree branches were everywhere, power was out, but Scotts Valley Police and Scotts Valley Fire first responders were calm, assisting those who needed help and directing traffic as the signal lights were out.

Jerry Childers captured the funnel cloud and the aftermath, bashed cars and debris all over, horns blaring.

Myri Wallace posted the video from her dash cam showing her overturned truck.

Greg Wimp, owner of Togo’s, posted a surreal photo showing damage in the Target parking lot.

Once the tornado passed, people came out of the stores to assess the “Mad Max” devastation — cars upside down on Mount Hermon Road.

One gigantic evergreen fell across Bean Creek Road on the corner of the roof of the rebuilt Scotts Valley Middle School by the welcome sign.

A large tree was split in half by Brookdale Senior Living and crashed over Lockewood Lane, and a small tree fell in front of the entrance.

The tornado was classified as an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale which means a wind speed of up to 90 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

The initial damage assessment was at least $100,000 in damages but diligent efforts by all including PG&E made the traffic lights operational and the businesses reopen.

Council member Donna Lind, who was at Auntie Mame’s when the tornado passed through, posted her video showing the funnel cloud.

She also posted about the GoFundMe. com for the Christmas House, where the owners have FAIR plan insurance and a $10,000 deductible.

She also posted thanks to the 10 to 15 young men with a chainsaw helping clear tree debris from Mount Hermon Road.

On Dec. 18, the newly seated City Council voted 5-0 to declare a local emergency and name City Manager Mali LaGoe director of civil defense and disaster.

LaGoe said this would enable the

city to seek state assistance in paying for repairs.

“We had a front row seat,” said Dedra Bennett, owner of Zinnia’s on Mount Hermon Road, grateful for the assistance.

Mayor Derk Timm urged the community to support local businesses to help make up their losses.

New council member Krista Jett said she

was driving to the area with her children to Penny Ice Creamery when the tornado came up.

“Seeing the response from the first responders was very calming,” she said.

Added new council member Steve Clark, a retired police officer: “What we saw in the response is what makes Scotts Valley special.” n

Photos courtesy of the Scotts Valley Police

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Officers Michael Banke (left) and Vitani Harrison

Officers Kevin King (left) and Nicholas Stoeberl

Tree strikes Scotts Valley Middle School.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Take Home The King of the Gods

This week we have a fantastic pet of the week — Zeus (#A315680)!

He is a 4-year-old neutered pit bull mix and is a real sweetheart. Zeus first came to the Shelter as a stray with a dog friend and since being here has shown that he has so much affection for humans.

Since being here at SCCAS he has met other dogs and been wiggly and playful and has also shown that he can be respectful with pups who are less playful, so he might fit well in a home with another dog. We do not know if he has ever lived with cats or children- all human family members would be advised to meet him before adoption.

Volunteers and staff love to spend time with Zeus and describe him as cuddly and adorable. If you are looking for a sweet furbaby for the holidays, come to SCCAS and meet Zeus!

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. All adoptions are first come, first served.

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

Now Is All We Really Ever Have, So Why Not Do Something Beautiful With It?

Story and Photos by John P. Weiss

The old man had cleaned the house, put all his affairs in order, and sat down with his fountain pen and paper to leave a note for his only daughter, Sophie.

He gazed at the framed photos on his writing desk.

Photos of his beloved wife, Emma, and Sophie. The years together were full of family vacations, birthdays, holidays, school, work, and all the golden moments.

In a blink, Sophie was off to university and then launched into her digital marketing career. The startup company she worked for grew, and relocated to Texas.

“Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll fly out and visit often,” Sophie said. But then she met a young man named Douglas, and her visits lessened.

Until Emma got sick.

Sophie and Douglas visited frequently and did their best to help. But then Emma needed hospice and in the end, it was mostly the nurses helping him make Emma comfortable.

The funeral was sparsely attended, but when you’re old, that’s common. Because you’ve outlived most of your family and friends. Sophie suggested he sell the house and move to Texas, where she and Douglas could look after him.

“No, darling, my life is here, in the home where your mother and I raised you. Besides, my doctors and my barber, George, are here. He’s the only barber who can arrange what’s left of my hair.”

Sophie laughed at this, but Douglas seemed to see through it. Douglas was a shrewd corporate attorney, and something in him sensed the old man’s emotional unraveling.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright? Losing a spouse is like losing a limb. You know the limb is gone but you still feel its presence,” Douglas said as he put a reassuring hand on the old man’s shoulder.

It took everything in him not to tear up in front of Douglas and Sophie. And then he simply said, “I’ll be alright. You kids get back to Texas and your careers.”

His body was old, and while relatively healthy, there were the usual complaints. Aching joints. A bad lower back. Wrinkles, thin hair, and sagging skin.

There was a time, in the bloom of youth, when he’d catch his reflection in mirrors and storefront windows, and see a handsome, dashing young man.

He had always taken care of himself. He ate healthily, limited alcohol, never smoked, and exercised regularly. Even in midlife, he was robust and hale, often catching the attention of women.

But time always wins.

He was officially old, and when the feeling of antiquity pairs with profound loss, one’s inner spirit begins to flicker. The flame becomes less bright. The oxygen of love and life lessens. The inner flame begins to smolder, and you sense the twilight of your life.

And that’s when the thought of eternal oblivion insidiously presents itself.

~~~

He struggled with these negative feelings, and his intellectual side knew they were unhealthy.

© Statepoint Media

They flew out the next morning, and the old man sat in his living room sipping coffee. The silence would have been overwhelming, save for the steadfast ticking of the grandfather clock in the front hallway.

“Time is all I have left, but for what?” the old man thought.

~~~

A few months passed with a kind of emptiness the old man had never known or felt before.

He’d field phone calls here and there from Sophie, and he always put on a cheerful air. Little did she know he spent his evenings pouring over old photo albums, sipping Scotch, and trying to remember everything about Emma. The softness of her hair. Her sweet scent. The way she held his hand on walks. Her warmth beside him in bed.

He knew none of this was healthy.

The drinking and endless reminiscing were like a deep pit, slowly swallowing his heart, mind, and soul. But he didn’t really care.

During a routine appointment with his physician, when asked how he was doing, he almost said, “Not so good.” But the darkness within kept him silent. A darkness hidden, but present.

Oblivion kept whispering in his ear.

So, he started to increase his morning workouts. He cut out the Scotch and put away the photo albums. He told himself Emma would want him to get on with his life.

He was starting to turn a corner, or so he thought.

But then, one morning, he heard a soft plunk against the dining room window. When he went outside to check, he found the motionless body of a house finch on the patio chair below the window. Its neck was broken.

And that’s when something finally broke inside him.

•••

See how the story ends next month in Scotts Valley Times. Follow writer-photographer John Weiss, former Scotts Valley police chief, at www. johnp.weiss.com