PHOTO BY BEN INGRAM
Opening VIBES
Abalone, Soquel, Zyante and Aptos.
Those words are the four remaining language fragments of the Awaswas tribe that occupied this place we all share now 12,000 years ago. The “Santa Cruz People” were a hunting and gathering society that predated the Egyptian pyramids.
This is not a fact I know off-hand, it is just the outlier information research of an article we will be featuring in the fall edition of Santa Cruz Vibes about the Ohlone.
Nearly 8,000 years ago, the Ohlone made their way from the Sierra Nevada and settled in the area. The article will detail the progression from there — Spanish exploration, Mexican independence, Mission Santa Cruz, the gold rush and eventual statehood.
Mostly, what the early look at the span of time and claims to the land had me thinking about was what the term “local” means to us in 2024.
Maybe being local is assuming a shared responsibility to care for our environment and do our part to support the community.
The article in the fall issue will address the transitions each culture in Santa Cruz has gone through over the last 12,000 years. There were many that could use that defnition of “local” over those 12 millennia. How each culture lost its claim to that state of being has ranged from the most egregious; massacre and forced enslavement to — in comparison — privileged with annoyingly long commutes, backed-up traffc on side streets and wave priorities in favorite surfng spots being the biggest threat.
By Brian Upton
That is an intentionally extreme example, but hopefully, it puts in perspective the current frustrations that rank the highest in our community: affordable housing, transportation, cost of living and addressing the homeless.
I grew up here and would be lying if I did not recognize that our town is bursting at the seams under the weight of these pressing issues, and we are disconnected by it as a community. I am, however, encouraged over the last year running the magazine and getting to know the leaders on the front lines of these topics. The change is coming from those who are actually doing, and it takes the form of both for-proft and nonproft agencies working in unison. County of Santa Cruz, Barrios Unidos, Santa Cruz METRO, Save the Waves, Bay of Life, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz and Reggie Stephens Foundation are a few of our partners on the front line of tackling these issues by providing practical solutions for housing, transit, education, and mentorships — all with an overreaching focus on environmental preservation.
So what is a local?
The dictionary says it is: pertaining to or characterized by place or position in space; spatial.
The defnition above has it fairly well summed up. I might just add a few words to the end that refect a more proactive intention:
“… Local can also mean protecting your environment, sharing resources, engaging with the entire community and being welcoming to others.”
I love being a local. Gathering this information for the article on the Ohlone is making me realize that being local isn’t so much about an inherited right or ownership of this area. Instead, maybe being local is assuming a shared responsibility to care for our environment and do our part to support the community.
COVER
When our now 25-year-old son Drew was 15, we strongly encouraged him to get a summer job. His older brother Chris had worked at the Boardwalk during a summer break, and we felt working there had been a good experience. Later, Chris went on to work retail at a local sportswear company and we like to think those months working at the boardwalk gave him confdence and pride in doing a job well done.
As parents, we wanted Drew to gain similar confdence and experience as his brother. In all honesty, he needed to get out of the house and learn to interact with the public, take instructions, follow through and generally experience what the real world is like. He was assigned to work at Barnacle Bill’s. On his frst day, I was so excited for him and got caught up in the color, the excitement, the sounds and the smells of the Boardwalk. I tried to capture that moment in a painting.
This was not the frst painting I had done of the Boardwalk. Throughout my 40 years of painting Santa Cruz County, I had done two offcial commemorative paintings of the boardwalk and many non-offcial paintings, in both watercolors and acrylics. However, I can say the watercolor of Barnacle Bill has been far and away the most popular painting with the public.
In addition to the Boardwalk, I have especially loved painting summers in the county generally, and this love was refected in a watercolor sketchbook I published 20 years ago called “Sand Between Your Toes.” That book, now sold out at 11,000 copies, depicted my love for all things summer in Santa Cruz. A recent publication of 62 paintings of Capitola continues this love of capturing summers at the beach.
Those of us who live here are incredibly blessed. People come from all over the United States and the world to enjoy our weather, our beaches, our redwoods and state parks, our restaurants and yes, that includes the boardwalk and Barnacle Bill’s.
https://www.sallybookmanart.com/ @sally.bookman
By Sally Bookman
INFORMAL
noun | plural noun: vibes
1. a person’s emotional state or the atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by
SANTA CRUZ VIBES MAGAZINE IS : A magazine celebrating the customs, history, current events, art and people of Santa Cruz, CA.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Brian Upton
AD DIRECTOR
Sadie Hunt
DEPUTY EDITOR
Amy Sousa
& OPERATIONS
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Ryan “Chachi” Craig Frans Lanting
David Dennis
Nikki Brooks
VIBE CONCIERGE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jen Poli
PHOTO EDITOR
Ryan “Chachi” Craig
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EDITORIAL
David Dennis
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THE GIANT DIPPER TURNS 100!
A SUMMER OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
BY NEAL KEARNEY
PHOTO BY RYAN “CHACHI” CRAIG
I’m seated in the very back car of the legendary Giant Dipper roller coaster with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s General Manager Omid Aminifard. We’ve just emerged into daylight after some nervous moments in the ride’s infamous pitch-black tunnel. The mechanical clicking sound created by the coaster car’s ascension up its frst and highest incline jangles my nerves and has my heart racing, as it’s always done in my 30 years of experience riding this thrilling attraction. We’re almost to the top and I can feel my anticipation peak. No turning back now!
As we scale the apex of the incline, I’m afforded a killer aerial view of the amusement park for a split second, and then whoosh, we plunge down at breakneck speed. Over the course of the 1-minute and 52-second ride, we round impossible corners and speed up and down a series of inclines that have my hands white-knuckling the armbar for dear life. Finally, as we slow down back toward the end of the ride, adrenaline is still coursing through my body. I look over at Aminifard and we both share a childish giggle. For me, it’s a thrill that never gets old, and seeing how it remains the Boardwalk’s most popular ride, I’m not the only one.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is arguably the city’s most prized tourist attraction, and the Giant Dipper — its No. 1 ride — celebrated its 100-year birthday in May. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the Giant Dipper is the oldest coaster in California,
the fourth oldest in the United States and the seventh oldest in the world! Vibes took a sun-flled feld trip to these hallowed grounds alongside the sparkling Pacifc Ocean to talk to those tasked with maintaining and preserving the vintage coaster and hear from diehard fans about what it is that keeps them coming back time after time.
The L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway was the Boardwalk’s original thrill ride, opening in 1908. It only cost 10 cents to ride and whisked riders along at speeds up to 25 miles per hour, which was 15 miles faster than the speed limit at that time. In January 1924, the Scenic Rail was dismantled to make room for a new roller coaster attraction on the Boardwalk.
During October of the previous year, manager R.L. Cardiff had negotiated with designer Arthur Looff to build the Giant Dipper. Looff, whose father de-
signed the park’s carousel in 1911, had a particular feeling he intended to simulate with the rollercoaster, envisioning a giant wooden coaster that would be, in his words, a “combination earthquake, balloon ascension, and aeroplane drop,” according to Boardwalk historians.
After a price of $50,000 was settled, the fve-month demolition of the Scenic Railway was set into motion. Construction of the attraction, which was the longest coaster in the world to date, took about 47 days, and included a staggering 377,000 feet of lumber, 743,000 nails and 24,000 bolts. Lumber was sourced from Homer T. Maynard Lumber and the 70 horsepower motor, which is still in use today, was provided by Santa Cruz Electric. Concrete came by the way of T.F. Costello and the steelwork was created by Berger Carter.
BIG DIPPER 100 YEARS
Since the original construction, the only signifcant alterations were a new coat of paint along with the addition of Victorian-era architecture around the station, both in 1974. Apart from the carousel, which was built in 1911, the Giant Dipper is the oldest original attraction at the park. Aminifard points to the ride’s virtually untouched nature as its biggest draw, a testament to the brilliance of Looff’s original design.
“Keeping it as close to the original is everything,” Aminifard says. “We get a lot of value out of that feeling of nostalgia. If we did alter it, we would lose that, so that’s something we never want to do.”
To ensure the safety of this timeless thrill ride, a good deal of TLC is required. The Boardwalk employs a fulltime team of ride mechanics who do detailed inspections of every nook and cranny, including lumber, posts, braces, brakes, springs, rivets, etc.
A member of this crew is mechanic Nick Meidle, whom I spoke with not long after my exhilarating lap on the coast-
er. He started his relationship with the Giant Dipper as a ride operator during his frst season in 2017.
From there, he worked his way up, eventually becoming a ride mechanic fve years later. His fascination with the world of ride mechanics began in middle school when he studied the physics of roller coasters for a science project.
“I got to make a model of a roller coaster and thought that it was pretty cool,” Meidle says, his eyes refecting the sweetness of the memory. “I thought that was pretty cool and that maybe one day it would be fun to work on one, but never really thought it would happen.”
After introductions, Meidle gave me a tour of the inner workings of the rollercoaster. Deep in the bowels of the Boardwalk, he led me into a dark chamber that housed the giant vintage motor that powers an enormous belt that provides the propulsion for the cars, which reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. The wooden structure smelled
deeply of lubricating oil and had the feel of a bygone era.
As a train of cars thundered past us overhead, it made me wonder about the effects of the coaster’s centripetal force on the riders since it seemed only natural that on a ride hurtling up and down steep inclines and zooming around sharp turns, riders losing sunglasses, hats and cell phones would be a common occurrence. When I asked him about the strangest lost belonging, he responded with a chuckle.
“One weird one sticks out,” Meidle recalls. “We had a guy who lost his backpack on the ride who said his entire life savings were in the bag and he needed it back as soon as possible. We were all kinda baffed, like, ‘What’s up with that? Why would you even carry that much money on you to an amusement park?’ They found the backpack, but we never looked inside so we assumed his life savings was still in there.”
As he led me back to the exit, we saw a large group of youngsters on their
PHOTO BY RYAN “CHACHI” CRAIG
way out, eyes wide and chirping with excitement. Over its 100 years, it’s this atmosphere of elation that keeps riders coming back time after time.
“After all these years, the Giant Dipper is still a huge thrill for our riders,” Aminifard says regarding the coaster’s impressive staying power. “It’s remained number one as far as ridership is concerned, and that’s pretty amazing. Usually, things don’t always stay like that — interests shift, demographics shift. But that ride has stayed true to its form as far as popularity is concerned every year since its arrival.”
He also points to the fact that wooden coasters have their own unique characteristics and provide a distinct feeling you just won’t fnd on newer attractions. While these modern rides are smoother with more bells and whistles, wooden rollercoasters like the Giant Dipper are a bit rougher, and that’s a feeling they want to preserve. Additionally, the ride’s design subverts expectations the moment it begins.
“The tunnel catches a lot of people by surprise,” Aminifard says. “If you’ve never been on it and you go in there, immediately you get dropped into that tunnel. Usually, on a traditional coaster, in the beginning, there is an incline, while on the Giant Dipper, there’s that initial drop, which catches a lot of people off guard. Along with the darkness of the tunnel this unique drop builds tension.”
For Santa Cruz natives and tourists alike, visiting the Boardwalk and taking that frst ride on the Giant Dipper is a defning moment. Chances for many, riding the Giant Dipper has been a part of their lives from adolescence to adulthood.
“The fact that it’s been here for a hundred years and is still a fun ride. The fact that there’s so much nostalgia associated with it. There’s defnitely a classic feel to it that people want to experience. And, as you saw earlier, it’s still really thrilling to ride,” Aminifard says.
BIG DIPPER 100 YEARS
With a wide grin, he continues: “We’re doing some fun stuff to celebrate the 100-year anniversary. This summer on Wednesdays for the entire day every guest can ride the Giant Dipper for $1, along with tons of Giant Dipper merchandise and gift offerings. We’re going to try to celebrate over the whole year.”
Throughout the summer there will also be a Giant Dipper 100th Anniversary Fan Art Contest where fans can enter their Giant Dipper photos, paintings or crafty creations for a chance to win Dipper Swag, MyBoardwalk Cards or Rides Wristbands.
The Giant Dipper, like most thrill rides, does have a height requirement, and Aminifrard says for many of the coaster’s younger enthusiasts, it’s a major milestone.
“It’s almost a rite of passage, getting to that 50-inch mark that indicates you’re big enough to ride it,” Aminifard explains. “If you wait there for just a few minutes you’ll likely see kids getting on their tippy toes to reach that mark and hear the parents say, ‘Oh, next year you’ll be there!’ It’s a really cool tradition.”
Luckily, for Hudson and Kayla Jacobs, they’ve passed the test. They said they get stoked to take laps on the Giant Dipper every time their mom, Lauren, takes them. Eight-year-old Hudson says his favorite part is going down the frst big drop where the camera is. “It’s cool to check out the funny pictures of us afterwards.”
His big sister, Kayla, 12, agrees with one distinction. “I like the big drop, too,” she admits. “But I like to sit in the very back so I can see everything as I go down.”It’s not just for the kids.
Giant Dipper fanatic and local artist Anastasiya Bachmanova sees good reason to celebrate its big anniversary. “I’ll take any opportunity I can to ride on the Giant Dipper, ideally a few times in a row,” she says. “It’s one of those simple pleasures, a quick thrill so perfectly designed to rattle you up and make you laugh, and it never gets old. You really can’t think about anything else as you’re fying through those twists and turns. I don’t think you can leave the ride without a renewed sense of exuberance!”
Aminifard sees that frst ride on the Giant Dipper as a watershed moment in the lives of those brave enough to step into that line. One that speaks volumes about the special experience found in riding the simple, yet timeless rollercoaster. All you need to do is stand outside its entrance to observe the impact it has on those eager to experience its magic.
PHOTO BY RYAN “CHACHI” CRAIG
BAY OF LIFE
FROM WIND TO WHALES
FRANS LANTING & CHRIS ECKSTROM
PHOTOS BY FRANS LANTING SUMMER
PHOTO REDWOODS IN FOG, BIG SUR
“FOG
IS A SHAPESHIFTER. IT CAN LOOK LIKE A MOUNTAIN RANGE FAR OUT AT SEA; IT CAN COME ASHORE IN AN ADVANCING WAVE, WITH A FEATHERY LEADING EDGE DRAWN
-FRANS LANTING AND CHRIS ECKSTROM
Monterey Bay has a remarkable array of microclimates, from a fog belt in the north around Pigeon Point to a banana belt inside the bay around Santa Cruz and another fog belt around Monterey. The topography of rugged hills and steep valleys contributes to this diversity. Two mountain ranges running parallel to the coast create rain shadows that keep interior valleys dry. Annual rainfall in the Santa Lucia Range of Big Sur can be 60 inches, while the Salinas Valley to the east receives less than 15 inches. Gaps in the coastal ranges allow fog to penetrate the Salinas and Pajaro Valleys, moderating heat in these agricultural regions. Farmers here depend on fog.
In this complex setting the bay’s seasons unfold, each marked by a change in the air. The powerful winds of spring whip whitecaps across the surface of the bay before the moist waves of fog roll inland during summer. The clear skies of autumn can gust with hot winds that feel like the breath of fre. They give way to the puffed cumulus clouds of winter that cast fickering shadows across land and sea in the wake of storms.
Monterey Bay’s seasons are shaped by a dome of high pressure that spreads across the northeastern Pacifc Ocean for many thousands of square miles. Known as the North Pacifc High, it consists of a vast, clockwise circulation of winds that shift north and south during the year. As it does, it infuences the bay’s weather. In spring, the Pacifc High moves north and grows stronger. It drives winds across the ocean toward the California coast, where they are sucked inland by the heat of the Central Valley. This creates the northwest winds that sweep into the bay. Salt spray fies from ocean breakers, sands swirl across beaches, grasslands ripple in mesmerizing waves — and workers and surfers alike duck into their hoodies.
The winds of spring trigger a transformational event: Blowing along the shore, they push surface water away, allowing cold water to surge from the deep in great upwellings. These pumping plumes of seawater last from spring through summer and are an important reason why marine life is so abundant here.
Excerpt from the book: Bay of Life: From Wind to Whale
Water from the deep is high in nutrients, and when it wells up to the surface, sunlight stimulates massive blooms of phytoplankton that nourish huge swarms of krill — a vital food source for everything higher up the food chain, from fsh to seabirds to dolphins. And it sustains the largest animals on Earth — the great whales that converge on Monterey Bay every year. This miraculous chain of events can be summarized simply: The winds of spring bring the whales of summer.
August is a great time to see humpback whales in the bay. On a foggy morning when the water is calm, they can be heard before they’re seen as they surface and exhale explosively. Their main prey, krill and anchovies, respond to strong upwellings by swarming together in huge aggregations — an ideal opportunity for humpbacks, which search for dense patches of food. As a big school of anchovies ruffes the surface and sea lions porpoise in frenzied circles to feed on them, humpbacks corral the fsh underwater. Suddenly the whales burst up from the sea in synchrony, forcing out streams of water through baleen plates in their mouths as they swallow masses of anchovies and sink back down, out of sight until their next lunge.
Summer is the season of fog. When cold upwellings chill the ocean’s surface, they cool the moist maritime air above it, which condenses and forms great banks of fog that stretch across the bay. Fog is a shapeshifter. It can look like a mountain range far out at sea; it can come ashore in an advancing wave, with a feathery leading edge drawn inland by heat. It can engulf everything in a cottony whiteness, cool and misty and dense with moisture that feels like horizontal rain. Fog is fckle. It can persist for days or dissipate in minutes. In the Monterey Bay, fog cools the streams salmon depend on in summer and during low tides, it reduces the desiccating impact of the sun on intertidal life.
During the long, rainless months of summer, fog provides critical moisture to both natural systems and agricultural operations. Redwoods receive as much as 40 percent of their annual water from fog; without it, they might not survive here. In heavy coastal mists, redwood trees become so laden with moisture that they create their own rain — a fog drip that waters their roots.
Excerpt from the book: Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales
PHOTO SOOTY SHEARWATERS, SANTA CRUZ
The Bay of Life Collection
The Bay of Life Print Collection is an exclusive new series of archival giclée prints that features Frans Lanting images from the Bay of Life exhibition. Each title is strictly limited to a total edition of 25 prints. Every print is signed by Frans Lanting and includes a numbered certifcate of authenticity.
As a special offer, print buyers will receive a complimentary copy of our Bay of Life book in either the standard or luxury edition, depending on the size of the print order. Frans Lanting has been hailed as one of the great nature photographers of our time. His infuential work has been featured in more than 100 solo exhibitions around the world.
Proceeds from fne print sales beneft the Bay of Life Project, which connects land and sea and people with nature to promote a unifed view of the Monterey Bay region that contributes to a sustainable future for the Bay of Life.
Visit https://BayofLife.net to learn more or contact the Frans Lanting Studio by writing to info@lanting.com.
PHOTOS BY FRANS LANTING FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: REDWOODS, HUMPBACK WHALES, TIDE POOL, STONESCAPE
ELANA SOLON
Philanthropic Operations Offcer, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
“IT IS ALL ABOUT TRUST. IT IS NUANCED AND BOTH SIDES NEED TO SEE EACH OTHER.”
As Philanthropic Operations Offcer at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (CFSCC), Elana Solon works to cultivate, engage, and build purposeful relationships with donors and the community.
Her recent experience co-hosting TedX Santa Cruz only affrmed she has found her home at CFSCC. The results were tangible and heartfelt; a perfect match for Solon’s personal and professional ethos.
REGGIE STEPHENS FOUNDATION
“My colleague Jenny and I co-produced the TedX Santa Cruz event and we are still over the moon with the way the community received it,” Solon says. “The voices we were able to bring to the stage resulted in not just inspiration, but real call to action topics.”
Solon was working but also moved. “I’ve never been a part of anything like it. It was so deeply personal and at the same time, all about the community. Just amazing and empowering.”
Solon sees the new role as a chance to utilize her past experiences and put her professional and personal priorities in order. “I’ve dabbled in tech start-ups, service-hospitality and supply chain where there are just constant expectations of deliverables.”
Although Solon thrived in that environment, she sees her new position as a more intimate, connected opportunity. “Like many other people, 2020 fundamentally changed me and changed my perspective on what I was looking for personally and professionally,” she says. “It has been so nice being here because I feel like my position is incredibly challenging but also allows me to connect with my co-workers and the community on a personal level. That gives me balance.”
Previously, Solon worked as Director of Memberships, Marketing and Events with the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce. She was hands-on with the local business community post-Covid epidemic, and was integral in networking and educational events and opportunities for local leadership in our public, private and nonproft sectors alike. Solon feels her time at the Chamber — combined with her past experience in operations, hospitality and intercultural communication — has paved the way for challenges and opportunities.
“My time at the Chamber gave me a bird’s-eye view of the public and private nonproft landscape here in the county,” and Solon says she is excited to chart a new path. “This is all new, but it is exciting and I’m learning more about philanthropy and all the forms it takes.”
Nonproft work has been a common thread throughout her life, volunteering with youth, education and culturally based nonprofts since childhood including The Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., Women and Youth Supporting Each
“IF YOU TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO WORDS AND LANGUAGE, IT ALLOWS YOU TO CONNECT ON A DEEP AND INTIMATE LEVEL.”
Other (WYSE) at Yale, and the Black Health Matters Initiative and Reggie Stephens Foundation. Solon utilizes not only her background experience with these agencies but also leans on a very specifc skill set that helps her connect to the community — linguistics.
Solon once served as a managing editor for a linguistics journal. “I’ve studied different foreign languages and lived all over,” she explains. “That experience allows me to be attuned to how locals might think and understand what the local currency is. By that, I mean literally, what is the language and lingo and how relationships work here. If you take time to listen to words and language it allows you to connect on a deep and intimate level.”
A common theme when talking with Solon is the priority of relationship building. It is a common thread she has become adept at in not only her professional but also her personal life.
“It is all about trust. It is nuanced and both sides need to see each other,” Solon says. “Nonprofts need to trust that you are representing them and donors need to trust that you are following through on their intentions. The follow-through of intention is critical because some of these gifts occur after the donor has passed away. We end up being their voice.”
The Community Foundation has not found just a new philanthropy offcer, but a kindred spirit committed to listening, building trust, leading with compassion and making a positive difference in our community.
ASHLYN BOOTHBY BRAYLON NOBLE
SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
• 2024 SCCAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• CROSS COUNTRY
• 4 TIME SCCAL CHAMPION
• 3 TIME CCS D4 CHAMPION
• 3 TIME CIF D4 STATE QUALIFIER (PLACED 6TH 2023, 8TH 2022, AND 3RD IN 2021).
• LED HER TEAM TO 3 CONSECUTIVE SCCAL TITLES, 3 CONSECUTIVE CCS TITLES D4, AND TEAM QUALIFIED FOR STATE PAST 3 YEARS. TRACK
• SCCAL CHAMPION 1600
• 2 TIMES CCS CHAMPION 1600M 2022 AND 2023
• 2 TIME STATE MEET QUALIFIER 1600M
• PLACED 11TH IN 2022
• PLACED 2ND IN 2023 WITH A TIME OF 4:39.45
• PLACED 4TH IN THE 800M AT THE NIKE OUTDOOR NATIONALS IN 2023
• HOLDS THE SVHS SCHOOL RECORD IN THE:
• 800M-2:09.03
• 1600M-4.39.45
• 3200M-10:26.12
• ALONG WITH RELAY RECORDS IN THE 4X800 DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY.
• COMMITTED TO STANFORD UNIVERSITY
SOQUEL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
• 4 YEAR VARSITY STARTER
• TEAM CAPTAIN
• 1-TIME ALL LEAGUE WIDE-RECEIVER
• CCS/NORCAL/STATE CHAMPION
• TEAM LEADER IN INTERCEPTIONS, 2ND IN TDS BASKETBALL
• 4 YEAR VARSITY STARTER
• 3-TIME TEAM CAPTAIN
• 3-TIME ALL- LEAGUE
• RSF ALL-STAR TRACK & FIELD
• 3-TIME CCS QUALIFIER
• 3-TIME HIGH JUMP LEAGUE CHAMPION
• LEAGUE CHAMPION SENIOR YEAR IN ALL 4 EVENTS, (HIGH JUMP, LONG JUMP, POLE VAULT, 400M)
• 2ND PLACE DECATHLON (ARCADIA INVITATIONAL)
• CCS SILVER MEDALIST (HIGH JUMP)
• STATE QUALIFIER AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
• CCS ACADEMIC ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• EINSWEILER AWARD
• 2-TIME STUDENT OF THE MONTH
• SCCAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• WHARF TO WHARF SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
CUMULATIVE GPA: 4.05
COLLEGE ATTENDING: UC SANTA BARBARA (TRACK)
zucchini flowers, grav ional forces & notes on dreaming
written and illustrated by yitong lei
i cut a handful of zucchini fowers from the garden, a bright orange note for an otherwise dim evening. they sit in the colander, lightly washed while i prepare a simple batter: a couple spoonfuls of four and water, pinches of salt, paprika and, today, a little bit of curry powder.
it’s become muscle memory now, this whole thing. it’s hard to imagine there was a time before—before seeds, before sprouts, before reconnecting with the soil underneath my toes. when i touch the soil now, i know my body is made of the same earth: i’m coming home.
in santa cruz i’d learned from friends the importance of collecting seeds, saving and cultivating them, so they might learn to adapt to our changing climate (and so we can continue to retain these parts of our culture). i’d learned from a neighbor to put my potatoes in the ground if they started sprouting in the cupboard. a long time ago, i learned from my grandparents to scatter eggshells in the soil and regrow green onions in any old container.
who i am is a constellation of distant stars— threads criss-crossing and knotting themselves into a blanket of stars in the night sky. always reaching, dreaming. perhaps there is a truth out there that i’m seeking, but i don’t know what i’m looking for just yet.
for dinner, some salmon seasoned with rosemary from the bush down the cul-de-sac, oregano from a neighbor’s garden and lemon slices from another’s tree. When i sink my teeth into faky freshly made green onion pancakes, i think of how cedar trees are receding further into the north: the spring is too warm, the droughts are drier, rainy seasons are too fast, too sudden and now violently uprooting.
the orange of my zucchini fowers peek out from under the crispy gold en crust. i look up out my window, hoping to fnd a glimpse of the moon, a star, a distant sun. be fore bed, i make myself tea, adding spoonfuls of lemon cheong (or, the korean name for syrup. i’d learned to make cheong from a Korean friend whose parents kept a jar of lemon cheong in the pantry year-round).
these days, as i am inun dated with Facebook marketplace posts advertising worn shoes, found items and every fruit off of every kind of tree, i think of the world we are be ing increasingly alienated from.
more so than ever, tending to my plants is a promise and a modality through which i interact with the world and the community around me. the green onions regrowing in glass cups on the windowsill, the rosemary drying on a string and even the pot of basil sitting on the porch reminds me that i am accountable to something larger than myself.
this — the gravitational force — is what makes the world spin. the waves pull back, we dive in. we give to the soil, it gives back. we leave notes on neighbors’ doors, trade stories and recipes.
we give, together, the earth and i.
HEALING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE POWER OF THE OCEAN
PHOTOS BY KAILI REYNOLDS / BLACK SURF SANTA CRUZ
“WATCHING INDIVIDUALS CATCH THEIR FIRST WAVE AND RECLAIM THEIR PRESENCE IN THE WATER HAS BEEN PROFOUNDLY MOVING.”
In Santa Cruz, a city known for its iconic surf culture, Black Surf Santa Cruz (BSSC) is redefning what it means to ride the waves.
During a 2020 memorial paddle-out for George Floyd, Esabella “Bella” Bonner took up a surfboard for the frst time. She was driven by a desire to make surfng more accessible and inclusive.
“Black Surf Santa Cruz aims to tear down barriers that often keep our oceans segregated,” says Bonner, the organization’s founder and executive director. “By taking a strategic focus on both physical and spiritual wellness, we aim to create a community of healing for our Black Indigenous and People of Color Community here in Santa Cruz. Black Surf empowers our Black community to reclaim their space in the ocean through surfng, spiritual wellness, water safety and community.”
BSSC offers a variety of programs, including the Liberation Paddle Out and the Pop-Up Program, which provides surf lessons as well as other educational services. These initiatives have demonstrated the powerful, transformative impact of the ocean.
“Watching individuals catch their frst wave and reclaim their presence in the water has been profoundly moving,” Bonner says.
Central to BSSC’s mission is a commitment to community and equity. Bonner’s leadership has been crucial in advancing positive change within Santa Cruz. Her dedication to promoting an inclusive surfng culture is evident in her work, both on and off the waves. With an associate’s degree in sociology from Cabrillo College and a bachelor’s in business administration from San Jose State University, Bonner brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work.
Beyond her work with BSSC, Bonner serves as an equity and strategic advisor for numerous local organizations, agencies and initiatives. Her leadership is characterized by love and a commitment to joyful, anti-racist activism. Bonner’s efforts have earned her several honors, including the 2021 Bell of Freedom Award from the ACLU NorCal Chapter, the 2024 Woman of the Year award by Assemblymember District 28, and the title of Favorite Activist/Changemaker in the Santa Cruz Waves Swellies Awards for 2022 and 2023.
As Black Surf Santa Cruz looks ahead, the organization remains committed to its principles of diversity and inclusion. With strong community backing, BSSC plans to expand its reach and continue creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the waves.
Black Surf Santa Cruz is making signifcant strides in shaping a more inclusive future for surfng. Their work underscores the importance of community, the healing power of the ocean, and the necessity of inclusivity. Santa Cruz is indeed evolving, thanks to the efforts of BSSC, into a more welcoming place for all who seek solace and joy in the surf.
Learn more at https://www.blacksurfsantacruz.org.
The season of
grill & chill
Elevate your summer BBQ with sustainably raised meats, local berries, California stone fruit, fresh Atlantic Salmon, local craft beers, and housemade salads and sides. Happy grilling!
Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos
10% of profits go back to the community
IT WILL TAKE A COMMUNITY TO FIX OUR COUNTY ROADS
Matt Machado joined Santa Cruz County in June 2018. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Chief Administrative Offcer and Director of Community Development & Infrastructure. Machado earned his bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at California State University, Fresno and his master’s degree in Business Administration at California State University Stanislaus.
Machado has encountered numerous challenges since assuming his role, but the most persistent issue was one he inherited and locals know all to well: bad roads.
“Our road system is currently failing,” says Machado, referencing a key metric. The Pavement Condition Index (PCI), developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, measures road quality on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating a newly paved road, Machado explains. Factors like pavement age,
climate, traffc loads and maintenance funding impact the PCI score. “While the state average is in the mid-60s, our roads score in the mid-40s, placing us among the worst in California.”
Machado realizes it will take a partnership between the residents of unicorporated county and county administrators to avoid a catastrophic road failure.
“It is almost certain that we will ask the people to tax themselves further
for dedicated road improvements,” says Machado, who understands the emotions behind increased taxation but feels the issue is too big to ignore. “It will take people getting together and recognizing that our roads are important to every aspect of our lives. As a community we need to work with the local governments to fx the problem. Working together, we can solve this.”
Machado is transparent about the budget limitations he faces when it comes to prioritization. State gas taxes are the primary funding of road infrastructure. The taxes are a declining revenue source that has never funded the needs of an aging roadway system. Additionally, the core fnancial issues and insecurities Santa Cruz County deals with date back to 1978.
“The implementation of Prop 13 was a formula the state created and they looked at spending levels in each county and then locked everybody into those spending rates. It worked out to be a
percentage of property tax that stayed local and the rest went to the state. Santa Cruz was fscally conservative back then and the resulting formula share means we only keep 13% of the property tax; the rest goes back to the state and that puts us at a tremendous disadvantage as compared to other counties which retain almost double that on average.”
The limited budget also means Santa Cruz County is passing up regularly on grant money. “Our hands are completely
MEETSTEVE WIESNER
Sitting across from Steve Wiesner, Assistant Director of Public Works for Santa Cruz County, one would assume the conversation would quickly delve into his responsibilities overseeing capital improvement projects and the fnite details of engineering.
As the discussion progresses, it becomes clear that Wiesner’s universe is much broader than just engineering. He draws attention to the connections between his love of music and engineering, highlighting his enthusiasm for music with an intensity that equals his commitment to his career. One can’t help but look forward to the fascinating parallels he makes between engineering and the melodic harmony of music.
VIBES: So you have an alter ego separate from your daily work here at the county?
SW: In a way I went from engineer, county manager, and public works off-
COUNTY OF SANTA
tied. We turn these grants down all the time because we do not have the fnances to fulfll the local match requirements. We leave all that money on the table that other counties have easy access to.”
The math is fairly simple. To bring the roads up to an acceptable PCI level, the county estimates they would need to spend an additional $25 million per year. Due to Prop 13 budget constraints and with declining gas taxes spending has been less than $5 million a year on road resurfacing.
After six years on the job, Machado feels like he has spoken about the expectations versus budget issue with a proper amount of urgency and the time has come for the community as a whole to hear the message and respond.
“We’ve been talking about this topic with fervor and excitement for a long time but have not taken any steps. To initiate change it will take every single citizen, agency and policy maker to take action.”
cial to playing at Woodhouse Brewery last night. I’m a guitar player in the band Sugar Rooster, which is an acoustic quartet. That’s the band I played with last night, it is a brand-new group and we kind of have this vibe where we all wear outfts because we decided that it would be fun to dress up for the gigs.
VIBES: Is your engineering expertise helpful in your music career?
SW: It is related to a particular level. Music has technical aspects. There is arranging, coordinating and organizing between band members; even in the subtleties of a particular musical piece, there are many moving parts. That aspect is connected to my day job qualifcations. That doesn’t help me when it comes to the playing part when I have to dive into creator mode, where it’s required to emote and tell a story with your instrument or song. So they are related and then they aren’t; it’s a right brain, left brain situation.
VIBES: What came frst? The music or engineering?
SW: My interest in music and engineering probably started at the same time, in late junior high and into high school. I was very interested and doing well in math and sciences but was just as into music. I got my frst guitar when I was 13, and my passion for science and music continued on parallel tracks from that point forward. It wasn’t at all a confict until I ran into the decision for college. My parents had a little infuence on bal-
ancing my choice to secure a career. My dad is a chemist and my older brother is a mechanical engineer, so I decided to go to Chico State for engineering, but also signed up immediately for a bunch of music classes along the way.
VIBES: Your music and career seem connected to the community.
SW: Totally. I care about this community. One of the single greatest satisfactions I get from working for the county is that, on a daily basis, I get to affect the lives of people I live side by side with here in the area. That goes for almost all of the people that are employed at the County of Santa Cruz; we live, work and play here. We love the mountains, the ocean and we love the people and the vibe of Santa Cruz.
And sometimes on a Tuesday night, the Assistant Director of Public Works straps on a guitar and plays a few songs for some friends.
in recruiting and interviewing the most qualifed candidates for our positions!”
CAREERS
The Personnel Recruitment Unit in the Department of Community Development & Infrastructure’s Public Works Division plays a vital role in managing the department’s recruitment, testing and selection program. They work closely with hiring managers to understand their staffng needs and requirements in order to build a talented and effective workforce. Additionally, they provide guidance on hiring procedures and protocols, ensuring a smooth process for both the applicants and the department.
“Working for the County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development & Infrastructure comes with so many benefts,” Senior Personnel Analyst Carrie Barnett says. “Every day, I have the privilege of leading an incredibly dedicated team who work hard assisting supervisors and managers
The Personnel Recruitment Unit collaborates with the County Personnel Department on various recruitment and hiring activities, such as attending job fairs and hosting presentations throughout the community on the benefts of county employment.
”OUR ENGINEERS, PROJECT MANAGERS, FIELD CREWS AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE WORK THEY DO.”
“We value highlighting the many opportunities for professional growth, unbeatable county benefts, PTO, retirement plans and more,” Barnett said. ”We want to create a workplace that allows everyone to reach their potential. Our engineers, project managers, feld crews and everyone in between are passionate about the work they do. Therefore, we are always looking for candidates that refect that same excitement and passion.
THE411ONMEASURE C
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE REUSABLE CUP AT A TIME
WHAT IS MEASURE C? Measure C requires any person, business, event, food truckt or other entity, including both permanent and temporary facilities, which sells or provides hot or cold beverages in a single-use, disposable cup must charge an additional twenty-fve cents ($0.25) for each cup. As of January 1, 2023, twelve and a half cents ($0.125) of each twenty-fve cent ($0.25) mandatory cup charge is collected and distributed by the seller to the County of Santa Cruz as a business tax. The remainder of the charge is retained by the seller.
Measure C has been lauded as a common-sense step that will help reduce waste while raising funds for environmental clean-up programs in the county.
AN EXCLUSIVE GALLERY OF SANTA CRUZ VIBES
PHOTO EDITOR RYAN “CHACHI” CRAIG’S
FAVORITE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Oaxaca, Mexico
It’s quite common to be up for the sunrise and out hunting for surfable waves during trips to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, Mexico, as the summer heat becomes almost overwhelming by midday. For this sunrise capture, I woke up at 5 a.m. to photograph the shore break at Playa Brasil next to our surf camp. With only my board shorts on and my camera protected within a waterproof housing, I hopped into the 80-degree water and waited for the sun to greet the cliffs of Punta Conejo.
CHACH FILES
OAXACA, MEXICO
I’ve had a long love affair with Mexico. It all started when I was 18 years old and fnally took a trip outside of the U.S., down to our southern neighbor. I have visited many places in Mexico many times throughout the years, but have frequented the state of Oaxaca the most. The town of Puerto Escondido was where my parents honeymooned in 1980, and where I ended up testing my ability as a surf photographer battling massive rip currents and dodging enormous waves years later. The collective surf world became enamored with the “discovery” of numerous point breaks further south in the industrial city of Salina Cruz — an area where I’ve traveled extensively and scored some of the best waves
and photographs of my life. And more recently, I fnally took my travels away from the ocean and into the mountains of Oaxaca de Juarez, the largest city in the state. It was here my palette was introduced to moles I never knew existed while sampling local mezcal produced in farms that surround the city. With roughly 310 miles of mostly underdeveloped coastline and endless roads zigzagging throughout the mountains leading east, I have barely scratched the surface of what the state of Oaxaca offers and that’s quite an exciting prospect.
Much of the access to the beaches in Salina Cruz are through dirt roads and sand so 4x4 vehicles are a must. Each morning the cars are packed to the brim with all the essentials for a day of surfng and the adventure begins.
The waves of Puerto Escondido can reach heights upward of 30 feet in the summer months and are truly an incredible sight. What is not often seen though — except by the surfers who are experiencing them — are the notorious rip currents that begin to swirl as the swell grows. Here is a birds-eye view of a massive rip current just offshore.
My longtime friend, and Santa Cruz surfer and flmmaker Kyle Buthman locks into a perfect tube at one of the many idyllic setups in Southern Oaxaca. The numerous point breaks often showcase breathtaking backdrops and natural beauty with little to no manmade infrastructure or infuence.
CLEAN AIR INCENTIVES
LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Incentives for replacement of old, working, polluting lawn and garden equipment with zero-emission, battery-electric equipment (e.g. lawn mowers or leaf blowers).
WOOD STOVE CHANGE-OUT PROGRAM
Incentives are available to replace non-EPA certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, or open-hearth fireplaces with a low smoke emitting, certified wood or pellet stove, fireplace insert, electric stove/insert, or ductless mini-split heat pump. Low-income qualified applicants and applicants in lowincome or disadvantaged communities can receive up to DOUBLE THE INCENTIVE AMOUNT.
MONTEREY, SAN BENITO & SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES
in full bloom
A WOMEN’S MOVEMENT IS UNDERWAY TO FOSTER COMPASSION, COLLABORATION AND CONNECTION
BY AMY SOUSA
An array of Santa Cruz female leaders and entrepreneurs, spanning across generations, is poised to usher in a new era. And we would be wise to let them.
Is it a new wave of feminism? Yes and no. Clearly, it is a movement driven by the passion for meaningful change just as prior generations led the way for voting rights, workplace equality and educational equity, among others. But these women have an even bigger dream — celebrating each other while making our world a better place.
Cierra Ryczek
“We’re infuencers by nature,” says Cierra Ryczek, owner of the Lumen Gallery in Capitola Village.
“Tapping into our feminine energy, creativity and compassion allows for meaningful and productive conversation,” says Ryczek, who recently started hosting mixers for other women-owned businesses in the Capitola Village area.
She convened the group to brainstorm ideas to further promote the business area, which has struggled to thrive since the pandemic.
“There are a handful of women-owned businesses I really resonate with and I wanted to facilitate us coming together to brainstorm how to make this area fourish. There’s been
renewed energy and excitement. We’ve created a real sense of community. It’s pretty cool,” Ryczek says.
When asked about whether or not she felt part of a new feminist movement, Ryczek extended her arms outward in a gesture that felt welcoming and inclusive. “We are creators and leaders stepping into that role,” she affrmed, her arms lifting upward with confdence.
“And I think millennials are feeling like it’s our time and ready to take on more leadership roles. It’s about creating the world we want. If we’re in full bloom and in our feminine energy, imagine the beautiful world we would create through community building, urban development, architecture and every aspect of our lives.”
MIA thorn
Mia Thorn, co-owner of Cruz Kitchen & Taps in downtown Santa Cruz, echoes that sentiment
“Tapping into our feminine side, women have this immense power and now it’s blossoming and emerging. We are fantastic and wildly resilient.”
Thorn also works two days a week as an oncology nurse in addition to juggling a restaurant and being a mother to a 7-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl.
The experience of caring for cancer patients is what motivated her to live life to the fullest, she says, and part of the reason for her return to the restaurant business.
“I wanted to start celebrating things,” Thorn says as she explains her unusual career path from working many years at El Palomar, then nursing and then opening Cruz Kitchen & Taps.
“I’m sure a lot of people just thought I was having a midlife crisis,” she chuckles, recounting her journey from a conventional appearance to embracing a punk-rock style adorned
with short, spiky purple hair and opening a restaurant. “I wasn’t sure how it would be received — especially by the oncology patients — but I’m getting so much love.”
But it’s not just the rad haircut that makes Thorn refect on feeling a deeper sense of connection and support compared to her younger years. She attributes this shift to societal changes and a departure from the “mean girl” stereotype. She observes a broader trend of women uplifting and backing one another, spanning generations. “When I was young, I felt disconnected, but now, I truly feel connected and have a sense of belonging.”
When asked about today’s feminist movement, she described it as “beautiful, kinder and more graceful.”
And as for the future of the movement and the need for uplifting others, Thorn says, “I can’t imagine anything less than success. We have this amazing feminine power. And I’m so thankful for everyone before us that paved the way. We as women have had to overcome so much but I am so grateful to be in this moment.”
PHOTOS BY NIKKI BROOKS
morgan lyng - lukina
Morgan Lyng Lukina, managing broker and CEO of David Lyng Real Estate, is another example of someone who has a reputation for uplifting others — especially her agents — many of whom are women just starting out in the real-estate business.
“I would say I’ve gained a reputation of being there for my agents because I don’t want them to feel like they are alone,” says Lukina. “If they have a problem or don’t know how to do something, they can call me anytime and I will walk them through it. Sometimes they just need to reconfrm what they already know. This builds confdence.”
When asked about her thoughts on the women’s movement and what it is today, Lukina refects, “I think a major theme here is kindness, collaboration, being involved in our community, raising others up and supporting like-minded leaders in their businesses. This benefts everyone. That’s the kind of society I want to be a part of. If society doesn’t look the way we want it to, we need to build it.”
In addition to uplifting others, Lukina is also known for giving back to the community. Under her leadership, David Lyng Real Estate has earned two community awards this year, including the Business of the Year award from the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, the United in Purpose award from the United Way of Santa Cruz County, and the Be the Difference Award from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz.
“These awards are very meaningful to me because I want the company I work for to have balance. We need to have fulflling careers and goals, but we also need to be part of our community on a larger level and give back. This is how we create lasting positive change,” says Lukina.
“I’m thrilled that the sales associates and employees at David Lyng want to support local causes because it is something we are all excited about and it brings our team purpose. The United Way supports our youth, and our children are our future. By supporting the United Way, we are making a lasting impact on our community.”
keisha browder
Keisha Browder, the frst African American female CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County, says it is diffcult to talk about women empowerment without also talking about race, and the added challenges of being a woman of color.
While working as a director of fund development in her early 20s, Browder says she was excluded from “having a seat at the table” because of her age, gender and race.
“At that time, people like me weren’t invited. We didn’t have a voice. So I had to learn how to bring my own chair,” she says smiling.
That moxy has served her well throughout her more than 20 years in the nonproft sector, earning her national recognition and awards for multiple initiatives that address critical issues. Notably, she played a key role in devel-
oping the nation’s frst citywide afterschool system, replicated in major cities across the United States. Closer to home, the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce recognized United Way of Santa Cruz County as Organization of the Year at its annual gala in April, a testament to Browder’s commitment to community empowerment.
Browder says the frst half of her career involved many promotions and relocations from Alabama to Georgia to Rhode Island to South Carolina and fnally to California.
“Living and traveling so much forced me to fnd connections through organizations such as chambers of commerce, professional organizations and my sorority, AKA,” Browder says.
“When I frst got here, one of the frst things I did was go to a Santa Cruz
Chamber luncheon. Before attending, I had researched the membership directory and staff directory. I reached out to the women on staff to help me meet other women in the community,” says Browder who is now on the organization’s board.
Although Browder says she encourages young women — especially business women — to get involved in their local chambers of commerce, and various affnity groups, she is quick to note that it’s a test and trial process.
“You may fnd groups that feel right and then others that don’t feel right. And it’s OK to walk away,” she says.
Browder’s guiding principle for when and where to connect with
groups and people is a simple one has served her well. She says that it’s important to focus on fnding spaces that uplift the community and uplift you as well.
Browder recently attended a women’s leadership and policy summit with nearly 1,000 attendees. And she says she went into each room and each session with an intention.
“My personal challenge to myself was to walk up to at least fve women that I didn’t know. I made sure when I walked into a room that I had a smile on my face and that I said something positive to another woman. I wanted to make another woman smile. We have to remind each other of our awesomeness and we are enough just as we are.”
Browder agrees that the tide has turned in the women’s movement — especially in the last fve years.
“We are hungry for the connection and synergy in leadership, and together we are creating a healthy, thriving and safe community. We are nurturers and connectors. It feeds our soul.”
In Santa Cruz’s mosaic of female leaders and entrepreneurs across generations and backgrounds, we see Saint Francis de Sales’ timeless advice in action: “Bloom where you are planted.” It’s not just about thriving in ideal circumstances; it’s about resilience, adaptability and gratitude amid challenges.
These women nurture compassion, collaboration and connection, inspiring change and reminding us of our innate power to fourish wherever life takes us. Embracing feminine energy, creativity and community, they beckon us to join them in cultivating a world where everyone and anyone can blossom.
LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT?
The 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit will be held Thursday, October 17, at the Mount Hermon Conference Center. This year’s theme is Cultivating Renewal, Resilience and Empowerment. This transformative event delves into the essence of renewal within the framework of leadership, empowering women to foster resilience, adaptability and empowerment in both their personal and professional spheres. Through networking opportunities, engaging keynote speakers, dynamic breakout sessions and rejuvenating mindfulness activities, participants will embark on a journey to lead with authenticity, purpose, and renewal. For more information, visit santacruzchamber.org.
LIVIN’ OFF THE LAND
FOLLOW ALONG WITH JOSH AND ANDIE ON THEIR HOMESTEADING JOURNEY
By Andie Mills and Josh Stefanik
It is offcially summertime in the garden! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, the fowers are budding, and we are BUSY homesteading!
Summer is when the garden really starts showing its true colors. After a few months of warmth and sunshine, the plants are perky and gearing up for a big harvest. Many of our favorite seasonal crops and perennial fowers are currently blossoming and there is no greater sight than loads of fowers and fruit emerging from a sea of green around us.
All winter and spring have led to these exciting moments of fowering. Flowers are such a short-lived and special part of the plants’ cycle of life; they are the “proof in the pudding.” Once fowers emerge, that is our sign our hard work and
laborious efforts have paid off. We weren’t the only ones putting in long hours during the offseason. Our winter cover crops did their job by protecting the soil surface from harsh rains and cold nights, have since been turned into the soil, and are now acting as a natural fertilizer for our summer crops.
In just a few short weeks we will have FOOD! Come fall, if all goes to plan, we will be neck-deep in fowers and will be swimming in tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, squash, beans and greens. Although we aren’t drowning in decadent heirloom tomatoes yet, we still are harvesting daily. The garlic is almost ready to be picked and cured, the herbs are actively being cut and dried, and we are having nightly salads flled with homegrown greens like endive and little gem lettuce.
THIS HOMESTEADING
JOURNEY HAS ALLOWED US
TO EXTEND OURSELVES FAR BEYOND THE GARDEN. WHETHER WE ARE FORAGING IN THE FOREST, FISHING OFF THE COAST OR TENDING TO OUR SOURDOUGH STARTER
Whereas chamomile and borage attract benefcial insects that provide your plants with protection and you with those oh so sweet smelling fowers that can be dried and made into herbal teas. As for onions and basil, the same bold favors we crave are actually what make them a great pest deterrent. Their pungent smell is widely disliked among garden pests.
clothes, alternative resources for our bodies, cleaning solutions for our home, and the best pop of color to any plate of food or table.
Clear a shelf and start saving your jars for the incoming garden abundances, lots of preservation tips and delicious recipes coming your way. Until then, happy homesteading!
In life, and especially in the garden, things don’t always go to plan. Many mornings, on our garden walks we discover we had some unwanted visitors in the middle of the night. Santa Cruz County is renowned for being a sanctuary for people and animals, and our backyard is indeed a food haven for the local wildlife in our area. We don’t blame our local and hungry wildlife. Our garden is full of tasty treats. We would like to share as much as possible but try to prevent the animals from decimating our entire harvest. This includes using gopher wire and deer fencing around some of our garden beds, as well as landscaping with plants that are unappetizing for the critters who frequent our property.
California Sage and Ceanothus are native plants that tend to resist big pests while simultaneously attracting our small but mighty predator and pollinator friends. We also love to plant nasturtium, chamomile, borage, basil, onions and marigolds in and around all of our garden beds for pest prevention. Nasturtium and marigolds act as a trap crop for pests like aphids so they stay away from your more prized crops like broccoli.
If you are looking to get your hands dirty and don’t have any plants in the ground yet, it’s never too late to start your garden! Some seeds you can still plant directly into the ground for fruitful late summer and fall harvest include beans, squash, cucumbers and sunfowers since these plants love warm temperatures and long hot days — Just like us. Salad greens can also be grown in the summertime; they just prefer the shady nooks of your garden away from the scorching summer sun. One trick we have learned over the last few years is to successively plant out crops to spread out your harvest. We do this with annual veggies like carrots, radishes, broccoli and salad greens, which we plant out every two to three weeks.
Whether you have a garden or not, be sure to go support your local growers at one of the many incredible farmers markets in Santa Cruz County. The markets are flled to the brim with fresh, seasonal and sustainable delicacies, so keep your eyes out for stone fruit (cherries, plums, pluots) berries (blackberries, strawberries, olallieberries), summer squash (patty pans, zucchini, and crookneck), and bouquets. These fruits, vegetables and fowers are at their prime and absolutely delicious.
This homesteading journey has allowed us to extend ourselves far beyond the garden. Whether we are foraging in the forest, fshing off the coast or tending to our sourdough starter in the kitchen, every meal is nourishing and intentional. We are constantly adapting, learning and experimenting. Most recently, we have been getting into the wonders of fermentation by making cheese, kimchi and wild sodas. We are also discovering the many wonderful uses of fowers. They provide us with natural dye for our
If you need help starting your own garden or you’re looking to source edible fowers for your culinary creations, contact us: thegratefullgarden831@gmail.com.
SEASONAL SUMMER BREEZE MOCKTAIL RECIPE
• 1 meyer lemon ~ 2 oz juice
• ½ oz agave or honey
• 3 cucumber slices or 3 borage leaves, muddled to break up fbers
• Add ice and shake
• Top with soda water and garnish with borage fowers
* Borage is an edible herb that is easy to grow, and has cucumber scented fowers and leaves.
STRENGTH TRAINING BASICS
COACH JENNY WINTERS HEALTH VIBES
STRENGTH TRAINING BASICS
Strength training, or resistance training, uses external resistance to challenge your muscles. By challenging your muscles, you force them to grow stronger Patience is key here, as we want to do this gradually to give the rest of our body time to catch up. Remember you’re putting demands on your tendons and organs as well. These all get stronger when you train
Strength training, or resistance training, uses external resistance to challenge your muscles. By challenging your muscles, you force them to grow stronger. Patience is key, as we want to do this gradually to give the rest of our body time to catch up. Remember, you’re putting demands on your tendons and organs as well. These all get stronger when you train.
Strength training, or resistance training, uses external resistance to challenge your muscles By challenging your muscles, you force them to grow stronger Patience is key here, as we want to do this gradually to give the rest of our body time to catch up. Remember you’re putting demands on your tendons and organs as well These all get stronger when you train
Before you lift any weight, prioritize proper form which will ensure safety and efficiency. Start with learning proper breathing and bracing techniques. Grasp fundamentals like squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows. Master mechanics, consistency, then weight and intensity
Before you lift any weight, prioritize proper form which will ensure safety and efficiency Start with learning proper breathing and bracing techniques. Grasp fundamentals like squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows. Master mechanics, consistency, then weight and intensity
Before you lift any weight, prioritize proper form, which will ensure safety and effciency. Start with learning proper breathing and bracing techniques. Grasp fundamentals like squats, deadlifts, presses and rows. Master mechanics, consistency, then weight and intensity. If you have questions about your form, be sure to hire a trainer.
A well-structured strength program ensures progress and minimizes the risk of injury When starting a strength program for the first time, consider the following components:
A well-structured strength program ensures progress and minimizes the risk of injury. When starting a strength program for the first time, consider the following components:
FREQUENCY: Start with 1-2 sessions per week.
A well-structured strength program ensures progress and minimizes the risk of injury. When starting a strength program for the frst time, consider the following components:
FREQUENCY: Start with 1-2 sessions per week.
SETS AND REPS: Start with 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise to build consistency - every rep should look the same
SETS AND REPS: Start with 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise to build consistency - every rep should look the same.
FREQUENCY: Start with 1-2 sessions per week.
REST INTERVALS: Rest 2-4 minutes between sets depending on effort Rest long enough to lower your heart rate and catch your breath, but not long enough to cool off
SETS AND REPS: Start with 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps for each exercise to build consistency — every rep should look the same.
REST INTERVALS: Rest 2-4 minutes between sets depending on effort. Rest long enough to lower your heart rate and catch your breath, but not long enough to cool off
REST INTERVALS: Rest 2-4 minutes between sets depending on effort. Rest long enough to lower your heart rate and catch your breath, but not long enough to cool down.
EXERCISE SELECTION: Include compound/multi-joint movements (e.g. squats, lunges, presses) and isolation exercises (e.g. bicep curls, tricep extensions).
NUTRITION AND RECOVERY
EXERCISE SELECTION: Include compound/multi-joint movements (e.g. squats, lunges, presses) and isolation exercises (e.g. bicep curls, tricep extensions).
EXERCISE SELECTION: Include compound/multijoint movements (e.g., squats, lunges, presses) and isolation exercises (e.g., bicep curls, tricep extensions).
Strength gains depend on proper nutrition and adequate recovery You can’t outwork a bad diet Consume enough protein to support muscle repair and growth. Set a goal of around 1g. of protein per lb. of lean body mass. Prioritize single-ingredient, nutrient dense real food and avoid toxic vegetable and seed oils Stay hydrated but skip the sugary sports and energy drinks Consistently get quality sleep to aid recovery Allow for recovery by taking rest days
NUTRITION AND RECOVERY
Strength gains depend on proper nutrition and adequate recovery. You can’t outwork a bad diet. Consume enough protein to support muscle repair and growth. Set a goal of around 1 g of protein per pound of lean body mass. Prioritize single-ingredient, nutrient-dense real food and avoid toxic vegetable and seed oils. Stay hydrated but skip the sugary sports and energy drinks. Consistently get quality sleep to aid recovery. Allow for recovery by taking rest days.
Sometimes we start strong and our motivation fizzles out. Build discipline by celebrating small wins, and track your progress. Keep a workout log to see how far you’ve come and to reference data on specific reps, sets, and weights Consistency is key, so schedule your fitness time to ensure you can stick to the program Make a fit friend to hold you accountable and make the tough days a little more manageable. Remember to enjoy the journey!
Strength gains depend on proper nutrition and adequate recovery. You can’t outwork a bad diet Consume enough protein to support muscle repair and growth Set a goal of around 1g of protein per lb of lean body mass. Prioritize single-ingredient, nutrient dense real food and avoid toxic vegetable and seed oils. Stay hydrated but skip the sugary sports and energy drinks Consistently get quality sleep to aid recovery Allow for recovery by taking rest days
-coach Jenny Winters
Sometimes we start strong and our motivation fzzles. Build discipline by celebrating small wins, and track your progress. Keep a workout log to see how far you’ve come and to reference data on specifc reps, sets and weights. Consistency is key, so schedule your ftness time to ensure you can stick to the program. Make a ft friend to hold you accountable and make the tough days a little more manageable. Remember to enjoy the journey!
For all programs of all levels, scan the QR code below for strengthbiased.com.
Sometimes we start strong and our motivation fizzles ou discipline by celebrating small wins, and track your progress workout log to see how far you’ve come and to reference specific reps, sets, and weights. Consistency is key, so sched fitness time to ensure you can stick to the program. Make a fit hold you accountable and make the tough days a littl manageable Remember to enjoy the journey!
Care for all that is you.
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For all that is Santa Cruz County. For all that is you.
CRUZ VIBES
PHOTO BY BRIAN UPTON
BY BRIAN UPTON
PHOTOS BY NIKKI BROOKS
GRID IRON KNIGHT
Pasadena, California, Dec. 8, 2023. The entire Soquel Knight football team is gathered at midfeld of the Pasadena City College football feld, basking in the glow of victory after a dominant 28-7 dismissal of their opponent Jurupa Hills in the California Interscholastic Federation Division 4-AA State Championship game.
The moment signifed the school’s frst state football championship and represented the frst state championship claimed in Santa Cruz County history. The cameras emerged from media and family members as the boys pushed violently into a rugby scrum formation for the obligatory team photo. Hoisting the trophy, smiles abound, and the howling of their assorted victory chants echoed throughout the stadium.
Their head coach Dwight Lowery stands outside the frame, giving the kids a moment before he joins in. Not one to let emotions get in the way of the objective, those close to Lowery would tell you the week leading up to the championship moment had been different from the rest of the season.
The coach, who meticulously has the game strategy on point every week, had also verbalized the urgency of the event to his team. Lowery, a Soquel High alumnus — who played football after high school at Cabrillo College and San Jose State University before being drafted by the New York Jets in the 2008 NFL draft — mainly never asked for anything from the game of football. During the week of the state championship game, however, he was on a singular mission and had been intentionally vocal about it.
He wanted a ring. He wanted it for his hometown, his alma mater, and the coaching staff who put so many hours into preparation 52 weeks a year for a moment like this.
But mostly, he wanted it for the players.
“THEY HEARD ME THAT DAY. I MADE IT CLEAR THAT IF THE GOAL WAS TO TURN THINGS AROUND FOR SOQUEL FOOTBALL, I WOULD WORK BY THEIR SIDE TO BUILD IT WITH THEM. I JUST REINFORCED TO THEM THAT I DIDN’T NEED TO BE THERE; I WANTED TO BE THERE. I WAS LOOKING FOR THEM TO TAKE OWNERSHIP AND NOT DISRESPECT THE PROCESS. THINGS CHANGED AFTER THAT DAY.”
He challenged the players to put in the time in the offseason, live up to their potential, focus on academics, believe in themselves, and physically lay it on the line throughout a rigorous 15game season.
There are not many people who would understand more than Lowery what it means to fnish a football season with a win. The honor of walking off a feld victorious in the last game is reserved for the select few who can navigate all the adversity a season can offer. In the end, we call those teams champions.
GRID IRON
THE INTERVIEWS
In August 2023, as the football season was just beginning, I reached out to Lowery and gauged his interest in sitting down for a series of interviews to discuss the Soquel High Football program. I saw frsthand over the years that something unique was happening up on the hill and was curious about getting a closer look at the program he was building.
This started as a pretty straightforward football article back then, and we were set to publish it in the winter issue of Santa Cruz Vibes. The problem was that Soquel kept winning games right through the print deadline.
As I began listening to the interviews, it quickly became apparent in hindsight that our coffeehouse conversations during the season presented Lowery’s ambitious long-term vision for the football program, which shockingly became fully realized with the ultimate achievement on that cool December night at Pasadena City College.
With so much success, this could be an article about just football. I could point out the team fnished the season on a 10-game winning streak. Much could be said about outscoring their oppo -
nents in the playoffs 155-35. From a historical perspective, the 13 wins Soquel posted are the most wins by any school in Santa Cruz County history. It goes on and on …
But in the end, I will direct you to our good friends at Lookout Santa Cruz, GoodTimes, and Capitola Soquel Times for the great week-to-week coverage they provided for the stats and game recaps throughout the season. Instead, I would like to properly introduce you to the head coach.
SEPTEMBER 2023
At the time of this interview, Soquel is six weeks into the season and stands at 4-2 overall. They had just suffered a huge divisional loss to Salinas and were facing a crucial test against the Monterey Lobos.
VIBES: You took the job with Soquel in 2017. You had just played with the Los Angeles Chargers the season before, right?
Dwight Lowery: I had just gotten cut from the Chargers in the summer, and I was looking for something to do and was looking into training kids. Stu Walters, the Soquel Athletic Director, reached out to me about assisting in
coaching football for then-head coach Brad Tompkins. I knew the perception of how the program was run at that point; it didn’t have the greatest reputation, and I let him know that if I was going to be a part of the football team in any capacity, however, it wasn’t going to happen anymore.
VIBES: That’s pretty straightforward.
DL: It is not disrespectful; it’s just how I approach life. If it isn’t working, we have to do something different. The next thing I know, Brad steps down as head coach and moves away from the area, and I get offered the job.
VIBES: Was there a time over the last six years when you felt a tipping point had occurred? Was there a moment when you felt the players buy into the new program?
DL: There was one in 2017 during a morning football class. It was one of the frst times we had gotten together as a team. A group of my seniors showed up late to class. The team, including those senior leaders, saw my reaction and quickly realized I wasn’t there to play around. I’m not always a yeller or screamer because I prefer hard work and patience, but I think there is a place
GRID IRON KNIGHT
to raise my voice. They heard me that day. I made it clear that if the goal was to turn things around for Soquel football, I would work by their side to build it with them. I just reinforced to them that I didn’t need to be there; I wanted to be there. I was looking for them to take ownership and not disrespect the process. Things changed after that day.
VIBES: Soquel football was not in the general conversation when you took the job in the summer of 2017. Fast forward to this morning as we sit here. Do you feel a change in town?
DL: There is genuine excitement and buzz about what we have going on, and people are starting to see what we are building. I’m not just talking about football — this includes what we are trying to encourage off the feld, in the classroom and within the community. The new challenge is with success. We have a lot of kids in the program now at all three levels — freshman, junior varsity and varsity — and instilling the discipline we have achieved at the varsity level to all the levels. I want these players to know that it’s not a given right for them to play football for Soquel; it is a privilege they have to earn, and not just on the feld.
VIBES: All of a sudden, football is on the map on campus. Did that present any unforeseen challenges?
DL: Interesting. One thing that comes to mind is how the kids adjust to success. Fair or not, they are being held to a different standard on campus, which can be tough. It can be good in some ways. These kids are on the way to becoming adults with heavy responsibilities, and of course, the standards will naturally change as they get jobs and have families. When you’re losing games, no one is paying attention. You start winning and suddenly these players are in the spotlight, and I often have to advocate for them with the administration to remind everyone these are teenagers and will make mistakes. They don’t have it all fgured out sometimes and will make mistakes. The truth is, I don’t see the same consequences for
GRID IRON KNIGHT
the kid that doesn’t play football compared to those that do.
VIBES: It seems like coaching is not just about calling great plays, winning the game and doing the interview after the win. There is a human element when you are coaching this sport, right?
DL: Very much so. What people may not realize watching from the outside is that there are a lot of kids that have some fucked-up shit going on in their lives that you would never know about. We know it as coaches because we see them nearly every day throughout. Football is unique from other sports because it offers a path to express yourself in a way that you might not have otherwise. You might have different things that weigh on you or affect your everyday life, but suddenly, you’re part of this team; we struggle together, work together, get angry and are victorious together. It’s a brotherhood, and for many of these guys, it is enough for them and keeps them straight. I don’t know what they would be doing if they didn’t have football. Honestly, all those things I just said are why I played the game myself.
VIBES: How far can this program go?
DL: There are things that I want to do to get us over the hump. The new weight room will help. Amazingly, we have kids who are physically without an updated facility to train. We have established that we play a particular style of football now. We are physical and have set ourselves up for success. As far as answering the question goes, organizationally, we are set up to win at the highest level. I have no problem being honest, and sometimes I hurt people’s feelings, but if people (they know who they are) just got out of my way, we could win it all.
NOVEMBER 2023
Soquel has won every game since Lowrey and I sat down in September. The team just won on the road against long-time rival Aptos. The win feels like a changing of the guard, as Aptos has dominated the football narrative in town for over a decade. The Knights fnish the season 8-2 and await news on their seeding position for the CCS playoffs.
GRID IRON KNIGHT
VIBES: You guys have been rolling since we last talked.
DL: We haven’t done anything yet. I’m looking forward to the playoffs, though.
VIBES: That’s the perfect answer to my frst question. We can table football then and see how far you guys go. I thought about our last conversation and realized that your straightforward style and serious demeanor might not have been an easy transition for the administration and parents in 2017. How did that go down?
DL: Honestly, I think it was hard for many people. I am not what they are used to. I grew up here, and Soquel has some racist history that we are still working through as a community. When I was in school, there was even an issue over what I’m wearing right now (Lowry points to the durag on his head). When I was a senior here, wearing it became a way more signifcant issue than it needed to be, and it was simply a racist perspective because I wear it for a simple reason, and I know white people, for the most part, don’t. I was having suc-
cess; my eyes were on the program, and the administration suddenly associated it with something it wasn’t. After three years of no one caring, in my senior year of high school, I was singled out for it. So, to have a black man in a position of authority is not necessarily going to sit well with everyone.
VIBES: Do you fnd a similarity in how the county treats Soquel now that you are winning? It feels like the claws are coming out a bit, for example, with accusations of recruiting.
DL: We don’t have to recruit. I think we just have a program that people are excited about. We don’t need to do anything because the program is just selling itself and has momentum. If anything, it just ends up being positive word of mouth about what we have going on here.
VIBES: Do you feel respected for what you are doing right now?
DL: It’s starting to change and turn that way. Remember, though, it’s not about me. Respect is coming for the program
and what the kids are doing on the feld. We are beating some programs this year that have been on some historical runs. You have to earn respect on the feld, and we are doing that.
VIBES: Let’s stay on the topic and dig down a bit. Did you feel respected as an athlete back in the day?
DL: No, not when I was in high school. It wasn’t until I got to San Jose State that I felt appreciated for my talent. It was like a big surprise to everyone except me. [laughs]
VIBES: What does respect mean to you?
DL: Acknowledgement.
VIBES: You are driven. What drives you competitively?
DL: I’m driven by the test of wills. Every week, I take my tribe and go against another tribe. In the tribe, we teach lessons and grow together. It’s very primal, and that has always motivated me.
GRID IRON KNIGHT
VIBES: Is there some anger involved in all this?
DL: Like anger, or am I an angry person? [laughs]
VIBES: That one for right now.
DL: I think a little anger in football is ok.
VIBES: Do you think you wouldn’t have had the success you’ve had if you weren’t angry?
DL: Good question. [pauses] I know I would not have played in the NFL if I wasn’t so angry.
VIBES: Have you evolved over the six years as a coach?
DL: I am letting the players get away from the game more. This year in particular. I don’t try to ‘over-meet’ with them anymore. In the past, I felt like we
needed it just to level up as a program, and part of it was just how young the team was. During COVID, freshmen played varsity because so many upperclassmen weren’t playing. You can’t give those young kids too much freedom because they don’t know what to do with it. We met on the weekends to watch flms, work out and prepare.
This year, I’ve got four-year starters who know what is expected of them and are setting an example for the younger players. It’s a long season, and we anticipate making the playoffs now, so I have to think about the longevity and having their minds right and present when they are here. Giving them their weekends and some extra days off away from the game here and there has helped us get them focused on the feld when it matters.
APRIL 2024
Soquel stormed through the CCS playoffs and made easy work of the California State 4 AA Championship bracket, winning the county’s frst state football championship.
VIBES: You won it all, Coach. How do you sum up the year and set your sights on starting the process all over again?
DL: It was a historic season that we will all remember forever. Our coaches did a great job preparing them for the opportunity, and we had unbelievable support from our parents. In the end, those boys went out there and did it on the feld, and they deserve all the credit for their performance last year. We will be taking everyone’s best shot every week this year. Nothing changes and we have the same goals: work hard in the offseason, win our league championship and be the 2024 Soquel Knights.
“THE TEST OF WILLS DRIVES ME. EVERY WEEK, I TAKE MY TRIBE AND GO AGAINST ANOTHER TRIBE. IN THE TRIBE, WE TEACH LESSONS AND GROW TOGETHER. IT’S VERY PRIMAL FOR ME AND THAT HAS ALWAYS MOTIVATED ME.”
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT WITH:
KEVIN LOHMAN
Kevin Lohman, a wildlife and landscape nature photographer based in Santa Cruz, holds a background in marine science. Driven by a passion for sharing the hidden wonders of the natural world, he captures captivating views of wildlife that most people never get to see.
He has traveled worldwide for photography visiting Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Svalbard (north of Norway), Uganda and Kenya. He has additional photography trips planned this year to Alaska and East Africa.
When not traveling, Lohman spends his time along the coastal areas of Central and Northern California. His images have been recognized in many photo contests, including the Audubon Photography Awards, the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase, the International Share the View Nature Photography Contest and the International Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
Lohman joins other renowned wildlife photographers in supplying METRO’s One Ride at a Time campaign with breathtaking images of the animal and plant species that depend on the Monterey Bay ecosystem for their survival. Lohman’s image of a great horned owl fedgling graces one of the buses. By the end
of 2024, about 30 wrapped buses will be traveling throughout Santa Cruz County, featuring inspiring images of birds of prey, whales, sea otters, mountain lions, redwoods, and more.
“I am thrilled to join the dedicated team of photographers and environmental advocates behind METRO’s One Ride at a Time campaign,” Lohman said. “In its frst year, the campaign has already done so much to raise awareness and funds for conservation in Santa Cruz County. I can’t wait to see the strides we will make together in 2024.”
kevinlohman.com
kevinlohmanphotography
MEETCOREY ALDRIDGE
SANTA CRUZ METRO WELCOMES A NEW CEO.
Aldridge has been a General Manager in public transit for over a decade. His most recent experience as CEO of Mountain Line Transit in Missoula, Montana, focused on overseeing a successful ballot initiative process, implementing zero emission vehicle procurements and infrastructure projects, implementing a zero fare program, obtaining sizable state and federal grants, successful ridership growth initiatives, implementing strategic planning and rebranding initiatives, and leading transit-oriented developments.
The challenge of starting a new job and moving a family of fve over a thousand miles was offset imemdiatley by Corey’s frst impression of Santa Cruz.
“Just seeing the town and getting to know the community has been really cool. Believe it or not, there are a lot of similar vibes here to Missoula.”
Aldridge draws a connection between the two cities. “People care about each other here. From a social equity and justice standpoint to the emphasis on the preservation of the environment. Missoula and Santa Cruz are both some of the original hippie towns, and I think I’m going to love it here.”
Aldridge has a track record of building trusting relationships with employees,
unions, leadership and the community resulting in collaborative and inclusive partnerships.
“I am committed to fostering a work environment where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel. Moreover, I look forward to being an active part of the Santa Cruz community and continuing the great work already underway at METRO and beyond. Our collective success will hinge on our ability to work as a unifed team dedicated to serving our community’s mobility needs.” Aldridge believes that reliable transit can foster major change. “The goal is to drive forward to a future where public transportation is not just a service but a pillar of community strength and environmental stewardship.”
While CEO at Mountain Line Transit, Aldridge launched a 30% increase in service, after a successful ballot initiative, and secured almost $40 million in federal funds for the construction of a new maintenance, administration, and operations base, paving the way for future growth and service enhancements for the agency. This led to the agency being awarded the American Public Transit Association’s System of the Year Award for North America in 2021.
“THE GOAL IS TO DRIVE FORWARD TO A FUTURE WHERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS NOT JUST A SERVICE BUT A PILLAR OF COMMUNITY STRENGTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.”
PACIFIC STATION NORTH
The Pacifc Station North project is underway and set to construct a seven-story, 88-foot-tall mixed-use building. This development includes 126 affordable residential units, commercial retail and offce space, a METRO transit center with 22 bus bays, and a public bike hub space, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for residents and businesses.
Pacifc Station North is unique in that there is no parking provided on-site. The project is designed to be all-electric and is targeting a LEED Platinum certifcation (LEED certifcation is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.)
Transit passes will be included in the housing to encourage tenants to utilize METRO services according to John Urgo, METRO Planning and Development Director. Urgo is optimistic the commitment will lead to a reliance on public transit, “The frst thought is that without parking people are just going to park on the street and cause congestion. In actuality, there is very solid evidence in other markets that the opposite occurs. The convenience, reliability, and affordability incentivizes people to not bring a car.”
Notably, all rental apartments in the METRO Pacifc Station North will be affordable, with a focus on supporting the community. A minimum of 25% of these units will be designated as supportive housing, catering to those in need. Funding from various sources, including state programs and affordable housing tax credits, has been secured to make this vision a reality.
Pacifc Station North looks to be a beacon of METRO and the City of Santa Cruz’s commitment to affordable housing, community development and the environment.
Kristen Brown, METRO Vice Chair sees the development as transformational. “Not only will the redevelopment of Pacifc Station provide much-needed affordable housing, but it will help revitalize downtown Santa Cruz and reduce our region’s carbon emissions thanks to easy and robust public transit access.”
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT: MBARI
METRO and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research (MBARI) are pleased to announce their collaboration on One Ride at a Time, METRO’s acclaimed environmental awareness campaign. Stunning images of some of the remarkable animals that MBARI has encountered in the depths of Monterey Bay grace the latest wildlife bus to join METRO’s feet.
The goal of One Ride at a Time is to showcase the environmental benefts of transit, encourage bus ridership, and protect Santa Cruz County’s extraordinary natural resources, including the unique and fragile deep-sea ecosystem just off-
shore. MBARI is a nonproft oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Using advanced robots, MBARI researchers are revealing the stunning community of life that thrives deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
MBARI’s remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) serve as a critical platform for ocean science and engineering. Operated from a control room in the heart of one of MBARI’s research ships, a team of pilots and scientists steer the submersible as it explores the depths below.
For more information visit scmetro.org/onerideatatime
METRO TO MOVEMENT
By Gary Scotty Gregg III
For most, taking the bus seems like the opposite of an adrenaline rush or a heart-pumping workout. But for Cari Johnston, hopping on a METRO bus is just the start of her adventure. It’s her ticket to scaling cliffs and conquering new heights, transforming a mundane commute into a gateway to her favorite pastime: rock climbing.
“I started rock climbing when I was 14,” Johnston says. “It was a popular place for birthday parties, so that’s how I got into it. It was with my family for the most part, but since coming here I’ve been doing it on my own or with some of my close friends. I get there using METRO buses, either straight there, or just downtown and then I bike over by Seabright.”
While for some it may just be a workout, or for others an exciting and daunting task maybe even too intimidating to face, for Johnston it’s more meaningful. “It’s a good way to stay active,” she explains, “but it’s not just a sport to me, it’s a hobby. It’s a way for me to relax and cool down after a long day. I fnd a lot of community in it, too. Me and my friends go together and, you know, have some healthy competition between friends.”
Santa Cruz METRO is, however, also an integral part of this facet of her life now. “I use the METRO to pretty much get anywhere right now, because I’m a frst-year and I don’t have a car.” METRO makes it not only possible but convenient to make it to just about all of the spots she currently enjoys climbing.
“Well here I climb mostly in the gym, Pacifc Edge. I’ve done some outdoor climbing, too, at some beaches, and also on the UCSC campus there’s some boulders, but I climb mostly at the gym.” Whether she’s headed to the Pacifc Edge climbing gym, or UCSC campus, METRO has it covered.
“I usually take the bus downtown and then bike from there, but there are some buses that run right next to the climbing gym which is really nice, especially when it’s raining.”
When it comes to why she chooses METRO, for Johnston it boils down to a few key things: dependability, affordability and punctuality. “I think that it’s really nice especially that they run late-night because when I’m trying to get back home I don’t really wanna get an Uber cause it’s kinda expensive. It’s really nice to have that option to ride the bus instead.”
She goes on to say, “And it’s nice that they run so late that you can be out and enjoying yourself, and know that there’s a way to get back home at the end of the night.” Finally, it comes down to not only knowing the bus will be there for you, but knowing when it will be there. “They’re very reliable timewise, which is great because I have classes and appointments to get to.”
Cari summarized her view on METRO buses with one fnal thought. “Yeah, I think they’re great.”
If you’d like to be in a future article, please email interview@scmtd.com, or scan QR code” to the right.
CARI JOHNSTON
environteers
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY ACTION FOR A GREENER SANTA CRUZ
By David Dennis
Alocal movement is gaining momentum in Santa Cruz. One that is as much about the locals as it is about the planet. This movement is led by Andy Carman and his brainchild, Environteers — a newsletter and website that curates environmental issues, good news and volunteer opportunities aimed at protecting and preserving our abundant natural resources.
“It’s about aligning with something bigger than ourselves,” Carman says. “It’s a narrative of engagement, of choosing your ‘nature role,’ the role you play being part of the solution rather than just worrying about the problems. All of your actions make a difference, so speak up!”
Photos by Ryan “Chachi” Craig
Carman — whos 40-year career once revolved around the intracies of the human mind as a clinical psychologist — found an new calling in the environmental cause. While Carman still provides therapy for patients once a week, he has dedicated himself to creating a platform that serves as a nexus for environmental activism and education. Environteers, a name that emerged from the serendipitous availability of the domain name, now stands as a testament to the power of purpose. The mission of Environteers is straightforward yet profound: To provide easy access to the many rewarding environmental learning and volunteer opportunities within the community, and to promote the diverse and dedicated environmental organizations serving Santa Cruz County. The newsletter, the “Environteers Weekly Update,” is a weekly dispatch that has become the lifeblood of local environmental engagement. With nearly 1,300 subscribers, it’s not just a source of information,
it’s a catalyst for action, inspiring its readers to take up the mantle of stewardship and advocacy. Carman has not missed sending it each week since founding his organization nearly 300 weeks ago.
Environmental activist Dan Haifey raved about the newsletter. “Every Tuesday, the Environteers newsletter lands in my inbox, and I promptly share it on my social media,” he says. “It’s a one-stop resource to discover environmental volunteering opportunities, events and daily eco-friendly practices. Action-packed and informative, Andy Carman and team have crafted a valuable tool for environmentalists.”
Each issue of the newsletter is adorned with an image or photo often contributed by local artists like Kevin Loman, Ed Penniman, Michele Hausman, Sandra Cherk and Frans Lanting. These capture the essence of Santa Cruz’s natural beauty and the spirit of the environmen-
tal causes championed by Environteers. It’s this blend of community involvement and professional presentation that has become the hallmark of the organization.
The Environteers team includes Carman’s partner Terry Grove, assistant editor and event coordinator; David Thiermann, chief expansion strategist; and Bonno Bernard, webmaster and artistic director.
But Carman’s vision for Environteers extends beyond the borders of Santa Cruz. He envisions a template for environmental engagement that any community can adopt, whether neighboring San Mateo or across the country. The format of Environteers is adaptable and designed to be a turnkey solution for any community looking to spotlight their local environmental happenings.
The organization’s impact is growing, with strategic outreach and innovative methods like QR codes at local events on Earth Day, where Carman and his team connect with the community, adding dozens of new subscribers with each interaction. Presentations at local clubs and word-of-mouth recommendations continue to expand the newsletter’s infuence. Local environmental groups love the free publicity and, in return, promote Environteers.
Lauren Hanneman, faculty member in the Natural and Applied Science Department at Cabrillo College, explains how important this organization has been in the community.
“Environteers is a key resource for Cabrillo College’s environmental science students,” she says. “It helps students in my class connect with community organizations and events that promote local environmental stewardship. It keeps students updated about environmental efforts locally and beyond.”
The “Weekly Update” also provides a convenient resource for businesses with community service programs looking for volunteer opportunities. This pathway to involvement has been especially valuable for middle and high schools, where Environteers supports service learning,
ensuring that the next generation is not only aware of environmental issues but also equipped to tackle them.
Carman’s discussions with organizations like the Academy of Science in San Francisco hint at a future where Environteers’ infuence spreads statewide, offering a blueprint for environmental volunteerism. The organization’s website serves as a hub for this expansion, providing a comprehensive list of environmental organizations and events that cater to a wide range of interests and skills.
To the locals and tourists of Santa Cruz, let Carman’s story inspire you. Get involved, fnd your team and discover the joy of contributing to something that will leave a lasting impact on the community and the world. After all, in the words of Carman himself, it’s about aligning with something bigger than ourselves — and that’s the true essence of the Santa Cruz vibe.
Learn more and subscribe to the newsletter at environteers.org.
Dennis co-founded Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, leading sales, marketing and business development. He’s also a product manager at Microsoft on the Outlook.com team. Dennis enjoys photography, travel and family time, all while staying connected to the ocean.
GET INVOLVED
THE MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Team OCEAN (Ocean Conservation Education Action Network) Program puts trained, knowledgeable volunteer naturalists out on the water in sanctuary kayaks to greet and interact with fellow ocean users and protect sensitive marine wildlife such as harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions and birds. Team OCEAN and its sister, land-based program Bay Net, are engaged in fostering wise environmental stewards through actions on the water and on the trail. A large percentage of ocean kayakers are visitors to the area and unaware of or undereducated about the sanctuary’s existence and wildlife regulations. Team OCEAN volunteer naturalists serve as docents for the marine sanctuary, promote respectful
wildlife viewing and protect marine mammals from disturbance. Team OCEAN has proven to be a successful program with thousands of contacts per year, over 100,000 since the program’s inception in 2000, and countless marine mammal and bird disturbances prevented. Team OCEAN volunteers can be found in Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing and along the kelp beds off Cannery Row, Monterey. If you are interested in donating equipment or funds to support Team OCEAN, contact montereybay@noaa.gov. For more information about this and other Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary volunteer opportunities, visit montereybay. noaa.gov/getinvolved/volunteer
ABOUT DAVID DENNIS
WATSONVILLE WETLANDS WATCH
Watsonville Wetlands Watch is dedicated to the protection, restoration and fostering of appreciation of the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley, especially involving members of the Watsonville community and the students of the Pajaro Valley Unifed School District. They envision a wetland ecosystem that thrives within Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley, and a community is at the center of its conservation. Their education and volunteer programs serve thousands of youths and students, making sure the next generation of leaders is equipped to take on the complex environmental challenges our community faces. Their habitat restoration programs strengthen the natural resources of our region, cleaning our waterways, improving trails and greenbelts, and laying the foundation for the return of wildlife species whose future survival depends on thoughtful actions taken today. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/volunteer.
THE COASTAL WATERSHED COUNCIL
The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC), is a dynamic and growing nonproft dedicated to transforming the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination. The organization inspires people to explore, enhance and protect this critical natural resource, fostering a connection to nature that benefts both the river ecosystem and the community it serves. The CWC believes this movement will succeed when individuals recognize their role and take action. The CWC’s mission is to preserve and protect coastal watersheds through community stewardship, education and monitoring. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at coastal-watershed.org/get-involved/volunteer.
BIKE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Bike Santa Cruz County (BSCC) is a nonproft organization that extends its work beyond just promoting bicycling. They advocate for bicycling, provide education and build community around it. Their goal is to make bicycling a safe, respected, convenient and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation for people of all ages and abilities. In addition to their advocacy and education efforts, BSCC is involved in various community initiatives. They participate in fundraising events such as the Climate Ride’s Northern California Green Fondo. The funds raised from these events directly support BSCC’s work for safe and expanded cycling. They also offer services like Bike Valet, which not only enhance community events but also support BSCC’s advocacy work. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at bikesantacruzcounty.org
CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND HOPE FOR THOSE BEHIND BARS
By Joshua Patstone
Throughout its history, the Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Prison Project has posed two vital questions: How does the carceral system affect our communities, and what role can we play in collectively healing from systemic violence? What started as a small group of individuals looking to serve those locked behind bars has evolved into a nationally recognized blueprint for community wellness. From policy change to leadership development, the Barrios Unidos Prison Project has played its part in developing the history of social justice — evolving how we conceptualize community safety and rehabilitation.
In the late 1980s, members of Barrios Unidos saw a need in their community.
“We didn’t start the Prison Project because we wanted to,” says Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos founder and executive director Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez. “We started it because we had incarcerated family members and close relatives that needed assistance. We had to create our means of transportation for visitation and support systems during and after their incarceration. No one else was providing these services. Throughout the years, the need has increased. By the late ’90s, we had seen an eightfold increase in incarceration numbers that disproportionately affected Black and brown communities.”
“BY THE LATE ’90S, WE HAD SEEN AN EIGHTFOLD INCREASE IN INCARCERATION NUMBERS THAT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES. ”
“THE PRISON PROJECT SOON GAINED
COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND MOVEMENT LEADERS SUCH AS DANNY GLOVER
AND HARRY BELAFONTE, WHO PARTICIPATED IN ITS CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING.”
The Prison Project began as a simple support network throughout northern and central California, with services expanding from Susanville, Tehachapi, to Tracy prison. “We started the Prison Project with our funds and by selling T-shirts and tacos,” Alejandrez says.
Through the years, Barrios Unidos saw that the lack of programming and rehabilitation services inside prison institutions was perpetuating cycles of violence and reincarceration.
The Prison Project soon gained community partners and movement leaders such as Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte, who participated in its cultural and educational programming. Barrios Unidos saw its programming inside prisons was having transformative effects on individuals and communities, with many of its graduates starting their own nonproft organizations. Some graduates of the Prison Project
program include Frank Alejandrez, who served 22 years in the Pelican Bay Solitary Housing Unit (SHU) and is now the resident artist at Barrios Unidos. He created and shared countless pieces of detailed, culturally-centered artwork throughout his incarceration, often made with minimal materials.
“All they gave us was the inside of a Bic pen without the plastic casing,” Frank says. “I would wrap toilet paper around the pen for grip. Art gave me peace of mind in a situation that was so desperate and violent. Barrios Unidos allowed me to channel my artistic capabilities and realize my sacred purpose.”
His work has been featured at exhibitions at the UCSC Institute of Arts and Sciences and the San Jose Museum of Modern Art. He is currently expanding his artistic media, and creates murals and sculptures at the Barrios Unidos campus. He looks to use his experience
as a previously incarcerated individual to convey cultural and political messages through art.
“Twenty years into my prison sentence, because the board mandated me, I started going to different programs in prison. That was the beginning of me starting to understand how I thought about things,” Frank recalls. “But fve years later, that’s when I met Barrios. It was a whole different fip. It went further than the evidence-based curriculum. Barrios gave insight into how to forgive ourselves, love ourselves, and let go of resentments. That’s what fipped me.”
Another Prison Project alum is Sam Cunningham. Cunningham was raised amid overwhelming gang violence and an ongoing drug epidemic in the 1980s on the streets of South Central. In 1986, Sam was sentenced to life in prison.
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
“I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE IN PRISON. NOW, I HAVE A HOUSE, A CAREER AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE THANKS TO NANE AND BARRIOS UNIDOS.”
“The frst 20 years of my incarceration were just another iteration of the violence I was involved in in the streets,” Cunningham says. “The board made me take different courses in prison, but it wasn’t until I started working with Barrios Unidos during my 25th year of incarceration that I started to transform fully. Barrios Unidos brought more than the simple, evidence-based curriculum the other programs offered. Barrios taught us how to forgive and love ourselves.”
With the help of the Barrios Unidos Prison Project, Cunningham was found suitable for parole and in 2016 was released from prison after serving 30 years. “Barrios Unidos not only gave me a sense of support and family upon my release, but they gave me the tools to better myself and serve others,” he says.
Cunningham is now the Senior Reentry Coordinator at Barrios Unidos. He runs a weekly anger management class for
parolees and a veterans course in CTF Soledad. Cunningham mentors youth throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey County and is a certifed substance use disorder counselor.
“I thought I was going to die in prison. Now, I have a house, a career and a sense of purpose thanks to Nane and Barrios Unidos.” Cunningham is one of the many inspiring success stories from the Prison Project.
Now, the Prison Project continues its work amid ongoing mass incarceration. The program partners with UCSC and facilitates the Transcommunal Peacemaking class, where UCSC students and incarcerated men at CTF Soledad engage in coursework and gain UCSC credits.
At their main center, Barrios Unidos has nine Prison Project interns who run the letter correspondence program. In addition, the Barrios Unidos Prison Project uses its interactive prison trailer
BARRIOS UNIDOS
exhibit — an at-scale replica of a Pelican Bay Solitary Housing Unit—to bring to events and political mobilizations. The prison trailer is meant to show the community the dehumanizing nature of incarceration. The trailer was recently used as a backdrop to a press conference held by Assemblymember Chris Holden, (D-Pasadena), who authored a bill calling for the ban of solitary confnement in California.
At its core, Barrios Unidos believes every individual holds a sacred purpose despite their past. The Prison Project has called into question the effcacy and morality of punitive justice and has proven there is always a chance for redemption. Those at Barrios Unidos continue to fnd humanity in each individual, fostering the greatest of their qualities and challenging people to think critically and deeply about the broader system that infuences and informs our daily lives.
EVENT SANTA CRUZ
PHOTOS
