San Lorenzo Post August 2023

Fire Recovery: Going Through So Much

Welcome The Days Between

By Julie Horner and Mary Andersen

What a beautiful summer so far in the Santa Cruz Mountains with terrific outside temps, gentle breezes, and plenty of nourishing sunshine. Starry mountain evenings inspire and there’s still plenty of cool water to kick your shoes off for a little San Lorenzo River trekking! We’ve been enjoying the fresh tastes of summer: farmers markets loaded with goodness, craft beer and local wine offerings, and delicacies created with the season’s bounty at craft popups and festivals. We met up with a couple of our fine local flavor makers, Hella Hot Sauce and Popsicles With Benefits, and have their stories in the August issue. There’s plenty of local history to share, including a rare acquisition at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum Grace Episcopal Gallery in Boulder Creek, and rediscovering the charm of Mill Street in Ben Lomond where Park Hall celebrates its Centennial and the storied Ben Lomond Community Library prepares for a new chapter.

August 2023 also marks the 3rd anniversary of the devastating CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which ecompassed

dale Lodge to honor the challenges that this community has faced together. With live music, art, food, and guest dignitaries and support groups on hand, everyone is welcome to attend Saturday, August 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. More information in our Community Calendar.

We have so much to look forward to! A new school year begins with endless opportunities to learn and grow. And

Fire Recovery

3 Years On: Going Through So Much

By Mary Andersen

After the August 2020 CZU Lightning Fires wildfire swept through the forested hillsides surrounding Karla DeLong’s Ben Lomond property an unexpected vista emerged. The once dense and shadowy canopy gave way post-fire to an open expanse, allowing a long view across the canyon with redwoods and firs lining the mountain, with many still charred from the fire. “We didn’t have that view before,” said DeLong. “It is beautiful.” After clearing burnt trees and debris surrounding her home, DeLong launched what she calls her obsession — rows upon rows of jewel-toned dahlias on the now sun-drenched acreage known as Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm.

DeLong’s home was spared and she now hosts community gatherings, volunteer events, and you-pick days at the farm. “I just want to spread sparkles and joy for my community who are going through so much,” she said.

Three Years Later

This month marks the 3rd anniversary of the fire that burned 86,500 acres and destroyed 911 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. To date, only 36 homes have been rebuilt, the majority in Bonny Doon, along with 230 permits “in process.”

While the fire victims’ struggles with insurance, permitting, geology, water, septic, construction costs, and property damage from the county’s debris removal contractors remain ongoing, in midJune property owners who opted for the county’s Government Sponsored Debris Removal Program began receiving invoices in many cases ranging from $100,000 to over $130,000. Families who chose private debris removal companies report invoices from contractors at $15,000 to $50,000. The discrepancy has raised questions about the county’s and state’s billing processes, and rationale for charging 2 to 7 times greater than private contractors who provided, by most accounts, more efficient work. Additional complaints from those who chose the public option include being billed for removal of nonexistent trees, or trees and debris that the property owner had removed prior at their own expense.

Homeowner Not on the Hook

One San Lorenzo Valley homeowner received this bill for $132,581.51. The hazard tree line item is erroneous as there were no trees removed by the county’s contractor.

In an email to a property owner, Dave Reid, the county’s Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience Director said, ”The invoice is part of our FEMA requirement to issue the total amount of debris removal that was provided to us by CalOES. You and all impacted residents are NOT obligated to pay the full invoice but ONLY remit what was outlined in your insurance policy to cover debris removal. This is the insurance company monies not property owners personal funds. If no policy language referenced debris

removal than there is no financial obligation. Uninsured residents are not obligated to pay anything.”

Details on the Right of Entry document that homeowners signed to participate in the program state that insurance would be billed for costs. However, many rebuilders received insurance payments in lump sums with allocations that may have been unclear. Those have already been spent on construction.

During a public meeting in November 2022, a spokesperson from Tetra Tech, the company hired to assist the county in gathering documenation from property owners and providers, said that detailed reports of debris removal activity would be attached to the invoices, but none of the invoices we viewed and homeowners we interviewed received those reports.

One rebuilder said, “But if they are inflating the costs erroneously that’s not right and downright fraudulent. It’s taking FEMA funds that are meant to help disaster victims. It isn’t right.”

Read more at slvpost.com/debris-removal.

Mary Andersen writes about politics and culture. She is a business and marketing consultant assisting small businesses and nonprofits throughout the Central Coast region. maryandersen.net. mountain

The view from Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm in Ben Lomond

PHOTO BY MARY ANDERSEN

Fire Recovery Proving Ground

“From a percentage basis it’s terrible, it’s ungodly expensive,” Eric Hammer said. A longtime green builder and contractor, the Brookdale resident lost the 100-year old family home in the 2020 CZU fire. The homestead dates to 1904. “This was a historic house, one of the oldest standing structures in the valley. Judge Logan and my grandfather put together the development plans at a time when there were very few residents up here,” he said. Now Hammer is using an advisor to help make sure he’s getting the most out of his insurance policy and still muddling through the permitting process hopeful to rebuild.

Goat Tracks

Located on a steep, narrow ribbon of privately maintained road, one of the first hurdles for the Hammer property is ingress and egress. From a safety perspective, CalFire criteria calls for two-way traffic, he said. The roadway must be able to be accessed by emergency services as well as function as a route to safely evacuate. Roads that are historically in place on the general plan with 30-foot right of ways would ideally include pull outs every 500 feet, but there are variances in place through the County that allow road width to be decreased from state standards. So far he’s been approved by local fire for turnarounds. “When Brookdale Commons was presented as a development to the County, the roadways were offered to the County as part of the plan. The County didn’t accept the roads, so they were donated for public access. “The County has the oversight, but they’re maintained privately per state code, obligating those of us who have properties adjacent to the roadways to maintain them as a thoroughfare. Or a goat track.” He’d like to see grant money come in to get these access roads properly mapped and improved.

Permit This

Hammer is also running into roadblocks around environmental requirements. “It’s not a county owned property, so it’s a nightmare of what to get permitting for,” Hammer said.

He must be able to prove that a house rebuilt in the original 1400 square foot footprint will withstand earth movement, quakes and debris flow. The replacement “environmental” septic system has already been deemed inadequate. “They want a certain amount of clearances,” he said. “If you live on a hillside, they want the tank 50 feet from a cut or slope. With soils and geology and debris flow, it’s 25-30 thousand before you can start the work — and you have to build a moat around your house, a deflection wall — that’s a couple hundred thousand not in your normal building costs.” Hammer said that most who live in the mountains acknowledge that there is risk from fire and floods but most will also say that they enjoy this style of living. “We can’t build something to fight mother nature, she’s going to win every time.”

Doing the math, it will cost more than a million dollars to rebuild. “Nobody was insured for 700 per sq ft. A typical house is in the 800s around here; your cost to rebuild is more than the cost of the house in the market. Makes it impossible. It seems as if they don’t want anybody living out in the sticks.”

SLV Strong

Hammer advocates for proactive forest management and for being prepared on the front end of the next crisis. “There needs to be a funded program to help homeowners maintain their properties. Everyone should have resources at home so that emergency services don’t get overtaxed.” Hammer envisions a response network that recognizes the knowhow of trained volunteer firefighters and mountain-savvy tree professionals in planned collaboration with larger response agencies. He sees monthly or quarterly meetings with the county’s offices of emergency services and the installation of community captains who can help coordinate neighborhood resources. “It was a shit show up here. There was no communication. They should have been utilizing local talent,” he said, noting that the Santa Cruz Mountains “have some of the best educated search and rescue teams, strike force teams, and local volunteers. People need to be working together all year round up here.”

Julie Horner writes about the people and culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com mountain

Eric Hammer hopes to rebuild his family home on his Brookdale property.

PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER

Highway 236 North of Big Basin RSP Closed through October

Caltrans reports that Highway 236 north of Big Basin Redwoods State Park will be closed through mid-October in order to repair damage from winter storms. The closure went into effect on July 31 and affects the highway two miles north of its junction with upper Highway 9 and seven

Back to School

As the calendar turns and summer vacation winds down students, parents, and educators are gearing up for a new school year. All schools in San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District start on August 10.

Here’s the schedule of Back-toSchool nights where parents can meet teachers and learn more about their goals for students.

miles north of park headquarters. Visitors can access the park from the lower part of the highway in downtown Boulder Creek. The closure is expected to remain in place until mid-October. Check Caltrains road status at roads.dot.ca.gov. mountain

New Pump Track Proposed for Felton

Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) and Santa Cruz County Parks are proposing a new multi-use pump track for Felton Covered Bridge Park. They’re hosting a public meeting and are looking for community input.

August 17 SLV Middle

August 22 Nature Academy

August 24 SLV High School

August 29 Boulder Creek and SLV Elementary

More info about the upcoming school year can be found at slvusd.org. mountain

SCMTS describes the pump track as a paved surface with a series of rollers, jumps, and banked turns that connect in a closed loop. The track would be used for biking, skateboarding, or roller skating by both youth and adults. The proposed track would replace the volleyball court in the park and resemble the track at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz in terms of size.

“This pump track would be the only resource of its kind in the San Lorenzo Valley,” said Rebecca Hurley, deputy director of the Santa Cruz County Parks Department. “It would bring new value to an underutilized portion of Felton’s Covered Bridge County Park. We look forward to greeting community members to share plans and discuss how we can create an exciting new outdoor recreation opportunity in the Felton area.”

Participate in the discussion by attending the meeting at Felton Community Hall Wednesday, August 9 at 6:30 pm. RSVP for the meeting and learn more about the proposal at santacruztrails.org/feltonpt mountain

PG&E’s Outdated Franchise Agreement Challenged

By Nancy Macy

After a July 26 presentation by the Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley’s Environmental Committee, the Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment (COE) unanimously passed a motion to write a letter to the Board of Supervisors recommending that the Board analyze PG&E’s Franchise Fees and the 68-year old Franchise Agreement that was adopted as Ordinance 470, back in 1955. Members of the Valley Women’s Club, a 45-years active, 501-c-3, community advocacy and environmental preservation organization, presented evidence that the Franchise Agreement is outdated and inadequate, allowing PG&E to provide a system that is neither safe nor reliable, nor adequate for a future dependent on electric power. The Commissioners had many critical questions for the panel to address, but when the vote was taken, each was candid in expressing their disdain for PG&E’s failings and their support for the motion.

Based on extensive research and analysis, the VWC’s Environmental Committee proposed that the Agreement be renegotiated to address current Values as defined in the Santa Cruz County Strategic Plan, to improve safety and reliability; to improve revenues; to benefit residents, businesses, and the municipality; and to protect the environment. The presentation discussed egregious hazards from PG&E’s antiquated system, inadequate maintenance, and piecemeal improvements, in contrast to the comprehensive modernization undertaken by Southern California Edison. It covered a wide range of environmental concerns that affect everyone. It also provided guidelines and examples of the many benefits of a successful modern Franchise Agreement, such as that of City of San Diego’s with San Diego Gas & Electric. The presentation touched upon legal issues and possible costs of this process, and the potential for a healthier, safer energy future

that could be realized through a new Franchise Agreement.

The Commission on the Environment is an important aspect of the County’s Sustainability Planning. It acts as an advisory body to, and resource for, the Board. The Commission, with two members representing each supervisorial district, is charged with recommending policies and action programs designed to improve and protect the environment, to ensure the long term environmental sustainability of the County. The action taken will bring the personal, social,

and financial impacts of PG&E’s continuous power outages without warning, and the damage PG&E’s tree removals have had on the environment, back in the public eye as the Board of Supervisors undertakes the analysis of PG&E’s current franchise fees.

Further information, including the rationale for the proposal, may be found on the Valley Women’s Club website: valleywomensclub.org

Nancy Macy is the Chair of the Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee. mountain

PG&E trucks in Felton during the winter storms

PHOTO BY MARY ANDERSEN

A Primer on our Local Water System Water

By Mark Dolson

Many people these days feel frustrated and powerless in the face of the polarization and dysfunction in our national government. In contrast, local government provides an arena in which our voices can have a direct impact. But how well are you and I fulfilling our democratic responsibility to ensure that our input is well informed? The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) – a public resource directly controlled by the citizens of our valley – is a perfect place to put our principles to the test. Are we just casting occasional votes, or are we committed to developing a deeper understanding of the specific challenges SLVWD is grappling with?

Happily, SLVWD has an adequate supply of good-quality local water to meet our needs for the foreseeable future. The District’s strategy is to rely principally on surface water (from creeks) and to supplement this, as needed, by pumping groundwater. To ensure that SLVWD manages these critical resources responsibly, it must comply with various state requirements, and it must also pay for and participate effectively in long-term regional water management initiatives (such as the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which began meeting in 2017 in response to a new state law).

To reliably deliver water to its customers, SLVWD ultimately needs to balance its expenses with its income. The bulk of the District’s budget is devoted to everyday operating expenses (which are dominated by the costs associated with its 35 staff positions), but the District also needs to invest in its physical infrastructure such as storage tanks, pumps, treatment plants, and pipelines. Some of this investment is targeted at essential maintenance and upgrades (much of which has been repeatedly deferred due to insufficient funding), but another big chunk of recent

infrastructure spending has been devoted to critical repairs in the wake of the CZU Fire and 2023 storm damage. One very expensive and challenging repair project (replacing the seven miles of raw water pipeline destroyed in the CZU Fire) is entering its third year of planning.

To pay for these expenditures, SLVWD has only two significant options. Most of the District’s income comes directly from charges to its roughly 8000 customers. Whenever possible, though, the District tries to supplement this revenue with state and federal grant

continues on page 8

Felton customers obtain their water entirely from surface sources such as Fall Creek pictured here. In emergency situations, which we are currently in, the water is shared throughout the district.

PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER

Water

A Primer on our Local Water System (cont.)

continued from page 7

Roughly 70% of the District’s operating expenses are devoted to salaries and benefits, and these have approximately doubled over the past ten years.

funding. 90% of the “allowable” CZU repair costs are being covered by FEMA along with 75% of the “allowable” 2023 storm damage repair costs. The District’s current five-year Special Assessment is intended to cover the remainder of the CZU repair costs, but as these kinds of costs continue to escalate, it is likely that the District will ultimately need significantly more. In addition, the District has recently been awarded over $6 million in state grants for special projects such as the pending consolidation of the Bracken Brae and Forest Springs mutual water companies, replacement of outdated meters and tanks, fire hardening of infrastructure, and the state-mandated Fall Creek Fish Ladder.

Both SLVWD staff and the Board of Directors have been highly attentive in recent years to trying to increase revenue and decrease operating expenses. For example, the District hired a consultant in 2022 to assist with grant writing, and this investment has paid off many times over. The District has also pursued new avenues for collecting money it is owed for

delinquent accounts. On the expense side of the ledger, the District has reduced front-office costs, partly via its promotion of automated billing. It has reduced construction spending by expanding its engineering department, enabling it to perform some work more cost-effectively in-house. District salaries have also decreased due to the (sometimes problematic) departure of senior personnel for more attractive opportunities elsewhere. (Ironically, the District is also arguably underspending on educating its customers about its ongoing activities and challenges – this can potentially backfire if an insufficiently informed public fails to appreciate the District’s recent progress.) Lastly, some of the District’s pending infrastructure improvements will eventually translate into savings (e.g., by reducing water loss due to leakage and enabling a shift to lower-cost time-of-use power rates).

Despite these efforts, the harsh reality is that the District’s operating expenses are relatively high and are continuing to climb even as its revenues remain flat or decline (due, in part, to decreased water consumption by conservation-conscious customers). Worse, the District should ideally be spending even more, as it now has a long history of deferring infrastructure improvements due to insufficient revenue. How can this be? The relatively high operating cost for SLVWD is closely tied to its widely distributed aging infrastructure, the steep, mountainous terrain, and, now, storm damage as well. Meanwhile, the escalating expenses are consistent with many other districts across the state.

Drilling Down Further

Roughly 70% of the District’s operating expenses are devoted to salaries and benefits, and these have approximately doubled over the past ten years. This expansion is partially due to annual raises that are a standard part of maintaining a highly competent workforce

in a competitive job market, and it is also partially due to increases in headcount necessitated by changing conditions such as the Lompico merger and escalating state demands. In the most recent round of labor negotiations, the District notably agreed to pay a one-time bonus of 7%, but it did this in recognition of the extraordinary staff effort and extensive overtime in the years following the CZU Fire. In parallel, the District committed to conducting a formal salary survey to definitively establish how staff salaries stack up against those in comparable districts.

In addition to this salary study, the District is conducting a formal rate study, its first since 2017. This study will perform a detailed examination both of the revenue the District requires to operate effectively and of ways of structuring rates to minimize the burden on those least capable of paying more. The findings will be presented to the public this fall, and there is certain to be some resulting sticker shock.

The challenge for our community in responding will be to engage with the reality described above: we can’t reasonably demand lower water rates unless we can clearly articulate a detailed strategy for meeting our needs with less, and nobody has yet been able to do this. Ultimately, the question we need to answer isn’t simply whether we would like our water rates to be lower (of course we would!), but whether SLVWD is operating as effectively as possible to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable water. This, in turn, requires that we understand what it takes for SLVWD to fulfill this mission.

Mark Dolson is a member of the local citizens’ group Friends of San Lorenzo Valley Water (FSLVW), but he is writing here as a private citizen. FSLVW articles, initiatives, and Board meeting summaries are available online at friendsofsanlorenzovalleywater.org. mountain

SLV Business News

Turning up the Heat

Hella Hot Sauce: A San Lorenzo Valley Original

By Julie Horner

Kyle Colson can take a little heat. In fact, his lifelong quest to find the hella hottest hot sauce ended in his own kitchen, and what would become his flagship recipe, the Jalapeño Cucumber, started in a stewpot on his stovetop in Los Gatos in 2013. The recipes flowed from there. Pulling from culinary knowledge gained from cooking side by side with his mother and grandmothers growing up, the home brewer and food industry pro soon had 18 sauce varieties in the hopper. Colson said, “After writing all these recipes, I’m like okay, let’s actually get into the business.”

Hella Hot Sauce, LLC was born.

But he needed a bigger kitchen.

Friend Web Granger, then-owner of Psycho Donuts in Campbell, offered the kitchen there and Colson started pumping out the goodness. When he and his wife Natalie later moved to Ben Lomond, they found kindred spirits at Felton Music Hall, and Hella Hot Sauce has been cooking up batches of blazing fruit-forward seasonal and varietal sauces with “an abundance of fire and flavor coming to you at all times from all angles” ever since.

Molten Metal

The hot HOT branding has resulted in themed blending and marketing opportunities. The latest is a collaboration with legendary Santa Cruz artist Jimbo Phillips. Megashred Pineapple Reaper hot sauce, which boasts a “destructive pineapple-heavy mix,” has its own label and T-shirt designed by Phillips. Cajun Tears, a creole style collaboration with Heat Hot Sauce Shop in San Leandro features labeling by famed artist John Seabury of the band Psycotic Pineapple. (Cajun Tears has just landed a 2nd place Sparky Award win at the Second Annual West Coast Hot Sauce Experience in San Francisco!)

Hella has become the must-grab condiment of the death-grind

concert circuit. A metalhead since his youth, Colson has produced sauces for touring groups like Exhumed, GWAR, Skeletal Remains, Exodus, Shadows Fall, Ghoul, Death Angel, Particle, Ministry, and Hatebreed. For instance, Night Demon “Heavy Metal Heat” hot sauce is named for a song by the Ventura, CA band Night Demon, and the sauce lives up to its name with guajillo peppers, red jalapeño mash, and scorpion pepper to go with your basic tomato base. The label art is by Ross Sewage, bassist for Ghoul. The same artist created the label for Zetro’s Toxic Shock, a sauce Colson and Steve Zetrodus of Exodus came up with featuring fresh strawberry, lemon and basil notes, and spice from the scorpion pepper. Sauce and merch for many of these collabs are available on the band’s websites and at indiemerchstore.com while supplies last.

Blister Picks

Colson offers some culinary pairings for his favorite Hella hot sauces. Slather Megashred Pineapple Reaper on BBQ beast, fish, quinoa, even grilled zucchini. Splash the Jalapeño Cucumber

into a frosty glass to make a dirty margarita, or drizzle over halibut with veggies and wash it back with a great pilsner. Or try Garlic Death Grip on your morning scramble or sausage sandwich. Made in collaboration with Techno Destructo of GWAR and smoldering with onions, habaneros, green apples, and jalapeños, Colson recommends Moonlight Brewing Company Death & Taxes black lager as the perfect compliment.

You can find bottled Hella Hot Sauce at local maker popups, Johnny’s Super in Boulder Creek, Masood’s Liquor in Ben Lomond, Zayante Creek Market, and select epicurean grocers throughout California; in the recipes at Felton Music Hall; and on the table at Humble Sea Brewing in Felton, River Dogs Hot Dogs and The Sawmill Restaurant and Ale House in Boulder Creek. Merch and more: hellahothotsauce.com

IG: @hella_hot_hot_sauce | FB: @ HellaHotSauce

Julie Horner writes about the people and culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com mountain

Kyle and Natalie Colson, proprietors at Hella Hot Sauce

Megashred Pineapple Reaper hot sauce label art by legendary Santa Cruz artist Jimbo Phillips

PHOTOS BY JULIE HORNER

SLV Business News

Hot Licks

Santa Cruz Fungi Popsicles with Benefits

By Julie Horner

Cool cats looking for a chill experience this summer will be delighted to discover Santa Cruz Fungi “Popsicles with Benefits,” handmade medicinal mushroom-infused frozen treats. Founders and fungi fanatics Paul Lazazzara and Katie Sarna have a lifelong obsession with mushrooms and eating healthy. Based in Boulder Creek, the couple launched their nano business in 2020 and began bringing their delectable edibles to life. This summer they have hit the farmers markets and vendor-maker scene in their bicycle-cart with the charming umbrella painted like a giant red-and-white Amanita muscaria. Using USDA organic, Kosher, and non-GMO extracts — and locally wild-foraged mushrooms — these handmade gourmet popsicles come in a variety of extraordinary flavors each with a beneficial mushroom boost.

“When it comes to our popsicles, rest assured that there are no magic mushrooms involved.”

Paul said he is no stranger to the enchanting world of fungi. “One of our favorite pastimes is foraging with our three small but mighty rescue dogs Penny, Fuzz, and Minnow. We’ve discovered a few fantastic spots near our house brimming with chanterelles, black trumpets, oysters, candy caps, and porcini.” While he doesn’t have official accreditations, he’s spent over nine years foraging, studying, and exploring mushrooms and their medicinal uses, including growing over eight varieties at home. “When it comes to our popsicles, rest assured that there

are no magic mushrooms involved. We prioritize safety above all else, especially for a tasty treat designed for all ages and sizes.” Every popsicle has .5g of beneficial mushroom extracts like chaga, lion’s mane, tremella, cordyceps, and turkey tail without any “dosing” surprises. “After extensive research, we feel this is the right amount to supply mushroom nutritional goodness. For those looking for increased mushroom benefits, we encourage eating more than one pop in a day.” He also recommends consulting with a health professional if anyone has any health concerns or medication interaction questions.

Mushrooms in Popsicles?

Unusual foods are exciting. Have you tasted garlic ice cream? Don’t knock it till you try it. When farming at home,” Katie said, “we always had a lot of mushrooms around and kept trying to find different ways to add more to our diet, but we were getting sick of only cooking savory mushrooms.” The first dessert Paul tried to create on a whim was the Key Lion’s Mane Pie but in mousse form. It was an instant hit with their friends, but with their commitment to not using preservatives, they encountered some challenges with its extremely short shelf life. Knowing they’d stumbled upon something special, Katie suggested trying the recipe in frozen form. The popsicles are a treat that they can make — and anyone can enjoy — year-round. They’re also exploring other mushroom-in-

fused desserts, hot/cold beverages, and baked goods.

Santa Cruz Fungi works out of Extra Kitchen behind Patagonia in Santa Cruz at 254 Potrero Street. “The mushroom extracts are sourced from the best in the biz (over 45 years in operation), who perform rigorous scientific analysis to ensure the critical active compounds are present. When we use wild mushrooms, they’re responsibly foraged by us and from the Santa Cruz Mountains or Northern California. We strive to source other ingredients locally whenever possible; our mint is grown in Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek, lemon and limes from Monte Verde Orchard off Ocean Street Extension.”

The popsicles are creamy, sweetened with honey, and don’t taste like mushrooms. Some

Paul Lazazzara and Katie Sarna with their friend Debbie at a Boulder Creek popup.

PHOTOS BY JULIE HORNER

Hot Licks (cont)

continued from page 10

of their flavors include Strawberry Lion’s Mint infused with lion’s mane extract, known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. The Cordy Creamsicle, infused with cordyceps extract known for its immunity-enhancing properties, is an organic twist on the classic orange-and-vanilla taste. Or try the uplifting Chagaccino with Verve coffee and the oxidative stress-fighting lift of chaga mushroom extract. All the seasonal, wildly creative offerings are dairy free, gluten free, organic, and vegetarian.

The popsicles are creamy, sweetened with honey, and don’t taste like mushrooms.

They even have a pop for your pup!

“We’ve been so lucky to have the support of other businesses in Santa Cruz County, especially allowing us to use their space! It’s been a great way to bounce around and share our popsicles around town,” Katie said. “We’re incredibly thankful to Amanda at Mountain Feed in Ben Lomond, who has been a massive supporter of us from the start!”

Ready to dip their toes into the party and wedding space, the adorable cart is just the beginning! Sign up for the newsletter: scfungi.com | IG: @scfungi

Julie Horner writes about the people and culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com. mountain

Presented by Downtown Felton Association

Sponsored by SLV Post, Wild Roots Market, Broughton Fire Protection, Scarborough Lumber, Redwood Heart Events, Zelzi Belle Designs, Ethel & Sabel, Hallcrest Winery, Adventure Gift Store, Faultine Brewery, Steel Bonnet, Felton Music Hall, Jeff Myers Construction, KBCZ, Felton Feed, Roaring Camp Railroads, Alicia Telfer, Midtown Creative Studio, Jayne & Co.

Paul Lazazzara and Katie Sarna with foraged mushrooms for their popsicles

Books Pages of Time

Ben Lomond Community Library an Overlooked Treasure

By Julie Horner and Ronnie Trubek

When was the last time you took a stroll on historic Mill Street in Ben Lomond? The short stretch of byway that runs parallel to the San Lorenzo River is home to Ben Lomond Market, Sew Rose, painted Bermuda pink on the corner, and Santa Cruz Mountain Art Center. Several other small businesses line the quiet avenue. There’s storied Park Hall, which celebrates its Centennial this summer, and the building that once housed Lou’s Ron-de-Voo, formerly La Salsa Bar and Grill, which has long been shuttered. And Ben Lomond County Park has finally just reopened after the 2023 winter storms. At this peaceful junction of Mill Street and Main, adjacent to the park, a pair of old brown-shingled buildings, Wilder Hall and Ben Lomond Community Library sit in tandem among the weeds, biding time.

“We’ll be here as long as the building is, but that might not be for long.”

Born of Community

At the turn of the last century, some forward-thinking citizens envisioned a future for Ben Lomond that included a riverside park and library complex that would stretch the length of Mill Street. The new park would provide access to the river for residents and provide a draw for tourists. In those days, Ben Lomond had only a few hundred residents, but Mill Street was bustling with businesses and worker cottages. Deeds in favor of the newly formed Ben Lomond Library Association were obtained from multiple landowners on the south side of Mill Street. Only one local

landowner refused to contribute their property, which would have extended the park to the Dickenson Hotel on the country road. Instead, the Ben Lomond Town Park took its current footprint. The Ben Lomond Library Association was formed, but first, nine businesses on the river side of the street had to be relocated. F.A. Cody, a prominent property owner, donated land on the north side of Mill Street to facilitate the endeavor. First to move was I.B. Hobson, who rolled his livery barn along Mill Street in 1911 to its new location. The building was remodeled using a Swiss design and named Park Hall.

The Ben Lomond Improvement Society, meanwhile, was busy soliciting donations from wealthy San Francisco Bay Area summer residents to supplement the local gifts of land, and by 1914 the community was celebrating the grand opening of Ben Lomond Library and Ben Lomond River Park. The deeds stipulated that these properties will be maintained in perpetuity as a public library and park. Unfortunately, original documents did not address ongoing funding needs for maintenance, improvements, and activities.

By 1927, the Ben Lomond Fire Department had built the recreation hall next to the library for their new home before moving to their current location on Highway 9 in the early 1940s. The recreation hall was later renamed Wilder Hall in honor of Alice Earl Wilder, noted for her activism in local politics. In 1942 Ben Lomond Fire Protection District consented to assume the trusteeship of the library and park since the fire department had a revenue stream from property taxes and was responsible for the maintenance of the dam that was built at the park to aid with fire suppression. Not long after, the Fire District was sued for spending Fire District funds on the park and buildings. The judge for the case suggested forming a recreation district, which also would be able to provide tax revenue. By 1950 the Ben Lomond Library and Park Trust was conveyed to the Ben Lomond Recreation District. However, disagreement about how the

District should operate eventually forced the beleaguered trustees to call for dissolution of the District. The people of Ben Lomond voted to approve the dissolution. The historic buildings and park were deeded to Santa Cruz County Parks in the mid 1970s, the County Board of Supervisors still act as Trustees.

Both Ben Lomond Library and Park Hall are registered with the Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Inventory, which offers certain protections to buildings of historic interest.

Toilet Paper and Lightbulbs

Marion Russell is the current Director at Ben Lomond Library, which is run entirely by volunteers; the library does not share the benefits of being part of the Santa Cruz County Library system other than mention on their website. Russell has been at her post since 2016. “It was not long after we moved here,

continues on page 13

Ben Lomond Library Director Marion Russell

PHOTOS BY JULIE HORNER

Books Pages of Time (cont.)

continued from page 12

November of 2015,” she said. “I happened to be driving by and saw the library and came to a screeching halt.” She walked in and introduced herself to Elaine Campbell sitting behind the reference desk, who told her to come back Wednesday to speak with Director Carol McQuillin. Marion signed up to help and was entrusted with the Directorship when McQuillin stepped down.

Marion tries to keep the doors open six days a week with the help of a small, dedicated team including Mary Ellen Goodwin, Anne Christiansen, Shirley Davis, and Kelley James. “We’ll be here as long as the building is, but that might not be for long,” Russel said. “It’s deteriorated quite a bit in the last few years partly due to bad weather, partly due to neglect. We had termites that nobody was doing anything about for a long time, and finally when the termites started eating the books we felt we had agency to complain about it to the County. At least get the place fumigated.” The termites have since been mitigated, but the damage remains. “The County only maintains what it has to,” she said. “We receive light bulbs, paper towels, and toilet paper, and someone will come fix the heater, the basic infrastructure. If we need new carpeting, we have to take care of it ourselves.”

The only computer in the library was an ancient Mac so old that eventually the software couldn’t be updated anymore. But it doesn’t matter. There is no Internet.

When you walk down Mill Street, the library and Wilder Hall seem to be largely left to the elements. Community involvement has drifted away from what was once a vibrant smalltown center. While Wilder Hall is home to the popular Kreative Kids Preschool Program run by County Parks, Ben Lomond Library is struggling. But Russell and her team are cautiously optimistic and are personally invested in the library’s survival. “They love it passionately, and that’s what keeps me coming back. And it’s true for the patrons, too. Some of them would burst into tears if we told them

we were closing down.”

The Next Chapter

“I never get tired of scanning the shelves and seeing what’s there,” Russell said. Books have been generously donated over the years. Some they’ve picked up at local thrift or exchanged in the little free libraries dotting the San Lorenzo Valley. An old card cabinet stands against one wall. Everything is done by hand here. She marvels at the original wavy glass in some of the windows. “These rooms hold the memories of generations of mountain families,” she said. Community support is fundamental. “There are a certain number of patrons we need to stay afloat.” Late fees are minimal, memberships can fluctuate from year to year. What has sustained them in the past is renting the reading room to local groups for meetings and rehearsals. That income helps fund the WiFi.

The young adult section needs to be updated. They need fresh fantasy and science fiction. Donations of books can be left on the front porch. Your discards are gold to a community library. Russell said, “You don’t know the value of a book. It’s not just monetary. No

matter how old or dusty. It might change someone’s life.”

Support Ben Lomond Community Library, 9525 Mill Street, Ben Lomond. Open 1:30 - 5:00 Monday through Saturday. New volunteers are welcome. Monetary donations accepted. FB @benlomondlibrary

To rent the reading room, email benlomondlibrary@outlook.com

Park Hall Centennial Celebration with live music from zydeco accordion player Andre Thierry and Moonshine Crossroads, Saturday, August 12 | 6:30-11pm. 9400 Mill Street. parkhall.benlomond.org

Julie Horner writes about the people and culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com

Passionate about the history of Santa Cruz County, in her spare time you’ll find Ronnie Trubek participating in history classes, lectures, and walks around the county or at shows collecting maps, postcards, photos and other ephemera relating to our rich and diverse community. mountain

The reading room at the Ben Lomond Library

Community Calendar

August 2023

Afterworld Book Party

Friday, August 4 | 3 – 7 pm. The Felton Mercantile, 6257 Highway 9, Felton. Join local author K.M. Rice to celebrate the release of the fourth and final novel in Rice’s Afterworld book series, Anam Cara. Live music from the Summoning Circle band. Kellie Rice, who writes under her initials K.M. Rice was born and raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains and has written a large catalog of fantasy novels. Kellie will sign books and read an excerpt from her new novel between 4:15 and 6:30 pm. kmrice.com

Henry Cowell Fuel Reduction

Workday

Saturday, August 5 | 10 am – 12 pm. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton. santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php

Big Basin Guided Tour

August 5, 12, 19, 26 and September 2 and 9 | 11 am – 12 pm. Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all. This program is a 1 hour walk for all ages on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail. The program covers the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. The program also discusses natural history and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the future of the

park. Participation is free. $10 vehicle day-use fee. santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php

Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival

Weekend of August 10-13. San Benito County Historical Park, 8300 Airline Hwy, Tres Pinos. Held each summer since 1994 featuring three packed days of California acoustic bluegrass bands on the main stage, as well as hot campground pickers on the side stage between main acts. The GOF is also legendary among festival fans for both the quality and quantity of campground jamming. Ticket price includes camping. Children under 12 are free. ncbs.info/events/gof/gof-tickets

Felton Pie Contest Fundraiser

Saturday, August 12 | 10 am – 4 pm. The Downtown Felton Association invites you to the Beautify Felton Fundraiser and Pie Contest! Parking lot behind Redwood Pizzeria, 6205 Highway 9 and on Kirby Street. Free entry. Pie Tasting ticket $5 or five for $20, drink tickets $10 for beer, wine, or mocktail, pint or wine glass $20 (includes one drink and pie tasting).. Epoch Eats, Good Dogs Hot Dogs, SC Eatery. Music by The ANTS (Andy & Nate Traveling Show), Alex & Dave Play Irish Jams, and Coffee Zombie Collective. downtownfelton.com

Weed ’Em Out: Native Restoration at Cascade Creek

Saturday, August 12 | 9 am – 2:30 pm. Pie Ranch, 3100 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero. Volunteers are needed to help to remove invasive plants in a critical section of Cascade Creek, especially removing eucalyptus sprouts from around the creek. Lunch will be served to volunteers between sessions. Spend time outdoors, meet new people, learn about invasive plants and creek habitat, and help restore the ancestral land of the Quiroste Tribe (represented by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Land Trust). Register: weedemoutatcascade.eventbrite.com

Park Hall Centennial Celebration

Saturday, August 12 | 6:30 pm. Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street, Ben Lomond. Celebrating 100 years of community. The Centennial celebration and fundraiser features a night of dancing with Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician Andre Thierry and local favorites Moonshine Crossroads. Help raise funds to keep Park Hall a treasured resource in the San Lorenzo Valley. parkhall.benlomond.org

Henry Cowell Fuel Reduction Workday

Friday, August 18 | 9 am – 12 pm. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton. santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php

6th Annual Blacksmith Hammer-In August 18-20 | 10 am – 5 pm. Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. The California Blacksmith Association invites you to watch dedicated blacksmiths push the boundaries of hot metal, bringing ancient techniques to life, showcasing the art and might of the craft. Online registration will be open till August 17, 2023 or until our maxi-

Entertainment Calendar

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

11570 Highway 9, Brookdale. (831) 609-6010

brookdalelodge.com

Open Mic Night w/ Pablo Eagle

THUR | AUG 3 | 7:00 – 10:00

Locomotive Breath

FRI | AUG 4 | 7:00 – 10:00

Karaoke w/ Ed G

FRI | AUG 4 | 10:00 – 12:00

Blü Egyptian Band

SAT | AUG 5 | 7:00 – 10:00

The Joint Chiefs + Brookdale BBQ

SUN | AUG 6 | 12:00 – 3:00

Hummus and Homicide: Murder Mystery Theater

SUN | AUG 6 | 5:30 – 9:00 | (831) 609-6126

Grateful Thursdays w/ The Left Hand Monkey

Wrench Gang

THUR | AUG 10 | 7:00 – 10:00

Bastard Machine

FRI | AUG 11 | 6:00 – 9:00

Game Night at the Brookdale Lodge

FRI | AUG 11 | 5:00 – 11:00

Brookdale Big Queer Weekend

SAT | AUG 12 | 11:00 – 2:00

Brookdale Big Queer Weekend

SUN | AUG 13 | 10:00 – 1:30

Buffalo Blues Trio

THUR | AUG 17 | 6:00 – 9:00

The Summit Sisters

FRI | AUG 18 | 7:00 – 10:00

CZU Remembrance Gathering w/ Sugar by the Pound + Pablo Eagle

SAT | AUG 19 | 4:00 – 7:00

Vito and Friends

SAT | AUG 19 | 7:00 – 10:00

Rayburn Brothers Band + Brookdale BBQ

SUN | AUG 20 | 12:00 – 3:00

Jazz with Jenny and the Bets

THUR | AUG 24 | 7:00 – 10:00

Brotherhood of Freaks

FRI | AUG 25 | 7:00 – 10:00

Pop the Cork & Paint: Birds of Paradise

SAT | AUG 26 | 5:00 – 7:00

Edge of the West

SAT | AUG 26 | 8:00 – 11:00

Gary Blackburn Trio + Brookdale BBQ

SUN | AUG 27 | 12:00 – 3:00

Ted Welty and Friends

THUR | AUG 31 | 7:00 – 10:00

Aroma Restaurant

9600 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. (831) 609-6596 aromarestaurant831.com

Claudio Melega

FRIDAYS | 5:30 – 8:30

Kenny Hill

THUR | AUG 3 | 5:30 – 8:30

Big Basin Vineyards

830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek. (831) 621-8028 bigbasinvineyards.com

Mission Blue | Estate Vineyard

FRI | AUG 4 | 5:30 – 9:30

Dan Robbins & Jon Dryden | Santa Cruz Tasting Room

SUN | AUG 6 | 4:00 – 7:00

The Puffball Collective | Estate Vineyard

FRI | AUG 11 | 5:30 – 9:30

Steve Abrams | Santa Cruz Tasting Room

SUN | AUG 13 | 4:00 – 7:00

Psychadelegant | Estate Vineyard

FRI | AUG 18 | 5:30 – 9:30

Poi Rogers | Santa Cruz Tasting Room

SUN | AUG 20 | 4:00 – 7:00

Wildcat Mountain Ramblers | Estate Vineyard

FRI | AUG 25 | 5:30 – 9:30

Scott Cooper | Santa Cruz Tasting Room

SUN | AUG 27 | 4:00 – 7:00

Davenport Roadhouse

1 Davenport Avenue, Davenport. (831) 426-8801 davenportroadhouse.com

Live Music

FRI | AUG 4 | 6:00 – 9:00

August 2023

Billy Reese

SAT | AUG 5 | 1:00 – 4:00

Dave “Nomad” Miller

SAT | AUG 5 | 6:00 – 9:00

Yugi Tojo

SUN | AUG 6 | 1:00 – 4:00

Robert Elmond Stone

FRI | AUG 11 | 6:00 – 9:00

T-Bone Mojo

SAT | AUG 12 | 1:00 – 4:00

Buffalo Blues Trio

SAT | AUG 12 | 6:00 – 9:00

Courthouse Ramblers

SUN | AUG 13 | 1:00 – 4:00

Slow Coast

FRI | AUG 18 | 6:00 – 9:00

Billy Reese

SAT | AUG 19 | 1:00 – 4:00

Joe Jester

SAT | AUG 19 | 6:00 – 9:00

Star La’ Moan & Les Petite Kitchenettes

SUN | AUG 20 | 1:00 – 4:00

Ugly Beauty

FRI | AUG 25 | 6:00 – 9:00

West Coast Resonators

SAT | AUG 26 | 1:00 – 4:00

Jazz on Tap

SAT | AUG 26 | 6:00 – 9:00

Lloyd Whitley Blues Band

SUN | AUG 27 | 1:00 – 4:00

Faultline Brewing Company

262 Mt Hermon Rd Unit 103, Scotts Valley. (831) 2262870 faultlinebrewing.com/scotts-valley-events

Trivia

MONDAYS | 7:00 – 9:00

Moonshine Crossroads

SAT | AUG 5 | 7:00 – 9:00

The Shady Rest Band

SAT | AUG 12 | 7:00 – 9:00

Matt Masih

SAT | AUG 19 | 7:00 – 9:00

Entertainment Calendar

Felton Music Hall

6275 Highway 9, Felton. (831) 704-7113 feltonmusichall.com

Grateful Sundays w/ Matt Hartle and Friends

SUNDAYS | 6:00 – 9:00

Color Green

WED | AUG 2 | 8:00

Midnight North

FRI | AUG 4 | 8:00

The Polish Ambassador

SAT | AUG 5 | 8:00

Jim Lauder & the Game Changers w/ Lillie Mae

FRI | AUG 11 | 8:00

Susto

SAT | AUG 12 | 8:00

M. Ward

FRI | AUG 18 | 8:00

Brett Dennen

SAT | AUG 19 | 8:00

Jerry’s Middle Finger

FRI | AUG 25 | 8:00

Jerry’s Middle Finger

SAT | AUG 26 | 8:00

Enuff Z’Nuff + James Durbin: Unplugged + ZWB

THUR | AUG 31 | 8:00

Hallcrest Vineyards

379 Felton Empire Road, Felton. (831) 335-4441 hallcrestvineyards.com

Dirty Cello

SUN | AUG 6 | 4:00 – 7:00

Michael Manring, Paul Hanson, Michael Gulezian

SUN | AUG 13 | 4:00 – 7:00

Dave Stamey Cowboy Entertainer w/ Annie Lydon

SUN | AUG 27 | 4:00 – 7:00

Henflings of Ben Lomond

9450 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. (831) 586-0606 henflingsbar.com

Jam Band w/ Dan Odom

SUNDAYS | 5:00 – 9:00

Open Mic

MONDAYS | 7:00 – 11:00

Trivia

TUESDAYS | 8:00 – 10:00

www.slvpost.com

Flingo

WEDNESDAYS | 7:30 – 9:30

Karaoke

THURSDAYS | 8:00 – 12:00

Neon City Limits

FRI | AUG 4 | 8:00 – 11:00

Michael Gurley w/ Special Guests

SAT | AUG 5 | 8:00 – 11:00

Love Creek

FRI | AUG 11 | 8:00 – 11:00

THC The Higher Collective

SAT | AUG 12 | 8:00 – 11:00

Vertacyn Arc Materializer + It & I + Callisto’s Ghost

FRI | AUG 18 | 8:00 – 11:00

The Leftovers

SAT | AUG 19 | 8:00 – 11:00

T Marie and Bayou JuJu

FRI | AUG 25 | 8:00 – 11:00

American Underdog

SAT | AUG 26 | 8:00 – 11:00

Joe’s Bar

13118 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. (831) 338-9417 facebook.com/joesbouldercreek

Karaoke

TUESDAYS | 8:00

Pool Tournament

THURSDAYS | 8:00

Claudio Melega

WED | AUG 2 | 8:30 – 11:30

Vito and Friends + Vito’s Birthday Bash

FRI | AUG 4 | 8:30 – 11:30

Cougar Unleashed

SAT | AUG 5 | 8:30 – 11:30

Shawn Yanez

SUN | AUG 6 | 4:00 – 7:00

Noach Tangeras

WED | AUG 9 | 8:00 – 11:00

Third Bowl

FRI | AUG 11 | 8:30 – 11:30

Vintage Point SAT | AUG 12 | 8:30 – 11:30

Toby Gray

SUN | AUG 13 | 4:00 – 7:00

52 Pickup

WED | AUG 16 | 8:30 – 11:30

Aiugust 2023

Highwire

FRI | AUG 18 | 8:30 – 11:30

Night Train

SAT | AUG 19 | 8:30 – 11:30

Brad Martin

SUN | AUG 20 | 4:00 – 7:00

Ripatti and Rose WED | AUG 23 | 8:30 – 11:30

One Country

FRI | AUG 25 | 8:30 – 11:30

M’sippi Slide

SAT | AUG 26 | 8:30 – 11:30

Asher Stern

SUN | AUG 27 | 4:00 – 7:00

Ted Welty WED | AUG 30 | 8:30 – 11:30

lille aeske arthouse

13160 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. (831) 703-4183 lilleaeske.com

First Friday Boulder Creek

FRI | AUG 4 | 6:00 – 9:00

Lindsay Clark and Louiza SAT | AUG 26 | 8:00 – 10:00

Saturdays on Deck Music Series

Music on the Community Deck, Downtown Felton. (831) 335-6500 downtownfelton.com

Lucas Lawson

SAT | AUG 19 | 1:00 – 3:00

The Sawmill

15520 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. (831) 610-8196 thesawmillbc.com

Moonshine Crossroads

FRI | AUG 4 | 5:30 – 7:30

Chris Jones of Wolf Jett FRI | AUG 11 | 5:00 – 7:00

Trolley Drops

FRI | AUG 18 | 5:00 – 7:00

Eyes Like Lanterns SAT | AUG 19 | 5:00 – 7:00

Entertainment Calendar

Hillbilly Jazz

SAT | AUG 26 | 1:00 – 3:00

Steel Bonnet Brewing Company

20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley. (831) 454-8429 steelbon.net

Trivia on Tap w/ Michael Gaither

FIRST + THIRD THURSDAYS | 6:30 – 8:00

Celtic Circle Scottish Music Session

MONDAYS | 6:30 – 8:00

Dead Cassettes

FRI | AUG 4 | 6:00 – 8:00

Santa Cruda

SAT | AUG 5 | 6:00 – 8:00

Kerry Sheepdogs

SUN | AUG 6 | 3:00 – 5:00

Dave D’Oh

THUR | AUG 10 | 5:30 – 7:30

Something Else

FRI | AUG 11 | 6:00 – 8:00

Swordfight

SAT | AUG 12 | 5:30 – 7:30

Brian Fitzgerald

SUN | AUG 13 | 3:00 – 5:00

Michael Ofiesh

FRI | AUG 18 | 6:00 – 8:00

Diana Z and Jim Lewin

SUN | AUG 20 | 3:00 – 5:00

Goat Hill Girls

THUR | AUG 24 | 6:00 – 8:00

Redwood Groove

FRI | AUG 25 | 6:00 – 8:00

Dog Adoption + Brian Ruf

SAT | AUG 26 | 12:00 – 4:00 | MUSIC 5:00 – 7:00

Noach Tangeras

SUN | AUG 27 | 3:00 – 5:00

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

The Ugly Mug

4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel. (831) 477-1341 cafeugly.com/live-music-the-mug

Open Mic

MONDAYS | 5:00 – 8:00

Peter Daniel Jazz

THUR | AUG 3 | 7:00 – 9:00

Ginny Mitchell and Hot Club Pacific

SUN | AUG 6 | 7:00 – 9:00 | Tickets: crbrundle@gmail. com (408) 499 9441

Kay Mount

THUR | AUG 10 | 6:00 – 8:00

Vijay Char and Friends

THUR | AUG 17 | 6:00 – 8:00

Chaminade Resort & Spa

One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz. (831) 475-5600 chaminade.com

Jake Nielson

THUR | AUG 3 | 5:30 – 8:30

Brad Martin

FRI | AUG 4 | 5:30 – 8:30

Shotgun Suitor

SUN | AUG 6 | 5:00 – 8:00

Tyler Diamond FRI | AUG 11 | 5:30 – 8:30

Peter Cor SUN | AUG 13 | 5:00 – 8:00

Alex Lucero

THUR | AUG 17 | 5:30 – 8:30

Gaby Castro SUN | AUG 20 | 5:00 – 8:00

Ripatti & Rose

THUR | AUG 24 | 5:30 – 8:30

Nashville Nights - Emily Ann Roberts FRI | AUG 25 | 8:00 – 9:30

Aprylle

SUN | AUG 27 | 5:00 – 8:00

August 2023

Discretion Brewing Company

2703 41st Ave. Suite A, Soquel. (831) 316-0662

discretionbrewing.com

Matt Hartle

FIRST THURSDAYS | 5:30 – 7:30

Swirly Girls

FIRST FRIDAYS | 5:30 – 7:30

Post Folk Revivalists

SAT | AUG 5 | 5:30 – 7:30

S.R. Laws

SUN | AUG 6 | 3:00 – 5:00

Jenny and the Bets

FRI | AUG 11 | 5:30 – 7:30

Gary Blackburn

SAT | AUG 12 | 5:30 – 7:30

Snake Oil RoadShow

SUN | AUG 13 | 3:00 – 5:00

Harpin’ and Clark

FRI | AUG 18 | 5:30 – 7:30

Rock Shed Rangers

SAT | AUG 19 | 5:30 – 7:30

Silver Lining Serenaders

SUN | AUG 20 | 3:00 – 5:00

Moonshine Crossroads

FRI | AUG 25 | 5:30 – 7:30

John Bouswma

SAT | AUG 26 | 5:30 – 7:30

NoJoKen

SUN | AUG 27 | 3:00 – 5:00

SC County Veterans Memorial Hall

846 Front St, Santa Cruz. (831) 454-0478

mountainmusicproductions.com

Lil Bean

FRI | AUG 18 | 7:00

Outta Pocket

FRI | AUG 25 | 7:00

China Cats Grateful Dead Tribute

SAT | AUG 26 | 7:00 – 10:00

Music

The Long Bumpy Road

Vito and Friends Rocking the Blues

By Julie Horner

The Blues and Rock n’ Roll are two sides of the same coin, someone once said. Like feeling good, and being excited, and both very much the same in value. Rockin’ blues outfit Vito and Friends carries its weight in musical gold, deeply steeped in the Mississippi Delta sound with all the blue notes that grab your soul.

Vito Dettore is an accomplished and well known San Lorenzo Valley blues guitarist. He and multi-instrumentalist Keith Graves formed Vito and Friends out of the Eddie Kessler Big Hand Band in Santa Cruz nearly two decades ago. Joined by Eric Gunn on drums and Frank Hatfield on harmonica, the band captivates with improvisational artistry, expressive groove, and unpretentious approachability. The hook with these guys is their sheer presence on stage, that kind of conversation between the artist and the audience where the whole room goes electric.

A Chicago native, Vito, whose given name is David Gene Detorre, started out as a drummer following in his father’s footsteps. “My dad was a pro drummer with a 60 year career,” he said. Eventually switching to electric guitar, Vito came west in the 80s. “What really changed my life was going to see Stevie Ray Vaughan when I was 17. Listening to interviews. He was such a gentle human being. I remember going to see him at the Santa Cruz Civic, looking up and listening going, wow, how do I do that? I want to do that.” He took blues classes taught by Fred McPherson at the now-defunct White Oak Continuation High School on Marion Avenue in Ben Lomond. He hammered the chords through his head, put his fingers through the regimen of building up the calluses. “Stevie would play until his fingertips bled. He’d super glue his fingers together and keep playing.”

Glory Days

“I walked into Henflings in the early 90s back when Dori and Wayne Stier owned the place. There was this guy playing guitar, Big Hand. He told me, ‘I played with your dad in the 70s!’”

Vito joined the jam and kept it going until Eddie passed away. Then the harp player, Will C, who worked at the Asti in Santa Cruz, moved back to New York and also passed. It was at Henflings where Vito and drummer/bass player Keith Graves hooked up.

Fresh in their 20s, they took the blues and ran with it, forming the valley’s Vito and Friends.

Vito has played with legendary musicians like Rick Derringer, Jerry Miller from Moby Grape, and Tiran Porter of the Doobie Brothers. He opened up for Greg Allman at Henflings and played an open jam with Allan Frank and the Firebirds. Keith started his first band with Gabe Butterfield, son of legendary Paul Butterfield while attending Mission High in Santa Cruz. Since mid-2000, Keith has played and toured with Jerry Miller, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Starship, and It’s a Beautiful Day. Eric Gunn, a local Santa Cruz drummer and drum builder for Craviotto Drums, has played every venue from San Diego to Honolulu. And Frank Hatfield adds his own “horn section” style licks on the harmonica and “always plays with a big smile,” Keith said.

For years Vito was a regular at the old La Salsa Bar and Grill in Ben Lomond. “I worked for them and played in their bar. Ran the talent night. It kind of spiraled.” The band jammed with Barry Tanner and recorded some tracks at Barry’s downtown studio in the old Boul-

der Creek post office, and Keith lived at the White House on Highway 9 where the band would practice. They performed for years at the Boulder Creek Art and Wine Festival and at the country club out on Big Basin Highway. Vito lived behind the Brookdale Lodge for a while, Keith said, when Bill and Lee Ann Gilbert kept the doors open all the time and the music flowed freely. A longtime volunteer with the Valley Women’s Club, Vito and the band played one of the first Redwood Mountain Faires at Highlands Park with Bill Pilgreen on drums. Vito said, “I’ve played every juke joint in Santa Cruz but I’ve never played the Crow’s Nest.”

Vito and Friends perform at the CZU Remembrance at the Brookdale Lodge on Saturday, August 19 from 7 to 10 pm. “I’ve been blessed,” Vito said. “It’s been a long, bumpy road, but I kept to my dream, playing the blues.”

YouTube @vitoandfriends9215

FB @vitoandfriends

Julie Horner writes about the people and culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com. mountain

PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER

Vito Dettore, the San Lorenzo Valley’s rockin’ blues guitarist

Recipes from a Mountain Garden

Dill Pickled Beetroot

By Alison Steele

On a quick visit to the neighboring farm, I returned with a basket of fresh beets from Jon Knopp’s vegetable garden. The Knopp’s are an old family here in Staunton and it’s easy to see why they’re spoken so fondly of after chatting with them for a few minutes. Jon has been studying unconventional farming for the last several years and it’s inspiring to hear what new gardening techniques and plants he is experimenting with. I was thrilled to have a basket of vegetables from their land.

You either love them or “don’t care for them, thank you,” as we were taught to say as kids. I’ve always loved beets! The jewel tones and the earthy sweetness reeled me in as a kid. Beetroot, as my charming British friend calls it, supports brain, heart, and blood health, fights inflammation, is a liver detoxifier and a blood sugar regulator. Along with its strong nutrient profile, beets are simply grounding. I could eat a big jar all by myself in one sitting. My mom would pop hard boiled eggs in the leftover pickle for the prettiest eggs you’ve ever seen. They’re an easy addition to any plate, pairing well with everything from meats and greens to crusty bread and fresh creamy cheese. Having a few jars of these in the winter pantry is worth the small effort it takes to preserve them now.

I couldn’t wait to start canning after talking to an old timer who lines his root cellar with all the green beans, tomatoes, sauces, pickles, relishes, potatoes, turnips, radishes, and other garden treasures he and his family would enjoy through the winter. My grandmother used to can in her basement which was always cooler than the kitchen. My ears perk up when canners start sharing their secrets, but botulism is no joke, so always double check your resources. There are so many variables that may lead to unsafe food that it’s worth taking the time to research safe canning practices if you’re a beginner.

This year instead of going to the local market for all the typical pickling spices, I decided to use flavors from the field and garden. Dried Juniper berries from the native cedars on the edge of the meadow along with Staghorn Sumac growing along the spring, thyme, garlic, and dill from the herb bed, and onions from the garden. Pickling is a creative art, so feel free to change up the herbs and spices, however, be sure to keep the vinegar to water ratio intact when water bath canning non-acidic vegetables like beets and beans. Canning frees up fridge space, leaves the homesteader feeling productive, and keeps the kids eating from the garden year round. Don’t be scared to give it a try!

» 6-8 hot sterilized pint jars with lids and rings

» 8 large beets, whole with tops trimmed off

» 1 large sweet onion, optional

» 3 cups apple cider vinegar

» 3 cups water

» 4 T honey

» 1 t sea salt

» 1 t juniper berries, dried

» 1 t black pepper, whole

» 1 t Staghorn sumac berries

» 4-6 large cloves garlic, sliced thin

» 1 small bunch dill

Cook beets in boiling water until just soft, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and let cool. Mix the vinegar, water, honey, salt, garlic and onions in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Slide the skins off and trim tops using only unblemished beets for canning. Others can be stored and eaten as refrigerator pickles. Chunk or slice warm beets and fill glass jars to bottom

of rim. Divide spices evenly between the hot jars. Pour hot liquid over the vegetables leaving ½ inch of headspace. Once all the jars are filled, wipe glass rims clean with a dry cloth. Top with clean dry lids and screw on rings. When finished, wipe down jars and listen for the sealing pop. They store in the fridge for weeks until you’re ready to throw a garden party.

Check your altitude for processing times at the National Center for Home Food Preservation website (nchfp.uga.edu). Here in Virginia, we’re at 1400 ft, so 35 minutes. Boulder Creek is 480 ft above sea level, so the processing time is only 30 minutes. If you’re just starting out the website above is reliable, easy to use, and answers common questions for the beginner and seasoned canner alike.

A native of Virginia, Alison Steele lives with her husband, two children, and cat in Boulder Creek where she raises quail, chickens, fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs. Alison plays banjo and sings in Sugar by the Pound. She is currently vacationing with her family for the summer sharing her recipes and bounty from Virginia. mountain

Dill Pickled Beetroot from the Virginia garden

PHOTO BY ALISON STEELE

Garden & Farm

In Praise of Spreaders, Fillers, and Colonizers

By Josh Reilly

Some garden plants are a bit weedy. Indelicate and misbehaved, they sometimes “don’t play well with others.” Some of them will crowd and shade out other garden favorites. Native plant enthusiasts fear more catastrophic, apocalyptic outcomes, and in several notable cases, they are right. Miles of California riparian corridors are now choked with English Ivy, (Hedera sp). Ubiquitous and brutally tenacious, it provides superb harborage for rats, snails, and other deplorables. Once established, it creates a monotonous, unstable green “junk yard” where diversity, rare species, and ancient ecological balances are mostly lost. Best to avoid altogether English Ivy and its sisters in crime, Swedish ivy, Scotch Broom, Himalayan blackberries, Acacia, and the many annual European brome grasses that dominate our hillsides. This last group, the annual bromes, was brought to the American West by the Spanish, to feed their cattle and horses. How they failed to notice that California was already completely covered with abundant grasses, I cannot explain. The rest were all brought here by the nursery trade as ornamentals for American gardens. Lacking natural enemies and pests, they blew right over the garden fence and colonized the New World.

Yet, there is a place for “weedy” spreaders, the stoic foot soldiers, fillers and backdrops that thrive on your disinterest. Once you get over seeing them everywhere, they are easy to love, adaptable, vigorous, and hardy. Like The Dude, they abide. Many are uninteresting to gophers and deer, or so prolific it doesn’t matter. Some, such as Euphorbia, are toxic. Euphorbia produces an irritating white sap that may cause a human skin rash and seems to dissuade gophers. All are spread by means of abundant viable seed and/or rhizomes. They provide a backdrop against which your star players shine. Their abundance, once established, and long bloom times, knit your design together across seasonal

changes. They provide continuity when restlessness, curiosity, and impatience drive you to delete the old and add the new. Unless your garden is somehow defoliated, you will not have to plant these spreaders more than once.

Here are a few favorite perennial spreaders from among the dozens available.

Jupiter’s Beard, aka Red or False Valerian, is a big, blowsy perennial that blithely tolerates compacted, dry, and unimproved soil. Re-seeding heavily, it produces large tufts of dusty red, pink, or white blossoms, on 1 to 3 foot shoots. After a rain, it emits a faint dank odor, a feature that discourages some gardeners, but may also discourage deer and gophers. Cut it to the crown twice each year for repeat blooming.

No Valley garden should be without Pacific Coast Hybrid and Douglas Irises, naturalized in a shady part of your garden. Divide them in September every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate.

Peruvian Lily, aka Alstroemeria is a source of effortless beauty. Years ago, I planted a few clumps in poor soil along a gravel path. Now I have an exuberant row of orange, coffee, and white blooms from May until the first Winter frost. Peruvian Lily, alas, is deer candy. Plant it in a protected spot. Cut it to the ground in Winter.

Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia sp) tumbles and sprawls happily, shoots tipped with festive yellow blossoms, starting in late Winter. It throws seed everywhere. I planted one about 6 years ago. Now I have about 10.

Often thought of as annuals, California poppies are actually biennials, living for at least two years and flowering twice each year. Cut them back to the ground in July when they get gray and woody. By August you’ll have new foliage with a full head of blossoms. The foliage and stems make superb compost.

Don’t forget annuals that reseed freely, such as Love in A Mist (Nigella sp.), poppies (Papaver sp), Borage, Verbena, and Morning Glory. Cast seed in late Winter and enjoy blossoms for years to come.

Josh Reilly, aka Uncle Skip, writes about seasonal gardening from his home in beautiful Ben Lomond, California. mountain

Peruvian Lilly aka Alstroemeria

PHOTO BY JOSH REILLY

Festivals

Roaring Camp Hammer-In

By Anna Bobisuthi

Welcome to another great year of forging in the redwoods! It’s time once again for the annual Roaring Camp Hammer-In, a spectacular event with blacksmiths from all over California meeting up for a weekend of fun and education! The event runs from August 18 to 19, from 8 am to 5 pm both days. Organized by the California Blacksmith Association (CBA) and hosted by Roaring Camp. It’s fun for the whole family. Come watch 50 blacksmiths forge for the weekend, ask questions and see the sparks fly. OR if you’re a member of the CBA you can sign up and forge yourself! This event is great for beginners and experts alike.

Featured Demonstrators

Caitlin Morris

Hack the learning process: forging connections between brain, body, and people using practical neuropsychology at the forge. Caitlin has created her own blacksmithing school and is coming in from the east coast

Come watch 50 blacksmiths forge the weekend of August 18-19. Learn about the craft and see the sparks fly.

to demonstrate for us. We are ecstatic to have her!

Francis Leidinger

Chasing copper flowers demonstration and a hands-on copper/iron ladle making workshop. Francis makes amazing ornamental ironwork, and his ladles and kitchenware are always in demand!

Celeste Flores

Bronze and walnut table: building a maquette. Celeste, who has her workshop in the Bay Area, is a returning demonstrator and her classes are always a joy!

Victoria Ritter and the Education Crew Hands-on Miner’s Candlestick and cabinet pulls workshop. Our education team is amazing and great working with smiths of all ages and skill levels, plus they’re a ton of fun!

This event was started by Frank Golding in 2016 and this is the 6th year we’ve held

it. We are only able to organize this great event with support from the CBA which is a non-profit blacksmithing association that holds workshops, classes, and conferences all over California all year long. This event not only raises money for the organization but also acts as a wonderful education opportunity. If you have any questions feel free to stop by Roaring Camp on the weekends and talk to our resident blacksmiths. While we have blacksmiths at Roaring Camp year round, the Hammer-In only comes around once a year and is not to be missed! We hope to see you there. calsmith.org/event-5258674

Anna Bobisuthi performs blacksmithing demonstrations for tourists at Roaring Camp Railroads in English, Japanese, and Chinese languages. She also live streams demonstrations on the internet, fielding questions and educating internationally for thousands of viewers. mountain

Local History

The Steam Donkey

By Lisa Robinson

It was almost 20 years ago, in 2004, that the San Lorenzo Museum first learned about a steam donkey deep in the forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Executive Director Lynda Phillips and Director Joel Busa approached the landowner regarding the artifact. Lynda wrote:

“A discovery of this kind offers a rare and extraordinary opportunity to recapture and preserve a tangible representation of the past for future generations to learn from and understand how a community changes through time. The importance of such an artifact to a small museum like ours cannot be overstated.”

Boulder Creek tree professional Bruce Baker discovered the steam donkey in the late 1990s while on his rounds monitoring the miles of forest surrounding Big Basin Redwoods State Park. It was in May of 2020 that Baker first approached the Museum. It was his goal to have the engine moved from the private land on which it stood to Boulder Creek. On May 31, Bruce arranged for us to meet with the landowner at the Museum, and the transfer of this wonderful artifact was agreed upon. Just three weeks later on June 23, Bruce and his team made this goal a reality.

A steam donkey or donkey engine is basically a steam powered winch. Steam Donkeys were used for all kinds of tasks, but in the Santa Cruz Mountains they were primarily used for moving logs around using a rigging system of blocks and cables attached to spar trees.

The Steam Donkey was developed and patented by John Dolbeer, a founding partner of the Dolbeer and Carson Lumber Company in Eureka, California, in 1882. It consists of a steam boiler and engine attached to a winch and mounted on a sled. They were moved by simply dragging themselves with the winch line. The spools for the cable could be mounted vertically or horizontally. This donkey has horizontal spools and the wooden sled is no longer.

It was manufactured by Thomas G. Cantrell and Leon C. Marshutz at their National Iron

Works factory in San Francisco. Since the company was purchased in 1905, and the name changed to Moore and Scott Ironworks, we know that the donkey was manufactured prior to that.

In 1905, a logging donkey engine would cost about $1800, that is equivalent to a little over $62,000 today. This donkey was owned and operated by the Campbell Redwood Lumber Company who purchased 1826 acres on Gazos Creek near Pescadero from Lester Woodard, in 1916. The land had previously been logged by Irving Thompson Bloom; the big problem was getting the lumber out. Bloom’s Gazos Creek mill would be operated by the Campbell Redwood Lumber Compa In his book Memories of Gazos Creek & Pigeon Point 1916-1918, Edward Conant describes how the donkey engine was operated there:

For the Steam Donkey extraction and move, tree professional Bruce Baker (in red) enlisted a team consisting of Roaring Camp Railroads steam mechanic Steve Silva, logistics expert Charlie Brown, historian Lisa Robinson, and the heavy equipment specialists at Auto Care Towing, Kelvin Ramer, Clinton Ramer, and Ross Mark.

“It took two men, an operator and a fireman. It was the fireman’s job to watch the steam pressure and the water level. This meant splitting wood for the firebox and fetching water for the boiler to keep the steam pressure up. There was also oiling and greasing the engine, and repairing any breakdowns.”

In addition to the donkey engine, there was also a bull donkey. This was a larger engine that was stationary at the mill. Once the smaller donkey had pulled around six to eight logs off of the mountain side to the road, the bull donkey

would pull the logs along the skid road to the mill pond where the logs were stored. This also had the benefit of washing the dirt off of them prior to being sawn, thus less dulling of the saw blade.

Communication between the two donkeys was achieved using a telephone wire which would ring a bell. “Two rings was to start pulling. One ring was to stop. Then the bull donkey operator at the mill after receiving the ‘go ahead’ signal, would blow the whistle so the men in the woods could get clear of the logs and cable.” It was dangerous work. In 1917, George Berry, was crushed to death by a log within an hour of starting his first day of work for the company.

continues on page 25

PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER

Local History

The Steam Donkey (cont.)

continued from page 24

Another danger would be from the cable. Because new cable was so expensive, a discarded San Francisco cable car cable was purchased. Broken cables would need to be spliced back together.

In June 1917, a fire started at the mill. It spread through the forest on a path to Big Basin. Three hundred men fought the blaze including part owner of Campbell Redwood Lumber Co., Curtis B. Miracle, who led one of the brigades of firefighters. When the steam donkey was recovered, there was melted white metal, likely from the bearings, on the ground under it. Was the donkey abandoned after this fire? Or did the bearings melt in the CZU fire?

In 1955, upon the death of Verne Moore, the foreman of that logging operation, and the uncle of I. T. Bloom, Myron Pollard Rowe recalled the steam donkey and how he, when late for work, delayed the start of the lumber operations for the day:

“No he didn’t run a Sunday School outfit, he ran a logging camp” as he told me one morning at Gazos Creek when I didn’t hear the alarm clock and there was no fog (steam) in the pot (donkey-engine) when the men went to work –but he didn’t ‘can’ me like most men would. Instead he told me to go down to the cookhouse and get my breakfast.”

Lumber operators in the area were waiting, to no avail, for the railroad to be built down the coast in order for them to more easily transport the lumber out of the forest. The inaccessibility of the region and/or the fact the engine may have been damaged in the 1917 fire and could

not easily be moved, may have been the reason that the iron from this engine was not salvaged during WWII – the fate of many. After WWII, donkey engines were replaced by gas-powered yarding machines such as logging arches.

This “tangible representation of the past” now augments the entrance to the Museum’s gallery in Boulder Creek and we are so grateful to all who made this possible.

View the steam donkey at 12547 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. Donate to the Steam Donkey Relocation Fund: slvmuseum.org

Lisa Robinson is the Collections and Exhibitions Curator at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum. She writes about the street names in the San Lorenzo Valley and explores the history hidden in their names. mountain

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sun, privacy, lots

• Breathtaking views from ridge top.

• Existing raised garden beds and hoop house.

• Small sleeping cabin. Shared Well.

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Local History

Camping at Sycamore Grove

By Ronnie Trubek

In the late 19th century, a portion of the Cowell Ranch along the banks of San Lorenzo River was known as Sycamore Flat. Locals claimed it was the best spot on the river to swim in the summer and fish for trout in the winter.

Between 1921 and the 60s, a sylvan retreat named Sycamore Grove flourished as a drive-in auto camp. Catering to out-of-town families, the grove offered a place to live in tents or cabins and enjoy a shady spot under the Sycamores, reportedly, one of the largest riparian forests of Sycamores left in the United States.

Campers spent their days playing shuffleboard, sunning on the sandy beach, catching crawdads, and mostly swimming

Leased in perpetuity on a 1908 handshake with “Harry” Cowell, Philip and Ethel Fridley leased 10 acres to build their resort, opening in 1921. Campers spent their days playing shuffleboard, sunning on the sandy beach, catching crawdads, and mostly swimming,

daring to try the rope swing. Winters, visitors angled for steelhead, as the river was known as one of the best fisheries in California. Nighttime activities centered around bonfires and a dancing platform decorated with Japanese lanterns. The Fridleys were teetotalers and with late nights discouraged, the camp was quiet by 11:00 pm

The infamous December 1995 flood disaster that struck Santa Cruz, eventually inundating downtown Santa Cruz with river water to 14 feet deep, also decimated Sycamore Grove. Grievously, Philip Fridley suffered a heart attack while heroically trying to save his resort and died the next day.

Ethel Fridley soldiered on until 1964 with the assistance of her children. The facilities were removed in the 1970s and in 1989, when the City of Santa Cruz took over the property from the Cowell Foundation, it was once again a jungle of poison oak, blackberries, and fallen trees.

Attempts to create a Pogonip Master Plan with a Sycamore Grove Campground have been unsuccessful. Closed to public access in 2009, the site has continued to attract unhoused persons and dumped trash. In 2015 a joint cleanup effort called on Roaring Camp Railroad to assist in the removal of 3.5 tons of garbage. Repeatedly cleared of homeless encampments over the years, the city says its motivation for the latest sweep in May of 2023

is fire risk in the heavily wooded area, especially during the dry, hot summer weather. To legally compel people to relocate, the city must first ensure adequate shelter space exists at other locations.

Passionate about the history of Santa Cruz County, in her spare time you’ll find Ronnie Trubek participating in history classes, lectures, and walks around the county or at shows collecting maps, postcards, photos and other ephemera relating to our rich and diverse community. mountain

Sunny beach at Sycamore Grove Resort Camp

Sycamore Grove cottages and camping on the beautiful San Lorenzo River

PHOTOS FROM THE RONNIE TRUBEK COLLECTION

Real Estate

Water and Waste Treatment Systems in Trouble in Boulder Creek

By M.C. Dwyer

For about the last 5 years, Big Basin Water Company (BBWC), which serves around 500-600 customers, has regularly run out of resources to operate properly. The company, owned by Jim and Shirley Moore, is the definition of a mom and pop outfit, complete with their son as Chief Operator. Sources including the Moores, say they fell behind because they weren’t charging sufficiently high enough rates to pay for infrastructure improvements for years. They’ve been seemingly unable to qualify for rate increases, which have to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. Thus, their latest attempt was to raise rates by over 50%. Challenges mounted over the years to the point where they failed to comply with California State Water Resources Control Board regulations and began racking up notices and fines. BBWC’s management has been looking for a buyer for years: they’re currently talking to Central States Water Resources from Missouri (CSWR), (if not others). A message to the company for comment was not returned by press deadline.

The August 2020 CZU Lightning Fires wiped out BBWC’s infrastructure, leaving them unable to routinely deliver clean water to, and sewage treatment for, its customers. They are reportedly down to one semi-productive well to supply all their customers.

Residents have reported discolored water, failure of pump stations to deliver water up hills, and weeks waiting for service.

they’d hired CSWR to help them transform the sewer from experiencing raw sewage leaks, to most recently seeding the system with biologicals to try to get it back up and running. The goal is for Fallen Leaf Neighborhood residents to be able to take occupancy of their rebuilt homes. Presently the state has a moratorium on permits until the sewer system is operating properly.

The company’s infrastructure was battered even further by damage from the winter 2023 storms. While a merger with San Lorenzo Valley District (SLVWD) this spring seemed like a potential solution, SLVWD’s management withdrew after calculating the millions of dollars of infrastructure repairs required to rebuild BBWC’s devastated infrastructure. State grants and funding couldn’t be counted on to finance the merger and repairs, and SLVWD refused to saddle its existing customers with the staggering costs required to get BBWC running smoothly in compliance with state regulations.

Those whose homes survived the fires and who’ve obtained temporary housing permits while rebuilding have faced outages, shortages, and boil orders. Residents have reported discolored water, failure of pump stations to deliver water up hills, and weeks waiting for service as the small company struggles and fails to cope with mounting problems.

A few months ago BBWC posted an update on its website bigbasinwater.com/announcements/sewer-update announcing that

After years of notices and fines, the California Attorney General began taking more active steps toward receivership this spring, and just recently filed the legal notices required, stating they’ve lost confidence in BBWC’s management’s ability to address all of their issues. The proposed solution is to have a law firm take over all operations and finances until the company is stabilized. BBWC expressed their preference for boots on the ground assistance, versus $300/hour attorneys. Although the Moore’s would retain ownership, they would lose all control of the business if the courts decide to put it in receivership.

It’s difficult to calculate the impact of the water system’s deficiencies on property values. It seems some property purchasers within Big Basin Water district are confident the issues will be resolved; but others, preferring secure water supply & effluent treatment systems, won’t buy in the area until the solution is clearer.

For Sale: 10200 Riverside Drive, Ben Lomond. M.C. represents the sellers.

Business Directory

Real Estate (cont)

continued from page 27

Vision Electric Jake Gooch, Electrical Contractor, License #952615 Call 831-206-1608

Robert Carling, Realtor DRE #02166506, robertcarlingrealtor.com Call 831-818-0770

Santa Cruz Community Health Affordable neighborhood health clinic in Ben Lomond. MediCal accepted. 831-427-3500.

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter 1001 Rodriguez St, Santa Cruz, pet adoptions, open to the public every day 10 am to 6 pm. scanimalshelter.org Call 831-454-7200

Monteith Construction Jon Monteith, Heavy & Civil Construction Engineering. 831-335-4168

Unable to reach officials from either water company prior to press deadline, I reached out to Chris Bacon, a past client in Forest Springs. Along with Bracken Brae, the Forest Springs neighborhood hopes to consolidate with San Lorenzo Valley Water District. Forest Springs disconnected from BBWC about 6 months ago — they’ve been getting SLV Water since January. Chris thinks receivership may be the best outcome possible. “Jim Moore’s a great guy, always trying to be helpful. He’s done so much over his career [but now] it’s time [for him] to step back and let others run the system. BBWC is just too small to deliver water at a realistic, reliable manner especially after a disaster like the CZU August 2020 fire.” The Bacons are on the Forest Springs Improvement and Maintenance Association Board of Directors, where they’ve already added new water storage

Christoper Bradford Architectural and Drone Photographer dreamhomeimages.com 831-607-8400

Sequoia Villa Cabin Rentals 12540 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek sequoiavilla.com 831-338-6586

Seifert Plumbing Vincent Seifert, 831-421-1020

tanks for the community.

Our Rebuild

The CZU fires were 3 years ago, yet, as of press deadline, just 2 more homes (35 total) homes have been completely rebuilt since last issue. Over 900+ homes were lost to the fires: 175 permits have either been issued or are ready, and 230 permits are in process.

Financing for my husband’s rebuild remains stalled. By June, we were assigned our 8th case manager at the SBA: the lack of a single person walking us through the loan process from start to finish has cost my husband an incalculable loss of well being. The project remains at a standstill as the original mortgage holder, who received the insurance proceeds after the fire, refuses to release more money until the project is 75% complete. But, the SBA won’t release loan funds until the lender has paid out all the insurance. And, the project can’t reach 75% completion without the SBA loan. The contractor has been gracious

T-Mobile Cellular Service San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley t-mobile.com/coverage/ coverage-map

KBCZ 89.3 Santa Cruz Mountains Community Radio. kbcz.org

Park Hall Community Center 9400 Mill St. Ben Lomond. parkhall.benlomond.org. Call to rent the space: 831-246-6374

despite being owed more than a quarter of a million dollars because the two institutions created this impossible-to-solve scenario. We are reaching out again to staff at Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s office…but so far their assistance has been mostly symbolic.

“M.C.” (MaryCatherine) Dwyer, MBA, REALTOR® CA DRE License 01468388

EXP Realty of California, Inc. Serving San Lorenzo Valey and Scotts Valley since 2005 (831) 419-9759

mcd@mcdwyer.com | mcdwyer.exprealty.com mountain

Sources: Lookout Santa Cruz, Press Banner, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz Superior Court, SLV Post. santacruzcounty.us/FireRecovery.asp

The statements

Health & Wellness

The Profound Effects of Just for Today

By Luke Allis

Life is filled with stressors, and mountain life comes with its own unique challenges. Our community has dealt with wildfires, landslids, floods, and extended power outages to name just a few. It’s no secret that these stressors can impact our overall well-being, contributing to long-term health issues. We often hear that practicing mindfulness and meditation can help alleviate these stressors but aren’t provided with tools or information on how to practice without subscribing to some app, attending a class, or paying for a service. A barrier to meditation for many is a lack of knowledge, time, or both. Meditation needn’t be some-

thing that takes hours out of your day. You can get started in a matter of minutes, and Reiki can help without needing to ever spend a dime on a Reiki treatment or class.

At its core, meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts. While meditation is often associated with relaxation, it goes beyond that. It is a discipline that cultivates mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deep connection with oneself and the universe. This connectivity is exactly what Reiki is all about. Reiki practitioners enter a meditative state and focus attention on the flow of healing energy and the sensations within their bodies. You don’t need to be a Reiki student or practitioner to harness its healing energy. Reiki is available to everyone. When Sensei Usui rediscovered the lost art of Reiki during his spiritual journey on Mount Kurama in 1922, his goal was to spread this healing art to everyone.

Take a deep breath by inhaling through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat this at least three times. Engaging in deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which communicates to the anxious part of your brain that you are in a safe environment.

Next, repeat the Five Reiki Principles to yourself or aloud. Do this at least three times; there is power in threes.

Just for today, I will not worry.

Just for today, I will not be angry.

Just for today, I will act honestly.

Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.

Just for today, I will be kind to all living things.

The Five Principles of Reiki as a Meditation Tool

The Five Principles of Reiki are foundational, simple, and can be used in those moments of stress as a meditative tool whether you are in a crowded location or at home alone. Simply taking a deep breath and repeating them silently or aloud can have a profound effect on your ability to re-center and gain a state of mindfulness. You don’t have to be great at blocking out thoughts or visualization to use the Five Reiki Principles.

Next time you feel like you need to reset try this:

The power of Just for Today releases us from the ridiculously high expectations we set for ourselves. It allows you to focus on just today and take life moment by moment. Rather than pressuring yourself to strive for perfection, do the very best you can right now, and take things one step at a time. Every day is a condensed version of your entire existence, and the way you utilize your time each day reflects how you live your life as a whole. It is important to believe that every positive step you take today, even if it’s just for today, will have a lasting impact on all the days that follow.

Luke Allis resides in Boulder Creek. He is a writer, instructional designer, LGBTQIA advocate, and Reiki Master at Redwood Mountain Reiki. He is the proud pet parent of two dogs, three cats, and three chickens. reikicowboy.com mountain

DIGITAL

Astrology

Gifts of Love and Self-Expression

By Catie Cadge, PhD

Greetings, Santa Cruz County stargazers! Late in July, Venus turned retrograde at 28°36’ in the sign of Leo, the lion. Lots to process inwardly about how or if we are truly seen, loved, and cherished by our most intimate partners. Venus is not simply about romantic or sexual partnership, but also those we are in close one-on-one relationship. Look to see where Venus is moving in your own natal chart. Your relationship needs may be up for reconsideration. Be careful of making any firm decisions until Venus moves ahead September 3rd.

The summertime Aquarian Moon is about finding our unique and authentic soul path.

Leo is a generous, big-hearted, passionate sign that wishes to be acknowledged and adored for the gifts of love and self-expression the soul brings to the table. When Leo Venus is retrograde, we reflect and reassess what we need from our partners to feel appreciated and loved. Do your closest partners celebrate the true you? Venus can also refer to our sources of income and creative expression. Ponder how can I better let my passionate heart shine through my artistic gifts? You might also reevaluate how you make money or if your creative side receives proper applause through financial rewards. Do you not deserve to be paid!? Part of feeling the joy and pleasure at the heart of Leo, the lion, is getting properly compensated, either through love and applause or literally bucks in the pocket.

August starts off with a Full Moon in Aquarius, 9°16’ at 11:31 am Pacific time on August

1st. Happy Birthday to the late Jerry Garcia, the biggest, most generous Leo heart of them all! The summertime Aquarian Moon is about finding our unique and authentic soul path. In a wide square to Jupiter in Taurus, seize opportunities to find creature comforts that help you relax and bring peace to your body and mind. They may be unconventional. Aquarius is about freedom and letting “your freak flag fly”!

The New Moon in Leo, 23°17’, occurs on August 16th at 2:38 am and squares Uranus in Taurus. Set intentions for the month ahead by asking yourself what is it I truly value and how do I best let my soul shine? The Leo themes I outlined above can be made manifest in the weeks ahead if we are doing our inner work under the Venus retrograde. This New Moon is about seeing what we need in order to feel fully loved and letting that seed be planted.

August 23rd, Sun enters Virgo, underscoring themes of work, service and honing our skills. Mars, the planet of our will and self-assertion, is in discriminating Virgo most of the month. Virgo seeks to perfect and to be the master craftsperson. Be wary of people being too nit-picky or those finding fault. Most important, don’t be too hard on yourself! We got to love one another, faults and all! A high road of Mars in Virgo is about service; how can I best polish my skills and give those skills to others?

Mercury in Virgo at 21°51’ turns retrograde August 23rd at 12:59 pm. The planet of communication and ideas has been in its “shadow” since August 3rd, providing extra gumption to the month’s Virgo themes of critically analyzing our skills and what needs

work, as well as thinking through the details of any long-range plans we are making. Ask yourself, where do I need more improvement in how I communicate? Or what needs perfection so I can be all the best I can be in my craft? The day before, Venus in Leo squares Jupiter in Taurus, while Mars in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces. Visualize right partnership and think through the details with your discerning mind about who might help you reach your highest self.

The month ends with a Full Moon in Pisces, 7°25’, August 30th at 6:35 pm. A few days before, Mars enters Libra and Uranus stations retrograde at 23°05’ Taurus. Wake up from within and listen to your inner voices; “they tell me where to go.” Trust your heart and create a vision of what and who truly calms you down the most, fulfills your sensual desires and brings you true inner peace. “Without love in the dream, it will never come true”.

Catie Cadge is Dean of the Forrest Center for Evolutionary Astrology. Classes and more information: forrestastrology.center. Read about Catie and her work at caraevolutionaryastrology.com. mountain

IMAGE BY CATIE CADGE

Photography

Alba Road, Ben Lomond

By Mary Andersen

Adrive up Alba Road in Ben Lomond in the immediate aftermath of the August 2020 CZU Lightning Fires was sobering. Three years later, I traveled up Alba on a sunny Sunday to visit Beeline Blooms, stopping on the way at the Alba Schoolhouse property and various lookouts. The landscape is in

glorious transition with prolific new undergrowth and sweeping, sun-drenched vistas of the surrounding mountains. Fire damaged “pipe cleaner” redwoods stand stark and tall, some leaning, bushy with short bright green branches lining their blackened trunks. The scars of the fire are still visible and those of us who live here are reminded daily about the impact of the wildfire. I invite you to reconnect with the Santa Cruz Mountains ridgetops: visit Upper Fall Creek on Felton

Empire Road, or take a drive to the coast via Jamison Creek Road. Or visit Beeline Blooms or the Alba Schoolhouse property, which has been slated for rebuilding, on Alba Road. Signs of hope everywhere.

beelineblooms.com | albarec.specialdistrict.org

Mary Andersen is a photographer, writer, and business consultant. maryandersen.net mountain

The Alba Schoolhouse sit

Dahlias: Pineland Prickles

View from Alba Road

Dahlias: Nathaniel

Interesting regrowth patterns

Dahlias: Tahoma Kelly and Wine Eyed Jill