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COMMUNITY NEWS 5 | RAIL TRAIL 7 | GARDENING 16
SAN LORENZO VALLEY POST
JUNE 2021 VOL. 2 ISSUE 6
Meet the Fermenters
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS EVENTS, NEWS, AND VISITOR GUIDE
Welcome No More Tiers By Mary Andersen and Julie Horner
B
y June 15, 2021, physical distancing mandates and capacity limitations will be lifted. Face coverings and travel restrictions will be dropped. Like one door closing and another opening, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, regroup, reassign our energy, and redeploy. The next chapter includes hugs and laughter, things we took for granted in the beforetime. Without hesitation, we clasp the hand of a stranger in greeting, share a kiss with a loved one, sit together to play music in a jam session, or dance at a concert. It feels like a do-over. What will you do with your second chance?
While the forest heals, the community continues to support the 1000+ fire families who are wrangling with bureaucracies, struggling to rebuild. Some have left, moved on to retirement or fresh starts earlier than imagined. Main street businesses that have held on by a thread are looking forward to attracting summer visitors while others used their downtime to dream up new business ideas anticipating filling empty storefronts, locals turned entrepreneurs. Another revolution of the sun. We’re one year on! The San Lorenzo Valley Post was launched in June of 2020 to celebrate the people and places of the Santa Cruz Mountains, to share the Valley’s voice. mountain
Founders, editors, writers: Mary Andersen mary@slvpost.com Julie Horner julie@slvpost.com Copy Editor Chris Finnie Photographers Fred Arellano Christopher Bradford
Cover Photo: The Mountain Fermenters Meet Mike De Smidt and Greg Roe
Graphic Design Laura Testa-Reyes Contributors Jayme Ackemann Fred Arellano Antonia Bradford Randall Brown Catie Cadge Mike De Smidt M.C. Dwyer Chris Finnie Dan Mazer Pam Nectar Gharibians Josh Reilly Greg Roe Alison Steele Ralph Storment Lisa Robinson
P
ost columnists Mike De Smidt and Greg Roe have been co-authoring the Mountain Fermenter column since the paper launched. Covering fermented food and beverages, they offer up their topics and homebrew recipes in a way that the layperson can understand and readily undertake.
Mike is a local attorney who lives in Ben Lomond. Outside of spending time with his family, Mike enjoys way too many hobbies, cooking, and playing Irish traditional music on the Irish bagpipes.
Advertising Contact mary@slvpost.com 831-335-6500
Greg Roe is a long-time mountain resident, data analyst, and web developer. He lives in Felton with his 11-year-old daughter, Amauri. He plays many genres of music on guitar and octave mandolin including traditional Irish music. He likes to build things, smoke foods, cook, read about biology and genetics, brew beer, play geeky board games, watch comedy horror films, listen to science and true crime podcasts, and hang out with his daughter and his girlfriend, Tara.
Donate: www.gofundme.com/ san-lorenzo-valley-post-newspaper
PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER
Subscription $50 yearly, prepaid.
Check out their latest column on page 3. mountain
Greg Roe and Mike De Smidt 2 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
Publisher San Lorenzo Valley Post, LLC
San Lorenzo Valley Post LLC PO Box 1621 Boulder Creek, CA 95006 Telephone 831-335-6500 Copyright © by San Lorenzo Valley Post LLC. All rights reserved.
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Mountain Fermenter Easy Drinking Summer Beers for BBQ Season By Mike De Smidt and Greg Roe
The Days of the Lawnmower Beer
PHOTO BY ILLIYA VJESTICA
T
he Mountain Fermenter team is eagerly preparing for summer and the opportunity to enjoy communal gatherings once again. This 3-part series will discuss the wonderful world of fermented food and beverages and how you can craft them and add to your next outdoor feast. In part one, we talk about a great beer option to take the edge off the summer heat that pairs great with BBQ. In parts two and three, we’ll discuss how to create and add fermented sides and condiments to your arsenal of grilled and smoked goodies.
While we don’t necessarily suggest operating power tools, especially those with rotary blades, while drinking alcohol, there is a group of beers that can be described as perfect “lawnmower beers” to tag along with our summer activities and chores. The beers that immediately come to mind for this would be your ubiquitous American lagers, a la Bud, Miller, or Coors. However, we suggest expanding your horizons and homebrewing some of the beer styles that originally influenced these big American breweries, such as German lagers Helles and Kölsch. These beers are flavorful and easy drinking, and a perfect pairing to wash down a meal on a warm summer day. Brewing lagers like Helles can be a little tricky without temperature control for fermentation, but Kölsch, one of the few German Ale varieties, is more approachable for the majority of homebrewers.
PHOTO BY OLIVER VAN LEEUWEN
Origins of Kölsch
German Lager www.slvpost.com
Versions of this golden ale have been brewed in the western German city of Cologne (Köln) for centuries, but the style as it exists today came about more recently, with the name Kölsch only in regular use since 1918. In fact, one need only ask for “a beer” when in Cologne, as this is pretty much the only option in town. Like Champagne in France, the name Kölsch is a protected appellation and can only be used in the EU by breweries within 30 miles of Cologne. It is a clear golden-colored beer, 4.2-5.2% ABV, with moderate to light hop bitterness and aroma, and a crisp, dry finish. It is traditionally served in a tall skinny 200ml (~7 oz) glass called a Stange (pronounced “Schtang-uh”). Unlike many ales in the world, Kölsch is briefly put into cold storage following fermentation, a process called lagering. It is traditionally served out of 10L or 90L casks that are either stainless steel or pitch-lined wood. The beer is then poured from the cask into a circular, tiered serving tray of Stanges while being spun. It is quite the sight to behold.
German Helles Beer
job, but you’ll want to pay special attention to the yeast strain used as well as your fermentation temperature, which is slightly cooler than a typical ale (62-64 F vs 68-70 F). Due to the lower fermentation temperature, we recommend you use more yeast to avoid off flavors and the yeast stalling out.
Extract Recipe for 5 Gallons: Original Gravity - 1.046 Target Final Gravity - 1.008-1.010 ABV - 4.8%
6 lbs of liquid pilsner extract (Optional) Steep 0.5 Lbs of Munich or Vienna Malt at 150F for 30 minutes prior to adding extract 1 oz of Hallertauer hops (boil for 60 minutes) 2 packs of a Kölsch yeast strain: White Labs WLP029, Wyeast 2565, Imperial G03 “Dieter” continues on page 4
Recipe for Kölsch
Brewing a Kölsch is a fairly straightforward San Lorenzo Valley Post
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Mountain Fermenter Easy Drinking Summer Beers for BBQ Season (cont) continued from page 3
All-Grain Recipe for 5 Gallons: Original Gravity - 1.046 Target Final Gravity - 1.008-1.010 ABV - 4.8%
PHOTO FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
9 lbs of a good quality Pilsner malt 0.5 lbs of Vienna malt 1 oz of Hallertauer hops (boil 60 minutes) 2 packs of a Kölsch yeast strain: White Labs WLP029, Wyeast 2565, Imperial G03 “Dieter”
Coming Up Next Issue
With your thirst slaked, the next issue of the Mountain Fermenter will describe how to make fermented condiments to go along with some of our favorite BBQ dishes.
Hallertauer hops in Hallertau, Germany Ben Lomond local, Mike De Smidt has been home brewing for 12 years and is a BJCP Certified Beer Judge.
THE SANTA CRuz MOuNTAINS ART CENTER PRESENTS
Greg Roe is a Felton local who has been a home brewer for 20 years and is a self proclaimed Fermentation Geek. mountain
SELLER OR BUYER CALL M.C.DWYER
Earth & Fire
831-419-9759 SLVHomes.com
CERAMICS & GLASS OPEN INVITATIONAL EXHIBIT
View online & in the Thomas Gallery
June 16 – August 14, 2021 Gallery Hours: Fri – Sun I 12 – 5 pm Visit our website to view this exhibit and find out about the latest workshops and events being scheduled as we reopen the Art Center. Looking forward to seeing you in person soon!
mountainartcenter.org 9341 Mill Street Ben Lomond, Ca 95005 831-336-3513
4 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
M.C. Dwyer, MBA, REALTOR
DRE#01468388
"Superlative service..." "Exceptionally thorough, knowledgable and sensitive to her clients' issues."
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Community News IOOF/SLV Softball League By Ralph Storment, League Director Our adult co/rec softball league just ended our 1st Spring League season since 2019. We had 6 playoff games at Michael Gray Field in Felton. For the B-Division the 1st playoff game was Nailers 12 vs Sharks 9, 2nd game was Mtn Mechanics 15 vs Bandits 3. Then for the B-Division Championship game Mtn Mechanics 17 vs Nailers 16 so the Mtn Mechanics won the B-Division Championship!
Championship game Steelheads 6 vs Vagabonds 3 with the Steelheads’ Kaila hitting a 3-run homer over the fence in the 1st inning. Steelheads are the A-Division Champions. Co/rec Summer League starts Tuesday, June 15th and Men’s Summer League starts Wednesday, June 16th at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond. More information, including schedules and signups at ioofslv. teamopolis.com.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY RALPH STORMENT
For the A-Division the 1st playoff game was Vagabonds 9 vs Redwood Renegades 7, 2nd game Steelheads 14 vs Beers 9. Then for the A-Division
Mtn Mechanics
Rebuild the Alba School House
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
The Alba School House was lost to the CZU Lightning Complex fires in August 2020. The Alba Schoolhouse team is looking for volunteers and donors to help re-establish this historical treasure for community use. Visit rebuildalbaschoolhouse.org.
In SLV Water District news, Ben Lomond resident Jayme Ackemann was appointed to the board seat vacated by Tina To, who resigned three months after the November 2020 election. Ackemann said, “My husband and I have spent nearly two decades raising our children in this Valley and I continue to care deeply about all of the issues affecting our homes, businesses, and kids. But most importantly, I hope to earn your trust so that our community will consider returning me to the Board again in 2022.”
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LINDSEY SPETH, ALBA SCHOOL HOUSE
Steelheads
www.slvpost.com
Jayme Ackemann
San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
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Commentary By Antonia Bradford
T
oday is nine months to the day that my home burned to the ground. I will never forget the moment that I found out she was gone. I have never experienced grief like that. Deep. Painful. I screamed and sobbed in my husband’s arms for an hour. I would wake up in our hotel as the sun rose in the smoke-filled skies of Santa Cruz, and before opening my eyes, would tell myself that it had just been a dream. Nine months feels like a lifetime ago. Oftentimes I still can’t believe this happened to my family and our community. When I talk to people now about what it means to have lost a home to fire, I tell them that losing the house wasn’t the worst of it. It’s the after. Fighting the insurance companies, the SBA, and of course Santa Cruz County. These are the things that truly break you. So many fire victims right now are deep in despair fighting daily battles that make us feel that rebuilding our homes, reclaiming the lifestyles we once
had, is an impossible dream. There have been days that I am so worn down by it all that I feel hopeless. My husband reminds me that it’s not hopeless, it’s just way harder than it should be. At this point in my recovery, I am doing my best to pay attention to the things the fire gave me rather than what it took. I have met amazing activist women in my community. Powerful women. I have found my own voice and strength, which are stronger than I ever imagined. My connection to this wonderful place we live in is so strong, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The fire has changed me in very positive ways, for which I am eternally grateful. I am often asked by non-fire people how they can help. First, show up when we need you. Join our local support page for updates. Help us press the county for authentic help rather than lip service. Write to our supervisors to express support for the fire community’s rebuilding efforts. The struggles to build in Santa Cruz County are widely known, and many fire victims are being treated unfairly and experiencing costs and processes that are
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z rru uz C C a t a n t a n S a S g n ettiing ke a arrk M l M a l t i a t g i i D Dig 831-345-5972 digitalmediasantacruz.com
6 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BRADFORD
Nine Months
Antonia Bradford with a Los Angeles County firefighter at her homesite in Boulder Creek. unfair and prohibitive. ties. The generosity and grace that complete strangers have shown Here are some examples: Geologmy family and other fire families ical survey requirements costing has moved me to tears so many tens of thousands of dollars. Untimes in the last nine months. known and inconsistent permit Sometimes tragedies can show you fees. Huge costs for temporary what you are really made of, and dwelling permits. Broken promisthis fire has shown that this mounes. The list goes on and on and on. tain, in the hardest of times, has an abundance of love, strength, and Second, listen without judgment or thinking that we should be over community that will help us get through this. it by now or that time has healed some of our pain. This process and Thank you for standing with us. this grief are unlike anything I’ve We couldn’t do this without you. ever experienced. It is layer upon layer, and the process of recovery Facebook Group: SLV Support and healing is complicated. Life Group for Home Loss. June 5 has largely returned to normal for Meeting for Fire Famlies: facebook. the vast majority of our commucom/events/527251578472715 nity, but for those of us who lost Antonia Bradford lives in Boulder everything, we are re-traumatized Creek with her husband and five every day in our efforts to just get children. She is a writer, artist, and back home. Our lives are not easy business owner. She is an advocate for right now. I won’t call myself a fire families in the area, having lost “survivor” until I am back home her own home in Boulder Creek. She on my land in my rebuilt house. is committed to making contributions Until then, I haven’t survived to the San Lorenzo Valley community anything. wherever and however she can. mountain If there is any place to experience this loss, it is San Lorenzo Valley. I have been so humbled and amazed at the coming together of our beautiful mountain communiwww.slvpost.com
Transportation Path to Rail Trail Decision Must Cross Four Bridges
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he debate over the Santa Cruz County Regional Transit Commission’s (RTC) Rail Corridor Study hit an impasse recently when the Commission deadlocked over a vote to adopt a business plan for the preferred light rail alternative, which was selected by the commission in February. The two votes seem to be at odds with one another – selecting light rail as the preferred alternative but later rejecting the business plan as “too expensive” according to some commissioners. The study centers around whether to use the corridor for trains, active uses like bicycling and running, or some combination of all the above. Newly elected Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig is among those who want to see the corridor converted to bicycle and pedestrian uses. Koenig said about the recent vote in his newsletter, “This creates an opportunity to study trail options in greater detail.” He added, “Doing so will allow for more flexibility to the RTC in choosing a preferred alternative.” More flexibility to choose a “preferred alternative” suggests that the preferred alternative selected in February – wasn’t really, at least not for some commissioners. But for Roaring Camp Railroad the question isn’t academic, it’s potentially existential. Roaring Camp’s Boardwalk route crosses the path now under consideration for pedestrian and bicycle use, raising concerns about whether the oper-
ator will be able to continue using that route should RTC proceed with the trail alternative. Melani Clark, Roaring Camp Railroad CEO said, “We’re a common carrier. If that is cut off, we would not have contact with the national railroad network which could mean losing our designation, losing our trackage rights to get to Roaring Camp Railroads the Boardwalk, or to get in new or community businesses who use repaired equipment.” rail to receive and transport their But RTC is offering vague assurvaluable goods. Roaring Camp ances about potential impacts to strongly supports the preservation Roaring Camp’s operations. In a of rail operations in Santa Cruz written statement, CommunicaCounty. Rail provides important tions Specialist Shannon Munz flexibility for the future of transsaid, “Although the trackage rights portation in the community.” agreement that Roaring Camp Four bridges has to go to the Boardwalk is an agreement between Roaring Camp The future seems to rest on the fate of four rail bridges – two cross and St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, potential impacts of potential RTC highways, two cross creeks – in the Aptos area. Two will be reactions to that trackage rights agreement would also be carefully constructed as part of a Highway One widening project – whether considered by the RTC along with they are rebuilt to weight-bearing other potential impacts.” standards for freight carriage and All “potentially” clear? how the two creek-crossings are Roaring Camp attracts tourists ultimately handled could have a from around the world to the San significant impact on the long-term Lorenzo Valley. But the railroad is future for rail service in Santa Cruz also a freight operator. Recently, it County. announced an agreement with ProOne alternative under considergressive Rail, the parent company ation if the board moves forward of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, with a trail plan would be “railto operate freight service in Watbanking” the corridor so that it sonville on behalf of customers - like Big Creek Lumber - who rely could be restored for rail use in the future. The practice of “railbankon the corridor to move its heavy ing” was established through the freight to market. 1983 “National Trails System Act” As part of Roaring Camp’s anas a “voluntary agreement benouncement, they also sent a mes- tween a rail service company and sage to Commissioners considertrail agency to use an out-of-sering the future uses of the corridor, vice rail corridor as a trail until the “The railroad is looking forward to railroad might need the corridor working together with Watsonville again for rail service.”
www.slvpost.com
PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER
By Jayme Ackemann
According to the act, the “abandoning railroad” has the right to re-establish rail operations at a later date but to do that they must agree to purchase the corridor back from the managing agency for “fair market compensation.” Progressive Rail did indicate interest in abandoning the corridor in 2020 but subsequently rescinded the formal request for abandonment and contracted the service to Roaring Camp. It’s unclear what the company’s long-term plans are for the branch line – but for now freight service does operate on the segment of the line that originates out of Watsonville. In the end it may be Progressive Rail who ultimately determines which “track” this trail study ends up on. But for San Lorenzo Valley, it’s important that whichever path the project takes, our “Little Engine That Could” continues to roar. Jayme Ackemann is a public affairs consultant and freelance writer. Ackemann has worked on major capital investments and water infrastructure capital construction projects in the Bay Area. Jayme has been a resident of Ben Lomond for more than 15 years. mountain
San Lorenzo Valley Post
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Reopening Open at Last
O
n June 15 Santa Cruz County moves back to usual operations, and parks, beaches, museums, and libraries are reopening after a long absence. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite places.
Parks
All county parks, beaches, and trails are open, including playgrounds and restrooms. Visit scparks.com for health guidelines and access updates. Enjoy a day at Loch Lomond, which is open for boat rentals, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Pets on a leash are welcome on trails and in picnic areas but not on rental boats or in the reservoir. June hours are 7:00 am to 8:30 pm. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has opened parking and campsites by reservation. Visit reservecalifornia.com or call (800) 4447275 to reserve a site. The Visitor Center is open and tours are operating. While the CZU fire closed some of the trails at Fall Creek, you can still hike Lost Empire, Pine Flat, Sunlit, Tan Oak, Big Ben, Ridge,
S-Cape, North Fall Creek (between Cape Horn Trail and Big Ben Trail), and Buckeye. Visit parks.ca.gov for guidelines.
Libraries
County libraries will restore services in phases throughout the summer. In-person browsing is now available in Felton and Scotts Valley. And you can also use these services: » » » »
Computer use, up to 45 minutes each day WiFi use outside the library Free wireless printing Copiers for a fee
PHOTO BY JULIE HORNER
By Chris Finnie
Visit santacruzpl.org for updates as operations are restored.
Roaring Camp
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Rail excursions are by advanced reservation only. Hiking trails are open. The Roaring Camp Summer Music Series, presented by Felton Music Hall will be going on all summer long. See the schedule at feltonmusichall.com/calendar and on our Entertainment Calendar on page 12.
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Members can now sign up for ceramic studio
hours and clay workshops in the beautiful riverside yard. In addition, June will see the first in-gallery exhibit of 2021, featuring works in both ceramic and glass. Plus, Life Drawing is back! Informal life drawing sessions feature a different model each week, in both short and long poses. This class takes place indoors and class size is currently limited to 5. Visit mountainartcenter.org for details.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum
The Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery in Felton and the Grace Episcopal Gallery in Boulder Creek, are open. Visit slvmuseum. com for more information.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY COUGAR SWIM SCHOOL
San Lorenzo Valley High School Pool
Cougar Swim School at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton 8 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
Open for morning swim lessons and weekday afternoon lap swim on June 7. For details and signups, visit the Cougar Swim School Facebook page. Chris Finnie has lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for 25 years. She has contributed articles and columns to several local newspapers before happily landing at the San Lorenzo Valley Post at its inception mountain www.slvpost.com
Theater There’s Something About a Small Town By Julie Horner
T
here’s something about a small town. “My kids grew up doing this, they’re all adults now,” said Jennine Chadwick, Executive Director of Little People’s Repertory Theater. “They do this in the summer, help the new kids, go to college, come back.” It’s a touchstone in their lives, she says, and one of the things she loves best about doing it: the continuity. “I can’t imagine this happening in a bigger place.” Chadwick has been involved in LPRT for 25 years. A “big picture person,” she is playwright, songwriter, and pep squad. Everyone in the performing arts community has been trying to wing it. “People have lost so much,” Chadwick said. “We usually have about 70 kids involved in LPRT. Last year we didn’t know how many would feel comfortable getting together at all, but we got 50 kids. Pretty remarkable that we’d retain that.” LPRT produced the visually spectacular (and technically challenging) Cinderacula & The Campaign Of Unfortunate Events — in the middle of the pandemic. Written by Chadwick, directed by Jocelyn McMahon-Babalis, and filmed over the summer of 2020 with 10 kids allowed on stage at a time under covid restrictions at Park Hall in Ben Lomond, the movie premiered in
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY LPRT
Little People’s Repertory Theater Preps for Summer late March at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Drive-In. “I wrote it like a movie knowing that we would be green-screening. We had small rehearsal groups, knowing we couldn’t be together.” If you build it, they will come. It’s been hard financially. They usually do
“The fun for them is that they have this contemporary reference that the kids are into, and I put in songs that everybody loves to hate.” 10 sell-out shows a year at Park Hall, but the venue has had to remain closed to the public, so they have been using the little purple LPRT Annex on Mill Street for rehearsals and more. After the fire, they opened the tiny space to families who lost their homes to the CZU fire so they could use the Internet and do office work. “It’s been a rough year.” Waylaid like everybody in the arts community, people forget about theater, especially children’s theater. “We’ve gotten some grants,”
Chadwick said, “and we’ve got a lot of hope.” This summer Little People’s Repertory Theater presents Alice’s Avengers in Underland, Alice in Wonderland with a twist. There will be lots of super heroes, Chadwick promises, and Taylor Swift songs. Chadwick originally produced the show nine years ago and will freshen it up with more of her legendary music mashups. “The fun for them is that they have this contemporary reference that the kids are into, and I put in songs that everybody loves to hate. It’s become a cult thing.” Rehearsals for Alice’s Avengers in Underland begin the week of June 14, and that’s when the production team will do their casting. Kids don’t have to audition, just sign up. Everyone gets a part, from age 8 to 14, even junior players as young as 2, so they have a chance to be in the production. The show will run Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 1 at Park Hall in Ben Lomond. Register at lprt.org “We’re rewriting the fairytale,” Chadwick said, “and we’re not going anywhere.” Visit lprt.org mountain
Alice’s Avengers in Underland 2013 productions www.slvpost.com
San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
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Books The Winds of Beyond
I
t all started in 2016 at the White Raven coffee shop in Felton. “I had this little notebook with random ideas. I was supposed to be studying.” SLVHS graduate Sampson Miller admits to being a horrible student. He would doodle in class - spaceships, otherworldly concepts, and “stories in his head.” By his Junior year, he had a fully developed allegory filled with complex characters that he imagined making into a film. No stranger to the stage, he said, “I worked on every play they did during my time at SLVHS from
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SAMPSON MILLER
By Julie Horner
Author Sampson Miller
acting, to tech roles, stage management, and operating the spotlight; pretty much everything.” Grease was in production at the time, and he overheard Drama Boosters talking about next year’s play. Inspired, he asked if he could direct and produce his
Sampons Miller’s Book - The Winds of Beyond works on the San Lorenzo Valley Arts Center stage. It took some convincing, he said, but he got the nod and in early March 2018, The Winds of Beyond made its theatrical debut with an impossibly tiny budget and a rag-tag crew. “Opening night of the show was one of the most joyous moments of my life, my greatest achievement,” he said. The book is the full story with additions and changes. “I only got serious about writing the book at the beginning of quarantine,” he said. And it was a lot harder than expected with so many intertwining concepts. In the story, Lila Stone and her mother are cast adrift in space after the earth has been destroyed. In her search for her mother, she embarks on a quest to find The Winds of Beyond. “I wanted it to feel epic. Swashbuckling! Sweeping! Like a silly fantasy book. It’s ridiculously pulpy. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones. It’s self-aware, it knows it’s ridiculous.” And it says a lot of beautiful things about life. “I’m Jewish, my main character Lyla Stone is Jewish; it was important to me to make her Jewish. I can’t think of a single sci-fi media where the main character is Jewish. Her creed is the main focus of the story.” Most of the
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PHOTO BY ALEKSANDRA SHVETS
San Lorenzo Valley High Alum Publishes Book
characters in the book are aliens from different galaxies. “I tried to make them diverse. Two are gay. I wanted to make them gay and not just brushed aside. These characters are the heart of the entire book, integral to the story.” The book was released in March, 2021, the third anniversary of opening night for the original stage play. Soon to graduate from Brooklyn College in New York, he had a lot of friends helping him out on both coasts. “This took the labor of friends from both sides of the country, worlds colliding. It’s all about connectivity.” Fans, friends, and family will understand his sense of humor. “I’d love the sci-fi community to make it a cult classic,” he said. And he promises that hardcore Sampson Miller fans will find Lego characters in the book. With a double major in political science and film, he plans to go to law school, entertainment law specifically, and is otherwise waiting to see where his creativity takes him. “I’m 21. I’ve got my whole life ahead of me.” The Winds of Beyond is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/ the-winds-of-beyond-sampsonmiller mountain
www.slvpost.com
Community Calendar June 2021 Summer Reading Program
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program June 1 through July 31. In this program, kids, teens, and adults track their reading, complete activities, and earn raffle entries and prizes. All ages are invited to register at santacruzpl.org/srp or by calling 831-427-7713.
» Eve misting system » Submersible pool pump with fire hoses » How to help first responders help you Marco Mack, Deputy Fire Marshal for Santa Cruz County Central Fire District will be on hand. Event is free but advance registration is REQUIRED at rcdsantacruz.org/rcd-public-events/24-home-hardening-fuel-reduction-property-tour or call 831-464-2950 for more information.
Redwood Teen Music Camp
SLV High School Graduation Friday, June 4 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Live graduation ceremony at the high school football field. Bring a blanket or a chair with a sled bottom like a beach chair. Four guests per graduate, no exceptions. Masks and social distancing required. The ceremony will be livestreamed at nfhsnetwork.com/schools/ san-lorenzo-valley-high-school-felton-ca
June 14 - June 19 in person at Monte Toyon Camp and Conference Center-Aptos. A full-immersion Celtic music camp for musicians ages 12-19. Register with the Community Music School of Santa Cruz: communitymusicschool.org/redwood-music-teen-camp4
Prepare for Wildfire: Home Hardening and Fuel Reduction Tour Saturday, June 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Come tour a private home in Bonny Doon to learn techniques for wildfire preparedness. Homeowners LizAnne and Ken have worked the past 15 years to make home hardening and fuel reduction improvements on their property. The tour will include: » Defensible space zones » Extensive fuel reduction efforts » Rooftop sprinklers www.slvpost.com
Sunday, July 4 at 11:00 am, Sequoia Retreat Center, 11445 Alba Road, Ben Lomond. In memory of fond times at the Alba School House, which was destroyed in the CZU fire. Community picnic for all ages, live music from Joshua Lowe and friends. Auction and fundraiser to rebuild the schoolhouse. fb.me/e/KAq9DV9V mountain
Saturday, June 19 at 8:00 am, meet at Harvey West Blvd & Dubois St, Santa Cruz. coastaltrailruns.com/slr_san_lorenzo_river.html
Trains depart daily!
Friday, June 4 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm in Boulder Creek. Shops and restaurants open extended hours to welcome visitors to the historic downtown district. Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 am. Brewtrails group hike at Quail Hollow Ranch Park facebook.com/brewtrailers/events
Alba Road 4th of July Picnic at Sequoia Retreat Center
San Lorenzo River Trail Run
First Friday ArtWalk Boulder Creek
Brewtrails Quail Hollow Ranch Hike
All day Sunday, the historic town of Boulder Creek hosts an open house and sidewalk sale, live music in front of shops, goodie bags for the kids, and more!
Tomato Masters Workshop
Reservations required: roaringcamp.com
Sunday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 5311 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley. Learn how to master the art and science of the world’s most popular fruit. This is a hands-on seminar on backyard tomato growing. Get the latest techniques for fertilizing, pruning, and soil amending; staking, proper garden siting, mulching, watering, disease and pest control, harvesting, the heirloom vs. hybrid debate, and seed saving. Taught by farmer Cynthia Sandberg co-founder of the World Tomato Society. Register: growbetterveggies.com
BCBA 4th of July Parade
Sunday, July 4 enjoy a community “virtual parade” video available from the Boulder Creek Business Association website: bcba.org
(831) 335-4484 San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
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Entertainment SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS Big Basin Vineyards 830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek (831) 621-8028 bigbasinvineyards.com
June 2021
7th Wave
Jeff Oliver
SAT | JUN | 19 | 6:30 TO 9:30
FRI | JUN 25 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Pride Night LGBTQIA
Andy Fuhrman & Friends
THURS | JUN 24 | 8:00 TO 12:00
SAT | JUN 26 | 1:00 TO 4:00
One Country
Ginny Mitchell
FRI | JUN 25 | 6:30 TO 9:30 KARAOKE TILL CLOSE
SAT | JUN 26 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Matt Masih
SUN | JUN 27 | 1:00 TO 4:00
Ben Lonesome
SAT | JUN 26 | 1:30 TO 4:30
FRI | JUN 4 | 5:30 TO 9:30
Santa Cruda
Fort Vine
SAT | JUN 26 | 6:30 TO 9:30
FRI | JUN 11 | 5:30 TO 9:30
Cruz Control
Buffalo Blues Trio
SUN | JUN 27 | 1:30 TO 4:30
FRI | JUN 18 | 5:30 TO 9:30
Fort Vine
Davenport Roadhouse
FRI | JUN 25 | 5:30 TO 9:30
Brookdale Lodge 11570 Highway 9, Brookdale (831) 609-6010 brookdalelodge.com
Lloyd Whitley Blues Band
Felton Music Hall 6275 Highway 9, Felton (831) 704-7113 feltonmusichall.com
Dawes at Roaring Camp Railroads FRI | JUN 4 | 3:00
1 Davenport Avenue, Davenport (831) 426-8801 davenportroadhouse.com
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Frankie Boots
Dirt Rakers
SAT | JUN 5 | 3:00
FRI | JUN 4 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Ten O’Clock Lunch Band with Ted Welty
FRI | JUN 4 | 9:30
John Craigie at Roaring Camp Railroads Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Proxima Parada SAT | JUN 5 | 9:30
Open Mic
SAT | JUN 5 | 1:00 TO 4:00
THURS | JUN 3 | 7:00 TO 10:00
Adam Astrup
Ripatti & Rose
SAT | JUN 5 | 5:00 TO 8:00
FRI | JUN 4 | 6:30 TO 9:30 KARAOKE TILL CLOSE
The Swirly Girls
Ona Stewart & Rattlecan
Robert Elmond Stone
SAT | JUN 5 | 1:30 TO 4:30
FRI | JUN 11 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Toby Gray
The Beach Cowboys
Country Roots Presents Pokey LaFarge at Felton Music Hall
SUN | JUN 6 | 1:30 TO 4:30
SAT | JUN 12 | 1:00 TO 4:00
FRI | JUN 11 | 7:00
Alex Lucero
Ginny Mitchell
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Spooky Mansion
FRI | JUN 11 | 6:30 TO 9:30 KARAOKE TILL CLOSE
SAT | JUN 12 | 5:00 TO 8:00
FRI | JUN 11 | 9:30
Dan Frechette
Brian Fitzgerald Trio w/ Bob Wider, Keith Wieland
The Good Bad at Felton Music Hall
SAT | JUN 12 | 1:30 TO 4:30
SUN | JUN 13 | 1:00 TO 4:00
Vito and Friends
Paul Dynamite
The California Honeydrops at Felton Music Hall
SAT | JUN 12 | 6:30 TO 9:30
FRI | JUN 18 | 5:00 TO 8:00
THURS | JUN 17 | 7:00 TO 10:00
Maddie & Jackie
Rusty Rock & Roll: Tim Hopkins
SUN | JUN 13 | 1:30 TO 4:30
SAT | JUN 19 | 1:00 TO 4:00
The California Honeydrops at Roaring Camp Railroads
Dennis Dove
Ripatti & Rose
FRI | JUN 18 | 3:00
FRI | JUN 18 | 6:30 TO 9:30 KARAOKE TILL CLOSE
SAT | JUN 19 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ The Sam Chase & The Untraditional
John Michael & Vinny Johnson
SUN | JUN 20 | 1:00 TO 4:00
SAT | JUN 6 | 1:00 TO 4:00
Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band
ALO at Roaring Camp Railroads SUN | JUN 6 | 3:00
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Skyway Man SUN | JUN 6 | 9:30
Thundercat at Roaring Camp Railroads FRI | JUN 11 | 3:00
SAT | JUN 12 | 6:00
FRI | JUN 18 | 9:30
SAT | JUN 19 | 1:30 TO 4:30
12 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
www.slvpost.com
Entertainment Jackie Greene at Roaring Camp Railroads
Big Bad Wolf
SUN | JUN 20 | 3:00
FRI | JUN 11 | 8:00
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Alex Lucero Band
Ripatti & Rose
SUN | JUN 20 | 9:30
Shady Rest
Fortunate Youth at Roaring Camp Railroads THURS | JUN 24 | 3:00
The Brothers Comatose at Roaring Camp Railroads FRI | JUN 25 | 3:00
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ The Live Oaks FRI | JUN 25 | 9:30
Beats Antique at Roaring Camp Railroads
June 2021
Neighborhood Night w/ Annamarie & Arindam FRI | JUN 30 | 8:00
SAT | JUN 12 | 8:00
Scopazzi’s
FRI | JUN 18 | 8:00
The Next Blues Band SAT | JUN 19 | 8:00
Blue FRI | JUN 25 | 8:00
Claudio Melega
Groovy Judy
FRI | JUN 4 | 6:00 TO 8:00
SAT | JUN 26 | 8:00
Toby Gray SAT | JUN 5 | 6:00 TO 8:00
SAT | JUN 26 | 3:00
Joe’s Bar
Felton Campfire Sessions w/ KR3TURE SAT | JUN 26 | 9:30
Dirtwire at Roaring Camp Railroads Felton Campfire Sessions w/ Motion Potion
13118 Highway 9, Boulder Creek (831) 338-9417 www.facebook.com/joesbouldercreek
SUN | JUN 27 | 9:30
Karaoke
SUN | JUN 27 | 3:00
13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek (831) 338-6441 scopazzisrestaurant.com
Maddie & Jackie FRI | JUN 11 | 6:00 TO 8:00
John Michael FRI | JUN 25 | 6:00 TO 8:00
Second Saturday Felton Music Series
TUESDAYS AT 8:00
Hallcrest Vineyards
Neighborhood Night w/ Chas WED | JUN 3 | 8:00 TO 11:00
Spun 379 Felton Empire Road, Felton (831) 335-4441 hallcrestvineyards.com
Anthony Arya & Patti Maxine w/ Ted Welty SAT | JUN 6 | 2:00 TO 5:00
Anthony Arya & Mighty Mike Schermer SUN | MAY 20 | 2:00 to 5:00
Henflings of Ben Lomond
FRI | JUN 4 | 8:30
Anthony Arya w/ Members of Chasing Ophelia SAT | JUN 12 | 3:00 TO 5:00
Steve Bennett w Jim Lewin & Bill Laymon
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
SAT | JUN 5 | 8:30
Neighborhood Night w/ Malakai Lawton WED | JUN 9 | 8:00 FRI | JUN 11 | 8:30
20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley (831) 454-8429 steelbon.net
T-Bone Mojo
Joe Kaplow
SAT | JUN 12 | 8:30
THURS | JUN 3 | 5:00
Third Bowl
Neighborhood Night w/ Eyes Like Lanterns 9450 Highway 9, Ben Lomond (831) 586-0606 henflingsbar.com
WED | JUN 16 | 8:00
Flingo
Blind Pilots
WEDNESDAYS 7:30 TO MIDNIGHT
Karaoke THURSDAYS 8:00 TO MIDNIGHT
Blues Suspects FRI | JUN 4 | 8:00
Buffalo Blues Trio SAT | JUN 5 | 8:00
www.slvpost.com
Shawn Andrews Blues Band FRI | JUN 18 | 8:30
SANTA CRUZ
SAT | JUN 19 | 8:30
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Neighborhood Night w/ Maddie and Jackie WED | JUN 23 | 8:00
The Avi Zev Band FRI | JUN 25 | 8:30
Live Oak Jam SAT | JUN 26 | 8:30
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz (831) 475-5600 chaminade.com
Shawn Yanez THURS | JUN 3 | 5:30 TO 8:30
San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
13
Entertainment
June 2021
(CHAMINADE CONT’D FROM PAGE 13)
Papiba & Friends | The Hook Pleasure Point
The New Horizons
SUN | JUN 6 | 5:00 TO 8:00
SAT | JUN 12 | 3:00 TO 5:00
THURS | JUN 3 | 5:00
David Cameron
Dub Souljah | 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
Pet Roxx Unplugged
MON | JUN 7 | 5:30 TO 8:30
FRI | JUN 18 | 7:00 TO 9:00
FRI | JUN 4 | 5:00
Toby Gray
Fuse | Seabright Social Club
Painted Mandolin featuring Joe Craven “Dinner & A Show”
Dan Frechette
TUES | JUN 8 | 5:30 TO 8:30
Ripatti & Rose THURS | JUN 10 | 5:30 TO 8:30
TUES | JUNE 22 | 5:00 TO 7:00
Ancestree | 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
SAT | JUN 5 | 6:30
FRI | JUN 25 | 7:00 TO 9:00
ABC Thursday Time Out w/ Patti Maxine THURS | JUN 10 | 5:00
Santa Cruda
Santa Cruda
SUN | JUN 13 | 5:00 TO 8:00
Matt Masih MON | JUN 14 | 5:30 TO 8:30
MID COUNTY Greater Purpose Brewing Company
TUES | JUN 15 | 5:30 TO 8:30
Claudio Melega
SUN | JUN 20 | 5:00 TO 8:00
21517 E Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz (831) 713-5540 greaterpurposebrewing.com
Wine, Women and Wrong
Vinny Johnson
MON | JUN 21 | 5:30 TO 8:30
THURS | JUNE 3 | 6:00 TO 8:00
The Blues Mechanics
Banjerdan
TUES | JUN 22 | 5:30 TO 8:30
WED | JUNE 9 | 6:00 TO 8:00
John Michael
Claudio Melega
The Tom and Dave Show
MON | JUN 28 | 5:30 TO 8:30
Roy Zimmerman “Dinner & A Show” SUN | JUN 12 | 6:30
Maddie and Jackie
THURS | JUN 17 | 5:30 TO 8:30
FRI | JUN 11 | 5:00
Rosebud FRI | JUN 18 | 5:00
Lyin’ I’s Eagles Tribute Band “Dinner & A Show” SAT | JUN 19 | 6:30
Now’s The time FRI | JUN 25 | 5:00
Anthony Arya & Tammi Brown SAT | JUN 26 | 6:30
THURS | JUNE 10 | 6:00 TO 8:00
Chas Crowder
Wildcat Mountain Ramblers
TUES | JUN 29 | 5:30 TO 8:30
WED | JUNE 16TH FROM 6:00 TO 8:00
SOUTH COUNTY
The Blues Mechanics
Off the Lip Radio Show
Shotgun Suitor WED | JUNE 23 | 6:00 TO 8:00
Live outdoors and streaming on Santa Cruz Waves facebook.com/santacruzwaves
Dennis Dove
Archived podcasts: offthelipradio.com/podcast
One Country
Alex Lucero & Live Again Band | 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
THURS | JUNE 24 | 6:00 TO 8:00 WED | JUNE 30 | 6:00 TO 8:00
WED | JUN 9 | 5:00 TO 8:00
James Durbin | The Palms Los Gatos THURS | JUN 10 | 7:00 TO 9:00
Stone Drifters | 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz FRI | JUN 11 | 7:00 TO 9:00
2901 Freedom Blvd, Corralitos (831) 607-8118 elvaquerowinery.com
Michael Gaither w/ Jim Lewin FRI | JUN 4 | 6:00 TO 9:00
Alex Lucero and Live Again SAT | JUN 5 | 5:00 TO 8:00
FRI | JUN 4 | 7:00 TO 9:00
Ted Welty w/ All Star Musical Tribute | Michael’s on Main
El Vaquero Winery
THURS | JUNE 17 | 6:00 TO 8:00
Michael’s on Main
Servo7 SUN | JUN 6 | 1:00 TO 4:00
2591 S Main St, Soquel (831) 479-9777 michaelsonmainmusic.com
Michael Gaither w/ Janine Mariana, Patti Maxine FRI | JUN 11 | 6:00 TO 9:00
Grateful Sundays
Ten O’Clock Lunch Trio w/ George Zafares, Ted Welty
SUNDAYS AT 5:30
SAT | JUN 12 | 1:00 TO 4:00
Hump Day With Ted Welty and Guests WEDNESDAYS AT 5:00
14 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
www.slvpost.com
Music Never Lose Sight of Those Little Red Lights PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY DAN MAZER
The Brookdale Bluegrass Festival Returns to the Brookdale Lodge By Dan Mazer with Julie Horner
more summer with the band, so I began making plans for a crossThe 27th Annual Brookdale Bluegrass Festival country tour to bring me back was scheduled for the weekend of April 17thto California. One of the events 19th, 2020, but it was one of the first events to I contacted was the Brookdale be cancelled due to the pandemic. As one of the Bluegrass Festival. Eric Burman, scheduled performers, it hurt my heart to miss the festival director, told me that one of my favorite events, which used to take although he didn’t usually book place at the Brookdale Lodge and has lately solo acts, he’d take a chance Banjo workshop at The Parkfield Bluegrass Festival BanjerDan, been held at San Benito County Historical Park on me, and that was how I got Greg Cahill, and Julio Boysenberry in Tres Pinos. my first-ever gig in Santa Cruz One of the most enjoyable aspects of bluegrass County. music is the jamming. Bluegrass relies on the I’m a professional bluegrass/folk musician. In interplay between guitar, mandolin, banjo, the late 1990s, I lived in San Diego and was the My tour began in mid-February, quite an fiddle, and bass with every instrument playing banjo player in a group called “The Jackstraws.” adventure, driving across the country in a support role in between solos. Just as in a jazz We were a costumed entertainment act, late winter. I had shows in Fort Atkinson, “cutting session,” each instrumentalist is given combining folk music and comedy, performing Wisconsin; Pierre, South Dakota; Gillette, at venues ranging from SeaWorld to the world- Wyoming; Bozeman, Montana; and Sandpoint, a turn to play lead on a given tune. So, when famous San Diego Zoo, and festivals all around Idaho, on my way to “The Big Gig” of the tour, all the performances were over for the evening, Eric led me to “the green room” where the jam California. After a painful divorce, I moved which was the Wintergrass Festival in Tacoma, session was taking place. The air was filled back to my old hometown of Washington, DC WA. I have a vivid memory of driving into a with the sound of hot pickin’ and redolent with to recover near family and friends. fog bank on the way to Bozeman. The fog was the sweet smell of high quality cannabis. That so thick that I had to follow dangerously close In early 2001, The Jackstraws’ band leader to a truck just so I could see its rear lights. I was session was eventually released as Pete Hicks’ convinced me to return to San Diego for one afraid that if I lost sight of those little red lights, “Upstairs Jam” CD, and it remains one of my favorite projects that I’ve ever recorded. I’d drive right off the road! The Brookdale Bluegrass Festival was held inside the Brookdale Lodge back then, and when I arrived I was immediately impressed with the beautiful old hotel, especially the natural stream running right through the middle of the dining room. Eric Burman greeted me when I arrived and made me feel right at home.
BanjerDan at the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival August 2020 www.slvpost.com
The 2001 Brookdale Bluegrass Festival featured Frank Solivan Sr. and Jr., Sidesaddle, Harmony Grits, Regina Bartlett, and Eric’s band, The Birchlake Ramblers. There was also an underwater banjo contest. Legend has it that one of the girls asked if it was important to have a costume before performing underwater. When the judges said no, she jumped in the pool, and the only thing she had on was a tattoo.
Eric Burman booked me for the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival in 2012. He eventually made me an ad hoc member of his own Brookdale Bluegrass Band, and I’ve been delighted to join him at the Brookdale Bluegrass Festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, and the Pick & Gather Festival. The Brookdale Bluegrass Festival returns to its roots this year at the Brookdale Lodge August 13-15. The ghost, Sara, will be glad to see us; she always enjoyed big parties! It remains to be seen whether there will be another underwater banjo contest. “BanjerDan” Mazer performs Americana and bluegrass music and teaches 5-string banjo in the Santa Cruz Mountains. banjerdan.net mountain
San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
15
Ben Lomond Gardener By Josh Reilly
I
t’s peak season in San Lorenzo Valley gardens. Roses, salvias, Jerusalem sage, irises, poppies, lavenders, yuccas, succulents, penstemons, sedums, Peruvian lilies and ground covers like creeping Thyme are all in full riot. Azaleas and rhododendrons are lighting up shady corners. Pelargoniums and geraniums (often confused) are going off like fireworks. Long blooming standbys like Erigeron will be in full bloom for another month at least. Shrubs like Viburnum, Spirea and Weigela are flowering or tapering off. Annual and perennial Lupines are taking their final bows after a month on center stage. Self-sowing annuals like Nigella, borage, Cerinthe, and poppies are back again. California poppy and Mimulus (sticky monkey flower) are running amuck on every hillside. Valerian and feverfew are back whether you like it or not! Hardscape — paths, rock features, and bed edgings amid this lush
explosion of color and texture — give your landscape a comforting sense of form and purpose. Even a “meadow” type planting benefits from a path or two. Regarding meadows: they are difficult to establish in the SLV. Here, invasive weeds dominate throughout Winter and in Summer, many native meadow plants go dormant. The rare garden wizard can pull all this off with exquisitely timed mowing, sowing, watering, and Gravel path in a summer garden preparation (solarizing, herbicides, etc). For the rest of us, hard- house. They can also be used to install faux “creek beds.” Rock scape features like paths allow walls can define changes in elevabetter access for weeding, watertion (no shortage of those here). ing, and management of plantPro-tip: ¼” - ½” pea gravel is acings and pest control, including tually a superb mulch and growgopher protection. How far do ing medium for succulents and you want to have to reach into drought-tolerant plants. Even if your beds to set gopher traps? you don’t replace them with rock Larger boulders, carefulbeds, you still benefit by removly arranged, can be bold and ing ALL plantings adjacent to the eye-catching and introduce a house. These “foundation plantsense of untamed natural beauty. ings” were a big fad in the 50s, Just remember that their instal60s and 70s. Juniper, Euonymus, lation requires teamwork, tools, privet and, God help us, English and much mechanical leverage. Ivy, were crowded into narrow River rock or beach pebbles are beds right next to foundations as superb ground covers close to the a kind of landscape afterthought. They are effective fire bridges. They hold moisture next to your house all winter long. They harbor rats and are a maintenance nuisance. Do yourself a favor and yank them out. Replace them with a bed of gravel, river rock, or beach pebble, all the way around the house. Even regularly weeded dirt around the house beats foundation plantings in appearance, function, and fire safety.
Various types of gravel to consider for your garden pathway 16 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
Gravel paths between beds and planting areas act as fire breaks and greet your feet with a soothing crunch, like brushes on a snare. The eye naturally follows a
PHOTOS BY DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
Early Summer Gardens in Full Riot
path into your garden, ordering the experience in time and space. Gravel paths should be about 4” deep. A 2” layer of base rock first will help with long-term maintenance. You will need to weed these rock beds and paths (and even concrete paths eventually). Avoid “landscape fabric.” This annoying synthetic sheeting is not biodegradable. It eventually surfaces its frayed edges peeking out through your paths and borders. It doesn’t really help much either. Instead, consider cardboard or a paper landscape fabric. This material will break down between 2 and 5 years after installation but will prevent weed growth under the path for the first couple of years. After that, weed seeds will blow in from off site and no kind of weed barrier will help. So weed, you must. Think of it as karma yoga, giving you a way to enjoy the beauty of multi-colored rock up close, in light and shade, wet or dry. Josh Reilly, aka Uncle Skip, writes about seasonal gardening from his home in beautiful Ben Lomond, California. mountain
www.slvpost.com
Recipies from a Mountain Garden Roasted Artichokes with Sage Blossoms and Lemon Balm By Alison Steele
I
f you’ve been following along, you’ll notice that I love harvesting edible flowers to flavor our food. Reeling us in with color, then aroma, and capturing our taste buds with the melding of essential oils, flowering herbs are a complex flavor addition to any meal. Continuing the edible flower theme, this month’s recipe is nothing short of food fit for royalty. Artichokes...the ultimate edible flower experience! Moving here, we were stunned by the row upon row of spikey green orbs lining the coast. One of the first plants we sunk into the ground after signing on to our small plot of land, artichokes became queen in our garden. This recipe is an evolution of one that my husband makes and continues to change as we observe what plants ripen together. Now that we have an abundant olive harvest, those were the obvious additions this year. If you’ve dried tomatoes from last year’s summer garden, soak and use those!
Roasted Artichokes with Sage Blossoms and Lemon Balm
Serves 4 as a main dish or many more as appetizers. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fill a big bowl halfway with water and the juice of 2 lemons (zest first!), leaving room for the artichoke hearts to be completely covered with the lemon water. Using a bread knife, slice off the top of the artichoke. Flip it around and slice off the stem. With a paring knife, pop off the tough lower leaves, then slice the artichoke in half lengthwise with the bread knife. Scoop out the center thistle with a melon baller or small spoon, leaving a cavity for the butter, garlic, and olives to rest in. Toss into the lemon water to keep the chokes from oxidizing while preparing the rest. Once you’ve prepped all the chokes, lay them cavity side up onto a baking tray lined with parchment and brush both sides with melted butter or roasting oil of choice. Fill the centers with chopped garlic, olives, and a cube of butter then sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and a good grating of pepper. Finally, top with fresh herbs, drizzle with olive oil and squeeze the remaining lemon over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. www.slvpost.com
PHOTO BY ALISON STEELE
» 16 small artichokes » 16 lemon balm tips and 16 sage blossoms *or* 32 tips and sprigs of herbs growing in your garden (rosemary & time perhaps!) » ½ c kalamata olives, chopped small » Head of garlic, peeled & roughly chopped Zest and juice of 3 lemons » Stick of butter, ½ melted and ½ cut into small cubes or coconut oil » Olive oil » Salt & pepper Roasted Artichokes with Sage Blossoms and Lemon Balm
Reduce the heat to 350°F, remove the foil and let roast another 15-20 minutes depending on how big your chokes are. A thin knife easily inserted into an artichoke heart will let you know when it’s ready. Use the petal end as a handle and sink your teeth into the heart of the Queen edible flower...absolutely delicious with a side of grass-fed sausage and a hunk of crusty sourdough! 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. mountain
San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
17
Health and Wellness By Pam Nectar Gharibians and Julie Horner
she said. “If I like this, other people might like this too.”
hen Molly Hildenbrand first moved to Santa Cruz from the East Coast in 1996, she took an herb class and learned to make salves and beeswax lip balm. Her move coincided with the passage of Prop 215, the medical marijuana initiative. Long a fan, it was natural that she would transition into the healing world of cannabis to make herbal medicine. After decades spent learning her craft through the Women’s Herbal Symposium in Laytonville and working in local health food stores, Molly saw an opportunity to create a line of topical pain relievers rivaling other offerings. “I make things that I like myself,”
Everything came about at the right place at the right time. Hildenbrand started Be Rooted Botanicals three years ago with a topical cream that includes a proprietary blend of CBD, Arnica, St John’s wort, Helichrysum, blue tansy, and other essential oils and herbs. Handcrafted in small batches in her Felton shop and using organic full-spectrum cannabinoids, the flagship Be Rooted CBD Arnica Cream relieves pain, arthritis, inflammation, sciatica, neuropathy, as well as eczema and psoriasis. CBD is gaining notoriety for supporting healing for a number of issues including anxiety, sleeplessness, and epilepsy, among other things. The cream is absorbed very efficiently through the skin. “It’s not only about the CBD,” Hildenbrand says. “I like a full
W
Molly Hildenbrand at Be Rooted Botanicals in Felton spectrum, which includes all the cannabinoids, and also other herbs that are good for whatever you are trying to accomplish. They work synergistically. So it’s about all parts of the plant, not just that plant but all the plants mixed together that make it really effective.” This small, woman-owned family business in the Santa Cruz Mountains has a bounty of products available including
Ivor Thomas
IRT-4395F-A
Financial Advisor 5403 Scotts Valley Dr Suite C Scotts Valley, CA 95066-3401 831-438-2168
PHOTOS BY JULIE HORNER
Be Rooted Botanicals
Love Lotion Highway 9, CBD Better Bath crystals, and Bandits Blend Mask Spritzer (based on thieves oil and wonderfully aromatic). Be Rooted Botanicals is available in health food stores throughout California. Locally available at Aum Herbs, Wild Roots, Felton Nutrition, Mountain Feed & Farm Supply, Scarborough Ben Lomond, Mountain Spirit, Felton Mercantile, and Redwood Coast Glass. berootedbotanicals.com mountain
edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
The Be Rooted Botanicals product line 18 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
www.slvpost.com
Local History Streetwise: Hilton Drive The Hidden History of Street Names in SLV Crossing the road to Big Basin Redwoods State Park about 3-1/4 miles from downtown Boulder Creek is West/East Hilton Drive. Named for Harold G. Hilton. Hilton was the son of Oakland Attorney Anson Hilton. Anson’s sister Alice had married Edwin Longley. Edwin Longley was the son of Roscoe Longley - a local lumber baron. Roscoe had been in partnership with Andrew Duffey and co-owned the Duffey and Longley sawmill. When Roscoe died in 1915, his estate, which included the lands crossing Highway 236 and several lots in the town of Boulder Creek just south of the Presbyterian Church, passed to his son
Edwin. Edwin had already built a summer resort on the banks of Boulder Creek called “Glendower” and had sold lots thereon to a “number of parties from San Francisco and Oakland.” Tragically, Edwin died in a car accident in 1926 when his car left the road between Brookdale and Boulder Creek. In 1928, his widERCO Ercoupe airplane at the Hilton Airport in 1947 ow, Alice decided to build on the lots in town. The Mission Revival Just two weeks later, Harold’s including the airport and the wastyle home, which stands beson, also named Harold, the fam- ter company to Kermit McGranatween Pine and Central Avenue, ily then living in Modesto, surhan and Dr. Mahlon McPherson was described as one of the finest prised everyone when he secretly who had tentative plans to develin the Santa Cruz Mountains. married in Reno and motored to op a golf course. In 1960, much Boulder Creek to spend his honof the Hilton property was purAlice’s brother Anson Hilton, his eymoon at his great-aunt’s home. chased from them by San Mateo wife Nancy, their son Harold and developer Thomas Culligan Jr. daughter Nadine and their fami- Anson died just a few months and associates who created the lies, were frequent visitors. When later. For a couple of years the golf course and sold lots for the Alice passed away in April 1938, Hilton families and their friends surrounding homes. The streets she bequeathed her estate to her used the property as a vacation McGranahan, McPherson, and brother, nephew, and niece. home, until Harold G. and family Culligan Courts were named for moved from Modesto to Boulder the developers. Creek. Harold, a keen gardener, spent The 1400 acre property on the much of his later years at the Hilroad to Big Basin was now ton Gardens, a beautiful “nursowned by Harold. In 1940, he ery” at Big Basin Way and Jamiobtained permission to use a son Canyon. On his way home portion as a private landing from the gardens, he would often field. Then in 1941, began constop off to visit artist Anne Lostruction of the Boulder Creek catelli for a smoke and to imbibe Airport with a 2000-foot long a relaxing drink; a scene depicted and 100-foot wide macadam in her painting shown here. Harrunway “sufficient to accommoold passed away in 1981. The date all except the largest types Hilton Gardens property, still of planes.” owned by a family member, was a casualty of the 2020 CZU Fire. Also in 1941, Harold was instrumental in the formation of the Lisa Robinson Big Basin Water Company, where is the Collections he was one of the three founding and Exhibitions directors. He served on the board Curator at the of the San Lorenzo Valley Water San Lorenzo District (1947-1955). Valley Museum.
Harold Hilton’s Visit: Painting by Anne Locatelli www.slvpost.com
PHOTO FROM THE LARRY LOCATELLI COLLECTION AT THE SAN LORENZO VALLEY MUSEUM
By Lisa Robinson
In 1959, Harold sold 1300 acres
San Lorenzo Valley Post
mountain
June 2021
19
Local HIstory By Randall Brown
T
he Scotts Valley Property Owners Association came into being to prevent the establishment of a cemetery on a former farm. After convincing the board of supervisors to cancel the permit granted by the county’s planning board, the fledgling organization decided to draft a plan for future development of the area. A variety of committees were asked to look ahead and prepare “a capsule presentation of how they believed their area should be developed during the next 20 years.” Their 14-page report was presented to the public and the county’s head planner at the end of April 1961. Estimating a population of 12,000 by 1985, the Recreation Committee urged that land be acquired for a local high school before then. “We like to look on green fields, cattle and the rural character of our neighborhood,” stated the Commercial Committee, but therein lies a dearth of tax dollars.” Water Committee chairman Friend Stone reported that his group had come to several conclusions. Connection with Santa Cruz’s Loch Lomond reservoir “was not thought to be economical. They believed that an adequate water supply was available in their Valley. Formation of a local agency was suggested to enable “acquisition of the water supply and system now owned by Hacienda Mutual Water company.” A few weeks later, SVPOA president Agnes Lewis invited all Scotts Valley voters to attend a panel discussion about the feasibility of forming a water district. After hearing from engineers and other experts, the water committee voted in favor of the idea and proposed a system that would “extend along the freeway from Bethany Park to Manana Woods.” The leaders of the campaign made an extra effort to involve the community. According to Stone: “We invited the public to every meet20 San Lorenzo Valley Post June 2021
PHOTO FROM SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES
Scotts Valley Water District— A Little More History ing. We found that the district was formed faster that way. If we just get a small group together, the people will start saying ‘What are those guys trying to do?’”
The plan, which complied with California State Water code, was Scotts Valley Bypass Freeway 1961 formalized at the end ty, city, and chamber of commerce officials of May. Water committee chairman Stone was already at work draft- gathered for “snappy ribbon snipping cering the petition necessary to start the process. emonies.” Assemblyman Glenn Coolidge, who wielded the scissors, predicted that the When it became clear that there would be growth of Santa Cruz county would require sufficient signatures to take the next step, the board of supervisors agreed to advance $2000 the construction of more lanes “before we realize it.” Don Santos, president of the Greater for a water survey, to be repaid if the voters approved the district. On June 26, Agnes Lew- Scotts Valley Chamber, had a simple message for the officials and the press—“Don’t forget is announced that a total of 163 persons had Scotts Valley.” endorsed the plan and that the documents were on file in the county clerk’s office. At the next meeting of the SVPOA, six canThe supervisors held a hearing in the last week of July. All the SVPOA paperwork was in order except the map showing the boundaries of the proposed district. Borrowing a pen, several officials made on-the-spot adjustments and a vote was scheduled for September. Residents of the areas shown on the map could approve or reject the water district plan. There would also be a choice of candidates for the five water board slots if the measure passed.
The local narrative in August focused on two events. Much to the dismay of most residents, a Superior Court judge handed down a decision reviving the Memorial Park cemetery. Limiting himself to a strict definition of the law, he ruled that the supervisors had overstepped the bounds of their office by canceling the permit granted by the county planning board. The following day, the three-mile bypass freeway was officially opened. 30 state, coun-
didates for the proposed water board were introduced. After their presentation there was “discussion on the recent development of the proposed cemetery for this area.” The organization’s leaders hoped that the supervisors would appeal the court decision. Scotts Valley voters went to the polls on September 26. The outcome was one-sided—278 in favor of forming a water district and only 93 opposed. Stone and Anthony Elzer, another member of the water committee, Santos, Rev. Wilson of Bethany Park, and Harrison Acker were elected as the original board members. This was, however, only the first hurdle. (To be continued) Read Part 1 at slvpost.com/scotts-valley-water-history Randall Brown is an author and historian. He lives in Boulder Creek and works in Felton. mountain
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Astrology Evolutionary Astrology for June By Catie Cadge, PhD
Mercury retrograde provides a time for self-reflection. Try to consider problems and situations from many perspectives. Both sides of the toss of a coin can be good! Gemini is about varying points of view, bringing data in and putting data out. Mercury in its backward dance wants us to cultivate an open mind. When the planet makes a square to Neptune in dreamy, visionary Pisces, June 5th, pay attention to omens and messages that can help stir us to think in fresh new ways. On the same day, Mars in Cancer, planet of action, opposes lord of the underworld, Pluto, who has been moving retrograde at 26˚ Capricorn since late April. If you know your birthchart, it is worth taking a look to see where late Capricorn falls in your chart. Pluto will be impacting this area of the zodiac for several years, but the Mars opposition now may trigger some developments for you in the area of life Pluto touches by transit. Especially because the Moon in Aries on June 5th squares both Mars and Pluto. Two big astrological events occur mid-June. First, a New Moon at 19˚47’ Gemini features an annular solar eclipse at 3:52 am, June 10th. It is conjunct Mercury. A solar eclipse is like thinking about the spirit of a New Moon, such as seeking a new beginning or planting an intention, but the eclipse gives it an extra thrust of juju, tapping us into the lunar, emotive side of our desires, helping us make heart-centered decisions and choices. The Sun, the more rational solar self, is temporarily hidden. Mercury awakens perception. The next day, Mars enters the sign of Leo, where the
PHOTO BY CATIE CADGE
At the start of June, Venus enters Cancer, joining Mars in the watery and emotional sign of the crab. On June 3rd, Venus makes a lovely trine to Jupiter at 1˚ 45’ Pisces. Meanwhile, Sun and Mercury retrograde are in Gemini. The beginning of the month is a pleasant time for social gatherings — now that so many of us are double vaccinated! — and the nurturing and caring energy of Cancer will encourage us to hug one another again and rekindle a sense of family and tribe. Share the love!!
fiery planet remains until the end of July. Venus joins Mars in Leo later in the month. Time to roar and let your heart speak! Put into action what dreams fill you with passion! The second huge event is the square happening between Uranus in Taurus and Saturn, retrograde, in Aquarius at 13˚07’ on June 14th. The Moon in Leo that day will also trigger this major planetary square. The first hit of this square occurred back in mid-February, this is the second one, the last one will be on December 24th. There is tension in the air around the “changing of the guard.” There may be power struggles and sudden upset concerning who is in charge, how should our culture, society, change, what revolution is most viable for our planet and what old, conservative roadblocks still exist? Sun enters Cancer on summer solstice June 20th! Jupiter stations retrograde at 2˚ 11’ Pisces too. The big gaseous giant won’t move back into Aquarius until late July. Folks with planets or critical degrees in their birthchart in early Pisces may especially enjoy a month of fun and opportunity for growth and expansion, depending upon the house location of Pisces in your chart. This is a beautiful time to dream big and let your imagination soar in new directions. Venus in Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces the 21st, while Mercury stations direct at 16˚ Gemini the 22nd, making for a wonderful week to lovingly nurture each other, listen to our hopes and dreams, and to discuss our ideas for how we see our lives together changing in a post-pandemic world. Venus opposes Pluto in Capricorn on the 23rd followed by the Full Moon at 3˚28’ Capricorn, 11:39 am, the morning of the 24th. Moon in the sign of the seagoat makes things real. Welcome to Cancer season and happy summer solstice everyone! Catie Cadge is a master-certified Evolutionary Astrologer and is the Dean of Instruction for the Forrest Center for Evolutionary Astrology. Read about Catie and her work at caraevolutionaryastrology.com/about. mountain
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San Lorenzo Valley Post
June 2021
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Real Estate SLV Homes Seasons and Cycles By M.C. Dwyer
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PHOTOS BY MC DWYER
Why is demand for homes so high now? pring and summer have always In addition to that been my favorite seasons – ev“nesting instinct,” erything feels so alive! This is the the Federal Reserve second year Stellar Jays have nest- is still supporting ed in the rosebush alongside my our economy to help she-shed. It’s been so fun to watch recover from the both parents swooping in with pandemic. The Fed 625 Nottingham Way, Boulder Creek - $749,000 - pending sale food, the baby chicks craning their necks as uses complex measures about everyone buying here enjoys a six-fighigh as possible, bidding amongst each other to regulate the economy – the most visible ure income.) Meanwhile, consumer confito try to get the most. measure being interest rates, which they dence is rising as more people are working dropped to nearly zero early last year. But People have a nesting instinct too! Many who and the US is enjoying the lowest levels of now inflation is creeping up. The Fed calls lost their homes in the fire feel it especially coronavirus in a year. Eventually though, the that recent spike ‘short term.’ As long as strongly, and my sympathies are with them they think inflation is low, they’ll keep inter- Fed will begin raising interest rates to slow because of my husband’s loss. As a result of est rates low, which loosely translates to low inflation and the economy. As that trickles the pandemic, more people than usual feel a through to higher mortgage rates, demand mortgage rates. These incredibly low mortreal urgency to get a new nest. Some found for homes may slow down. Lower demand gage rates – the lowest in a lifetime for most their places were too small. Many no longer of us – create homebuying demand by keep- often leads to lower appreciation, or even need to live in cities, so they’re moving out to ing mortgage payments relatively low. (I say softening prices. Although the housing marthe countryside where there’s room to spread ket is like a sizzling hot barbeque right now, “relatively” because housing affordability their wings – and are finding our area really the recent price increases of 20% to 30% just here is among the worst in the country. Just attractive! Just like the baby chicks vying aren’t sustainable. That’s because first time for food, home buyers are competing for the buyers have to be able to afford entry level limited supply of homes. homes to keep the whole housing system circulating. Home prices are going up here because of the imbalance between supply and deAt this point, home prices have been appremand: not enough homes are available for ciating for over a decade, whereas past cycles sale compared to the number of people who were usually shorter, averaging 8-10 years want to buy. Why are there so few homes for the entire cycle. The length of each housfor sale? We lost about 1,000 homes here in ing cycle varies, so no one can predict when the CZU fire last August. Some homeownthe current cycle will reverse course, nor ers refinanced and lowered their payments, how much prices will change. Like changing others chose to remodel; many are simply seasons, the housing market will continue to staying put. It used to be that people sold cycle, just never as predictably. their homes and moved every seven years on Curious what your nest is worth? It may be more average – now, that average is over ten years. valuable than you think. Plus, new home building has lagged populaCall me today to find out! tion growth for about 15 years now in Cali“M.C.” fornia. But as the pandemic eases, the supply Dwyer, MBA, REALof homes for sale may improve. And some TOR® CA DRE License can transfer their property taxes from their 01468388. With Century existing home to another home – anywhere 21 Showcase REALTORs® in California – using Proposition 19 (qualifisince 2005. (831) 419-9759 cations include age 55+, disabled, or disaster E-mail: mcd@mcdwyer.com mountain survivors). Stellar Blue Jay nest by the she-shed www.slvpost.com
Photography Fred Arellano Vintage Rock Photography By Fred Arellano The Central Coast hosts some of the best music festivals and concerts in the world. The Monterey Jazz Festival had its humble beginnings in 1958 and attracted the biggest names in Jazz. Another earth shaking event which changed the whole way we enjoyed rock and roll was the International Monterey Pop Festival held in June of 1967. This was MY generation. In June of 1967 I had just graduated
from Monterey High School. On Thursday the day after graduation, June 15, we had the all-night senior party. The next day, June 16, 1967 was the first day of the International Monterey Pop Festival. Right around this time the Vietnam war was raging and the Civil Rights demonstrations were going full bore from the East Coast to the West Coast. A lot of young men who just graduated from High School that summer didn’t know if they were ever coming home
from that war. The Monterey Pop Festival came along just in time to take everyone’s mind off the horrors of war and to open their hearts, minds, and souls to some of the most wonderful music ever created.
About the Photographer
Fred has been shooting Rock and Roll for over 50 years, starting at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. He has been on the road with quite a few major recording artists and
The Who, Oakland 1976
Stephen Stills
Grateful Dead, Oakland 1976
Janis Jobplin 1967
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has covered countless festivals and special events. As well as shooting artists like Crosby Stills and Nash, Herbie Hancock, Los Lobos, The Byrds, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, ELO, Journey, The Moody Blues, Steve Miller Band, Jackson Browne and the list goes on... Fred uses Canon cameras and lenses exclusively. vintagerockphotography.com mountain
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