Aptos Times: July 1, 2022

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July 1, 2022 • Vol 31 No. 13

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Sen. Booker, Farming Reformer, to Speak

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will address urgent food system challenges and solutions in “Humane Planet” Speaker Series, a virtual event from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 13.

Full Story page 18

Grand Jury Says Measure G Mislead Voters

6,400 Workers Gone: What to Do? Editor’s note: For all the employers who put up a “We’re hiring” sign and are still looking, here’s the explanation: 6,400 fewer workers. Will the job market ever return to normal? Read on.

••• The Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board contracted with BW Research of Carlsbad to prepare the “2022 State of the Workforce Report.”

This year’s report has particular importance as the

.

local and global economy recovers and evolves from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These disruptions have reshaped labor markets and the balance of power between employers and employees, resulting in new challenges.

Another challenge is skyrocketing rental rates: Between 2019 and 2021, the average rental rate for a 2-bedroom apartment grew from $2,400 to $3,000 per month. ... continues on page 4

Full Story page 22

Four New Local CHP Officers

The Santa Cruz CHP office in Aptos welcomes four new officers who graduated June 10 from the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento.

Full Story page 6

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No. 13

Volume 31

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19

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Table of Contents

11

Cover 6,400 Workers Gone: What to Do?

6 7 12 14 16 17 18 22

Community News Four New Local CHP Officers Vaccine Mandate for Federal Workers on Hold, By Jondi Gumz It’s Here: The World’s Shortest Parade!

Grease: Musical Theater at its Best, By Mindy Pedlar Steven Carrillo Pleads Guilty • Sheriff Reopens Aptos Service Center Support After Death: Homicide, Suicide and Accidents Sen. Booker, Farming Reformer, to Speak Did Measure G Mislead Voters? Yes, Grand Jury Says: How to Prevent A Disconnect in the Future

California News 10 AB 587 Seeks Social Media Transparency on Online Hate National News 11 Biden: Three-Month Federal Gas Tax Holiday Letter to the Editor 18 WomenCARE Asks for Support Business Profile 19 Kirby School: College-Prep Education in a Pandemic, By June Smith Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – U.S. Birthday, Conflict, Chaos and Harmony, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

20 27 30 31

Featured Columnists Staying On Track: District’s Strategic Plan Updated, By Rebecca Gold Rubin Hurt People Hurt People: Ideas to Reduce Mass Shootings, By Don Eggleston Addressing Illegal Fireworks in our Neighborhoods & Beaches, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District Minestra di Verdura: Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Soup, Submitted by Joe Ortiz

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Mindy Pedlar, June Smith, Risa D’Angeles, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Don Eggleston, Zach Friend, Joe Ortiz layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin photography Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine Cathe Race

office coordinator

distribution Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

“Missing Workers” from page 1 Half of renters spend more than 35% of their income for housing, leaving them less discretionary income to spend – and this may make talent attraction harder.

This report highlights the disruptions and include deep dives into industries that have seen the greatest workforce disruptions: Healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture.

Key Findings 1) Santa Cruz County’s labor market has shrunk.

In December 2021, there were 6,400 fewer workers than in December 2019.

However, the unemployment rate in December 2021 is roughly the same (5.4%) as it was two years prior (5.2%).

This represents nearly a 5% decline in workers over two years.

Labor force participation is part of the problem; between January 2015 and 2022, labor force participation in the county declined roughly 9%.

(This means more people opting not to work.)

Not all of the decline is pandemic related.

Labor force participation rate between

January 2015 and January 2020 fell 5% before COVID-19 had arrived in the U.S. An aging population in Santa Cruz County likely plays a significant role in these trends. The county has more people 55 and older compared to the state as a whole and more people age 18 to 24, thanks to UC Santa Cruz.

Combined with early retirements driven by COVID-19, this has led to an accelerated loss of workers and a lack of younger workers to replace them. The California Department of Finance estimates a net 4,600 residents moved away from Santa Cruz County between July 2019 and July 2021, representing a notable decline in population (273,000 in 2020).

Many were likely low-and middleincome workers.

2) Job quality in Santa Cruz County has improved from 2015 to 2021.

There has been an increase in higher-paying, higher-skill jobs and a decrease in lower-paying, low-skill jobs.

Higher-earning jobs pay an average of $75,000 a year. The lowest paying jobs pay on average less than $45,000 a year.

In the middle are jobs paying $45,000 to $75,000.

While local job quality remains lower

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

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Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

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than the statewide average, the county has seen improvement.

In the third quarter of 2021, there were 1,300 more highest-paying Tier 1 jobs, 850 more Tier 2 jobs and 1,100 fewer lowestpaying Tier 3 than in the third quarter of 2015.

This indicates a shift towards a more skilled, more educated workforce with higher median annual earnings.

3) Industries with the lowest average annual wages per worker all experienced declines in employment between 2015 and 2021, while many better-paying industries saw growth.

About 2,200 accommodation and food services workers were lost between 2015 and 2021 — down 19%. That sector comprises 10% of the county’s jobs.

Healthcare and social assistance-which accounts for 15% of countywide jobs and is one of the mid-earning industries--grew by 2%.

Construction industry, another midearning industry, saw the most growth, 67%.

Although the information industry is among the highest-earning industries in Santa Cruz County, it shrank the most, 46%.

4) Santa Cruz County residents changed their shopping and employment behavior, and they have not returned to pre-pandemic patterns.

As of March 2022, people in Santa Cruz County were still spending 7% more time at home than they were before the pandemic, and they were spending 19% less time at retail and recreation locations, which include shopping malls and movie theatres.

The nature of work may have also permanently changed for many; people were spending an average of 27% less time at workplaces than before the pandemic.

The rise of remote work may have significant impacts, including changes in commuting patterns and businesses that relied on office lunch hours for revenue.

5) The healthcare industry, which represents 14% of jobs in the county, has seen significant disruption.

According to a fall 2021 nationwide poll of healthcare workers, 18% in the healthcare industry had quit their job and another 12% had been laid-off or lost their job at some point during the pandemic.

The most common reasons included the COVID-19 pandemic (54%), wanting more money or better benefits(50%), finding a better opportunity (50%), and feeling burned out or overworked (49%) .

This high turnover is likely to have lasting implications in Santa Cruz County.

Many high-demand healthcare occupations, including personal care aides, home health aides, nursing assistants, and medical assistants, are projected to see high rates of demand in the next year, as well as low unemployment rates.

These factors, paired with the specialization required for most healthcare occupations, mean that the industry is likely to continue to see a shortage of workers until training and education pipelines can fill some of the gaps.

Cabrillo College graduated 188 students

COVER STORY

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Case Study: Betty Burgers

ike most businesses, the pandemic disrupted Betty Burgers — a restaurant with four loca-tions around the county including Aptos.

Fortunately, most Betty Burgers locations were able to remain open throughout the pan-demic, though as the pandemic wore on, so did the challenge to find and retain quality and qualified workers.

Laurie Negro, owner of Betty Burgers, told the research team, “Everyone’s hiring cooks. COVID changed situation for the kitchen more than front of the house.

When restaurants closed, a lot of kitchen staff left for construction.”

Despite these challenges, Betty Burgers has managed to stay strongly staffed by using at-traction and retention strategies, launching a $300 referral bonus to employees and “giving everyone raises of at least a 10-15% to keep them.”

Betty Burgers also now offers group health insurance and a 401k retirement plan, neither of which the restaurant had before. The restaurant has also adapted how it finds talent, using Indeed, Instagram ads, and personal networks through friends and family.

Through these adaptations the restaurant has been able to retain staff at prepandemic levels and continue to serve their Big Betty burgers.

in healthcare professions in 2020, then had enrollment rates compared to 2018 drop 20%.

Some healthcare workers may be able to work remotely but it requires workers who are tech-savvy and emotionally intelligent.

6) The pandemic accelerated the decline in agricultural employment in Santa Cruz County.

In summer, ag jobs typically grew to about 10% of all the county’s jobs.

While nonfarm employment across the county has risen steadily over the last decade or more, farm employment has seen a steady decline. Peak farm employment in July 2010 was 32% higher than in July 2021. Some—but not all—of this shift was driven by the pandemic, as peak farm employment fell 17% between July 2019 and July 2021.

This will have long-term effects as farmers look to automation, downsizing their plots, or changing crops to address the labor challenges.

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7) Accommodation and food services saw employment plunge 57% in the early days of pandemic — a loss of 11,600 jobs.

By the start of 2022, the industry had largely adapted and recovered — but not fully — by the start of 2022.

The summer of 2022 is expected to experience continued increased demand for hospitality workers and is likely to test employers’ ability to find workers.

••• Recommendations any of these will require collaboration and partnership with other organizations and institutions across the county.

1) Initiatives to increase labor force participation and pull residents from the employment sidelines.

Unemployed, underemployed, and adults who are disengaged from the labor force present an economic opportunity for a county that is looking for talent.

“Missing Workers” page 10

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Vaccine Mandate for Federal Workers on Hold

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By Jondi Gumz

resident Biden’s Sept. 9 order requiring 3.5 million federal employees to be vaccinated for Covid-19 is on hold until September as a federal appeals court on June 26 agreed to revisit its April decision to reinstate the mandate.

The 17 judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will take up the matter. A three-judge panel had ruled 2-1 that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown in Texas, who had ruled against the mandate, did not have jurisdiction.

The lawsuit was filed by Feds for Medical Freedom, which has about 6,000 members, contending the president overstepped his authority. Attorney Bruce Castor Jr., representing the American Federation of Government Employees Local 918, said the Constitution doesn’t allow president to bypass Congress except in wartime.

According to The Epoch Times, the court tentatively scheduled oral arguments for the week of Sept. 12.

Brown wrote, “Stopping the spread of Covid-19 will not be achieved by overbroad policies like the federal worker mandate.”

Covid’s Omicron variants emerging this year have proven to be extremely contagious, with case counts up and Dr. Anthony Fauci, 81, who heads the National Institutes of Health, Vice President Kamala Harris, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and Gov. Gavin Newsom – all vaccinated, boosted and testing positive, followed by quarantines, and Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, twice this year.

On June 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for children 6 months to 5 years old.

Next, the California Department of Public Health approved Pfizer’s three-shot series and Moderna’s two-shot series.

On June 21, Santa Cruz County Public Health announced children under 5 years of age are eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines – interested parents can contact their doctor.

Young Children & Covid ovid has claimed the lives of many elders, those 85 and older with preexisting medical conditions, but relatively few children.

The federal Centers for disease Control & Prevention reports 400 children age 4 and under have died of Covid since it arrived in 2020.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have died of Covid, so young children represent a tiny percentage of deaths.

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In June, the American Association of Pediatrics reported that in 46 states plus Puerto Rico, the percentage of child Covid cases resulting in death was 0.00%-0.02%.

Dr. Vinay Prasad, who has a master’s in public health, struggled to understand how Pfizer calculated 80% efficacy during the Omicron surge for the third booster shot for children under 5.

Pfizer reported on its clinical trial involving 1,678 children — 10 got sick.

Pfizer looked at Covid cases 7 days after dose 3, not cases before that.

“You can’t exclude days,’ Prasad said, “You don’t get to say the first seven or 10 days don’t count.”

Prasad said Pfizer’s “emergency use authorization” reports an analysis of this age group was “found not to be reliable” because of the low number of Covid cases.

He point to the “confidence level” present by Pfizer, which ranged from 99.6% to minus 370%, a big range “that gives you little confidence that it’s a reliable result.”

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey in April found 18% of parents of children under 5 plan to vaccinate them immediately, with planning to wait to see if there are side effects, 27% with no plans to use the Pfizer product on their children, and 11% saying thy would do so only if required for school or day care.

Among parent concerns: Long-term effects.

Could it be that young children represent an untapped windfall for the drug-makers?

It all depends on whether these vaccines are added to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine schedule for children. See https://www. cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/ child-adolescent.html At a press event filmed and posted on Twitter, President Biden said Dr. Ashish Jha, who heads White House Crisis Response, is “the guy that’s running the CDC for me these days basically.”

Missing Data Mning n June 21, Josh Guetzkow, a PhD at Hebrew University, posted the CDC response to his Freedom of Information Act request asking if the CDC is analyzing the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System for “safety signals” from Covid-19 vaccines.

This database, https://vaers.hhs. gov/, is where health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine. It was created after Congress passed a law

in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries.

Observers were curious why there’s been no government study to evaluate if the injuries reported in VAERS were caused by a vaccine.

An early briefing document said, “The CDC will perform Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) data mining on a weekly basis or as needed.”

This would compare the proportion of an adverse event after getting a specific vaccine vs. the same adverse event after another vaccine. A higher rate would count as a safety signal to trigger a more thorough investigation.

The June 16 letter from FOIA Officer Roger Andoh to Children’s Health Defense said that “no PRRs were conducted by CDC. Furthermore, data mining is outside of the agency’s purview, staff suggest you inquire with FDA.” Guetzkow called PRRs “one of the oldest, most basic and most well-established tools of pharmacovigilance.”

Only a handful of countries, including China, Cuba, Venezuela, vaccinate children under 5. Denmark’s health minister, Seren Brostrom, has regrets, saying the country should not have vaccinated children for Covid.

Cases Up he highly contagious coronavirus Omicron subvariants have pushed up case numbers in California.

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Santa Cruz County cases are on a rollercoaster, 1,715 on May 23, then 1,472 on May 26 and 1,705 on June 13, then 2,000 on June 27.

This spring, the biggest spurt, May 9, after Mother’s Day, was 182 cases, followed by four days of 128 or more cases.

After Memorial Day came five days of 113 or more cases per day. Then 179 on June 6 — graduation? — low compared to 1,312 on Jan. 20.

On Tuesday, the state reported 27 people hospitalized with Covid, one in intensive care, in Santa Cruz County.

With 55,000+ county residents having had the infection, natural immunity may be a factor.

The county posted one more death in the past two weeks. All four of the most recent deaths were over 65 with medical conditions, and vaccinated.

Santa Cruz County updates the numbers on Mondays and Thursdays.

Workplace rules adopted in California require unvaccinated and vaccinated workers to be treated the same; no mask mandate for the unvaccinated. Employees testing positive can return to work masked five days later.

Santa Cruz County along with much of California is rated “medium” transmission by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its COVID tracking map. Hotspots are Monterey County, Central Valley and most of Florida, all rated high risk.

“Covid Update” page 9

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“Covid Update” from page 7 Subvariants of omicron (and waning immunity from vaccines) are behind the latest wave of cases.

The CDC said BA.4 comprises 36.6% of new cases and BA.5 15.7%.

Hospitalizations from Omicron peaked in January, then plummeted and have been rising albeit slowly.

The state Department of Public Health reports test positivity, 23% in January, has ticked up from 1.7% to 13.2% and hospitalizations — 20,000 in January —dropped to 950 before reaching 3,400.

Test to Treat anta Cruz County offers “Test to Treat” sites, including the three OptumServe testing sites, open to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status. To make an appointment, visit https://lhi. care/covidtesting/. The closest are the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center in Santa Cruz and the Felton library.

Test positivity, 12.25% in January, was 7.35% on June 27, with 270 cases, down from 321, according to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which has completed 529,000 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

For those who test positive and are at risk of severe illness, the CDC recommends asking your doctor for a prescription for Paxlovid, pills developed by Pfizer for higher risk individuals age 12 or older and given emergency use authorization by the FDA in December. Lagevrio, produced by Merck, also got emergency use authorization for mild to moderate Covid.

Paxlovid side effects are: https:// www.fda.gov/media/155051/download The new subvariants are very contagious and make people miserable but are not dangerous as Delta.

There are more people hospitalized in California, triple from where it was — but ICU admissions are rising much more slowly, and the number of deaths per day has not spiked up.

The CDC estimates almost 60 percent of the populace — including 76% percent of children over age 5 — have had Omicron or another coronavirus variant.

Normal ptos is gearing up for the World’s Shortest Parade 10 a.m. July 4 in Aptos Village.

The city of Scotts Valley will celebrate Sunday, July 3, with a parade at 3 p.m. and then live music, food, games and fireworks at Skypark.

Capitola’s Twilight Concerts on Wednesday nights began on June 15.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk hosts live music Thursdays on the Colonnade, with Friday night movies.

Airlines Drop Flights merican and United dropped flights from their schedule due to a pilot shortage. Off-duty Delta pilots flying record amounts of overtime said they would picket for a pay increase and a schedule changes.

With summer travel surging, the disruptions are expected to last to September.

The Biden administration dropped a 16-month requirement that people test

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negative for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the U.S. That decision may boost international travel.

AFAR.com reported European travel is “a mess,” with long waits due to staff shortages.

Visitors can freely enter Greece, Austria, and Croatia, according to https:// www.dw.com/en/what-are-the-covidentry-rules-for-travelers-to-europeancountries/a-58017284 Airline masks are optional in the U.S. To read Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizzelle’s ruling see https:// ecf.flmd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/ show_public_doc?2021-01693-53-8-cv Omicron Less Deadly he Omicron variants are less deadly than the Delta variant, which raged in 2021.

Santa Cruz County reported 41 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

One statistic is similar: 799 to 81% of those who died had medical conditions.

Why do people fear Omnicron?

They may have a medical condition (diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure).

Half of Americans do, so they are at higher risk for severe Covid illness.

So are people 85 and older.

California reports 83.9% of residents age 5 and up have had at least one shot.

On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 91.2% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 83.3% fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Wuhan Covid-19 strain.

For Omicron, a booster shot is needed after the Pfizer vaccine, because protection against hospitalization wanes after three months, a Kaiser Permanente study of 11,000 hospital admissions and emergency room visits found.

On Wednesday, the FDA advisory committee recommended including an Omicron component for booster vaccines. The challenge is that, like the flu, it’s hard to know which variant will dominate in the future.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education reports cases in local schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropped to 44 on April 1, rose to 1,025 on May 23 and dropped to 442 on June 11 and now 270.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, dropped to .79%, then rose to 5.4% and 7.35%.

Myocarditis n a 2022 report in the Journal of American Medical Association online, Dr. Matthew Oster of the CDC reported the government’s VAERS database received 1,991 reports of myocarditis after one dose of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine and 1,626 met the CDC’s definition for probable or confirmed myocarditis.

Oster’s conclusion: “The risk of myocarditis after receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines was increased across multiple age and sex strata and was highest after the second vaccination dose in adolescent males and young men. This risk should be considered.”

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Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which can lead to clots, a stroke or heart attack.

Public health officials say the scientific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but some are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law allowing him to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company. This protection lasts until 2024.

A military whistleblower told journalist Michael Nevradakis that 120,000 troops remain unvaccinated and the U.S. Army may push back the June 30 deadline to comply. according to Children’s Health Defense.

After mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were mandated for the military in 2021, cases of heart attack, pulmonary embolism, cancers, and myocarditis spiked dramatically, according to the Defense Military Epidemiological Database queries by the whistleblowers.

The Department of Defense responded that a glitch in the database affected the data from 2016-2020.

Testing he Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and families at:

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Cabrillo College, Aptos, Parking Lot K, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See: https://tinyurl.com/get-tested-santa-cruz.

Booster shots: https://myturn.ca.gov/ Vaccine providers: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirusvaccine.

Local information: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n •••

Total COVID cases: 2,000

••• COVID Deaths: 266 As of June 27 Age 85 and older: 115 • 75-84: 62 • 65-74: 47 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 216 • No: 50 Vaccinated Yes: 32 • No: 234 Race White 153 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 136 • Women: 130 Location At facility for aged: 117 Not at a facility: 148

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CALIFORNIA NEWS

AB 587 Seeks Social Media Transparency on Online Hate

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n June 21, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), community leaders, and civil rights organizations gathered to discuss social media’s role in amplifying recent surges in violence across the country and call for the passage of Assembly Bill 587.

This bill was introduced to require social media platforms to publicly disclose their policies regarding online hate, disinformation, extremism, and harassment.

“It’s long past time for these companies to provide real transparency into their practices,” said Gabriel.

The Anti-Defamation League, a key supporter of AB 587, unveiled a new nationwide report on the state of online hate and harassment in the U.S. Key findings: • Asian-Americans report a dramatic increase in harassment, paralleling the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents offline; • LGBTQ+ individuals experience harassment at the highest levels among all respondents; and • Nearly half of youth ages 13-17 reporting experiencing some type of harassment, and more than a third in the past 12 months.

• 47% did not report a physical threat to the platform, 26% said they reported but there was no action, “Missing Workers” from page 5 Several populations typically have lower labor force participation rates because of barriers, and removing those barriers may help those individuals enter the workforce. These include parents with young children, those with lower educational attainment, formerly incarcerated, and long-term unemployed and discouraged workers.

In South Santa Cruz County, 28% of residents do not have a high school diploma compared to 5% in North County.

Strategies that expand access to childcare, improve digital literacy, and increase educational attainment and awareness of relevant career pathways-especially when they are targeted and refined to support specific populations-can increase labor force participation and improve economic mobility.

2) Workforce attraction and retention for healthcare and hospitality industries.

Both have seen considerable churn and challenges over the last two+ years of the pandemic, and attracting new workers is necessary to fully meet their workforce demands.

The Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board may be able to help with attraction and retention efforts by working with regional employers to develop career profiles and pathways that illuminate the purpose, earnings potential, and upward trajectory of these jobs.

Developing strategies to educate students and jobseekers on these potential employment opportunities could also be

Photo Assemblyman Gabriel at podium with supporters of AB 487 and 29% said the platform deleted the content or blocked the user who posted.

• 57% reported harassment on Facebook, and 29% either reduced their time on Facebook or stopped altogether.

valuable in the larger effort to bring more workers into the industries. Surveys have shown that factors like pay, purpose, and flexibility are particularly important and salient for those looking for new job opportunities in the post-pandemic world, and employers would benefit from readily advertising these aspects of their jobs.

3) Assess and compile the emerging employment skills and pathways in agriculture.

The slow march of automation in agriculture was briefly accelerated by the pandemic, though shortages of human workers highlighted the role that humans will continue to play in agriculture. Many agriculture roles will increasingly rely on some knowledge of web technologies and the Internet of Things and some may even require working alongside robots to maintain them and serve as quality control.

Working with farmers to develop programs that incentivize and upskill current workers may have some success in attracting new entrants and retaining talent. In some cases, these techn skills may be paired with basic education, ESL, computer literacy, or intermediate math or sciences courses to ensure workers have the sufficient background knowledge necessary to operate the technical equipment.

This opportunity for workers to advance their knowledge and abilities may help adopters of these programs differentiate themselves from other farms and allow ag workers to increase their education while working.

4) Emphasize education and workforce development among younger

10 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The annual online hate and harassment survey of 2,330 American adults was conducted on behalf of ADL

by YouGov, a public opinion and data analytics firm.

The amended bill is due for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

This bill would require a social media company, as defined, to post their terms of service in a specified manner.

The bill would define “terms of service” to mean a policy adopted by a social media company that specifies the user behavior and activities permitted on the internet-based service and the behavior and activities that may subject the user being actioned.

This bill would also require the social media company to submit quarterly reports, starting July 1, 2022, to the Attorney General on whether it defines content with hate speech or racism, extremism or radicalization, disinformation or misinformation, harassment, foreign political interference, plus a description of content moderation practices.

The amendments: Replaced users being prohibited from using the platform to “being actioned” and substituted “meaningful remedies” for civil penalties. n ••• To read the bill, go to: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/ AB587/2021

adult residents in South Santa Cruz County.

Residents in the Southern sub-region of the county are, on average, younger, less educated, more likely to be in lowerpaying employment, and more racially and ethnically diverse than residents in North County.

Workforce development programs in South Santa Cruz County should include these priorities: Increase educational attainment for those that have a high school diploma or less as their highest level of education. Labor force participation, overall earnings, and economic mobility are all improved with higher educational attainment, particularly if those individuals have less than a high school diploma.

Emphasize career education and career pathways that are available in the county and provide an onramp to a sustainable career. Increase communication and engagement between employers and young people. Field trips, site visits, and career days can help middle and high school students better understand the full range of career opportunities and how to best work toward them.

Rather than having all students attend a four-year university to figure out what their interests are, some students may be more interested to learn about healthcare careers that start with a certificate or associate’s degree but allow for growth and strong earning potential down the road.

Identify employment opportunities that allow for additional training and education for current workers. Employment opportunities that serve the joint purpose of

inspiring and offering young workers more opportunities for training and education, while also providing some income and work experience, would be quite valuable.

This could include pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs,as well as paid internships and more traditional full-time employment paired with training and/or educational programs.

5) Promote efforts that will expand affordable housing options around Santa Cruz County’s work and transit hubs.

Between July 2019 and July 2021, the California Department of Finance estimates that Santa Cruz County’s population declined by a net 4,600 residents. This was driven by nearly 5,000 residents leaving the county.

While this data does not provide county-level detail on the demographics of these workers, we know that low-and middle-income workers make up the greatest share of residents who are leaving statewide.

High costs of living are likely a significant driving force for this migration.

Promoting additional housing — including the initiatives that are already underway — is one way to increase affordability.

Improving traffic and commute times is another area of opportunity to increase the livability of the county for a broad range of workers. n ••• Read the full report at: https://workforcescc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ Santa-Cruz-County-SoW-Final-2022.pdf Cover Photo: KFC in Capitola is hiring, and pay depends on experience.

NATIONAL NEWS

Biden: Three-Month Federal Gas Tax Holiday

Editor’s note: This statement came from the White House on June 22, when many gas prices in Santa Cruz County top $6.50 per gallon.

••• he price of gas is up dramatically around the world, and by almost $2 per gallon in America, since Putin began amassing troops on the border of Ukraine. President Biden understands that high gas prices pose a significant challenge for working families.

That’s why he has taken action in recent months to boost the supply of oil and gas, including an historic release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and encouraging oil companies and refiners to boost capacity and output to get more supply on the market.

Today, he is calling on Congress and states to take additional legislative action to provide direct relief to American consumers who have been hit with Putin’s Price Hike.

Specifically, he is calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax for three months, through September, without taking any money away from the Highway Trust Fund. And he is calling on states to take similar action to provide

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some direct relief, whether suspending their own gas taxes or helping consumers in other ways.

Federal Gas Tax Holiday ight now, the federal government charges an 18-cent tax per gallon of gasoline and a 24-cent tax per gallon of diesel. Those taxes fund critical highways

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and public transportation, through the Highway Trust Fund.

But in this unique moment, with gas prices near $5 a gallon on average across the country, President Biden is calling on Congress to suspend the gas tax for three months – until the end of September – to give Americans a little extra breathing

room as they deal with the effects of Putin’s war in Ukraine.

The President is also calling on Congress to make sure that a gas tax holiday has no negative effect on the Highway Trust Fund. With our deficit already down by a historic $1.6 trillion this year, the President believes that we can afford to suspend the gas tax to help consumers while using other revenues to make the Highway Trust Fund whole for the roughly $10 billion cost.

This is consistent with legislation proposed in the Senate and the House to advance a responsible gas tax holiday.

President Biden understands a gas tax holiday alone will not, on its own, relieve the run-up in costs we’ve seen. But the President believes that at this unique moment when the war in Ukraine is imposing costs on American families, Congress should do what it can to provide working families breathing room.

State and Local Action n addition to federal gas tax relief, the President is calling on state and local governments to provide additional consumer relief.

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“Gas Tax” page 13

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

California Coffee Calendar of Events

It’s Here: The World’s Shortest Parade!

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“ON THE PATIO” JULY EVENTS 2:00 PM to 4:30ish PM

JULY 2nd “Dead Campers”

JULY 9th “Sip and Paint”

JULY 23rd “Javi y su Salsa Machine”

ptos’ annual Fourth of July Parade begins Monday at 10 a.m., starting from the intersection of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive, traveling down Soquel past Rancho Del Mar and Aptos Village Square shopping centers and “concluding” at the tressle bridge just before Spreckels Drive (parade floats and acts always continue to Trout Gulch Road).

JULY 16th “Joint Chiefs” JULY 30th “Servo 7”

Photo Courtesy of Dan Young

The Trout Gulch Marching Band has appeared in almost every 4th of July parade since 1992. Watch for them this year. A crowd favorite, the band walks, struts, rambles, and jogs down Soquel Drive.

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12 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Gas Tax” from page 11 Already, some states and local governments have acted: for example, in Connecticut and New York, governors temporarily suspended their gas taxes, and in Illinois and Colorado, governors delayed planned tax and fee increases.

And, around the country, in states like Michigan and Minnesota, states and local leaders are considering a number of forms of consumer relief – from temporary suspensions and pauses on state sales tax on gas to consumer rebates and relief payments.

The President believes more states and local governments should do so.

Ongoing Actions oday’s announcements follow a series of actions the President has taken to lower gas prices for American families.

• The President announced the release of a record 1 million barrels per day from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which just last week a leading oil market analyst confirmed has been critical to keeping prices from rising even more.

• He rallied international partners to join us, releasing a combined 240 million barrels of oil on the market.

• He expanded access to biofuels like E15—gasoline uses a 15 percent ethanol blend—to increase supply

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The United States produced more oil under the first year of this Administration than it did under the first two years of the prior Administration, and is on track to set new records next year. and lower prices at thousands of gas stations across the country.

• He and his Administration are engaging with oil and refining companies to ask them to work with the Administration to bring forward concrete solutions that increase refinery capacity and output. Secretary Granholm is meeting with these CEOs this week.

Already, the United States produced more oil under the first year of this Administration than it did under the first two years of the prior Administration, and is on track to set new records next year.

At the same time, the President understands our efforts to increase energy production in the near-term must be coupled with medium- and long-term efforts to transition our economy away from fossil fuels produced by autocrats and to clean energy. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grease: Musical Theater at its Best

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By Mindy Pedlar

kip Epperson’s simple, classic set design takes us back to 1959, transporting us to Rydell High School’s reunion in Cabrillo Stage’s production of Grease now playing at the Crocker Theater.

Jon Nordgren leads a group of fine musicians that recreate the style and feel of 50s rock & roll.

Caleb Wildman’s creative lighting design aids in setting the mood.

Bethany Deal‘s costumes are spot on and well suited to the fresh yet 50s choreography of Director Cassie Nordgren. Why is it so much fun to see full skirts swirl in the big dance numbers? It just is.

And then there’s the cast. Tall, blonde and handsome, Jack Bloome commands the stage as Danny Zuko, leader of the Burger Palace Boys--the cool kids of Rydell High.

His love interest, the new girl in town Sandy Dumbrowsk, is convincingly played by Haley Clarke.

Though petite, Haley matches Bloome’s vocal strength, and you can’t help but root for this couple.

Scott Boynton as Kenickie has the perfect look and Elvis-like moves as he sings Greased Lightning, while the whole gang has a blast singing and dancing around the 1959 Nash Metropolitan that Epperson and Technical Director Marcel Tjioe have overhauled for its moment in the spotlight. The entire cast gives their all.

There are magical moments: Jennifer Taylor Daniels’

14 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

rendition of Beauty School Dropout is a must-see, and local favorite David Jackson adds harmony and heart to Raining on Prom Night.

In short, the youthful enthusiasm of this talented cast uplifts the spirit. This show is simply a joy to watch. Only two weeks left, don’t miss it. Now playing ThursdaySunday until July 10.

••• Next Up: Candide andide, with its magnificent score by Leonard Bernstein, is Cabrillo Stage’s next offering directed and choreographed by Gary John La Rosa of New York.

Mounting this show, originally scheduled for 2020 but cancelled due to Covid-19, is a tremendous undertaking.

Fortunately, Candide is on the bucket list of most

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musicians — including Artistic Director Jon Nordgren, who decided to produce it again in 2022, Cabrillo Stage’s 41st season.

Musical Director Cheryl Anderson and Director Gary John La Rosa have assembled a cast of exceptional singers to present this beautiful show, complete with a 14-piece live orchestra conducted by Ms. Anderson.

Michael Stahl as Candide and Lori Schulman as Cunegonde, who both starred in last season’s production of Pirates of Penzance, head the large cast of 27.

The story, based on French philosopher Voltaire’s 1759 satirical novella, takes our hero, Candide, and his true love, Cunegonde, on separate journeys around the world, where they meet misfortune at every turn.

Reunited in the end, the disillusioned couple focuses with humility and appreciation on the simple, beautiful things in life — family, friends, home and, of course, a garden.

Thus, the stage is set for Bernstein’s vocal masterpiece, Make Our Garden Grow.

Candide runs Thursday-Sunday, July 21 through Aug. 14. Both shows play at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Avenue, Aptos.

Tickets can be purchased individually or at a discounted rate for the season. Tickets available online at cabrillostage.com. Box office is open for phone and walk-in sales Thursday-Saturday noon to 6 p.m. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Steven Carrillo Pleads Guilty S teven Carrillo, who pleaded guilty to murdering Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 26, according to Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell.

“Our hearts go out to all Santa Cruz County law enforcement officers affected by the horrific events on June 6, 2020, in particular the Gutzwiller family,” Rosell said.

“Although nothing can bring Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller back, we hope that today can bring some measure of justice for everyone touched by Steven Carrillo this tragedy.”

On June 27, Carrillo, 34, of Ben Lomond, pleaded guilty to nine felony charges and enhancements.

Rosell said Carrillo admitted in court that he attempted to murder four other law enforcement officers and one civilian. He admitted his actions were willful, deliberate and premeditated.

He also pleaded guilty to weapons and explosive charges.

The charges stemmed from a tragic event in the mountain town of Ben Lomond on June 6, 2020, when deputies approached his home.

Carrillo admitted he committed these acts of violence to escape what he believed was apprehension by law enforcement for the murder of a federal officer, David Underwood, which he had committed the week before in Oakland. (Carrillo will serve a 41-year sentence for the Underwood murder, the outcome of a plea deal.)

Damon Gutzwiller Carrillo admitted in court to being a member of the Grizzly Scouts, a militia group espousing the Boogaloo ideology.

The Boogaloo movement revolved around the desire for a violent overthrow of the government and starting a second civil war and resulted in violent attacks on law enforcement across the country.

The investigation of Carrillo was led by the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office with contributions by every law enforcement agency in the county.

This included collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Watsonville Police Department, Santa Cruz Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the FBI, and ATF as well as many other agencies across the state.

Rosell said this collaborative effort ensured that Carrillo will be held accountable by spending the rest of his life in prison.

Carrillo agreed to plead guilty in exchange for prosecutors not seeking the death penalty. n

Sheriff Reopens Aptos Service Center

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he Aptos Sheriff’s Service Center, provide resources for neighborhood and across from New Leaf Comcommunity problem resolution, neighborhood safety presentamunity market in Aptos tions, abandoned vehicle services Village, is reopening for walk-ins and extra patrol requests. We and assistance since it was closed also have a safe drop box for preby the Covid-19 pandemic in scription medications.”

2020.

He added, “We plan to bulk Hours are limited at this up the hours with more volunpoint. teers later this year.”

Sgt. Kyle Matson said, “We Kyle Matson The main number for the currently have volunteers at the center Monday and Thursday afternoons center is (831) 454-7760. The address is 171 and Tuesday mornings. At the center we Aptos Village Way, Suite T1, Aptos. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Support After Death

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

Homicide, Suicide and Accidents

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anta Cruz County residents are welcome to join Heal Together, a program of Coastal Kids Home Care, which is hosting “Support After Homicide, Suicide, and Accidental Death” group sessions via Telehealth and in person and facilitated by retired attorney Karen Judd Lewis.

This Heal Together group is designed to connect individuals with other people who have experienced similar losses. As a group, you’ll feel less isolated, more willing to voice what you’re going through, and hear how others are trying to manage their grief.

The support group meets weekly: Tuesdays virtually from 5-6:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays in person from 10-11:30 a.m. at Coastal Kids Home Care: 427 Pajaro St. Suite 1-3, in Salinas. For a link, call (831) 320-0947.

Grief is overwhelming. Grieving a death by homicide or suicide or an accidental death is often more complicated, confusing, and bewildering. Survivors often confront emotions like guilt, shame, and anger every time they think about or answer questions concerning their loss.

Everyone’s grief journey is their own and everyone experiences grief differently. Talking with people in similar circumstances will help you find comfort, recognition and affirmation as you move forward.

Lewis is a retired lawyer, the mother of two children and married for nearly 40 years. Born in California, raised in Oregon, she studied art history, worked on Capitol Hill, growing up professionally among dedicated federal legislators and staff. She met her husband, Jeffrey, on the Hill, and together they returned to the West Coast and went to law school at night while working for Oregon state government during the day.

She then returned to Washington, D.C., where she was a lawyer lobbyist in a law firm in which she eventually became a partner. Her final professional position took her to a Fortune 500 company as head of public policy.

The Heal Together Hub is a central source of information on community resources to respond to grief, loss, and anxiety. See heal-together.org.

About Heal Together hrough a $1.1 million grant from HG Foundation, CKHC initiated Heal Together services in early December 2021, aiming to turn the tide of loss toward a future of renewal. It’s a wide-ranging, bilingual project that combines experienced mental health professionals and trusted community agencies to face an extraordinary need for healing and hope.

Heal Together includes: The Heal Together Hub, a central source of information on community resources to respond to grief, loss and anxiety. Services include: bereavement groups with trained facilitators (available for all ages and in English and Spanish); counseling with a licensed professional; and expressive therapies for children, with more services to come, including Grief Yoga.

Community-wide outreach to ensure individuals of all backgrounds have access to quality information on grief.

Opportunities for licensed professionals and community volunteers to undergo training in grief and bereavement.

More than 700 Monterey County residents have died from COVID-19. Loved ones left behind — children and teens, older adults, and low-income groups — have experienced depression and anxiety.

While grief is different for everyone, dealing with loss can take a toll on mental health. Feelings of sadness, anger, loneliness, and hopelessness are all common emotions that people experience during the grieving process. These emotions may vary in severity, and for some, may be overwhelming.

While the journey toward acceptance is different for everyone, some people may take longer to get there than others. Along that path, some will begin to feel the effects of grief on mental health, some even developing clinical depression.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Sen. Booker, Farming Reformer, to Speak U

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Bus transportation Nonsectarian CAIS & WASC accredited 375-acre campus

.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will address urgent food system challenges and solutions in “Humane Planet” Speaker Series, a virtual event from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13.

The presentation will begin with a virtual tour of Sweet Farm in Half Moon Bay with co-founder Nate Salpeter, PhD., where 100 types of organic heirloom crops are grown regeneratively, alongside rescued animals living on the land.

Booker advocates transforming monopolistic farming practices and creating a more resilient food system through The Farm System Reform Act – SB 2332, which would put a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations, strengthen the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, and require country of origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products.

Cory Booker

Nate Salpeter

Supporters include Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders. n ••• Palo Alto Humane Society, Sweet Farm and ZOOM Marketing Corp . sponsor the “Humane Planet” series.

Attendance is free, with advance online registration required at www.humaneplanet speakerseries.org/

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR WomenCARE Asks for Support Editor’s note: WomenCARE is under the umbrella of Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, which received $0 in the Santa Cruz County community grants process; county supervisors will hear appeals on June 28. The Friends of WomenCARE, Marney Cox, Kathy Doctor, Alison Poandl, Margaret Madsen, LaVerne Coleman and Janette Waters write: s we continue to move through this pandemic, things are finally looking brighter.

Yet even in the darkest moments, you have continued to provide the support that guides us through times of change. It is because of the charitable gifts of committed donors like you, and the work of dedicated volunteers, that WomenCARE can continue to provide no-cost support services to women at all stages of their cancer journey.

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“Support” from page 17

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The mental health effects of grief can negatively impact a person’s actions and behaviors as well. When people are struggling and neglect to get treatment, they may engage in dangerous or risky behavior.

Prompt and qualified intervention and support are crucial for those suffering from grief.

With 15+ years of experience caring for children with serious illness and those facing end-of-life, Coastal Kids Home Care has prioritized bereavement care to help parents and siblings heal after loss. n ••• To learn more, visit coastalkidshomecare.org.

We are continuing our campaign: WomenCARE Monthly Giving Circle. We are thankful for those who joined last year and hope to recruit additional members this year, in honor of more than 30 years of supporting women with cancer across Santa Cruz County!

By joining the monthly giving circle, you help guarantee our ability to provide uninterrupted support to this powerful community of women as they experience each stage of the life challenges brought by cancer. Your generosity makes a huge difference in the quality of the lives of these women and their families as they negotiate their challenging cancer journey.

If you would like to join this effort, you may set up a recurring gift by selecting our Giving Circle. If you prefer to support us with a one-time gift, that is equally and deeply appreciated. n

Common Symptoms of Chronic Grief

• Prolonged sadness on a daily basis • Extreme focus on the loss • Neglecting daily responsibilities because of depression • No motivation to interact with people or attend social events • Detachment from friends and family • Difficulty accepting the loss after ample time has passed • Intense emotions such as anger and pain

BUSINESS PROFILE

K irby School College-Prep Education in a Pandemic D

By June Smith

uring the pandemic, the Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School, founded in 1994, adapted to meet student needs.

“COVID provided Kirby School with the opportunity to be creative in how to provide college prep education, feeling less like ‘recovery’ and more like adaptation,” says Communications Director Paige Berardo, “To adapt, we invested in professional development, supporting our teachers, and in technology for access to our program. We increased academic and mental health services to help students succeed in a more autonomous learning environment and changed the frequency of social connections (advisory groups, school meetings) to help overcome the effects of isolation.”

On the impact of enrollment, teachers, fundraising and the student experience, she says it has been consistent with reports from colleagues in the Bay Area.

COVID brought families closer together, both physically and emotionally.

Parents were more attuned to their child’s needs and became their advocate.

COVID also created stress for faculty, who had to quickly adapt to new technology and shift their curriculum for new delivery methods while caring for their own families.

Students had to adjust to a completely different learning environment and a total halt to their social connections, vitally important during adolescent years.

Tuition assistance was increased to ensure continuity of learning.

“Now that we are in person, we have

responded to the national youth mental health crisis with full-time COVID-safe instruction,” Berardo said. “We added new events and activities, many of which took place outdoors, for fun and camaraderie.”

All schools had to adjust and adapt, and Kirby saw a need for increased communication.

Teachers leaned in with more frequency, frontloading upcoming activities to decrease student anxiety and offered more-advanced notice of assignments and assessments. When students struggled without the normal external cues that help skills develop, support was provided. A lot of trust was built.

Students needing technical assistance were helped, and a mental health practitioner was added to support students’

needs. Hybrid learning was offered all year for those needing to be home, and positive feedback came from parents about community Zoom meetings with the head of school.

Parents felt the impact of COVID but through communication and a commitment to health and safety, had a higher level of comfort in sending their kids back to in-person school.

Enrollment trends are consistent with schools across California. Lower birth rates mean fewer children to educate.

School staff attribute a small reduction in enrollment with the lack of affordable housing and the CZU fires.

As for fundraising, there was a strong commitment from the donor base, who funded several incredible projects over the past twoand-a-half-years, including a Recreation Area/Sport Court/ Amphitheater.

Attention to safety led to good outcomes, according to longtime trustee Sandie Shoemaker.

“There were no COVID cases transmitted, and weekly PCR testing, daily fever checks, and indoor masking was required through the end of the year,” she said. “We were fortunate to have Dr. Tom Deetz, a PAMF (Palo Alto Medical Foundation) infectious disease expert advising the school on COVID policy.”

There was no impact with the elimination of SAT and ACT tests. Students were offered

over $6 million dollars in 4-year scholarships. Other criteria aside from test scores included student essays, recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, extracurricular activities, special projects students have completed, internships, and AP scores.

Small class sizes and interactive classrooms mean that teachers know students well. Letters of recommendation provide excellent context of how students show up in an academic setting. A college counselor works closely with each student and writes personalized recommendations. Because English classes have a student-teacher ratio of 12-1, students develop excellent writing skills, and an essay workshop is held every summer. n

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arly this year, the District initiated an update of its Strategic Plan, which consists of the District’s Mission Statement, Values, and Primary Organizational Goals. These are the guiding documents that help assure we maintain a path that aligns with our customers and community and that we’re most effectively allocating resources to accomplish the desired goals, keeping in mind that financial resources are limited.

On May 17, following a significant information gathering and analysis process, staff input, community surveys, interested party interviews, and Board member discussion and priority setting, the Board adopted the updated Strategic Plan.

The planning horizon of this update is three years, which will encompass the Pure Water Soquel Project being operational, help inform the District’s annual budgets, and the next rate-setting process.

With the updated Strategic Plan, staff will adjust, as needed, the District’s strategies, guiding principles, Community Water Plan, and staff-level implementation plans.

This Plan is more than a document; it is a continual and dynamic process that guides not only the District’s overall direction but also the departmental implementation plans and in turn, the dayto-day efforts of the District as we work to accomplish our goals.

What does this Plan mean to our customers and community?

It means that you can be assured we are continually working on analyzing, understanding, and addressing the complexities of the many internal and external factors and influences which affect how we provide services to you. Our Strategic Plan is an essential, valuable tool for both short and long-term planning. It helps us stay on track with the evolving needs of our community and changing circumstances, ensuring we can effectively and efficiently provide water not just for today but water for tomorrow and for the decades to come.

A critical component of our strategic planning process is the environmental scan. The word ‘environment’ doesn’t mean nature; rather it refers to taking an objective review of the holistic environment in which we operate - examining the present and future factors that might affect the organization and our services to you. It helps us understand the broader context in which we’re operating and the factors that will influence the direction and goals of the District.

Our environmental scan included a review and analysis of these key factors: • Current Basin Status — the basin remains significantly unsustainable.

• Projected Water Demand and LandUse Planning — the water supply is short by about one-third of the amount needed to meet current and future demand; forecasted new development may be underestimated.

“SqCWD Strategic Plan” page 26

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How to Prevent A Disconnect in the Future

Editor’s note: This Grand Jury report requires responses from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, County Counsel, and the Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer by Sept. 19. We will print the responses.

••• n November 2018, Santa Cruz County residents passed Measure G, a one-half cent sales tax increase on transactions in the unincorporated area of the County for 12 years.

After the election, members of the public expressed concern that Santa Cruz County government was not honoring provisions in the ballot question. The Grand Jury investigated.

We found there was a significant disconnect between how some voters interpreted the ballot question for Measure G and what the Santa Cruz County administration thought it meant.

The Grand Jury concluded that the ballot language was misleading. Specifically, Santa Cruz County staff could not provide consistent explanations as to why the provisions for annual audits and independent citizens oversight were included in the ballot question.

Through our interviews, we learned that County staff had no intention of providing these special accountability provisions for Measure G. We also determined that the County Counsel’s impartial analysis of Measure G did not address the ballot spending priorities or how the audit and oversight provisions would operate.

For future revenue measures, the Grand Jury encourages the County Board of Supervisors to review this report and consider adopting a policy requiring County staff to provide clearer, more succinct language explaining the nature of each tax and how it may be spent. If provisions are attached to promote accountability or other assurances, the County Counsel should explain to voters in the impartial analysis how they will operate. County voters deserve no less.

•••

I

O

Background

n Nov. 6, 2018, Santa Cruz County voters were asked to approve Measure G, as posed in this ballot question: To continue

“The problem [with ballot proposals] is that local officials are so vested in the outcome that they are frequently incapable of providing voters the impartial descriptions they deserve.”

—Daniel Borenstein, editorial page editor, The East Bay Times

funding 9-1-1 emergency response, paramedic, sheriff, fire, emergency preparedness, local street repairs, mental health services, homelessness programs, parks, economic development and other general county services, shall the County of Santa Cruz be authorized to increase by ordinance the sales tax on retail transactions in the unincorporated area of the County by one-half cent for 12 years, providing approximately $5,750,000 annually, subject to annual audits and independent citizens oversight?

Measure G passed, with just under 66 percent approval.

Prompted by a citizen’s complaint, the 2021–2022 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury investigated the reasons County staff recommended the County Board of Supervisors place Measure G on the ballot. We reviewed the language of the ballot question, and the promises voters might have thought the Board made with Measure G. •••

Santa Cruz County’s Structural Deficit

A

s the Santa Cruz County Administrative Office prepares for each annual budget cycle, the same challenge looms—how to generate sufficient revenue to pay for the ongoing essential services residents expect, as well as newly identified critical needs.

While the County Board of Supervisors is responsible for directing available tax revenue to the County’s various programs, the County Administrative Office and other County staff are responsible for carrying out the Board’s direction.

County staff must let the Board know when County revenues are not sufficient to meet the identified needs. Collectively, we refer to the County Board of Supervisors and County staff as “the County Government.”

The persistent gap between the County’s general revenue and the cost of essential services causes a fundamental imbalance in the County’s budget known as a structural deficit.

Santa Cruz County’s persistent structural deficit was created in large part by Prop 13, a 1978 voter-approved initiative.

Prop 13 rolled back property tax rates and limited their increase to no more than 2 percent per year.

A lesser-known effect, which is particularly challenging to Santa Cruz County, is Prop 13 also froze each California county’s share of property taxes. At the time Prop 13 was enacted, the County’s share of property taxes in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County was much lower than in most California counties. Prop 13 locked in the County’s modest share of property taxes.

County staff said that after distribution to the State and other local agencies with a share in ad valorem property taxes, the County’s share of every property tax dollar is very low compared to other California counties. Because Prop 13 is an amendment to the Constitution of California, this imbalance cannot easily be changed.

County Government must look to other revenue tools to address the basic needs of its residents.

Adding to this revenue strain on the County budget, Santa Cruz County has a relatively large percentage of its population living in the unincorporated area.

The County Government must provide these residents with the same or similar municipal services that city residents enjoy such as parks, libraries, and transportation infrastructure.

The County Government must also deliver countywide services that all residents expect (mental health, services to the homeless, healthcare, and safety net services).

•••

I

Ballot Measures to Address Budget Shortfalls

f a local government’s revenues are insufficient to pay for essential government services, let alone newly arising concerns due to a pandemic or bankrupt local hospital, voters may be asked to approve increased revenue through a ballot measure. The County Government has a limited toolkit for addressing revenue shortages that are not funded by property taxes.

First, the County must consider revenue options, either general revenue or special revenue.

Revenue Options • General Revenue: Income from a tax imposed for general governmental purposes. In California, ballot measures seeking general tax revenue must be approved by a majority of voters (50% plus one vote).

• Special Revenue: Income from a tax imposed for the limited purpose specified in the ballot. Ballot measures seeking a special purpose tax revenue

have a higher threshold for approval— two-thirds of the vote (66.7%).

Then the County Government must consider the type of tax that will meet the identified need. The County’s tax options are defined as follows.

Tax Definitions • General Tax: Any tax imposed for general governmental purposes. In California, ballot measures seeking general tax revenue must be approved by a majority of voters (50% plus one vote).

• Special Purpose Tax: Any tax imposed for a specific purpose. Ballot measures seeking a special purpose tax revenue have a higher threshold for approval— two-thirds of the vote (66.7%).

• Sales Tax: A tax levied on the sale of goods and services.

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): A tax paid on temporary occupancy of hotels, motels, and short-term rentals.

• Property Tax: 2 types. ° Ad valorem tax based on a property’s assessed value. The largest source of a county’s discretionary revenue. ° Parcel tax, a form of property tax assessed at a rate based on the characteristics of a parcel—or unit of property—rather than on the assessed value of the property.

The types of taxes proposed to voters may vary but the ballot measures must be concise, accurate, and unbiased.

California’s Elections Code Section 13119 (c) provides that in all local government ballot measures: The statement of the measure shall be a true and impartial synopsis of the purpose of the proposed measure, and shall be in language that is neither argumentative nor likely to create prejudice for or against the measure.

While there is a requirement of impartiality, those who prepare ballot measures have a natural bias toward crafting the ballot to ensure the revenue measure will pass. After all, governments would not propose tax increases if they did not think they were necessary.

With this bias in mind, the Grand Jury examined several aspects of the Measure G ballot language. These topics included whether the wording of the ballot question might have misled some voters in understanding how the funds would be spent, and how the accountability provisions of an annual audit and citizens oversight would operate.

•••

I

measure strategy and communications for California local governments.

In February 2018, TBWBH began work on a ballot revenue feasibility assessment, including a survey of voters to test different funding options for the November 2018 ballot.

TBWBH subcontracted the survey work to EMC Research, a public opinion pollster. The County’s consultant polled voters regarding two types of tax revenues for the November ballot: • A special purpose tax for parks, polled as an annual parcel tax at both a $16 and $48 level • A general revenue sales tax increase The telephone survey of 502 likely voters in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County was completed in March 2018.

The poll also asked about voter priorities and trust in County revenue and/or expenditure issues.

There are important takeaways from the EMC Research poll results: • Parks ranked at the bottom of essential services for which potential voters might be willing to tax themselves.

• There was little likelihood that a special purpose tax for parks would secure the required two-thirds voter approval.

• A slight majority of the polled voters did not trust the County Government to properly manage tax revenue.

EMC Research noted 67 percent of likely voters had a favorable opinion of the draft ballot language for a sales tax increase.

The poll results prompted County staff to recommend the Board have voters consider a sales tax increase for transactions in the unincorporated area of the County.

The sales tax ballot question presented to the survey respondents is shown in the graphic below.

•••

Placing Measure G on the Ballot

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t its Aug. 7, 2018, meeting, the Board approved the placement of Measure G on the November ballot with Resolution 181-2018.

County staff’s recommended language for the ballot measure was remarkably similar to the ballot question in the EMC Research poll.

There was one notable exception: County Government removed the limitation on expenditure of the funds “only in unincorporated areas,” where the tax was being collected.

In a companion action, the Board adopted Resolution 182-2018, which expressly stated the Board’s budget priorities for use of Measure G funds should the ballot question pass, as noted in Table 1.

Measure G was not a special purpose tax.

The Board’s budget priorities were not mentioned in the ballot question, nor were they highlighted in the voter information guide. Instead, voters relied on the language of the Measure G ballot question and the broad array of government services.

The sales tax measure—Measure G— was approved by 66 percent of the voters on Nov. 6, 2018 •••

T

Ballot Measure Language

he notable similarity between the EMC Research poll question and the Measure G question that voters considered shows that Measure G was substantially drafted in March 2018.

Our analysis of a number of similar ballot questions determined the County Government incorporated several elements commonly used to encourage voter approval: • Detailing County services and programs that voters like or need • Assuring that the revenue would be subject to an annual audit • Assuring that the revenue would be subject to independent citizens oversight • Providing that the tax increase would expire in 12 years It is important to include these provisions in a ballot measure if the provisions are promising something beyond what the agency is required to do, as in the case of the audit or citizens oversight.

“Grand Jury: Measure G” page 24

Genesis of Measure G

n late 2017 and early 2018, the County Administrative Office held meetings to discuss the County’s structural deficit and ways the Board could meet the needs of the 2018–2019 budget.

County staff knew that balancing the 2018–2019 budget was going to require increased revenue.

To weigh the pros and cons of the different types of revenue, the County retained TBWBH Props and Measures, a consulting firm that specializes in revenue

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 23

“Grand Jury: Measure G” from page 23 It is also important to express the agency’s intentions regarding the permitted use of the revenue or expiration of the tax.

It is quite another matter when the agency’s intention behind the language is not clear or does not relate to the agency’s need for the revenue.

Voters may pull the “yes” lever, only to realize the County Government intended something entirely different.

•••

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What Did Measure G Mean?

he text of Measure G shares a recipe followed by other ballot measures across the State of California.

We found the similarities striking.

Ballot questions commonly begin with a list of important government services that the tax could fund. If the tax is a general purpose tax, that important fact will be indicated—after the long list of popular government services—by use of such catch-all terms as “and general city services,” “other city services,” or “other essential services.”

The list of possible uses of the tax revenue serves to remind voters what their government does.

Accountability Provisions follow the list of uses to assure voters these needs will be met.

Together, these assurances build voter trust. If there is no followthrough, the agency may lose the voters’ trust.

With this assurance in mind, we compared the ballot question for Measure G with that of another Santa Cruz County sales tax measure — Measure D — which voters passed in November 2016. We have added emphasis to highlight the similarities in expiration dates, oversight committees, and audit provisions: ~~~ Measure G: To continue funding 9-1-1 emergency response, paramedic, sheriff, fire, emergency preparedness, local street repairs, mental health services, homelessness programs, parks, economic development and other general county services, shall the County of Santa Cruz be authorized to increase by ordinance the sales tax on retail transactions in the unincorporated area of the County by one-half cent for 12 years, providing approximately $5,750,000 annually, subject to annual audits and independent citizens oversight?

Measure D: In order to improve children’s safety around schools; repair potholes; repave streets; improve traffic flow on Highway 1; maintain senior/ disabled transit; reduce global warming pollution by providing transportation options like sidewalks, buses, bike lanes, trails; preserve rail options; shall Santa Cruz County voters adopt an ordinance establishing a half-cent sales tax for 30 years, raising approximately$17 million annually, requiring citizens oversight,

independent audits, and funds spent locally? ~~~ Given the similarities in these two ballot questions—in both wording and structure—one might think they were both special purpose taxes with identical Accountability Provisions of an audit and citizens oversight.

This assumption is incorrect.

Measure G is a general revenue tax that does not need to be spent on any of the listed purposes.

Measure D, on the other hand, is a special-purpose tax that only funds the listed specific transportation-related needs.

The Regional Transportation Commission has established a citizens oversight committee to review Measure D expenditures and provides audit information specific to Measure D revenue readily available for review on its website.

Understanding these differences is critical to informed voting.

It is the role of the County Counsel’s impartial analysis to ensure voters have a clear understanding of ballot measures.

Impartial Analysis Is to Inform Voters Every year the County’s Registrar of Voters publishes a Voter Information Guide to aid voters in understanding what and who is on the ballot.

A key resource in the guide is the impartial analysis. Following the requirements of California’s Elections Code, the County Board of Supervisors directed the County Counsel to prepare an impartial analysis of Measure G. According to the code, the analysis should explain “the effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure.”

In the case of Measure G and Measure D, the audit and citizens oversight provisions were written with similar phrasing in the ballot questions, but were implemented in very different ways.

Neither impartial analysis offers an explanation as to how the audit or citizens oversight would operate.

Absent an explanation in the impartial analysis, in the case of the County’s Measures D and G, the voter needed to know: • The phrase “for general County operations and services” means it is general revenue that can be used for any legal purpose—from census outreach to ballot consultants—and not just those listed on the ballot.

• A statement that funds will be “deposited into the general fund” means it is general fund, and the Board is not limited by its own stated budget priorities or the ballot’s stated uses.

• The difference in how general and special revenues are audited.

• That the term “independent citizens oversight” may be interpreted quite differently from measure to measure.

Voters in the City of Sacramento had a different experience when they voted for Measure U in 2018, a general revenue sales tax worded much the same as Measure G:

24 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Shall the measure to protect and enhance essential public safety services, including 911 response, fire protection, community neighborhood policing, and other essential services, including homeless supportive services, affordable housing, libraries, park maintenance, high-wage job promotion, and youth programming, by enacting a one-cent sales tax generating $95 million annually that is legally required to stay in the City’s General Fund, until ended by voters, with independent annual financial audits and citizens oversight, be adopted.

The impartial analysis is an opportunity and a tool to aid voters in understanding how these Accountability Provisions will operate. Whether there should be such stark differences in the meaning and operation of the ballot Accountability Provisions may be debatable.

In the case of Measure G, the County Counsel missed an opportunity to properly inform County voters.

•••

R

Is It Too Late?

egardless of the County Government’s reasons for including audit and oversight provisions, the Grand Jury wanted to know whether these Accountability Provisions could or should be implemented beyond what the law requires.

Annual Audit Government audits are a highly regulated process designed to ensure taxpayer funds are fully accounted for. This accounting means the auditor verifies all revenue coming in, all revenue paid out, and balances remaining.

The County’s elected Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector prepares the County’s audit, which is summarized in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which covers all County funds.

The County’s adopted budget is the County’s spending plan for Fiscal Year 2021–22. In the world of government finance, budgets are planning documents that project future intentions; audits are an assessment of what actually occurred.

The County’s CAFR does not report specifically on Measure G revenues, expenditures, or balance remaining.

Because Measure G is general revenue, County staff considers current practice to be fully compliant with the legal requirement to audit its general revenue.

The Grand Jury agrees with the County’s assessment, but the fact remains: The assurance of an annual audit had no special meaning with regard to Measure G. Measure G was not a special revenue tax that required an audit. Voters, however, might not have understood that distinction.

•••

T

Citizens Oversight

he County Government’s promise to provide for independent citizens oversight is another matter.

Many California cities and counties have formed citizens oversight committees

to ensure that tax revenues were used as voters intended.

However, in the opinion of County staff, the Measure G oversight language promised nothing beyond what the law already provides regarding public expenditures. The law requires a public record of planned expenditures adopted or approved at a public meeting, as well as the publicly available audit, also discussed in a public meeting.

Beyond this existing obligation, County staff believed that citizens oversight had no special meaning with regard to Measure G. Other California cities and counties that have passed general revenue tax measures with a provision for citizens oversight have met their obligation to the voters quite differently.

The City of Milpitas offers a good example.

The seven-member advisory body serves on the Committee for up to a maximum of three, three-year terms. Members of the Committee are required to be residents of Milpitas and it is preferred they possess areas of expertise and/or are advocates for: 1.Business and/or residential community 2.Municipal or governmental services operations 3.Municipal finance, taxation, budgeting, and/or accounting. The Committee meets four times per year to review projected revenues, programs, and services funded by the proceeds of Measure F. Other examples of citizens oversight committees formed subsequent to the passage of general revenue sales taxes include: • City of San Leandro Measure HH Citizens Oversight Committee • City of Sacramento Measure U Community Advisory Committee • City of San Mateo Measure S Oversight Committee •••

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Can Measure G Spending Be Tracked for Oversight Panel?

he ballot language informed voters that the Measure G revenue would fund: 9-1-1 Emergency response, paramedic, sheriff, fire, emergency preparedness, local street repairs, mental health services, homelessness programs, parks, economic development and other general county services.

But as noted above, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution that established the Board’s budget priorities for Measure G that were much more specific.

The County Administrative Office has tracked Measure G expenditures with enough detail to inform the Board that its budget priorities for Measure G are being addressed.

With the 2021–22 fiscal year, the County Administrative Office began including a Financial Summary of Measure G in its proposed budget document.

However, this Measure G Financial Summary lacks the detail required for an annual audit or independent citizens oversight.

Approximately $8 million of Measure G revenue projected for Fiscal Year 2021–22, $2 million (25% of the revenues) will be spent on the big bucket of “other county essential services.”

The only detail in the Measure G Financial Summary relates to the Board’s budget priorities for Measure G: • Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, (addressing CZU Fire recovery) budgeted to receive just over $1 million • Focused Intervention Team (law enforcement dealing with low-level repeat offenders – about $1 million) • Housing for Healthy Santa Cruz (about $3.5 million) This detail indicates that the Board could direct the County staff to provide a similar breakdown of “other county essential services.” This additional detail would provide citizens with a more complete picture of how Measure G has benefited County residents.

To be clear, the Measure G Financial Summary is not an audit. More detailed financial tracking would also address another Measure G concern: The 12-year expiration of the tax.

•••

Measure G 12-Year Expiration (2030)

T

he County’s ballot consultant recommended including a fixed time limit on the collection of Measure G revenue to make the tax measure more likely to pass.

There are significant ramifications to this decision.

The first section of the Measure G Financial Summary, Measure G funded programs, indicates that over 50% of Measure G funds ($4,534,818) are projected to be spent on salaries for “essential county services” staff.

Salaries are an ongoing expense.

Unless voters permanently extend the sales tax increase, a financial risk looms for Santa Cruz County residents.

This risk is best depicted in the graphic below, a County staff presentation to the Board of Supervisors in February 2022 that shows the increased revenue from Measure G compared to the County’s share of sales tax without Measure G (darker bar).

There is no guarantee future voters will be inclined to renew the tax.

Political winds often blow in unexpected directions. Based on our analysis,

Santa Cruz County’s structural deficit will persist, and is currently the justification of yet another general revenue measure that was put before the voters in the unincorporated Santa Cruz County in June 2022, Measure B—the Transient Occupancy Tax. The TOT ballot measure does not include an audit, citizens oversight, or an expiration date.

Estimated revenues from this proposed Transient Occupancy Tax is about 25 percent of the current level of Measure G revenues.

Clearly, this tax supplements Measure G. It does not replace Measure G. If the upward trend line of County expenditures continues, County Government will need to propose additional tax measures in the future. Tax fatigue could set in.

Failure to renew Measure G in 2030 could create a major shortfall for County finances. This shortfall could result in employee layoffs and impact essential services.

As the Grand Jury was processing this report, County Government introduced its proposed fiscal year 2022–23 budget through an online budget tool the County claimed will provide greater transparency.

The Grand Jury examined the tool in light of the issues raised in this report.

We found the tool offers less transparency for citizens oversight as to how the County Government proposes to spend Measure G revenues.

The Measure G Financial Summary is absent. All general fund revenues are grouped together for the purpose of showing expenditures. The tool misstates Measure G as a “one-quarter cent” sales tax (it’s one-half cent) but eventually you can navigate to see Measure G projected revenues.

However, the navigation path was convoluted and difficult to repeat. Citizens will be less informed about proposed Measure G revenues and expenditures under this budget tool.

•••

A

question and this language was accepted with minimal changes. The result was the inclusion of the accountability provisions “annual audits,” and “independent citizens oversight” that voters found misleading.

Even County staff conceded in Grand Jury interviews that they could see how voters could have been confused by what those terms meant in the context of Measure G. The County staff is clear about what it believes these provisions of Measure G called for, but it did not consider what the wording might have meant to voters.

If County Government continues to ignore how voters may interpret tax measures, voters may lose confidence and trust in the County.

County staff proposed Measure G for the legitimate purpose of addressing the County’s structural deficit and an extensive list of ongoing critical needs and essential services.

The need for these services will remain strong.

The Grand Jury understands and values the important leadership role the County should play in addressing critical issues such as homelessness, fire prevention, and drought resilience.

This report is written in support of the County and with the intention of highlighting the critical need for County services, and the intelligence of County voters in being able to recognize the need and act accordingly.

That said, the County Government should write future ballot questions and the accompanying voter information carefully so that residents know exactly what they are voting for. n ••• Read the full report: https://www. co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/ GrandJury/GJ2022_final/2022-4_MeasureG_ Report.pdf

Classic Children’s Books

Conclusion

ballot measure represents a promise to the voters.

The County Government did not take the care it should have in crafting Measure G. County Government relied on a tax measure consultant to draft the ballot

ACROSS

1. Kitchen boss 5. Churchill’s “so few” 8. Epochs 12. “Watch out!” on a golf course 13. East of Java 14. *Pinocchio’s state of being 15. Hard currency 16. Emanation 17. TV and radio 18. *Mr. Popper’s birds 20. Newspaper piece 21. *Like “Goosebumps Classic” 22. “What?”

23. *Richard Scarry’s Things That Go 26. Oxygenate, as in lawn

29. Skin cyst 30. Middle Eastern meat dish, pl.

33. Antonym of “yup” 35. Dispatch boat 37. Female sheep 38. Throat infection 39. Searching for E.T. org.

40. *”I think I can, I think I can...”, e.g.

42. *”____ Spot run!”

43. Accounting journal 45. *The Plaza Hotel resident of kids’ book fame 47. Long, long time 48. Caffeine-containing nut trees 50. Off-color 52. *Ludwig Bemelmans’ Parisian boarding school resident 55. Middle Eastern porter

56. Movie “____ Brockovich” 57. Karl of politics 59. In a cold manner 60. Obscenity 61. Middle of March 62. Fringe benefit 63. *Side for Green Eggs 64. Put in the outbox

DOWN

1. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.

2. Obstacle to jump through 3. Great Lake 4. Tiny fox with large ears 5. Two halves of a diameter 6. Like one in isolation cell 7. Evergreen trees

8. *Babar, e.g.

9. Thumb-up catch 10. Full of enthusiasm 11. *”The Little Mermaid” domain 13. Stock exchange, in Paris 14. Affair, to Emmanuel Macron 19. Michael Douglas’ 1987 greedy role 22. “For ____ a jolly ...”

23. *Clement Clark Moore’s famous beginning 24. Live it up 25. Join forces 26. Aid in crime 27. Bodies 28. *Athos’, Porthos’ and Aramis’ swords 31. *Corduroy or Paddington 32. Stiff grass bristle

34. *D’Artagnan’s sword 36. *It ends, according to Shel Silverstein 38. North American purple berry 40. ____ at Work, band 41. Give in 44. Worshipful 46. Isis’ brother and husband 48. Cause and effect cycle?

49. Abhorrence 50. RBG’s collar, e.g.

51. Arabic for commander 52. Screen 53. Lymphatic swelling 54. Like certain Steven 55. Senior’s fragile body part 58. New York time © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 25

U.S. Birthday, Conflict, Chaos and Harmony Esoteric Astrology • July 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles

M

onday, July 4, 2022 is Independence Day in the United States.

It is the 246th birthday of the United States, a country created by the Hierarchy (inner spiritual government) as an experiment in freedom.

Externally, the U.S. was formed to liberate itself from England (freedom from the old ways) under new laws and rhythms. Every country has a spiritual task. The task of the United States of America is that of “standing within the Light and leading humanity within and towards that Light.”

The United States, in these days of crisis, needs new enlightened servers — the New Group of World Servers. Let us dedicate ourselves in service to our country and people as we recite the ancient Mantram of Service together: “Help us, O Lord, to know and to do our part in the world.”

The month of July may be quite a difficult, emotional and chaotic month for the United States and its people. It may be an emotional explosive firecracker of a month. It will require all of us to maintain balance and equanimity between mind and heart. In order to navigate the turbulent waters ahead.

ARIES

We may feel like our world is breaking down into a thousand little pieces.

Astrologically we have Uranus square Moon breaking up crystallizations and Pluto/Pluto bringing about a complete transformation of our ways of life. Uranus frees us from the past rhythms we are used to and offers humanity new Aquarian laws and principles.

Memories appear as we are called to create the new future.

Pluto returns to its original place when the United States was founded (1776) Pluto is the “Transformer.”.

We will feel like a snake when shedding its skin. When this occurs the snake is temporarily blinded. Pluto brings the end of one form so another can come to life.

We have existed for the past 2,500 years under the rules of Pisces (Neptune, belief). Now we are entering the Age of Aquarius (Uranus, knowledge), the age of humanity’s freedom. The present and upcoming chaos and conflicts we are experiencing are the preparatory stages to a new world.

The Rule that governs our Earth is that out of all conflicts and chaos, a new form of harmony and new rhythms emerge That is a promise to humanity.

During this halfway mark of the year, you have cultivated enough inner strength and energy to meet all the expectations and demands of work, both self-imposed and from others. You have developed new abilities which may seem unusual — detail, order and organization. These you may also demand from others as well. But be careful. They don’t have your same astrological chart. Everyone comes forth with their strengths and abilities at different times.

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Leos, when coming from the heart can be very loving. This is the best way to be a leader. Leos always apply their creative endeavors to daily life. I have a question. Would you like to be doing something different in your life where you are out and about in the wilds? Doing something that serves the animal (bird or fish) kingdom, offering food, shelter, medicine and comfort?

What is of comfort to you? Each one of us aligns with and nurtures one kingdom in particular. Which kingdom is for you?

Remember to also do your work with composure and inner poise, exhibiting no pressure toward self or others. You are being called to create and exhibit Right Relations with everyone, balancing leadership with friendship, keeping the two separate with finesse, elegance, grace and skill. This is quite a job. You most likely already display all of this. Now more is called for. In all areas of life bring forth Goodwill. Then you pass all the tests of discipleship.

TAURUS

VIRGO

It’s time to be practical and grounded, anchored and present. It’s You seem to have new level of vital energy. Perhaps it’s under the summer sun. You’re active with a new level of time to come home now, from either far away or self-confidence. You seem happy and enthusiastic to simply focusing on where you live in order (filled with God) and busy with various tasks. Does to bring order and organization to your environit seem there’s no time for relaxation? When you’re ments. It’s been a long long time (years?) since not working night and day, count your resources and blessings. you’ve been able to assess needs in your personal life. Since Should any concerns arise, remember the statement, “Don’t’ worry, you’re been focused outwardly, saving the world and ending be happy.” The “happy” helps bring the resources closer to you. to others, things as home could be quite in need of attention.

Seeking assistance is both sensible and practical.

CAPRICORN

Many days, weeks and months of work reach a summit. If you look back on the autumn of last year, you began a new endeavor or something new was brought to light in your creative life. Now it has reached a point of manifestation, of being seen in the world.

Perhaps this is you - always in a state of creative transformation and transfiguration. There are perhaps plans concerning travel, somewhere far away, experiencing another culture, foods, people? There’s a place for you as you meet the needs of another.

LIBRA

GEMINI

Consider yourself seriously for a while. Allow yourself to think of all the things you need in all aspects of your life.

Consider your values and resources. Consider the state of your home and family, your relationships and money, your communication and sense of well-being. Are all these as they should be? And do you bring comfort, calmness, nurturance and ease to others? Assess these questions quietly over time. Allow all feelings to be acknowledged should they appear. Each feeling holds a message.

As you allow for more time for contemplation, recreation, play and rest, a spiritual essence begins to slowly permeate your daily life. This is good. It helps alleviate judgments and criticisms you may be carrying since childhood. Those judgments pervade your present life and although you may think you’re happy, if judgments about others persist, they are eventually projected upon all those around you. Even the best of relationships is affected. There is such a thing as forgiveness. It releases us in the same way truth does. Forgiveness offers us freedom.

CANCER

AQUARIUS

Tend to money carefully. Put money away for future needs.

Here is how to use one’s money. Tithe first.

Save second. Pay bills third. Pay for things needed fourth. Always tithe first. Why? This assures you a constant supply in terms of your life needs. When we give, more is returned to us. This is a universal law. Humanity has yet to learn this law of tithing. The new materialism is the sharing society. You can be a leader for humanity in this endeavor. In the meantime, carefully tend and care for your health.

SCORPIO

What changes, variations, fluctuations and adjustments PISCES You always wonder what is the truth of the matter in all (they may feel like revolutions) are appearing You find the need to shift and change your usual daily agendas. situations. You are very intuitive. And so in your daily life? What expansion is also What you have done in the past less and less it’s good to assess and glean the truth from simultaneously occurring? What new direction of interest. You sift between work and rest. your feelings and senses. Then it is good to is being taken along with your new sense of Focus more on the rest aspect. Both can be felt share with others what it is you feel and sense self-identity? All these equal a shift in focus and activities. as extremes. It’s important to find the way in about everything, even themselves. When we speak the truth, Everything’s changing for you. It’s not just your perception. between, the point of poise. This can be felt as a “razor’s edge.” a clarity results, a trust is able to enter every relationship. Things you’ve waited for eventually appear. Now all you have And it is. A crossroads is coming up. A decision, too. You need When speaking the truth, we must be neutral, ask questions, to do is begin to organize it all without feeling overwhelmed. In sensitive handling. Tend to yourself, your health, your money, time, with your participation, all will fall into place. values and resources with tender loving care. be kind and courteous. Truth sets everyone free.

•••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com

26 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“SqCWD Strategic Plan” from page 20 • Climate Change — already high risk and impact, and getting worse; significantly impacts groundwater recharge and surface water.

• District Finances — finances are okay at present due to significant State and Federal funding; yet, there are ongoing challenges of capital construction/ replacement programs due to aging infrastructure, increased operating costs, and changing regulations (of concern to all water agencies); there are State and Federal funding opportunities on the horizon.

• District Evolving — Automated Metering Infrastructure implemented; the District will be putting water into the ground, not just taking it out; with Pure Water Soquel the basin will be sustainable for the first time in over 40 years; Mid-County Groundwater Association is an example of regionalization, collaboration.

• Other Local Water Agencies Status — efforts of Santa Cruz Water Department, Scotts Valley Water District, and others trying to obtain sustainability and efficiencies; potential for purified water as part of portfolio.

In addition to the environmental scan, a substantial amount of external and internal direct input was received. This input gives us insight into identifying what components of the Strategic Plan may need updating and how they should be modified. Input processes included: • The District’s 2020 Community Survey of 400+ customers.

• Personal interviews of customers, community leaders, Board and standing committee members, representatives from public agencies, environmental non-profits, education, developers, and businesses, offering a broad range of perspectives about current and future challenges and opportunities.

• A staff survey and departmental workshops helping us better to understand staff perspectives, values, and goals.

The Board approved several changes to the District’s Values and Organizational Goals, while maintaining the wording of the District’s Mission statement. These improvements represent the current state of the environment in which the District operates, the community’s perspectives on the District and the future of water in our region, and the issues, challenges, and concerns that may be facing the District in the coming years.

You are encouraged to read the District’s Mission, and the updated versions of its Values and Goals, at soquelcreek water.org/mission. This Strategic Plan will carry us forward, to the next phase of our evolving Soquel Creek Water District. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Hurt People Hurt People

Ideas to Reduce Mass Shootings

F

or seven years in the 1970s, I taught elementary school at Hall District School in Las Lomas. My students were virtually identical to those massacred in Uvalde, Texas.

Apparently, “my” children watched for almost an hour while their teachers and friends were being blown to unrecognizable pieces, waiting in terror for their turn. I’ve been crying a lot, and like almost everyone, I am looking for solutions.

Of course, we must have much stricter gun control and absolutely no assault rifles owned by civilians, but there is an additional solution that is seldom mentioned: After teaching elementary school, I taught some 25 years in “at-risk student” high schools in Watsonville, and I got to know the families pretty well. These students are a very diverse group, but generally, the more dysfunctional students shared these characteristics: • Chaotic home life.

• Neglect.

• Lack of positive male role models.

• History of domestic violence.

With the help of a female counselor who was a victim of incest, I learned that roughly half of our girls and at least 20% of our boys were victims of sexual abuse by someone that was supposed to protect them.

Sexual abuse produces profound emotional issues. In boys, sexual abuse creates unmitigated rage, and my unscientific opinion is that most school shootings are committed by victims of sexual abuse.

Additionally, when neighborhoods are not safe (that would be low-income neighborhoods), children who are unhappy at home often fall in with the criminals who control their neighborhoods.

By the way, in my experience, poverty is not a major cause of unproductive and

By Don Eggleston antisocial teen behavior. Occasionally, there were single parents who had to work two full-time jobs to pay the rent and this resulted in neglect of their kids, but this was uncommon. In addition to low-income students, I also taught the children of doctors and lawyers in continuation schools.

These factors (dysfunctional homes and neighborhoods controlled by thugs) can actually produce destructive teens and if the resulting emotional issues are not dealt with, they often become selfdestructive, antisocial adults.

So, students with a propensity toward violence (some of them future mass murderers) are in our schools today, and the high school years are the last real time our community will be able to help them to deal with their issues and thus protect us all.

Remember that the original purpose of public education is to educate children to become productive members of society.

Correcting anti-social behavior is clearly within the mandate of public schools.

As my title says, “hurt people hurt people.” Our society has to do a better job at protecting children and when the they have experienced trauma, giving them a better opportunity to heal or they will pass their hurt on to others. ~~~ Here are my suggested solutions to reduce mass shootings: Stop early child abuse.

Years ago, Pajaro Valley Unified School District had a program where two counselors did a puppet show for kindergarten classes about child abuse. Afterward, students who wanted to talk to the counselors went outside the classroom, and many abusive situations were interrupted.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS COUNTY FAIR ENTRY INFO Most Entries due Thursday, August 25 The Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be Sept. 14-18, is using the ShoWorks online entry system this year for all departments.

For most entries, the deadline is Aug. 25. See https:// santacruz.fairwire.com/ Submitting your entries online will save you time on receiving day and help the fair display your items.

You can pay any entry fees by credit card online! Paying by credit card will incur a 3% processing fee. Checks can be dropped off at the fair office.

If you prefer paper entry forms, they are in the entry guide. The first time you use the system, click on the blue button in the upper right corner of the page to create an exhibitor account using your name, address & email address. Youth exhibitors are asked to enter birthdate & age.

This year, everyone needs to create an account. Write down your password. Once your account is created, you can use the username and password each time you visit the system. Use the blue buttons in the middle of the page to move to each step.

Find the department, division and class you wish to enter. Departments are listed alphabetically with some departments broken into categories (Home Arts and Agriculture Horticulture.) Fill in the required fields, marked by blue asterisk (*), and any optional fields needed to describe your entry.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by July 8 VENDORS WANTED The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park.

The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, produce, and more. What do you have?

Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations are due by July 31.

Proceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 for information.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR APTOS JULY 4 EVENTS The Aptos Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers to assist with the Party in the Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aptos Village Park after the World’s Shortest Parade.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July, The theme is Team Spirit. To register to participate, go to https://tinyurl.com/wsp-team-spirit (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLScE1CAbMW9Sr5WzTDEJEspT5FS7g8EVIGFlhtXH s1S2N_i8jQ/viewform) To sponsor, call the chamber at 831-688-1467.

RED CROSS DONATION DRIVES The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it.

Aptos Wednesday, July 6: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive Saturday, July 9: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive Ben Lomond Friday, July 15: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Love Creek Road Santa Cruz Tuesday, July 5: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane Thursday, July 7: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Watsonville Thursday, July 14: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. ••• Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM Ongoing thru July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY ACTIVITIES shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Hours: Tues-Thurs: 11-6 | Fri-Sat 12-5 | Book drops open Elephant.

24/7.

The goal is to prevent summer learning loss.

Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11 am – noon With the Aptos branch demolished and reconoutside on the patio. Dress for the weather. struction to follow, Aptos residents must look for Stories for Bedtime: New programs every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Facebook, presented by SCPL activities in La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special dates include: Librarian Jackie. The episode then is added to the July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 pm. library’s YouTube Channel after that. See Storytimes July 8: Slim Chance Circus: La Selva Beach, 2:30-3 pm for Children playlist at the SCPL YouTube page: https:// & Boulder Creek, 11-11:30 am . www.youtube.com/user/santacruzpl July 10: Cascada de Flores, Capitola, 3-4 pm and Santa Passionate Readers Book Discussion: 4th Cruz City Hall garden, noon-1 pm.

Thursday at 10:30 am.

July 13: Rock Painting, Garfield Park, 1-2 pm In-Person Tech Help: Fridays 10 am to noon.

July 19: Rock Painting, downtown Santa Cruz, 1-3 pm Tech-savvy staff will help you troubleshoot your issue July 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Boulder Creek, with a 25-minute (or less) appointment. Make an 2-2:30 pm appointment: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/appointJuly 20: Perry Yan’s Magic Show, Garfield Park, ments/laselva 11-11:30 am Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit inforJuly 23: Fratello Marionettes, Scotts Valley Community mation desk or call 831-427-7713 for help making Center, 11 am to noon an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. July 23, Fratello Marionettes, Anna Jean Cummings Park, 2:30-3 pm ••• July 26: Germar the Magician, Felton, noon to 1 pm Saturday Family Movies, 3-5 pm July 26: Perler Beads, Garfield Par, 1-3 pm July 2: Atlantis: Milo’s Return July 30: Taiko Drumming, La Selva Beach, 1-2 pm July 9: Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG) There are incentives that encourage children and teens July 16: Bernie the Dolphin to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an July 23: Finding Nemo Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

••• July 8: Slim Chance’s Circus of Possibilities, 2:30-3 pm After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a July 13: Storytime with Ziggy Stardust, the Miniature backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids Horse on the deck to read stories, sing songs, and and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny chant rhymes, 11 am-noon July 28: Passionate readers. This month’s selection is Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles, 10:30 am-noon exploration, and creative expression while practicing ••• critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/la-selva-library-events for more The Library’s extensive collections along with lists of details and future events. recommended books for all ages, make it easy to find Phone: 831.427.7713; text: 831.264.0647 or send a reading materials of interest. question at https://www.santacruzpl.org/contact/ 28 / July 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

You are not alone. You are not to blame.

More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org CABRILLO COLLEGE SUPERVISORY ACADEMY Begins Tues. July 19 (Virtual sessions begins Thurs. July 21) Being a supervisor can be difficult! You have a lot of responsibility, and usually, very little training. This program is designed to change all of that! The Cabrillo College Supervisory Academy is designed to help you develop your skills and become a better supervisor.

Modules include essential communication skills, building trust, motivating employees, managing performance, giving and receiving feedback, coaching employees and managing conflict.

You can pick and choose which modules are best for you, or attend the entire 12-week academy.

To sign up and for more details, see: https://extension.cabrillo. edu/classes/supervisoryacademy/

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Watsonville High: Class of 1960 Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m.

Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd ••• Soquel High: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz.

“A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com.

••• Watsonville High Class of 1981 Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m.

Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion.

Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from NATURE BOWL 2022: FAMILY CHALLENGE Back by popular demand, the California Department of 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

Fish and Wildlife’s Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. is open, with the deadline to ••• enter Wed., Aug. 31.

Harbor High: Class of 1972 CDFW’s North Central Region Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. initiated this family-friendly Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz competition during the pandemic For information, call 408-568-0302. as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home — in their backyards, neighborhoods and ONGOING EVENTS local wild areas — while having fun outside and working Mondays together to complete nature-related activities.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts, BRIDGE CLUB one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road your family. There is also an extra credit element of Ongoing thru Aug. 8 cataloging your found items – just like a scientist.

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club To sign up and receive the Nature Bowl 2022: Family sessions on Mondays.

Challenge packet, email genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social . The Family Challenge packet is available at https:// players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl No meetings on Monday holidays: July 4 (Fourth of July).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS JULY 18 County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Candidate filing begins for the Nov. 8 election. Visit Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. votescount.us for more information.

Tuesdays SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by support group. The goals are to empower through a healing Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a

COMMUNITY CALENDAR veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations Featuring 25 local bands plus local eats and local artists and vendors. and wellness screenings.

Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

July Dub Souljah • Superblume (Opening – Tatiana and PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM the Treetop Band) • The Jive Machine • Otilia Donaire 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting (Opening – Geoff Weers, Lead singer of The Expendables) BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support August Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by Fuse (Opening – John Michael sings Sinatra) • Pacific a licensed grief counseling therapist.

Roots (Opening – The Dead Kampers) • John Michael Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefVan Halen Tribute Band • Locomotive Breath support or call 831-471-7255.

September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Wednesdays thru Aug. 31 Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES See https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridays6-8 p.m., Capitola Village Esplanade Park bandstand summer-block-party-2022/ Come out to see, hear, and dance to your favorite band playing your favorite genre of music whether it be blues, rhythm and Saturdays & Sundays blues, soul, funk, salsa & latin, or classic rock.

ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Bands appearing throughout the summer include the John Michael Band, Mike Hammar & The Nails, The Joint Chiefs Band, Tours start: 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history Live Again, Santa Cruz Latin Collective, Billy Martini Show, Jive of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one Machine, Dirty Cello, B-Movie Kings, and the Digbeats. household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursdays thru Aug. 11 Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) PVUSD COVID VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ 1-5 p.m., 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville group-reservation/ to reserve a tour.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District Office will house a free Inspire Diagnostics COVID-19 vaccines/booster clinic. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/ Most sessions are in the Boardroom, except July 28, which is in the human resources conference room.

DATED EVENTS No appointment is needed.

Fridays through Sept 30 MIDTOWN FRIDAYS 5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Monday July 4

years serving the community and Willy Elliot-McCrea’s retirement after 44 years.

A host of community leaders will be on hand.

Dinner and dessert will be served, and a no-host bar available. There will be time during the reception to catch up with old friends and take part in festivities.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and table purchases, contact Richelle Noroyan at richelle@thefoodbank.org The Food Bank will host an open house with tours BOULDER CREEK 4TH OF JULY PARADE that day. Register at https://give.thefoodbank.org/ 10 a.m.-Noon, Highway 9, Boulder Creek The parade is sponsored by the Boulder Creek Business ge/50thtour Help fund a legacy project in Willy Elliott-McCrea’s honor, Association. the Community Kitchen at Second Harvest. The goal is To prevent children from running into the street — where $220,000. See https://give.thefoodbank.org/ge/kitchen they could be struck — candy may not be thrown to the crowd.

The 37th annual Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club Firecracker 1K, 5K, and 10K Run will take place in Santa Cruz off Highway 9. It’s live this year.

Signups are online at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ SantaCruz/SantaCruzFIrecracker10Kand5K The fee is $20 for the Kid’s 1K, $40 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. The participants will use the west shoulder of Highway 9 between Encinal Street and Golf Club Drive.

SPIRIT OF WATSONVILLE: 2022 PARADE Noon-2 p.m., Main St, Watsonville (St. Patrick’s Church to First St.) The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main Street. from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street.

Thousands of spectators line the route five to six people deep. Those wanting a front row seat, place their chairs along the route early in the morning of the parade date.

Thursday July 21

CELEBRATING WILLY ELLIOTT-MCCREA 4:30-8:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds ROTARY CLUB FIRECRACKER RUN 8-9:30 a.m., West shoulder of Highway 9 (between Encinal St. You are invited to join Second Harvest Food Bank at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, celebrating 50 and Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz

Saturday July 30

TRUE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 10 a.m–Sunset, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road True Love Christian Music Festival is coming to Aptos Village Park.

An unprecedented gathering of Bay Area churches and Christian musicians and songwriters will join with area nonprofits to provide free music, services (and food) to show the love of Jesus by loving our neighbors.

Shuttle buses provided by Monte Vista Christian School will run from Coastlands Church, Resurrection Church and Twin Lakes Church parking lots to Aptos Village Park throughout the event.

What is true love? The mission of this festival is to engage with our local community and ask and answer this question. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Addressing Illegal Fireworks in our Neighborhoods & Beaches

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

W

ith summer officially starting, the number of complaints for fireworks (and other explosives) begin to increase.

Last year, we fielded a number of complaints not just about fireworks but about the noise and level of explosive set off.

While this issue isn’t unique to our area, and many coastal areas in particular in California struggle with how to best address the issue, it nonetheless has a lot of impacts on our neighborhoods and local beaches.

The largest number of complaints come around July 4th (although fireworks occur throughout the summer) with the majority of calls from the coastal areas of our district including Rio Del Mar, Seacliff and La Selva Beach.

The exact location of the discharge is often difficult to pinpoint, as the sound reverberates throughout the coastal area, but there are some known hotspot locations on state beaches and some county beaches in the unincorporated area.

Additionally, the railroad tracks are a

popular spot for setting off M-80s or other types of commercial-grade explosives.

Different state and local agencies oversee the response to fireworks at beaches and other locations in the county.

For example, over the last few years (with feedback and recommendations from the community) the Sheriff’s Office, State Parks and others have tried different enforcement approaches while the County has done a significant educational (including paid advertising outreach) to address the issue.

Some of this enforcement, specifically along the coast, has caused concerns about increased fireworks activity in the more rural areas.

Others have believed that when the enforcement is most directed there is a decline in activity along the coast. Some have contacted my office to express concern about the usage of law enforcement resources for fireworks in general (believing this is a low priority issue or that it shouldn’t be enforced at all because people enjoy seeing the illegal shows).

The County’s position has been that fireworks, even safe and sane fireworks, are illegal in the unincorporated area, there should be enforcement on this issue.

Realistically, there are significant barriers to effective enforcement: The difficulty in pinpointing the exact location of the discharge, the delay between the report and arrival of law enforcement (as people that are discharging them often leave the scene), call prioritization (if there are other active calls that officers are on then the won’t be able to respond immediately) and more.

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Local Local Local

But the County is still committed to helping to reduce the issue.

Fireworks and some of the noise-based explosives are sold legally in neighboring jurisdictions and often brought illegally into our community and fired off on the beaches, in the neighborhoods and even along the rail corridor and local parks.

Over the last few years the County has increased the fines for fireworks (fireworks violations are subject to triple fines around July 4th, which means a citation can cost well over $1,000 after court costs are added on.)

Additionally, working with local community groups and the Sheriff’s Office, the County adopted a set of policies and approaches about five years ago that are still in place today. This includes: Improved tools of enforcement and better education locally and regionally.

Specifically, the plan included: • Making triple fines for fireworks permanent on July 4th and other holidays (meaning possession of fireworks will cost you well over $1,000 in fines and court costs) • Producing public service announcements and other media outreach to local and regional media outlets about enforcement plans and the danger of fireworks before the summer as well

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as paid media purchases on social media • Expanding digital signage near hot spot neighborhoods about enforcement • Working with 9-1-1 dispatchers regarding how these calls are handled and also for education to the caller about the best information to provide to ensure proper enforcement • Working with vacation rental owners and local hotels to educate them about visitors bringing illegal fireworks and also the consequences associated with it (sending letters to all vacation rental owners and hotels and their associations for them to let visitors know about the regulations) • Increasing police patrols • Coordination between Central Fire, Sheriff’s Office and State Parks for improved and increased education and enforcement during July 4th and other peak times.

Illegal fireworks activity will continue but the goal is that this approach have a positive impact on the environment and other issues it causes. n ••• As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to call me at 454-2200 with your questions and comments.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Minestra di Verdura

Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Soup

T

Submitted by Joe Ortiz

crossword on 25 »

his savory soup is made with just enough pepper flakes to make Dad love it too.

After you taste the rich and amberJoe Ortiz green broth, you’ll know why it represents our bittersweet life in Queens.

Serves 2 1 bunch of broccoli rabe, washed and trimmed of half an inch of its bottom stem 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, peeled and sliced thin 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, smashed with the side of the knife, pealed and rough chopped ½ teaspoon pepper flakes 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste 1 14-ounce can chicken broth 2 to 4 cups water grated Parmesan cheese for garnish a drizzle of olive oil In a medium casserole, place the olive oil, garlic, onion and, pepper flakes and sauté over low heat four to five minutes, until the aromatics are limp but not burnt.

Add the broccoli rabe, the salt and pepper and toss it with the oil several minutes just to coat and cook a bit.

Add the stock and water and turn up the heat. When the soup starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, until the greens get almost “mushy.” It’s the peasant way! Like Freddy the bookie used to say, “Trust me on this one.” And he knew a little about soup, too.

Classic Children’s Books © Statepoint Media

When it’s done, correct for salt, ladle into soup bowls, garnish with the grated Parmesan and a light drizzle of olive oil.

And mangia. n

“Hurt People” from page 27 This may seem like an intrusion on family sovereignty, but the early years are profoundly important in child development, and if we want to raise healthy adults, child abuse must stop. In many jurisdictions, it is nearly impossible for Child Protective Services to remove a child from their abusive home, and the foster home system has long been a major source of child abuse. The sate has to do more to protect small children, because they are all our children.

Violence-prone teens should be given early intensive therapy.

Once the damage is done to innocent children through emotional, physical and sexual abuse, the resulting violence-prone students must have an opportunity to work out their issues with effective therapy. Students exhibiting violent behavior are often on probation and in most jurisdictions, this means just being locked up.

Fortunately, here in Santa Cruz County, the Juvenile Probation Department is a national leader in “wraparound support” and restorative justice.

“Wraparound support” means that instead of just locking kids up with criminals, they are mandated to spend most of their after-school time in group meetings and counseling rather than roaming the

streets. Their families are also involved in counseling, which is especially important, so the siblings do not follow the same selfdestructive path.

Additionally, continuation high schools should retool to recognize that their mandate is more than getting students a diploma, and start with helping students recognize and change their bad habits so they can become productive members of society. ~~~ Returning to my title “Hurt People Hurt People,” mass murderers do not spring up like mushrooms after a spring rain. They have been abused and are produced by dysfunctional families and (for low-income kids) cultivated in neighborhoods that are controlled by criminal elements. These innocent children are in our schools today and must be identified and offered help to break the cycle of abuse.

Once the damage has been done at home, schools and probation departments must do a better job of recognizing early trauma and help guide anti-social teens to understand their trauma and make better choices. If we, as a society, want healthy neighbors, the first step is to reduce child abuse. n ••• Don Eggleston lives in Aptos.

Joe Ortiz Memoir: Episodes & Recipes

J

oe Ortiz’s memoir, Pastina — My Father’s Misfortune, My Mother’s Good Soup, became the framework for the musical Escaping Queens, which ran at Cabrillo Stage in 2012 and 2013.

In July, the Capitola Soquel Times began exclusive publication of episodes from the book — including a recipe shaping each installment. Go to tpgonlinedaily.com, the E-Edition.

“Using recipe descriptions to help tell a story seemed the perfect way to weave the angst of a father’s chaotic life with the salvation of a mother’s cooking,” Ortiz explains.

708 Capitola Ave. | 831.515.7001 www.breathandoneness.com @breathandoneness

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2022 / 31

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