Aptos Times: March 1, 2024

Two League Champions!

This season, the Aptos High School girls’ soccer repeated as Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League champions – and the boys’ soccer team joined them as league champions.

It was a good time to be a Mariner on the soccer field.

The girls finished 9-0-1 under Coach Gina Castaneda, a former Aptos High soccer star who turned coach in 2021, guiding the team to 17 overall wins in her first year, 13 the second year and 15 this year.

She was named the league’s Coach of the Year, and three of her players were voted honors: Player of the Year, Alexa Castaneda, her daughter; Defensive Player of the Year, Anahi Macias, and Goalkeeper of the Year, Alessandra Zuniga.

The boys finished 8-1-1 under Coach Roberto Zuniga, who joined Aptos High in 2012 and came through the pandemic, guiding the team to 13 overall wins last season and 14 this season. ... continues on page 4

Student Startup: Rosever Forever Bouquets

a jumpstart into the business world, running their very

startup.

Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Marcia Hashimoto, Risa D’Angeles, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin production coordinator

Camisa Composti media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

COVER STORY

“Aptos Soccer” from page 1

Both teams were expected to advance in the Central Coast Section Division II playoffs, but it was not to be.

••• Girls

The Mariners, ranked No. 7, played the No. 2 Leland Chargers to a 1-1 tie. Aptos tied the score when Alexa

Castaneda passed to Angelique Nunez, who scored.

This was a defensive battle.

Both of the 10-minute overtimes were scoreless. Then came the penalty kicks, Leland made 5 to 4 for Aptos.

Goalie Alessandra Zuniga made six saves.

Three players were injured.

Coach Gina Castaneda said her players gave their all.

Boys

For the boys, No. 4 Aptos tied No. 5

Junipero Serra 2-2.

After two overtimes, it was 4-4.

Goals were scored by Andrew Lopez — 2, including the tying score — Carlos Gutierrez and Kaleb Plascencia.

Serra made 4 penalty kicks to 3 for Aptos.

Coach Roberto Zuniga called his team a great group of guys. n

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photography

Aptos High School Boys’ Soccer Team

Bottom row (from left): Isaiah Acevedo, Haziel Parra, Ben Baker, Eduardo Álvarez, Josiah Siqueiros, and Fabián Hernández.

Middle row (from left): Daniel Lozano, Carlos Gutiérrez, Esteban García, Damian García, Nicolás Topete, Julián Torres, and Kaleb Plascencia.

Top row (from left): Coach Roberto Zúñiga, Coach Esteban García, David Sebastion-Killpatrick, Ulises Valdez, Andrew López, Noah Curran, Luve Granström, Elliot Burge, Nami Banks, Coach Edgar Cuellar, Coach Ulises Hernández, and Coach Abel Corona.

Aptos High School Girls’ Soccer Team

Top row (from left): Ava Chekouras, Aubry Ford, Maddie Redding, Emma Ingrim, Ava Churchill, Rylee Giesen, Alessandra Zuniga, Evelyn Pini, Ella Shoemaker, Bianca Alverez, Isabelle Graff, and Alexa Castaneda.

Bottom row (from left): Anahi Macias, Anahi Najara, Angelique Nunez, Isabella Doolittle, Alayna Gomez, Kaitly Murphy, Scarlett Stateler, Lucy Korinth, Izzie Schenone, and Isabella Hartnett.

2023-24 All-League Girls Basketball 2023-24

Gabby Wickham, #42, a freshman at Aptos High, and Tiera O’Connor, #4, a Santa Cruz High junior, share

Most Valuable Players honors in the Santa Cruz Coastal Athletic League.

Santa Cruz was undefeated 10-0 in League, and Aptos was second with an 8-2 record.

Santa Cruz Coach Todd Trowbridge, in the 8th season, was chosen Coach of the Year.

First Team

Amelie Stotland - Soquel - Senior (#10)

Laurel Southall - Aptos -Senior (#20)

Brooklyn Williams - Scotts Valley - Sophomore (#12)

Kina Espinosa - Santa Cruz - Sophomore (#14)

Hannah Morley - SLV - Senior (#2)

Second Team

Ana Maurer - Soquel - Junior (#24)

Hanna Shehorn - Scotts Valley - Frosh (#3)

Berkeley Ashby - Aptos - Junior (#41)

Natalia Espinosa - Santa Cruz - Senior (#23)

Ava Lord - Santa Cruz - Senior (#10)

Honorable Mention

Keili Carriere - Harbor - Senior

Julianne Sanguinetti - Harbor - Frosh

Abigail Shi - Scotts Valley - Junior

Samantha Rebbert - Scotts Valley - Sophomore

Abby Sherwood - Aptos - Sophomore

Guin Lines - Aptos - Senior

Bianca Anaya - Santa Cruz - Senior

Linneah Keence-Barba - Santa Cruz - Senior

Poppy Owens - SLV - Sophomore

Olive Wilson - SLV - Frosh

Neely Pfiefer - Soquel - Junior n

SCCAL All League Girls Soccer

Aptos High girls’ soccer, coached since 2011 by Aptos High Hall of Famer Gina Castanada, took first in the Santa Cruz Coastal Athletic League with a 9-0-1 record and dominated the top player awards, as selected by coaches. Soquel High finished second with a 7-3 record and Scotts Valley High was third at 6-4. n

Player-of-the-Year: Alexa Castaneda (10), Aptos

Offensive Player-of-the-Year : Julia Inkles (12) , Soquel

Defensive Player-of-the-Year: Anahi Macias (11), Aptos

Goalkeeper-of-the-Year: Alessandra Zuniga (12), Aptos

Coach-of-the-Year: Gina Castaneda — Aptos

First Team

Isabella Hartnett (9) - Aptos - F

Izzie Schenone (10) - Aptos - D

Ella Shoemaker (12) - Aptos - M

Maya Kingsley (12) - Santa Cruz - D

Taylor Ericson (9) - Scotts Valley - F

Ella Ireland (10) - Scotts Valley - F

Chloe McGilvray (11) - Soquel - D

Arden Salles-Cunha (11) - Soquel - M

Trinity Wilson (11) - Soquel M

Becca Vaca (11) - Harbor - D

Ava Root (12) - Harbor - D

Taylor Long (12) - SLV - GK

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•••

Second Team

Scarlett Stateler (9) - Aptos - F

Peyton Westjohn (12) - Aptos - D

Kaitlyn Murphy (12) - Aptos - M

Elena McCamey (11) - Santa Cruz - M

Ava Bibighaus (11) - Harbor - F

Sonja Hulphers (12) - Harbor - M

Annie Gowing (12) - Scotts Valley - D

Dillon Fiorita (11) - Scotts Valley - M

Madalyn Price (12) - Soquel - F

Ashlyn Brady (11) - Soquel - D

Chloe Izenstark (11) - Soquel - M

Jessica Stoelting (11) - SLV - F

Honorable Mention

Anahi Najera (10) - Aptos - D • Angelique Nunez (12) - Aptos - F • Isabelle Graff (11) - Aptos - D

• Sienna Parker (12) - Santa Cruz - D • Ruby

Holmes (12) - Santa Cruz - GK • Lia Gularte (10) - Santa Cruz - M • Paige Bariteau (12) - Scotts Valley - GK • Jordan Ericson (11) - Scotts Valley - M

• Skylar Dufour (11) - Scotts Valley - F • Nola

Salazar (12) - Soquel - D • Isis Tumasom (10)Soquel - F • Alyce Javier (11) - Soquel - M •

Olivia Chen (12) - Harbor - F • Anika Dawson (12) - Harbor -M • Ruby McAlister (12) - Harbor - F • Joci Carkner (12) - SLV - D • Naomi Sifton (11) - SLV - M • Simone Mugnier (10)- SLV - M n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Gabby Wickham, a 5-6 freshman, made shots from anywhere on the court. She scored 409 points this season and averaged 15 points per game. She led in assists, 83, and free throws, 65. And she rebounds.

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate

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• Family Owned & Operated for 30 Years

CPUC Warned Landlines Essential in Disasters

U.S. representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), along with 13 other members of the California delegation, sent a letter to California Public Utilities Commission President Alice Bushing Reynolds urging regulators to reject AT&T’s petition to end access to landline services to most California counties.

“The application to cease landline service in certain rural communities of the 19th Congressional District threatens public safety, especially in those areas vulnerable to natural disasters,” Panetta said. “We wanted to make sure that the CPUC fully understands the lack of connectivity in certain rural areas in good times and in bad, and the need for land lines for the people who live in those types of communities.”

AT&T has requested to be relieved of its “Carrier of Last Resort” obligations in much of California.

If approved, AT&T California (landline service, separate from cellular) would no longer be required to offer landline telephone service where it is currently required to offer “Basic Service” in those areas. Basic Service includes: Lifeline rates for eligible customers, free access to 9-1-1, Telephone Relay Service, and directory and operator services.

LaMalfa (CA-01), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mike Levin (CA-49), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Katie Porter (CA-47), Adam Schiff (CA-30), and Mark Takano (CA-39).

The full letter follows:

•••

Dear Ms. Reynolds:

On behalf of the constituents of the California Delegation, we raise serious concerns with AT&T’s applications to be relieved of its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations and to remove its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designation in areas of California.

“As the CPUC considers AT&T’s proposal to discontinue lifesaving services, we think a clear-eyed analysis of the limitations of the cellular service in good conditions, and in the hilly and mountainous areas where disasters can cause prolonged power outages is necessary. We encourage you to fully and fairly consider the concerns from constituents in our districts about the impact the loss of land lines would have on the safety of our community,” the members wrote.

The Members of Congress signing the letter include Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), Lou Correa (CA-46), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Doug

AT&T’s application to cease landline service in our communities threatens public safety in an area plagued by earthquakes, severe storms, floods, and fires and that has a geography that often disrupts cellular service for days, if not weeks, at a time. During these times, residents are only able to contact emergency services and obtain emergency updates via their landlines. In fact, many of these areas do not have reliable cellular service on a good weather day, at best. If AT&T’s petition is granted, we think an exception for residents who live in areas with unreliable cellular service, where they are prone to fires, earthquakes, flooding, and landslides is warranted.

Congress has repeatedly passed legislation seeking to address the worsening severity of natural disasters and their impact on our constituents. For example, in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Congress provided $500 million for hazardous fuels mitigation; $500 million for prescribed fires; $500 million for communities to implement a community wildfire defense plan; $5 billion for utilities to underground power lines, install fire-resistant technologies, and expand the use of microgrids; and $3.5 billion for weatherization assistance to help homeowners make energy-efficient improvements that help fireproof their homes.

Farm 2 Cafeteria: Bringing Organic Salad to High Schools

Farm 2 Cafeteria is a student-led program that focuses on bringing local organic produce to schools in the form of a salad. It began in August 2021 with field trips to Esperanza Community Farms co-led by Mireya Gomez-Contreras where students planned and designed the program.

During summer 2022, student leaders served more than 400 salads to summer school students at Pajaro Valley High School. Now, students lead in chopping and preparing the salads served to their peers during

lunch. Alma Leonor-Sanchez, 19, a recent graduate, is the new manager.

What’s the difference between fruits & vegetables grown organically compared to fruits & vegetables grown conventionally?

Alma Leonor-Sanchez: When fruits and vegetables are grown organically there is more attention and that goes into the health of the soil, the produce, the Earth, and the consumer. Organic produce is grown without pesticides, hormones, and other strong chemicals. Small organic farming places more focus on the well-being of the consumer and the quality of the produce rather than how large a product can be grown, how quickly it can be shipped and sold. What are the biggest benefits of this program, for the students and for the growers?

cafetería está creando también está rompiendo paradigmas y mostrando como el grower o agricultor es tan valioso como un profesor de matemáticas. El conocimiento agrícola básico desde la formación escolar es motivo para que más jóvenes se profesionalicen para buscar soluciones sustentables que favorezcan el planeta.

Samantha Cruz , Esperanza Farms marketing manager: Yo veo mucha conexión, reconocimiento e identificación por parte de los jóvenes.El enlace que farm 2

I see a lot of connection, recognition and identification on the part of young people. The link that Farm 2 Cafeteria is creating is also breaking harmful paradigms and showing how the grower or farmer is as valuable as a mathematics teacher. Basic agricultural knowledge from school training is a reason for more young people to become professionals and to seek sustainable solutions that benefit the planet.

The program is now entering its 3rd year.

How is it financially sustainable?

Mireya Gomez-Contreras: The program was started, thanks to seed money from our beloved community friend Rowland Rebele. His contribution in 2021 to support the students’ idea to eat vegetables from the community farm ¼ mile away has since grown to

serve over 200 salads per week to three high schools in Watsonville.

“Farm 2 Cafeteria” page 8

Alma Leonor-Sanchez

Fresh organic salads prepared by students in the Farm 2 Cafeteria program.

Students at Pajaro Valley High School prepare fresh organic salads for classmates to eat.

“Farm

While it’s grown in number of students intern, salads made & consumed and pounds of produce purchased from local small farms, it is still fully subsidized by Esperanza through foundation and government grant funds.

We are working actively to engage Pajaro Valley Unified School District Food and Nutrition Dept. to purchase the produce and slowly begin to integrate it into the school food programs.

This is not as easy as the public might think, given the federal purchasing guidelines, however, federal and state funds are increasing to allow for creativity and expansion in school food procurement processes.

Esperanza is hopeful to work with neighboring districts to implement similar student-led and hands-on projects that will transform local food ways. Students attend high school for four years, then graduate. How has this influenced post-grad plans of the student leaders? How do ensure you will have new students to take over?

Alma Leonor-Sanchez: Youth leaders have made meaningful connections with members of the community that have impacted how they see their impact.

By seeing themselves as integral members of their community, many take what they learn from their experience with Esperanza and F2C and implement it into their career plans.

health, agriculture, and environmentalism. We recruit students with the help of active teachers and partners like Watsonville Wetlands Watch.

There is no shortage of interested students who care about helping schools serve more nutritious local meals.

Is this a program that could be replicated at other high schools? How?

Alma Leonor-Sanchez: This program can and is in the process of being replicated at other local high schools; especially those that reside in farm-working communities such as Salinas.

First and foremost, this project needs students to be interested in health, farming or the environment for it to be replicated. Students play a crucial role in motivating a school culture and creating change.

If students are passionate about something happening at their school, many changes can be made. Besides students taking the forefront, we also need to consider that the current systems in place have made it difficult for programs like F2C to work; but, the systems can be changed.

Sharing this project and experience of organic local farming with key stakeholders such as City Council members, school board members, cafeteria staff members, etc. allows us to actively work towards a better, more just food system that involves everyone.

We have interns who have graduated high school and are now studying public

Incorporating this program into the high school curriculum is a way that we can change the way we engage with organic food and local farming so that students can rebuild a just food system. n

“I was given an opportunity to work with Esperanza Community Farms in the summer of 2023 in their Farm 2 Cafeteria internship. Working and collaborating with F2C was an incredible opportunity like no other that I highly recommend to any high school student. It is an educational and hands-on learning experience where I got the chance to learn about agriculture and organic farming. Esperanza Farms is where we did a lot of our learning and got to see how an all-organic farm is run and is able to provide for its community. The F2C salads are made out of all organic and fresh produce that typically comes from Esperanza Farms or the 7 Plus Organics Co-o. All the salads are made out of local and freshly picked fruits and vegetables. The Farm 2 Cafeteria program is extremely beneficial to not only the students but the farmers. It provides a space for farmers to expand their produce sales and educate the youth of their community as well as encourage them to eat locally and organically. It’s a collaborative effort. I did F2C as an incoming sophomore, getting to do this was an eye-opener into what an agriculture-based community is like and the amount of unity there is. It was a learning experience that stuck with me. Not only did I make delicious healthy salads but I took away some things from it, too. I got to work with two impeccable leaders, Alma and Mireya. I was able to learn so much from them especially in their leadership, I was able to take some of their knowledge and use it in other environments and leading moments. I got to work with so many different people in different areas of work such as farmers, leaders, and even with high school lunch ladies who all go above and beyond and are heavily under appreciated. Overall working with Esperanza Community Farms and the Farm 2 Cafeteria internship was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my high school career. It was an honor to get to work with some many amazing leaders and I hope to be able to do this again.”

— Sofia Ibarra, 2023 Farm 2 Cafeteria youth leader intern and student at Ceiba College Preparatory Academy:

Student Startup: Rosever Forever Bouquets

By Jondi Gumz

Students at Pajaro Valley High School are getting a jumpstart into the business world, running their very own startup.

It’s called Rosever — which describes their product, “forever flowers” made from satin ribbon.

Customers can choose a single rose for $10, seven roses for $30, a dozen roses for $50.

But wait, there’s more: 24 roses for $75 or 36 roses for $110.

Mother’s Day is coming up, and I bet most moms have not seen a gift like this.

Customers can choose from the many colors available and put butterflies on the “bouquet” if they wish.

How about as a boutonniere for prom?

Or making a statement as a wedding bouquet? Lucky for the one who catches it.

Alondra Chavez, the head of marketing for the team, said these forever bouquets are being sold on — you guessed it — Instagram. See@roseverfloral.

Or email roseverfloral@gmail.com

Pajaro Valley High School offers classes in entrepreneurship as part of the Career Technical Education program for students interested in running their own business.

(CTE classes at Aptos High include Graphic Design, Photography, Building Trades & Construction, and Foods & Nutrition.)

My guess is Rosever will be a hit.

When the students presented at the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame recognition event in Pebble Beach, they sold out their forever bouquets.

Watch out Shark Tank! n

Photos courtesy of Alondra Chavez

From a House

Rosever team at the beach: Maria Martinez, Itzel Diaz, Alondra Chavez, Giovanni Moriel, Ashley Serrano, Edgar Davila, Jocelyn Blanco, Denzel Asuncion, Janelle Guzman and David Hernandez.

Rosever pop up: Jocelyn Blanco, Janelle Guzman, Ashley Serrano, David Hernandez, Itzel Diaz, Alondra Chavez, and Maria Martinez.

ISanta Cruz High Wins 2024 Mock Trial

Pajaro Valley High School Team Recognized for Integrity

n its first year competing in Mock Trial, Pajaro Valley High School earned the inaugural Paul Marigonda Award presented by the Santa Cruz Trial Lawyers Association.

Honoring the late Santa Cruz County Superior Judge Paul Marigonda, the award recognizes a team for demonstrating exceptional courage, commitment and integrity.

Santa Cruz High School won a nail-biting finale Thursday night, resulting in a rare tie. Under Mock Trial rules, presiding Santa Cruz Superior Court Judge Syda Cogliati broke the tie, and co-finalist Pacific Collegiate School became runnerup.

Santa Cruz High is now eligible to compete in the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals March 22-23 in Los Angeles. Pacific Collegiate School may be eligible for the wild card lottery to participate; eligibility will be determined by nonprofit Teach Democracy after March 1.

In Santa Cruz County, 13 judges and 47 attorneys volunteered their time for the competition facilitated by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which attracted 173 students from eight schools.

Students take on roles of attorneys, witnesses, clerks, bailiffs, and more to try a fictional court case in front of real judges and scoring attorneys.

They receive guidance in courtroom procedures and trial preparation from volunteer attorney coaches.

This year’s fictional case, People v. Clark, was a trial involving the in-house counsel of a billion-dollar medical technology company charged with murdering the company’s chief executive.

Mock Trial is coordinated with the Santa Cruz County Bar Association, the Superior Court of California Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Trial Lawyers Association, with support from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

“Thank you to our partners and volunteer for making this special event possible — and congratulations to Santa Cruz High and to each of this year’s outstanding teams!” said Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah.

Teach Democracy, formerly known as the Constitutional Rights Foundation, has managed the California Mock Trial Competition since 1980. n

Team Awards

• Mock Trial Winner: Santa Cruz High School

• Runner Up: Pacific Collegiate School

• Paul Marigonda Award: Pajaro Valley High School

• Team Spirit: Soquel High School

• Team Sportsmanship: Scotts Valley High School

Individual Awards

• Bailiff: Raffi Pehlivanian, Scotts Valley High School

• Clerk: Mia Richards, Santa Cruz High School

• Courtroom Artist: Hannah Le, Aptos High School

• Defense Pretrial Attorney: Lydia Richards, Scotts Valley High School

• Defense Trial Attorney: Samuel Attard, Santa Cruz High School

• Defense Witness - Arian Sunshine: Kate Brandon, Harbor High School

• Defense Witness - Nic Yang: Andi Antonio, Harbor High School

• Defense Witness - Tobie Clark: Hayden Kriege, Santa Cruz High School

• Journalist: Harper Gable, Aptos High

• Prosecution Pretrial Attorney: Amber Caldwell, Pacific Collegiate School

• Prosecution Trial Attorney: Jocelyn Gomez, Pajaro Valley High School

• Prosecution Witness Emari Sunshine: Gus Dent, Soquel High School

• Prosecution Witness Gerri Moayed: Ricardo Vega, Pajaro Valley High School

• Prosecution Witness K.C. Vasquez: Ronja McArthur, Pacific Collegiate School

Cabrillo Basketball Postseason

See the Cabrillo College Basketball (23-5) — which finished second in their division — play a home playoff game Saturday, 7 p.m., in the CCCAA NorCal regional playoffs.

The Seahawks are seeded No. 7-8. Their opponent: Either No. 10 Fresno City

(17-11) or Ohlone (14-14) who battled Wednesday. Ohlone topped Cabrillo 75-74 on Dec. 19.

To advance in the state tournament, Cabrillo needs to win two playoff games. West Valley, the opponent in this photo is 28-0 and is seeded No. 1. n

“Landlines” from page 6

Ensuring residents are able to communicate and reach emergency services during these natural disasters addresses the Congressional concern with mitigating the loss of life and property during these natural disasters that often require federal funds for remediation for the loss of property. There is no remediation possible for the loss of life.

CPUC’s stated mission is to ensure Californians have safe, reliable utility services. We do not believe that removing access to landlines is compatible with this mission. When catastrophic earthquakes, destructive fires, cataclysmic landslides, or ravaging floods happen residents are left without the electricity or working cellular towers necessary for cellular phone usage for days and weeks at a time. These disasters are not figurative or future possibilities. They happen regularly in this area of the country.

For example, this year already hundreds of thousands of Californians who were without power due to the Pineapple Express weather system storms, floods, and landslides. The earthquake of 2022 left Californians without power for such an extended period of time, people were unable to charge

their cellular phones. The only way to call for emergency services and stay in touch with the outside world was via neighbors that had landlines. What will happen if these landlines are removed? How will people call for emergency service in a disaster or in areas with poor cellular reception?

As of the morning of Feb. 7, 2024, you had over 3,000 comments asking you to deny the petition. We think these comments are worth consideration when determining whether to deny AT&T’s petition or to create an exception for residents who live in areas with unreliable cellular service, where they are prone to fires, earthquakes, flooding, and landslides.

As the CPUC considers AT&Ts proposal to discontinue lifesaving services, we think a clear-eyed analysis of the limitations of the cellular service in good conditions, and in the hilly and mountainous areas where disasters can cause prolonged power outages is necessary. We encourage you to fully and fairly consider the concerns from constituents in our districts about the impact the loss of land lines would have on the safety of our community.

Customers can register their opinion at http://tinyurl.com/ATT-no-landline-opinion.

Tribute to Mas Hashimoto

By Marcia Hashimoto

Editor’s note: Mas Hashimoto, a beloved Watsonville High teacher and a giant in the Japanese-American community, died during the pandemic, when gatherings were not allowed, but he was honored Feb. 24 at an event organized by the Watsonville Library Friends. Attendees watched his TEDx TALK on “Racism and America’s Concentration Camps” with remarks by Susan Tatsui D’Arcy who encouraged Mas to do the talk. Carol Heitzig, former library director now Friends president, was emcee. There was a performance by Watsonville Taiko Drummers, a reading by Shirley Flores-Munoz, a Haiku in memory of Mas by Watsonville Poet Laureate Bob Gomez, and remembrances by his wife Marcia Hashimoto, Sandy Lydon, Brad Hubbard, Geri Solano-Simmons and Erica Padilla Chavez. As a tribute, Aptos Times presents his obituary, written by his wife. •••

Mas Hashimoto, born on Sept. 15, 1935, and a lifelong resident of Watsonville, passed away peacefully with his wife Marcia by his side. In 2019 Mas was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis which was the condition leading to his respiratory arrest on June 20, 2022. He was 86.

Mas was an avid skier, golfer, photographer, and world traveler. In all his travels, Mas never lost sight that Watsonville was the best of all places to call home (“furusato”), because of its wonderful climate but mostly beautifully diverse cultural community.

Mas enjoyed writing an occasional column for the local newspaper which were conversations with his ‘68 blue Cougar. He was the editor of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz Japanese American Citizens League (W-SC JACL) newsletter for 25 years which is now in the capable hands of Cindy

Hirokawa Mine and Jeanette Otsuji Hager. Mas served several terms as president and board member of our local JACL chapter. He was also on the Buddhist Temple and Watsonville High School Foundation boards. Friends tried to encourage him to run for City Council, but he claimed he was too hard of hearing.

Mas was predeceased by his parents, Ikuta and Nami Hashimoto from Fukuoka Ken, Japan, and brothers Hiroshi, Wataru, Tsuyoshi, Tadashi, Noriyuki, and Mitsuru-all born in Watsonville. Mas was the seventh son. He is survived by Marcia, his wife of 51 years, several brothers- and

opportunities for girls to participate in sports. He was advisor to the coed bowling club and encouraged students with physical and mental challenges to be a part of the teams. He was a chaperone for the ski club established by his math teacher, colleague, and friend Jean Pogue. Mas was the faculty advisor to the classes of ‘79 and ‘88 which he thought were two of the most spirited to graduate from Watsonville High School.

With the assistance of Jane Borg and the understanding and cooperation of the WHS class of ‘92, Mas arranged for WHS to be the first in the nation to award diplomas, with a cap and gown ceremony, to the JapaneseAmerican students of the class of 1942--an honor they were denied during World War II.

sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, who are his pride and joy.

The Hashimoto family udon-noodle restaurant could no longer be maintained after father Ikuta passed away in 1938. Mother and her sons became field laborers. Mas identified with farm workers with admiration as he labored beside them from the age of 10 until he was 23. The wages he earned provided for his college education.

Mas graduated from Watsonville High School in 1953 and felt privileged to teach U. S. history at his alma mater for 36 years to nearly 7,000 students. He fought for equal

It was also in 1992, when Watsonville High School celebrated its Centennial, that Mas was inducted into the WHS Foundation’s Hall of Fame. A partial list of awards presented to Mas for his civic service include: Grand Marshal of Watsonville’s 4th of July 2011 Parade; KSBW’s Jefferson Award; the United Way of Santa Cruz’s City Community Hero Award; American Red Cross Lifetime Achievement Award; recognition from LGBTQ organizations; Freedom Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award; JACLer of the Biennium; Buddhist Temple Dana Award; Okamoto Award; recognition by the Consul General of Japan and friends and Family of Nisei Veterans; City, County, and State Assembly proclamations; Prevention and Student Assistance 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award; and ongoing scholarships in Mas’ honor awarded by the Class of ‘65 to WHS graduates who are the first in their families to attend college.

“Hashimoto” page 16

Mas and Marcia Hashimoto

CASA Welcomes New Foster Care Advocates

On Feb. 20, Superior Court Judge Erika Ziegenhorn and Superior Court Judge Jerry Vinluan swore in 18 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care and juvenile justice.

They completed CASA’s 35-hour training program.

CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer advocates who are matched one on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) and Juvenile Justice court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with the court. About 300 children are in foster care.

As officers of the court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, CASA always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more. n

For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casa ofsantacruz.org/volunteer

Shelter for Sweet Equines

Over the last 18 years, Pregnant Mare Rescue in Watsonville has rescued more than 850 horses whose owners could no longer care for them.

Then Feburary’s rainy winter weather left one shelter area in deep mud, inaccessible, and horses who are older and not as dominant were crowded out of shelter by younger and stronger horses. Cindie Ambar asked for donations on GoFundMe to help pay for a roof over these horses’ heads.

On Feb. 22, Lynn Hummer, founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue, shared this update:

“Christine Sieburg and Mallory Walker were heroes for me & The Sanctuary, Pregnant Mare Rescue Herd! I regret not getting photos of these wonderful women! Thank you so much for all your help! Approximately 25 wheelbarrows of wood chips were moved, and spread in high-traffic areas, and 10 bags of shavings, were spread to create traction for our seniors to access their stalls. They still prefer the large windbreak shelter. We are still seeking support for that much-needed shelter.

Plus!! Cindie Ambar & Kimberle Baker donated their incredible healing gifts to the herd today! And they do weekly. That’s how much they love our herd! I feel so grateful for all of you. Thank you very much! n

David Gorley, Douglas Kamradt, Alan Thomas Lamb, Ana Menera, Sarahi Martinez, Azucena Garcia, Rebecca Breton, Ariel Drake, Shawna Elkins, Thomas Coile, Elizabeth Hammond, Britney Holeman, Heather Mietz, Sheri Morano, Rachel Rester, Natalie Reyes, Serena Riddle, Cassedy Sullivan and Susanne Teichmann. Snow

Penny

Community Garden Opens at Muzzio Park

Community Health Trust Raised Money with Santa Cruz Gives

On Feb. 24, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley celebrated the grand opening of a new community garden in Watsonville, at Muzzio Park, a 1.12acre park at 26 W. Front St., near Villa Posada Apartments and the Pajaro River Bridge.

The park is named for Angelina Muzzio, who raised three daughters in a house on the property by hosting gatherings with homecooked meals.

Because the area has high rates of poverty and food insecurity, the nonprofit Health Trust is working with the City of Watsonville and Monterey Bay Master Gardeners to expand its Community Gardens program and thus bring fresh produce to city residents who live at a distance from a grocery.

The grand opening was well attended by community members and city officials who were thrilled to witness the newest community garden.

Mount Madonna School

• Flexible, need-based tuition

• An exceptional, college-preparatory academic program

• Music and STEAM-infused curriculum for all grades

• Montessori-influenced preschool and kindergarten lessons

• Field trips at all grade levels

• School bus transportation

• A friendly and supportive community for students and their families

• Middle and high school athletics

Remarks were made by U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose); State Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency Blong Xiong; Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter; Councilmember Eduardo Montesino; Director of Social Impact & Communications at Superior Foods Kira Halpern; Rita Bell, president of the Monterey Bay Master Gardeners; and DeAndre’ James, Community Health Trust executive director.

Lofgren presented the Community Health Trust with a Congressional resolution for their dedication to the community.

James said, “The focus of the Community

Health Trust is on disease prevention and wellness for those individuals and families in our community who need support. We provide resources to empower Pajaro Valley residents to make simple lifestyle changes that help them live longer and fuller lives.”

He expects this community garden will improve access to nutritious food in a disadvantaged neighborhood.

The Muzzio Park Community Garden is funded in large part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The grant will support the construction of three new gardens in Watsonville over two years.

During the Santa Cruz Gives holiday campaign, the Health Trust appealed to the local community for donations, and raised $4,047 with a $3,000 challenge grant from Superior Foods International.

The garden also received in-kind donations, such as trees from Watsonville Wetlands Watch. n

The grand opening of the new community garden at Muzzio Park is well attended.

DeAndre James (center, in blue vest), executive director of Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, welcomes attendees to the new community garden at Muzzio Park.

Michele Bassi Joins Second Harvest Team

Michele Bassi has joined Second Harvest Food Bank as chief development officer, starting March 1.

Bassi , who lives in Watsonville, was chosen after an extensive recruitment search by a national recruiting firm.

She has spent her career in banking, with Wells Fargo, Lighthouse Bank, Santa Cruz County Bank, and most recently senior vice president of 1st Capital Bank. She is president of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, which raises money to support fairgrounds improvements.

She has received the Woman of the Year award from the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Be the Difference Award from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and the Sweetheart and Community Champion Awards from Meals on Wheels Santa Cruz County.

organization. Her experience, commitment and leadership in our local community will be such an incredible asset to Second Harvest,” said Erica Padilla-Chavez, Second Harvest CEO.

“Michele is a tireless advocate for this community, and I cannot think of a better fit for chief development officer of Second Harvest Food Bank,” added Board Chair Cameron Haste.

“We are thrilled that she has been selected to lead the development arm of our

Second Harvest Food Bank

Santa Cruz County, founded in 1972, provides food to 65,000 people each month including children, seniors, veterans and homeless.

“The work that is being accomplished at Second Harvest is incredibly inspiring. Few organizations have such an important impact, and I’m honored to be a part of this critical community partner,” said Bassi. “This position feels like a natural fit for my experience and background, and I can’t wait to get started.” n

Sheriff: Don’t Send Money to Scammers

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reports a rise in the number of complaints about scammers reaching out to residents, aiming to get personal information or money, often targeting the elderly.

In one scam, a caller claiming to be Sgt. McDonald talking about warrants, subpoenas and missed jury duty. In another, the caller claims whoever answers the phone that he or she has won a large amount of money, and asks them to send a smaller amount of money to cover shipping and handling. Yet another has the caller pretending to be a relative arrested in a foreign country and asks for money to post bail.

The Sheriff’s Office advises:

• Be careful with all online transactions.

Verify the sender’s information.

• Do not send money for: “Get rich quick” scams. Threats that a loved one has been imprisoned abroad and you need to pay their bail. Threats to pay for taxes owed or avoid an arrest warrant.

• Do not open emails from addresses you do not recognize. Some spam emails get into your main inbox and will install viruses on your computer. Do not accept/send checks as payment for anything you sell/purchase online

• Do not respond to calls about “Sweepstakes” or “Lotteries.”

• Do not believe calls claiming to be the “government” requesting your Social Security number or a tax return in exchange for payment.

• Do not believe calls pretending to be from “credit card companies” offering to improve your credit for a nominal fee.

• Be cautious of groups with names similar to popular charities asking you to donate money.

Senior citizens are not as active on social media platforms as young folks, so the Sheriff’s Office plans to distribute magnets and flyers warning about these scams.

Flyers and magnets will be available for pickup at the sheriff’s service centers, such as the one at 171 Aptos Village Way, near New Leaf Community Market. To make a report call the non-emergency dispatch at 831-471-1121. n

Michele Bassi

Have Your Vote Count March 5

Any registered voter in California can decide whether to vote at a polling place or vote by mail.

Hours to vote on Election Day Tuesday, March 5, are 7 am to 8 pm.

Santa Cruz County is implementing the Voters Choice Act, passed by the state Legislature in 2016. That’s why you received a Vote-by-Mail ballot in the mail. This ballot can be returned by mail, in-person at a voting location or at an official ballot drop box.

Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than 7 days after Election Day, so March 12. If you are not sure your

vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time, bring it to any polling place in the state between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can still vote in person the traditional way.

Polls have been renamed “Vote Centers.”

Hours will be:

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (beginning Feb. 24)

• Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (beginning Feb. 25)

Open since Feb. 5 for voting:

Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz County Clerk/ Elections, 701 Ocean St., Room 310.

Watsonville — Watsonville City Clerk’s Office, 275 Main St., 4th Floor.

Open since Feb. 24 for voting:

Aptos — Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd.

Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, 5200 Soquel Ave.

Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Rd.

Opens March 2 for voting:

Aptos — St. John’s Episcopal Church, 125 Canterbury Dr. (Sunday, March 3, hours are 1 to 9 pm)

Boulder Creek — Boulder Creek Fire Station, 13230 Highway 9

Capitola — New Brighton Middle School, 250 Washburn Ave.

Felton — Zayante Fire Department, 7700 E Zayante Rd.

Santa Cruz — Bonny Doon Elementary School, 1492 Pine Flat Rd.

Santa Cruz — Depot Park, 119 Center St.

Santa Cruz — Masonic Center, 828 N. Branciforte Ave.

Santa Cruz — UCSC Stevenson Event Center, 520 Cowell-Stevenson Rd.

Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Dr.

Soquel — Soquel High School, 401 Soquel San Jose Rd.

Watsonville — La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave.

Watsonville — Pajaro Valley Community Trust, 85 Nielson St.

Watsonville — Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave.

Open Election Day March 5 only for voting:

Corralitos — Corralitos Community Church, 24 Browns Valley Rd.

Davenport — Pacific Elementary, 50 Ocean St.

Los Gatos — C.T. English Middle School, 23845 Summit Rd.

Santa Cruz — Christian Life Center, 1009 Mission St.

“Hashimoto” from page 12

Guided by his beloved mother’s kindness, Mas’ motivation to serve his community was influenced by her expression of gratitude for the support from family and friends. During World War II, 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans on the West Coast were incarcerated in what has become known as America’s concentration camps.

Mas and his family were among those denied due process and initially incarcerated at the Assembly Center at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds and then taken to Poston, Arizona, where they stayed from 1942 to 1945. It was determined that this unjust treatment was based on racism, war hysteria, and the failure of our nation’s leaders.

Watsonville was one of the few communities that, to an extent, welcomed the return of their Japanese-American residents. After the war, Mas felt that particular story and more needed to be told and in 2002, with the help of Cabrillo College History Professor Sandy Lydon, sponsorship of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL, participation of members and friends, and support of city officials and UCSC’s theatrical department, Mas organized the event, “Liberty Lost … Lessons in Loyalty.” This event was the first and only reenactment of the 1942 WWII eviction of Japanese and Japanese-Americans, which included heroic stories of our Nisei second generation-young men and women who served with the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and Women’s Corps. Encouraged by their mother’s support, Mas’ brothers Tsuyoshi and Tadashi served with the MIS because of their

Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county elections office no later than 7 days after Election Day, so March 12. If you are not sure your vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time, bring it to any polling place in the state between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Or you can drop off your vote-by-mail ballot at any of the 17 drop boxes at locations such as city halls.

The county Elections Department says Vote Centers offer a “full-service” voting experience:

• Vote using an accessible ballot marking device.

• Receive voting assistance.

• Register to vote or update your registration and vote on the same day.

• Request a replacement ballot. n

fluency in speaking, interpreting, reading, and writing the Japanese language.

Mas was adamant in his belief that our Nisei war heroes brought honor and respect to our Japanese-Americans nationwide, and their award of the Congressional Gold Medal and commemorative “Go For Broke” postage stamp are testaments to the greater public’s positive regard for our community.

We appreciate the wonderful tribute to Mas by editor Tony Nunez and photographer Tarmo Hannula of the Pajaronian, and Aric Sleeper and photographer Shmuel Thaler of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Thank you to friends for your kind remembrances expressed in the articles. Through the efforts of Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy, Mas’ 19-minute presentation, titled “Racism and America’s Concentration Camps,” can be viewed on TEDx Talk and YouTube.

Mas was grateful for the teaching opportunities he had through our W-SC JACL’s civil rights and education programs. In honor and in memory of Mas’ commitment to uphold the civil rights of all people and to continue the educational outreach about the plight of the Japanese-Americans during WWII, a gift of a donation/contribution may be sent to the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL at P. O. Box 163, Watsonville, CA 95077-0163.

Because the COVID variants continue to be problematic, a small immediate family service is planned. Hopefully in the future when public gatherings are less worrisome, a celebration of Mas’ life will be announced. Mas’ final wish would be to encourage you to vote in November. Make your voices heard and please take care. Onward in memory of Mas! n

Seven Single Moms Win Live Your Dream Awards

Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea has selected seven single mothers to win their 2024 Live Your Dream awards, to be presented March 12.

Each will receive a cash award they can use for anything enabling them to complete their education, including rent, medical bills, child care and car repairs.

“We’re very excited to be able to increase the number of Live Your Dream awards from the five we gave last year to seven,” said Laura Knapp, Live Your Dream program chair. “Our volunteer Club members and some very generous donors responded to our fundraising efforts and made this possible for these deserving women.”

The winners are:

Serena McCallister, 26, of Santa Cruz is awarded the Gwyn Larson Humanitarian Award in memory of a beloved and longserving member. This award is given to a student pursuing a human services career path and is dedicated to helping others. McCallister is a single mother of one child who has struggled with medical disorders and is now on a path to recovery. Her primary focus currently is a substance use disorder counseling certificate.

“This program is a very direct path to being able to work in the community and help these people,” she wrote. “As soon as I finish this certification, it will open many doors into the field of my dreams.”

Lenada Hernandez , 32, of Santa Cruz is a single mother of one child who experienced homelessness for many years. Her goal is to work with at-risk youth and those recovering from addiction. She is studying psychology and communication to better understand how to actively listen.

“I’ve learned if a person is not feeling seen or heard, they will shut down and potentially stop seeking help,” she said.

Victoria Van Voorst, 32, of Capitola is a single mother with one child who is studying computer applications business technology. She has a Medical Front Office certification and believes further studies will increase her opportunities for long-term employment.

“My end goal is a permanent position in a doctors’ office setting,” she said. “This work will give my family the stability we need

while also being realistic and meaningful to me personally.”

Bianca Lindahl, 24, of Aptos, has one child and is studying for a degree in psychology. She has been interested in psychology as a career path since she was 16. She plans to complete a master’s degree in order to open her own practice.

“My biggest career goal is to become a clinical psychologist,” she said. “On top of my interests in the cognitive aspects of the human mind, I also carry a lot of love for people and helping them is very fulfilling to me.”

Hailey Gregory, 32, of Aptos, has one child and is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. She has dreamed of going to college from a young age, but her single mother with three children meant the family lived paycheck to paycheck. When she was 14, their dire financial circumstances required her to begin working fulltime. After marrying young, having a child and then getting divorced, her educational dreams seemed even further away.

During the pandemic, she lost her job and felt the panic of not being able to make ends meet. But her young daughter inspired her to pursue her educational dream. She took the opportunity to enroll in criminal justice classes, which has opened her eyes to many of the problems in policing.

“My hopes for myself are to be part of the change to help make the world a better, safer place for the generations to come,” she wrote. “I hope to work in the criminal justice system and to help rebuild and reform.”

Marjorie Jackson, 41, of Aptos, has a son and is studying for a bachelor’s degree in human services. She is motivated by the fact that she and her family have experienced trauma, poverty and homelessness.

“My education is putting me on the right path for success in my desired field, by teaching me how to work with survivors and clients,” she wrote.

Serena McCallister

Lenada Hernandez

Hailey Gregory

Marjorie Jackson

Bianca Lindahl

Pregnant Mare Rescue

Help Shelter

their Big Hearts

March is our fundraiser month and we are in need of shelters

Thank you for your help!

Capitola’s Wharf House A Landmark Lost

By Jondi Gumz

For 35 years, Willie Case has owned the Wharf House restaurant at the end of Capitola’s historic wharf. And now the building he’s leased from the city for all those years has been deemed a total loss due to an epic storm in January 2023 that broke the wharf in two and made it impossible for him to check the conditions – except for once by boat.

Storms in December created setbacks for the city, which last September began repairs that include widening with Cushman Contracting. Recently a restroom — a new amenity — arrvied via ship from New Zealand.

The broken midspan section of the wharf has been repaired, according to Jessica Kahn, director of public works, as crews worked their way back from the land to the wharf’s seaward end.

In the December storm, the seaward wall completely caved in and took part of the foundation with it.

“We plan on moving forward with the demolition,” Kahn told the City Council on Feb. 8.

The city hosted a well-attended meeting on Feb. 20 to update residents on the Wharf, which being built in 1857 is a beloved local landmark.

The choices are major demolition or demolition — to be determined.

Willie Case has seen the Wharf House three times since the first storm, once by boat, twice with an insurance adjuster.

He had insurance on his business, but because the damage was due to Mother Nature, “I have no coverage,” he said. “All the exclusions were clearly stated.”

The Wharf House, which gained popularity with Don McCaslin’s jazz band Warmth and then more recently blues, was full of nautical antiques collected by Case over the decades.

That’s one thing he’s concerned about. He wants to retrieve his property.

He also has 16 refrigerators he’d like to repurpose, perhaps for another site.

He admits he’s “an old dude,” but he doesn’t want to retire — he’s rather keep on doing what he loves.

If there’s a chance the Wharf House building could be rebuilt, he wants in.

“I don’t want to be forgotten,” he said. “There’s nothing more unique. … We’re a unique community. There has to be special consideration.”

The Boat & Bait Shop, located in an old building at the end of the wharf, is red tagged. The foundation is damaged, there are issue with hazardous materials and it’s not to code, Kahn said.

The City Council scheduled a special meeting for Feb. 27 to approve increasing Cushman’s Wharf contract up to $1.713 million for a total of $10,027,000 and to amend the 2023-24 budget to allocate up to $564,000 to cover expenses that were not anticipated.

For the agenda, see www.capitola.org n

Morty Cohen Joins Jr. Achievement Hall of Fame

Class includes Sandi Eason, Tom Gray, and Gayle Ortiz

On Jan. 26, more than 200 people attended Junior Achievement of Northern California’s 19th annual Monterey Bay Business Hall of Fame at the Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach, honoring Morty Cohen, Sandi Eason, Tom Gray and Gayle Ortiz.

Honorees are selected based on accomplishments in business excellence, courageous thinking and actions, vision and innovation, inspirational leadership, and philanthropy.

Erin Clark, co-anchor of KSBW-TV, was emcee.

Meet the honorees:

Morty Cohen — founder and CEO, SunRidge Farms (Royal Oaks)

He grew up in New Mexico. From the age of 5 and through his high school years, he worked in his family’s retail drug store chain business, where he first developed an interest in business and entrepreneurship.

The seeds of SunRidge Farms were sown in the early 80s, while Mr. Cohen worked as manager at Staff of Life, a natural foods retailer in Santa Cruz. He lived on and co-owned an organic fruit farm, selling produce throughout the country. In 1982, Mr. Cohen co-founded an

organic and natural food distributing company named Falcon Trading Company, Inc.

The business was launched from his home garage, using the family station wagon for deliveries to stores throughout the Bay

Area. In 1985, he created the brand SunRidge Farms, and Falcon Trading became both a manufacturer and distributor.

The first SunRidge products were trail mixes, made and mixed in his home kitchen.

Today SunRidge Farms manufactures and distributes high quality organic fruits, nuts and snack mixes sold in major retail chains throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The company operates a 200,000-squarefoot home facility in Royal Oaks.

Sandi Eason — COO, Pacific Valley Bank (Salinas)

She is a banker with a career of 40+ years. She joined Pacific Valley Bank in 2020 as executive vice president and chief operating officer. She spent 29 years with Wells Fargo before becoming president and CEO at Coast Commercial Bank.

A fourth-generation resident of the Monterey Peninsula and graduate of Pacific Grove High School, she has a lifelong connection with the Monterey Bay Region. She recently retired after 9 years on the board of United Way Monterey County, the last two years as board chair.

She is in her sixth year on the board and third year as president of IMPOWER, a Monterey County organization supporting women’s initiatives and scholarships.

“Business Hall of Fame” page 27

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

Photo Credit: Tatiana Scher Photography, Carmel

From Left: Gayle Ortiz, Tom Gray, Sandi Eason, and Morty Cohen

New Leaders for County Fair Board

Rachel Wells will be the 2024 president of the board of the Santa Cruz County Fair, succeeding Michael Pruger.

“I’m honored to have been elected Board President by my colleagues, and I’m looking forward to a successful and positive year,” said Wells, who lives in Felton. “I’ve been attending the Santa Cruz County Fair my entire life, including years of competing in the horse show, and I’m very proud to serve on the board and ensure the success and sustainability of the fair and fairgrounds. As a north county resident, I’m also looking forward to expanding our reach and welcoming more community members to the fairgrounds.”

She added, “I hope you’ll join us for fair-time, upcoming volunteer opportunities, and other exciting events at the fairgrounds. Please feel free to reach out to me at wells@santacruzcountyfair.com at any time.”

She has been a public affairs and community engagement representative for the California School Boards Association since 2022. Before that, she was an outreach specialist at the California High-Speed Rail Authority and from 2015 to 2020, worked for then Sen. Bill Monning.

Dana McCrae, who lives in Santa Cruz, has been elected vice president.

“Serving on the Fair Board is a distinct honor. I look forward to supporting our new Board President, Rachel Wells, in achieving the goals she sets for the year. 2024 is going to be another great year for our Santa Cruz County Fair,” said McCrae, a former Santa Cruz County counsel.

Mike Pruger, who was board president in 2023, has stepped down, which leaves three of the nine board seats vacant. Appointments for the 14th District Agricultural Association are made by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“After serving on the board for the past eight years, I feel it is time to move on. I thank all the volunteers, board members and staff for all their hard work these past months and feel confident the fair is in good hands to move forward,” said Pruger.

Board members and staff expect the 2024 County Fai, scheduled for Sept. 11-15, with Zach Fraser at the helm for a second year, will delight fairgoers.

The theme is expected to be announced soon, along with new events and concerts.

Attendance for the 2023 Fair was up 3% overall compared to 2022, which Fair staff attributed to the strength of the Fair — ability to thrive despite turnover in management with the departure of longtime CEO Dave Kegebein earlier in the year.

In addition, the Junior Livestock Auction, which showcases the work of talented

Aptos/Watsonville:

Curves Aptos

Earthwise Land Services

Kaiser

La Vie Wellness

Park Avenue Fitness

Santa Cruz County Public Works

Seahorse Swim School

Second

Senior

Nutir Natural

Mid-County:

Capitola Home Care Dr.

Interior

Junebug’s

Lauden’s

Lola’s

Rejuvenate

Sotheby’s

The

youth in 4-H and FFA, raised more than $455,000.

Board meetings typically take place at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday at the county fairgrounds in the Fine Arts Building. n

•••

To meet the full board and see upcoming meeting agendas, visit the Fair website www. santacruzcountyfair.com.

Michael Pruger

Dana McRae

Rachel Wells

Esparza-Johnson to Direct ‘In the Heights’ for Cabrillo Stage

Cabrillo Stage auditions for its summer production, “In the Heights,” will be by appointment Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3.

This hip musical (music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda; book by Quiara Alegría Hudes) was an instant sensation when it premiered on Broadway 15 years ago.

Directing this summer’s production is Estrella EsparzaJohnson, who most recently directed Thanksgiving Play for The Western Stage and who has a long history as an actor and creator with Teatro Campesino as well as many other companies.

whose last production for Cabrillo Stage was The Producers, rounds out the team.

Director Esparza-Johnson adds that her vision is one of “truth and authenticity. You will experience full Latino characters, not caricatures. Our ethnic identity is rooted in our ideals of family, home, community and industry. The audience will have an entertaining, joyous and uplifting experience at the theatre.”

Joining Esparza-Johnson as choreographer for the production is Chris Marcos. His choreography will include some high energy Hip Hop as well as a variety of Latin movements including Salsa, Bachata and a fusion of all styles.

He said, “The choreography is not just visual eye candy, it’s a tool to express feeling and emotion. The movement serves as a bridge between music and story with the cast as vessels to push the narrative forward in all directions.”

The accomplished Michael J. McGushin returns this summer as musical director. Joining the team is Ron Johnson, Cabrillo Stage alum, who comes back as Hip Hop dramaturg and assistant vocal director.

Veteran stage manager Alina Goodman,

“Live Your Dream” from page 17

One winner, age 33, asked to remain anonymous. She is a single mother of two, studying cosmetology. She is dedicated to working with natural hairstyles and is specializing in braiding and loctician services (working with locs, also known as dreadlocks). Her goal is to receive a state license which will allow her to work in a professional salon.

“I proactively sought out education opportunities, participating in numerous classes led by professionals in the natural hair field,” she wrote. “These experiences enhanced my skill set and also earned me the trust of the natural hair community, allowing me to cultivate my own clientele.”

•••

To be eligible for the Live Your Dream award, women must be heads of their household, enrolled in or have been accepted

The musical is set in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.

Auditions will be by appointment.

Vocal auditions are from 10 am–2 pm on Saturday,March 2, and 1-3 pm on Sunday, March 3, at the Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, Building 4000, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. If you are called back to dance, the time will be 3-6 pm on both days.

To audition sign up at: https://www. cabrillostage.com/auditions. n

•••

Actors may submit a video audition any time before March 3. Callbacks will be March 9-10. Information on what to prepare and how to submit can be found at www.cabrillostage.com.

“I proactively sought out education opportunities, participating in numerous classes led by professionals in the natural hair field. These experiences enhanced my skill set and also earned me the trust of the natural hair community, allowing me to cultivate my own clientele.”

— Marjorie Jackson

into a bachelor’s or technical training program, and demonstrate need.

Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist is a coined Latin phrase meaning Best for Women. n

For information, see www.best4women.org, or email sicapitola.by.the.sea@gmail.com

Estrella Esparza-Johnson

Members of Congress: Investigate Uyghur Forced Labor for Seafood

On Feb. 16, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Michelle Park Steel (R-Orange County) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge the Biden administration to investigate allegations of forced labor in seafood supply chains with China.

In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Troy Miller, the lawmakers emphasize the importance of action ahead of fishing subsidies negotiations at the upcoming World Trade Organization’s 13th ministerial conference MC!13 Feb. 26-29 in Abu Dhabi. The letter was signed by 12 members of Congress.

The U.S. imports about 80% of its seafood, such as fish sticks served in school lunches, and China is the largest supplier.

Despite ongoing issues in the Chinese fishing sector, the WTO’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies still does not include a ban on subsidies for fishing activities that use forced labor.

In 2016, Santa Cruz resident and UC Santa Cruz alum Martha Mendoza won a Pulitzer for reporting that revealed seafood widely available in U.S. stores was being processed by slave labor in Southeast Asia.

In October, the Ocean Outlaw Project, a nonprofit journalism organization that produces investigative stories about human rights, labor, and environmental concerns, provided evidence of several fishing companies working with the Chinese government and Chinese provincial governments to recruit and use Uyghurs, ethnic minorities in China, as forced labor.

“Congress has made clear that it is our shared responsibility to combat human trafficking by curbing imports produced

with forced labor and sanctioning the companies and individuals responsible,” the members of Congress said. “China’s seafood industry has been a clear source of forced labor, and recent reporting by the OOP has drawn much needed attention to the sector. Given the evidence before us, we have a duty to investigate allegations of forced labor both on the high seas and in seafood processing, especially when it is part of a CCP-sponsored effort to subjugate the minority Uyghur population.”

Additional signers include; Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Darin LaHood (IL16), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Greg Steube (FL-17), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34).

Here is the letter:

Dear

Secretary Blinken, Ambassador Tai, and Acting Commissioner Miller:

As Members of the Ways and Means Committee, we urge you to investigate allegations of forced labor in seafood supply chains associated with China and promptly take appropriate action to address these deplorable practices. Action by the administration would complement ongoing multilateral efforts to reduce unfair practices in the global fishing sector in the lead-up to the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).

In the coming weeks, countries will meet at MC13, where a critical topic will be addressing harmful fisheries subsidies. WTO members will discuss urgent work toward

COMMUNITY NEWS

Oentry into force of the 2022 WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, while also considering expansion of the current agreement to address a broader range of harmful subsidies in this sector.

Nearly 90 percent of the planet’s fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted. As a result of state intervention — of which China is by far the worst offender — the world faces an ecological and food security threat.

Fisheries subsidies are a human rights threat as well. The current Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies does not explicitly address a number of unfair practices, including the use of forced labor in seafood supply chains.

To complement the negotiations and demonstrate the commitment of the United States to combatting unfair fishing practices more broadly, the United States should take available unilateral action to address identified instances of unfair fishing practices, such as forced labor.

For example, there is mounting evidence that Chinese seafood companies — allegedly including Yantai Sanko Fisheries, Yantai Longwin Foods, the Chishan Group, Shandong Meijia Group, Qingdao Tianyuan Aquatic Foodstuffs, and the Rongsense Group — are complicit in, or directly responsible for, forced labor by Uyghurs or other minority populations from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

While the pattern of forced labor by the Chinese government, in Xinjiang and beyond, is known, there is evidence of these companies working with China’s national and provincial governments to recruit and utilize forced labor.

We are concerned that such abuses may taint U.S. seafood supply chains, as we are aware of serious allegations that seafood produced with forced labor supplies food service companies, grocers, and restaurants around the world, including in the United States.

Therefore, we urge you to consider, and when appropriate, use available tools that Congress has provided to combat these practices. Sanctions, including those pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, could be a powerful tool to hold individuals accountable who are involved in the trade of seafood made with forced labor and send a message to the global industry that forced labor will not be tolerated. Given the specific allegations of forced labor in the context of both fishing vessels and processing, Customs and Border Protection should also consider potential Withhold Release Orders to effectuate the forced labor prohibition in Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as well as the application of the rebuttable presumption set forth in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Effective deployment of these tools sends a strong message to our trading partners that the United States takes unfair fisheries practices seriously. Driving a hard bargain at MC13 for an outcome that effectively disciplines distortive fishing subsidies and stepping up to challenge forced labor in seafood supply chains are complementary actions that demonstrate U.S. leadership on an issue of economic, ecological, and human rights significance.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. n

To read the Outlaw Ocean report, see https://www.theoutlawocean.com/investigations/china-the-superpower-of-seafood/ the-uyghurs-forced-to-process-the-worlds-fish/

Construction Starts on Children’s Crisis Center

n Feb. 20, the County of Santa Cruz began interior demolition at 5300 Soquel Ave. in Live Oak, the first step to re-imagine the building to create its first Children’s Crisis Center.

Remodeling is anticipated to begin in May, with completion projected for the end of 2024.

The two-story office building across from the Sheriff’s Office will have eight chairs for youth facing mental health crisis, providing 24/7 support. Currently youth are referred to facilities outside the county, a burden for parents to visit.

On the second floor, the Children’s Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program will offer a home-like setting with intensive care and treatment for up to14 days.

The goal is the remodel is to create an environment conducive to healing and recovery.

Instead of offices, the building will have conference rooms, family spaces and other amenities designed to meet the needs of young individuals in crisis.

This will expand the Health Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Services Division’s substance use disorder and mental health services.

The project is being undertaken by the county Department of Community Development & Infrastructure. n

•••

For information, follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, X and Nextdoor.

Jimmy Panetta

Michelle Park Steel

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

How’s Your PG&E Bill? Email Us Your Opinions

Californians living in a state averaging 975,000 acres of annual wildfires since 2000 are paying some of the highest electricity rates in the nation.

Regulations called NEM 3.0 adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission in April 2023 have slashed compensation for exported home rooftop solar.

According to Environmental Working Group, many solar installers are bankrupt.

Installation applications are down by 80%, according to pv magazine, which covers the industry.

Some 17,000 jobs — about 17% of the workforce — have been lost, according to pv magazine.

Meanwhile PG&E, the investorowned utility in northern California, is charging 13% more for power, which is to pay for undergrounding power lines in the wake of devastating wildfires, some of which fire officials said were caused by power lines, and to resume quarterly dividends of a penny a share to shareholders which were halted in 2017.

What’s the impact for homeowners?

Share your story with our readers. Email editor Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times. com and put Home Solar in the subject line. n

Good Friday Paddle Out

Capitola Beach Esplanade • Friday March 29 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.

In a beach community — when a loved one passes away, surfers paddle out to honor their impact & express gratitude for the life they lived.

In Santa Cruz tradition, local churches in our community including Tradewinds in Aptos are gathering to paddle out — honoring

the life of Jesus & His sacrifice on the cross on Good Friday, March 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Capitola Beach Esplanade.

There will be baptisms and a worship concert by Kokua.

Come to the beach or in the water — all are welcome. n

Community Bridges Offers to Purchase Live Oak Senior Center School District Eyes Site for Educator Housing

OBy Jondi Gumz

n Feb. 15, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, announced its intent to buy the Elena Baskin Live Oak Senior Center for $2.4 million from the Live Oak School District, providing revenue to pursue a workforce housing project.

Like other districts around the state, Live Oak has seen enrollment decline — currently about 1,900 students —- and Covid pandemic grants dry up, and that has reduced revenue to the point where the Santa Cruz County Office of Education warned the district may not meet financial obligations in future years unless spending is cut.

On Feb. 22, facing protests by school staff and parents, the Live Oak school board declined to adopt proposed layoffs of the equivalent of 37.8 full-time employees. These included many part-time staff such as yard duty supervisors and instructional aides. Also proposed for cuts: Middle school art, elementary physical education, assistant principal, elementary principal, school psychologist, financial analyst, and director of family and community engagement.

The state deadline to send layoff notices is March 15, so the board is likely to call special meetings to decide what to do.

On March 5, Live Oak voters will decide on Measure H, a $44 million bond to modernize and construct classrooms, restrooms and school facilities and install ventilation and air

conditioning, and technology for learning. The money can not be spent on salaries or a teacher housing project.

Community Bridges said it is offering the school district an option to purchase a nearby property that could accommodate 37 units, the location not made public.

That site, however, may not be as large as the 1.4-acre property at 1777 Capitola Road, the Meals on Wheels headquarters since 1977, and home of the nonprofit Senior Network Services.

The property owner of the nearby site had proposed to build 15 single-family homes with 15 accessory dwelling units.

Because of state pressure on cities and counties to approve more housing, the zoning has been changed for numerous sites to permit taller residential buildings.

Last year, the Live Oak school district was aiming to build at least 50 rentals for employees with a goal for them to spend less than 30% of income on rent, which is a federal guideline of affordability

Meals on Wheels, run by Community Bridges, and Senior Network Services, share at site at 1777 Capitola Road in Live Oak.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Empowering the Next Generation of Water Professionals

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

As the local water purveyor in Santa Cruz’s mid-county region, Soquel Creek Water District is privileged to witness and contribute to an initiative that’s closely aligned with our agency’s primary goals or development of workforce excellence and community engagement. We are proud to be an educational partner with the local nonprofit Your Future is Our Business (YFIOB) to illuminate the path for our youth toward meaningful careers in water.

YFIOB’s mission resonates deeply with us at the District. They are dedicated to bridging the gap between students and their potential careers by facilitating direct engagement with professionals across various industries. For us, it’s an opportunity to open our doors and share the intricacies of running a water District — operations, customer service, outreach, water efficiency, treatment, and distribution — with the next generation.

we’ve integrated students into our water world. In 2022 the District hosted its first YFIOB high school intern. We provide an up to a semester-long program, in which a student is engaged in project-based work as part of their college and/or career-based exploration. Our student interns perform important and meaningful project tasks, and hands-on work while learning about their local water supply, environmental and economic issues, regulatory guidelines, civics, and local government.

This year, Soquel Creek Water District was awarded the 2024 Community Partner Award by YFIOB and we are incredibly honored. We take pride in recounting the ways

Our Engineering Manager for the past two years has participated in the High School Mentor Program at Diamond Technology Institute in Watsonville. Once a month, from September to May, he meets with 10th grade students and covers topics like goal setting, academic progress, team building, skill building, and future planning. The Mentor Program is a powerful way to introduce students to successful, professional role models who can help encourage them and guide them in their future career path.

We also engage with our youth community by taking part in College and Career

Day events hosted by YFIOB at local high schools, such as Soquel High School, Aptos High School, Watsonville High School, and Pajaro Valley High School.

In addition, we have collaborated with YFIOB as a community partner in conducting Career Readiness Mock Interviews, which are integrated into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offered by the local school district. The primary objective

of these initiatives is to enhance students’ job interview skills, offering them practical feedback from experts in the field. Other examples from our collaboration with YFIOB:

• Welcoming students to job shadow, where a student follows a District employee for the day

“Next Generation” page 26

The Oscars

ACROSS

1. Anti-seniors sentiment

6. ____ PÈrignon, Champagne

9. Big Bang’s original matter

13. Prefix for earliest

14. Call to Maria

15. Bob and ____

16. “Peter, Peter Pumpkin ____”

17. “Le ____ des cygnes”

18. Like yesteryear

19. *Greta Gerwig’s Oscar nominated movie

21. *He’s nominated for playing Leonard Bernstein

23. Nothing

24. White ____ shopping event

25. Federal food safety agency, acr.

28. It ran away with the spoon

30. ROTC happenings

35. Figure skating jump

37. Grad

39. Arrogant one

40. Archaic preposition

41. PassÈ

43. Scrubbed

44. Sugarcoating

46. Money in Mexico City

47. What DJs do

48. Trickery

50. Swerves

52. Sigma Alpha Epsilon

53. *Typical number of nominations in one Oscar category

55. Emergency responder, acr.

57. *”Nyad” nominee

60. *What kind of moon?

63. “Finnegan’s Wake” author

64. Mother load offering

66. Java cotton tree

68. Artemis’ companion

69. Fat of olives

70. *What actors do

71. Spinner’s product

72. Wisecrack

73. Like Phoenix

DOWN

1. Cornelius of the movies

2. Snap up

3. ‘I’ in Greek alphabet

4. Howard of radio fame

5. Death-related

6. One of the Earnhardts

7. Spermatozoa counterparts

8. Muhammad’s birthplace

9. Review service, with .com

10. Use a ladle

11. At any time

12. *”No Country for Old ____” multi Oscar winner

15. Suitors

20. Trojan War story

22. “Just an ____-fashioned love song”

24. Slumber

25. Fl., as in fl. oz.

26. “A Confederacy of ____,” sing.

27. Place above a ceiling

29. Dueler’s strike

31. Overnight lodgings

32. Shoelace bunny ears

33. Divine saying

34. *Producer and star of “Poor Things”

36. *”The ____ of Interest”

38. Table hill

42. Wooden pin

45. *Like nominated ones

49. Love-love, e.g.

51. Meat-cooking contraption

54. Roaring of an engine

56. Hindu religious teacher

57. Forum, pl.

58. Deed hearing

59. Medical diagnostic test

60. Abe Lincoln’s hat material

61. #20 Down, e.g.

62. Traditional learning method

63. *Da’Vine ____ Randolph

65. Orinoco or Grande

67. *Ryan Gosling’s character

©

Mackenzie at Santa Cruz Gardens elementary school assembly reading a story about recycling water.

Pisces — Dreams, Radiance, Veils & the Body Electric

“Next Generation” from page 25

We are now under the influence and light of Pisces — the “Light that saves the world,” the sign of World Saviors. Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, ending the zodiacal year. (Zodiac is Latin/Greek for “circle of celestial creatures,” Pisces being the last of the creatures — the two fishes, connected by a silver cord. The circle of the zodiac is a puzzle with twelve pieces, each lending a level of magic to the individual, to the event, to the world at large.

Pisces gathers all gifts, talents, abilities, transgressions, vicissitudes — all the wonders of the eleven previous signs — and places them in Neptune’s waters where distinctions dissolve, hard edges soften, separative behaviors unite, fuse and blend. All the determined individualities merge into a golden chalice of Oneness. This is the chalice that dropped from Heaven to the feet of Hercules when he undertook the last of the Herculean tasks, the Labour in Pisces.

In Pisces the world begins to dream, humanity becomes more sensitive, hopeful, imaginative, visionary, artistic and musical. Pisces is the sign of the arts, of artists, dancers (Pisces rules the feet), musicians, healers and sinners who eventually, through their sins, become saints. Pisces, like Scorpio, senses what is real and what is unreal.

ARIES

In the next weeks, during Pisces, issues with groups, friends, hopes, wishes, dreams all blend the future with your professional and spiritual life. Everything concerning these realms, if incomplete and not quite in formation yet, will re-appear seeking explanations, forgiveness, re-assessments, reviews and a larger picture of reality. You will feel like you’re on a precipice. Maintain poise within this watery ocean of Pisces. Hold onto the staff of Neptune!

TAURUS

There is a quiet and stillness that you possess which often translates into reticence (not speaking much). This is your signature. However, sometimes the time comes when you must share the information your illumined mind has received. Now is one of those times. If you are Mercury retro (at birth), it’s still the right time to speak. You above all understand life’s mysteries and timings and rhythms (music too). Taurus is Venus, married to Vulcan, who forges the iron of the personality into a chalice of gold. Your information is the gold.

GEMINI

Your eagerness to understand the present time and to have the knowledge that can impart information to others is dependent upon you studying the correct materials. There is a lot of new age information that is not only incorrect but judgmental and filled with glamour. A new level of discrimination begins to appear in your mind. This is most important for you must put all the pieces together now and then share all that you know. It’s almost butterfly season. You are the butterfly in the meadow of information.

CANCER

You will be moving into a deeper level of thought and contemplation. You will even perhaps think about your own and loved one’s death. It is good to do this at times, realizing death is actually a Great Liberation and the “Great Adventure.” If someone you know has died it is good to recite the mantra Ohm Mani Padme Hum. This places them and yourself within a double triangle – a six-pointed star. This is Solomon’s Temple of Light of Love and Intelligence. In between times go over money and resources.

Like Gemini, Pisces is not “of this world.” Instead Pisces resides in the etheric regions, the “body electric,” the subtle non-physical world surrounding form and matter. The plane of the etheric is radiant, permeated with light, color and symphonic sound. Everything is united. This etheric field, surrounding all matter, is where energies enter our body. This etheric field is also how we are all united. It is an ocean of energy (a light substance) and space.

There are steps in Pisces evolution — glamour and confusion, purification and self-control and eventually the intuition develops along with compassion and a sense of surrender (personality to the Soul) in time and space — a surrender of one’s entire life in service to others.

Some Pisces natives experience life on Earth as living in too much radiance. They must veil the radiance with substances that hide, diminish and tone down the intensity. This is usually accomplished through the use of drugs, mind altering substances, alcohol, or in our present day, the use of gaming or becoming lost in technology.

Pisces often suffers. Their suffering leads to their artistic and musical creations and to their healing skills. All of this, all of Pisces is what informs, uplifts, and eventually, “saves the world.” n

LEO

You review past and present relationships, their meaning and purpose. You also might need to consult someone about a professional situation, a need, repair, or for some type of assistance. Another’s response to your ideas, problems, and simple statements made day to day offers you perspective, clarity and clarification. Should there be difficulties in any area of your life, inner review allows for a bit of detachment which leads to dispassion. Do you know what that word means? Remember to stand in the Sun every early morning.

VIRGO

The themes of health and work and service (to self first) continue for you for months to come. Your gift of attention to detail is needed in these three areas of life. Their outcomes have your creative signature on them and this work gives you a sense of purpose. You know that it’s only you who can accomplish what’s properly needed. This isn’t a compliment. It’s a Virgo reality. Another Virgo reality is the rule, from now on, of no more criticism of self or of others. That is a Lenten task.

LIBRA

A mental and emotional withdrawal may occur in the next weeks so you can turn inward and ponder upon past choices you’ve made concerning your family. It is a time of reflection, of evaluating your emotional needs and listening to pressures that have been building within. This focus on the past is important to your present/future. It is time for a change in terms of how you perceive the family. Communication with family and parents can be illuminating. Color your interactions with love.

SCORPIO

You may sense the need to communicate more with others. Your intelligence is activated, you wonder about many things especially what you want in terms of friendships. There seems to be an internal frantic pace of thoughts that cannot come forth into the outer world. It’s not time to externalize new thoughts and ideas. Let them work themselves out naturally. Allow yourself to think on possibilities and reach no conclusions. Listen to others. They have the other half of the information you hold.

SAGITTARIUS

You are still working on internal levels with values – what is of value to you and how you value yourself. The energetic movement within your body is that of external to internal. It may be that some financial and/or business affairs needs tending or you see that you define your resources and values based upon another’s. Great planning is going on within, whether you know this or not. You may have to define yourself to another so they understand you better. Clarity of purpose will be most important.

CAPRICORN

You are experiencing serious thought processes. I am sure you are aware of this influence. It’s Saturn pushing you along, offering tasks that seem to multiply each day. Because of this you may also sound and look serious. This is somewhat temporary. I wish for you an assistant to take over some of your tasks. I also wish for you more rest and relaxation. As you rest, think on the future. Our thoughts create a template for the future, which later on, comes into form and matter. What in your future is most important to you?

AQUARIUS

You are examining your ideas, intentions and present state of being. You are seeing what you accomplished this past year. It was good. You now realize what more you want to accomplish as this new year unfolds. In the coming weeks wherein you reflect on your life, write down all that you hope to fulfill in the next ten months - the first step in externalizing thoughts and ideas. There is much to do this year for Aquarians. They are to bring forth the love embedded in the new culture and civilization.

PISCES

We might find you quietly in solitude for the next several weeks, withdrawing to study or to think on the future and how to work more effectively and efficiently with humanity. And what of all the non-rational elements you’re encountering? We are in a time of great change. Peace and quiet are beneficial for you. Hidden areas of your character are revealed while goals, hopes, wishes and dreams are revealed. You may be thinking about death and mortality. It is a good time to write down how you want your death handled. This is not gloomy. It’s practical and spiritual.

• Presenting at school assemblies and teaching students pre-kindergarten to fifth grade about recycled water

“Our partnership with YFIOB is an important component of our community engagement efforts,” I often say when discussing our initiatives. It’s a statement that reflects our dual commitment to water resource management and educational enrichment.

By guiding students through the complexities of our work, we’re planting the seeds for a future where water is valued and safeguarded by knowledgeable, passionate professionals.

This collaboration isn’t just an investment in students’ futures; it’s an investment in our community’s well-being and the sustainability of our environment. The mentorships and hands-on experiences we offer provide a real-world context that textbooks simply can’t match. It’s about connecting theory with practice, and ideals with action.

Moreover, this initiative underscores our broader dedication to education and community involvement. Through these efforts, we’re not only fostering the next generation of environmental stewards but also emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing today’s environmental challenges.

As we look forward to the continued success of this partnership, we are filled with optimism about the impact we’re making. Each student who works with us leaves with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for water’s role in our lives. And that’s a victory not just for us, but for the entire community.

Together, we’re nurturing a future where water sustainability is not just a goal, but a reality. n

•••

For those interested in learning more about our work with YFIOB or how to get involved, I encourage you to visit YFIOB’s website at yfiob.org. To learn more about the District visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

TEDxSantaCruz Is Coming to Crocker Theater

TEDxSantaCruz announces speakers for a Saturday, April 13, Ted Talk in Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos. They will focus on ideas surrounding this year’s theme: Rising Together. Talks will be in English with simultaneous Spanish translation available.

The Speakers

• Alex Chavez-Guerrero, Jacob Martinez & Martin Vargas Vega — Scalable Impact through Social Capital

• Antonella De La Tore Marcenaro — Belonging and Nature: Connecting To Ourselves Through Land

• César Rojas Bravo — Shared Humanity, Shared Night Sky

“Senior Center” from page 24

In Santa Cruz County, rentals are so expensive, increasing faster than wages, and 51% of residents pay more than 30% of income for rent.

The building at 1777 Capitola Road is reported to need $200,000 to $500,000 in repairs, with the roof, heating system, and parking lot in need of replacement.

Kristin Pfotenhauer, president of the Live Oak School District board, appears interested in working with Community Bridges if a site suitable for employee housing is found. She hoped to have more information by the end of April.

Community Bridges was hopeful the $2.4 million purchase, to include a $800,000

“Business Hall of Fame” from page 19

Sandi is on the executive board of The Living Breath Foundation, providing financial support to those living with Cystic Fibrosis.

She was recognized in 2023 as a National Volunteer ‘hero’ for JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, for her work over 20 years.

Sandi was honored this past November at the National Philanthropy luncheon for her work on the United Way Monterey County Board.

She currently serves on the Board of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. Previously she was on the Board of Councilors, Division of Social Sciences for UC Santa Cruz, the board of Second Harvest Food Bank co-chairing the Holiday Food Drive twice, United Way of Santa Cruz County and many other local nonprofits.

She has three adult children, all graduates of Pacific Grove High School, and four energizing grandchildren.

She lives in Carmel Valley with her spouse, Kat.

Saturday April 13

• Daisy Nuñez — Rising Through Grief Together: A Community and Educator Support Perspective

• Effron “Donnie” Veal — Transcending Incarceration Through Education

• Esabella Bonner — Values As Verbs: Walking the Walk

• Galina Hale — Funding Climate Solutions

• Juliano Calil — Immersive Narratives for Climate Awareness

• Kara Meyberg Guzman — Local News: Telling Our Story Through the Lens of Listening

• Kat Armstrong & Jorge Guillen — Someone Like Me: Drag Matters

• Kyra Bobinet — Iteration: The Neuroscience of Change

down payment, would help the district resolve its current budget deficit but those issues are structural — birth rates are declining statewide and families are leaving to find more affordable communities — and money from a property sale can’t be spent on employee salaries and benefits.

Meals on Wheels provides daily meals for about 800 older adults, and Senior Network Services connects seniors with services such as information on Medicare. Their home base has been in limbo since late 2018, when Live Oak School District informed Community Bridges that officials were thinking of the property for workforce housing.

Three times, Meals on Wheels and Senior Network Service have been given eviction

Tom Gray, real estate developer, conservationist and philanthropist, Santa Lucia Preserve (Carmel Valley)

He is co-founder of the Santa Lucia Conservancy. He and his late partner Peter Stocker first saw the land that would become the Santa Lucia Preserve in February 1989, envisioning a conservation community of private homes and protected land. Before his preservation work, he was a senior executive at Wells Fargo & Co. and ran two of Wells Fargo’s real estate subsidiaries.

He was the managing principal partner in developing the Santa Lucia Preserve community. Beginning in 1990, he led the transformation of the historic Rancho San Carlos into the “Santa Lucia Preserve” a development where 297 private home-sites are interwoven throughout 20,000 acres of open space, 90% of which is protected in perpetuity through the Santa Lucia Conservancy, which was endowed with $25 million from the developer.

He was a member of the CSU Monterey Bay President’s Council and led the capital campaign for the university’s Chapman Science Academic Center, the first new building erected on the campus. He is past

• Luna HighJohn-Bey — Following A Hunch: History, Community, & Belonging

• Madeline Aliah — Beyond Safe Spaces: Meet Me There

• Maria Cadenas — Building a Shared and Prosperous Economic Future for All

• MariaElena De La Garza — What Did You Call Me? Reclaiming Our Power Through Language

• Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela — Traditional Knowledge & Ecotourism: A Tale of North and South

• Nicole Beck — Rainwater Not Wastewater

• Stephen Will Weir — Intentional Consumption: Three Simple Questions

• Terry Carr — Growing Justice, Growing Food, Growing Tech

dates, and both have operated at the Live Oak Senior Center on month-to-month leases while working with the Live Oak School District on the terms of a two-year lease extension.

“We want to work quickly with the Live Oak School District to ensure our organizations can meet the needs of seniors and educators, all of whom face challenges to live and thrive in this region. Creating two supportive spaces in the Live Oak community would be an outstanding outcome,” said Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO.

The County of Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency acquired the Senior Center property and Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park from the Roberts family trust for $3,315,000.

board chair of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County. His work helped establish conservation and environmental education programs through the Preserve, which are offered free to local schools and nonprofits.

Tom and his wife, Alayna, live at the Santa Lucia Preserve.

Gayle Ortiz, co-founder and co-owner, Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria (Capitola)

She learned the art of baking while working in the restaurant business in Santa Cruz. After studying with mentors in the San Francisco Bay Area and learning from master bakers in Europe, she began a home-based croissant business in the 1970s.

In 1978, she and her husband Joe decided to open a small bakery nestled above the quaint little village of Capitola.

It began with 800 square feet, serving 10 items. Five years later, the Rosticceria, an Italian deli with a beautiful rotisserie was added. Today, Gayle’s Bakery is a thriving 10,000-square-foot food emporium with two successful cookbooks and 180 employees.

It is a landmark business and community hub, having served generations of Capitola community members and visitors. Gayle is a

Consuelo Alba, founder of the Watsonville Film Festival, and co-producers Nada Miljkovic of UC Santa Cruz, and Elana Solon and Jenny Kurzweil of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County were part of a 10-person selection committee.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County is the presenting sponsor. Foundation’s CEO Susan True said this year’s event will help inspire collective action, creating solutions for challenges too large for any one person to solve. n

•••

Tickets are $80, or $35 for students at https:// cabrillovapa.universitytickets.com/w/event. aspx?id=1801

In 2004, the County then sold the Senior Center to Live Oak School District for $2,225,000 with the goal to ensure older adult programs would remain at the site.

The Elena Baskin Live Oak Senior Center, named after the late local philanthropist and senior service advocate Elena Baskin, is identified in the Area Plan on Aging as an “irreplaceable hub” for older adults. Baskin, who died in 1996, envisioned preserving and expanding this central location in Live Oak, and the community supported this vision by passing Measure E, a $14.5 million bond measure for the Live Oak School District, in 2004.

The ballot argument for Measure E, signed by Bruce McPherson, John Laird, and Jack O’Neill, reads, “If the District buys this land, the Senior Center will remain open.” n

community leader in Capitola, having served on the board for the Capitola Historical Museum, the Planning Commission, and the Capitola City Council (including a term as mayor). She played a vital role in raising the funds for the beautiful new Capitola Branch Library.

As campaign chair, her efforts secured more than $500,000 needed to complete the project. She has supported the Community Foundation for Santa Cruz County, Friends of the Foundation Fund.

She lives in Capitola with her husband and business partner, Joe.

•••

About 20 students from Watsonville attended as part of their participation in JA’s high school entrepreneurship programs. One student-run company, “Rosever,” makes and sells “forever” flower bouquets made from satin ribbon. During the networking hour, attendees bought out their entire inventory.

“This event celebrates the very best of our local business community while directly inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders, our JA students,” said JA NorCal CEO Cristene Burr. n

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PVUSD: INPUT SESSION, JOB FAIR & SUMMER IDEAS

Input Session — The Local Control Accountability Plan officially defines PVUSD’s goals and priorities. There is one more in-person LCAP input nights March

6 at Aptos Junior High from 6:30 - 8 p.m., with a light meal at 6 p.m. and childcare for 3- to 11-year-olds.

PVUSD Job Fair — Come to the District Office, in the Boardroom (294 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville) on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and find the perfect job in service to the community’s youth! Certificated, classified and administrative positions available. https://tinyurl.com/25spxecs

PVUSD LGBTQ+ Committee — The next meeting topic is “Gender Neutral Bathrooms” which will include student presentations. Meeting is 6-7 p.m. at EA Hall on Thursday Feb. 29, with a light meal at 5:30 p.m. All families, staff, and students are welcome.

Jump into Summer — The Family Engagement Team offers a conference Saturday, March 16, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at E. A. Hall, 201 Brewington Ave., Watsonville, with breakfast and ideas on how to keep students engaged over the summer and provide them with educational resources that can help prevent the “summer slide.” A resource fair is scheduled from 12-1pm.

New School Celebrates 30 Years — New School’s mission is to provide a culturally responsive, community-centered alternative education. Author Dave Gutierrez spoke with students, families and staff on Feb. 28 and the big 30th Anniversary celebration is Friday, March 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. YMCA enrichment programs on selected Saturdays — (Saturday Intersessions) for TK-8 grade students. Details: https://tinyurl.com/ykemkvou

Families of Students with Special Needs — For March events, see: https://www.spinsc.org/events-2

APTOS LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Mon-Thur: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Fri-Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Closed

Sunday • 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Sundays

First Sunday: ACT Advisory Council of Teens: 11 am to 1 pm

Mondays

Bridge Club, 10:30-noon, partnership with County Parks, except for Monday holidays Writers Workshop, 1-3 p.m. 2nd & 4th Mondays

Tech Help in person, 1-3 p.m. weekly. Make an appointment (831-427-7713)

First Monday: SciFi Flicks, 6-8 p.m. Snacks provided.

Scheduled movies for 2024:

April: 2001: A Space Odyssey

May: Star Wars: A New Hope

June: The Sixth Sense

July: Independence Day

August.: Beetlejuice

September: The Truman Show

October: The Addams Family

November: Everything Everywhere All At Once

December: Nightmare Before Christmas

Tuesdays

Storytime for ages 3-5, 11-11:30 am weekly

Aptos Youth Chess Club, 3:30-4:30 pm weekly

Wednesdays

First and Third Wednesdays: Tales to Tails: Kids age 6-17 read to dogs, 3:30-4:30 pm. Must make appointment: 831-427-7713 Through June 18

Minecraft for ages 8-18, 3:30-5:30 pm

Thursdays

Tai Chi, 10-11 am weekly

Mah Jongg 2-4 p.m. weekly

READ Help for Kids 3-5 pm weekly by appointment.

Ages 6 to 18 with credentialed teachers. Email elibrary@ santacruzpl.org

First Thursdays: Friends of Aptos Library Meeting, 5-6 pm. (Scheduled March 4 and April 4)

Second Thursdays: Book Discussions, 1-2:30 pm online and in-person. Register at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/11782362

March 14: Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. April 11: Immense World by Yong.

May 9: Fantasyland: How America went haywire by Kurt Anderson

Fridays

Third Fridays: Bring Your Own Book Discussion, 11 am-12:30pm

OMEGA NU SCHOLARSHIPS

Omega Nu scholarships of $500 to $5,000 are open to students who plan to enroll in a California community college, CSU, UC, or a California vocational school and show financial need.

The Cabrillo Thresher/Ted Bockman Memorial Aquatics Scholarship is open to students who have participated in at least 2 years of varsity swimming or varsity water polo and complete the Thresher/Bockman Addendum. Applications are at https://www.duckyderbysantacruz. org/scholarship-main-page and are due by March 27. Renewal applications are also due by March 27. Email the completed application to ormeganuscscholarships@ gmail.com

NOMINATE ORAL HEALTH HEROES

Due Fri., March 15, Noon.

Nominations are open for the 2024 Oral Health Hero Awards that recognize outstanding commitment to improving oral health for the underserved in Santa Cruz County.

Two awards will be given – one to a dental professional one to a non-dental professional. Recognition of the Oral Health Heroes will be at the Oral Health Summit on April 24. Submit nominations at: https://bit.ly/OralHealthHero2024

COUNTY SURVEY ON AGING

To initiate Age Well Santa Cruz County, a new county initiative, a local survey launched on Jan. 8 to collect community feedback focused on aging. The deadline to respond is March 31.

The survey is supported by a steering committee of engaged community members and outreach efforts to maximize community participation will take place widely. Results from the survey will inform the local master plan goals.

Age Well Santa Cruz County will partner with organizations, businesses, clubs, agencies and individuals throughout Santa Cruz County to ensure as many people as possible participate in the survey.

IRISH BAND ALTAN

Wednesday March 13

7:30 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay presents the Irish band Altan at 7:30 p.m., at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz.

In a career spanning 35 years, Altan has released over a dozen recordings, the latest, The Gap of Dreams (©2018 Compass Records), following the acclaimed The Widening Gyre.

The survey is online at www.wagewellsantacruzcounty. org and www.buenavejezcondadodesantacruz.org. For questions, email AgeWell@santacruzcountyca.gov

To request a paper survey in English or Spanish call (831) 454-4397.

DEADLINE FOR PG&E SCHOLARSHIPS: MARCH 15

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will award more than $200,000 to college-bound high schoolers as well as current college and continuing education students living in Northern and Central California.

The scholarships were created by PG&E’s 11 employee resource groups and two engineering network groups, which support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Scholarship winners will receive $1,000 to $6,000 for exemplary scholastic achievement and community leadership.

The PG&E Foundation will award $350,000 in Better Together STEM Scholarships for students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines. There will be 60 scholarships in amounts of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 awards.

Last year, the foundation upped the number of scholarships from 40 to 60 students. In 2022, eligibility expanded to students admitted to Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as California colleges and universities. Awards are based on demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.

The goal is to give the next generation an opportunity to learn and succeed in higher education and support students who have made an impact in their community or who have overcome personal challenges. Applications can be found on PG&E’s website at http://tinyurl. com/pge-grants-2024.

STARTUP CHALLENGE MONTEREY BAY

Startup Challenge Monterey Bay is a business competition that supports the founding, funding, and growth of new and innovative businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

It offers workshops, feedback, and mentoring.

Last year’s winners were: Friendly Robots (automated commercial vacuum cleaners), venture division, $10,000; Art Abilities, art classes for students with disabilities, social venture, $5,000; Cheeza Jewelry, Main Street division, $5,000; and Bubbly Hill Wines, using AI technology, student division, $1,000.

Deadline to apply is midnight March 4. The qualifying round is April 5, and the Finale and Venture Showcase will be on April 26.

Learn more at startupchallengemb.com. Questions? Email info@ startupchallengemontereybay.com

Fiddler, singer and founding member Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was named the Gradam Ceoil/Traditional Musician of the Year in 2017. She is only the third woman in 20 years to receive this award.

Their new book, The Tunes, is the first printed collection of this instrumental music, with 222 tunes in 206 pages, plus the history, folklore and the composers.

Altan has moved audiences from Donegal, their hometown, to Tokyo to Seattle.

Tickets are $35 at https://www.celticsociety.org/, and $40 at the door, with a $3 member discount.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOUGHT

Leadership Santa Cruz County is now hiring an executive director, a part time position with salary commensurate to experience. The executive director is responsible for carrying out the mission of the organization under the direction of the Board of Directors. Applicants should be familiar with the inner workings of Santa Cruz County’s institutions, its decision makers, and current affairs.

The executive director plans and coordinates the program for each class year and is expected to be active and visible in the community working with other governmental, business, and nonprofit organizations. This position requires strong skills in organizational planning and program development, public speaking, group facilitation skills, budgeting, and knowledge of fundraising strategies and opportunities.

Graduates of Leadership Santa Cruz County or a similar program are preferred.

More than 1,600 individuals have graduated from Leadership Santa Cruz County since it was founded in 1985 to enhance the civic participation of emerging community leaders.

If interested, submit resume to: lmurphy@cityofsantacruz. com with a minimum of three references. More information: leadershipsantacruzcounty.org.

MAH 2024 EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is pleased to announce its exhibition program for 2024, which includes solo and group shows, collaborative partnerships, and the return of its biennial, countywide multi-arts festival.

Highlights from the season include: the return of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship showcase; a retrospective of renowned landscape painter Richard Mayhew; a group exhibition about Filipino migration and labor in the Pajaro Valley presented with UC Santa Cruz; an exploration of photographic media with Ansel Adams, Norman Locks, Karolina Karlic, Shelby Graham, Binh Danh, and Edgar Cruz; a touring exhibition of works by contemporary Black artists including Ed Clark, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Tavares Strachan, among others; CommonGround, a 10-day festival of outdoor art and performance hosted across the county; and an in-gallery, immersive Afrospeculative experience featuring Bay Area muralists Timothy B, Zoe Boston, and Shogun Shido.

MAH is located at 705 Front St. in Santa Cruz.

ARTS DIRECTOR SOUGHT

Pajaro Valley Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as executive director to advance the mission of the organization: Bringing the Community Together Through the Arts.

PVA has a vibrant exhibit program and blossoming arts education programs housed in a 1,200-square foot gallery. Responsibilities include leading a capital campaign to remodel the Porter Building, a 12,000-square foot community facility in downtown Watsonville (owned debt-free) to expand programming.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary who has outstanding management, development, organizational, and communication skills/experience. Bilingual/Spanish and arts programming experience are highly desirable. This is a part-time (20-29 hours per week) position, with the possibility of becoming full-time as programming expands at the new facility.

The position is at-will, paid hourly and does not include health benefits. The executive director serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Pay commensurate with experience $40-$55 per hour.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to apply@pvarts.org

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet each month in 2024 except September and November.

Remaining dates are March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 3. There is no meeting in September or November.

Altan

Meetings typically begin at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing thru May 12

RICHARD MAYHEW: INNER TERRAIN

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St.

A rare and timely exhibition of the artwork of Soquel artist Richard Mayhew (b. 1924) at the Museum of Art & History, feature works that speak to American arts, culture, and history.

Mayhew blends multiple genres including Baroque landscape, Impressionism, plein-air, Abstract Expressionism, and Color Field painting using mechanisms from each.

He calls his landscapes “moodscapes” as an introspective excavation of the terrain of his mind.

This exhibition — guest curated by Shelby Graham and Kajahl — is presented with support from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz County Bank.

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

The Aptos Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

WALKING ADVENTURE GROUP

9:30-11:30 a.m., Various locations

Walking Adventure Group, offered by city of Santa Cruz Recreation, offers weekly coordinated walks at locations around the county.

Join this group of active seniors for a weekly walking adventure

Walks can be canceled by inclement weather:

Tuesdays: Smell the Roses

Thursday: Walking Adventure Group

To register visit https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/ government/city-departments/parks-recreation/seniorprograms

For more information call 831-420-5180 or e-mail WalkingAdventureGroup@gmail.com.

Third Thursdays SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos

Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works. Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

Second Friday Each Month

NEW BRIDGE GROUP

10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge on the second Friday of each month from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.   First meeting was Oct. 13. Bette Harken, Master Bridge player, will give an introduction for beginners. Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

Second and Fourth Saturdays

SOQUEL HOMESTEADERS MARKETS: NEW HOME, NEW DAY

11 a.m.-3 p.m., 2505 and 2525 South Main St. parking lots

Soquel Homesteaders Markets in in a new location and on a new day and time starting April 13 and active through Dec. 14. The markets will be in the parking lots across from

TOP DOG FILM FESTIVAL

Saturday March 23

7 pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

The Top Dog Film Festival stops at the Rio Theatre, allowing dog lovers from all walks of life to experience the enchantment and deep emotional connections shared between humans and their furry friends.

From heart-warming stories to jaw-dropping adventures, this year’s film selection celebrates the bond shared between dog and human.

As an inclusive and family-friendly event, the Top Dog Film Tour provides a welcoming space for dog lovers of all ages.

A Yappy Hour will take place at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal before the show.

Movie tickets are $20 at EventBrite; a portion of sales will benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

Information: https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2024/03/23/topdog

Soquel business’s Beer 30, Sunny Side Produce, Buzzo Wood Fired Pizza, and Carpo’s.

The Soquel Homesteaders Markets, organized by Jill Troderman of Holistic Family Nutrition, supports vendors of all good things, with a focus on promoting quality, natural, organic, and sustainable foods and products.

There will be vendors of locally grown produce, cottage industry foods, local meats, cheeses, ferments, natural products, homesteaders’ wares, arts and crafts, honey, candles, sweet treats, coffee and tea, health and wellness products, services, and practitioners, healers, spiritual endeavors, nonprofits, schools, plants, flowers, seeds and herbs, jewelry, green living and up-cycled garage sale items.

The Markets will include live music, food trucks, a gleaner’s table with free local produce, and a seed share/ seed bank.

There will also be homesteading classes from 12 - 1 p.m. Find “Soquel Homesteaders Markets” on Facebook.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday March 2

CRAB FEED AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

5:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Blvd., Watsonville

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation will once again host its annual Crab Feed. Tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for children at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name=E254765&id=55

FINE PRINTING IN APTOS

11 a.m.-Noon, Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive

“Fine Printing in Aptos: Sherwood & Katharine Carruth Grover and their Grace Hoper Press,” a free talk by Felicia Rice and friends will take place at the Aptos Branch Library, and is sponsored by the Aptos History Museum.

The Hunger Fighter Award will also be announced. Tickets are $75 per person at app.giveffect.com/campaigns/ 30254-holiday-food-fund-drive-awards-dinner-2024.

Entrée choices are grilled harissa chicken with leek risotto, or butternut squad ravioli with charred baby carrots & broccoli; plus Caesar salad and strawberry champagne cake. Ticket price includes valet parking.

WATER SUMMIT

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz K&D Landscaping of Watsonville announces the 3rd Annual Central Coast Water Summit, a gathering of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on sustainable water management strategies at the Cocoanut Grove.

This event is open to landscape & irrigation professionals, contractors, property managers, students, homeowners, HOA boards and curious minds.

Speakers include: Justin White, Kam Brian, DJ Seeger, Max Moreno, and Michael Johnson.

Tickets are free to city and county employees, $35 for CLCA members, and $50 for general public, avialable at https://centralcoastwatersummit.ticketleap.com/kd-central-coast-water-summit/

Thursday March 7

thru Sunday March 17

TWELFTH ANNUAL WATSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL

Various times, Online and at Cinelux Green Valley Cinema, 1125 S Green Valley Rd.

The 2024 Watsonville Film Festival will be at Cinelux Green Valley Cinema, with a virtual option.

Festival Highlights:

• Student films will be shown at no charge March 9 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• The Slough Brewing Collective will host afterparties

Friday and Saturday.

Adjacent Events:

After 25 years working at San Francisco’s Grabhorn Press, Sherwood & Trina Grover retired to Aptos in the early 1960s and continued to produce fine printing in the studio of their Seacliff beach residence.

Here, with equipment from the Grabhorn press, the Grovers operated old-style printing presses and set type by hand to manufacture books under their Grace Hoper imprint to the 1980s.

Learn more about the Grace Hoper Press from Felicia Rice, proprietor of Mendocino’s Moving Parts Press, who will talk about her early association in Santa Cruz with the Grovers and their Grace Hoper Press.

Saturday March 2

Sunday March 3

CABRILLO STAGE AUDITIONS: ‘IN THE HEIGHTS’

Sat: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sun: 1-3 p.m., Crocker Theater, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos Come be a part of the music and the magic!

Cabrillo Stage is auditioning for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical, “In the Heights” at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, by appointment only. All roles are open for actors/singers/dancers age 17 and up. Bring sheet music in your key; accompanist will be provided. Dress ready to move with appropriate shoes as you may be asked to join the dance callback. More details and frequently asked questions are available online. Schedule an appointment now at www.cabrillostage.com/auditions

Thursday March 7

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DRIVE AWARDS DINNER

5 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Holiday Food & Fund Drive co-chairs Susan True and Dr. Faris Sabbah invite you to their Harvest’s annual Awards Dinner at Hotel Paradox to celebrate the community for raising millions of meals for Second Harvest Food Bank to feed our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

• Pajaro Valley Arts will host an opening reception from 1-4 p.m. on March 10 for “More Than Cars: Celebrating Lowrider Culture Exhibit” at the PV Arts Porter Building, 280 Main St., Watsonville. No charge.

• Forced into exile and now living in California, Carlos Mejía Godoy is a legendary musician and poet of Nicaragua’s Sandinista revolution of the 1970s-80s. He will share his music, poetry and paintings at Friday, March 15, 7 p.m. at Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave, Seaside. Tickets start at $10 and can be found, along with a full schedule, at https://2024wff.eventive.org/schedule

Friday March 8

Sunday March 22

FREE LEGAL HELP FOR DEBT COLLECTION

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Branciforte Branch Library, 230 Gault St., Santa Cruz

Senior Legal Services will offer free legal assistance to people harassed by debt collectors at the Branciforte Branch Library

You must be 60 or older, low income and a resident of Santa Cruz or San Benito county to qualify. Topics include medical debt, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and legal options.

For an appointment, call 831-426- 8824.

Saturday March 9

STEAM EXPO/FASHION TEENS

STEAM: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Blvd., Watsonville, in the Harvest Building Runway Show: 2 p.m., Arts Building

The Santa Cruz County STEAM Science Technology Engineering Arts Math Expo will take place at the Fairgrounds’ Harvest Building., followed by the Fashion Teens runway show in the Arts Building. Awards will be announced beginning at 3 p.m. in the Harvest Building.

Broadband Investments: Only 28% in County Have Faster Fiber

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Over the last few years the County has worked to improve broadband internet accessibility, reliability, and affordability. Many in our community still have have limited access to reliable (and affordable) high-speed internet — in particular in some of the more rural parts of our county.

Through state and federal funding sources, the County recently developed the Broadband Master Plan (showing gaps and opportunities for broadband deployment), increased access by using funding for a grant program to partner with Cruzio (which provided new access for thousands of local households), supported the efforts to enroll eligible households in the Affordable Connectivity Program and supported efforts with broadband providers to apply for Federal Funding Account and California Advanced Services Fund grants to expand broadband access in Santa Cruz County.

AAnother key finding was that a significant portion of the county is limited to a single provider (limiting competition and potentially increasing costs).

Over 20,000 households in the county lack high-speed internet access altogether while those with service (especially in rural areas) often find challenges with service reliability.

The report looked at the cost of providing fiber (which is a common backbone for highspeed internet access). The cost is significant: Providing fiber only to all locations not served by 100/20Mbps is estimated at $297 million, whereas the cost to provide fiber at 100/100Mbps to reach all locations not currently served is estimated at $537 million.

Broadband Master Plan:

Only 28% Has Faster Fiber

t a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, the Broadband Master Plan was presented. What were the goals of plan and what were the key findings?

The goals of the Master Plan were to: determine the best use of federal and state funding to deliver high-speed internet service in the county (in particular with the most recent increase in available funding from state/federal sources), understand broadband gaps for unserved and underserved areas and create a long-term plan for broadband expansion using private-public partnerships, as well as current county assets and anchor institutions.

What were the key findings?

While the county is largely served at 100/20Mbps level (meaning 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed), only 28% of the county has access to fiber, with a high reliance on cable broadband in many areas.

For many, including those accessing telehealth or students uploading documents, the 100/20Mbps may not be fast enough — hence the goal of 100/100Mbps.

So what short-term things should the County do to help improve access? The Master Plan found that over the next year the County should examine partnerships, grant opportunities, existing County and State fiber investments and potential sources of revenue to aid broadband initiatives within the County.

In the intermediate term, the Plan recommended the County pursue a hybrid strategy with local providers and anchor institutions incorporating fiber, wireless and satellite technologies to ensure all residents, businesses, and key community facilities have access to the necessary 100/100 Mbps internet service.

The County of Santa Cruz has significant challenges due to diverse geography and affordable broadband access, but with effective use of available state and local grant opportunities and the findings provided in the Master Plan, broadband expansion to underserved/unserved locations can be achieved over time.

CPUC Grant Activity

The Federal Funding Account (FFA) managed by the California Public Utilities

Commission (CPUC) is designed to distribute and oversee federal funds for utility-related projects in California.

Under FFA allocation for Broadband expansion, the County of Santa Cruz was allocated $10.3 million that could be applied to the installation of last-mile fiber or cable broadband in the county.

The County reached out to all the regional providers to encourage them to focus on several underserved/non-served areas as defined by the grant requirements. Two providers, AT&T and Surfnet, have applied for FFA grants. CPUC staff is analyzing the applications to select those to be funded.

The California Advanced Services Fund is a program that helps provide highspeed internet access to underserved areas in California, working to reduce the digital divide. It funds infrastructure projects that improve broadband services in communities lacking adequate internet access. The program operates as a grant program that is open to internet service providers to apply for funding to support these broadband expansion projects.

Two internet service providers, Cruzio and Surfnet, have applied for the CASF grants to improve internet access in Santa Cruz County. On Feb. 15, the CPUC approved the grant application of Cruzio, while the

grant application of Surfnet is still awaiting approval.

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Grant

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal initiative aimed at enhancing broadband infrastructure, with a particular focus on underserved areas.

Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the BEAD Program provides significant resources to states to expand highspeed internet access. The initiative not only focuses on expanding physical infrastructure but also emphasizes affordability and digital literacy, ensuring that a wider population can benefit from high-speed internet.

California has been allocated approximately $1.86 billion from the BEAD program, which will be distributed by the CPUC.

As of February 2023, the CPUC is actively working on establishing the state rules for the California BEAD Program. This will involve setting up criteria for grant funding, eligibility, and compliance for the distribution of BEAD funds in California. n

As always, if you have any questions about these efforts or any other matters in our district, please don’t hesitate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media as well at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Meet Nola!

“Staff named me Nola* and I am a spayed female, tan and white Greyhound mix. The shelter staff think I am about 1 year and 1 month old. I have been at the shelter since Feb 24, 2024.”

Nola (#A308745) has been hanging out in a foster home for a week with a couple and their two resident pups.

Her foster parent say the following:

“Nola is a high energy dog, but when she is fulfilled she is calm at home and happy to cuddle.

She will thrive in an active home where she would get walks, runs, and play dates. Nola is friendly and enthusiastic about meeting new people. She will jump up and gently mouth hands, but she’s already learning to make the better choice to sit before getting pets with some positive reinforcement!

St. Pittie’s Party

March 11-17

Visit

https://www. scanimalshelter.org/ saint-pitties-2024/ for details.

She is a social dog and has been comfortable in a small dog daycare setting and really enjoys one on one play. She prefers a game of bouncy chase over rough housing. She’s definitely potty trained, sleeps in a crate throughout the night and has adjusted to the routines of a new home really easily.

This girl is loyal, sweet and goofy. She is the perfect size to potentially be an awesome little adventure partner!”

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

“Calendar” from page 29

The expo will include students with projects competing to advance to state and international competition as well as students showcasing a project, an invention, a Rube Goldberg machine, and club or classroom projects such as robotics or science fiction writing.

This event is presented by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. This year’s coordinator is Heather Wygant, who previously taught a high school science in San Jose, Mountain View and Morgan Hill.

Saturday March 9

Sunday March 10

RISING STARS

10 a.m., 829 Bay Av., Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola

Presented by Santa Cruz Bridge Center. Limited/750*

Sectional

Entry fee is $15 per person per session. Find information at https://www.santacruzbridge.org

Wednesday March 13

REMARKABLE AI

6-8:30 p.m., Coconut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Works presents “Remarkable AI” featuring a book signing with Guy Kawasaki (his 16th) and a fireside chat with AI experts at the Coconut Grove.

Expect 15 interactive demos by AI companies like Midjourney and Horizon3. AI, and insights from tech leaders Lila Tretikov and Claire Delaunay.

Sponsored by Santa Cruz Ventures, co-sponsored by Insperity. Tickets are $25. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ remarkable-ai-tickets-815848413567

Thursday March 14

UCSC ARTS DEAN TO SPEAK

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

Aptos Chamber presents a luncheon at the Seascape Golf Club with guest speaker Celine Parrenas Shimizu, dean of the arts, professor, film & digital arts at UC Santa Cruz. The registration fee is $35 and open to the public. Register at www.aptoschamber.com or call (831) 688-1467, as walk-ins are not permitted.

RARE FRUITS TALK

7 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive

The Gardeners’ Club will have a free presentation on rare fruits that can be grown in our area by Nate Blackmore, a member of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers, at the Aptos Grange.

The public is welcome to attend. For information visit www.thegardenersclub.org or call Cherry at 831 475-0991.

CYPRESS HIGH INFO NIGHT

6-7:30 p.m., Cypress High School, 2039 Merrill St, Santa Cruz Cypress High School presents Family Information Night Home of the Sea Otters, Cypress High School is a public school focusing on small classroom size, inclusivity, and college preparation, serving students in grades 10-12 from all over Santa Cruz County.

Saturday March 16

PVUSD JOB FAIR

10 a.m.-noon, PVUSD board room, 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

Pajaro Valley Unified School District will host a Job Fair at the PVUSD board room.

Bring copies of your resume and meet with recruiters. Infomation: 831-786-2145. Visit www.pvusd.net

Sunday March 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

3–6 p.m., Cork & Fork Capitola, 312 Capitola Ave. Cork & Fork Capitola will host a St. Patrick’s Day party featuring performers Schoolcraft and Murray. Their acoustic music has a groove to make you move.

They blend the best of their many heroes: Lyle Lovett, Carole King, Santana, Robbie Fulks, The Allman Brothers, Steely Dan.

No entry fee.

For more information about Schoolcraft and Murray, visit https:// www.schoolcraftandmurray.com/info.

Thursday March 21

CHAMBER MIXER

5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos

The Aptos and Pajaro Valley chambers will have a networking mixer hosted by California Coffee. There will be beer, wine, coffee, appetizers, music and a raffle.

Price: $5 per person.

INTERNSHIP FAIR

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cabrillo College Upper Quad, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos

Cabrillo College will host an Internship Fair in the upper quad.

Internships must be posted at the Seahawk job board by March 11. Pay of $16 an hour is required. Cabrillo will also host job fairs in April: April 10 in Aptos and April 17 in Watsonville.

Friday March 22

CAPITOLA/APTOS ROTARY FUNDRAISER

5:30-8:30 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

Capitola-Aptos Rotary will present a fundraiser at Seascape Golf Club.

The event will honor retiring County Supervisor Zach Friend, retiring County Supervisor Bruce McPherson and County Park Friends.

Proceeds will help to fund the Treasure Cove universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park in Capitola and the Capitola Aptos Rotary community grants program.

Tickets are $150 per person. Register at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/819329545727?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday March 23

KIDS FUN RUN

6:30 – 10:30 a.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk hosts a Kids Fun Run. There are two races: a 1K for kids 12 and under, and a 5K for kids age 4 and up. (and families).

The fee is $25 for the 1K and $40 for the 5K. Fees go up after Feb. 23.

Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/Boardwalk FunRun n

Guy Kawasaki

Schoolcraft and Murray