Aptos Times: April 15, 2025

Rock

By Jondi Gumz

Can you name a major employer in the Tri-County area, still owned by the family of the founder, and celebrated 125 years in business this year?

Festival of Flowers at Watsonville Buddhist Temple

Saturday, April 5, was a special day at Watsonville’s Buddhist Temple. Hanamatsuri, the annual Festival of Flowers, has been bringing the community together for a number of years to celebrate Japanese culture. Full Story page 12

Sports Hall of Fame Event

No, it’s not the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This company sells crushed gravel, concrete and asphalt and operates the Arthur R. Wilson Quarry, named for the founder.

Yes, it’s Graniterock, a leader in the construction industry, employing nearly 1,000 people, including 100 at the quarry. ... continues on page 4

The Aptos High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 gets inducted on May 3 at the Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. Full Story page 6

Patrice Edwards

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers

“Graniterock” from page 1

When I got an invitation from Shanna Crigger, my former Santa Cruz reporter colleague, to join a media tour of the quarry, I said yes.

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

Michael Oppenheimer

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Camisa Composti

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

Cathe Race

This is one place I had never seen during my 33 years as a reporter.

The quarry is a vast space — 1,000 acres — in the middle of nowhere, just outside Aromas, stretching into San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

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Jondi Gumz, Mark Dorfman, Kim De Serpa, Edita McQuary, Kylie Brunelli, Risa D’Angeles, Alison Hanks-Sloan, Marc Cuniberti, Iris Myers distribution

As you enter, there’s a sign with the number of days without an employee injured and unable to work: 54.

Before this, it was two years.

In the quarry, your drive on the left for safety reasons.

Graniterock’s motto is “Safety above all else.”

We did have to wear hard hats, safety goggles and reflective vests.

Railroad surveyors working along the banks of the Pajaro River discovered the granite deposit, which at first was named for Judge Logan.

“Mother Earth gave us this vein of granite,” said Keith Severson, Graniterock’s director of community relations, leading the tour. “We’re serving 70 to 100 jobs a day.”

Those jobs could be the base of a new road, riprap for a seawall — or for a dam.

Wilson and his partner saw the

potential of the property after rock was supplied to Southern Pacific Railroad to build track, and incorporated Granite Rock Company in 1900.

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The site is on the San Andreas Fault. It turns out California’s other major vein of granite is in the Sierra Nevada, not as convenient for building in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This is Aromas, so Graniterock pays property taxes to San Benito County.

Everything is huge: The 4-story Krupp crusher from Germany, the trucks hauling heavy loads, the tires.

A conveyor belt a mile long carries rock from the pit — 120 feet below sea level — to the processing facility.

Heavy loads can be shipped by rail, 100 rail cars a day, saving wear and tear on highways.

Jacquie Borges, an environmental engineer for Graniterock, showed off an area where mining no longer takes place, a reclamation project required by the state.

At this location, no rock is visible, just thick green native grasses taking over a 22-acre hillside next to 15,000 solar panels that provides 60% of the power to the mining operation.

This $15 million solar farm was completed in 2022, inspired by environmental activists.

The native grasses come from Graniterock’s greenhouse in Aromas.

Graniterock offers employees a career, a place to learn new skills with pay to support a family.

Hollister High School, 19 miles away, offers a building and construction pathway in its Career Technical Education.

What keeps Graniterock going for 125 years?

Severson said, “The people.”

And the granite vein is expected to serve the community for another 100 years. n

Aptos High Debate Team Heads to State

The Aptos High School Migrant Education Debate Team earned first place at the regional tournament March 14 in Salinas and will advance to the state competition May 2–4 in Monterey.

The regional tournament brought together teams from across the area, all showcasing their public speaking skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. The Aptos High team impressed judges with their persuasive arguments, poise, and collaborative approach.

“This victory is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our migrant students,” said Luis Medina, director of migrant education at Pajao Valley Unified School District. “They have worked incredibly hard to prepare, and it’s inspiring to see their voices uplifted and recognized on a regional stage. We’re excited to cheer them on.”

For many of the team members, the debate experience has been transformative

— not only sharpening their communication skills but also empowering them to speak confidently on important issues.

Senior Angel Garcia said, “I learned a lot these past 3 years in debate. I have met different people who have taught me the multiple ways we are able to construct a narrative on a certain topic.

Being able to step out of my comfort zone and learn to be uncomfortable when doing public speaking, I have been able to speak with an impact to an audience that would be of use when bringing change to our world.”

Paula Rocha, also a senior, agreed, “Speech and debate with the migrant program has been fun and helpful. It has helped me throughout my classes and life by growing my public speaking skills and shaping my confidence. I’m grateful to have taken advantage of this opportunity and I hope many other students continue to participate in this team.” n

Congratulations to Viridiana Bonilla-Zamudio!

Artwork by Aptos High School student

Viridiana Bonilla-Zamudio has been selected as the winner of the Muzzio Mosaic Art Competition.

She will receive $500, and her design will be recreated at the Muzzio Mosaic Art Center in Watsonville.

Her piece illustrates a heartfelt moment between a mother, daughter, and local vendor.

“This is my first experience depicting something so prominent and meaningful in my childhood,” she said. “I’d want people to see this mosaic and come to the same realization I have, that this moment is worth capturing.”

Her winning piece — created in her CTE Visual Commercial Art class using Procreate — was presented to the Watsonville Arts Commission on April 3. n

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Aptos High Sports Hall of Fame Event May 3

By Mark Dorfman

The Aptos High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 gets inducted on May 3 at the Seascape Golf Club in Aptos.

The ten new members are highlighted by coaches Mark Hull (girls volleyball) and Linda Hitchcock (girls tennis), Michelle Park, a four-time 1st-team All-SCCAL golfer who won two league championships and earned two league MVP awards, Cody Gilbert, a four-time 1st-team All-SCCAL water-polo player who earned 1st-team All-CCS honors, and All-SCCAL tight end John Baker, who, after 40 years, remains the all-time AHS leading receiver for a single season and for a career.

Mark Hull coached girls volleyball, as both an assistant and as the head coach, at Aptos for 27 years, and he was part of 13 SCCAL championships, a CCS and NorCal championship, and 5 undefeated SCCAL seasons.

His Mariners achieved 17 seasons of 20 or more wins, 4 seasons of 30-plus wins, and 27 consecutive CCS playoff appearances.

Linda Hitchcock coached girls tennis at Aptos for over 20 years, 10 as the head coach.

As head coach, her Mariners won 7 SCCAL Championships, and Linda was awarded the CCS Honor Coach in girls tennis in 2021. Michelle Park (Class of 2010) was selected as the SCCAL MVP in girls golf as both a junior and a senior, and was a twotime SCCAL individual champion.

As a junior in 2008, Michelle won the SCCAL title shooting a 93 at Seascape Golf Course, and she repeated as champion in 2009, shooting a 79 at DeLaveaga. She finished 2nd as a sophomore in 2007.

Cody Gilbert (Class of 2010) was selected to the 1st-team All-SCCAL boys water polo team four consecutive years, and he was 1st-team All-CCS as a senior.

As a sophomore, he led the Mariners to their first CCS playoff game in 12 years, and as

a senior he was selected to play in the CCS vs. NCS All-Star Game. Cody was an outstanding swimmer, winning the 100m backstroke at both the high school SCCAL championships and at the junior college Coast Conference championships, swimming for Cabrillo. Cody was also an outstanding waterpolo player, the leading scorer, at Cabrillo. Subsequently, as the head girls water polo coach at Aptos, Cody’s team won the CCS and NorCal Championships this past fall, both firsts for Aptos water-polo.

John Baker (Class of 1983) still holds the AHS school records for receptions in a season (40) and career receptions (69). John was a two-time All-SCCAL tight end, and he led the ‘82 Mariners to the SCCAL title and to their best overall record in 20 years.

John was also an outstanding basketball player, helping the Mariner hoopsters to win two SCCAL team titles, plus a CCS Finals appearance in ‘83. John matriculated to Cabrillo where he was a two-time 1st-team All-Coast Conference selection in basketball.

•••

The Class of 2025 also features some of Aptos High’s best competitors in football, soccer, softball, and volleyball:

• Joe Garbini (1979) — A running back, Joe led the ‘78 Mariners to their 1st SCCAL Championship in school history. Joe was the SCCAL Offensive Playerof-the-Year in 1978, and his record as the leading rusher in Aptos history stood for 13 years.

• Shelley Rains-Chavez (1988) — After earning 1st-team All-SCCAL honors as a sophomore in both soccer and softball, Shelley was in a terrible car wreck to begin her junior year. She broke her pelvis in two places and fractured her left thigh bone, requiring a permanent plate to be installed in her hip to pull the bone back together.

“Aptos HoF” page 8

Mark Hull

Linda Hitchcock

Michelle Park

Cody Gilbert

John Baker

Home Insurance: Expect Painful Prices

By Jondi Gumz

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara wants to bring insurers back to California but that doesn’t mean relief on rates.

“Prices are high because options are few,” said Amy Bach, founder of the nonprofit United Policyholders.

CalFire Deputy Chief John Morgan wants homeowners to create “defensible space” in the 30 feet next to your home to give firefighters a buffer to do their work.

The insurance commissioner said defensible space efforts “should be considered in insurance pricing but that doesn’t happen.”

He acknowledged that many retirees can’t afford to “harden” their homes against wildfire.

That’s the state of home insurance in California from three top experts convened for a Zoom call April 3 by Assembly Member Gail Pellerin.

Lara has 10 sponsored bills in the Legislature aimed at improving the insurance situation. Here are three:

California Safe Homes Act (authored by Assembly Member Lisa Calderon) This legislation would provide state-tax-free funds (up to $10,000) to help residents purchase fire-rated roofs and develop non-ignition

zones around their properties. These initiatives seek to safeguard lives and homes while enhancing eligibility for insurance discounts.

The act would establish a grant program at the Department of Insurance, using existing funds without incurring additional costs to

taxpayers—similar to current programs in other states that address windstorm threats.

The grants would be federal-tax-free if Congress passes the bipartisan “Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act,” which has received support from the Commissioner and many members of California’s congressional delegation.

California Community Fire Hardening Commission Act (authored by Senators Susan Rubio, Dave Cortese, and Henry Stern) Proposes the creation of an independent statewide commission within the Department of Insurance to develop a more effective inspection system enabling individuals to receive insurance discounts for home hardening for wildfire safety.

The commission will review lessons learned from recent wildfires and offer recommendations to enhance and expedite home and community hardening efforts.

Eliminate “The List” Act (authored by Senator Ben Allen) This bill requires insurance companies to pay wildfire survivors 100% of their contents coverage without needing a detailed inventory list.

“Home Insurance Prices” page 25

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates

831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

CalBRE#01799929

NEW LISTINGS

573 MEADOW ROAD

Stunning Single-Level Forest & Meadows home on 2.1 acres of fully usable land. Four bedrooms plus an office, 3.5 bathrooms & 3128 square feet. Enjoy country-living minutes from the beach. Open House Sat 3/19 1:00-4:00

825 BALBOA #104 — Wake up to breathtaking ocean & white-water views in this beautifully updated ground-floor condo, just steps to New Brighton Beach. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, 922SF. Open House Sat 3/19 1:00-4:00

SINGLE-FAMILY SOLD (3/09-4/09) — 21 homes sold. I closed 323 Los Altos for $1,649,000, listed and sold on the first day! Average Sales Price = $1,689,762, Median Sales Price = $1,485,000. Of the 21 sales, 13 sold in <21 days, so the market is HOT! High sales were: 168 Zanzibar-$3,600,000, 4B/3.5Ba/3562SF, 735 Meadow-$2,600,000, 3B/3Ba/3780SF, 439 Vista Del Mar$2,488,000, 3B/3Ba/2264SF, and 106 Toledo-$$2,365,000, 3B/2.5Ba/1720SF. Low sale was 231 Aptos School Road - $979,000 (on list of $929,000), 2B/2Ba/1301SF

SINGLE-FAMILY ACTIVE — The market is heating up. 60 Actives as of 4/09. 13 homes >$3M, 16 homes $2-$3M, 6 homes-$1.5-$2M, 15 homes $1-$1.5M, and 10 homes <$1M. Something for everyone. Average List Price = $2,438,298, Median List Price = $1,997,500. In 2017, we just broke into $1.0M as the Median List Price, so prices have doubled in <8 years. Homes near Median: 130 Thunderbird – 3B/2Ba/2447SF - $2,198,000, 100 Pleasant Heights – 4B/4Ba/3600SF$2,099,000, 1125 Sumner – 3B/3Ba/2755 SF, $1,999,000, 940 Pinehurst – 3B/2BA/1854SF - $1,995,000. Homes <$1.5M: 3177 Ledyard –3B/2Ba/1544 SF - $1,475,000, 249 Spreckels – 3B/2BA/1437SF - $1,399,000, 423 Sumner –2B/2Ba/1665SF - $1,350,000, 505 Clubhouse – 3B/2BA/1067SF - $1,300,000, 4900 Trout Gulch – 4B/2BA/1824SF - $1,275,000, 512 Cedar – 3B/2Ba/1226SF - $1,250,000

CONDOS & TOWNHOMES SOLD (3/09-4/09) — 1063 Via Tornasol - $1,050,000 – 2B/2Ba/1549SF, 270 Carrera Circle$965,000 – 3B/2.5BA/1450SF, 2610 Phoebe Lane - $869,000 – 2B/2.5BA/1396SF, 2619 Willowbrook #97 - $739,000 –2B/2Ba/1210SF, 113 Madeline #7 - $697,500 – 2B/1.5BA/1093SF

CONDOS & TOWNHOMES ACTIVE 15 homes, 6 are listed over $1M. High is 120 Paseo Ballena - $1,700,000 –4B/2.5BA/2079SF, low is2605 Willowbrook #35 - $675,000 – 2B/2Ba/1210SF

30-YEAR MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE — 6.70% on 4/02, unfortunately 7.0% on 4/09

Call, email, text anytime and Get Results With Ruth!

Santa Cruz County to Announce Next Youth Poet Laureate April 17

Five teen poets — Sylvi Kayser , Aptos High School, Mason Leopold , San Lorenzo Valley High School, Finn Maxwell , San Lorenzo Valley High School, Noemi Romero , Pajaro Valley High School, and Xander Shulman , Santa Cruz High School — are finalists to become the 2025-26 Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate.

The announcement will come at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, at Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

The Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate program is organized in partnership with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County.

The event will celebrate teen poets, with poetry readings from the outgoing Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyes, other members of the outgoing cohort, and the five 2025-26 finalists. Free food and refreshments donated from community vendors will be available beforehand.

All are welcome and encouraged to reserve their seat at https://tinyurl.com/ SCC-Youth-Poet-celeb-tkts.

Parking is free.

The 2025-26 finalists were selected after an application process over the last few months, one which included optional drop-in workshops supported by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Watsonville Library.

Program judges read the entire applicant pool, selected the finalists by committee and met with each finalist to hear them read.

The 2025-26 Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one-year term and receive a $500 cash prize. Each of the finalists will receive $100 in honor of their achievements in poetry and community engagement, along with prizes donated by Two Birds Books in Capitola.

Members of the 2024-25 cohort say the program has been invaluable. Madeline Aliah says it gave her “access to...networking opportunities to put momentum into my social justice career.”

More information is available at: https://sites. google.com/view/santa-cruz-youth-poet-laureate/ home?authuser=0

Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyes reflects, “I have been able to run workshops, help create a youth anthology that gives a voice to my peers, and connect with fellow poets on a level I never could’ve without the program.”

The Youth Poet Laureate acts as an advocate and county ambassador for poetry, social action and civic engagement, with the

“Aptos HoF” from page 6

She missed her entire junior sports seasons, and her doctors told her “no more soccer or softball” because they were too physical, but Shelley had other ideas. She returned to both sports as a senior. She helped the soccer team to win the ‘88 SCCAL championship, and she established herself as one of the finest pitchers in AHS history, winning SCCAL Pitcher-of-the-Year honors. Shelley matriculated to Cabrillo where she continued her successful softball career, and, as a sophomore, the Sentinel identified Shelley as one of the Top 10 female collegiate athletes in the county.

CCS playoffs every year, reaching two semifinals. Audra matriculated to San Diego State, where she was a 3-year starter and a team captain for the Aztecs.

• Kim Fennell (1990) — Kim, a 3-sport athlete earning multiple varsity letters, shined as a 4-year starter in girls soccer and a 3-time 1st-team All-SCCAL selection. She helped the Mariners win three SCCAL team championships.

• Audra Dent (2003) — Audra was a 3-year starter in girls volleyball, a 2-time 1st-team All-SCCAL selection, and the SCCAL MVP in 2002. Her teams qualified for the

• Andrew Ortega (2004) — The A-Train was a three-sport athlete at AHS, shining in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned 1st-team AllSCCAL honors in both football and baseball. In football, Andrew was a 2-time 1st-team selection and the 2003 SCCAL Defensive Player-of-the-Year. In ‘03, he led the Mariners to their 1st SCCAL team championship in 12 years, and to their 1st CCS team championship in program history. Andrew still holds the record for longest kickoff return in school history, 99 yards.

•••

The Hall of Fame event at the Seascape Golf Course begins with a social hour at 4 p.m., with dinner and the program at 5 p.m. Tickets are $70 each and may be reserved through Aptos High Athletic Director Travis Fox, at 728-7832, ext. 5201 or travis_fox@ pvusd.net, or through Mark Dorfman at mark_dorfman@pvusd.net. n

Sylvi Kayser

Youth Poet Laureate Dina Lusztig Noyez (center) with the 2024 finalists. opportunity to champion their own poetic practice while encouraging their peers through readings, workshops and appearances at events throughout the county. n

Soquel Creek Water District Named Organization of the Year

Soquel Creek Water District received the Organization of the Year award from the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Community Recognition Gala April 3.

The district’s Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project, identified as a solution

to seawater intrusion, was constructed last year, a milestone in the effort to replenish the critically overdrafted groundwater basin and prevent contamination of groundwater wells that are the sole source of drinking water.

“SqCWD” page 21

Supervisor De Serpa on Planning Commission Appointee

By Kim De Serpa

Editor’s note: On April 8, Second District Supervisor Kim De Serpa appointed Jesse Nickell, retired from Barry Swenson Builder, the developer that spearheaded the Aptos Village Project, to the Planning Commission. He lives in Santa Cruz, but there is no requirement that appointees live in the district they represent. Aptos Times asked De Serpa if she saw a conflict of interest. Here is her response.

During my campaign I heard loud and clear from contractors, architects and regular people about their frustration and displeasure with the process of trying to obtain permits for projects big and small.

As a result of these conversations, I have appointed Mr. Jesse Nickell to the Planning Commission.

president for Barry Swenson Builders. He retired from that post 4 years ago.

He understands deeply, the challenges we face as a community in accessing permits for simple jobs as well as for big projects.

Currently our county faces the need to build affordable, moderate and market rate housing. In the unincorporated area of the county alone the Regional Housing Needs Assessment/ Housing Element requires us to build more than 4,500 units of housing.

Because it has been so difficult over time, to work within our county, we find ourselves painted into a corner-it’s very difficult to find a developer who will work in our area to accomplish these much needed projects.

I’d like first thank Allyson Violante for her service as Zach Friend’s planning commissioner. She chaired the commission and was diligent and thoughtful in her approach over the years.

Mr. Nickell has a background in construction and project management, having worked in the trade for 34 years as a vice

I believe that Mr. Nickell possesses the insight and experience to assist our county to accomplish and improve the process for individual people, as well as understanding the needs of larger projects.

Mr. Nickell is also a father, husband, artist and musician and member of our community. My hope with both his creative and pragmatic background he will serve us well. n

Jesse Nickell

Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors (from left): Dr. Bruce Jaffe, Jennifer Balboni, Carla Christensen, President Rachél Lather, Vice President Dr. Tom LaHue.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Groundwater Agency Eyes Private Well Fee

In early 2025, the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency began an effort “to evaluate and establish an equitable funding source for regulatory compliance among the Basin’s groundwater users for compliance.”

Compliance expenses 2016 through 2025 averaged $660,000 per year; expenses beginning in 2026 are projected at $650,000 per year.

Charges could be based on groundwater usage, or be levied per parcel or per irrigated acre.

Or a hybrid fee, based on volume of groundwater and a parcel fee, could be considered. The agency estimated a parcel fee between $20 and $45 per parcel, per year.

The agency is conducting outreaching to groundwater users not currently contributing to receive input on considerations for an equitable fee.

Property related fees are subject to Prop. 218 mailed votes with a majority protest required to block the fee.

Regulatory fees to fund administration would be subject to Prop. 26 requiring two-thirds voter approval.

The evaluation will result in potential funding option recommendations for the Board to consider this year.

water return to the earth via their septic system.

Why is the agency doing this now?

When the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency formed in 2016, the four member agencies committed to funding development of the required Groundwater Sustainability Plan and the first five years of compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

The plan said the agency would evaluate long-term funding options to comply with the mandate beginning in July 2026.

The member agencies that rely on groundwater are committed to funding an equitable share of compliance activities, but the board is evaluating how other beneficiaries of compliance could contribute an equitable portion to these expenses.

The board consists of Jon Kennedy, private well owner, chairman, Carla Christensen, Soquel Creek Water District, vice chair, and nine directors Jim Kerr, private well owner, Curt Abramson, private well owner, David Baskin, City of Santa Cruz, county Supervisor Kim De Serpa, Bruce Jaffe, Soquel Creek Water District, county Supervisor Manu Koenig, Robert Marani, Central Water District, Susie O’Hara, City of Santa Cruz, and Marco Romanini, Central Water District. (Email them at www.midcountygroundwater.org)

Local well owners sounded off on NextDoor with more than 180 comments. Many questioned what services they receive from the agency, but a few said the aquifer is a shared resource and needs to be protected.

Groundwater use has dropped from 7,846 acre-feet in 2004 to 5,162 acre-feet in 2022.

Private wells are estimated to use 13% of the groundwater, Central Water District, 8%, City of Santa Cruz, 8%, Soquel Creek Water District, 62% and commercial/ag, 9%.

These groundwater plans represent an unfunded state mandate.

Well owners say they contribute paying for maintenance of their well and having

“We are beginning outreach now to allow for extensive public engagement in assessing funding options,” the board said.

One question well owners have: Are you going to meter my well or require me to meter my well for usage?

The board said,

“Metering domestic wells is not being considered; metering “de minimis” (small) users is not authorized under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.”

Small means using two acre-feet or less of groundwater per year. Most private users with a domestic well use less.

The average household uses less than one-third of an acre-foot per year.

If your household relies on a single domestic well and you are not watering crops or large areas of landscape, you are likely a de minimis user.

The Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin extends from the Santa Cruz Mountains (east of Highway 17), from the Zayante fault (somewhat below Summit Road) to the Pacific Ocean and from the edge of the City of Santa Cruz near Twin Lakes in the west to La Selva Beach in the east.

The Basin includes portions of the City of Santa Cruz, the City of Capitola, plus Twin Lakes, Live Oak, Pleasure Point, Soquel, Seacliff, Aptos, and Rio Del Mar.

The Basin also includes Day Valley, Corralitos, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, and La Selva Beach.

When it adopted the Basin sustainability plan, the Board recognized that individual member agencies are responsible for the costs of projects needed to ensure Basin sustainability. “Well Fee” page 14

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Hanamatsuri, Festival of Flowers at Watsonville Buddhist Temple

By Edita McQuary

Saturday, April 5, was a special day at Watsonville’s Buddhist Temple. Hanamatsuri, the annual Festival of Flowers, has been bringing the community together for a number of years to celebrate Japanese culture.

There was an excited buzz among the visitors and the Japanese-American community as people of all ages and children happily greeted one another as they entered the Temple auditorium/gymnasium.

Hanamatsura is in honor and remembrance of the birth of Buddha in the 5th century BC in what is present-day Nepal. According to the time-worn story, his mother Queen Maya gave birth to him and “flowers spontaneously bloomed and sweet rain fell from the skies.”

In this annual spring-time celebration, the Temple opens its doors to the community to enjoy Japanese cultural arts, food, music and a tour of the Temple.

Displays of bonsai (miniature trees) and ikebana (floral arrangements) welcomed us upon entering the building. There was also a Mataro Kimekomi doll-making on show. These are tiny wooden dolls dressed in kimonos. There are classes to learn how to make these.

The Boy Scouts and children displayed their hand-crafted toys. Kokoro No Gakka (School with a Heart) is the name of the group sponsored by the Temple to teach children creative arts.

A martial arts self-defense program, Shoringi Kempo, Monterey Branch, was happening on the stage with the appropriate groans. And, as always, the well-known and beloved Watsonville Taiko Drummers were on hand to bring their unique style of entertainment to the crowd.

Japanese food (cabbage salad and bento boxes) was on sale for those who were hungry and tea was provided at no cost to the public. Hapa Bros. Asian Fusion Cuisine had their truck parked in the front for hungry visitors.

For those interested in learning about Buddhism, Reverend Jay Shinseki was the guide into the very ornate temple next door. He explained how in Buddhism all are interconnected; the world is impermanent; nothing lasts forever but what we do with each other is important.

He quoted the Buddha, “We are all finite beings so how can we treat each other with cruelty?”

The Watsonville Buddhist Temple celebrated over 100 years of sharing the teachings of the Buddha in the greater Watsonville area.

The Temple has a very simple exterior. Upon entering, one sees a traditional church configuration: a center aisle with pews on both sides of the

aisle leading to the front altar area — a series of four very ornate altars.

The first is a black and gold one holding a carved golden lion flanked by two smaller tables holding incense burners with small dishes of incense powder.

The incense smell is reminiscent of Catholic or Episcopal churches.

Tall flower offerings on the second level along with a bed-like golden table are accompanied by golden andirons. Following this, there is a traditional-sized ornately-carved golden altar.

The back wall is covered with four large wall hangings depicting Japanese scenes. Several large golden lamps hang in the altar area. The whole effect is extremely

rich, ornate and beautiful, as if some precious divine being is being honored. It was a great contrast to the usual minimalist Japanese style.

The Rev. Shinseki reminded us, “In an everchanging world we are dedicated to sharing with everyone the teachings of the Buddha to reach peace of mind. Together we are here to help everyone understand how we may embrace an appreciation for all that we receive in life. We welcome everyone to come and listen and share the treasures found in the Buddha’s teaching.” n

Temple services are every Sunday at 10 a.m., 423 Bridge Street, Watsonville, https://www. wbtemple.org.

‘New’ Bank in Town

Welcoming baby. With the warmest ‘‘hello’’ of all.

From the time you find out you’re expecting, you dream of the first moment holding your baby. And Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center is here to help make that first “hello” as special as your new bundle of joy. We have a team of experts ready to guide you throughout your journey—from specially trained OB/GYN doctors and nurses, to midwives and board-certified lactation specialists. And our Level III NICU offers the highest level of maternity care in the Monterey Bay area should your baby need specialized support. Take a virtual tour of our Family Birth Center at DignityHealth.org/DominicanBirthCenter

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Local chamber of commerce leaders welcome West Coast Community Bank, the new name for the merged Santa Cruz County Bank and 1st Capital Bank, at its flagship branch in Santa Cruz on April 1. At center is bank president and CEO Krista Snelling, holding her own scissors. The bank headquarters remains in Santa Cruz.

What Does a Principal Do?

Astudent recently asked me, “So, what does a principal do?”

He went on to say that he sees me all over campus, in the classroom, and at games and activities, but what do I do? I love that question, as it’s honest and often assumes that a principal’s role is not clearly defined to everyone.

I like to say that I get to be curious about everything and know about what is happening on campus and ask questions along the way. I get a hall pass to explore campus, engage in dialogue, and support someone who needs assistance. I also get to work with students, staff, parents, and community members to make our school’s vision and mission a reality.

It takes a team to accomplish all the tasks, and with National Assistant Principal Week being in April, this is a great time to give a shout out to assistant principals and academic coordinators. As you read this column, most of these roles attributed to a principal are also responsibilities shared and carried by assistant principals. (It also takes counselors who are key in a school, along with a great front office team, behind the scenes staff like

technology gurus, custodians, campus supervisors, teacher leaders, theater technicians, trainers, librarians, instructional aides, food service staff, and community partners.)

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) defines the principal as “the instructional leader of the school; and the principal promotes the success of all students” through their academic and emotional development, articulation from one level to the next, facilitation around curriculum and standards, and cultivating talented adults who support/build those processes and systems.

An instructional leader mentors, coaches, and evaluates new teachers. Being a thought partner involves leadership collaborating and supporting all teachers, being engaged in the classroom and instructional discussions, and partnering with teacher leaders and counselors in the master schedule process.

culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth” grow and nurture a school team that supports and implements the vision. Making sure everyone feels a connection and a sense of belonging are also essential components of our day-to-day work.

Principals are also safety and event coordinators. We work with our athletic directors on planning sports events and determining the safety needs. We also work with our activities directors to work out all the details with dances, rallies, and celebrations. You often trust us with your children, and we value that by putting extensive thought into the planning to develop and communicate clear plans.

NASSP also states that “principals who promote the success of all students by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school

SEACLIFF

A principal is also a school manager, working with other district leaders from maintenance and operations to keep the buildings and grounds safe from repairs to daily care. We also work with instructional staff at the district level, such as partnering with visual and performing arts coordinators on Proposition 28, the state art funding, and other financial sources that can fund extra-curricular opportunities like field trips. The curriculum leaders also support math, science, English, social studies, ethnic

“Well Fee” from page 11

Such projects include the Soquel Creek Water District Pure Water Soquel Project and the City of Santa Cruz Water Department Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project.

However, the agency said, other expenses associated with complying that provide broad benefits to all Basin users, including:

• Monitoring groundwater and streamflow in the Basin

• Annual Reporting on Basin conditions and plan implementation

• Comprehensive plan evaluations at 5-year intervals

• Agency program administration

The board hosted a well-attended workshop for private well owners/users using groundwater from the basin March 17 at Simpkins Swim Center.

The agency mailed flyers to 1,800 addresses for parcels identified as residences that are not served by a public water system (e.g., Soquel Creek Water District, Central Water District, City of Santa Cruz) or a small water system.

The parcels were identified based on County of Santa Cruz records using the County Assessor residential use designations.

By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan

studies, career technical education (CTE), and counselors.

With public funding also comes local, state, and federal obligations with funding. Most purchases are made in advance and require multiple processes, including a checks and balances system with fiscal team members at the school and at the district level. Principals have specific funding rules to follow and are usually one of many signatures on a requisition from copy paper to frog kits to dissect.

Everyone knows the expression about being called into the principal’s office. Principals get to be one of the disciplinarians. While there is California Education Code to follow, there can be a variety of ways to decide the appropriate consequence for each violation. We have been working collectively with our district’s student services to increase our restorative approach, creating learning opportunities and engaging students in activities to reflect on and repair the harm their actions have caused or created.

Some principals find themselves in a parental role, as some students spend more waking hours with school staff than time during the week spent with their own family. Speaking and working with parents is also a key part of the job.

“Duties” page 16

The agency acknowledges that assessor use code information associated with individual parcels may not reflect the property’s actual use, may be out of date or may not be accurate.

Likely some residents who received the flyer may not have a well or rely upon a private well from a neighboring property for water supply.

If you don’t own or rely on a private well for water supply, notify the agency by email, phone or letter and include your name, address and contact information.

For those unable to attend the March 17 workshop, there will be future opportunities for public input.

At least three such opportunities for input at public meetings will be scheduled over the next several months, including at MGA Board of Director meetings. The next board meeting is at 6 p.m. June 12.

The board meets quarterly.

A community meeting is expected in spring 2025. The board is expected to review a funding options analysis in summer 2025. n

Recordings of the presentations from the March 17 workshop are posted at https://www. midcountygroundwater.org/SGMAFunding Info: (831) 204-0008 or email basinpoc@ midcountygroundwater.org

What’s the Solution for Inflation?

Editor’s note: This article was filed on March 29, before President Trump imposed tariffs on April 2.

The markets continue to falter. As prognosticated here on Money Matters many times over the past year or more, the inflation figure just out last week (3.6% from a year ago) demonstrates what I have been saying. Inflation will not be solved and the markets will continue to suffer for it.

Also no surprise is the Fed’s admission that they are “uncertain” about where inflation may go in the future.

Sometimes I wonder what the thousands of economists employed at the Fed do all day. Perhaps the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should start with some cuts there.

Because of the massive Covid bailout monies strewn about to just about everyone and everywhere, unless draconian cuts are made across all government spending fronts, rising prices will continue. Recall I also said the ongoing government outlays, even after the Covid monies, will continue to add fuel to the inflation that is ravaging the U.S. and indeed the entire civilized world.

I also said the cuts by the current DOGE entity and whatever other agencies are scaling back won’t make much of a dent in prices. To actually rein in not only the rate of rise of inflation but also have prices actually make the necessary fall we need to make things affordable again, the cuts needed will make the DOGE proposed cuts look like child’s play. Put simply, there has been so much

paper dollars printed up in the last couple of decades, the inflation is more than baked into the proverbial cake and the cuts needed to rein that in will never be tolerated.

Gold hit another new record as investors seek refuge. Bitcoin however is still stuck in the mud, in the 80,000’s, down from the $110,000.00 range just a few months back.

Meanwhile, those seeking financial shelter in their local banks will find savings and CD rates now in the low fours, down from the rates of well over 5% half a year back or so. 30-year mortgage rates currently hover around 6.5% while the real estate market continues to flounder.

In the “I hate to report this” column, the defacing and destruction of Tesla automobiles continues to make sad news. Victims of such vandalism inhabit both political party affiliations. I wonder if the lowlifes participating in such acts realize they may be damaging the property of those that feel the same way politically as they do.

Both Democrats, Republicans and moderates own these cars. A 2023 Gallup survey found that 6% of Democrats, 4% of independents and 1% of Republicans owned electric cars. It might be funny if it wasn’t so tragic. What a sad commentary on the human behavior of some people.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar near Thailand at 6:21 am GMT March 28 Massive damage resulted from the event with damage also in Bangkok, the capitol of Thailand and the surrounding areas. The death toll is expected to rise into the thousands as rescue crews work to find survivors.

On the economic front, the Trump tariffs, both those implemented and threatened, continue to dampen investor enthusiasm. Some believe the President seems to be embarking

“Duties” from page 14

Principals are also community liaisons, as we balance and support partnerships, fundraising, and grant writing. It takes community and alumni foundations to support parts of a school that district money can’t easily fund, such as fields and repairs. Those relationships and volunteers, like Boosters and site council, are essential. While we like to be the captain of our school ships, we ultimately report to a director or associate superintendent who is usually a direct report to the superintendent. (A charter school principal may report to their board or the county or district superintendent.) Great directors coach, support, and encourage a principal. They often have weekly meetings and are their first point of contact to resolve challenges

By Marc Cuniberti

on a longer term plan for economic recovery as he rarely mentions the stock market since being elected. During his first term he repeatedly spoke about stock prices (over 60 tweets in his first year in office) whereas this time around he rarely mentions it.

Critics quickly point to the continued erosion in stocks as evidence his plan is hurting more than helping. Proponents counter by saying give things time to work.

This analyst has written many times that both tariffs and price controls, indeed any government intervention into a free market system, will only make things worse in the long run.

Free markets need to be just that.

Free to adhere to the basic economic premise and mechanism that, without government intervention, a truly free market will cleanse most ills that seemingly continue to plague it despite what administration occupies the White House. I might also add that applies to any central governing body throughout the civilized world. n

This article expresses the opinion of Marc Cuniberti and is not meant as investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, nor represents the opinion of any bank, investment firm or RIA, nor this media outlet, its staff, members or underwriters. Mr. Cuniberti holds a B.A. in Economics with honors, 1979, and California Insurance License #0L34249 His insurance agency is BAP INC. insurance services. Email: news@moneymanagementradio.com

and communicate both celebratory or concerning updates. Unfortunately, not every director should lead principals. I have been fortunate to have genuine leaders during most of my years as principal.

Being a principal can become part of one’s identity, as it is a daily job that rarely shuts off when you leave the school grounds at the end of the day. It continues with texts about campus, STOPit reports when you least expect it, and being available during the best and worst moments of our staff and students’ lives. It is also one of the most rewarding and humbling adventures, and it starts by being a teacher or counselor at school. n

Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan has spent 30 years in education as a principal, district supervisor, teacher, college instructor & program leader, & Peace Corps volunteer.

Capitola Council: We Need E-bike Test, Minimum Age

Editor’s Note: The Capitola City Council approved this letter on April 10, amending the second proposal to say test by DMV, online or other agency.

As Mayor of the City of Capitola, I am writing on behalf of our City to share concerns and recommendations regarding the regulation of electric bicycles (e-bikes). While we work diligently to enforce existing regulations at the local level, it is clear that these rules have not kept pace with advancements in e-bike technology and the rapid expansion of their use, particularly among our community’s children and youth.

As you know, Capitola is a small coastal town with a footprint of just two square miles. Like many smaller cities, we face significant challenges in developing and enforcing a local regulatory framework to adequately address the complexities of e-bike use.

A patchwork of local ordinances would not only be confusing to residents and visitors but it would also be difficult to enforce and be inconsistent with regional mobility patterns. For this reason, we are urging the California Legislature to take the lead in establishing statewide e-bike regulations that prioritize safety while preserving the accessibility and environmental benefits of e-bike transportation.

Below are three proposals we believe would have the most meaningful impact:

1) Establish a minimum age of 14 for Class 2 e-bikes: Class 2 bikes have a throttle and require no user pedaling input. Based on observations of rider behavior, the availability of a throttle on

the Class 2 e-bikes can lead to less rider engagement and greater overall risk. Currently, there is no minimum age to ride a Class 2 e-bike. The minimum age to ride a Class 3 e-bike (assist up to 28 mph) is 16.

2) Establish a written test/permit administered by the DMV for users less than 16 years old to use Class 2 e-bikes: Currently, there is no test or permit required for use of an e-bike for any age/person.

3) Require traffic safety education as essential core curriculum for schools: In some other countries traffic safety education is integrated into school curriculum and community practices. In the US, drivers education is the only required traffic training and it’s for people to drive a car, but comprehensive education on how to be a pedestrian, a bike rider, a transit user, etc. are relegated to elective educational opportunities. We have reviewed these proposals for local and national bike advocacy groups, and we believe each of these proposals reflect a balanced approach — one that supports the benefits of e-bikes for sustainable transportation while addressing the very real safety concerns that are rising in communities like Capitola. I welcome the opportunity to bring a resolution to the Capitola City Council in support of any legislation that advances these goals and would be happy to further discuss these ideas with your office. Thank you for your leadership and for your attention to this important issue.

— Joe Clarke,

Mayor, City of Capitola

Kudos to Doug Erickson on Rail Trail Analysis

Bond in 1990 Couldn’t Foresee Budget Pitfalls

Doug Erickson’s article on the rail trail is so spot on. Tell me that Mr. Erickson and myself can’t be the only two residents that understand how this true realization of having a ‘commuter train’ (ain’t never going to happen) build the path!

Quit the politics, as we can see how that’s working out on a national scale. Doing the right thing is sometimes the simplest thing.

The bond in 1990 couldn’t foresee the 2025 E-bike revolution and the budget pitfalls that lay ahead in the next 35 years. Side note: Has any budget come in under and on time?

While good intentions were had by those involved, can you not see which horse your wagon is tied up to? Build the path. As mentioned, imo the train isn’t going to work.

I suspect after 50 odd years in corporate America and not in politics has made me believe in some of those ‘motivation

posters’ when you’re in a hole it’s best to quit digging!

Special thanks to Mr. Erickson for just being real!

— Walt Bowen, Aptos

The Wasted Opportunity Makes Me Want to Cry

As I read Doug Erickson’s featured column, “Rail Trail Reflects a Broader Problem,” I was reminded of a meeting I attended shortly after moving to Soquel from San Francisco in 2014.

I presumed the meeting would be an informative discussion about alternatives, but it turned out to be an echo chamber of would-be trainspotters who had already consumed their own Kool-Aid.

So obvious was the choice to me (trail only), and I left aghast that so many residents of Santa Cruz County thought a train viable despite the enormous costs and inadequate infrastructure — and paucity of potential riders.

“Rail Trail” page 18

Safe at SeniorHomeCare

FAMILY HELPING FAMILIES

IN MEMORIAM

Roland S. Nolan 1947 ~ 2025

Dr. Roland Scott Nolan, of Aptos, died Jan. 25, at age 77, while in hospice in Santa Cruz.

Nolan, his preferred name, was born in Goodland, Kansas, on March 4, 1947, and lived with his parents, Roland Orn Scott Jr. and Marion Louise (Graves) Scott, on their ranch near Mount Sunflower in Wallace County, Kansas.

Nolan’s birth name was Roland Orn Scott, III. His father, Junior Scott, was killed in a mid-air collision with another plane while 3-year-old Nolan and his mother, Marion, watched as he was flying over their Wallace County ranch, attaining solo hours to acquire his private pilot’s license, on April 30, 1950.

Marion married William “Bill” Nolan, a few years later, following the tragic death of Bill’s family. After marriage they opened a grocery store in Sharon Springs, Kansas; Bill was elected Wallace County Sheriff and Marion was elected County Superintendent. The family moved to Lawence, Kansas, where Marion and Bill received degrees from the University of Kansas, later becoming professors at University of Western Kentucky.

Nolan received a B.S. in Zoology, with honors, from University of Kansas in 1969. He received a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California –San Diego in 1975.

shrimp hatchery and farm on Molokai, which led to the formation of the Island Shrimp Shop in Encinitas, California, and the North Shore Seafood Company in Ketchum, Idaho.

He conducted numerous environmental studies and impact statements; produced a national educational TV series on salmon populations.

As an author, Nolan wrote a series of novels, including the Metamorphosis Chronicles which explore the impacts of technology upon human longevity, the environment and society; and the Seacliff Chronicles, which document the dynamic nature of Seacliff Beach in Aptos.

Since 1994 Nolan lived near the sunken ship at the end of the pier in Seacliff Beach, his favorite place in the world, where he loved to spend his days working out, running, and writing.

Nolan specialized in coral reef ecology, building artificial study reefs in the lagoon of Enewetak Atoll in Micronesia. He conducted post-doctoral research at University of Hawaii and was a research associate in computer engineering and biology, at University of California – Santa Cruz.

A visionary, a futurist and a dreamer, after completing his degree at Scripps, Nolan founded an environmental consulting firm on the Big Island of Hawaii and an advanced technology marine

“Rail Trail” from page 17

I am a progressive Democrat who was and remains an enthusiastic supporter of Supervisor Manu Koenig for going to bat for Proposition D in 2022. At the same time, Jerry Brown’s robocalls to defeat the measure erased all the good will I felt toward him during his last two terms as governor.

When growing up, Nolan was very fond of his Grandma Scott and would visit her in Goodland, Kansas, when he was in college.

Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his uncles and aunts – Roy & Bernadine Scott and Virgil Allen & Berna Scott, and three cousins. He is survived by his cousins, Dorothy (Scott) Brison and Anita (Scott) Ray in Missouri, Paula (Scott) Korbe in Kansas and Rebecca (Scott) Coleman and Virgil Scott Jr. in Colorado.

Nolan is also survived by his forever friend, Julie Adams, who gave him love and support. Gratitude is expressed to Susan Gomon for her support and to Glynis Marcantel, director of nursing at Redwood Grove, for her very kind care of Nolan.

Nolan will be remembered for many things, especially his desire to improve the world where we all live. n

Memorial contributions may be sent to the facility where Nolan was in hospice: Redwood Grove Post Acute, 2990 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

As a cyclist, I have enjoyed the wildly successful, vibrant 22-mile Beltline of converted unused railways in my hometown of Atlanta, so I know what could have been built here, before doing so became prohibitively expensive. Especially in light of affordable E-bikes for commuting, the wasted opportunity makes me want to cry. n

— Jeff Stallings, Soquel

ABy Kylie Brunelli

merican Leisure Patio is a family-run business that’s been serving Santa Cruz for over 40 years. Run by the Freiberg family, mainly son Brett Freiberg, it’s a core establishment within the community.

For context, American Leisure Patio is the store on Ocean Street with the giant red Adirondack chair resting above the store entrance.

American Leisure Patio specializes in good-quality furniture that’s still low-priced. Unlike mega corporations (Ikea, Home Depot, etc.), American Leisure Patio furniture is less likely to instantly break, and it’s already assembled, which reduces the likelihood of construction error. They also do many customized operations to fulfill the visions of their clients.

The sun is the largest cause for furniture regression.

American Leisure Patio already offers durable pieces, but Brett says that if you “take care of it, it’s going to last a long time,” more than the five-year warranty American Leisure Patio offers. “If you sit on your outdoor furniture with suntan oil, and you don’t clean it, the sun will eventually bake in the oils and burn the fabric.”

AmericAn Leisure PAtio

PVC pipe is a classic material for outdoor furniture, especially in Santa Cruz because it’s both durable with coastal weather and budget-friendly. As the PVC trend gradually declined, the business expanded to accommodate a larger furniture variety.

Brett still works with his parents. He and Mrs. Freiberg curate amenities while Mr. Freiberg refurbishes old furniture. It’s better for the planet, and it gives them an edge up over competitors. It also continues the design-construction duo from the earlier Pipe-Made Furniture West era.

Notably, weather is a big factor in the outdoor furniture business world — bringing both immediate and seasonal effects. Brett says that people come shopping on hot sunny days, and not when it’s rainy or dreary.

As a result, over the course of the overcast winter, business is slow, while it booms during the summer. To accommodate the fluctuation, they double the staff during the high season. Brett remarked that they “are busy sourcing and curating furniture for the upcoming season” during the colder months.

Sun damage is a constant threat, and Brett recommends cleaning and covering furniture. He often sees properly maintained furniture last 10 to 15 years.

The company started in 1972 when his parents, Fred and Kathi, were inspired by the concept of the trendy PVC pipe furniture, and they opened a PVC pipe furniture manufacturing factory, Pipe-Made Furniture West, near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Remarkably, during COVID although they initially lost money — since the store was closed for seven weeks — business rebounded tremendously. They re-opened with the Memorial Day Sale of 2020, which was really successful.

“Business during those years increased by 50%,” Brett recalls, “because everybody was staying home. They wanted comfortable, nice outdoor environments where they felt safe.”

Although business eventually leveled out, the influx gave American Leisure Patio an increased budget for upgrades.

Right before COVID, in 2019, they upgraded their San Jose store, which was initially opened in 1980. Brett stated that it’s “beautiful over there.” It was originally created to expand the business to Silicon Valley to meet the need for quality outdoor furniture.

Since then, Brett has found many customers visit both stores because there’s sometimes “a different collection in one store than the other,” and therefore more variety.

Both stores have many trending pieces. Lately, Brett’s seen popularity with “clean, simple lines.” For instance, aluminum frames -- or even furnishings made entirely of metal.

It’s also fashionable to have moderate colors for the base pieces with pops of color in extra decorative touches. For example, a chair with a brown frame, a beige cushion, and a turquoise pillow. Brett says they sell “about 50 different colors and throw pillows” to accommodate many customer styles.

To stay up-to-date, Brett and his mom travel to Las Vegas, Chicago, and overseas every year to find the best pieces for the shop. He says, “We constantly analyze what is selling and what isn’t, so we know what to keep and when to move on.”

So when considering repairing or upgrading patio furniture, you’re in safe hands with American Leisure Patio. n

1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz • 944 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose SC: 831-423-2425 • SJ: 408-446-9350 americanleisurepatio.com

Brett Freiberg at American Leisure Patio

Pieces are curated by Brett and his mom.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Peter Pan and Wendy

Thursday, April 24 thru Saturday, April 26 • 7 p.m. | 2 p.m. Saturday Matinee Aptos High School • 1 Mariner Way

The Aptos High School Theatre Arts Department presents “Peter Pan and Wendy.” There will be four shows, one each night and a Saturday Matinee. Tickets are at the door; suggested donation $10. n

“SqCWD” from page 10

The district has 14,400 water connections in Aptos, La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, Seacliff Beach, Soquel, and part of Capitola, serving 40,000+ residents, supplies water to businesses that support approximately 18,000 jobs, and provides water for 22 parks and 18 schools.

The Pure Water Soquel facility — now undergoing final testing before full operation — will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced treatment processes to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water per year.

This purified water will be used to replenish the groundwater basin, providing a barrier against seawater contamination and creating a reliable, safe, clean supply of water.

The project also has the significant environmental benefit of diverting millions of gallons of effluent from being disposed of daily in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The District’s participation in the Chamber’s community leadership activities, which involved a tour of the Pure Water Soquel facility, along with its commitment to building a better future for all who live and work in the region, were another factor in the award.

“Our Board and staff are truly gratified to be recognized with this award, and we thank the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce for this honor,” said Rachél Lather, president of the District’s Board of Directors. “A reliable water supply is fundamental to the health and vitality of the entire community.

We work hard to ensure our customers are provided with clean, safe, reliable water every day. And with the Pure Water Soquel project coming online soon, we can assure our community of a sustainable water supply for generations to come.”

District General Manager Melanie Mow Schumacher said, “The District is all about partnerships – including with the community, with businesses, with local, state, and federal officials, and with other local and regional agencies. It’s gratifying to be recognized by the Chamber for our efforts on behalf of the community we serve, and we count the Chamber among our valued partners.”

Soquel Creek Water District has in the past received a Top Workplace Award, an Award of Excellence in Outreach & Education, and a Transparency Award, among others. It is also known throughout the water industry for its creative and successful community outreach programs. n

•••

Other Honorees

Person of the Year: U.S Rep. Jimmy Panetta, 19th District Business of the Year: West Coast Community Bank (Formerly Santa Cruz County Bank) Small Business: Sante Adairius Rustic Ale Lifetime Achievement: Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (2013 – 2025)

14 Food Chemical Actions RFK Jr. Can Take to ‘Make America Healthy Again’

By Iris Myers

The food we eat should be nourishing and safe. But thousands of chemicals, some of which may be toxic, are allowed in a wide range of products, such as snacks, bread and more.

For too long, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed chemical companies to self-declare their chemicals safe for use in food.

Earlier this year, the FDA finally took a step in the right direction by banning Red Dye No. 3 from use in food. But that’s just the start. Many other toxic chemicals can still be added to food and food packaging, and the FDA should move swiftly to ban them.

If Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is committed to his pledge of “making America healthy again,” here are 14 actions he can take to make that goal a reality — banning 13 harmful food chemicals and closing a regulatory loophole allowing companies to claim their chemicals are safe.

Priority Candidates for FDA Bans

Concerning substances remain in food sold throughout the U.S. Here are 13 chemicals added to food and food packaging that the FDA should immediately ban.

PFAS

The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS increase the risk of cancer and heart disease, but the FDA still allows some uses of PFAS in food manufacturing and cookware. The FDA first understood the risks posed by PFAS in food in the 1960s. EWG and others filed a petition in 2021 asking it to ban these uses, but the agency has yet to respond.

In 2024, the FDA said it was considering a ban on food uses of the PFAS chemical fluorinated polyethylene, but so far it has declined to act.

BPA

As with PFAS, the harms of bisphenol A, better known as BPA, are well documented, leading other nations to ban its use in food packaging. BPA can harm the immune and reproductive systems at levels far below those currently allowed by the FDA.

A petition asking the FDA to ban BPA, filed by EWG and others, has been pending since 2022.

TCE & Three Other Solvents

The Environmental Protection Agency just banned all uses of the solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE, citing harms ranging from cancer to fetal heart defects. But the FDA continues to allow the use of TCE and the solvents benzene, methylene chloride and ethylene chloride in the production of decaffeinated coffee, spices and hops for beer.

The National Toxicology Program says these chemicals cause cancer in animals. Petitions filed by EWG and others asking the FDA to ban these solvents in food have been pending since early 2024.

BHA and BHT

The FDA has doubted the safety of butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, since 1978. In 1990, a doctor petitioned the FDA to ban the chemical from use in food, citing its link to cancer. Thirty-four years later, the agency is still considering whether to go ahead with a ban.

Since the 1970s, the case for a ban has grown stronger, including in the National Toxicology Program’s 2021 conclusion that BHA is “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen.”

Despite its own science, the petition and the 2021 report, the FDA continues to consider BHA to be “generally recognized as safe.”

Like BHA, butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, has been linked to serious health harms, including damage to the hormone system. But the FDA keeps insisting both chemicals are safe.

Titanium Dioxide

Food companies in the European Union were no longer allowed to use titanium dioxide once scientists warned it could build up in the body and damage DNA. But the FDA keeps insisting it’s safe in food.

A petition filed by EWG and others asking the agency to ban the chemical has been pending since 2023.

Propyl Paraben and Potassium Bromate

California, China and the EU have all banned food uses of propyl paraben, a preservative, and potassium bromate, a leavening agent. Propyl paraben has been linked to harms to the reproductive and hormone systems, and potassium bromate has been linked to cancer.

While the FDA added both chemicals to a list for a fresh review, it has made no progress.

Perchlorate

An anti-static agent used in food packaging, perchlorate blocks the thyroid from absorbing iodide. Children and the developing fetus are most vulnerable to harm from perchlorate, because their brains are still developing, and their bodies are sensitive to small changes in iodide levels.

In 2022, a court upheld the FDA’s decision to reject a petition filed by EWG and others asking it to ban the chemical’s use. Since then, new data has shown the harms of perchlorate in food packaging.

Phthalates

Public health advocates first asked the FDA in 2016 to ban the use of phthalates in food packaging. They cited decades of scientific evidence linking phthalates to birth defects, infertility, preterm birth, damage to children’s brain development, and other serious health harms. The FDA failed to respond for six years, and in the end rejected the coalition’s demand to reevaluate phthalate safety.

After years of inaction, in 2021 public health advocates sued the FDA, forcing it

to respond. In 2022, the agency denied the petition and upheld its decision in late 2024. So these hormone-disrupting chemicals remain permitted to leach into our food. Other Chemicals

Now that the FDA has banned Red 3 from food, the agency should move quickly to ban these chemicals and reconsider others linked to health harms, including concerning synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame.

The FDA should also immediately ban sodium benzoate in food that also includes vitamin C, citric acid or ascorbic acid — a combination that can create cancer-causing benzene.

And the FDA should work with the Department of Agriculture to end the use of synthetic colors in food, as California, Virginia and West Virginia have done.

Evading Safety Review

For decades, the FDA has allowed chemical companies to decide whether most food chemicals are safe. EWG recently found nearly 99 percent of food chemicals developed since 2000 were reviewed for safety by industry scientists, not the FDA.

In the rare instances when the FDA reviews chemicals for safety before they enter the market, the agency often does not review old decisions, even in light of new research. It hasn’t reviewed the safety of potassium bromate and propyl paraben in almost half a century. “Recommendations”

Congressional Budget Office Long-Term Outlook

Every March, the Congressional Budget Office publishes a report presenting its projections of what the federal budget and the economy would look like over the next 30 years if current laws generally remained unchanged. This report is an excerpt from the latest in that series.

The long-term projections presented are based on the demographic, economic, and 10-year budget projections that CBO published in January 2025.

The demographic projections reflect information, laws, and policies as of Nov.15, 2024, while President Biden was in office.

The economic projections reflect laws, policies, and economic developments as of Dec. 4, 2024. The budget projections include the effects of legislation enacted as of Jan. 6, 2025 before President Trump took office.

The projections do not reflect the effects of administrative actions taken or judicial decisions made after those respective dates, including actions and decisions affecting immigration, tariffs, and other policy areas.

The Long-Term Budget Outlook

Projections for 2055

Debt held by the public: 156% of GDP

Budget deficit: 7.3% of GDP

Outlays: 26.6% of GDP

Revenues: 19.3% of GDP

Debt

InCBO’s projections, federal debt held by the public, measured as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), increases in every year of the 2025–2055 period.

By 2029, that debt climbs to 107% of GDP, exceeding the historical peak it reached immediately after World War II. In 2055, it reaches 156% of GDP and remains on track to increase thereafter.

Such large and growing debt would slow economic growth, push up interest payments to foreign holders of U.S. debt, and pose significant risks to the fiscal and economic outlook; it could also cause lawmakers to feel constrained in their policy choices.

Deficits

The total federal budget deficit remains large by historical standards over the next 30 years, averaging 6.3% of GDP—more than one and a half times its average over the past 50 years—and reaching 7.3% of GDP in 2055.

Those amounts are the result of rising interest costs and sustained primary deficits, which exclude net outlays for interest. Primary deficits average 2.0% of GDP over the 30-year period; over the past 50 years, they averaged 1.7% of GDP.

Outlays and Revenues

Federal outlays rise over the next 30 years, reaching 26.% of GDP in 2055. They have exceeded that level only twice: during World War II and during the coronavirus pandemic.

Growth in net interest costs; spending for federal health care programs, particularly Medicare; and spending for Social Security, especially over the next decade, drive that increase.

Measured as a percentage of GDP, revenues increase over the next few years, largely because of the scheduled expiration of certain provisions of the 2017 tax act. Revenues generally continue to rise thereafter, reaching 19.3% of GDP in 2055, mainly because growth in real income (that is, income adjusted to remove the effects of changes in prices) boosts receipts from individual income taxes.

Changes in Projections

Federal debt held by the public in 2054 is now projected to be 12% of GDP less than it was projected to be in last year’s report, and the deficit is now projected to be 1.3% of GDP less.

Lower spending, particularly for net interest costs and Medicare, and higher revenues in CBO’s current projections result in smaller debt and deficits.

Budget Outlook in Five Figures

Outlook for Debt and Deficits

Debt held by the public reaches 107% of GDP in 2029, exceeding the historical peak reached just after World War II, and its growth continues through 2055.

Deficits average 6.3% of GDP over the 30-year period, which is 2.5 percentage points more than they averaged over the past 50 years.

Federal Debt Held by the Public

Debt increases in relation to GDP, exceeding any previously recorded level in 2029 and continuing to soar through 2055. It is on track to increase even more thereafter.

Percentage of GDP

revenues each represent a larger percentage of GDP over that period than they did, on average, over the past 50 years.

Percentage of GDP

Total outlays grow by 3.3% of GDP from 2025 to 2055. Driven by increases in the average interest rate on federal debt and mounting debt, net outlays for interest measured in relation to the size of the economy increase more than one and a half times over the period, reaching 5.4% of GDP in 2055.

As the population ages and health care costs grow, outlays for the major health care programs measured in relation to the economy also rise over the next three decades, by 2.3 percentage points between 2025 and 2055. That year, outlays for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for people age 65 or older account for more than 50% of all noninterest spending.

Outlook for Economic Growth

The growth of real GDP averaged 2.5% per year over the past 30 years. Over the next 30 years, real GDP growth averages 1.6% per year.

Economic Growth

InCBO’s projections, real GDP grows at an average rate of 1.6 percent per year from 2025 to 2055, slightly slower than the growth of real potential GDP—the maximum sustainable output of the economy—over that period.

Real potential GDP is projected to increase at an average rate of 1.7 percent per year over the next 30 years, slower than the 2.4 percent average growth seen over the past 30 years.

That slowdown is attributable to slower growth over the 2025–2055 period in the potential labor force (an estimate of how big the labor force would be if economic output and other key variables were at their maximum sustainable amounts) and of potential labor force productivity (the ratio of real potential GDP to the potential labor force).

Potential Labor Force

The potential labor force grows by an average of 0.3% per year over the next 30 years—much more slowly than the average annual growth of 0.8% seen over the past 30 years.

Most of that slowdown stems from slower population growth and increases in

the average age of the population.

Potential Labor Force Productivity

The growth of potential labor force productivity slows over the next 30 years because of two key factors: the slower accumulation of capital (mainly attributable to increased federal borrowing) and slower growth of total factor productivity (the average real output per unit of combined labor and capital services) in the nonfarm business sector.

Inflation and Interest Rates

Inflation slows through 2027 to a rate that is consistent with the Federal Reserve’s long-term goal of 2%. Over that period, interest rates on 10-year Treasury notes stay close to their average over the past 30 years.

Interest rates are projected to face upward pressure from increases in federal borrowing and downward pressure from slowdowns in the growth of the labor force.

Changes in Projections

Compared with last year’s long-term economic projections, CBO’s current projections include slower average annual growth of real GDP, slower growth of real potential GDP over the latter part of the projection period, a smaller labor force at the end of the period, little change in the outlook for inflation, and generally lower interest rates.

The slower growth of real GDP in this year’s projections stems mainly from slower growth of private investment and consumer spending over the next decade and slower growth of real potential GDP over the last decade of the projection period.

The slower growth of real potential GDP reflects a reduction in CBO’s projections of population growth. Changes to population projections also reduce the projected growth of the labor force over the last 10 years of the projection period. The interest rate on 10-year Treasury notes is lower than CBO projected last year because of changes to CBO’s method for forecasting interest rates on Treasury securities; those changes account for projections of inflation that are lower in the future than historical averages. n

To read the complete report see https://www. cbo.gov/publication/61270

The slower growth of real GDP in this year’s projections stems mainly from slower growth of private investment and consumer spending over the next decade and slower growth of real potential GDP over the last decade of the projection period.

FEMA Review Pauses Grants

By Jondi Gumz

On March 28, TheHill.com reported the Department of Homeland Security is considering axing billions of dollars in grants for programs that seek to prevent terrorism or help communities respond to disasters based on immigration policy in those communities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a document saying that Federal Emergency Management Agency programs that go to “sanctuary jurisdictions” would be subject to review and potential “termination.”

Just because a program goes to such a jurisdiction does not necessarily mean grants will be ended, according to The Hill.

A decision will be made based on the grant’s purpose, benefits and risks and “the context of which organization is receiving the award.”

The County of Santa Cruz is one of seven in California taking a stand in a May 2018 lawsuit to promote public safety by limiting state and local entanglement with federal immigration enforcement.

County policy may affect an outstanding $100 million in FEMA reimbursement for disaster response since 2020. The county has borrowed $90 million to bridge the gap.

For some disasters, such as the 2023 winter storm, the federal cost-share was 100% for the first 60 days, and 75% afterward.

New FEMA Chief

Om March 26, the Santa Cruz County board of supervisors announced $200,000 in funding for nonprofits supporting immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.

It is not clear how the Santa Cruz

Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy Seal and director of emergency medical services at the Department of Homeland Security from 2020 to 2023, has been acting FEMA administrator since Jan. 25, appointed by President Donald Trump to succeed Deanne Criswell who resigned Jan. 20.

According to The Hill, grants that could be cut includes a $1.9 billion program to help high-risk urban areas prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks, a $760 million program to helps states and tribes prevent terrorism, and a $480 million program that helps states and tribes with emergency preparedness.

These grants were flagged “red,” The Hill said.

Grants flagged “yellow” include services for major disaster survivors, funds to repair buildings damaged by a major disaster and security programs for nonprofits — including houses of worship.

During the review is ongoing, approval of payments will be reviewed weekly by the Department of Homeland Security.

Programs designated for termination include those providing emergency food and shelter to migrants.

The memo responded to executive orders by President Trump, including one on Feb. 19 to identify and eliminate any federal financial benefits going to immigrants who entered the country illegally,

The administration has already clawed back $80 million it gave to New York to house immigrants and fired FEMA’s chief financial officer Mary Comans, with the agency since 2017. She has sued contesting her termination. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dientes & Salud: Bite into Life

As Santa Cruz County’s senior population grows, two community health organizations are teaming up to support oral health.

Dientes Community Dental Care and Salud Para La Gente are promoting “Bite Into Life / Saboree La Vida,” a campaign to empower seniors to adopt simple at-home routines to take care of their mouth.

“A healthy smile shouldn’t have an expiration date,” said Dr. Sepi Taghvaei, Dientes executive vice president and chief dental officer. “Yet in Santa Cruz County, where our senior population is growing faster than almost anywhere else in California, too many older adults struggle to maintain their oral health.”

A major challenge is that Medicare doesn’t cover dental care, leaving many seniors without access to see a dentist or dental hygienist.

problem early, at-home oral care routines play an equally important role in keeping the mouth and teeth healthy.

“Bite Into Life / Saboree La Vida” has three key messages:

• Daily care is essential, whether seniors have all, some, or none of their natural teeth.

• A healthy mouth supports overall wellbeing. Poor oral health can impact overall health, including heart disease and complications during cancer treatment.

• Simple habits make a big difference, enhancing seniors’ comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.

“Something as simple as biting into an apple becomes impossible for many seniors,” said Dr. Sung Sohn, Salud Para La Gente dental director. “This isn’t just about dental health–it’s about dignity, nutrition, and quality of life.”

The “Bite Into Life / Saboree La Vida “ campaign, supported by the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, focuses on daily tips for seniors, whether they have natural teeth, partial dentures, or full dentures.

While professional dental visits can catch

The campaign offers easy-tofollow tips and community outreach with local partner organizations, all in English and Spanish.

Jennifer Merchant, Grey Bears Executive Director, said, “We’ve partnered with Dientes and Salud by inserting oral health hygiene kits and education materials in food bags and this is a great next step to reach even more people.”

Family members and caregivers can support oral health for seniors by encouraging daily care routines and assisting with scheduling dental visits. n

Seniors, caregivers, and community members can follow the campaign on Instagram and Facebook to learn more, or visit BiteIntoLife. org or BiteIntoLife.org/es.

Cameron Hamilton

County Fair Seeks CEO

Now hiring! This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be at the helm of a very special place that hosts fun and important events for the community.

The 14th District Agricultural Association, better known as the/Santa Cruz County Fair, is accepting applications for its Chief Executive Officer, also referred to as Fair Manager.

The deadline to apply is May 5.

The Fair Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 105-acre fairgrounds in Watsonville, including planning and managing a successful annual Fair.

Year-round, the Fair Manager oversees

the organization’s staff and volunteers, finances and accounting of the DAA, events held on site, maintenance of the facilities and grounds and overall promotion of the organization and implementation of the Board’s policy decisions.

The salary range is $8,630 –$10,567 monthly, with medical/dental/vision benefit, paid holidays and state pension.

Potential candidates can find the forms needed to apply at: santacruzountyfair.com. n

Candidates should submit their application via email to Board President Rachel Wells at wells@santacruzcountyfair.com. Or in person, at 2601 E Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076.

“Home Insurance Prices” from page 7

It also grants consumers at least 180 days to provide proof of loss to their insurance company following a declared state of emergency.

Read about more legislation at https:// www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100press-releases/2025/release017-2025.cfm

In 2024, Allstate said it would resume writing policies in California once regulatory changes allow catastrophe modeling and incorporate the net cost of reinsurance into rates.

Not all the reforms are in place yet; Lara is meeting with reinsurers.

The insurance commissioner set listeners straight on the FAIR Plan: It’s run by insurance companies sharing the risk, not the government, but the insurance commissioner has authority over its operations.

Bach advised homeowners to work with experienced broker to find insurance coverage, even a “non-admitted” brand you’ve never heard of.

If you are not renewed, you get 75 days to find new coverage.

“You need an agent hustling to find a company,” Bach said. “Doing what you can to reduce risk is critical.”

Insurers are going high tech, using artificial

Former Rulers

intelligence, aerial images, and data mining to assign a risk score to your home.

“You have the right to appeal if the insurer is incorrect,” Bach said.

If you end up on the FAIR Plan, which is the last resort and can be five times more expensive, you’ll need a second policy to cover more than fire.

Bach recommends coverage of replacement value, not the purchase price.

“ Price, I know it’s painful,” she said.

Ways to reduce the cost: Bundle auto insurance with home insurance or raise the deductible to as high as $10,000 or $20,000. This means with any loss you claim for, you will pay the deductible before coverage kicks in.

See buying tips at https://uphelp.org/ under Get Prepared.

Morgan said replacing a combustible roof is “not low cost but very effective.”

He also recommends changing out combustible siding, removing wooden fences that can bring fire up against your home, and replacing bark and mulch with gravel. n

CalFire has a defensible space quiz that sends you a report on things you can do. See www.Fire. ca.gov

Morgan also recommends: https://readyfor wildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/defensible-space/

Rainbows, e.g.

Al Capone, e.g.

Difficult situation

Striped stinger

Biblical paradise

Ho-hum

Indian royal

Mosque V.I.P.

Plane road

“Sometimes a

Passion Week: Resurrection, Easter, Passover Ends

Risa D’Angeles

Easter Week: What happened this Passion Week a long time ago? And what is occurring now? From Monday through Wednesday, Christ taught His Disciples hidden esoteric teachings, preparing them for His death. On Holy Thursday (April 17), at the Last Supper (Passover feast) Christ anchored the new Piscean religion and the priesthood. On Good Friday, the Christ at his crucifixion, “rent’ (tore/broke) the veils” that separated humanity from returning to the Father. This “renting of the veils” allows the door of Return to open for humanity.

On Holy Saturday, the Christ entered deep into the Earth and spoke to the Souls waiting for release (unable to return to the Father’s house, our origins) and lifted them into heaven. On Sunday (Easter Sunday), Resurrection Day, the Christ, after the angels rolled the rock to the tomb back, demonstrated to humanity the fact that there is no death. There is only a change of elements, a liberation from captivity in matter. And a Great Adventure called death, which lies ahead. Christ’s three-year mission on Earth, culminating in the Easter/Resurrection festival, was a cosmic and planetary labor for all of humanity. He closed one great cycle (Aries) and initiated the new cycle of Pisces (sign of the Savior). We are now in the unfolding of the Aquarian cycle

ARIES

In past weeks as you internally prepared to initiate project after project (your spiritual task), something always hindered your progress. As this begins to ease, you realize how tired you’ve become and wondered about your motivation and skills. They are intact. However, care for yourself as if visiting a monastery, a spa – able to tend to body, emotions, mind, spirit and the eating of pure holy food.

TAURUS

You are a leader, a teacher needed in groups and classes of seekers, providing instruction for the plans, actions, nurturance and sustaining of humanity’s future. Your mind is being impressed from higher realms on how to prepare for, create and secure the new era. The information comes step by step, day by day, night after night, unceasingly. You could easily become exhausted. Solitude, swimming, walking, exercise, pure foods and more sleep are most important to maintain health.

GEMINI

You might wonder what your real work is in the world? Because you go from this to that, wandering here and there, up and down, each day is different. Do you at times feel impractical? It’s important to realize that Gemini is like a bird, a firefly, a blue dragonfly, a golden butterfly in a field of poppies, sipping nectar here and there, gathering the ambrosia (information) needed for humanity. This is how you relate and it’s your primary task. You can’t stop anywhere for long. There’s a door here opening for you. Do you see it?

CANCER

You work well with Taurus. Taurus offers you a resting place for your emotional brooding waters. And you offer Taurus a flowing perspective, ever changing. You could also get angry with Taurus, thinking they are stubborn. However, they provide information humanity needs now, and you add a nurturing setting (food, resources, table) so that helps everyone be nourished and thrive. While Taurus provides the Light, you take that illumined Buddhic light and “build the lighted house” where everyone can “therein dwell.”

(2,500 years forward). In the Aquarian era/cycle, Age, the wisdom teachings (hidden in symbols) begin to open up, their focus being upon the fact of the life (not death. The focus in Aquarius is a resurrected and liberated humanity, released from the Cosmic Crucifix.

In our present time (2025), we are preparing for reappearance of the World Aquarian Teacher - the Christ’s Reappearance as the Aquarian teacher. Everyone will recognize Him this time. He comes this time in the air, with the Rule of Law (I come when the law has withered). Christ will return as the Aquarian Teacher, the Water Carrier, “pouring forth the waters of life for a thirsty humanity.”

He comes for the nations and for the people, meeting the needs of the thirsty nations of the world — thirsty for truth, right human relations and loving understanding. We prepare for this. We pray for our world — thirsty, confused, separated and in crisis. In the days and weeks and months ahead. We wait.

Note: Easter (both westerns or orthodox) is Sunday, April 20. And at day’s end, the festival of Passover culminates. Two religious festivals, two stages (Jewish and Christian) of humanity’s development, hand in hand. Thus the new Aquarian religion begins!

LEO

Are you concerned, disappointed or confused about finances and resources? Is there some sort of dilemma and reason for worry? Perhaps It has something to do with the past? it’s just a matter of time for hidden wealth to be uncovered, which may or may not be money. It’s resources. When we are concerned about money it’s time to take action, a certain action called tithing (giving to those in need). When we give it’s returned to us in gratitude, ten-fold.

VIRGO

Are you busy with interactions with others? Are you involved with others on deep spiritual levels? Do you find perhaps you have goals that seem conflicting? It’s possible you’re very serious right now. Saturn in your house of others (intimates, partners, etc.) could make you feel less than valuable leading to Virgo’s nemesis, self-criticism. Do not allow this. Replace criticism with praise. Lots of work in relationships may be needed. Ask yourself what you love about those around you. And how do you love them?

LIBRA

So many areas of responsibility you focus on – all things practical, everyday tasks, your work and especially health, your service to others and even perhaps a new pet is in the mix. With all these daily tasks there can be overwork and worry. You need a dream and vision to get you through the coming days and nights and weeks. You need hope, too and imagination. To create these, do a storyboard. It’s like a vision quest with images, sketches, paintings, graphics and words. It’s your story that you visualize and plan with. Then it appears in real life!

SCORPIO

At some point soon the needed strength will appear, helping to restore your hope and confidence in day to day living. Many have been feeling too exhausted to move beyond daily comforts and needing to retreat. This will shift as a new Aries creativity emerges, but not before an ending of things no longer needed also takes place. Some Scorpios are experiencing too much water, liquids dripping, flowing, spilling everywhere. You’re not the only one whose mind is transforming. It’s not time to take chances. Caution in everything.

SAGITTARIUS

Communication can become obscured with understanding buried under overwhelming responsibility and self-protection. Tend to family, friends and co-workers with loving care and understanding. Realize nothing is or should be moving swiftly. Go slowly each day. Honor deep familial and psychological foundations within self and others. We are to tend, care for and at times, deeply sacrifice for loved ones. You are doing so for your family. You will not drown in the deep waters of serving and saving. Grace holds you.

CAPRICORN

The most important consideration is communication. With the many planets in the deep waters of Pisces, you could feel overworked, drowning, exhausted and misunderstood. There seems no time for anything more. Too many jobs are calling you. It could feel confusing, mysterious, as if you are hidden by ferns. All of a sudden fish and flotsam and jetsam are floating to the surface. Soon obstacles will be removed. The garden is where you learn and feel comfort and where you’re most interested (and interesting to others). Be careful of other drivers. Maintain your car(s). Or buy a new one.

AQUARIUS

You’ve become more and more practical and disciplined while pondering many possible futures. You are able to make practical decisions in all areas of life, especially concerning money and finances, family, friends and relationships. Do secure the safety of your money. You seek closeness with others and make choices based on love and care. Remember to thank everyone who cares for you. Do this at the end of each day. Then see that the day was good. When you extend gratitude to life, harmony is created in your life and for the entire world.

PISCES

You have gained independence over these many years, able to express and offer unique talents without limitations or hindrances. You’re coming to a cross roads in terms of what talents to offer, how to use the precious hours of each day. Examine where your gifts are needed in the future. A change of heart has occurred. There’s somewhere you need to be that comforting and supportive. This impacts decisions and allows you to go forward where previously you feared to tread. Your life will be enhanced and enriched. Soon, rest.

“Recommendations” from page 22

The EPA must review some chemicals, such as pesticides, every 15 years. But the FDA doesn’t face a similar requirement for substances added to food. So most chemicals people consume every day — in a host of foods and beverages — have not been reviewed for safety for decades, if ever. The FDA has pledged to conduct more “post market” reviews of chemicals used in food and collected comments on this plan until earlier this year.

Some states aren’t waiting for the FDA to act. California enacted not only its 2023 law banning four chemicals from all foods sold in the state but also its 2024 law banning six toxic dyes from food served in the state’s public schools. Since 2024, many other states have also introduced bills to ban toxic chemicals in food.

Close the GRAS Loophole

The GRAS loophole puts public health at risk by leaving the responsibility of food safety to manufacturers. To protect the safety of our food supply, the FDA must close it. Some in Congress are already working toward that goal.

Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act in 2023. If enacted, it would require food manufacturers to inform the FDA of new GRAS designations. The bill would also ban conflict of interests among experts conducting safety evaluations, prohibit novel substances from claiming GRAS status, and require the FDA to assess certain GRAS substances for safety.

A recent HHS announcement on reviewing the GRAS system falls short of what’s needed. It simply pledges to “take steps to explore” changing a system that has been broken for more than 60 years — that’s not the change consumers rightly expect.

The FDA should take real action to put itself in charge of food chemical safety. Until it does, this announcement is best seen as a “plan to plan,” not real progress toward making food safer.

What you can do

In the meantime, if you want to lower your intake of harmful food ingredients, you can:

• Consult EWG’s Food Scores database to find products made without toxic food chemicals such as those state bills are targeting.

• On the go, check EWG’s Healthy Living app for products free from problematic substances.

• When possible and affordable, limit your intake of ultra-processed foods. Many contain concerning ingredients.

• Choose packaged foods that are certified organic, whenever possible. These products must meet strong standards that protect consumers from exposure to potentially harmful additives. n

Iris Myers is senior communications manager at Environmental Working Group.

Audits Found Flaws in FEMA Operations

By Jondi Gumz

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, under the four-year tenure of Deanne Criswell, the first woman to head the agency, was the subject of eight critical audits by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Criswell was appointed in 2021 by then President Joe Biden.

Santa Cruz County, awaiting millions in reimbursements from FEMA disaster response, opted to borrow $90 million to close its budget gap.

An audit August 16, 2024 found FEMA did not ensure that it closed out disaster declarations in a timely manner.

The audit stated, “We reviewed 79 disaster declarations and identified 26 programs with nearly $9.4 million in unliquidated funds that remained open beyond their approved periods of performance. These programs included public assistance, individual assistance, and hazard mitigation grant programs that were awarded in 2012 or earlier. This situation is problematic because costs incurred after the period of performance ends are not reimbursable.”

Auditors made two recommendations:

1) We recommend that the FEMA Administrator direct FEMA Regions to: Begin administrative closeout of the 26 grant programs we identified with expired periods of performance to the extent permitted by the Stafford Act, for those with no pending requests for extension or lacking

acceptable justifications for extension, and deobligate the associated $9.4 million in remaining funds; assess and close, as appropriate, the 42 grant programs in our scope representing $7 billion in unliquidated funding; and conduct a review of all authorized grant programs with expired periods of performance to determine whether to administratively closeout and deobligate remaining fund balances, to the extent permitted by the Stafford Act, for those with no pending requests for extension or lacking acceptable justifications for extension.

2) We recommend that the FEMA Administrator

Consistently apply FEMA Manual 205-0-1, Grants Management requirements, including that the recipient’s request and FEMA’s determination for extensions must be in writing and signed, and that FEMA’s determination include the rationale for the decision, including how the facts meet the applicable guidelines.

See the audit at https://www.oversight. gov/reports/audit/femas-inadequate-oversight-led-delays-closing-out-declared-disasters.

An audit March 28, 2023 focused on a $110 million humanitarian relief program and found that local recipient organizations did not use the funds consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

From the audit:

Why We Did This Audit Congress appropriated $110 million to

LOCAL SPORTS

SCCAL Boys Soccer All League

Special Awards

MVP

Nami Banks (12) - Aptos

Offensive Player-of-the-Year

Alex Aparicio (12) - Harbor

Defensive Player-of-the-Year

Cutler Bausher (11) - Santa Cruz

Keeper-of-the-Year

Keenan Buntz (12) - SLV

Coach-of-the-Year

Roberto Zuniga - Aptos

First Team

Brandon Jimenez (12) - Harbor - D

Lukas Bloom (12) - Scotts Valley - M

Evan Hiatt (12) - SLV - F

Cesar Onesto (12) - Harbor - D

Love Granstrom (12) - Aptos - D

Daniel Lozano (11) - Aptos - D

Evan Richter (12) - Santa Cruz - M

Andrew Bucio (12) - Soquel - GK

Damian Garcia (10) - Aptos - M

Mateo Ortega (10) - Harbor - M

Noah Curran (12) - Aptos - GK

Second Team

Danny Garcia (11) - Harbor - M

Jack Leiva (12) - Soquel - M

David Sebastian Killpatrick (11) - Aptos - D

Benjamin Marciel (10) - Aptos - D

Ethan Smith (11) - Harbor - D

Asher Schwarzback (12) - SLV - D

Stefan Ciesiolkiewicz (11) - Santa Cruz - M

Ivan Zavala (11) - Aptos - F

Haziel Parra (10) - Aptos - M

Damian Escalante (12) - Harbor - GK

Miles Buehrig (12) - Scotts Valley - D

Honorable Mention

Josiah Siqueiros (11) - Aptos - F

Nicolas Topete (11) - Aptos - F

Alex Casillas (10) - Aptos - D

Javi Calles (12) - Harbor - D

Sai Nguyen (10) - Harbor - M

Diego Cortes (12) - Harbor - M

Desmond Boutelle (11) - Santa Cruz - F

Luca Berrios (10) - Santa Cruz - D

Rodolfo Cardona (12) - Santa Cruz - F

Owen Carrington (12) - SLV - D

Jimmy King (12) - SLV - F

Colton Ryssemus (12) - SLV - M

Elliot Smith (9) - Scotts Valley - D

Jacob Berman (11) - Scotts Valley - M

Evan Wong (11) - Scotts Valley - D

Antonio Plaza (12) - Soquel - M

David Moya (12) - Soquel - D

Logan Walters (12) - Soquel - D n

the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to provide humanitarian relief to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security.

We conducted this audit to determine whether FEMA awarded funding provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in accordance with Federal law and regulations.

What We Recommend

We made two recommendations to improve oversight and enforcement for similar future appropriations.

What We Found

FEMA awarded $110 million in humanitarian relief funds provided by ARPA to the EFSP National Board to provide services to families and individuals encountered by DHS in communities most impacted by the humanitarian crisis at the Southwest border.

As of September 8, 2021, the National Board awarded $80.6 million of the funds to 25 local recipient organizations (LRO) in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

We reviewed $12.9 million from 18 LROs and found they did not always use the funds consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Humanitarian Relief Funding and Application Guidance (funding and application guidance).

Specifically, the LROs did not always provide the required receipts or documentation for claimed reimbursements.

In addition, some of the LROs were unable to provide supporting documentation for families and individuals to whom they provided services.

Also, we determined some families and individuals did not have a DHS encounter record.

These issues occurred because FEMA did not provide sufficient oversight of the funds and instead relied on local boards and fiscal agents to enforce the funding and application guidance.

As a result, FEMA, as the National Board Chair, cannot ensure the humanitarian relief funds were used as intended by the funding and application guidance.

We questioned $7.4 million, or 58%, of the $12.9 million we reviewed because, after several attempts, we were unable to obtain the required supporting documentation.

Without additional oversight and enforcement from FEMA and the National Board, LROs may continue to use the funds for services without providing the required supporting documentation for reimbursement, increasing the risk of misuse of funds and fraud. FEMA’s Response FEMA concurred with both recommendations. n

To read the audit, see: https://www.oig.dhs. gov/sites/default/files/assets/2023-03/OIG-2320-Mar23.pdf

To find additional audits, go to https://www. oig.dhs.gov/

HR 2308: Bill to Make FEMA Cabinet Agency

By Jondi Gumz

On March 24, Florida Congressmen Jason Moskowitz and Byron Donalds proposed HR 2308, to establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a cabinet-level independent agency.

Santa Cruz County has outstanding claims with FEMA of $70 million in unreimbursed expenses due to the 2020 CZU wildfire and the Covid-19 pandemic and opted to borrow to fill its budget gap.

FEMA was created in 1979 and in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., was put under the authority of the new Department of Homeland Security.

The bill would have the President appoint the director, with the consent of the Senate, and 10 regional offices, as there are now.

This person is to have no less than 5 years of executive leadership and management experience in the public sector and 5 years of such experience in the private sector.

The director would report to the President and lead and support the Nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of: Mitigation, by taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from hazards and their effects; Preparedness, by planning, training, conducting exercises, and building the emergency

management profession to prepare effectively for mitigating, responding to, and recovering from any hazard;

Response, by conducting emergency operations to save lives and property through positioning emergency equipment, personnel, and supplies, through evacuating potential victims, through providing food, water, shelter, and medical care to those in need, and through restoring critical public services; and

Recovery, by rebuilding communities so individuals, businesses, and governments can function on their own, return to normal life, and protect against future hazards.

In March, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure discussed FEMA reform to improve disaster response and recovery.

Local officials shared frustrations faced by survivors in accessing funds.

The Government Accountability Office presented four priorities: streamlining the federal disaster recovery process, improving aid delivery to survivors, reforming the FEMA workforce, and simplifying resilience program navigation for state and local governments.

The current disaster recovery framework is fragmented across multiple agencies, complicating the aid process for those affected by disasters. n

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUPERVISOR KIM DE SERPA OFFICE HOURS

County Supervisor Kim De Serpa invites residents to attend her upcoming office hours, providing an opportunity for community members to share concerns, ask questions, and discuss local issues directly with their County Supervisor.

Residents are encouraged to stop by during the following office hour sessions:

Thursday, April 24: 2-4 pm — Corralitos CalFire Station: 120 Eureka Canyon Road, Watsonville

Wednesday May 7: 3-5 pm — South County Service Center, 790 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

Topics of discussion may include local government services, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and other key community concerns. Supervisor De Serpa welcomes input from all constituents and encourages residents to bring their questions and ideas.

“These office hours are an important way to hear directly from the community,” said De Serpa. “I look forward to meeting with residents and working together to address their concerns and priorities.”

For more information or to reserve a specific time to meet with Supervisor De Serpa, contact her office at second.district@ santacruzcountyca.gov.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Through May 2, more than 400 works of art created by Santa Cruz County students are on display at the Santa Cruz County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.

The works are part of the 2025 Youth Art Exhibit, facilitated by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Arts Council Santa Cruz County.

Community members are invited to view the art 8 a.m. –5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A reception will take place Friday, May 2, from 5-7 p.m., featuring student performances, hands-on activities, and refreshments.

LAUNCHPAD JOB FAIR COMING

The 8th annual Santa Cruz Launchpad career fair and student pitch competition is returning on Wednesday, May 21, at the Coconut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. Last year’s event drew in over 500 job seekers, making it the place to be for employers looking to hire or build their talent pipeline. Employers from all industries with any type of opening (internships, part-time, full-time, etc.) are welcome. The job fair portion of the event is from 5-7 p.m. Registration is free to Santa Cruz Works partners, $250 for others, reduced rate for nonprofits.

Space is limited, and registration closes on Wednesday, April 30. Sign up at www.santacruzworks.org/sclaunchpad

APTOS PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

April 26 • 1-4 p.m. — The Medi-Cal Outreach and Engagement Team is dedicated to helping individuals and families in our community access healthcare.

May 1 • 5-6 p.m. — Friends of the Aptos Library Meeting

Julia Lupton, Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at UC Irvine, dramaturg for UCI’s New Swan Summer Festival.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

Readings: Act 2, Scenes 1 & 2; Act 3, Scene 1

During the 2nd hour volunteers will read aloud part of the play.

During the final session a film will be presented. For information, Zoom link or to be a reader, contact: saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com

May 7 • 6-8 p.m. — Positive Discipline Workshop for Parents of 2- to 5-year-olds.

Connect with other parents through this interactive and engaging parent educational series to become an effective parent.

Saturdays

Saturday Shakespeare • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May 3 — A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Second Saturdays

Meditation for Stress Relief and Increased Energy • 3-5 p.m.

Feeling stressed or low on energy? Join a rejuvenating meditation session led by Harsha Golla, a certified mindfulness meditation instructor with over a decade of experience. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this program is designed for everyone! What to Expect:

• 5-minute Breath-work: Learn simple breathing techniques to calm your mind and body instantly.

• 20-minute Guided Meditation: Experience a gentle, easy-to-follow meditation that will leave you feeling centered and energized.

• Habit-Building Strategies: Discover practical tips to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine for lasting benefits. Harsha has been practicing meditation since 2011 and regularly leads group sessions at the Aptos Library. His teaching style is approachable and supportive, making it easy for participants of all levels to enjoy.

CALTRANS TO HONOR FALLEN HIGHWAY WORKERS

On Thursday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at River Walk Park in West Sacramento, Caltrans will honor 194 employees who have died on the job since 1921 at the 35th annual Workers Memorial.

The ceremony pays tribute to the public servants who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep others safe on the California state highway system as well as recognizing their families, friends and colleagues.

The event is also a solemn reminder to motorists about the importance of safe and attentive driving when traveling through highway work zones.

Tragically, the number of Caltrans workers who have lost their lives in service to the state increased by one from a year ago. Alexander Rodish (Roe-dish) was killed on July 22, 2024 after being struck by a vehicle while working on Interstate 5 in San Clemente.

Highway construction and maintenance work is one of the nation’s most perilous occupations. In 2021, more than 9,500 work zone collisions occurred on California highways, resulting in an estimated 2,971 injuries and 73 fatalities.

CABRILLO JOB & INTERNSHIP FAIRS

Two dates are set:

• Tuesday, April 22 from 4-6 pm Watsonville Center

• Wednesday, April 23 from 11 am-1 pm Aptos Campus-Upper Quad

Meet with local employers to learn about a variety of job & internship opportunities. Have your current resume reviewed and edited.

Check out the Seahawk Job Board at https://www. cabrillo.edu/career-services/jobs/ For questions, email StudentJobs @cabrillo.edu

PVUSD OPPORTUNITIES

Summer in the City Internship

Application Due April 21

PVUSD’ Career and Technical Education and the City of Watsonville announce that applications for the upcoming Summer in the City internship program will close at 5 pm April 21. Apply online at https://tinyurl.com/PVUSD-summerintern-2025.

This opportunity, open to all incoming PVUSD juniors and seniors, aims to equip students with career readiness skills, leadership development, and hands-on civic engagement experiences while gaining insight into local government operations.

A total of 20 students will be selected to participate, each earning $1,000 and 5 elective credits upon completion. Selection announcements: May 2 For questions, contact the City Manager’s Office at (831) 768-3010 or email citymanager@watsonville. gov.

April 26: Live Like Coco hosts Run for Reading 9 am, Pinto Lake County Park, 757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

Sign up for free at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ Watsonville/RunReadRepeat

May 2: Original Music Showcase at EA Hall

With the support of New School students, Young Producers Group will host a showcase at E.A. Hall inspired by YPG’s annual Beat Battle event in Los Angeles.

COELEEN KIEBERT AND STUDENTS: ART & SPIRIT

Pajaro Valley Arts honors Coeleen Kiebert, a renowned sculptor and educator based in Rio del Mar, with an exhibition, Art & Spirit, through May 4 that celebrates her legacy and the work of her long-time students, showcasing innovative and unique processes that empowers the practice of art.

With a master’s degree from UC Santa Cruz, she works in ceramic and bronze and for 40 years she has taught the psychology of the creative process.

The exhibition is curated by Joan Blackmer.

The closing reception will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at PVA Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville.

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER

Wednesday April 23 thru Friday April 25

7 p.m. (9 p.m. encore Friday) Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre presents a theatrical experience in honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday.

More than 50 of Shakespeare’s characters will be brought to life on stage, artfully woven together into a mesmerizing tapestry of dramatic and musical excellence.

The ensemble features 32 actors and 5 musicians, directed by Bill Peters, actor, director and professor at San Francisco State University.

The production offers a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s timeless works, offering both classic and modern audiences a chance to experience the Bard’s genius in a new format. This is a fundraiser, but enjoy a “donate what you will” evening with a suggested minimum donation of $10. Tickets at: www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/tickets

CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

The nonprofit California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation announces the opening of this year’s Central Coast Impact Scholarship application for students from five counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura.

Application deadline: May 31.

A personal statement on higher education is required, along with a short biography, resume, transcript, and two letters of recommendation. Past winners can re-apply.

“Reflecting on the success of the inaugural Central Coast Impact Scholarship, we are proud to continue supporting students from Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Hearing from past recipients about how this scholarship has positively influenced their educational journeys and community involvement reaffirms our commitment to investing in our region’s future leaders,” said Foundation Chair Dawn Addis (Assemblymember, D- Morro Bay).

Interested candidates can apply by visiting CLCCCF.org, where details about the scholarship criteria and application process are available.

CALL FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS

Seeking Native American/Indigenous artists for the upcoming Native Arts Market in Aptos on June 21. The event will be free to the public. Looking for artists working in original contemporary or traditional art to participate.

Interested Native artists call Becky Olvera Schultz at 831-295-7562.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville. Upcoming Meetings: April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December have not yet been decided. For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

10 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 2450 17th Ave. Nancy Wainer teaches beginner bridge classes at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center.

Come and check out the world’s greatest game! First class is free. Reserve a spot via emai: NLMBRIDGE@yahoo.com.

LEADERSHIP SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Applications are now open for the 39th class of Leadership Santa Cruz County. If you are in a leadership role and want to connect with leaders in our community, learn about our county, and hone leadership skills along the way, you can apply.

Participants must commit to 9 Fridays and a two-day retreat from August through June. There is a detailed description of the program and topics at leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/apply.

The deadline to apply is April 30. Scholarships are available.

BRIDGE CLUB

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

The Aptos Branch Library hosts 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

EL MERCADO FARMERS MARKET

3-7 p.m., 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville Opens April 22

El Mercado is a weekly farmers’ market promoting access to fresh produce and wellness resources for Pajaro Valley families.

Due to construction at Ramsay Park, El Mercado has moved to 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville (in the lot behind Watsonville Health Center).

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Art by eighth graders at Aptos Junior High taught by Kerry Gill is on display.

Open through October, El Mercado features fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, local artisans and monthly family events. El Mercado also offers health screenings, vaccine clinics, and community resources in partnership with local nonprofits.

Funding for El Mercado was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

Fourth Tuesdays

BOOKS & BITES COOKING CLASSES

6 p.m., Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St Suite 100 In partnership with the Watsonville Public Library, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley will offer Books and Bites Fourth every month at the Watsonville Library.

You’ll cook alongside a Registered Dietitian, learn healthy recipes, and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals — all while receiving bite-sized, easy-to-digest information.

Topics:

Tuesday, April 22 — Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry Tuesday, May 27 – Vegetable Fideo

Free to the community! All are welcome. Info: https://pvhealthtrust.org/books-and-bites/

Last Wednesdays of the Month

PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS

6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays.

PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting

Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, challenges, and ideas.

Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges.

Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each session. For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794

Thursdays

HAPPY HOUR

5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic happy hour every week.

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

Fridays (except First Friday of the Month)

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP

10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.

Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

Saturdays beginning April 27

SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE

April 27-May 25 online: See https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12190276 for details Second Saturdays

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DANCING IN THE STREETS

Thursday April 17

5-9 p.m., Downtown Santa Cruz

For 16 years, Santa Cruz dancers have hit the streets of Downtown for Dancing in the Streets. They will celebrate the joy of dance and the strength of the community through an unforgettable afternoon of free performances in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.

Ever wanted to try salsa, hip-hop, ballet, or contemporary dance? Now’s your chance!

During Santa Cruz Dance Week, studios and instructors across the county are opening their doors for Open Classes — welcoming dancers of all ages and experience levels.

The fee is $20 for unlimited classes.

Classes are offered Saturday, April 19, through Friday, April 25, morning, afternoon and evening. On the weekend, dancers will perform in unlikely places, Lighthouse Field, in front of the Boardwalk Arcade and outside Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Special community events also are scheduled. Some are free; others charge $10 to $50.

See https://www.scdanceweek.com/community-events-april-20th-28th/

HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free.

Third Sundays

MONTEREY BAY AREA CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY

12 p.m., Corralitos Grange Hall #487, 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville

The nonprofit Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent Society meets every third Sunday at Corralitos Grange Hall.

The society contributes to the study and cultivation of succulents, cacti and other drought-tolerant plants. Monthly meetings include displays of plants and plant raffles. Meetings are on the third Sunday of each month with the exception of the Spring and Fall Show and Sales months (announced on the website).

New members to club meetings will receive a complimentary plant. All are welcome!

For information, contact Mary at (831) 229-3289 or e-mail crossmarylouise@gmail.com. Visit mbsucculent.org for more information.

DATED EVENTS

Thursday April 17 and Saturday April 19

VEGETABLE GARDENING CLASSES

Thurs.: 5:30 – 7 p.m., Online class

Sat.: 10 a.m. – Noon, Pinto Lake County Park, 757 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties offer a 2-part class on growing vegetables.

First a Zoom class on Thursday, then with a hands-on demonstration Saturday at Pinto Lake County Park. Get your seeds / transplants in the ground and off

SCAL HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS RECEPTION

2-4 p.m., Santa Cruz Art League, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz

to a good start. Topics include watering, thinning, weeding, and fertilizing to keep them growing strong and healthy.

The demo will be in the Master Gardener Watsonville Demo Garden and will build on the information provided in the online class.

The class is free, but donations are appreciated. Register at mbmg.ucanr.edu

Friday April 18

STATE OF WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

8-10 a.m., Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room (top floor), 275 Main St.

Watsonville Community Hospital invites the community to the State of the Hospital event at Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room.

CEO Stephen Gray will share key accomplishments since the hospital’s return to public ownership in 2024 and discuss exciting plans for the future of healthcare in our community.

Saturday April 19

EGG HUNT EGGSTRAVAGANZA

1-5 p.m., Pinto Lake City Park, 451 Green Valley Road, Watsonville

The city of Watsonville hosts Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza for kids ages 3-13 at Pinto Lake City Park. No charge to attend.

There will be an Egg Hunt, food trucks, photos with the Easter Bunny and inflatables.

CHILI COOKOFF

11 a.m. – 2 p.m., VFW Post 7263, 2259 7th Ave., Santa Cruz Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz will host a Chili Cookoff at VFW Post 7263.

Tickets are $40 at https://givebutter.com/VetsChilicookoff

The Santa Cruz Art League presents the 67th High School Show Art Exhibition, displaying art by Santa Cruz County students from public, private, charter, home, and at-risk schools in their state-of-the-art space from April 19 through May 10.

Since 1955, the Art League’s High School Show has provided one of the only professional gallery exhibitions for high school-age artists in the county, giving the community a preview of the next generation of local artists.

HOSPICE CEO TO SPEAK

10:15 a.m., Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive Cathy Conway, CEO of Hospice of Santa Cruz County, will speak at the Aptos Branch Public Library, sponsored by AAUW Santa Cruz County Branch.

She will cover expansion of the county’s only nonprofit hospice services.

Under her leadership, Hospice prioritizes patient and family-centered care while fostering a supportive environment for staff and volunteers.

Since joining HSCC in 2004 as director of development, Cathy has played a key role in expanding its communityfunded programs including palliative care, grief support services, pediatric concurrent care, Camp Erin for grieving children, and music and pet therapy. These programs reflect the vision that all people may live and die with dignity. Conway has a master’s degree in nonprofit management. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice innovation and on the Board of Directors and executive committee of the Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County. She is active in United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Women in Philanthropy, Dominican Hospital’s Women of Wellness, and Cabrillo College’s Women’s Educational Success programs. There is no charge to attend.

JULIA ROBINSON MATH FESTIVAL AT APTOS JR. HIGH 3-5 p.m., Aptos Junior High School, 1001 Huntington Dr At the Aptos Junior High School Math Festival, 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 19, children and families have the opportunity to explore a variety of fun, hands-on math puzzles and games.

Math Festival activities are designed for children (and adults) of all ages and backgrounds, so everyone is welcome.

The Aptos Junior High Math Festival is free, open to all, and an event where you can drop in and drop out whenever you’d like.

Free snacks will be provided.

See https://jrmf.org/events/jrmf-math-festival-at-aptos-jhs/ Register at https://tinyurl.com/AJHS-Math-Fest2025-reg.

Learn more about Julia Robinson, a mathematician famous for her work on Hilbert’s 10th Problem at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MlwF5t5YTzY

Wednesday April 23

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

6 p.m., Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the 19th Annual “Fly Fishing Film Tour” at 6 pm Wednesday, April 23, at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing located at 119 Madrone off River Street in Santa Cruz.

This traveling event showcases the best fly fishing films from around the world promising stunning cinematography, unforgettable stories, and the excitement of fly fishing in remote locations.

Admission is $25 which includes a chance at great door prizes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For info and to purchase tickets visit: www.santacruzflyfishing.org “Calendar” page 31

High School Photographer Mary Henderson

Welcome to the work of Soquel High School senior and aptos resident Mary Henderson.

Henderson, who lives near Nisene Marks, has been mixing her love of sports with her love of photography for the last two years, and plans to continue to do so at Cabrillo College.

“I got into photography from my hobbies, surfing and skating,” she said. “I really improved my skills when I started taking digital media classes and doing sports photography at my sophomore year.”

Cabrillo fans can look forward to seeing more of her work over the next two years. n

SCCAS Featured Pet

Lucario: Block-Headed Loving Boy

Our Pet of the Week this week is Lucario (pronounced Loo-CAR-e-oh) (#A319094).

He is a new big block-headed lover boy on the block — a 6-year-old neutered American bulldog mix. Lucario has history living with adults and dogsavvy cats.

Lucario knows sit, down, shake (both hands), jump, up, stay, and catch! His favorite activities in his previous home include long walks on the beach, playing tug-of-war, and playing fetch.

He also enjoys chew toys and ropes. While Lucario does not have much stamina, he has enjoyed playing chase with some canine friends here at the shelter.

If you are looking for a sweet and adorable middleaged gentleman — come to SCCAS and meet our buddy Lucario!

Lucario’s adoption fee is reduced to $75 as he is considered a senior pup (6 years and older!) n

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. All adoptions are first come, first served.

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. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”)

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

Wednesday April 24

UNITED WAY ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION

6:30-8:30 p.m., Dream Inn, 175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Annual Awards Celebration will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz.

This special evening will recognize the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made a lasting impact in our community through their dedication and generosity.

This is the first recognition since Yvette Lopez Brooks became CEO.

The honorees are: Volunteer Champion Award: UPS • Community Spirit Award: K & D Landscaping • Partner of the Year Award: COE - Youth Led Leadership Alliance • Employee Campaign Manager Award: Fiona Weigant • Women in Philanthropy Award: Mari Rossi • Emerging Leader Award: Laurel Maxwell • Youth Leader of the Year Awards: Alexandra Rojas & Adrian Ramirez • Youth Champion of the Year Award: Meggie Pina

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and commitment that drives our mission forward. Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient Santa Cruz County for all.

Tickets are $125 each at: unitedwaysc.org/awards

Saturday April 26

DOWNTOWN LIBRARY FESTIVAL

1-4 p.m., Corner of Cedar & Lincoln Streets, Santa Cruz Come experience the future Downtown Library through an immersive preview. The stage will be set with largescale renderings of the new library’s rooms, live music, and food trucks.

Project partners will give the latest updates. Join the free library programs and hands-on activities for children, teens, and adults. You will be amazed by what you can do in the library!

Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries will be on site for the official fundraising kickoff of the Downtown Library Capital Campaign where a gift of any size given on this special day will get your name recognized inside a library book.

To learn more, visit: https://www.friendsofsantacruzlibraries.org/ downtown/

Sunday April 27

TEA & TOGETHERNESS FOR TEEN KITCHEN PROJECT

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave, Watsonville

The nonprofit Teen Kitchen Project announces a fundraiser, Tea and Togetherness, brunch and a raffle at the charming La Selva Beach Clubhouse.

the event embarks on an eastward expedition along the captivating coastline.

Runners are treated to a scenic tour, passing by notable landmarks including the Santa Cruz Harbor, Moran Lake, and the renowned Pleasure Point before navigating the turn-around loop through the picturesque Capitola Village. The course features oceanfront views of world-famous surf breaks, leading to the triumphant finish on the pristine shores of Cowell’s Beach.

Info: https://www.runsurferspath.com/surfers-path-half-marathon

Thursday May 1

MONTEREY BAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP: REGIONAL OUTLOOK

8 a.m.–4 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos MBEP, which turns 10 this year, hosts the 2025 Regional Economic Outlook at Seascape Golf Club. Delve into key insights and perspectives on the economic landscape of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

This year’s keynote address and economic outlook will be provided by Jon Haveman, executive director, National Economic Education Delegation and an expert on trade policy, followed by a discussion with veteran political consultant Mike Madrid based on his latest book, The Latino Century. Learn about the regional work being done across the Central Coast and Monterey Bay by: Uplift Central Coast, Regions Rise Together, and Monterey Bay Tech Hub. Additional speakers to be announced.

Registration is $119 for members, $149 early bird through April 11 at www.mbep.biz/events/2025-regional-economic-outlook

Wednesday May 7

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ CAREER FAIR

4-7 p.m., Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room (4th floor), 275 Main St.

Looking for a rewarding career? Come to the County of Santa Cruz Career Fair at the Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room.

Meet department representatives from across the County, explore exciting job opportunities, and learn how you can make a difference in your community. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, this is your chance to connect, ask questions, and take the next step toward a fulfilling career! For current job vacancies see: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

Friday May 9

HEALTH FAIR

2-6 p.m., Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main St. Community Health Trust’s annual Health Fair will be at Watsonville City Plaza.

© Statepoint Media

Welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine or a nonalcoholic beverage, guests can mingle before sitting down to a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and desserts all hand-crafted by a team of TKP teen chefs led by Chef J.P. Lechtenberg. A selection of teas will be included alongside as a perfect pairing for sweet and savory offerings.

Giant Berry is the event sponsor.

In 2024, Teen Kitchen Project engaged 104 teens and delivered 222,320 meals to critically and chronically ill community members in Santa Cruz County.

TKP is raising money for a new location with a larger kitchen and estimated at $2.5 million. To date, $1.1 million has been raised.

Tickets are $75 at https://bit.ly/Tea4TKP For more information, see https://teenkitchenproject.org/ or email info@TeenKitchenProject.org.

THE SURFERS PATH HALF MARATHON

7 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.

The Surfers Path Half Marathon is an exhilarating 13.1mile journey from Santa Cruz to Capitola and back. Commencing at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,

This event offers health information, screenings, and a variety of community resources for FREE! The goal is to create awareness of health and wellness resources in the Pajaro Valley, increase equitable access to health services, and empower individuals to take care of their well-being.

For information contact Development@pvhealthtrust.org.

Saturday May 10

SECOND PITCH-IN ALL-COUNTY CLEANUP DAY

The second Pitch In Initiative plans an all-county cleanup day’s goal is to raise awareness of litter and illegal dumping. Pitch In Signs can be seen at beaches, trail heads, city and county parks, Libraries, County Office buildings, Metro stops and other locations.

They are working with schools and many non-profit partners to expand participation and help achieve their goal to Make Santa Cruz the cleanest county in the state! This is good for business, tourism, and the health and well-being of our human and wildlife communities. Check their county-hosted website pitchinsantacruz.org.

Businesses can participate by hosting a cleanup, or offering samples, discounts, two-for-one coupons or other incentives for youth-led clean ups, and to encourage clients and employees to pitch in.

Pitch In signs and window decals are available. Visit https:// pitchinsantacruz.org for more info. n

Future Teen Kitchen

Project kitchen