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Watsonville Revises Rules on Camping in City

No Encampment Zones Created, Daytime Squatting Nixed

By JON CHOWN

WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council approved major changes to the city’s camping ordinance, creating clearer rules on camping in public spaces and creating a map of specific no-camping areas.

The changes, approved July 7 on the Consent Agenda, rewrite Chapter 36 of the Watsonville Municipal Code.

According to a staff report, the revised ordinance is meant to simplify older regulations, reflect recent court decisions and strengthen enforcement while outlining procedures for handling people’s property during encampment cleanups.

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Rivas Bees Honey Owner Named 2026 Farmer of the Year

WATSONVILLE — Anselmo Rivas, owner of Rivas Bees Honey, has been named the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s 2026 Farmer of the Year for his decades of work in agriculture and his commitment to helping the community. The award was presented during the Farm Bureau’s 109th annual meeting and dinner June 25 at Jacobs Farm del Cabo in Watsonville.

Full Story page 5

Teen Lifeguard Invited to White House Full Story page 8

County Explores New Funding Options for Road Repairs

COUNTRY TO COAST

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Watsonville Revises Rules on Camping in City: No Encampment Zones

Created, Daytime Squatting Nixed, By Jon Chown Community News

5 Rivas Bees Honey Owner Named 2026 Farmer of the Year

6 County Explores New Funding Options for Road Repairs: Backlog is Growing Annually as Costs Far Outweigh Budget

7 Capitola Woman Killed in Senseless Attack: Murder Suspect Allegedly Admitted to Homicidal Fantasy, By Jon Chown

8 Sheriff’s K9 Finds Pipe Bomb in Car • Teen Lifeguard Invited to White House: Video of Dramatic, Heroic Rescue Goes Viral

9 EMBER to Present BESS Research at Science Symposium: Saturday Aug. 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., By Claudia Iseman • County Shelves BESS Ordinance: Asks State to Consider Draft and Public Response, By Jon Chown

10 SprayDays California Alerts Residents to Ag Spraying

11 Capitola Beach Festival: Make Plans for September 26 and 27, By Laurie Hill

14 Santa Cruz METRO Launches ‘Art in Transit’ Bus Wrap Photo Contest: Community Members Invited to Submit Original Photography Inspired by Nature, Sustainability, and Wildlife in the Monterey Bay

16 True Love Christian Festival Continues to Grow: Sixth Annual Event Held at Aptos Village Park

17 Damians Ladder Releases Annual Report: Numbers Show Seniors, Disabled Residents Satisfied and Saving Thousands • Property Owners in Unincorporated Areas of County Put on Notice

18 54th Annual Wharf to Wharf Hits Its Stride: Competition and Fun Propel Event’s Success, By Tad Stearn

21 PVUSD Superintendent, Trustees Set Goals and Guardrails: Education Leaders Discuss What Realistic Standards Can be Achieved, By Jon Chown

22 PVUSD Renews Contacts with Watsonville PD, SC Sheriff’s Office: Some Residents Speak Against Having Officers in Schools, By Jon Chown

27 Live Oak Landing Opens: Expands Interim Housing and Pathways to Permanent Housing in Santa Cruz County

30 Coastal Commission Expected to Approve Capitola Amendments, By Jon Chown

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – South & North Nodes | Direction & Destiny — Past & Present/Future, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar | Arts & Entertainment • Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists

15 Aristotle: The Three-Act Structure — Beginning, Middle, End, By Joe Ortiz

23 Humidity is the Other Weather, By Tony Tomeo

24 Building on Progress, Planning for Tomorrow, By Rebecca Gold Rubin, Public Outreach Coordinator, Soquel Creek Water District

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COVER STORY

“Homeless Camps” from page 1

The council also adopted an official map showing “No Encampment Zones,” areas where camping is prohibited and where city crews can take immediate enforcement action.

The ordinance follows a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Johnson v. City of Grants Pass, which found that cities may enforce camping restrictions on public property without violating the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. It also follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order encouraging California cities to remove encampments that threaten public health and safety.

The staff report said the ordinance is intended to protect parks, sidewalks, streets and other public spaces while keeping them clean, safe and accessible.

The new law keeps the city’s general ban on camping anywhere in Watsonville unless specifically allowed, but it changes how camping is defined.

Instead of focusing mainly on sleeping outdoors during overnight hours, the revised ordinance expands the definition to cover several activities at any time. It now prohibits constructing semi-permanent shelters, digging or altering the ground to create a campsite, leaving personal belongings unattended on public property, using tents or sleeping equipment for shelter, and making fires or using portable stoves for cooking on public property outside designated park barbecue areas. Sleeping in parked vehicles is also specifically listed as prohibited camping.

The staff report said the broader definitions make the ordinance easier to enforce because they no longer depend on proving someone intended to spend the night at a location.

The ordinance also reorganizes exceptions to the camping ban. Camping remains allowed in designated public camping areas,

city-sponsored events, nonprofit events approved by the City Council and, under limited conditions, on private property with the owner’s written permission. Camping on private property is still limited to 14 consecutive days and may occur only once every 90 days.

One of the biggest changes creates detailed enforcement procedures that were not included in the previous ordinance. Except in emergencies or designated No Encampment Zones, the city must provide

at least 72 hours’ notice before removing an encampment or unattended property. Notices must include information about local shelters and housing resources and explain that stored property can be reclaimed without charge for up to 60 days.

When city workers return after the notice period, they must allow anyone present 30 minutes to remove personal belongings before collecting and storing remaining property.

The ordinance also requires postenforcement notices explaining where property has been taken, how to retrieve it and when it will be discarded if left unclaimed. The new rules define personal property that must be stored, including items worth more than $50 as well as items with personal value such as identification, photographs, medical equipment, backpacks, bicycles, wheelchairs and habitable tents.

The council also approved an official map identifying No Encampment Zones throughout Watsonville.

Camping is prohibited in those areas because they include critical infrastructure, environmentally or historically sensitive locations, and areas around homeless shelters or navigation centers. Signs will mark each zone and notify people that camping is subject to immediate enforcement.

Unlike other locations, people camping inside a No Encampment Zone are considered to have already received notice. City crews may immediately remove camps and impound property without waiting the standard 72-hour notice period.

Even in those cases, stored property must be kept for 60 days and can be reclaimed without paying storage fees.

The ordinance keeps the same penalties already in city law. A first violation is treated as an infraction. Anyone cited who commits the same violation again within 48 hours may be charged with a misdemeanor. The ordinance will take effect in August. n

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County Explores New Funding Options for Road Repairs

Backlog is Growing Annually as Costs Far Outweigh Budget

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County supervisors heard a range of potential funding options June 30 for addressing the county’s growing road maintenance needs, including possible sales taxes, parcel taxes, special assessment districts and development fees, as officials try to figure out how to pay for road repairs now and in the future.

and the second is deterioration of the roads,” he said. “It’s about half each.”

Friedrich went through a variety of options to address the deficit, starting with development impact fees. Increasing those would be easy, he said, because it doesn’t require a public vote. However, he pointed out, using that money requires a nexus to new development.

After the supervisors were given a presentation from the County Executive Office outlining possible revenue strategies, the Board then directed staff to complete a transportation funding and financing analysis and return in January with some answers.

“I’m glad we’re moving on this,” said District 1 Supervisor Manu Koenig. “We probably should have started moving a lot sooner.”

The county faces a significant gap between available funding and the cost of maintaining the county’s road network. The county’s 2025 Pavement Management Program estimates it would cost about $29.5 million annually to maintain roads at an average Pavement Condition Index score of 57. The score measures cracks and splits on the road, surface damage and ride smoothness. A score of 85-100 is good, 55-84 is fair and a score of under 55 means the road has heavy damage, deep holes and requires a rebuild.

Currently, Santa Cruz County roads average a mere 57.8, but the county projects the average pavement condition could decline to about 36 by fiscal year 2034-35 and deferred maintenance costs could grow from about $294 million to about $683 million if corrections aren’t made. Currently, the annual budget only allows about $6.3 million for repairs, leaving a gap of roughly $21 million.

Without additional funding, the county projects the average pavement condition could decline from its current level of about 57.8 to approximately 36 by fiscal year 2034-35, while deferred maintenance costs could grow from about $294 million to about $683 million.

Ryan Friedrich, principal analyst in the County CEO’s office, said two issues are growing the backlog. “First is inflation, cost,

“So it doesn’t help our deferred backlog, but it does relieve pressure on current funding sources that are being used for things like capital improvement matches,” he said, but estimated the county could get about $5 million more annually with an increase.

Friedrich also discussed assessment districts, community facility districts, and other ideas that would all require voter approval. One option discussed was a dedicated local sales tax. A half-cent sales tax in the county’s unincorporated areas could generate an estimated $10.7 million annually, according to preliminary estimates. However, because the tax would be dedicated to transportation purposes, it would require approval from two-thirds of voters.

Friedrich also noted that unincorporated Santa Cruz County is already at the state limit for local sales tax increases and additional authority from the Legislature would be needed before a new sales tax could be implemented.

Another potential option is a parcel tax, which could generate an estimated $9.2 million annually based on a preliminary model of about $200 per improved parcel and $100 per unimproved parcel.

Unlike a sales tax, a parcel tax would be paid by property owners rather than consumers and could provide a more stable source of transportation funding. It also would require voter approval.

“There’s a lot of different tools at the county’s disposal to look at augmenting current transportation funding,” Friedrich said. No new revenue source was recommended in the report. Staff said the upcoming consultant analysis will evaluate potential revenue yields, approval requirements, implementation timelines and community impacts before returning to the board. n

Valencia Road is one of many roads in the county in need of repair.

Capitola Woman Killed in Senseless Attack Murder Suspect Allegedly Admitted to Homicidal Fantasy

By JON CHOWN

SANTA CRUZ — A 19-year-old Santa Cruz man accused of fatally stabbing a Capitola woman outside Capitola Mall planned the attack in advance, purchased two switchblade knives and then randomly selected his victim, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office.

Capitola police said officers were dispatched at about 12:47 p.m. on July 20 to reports of a stabbing near the food court exit at Capitola Mall.

Officers arrived within minutes and found a woman on Clares Street near the west exit of Macy’s suffering from multiple stab wounds. Police and later firefighters and paramedics performed life-saving measures, but the victim, 73-yearold Rachell Summers died at the scene.

Tyler Leibelt, 19, was arrested a short time later on the 1400 block of 41st Avenue. According to the complaint, Leibelt contacted 911 after the stabbing, identified himself as the suspect and remained in the area until officers took him into custody.

Leibelt has been charged with one count of murder. According to the criminal complaint, Leibelt told investigators he left a sober living environment, took an Uber to Cabrillo College, where he was studying accounting, and later decided to kill someone.

He purchased two knives and then went to Capitola Mall, where he waited for an opportunity to carry out the attack. Leibelt admitted experiencing homicidal fantasies before the attack and told detectives he had decided to kill someone that day. The filing also alleges investigators recovered a letter expressing an intent to kill multiple people before taking his own life.

While the murder was planned, the complaint alleges Leibelt selected Summers at random. Authorities say they’ve found no

indication that Leibelt and Summers knew each other before the attack.

Summers worked at the mall and was the manager of Art of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit store that sells the work of local artists. According to social media, she was a mom and grandmother. A GoFundMe page has been created to raise college funds for her grandson, who is soon to turn one.

“Rachell was a loving and devoted grandmother, mom, and friend who loved her community,” wrote organizer Mya McLelan. Leibelt was being held without bail while his arraignment was scheduled July 29, the day this publication was sent to print. The Capitola Police Department continues to investigate the case with assistance from the

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the stabbing or has photographs, video or other information to contact the Capitola Police Department at (831) 475-4242.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Unit, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Cruz AntiCrime Team. n

Capitola Police officers take suspect Tyler Leibelt into custody on July 20.

A photo of Rachell Summers from a GoFundMe page raising a memorial fund for her grandson.

Sheriff’s K9 Finds Pipe Bomb in Car

ASanta Cruz County Sheriff’s K9 unit discovered more than drugs on the afternoon of July 21 leading to the closure of a large section of Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville for nearly four hours in the afternoon and evening.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, around 4 p.m. deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 2600 block of Freedom Boulevard when one of the dogs from a K9 unit alert police to search the vehicle.

The suspect, apparently aware of what was in the car attempted to flee, but after a brief struggle, was detained without further incident. During the search, a loaded gun, suspected narcotics and a pipe bomb were located.

Freedom Boulevard from Bowker Road to Corralitos Road was closed while the bomb team responded to help dispose of the device. It was detonated safely and the road was reopened around 8 p.m. n

Teen Lifeguard Invited to White House

Video of Dramatic, Heroic Rescue Goes Viral

SANTA CRUZ — Ryder Williams, the teenage lifeguard who heroically rescued a 10-year boy from massive waves at Seabright Beach on July 25 has been invited to the White House to receive an award.

President Donald Trump made the invitation public on social media Tuesday. Williams and his family have all been invited to Washington D.C.

“We›re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!” Trump posted to social media.

The rescue was captured on video by local resident Scott Vander Dussen and quickly went viral after being posted to Instagram and Facebook.

The video shows the rescue already underway as Williams clings to the boy as a huge wave envelopes the two and they disappear under it. Seconds later they reappear as others on the beach try to pull them in, but are forced to retreat when

another wave equally as large crushes the two again.

Despite the danger, Williams holds on to the boy as wave after wave crashes against the two. Others trying to help are nearly swept away themselves. Eventually a second lifeguard joins the effort, and with the help of others, the child and lifeguard were brought safely back to the beach.

Vander Dussen, who recorded the video and shared it through his social media account, said on social that the ocean conditions changed quickly and caught people off guard. He said the lifeguard’s actions saved the child’s life.

The child’s name and family information have not been publicly released.

Local resident Brittany Conley said she saw the entire incident. She said the whole scene unfolded between two lifeguard towers, both waving red flags reading “danger.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

EMBER to Present BESS Research at Science Symposium

Saturday Aug. 7 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

By CLAUDIA ISEMAN

Like a glowing ember reignited from a fire, EMBER (Estuary Monitoring of Battery Emissions and Residues) is releasing a firestorm of research following the Moss Landing lithium battery fire in January 2025.

On Aug. 7 EMBER will hold a science symposium presenting its research on the impact of the blaze at the Vistra battery energy storage system. Also known as BESS.

(MLML) and The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), UCSC and Elkhorn Slough, who are all collecting data from the Elkhorn Slough post lithium battery fire.

She’s also preparing

“Folks are welcome to just tune in to the topics that interest them, or they can watch the recording later, which allows them to skip over the boring parts,” said Kirsten Wasson. Wasson is a core member of the research team known as EMBER studying metal concentrations in plants and animals. She’s also preparing and coordinating the presentation for the symposium.

EMBER is a coalition of scientists from the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

John Hunt has been an Aquatic Toxicologist researching the Monterey Bay for 20 years. “EMBER is a good example of science in action by people who care,” says Hunt.

The symposium features a variety of presentations by various experts and runs all day from 9a to 4p. at https:// elkhornslough.org/visit/ calendar/ember-symposium/

”The public should tune in to this symposium if they want a good presentation about science and what materials got into the environment after the fire,” says Hunt. He says research will not be looking at impacts on human health.

“EMBER” page 12

County Shelves BESS Ordinance

Asks State to Consider Draft and Public Response

By JON CHOWN

SANTA

CRUZ

— The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, at their June 30 meeting, voted to stop work on a proposed ordinance to regulate large battery energy storage projects and instead ask the California Energy Commission to use the county’s draft safety and land-use standards when reviewing the proposed Seahawk Battery Energy Storage System near Watsonville.

The board’s decision follows more than a year of indecision regarding the regulation of utility-scale battery storage facilities. Supervisors had been reviewing on an ordinance that has been under development for nearly two years, but decided to drop the matter for now after developer New Leaf Energy withdrew its county application for the Seahawk project and sought approval through a state process.

Besides sending a letter to the CEC, the Board also directed county staff to negotiate a community benefits agreement with New Leaf Energy and continue participating in

the California Energy Commission’s environmental review of the project.

County staff recommended the change after concluding there was little reason to spend time and money completing the ordinance now that there are no battery storage applications pending before the county.

John Hunt has been an Aquatic Toxiyears. battery applications pending before the county. Ordinance appear to be limited,” staff wrote to

Bill

205, the state law New Leaf is using to seek

“The benefits of finalizing the Draft Ordinance appear to be limited,” staff wrote in a report to the board. The report said preparing the required Environmental Impact Report would be expensive, was not included in the county’s budget and could expose the county to legal challenges. Staff also noted that the California Energy Commission is not legally required to follow local ordinances when reviewing projects under Assembly Bill 205, the state law New Leaf is using to seek approval.

The board directed Chair Monica Martinez to draft a letter asking the Energy Commission to consider the county’s draft ordinance as it reviews the Seahawk proposal.

“BESS Ordinance” page 14

SprayDays California Alerts Residents to Ag Spraying

If you live near agricultural fields in Santa Cruz County and worry about what might be floating in the air, you can now find out.

A unique state program called SprayDays California lets people know exactly when farmers plan to spray strong chemicals nearby. It is the very first statewide system of its kind in the United States.

“Our goal is to strengthen transparency for communities,” said Yana Garcia, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection, in a statement about the system. She explained that giving people real-time data allows them to make safer choices for their health.

The system is free and easy to use. Residents can visit the SprayDays California website and type in up to 10 addresses, like their home, school, or workplace. If a farmer schedules a chemical application inside that neighborhood, the system sends an

“Teen Hero” from page 8

“Between those towers were two rip currents and about 20 to 30 people hanging at the waters edge, playing in the water. No one was swimming in the water as it was clearly too dangerous. I saw three kids get pulled in by the waves throughout the day that were helped by guards and parents. It seemed very ignorant to have kids anywhere near the water this day,” she said.

She said the young boy that was saved on the video had been pulled in by a rip current, but the waves weren’t huge. He began to panic, trying to swim in, but was getting sucked further out by the rip current. He then waved for help.

“This is when people began screaming for the lifeguard,” she said. “As the guard was coming, the kid was tossed in a couple

“Farmer of the Year” from page 5

The Farm Bureau said those efforts have helped inspire future generations of agricultural leaders.

Rivas has been married to his wife, Justina, for 39 years. They have four children, and two of them work in agriculture today.

John Pisturino, president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, served as master of ceremonies for the annual meeting.

Members also elected officers and directors whose terms begin Nov. 1.

Pisturino was re-elected president and state delegate. Peter Navarro was elected first vice president and state delegate, CJ Miller

automatic text or email alert. For fumigants (strong gases used in soil), neighbors get a warning 48 hours in advance. For other restricted chemicals, neighbors get a warning 24 hours in advance.

To protect the privacy and safety of local farms, the online map does not point to an exact backyard. Instead, it highlights a broader one-square-mile area where the spraying will happen.

The system specifically tracks “restricted materials”. These are the strongest pesticides that require special permission from the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner before they can be used.

SprayDays California is the nation’s first statewide system allowing residents to receive text or email alerts before restricted pesticides are applied near their location. n

For more information and to register, visit https://spraydays.cdpr.ca.gov/

huge waves. By the time the guard came, the boy was completely limp. The guard was struggling to get in, so people began to attempt to help. It was doing more harm than good, and they were instructed to get out,” she said.

Conley said it was clear that most of the visitors were from out of town. Most local beaches would have had a dozen experienced swimmers and surfers eager to help. The waters were rough, but if visitors had the knowledge of what to do in a rip current, or even basic sense to dive under the waves, it would have helped tremendously.

“I love that the focus was on the lifeguard and his heroic actions that day. Our summer program, Junior Guards, has taught thousands of kids how to navigate the ocean and how to help others when needed,” she said. “The lifeguard is an absolute hero.” n

was elected second vice president and state delegate, and Dennis Webb was elected past president and alternate state delegate.

Edgar Lopez was elected to his first three-year term as a director representing berries. Eric Peterson was elected to a second three-year term representing berries, while Greg Estrada, representing livestock, and Brendan Miele, representing produce, were each elected to third three-year terms. n

The Farm Bureau has presented the Farmer of the Year award since 1979, when J.J. Crosetti Jr. became the first recipient. Larry Jacobs and Sandra Belin received the honor together in 2025.

By LAURIE HILL

The Capitola Beach Festival invites you to Soquel Creek, surf, sand, and the wharf for a fun-filled weekend. Plan to immerse yourself in activities that encourage you to linger and play at Capitola Beach.

Some of these 14 activities require some advance planning, such as decorating a barge for the Lighted Nautical Parade. Gather friends and family, rummage through your strings of holiday lights, design and decorate a barge and float it down the creek in the dark. Add music, a whimsical story and enjoy the applause. You have a chance to win the $1,000 Grand Prize for your favorite charity. Your parade entry guarantees bragging rights and memories of a unique Capitola experience. The festival provides a barge, building site and a great sound system. Space is limited.

There are also events to compete in:

• The Lil 3 Miler: A family friendly threemile fun run. Sign up at WharftoWharf. com

Capitola Beach Festival Make Plans

• Paddleboard Races: Both standup and prone, long course or just a jaunt around the wharf. How about a timed swim around Capitola Wharf? Sign up at paddleguru.com

• Horseshoes in the Sand: A free tournament is free that fills up quickly. Sign up at capitolabeachfestival.com.

“Beach Festival” page 12

“Beach Festival” from page 11

Do you prefer to be spontaneous? On Sept. 26 you can build a sand sculpture and compete for a prize, play corn hole on the beach, children’s art, or challenge your brain with a Scavenger Hunt.

The Beach Cowboys band performs on the Esplanade stage. The Nautical Parade’s lights and laughs commence at 7 p.m., capped off with a drone show in front of the Venetians.

The Sept. 27 come-as-you-are events include a Fishing Derby (bring your poles), Ukuleles in Esplanade Park, and Chalk Art for all on the Seawall.

The festival ends with Rowboat Races on Soquel Creek, which are fun to watch or compete in.

Capitola Beach Festival is coming.

Plan ahead or just drop in for the fun. n

•••

For event details: Capitolabeachfestival.com.

“EMBER” from page 9 The research scientists have a specific agenda when it comes to protecting one of the Central Coast’s most environmentally sensitive

• Measure and map distribution of metals before and after the battery fire in Elkhorn Slough sediments.

• Track movement from the surrounding watershed into the Slough via stormwater runoff.

• Characterize movement and chemical transformations of battery fire metals between sediments, porewater, and the water column in Elkhorn Slough.

• Create a box model of metals in various reservoirs of Elkhorn Slough.

• Evaluate the potential for uptake and accumulation of metals into common plants, invertebrates, and fish in Elkhorn Slough, including edible species. Wasson admits the scientific jargon is not for everyone. “It will be nerdy. This is a look into the sausage making of science,” says Wasson. “We’ll make sure the start and ending of our talks are general,” she adds. The biota expert hopes to break down the symposium and simplify it for a broader audience in the future. n

For more info: https://elkhornslough.org/ visit/calendar/ember-symposium/

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz METRO Launches

‘Art in Transit’ Bus Wrap Photo Contest

Community Members Invited to Submit Original Photography Inspired by Nature, Sustainability, and Wildlife in the Monterey Bay

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is inviting the public to participate in the new Bus Wrap Photo Contest, a creative competition that celebrates the beauty, wildlife, and landscapes of the Monterey Bay through original photography.

As part of METRO’s One Ride at a Time initiative, the contest will give participants the opportunity to submit original photography that reflects the region’s natural beauty, environmental stewardship, and the role public transit plays in connecting the community.

Selected winning submission(s) will be featured on a full METRO bus wrap and highlighted in official METRO marketing materials. This competition and resulting bus wraps are funded entirely through METRO’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant. These restricted capital funds cannot be used to operate bus service or pay other operating expenses.

The contest builds on METRO’s existing One Ride at

“BESS Ordinance” from page 9

The letter states that Santa Cruz County supports battery storage as part of California’s efforts to improve grid reliability and expand renewable energy, but believes projects must be developed under strong public safety and environmental protections.

The letter asks the commission to evaluate the Seahawk project using standards that are at least as protective as those proposed by the county, particularly in areas involving fire safety, environmental monitoring, local oversight and agricultural protection.

Proposed Ordinance Has A Long History

Battery energy storage systems store electricity produced during periods of high renewable energy production, such as sunny or windy days, and release that energy later when demand increases. Supporters say the facilities are an important part of California’s transition away from fossil fuels because they help stabilize the electrical grid, reduce the need for natural gas power plants and lower the risk of blackouts during periods of heavy electricity use.

The county began working on its ordinance in 2024 after supervisors directed staff to develop rules governing where large battery storage facilities could be built and how they would operate. The proposed ordinance would have created a new Energy Storage System Combining District covering qualifying properties adjacent to existing electrical transmission substations outside the coastal zone. Only parcels of at least 10 acres would have been eligible, and projects would have required approval from the Board of Supervisors through a conditional use permit after public hearings and recommendations from the Planning Commission. Projects affecting farmland also would have required review by the Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission.

a Time bus wrap series, which features imagery from local photographers showcasing iconic scenes from across the Monterey Bay, from redwood forests to coastal wildlife.

“We are excited to invite the community to help shape this campaign in a new and meaningful way,” said Danielle Frost, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer.

The draft ordinance also included extensive safety, environmental and operational requirements. Among them were minimum setbacks of 300 feet from sensitive receptors and 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, daycare centers and residential care facilities for older adults. Battery modules also would have been required to remain at least 100 feet from public roads and neighboring property lines.

The ordinance also proposed requiring independent studies of thermal runaway risk, smoke drift and toxic plume modeling, fire risk assessments and failure analysis before any project could be approved. Operators would have been required to coordinate emergency response plans with local fire agencies, provide annual emergency response training, install air quality monitors and weather stations around project sites, maintain dedicated fire water supplies unless waived by fire officials and provide financial guarantees to cover cleanup, environmental damage and decommissioning costs.

The proposal also included agricultural protections. Projects built on commercial agricultural land would have been required to study whether the land was economically viable for farming and, in many cases, permanently protect other farmland through agricultural conservation easements to offset the loss of productive soils.

County officials spent months revising the ordinance after receiving comments from residents, emergency responders, agricultural interests and the battery storage industry. New Leaf Energy initially praised the county’s effort.

During earlier discussions, company representatives described the proposal as one of the strongest battery storage ordinances in the country and said they intended to wait for the county process before seeking approval. That changed after the Board of Supervisors approved additional amendments to the ordinance in January.

In a May letter notifying the county that

“This contest is an opportunity to celebrate local creativity while highlighting the places, ecosystems, and everyday experiences that make the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz County so special.”

“METRO Bus Wrap Contest” page 25

New Leaf would withdraw its application, Senior Developer Max Christian wrote that the changes created “significant commercial risks, as well as critical delays” that made the county approval process no longer practical.

Christian specifically objected to a new requirement that future ownership transfers receive approval from the Board of Supervisors, calling it unprecedented. He noted that New Leaf’s business model is to develop projects and eventually sell them rather than operate them long term.

Christian also pointed to repeated delays in completing the ordinance, saying they increased uncertainty for the project. Utility-scale energy projects must secure positions in the state’s electrical interconnection process years in advance, and delays can increase costs while threatening those positions.

Instead of continuing with the county, New Leaf submitted the Seahawk proposal to the California Energy Commission under Assembly Bill 205. In his letter, Christian said the state process would still require extensive environmental review, review by battery safety experts, coordination with local fire agencies, preparation of emergency response plans and opportunities for public participation.

Public is Wary of Project

The project has drawn strong opposition from many South County residents and elected officials. Last year, the Watsonville City Council voted to send a letter to Santa Cruz County opposing the proposed battery storage facility. Council members cited concerns about locating a large battery energy storage project near neighborhoods and agricultural land and urged the county to adopt strict safety standards before approving any proposal.

Those concerns helped shape many of the provisions later added to the county’s draft ordinance, particularly those involving emergency response planning, environmental

monitoring, financial responsibility and protections for farmland.

Although the county will no longer complete the ordinance, supervisors said they want the work that went into developing it to influence the state’s review of the Seahawk project. The letter to the California Energy Commission asks commissioners to ensure that any battery storage project approved in Santa Cruz County meets standards that are at least equivalent to those proposed by the county.

Justin Cummings, county supervisor for District 3, said he wished the county would have completed the ordinance, noting that the public had demanded stricter provisions than the current draft and supervisors had agreed. One glaring omission was the county’s oversight of any ownership transfers, the issue that New Leaf found most untenable. “I think part of what isn’t clear is whether or not the board has any ability to deny an ownership transfer,” he said. “If Vistra comes along and wants to buy this facility and we know that they’re a bad actor, do we really want to allow that type of transfer and that operator to come into our community when they have a history of negligence?”

District 2 Supervisor Kimberly De Serpa said she had concerns about losing agricultural land to the BESS plant, nor did she like the location. She said she was told by New Leaf that PG&E needed the plant to store energy for the “west side.”

“Having the people of Watsonville take the risk so that we could push energy to the west side doesn’t seem right, just or fair to me,” she said.

After some more discussion, Cummings moved to approve the staff recommendation to send the letter to the state, along with the ordinance, but with the addition that the board must approve a transfer of ownership, as well as additional considerations when a BESS plant is proposed on agricultural land. n

Aristotle: The Three-Act Structure — Beginning, Middle, End

“For Sale, Baby Shoes, Never Worn.”

— Ernest Hemingway

According to Ernest Hemingway, the above six words is the shortest example of a story imaginable. It exemplifies a barebones model of the three-act structure, defined by Aristotle more than two-thousand years ago. Aristotle stated in his Poetics that a play should imitate a single whole action comprised of a beginning, middle, and end. And this iconic and archetypal story structure still holds true today.

For some primal reason this simplification of structure appeals to our innate sense of dramatic development: The beginning sets up a problem, question or quest; the middle develops the action and often heightens the conflict by posing roadblocks, which must be overcome; and the end represents the climax and the obligatory resolution.

Whether it be in a movie, a short story or a novel, most writers would agree that the beginning and end are relatively short compared to the middle, which—as the crux of the story’s development—often commands a larger portion of the action.

By thinking in three-stages of development we not only

By JOE ORTIZ

work inside a form which innately resonates with audiences, but it also provides certain guardrails for composition. Remember, three-act structure is simply an armature on which to build a narrative. The series of events that the writer

attaches onto the structure is the fleshing out. If God and Aristotle reside in the mechanical structure, the Devil is in the details. And thus, the patina is where the creator of the work can express the art and emotion.

But what about Shakespeare’s five-act structure or the two-act structure of many plays and musicals? Smart writers know that placing an “inciting incident” somewhere near the beginning of their story helps to launch the audience into Act Two’s demand for developing the story’s ever-escalating conflict.

So, the concept of Beginning, Middle, and End can often appear right on top of any other story-act structure. Even on an important email or business letter.

What We Can Do

The next time you compose an important email, consider placing your “ask,” request, or significant information at the end of Act Two. And allow your final paragraph (act-three) to be the most well-crafted statement that will most effectively yield the response you’re looking for. n

Reader response: I’d love to hear your comments and questions. Email me at joe@gocapitola.com.

Humankindness lives here.

At Dominican Hospital, we’ve grown alongside you and your family for generations with an unparalleled commitment to the health of our community. Serving Santa Cruz County with the most advanced, award-winning care, you can count on us—from our innovative Wellness Center programs, to our Level III Neonatal ICU, to our expert cardiac, oncology and orthopedic care. We’re proud to have served as your health partner for more than eight decades. And we’re honored to continue supporting you in the years to come. Learn more about us at DignityHealth.org/Dominican.

CTrue Love Christian Festival Continues to Grow

Sixth Annual Event Held at Aptos Village Park

hristian churches from all over the region joined together to host the sixth annual True Love Christian Festival held July 18 at Aptos Village Park.

According to organizers, the event continued to grow with more non-profits and ministries than ever before. More than 25 churches and faith leaders across all Christian denominations attended, such as Father John Warburton from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, who currently serves as the administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Davenport; Pastor Jerry Morales from Victory Outreach Santa Cruz in Capitola; and Pastor Tom Meyers from Aptos Calvary Chapel Church.

In addition to the churches, more than 28 local ministries shared resources, support, and testimonies of from believers. Ministries represented included Teen Challenge, Women of Welcome, Foster the City, Golden Age Life, Pregnancy Resource Center, Giving

“Santa Cruz means ‘Holy Cross.’ What better place to show the world that unity

“TLC Festival” page 20

Grace Thru Joy, Salvation Army, Celebrate Recovery, Samaritan’s Purse, YWAM and more.

and holiness are still possible?” said Simon Cassar, one of the members of the True Love Team.

Damians Ladder Releases Annual Report Numbers Show Seniors, Disabled

Residents Satisfied and Saving Thousands

Damians Ladder, the local non-profit organization that assists seniors and the disabled with small home repairs, has already received nearly 900 requests for help since its recent inception and has completed nearly all of them, saving these residents nearly $250,000.

Damians Ladder, based in Scotts Valley, just released its first Annual Report, documenting the social dividend delivered by donors and sup porters throughout Santa Cruz County for the period ending June 30.

The organization provides minor home repairs and property maintenance at low or no cost to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. This year’s Annual Report consolidates activities from the organization’s inception in December 2023 through June 30. During this 19-month period, 528 Santa Cruz County seniors and disabled residents requested assistance. A total of 887 service requests were received, with 834 completed, representing a 94% closure rate.

Damians Ladder’s 22 field volunteers contributed 1,960 hours of service, representing an estimated $245,000 in value delivered to the community. Internal customer satisfaction surveys show a 96% overall satisfaction rating from clients served.

The Annual Report is now available at www.damiansladder.org. With an average of 45+ new service requests each month and current open requests in progress, Damians Ladder projects reaching 1,000 closed service requests in late summer 2026, serving a total of 600 seniors and disabled residents by that milestone. These results have been made possible through generous private donations and grants from the local business community. They are especially grateful to Community Foundation Santa Cruz County that has provided over $40,000.00 in grants in 2026. Referrals for service may be submitted at www.damiansladder.org or by calling 831200-1376. n

Property Owners in Unincorporated

Areas of County Put on Notice

The Santa Cruz County Department of Community Development & Infrastructure today began notifying property owners who are not complying with the Universal Service Ordinance, which requires all developed properties in unincorporated areas to subscribe to waste collection service or register as a self-hauler.

The outreach effort marks the start of a countywide compliance campaign ahead of the Nov. 1 enforcement deadline. Noncompliant property owners will receive letters in the mail explaining how to comply. To meet the requirement, property owners must:

• Subscribe to garbage, recycling, and organics collection service through GreenWaste Recovery, the County’s exclusive franchise hauler.

• Register with the County as a selfhauler and meet program requirements, including transporting separated waste materials to County approved waste management facilities.

The ordinance supports California’s waste reduction, recycling, and organics

The outreach effort marks the start of a countywide compliance campaign ahead of the Nov. 1 enforcement deadline.

Non-compliant property owners will receive letters in the mail explaining how to comply.

diversion requirements by ensuring waste is properly collected and managed throughout the community.

Property owners who fail to comply by Nov. 1 may face administrative penalties, including fines of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation and up to $500 per day for third and subsequent violations. n

•••

Property owners can find more information about service options, self-hauler registration, and frequently asked questions at: Santacruzcountyca. gov/universalservice.

54th Annual Wharf to Wharf Hits Its Stride Competition and Fun Propel Event’s Success

By TAD STEARN

It’s a six-mile rolling carnival of a road race. A motivating musical experience with 30+ bands. A community event with 16,000 friends old and new. Call it what you want, the 54th running of the Wharf to Wharf Race on the morning of Sunday, July 26, was once again more fun than a pair of running shoes should be allowed to have.

For the second year in a row “The Best Little Road Race in California” started at 30th Street and Portola Drive on the east

side instead of the traditional start at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and the Boardwalk due to ongoing construction and closure of the Murray Street Bridge. The course traveled north toward the harbor before turning back south and connecting with the traditional route for the final four miles.

Fun and festivities aside, the W2W is a competitive racing event with an international draw and prize money at stake for the top finishers. Twenty-six-year-old

Latvian runner Arturs Medveds repeated his 2025 victory as the men’s winner with and loading into their numbered corrals waiting for the starting gun.

A Ukulele Team performs on the Wharf to Wharf course to entertain the participants.

“Wharf to Wharf” from page 18

Debby Tuck, owner of the Capitola Sands vacation rental in Capitola Village, led a group of about 20 friends on the run. “Most of us are connected from our work and our kids growing up together, and a few of us have homes here in Capitola and Santa Cruz. I saw the race was coming, so I reached out to everyone and said let’s do the Wharf to Wharf together. So here we all are!” Debby’s group of “Salty Striders” were having a blast decked out in color-coordinated gear and cheeky T-shirts.

It was the first race together for the Salty Striders, and the first of its kind for Debby’s husband Brian. Brian’s participation was all the more impressive considering he recently received a liver transplant and has been working through healing and rehabilitation to get to this point.

“He’s never done anything like this,” said Debby. “I’m so proud of Brian for doing this race. It was a huge accomplishment for him to even try, and to finish in 1:45!”

In Brian’s case, he said he wants to “motivate others, encourage others to be organ donors, and keep moving and smiling.” n

The W2W is produced and administered by Wharf to Wharf Race Inc., a California nonprofit corporation chartered to promote running as a means to health and fitness. In service of this mission, the Race has, since its inception in 1973, contributed more than $6 million dollars to Santa Cruz County youth sports programs in general and the running community in particular, according to its website. W2W is a boost to local business, annually infusing more than 8 million dollars into the Santa Cruz County economy.

The entire community was invited to the free event, billed as a celebration of faith, hope and love. There was music, food and free services. The festival provided more than 1,000 free meals.

The live music included rock, country, reggae, indie, and other genres. The food included a whole roasted pig, Marianne’s ice cream, hot dogs, Rustic Table’s awardwinning clam chowder, TOGO sandwiches and pancakes.

Services provided included rides, prayers, haircuts, free baby clothes and funfilled baby activities like feeding fathers in a big highchair by their blind-folded children, a climbing wall to get the 10 Commandments and win a prize, a bucking bull that you just hang onto to Jesus so as to not fall, foot washing as Jesus did to serve with humility, making pottery to show how God molds us, to even breaking pottery to show how God can put us back together again and make us even stronger, with so much more. n

Salty Striders

CrossFit Aptos

“TLC Festival” from page 16

PVUSD Superintendent, Trustees Set Goals and Guardrails

Education Leaders Discuss What

Realistic Standards Can be Achieved

By JON CHOWN

Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Superintendent Heather Contreras presented a plan to the Board of Trustees that would set clear academic goals for students while holding the superintendent accountable for reaching them over the next five years.

The discussion draft, presented to the Board of Education on July 15, outlines four long-term student achievement goals and four operational guardrails. The framework is designed to define the board’s role in setting expectations while leaving day-to-day decisions to the superintendent.

Contreras said she put the draft together by listening to the trustees to create goals and create timelines for hitting them. She then discussed these with staff to refine it. “In the end, this is going to be owned by many people within the district. This is not just my work. It’s going to be all of our work.”

Trustee Gabriel Medina, however, made very clear he would have nothing to do with it. When the agenda item came up, he moved to table it.

“I’m leaving regardless,” Medina said. “So what’s the point exactly? There is no point. So let’s just table this.”

At his request, the board moved the Consent Agenda ahead of the item. After he failed to get a second to his motion to have several items from the Consent Agenda removed, he left. With Trustee Joy Flynn also absent, the remaining five board members pushed some tables together and reviewed the draft.

According to the draft, the goals focus on improving student outcomes in reading, mathematics, college and career readiness, and digital literacy. The guardrails establish limits on how those goals are pursued by emphasizing equity, safe schools, student well-being and community engagement.

The first proposed goal aims to improve third-grade reading proficiency, increasing the percentage of third-grade students who meet or exceed state English language arts standards from 17% in 2025 to 32% by 2031. The draft also includes annual benchmarks and with what Contreras called incremental

progress. She said that progress would eventually grow over time.

“Some of us really wanted goals that were a stretch,” said Board Chair Carol Turley in approval. “But we also don’t want to set us up for something that’s not attainable, right?”

Chris Webb, a PVUSD teacher and the Grievance Officer for the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, said he appreciated the superintendent’s realistic approach.

“I want to commend Dr. Contreras,” he said. “I really appreciate you keeping it realistic and I like your point about incremental progress building up.”

The second goal focuses on eighth-grade mathematics. The proposal calls for increasing the percentage of eighth graders meeting state math standards on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress from 14% in 2025 to 37% by 2031.

A third goal targets college and career readiness. The district hopes to increase the percentage of graduating seniors who complete the A-G course requirements needed for admission to the University of California and California State University systems. Under the proposal, that rate would rise from 43% in 2026 to 65% by 2031.

The fourth goal reflects a growing emphasis on technology and artificial intelligence. The proposal would create a Digital Driver’s License program for students in grades 3 through 12 that teaches digital citizenship, media literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The district hopes 75% of eligible students will earn the certification by 2031, starting from zero participation in 2026.

Contreras said the proposal reflects feedback she received during previous board discussions, including a desire to strengthen critical thinking skills while preparing students to evaluate online information and use emerging technologies responsibly.

In addition to the academic goals, the draft includes four proposed guardrails that would guide district operations.

“Guardrails” page 25

PVUSD Renews Contacts with Watsonville PD, SC Sheriff’s Office Some Residents Speak Against Having Officers in Schools

By JON CHOWN

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District is set to spend more on school resource officers under new agreements with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the Watsonville Police Department for the 2026-27 school year. According to the contracts, the officers are will focus on school safety, emergency response and building relationships with students.

Under the agreement with the Sheriff’s Office, the district will pay $925 per day for each deputy assigned to district schools through June 30, 2027. The district’s cost for a full-time deputy assigned to Aptos High School is estimated at $166,500.70 for the school year. That includes salary reimbursement and vehicle costs. The daily rate is based on a 180-day school year.

The Watsonville Police Department agreement is different. It provides two part-time school-community policing officers, one assigned to Watsonville High School and the other to Pajaro Valley High School. The district will reimburse the city up to $152,053 during the 2026-27 school year for the two officers.

The biggest difference between the agreements is how officers will be assigned. Aptos High School will have a full-time sheriff’s deputy working an eight-hour school day. Watsonville High School and Pajaro Valley High School will each receive a part-time police officer working about 5½ hours a day, or 27½ hours each week. The officers will work either an early or late shift depending on the needs of their assigned campus. Both officers will work morning shifts on Fridays because both high schools have minimum days.

The contracts were approved at the July 15 PVUSD Board of Trustees meeting, though with a couple of stipulations. The board wanted to go back and review the contract with the sheriff’s office, possibly renegotiating for a smaller number. Apparently, the sheriff’s office is charging Soquel High School less than the PVUSD.

Members of the public were mixed on whether they wanted officers in the schools at all. Some residents questioned why Aptos High had a full-time officer and Watsonville and Pajaro Valley High School did not, but

many South County residents, including Trustee Gabriel Medina, spoke against having officers in the schools.

“The same General Fund money could help sustain certified mental health clinicians, school social workers, restorative practice staff and mentoring and violence prevention services,” Medina said during a long presentation he had prepared against the measure.

“The SRO program is not perfect,” cautioned Trustee Misty Navarro. “I would love to move away from it at some point when our students and our staff and our families feel safe, but that point is not now.”

Trustee Daniel Dodge also favored safety. “It’s important to remember that the SRO assigned to Watsonville High School is only two minutes away from Mintie White Elementary, Radcliffe Elementary School and EAL Middle School, adding another layer of safety and support for the schools in the area,” he said. “As a parent and lifelong resident of Watsonville, I support having an SRO at Watsonville High School.”

The memorandum of understanding between the district and the Sheriff’s Office says the goal of the program is to create safe and supportive schools where students feel respected and connected. It says school safety should be built through trust, relationships and collaboration, not simply law enforcement. Officers are expected to work closely with school staff while supporting restorative practices that help repair harm and build stronger relationships.

The agreement clearly limits what school resource officers can do on campus.

Officers are not responsible for enforcing dress codes, handling tardiness, classroom behavior, cell phone violations or other routine school discipline. Those issues are to be handled by school administrators or mental health professionals. The agreement says officers should instead serve as mentors, connectors and protectors when there are real safety concerns.

The agreement also lists activities officers are allowed to perform.

“PVUSD Contacts” page 25

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Humidity is the Other Weather

By TONY TOMEO

It is difficult to always ignore the weather. Regardless of how pleasant it typically is here, it sometimes gets warm or cool. It occasionally gets hot or cold. Rain is wet and perhaps messy. A breeze is comforting while the weather is warm. Strong wind can be damaging. However, humidity is one major component of local weather that gets little consideration.

Humidity gets more consideration in climates that are either uncomfortably humid or arid. Some parts of Florida get famously humid and hot simultaneously during summer. Some flora and insects enjoy such weather. Unfortunately for the rest of us, humidity enhances the already unpleasant heat. Locally, hot or warm weather is rarely bothersomely humid.

Similarly, local weather is rarely unpleasantly arid (lacking humidity). This is a chaparral climate, which is “semiarid.” Relatively minimal humidity makes heat a bit more tolerable than it would be with more humidity. Yet, humidity is generally sufficient to sustain foliage that would desiccate in a more arid desert situation. Actually, this is an excellent climate.

Although, it is not perfect. Flora and fauna have different standards for exemplary climate and weather. The relatively minimal humidity that makes uncomfortably warm weather a bit more tolerable for people and animals is much less appealing to some plants. Except for those that are native to desert or chaparral climates, most plants prefer more humidity.

Many popular plants are understory plants, that naturally live in the partial shade of taller vegetation. With shelter from desiccating arid wind and harsh sunlight (to enhance heat), most do not mind heat. Otherwise, foliage might roast. Those with

finely textured foliage, such as astilbe, ferns, grasses and some Japanese maples, are particularly susceptible.

Some tropical and subtropical plants, such as split leaf philodendron and fuchsia, prefer to be understory plants here, even if they would prefer more exposure within their natural ecosystems. The shelter provided by more resilient vegetation compensates for deficient humidity. Furthermore, adequate irrigation promotes healthy hydration of delicate foliage.

•••

Nasturtium

Whether feral or planted intentionally, nasturtium, Trapaeolum majus (which is actually a hybrid with two other species) is a delightful flower that just about everyone appreciates. Its eagerness to self sow and possibly naturalize in riparian situations attest to how easy it is to grow. Seed for many varieties is readily available. Feral plants provide feral seed.

Bloom of domestic nasturtium can be various shades, tints and hues of yellow, orange or red. Flowers can be striped or blotched with colors of the same range. Some are double. The palest yellow is almost creamy white. The darkest red is almost brown. Feral plants, after a few generations, generally revert to blooming with simple bright orange or yellow.

Plants are more or less annual, but can replace themselves almost as readily as they die out. Those that perform through spring and summer succumb to cooling autumn weather, as their (feral) seedlings begin to replace them for autumn and winter. Those that perform through winter may succumb to frost where winters get cool, but also self sow feral seed for next spring. n

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com

Some delicate foliage prefers more humidity.

Nasturtium bloom is sensitive to aridity.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Building on Progress, Planning for Tomorrow

Later this summer, Soquel Creek Water District will release an updated Community Water Plan, showcasing the significant progress our community has made over the past decade and outlining priorities that will guide our work in the years ahead.

Water planning is not a one-time effort, it is a continuous commitment to ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for current and future generations.

As our community grows, regulations and climate conditions change, the District regularly evaluates how best to protect our local groundwater basin while continuing to provide high-quality drinking water every day.

This year marks an important milestone in that journey.

Planning for the Next 20 Years

By REBECCA GOLD RUBIN, Public Outreach Coordinator, Soquel Creek Water District

Restoring Our Groundwater Basin

One of the greatest accomplishments of the Community Water Plan has been bringing Pure Water Soquel (PWS) from concept to reality. After years of planning, environmental review, design, construction, and

One of the most significant planning efforts was the adoption of the District’s 2025 Urban Water Management Plan at the June 16, 2026 Board Meeting. Updated every five years as required by the State of California, this plan evaluates projected water supplies and customer demands over the next 20 years. It considers changing water use patterns, conservation trends, climate variability, population growth, and the longterm reliability of our local water resources. Unlike many communities that rely on imported water, Soquel Creek Water District depends entirely on groundwater from the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin. That makes long-range planning especially important. Every decision we make today — from infrastructure investments to water supply development — is made with future generations in mind.

testing, PWS has been operating since early December. PWS produces highly purified water that replenishes the groundwater basin through three seawater intrusion prevention wells, creating a freshwater barrier that protects our drinking water supply from seawater intrusion.

While this represents a major milestone, our work is far from complete. The District continues to optimize operations, collect performance data, and refine how groundwater is managed throughout the basin.

This includes strategically shifting groundwater pumping farther inland whenever possible, reducing stress on coastal wells while maximizing the benefits of groundwater replenishment. These operational improvements help strengthen the long-term health of the basin while improving system reliability.

Investing in Reliable Infrastructure

Maintaining a reliable water system requires ongoing investment in the infrastructure that delivers water to your homes and businesses every day. Over the next several years, the District will continue

investing in critical infrastructure improvements throughout the water system.

These projects include seismic upgrades and rehabilitation of storage facilities such as the Fairway Tank, continued maintenance of other water storage tanks throughout the system, design of the Huntington Drive water main replacement project, completion of treatment facilities for the new Cunnison Well, and replacement of aging pipelines and equipment. While these projects may not always be visible to the public, they play a vital role in ensuring reliable service, improving system resilience, and preparing our infrastructure for future generations.

Meeting Tomorrow’s Water Quality Standards

Providing safe drinking water also means preparing for tomorrow’s water quality standards. As state and federal regulations continue to evolve, the District is investing in advanced treatment technologies to meet new requirements, including the State’s chromium-6 drinking water standard.

“Water Wisdom” page 26

The contest includes a community photography category and an employee photography category. Proposed submission themes include nature, sustainability, transit, and environmental stewardship.

Photography submissions are expected to include high-resolution horizontal images taken within the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz County, along with a title, location, and brief artist statement.

Final submission requirements, contest rules, and waiver details are available on METRO’s website scmetro.org/artintransit. Contest closes Aug. 21.

Winning artists will receive public recognition through having their photo featured as a bus wrap that will be seen

“Guardrails” from page 21

The first guardrail focuses on equity. It would prohibit the superintendent from allowing achievement gaps between significant student groups and the overall student population to grow.

Interim measures include improving college and career readiness among English learners, increasing graduation rates for students with disabilities, and raising English language arts performance for students experiencing transitional housing.

The second guardrail addresses school facilities. It states that the superintendent will not allow campuses to remain unsafe, unclean or environmentally uncomfortable for learning. Proposed performance measures include improving Facility Inspection Tool scores, ensuring high school restrooms remain open and available at legal ratios, and responding more quickly to indoor air quality alerts at campuses equipped with monitoring systems.

A third guardrail centers on student support and mental health. The proposal calls for increasing the percentage of middle

“PVUSD Contacts” from page 22

They may respond to emergencies, help during crisis situations, take part in restorative justice activities, provide law-related education, work with school threat assessment teams and refer students to support services. Officers may also investigate crimes on campus and respond to active threats or situations that cannot be safely handled by educators or mental health staff.

The agreement also places several restrictions on officers. They may not manage classrooms, question students about school rule violations that are not crimes, or conduct administrative searches unless there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity creating a safety concern. Officers also may not issue citations as part of school discipline except in limited situations, including immediate threats to safety, serious weapons offenses, drug sales, sexual assault, dating violence, or when school administrators make a referral.

Photography submissions are expected to include highresolution horizontal images taken within the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz County, along with a title, location, and brief artist statement.

throughout the county, social media channels, and press outreach, with their work featured as part of the One Ride at a Time marketing campaign.

Contest details, submission instructions, and deadlines will be announced at scmetro.org/artintransit. To learn more about the One Ride at a Time initiative, visit scmetro.org/onerideatatime. n

school students who report feeling a sense of belonging at school, based on YouthTruth survey results. Additional measures, some of which still require baseline data, would track how quickly students receive mental health referrals and behavioral health services after they are identified as needing support.

The final guardrail focuses on community engagement. Under the proposal, the superintendent would not bring major recommendations to the board without first seeking input from affected community members and explaining how that feedback influenced the recommendation.

Several measures in the draft remain incomplete because the district is waiting for updated state assessment results or additional baseline data before final targets can be established. The trustees discussed the document for about two and half hours offering many edits and recommendations. The edited document will come back to the board at a later meeting.

“Can you believe we have made it through our four goals and our four guard rails tonight? I’m proud of us,” said Turley. n

The sheriff’s deputies assigned to district schools must complete specialized training before serving on campus. Required training includes a California school resource officer course, de-escalation techniques, cultural awareness, anti-bias instruction, adolescent brain development, disability awareness, conflict resolution and student privacy laws. Officers also must receive annual orientation on district policies and student services.

School resource officers remain under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office, but they must work closely with school principals. If an officer questions, searches, detains or cites a student, school staff must be present and parents or guardians must be notified. The district will also track enforcement contacts and provide annual reports to the Board of Education that include data on arrests, referrals and student interactions with officers.

The contracts were approved by the board, under the stipulation that the contract with the sheriff’s office would be renegotiated, with a 4-2 vote. n

Del Mar Pet Hospital

Putting our paws in good handsyour Aptos veterinary experts

Kids’ Classics

South & North Nodes | Direction & Destiny — Past & Present/Future

“Water Wisdom” from page 24

There are many potent changes occurring in the heavens these days, signifying many changes, transformations and challenges precipitating here on earth, too (Earth reflects the heavens). Last Sunday, in the heavens, the Nodes of Destiny (south/north nodes-direction) changed signs. From Virgo/Pisces to Leo/Aquarius. The nodes are points in space where the Moon’s orbit crosses the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. In astrology the nodes represent the energies of yin/yang, reflective/expressive, receptive/radiating, Moon/Sun, past/present-future. The nodes, naturally retrograde, are always opposite each other.

The South Node holds our talents, gifts and abilities cultivated in previous lifetimes. The North Node gathers, recapitulates and renews the South Node talents, moving us forward into our present/future purpose. The North Node (along with our rising sign) lead us to the work (dharma), talents and abilities to be unfolded in this lifetime. The North Node is our North Star. In Vedic astrology, North Node is called Rahu, the South Node Ketu.

As the nodes shifted into Aquarius North Node and Leo South Node, we note the significance of Aquarius North Node. Our Sun is presently entering the atmosphere and air of Aquarius, remaining in Aquarius for the next 2,500 years.

When nodes change (every 18 months), new learnings, tasks, responsibilities and developments are presented to humanity. Humanity’s interests and patterns of behavior change, too. A new tone, sound, vibration and color enter the Earth.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 9)

The focus of intention and aspiration is on communication (how) and values (what are they?). The two are linked. There is also possibly a wound around each. The more we value self and others, the more ability we have to communicate with kindness and benevolence. It would be good to consider yourself a World Server. One who always acts from Goodwill which creates compassion and Right Relations. A new identity, perhaps.

TAURUS (Apr 10 – May 20)

You deeply influence others. There’s a magnetic appeal and charm radiating from you that many are attracted to. You’re like a light in the darkness, harmony calming chaos, beauty easing the storms. When there’s a problem, when the general state of affairs is disrupted, it’s to Taurus that all eyes turn for direction and understanding. New projects need initiating. However, before doing so, you need a deep, healing rest in solitude.

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may encounter various interactions that include contracts, superiors, officials, parents, leadership and work responsibilities. While interacting with important people, your leadership skills are recognized and applauded. Many things hoped for come into focus. If parents are alive, be very aware of their needs. If they are no longer in physical form, recite Ohm Mani Padme Hum (Tibetan Mantram of Compassion). Do not disregard rules, laws, orders, your credit or a mountain far away that beckons.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Some group or groups are very vital to your well-being now. They provide initiating ideas, a new sense of identity, a social milieu leading to opportunities where visions can be shared. Over time, new people may come into your life or perhaps community projects will emerge, with tasks only you can successfully complete. Whatever the situation, determine your ideals, hopes, wishes and dreams. And move towards them with a one-pointed,, focused mind. Do not ignore friends.

The North Node of Aquarius thus aligns with the new path appearing. Aquarius, the sign of humanity, focuses on freedom and cooperation, offering the new tool and language and study needed by humanity — astrology. Leo’s South Node calls humanity to recognize and cultivate its creativity. Aquarius will ask each of us what talents, gifts and abilities will we offer to the unfolding new world. Aquarius calls humanity to re-enter the Garden. What will you bring to the Garden this time? What will your tasks be?

As for the Aquarian tool of astrology — Astrology, the purest presentation of occult truth. It’s scientific. Describing the energies within the space we live in. Everything we learn in astrology helps us develop our awareness. Astrology has an inherent language based on symbols, geometries and numbers. Knowing and studying astrology removes all opinions and criticisms and judgments of self and others. We realize nothing is wrong with this paradise we live in. Everything is perfect, in right timing, magical and love underlies all happenings. n

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

This is your birthday month. We hope for you friends and frivolity, cakes and cupcakes, games, parties and intelligent conversation to celebrate (more than one day is best) your new year. Birthdays aren’t really felt and don’t actually occur until we contact our protecting angels, presenting them with a coming-year job description of our hopes, wishes and needs and ending our birth day with deep gratitude. Happy Birthday, in advance. Solitude and retreat in community are best. Partying, too!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Reality appears in ways different than before. Your perception alters, becoming more refined. This continues through the coming months. Let confusion become a potential for growth, defining new daily structures. Be aware of the quality of your communication. Virgos talk continuously in order to understand and integrate their thoughts to themselves. Listen to yourself more. What are you trying to say? Then try a bit of silence. See what it tells you. Listen to the birds at dawn as you sit in the new morning’s sunlight.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You have many secret talents hidden behind your charm and smile. Libra is always and forever charming. Charm is Libra’s main virtue. However, behind the charm is a power which many don’t realize. This power shows itself as discipline, responsibility, and a deep seriousness sometimes misunderstood as gloom. A restructuring of your self-identity is occurring. This is then shifting your creativity – a new creativity is appearing. We know ourselves by what we create. Should a wound appear, conserve your strength, paint, draw, dance, and play more. It’s cherry season.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Family is most important. Are they your allies, intimates and friends? Do you have partners and/or competitors? Are you considering a change of environment due to a shift in interests, a call to a new state of livingness, a new foundation of new values? What are others requesting of you? Do you have the strength for this or must you gather different friends and acquaintances to help you? Through daily life demands, you find yourself developing emotional poise and making certain life decisions. You are always the warrior.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

So much work to do, so many people to communicate with, so many things to create, fulfill, so many demands, everyone depending on you for things great and small, here and there. At times you sense the past drifting about, in the ethers, the air, the shadows. It can be exhausting without reprieve. Everything is a focus for you — from surroundings to people to daily work methods to nourishment to a state of stability — a central concern. Let everything fall away. Stand still, be still. Something else is there.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

What are the main objects of your affection? What do you value the most? What calls forth your interests, creative talents and activities? You are a leader. Answers to these questions are important for your identity in the world. A good leader always is curious about, promotes and strengthens the interests of others. This produces within a love that others, in gratitude, have for you. Define your new daily goals for health and well-being. Write more. Especially about what you value and what you need.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Everything for a while concerns communication, friends, neighbors, home and family, children, property and foundations, parents and elders, creating and nurturing things that make up your life. The foundations referred to concern daily life achievements. Think in practical ways how to improve all environments you find yourself in. Pay attention to what sustains, comforts and soothes you. And what allows you to be creative? Home needs an expansion.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You need communication that is kind and giving, contacts that sustain a home and its comforts, environments inviting your knowledge and wisdom to come forth. Should you find yourself with people and places that do not provide these or understand you, change your environment. There’s no more proving yourself, no more offering and giving of self to those who cannot see, understand, hear, or receive. You’re called elsewhere. It’s a religious sort of place, maybe an ashram, or a village community that’s Aquarian, with a warm swimming pool. I can see it. Can you?

Planning and designing these treatment facilities today ensures the District can continue delivering water that meets or exceeds all drinking water regulations while protecting public health for decades to come.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

Water reliability goes beyond individual service area boundaries, and regional collaboration is becoming increasingly important throughout California.

The District continues working with neighboring agencies to explore opportunities for emergency interties, operational coordination, and potential water transfer agreements that could improve regional resilience during droughts, emergencies, or other unforeseen events.

By working together, local agencies can create a stronger, more flexible water system that benefits the entire community.

Looking Ahead

The District’s Board of Directors is also considering updates to several longrange planning documents and water shortage declarations to reflect today’s conditions. These actions recognize the progress our community has made through conservation, infrastructure investments, and the implementation of Pure Water Soquel, while acknowledging that responsible water use remains essential.

Conservation continues to be one of the most valuable tools for protecting our groundwater basin, and the District’s permanent Rules of Water Waste remain in effect regardless of water shortage stage.

The updated Community Water Plan is more than a summary of completed projects — it is a roadmap for the future. It reflects years of thoughtful planning, community investment, scientific research, and regional collaboration.

Most importantly, it demonstrates that protecting our local water supply requires continual improvement, innovation, and long-term stewardship.

As we look ahead to the next three to five years, the District remains focused on implementing projects that strengthen water reliability, maintain high water quality, modernize critical infrastructure, restore our groundwater basin, and build partnerships that benefit the entire region.

Our community has accomplished a great deal together over the past decade. While there is still important work ahead, the updated Community Water Plan reflects a simple but meaningful message: by continuing to plan ahead and invest wisely today, we are building a resilient water future for the generations that will call this community home. n

Live Oak Landing Opens

Expands Interim Housing and Pathways to Permanent Housing in Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ — After planning, renovations, and a lengthy permitting process, Housing Matters is proud to announce the opening of Live Oak Landing, a new interim housing community that will provide shelter, support, and on-site services for individuals experiencing homelessness who are currently living in encampments in the Harvey West neighborhood.

The opening marks an important milestone in Santa Cruz County’s ongoing efforts to address unsheltered homelessness by creating safe, dignified places for people to stabilize while working toward permanent housing.

While renovations at Live Oak Landing were completed months ago, the community experienced an extended delay before participants could move in due to the time required to complete final permitting and occupancy approvals. Although these delays postponed the opening, Housing Matters remained committed to ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements and safety standards.

“We appreciate the collaboration of everyone who worked to bring this project across the finish line, said Phil Kramer, Housing Matters CEO. Today, our focus is on welcoming participants and helping them take the next step toward permanent housing.”

Live Oak Landing represents a significant investment by the State of California through the Encampment Resolution Fund, in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz and Housing Matters. Participants will have access to private accommodations, meals, case management, behavioral health support, housing navigation, employment assistance, and connections to healthcare and other critical services.

The goal is not simply to provide a safe place to stay, but to empower each participant to successfully transition into permanent housing.

Interim housing is a proven strategy for reducing unsheltered homelessness because it offers immediate safety and stability while giving service providers the opportunity to build relationships, address barriers to housing, and connect participants with the resources they need to move into permanent homes.

Live Oak Landing is one important part of Santa Cruz County’s broader

homelessness response system, complementing permanent supportive housing, affordable housing development, and homelessness prevention efforts.

The project was made possible through the collaboration of public agencies, community partners, funders, neighbors, and advocates who shared a commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

“We are deeply grateful to the funding partners, project team, neighbors, elected leaders, and community members who remained committed to this project throughout the process,” said Larry Imwalle, City of Santa Cruz, Director of Homelessness Response & Community Programs. “Live Oak Landing demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in practical, compassionate solutions that help people move from homelessness toward housing.”

Housing Matters will begin welcoming participants immediately, with move-ins occurring in phases over the coming weeks. n •••

Housing Matters is the largest provider of homelessness services in Santa Cruz County. Through shelter, street outreach, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing programs, Housing Matters helps empower people on their pathway from homelessness to permanent, stable housing

while advancing solutions that strengthen the entire community. Learn more at www. housingmatterssc.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Santa Cruz Inn before being converted to Live Oak Landing

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARY ALTIER’S PHOTO EXHIBIT AT APTOS LIBRARY

Mary Altier’s photo exhibition, Around the World with Color Photography is on display at the Aptos Library until Sept. 30.

The show includes 60 images taken in Papua New Guinea, China, Italy, India, several countries in Africa, and more.

A reception promoting the exhibit will take place Sat., Aug. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Refreshments, wine and waters, and ongoing slide show of recent work. Free and the public is invited.

Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Dr. Hours: M-Th 10-7, F-Sat, 10-5. Closed Sunday.

SENIORS SOUGHT FOR THEATER GROUP

Seniors are being sought to join the Market Street Theater Group.

Whether you love being on stage or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in their community.

Discover the power of music, dance, and performing by calling 831-423-6640 or email marketstreettheater@ gmail for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

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.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

7 p.m., Congregational Church Preschool Meeting Room, 4951 Soquel Ave., Soquel

Overeaters Anonymous welcomes any type of eating disorder or problems with food.

No dues, fees or weigh-ins.

Meetings take place at Congregational Church in the preschool meeting room. All are welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) has meetings daily both in-person and on-line in Santa Cruz County at santacruzoa.org.

Fourth Mondays (Third Monday in May due to Memorial Day) THE SPOKEN EXPERIENCE

Noon – 1 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd

Each month a community of readers gather to share selections from a featured poet.

Join local poets Paola Bruni, Elaine Fletcher Chapman and Jessica Cohn as they lead the discussion.

Upcoming poet focus:

August 24: Lucile Clifton

September 28: Sharon Olds

October 26: Juan Felipe Herrera

November 23: Ada Limon

December 28: Jericho Brown

Tuesdays

TUESDAY NIGHT SALSA SOCIAL

7 – 10 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz

Join a midweek salsa social at Abbott Square Market with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata.

Free and open to all skill levels—just bring energy and dancing shoes.

More information: www.abbottsquaremarket.com

BINGO AT MCSC

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com

1-3 p.m., Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola (behind the Party Store)

Hot Dogs, Chili and snacks available for purchase courtesy of our Snack Shack. A lot of fun for all and a possible big win!

Door opens at 12:15 p.m.

Tuesdays and Fridays

NORTH BOOKMOBILE AT PAJARO PARK

Tues.: 3 –5 p.m. | Fri.: 2-3:30 p.m., Pajaro Community Park, 24 San Juan Rd.

The Monterey County Free Libraries North Bookmobile serves Pajaro with scheduled visits, offering books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and bilingual materials in English and Spanish.

Upcoming Dates:

Tues: Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 Fri: Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28.

For full schedule, visit https://tinyurl.com/Pajaro-Parkbookmobile-visits.

Thursdays

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

7:15-9:15 p.m., Peace United Church 900 High St, Santa Cruz. Beginners welcome, partners not required. $10 each. Come dance!

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.

Thursdays in August

CROW’S NEST FREE BEACH BBQ CONCERT SERIES

5:30–8 p.m., Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, 2222 E Cliff Dr.

The Crow’s Nest Free Beach BBQ Concert Series features live music, BBQ food and drinks for purchase, and oceanfront views at Santa Cruz Harbor Beach.

Aug. 6: The Houserockers

Aug. 13: The Joint Chiefs

Aug. 20: La Familia

Aug. 27: Alex Lucero Band Free admission. Parking is limited; a free water taxi is available from nearby lots. More info at https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-events/.

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m. (check-in 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.

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB

First Sundays

5 p.m., various member homes throughout county Looking to make new friends while enjoying amazing food and great wine?

The SC Dinner Club is welcoming new members! Each month, we gather in homes throughout Santa Cruz County for delicious dinners, fine wine, lively conversation, and lots of laughter.

Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. Details of this and more Sevy’s events at www.sevysbarandkitchen.com/events

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 Beach Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

First and Third Fridays

JIM GREINER’S HANDS-ON! DRUMMING

7-8:30 p.m., Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Dr. Percussionist/educator Jim Greiner continues his Community Rhythms Class on the first and third Fridays of every month at the Congregational Church of Soquel. All levels of experience are very welcome to this family-friendly community gathering. Jim provides percussion instruments and you are welcome to bring your own.

Come play, socialize and reinforce Jim’s fundamental themes of communicating, collaborating and celebrating through rhythm!

$10 donation is requested. Doors open at 6:30.

Last Friday of the Month thru October FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT SKYPARK

5–8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A Go Go presents an evening of local eats, live music and activities for all ages.

The monthly event supports Scotts Valley schools through beverage sales and offers a welcoming community gathering. Admission is free.

For details, visit foodtrucksagogo.com.

First Saturdays

CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP

9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park

Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Park.

Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola.

This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com.

Whether you love to cook, enjoy entertaining, or simply want to meet friendly people who share your interests, our dinner club is a fun way to build new friendships and create memorable evenings.

Come join us at the table! For more information, contact Rhonda Mills at rhondaloves2paint@gmail.com.

Second Saturdays

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 Saturdays thru August

MUSIC ON THE GREEN

2-5 p.m., Aptos Village Patio (Behind New Leaf Market)

A new tradition is starting in the new Aptos Village. Music on the Green Summer Concert Series is making its debut this month.

Enjoy a live band for three hours on the third Saturday of July and August. Bring a lawn chair or just wander through the mini park behind New Leaf Market at the end of Parade Street as the bands play on the stage.

July 18: Suns of Surf (Coastal Roots Groove and Reggae) Aug 15: Alecia Haselton Band (Americana/Folk/Rock) Look for specials at the surrounding markets. Free to attend.

Saturdays and Sundays

ELKHORN SLOUGH: FREE TOUR OF THE PRESERVE

10 a.m. | 11 a.m., Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville

Docent-led tours offer visitors a guided introduction to Elkhorn Slough’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and tidal wetlands. Each walk is tailored to participants’ interests and abilities, creating an engaging, educational experience. Space is limited, and tours are first-come, first-served. Guests can sign up at the Visitor Center front desk or call ahead the same morning at (831) 728-2822 for availability.

First Sundays

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB

5 p.m. at various member homes throughout county Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our monthly dinner club events will be held in several homes throughout Santa Cruz County where members enjoy delicious meals, fine wine and conversation.

Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, to entertain, and to meet locals that share your interests. Want to join us? Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we have by contacting Rhonda Mills at rhondaloves2paint@gmail.com.

DATED EVENTS

Friday July 31

Saturday August 1

FIRST ALOHA MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL SANTA CRUZ 12–6 p.m. daily (gates open 11 a.m.), Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville The inaugural Aloha Music & Arts Festival Santa Cruz is a free two-day celebration of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific Island cultures featuring local musicians, hula schools, artists, food vendors, and community organizations. Produced by Victor Ohana Productions LLC, the event highlights Santa Cruz County talent and cultural connections to the Pacific.

Attendees can expect Pacific-inspired cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, nonprofit information booths, and family-friendly cultural activities throughout the weekend. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Parking is $20 per vehicle with no in-and-out privileges. Re-entry requires an additional fee.

More info available through Victor Ohana Productions LLC.

Saturday August 1

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS BREWGRASS FESTIVAL Noon–6 p.m., Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton

The sixth annual Santa Cruz Mountains Brewgrass Festival brings together live bluegrass music, local craft breweries and food trucks in the redwood forests of Roaring Camp. Featured performers include Sam Bush, Rainbow

Girls, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, Dominique and the Diamonds, Deep Thicket Dwellers and Wild Iris.

General admission includes access to music and festival activities, while VIP tasting train tickets are available. Children 11 and younger are admitted free. For tickets and information, visit scmbrewgrassfest.com.

Saturday August 1

Sunday August 2

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

11 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday, Downtown

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to downtown Watsonville for two days of family-friendly entertainment celebrating the Pajaro Valley’s most important crop.

Founded in 1994 to help revitalize downtown after the Loma Prieta earthquake, the festival features community groups, nonprofit fundraisers, food, entertainment and activities. The weekend begins Saturday morning with the Strawberry Jam Fun Run and Walk, including 1K and 5K events. Festival organizers encourage visitors to review road closures and event rules before attending. For details, registration information and updates, visit watsonville.gov.

Thursday August 6

thru Sunday August 9

SECOND ANNUAL SANTA CRUZ JUG BAND FESTIVAL

Thu 5:45–7:15 p.m., Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., Santa Cruz • Fri 6–9 p.m., Abbott Square Market & MAH, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz • Sat 12–9 p.m., Abbott Square Marketplace, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz • Sun 2–5 p.m., Shanty Shack Brewing, 138 Fern St., Santa Cruz

The Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival takes place at multiple locations with free performances, workshops, and sing-alongs across downtown Santa Cruz venues. Highlights include a kickoff jam at Pono Hawaiian Grill, MAH presentations, Abbott Square concerts featuring five bands, and a Sunday finale at Shanty Shack Brewing. Contact thetrolleydrops@gmail.com for information.

Saturday August 8

JAM AND THE BUTTERED BISCUITS

8 p.m.–12 a.m., The Sand Bar Capitola, 211 Esplanade

The Monterey Bay–based JAM and the Buttered Biscuits bring bluesy funk rock to Capitola, featuring songs from Jeffrey A. Meyer’s albums “Wilder Times” and “Colors of the Mind,” plus new material.

The lineup includes bass, drums, guitar, harmonica and vocals, delivering a high-energy coastal sound.

Sunday August 9

SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE FAIRE

9 a.m.–5 p.m., Downtown Santa Cruz, Lincoln Street between Pacific Avenue and Cedar Street

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire returns with dozens of vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, unique finds and more.

The monthly event takes place the second Sunday of each month, weather permitting. Visitors can browse one-of-a-kind treasures and vintage items. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/santacruz antiquefaire/#.

COMMUNICATING WITH NATURE: A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE

2:30–4 p.m., Capitola Public Library, 2005 Wharf Road

Biologist and nature communicator Coleen Douglas leads a free 90-minute experience featuring a discussion and outdoor walk focused on connecting with trees and nature.

The author of “Nature Spirits Want To Talk With Us” shares practical guidance, magic and fun. Reserve a free spot at tinyurl.com/3fcutmjb.

Tuesday August 11

VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENTS

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m., Watsonville Public Library Main Library

Meeting Room, 275 Main Street Suite #100, Watsonville

Monthly teen video game tournaments at the Watsonville

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FARM TO FORK BENEFIT DINNER AT UCSC FARM

Saturday August 29

4 p.m. reception and farm tours; dinner follows, 7 p.m. dancing, UCSC Farm, 152 Farm Rd, Santa Cruz This benefit evening at the UCSC Farm features a reception with tours, followed by a locally sourced dinner highlighting produce from the Center for Agroecology and partners. Guests then move to the Hay Barn for live music and dancing. Proceeds support Farm to Fork and agroecology programs. More info: eefoley@ucsc.edu or https://events.ucsc.edu/event/farm-to-fork-2026/.

Main Library invite students in grades 7–12 to compete and socialize using Nintendo Switch games.

Winners receive prizes in a friendly, supervised environment designed to build community and gaming skills. Future 2026 Dates: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8. More information: https://www.watsonville.gov/2327/Library.

Wednesday August 12 thru Friday 14

CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION MEETING

9 a.m., Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, 6001 La Madrona Dr., Santa Cruz

The California Coastal Commission holds a three-day public meeting to consider coastal development permits, planning issues, enforcement matters and other business affecting California’s coast.

The meeting is open to the public. For agendas and details, visit coastal.ca.gov.

Thursday August 13

FREE BEACH BBQ PARTY WITH THE JOINT CHIEFS

5:30 p.m., Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

The Crow’s Nest hosts a free beach BBQ party featuring live music from The Joint Chiefs, delicious barbecue and frosty beverages.

Guests can enjoy an evening of music, food and fun along the Santa Cruz waterfront. For details, visit crowsnest-santacruz.com.

Friday August 14

MOE’S ALLEY PRESENTS: AFROLICIOUS

8 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz Bay Area funk-fusion collective Afrolicious brings a highenergy live performance featuring funky bass lines, powerful horns and sounds inspired by funk, disco, Latin and Afrobeat.

Doors open at 8 p.m., with music at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show. For details, visit moesalley.com.

Saturday August 15

CIVIC AUDITORIUM CONCERT: DIFRANCO & JUNE

7 p.m.–12 a.m., Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters Valerie June and Ani DiFranco share the stage for an evening of genreblending folk, soul, and Americana.

The event follows her bestselling “Mother-Daughter Murder Night” success and includes audience discussion. Co-sponsored by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

More information at https://bookshopsantacruz.com.

Thursday August 20

SONS & DAUGHTERS OF ITALY WATSONVILLE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING

5–8 p.m., Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan Street

The Sons & Daughters of Italy Watsonville Lodge hosts its monthly dinner meeting featuring a catered meal by Busy Bees of Capitola.

The lodge also sponsors special events, including Festa Italia Monterey and Festa Italia Salinas. Dinner is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by the Sunday before the meeting.

For details, contact the lodge at www.watsonvillesonsofitaly.org/.

Saturday August 22

BOULDER CREEK FIRE DEPARTMENT SUMMER BBQ DINNER & DANCE

5:30–11 p.m., Boulder Creek Fire Station, 13230 Central Ave. The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance featuring tri-tip and chicken dinners, live music from three bands, dancing, a bounce house and face painting.

Proceeds support rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department.

Tickets are $30. For details, visit bcfd.com.

Known for powerful vocals and socially conscious songwriting, the concert highlights two acclaimed artists with distinct styles.

Expect an energetic live performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, featuring songs spanning their acclaimed careers and collaborations.

LATE NIGHT @ THE MAH: BLACK TIE ROLLER BALL

7 –11 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. This 21+ roller skate and dance party transforms the Solari Gallery at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History into a pop-up rink for a night of music, performance, and costumes.

Guests must wear skates with toe stops or plugs; waivers required. Drinks and vendors available. Visit www.santacruzmah.org for details.

Sunday August 16

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ MAKERS MARKET

10 a.m.–5 p.m., 1100 block Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

The Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market features local artists, craftspeople and creators offering handmade goods, artwork, food and unique finds.

The free community event showcases the creativity of Santa Cruz makers in the heart of downtown.

For more information and upcoming market dates, visit https:// scmmakersmarket.com/downtown-santa-cruz-makers-market/.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER BINGO

2:30 p.m.–8 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Dr. Local nonprofit American Sign Language Services

Community hosts a bingo fundraiser at Aptos Grange supporting community programs and services.

Players of all ages participate in multiple rounds of bingo with prizes, social time, and refreshments available.

Funds support ASL access and outreach efforts.

Monday August 17

NINA SIMON — MY SISTER IS GOING TO KILL ME

7 p.m.–8 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Author Nina Simon presents a reading and signing of her new novel, a family-centered murder mystery about two sisters solving a crime while rafting the Grand Canyon.

REDWOOD GROOVE

8 p.m., Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Redwood Groove brings an evening of live music designed to move and groove audiences at the Crow’s Nest. Enjoy a night of music and dancing at this Santa Cruz waterfront venue.

Tickets are $8. For details, visit https://crowsnest-santacruz. com/.

Sunday August 23

MIGHTY MIKE SCHERMER AND FRIENDS 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

2 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz Mighty Mike Schermer celebrates his 60th birthday with a special performance featuring friends and fellow musicians at Moe’s Alley.

The afternoon show highlights Schermer’s blues, soul and rock influences in a festive celebration of his career and music.

Doors open at 2 p.m., with the show beginning at 3 p.m. For details, visit moesalley.com.

Saturday August 29

FARM TO FORK BENEFIT DINNER

4–9 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Farm, 100 McLaughlin Drive

The Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner features a reception, farm tours, local wine, appetizers and a seasonal meal highlighting produce from the UCSC Farm and local partners. Guests can enjoy music, dancing and dessert in the Hay Barn.

Proceeds support farm programs. For details, visit farm.ucsc.edu.

Sunday August 30

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER BINGO

2:30–8 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive American Sign Language Services Community hosts a bingo fundraiser supporting local nonprofit efforts. The event features bingo games, community fun and opportunities to win prizes. Sunday games run from 3–8 p.m., with additional dates available.

Admission is $25 to $40.

For details, contact American Sign Language Services Community. www.aslsc.com/. n

Coastal Commission Expected to Approve Capitola Amendments

By JON CHOWN

The California Coastal Commission, at its Aug. 12 meeting in Scotts Valley, is expected to clear up two big issues in Capitola, clearing the way for more housing development.

The first issue is an amendment to Capitola’s Local Coastal Program that would make it easier to build accessory dwelling units and allow higher-density multifamily housing at five sites in the city’s coastal zone.

In a report, Commission staff determined the proposed revision qualifies as a “de minimis” change, meaning it would have no significant effect on coastal resources and could be approved without a full public hearing unless at least three commissioners object. The proposal is scheduled to be considered Aug. 12 during the commission’s meeting in Scotts Valley.

The amendment would update Capitola’s coastal zoning rules to match recent state housing laws and help the city meet its state-required housing goals. The city must plan for 1,336 new housing units between 2023 and 2031, including hundreds of units affordable to low- and very low-income households.

Among the proposed changes, the city would remove homeowner association approval requirements for ADU applications, limit historic resource standards to ADUs associated with designated historic properties in the coastal zone, allow up to eight detached ADUs on parcels with multifamily housing instead of two, and require ADUs to be rented for periods longer than 30 days. Staff described most of the remaining changes as clarifications needed to bring the city’s Local Coastal Program into compliance with state law.

The proposal also would create two new multifamily residential zoning districts allowing up to 30 and 40 housing units per acre. Those designations would be applied to five locations: 600 Park Ave., the Rosedale Avenue and Hill Street area, the Capitola Avenue and Hill Street area, Capitola Cove and Capitola Gardens. The

sites are currently zoned for between 10 and 20 units per acre.

Coastal Commission staff concluded the changes would not weaken existing protections for environmentally sensitive habitat, coastal bluffs, public access or scenic views. The higher-density zoning would primarily affect sites near the inland edge of the coastal zone rather than shoreline neighborhoods such as Depot Hill and Capitola Village. Any future development would still have to meet Coastal Act requirements and Local Coastal Program standards.

The Coastal Commission is also expected clear up how local coastal rules apply to the future redevelopment of Capitola Mall, even though the mall property is outside the coastal zone.

In its report on the proposal, the commission’s staff determined that the amendment is only a “minor” change because it does not change what can be built on the site. Instead, it is meant

to remove confusion between the city’s Local Coastal Program and newer city rules that were written specifically for the mall redevelopment.

The Capitola Mall property is one of the city’s top redevelopment priorities. The City Council has approved future development at the site, including housing that will help Capitola meet its state-required housing goals. Capitola’s 2023-2031 Housing Element requires the city to plan for 1,336 new housing units, including 430 units for very low-income households and 282 units for low-income households.

According to the Coastal Commission staff report, some language in the city’s certified Local Coastal Program could be interpreted to mean that older zoning rules also apply to the mall redevelopment. The amendment, according to the report’s conclusions, would only clarify that those coastal program sections do not apply to the project because the

property lies entirely outside the coastal zone. Because of that, Executive Director Dan Carl determined the proposal qualifies as a minor amendment under state regulations.

The City of Capitola determined the proposal is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act because it supports implementation of the city’s state-approved Housing Element.

If fewer than one-third of the commission’s appointed members object to the Coastal Commission’s staff reports on these issues, the amendments will automatically become part of the city’s certified Local Coastal Program on Aug. 22 without a separate public hearing.

If four or more commissioners object, the amendments would instead be scheduled for a future public hearing as a major Local Coastal Program amendment. Staff is also recommending that commissioners extend the deadline for final action by one year if that occurs. n

Zoning changes to Capitola Mall to allow for redevelopment are expected to get a final approval when the Coastal Commission meets in August in Scotts Valley.

SCCAS Featured Pet

‘Old Man’ Thomas

Tomas (A271928) is a typical 7-year-old Border Collie — he has a lot of energy despite being a “middle-aged” pup!

His ideal family will provide daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep him happy and healthy. Some of his favorite activities include playing fetch, going on “sniffaris,” and nosing around a soccer ball.

Tomas previously lived with three children (ages 5, 7, and 9) and was a wonderful, loving companion. He is a sweet, social guy who is adored by all our volunteers. With proper introductions, he also makes friends with other dogs.

Tomas is fully potty-trained. Although he mostly lived outdoors in his first home, he is incredibly social and craves human attention, so he truly wants to live indoors with his new family.

Please note that Tomas has a typical herding prey drive and loves to chase squirrels, so a home without cats is highly recommended.

Tomas’s adoption fee has been sponsored by a good Samaritan.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!

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” — Please ring bell for stray animal drop-off from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.) 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.–noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon — Please ring bell for stray animal dropoff 9:30 a.m.-noon; 1-5 p.m.) 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