Aptos Times: July 1, 2025

Family Owned For 34 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

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July 1, 2025 • Vol 34 No. 13

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Sniffing for Clues

Two dogs were happily wagging their tails in a far corner of the Historic Soquel Cemetery Friday, sniffing for signs of where lost grave sites might be located.

The canines were brought be the Institute of Canine Forensics, which is working with Temple Beth El, which owns the property, on locating lost sites within the cemetery.

Full Story page 7

Central Coast Equity actor Adam Saucedo as Sweeney Todd Full Story page 11

Aptos Is Ready to Party on the Fourth State Park Drive, then continues along Soquel Drive to Parade Street. Roads close at 9:30 a.m. The Party in the Park begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Besides music there will be craft and food vendors, beer, face painting, a kids zone and more. A $5 donation is requested. ... continues on page 4

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Full Story page 15

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The World’s Shortest Parade will kick off the July 4 holiday in Aptos at 10 a.m. before the party continues at Aptos Village Park with live music from the Joint Chiefs and lots of other fun.

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Volume 34 No. 13

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24

30

Table of Contents

5

Cover Aptos Is Ready to Party on the Fourth

15 16 30

Community News Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point: Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change, By Jon Chown Road Work Scheduled in North County • Pregnant Mare Rescue Offers New Sponsorship Program • Heritage Hog Scholar Named Sniffing for Clues: Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery, By Jon Chown Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz Central Coast Equity actor Adam Saucedo stars in Sweeney Todd, By Mindy Pedlar Grand Jury Releases Reports: Initial Report Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing | Mental Health, Substance Abuse Programs in Grand Jury’s Final Report | Change Building Permit Process: Reduce Fees, Make It Quicker, Hire More People, Stories By Jon Chown CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans County to Host Workshops on Battery Energy Storage Systems Big Basin State Park Fire Recovery Plan

8

California News Violence in Moss Landing Leaves Aptos Man Dead

5 6 7 10 11 14

In Memoriam 21 John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77 25 Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 9 Artistic Charcuterie, By Joe Ortiz 19 Acupuncture for Pets, By Dr. Karolina Wirga, Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital 20 Displacement Disguised as Planning: Is the RTC Targeting Seniors and Low-Income Residents?, By Cami “Clemensen” Corvin, Capitola Resident 24 Navigating State Water Regulations, By Rebecca Gold Rubin SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – The Old General

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jon Chown

contributing writers

Jon Chown, Mindy Pedlar, Risa D’Angeles, Joe Ortiz, Dr. Karolina Wirga, Cami Corvin, Rebecca Gold Rubin

layout

Michael Oppenheimer

graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

photography Michael Oppenheimer

website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Heidi Johnston Cathe Race

office coordinator distribution

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

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

Entire contents ©2025. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

“Fourth of July” from page 1 The parade’s grand marshal is Santa Cruz County’s firefighters — all of them.

Since 2021, Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County has faithfully served the communities of Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, Rio Del Mar, and Soquel. Santa Cruz County Fire Department includes stations in Big Creek, Corralitos, Davenport, and McDermott.

In the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley areas, there are multiple fire protection districts. The primary fire departments serving these areas include the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District and the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District. Additionally, the Zayante Fire Protection District and the Felton Fire Protection District also serve portions of the San Lorenzo Valley.

Back in the early days of Aptos and La Selva, our friends and neighbors were the default “firefighters” of the day. In 1912, after a large, catastrophic fire in Aptos, neighbors pooled their resources to buy 250 feet of hose, while local businessmen chipped in to get a fire bell for the center of town.

While not organized, if that fire bell rang, the local store would pull out the hose, while sur-rounding residents gathered to fight the fire. By 1924, they had a volunteer fire department, under Fire Chief George Hoke.

With the help of the Chamber of Commerce and other key members of the community, an established Aptos Fire Department opened up next to the Bayview Hotel, with Ralph Mattison as Chief, and a new Model A Truck was purchased.

The Aptos Fire Department became the first certified First Aid Station in Santa Cruz County in 1936, and along with many of the other local county departments, acted as Citizen Corps during WWII. They were also

the first department to have paramedics on the engine, begin-ning with a pilot program in 1978.

By 1986, they merged with the La Selva Beach Fire Department, and continued serving the public in all kinds of hazards, up through the eventual consolidation with Central Fire Pro-tection District.

The parade is presented by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, which reminds everyone to not block the sidewalk or walkways with blankets or chairs before the parade. Fourth of July T-Shirts are available for $20 and can be bought at the Aptos Chamber office. n For more info, go to aptoschamber.com.

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point

Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change

T

By Jon Chown

he Wharf to Wharf will have a new starting point this year due to the Murray Street Bridge closure.

The scenic six-mile race will now begin on Portola Drive, between 26th Avenue and 38th Avenue. The new course will then track southward through the east side of Santa Cruz, past Twins Lakes Church and through the Harbor neighborhoods of 7th Avenue.

The third mile wraps around the harbor onto Lake Avenue and then back onto the traditional course along the ocean. The finish line is still at the corner of Cliff and Wharf Road by the Capitola Wharf.

The Wharf to Wharf is run each year on the fourth Sunday in July (July 26 this year).

The event was first run in 1973 and grew each year until the race had to be limited to 16,000 runners.

Participants come from all over the world to take part in it and registration sells out almost instantly. The race is produced by Wharf to Wharf Inc., a nonprofit charted to promote running, health and fitness. Since its inception.

Scott McConville, race director for Wharf to Wharf, has been planning the event for 15 years and said this year has been the most difficult. It’s a year-round job putting the event together and this year, about 20 different routes were considered and it took months of negotiations with all the different principalities involved before a final route was settled on.

“There’s so many things to consider, starting with safety and then to the general

2018 Wharf to Wharf race start.

impact on the residential community,” McConville said. “We also have to consider the participant experience and the infrastructure needs: parking lots, restrooms — so it’s a lot.

The process has been arduous.”

But McConville said also he loves it.

There could hardly be a more scenic site for such a race and the Wharf to Wharf Race Inc., a nonprofit, has contributed more than $6 million dollars to Santa Cruz County youth sports programs in general and the running community in particular.

“I get a lot of joy out of being involved with this organization, in general,” he said.

“I was around Wharf to Wharf my whole life growing up, so it’s definitely an honor.” n ••• For more information on the Wharf to Wharf, go online at wharftowharf.com.

2013 Wharf to Wharf race.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Road Work Scheduled in North County

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Crews will work weekdays only from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic control measures in place to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.

Each summer, road crews focus on nine weeks of dedicated patch paving in each region: Mid-, South-, and North-County. While paving teams target specific road segments, additional crews continue essential roadside work such as mowing, ditch clearing, and striping.

All work is part of the county’s annual Road Maintenance Program and is funded by the Highway Users Tax Account, commonly known as the Gas Tax. n

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Pregnant Mare Rescue Offers New Sponsorship Program regnant Mare Rescue is launching a new program where people can be more involved in the individual care of a horse and sponsor it.

At Pregnant Mare Rescue, each horse has been rescued from an uncertain future and given a second chance.

Sponsorship will provide hay, medical support and sanctuary for the horse. Those who sponsor will receive photos, updates and even personalized videos, depending on the sponsorship level, which starts at $10.

More on the horses and sponsorship can be found at www.beyondliberty.org.

••• Heritage Hog Scholar Named amuel Garcia, a member of Watsonville Ag History 4H club, is the 2025 recipient of the $3,000 Heritage Hog Scholarship, awarded

P

S

Samuel Garcia by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation.

“Samuel has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising and exhibiting livestock, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations as he continues to pursue his goals,” a press release announcing the award stated.

As part of the scholarship, Garcia will raise this year’s Heritage Hog, generously donated by Country Hills Feed, and present it at the Santa Cruz County Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Sept. 13. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sniffing for Clues

Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery

By Jon Chown

SOQUEL — Two dogs were happily wagging their tails in a far corner of the Historic Soquel Cemetery Friday, sniffing for signs of where lost grave sites might be located.

The canines were brought by the Institute of Canine Forensics, which is working with Temple Beth El on locating lost sites within the cemetery. The temple, which owns the

Rose Ashford looks at a map of the burial sites at Historic Soquel Cemetery.

property, aims to map the cemetery, ensure no potential unmarked graves are disturbed and create a walking path through it.

This would improve public access and help reconnect the cemetery with the Soquel community, one of the temple’s main goals.

The two dogs showed off their skills, pawing at the ground, sniffing, lying down at spots where they smelled something, but never barking. Jospeh Kral, who brought his dog Clio, said the dogs are trained to specifically smell for bodies that have been long dead. They couldn’t be used for finding deceased victims of a recent catastrophe or crime, because that’s a whole different smell.

“How she turns her head, where she sniffs, it all paints a picture,” Kral said. “At one point she turned her head and looked at me. That was a sign she smelled something there.”

Clio was bred in Mississippi and has three siblings that are also owned by Canine Forensics, which is based in Woodside. Once trained, the dogs will be able to locate bodies that have been buried for 200 years or more.

Zia, a member of the Institute for Canine Forensics, sniffs out where bodies have been buried in the Historic Soquel Cemetery on June 20.

“We try to look for good hunting pedi- 6-month old baby boy, in 1853. For more than grees,” Kral said. “They love their work. This 170 years, the cemetery has been maintained is what they train and live for.” by different entities and had gradually fallen The Historic Soquel Cemetery is one of into disrepair. Irvin Smith, the last individual the oldest in Santa Cruz County. It was estab- owner of the cemetery, died in 2009. lished in the 1850s.

“Canine Sleuths” page 13 The first burial was Frank S. Noble, a

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CALIFORNIA NEWS

Violence in Moss Landing Leaves Aptos Man Dead

YOU DREAM IT

MOSS LANDING — The Monterey County Coroner’s report is still pending regarding the death of Aptos resident Trenton Paul Black, who was killed during a confrontation on the water at Moss Landing Harbor on June 11.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw, 29, for voluntary manslaughter after he reportedly got into an altercation with Black and Black died. According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, On June 11th, shortly before 9 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and California State Parks Officers were notified of

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an incident in which two boats had collided in the Moss Landing Harbor.

Witnesses reported seeing one boat operator climbing onto the other’s boat and a fight ensued. At one point, one subject was reported to have fallen into the water while the other assaulted him with a stick. Witnesses reported one of the involved parties, identified later as Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw, had exited the water with his boat. He was detained by deputies for questioning.

“Moss Landing” page 10

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Artistic Charcuterie

By Joe Ortiz

L

et me say right off, this is not a story about food. It’s about creativity. Because in creative work, as well as in consuming food, anything we dare to bite off, we certainly had better be willing to chew, swallow, and digest.

My story starts with a joke: A traveling salesman driving through the rural South comes upon a farmhouse where he hopes to make a pitch for his goods. Driving in, he sees a pig behind a fence who’s been fitted with a splint attached to his rear end where his missing back leg should be. He drives up to the farmhouse, knocks on the door and is greeted by a lovely young woman, who shouts into the living room, “Hey, Pa, it’s another one of those salesmen from the city who wants to sell you something.” Her father comes out and says, “We don’t need nothing today.”

“Well, I’m sure you don’t,” the salesman says. “But I’m just curious as to why that lovely pig ...”

“Ah, you city folk. You don’t realize what a wonderful pig that is,” says the farmer. “Just yesterday a fire started in the barn and that pig galloped over and nudged me toward the burning haystack so I could stomp it out.”

“Well, that’s fine,” the salesman said, “But I still can’t understand why . . .”. So, the farmer quickly interrupted: “Ah, you still don’t get it. Why, just last week I was out tilling the field when my tractor ran into a ditch and tumbled on top of me, and that pig ran over, pushed with her snout to turn the tractor over, and saved my life.”

“Yeah, what a wonderful pig,” said the salesman. “But what about her leg?”

“Ah, you don’t get it,” the farmer said. “You can’t eat a pig like that all at once.”

The punchline pops into my head every time I think about starting a new project and become flummoxed by the size of the task and my habitually overzealous ambition. It reminds me that no worthwhile project has to be created “all at once,” in one grandiose stroke of genius. Instead, anything we take on—whether it be knitting a sweater, writing a book,

or building a wall—can be achieved in little increments: stitch by stitch, word by word, brick by brick. For that matter, stroke by stroke (painting), note by note (music), scene by scene (theater).

If “don’t bite off what you can’t chew” is good advice, we can also turn the homily around: “Take it one bite at a time.”

Some people may believe that artists have a unique superpower—the talent to create a full-blown work in one burst of spontaneity. That can happen. But it’s rare. (Although it took Voltaire only a few months to write Candide, it took Mark Twain nine years to write Huckleberry Finn.) Somethings go quickly. But others take time. Yet, either way, it would appear to help artists and writers by thinking of their process incrementally.

If non-artists understood the “bite-by-bite” mentality, it would make embarking on any project less daunting.

Let’s face it, just getting started seems to keep most of us from creating some work that we think needs doing.

And when we eventually do embark, knowing that we can develop our ideas in small increments would make creative life a whole lot easier.

A few examples: • Louis Armstrong explained a practice method to fellow trumpeter Ruby Braff: “Come up with a small riff on your horn and, by repetition and variation, develop it into an extended solo until it becomes a perfect gem.”

“Ortiz” page 10

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Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz O n Tuesday, June 17, former Times Publishing Group, Inc. editor Jondi Gumz was honored by the City of Capitola for the high-quality reporting she has provided Santa Cruz County for more than a quarter century.

Here is the proclamation: ••• WHEREAS, Jondi Gumz has contributed over 26 years of exceptional journalism ¾ most notably 20+ years at the Santa Cruz Sentinel and more recently as Editor at Times Publishing Group ¾ reporting with integrity and care on topics vital to Capitola and the broader Santa Cruz County community; and WHEREAS, her in-depth coverage has consistently illuminated critical publicinterest issues ¾ ranging from affordable housing and public health programs to local government actions ¾ such as her feature on the county’s Nurse-Family Partnership initiative for low-income first-time families; and WHEREAS, her reporting on Capitolaspecific matters, including the fate of the historic Rispin Mansion ¾ covering stories on council deliberations, demolition plans, restoration projects, and ghost-hunter midnight “Moss Landing” from page 8 Detectives were able to conduct interviews with Holtzclaw and multiple witnesses, and it was determined that the two boats had collided, Black boarded Holtzclaw’s boat and they were fighting when Black fell into the water. Witnesses stated it appeared Holtzclaw began striking Black with a stick.

Black remained in the water and Holtzclaw left the area. A passing vessel attempted to rescue Black by tossing a life preserver, but they were unsuccessful.

Witnesses reported that Black had not

Aptos Soccer Club Registration for our Fall Recreational Soccer League is NOW OPEN! For more information visit www.aptossoccer.org 10 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Ortiz” from page 9 • Novelist John Gardner tells his students that written narrative, especially in fiction, is often composed of several different building blocks of prose: action, description, internal monologue, and dialogue. We often find these elements interspersed in good writing to create what I call “the fabric of fiction,” which can help author’s create a tapestry of narrative that Gardner calls “the fictive dream.”

• Theater director Konstantin Stanislavski said that “actors develop their roles bit-by-bit.” He asked his students to think in small gestures of

explorations ¾ has deepened community understanding and engagement with our city’s heritage; and WHEREAS, her distinguished work has been recognized by numerous awards, including a 2018 San Jondi Gumz Francisco Press Club Award and a 2017 Clarion Award for public relations reporting; and WHEREAS, through thoughtful, factbased, and empathetic storytelling, Jondi Gumz has fostered civic trust, empowered residents, and chronicled Capitola’s evolving story with honesty and heart; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Capitola hereby honors and thanks Jondi Gumz for her outstanding career in journalism, her steadfast commitment to serving the public interest, and her enduring contribution to the vitality of Capitola.

— Joe Clarke, Mayor Signed and sealed this 17th day of June, 2025

exited the water and could no longer be seen.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and a SONAR device, were able to locate and recover his body from the harbor at about 1:20 p.m.

Holtzclaw has been booked into the Monterey County Jail for one count of Voluntary Manslaughter. His bail was set at $200,000 and was posted the next day.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Commander Scott Davis said an autopsy report in a case like this usually takes a month or more, so it’s not unusual. n expression, little increments of verbal delivery and body movements drawn from their own experience to build a scene into series of emotion-filled actions.

• When Leonard Bernstein saw Jimmy Webb writing a song while strumming chords on his guitar, Bernstein described his own method of writing a melody: “From one note to the next.”

No matter what big task you take on, it can be built in individual strokes, phrases, scenes or stitches, taken one little bite at a time. n ••• Send your comments and questions to joe@ gocapitola.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Central Coast Equity actor Adam Saucedo stars in Sweeney Todd

T

By Mindy Pedlar

he first time I performed in this show, I was only 20 years old,” says Equity actor Adam Saucedo, who plays the title role in Cabrillo Stage’s upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. “I fell in love with the show - and the role - but knew I would have to wait many years to be old enough and to have lived enough life to play it.”

Saucedo describes Todd as a “complex and multifaceted character, with different sides to his persona. Forces within society have acted on him to create the ‘monster hiding in plain sight’. He retains a touch of humanity as he clings to the hope that he might reconnect with his beloved wife and daughter. His obsession with vengeance, however, is his undoing.”

This is a bucket list role for Adam and his preparation is

impressive. Before rehearsals even began, he started memorizing his songs and familiarizing himself with the musical cues, entrances, and subtleties.

“The story is driven by the music,” Adam says, “so it’s important to really listen to what the other characters are singing.”

Sweeney is a barber by trade so Adam watched videos on the proper way to hold and use a straight razor for shaving. He even re-watched an old 1936 movie version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street staring none other than ... Tod Slaughter. He reached out to Reg Huston, an old friend, mentor, his first voice teacher, and the actor who played Sweeney the first time Adam did the show. He was curious to hear Houston’s thoughts on his experience, his

take on the character, and what he had learned.

Like his mentor and predecessor, Adam Saucedo has a rich, glorious voice. His portrayal of Sweeney is well executed and nuanced. Recently as I entered the theater, they were rehearsing the song Pretty Women, Sweeney’s duet with his arch enemy Judge Turpin, played by David Murphy.

I was blown away by the beautiful blend and sheer power of their voices.

Adam feels his personal journey and growth prepared him for this opportunity and he is ecstatic to be working with Cabrillo Stage again. Fans may remember his funny and charming portrayal of Gomez Addams in the 2017 production of The Addams Family.

“Sweeney Todd” page 13

Rehearsing is Adam J. Saucedo as Sweeney Todd.

Photo Credit: Bari Lee

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“Sweeney Todd” from page 11 Come see him master this darker, deeper character that is Sweeney Todd — with a live orchestra and an extremely talented cast — the result is nothing short of magnificent. n Please note: This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

••• Sweeney Todd performs July 17 – August 10, Thurs, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Opening night July 18 $5 off Adult and Senior Premier seating with promo code “Revenge”.

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Joseph Kral and Adela Morris handle their dogs Clio and Zia as they search for clues in the Historic Sequel Cemetery on Friday, June 20. The dogs can sniff out where bodies where buried more than 100 years ago.

“Canine Sleuths” from page 7 In 2016, the county took possession of the land for unpaid taxes and put it up for auction.

Temple Beth El then purchased it in order to preserve the Jewish section of the cemetery.

Rose Ashford, a volunteer at the cemetery and a member of Beth El, said the temple had to buy the entire property to secure the Jewish section. Since then, the temple has been working to restore the property, but it’s expensive and takes a lot of work. Numerous oak trees on the property need care, gravestones need repair and the whole property needs general maintenance.

“Temple Beth El is doing what it can to preserve this cemetery,” Ashford said.

Maybe the biggest task is identifying where old graves are located and who is in them. There is a large map of the property with graves marked, but nothing seems to exist at some spots that are marked. In some cases,

gophers have dug up the earth around a flat grave marker and have essentially buried it.

“We’re trying to validate this map,” Ashford said. “It’s hard, but we’re working on it.”

After about an hour, it seemed pretty clear that the dogs had found a number of old graves located in the corner of the property, even though there were few grave markers to indicate them.

“We know something is going on here,” said Holly Blue Hawkins of Temple Beth El. “We don’t know what exactly, other than it’s sacred.” n ••• More information on the Historic Soquel Cemetery can be found at soquelpioneers.com. The Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association will hold its annual Pioneer Picnic on July 26 from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Pringle Grove at 5270 Pringle Lane in Soquel. For more info, call 831-818-8109.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Jury Releases Reports

Initial Report Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing

T

By Jon Chown

he 2024–25 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury has been releasing its findings, spaced out over several weeks, with the first three reports addressing the county’s action on the climate crisis; actions taken in response to the 2022–23 Grand Jury findings; and the Watsonville Police Department’s use of handcuffs.

Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury is a one-year, 19-member panel of citizens that acts as an independent watchdog over all local government operations.

It reviews alleged misconduct, waste, abuse or fraud and issues a final public report with recommendations. The grand jury process is mandated by California’s 1849 Constitution and was adopted in every county after statehood. Any eligible citizen

can apply; 30 are chosen, and the final 19 are picked at random from those 30.

Little Action on Climate

The first report, Climate Action Demands Outreach: County staff alone cannot meet our County’s climate goals, reviews Santa Cruz County’s efforts to reach specific climate goals set by Sacramento. The report is critical of the county’s outreach efforts.

“The County has responded with proposed written actions … but making a meaningful dent in those goals requires citizen cooperation. The County has conducted minimal to no outreach to the community and has failed to achieve widespread citizen engagement in the effort to mitigate climate change,” the report states.

In 2022, the county updated its Climate Action Plan in response to legislation passed in Sacramento, collectively known as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, or CAAP. The CAAP notes that tailpipe emissions account for nearly 65% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing these is key. That is done by increasing the use of public transportation for long commutes and walking or bicycling for short trips.

The grand jury investigated the county’s attempts to persuade the public to use more buses or walk and bike. Members visited public events, such as the Santa Cruz County Fair and

the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, as well as formal county meetings where climate change action was on the agenda.

They were not impressed.

Two agencies are primarily responsible for the county’s climate response. One is the Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, which is tasked with breaking down strategies into action items, monitoring progress across departments and reporting to the Board of Supervisors. The second is the Commission on the Environment, which meets six times a year and reports to the supervisors.

“Grand Jury” page 18

Mental Health, Substance Abuse Programs in Grand Jury’s Final Report

T

By Jon Chown

he final 2024-25 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury’s report recommends increased county funding to treat behavioral health and substance abuse issues, and more coordination between programs that address these issues — including financially.

According to the Grand Jury, in the past five years, two state-mandated reports have recommended the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency do a better job of identifying and managing patients with behavioral health and

substance abuse issues. These patients, termed high-cost beneficiaries, are about 15 percent of the client base in Santa Cruz County and account for 55 percent of claimed services.

High-cost beneficiaries present a complex

challenge for Santa Cruz County. In California counties, on average, HCBs account for 4.5 percent of patients and 34 percent of claimed services.

“Final Report” page 22

Change Building Permit Process: Reduce Fees, Make It Quicker, Hire More People

T

By Jon Chown

he Santa Cruz County Grand Jury is urging the Board of Supervisors to modify the rules for building permits, consider reducing fees, streamline the process, and hire an ombudsman to help the public navigate the system.

The building permit process in Santa Cruz County has long been a source of frustration for residents and was previously examined by county grand juries in 2002–03 and 2012–13. Building permits were also reviewed in the 2023–24 CZU fire rebuild report.

A building project may involve a few regulations or many—such as soils reports, fire road access, water diversion, or environmental habitat considerations.

The Grand Jury interviewed architects, civil engineers and contractors who have worked extensively in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere. It also spoke with homeowner applicants and county staff involved in permitting. The focus was on the “complexity, costs and extended time frames associated with the permitting process,” according to the report.

One of its main conclusions is that while the county’s shift to an online permitting system has standardized some steps and improved processing speed, it has made the process difficult for those who use the system infrequently. It is “finicky about formatting” and rejects submissions for minor issues such as incorrect date formats or the use of dashes. As 14 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

a result, most homeowners must rely on experts to complete the process, which increases costs.

To make matters worse, “experts” aren’t easy to find in Santa Cruz County. According to the report, many professionals avoid the area because the county’s building permit process is so onerous. The process is so detailed and intricate that it drives up costs.

For instance, the report notes a contractor building a new home on 50 acres with no neighbors in sight was required by the county to install soundproofing in the home, which would

have cost at least $60,000. The contractor eventually secured an exemption, but the time spent doing so still cost money.

The Grand Jury also noted that the county’s complexities compound an already problematic state system. All building, planning and construction in California is governed by the California Building Code, which is verbose, complicated and weighty, the report states. “The Code — Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2 — in print form has 1,720 pages and weighs 80 pounds. Every three years, the code is updated and revised by the state.”

Given such a system, the report says the county should try to make things easier. One option is reducing the need for permits. In many counties and cities — including Watsonville and San Jose — no permit is required to replace a window, but one is required in Santa Cruz County.

EZ Permits are used for certain repairs and minor remodels. These permits do not require applicants to submit drawings and can be approved online instantly. The Grand Jury recommends switching more standard permits to EZ Permits and more EZ Permits to permit-free projects. “Both moves will save applicants money and time, as well as free up the permit staff to review more complex projects,” the report states.

“Building Permits” page 22

COMMUNITY NEWS

CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans S anta Cruz County’s Executive Officer Carlos Palacios announced June 19 that he will be retiring in December.

The County Board of Supervisors announced the decision by Palacios, who has served for nearly 10 years as the county’s top executive and more than three decades in local government leadership. Palacios was the first Latino CEO in county history.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Santa Cruz County,” Palacios said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together — from responding to crises to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community.

None of it would have been possible without the tireless work of county staff, the partnership of community organizations, and the leadership of the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and seeing what the future holds for this remarkable county.”

Palacios was appointed in 2017 after 20 years as city manager of Watsonville, where he began his career in local government in 1992, was promoted to city manager in 1996 and led the city through some challenging times, growth and controversy.

The Pajaro Valley experienced flooding in 1999, 2005, 2011 and 2014. The damage from

miss his wisdom, counsel and the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 leadership.” continued to haunt downtown for As the county’s top admindecades, gang violence has long istrator, Palacios guided the been a problem as well. All of this community through multiple major was on his plate as city manager. disasters, including the COVID-19 He was also fundamental in seeing pandemic, the devastating CZU Measure U passed in 2002, which Lightning Complex Fire, and the shaped the future development 2023 winter storms. He played a and boundaries of Watsonville. In Carlos Palacios key role in mobilizing emergency 2010 he guided the annexation of the Manabe Ow Business Park, the 95-acre site response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts while maintaining continuity of services and along Highway 1 north of Ohlone Parkway.

Palacios’ ties to south county are protecting vulnerable populations.

One of Palacios’ signature accomplishreflected in the acquisition and renovation of 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville in 2021. ments was the creation of Santa Cruz County’s The new South County Government Center first-ever Strategic Plan, a communitybrought services closer to residents in the informed roadmap to guide operations and policy priorities.

Pajaro Valley.

The plan was complemented by an “Carlos was Watsonville’s city manager when I served my first term as council- Operational Plan and a public-facing dashmember. He has been one of the most board to track progress, earning a 2021 consequential public servants in the history California State Association of Counties Merit of Santa Cruz County,” Board of Super- Award for innovation in government operavisors Chair Felipe Hernandez said. “He tions. He also instituted continuous process led us through some of the toughest times improvement efforts across county departour community has ever faced — from ments, modernizing services and increasing wildfires to a pandemic to historic flooding transparency.

Palcios also established the Office of — with grace, resolve, and a deep sense of compassion. He was the embodiment of Response, Recovery & Resilience, improving an exceptional public servant, and we will disaster preparedness and response efforts

and laying the groundwork for improving community resilience to the impacts of climate change. The ORRR has become a cornerstone of the county’s approach to climate adaptation and emergency management.

Palacios championed the development of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center and the launch of Focused Intervention Teams and mobile crisis response units, marking a substantial investment in behavioral health infrastructure. Palacios also spearheaded the transformation of Watsonville Community Hospital into a public entity, preserving vital health care services for the Pajaro Valley.

In the realm of environmental stewardship, Palacios oversaw the adoption of the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, updated the General Plan with sustainability goals, and helped secure historic investments in active transportation. Under his leadership, the County is beginning work on the Coastal Rail Trail, and is implementing the vision outlined by voters in Measure Q, which created ongoing dedicated funding for the first time in County history to support clean water, wildfire risk reduction, and environmental and wildlife protection.

“Palacios Retiring” page 18

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COMMUNITY NEWS

County to Host Workshops on Battery Energy Storage Systems SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment is convening a series of public technical workshops to examine the role and risks of Battery Energy Storage Systems in modernizing the energy grid.

The next workshops are scheduled for July 30 and August 27, from 5 — 8 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Santa Cruz County

Governmental Center, 701 Ocean Str., 5th Floor, Santa Cruz, with remote participation available via Zoom.

The county commission considers BESS facilities a critical component of California’s shift away from fossil fuels, allowing excess energy — especially solar and wind — to be stored for use when renewable generation is unavailable. These systems can enhance

grid stability and help utilities meet peak demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, as interest in BESS projects grows, so do community concerns about public safety, emergency response readiness, and long-term environmental impacts.

“BESS” page 19

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“Grand Jury” from page 14 The grand jury noted that with tailpipe emissions accounting for more than half of all greenhouse gas emissions, the only way to meet the county’s CAAP goals is to significantly reduce those emissions — and that means convincing the public to make real changes.

Low-cost methods of outreach might include: • Public service announcements on TV or radio • Fact sheets on the County’s official Facebook page and social media • Flyers included in mailed utility or property tax bills • A booth at the County Fair • Leafleting at tourist events “‘Everybody knows’ drunk driving is dangerous, yet we still mount campaigns to raise awareness. ‘Everybody knows’ that wood houses burn down in fires, yet fire

departments still develop websites about fire-wise landscaping. And ‘everybody knows’ that gasoline-fueled cars emit pollutants. Unfortunately, to date, the County has no public campaign to directly address this largest pollutant source in the county,” the report concludes.

Among the findings: It was not clearly defined which agency was responsible for outreach, and the staff coordinating CAAP-related efforts did not believe it was part of their role.

The grand jury recommended the Board of Supervisors assign an office to lead public outreach, and that the public be informed any time money or staff time is spent on climaterelated efforts.

Keeping Commitments

The second report, Honoring Commitments to the Public, examined local government responses to the 2022–23 Grand Jury’s recommendations and found that, overall, commitments have been kept. Of the 25 recommendations made in 2022–23, 22 were addressed adequately, two are in progress and one will not be implemented due to cost.

For example, the 2022–23 report noted the county had no cybersecurity plan. The Board of Supervisors approved one in March 2024. Several cities, including Santa Cruz and Watsonville, also acted on cybersecurity recommendations.

Another report that year addressed the safety of inmates with mental illness at the county jail. Its recommendations were

largely followed. The Blaine Street Women’s Facility, which houses nonviolent inmates, was reopened, and the Public Defender’s Office received more funding for anti-recidivism programs. However, the Sheriff’s Office did not commission a study to determine the most effective use of the county’s three jails, as recommended. Although the county issued a request for proposals, it decided the cost was too high.

All of the jury’s recommendations in its report Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health were followed. In its report Code Compliance Division — Out of Compliance, all recommendations were either followed or are in progress. That includes a recommendation that “policies and procedures manuals for the Planning Department and Code Compliance Department should be completely reviewed, updated … and digitized” by 2023.

According to the report, that task is still in progress and won’t be completed until 2026.

The jury concluded that the county had made “outstanding” progress.

“When the agencies accept the recommendations, follow through and meet their expressed commitments, our community benefits from increased government transparency and accountability,” the report states.

Watsonville Policing Criticized

The third report, Handcuffing and Transport: Can Watsonville Police Reduce Trauma?, is critical of the Watsonville Police Department’s higher-than-average rate of using handcuffs during arrests and transport.

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“Being handcuffed and taken to the police station, especially for a minor infraction, is a traumatic event,” the report states.

The issue, according to the report, is that handcuffing causes unnecessary trauma, erodes trust in the police and increases fear during routine traffic stops. Yet the only safe way to transport a person in a police car is typically to handcuff them.

The report acknowledges that Watsonville’s higher crime rate — including robberies and gang shootings — puts officers on heightened alert, which can lead to more aggressive decisions about restraints.

Still, the jury found that Watsonville police overuse handcuffing and transport misdemeanor violators at a much higher rate than other departments. Watsonville also conducts more breath tests at police headquarters rather than in the field, leading to more transports. The jury also noted that Watsonville police officers tend to have less experience, likely due to lower pay, and could benefit from more training in deescalation techniques. It recommended raising salaries to help retain experienced officers.

“Implementing these suggestions could lead to fewer trips to the police station and greatly reduce the trauma suffered by both the detainees and members of the community,” the report states. n

“Palacios Retiring” from page 15 He also served as a founding board member of 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy), helping to chart a path for the region to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

Palacios also played a key role in securing voter approval for two local sales taxes, Measures G and K, and the hotel and vacation rental tax, Measure B, to boost funding for essential public services and support neighborhood improvements. As steward of the County’s $1 billion-plus budget, he maintained a strong fiscal position through prudent reserve management and earned high credit ratings, ensuring longterm financial sustainability.

With Palacios set to retire in December 2025, the Board of Supervisors will initiate a national search for the next County Executive Officer. The search process will reflect the County’s commitment to transparency, equity, and visionary leadership. n

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Acupuncture for Pets

By Dr. Karolina Wirga, Aptos-Capitola Veterinary Hospital

W

hat is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of integrative Chinese medicine that has been used in people and animals for centuries. Acupuncture is a gentle, non-invasive treatment used to treat a variety of conditions. Each acupuncture treatment is tailored to the individual and typically well tolerated by animals.

The approach is to stimulate certain acupuncture points on the body using small sterile needles that activates the nervous system, immune system, and encourages blood flow. These points are chosen based on a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and a detailed exam.

In addition to the traditional “dryneedle” technique, we can stimulate these points by injecting a small amount of fluid in the area, pressure using our fingers, gentle electric stimulation, and a red light laser.

The goal of acupuncture is to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and restore balance in the body.

How can Acupuncture Help my Pet? Acupuncture can help treat and reduce negative symptoms for a variety of conditions.

Most commonly, acupuncture is beneficial in animals with chronic arthritis and orthopedic conditions, especially ones that have other comorbidities where treatments are limited. It is also commonly used for patients with neurologic conditions such as disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, and others, to help stimulate the nervous system and reduce pain.

“BESS” from page 16 The June 25 workshop will feature presentations on the climate change context for energy storage and the role of BESS in the regional power grid. Key speakers include Dr. Mark Jacobson, director of Stanford University’s Atmosphere/Energy Program and a leading expert on clean energy systems, and a representative from Central Coast Community Energy, which has committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. Additional experts will be be featured as part of the review.

“These workshops are a chance for the community to engage with world-class experts and better understand the opportunities and risks associated with large-scale energy storage,” said Kris Damhorst, chair of the Commission on the Environment in a press release. “As we respond to the climate crisis, it’s essential that we examine how new technologies align with our values, safety needs, and long-term environmental goals.”

Subsequent workshops will explore

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Talk to your veterinarian to see if acupuncture may benefit your pet. n

The county commission considers BESS facilities a critical component of California’s shift away from fossil fuels, allowing excess energy — especially solar and wind — to be stored for use when renewable generation is unavailable. battery technology innovations, fire prevention and emergency response, and evolving best practices. While technical in nature, the sessions are designed to be accessible to the general public. The workshops will not address land use planning, zoning decisions, or specific project proposals.

Community members, environmental stakeholders, and energy professionals are encouraged to attend. n ••• To join via Zoom, visit https://santacruzcounty-us.zoomgov.com/j/1614371967.

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By Cami “Clemensen” Corvin, Capitola Resident

n Santa Cruz County, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is moving forward with rail and trail planning, but at what cost? A growing number of residents believe the RTC is engaging in selective, inequitable enforcement of land use rules, targeting vulnerable communities while sparing more powerful ones.

Case in point: Castle Mobile Estates (CME) in Capitola is a senior and low-income community that has been in existence since 1971, with approval from HUD, the County, and the City. Residents, many of whom are elderly and live on fixed incomes, received threatening letters in 2024 from the RTC, claiming their homes “encroach” on the rail corridor and must be removed or altered by June 30, 2025. Failure to comply would result in RTC performing the removals themselves and billing residents for the associated costs.

This threat came after RTC finally completed a boundary survey in 2023, 11 years after purchasing the corridor in 2012. At the time of purchase, RTC’s own title report acknowledged encroachments. They did nothing for over a decade.

Now, with no offered funding, no HUD variances, and no public planning relief, the burden is being shifted to elderly homeowners who’ve lived peacefully for decades.

RTC claims only five homes are affected.

That’s misleading. In truth, at least 16 homes in CME and a similar number at Blue & Gold Mobile Home Park are expected to face significant impacts, with costs running into millions of dollars.

So, what’s the difference between these homes? Low-income seniors own them.

Compare that to Capitola Beach Villas, an upscale condominium complex on 41st Avenue that also encroaches on RTC property.

This was confirmed through a recent Public Records Act request.

This double standard is indefensible.

If enforcement is truly about clearing space for a future rail or trail, why are only senior mobile home residents being threatened, while wealthy condo owners are left alone?

Legal experts representing Castle Mobile Estates have pushed back, citing the 1877 deed, prescriptive use, boundary estoppel, and numerous other defenses, as well as the RTC’s prolonged inaction, as evidence that these homes have a right to remain. Yet RTC continues to press forward, putting elderly residents at risk of displacement and financial ruin.

It’s time to call this what it is: selective enforcement that disproportionately impacts seniors and low-income residents. At best, this is negligence. At worst, it borders on institutional discrimination and Elder Abuse.

Public infrastructure planning must be equitable, transparent and humane. No community should be sacrificed quietly in the name of progress, especially not when others are spared for no reason other than socioeconomic status.

We must demand better from our regional agencies. The RTC’s approach to “solving” encroachment must be consistent, compassionate and legally defensible — not based on the size of someone’s bank account or the age of their roof.

Santa Cruz cannot afford a rail or trail built on displacement. n

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Castle Mobile Estates

IN MEMORIAM

J

John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77

ohn Robbins, a bestselling author and activist who relinquished the BaskinRobbins fortune to become a leading voice for food consciousness and sustainability, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77.

Robbins is best known for his 1987 book “Diet for a New America,” which revealed connections among diet, animal welfare, human health and the environment. Published in 1987, it sold more than a million copies and helped ignite the modern plantbased movement. But to those in Santa Cruz County, Robbins was also a neighbor who lived quietly in Soquel as an embodiment of the principles he wrote about.

The Robbins family issued a statement asking for privacy and understanding: “We, the family of John Robbins, ask for privacy as we grieve our beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather. John overcame many hardships with tenacity and resilience, always learning, growing and sharing his love with the people close to him. Never did he waver from that, maintaining an attitude of gratitude, humility and curiosity until the very end of his life.

His wisdom, playfulness and loving heart blessed us in immeasurable ways that will be with us for the rest of our lives. We feel blessed by his continuing presence with us, guiding us, comforting us, and we believe that one day he will greet us at our own journey’s end.”

Robbins’s advocacy earned him many major awards, including the Rachel Carson Award for environmental leadership; the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award for promoting social justice and compassionate living; Peace Abbey’s “Courage of Conscience” Award, honoring moral courage in challenging mainstream norms; and Green America’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sustained commitment to ethical, sustainable food systems.

Born in 1947, Robbins was the only son of Irv Robbins, co-founder of BaskinRobbins. Though he was expected to take over the family business, he chose a different path and walked away from the wealth of the ice cream empire. After a decade of living simply on an island in British Columbia with his wife, Deo, and their son, Ocean, he began writing “Diet for a New America,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction. He then moved to Soquel.

Robbins’s ideas didn’t just align with Santa Cruz County values — they helped shape them. His nonprofit EarthSave

International, launched in the late 1980s, had one of its first chapters in Santa Cruz.

From community potlucks to school programs promoting plant-based lunches, Robbins brought food activism into everyday life. He spoke often at local events and supported regional efforts to advance organic farming and humane animal treatment.

“Santa Cruz County gave him a community that matched his heart,” said Ocean Robbins. “He found here what he wanted for the world — connection, sustainability and integrity.”

Robbins’s modest home — surrounded by fruit trees and gardens — was solar-powered.

With Ocean, he co-founded the Food Revolution Network, a global online hub advocating healthy, sustainable eating. In the 2000s, he continued writing influential works, including “The Food Revolution,” “Healthy at 100,” “No Happy Cows” and “The New Good Life.” His work earned numerous humanitarian and environmental awards and influenced readers worldwide.

He continued to live in Soquel, writing, teaching and supporting the Food Revolution Network until shortly before his death.

According to his family, he died peacefully of complications related to post-polio syndrome, a condition he had managed for many years.

In his final days, he remained engaged with friends, readers and the broader community that had grown from his life’s work.

“John Robbins was not only my father but also my greatest mentor, dearest friend and a boundless source of inspiration,” said Ocean Robbins. “His wisdom, courage and profound love for his family and for this world touched countless lives. Even as I grieve, I feel immense gratitude for every moment spent walking the path of life with him, for his unwavering dedication to showing us the transformative power of food and for the legacy of justice and compassion he leaves behind. Now, it is up to all of us to carry that light forward.”

Robbins is survived by his wife, Deo; his son, Ocean; family member Teresa; grandchildren River and Bodhi; his daughterin-love, Phoenix; and his sisters, Erin and Marsha. Memorial information, if applicable, will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Food Revolution Alliance at foodrevolutionalliance.org, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to continuing Robbins’s mission of changing the way the world eats. n

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“Final Report” from page 14 Many HCBs have healthcare through Medical, and the county is financially responsible for any costs in excess of Medi-Cal payments for clients with severe behavioral health and/or substance use disorders. As a result, HSA’s 2023-2024 budget required an additional funding of $18.6 million from the county’s general fund.

The Grand Jury looked for ways to reduce this price tag and improve services at the same time. The answer is to reduce the number of HCBs by improving services through better coordination. Currently, there are a multitude of programs to help HCBs, including the Integrated Housing and Recovery Team that helps homeless people, a 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response Team that responds to urgent mental health crises; the Focus Intervention Team run by the Sheriff’s Office and HSA jointly; and Enhanced Care Management, which helps address the mental, physical and social needs of HCBs. The Grand Jury found that all of the programs operate too independently, with each

“Building Permits” from page 14 Possibly the most intriguing recommendation is hiring an ombudsman — “a dedicated staff member who is the liaison between the public and staff to explain and resolve any conflicts and assist people through the permit process.” The role would also need to be publicized “so that applicants know whom to address when they have concerns.”

Additional hires are needed but will be difficult to find. “Chronic understaffing in the county’s Environmental Health Department was often cited by interviewees as the reason for delays in permitting,” the report says.

“Environmental Health is responsible for a host of needs, notably reviewing, approving and issuing septic systems and wells permits.

collecting its own client data, running their own programs and clinics, and each being funded separately. As a result, there is “no comprehensive public report detailing the number of HCBs, their service utilization, and their associated costs.” Furthermore, with no coordination between programs, services are often duplicated.

The county is facing a budget crunch, so reducing spending on HCBs is critical, according to the Grand Jury report. Among the recommendations by the Grand Jury were that the HSA publish a monthly report on patient services and spending; that HSA coordinate better with Central California Alliance for Health on goals and programs; that HSA and CCAH have a shared database; and that the entities take steps towards financial integration of all behavioral health services and substance use services.

Responses to the report are required within 60 to 90 days from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the governing board of CCAH, the director of HSA and the CEO of California Alliance for Health. n

A shortage of environmental health specialists is a statewide problem not easily overcome. Most counties are not able to fully staff environmental health positions and thus have to rely on trainees.”

Other recommendations include establishing a walk-up front desk service to assist homeowners, non-building professionals and small contractors in navigating the permit process; developing a public education campaign about different permit types to reduce illegal builds; reconvening the Building and Fire Code Appeals Board to adjudicate permit disputes quickly, publicly and with less cost; and directing relevant departments to review state code parameters that allow for county adjustments to building permit fees and identify the least-cost, least-delay alternatives. n

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Navigating State Water Regulations

C

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

alifornia’s public water systems operate in one of the most regulated water environments in the nation. These regulations are aimed at ensuring public health, environmental protection, and sustainable water supply management.

From protecting drinking water quality to planning for droughts, water systems must comply with an evolving landscape of local, state, and federal requirements.

Here’s a look at some of the most important regulatory programs that water districts, such as Soquel Creek Water District, must follow:

Cross-Connection Control

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State Updated Requirements in 2024 Cross-Connection means any actual or potential connection between the District’s potable water distribution system and an auxiliary water supply, a pipe or piping system, plumbing fixture, appliance, container, receptacle, vessel or other devices that may allow for contaminated water, fluids, or other substance, other than the water supplied by the District, to enter any part of the District’s water distribution system.

A few examples of cross-connections are a water service connected to a landscape irrigation system, a closed-loop fire sprinkler system, or a property with a private well.

Normally, drinking water flows one way into your property. However, unprotected cross-connections could allow contaminated water on your property to backflow—or reverse flow—into the drinking water system.

Backflow negatively impacts your property’s water quality and poses a risk to the drinking water system and public health.

The District recently was required to revise its Cross Connection Control (CCC) Policy to align with the State’s updated regulations which took effect July 1, 2024. The District’s draft revised CCC Policy has been submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board for their review and approval. You can learn more on our website at soquelcreekwater.org/315/ Prevent-Backflow.

Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP)

Planning for a Resilient Future (2025-2045) UWMPs are foundational planning documents required under the California Urban Water Management Planning Act for suppliers who provide water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or

supply more than 3,000 acre-feet of water per year.

They must be updated every five years and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources.

UWMPs are critical tools that guide long-term resource planning and inform local, regional, and state decision-making.

Their primary purpose is to ensure that water agencies have evaluated and planned for future water supply reliability, especially in light of California’s increasingly variable climate and frequent drought cycles.

Key components of a UWMP include: • Detailed Water Supply and Demand Forecasts • Drought Risk Assessment and Water Shortage Contingency Planning • Demand Management Measures • Recycled Water Use • Climate Change and Long-Term Reliability • Coordination with Other Agencies The District is currently preparing the 2025 UWMP which is due to the State July 1, 2026.

Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)

CA’s New Water Quality Regulation Chromium-6 is a naturally occurring metallic element that forms from the weathering of rocks and sediments in the groundwater basin that contain chromium-3.

Over the past decade, California has set, repealed, and re-evaluated a maximum contaminant level (MCL) specifically for chromium-6.

The state set a new MCL of 10 parts per billion effective October 1, 2024, making it the strictest regulation in the United States.

“Regulations” page 26

IN MEMORIAM

Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 M ike Rotkin, a five-time mayor of Santa Cruz and liberal icon of Santa Cruz County, died June 18 due to complications from leukemia. He was 79.

Rotkin was well-known for his progressive politics. He first ran for City Council in Santa Cruz in 1979 as a socialist. He taught Marxist theory at UC Santa Cruz for more than 40 years and served on the Santa Cruz City Council six times. He had served more time as mayor of Santa Cruz than anybody else in the city’s history. He first served in 1981-1982, then from 1985-1986, 1995-1996, 2004-2005 and finally, from 2009-2010.

Rotkins’ leadership shaped Santa Cruz in many ways. During his 20 years in city government, city spending on social services and programs increased from $80,000 a year in 1979 to $2 million by 2000.

“Former Mayor Mike Rotkin was at the center of every important decision in Santa Cruz over the last four decades,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley in a press release.

“His valued-based advocacy for those less fortunate, and for community-based policy developments are now models for current and future elected officials. Our community is so much better because of Mike’s public service; and, sadder today because of his passing.”

Rotkin continued to serve his community after his final term as mayor. He was a current member of the county’s Regional Transportation Commission and volunteered for many efforts. Rotkin was also a union organizer and a board member for the Santa Cruz County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

In 2013, he was interviewed by Sarah Rabkin as part of a regional history project for UC Santa Cruz. He discussed his whole life, including the first time he was arrested at age 15 for protesting for civil rights. Throughout his life, he was arrested many times while protesting.

Rotkin was born in New York City, grew

Fourth of July

Mike Rotkin up in Maryland and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in English literature in 1969. Before he graduated, he spent a year as a community organizer in Florida, working with minority migrant workers. It helped shaped his views on politics, though his parents were socialists as well.

“This has a lot to do with who I am. I’m sure,”Rotkin told Rabkin. “My parents were community activists when I was growing up.”

He came to Santa Cruz right after graduating and began working as a teaching assistant. A few years later he dipped his toes into local politics, helping to thwart development of hotels, freeway expansion and getting involved in grape boycotts. From there, his activism grew into the legacy he left behind.

In honor of Mike Rotkin’s legacy, Santa Cruz lowered flags at City Hall. n

ACROSS

1. Croat, e.g.

5. Reverential respect mixed with wonder 8. Island near Java 12. From where to eternity?

13. *”Land of the ____” 14. Rowed 15. Diabolical 16. Mideast bigwig 17. Unleashes 18. *Star-spangled banner (2 words) 20. Type of ski lift 21. *Day before Independence Day 22. Quilting party

23. Sherlock Holmes’ confidant 26. Formal dinner 30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. Sextet plus one 34. Cancel 35. Holey confection 37. Electric swimmer 38. Frame job 39. Comparison word 40. Type of deodorant 42. Skater’s field 43. *Like “America the Beautiful” skies 45. Covered with a ceiling 47. Tennis do-over 48. Surfer’s stops 50. Not guilty, e.g.

52. *Yankee Doodle’s feather

55. *”To Freedom!”, e.g.

56. Tel ____, Israel 57. BÈBÈ’s mother 59. Pseudonym 60. *Cup at a picnic 61. Do like exhaust pipe 62. Late George Wendt on “Cheers” 63. Give it a go 64. *Betsy of #18 Acrossrelated fame

DOWN

1. “He said, ____ said” 2. Russian left 3. Pomegranate seed 4. South African grasslands 5. Knight’s protection 6. Odd and unusual 7. Like ghostly howls

36. *Personification of the 8. *July 4th culinary U.S. (2 words) tradition 38. Show contempt 9. ____ 51 in Nevada 40. Decompose 10. Lecherous look 41. In eighth, book format 11. Dog tags 13. Felidae family member 44. “The Second Coming” poet 14. As a rule 46. Chemical cousin 19. Casper, e.g.

48. Relish 22. Cricket club 49. In an unfriendly manner 23. Measurement 50. Horseback sport 24. Hello, to Mr. 51. Bear’s hang-out Hand 52. Sail holder 25. Opposite of atonal 26. *Philadelphia’s Liberty 53. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” captain ____ 27. “____ death do us part” 54. Part of an eye 28. Draw out a conclusion 55. Sun kiss 58. “The Extra-Terrestrial”29. Drank too much inspired toys 32. Lowly laborer 33. What lintel and mantel © Statepoint Media have in common

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2025 / 25

Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology Esoteric Astrology • July 2025 • By Risa D’Angeles

A

bove the doors of the Mystery Temple is an axiom which reads, “Know Thyself.” There comes a time when we seek to know about ourselves, about the world we live in and about the heavens above. We become seekers, and each seeker becomes curious and comes to knowledge in their own timing and in their own particular way.

During the summertime, under Cancer Sun and Jupiter, Archangel Uriel calls seekers to forests and meadow to study and to learn. We study the signs in the heavens (astrology) and learn how each sign communicates (everyone is different), each sign’s task and purpose.

Then we begin to know ourselves. And when we know more about ourselves (and others), we cultivate a wisdom, and then we begin to love (ourselves and others) more and more.

Astrology helps us find our place in the world, it builds the lower mind to reach up to the higher mind, & eventually it reaches the place where we can gaze at our Soul. And see that our Soul is gazing back at us. And then we have a companion forever & ever.

And Love happens.

ARIES

Study is uninteresting at first to Aries, busy with initiating new adventures. Aries needs to start things, always be first, not get too deep, and use their quick, sharp mind for mental bravery and sports metaphors. In class, before the teacher completes a question, notice the first-hand waving is Aries. Later in life this very same Aries will become the brilliant wit, philosopher extraordinaire and the one who synthesizes and anchors (Ray 7) vast information.

TAURUS

Knowing ourselves through the study of astrology (signs in the heavens, the language of God, as God Geometrizes), we gather information that leads to knowledge (of self). With Sun and Jupiter in Cancer (high intelligence), that knowledge of self begins to nurture and nourish each of us. Knowledge, enough of it, leads us to wisdom. And then love follows.

Upcoming events in July. In July three planets turn retrograde - Neptune (other worlds), Saturn (structure, time) and Mercury (communication, thinking) retrograde. The United States 249th birthday is Friday, July 4th. Mercury retrogrades July 18 (15 degrees Leo), ‘til August 11 (4 degrees Leo). A time to recognize our gifts and talents.

We study and review the astrological signs (their function, purpose, reasons to be) several times each year. At the beginning of a new year and then again midyear, in summertime when the living is easy, under the sign of Cancer, which is the sign of remembering. And Leo, the sign of cultivating our talents and gift and offering them to the world (Aquarius). n

LEO

This is the professor in training, the actor, director, dramatist, the power leader, the one with the will and stamina because they’re in direct contact with the heart of the Sun. Creativity is essential.

They display themselves, their creations, and their personality in order to be recognized and appreciated.

Praise helps them grow, and they can’t evolve without it. In a classroom, they are the shadow teacher. Someday they’ll own their own institute, academy, or church and lead with both heart and mind.

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

These are the professors on sabbatical even when they’re teaching. Education is something they find while traveling, carrying mail, opening a publishing house, or being free to eat in every restaurant in the world. They love food and are hidden epicureans. Always optimistic, they glide over details better than a Gemini. In the classroom these are the students who seek the “why” of everything. Sags are the “rider on the white horse.” Their life is an actual pilgrimage. They unveil the eyes of Lady justice.

CAPRICORN

This is the rational and serious student always looking ahead, climbing the corporate ladder in order to break the glass ceiling. They study for hours, slowly but surely constructing their brilliant yet practical initiate minds. Capricorn is a realist, disciplined and purposeful, logically working towards goals. One day, like a tired goat, they fall off the Himalayas, land in the middle of a Gemini Festival of Humanity, and find spirituality. Capricorns have the keys to the kingdom. Watch them carefully and befriend them.

Sometimes they are lonely on those drafty mountaintops.

They don’t talk much and can’t take pop quizzes or write long paragraphs. They’re deep thinkers and one never knows if, and when, they’ll answer questions or be ready to do a class project.

They gather information and when older, have more money and real estate than the rest of us, saving all they have for the seventh generation. Ask them about real estate and gold. They illuminate the world for us. They hold our personalities in their heart which forms them into a golden chalice.

This is the librarian, the detailer, the weaver, the draper, the one who takes all of Gemini’s unrelated facts and sets them in alphabetical order and creates a card catalogue on-line. Virgos are hidden behind pursed lips and almost closed eyes since they research everything in minutest detail. They really need to run and play more instead of focusing all of their time on details, percentages, and efficiency. They never give all of themselves away. They hide the Soul.

GEMINI

LIBRA

They come from the future so hardly anyone understands them.

They learn differently from everyone, put things off until the last moment, and anything dull (like yesterday) bores them. Their inventiveness is extraordinary, but they need complete freedom, time, and space for brilliance to find them. Speed and movement help them think. They make unusual artists and love things glass-like, filled with fire. Their minds function more like lightning than regular brain cells. They’re our waters of life poured forth for thirsty humanity. They love humanity.

SCORPIO

Well, here we are at the end, which is the way Pisces often feels in the classroom and in the world.

This is a complex and perplexed sign since they often don’t know why they’re on Earth.

Classrooms stifle them, assignments and deadlines aren’t understood, and time is mysterious. When given care and explanations they assemble themselves somewhat and begin to work. They learn intuitively and need everything to relate to everything else. When asked a question they know the spiritual side of a subject, which is actually the essence of the inquiry. Well-constructed shoes keep them steady and safe.

They talk, talk, talk and charm us out of responsibilities. They know a lot about everything, are deep but don’t have time to share it. They’re not supposed to.

They’re supposed to make us curious enough so that we go deeper, not them. They read everything from milk cartons to small bits of paper. They’re very curious and do seven things at once. They present dual realities so we can choose. They can’t. They are humorous, deflect being known and underneath is a heart of love.

CANCER

Communication comes more easily to you with Mercury in Cancer. It is most important now to listen to your intuition, which is asking you what nurtures and nourishes you. Mercury, the messenger, brings forth the Art of Living, also harmony and beauty. What in your life has harmony and beauty? What in your life and environment needs harmony and beauty? Is there a wound or hurt occurring?

A separation somewhere? Something you don’t understand and it’s limiting you? Warm golden turmeric drink will help.

Daily & Weekly Updates

These are the ones whose task is to walk into a situation and create chaos. The ultimate Libran brings forth harmony and balance, but only after destroying the harmony that existed in the first place. Learning for Libra is about who’s having a relationship with whom and how does it relate to them. In a group they lead by understanding how everything connects.

The optimum learning environment for Librans contains fragrance, flowers, calm colors, art objects, order and beauty.

They are the best relationship. They are to be the harmonizers.

The student in the back of the classroom in black or deep purple, wearing sunglasses and never talks or shares is a Scorpio. Their eyes penetrate matter to its core, they know all the answers but they tell no one. They work alone, make excellent surgeons, and have a depth of knowledge matched only by Pisces. Not liking to be the center of attention we never ask them questions. They don’t like anyone knowing their business. They make good detectives and often open and teach in Mystery (Wisdom) Schools.

•••

AQUARIUS

PISCES

@risagoodwill • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com

26 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Regulations” from page 24 Currently, CA is the only state in our nation with a dedicated MCL specific to chromium-6.

Only three of our groundwater wells require treatment to meet the new standard and the District has already completed the environmental review and a pilot test using Reduction Coagulation Filtration technology to remove chromium 6. Design of a new treatment plant is currently underway and construction will begin in April 2026. Your tap water is still safe to drink. For more information, visit soquelcreekwater.org/705/ Water-Quality-FAQs.

Water Quality Testing and Compliance

Comprehensive and Continuous Water agencies are required to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, enforced by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water.

Routine water quality monitoring includes: • Primary standards (health-related) such as lead, nitrates, arsenic, and PFAS • Secondary standards (aesthetic) for taste, odor, and color • Unregulated contaminant monitoring to detect emerging threats • Compliance with public notification requirements in the event of exceedances We publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) yearly. You can read the 2024 CCR on our website at soquelcreekwater.org/210/Water-Quality-Report

Groundwater Management

Mandated to be Sustainable by 2040 The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires groundwaterdependent basins to develop and implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs).

The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, in which we are a founding member, is responsible for updating and implementing the GSP in Mid-County.

The GSP was approved by the state in June 2021 and the state requires our region’s basin to be sustainable by 2040. You can read it here: midcountygroundwater.org/ sustainability-plan While California’s regulatory framework is undeniably complex, it plays a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring the longterm sustainability of our water resources.

For water districts like ours, compliance with state mandates is not optional—it’s a legal responsibility that comes with significant operational activities and financial cost.

Meeting these regulations requires ongoing investments in infrastructure, monitoring, treatment technologies, and staffing.

We take this obligation seriously. From ensuring robust treatment and monitoring to protecting against seawater contamination, we are committed to meeting the state’s rigorous standards.

These regulations aren’t just rules—they shape how we serve our community today and into the future. n ••• Rebecca Gold Rubin is the public outreach coordinator for the Soquel Creek Water District.

7/31/25

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2025 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com

the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola.

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

COUNTY FAIR AMATEUR WINEMAKING COMPETITION Entries due by July 23 For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st The Santa Cruz County Fair Amateur Winemaking Second Saturdays Department is holding their annual HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY winemaking competition and all home Tuesdays PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way winemakers from Santa Cruz and 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting EL MERCADO FARMERS MARKET Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft surrounding counties are invited to Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and 3-7 p.m., 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville Display every second Saturday. Admission is free. enter.

El Mercado is a weekly farmers’ market promoting access Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting Whether you make Pinot Noir, to fresh produce and wellness resources for Pajaro Valley a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and Second Sundays Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions families.

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST a lesser-known variety, this is your to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, Due to construction at Ramsay Park, El Mercado has opportunity to have your wines blind tasted and evaluated 8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, challenges, and ideas. by a panel of judges who will provide valuable feedback. moved to 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville (in the lot behind Santa Cruz Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents Watsonville Health Center).

All entries will be assigned placement from Gold to The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the comOpen through October, El Mercado features fresh produce, can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific Honorable Mention and ribbons will be awarded. munity for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every mental health disorders.

Parents can also connect with ready-to-eat foods, local artisans and monthly family events.

Enter online at santacruzcountyfair.com/2025-entry-guides. second Sunday, this month on June 8. others facing similar challenges.

Bottle submissions can be dropped off between July 1 – July 23. El Mercado also offers health screenings, vaccine clinics, and Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, There is no fee to enter. See the 2025 Entry Guide for more info. community resources in partnership with local nonprofits. hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa.

Funding for El Mercado was made possible by a grant from the depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6 experienced youth mental health experts, host each U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

CAL FIRE IS HIRING Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are session.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced in For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ welcomed.

Second and Fourth Tuesdays thru August For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call June that the California Department of Forestry and Fire parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794 TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERTS (831) 423-6640.

Protection (CAL FIRE) has launched a new recruitment 6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Wharf Stage, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz Thursdays website, JoinCALFIRE.com. This website serves as a The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, one-stop destination for individuals eager to build a DATED EVENTS and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants welcome back Tuesday HAPPY HOUR meaningful career with one of the nation’s premier fire 5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos Night Live at the Friday July 4 and emergency response agencies.

Santa Cruz Wharf. California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic JoinCALFIRE.com gives applicants information about FIRECRACKER RUN happy hour every week.

Come to the the department’s diverse career paths: firefighting and 8 a.m. – noon, Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz Wharf Stage every natural resource management, defensible space, aviation, Third Thursdays The 40th Annual Firecracker Run takes place Friday, second Tuesday of communications, human resources, land use planning, July 4, starting in Harvey West Park.

SIP AND STROLL the month — plus information technology, administrative support and more.

The race consists of a 10K, 5K and 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old shows on the CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over a Kid’s 1K Fun Run. Runners on Dominion Court, Aptos fourth Tuesdays in June, July and August — for live the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time the 10K will be treated to the Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for music and games. and 600 seasonal positions annually. challenging “Thrill of the Hill” a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell Check out Wharf Business pop ups, including a game Visit JoinCALFIRE.com for more information in Pogonip Park before topping their works. and photo booth by The Booth Biz. out on the Spring Trail that winds Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer Every Tuesday is Local’s Tuesday: get a stamp validation SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE SUMMER SCHEDULE through the beautiful meadow next tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. from any business on the Wharf and receive 2 hours of Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized to UCSC before dropping down into the neighborhoods Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strollfree parking!

Bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! professional theatre then returning to Harvey West Park. tickets-668910307737 company in Santa We can’t wait to see you at this series and thank you for 5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained supporting local!

Cruz County with completely in the Harvey West Business Park Area. The Fridays (except First Friday of the Month) Experience concerts aboard Chardonnay Sailing – not local roots that go back more than 40 years, has 5K course is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP the entire concert but a limited time as a part of the sailing announced their performance calendar for their 2025 Everyone ends up back in Harvey West Park for music experience. Attend a concert on the wharf for a chance to 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Summer and Fall festival. and awards. This year’s race beneficiary is For Kids win a gift certificate to one of these sails!

Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach Tickets are at santacruzshakespeare.org.

Foundation Monterey Bay. Dates library.

Performances will take place July 13 through Sept. 20 For more information or sign up, visit Santa Cruz Sunrise June 24 — Extra Large Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710. in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) in Santa Cruz’s Rotary Firecracker Run. The Firecracker run is organized July 8 — The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin DeLaveaga Park. by the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise.

Saturdays July 22 — Fish Hook The 2025 season theme is “No One is Alone”. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruz August 12 — The Joint Chiefs SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE Following two years of record-breaking ticket sales, the FIrecracker10Kand5K August 26 — Sweet VooDoo April 27-May 25 online: 2025 festival will include four plays in rotating repertory: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ See https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12190276 for details A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the Sunday July 6 parks-recreation musical Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James NORCAL CRUSHER CUP First Saturdays Lapine, Pericles by William Shakespeare and George Wilkins, Last Wednesdays of the Month 8 a.m. check in, DeLaveaga Park, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz and “Master Harold” … and the boys by Athol Fugard.

CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS Repack Racing presents the 2025 NorCal Crusher Cup on 9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS 6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. the trails in DeLaveaga Park.

Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of This race, for middle schoolers through The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade adults, features a course with a great mix at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly Park. meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through of fast hardpack with sections of more at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated technical roots and rocks.

Upcoming Meetings: June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays. to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve The Delaveaga Park Crusher 28; none in September. Dates in November and December Cup will feature RDIF timing, Medals for have not yet been decided. the top 3 finishers in each class, prize For agendas, posted 10 days early, see santacruzcountyfair.com AN EVENING WITH JANE WIEDLIN OF THE GO-GO’S money, and food trucks.

Thursday July 17 For more information or to register visit https://crushercup.com/ ONGOING EVENTS crusher-%233-delaveaga.

6:30-10 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz Mondays Join Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s for an intimate in-conversation with the HOLY GHOST PARADE BRIDGE CLUB Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, followed by Wiedlin performing with a Begins at 9:30 a.m., Cedar St. and Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 handpicked ‘Super Group’ of Santa Cruz musicians, and a DJ dance party The 97th Annual Holy Ghost Parade will start at the corner The Aptos Branch Library hosts Bridge Club sessions on after that. of Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue and go by Holy Cross Mondays (except holidays).

Tickets are $38 GA and $53 for VIP. More information at www.EventSantaCruz.com.

Church, around mass at 10:30 a.m.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County The procession concludes at the Santa Cruz PortuParks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Jane Wiedlin • Philadelphia Bourse 1988 guese Hall (C.P.D.E.S.), where everyone will be served Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

28 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR a traditional Portuguese sopas meal, followed by a bazaar, auction, music and dancing.

For more information and to RSVP, go online at https://www.santacruzportuguesehall. org.

given by Manjula Martin, author of “The Last Fire Season,” a deeply incisive inquiry into what it really means to live in relationship to the elements of the natural world.

Tickets cost $195, benefit the Homeless Garden Project’s programs and are available at www.homelessgardenproject.org.

Sunday August 10

Tuesday July 8 CAPITOLA SOROPTIMIST CLUB 4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will hold its Club meeting, which is free and open to the public.

Club members will present and vote on fund-raising activities for the new 2025-26 fiscal year and select leaders for the Club’s four pillars including membership, fund-raising, programs and public awareness.

Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

For more information, visit the website at www.best4women.org.

Saturday July 12 ART & WINE IN THE GARDEN 5:30 – 8 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Lake Ave, Watsonville Every day, BirchBark helps families facing devastating choices by providing urgent financial assistance for life-saving veterinary care — and grief support when the worst happens.

On July 12, the annual Art & Wine in the Garden event from 5:30-8 p.m. at Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Kim Kasner Burnin’ Lake Ave, Watsonville, brings Love Art Studio — Wood-burned pet together artists, winemakers, portraits and home décor, chefs, and supporters in a all hand-drawn without shared mission: keeping pets lasers or printers. and their people together when it matters most.

Tickets are $95 and can be found at www.birchbarkfoundation. org/birchbark-events-collection/2025/7/12/art-and-wine.

HOW TO MEDITATE 2-4 p.m., Cabrillo Campus, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (Horticulture 5001 — up on the hill) Learn how calm mind chatter for more clarity, patience, peace & performance at Meditation: Science, Spirituality, and Practice. Explore why meditation helps and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy.

Class will include specific methods to help make a meditation practice easy.

Instructor Jeff Hotchkiss is the author of ‘Putting Wisdom to Work, Practical Mindfulness for Maximal Living’ 2nd Ed. Cost: $38. Register at 831-479-6331 or extension. cabrillo.edu.

For more information or to stay informed about future classes — including free How to Meditate gatherings — send an email to: wisdom2work@gmail.com or text 831-854-7306.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Wednesday August 20

Fourth* Fridays 5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley *September date is 3rd Friday The Food Truck Friday season is rolling along in Scotts Valley. Join us at Skypark for an evening filled with flavor, live music, and all the fun that makes this community tradition so special.

Free admission, and free parking at Skypark & Cavallero bus station Special dates and times: Sept. 19 (third Friday-Start 4:30 p.m.) • Oct. 24 (Start 4:30 p.m.).

New Setup, More Space: To help protect the park and make more room for everyone, trucks will be parked in the lot in front of the rec building. That means more room for lines, more room for dancing, and space to lay out your picnic blankets and chairs. Make the most of this wide-open setup!

Raise a Glass for a Cause: On June 27, The SVEF Beer & Wine Garden will be open and pouring all evening! Every sip supports Scotts Valley public schools, with 100% of profits going directly to educational programs.

Dogs on leashes are always welcome — bring the whole crew!

We’re so excited to see familiar faces and new friends as we keep the season rolling.

Follow @foodtrucksagogo on Instagram & Facebook More details at: foodtrucksagogo.com

For more information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or visit https://www.porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events.

SKILLICORN BBQ Begins 5 p.m., Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road, Corralitios Chuck and Ramona Allen of Watsonville will be honored at this year’s Skillicorn BBQ with the “Friend of Scouting” Award.

For over six decades, the Skillicorn BBQ has been a cornerstone of support for local Scouting in the Pajaro Valley.

What began over 60 years ago as an annual gathering of men at Crosetti Ranch to raise funds for local Boy Scout troops quickly outgrew the space.

The event, named after its second home at Skillicorn Ranch, eventually became the cherished family gathering we know today, held annually at the Padres Hall.

The Skillicorn BBQ is a vital fundraiser for the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, directly benefiting the Scouting America programs in our area. This includes Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring across Santa Cruz County.

pocket calculators, yellow highlighters, backpacks (no red or blue), colored pencils (12 count), Crayons (8 or 24 count), 2-inch 3-ring binders, 3-ring wide-ruled binder paper, 12-inch rulers and more.

Friday September 13

WCH FOUNDATION TWILIGHT TAPESTRY GALA 5:30-9:30 p.m., Watsonville Civic Plaza Building Rooftop, 260 EVENING NETWORKING MIXER Rodriguez St. 5-7 p.m., Live Oak Community Center (next to Simpkins Swim The Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation will be Thursday July 17 Center), 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz hosting its Second Annual Twilight Tapestry Gala — an The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an SHINYRIBS AT MOE’S ALLEY HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL evening of celebration and community support — on the 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley evening networking mixer to celebrate Parks & Recreation Doors 7 p.m. | Show 8 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, rooftop of the Watsonville Civic Plaza Building.

This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating month at the Live Oak Community Center.

Santa Cruz This signature fundraising event brings together comMingle with local professionals, community leaders, fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide!

Moe’s Alley presents the sonic melting munity leaders, hospital supporters, and local residents and park and library supporters while enjoying light Santa Cruz’s booming craft beverage scene will also pot of Texas blues, New Orleans in support of high-quality, sustainable healthcare for the be heavily represented by breweries and cideries new refreshments and exploring one of Santa Cruz’s newest R&B-funk and horn-driven Memphis Pajaro Valley and surrounding areas. and old. There will also be a wide array of foods from community spaces. soul of Shinyribs!

Gala Highlights include live and silent auctions and a The Live Oak Community Center offers a comfortable, BBQ, Tacos, Brick oven pizza, and many vegetarian Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 dinner hosted by Fire4Hire Catering: centrally located space now available for club meetings, options. on the day of the show. Frontman Tickets are available now through the Foundation’s There will be classic cars to admire scattered about the trainings, community classes, and more. Come see how Kevin Russell and his band are hard Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twilightBeer, Cider, merchandise vendors and two music stages. this versatile venue can support your next gathering! to describe, other than just a really fun band. tapestry-gala-tickets-1315213181029?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and Join the festivities once and you will always want to Early purchase is encouraged, as the event is expected return. So bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live celebrate the vital role our parks and libraries play in Saturday July 19 to sell out. enriching our community. music, fantastic food, over 60 beers and ciders to taste Sponsorship opportunities are also available and provide vital SUSTAIN FARM SUPPER Cost: $10 Chamber Members | $20 Non-Members and so much more! support for the Foundation’s ongoing healthcare initiatives. All pro4-7:30 p.m., Homeless Garden Project’s Farm, Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz Visit https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-event/hop-n-barleyHomeless Garden Project hosts the Sustain Supper, a farm ceeds from the Twilight Tapestry Gala will benefit the Watsonville beer-festival/ for more info.

Thursday July 17 Community Hospital Foundation, helping ensure the long-term to table dinner, which benefits the Project’s employment sustainability and excellence of local healthcare services. n WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH and training programs for individuals experiencing Wednesday July 16 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos homelessness.

SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIAL Speaker Morgan Lukina, Managing Broker at David Lyng The supper will be held on Real Estate, through honest reflection and real-world 1-2 p.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel the Homeless Garden Project’s The Porter Memorial Library is holding its summer experience, will explore the moment she knew her Natural Bridges organic farm, business needed a shift, the steps she took to reimagine located at Delaware Ave. and Shaffer Rd. Chef Katie ice cream social and story time her direction, and how she balanced risk with stability. event for preschool and primary Reicher, of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, will The event will also be supporting the United Way Stuff prepare the gourmet meal using produce from the farm. youngsters. the Bus Campaign. Attendees are encouraged to bring There will be books, songs, puppets, Attendees will also enjoy a farm tour, drinks (including needed school supplies, make a monetary donation or and a craft with storytellers Jeanne special wine pairings) and live music, courtesy of the bring a gift card.

Jorgensen and Juli McDermott. The July Quail Hollow Drifters, a trio playing traditional Americana School supplies needed include pencil sharpeners, topic is ocean fish. music. An engaging keynote about sustainability will be

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 1st 2025 / 29

COMMUNITY NEWS

Big Basin State Park Fire Recovery Plan C alifornia State Parks has released the draft Facilities Management Plan for Big Basin Redwoods State Park, nearly five years after the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed most of its infrastructure. Both a summary and the complete study can be viewed at reimaginingbigbasin.org.

A public webinar is scheduled for July 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., to share plan details and invite input on the environmental review process. The updated Facilities Management Plan aims to restore access while also respecting natural ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park, established in 1902.

It holds significant natural and cultural value.

Once home to the Quiroste and Cotoni tribes, the land is culturally important to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

California State Parks Director Armando Quintero emphasized that the park’s renewal is about rebuilding, while creating a future focused on old growth forest health and inclusive public access. The plan incorporates technical evaluations and public feedback received earlier in 2024.

The recovery strategy reimagines the park’s layout to reduce environmental impact and enhance visitor experiences. It

includes reconstruction of campgrounds, day-use areas, transportation infrastructure, and visitor facilities, all designed to protect and highlight the park’s ancient redwood ecosystem.

Old Growth Core and Day-Use Hub

The former park headquarters will be transformed into a day-use activity hub with minimal paving and structures to reduce ecological disturbance. Most parking and visitor services will be moved to the park’s edge, and the old site will be restored to native habitat.

Educational signage and natural interpretation features will help visitors appreciate the old growth forest.

Campgrounds on the Edge

Camping will return in a reconfigured layout that avoids sensitive old growth zones. New campgrounds will be developed at Huckleberry, Lower Sky Meadow, Upper Sky Meadow, Sequoia Group Camp, and Little Basin.

These will offer a variety of options, including car camping, cabins, small and large group sites, walk-in locations, and backcountry trail camps. Importantly, former campgrounds in high-sensitivity areas such as Blooms Creek, Sempervirens, and Wastahi will be removed and restored to their natural state, protecting the old growth redwoods.

The proposed Upper Sky Meadow Area will allow visitors to escape the busier areas of the park for a hike along Upper Lodge Road to the walk-in campsites.

30 / July 1st 15th 2025 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The proposed plans include rebuilding a small amphitheater for park programs and events at the site of the former campfire center.

Despite these changes, the total number of camping opportunities will remain similar to pre-fire levels.

Saddle Mountain Welcome Center and Shuttle System

A new Welcome Center will be built at Saddle Mountain, located outside the sensitive core. This will serve as the main visitor entrance, offering a visitor center, café, store, and weekend shuttle service. Visitors will park at Saddle Mountain and take a 15-minute shuttle ride into the old growth area.

The shuttle will operate year-round on weekends, with potential expansion depending on demand. To further ease congestion, California State Parks will partner with Santa Cruz Metro to enhance public bus service from the Scotts Valley Transit Center and nearby areas.

mitigation measures. A Notice of Preparation has been released and the public can submit comments on the scope of the EIR through July 18. The final Facilities Management Plan, General Plan Amendment, and Supplemental EIR are expected to be released late 2025, followed by another public comment period.

Although full reconstruction will take years, public access is gradually expanding.

Since reopening in July 2022, the park has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors under a limited day-use reservation system managed

by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. More than 14 miles of trails and 25 miles of fire roads are currently open. However, there is no potable water available, and parking is limited, especially on weekends.

A pilot shuttle program already improves weekend access, and Santa Cruz Metro buses also connect the park with Scotts Valley. Currently, camping is available only on the coastal side at Rancho del Oso, via an interim walk-in campground. Visitors must reserve day-use parking or campsites in advance via the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website. n ••• To view the project summary, webinar details, environmental review documents, and submit public comments, visit ReimaginingBigBasin.org.

To make park visit or camping reservations, go to ThatsMyPark.org.

Little Basin Tribal and Recreational Center

The Little Basin area will be transformed into a multi-use site combining public recreation and Indigenous land stewardship.

Plans call for a new cultural center developed in collaboration with tribal partners. This center will support ecological restoration, traditional ceremonies, and cultural education and activities Much of the area will be restored by removing pavement and aging facilities to allow for the recovery of meadows, streams and wetlands. Group camps, cabins and tent sites will be rebuilt for public use alongside tribal uses.

The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center would provide an entry to the park and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends.

EIR Process

A Supplemental Environmental Impact Report will be created to analyze the plan’s potential environmental impacts and propose

The proposed Sky Meadow campgrounds will be connected to other areas of the park by a shuttle system.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

B

The Old General

crossword on 25 »

uddy (A321317) is a neutered male, brown and white Horse and Quarter Horse and arrived at the Santa Cruz shelter on May 21. The staff think he’s around 20 years old.

Buddy was brought to the shelter after his owner passed away when family members could not take over his care. Buddy has not been ridden in quite a few years, but previously did some roping work.

He was most recently kept on a 1.5-acre pasture with access to a pen and barn stall with no other horses or pets. He is a bit shy of new people and his new situation.

We’re hoping to find Buddy a stable home as a companion, where he’ll be managed with patience and plenty of love.

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

••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”) 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon) Website: www.scanimalshelter.org SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

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