Aptos Times: July 1, 2026

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Ode to My Sisters

By MINDY PEDLAR

HDeaths Highlight Growing Water Safety Concerns

The deaths of two Bay Area college students who were swept into the ocean from a Santa Cruz County beach bring heightened alarm to dangerous local coastal conditions as authorities report an increase in water rescues heading into the summer season.

Watsonville

Students Attend World Cup

What it needs is a miracle.

allelujah, it’s good to be a nun! So says our choir of superb actresses appearing as singing — and dancing — nuns in Cabrillo Stage’s production of the divinely inspired and irresistible musical SISTER ACT. Who isn’t a fan of the 1992 movie upon which our Sister Act is based?!? As the story goes, the sweet sisters love to sing, but their choir has become lackluster and frankly, it’s not always in tune.

Enter Deloris, a less than saintly nightclub singer who, because she witnessed a crime, is placed in protective custody at the convent. ... continues on page 4

Eleven Pajaro Valley Unified School District students from Watsonville got a chance to experience the FIFA World Cup in person. Full Story page 7

Photo Credit: Bari Lee

Karriyma Pekary as Deloris leading her singing nuns. Marcus Cato as Monsignor O’Hara observes

Country to Coast Santa Cruz

/ Monterey

Remodeled kitchen with custom finishes • Loft-style office or flex space • Private balcony with treetop views

• Attached two-car garage

• Community-maintained grounds

• HOA dues approximately $100/ month

• Near Soquel Village & Capitola Beach

• Architecturally significant community featured in Metropolitan Home Magazine

5 Tony Nuñez Wins District 4 Supervisor Race: Challenger Avoids Runoff Against In-cumbent Hernandez, By Jon Chown

6 PVUSD Approves $364.4 Million Budget: Faces Need for $20 Million in Future Cuts; Declining Enrollment Continues to Challenge District Finances, By Jon Chown

7 Classified Employees Set For Small Wage Increase, By Jon Chown

8 PVUSD Special Education Plan Unveiled: Some Services Not Offered, Speech Case-loads at Maximum as Funding Dwindles, By Jon Chown

10 METRO Board Advances Half-Cent Sales Tax Measure for November Ballot, By Jon Chown

11 Spotlight Award Recipients Announced

12 Applications Being Accepted for Measure N Oversight Committee

13 Two Students’ Deaths Highlight Growing Water Safety Concerns Along the Santa Cruz Coast

15 Emergency Responders Prepare for the Worst: Active Shooter Drill Held at Soquel High School, By Jon Chown

22 Board Approves Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget

23 Local Stars Take the Stage at 2026 Fair • County Reminds Residents Most Fireworks Are Illegal Ahead of Fourth of July

24 Watsonville Community Hospital Appoints Interim CEO

25 Two Killed, Two Seriously Injured in South Santa Cruz County Crash

Joe Clarke Announces Campaign for Second Term on Capitola City Council

We All Need to Step Up to Prevent Data Centers • Thank You Jimmy Panetta for Standing With Pride

Profile 16 Westmont of Santa Cruz:, A Place Where Seniors Really Can Thrive

20 The Skylight Place: Family-Run Business Offers Complete Range of Glass Services; Serving the Community Since 1971

Horoscope • Page 26 – Unhurried Dreamy Lazy Days of Summer, By Risa D’Angeles

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COVER STORY

“Sister Act” from page 1

Having heard the choir, she leaps at the chance to share her musicality and teach these ladies how to sing from their hearts and souls! Watching the sisters of the convent of Queen of Angels Cathedral get their act together is sheer delight! And for those with memories of Catholic School, the opportunity to see singing and dancing nuns is not to be missed!

In the starring role of Deloris Van Cartier, is the remarkable Karriyma Pekary who played Vanessa in our 2024 production of In The Heights. She is joined by fellow In The Heights alums, Melissa Martinez who played Daniella to perfection and Sofia Rosas who so beautifully gave voice to Nina Rosario. Haley Clarke returns to grace our stage having played Johanna in last season’s Sweeney Todd as well as Sandy in 2022’s Grease.

Several of the nuns are making their Cabrillo Stage debuts including Tory

Gordon who holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the University of New Orleans and Kiki Lipsett who

recently moved to Santa Cruz with a wealth of musical theatre experience.

Audience members may recognize Sandy Lewandowski who has been performing in and around our area for 45 years. I fondly recall her excellent comedic timing as Snail in Frog and Toad at Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center.

Come see this joyous musical. The sisters guarantee it will lift your spirits and touch your heart.

Run dates are July 9 through Aug 2. All performances are at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Thurs, Fri, and Sat evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Please note there is no performance on Thursday, July 16.

Box Office is open for phone and walk-up sales Thurs. thru Sat. 12 – 6 p.m. and 1 hour prior to each performance or call 831-479-6154. n

Purchase tickets online at www.cabrillostage.com

Photos Credit: Bari Lee

Deloris (Karriyma Pekary) rehearsing with her backup singers (From left: Melissa Martinez and Haley Clarke).

Photos Credit: Bari Lee

Deloris leads the choir of nuns while teaching them to sing.

Tony Nuñez Wins District 4 Supervisor Race

Challenger Avoids Runoff Against Incumbent Hernandez

By JON CHOWN

Watsonville Vice Mayor Tony Nuñez garnered more than 50% of the vote and has defeated Felipe Hernandez in the June 2 primary with a large enough lead to avoid a runoff in the District 4 supervisor race.

Nuñez, facing incumbent Hernandez and challenger Elias Gonzales, held a steady lead ever since the first totals were released.

On June 7, Nunez had just under 51%. The next morning, he had slipped to 49.7% and then on the afternoon of June 9 he was back up to 50.5%. On June 26 the final tally was released and Nuñez had 3,944 votes cast in his favor for 50.07% of the final tally. Hernandez trailed with 2,429 votes (30.84%) and Elias Gonzales finished third with 1,450 votes (18.41%).

District 4 includes most of Watsonville, along with surrounding unincorporated areas. Hernandez was first elected in 2022 after being endorsed by the very popular retiring supervisor Greg Caput.

District 3 incumbent Justin Cummings ran unopposed in the only other county supervisor contest. He finished with 96.7% of the votes cast.

In the race for Santa Cruz mayor, Ryan Coonerty finished well ahead of all challengers with 47.8% of the vote and will face Ami Chen Mills in a runoff. She received 20.5% of the vote.

A little more than half of all registered voters turned out with 87,340 votes cast in the county. Just 9,204 were cast in person. n

Trial Over RTC Dispute with Aptos Businesses Likely This Month

By JON CHOWN

The dispute between the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and Aptos businesses over a parking lot will likely go to trial this month.

The RTC filed a complaint to quiet title the property against Laurie Negro and Juan Valledor, the owners of Trout Gulch Crossing, and Cristina Locke, owner of Bayview Hotel, on Oct. 2, 2023. The complaint was amended weeks later to include Betty 41st LLC, known to the public as Betty’s Burgers. The RTC claims it owns a large chunk of the parking lot in front of the businesses, and while the dispute has been simmering in court since 2023, a trial will likely occur later this month.

The property comprises a portion of the

Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, which extends from Watsonville to Davenport. According to the RTC’s complaint, the Santa Cruz Railroad Company purchased the land in 1877 from Jose Arano, and when the RTC bought the Branch Line in 2012, it became the new owner of the property. The RTC claims it owns the land outright and not merely a railroad easement.

At a pre-trail hearing held in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on June 18, Judge Kerr Vinlun struggled to find a courtroom on the schedule that would be open. He told attorneys for the two sides in the case that it would be at least July 13 before a trial could happen. The case is 23CV02345 n

Tony Nuñez

PVUSD Approves $364.4 Million Budget

Faces Need for $20 Million in Future Cuts; Declining Enrollment Continues to Challenge District Finances

By JON CHOWN

WATSONVILLE — The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a $364.4 million budget for the 2026-27 school year Wednesday, adopting a financial plan that maintains required reserves, but warns of significant budget challenges ahead.

District officials said the budget remains balanced for the coming year, but continued enrollment declines and rising costs mean PVUSD must find about $20 million in ongoing spending reductions or new revenue by 2028-29 to remain financially stable.

The approved budget projects total General Fund revenues of $364.4 million and expenditures of $374.4 million. While the district expects to spend about $10 million more than it takes in, officials said it has enough reserves to cover the shortfall. The General Fund is projected to end the year with a balance of about $76.7 million.

“The district can maintain its required reserve levels during the current year and the next two fiscal years,” Said PVUSD Chief Budget Officer Gerardo Castillo.

Castillo said the presentation was a “transparent look at our current financial spending, revenue projections and fiscal challenge we must strategically navigate over the next three years.”

A major challenge continues to be declining enrollment. PVUSD estimates average daily attendance will fall to 12,658 students in 2026-27. Thankfully, Castillo pointed out, the state allows the district to use a three-year average number, which is 13,805 students.

Castillo said enrollment declines are being driven by a shrinking school-age population, housing costs and other demographic changes in the community.

The budget also reflects personnel reductions previously approved by the board.

Nearly 77% of district spending will go toward employee salaries and benefits. Certificated salaries are budgeted at $103.2 million, classified salaries at $55.8 million and employee benefits at $128.2 million.

The district will receive most of its funding through California’s Local Control Funding Formula, which is expected to provide nearly $230 million. Federal funding is projected at $25.9 million, while state categorical programs will provide another $94.2 million.

One bright spot in the budget is a proposed increase in state special education funding. The governor’s May budget revision

increases the statewide special education base rate from $917 per student to $1,340 per student. But even with that increase, the district will still transfer nearly $28.3 million from unrestricted funds to support special education programs. Another $11.6 million will be transferred to meet required maintenance spending, bringing total contributions to restricted programs to nearly $40 million.

“Our unrestricted General Fund must make a massive contribution of nearly $40 million to restricted programs,” Castillo said. Looking ahead, the district’s financial outlook becomes more difficult.

The budget projects a General Fund deficit of about $20.1 million in 2027-28, reducing reserves to approximately $56.6 million. Without additional action, officials estimate the district would be unable to maintain staterequired reserve levels by 2028-29.

To address that problem, the district will need to identify approximately $20 million in spending reductions or revenue increases before the 2028-29 school year.

Castillo noted that future projections do not yet include any savings that could result from additional staffing reductions, enrollment-related adjustments or possible school consolidations, all of which are being considered.

“Plainly, our expenditures are outpacing our revenues. To maintain a structural solvency and a preserve a state-required minimum reserve the district must implement ongoing expenditure reductions are generate new revenues totally $20 million by 28-29,” said Castillo.

Under state law, school districts must adopt a budget before July 1 of each year. The budget will be updated after California adopts its final state budget and as actual enrollment and revenue figures become available.

“The board is standing by while the district is burning,” said Bill Beecher of Watsonville. “We added more than 30% additional classified staff after COVID 19 and we’ve only reduced it by a small amount since then. We’ve heard great crying by PVFT (Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers) that we need to keep all those teachers. We don’t have any money for them.”

PFVT President Brandon Diaz said the district was not in the financial strait it said it was and Castillo’s presentation was “a misrepresentation of the facts.”

“Budget” page 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

Classified Employees Set For Small Wage Increase

By JON CHOWN

Pajaro Valley Unified School District

classified staff and management will likely get a 1% bump in pay retroactively for the past school year, and a 2% raise for the next.

The proposed wage increases were publicly disclosed during the PVUSD Board of Trustees June 17 meeting.

The California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 132 represents most of the classified (non-teaching) employees of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

These employees will receive a 1% raise

retroactive to the 2024-25 school year and a 2% raise effective July 1.

Their contract is for a standard 40-hour per week, eight-hours per day contract for 185 working days. Employees get a free 30-minute lunch and overtime pay for any work that is beyond eight hours in a day, 40 hours in a week, working beyond five days or on a holiday.

Vacation depends on years of service, ranging from 8.7 hours per month for firstyear employees, to 17.3 hours per month for 14-year employees.

“Wage Increase” page 8

LOCAL SPORTS

PVUSD Pupils Experience FIFA World Cup in Person

leven Pajaro Valley Unified School District students from Watsonville got a chance to experience the FIFA World Cup in person.

Through PVUSD’s partnership with America SCORES, the students earned the opportunity to attend the World Cup as part of a program that combines soccer, leadership development, literacy, and community service. n

Photos Courtesy of PVUSD

PVUSD Special Education Plan Unveiled

Some Services Not Offered, Speech Caseloads at Maximum as Funding Dwindles

By JON CHOWN

WATSONVILLE — A newly released special education services plan for Pajaro Valley Unified School District shows several categories of services are not currently provided through the district’s Special Education Local Plan Area, while speech-language specialists continue to carry average caseloads at the state’s maximum allowable level.

The district’s 2026-27 SELPA Annual Service Plan outlines the range of special education programs available to students with disabilities and identifies services that are not currently offered by the district. The plan was discussed at the June 17 PVUSD Board of Trustees meeting.

“Wage Increase” from page 7

Certificated and Classified Management employees received nearly the same pay raise, with the exception that Certificated employees received a $1,200 stipend for 2024-25 instead of a retroactive 1% raise.

The increases in pay will also increase the district’s budget deficit. The district will spend an additional $281,588 on certificated salaries, $117,479 on classified salaries and another $89,704 on employee benefits.

PVUSD Chief Business Officer Gerardo Castillo made a brief presentation via Zoom of the changes to the contract for classified staff and went on to explain the changes to the Classified Management contract. After Castillo finished both presentations,

“Budget” from page 6

“The sky is not falling. We can’t have a deficit and a surplus at the same time,” he said.

Diaz suggested the district was projecting larger expenditures on items such as book and supplies, which were budgeted at $29 million, than would actually be spent.

“We’re projecting a deficit on purpose to manipulate you all into thinking that the only way to solve our woes is through more cuts. It’s not,” he said. “It’s just manipulation.”

Trustee Misty Navarro vocally disagreed. “I think it’s prudent of us to read the writing on the wall, which is that every district in the state of California is facing the same challenges. We can pretend that we’re not facing them, but that is not realistic.”

Trustees Olivia Flores and Jessica

Among the services listed as “not currently provided” are nutrition services for infants and toddlers, service coordination, special instruction, family training and counseling, special education aide services and respite care for children ages 0 to 2. The plan states that some of those services would be offered if needed.

The annual service plan is required by the California Department of Education and serves as a description of services available through the district’s special education system.

“Education Plan” page 19

the public weighed in, but just one person spoke. Bill Beecher of Watsonville warned that employee wages and benefits need to be looked as a whole as the increasing costs of employee benefits will become untenable.

“PVUSD will go bankrupt because you can’t afford to pay out all these benefits. It’s impossible. The state would then come in and take over and all of the contracts with the unions would be negated. All the trustees would be eliminated. The superintendent would be gone,” he said. “It almost happened in 1991 and in 2009, but the board acted in a responsible way and we avoided it.”

Trustee Gabriel Medina made the lone comment among the trustees, making sure that the raises would not apply to PVUSD cabinet members. n

Carrasco also said the district’s financial problems were very real, and it was largely due to state regulations and a lack of funding from the state to fulfill them.

“I feel like we’re wasting our time fighting each other here,” Carrasco said. “We should really put a lot of our energy and effort and focus at the statewide level.”

Trustee Gabriel Medina then began attacking fellow board members and PVUSD staff. He demanded a breakdown of the $29 million for books and supplies and a detailed list of any expenditures made on consultants.

“Can I get that commitment from you?” He demanded of Superintendent Heather Contreras.

“You’re one board member. I work for the majority of the board,” she replied.

“Oh, just wait until November,” Medina said. n

Business

C&N

METRO Board Advances Half-Cent Sales Tax Measure for November Ballot

By JON CHOWN

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Board voted 6-2 Friday to place a proposed half-cent sales tax measure before voters this November, saying the money is needed to avoid future cuts to bus service.

Directors Manu Koenig and Jimmy Dutra voted against the proposal. The board must approve the ordinance on a second reading in July before the measure can be placed on the November ballot. The measure faces political headwinds and could also face legal challenges. Because of legislation pending and recently passed by California lawmakers, it might need only a simple majority to pass in November, but that is likely the last opportunity for such a measure before two-thirds voter approval would again be required.

The measure would add a 0.5% transactions and use tax throughout Santa Cruz County. If approved by voters, the tax is expected to take effect on April 1, 2027, and would continue unless later repealed by voters. The current sales tax rate in Santa Cruz County is 9.75%. The state receives 6 percentage points of that tax, 0.25 percentage point goes to the county Transportation Fund, and the remainder is allocated for city and county purposes.

In a social media post on Facebook, Dutra blasted the decision.

“At a time when families are already struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, utilities, health care, child care, and other everyday expenses, another half-cent sales tax would place an even greater burden on lower- and middle-income households,” he wrote. “For many people in my community, a

half-cent sales tax is not insignificant. Every dollar matters, and many families are already making difficult choices between paying for medical care, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table.”

According to Dutra, METRO›s funding shortfall is due to the Reimagine METRO program, which used one-time funding to launch a permanent expansion of services. That funding has ended, and now new revenue is needed. According to METRO, it has increased service by 35%, but continuing the current service level is unsustainable.

“It is not fiscally responsible to build ongoing operations on revenue that is guaranteed to expire without first securing a sustainable funding source,” Dutra wrote.

According to the draft ordinance, the half-cent tax would be collected on most taxable retail sales made in Santa Cruz County. Some purchases, including prescription medicines and most groceries, are exempt under state law. Competing Legislation Could Affect Voting Requirements

While the board approved placing the measure on the ballot, it faces a high hurdle with voters. Because it is a special tax dedicated to public transit, California law requires approval from two-thirds of voters rather than a simple majority. One possible exception is through a citizen›s initiative, which allows for a tax increase to support a local district with a simple majority.

Many local districts don’t qualify for this exception, and it didn’t appear that Santa Cruz METRO would.

“METRO

Spotlight Award Recipients Announced

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department has announced the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2026 Spotlight Award recipients: Tish Bertino (Visual Artist), and Barbara Martin (Drummer/Percussionist).

The artists’ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from Aug. 3 to Oct. 9. A First Friday opening reception will be held Aug. 7 from 5-7 p.m.

The natural world serves as the source of inspiration for Bertino’s paintings, where she invites and encourages the viewer to visit real and imaginary places

where shape, vibrant color, luminous light, and a sense of movement provide literal form to the pieces.

A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Bertino runs and hikes through the woods and along the ocean allowing nature’s beauty to inspire her works. She returned to school in her mid-thirties to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University.

Martin is a drummer and multi-percussionist, originally from Guantanamo City, Cuba. While studying music in at college Santa Clara, Cuba, she had the opportunity to perform with the Harvard Symphony Orchestra, as well as other traditional and popular Cuban bands.

Arriving to the United States in 2016, she has taught music in various schools and performed in different bands throughout California. She is currently studying Music at Cabrillo College as well as working as a TA for the Music Department, where she also co-directs the Cabrillo Latin Jazz Ensemble.

She currently directs, plays drums/ percussion and is the lead singer in various local bands including El Sol, La Otra Banda, and The Peacoat Project.

Through the Spotlight Award, the County Arts Commission publicly recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work, but who have not received widespread acknowledgment of their talent. n

Barbara Martin

Tish Bertino

COMMUNITY NEWS

Applications Being Accepted for Measure N Oversight Committee

Community members are invited to apply to serve on the Pajaro Valley Health Care District’s Measure N Citizens’ Oversight Committee. Up to three people will be appointed to serve two-year terms beginning in August 2026.

Measure N is the general obligation bond measure approved by District voters to fund capital improvements at Watsonville Community Hospital. The Citizens’ Oversight

“METRO Tax” from page 10

However, California State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin introduced AB 1919, which would specifically state the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District does qualify for a citizen’s initiative and would allow the sales tax increase to be approved with a simple majority. The bill is co-authored by state Sen. John Laird and has already passed two Senate committees with overwhelming approval.

“If it passes, it would be an urgency bill, which means it would take effect before Jan. 1,” said Shayna van Hoften, an election law attorney from Hanson Bridgett LLP that METRO has hired to help guide it through the process.

METRO faces a tight timeline because on June 25 the California Legislature approved ACA 22, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit citizen initiatives from increasing taxes with a simple majority. The proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, statewide ballot, the same day voters in Santa Cruz County could consider the METRO tax measure.

If the sales tax measure were approved,

Committee plays a critical role in ensuring those funds are spent as voters intended — providing independent public accountability for every dollar.

Applications will be accepted through July 31. The District Board will appoint committee members at its August 2026 meeting, with terms running through August 2028. n Application materials and requirements are posted at PVHCD.org under the Governance tab.

according to its language the new revenue would be used to maintain and improve METRO bus service, including operations, service reliability, accessibility, safety and other transit projects.

The ordinance would also create an independent taxpayers› oversight committee to review how the money is spent. It also requires annual independent financial audits and public reports on tax revenue and expenditures.

According to its polling, 78% of the public has a favorable view of Santa Cruz METRO, with 28% strongly favorable. That compares with 59% in 2023, when residents were last polled. Still, METRO›s own analysts acknowledged getting two-thirds voter approval for a tax increase would be extremely difficult, and even getting a simple majority seems unlikely.

“If AB 1919 passes very quickly, legally there is a clear path for a citizen›s initiative,” van Hoften said. “However, having a legal path doesn›t necessarily equate to a political path. We believe that there is a path to a 50% plus one threshold citizens measure legally this fall. However, it›s unclear there›s actually any way that a political path exists. It seems likely not.” n

Two Students’ Deaths Highlight Growing Water Safety Concerns Along the Santa Cruz Coast

The deaths of two Bay Area college students who were swept into the ocean from a Santa Cruz County beach bring heightened alarm to dangerous local coastal conditions as authorities report an increase in water rescues heading into the summer season.

Harshita Nair, 21, a University of California, Berkeley student, and Mahial Sran, 20, a San Jose State University student, died after being swept into the ocean June 10 near the area between Panther Beach and Yellow Bank Beach north of Santa Cruz. Both women were Fremont residents and graduates of Washington High School.

Emergency crews responded to reports of two women in the water near a rock passage known locally as the “Keyhole,” a beach access point that can become cut off by rising tides. Rescue swimmers searched the area, recovering one woman near Panther Beach and the other farther north near Yellow Bank Beach. Both were transported to hospitals following a large-scale rescue effort involving multiple agencies and helicopter support.

According to authorities, Nair died

several days after the incident and Sran later died at a local hospital.

The tragedy comes amid a string of water rescues and hazardous ocean conditions along the Santa Cruz County coastline. Fire officials say the stretch of coast between Bonny Doon Beach and Yellow Bank Beach has become a recurring trouble spot where visitors can become trapped or swept into the ocean when tides and surf conditions change unexpectedly.

Over the past several weeks, local

law enforcement, lifeguards and fire crews have responded to an increased number of ocean emergencies. Officials have warned that elevated temperatures, strong surf and long-period swells can create dangerous conditions even for experienced beachgoers.

One recent rescue underscores how quickly conditions can become life-threatening.

“Water Safety” page 18

CAL FIRE SCU Alma Helitack Copter 614 brought one patient from the beach to the bluffs during the rescue attempt on June 10.

IamLETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We All Need to Step Up to Prevent Data Centers

a mother of two and currently a stayat-home mom. My favorite hobbies are hiking, bonfires on the beach and stargazing in fields listening to crickets and lightning bugs. I can’t wait until my husband teaches our boys his passions of fishing and hunting.

Lately this lightning-fast incursion of data centers in our local communities is terrifying me to the point of wanting to change my career to becoming an environmental lawyer. I will not stand by while corporate billionaires buy off our land and water resources and pollute them for their financial and authoritarian gain.

To go the legislative route you must meet with your local city clerk. They will provide you with a list of steps to be taken. These steps must be completed by 5/7 by California law, which is passed due, unless

you want to wait until the November 2027 ballot. However there is a huge hack I figured out by speaking with my local city clerk! Here are the steps:

• Petition the members of your local city council to bring up an agenda item. You can find their information by going online and searching your city’s name city council. (Ex: Santa Ana city council) There you will find each member of the city council’s email and phone number. Email and call them and ask them to add a moratorium on all data center and battery storage facilities to the next city council meeting. You can also go to the next city council meeting and tell them to add the agenda item there.

• Post on social media to get the community involved, make flyers, make online petitions using change.org or other platforms.

• Once the council has agreed to vote on a new resolution, if majority are in favor it will become local law/precedent that can only be undone by a subsequent ruling undoing the law.

• Do not give up! Attend meetings until they agree to vote on this ordinance! Public servants serve the people, not corporate interests. This is also true at the state level. I spoke with the State Attorney’s Office. If a member of the CA State Senate or Assembly agrees to add an item to be voted on which in this case is a complete ban on all future data centers and battery storage facilities and majority are in favor it will become state law.

• You can find your state reps by going to this website: Find Your California Representatives Get involved, speak up and fight for your community. Our kids deserve to live in a beautiful, healthy community. We the people matter just as much as the billionaires. The federal government is not regulating this booming industry. We must fight back to protect our land. My children will spend their summers swimming in the San Lorenzo River and have untouched camping spots but we must fight.

— Lauren Howsmon, Aptos

Thank You Jimmy Panetta for Standing With Pride

One of the things I appreciate most about Congressman Jimmy Panetta is that he understands showing up matters.

This year, Jimmy once again joined thousands of people celebrating at the Santa Cruz Pride Parade. His presence was a reminder that support for the LGBTQ+ community is not just something to talk about during Pride Month. It is something that requires action throughout the year.

Jimmy has consistently supported legislation such as the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and has worked to advance fairness for same-sex couples and families.

“Letters” page 18

Emergency Responders Prepare for the Worst Active Shooter Drill Held at Soquel High School

By JON CHOWN

New training and tactics by local emergency responders are focused on getting medical attention to victims much quicker in the event of a mass shooting.

Dozens of law enforcement officers and firefighter/paramedics were at Soquel High on June 24 to practice and train for one of the worst-case scenarios imaginable, a mass shooting at a local school.

The training session involved volunteers, police officers, paramedics, instructors and others all working together to make the county safer. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Lt. Dee Baldwin, who coordinated the exercise, said the training is held every year and then reviewed to find ways to improve.

“Over time we’re getting faster and faster,” he said.

In this training scenario, a shooter has driven a car onto the campus, crashed it and started shooting. Emergency responders, who don’t know what they will find when they arrive, are called to the scene over the radio to simulate events as accurately as possible.

“Active shooter reported at Soquel High,” a call over the police scanner can be heard. “Multiple victims reported!”

In total, there would be 22 simulated victims. A first wave of officers quickly arrived to see the empty car in the middle of the campus with red smoke simulating a fire. The officers fanned out, some deployed in a

line to search the hallways and others secured the perimeter of the school. Just two and half minutes later a second wave of officers, along with a paramedic, arrived on the scene.

“We’re actually using a new program, in partnership with the fire department, to get a specific firefighter/paramedic into the scene rapidly. Traditionally, firefighters come

in when we can make everything safe, but now we’re expanding on getting them in to be able to relay medical needs way faster,” said Baldwin.

So far, two firefighters have been fully trained to respond in this way and more are in training. “They’re pushing those boundaries to get into places much, much sooner,” said Baldwin “We’ve seen just huge gains in how quick we can get things done because we can focus on stopping the killing that’s happening, and they can focus on preventing the dying that’s out there.”

More officers and more firefighters arrived in waves, all fanning out to search for victims and secure the scene. A group of police officers had found the person playing the shooter and arrested him. Paramedics evaluated the wounded, folding their arms across their chest if they were deemed deceased, or taking them out on a stretcher to an area of the school where more medical treatment took place.

“Active Shooter Drill” page 19

Westmont of santa Cruz A Place Where Seniors Really Can Thrive

Senior living communities have become the preferred retirement option for many Californians. Topping the wish list are senior living companies that honor and respect a person’s life journey, whose staff are friendly and caring beyond the front door, and who offer family members peace of mind in knowing that their elders are safe and secure.

“Our team is focused on making sure that residents will be active, engaged, and live a healthy, balanced life, according to Corey Miller, Executive Director, Westmont of Santa Cruz. “It’s exactly the lifestyle I want when I retire. ”

The new Westmont of Santa Cruz community, which is due to open this summer, offers active senior living with support and is distinguishable by its idyllic location, well-trained staff, and a positive culture that makes you want to live here. For those who tour Westmont Santa Cruz, you are not just moving into an apartment, you are moving into an entire community as your new home. When walking through the building, it is common to see residents sitting by the fireplace discussing a book or attending an art class. There will be informal groups playing card games in the afternoon, and residents gardening in our beautiful grounds. There will be activities tailored to all residents, including those who are independent and those who need assistance.

Westmont Living provides residents

with an enrichment program called Live Your Way®. It’s a holistic approach to whole-body wellness based on the Six Dimensions of Wellness as defined by the National Wellness Institute. They are Health & Fitness; Lifelong Learning & Innovation; Connections & Experiences; Creative Expression & Art; Inspiration & Fellowship; and Intention & Purpose. This innovative and helpful framework helps us to include aspects of these dimensions into resident’s daily lives. These themes are evident in the full monthly

calendar of activities and outings available to residents.

Our apartments have scenic Soquel views, and at times, you can feel the ocean breezes as they flow onshore. Creating a beautiful setting is one thing, but what makes a place truly special are the people who work in the community and the social connections made between residents.

“One of the advantages of Westmont of Santa Cruz is that our staff really cares,” said Miller. “Every single employee is selected for their nurturing spirit. Their training emphasizes

caring for our residents through love, kindness, and customer service.” For those who are interested in moving now, you can save $500 off 3 months’ rent and will become a member of the Founder’s Club, which offers added perks and benefits. n

Westmont Living has 30 years of experience offering exceptional care to seniors. The company owns and operates 21 communities in California and Oregon. To take a tour of the newly opened Westmont of Santa Cruz, please call 831-226-8499 or email crdsantacruz@westmontliving.com. For more info, please visit www.westmontliving.com

Lisa and Corey

SFilling in the Blanks: Song Form, Poetic Form

By JOE ORTIZ

tephen Sondheim said that once the melody of a song was fixed, writing lyrics is like completing a crossword puzzle.

In his book Free Play, Stephen Nachmanovitch supported Sondheim’s belief: “Once the first raw draft of a poem emerges, the poet enters into a jigsaw game, playing with line breaks, with the placement of stressed and unstressed syllables. . . . The editing process, of threshing out, reshaping, breaking, lengthening the phrases until they come out whole, may sound like imposing a tyranny of form.”

This tyranny of form—religiously following the roadmap—can also be revealing when an unanticipated image sneaks into the poet/lyricist’s mind to solve the puzzle. And when such an unexpected image enters, it’s the poet’s job to grab it out of the air and write it down.

Song form and poetic form are a strict yet supple scaffolding on which we can apply our personal expressive patina. This dynamic works the same way for all the arts (even for writing a grocery list or sketching a design for your garden.) While, in years past such structures were almost iron-clad, today most

formal armatures, prompts, or creative forms are more fluid. Nonetheless, any structure we chose can help us set boundaries—which in turn may force our brains to reject the ridged

effects of the game and search for insights from our unconscious.

Once a first verse is written, this line length and syllable count becomes a pattern and an established motif that the writer can use to initiate a pattern the listener has been trained—through years of tradition and habitual listening—to accept and even crave for fulfillment and satisfaction.

This guideline of structure helps give the lyricist/poet (and puzzle solver) a pattern to write within.

What is it about the jigsaw experience that helps conjure up flashes of insight? As Sondheim knew obsessively, the limitations of the puzzle help to focus the mind into a kind of straight jacket mentality, which helps us seek a creative solution. n

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

Overall song forms (such as verse/ chorus, for example) and poetic forms (such as a sonnet or haiku) create formal structures. But more subtle limitations for poets and song writers are line length and syllable count. Once these are set down by the writer—by accident or craft—this establishes a contract with the audience. And with oneself as the composer, writer or artist.

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“Water Safety” from page 13

On June 12, emergency responders were called to Pescadero State Beach after two young people entered the water and one became caught in a rip current that carried the swimmer approximately 200 yards offshore. One swimmer was able to return to

shore and call 911 while the other struggled in the water.

California State Parks Lifeguard Officer Moore said the 19-year-old survived in part because he avoided exhausting himself by fighting the current.

“Instead of fighting it until he was completely exhausted, he stayed on his back,” Moore said. “The current, over time, brought him back in.”

Moore said swimmers caught in a rip current should remain calm, float if possible and avoid swimming directly against the current.

“Honestly, in most circumstances, it usually ends in a drowning,” he said.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to use extra caution as warm weather draws larger crowds to local beaches. Authorities recommend never turning your back on the ocean, watching for sneaker waves and changing surf conditions, keeping children within arm’s reach near the water, and swimming near staffed lifeguard towers whenever possible.

Officials also advise visitors to stay off rocks, jetties and driftwood near the surf zone, where unexpected waves can knock people into the water.afterwards for the afteraction review. n

“Letters” from page 14

He has also been a strong advocate for transgender service members and military families, standing against efforts to exclude them from service and access to care.

What I especially appreciate is that his support is not limited to votes in Washington. Every year, he recognizes local students participating in the Day of Silence, lifting up the voices of young people in our own community.

He attends our events, listens to our concerns, and makes it clear that LGBTQ+ people deserve respect, dignity, and equal treatment under the law.

At a time when transgender people and other members of our community are facing increasing attacks, it is important to recognize leaders who stand with us when it counts.

Thank you, Congressman Panetta, for marching with us in Santa Cruz and for continuing to stand with our community every day of the year. A true ally!

— Drew Lloyd, Board President, Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee (BAYMEC)

Everyone involved in the rescue gathered afterwards for the after-action review.

“Education Plan” from page 8

The plan does not show whether any students are actually being denied services that are required, but just identifies which service categories are currently available and which are not.

“Our vision is that every student will graduate ready to contribute their unique skills and a positive member of their community and the world,” said Heather Gorman, SELPA director for PVUSD. Gorman noted that this would be the last presentation of her tenure.

The annual service plan is required to be reviewed annually at a public meeting. “Crucially, the plan ensures we provide services to all eligible students spanning the age range from 0 to 22.” said Gorman.

State and federal requirement to provide services don’t change, even though funding from state and federal programs has continued to shrink. Funding for these services comes from a variety of sources, explained Gorman, including local property taxes, federal funding, and state funding. She then pulled up some charts showing downward trends. “What’s notable here is the decrease over the last several years, statewide, of federal funding and state funding,” she said.

The district will get a boost from the state this year, as the Governor Newsom’s May budget revision increases the statewide special education base rate from $917 per student to $1,340 per student. PVUSD expects to receive about $6 million in additional special education funding, but even with this increase, state funding levels are below what they were 12 years ago.

That has left local revenue sources to fill in the difference. Gorman said that local revenue is projected to be $36.4 million in the coming

year, about 51% of total revenue, a $9.8 million decrease from the previous year. A little more than 80% of the roughly $71million in the SELPA 2026-27 budget will go towards salaries and benefits.

“Nearly 9 out of every $10 in the budget supports personnel costs, reflecting the intensive nature of special education services,” said Gorman.

In addition what services are provided, which are not, and how they are funded, The SELPA plan outlines staffing levels. It appears that the district operates its speech and language services at what appears to be the lowest limit of what California standards allow.

According to PVUSD›s Special Services program description, language, speech and hearing specialists carry average caseloads of 55 students per specialist. Those caseloads include both special education and general education students receiving speech and language services. A 55-student average caseload is the maximum allowed by the state unless special approval is granted.

By comparison, PVUSD reports substantially lower caseloads for other specialized service providers. Occupational therapists typically serve between 25 and 35 students, adapted physical education specialists serve approximately 25 to 35 students, and resource specialists generally carry caseloads of 24 to 28 students.

Brandon Diaz, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers union, said the plan would not work because there are 16 open positions in special education that need to be filled. “How do we expect to be able to teach these students with so many vacancies?”

The SELPA plan will now be submitted to the California Department of Education. n

“Active Shooter Drill” from page 15

Volunteer Mace Crowbear played the role of one of the victims. She’s been doing it since the sheriff’s department started coordinating the training sessions six years ago. She said that the sheriff’s department had saved the life of her girl, who has a disability, more than once because she frequently runs away. She and her family were also rescued when her house burned down.

“This is a tiny way of me giving back,” she said. “No parent thinks this is gonna happen,

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but still, this is a fear that a lot of parents live with because we see it so often.”

Volunteer Raffi Pehlivanian said that, while it’s a drill, it still feels very real. “These are real officers, these are real first responders, so it certainly does feel real.”

Members of every local emergency response agency in the county took part in the training, which went on for five days.

“We train for the darkest days,” said Baldwin. “Prioritizing life is the key thing, so that all comes with speed. And so the faster we can get in to help people, the higher the chances are.” n

t he s kylight P la C e

Family-Run Business Offers Complete Range of Glass Services; Ser ving the Community Since 1971

For more than five decades, The Skylight Place has served the Santa Cruz County community, building a reputation not only for windows and skylights, but for a range of glass, door and specialty services that continue to change with the needs of local homeowners.

Founded in 1971, the family-run company has grown from a local window and skylight business into a full-service glass, door and home improvement operation serving customers throughout Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos and surrounding communities. Today, second-generation owner Paul Eastman continues the locally rooted business with a focus on craftsmanship, customer service and community involvement.

“I feel honored to continue the legacy that my Uncle and Father started when they opened The Skylight Place. In a world that is changing so quickly and moving so fast, it is comforting to know that our small, locally owned, business is still viable, and a vital, part of our community,” said Eastman. “We are a business that customers return to time and time again, because we offer quality work at a reasonable price; and we offer simple solutions for the repair or remodel of our customer’s homes. We have proven our work over the past 50 years in this community, and we are honored to serve multiple generations of local home owners.”

While many residents recognize the company for its skylights and replacement windows, some of its fastest-growing and most in-demand services center around custom shower doors and replacement glass.

“We are proud to be one of the only shops in town that focuses on affordable repair options as our clients have become much more eco conscious through the years. Why replace something when you can repair it for less?” Eastman said.

The Skylight Place specializes in framed and frameless shower door installations, offering custom-designed enclosures for remodels, new construction projects and replacement needs. Customers can choose from tempered glass in multiple thicknesses, including quarter-inch, threeeighth-inch and half-inch options, allowing homeowners to tailor the look and privacy level of their bathrooms.

The company handles the entire process, from design consultation and measurements to manufacturing and installation. Its installers are factory-trained and certified for installation quality and product expertise.

“Since our inception, we have worked hard to be a client focused business. We strive to understand our clients’ needs, and we provides seamless replace, repair, or reimagine options for their windows, doors, skylights, and glass,” said Eastman

Replacement glass services have become increasingly important for homeowners and businesses facing storm damage, accidents and aging windows. The Skylight Place offers single-window glass repair and replacement, customcut glass, mirror replacement, commercial glass work and emergency board-up services for broken windows.

The company’s responsiveness following storm damage has earned praise from homeowners navigating repairs during difficult circumstances.

“The recent storms made havoc on our house and we needed to repair/replace some of our windows,” customer Noelle Lowe said in a testimonial. “After doing a bunch of comparisons and shopping, we felt most comfortable going forward with Skylight Place. They were by far the best value and the most professional.”

Lowe also credited Eastman and his staff for their communication and adaptability during delays caused by weather conditions.

“Paul and his team were very attentive to our particularities and very adaptable,” Lowe said. “Their professionalism and compassion for our situation made the transaction very easy.”

Beyond shower doors and glass replacement, The Skylight Place offers a broad catalog of residential products and services. The company installs windows, multifold

doors, multi-slide doors, moving glass walls, mirrors, skylights, screens and custom glass features designed to bring more natural light into homes.

The business was the first company to sell Milgard windows in Santa Cruz County and remains a certified Milgard dealer. It is also the county’s only Marvin Windows dealer, giving customers access to a range of premium replacement and new construction window products. The Skylight Place also manufactures window screens in-house, allowing for relatively quick turnaround times on repairs and replacements.

Skylights remain one of the company’s signature offerings, including custom-built and energy-efficient solutions designed for both aesthetics and energy savings. The Skylight Place also features VELUX skylights, known for topquality fixed, venting and solar-powered skylight systems.

The company’s experience with custom glass and largeformat doors has become especially attractive to homeowners seeking to blend indoor and outdoor living spaces. Its bi-fold doors, stacking doors and moving glass wall systems are designed to maximize natural light while creating open transitions to patios, decks and outdoor entertainment areas.

Despite the company’s growth and expanded capabilities, Eastman said maintaining a family-oriented, customer-first approach remains central to the business. That local focus also extends beyond home improvement projects. The Skylight Place supports the community through sponsorships and local involvement, including serving as a sponsor of the Capitola Beach Festival, one of the county’s longstanding community events.

“We are proud that we have been able to serve this community for more than 50 years. It is incredibly rewarding to offer great products and services to customers, while at the same time creating jobs for local residents. We promise to continue our work to support and grow this community for future generations to enjoy,” Eastman said. n

Paul Eastman welcomes the public to The Skylight Place.

Board Approves Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recently approved the fiscal year 2026-27 proposed budget, completing months of public review and deliberations.

According to the county, the $1.29 billion budget maintains public safety, health and human services, and other county operations while continuing a strategy of fiscal restraint intended to address a structural budget imbalance that county officials say has been worsened by inflation, rising operating costs and reductions in federal support for safetynet programs.

The approved budget includes an $851.4 million General Fund and funds more than 2,600 full-time equivalent positions. It continues the county’s strategy of using one-time resources to bridge an estimated $23 million structural budget gap while avoiding layoffs and maintaining current service levels as the county develops longer-term structural solutions.

“The Board and County staff were faced with extraordinarily difficult choices,” County Executive Officer Nicole Coburn said. “The FY 2026-27 Budget maintains the discipline necessary to protect essential services today while preparing for even greater fiscal challenges ahead. These choices were made with an eye toward preserving the County’s long-term operational and financial sustainability.”

During the budget process, the board considered public testimony and made several adjustments to the proposed budget, including maintaining the county’s current conflict public defense model while directing staff to return later this year with recommendations for the long-term delivery of conflict defense services. Final decisions on funding for county parks, including preserving Sunday hours at Simpkins Family Swim Center and restoring arts grant funding, were delayed until June 30.

County officials said federal changes enacted through H.R. 1 are expected to increase costs and reduce funding for programs serving Santa Cruz County residents, placing additional pressure on local governments. They also said counties throughout California face uncertainty surrounding health care, behavioral health, food and nutrition assistance, housing, homelessness response and other safety-net services.

Although the FY 2026-27 budget is balanced, county officials said significant uncertainty remains. The full fiscal impact of H.R. 1 will depend largely on how California implements the law and responds to costs

“The FY 2026-27 Budget maintains the discipline necessary to protect essential services today while preparing for even greater fiscal challenges ahead. These choices were made with an eye toward preserving the County’s long-term operational and financial sustainability.”

shifted from the federal government to states and counties.

County staff said they expect to return to the Board of Supervisors this fall with updated fiscal projections and, if necessary, recommendations to address budget impacts.

The county also plans to continue working with the board on long-term fiscal strategies, including evaluating funding options to help meet community needs.

The approved budget continues funding for several county priorities, including:

• Completion of the county’s next Strategic Plan to guide long-term priorities and fiscal investments.

• Continued implementation of Streamline Santa Cruz County and the AI Elevation and Standardization Workplan.

• Continued local investments through Measure K for roads, the environment, parks, housing and homelessness programs in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

• Continued implementation of Measure Q for parks, wildfire risk reduction and environmental stewardship.

• Progress on affordable and permanent supportive housing projects, including Veterans Village, Park Haven Plaza, and future development at Seventh Avenue and Brommer Street.

County officials said the FY 2026-27 budget relies on one-time funding that cannot sustain ongoing operations indefinitely and does not resolve the county’s long-term fiscal challenges.

Current projections indicate the county will continue facing structural deficits in future years, requiring continued fiscal discipline, operational efficiencies, advocacy for state and federal support, and evaluation of county programs and services. n

•••

The FY 2026-27 budget and supporting documents are available at sccbudget.us.

— Nicole Coburn, County Executive Officer

Local Stars Take the Stage at 2026 Fair

Much like many of the exhibits at this year’s Santa Cruz County Fair, the headline entertainment at this year’s Santa Cruz County Fair will be locally grown.

On Friday Sept. 18, direct from Las Vegas, Santana lead singer Andy Vargas, born and raised in Watsonville, will be performing.

Returning to Santa Cruz County is more than a performance for Andy, it’s a homecoming. Joining Andy and his band on select featured songs will be his father, Javier Vargas.

The hometown lineup also includes “American Idol” alum and Santa Cruz native, James Durbin. Durbin and The Lost Boys will take the stage Saturday night, Sept. 19.

“I am very proud of being a born and raised Santa Cruz local. I’m also very proud to be a third-generation resident of Watsonville, as my “Oma & Opa” Shirley Settle and Dr. Jim Settle, DDS raised my mom and her three sisters in Watsonville. I now, along with my wife Heidi, live and raise our three children in this great community,” said Durbin.

Also this year, monster trucks are back.

According to the fair, an all-new racetrack promoter will be bringing a bigger and better Monster X Tour on both Wednesday and Thursday of the fair.

The 10,000-pound, car-crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests and amazing freestyle action. Attendees can also meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party with an additional ticket. n

County Reminds Residents Most Fireworks Are Illegal

Ahead of Fourth of July

As Independence Day approaches, Santa Cruz County officials are reminding residents and visitors that fireworks are illegal in most of the county, with only limited exceptions in two cities.

Under Santa Cruz County law, fireworks of any kind are prohibited in all unincorporated areas of the county, including communities such as Aptos, Soquel, Live Oak, Bonny Doon, the San Lorenzo Valley and Corralitos. Fireworks are also banned on all county beaches. County officials warn that violators can face fines of up to $1,000 during the Fourth of July holiday period, when enforcement is increased.

The City of Santa Cruz has one of the strictest fireworks ordinances in the county. All fireworks are prohibited within city limits, including state-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks that are legal elsewhere in California. From July 3 through July 7, the city will establish a Safety Enhancement Zone, during which fines for fireworks violations and other municipal code offenses will be tripled. Police and fire officials say the enhanced penalties are intended to reduce fire danger and improve

public safety during one of the city’s busiest weekends of the year.

Fireworks are also illegal in Scotts Valley and on all California State Park beaches in Santa Cruz County.

The only places in Santa Cruz County where personal fireworks are generally legal are within the city limits of Watsonville and Capitola. Even there, only state-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks may be used, and only under local regulations. Fireworks that explode, fly into the air or lack the California State Fire Marshal’s Safe and Sane seal remain illegal.

Officials emphasize that legality can change simply by crossing a city boundary.

A package of Safe and Sane fireworks that is legal to use in Watsonville or Capitola becomes illegal when brought into the City of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, county beaches or unincorporated areas.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the county plan increased patrols during the holiday and encourage residents to report illegal fireworks. Authorities cite wildfire risk, injuries, environmental damage and impacts on pets and wildlife as reasons for the restrictions. n

Andy Vargas James Durban

Watsonville Community Hospital Appoints Interim CEO

WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Community Hospital recently announced it has appointed Tim Moran as interim CEO. Moran brings more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience to the job.

The elected board of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, the public healthcare district that owns the hospital, unanimously selected Moran at its meeting on June 24. Moran will succeed current CEO Stephen Gray, who announced his resignation earlier this month. Gray’s last day will be July 10. Moran’s hiring is effective July 11. He will serve as interim for the next six months as the Board searches for a permanent CEO.

“Tim Moran” page 26

Tim Moran

Two Killed, Two Seriously Injured in South Santa Cruz County Crash

WATSONVILLE — Two people were killed and two others suffered major injuries in a two-vehicle crash on June 14 at the intersection of Highway 152 and Casserly Road east of Watsonville, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision was reported at about 8:47 p.m. CHP investigators said a white 2011 Infiniti G37 was traveling westbound on Highway 152 with a 19-year-old Watsonville man driving and a male passenger in his early 20s. A gray 2026 Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound on Highway 152 with a 19-year-old Capitola man driving and a 17-year-old girl as his passenger.

For reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided in the intersection.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel, according to CHP.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office later identified the driver as Carlos Angeles, 19, of Capitola. The identity of the 17-year-old passenger has not been released because she was a juvenile.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel, according to CHP.

The driver of the Infiniti and his passenger were transported to separate hospitals with major injuries.

CHP said drugs and alcohol are being investigated as possible factors in the crash, and the Infiniti driver was arrested in connection with the investigation. Authorities have not announced any formal charges.

The intersection remained closed for several hours while investigators documented the scene and emergency crews cleared the wreckage. The roadway reopened early Monday morning.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact CHP dispatch at 831-796-2160. n

Declaration of Independence

*First Declaration of Independence signer

*Self-evident ones

Not a minor

“____ it or lose it!”

Songs for two

Unhurried Dreamy Lazy Days of Summer

Risa D’Angeles

Summer’s Here. The life force, rushing into spring and creating tall leggy green growth in the plant kingdom, settles down in summer into an unhurried, lazy, dreamy subdued heat. The human kingdom, expressing heavenly energies, seeks, instead of long overheated laborious work, more mellow activities — leisure, rest, relaxation, vacations. Summer, we all think, is supposed to be easy and fun. If we watch carefully, we notice the plants begin to grow differently as they prepare for harvest. Newborns in the animal kingdom become teenagers.

The signs of summer are three: 1. Cancer (the Gate where Spirit enters form and matter); 2. Leo (the Heart of all that Matters is love; 3. Virgo (pregnant Madonna, form and matter hold the Soul in secret, offering humanity a new state of consciousness preparing for birth at Winter Solstice).

In the Catholic Church’s liturgy, after Pentecost & Holy Trinity festivals, we begin to prepare for Advent (1st Sunday in December, days of dedication before the Holy Birth, the new light, winter solstice, Christmas).

As Cancer’ light & summer unfold they nurture and nourishing all life. We as humanity enter into a new cycle, a new season, a new angle light. As the rays of the Sun’s move through and creates the seasons, they connects us with nature, the plant kingdom, the kingdom of “builders”, the devas and angels’ various activities, different each month. During summer, the angelic kingdom is resting.

Under the heavenly influences (stars, planets, Sun and moon) Earth’s kingdoms are always in movement. The light of the stars, planets, suns and moon chart our daily spiritual course. The wise ones know this. We are to be, with the study of astrology, the present day “wise ones.”

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 9)

Your life is like a fire, a burning ground of transformative energy. You will feel there is more than enough inner strength, courage and confidence to meet all the expectations and demands of life, work and the world. These are both self-imposed and from others. You will be able to complete tasks (unusual), implementing, in quick succession, detail, order and organization. These you will demand from others as well. Careful. They don’t have your same astrology chart.

TAURUS (Apr 10 – May 20)

It’s time to come home now. This means from either far away (physically, emotionally or mentally) or to simply spend time where you live in order to order and organize the environment. It’s been a long, long time (years and years?) since you’ve been able to assess needs in your personal life. Since you’ve been focused outwardly, saving the world, things at home are quite in need. Questions: Is your home safe from fires? Does it need simplifying, tending, things eliminated, given away, sold? Seeking assistance is both sensible and practical.

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20)

Consider yourself, your values, hopes, wishes and dreams seriously for a while. Allow yourself to think of all the things you need in all aspects of your life. Consider the state of your home and family, your relationships and money, your communication and sense of well-being. Are all these as they should be, do they offer you comfort, calmness and ease? Overview this life assessment and answer the questions quietly and over time. Allow anger to be acknowledged should it appear. And aspirations, too.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

It is good for you to assess the truth, gleaned from your emotions, feelings and senses, of all that matter to you. Then it is good to begin to share with others your thoughts, ideas and beliefs. Sharing your thoughts about everything, all areas of life. When we speak the truth about something, a vital sense of fresh air is able to come into every relationship. A note about truth - when speaking the truth, let your tone be neutral, ask questions, be kind and courteous. Ask others what their truth is. Sagittarius is the sign of truth. Truth sets everyone free.

Mercury has retrograded in Gemini (‘til July 22). Mercury and Gemini both rule communication, dialogue, information, thoughts and ideas. When Mercury retrogrades in its own sign, everything concerning communication abruptly shifts, turns round and about, inside out and upside down. It all becomes a jumble of words misunderstood, misinterpreted, lost and dissolving away.

Things seems to spin backwards, be mixed up, lodged somewhere mysterious and not easily found. Driving and drivers, too, act strangely. That which has been abandoned suddenly acts out. A clatter of “r” appear, informing us how to navigate the retrograde – reflect, reset, revise, reassess, reorganize and review. Or better yet, like the devas, just rest and lazy about in the lazy, languorous dreamy days of summer! n

For Risa’s daily writings — Risa D’Angeles Facebook page and at https://nightlightnews.org/daily-postings/

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You are being very responsible out and about in the world. You are taking your creative endeavors seriously, experimenting and applying them to daily life situations. I think actually that you would like to be doing something else in your life that gets you out and about into the wilds, that serves the animal (or bird or fish) kingdom by giving it food, shelter, medicine and comfort. You want to be elsewhere? Where would that be? We are placed where we are needed, where our gifts flourish the best and where we can serve others. Look around. You will identify what I am saying.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You have new levels of energy allowing you to be more active and self-confident. This becomes you, makes you happy, enthusiastic (filled with God), filled with purpose. Seems like you’re busy with little time for relaxation. At other times you’re counting your money (don’t feel its lack), assessing finances in terms of yourself with another. In terms of life itself, a famous teacher said “Don’t worry, be happy.” The “happy” brings resources (all that you need) closer to us, into our lives. ‘Til they plop right into our laps!

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A spiritual favor, tincture, essence, reality begins to flow into your daily life. This is both favorable, a gift and it is good. It will alleviate separations, criticisms and judgments you may be carrying since childhood. Those judgments permeate your present life and although you may think you’re happy, if judgments about others persist, they are eventually projected back upon you and all those around you. Even the best relationship is affected There is a process called forgiveness. Its work is alchemical. It releases us from long held burdens and works in the same way truth does.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

What spiritual transformation is beginning in your life? What expansion is also simultaneously occurring? What new direction do you sense is being offered along with a new selfidentity, focus and activities? Everything’s changing in the form of opportunities which are still in their shadow state, yet right around the corner. It’s not just your perception. Things you’ve waited for will eventually appear. Now all you have to do is be patient without feeling overtaken, overwhelmed and, at times, dissolving away. Remember the spiritual axiom, no matter what is occurring anywhere, anytime, “we just continue to chop wood and carry water.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Whatever your work and daily tasks are, no matter who you are with and the situation, remember to respond to the world, your work, others with composure and inner poise, exhibiting no pressure toward self or others. You are being watched (scrutinized) as to your ability to create Right Relations, balancing leadership with friendship, keeping the two separate with finesse, elegance, grace and skill. This is a big job. You most likely already display all of this. Now more is called for. More communication, direction and creativity. Then a pilgrimage.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Many days, weeks and months of work finally reach a summit. If you look back on the autumn of last year, something began, a new responsibility, a new task, outlay of resources, etc. Now it has reached where a change is needed. Maybe a rest, a new direction, another need to be recognized? Perhaps this is you, needing the rest, recognition, a new reality. Maybe it’s travel to bring forth a transformation, a different perception. There are actually lots of thoughts concerning travel, experiencing another culture, foods, people. A place is being prepared for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Tend to communications carefully. Also your money. Be frugal with it. Put money away for future needs. With money, we tithe first, then we put money away for future needs, then we pay bills, then purchase what we need. Follow these steps when money comes in. Remember to tithe first. This assures you a constant supply in terms of one’s life needs. When we give, more is returned, so we can give again. Humanity is yet to learn this. That the new materialism is sharing. You are to lead humanity in this endeavor.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You shift between pain and comfort. It’s such an interesting polarity. Both can be felt as extremes. However, you are seeking the way in between, the point of poise and balance and you find it a “razor’s edge.” A crossroad (a place where two roads, two directions intersect) is about to appear, an important choice, a subtle change of direction, the need for expansion, a new identity – all are coming up. A decision, too. You need sensitive handling. Tend to yourself, your money and resources with great care. Ask for what is needed. People want to help. Trust them. Find a pool of warm blue waters. Swim in them daily

“At this critical moment for Watsonville Community Hospital, our community needs and deserves a leader who can provide consistency and will support staff and physicians, while prioritizing clear communication and the ability to create trust, build financial stability, maintain momentum, and guide the hospital through this period of transition.

We found that in Tim.” — Tony Nuñez, WCH Board Chair

“Tim Moran” from page 24

“At this critical moment for Watsonville Community Hospital, our community needs and deserves a leader who can provide consistency and will support staff and physicians, while prioritizing clear communication and the ability to create trust, build financial stability, maintain momentum, and guide the hospital through this period of transition. We found that in Tim,” Board Chair Tony Nuñez said.

Moran previously served as interim CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital from December 2011 to March 2012. Most recently, Moran served as CEO of Chino Valley Medical Center, a 116-bed acute care hospital in San Bernardino County. He previously served as CEO of Tri-City Medical Center, a 397-bed public district hospital in Oceanside.

The process of searching for a permanent CEO is underway. At the June 24 meeting of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board of Directors, the Board formed the CEO Recruitment Ad Hoc Committee to lead Watsonville Community Hospital’s search for a permanent CEO. Directors Emily Balli and Aleandra Friel were appointed to the Committee.

The search is expected to take several months, with the final appointment made by the full Board of Directors.

“The process to recruit a permanent CEO will be collaborative and will include meaningful opportunities for input from staff, physicians, partners and the community,” Nuñez said. “Our next permanent CEO must lead as a trusted community partner who can strengthen relationships, listen deeply, and help ensure the hospital continues to meet the needs of the Pajaro Valley today and into the future.” n

Joe Clarke Announces Campaign for Second Term on Capitola City Council

Joe Clarke, current member of the Capitola City Council and former Mayor, recently announced he will seek a second term representing the City of Capitola. Clarke was first elected to the City Council in 2022.

Before retiring, Clarke worked for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a K-9 deputy, search-and-rescue unit manager, SWAT team member, and hostage negotiator. He went on to serve as vice mayor in 2025 before being appointed mayor later that year, leading the council through key decisions on housing, infrastructure, and community development.

“I’m running again because the job isn’t done yet,” Clarke said. “We’ve made real progress over the last term, but there’s more work ahead — on responsible development,

public safety, and keeping Capitola the kind of place people are proud to call home. I believe the experience I’ve gained on the council, and throughout my career in public service, puts me in a strong position to help guide the decisions that will best serve this community going forward.”

During his time on the council, Clarke has been involved in discussions on the Coastal Rail Trail, the Capitola Mall redevelopment, and the city’s response to state housing mandates, among other priorities.

Clarke lists key accomplishments in his first four years of service as rebuilding the Capitola Wharf, reopening the Rispin Mansion Park, and the upcoming opening of Treasure Cove, the universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park. n

Joe Clarke

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SENIORS SOUGHT FOR THEATER GROUP

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

Whether you love being on stage or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in their community. Discover the power of music, dance, and performing by calling 831-423-6640 or email marketstreettheater@ gmail for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

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

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

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

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

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

No dues, fees or weigh-ins.

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

All are welcome.

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

org

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

Noon – 1 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd Each month a community of readers gather to share selections from a featured poet.

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

Upcoming poet focus:

June 22: Gary Snyder

July 27: Dean Young

August 24: Lucile Clifton

September 28: Sharon Olds

October 26: Juan Felipe Herrera

November 23: Ada Limon

December 28: Jericho Brown

Tuesdays

TUESDAY NIGHT SALSA SOCIAL

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

Join a midweek salsa social at Abbott Square Market with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata. Free and open to all skill levels—just bring energy and dancing shoes.

More information: www.abbottsquaremarket.com

BINGO AT MCSC

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

Hot Dogs, Chili and snacks available for purchase courtesy of our Snack Shack.

A lot of fun for all and a possible big win!

Door opens at 12:15 p.m.

Thursdays

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

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

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

HAPPY HOUR

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

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

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

Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works.

Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person.

Details of this and more Sevy’s events at www.sevysbarand kitchen.com/events

Fridays (except First Friday of the Month)

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP

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

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

First and Third Fridays

JIM GREINER’S HANDS-ON! DRUMMING

7-8:30 p.m., Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Dr. Percussionist/educator Jim Greiner continues his Community Rhythms Class on the first and third Fridays of every month at the Congregational Church of Soquel.

All levels of experience are very welcome to this family-friendly community gathering. Jim provides percussion instruments and you are welcome to bring your own.

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

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

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

5–8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food Trucks A Go Go presents an evening of local eats, live music and activities for all ages. The monthly event supports Scotts Valley schools through beverage sales and offers a welcoming community gathering. Admission is free. For details, visit foodtrucksagogo.com.

SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL

Saturday July 11

7:30–10 p.m., Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Sister Act builds momentum as the convent choir grows into a joyful, soulful ensemble under Deloris’ bold guidance.

Comedy, music, and heartfelt storytelling highlight transformation, community, and self-expression.

Audiences enjoy upbeat numbers and uplifting moments that turn the convent into a lively celebration of voice and friendship.

For information, visit southvalley.com/events-calendar or call 831-479-6154.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

First Saturdays CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP

9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park

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

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

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

Second Saturdays

HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

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

Saturdays and Sundays

ELKHORN SLOUGH: FREE TOUR OF THE PRESERVE

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

Docent-led tours offer visitors a guided introduction to Elkhorn Slough’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and tidal wetlands.

Each walk is tailored to participants’ interests and abilities, creating an engaging, educational experience. Space is limited, and tours are first-come, first-served. Guests can sign up at the Visitor Center front desk or call ahead the same morning at (831) 728-2822 for availability.

First Sundays

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB

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

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

DATED EVENTS

Thursday July 2

GRAVITY, ROCKETS, ROGUES AND ALIENS: ARE THERE SEEDS OF LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE?

3–4 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Celebrate World UFO Day with an engaging astronomy presentation by amateur astronomer Wolf Witt. Learn how gravity shapes solar systems, explore the chemical building blocks of life, and consider the possibilities of extraterrestrial life beyond Earth.

This lively and accessible talk invites participants to see the cosmos through fresh eyes. Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit santacruzpl.libnet.info.

Wednesday July 8

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERTS: B-MOVIE KINGS

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Classic rock fills the Capitola Esplanade as B-Movie Kings perform during the Summer Twilight Concert series. The free concert series invites guests to relax by the beach with picnic dinners, blankets and chairs while enjoying live music and sunset views. The family-friendly events prohibit alcohol and dogs. For more information, go online at https://www.santacruz.org/ upcoming-events/

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERT: B-MOVIE KINGS

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Classic rock takes center stage as B-Movie Kings perform during Capitola’s free Summer Twilight Concert series. Families can gather along the Esplanade to enjoy live music and ocean views while the sun sets over Monterey Bay.

Low-back chairs and picnic blankets are recommended. For more information, visit capitolaca.gov.

Thursday July 9

MY GARDEN OF A THOUSAND BEES: SCREENING & DISCUSSION WITH BEEKEEPER EMILY BONDOR

4–6 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Enjoy a screening of the acclaimed documentary My Garden of a Thousand Bees followed by a discussion with local beekeeper Emily Bondor of Santa Cruz Bee Company. Learn about the vital role bees play in healthy ecosystems and discover simple ways to support pollinators at home.

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, visit santacruzpl.libnet.info.

SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL

7:30–10 p.m., Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos Sister Act opens with high-energy comedy and music as Deloris Van Cartier hides in a convent after witnessing a crime.

She transforms a struggling choir into a spirited ensemble filled with soul and confidence. The show celebrates friendship, courage, and finding your voice.

For more information, visit southvalley.com/events-calendar or call 831-479-6154.

Friday July 10

SHINYRIBS WITH SCHAEFER LLANA

8 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz Texas roots music favorites Shinyribs bring their blend of blues, New Orleans R&B, funk and Memphis-style soul to Moe’s Alley for a 21-and-over concert.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with special guest Schaefer Llana opening the show before the headlining performance. Advance tickets are $25, with tickets $30 at the door if available.

For tickets and more information, visit moesalley.com.

SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL

7:30–10:00 p.m., Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Sister Act continues its lively run as Deloris Van Cartier brings music and mischief to a convent choir that discovers unexpected harmony and joy.

The production mixes humor, heartfelt moments, and uplifting songs about identity and belonging, creating a spirited theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. For details, visit southvalley.com/events-calendar or call 831479-6154.

Saturday July 11

SUMMERTIME FUN ON THE FARM!

11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Agricultural History Project Center & Museum, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

This month at 2nd Saturday on the Farm, kids of all ages will enjoy “Summertime Fun on the Farm” as we celebrate the sunny days of Summer and life on the farm. There will be Summer-themed crafts and activities for the kids, puppet shows, Kid’s Drive-a-Tractor, Hay Wagon rides on the fairgrounds, live farm animals, and so much more!

Check out our extensive vintage tractor and equipment collection, plus historical displays on local agriculture and technology in the Codiga Center & Museum building. Find something for everyone’s Summer at our Codiga Museum and Country Corner Gift Shop. Proceeds support our mission at the Agricultural History Project. See you on the farm!

The non-profit Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time! In addition to this month’s Summer-themed special activities, you’ll be able to milk a “cow,” drive a vintage tractor, and learn about the history of agriculture in the Pajaro Valley while visiting the many museum exhibits.

Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic on the lawn or under the trees. This is a fun event for the entire family. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted!

HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL

11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley

The annual Hop N’ Barley Beer Festival returns to Skypark with tastings from more than 50 breweries and cideries, along with live music, food and community activities. Performers include Ancestree, The Joint Chiefs, Loud Flower, Triana and the Heavy Hitters, and DJ Monk Earl. Proceeds benefit the Homeless Garden Project.

Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and wristband. For tickets and information, visit hopnbarley.org.

BOOMERIA LIVES ON! FUNDRAISER CONCERT

1–4 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Ben Lomond

The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival presents its annual Boomeria Lives On! fundraiser, celebrating the legacy of organ builder Preston Boomer.

Enjoy an afternoon of organ, brass, trumpet, recorder, and viola da gamba performances by accomplished local musicians, along with refreshments.

The event continues a cherished summer tradition in the church where Boomer’s organ was originally installed. For more information, visit the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival website.

Sunday July 12

SISTER ACT, THE MUSICAL

2:00–4:30 p.m., Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Sister Act concludes with a joyful finale as Deloris and the transformed convent choir deliver uplifting music, humor, and heartfelt celebration.

The story highlights courage, belonging, and the power of community as the sisters find their voices together. For more information, visit southvalley.com/events-calendar or call 831-479-6154.

Wednesday July 15

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERT: MERCY & THE HEARTBEATS

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Mercy & The Heartbeats bring Top 40 dance hits spanning the 1970s through today to Capitola’s Summer Twilight Concert series.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Saturday July 4

41ST ANNUAL FIRECRACKER RUN – AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

8 a.m.–noon, Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz

Celebrate Independence Day with Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary’s 41st Annual Firecracker Run at Harvey West Park. The event includes a 10K through Pogonip, a flat ADA-accessible 5K, and a 1K Kids’ Fun Run. Organizers aim for 1,000+ participants to mark America’s 250th birthday. After-race festivities include breakfast burritos, ice cream and awards.

Start times are 8 a.m. for the Kids’ 1K, 8:30 a.m. for the 10K and 8:40 a.m. for the 5K. Bib pickup is July 3 from 3–7 p.m. at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz, with race-day pickup at the Harvey West clubhouse from 7–8:30 a.m. Register online through the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run registration page at https://www.santacruzsunriserotary.org/firecracker-run.

WORLD’S SHORTEST PARADE AND PARTY IN THE PARK

10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Soquel Drive and Aptos Village Park

Celebrate Independence Day at the World’s Shortest Parade followed by Party in the Park festivities in Aptos Village Park.

Roads close at 8:30 a.m., the parade begins at 10 a.m., and the park celebration continues from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call 831-688-1467 or visit https://aptoschamber.com.

SPIRIT OF WATSONVILLE PARADE AND FIRE IN THE SKY OPEN HOUSE

11 a.m.–9 p.m., Downtown Watsonville and Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville

The City of Watsonville will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a full day of Independence Day events.

The community car show begins at 11 a.m. at the airport, followed by the Spirit of Watsonville Parade at 12:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Airport gates open at 4:30 p.m. for aircraft displays, flyovers, a patriotic parachute flag jump, live music, a free Kidz Zone and food vendors.

Fireworks begin about 8:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, contact the City of Watsonville.

The free community event invites residents and visitors to enjoy music, a beachside picnic and sunset views. Organizers ask attendees not to bring dogs or alcohol. For more information, visit capitolaca.gov.

Wednesday July 22

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERT: EXTRA LARGE

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Extra Large performs a mix of funky, mostly original pop music during Capitola’s Summer Twilight Concert series. The free outdoor concert offers an evening of live entertainment on the waterfront, with seating available on the lawn and beach. Bring a picnic blanket or low-back chair. For more information, visit capitolaca.gov.

Sunday July 26

WHARF TO WHARF RACE

8 a.m., Starts on Portola Drive between 26th and 38th avenues, Santa Cruz; finishes at Cliff Drive and Wharf Road, Capitola

The 54th annual Wharf to Wharf Race returns with thousands of runners and walkers traveling the scenic six-mile course from Santa Cruz to Capitola. The race begins promptly at 8 a.m. on Portola Drive and ends near Capitola Wharf, where post-race festivities will be held on the beach.

Participants and spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as Capitola Village closes to traffic at 5 a.m. and parking near the start line is limited.

For race details, parking information and event updates, visit wharftowharf.com.

Wednesday July 29

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERT: SANTA CRUZ LATIN COLLECTIVE

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola

The Santa Cruz Latin Collective closes out the July portion of Capitola’s Summer Twilight Concert series with an evening of Latin rock and salsa.

The free concert takes place at the Esplanade bandstand and offers dancing, ocean views and family-friendly entertainment.

For more information, visit capitolaca.gov.

Thursday July 30

PETER ASHER & JEREMY CLYDE

7 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz British Invasion stars Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon and Jeremy Clyde of Chad & Jeremy reunite for an evening of music, stories and conversation at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. The performance features classic hits from both groups, along with reflections on their careers in music, television and film.

Robert Berry and Aubrey Richmond join the duo as supporting musicians.

For tickets and information, visit kuumbwajazz.org.

Saturday August 1

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS BREWGRASS FESTIVAL

Noon–6 p.m., Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton

Saturday July 25

MICROGREENS: PLANT A SEED WITH UCSC MASTER GARDENERS

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Discover how to grow nutritious microgreens at home during this hands-on workshop led by UCSC Master Gardeners.

Participants will learn a simple step-by-step process for cultivating these flavorful edible plants, which can be grown in small spaces and harvested quickly. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, visit santacruzpl.libnet.info.

The sixth annual Santa Cruz Mountains Brewgrass Festival brings together live bluegrass music, local craft breweries and food trucks in the redwood forests of Roaring Camp. Featured performers include Sam Bush, Rainbow Girls, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, Dominique and the Diamonds, Deep Thicket Dwellers and Wild Iris. General admission includes access to music and festival activities, while VIP tasting train tickets are available. Children 11 and younger are admitted free. For tickets and information, visit scmbrewgrassfest.com.

Saturday August 1

Sunday August 2

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

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

The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to downtown Watsonville for two days of family-friendly entertainment celebrating the Pajaro Valley’s most important crop. Founded in 1994 to help revitalize downtown after the Loma Prieta earthquake, the festival features community groups, nonprofit fundraisers, food, entertainment and activities.

The weekend begins Saturday morning with the Strawberry Jam Fun Run and Walk, including 1K and 5K events.

Festival organizers encourage visitors to review road closures and event rules before attending. For details, registration information and updates, visit watsonville. gov. n

SFEATURED COLUMNIST

Summer Gardening Tips

From the Soquel Creek Water District

ummer is one of the most beautiful times of year in our community — gardens are blooming, vegetables are growing, and outdoor spaces become gathering places for family and friends. It’s also the time of year when water use typically increases the most, especially outdoors.

Did you know that July is nationally recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, making the perfect time to take a closer look at how you are water your landscapes and gardens during some of the hottest parts of the year.

The good news is that a healthy, vibrant garden does not have to mean high water use. With a few smart practices, you can create a beautiful landscape that thrives while using water efficiently. Here are some simple tips to help your garden stay healthy all summer long while protecting our precious water resources.

Water Early — and Only When Needed

The best time to water is early in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds help reduce evaporation, allowing more water to reach plant roots where it’s needed most.

Avoid watering during the heat of the day when much of the water can evaporate before plants absorb it. Evening watering can also work, but leaving plants wet overnight may increase the chance of mildew or plant

disease.

A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but less frequently. Deep watering encourages stronger root systems and healthier plants that can better tolerate warm weather.

Smart Irrigation Starts with Smart Maintenance

Smart Irrigation Month is also a reminder to check your irrigation system regularly. Small irrigation leaks can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Summer is a great opportunity to inspect your sprinkler system and make sure it’s operating efficiently.

Take a few minutes to inspect your system for:

• Broken sprinkler heads

• Overspray onto sidewalks or driveways

• Dripping valves

• Uneven watering

• Clogged drip emitters

Simple adjustments can improve efficiency and help ensure water is going exactly where it’s ne

Upgrade to Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient ways to water plants because it delivers water slowly and directly to the soil near plant roots. Compared to traditional sprinklers, drip systems can reduce water waste caused by runoff and evaporation.

Drip irrigation works especially well for:

• Flower beds

• Vegetable gardens

• Shrubs

• Trees

• Container gardens

Use Smart Irrigation Technology

Today’s irrigation technology can make watering easier and more efficient than ever.

Weather-based irrigation controllers and smart timers automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions, temperatures, and seasonal changes. Check out the District’s website (soquelcreekwater. org/rebates) for rebates.

These tools help prevent overwatering and can significantly reduce unnecessary water use during the summer months.

Add Mulch to Protect Moisture

Mulch is one of the easiest and most

effective ways to conserve water in your garden. A layer of mulch helps:

• Retain soil moisture

• Reduce evaporation

• Keep roots cooler

• Suppress weeds

• Improve soil health

Organic mulches such as bark, wood chips, compost, or straw work especially well during hot summer months. Even a few inches can make a big difference.

Choose Climate-Appropriate Plants

Plants adapted to California’s climate often require far less water once established. Native and drought-tolerant plants can provide beautiful color and texture while supporting pollinators and local ecosystems.

Many low-water plants thrive in sunny summer conditions and can reduce long-term maintenance needs as well.

Don’t Overwater Your Lawn

If you have a lawn, it may need less water than you think. Signs of overwatering can include runoff, soggy soil, fungus, or constantly green growth that requires frequent mowing.

A simple way to check if your lawn needs water is the “footprint test.” If grass springs

back after you walk on it, it likely has enough moisture. If footprints remain visible, it may be time to water.

Check out the District’s website (soquelcreekwater.org/rebates) for our rebate on replacing your lawn with low-water use plants.

Don’t Forget the Soil

Healthy soil acts like a sponge, helping landscapes retain moisture longer. Adding compost to garden beds can improve soil structure and increase water retention naturally.

The healthier your soil, the less water your plants may need over time.

Every Drop Matters

Our community continues to lead the way in water efficiency, using some of the lowest amounts of water per person in the state. These efforts help protect our groundwater basin and strengthen our region’s long-term water reliability.

By making small changes in our landscapes and gardening habits, we can all help preserve water while still enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the summer season.

A water-wise garden isn’t about using less beauty — it’s about using water wisely. n

SCCAS Featured Pet

The Heidi Game

The shelter staff and volunteers have voted Heidi (A331404) as ‘mom of the year.’

In mid-May, Heidi, a 2-year-old female, brown and black Belgian Tervuren mix, and her twelve puppies were found in the woods.

Heidi was very thin and undernourished. She had been supporting her puppies in the wild for weeks. Once here, she graciously allowed staff and volunteers to help her tend to her puppies and get herself back to a healthy weight.

Now that all her puppies have been adopted, she has been going on overnights with volunteers, and they have been singing her praises. She is good in the car, she is potty trained, she has been sleeping quietly on the floor next to her foster parent’s bed and just loves to snuggle.

She has a goofy side that is just starting to come out, now that she is getting some love and attention, just for herself. She can be a little shy when she first meets you, but then she will warm up and be the light of your life.

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

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet” — Please ring bell for stray animal drop-off from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.) 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.–noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon — Please ring bell for stray animal dropoff 9:30 a.m.-noon; 1-5 p.m.) Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

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