Aptos Times: June 15, 2026

RTC Claims Quiet Title

to Lot in Heart of Aptos

By JON CHOWN

The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission claims it owns a large chunk of the parking lot in front of the Bayview Hotel, Trout Gulch Crossing and Betty’s Burgers, and while the dispute has been simmering in court since 2023, a trial is finally set to start June 18.

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. ... continues on page 4

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Aptos High Athletics

Wins Pat Lovell Award

Aptos High School has won the Pat Lovell Award for the fifth time in a row and remains the only school in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League to win it.

Story page 7

Tony Nuñez Leads Big In District 4 Supervisor Race

As the June 2 primary election results continue to be tabulated, Watsonville Vice Mayor Tony Nuñez holds a large lead in the District 4 supervisor race, so large he might not have to face a challenger in November.

Story page 10

RTC Claims Quiet Title to Lot in Heart of Aptos: Bayview Hotel, Trout Gulch and Betty’s Face Loss of Parking, By Jon Chown

Community News

6 South County Valedictorians and Salutatorians

8 Man Falls to Death from Bonny Doon Cliff

10 Tony Nuñez Leads Big In District 4 Supervisor Race: May Avoid Runoff with Incumbent Felipe Hernandez, By Jon Chown • One Killed in Motorcycles Crashes on Highway 9

12 Watsonville Plans Full Day of Events for America’s 250th Anniversary • PGE&E Upgrades Watsonville’s Electrical Grid

13 Housing Matters to Cut Capacity at Rebele Family Shelter, Recuperative Care Center Amid Funding Shortfalls

16 Cabrillo Stage Gears Up for Sister Act On and Offstage

18 Community Bridges Names Steven Matzie Director of Elderday Program

21 UCSC Grad Marty O’Reilly’s Musical Path Leads On: Summer Tour Stops at High Sierra Music Fest Before Heading to Europe, By Jon Chown

22 Affordable Housing Project in Live Oak Gets Squeezed: Changes Made Due to Requirements by Coastal Commission, By Jon Chown

23 CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital Stepping Down: Health Care Facility Receives $10 million State Grant • County Fair Winemaking Competition Issues Call

24 County Eases ADU Laws at State’s Direction: Some Lots Could Have up to Four Units, By Jon Chown

25 Community Foundation Awards $15,000 Grant to Damians Ladder

26 Santa Cruz METRO Adds Late-Night Service for World Cup Matches

Local Sports

5 Aptos Wrestlers Heading to Nationals: Raising Funds to Compete in Fargo, North Dakota, By Jon Chown

7 Aptos High Athletics Wins Pat Lovell Award

9 SCCAL 2025–26 All-League Selections

15 ‘Summer of Soccer’ Events Underway Across Santa Cruz County

2026 World’s Shortest Parade

20 Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our Country, From Times Publishing Group, Inc. • Grand Marshals 2026: Seascape Golf Club • Party in the Park • 2026 President’s Message, From Audries Blake, Board President, Aptos Chamber of Commerce; Associate Director of Community Relations, UC Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz County Residents Warned About Fireworks Enforcement

California News

27 California Insurance Commissioner Race is Set: Kim vs. Allen, By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Mercury’s Retrograde Shadow — Humanity Slows Down, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar | Arts & Entertainment • Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

17 Beyond the Diploma: How PVUSD Students Are Earning Recognition That Opens Doors, By Dr. Heather Contreras, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

19 Reflecting on My Campaign, By Tony Nuñez

25 To Pay Off a Mortgage or Not, By Marc Cuniberti

30 What Socrates Can Teach Us About the Dangers of Groupthink, By Dr. Lori Butterworth, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist

31 Fragrance Is Out Of Sight, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Cuteness by the Dozen

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COVER STORY

“RTC vs Bayview, Betty’sl” from page 1

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. As evidence, it points to the deed and the fact that the RTC is insuring the property differently from property for which it has only easements.

Defendants say the contract was for an easement and point to language in the deed to support their argument. The deed, written in flowing script that is sometimes difficult to read, contains the elements of an easement. The opening granting clause says, “I, Jose Arano … hereby grant to the Santa Cruz Railroad Company for a right of way and for the construction, operation and maintenance of its main track …”

In addition, the document requires the railroad to keep crossings open, avoid blocking access, maintain convenient crossings and avoid storing freight on the property.

“No lumber, timber, stone, earth or any other freight shall be stored or piled upon the lands hereby conveyed and granted, provided this shall not be deemed to apply to freight or baggage brought to the tracks for immediate shipment or landed therefrom for immediate delivery …”

It also requires that the property be used for railroad purposes.

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, however, points out that the deed gives the railroad extensive rights and uses the words “grant” and “convey.” To convey or grant land to another is generally descriptive of a transfer of ownership. The entire tract of land and its boundaries are also described.

In addition, the RTC says any claims the defendants might have had were lost when the current owners “agreed to the permanent closure and removal of the private railroad crossing through which they had previously exercised the right to cross … .”

There have been a lot of court filings and conferences since the case was filed almost three years ago. Betty 41st has argued that additional documents could shed light on gaps in the RTC’s claimed chain of title and the agency’s ownership interest in the corridor. The RTC has countered that the requests are speculative and overly broad, seeking communications dating back decades and, in some cases, to the 19th century. The agency also said some older records may no longer exist because of records-retention practices and a server failure that affected historical

electronic records. Even if they did exist, the RTC argues that any remaining undisclosed records are protected by attorney-client privilege.

Attorneys from all parties declined to comment for this story.

Bayview Hotel Realtor Unfazed

The Bayview Hotel has been for sale for years. It has entered escrow more than once, but one issue or another has stalled the sale. It was under contract again at the beginning of the year, but has since fallen out once more. Now, the hotel is faced with losing the majority of its front parking lot.

Despite what it might seem, Datta Khalsa of Main Street Realtors, the hotel’s listing agent, said the lawsuit shouldn’t affect any potential sale. In fact, he said the property is close to being in escrow again, with the owner weighing two potential offers.

“Some buyers raise the lawsuit as a consideration, others don’t,” Khalsa said. “It’s not standing in the way of negotiations that are currently underway. Hopefully we get it back under contract and third time is a charm.”

He said it would take about a year before a change of ownership could happen. “And that’s if everything goes well.”

Khalsa said the other defendants would likely be more damaged by the suit. He pointed out that the back one-third of the Bayview property is undeveloped and could potentially be a profit center should the RTC win the lawsuit. n

The hearing will be held in Department 10 of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. The case is 23CV02345.

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Aptos Wrestlers Heading to Nationals Raising Funds to Compete in Fargo, North Dakota

By JON CHOWN

Dominic Cabot and Cruz Contreras, both wrestlers from Aptos High School, have earned spots to compete in the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals to be held in Fargo, North Dakota in July.

It’s the championship event for USA Wrestling, which limits states to four wrestlers per age division, style and weight class, although automatic qualifiers are added on top of that limit. Cabot, who will be a senior next school year, will compete at 126 pounds. Contreras, who will also be a senior, will compete at 138 pounds.

“They’ve been putting in a lot of work this offseason,” said their coach John Velez. “You can definitely tell they’ve done a ton of work.”

Velez has been coaching Cabot since his freshman year and Contreras since he was a sophomore, transferring here from Turlock. Cruz won the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Championship at 132 pounds. Cabot won the 120-pound finals at the SCCAL Championship.

Velez graduated in 2010 and has been coaching the boys wrestling team ever since. Three years ago he took over the Aptos Wrestling Club, which competes in USA Wrestling events.

The high school season runs from November to March, right as the USA Wrestling starts up. It ends in July with the Nationals, held at the FargoDome in Fargo.

Velez said it is great to see boys from all over the county, from different schools, come together and train as a team in the offseason.

To get to the two boys to the tournament, the club needs to raise $2,000, most of which had been raised by the time this publication was sent to the printer. However, Velez said the club could really use the funds as well for things like tournament fees, uniforms, food and drink at tournaments, and a new wrestling mat.

“We’ve got a strong response so far from the community. We’ve got a lot of help, not just with donations, but spreading the worked and showing moral support, showing these kids they have backing in the community,” said Velez.

Velez continued: “We’ve been growing in a short amount of time and this is a huge step forward for the club. I can’t wait to see what they can do.” n

The Aptos wrestlers are raising money on GoFundMe, titled “Help Aptos Wrestlers Compete at Nationals.”

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Aptos High wrestlers Dominic Cabot (at left) and Cruz Contreras are heading to the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals to be held in Fargo, North Dakota in July.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

South County Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Congratulations to our local graduating classes and a special recognition to Valedictorians and Salutatorians.

Aptos High School

Valedictorians

Carem Nga Ho • Malia Nacht

Salutatorians

Diego Maria • Xena Sterner

Pajaro Valley High School

Valedictorian

Steve Martinez

Salutatorian

Monique Ayala

Wise, always present my inpiration, my friend, my guide!

Mount Madonna School

Valedictorian

Rosemary Konviser

Salutatorian

Lucy Yen

Watsonville High

Valedictorian

Azucena M. Sandoval

Salutatorian

Alondra Rivera-Munoz

Aptos High’s Valedictorian Speeches

Malia Nacht

When we enrolled four years ago, people asked us who we wanted to become — as if our lives could be measured by a profession or by our success. Standing here, I think we have been asked the wrong question.

It shouldn’t be, “Who do you want to become?” Rather, it should be, “What kind of life do you wish to lead?”

I am Malia Nacht, and I am honored to be one of the valedictorians for the Class of 2026.

I know this title is just a fraction of who I am — and who all of us are.

Sure, I’ve built a transcript I am proud of, but I’ve also learned that identity is less tied to performance than to what you choose to love.

There is a difference between being admired and being fulfilled.

“Malia Nacht” page 8

Carem Nga Ho

Carem Nga Ho’s speech has been edited for length

Good evening, everyone. My name is Carem Nga Ho.

Before I start, I want to give a shoutout to some very special teachers and administrators who are also graduating with us this year — in other words, retiring. There are more than 20 staff members we’ll miss in the fall, but I especially want to recognize

those who have supported me during my time

here at Aptos: Ms. Barrick, Mr. Pepperdine, Mrs. Machado, Mr. Mason, Ms. Barrett and our librarian, Cheryl. Please give them a hand.

When I opened Google Docs to draft this speech that was supposed to convey my one profound takeaway from these past 13 years, I asked myself: What actually mattered? Sure, there were many pivotal events — forest fires, global lockdowns, social justice movements and whatever senior prank day was — but what am I going to think about five or 10 years from today?

“Carem Nga Ho” page 8

Malia Nacht

Carem Nga Ho

Diego Maria Xena Sterner Azucena M. Sandoval Alondra Rivera-Munoz

LOCAL SPORTS

Aptos High Athletics Wins Pat Lovell Award

Aptos High School has won the Pat Lovell Award for the fifth time in a row and remains the only school in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League to win it.

The Pat Lovell Award was established in 2019 to honor the legacy of SCCAL Commissioner Pat Lovell, who helmed the SCCAL for 30 years. The award is given each year to the school that earns the most points in SCCAL varsity competitions.

To determine the winner each year, points are awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and so on, in the final varsity league standings for every SCCAL sport, and points are also awarded for winning an SCCAL End-of-Season Championship Tournament. The school with the highest point total at the end of each school year is awarded the Pat Lovell trophy.

Aptos High School dominated the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL), with Mariners teams capturing or sharing 10 league championships this school year. League titles came in boys cross country, girls flag football, girls tennis, girls soccer, boys wrestling, boys golf, softball, boys track and field, and girls track and field, while girls beach volleyball earned a share of the SCCAL crown.

Several of those teams did particularly well. The girls soccer team claimed its fourth consecutive SCCAL title, and softball completed an undefeated league season.

The boys soccer team added to the Mariners’ success despite narrowly missing a league championship. They finished second in the SCCAL with a 7-1-2 record, closed the regular season on a five-game winning streak, and handed league champion Harbor its only league loss.

“Pat Lovell Award” page 9

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7

Aptos High sophomore Emilie Santiago (2) dribbles through Gilroy High School defenders Katherine Montero Carillo (7) and Roslyn Hernandez (23) in the second half of the girls match on Feb. 22.

Ruth Bates

831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

CalBRE#01799929

30-YEAR INTEREST RATES

6.58% – Up from 6.44% last month

ACTIVE LISTINGS

70 Active Home listings as of 6/04 (up from 58 last month). AVG days on market (DOM) = 51 (up from 48), AVG LIST PRICE = $2,200,548, MEDIAN LIST PRICE = $1,750,000. Highest 3 lists 797 Las Olas - $11,900,000, 548 Beach - $8,898,000, 877 Via Gaviota - $6,500,000. Lowest 3 lists: 110 Rutherford - $850,000, 6125 Abbey Road - $849,000, 630 Encino - $799,000. Homes near Median: 255 Thunderbird - $1,899,000, 233 Wixon - $1,850,000, 348 Spyglass - $1,800,000, 530 Santa Marguarita - $1,799,000, 300 Winona$1,799,000, 555 Vista Del Mar - $1,795,000, 545 Flume - $1,750,000, 645 Skyward$1,750,000, 229 Rio Del Mar - $1,749,000, 530 Quail Run Road - $1,749,000.

SOLD PAST 30 DAYS

19 Home sales in the past 30 days. The MEDIAN LIST PRICE was $1,292,000, and the MEDIAN SALES PRICE was $1,250,000 (down from $1,478,000 last month). AVG DOM was 34. Highest: 765 Las Olas$7.7M, 53 DOM, 320 Cliff - $2,379,000 – 155 DOM, 709 Via Palo Alto - $2,200,000 – 25 DOM. Lowest: 669 Clubhouse - $1,050,000 – 17 DOM, 522 Laverne - $1,025,000 – 7 DOM, 888 Bonita - $1,110,001 – 4 DOM. Townhomes (2) and Condos (2) sold quickly. 2923 Crocket - $850,000 – 14 DOM, 373 Sandalwood - $760,000 – 20 DOM, 1045 via Tornasol - $1,100,000 – 4 DOM, 1400 Dolphin - $892,500 – 8 DOM. SUPPORT THE APTOS CHAMBER –4TH OF JULY PARADE

250 Years of America this year! Did you know that the Aptos Chamber puts on the annual “World’s Shortest 4th of July Parade” for all of us, for free. You can help them out by buying a t-shirt at a local vendor, and by going to WWW.APTOSCHAMBER. COM and scroll down to the World’s Shortest Parade page and click on: $500 Parade Sponsor, or $200 Parade Supporter, or join the parade (pricing in flyer). Entertainment in the park from 12-4 by The Joint Chiefs for a suggested $5 donation. OPEN STUDIOS – OCT 3-4, 17-18 I will be participating again in Open Studios this year. Come check out original plein-air oil paintings at my studio from 11-5, Oct 3-4 and 17-18. SAVE THE DATE!

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

Man Falls to Death from Bonny Doon Cliff

Aman fell to his death from a cliff at Bonny Doon in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 6.

According to Cal Fire CZU, around 1:30am, a man in his early 20s fell halfway down a cliff at Bonny Doon Beach and landed mid-cliff. Although rescuers were able to recover him, the fall had killed him.

Members of Cal Fire, City of Santa Cruz Fire, Calif. State Parks, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz Police, and U.S. Coastside Guard all responded to the emergency.

It was initially reported that a male had fallen off the cliff into the ocean below.

Emergency responders arrived on scene and proceeded onto the beach to search the surf for any signs of a victim.

Per the reporting parties, the victim fell from the cliff on the south side of the cove,

“Carem Nga Ho” from page 6

I’ve only been a student at Aptos High for two years, but I’m no stranger to this community. From Valencia to Linscott to Aptos Junior to Pacific Collegiate, and finally Aptos High, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with a large portion of this graduating class. Yes, I do laugh at old yearbook photos from back when we all had side parts.

Before I came here, taking five or six Advanced Placement classes per year was the expectation at my old school. Everyone wanted to be the best. I’ve always strived to be a good student, but over time, I realized that this constant competition was eroding my relationships. In an effort to get ahead, our interactions became transactional. We didn’t connect.

I didn’t realize how much I needed other people until I got to Aptos High. In two short years, both new and rekindled friendships have expanded my perspective so much more than an honors class ever could — no offense,

“Malia Nacht” from page 6

As Anna Quindlen said in her commencement speech at Villanova University:

“Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Each time you look at your diploma, remember that you are still a student, still learning how to best treasure your connection to others. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around.”

That is what makes a life meaningful: not just what you achieve, but what you remain open to. The ability to wonder. The ability to be moved by something small and ordinary. To stay curious about the world, about other people and about the lives we have yet to live.

and the reporting parties were unable to locate the victim after the fall.

Santa Cruz Police officers arrived on scene and launched a drone into the sky to assist with the search. With the aid of the drone, SCPD personnel located a motionless victim on a rock shelf at the point of the cove,

teachers. The people I met here changed me. They taught me to give more grace to others, to be grateful for the life I’ve been given and to be confident in my own voice, even though it’s a little shaky right now.

That’s what a community can do for you. Wherever you’re bound for the next few years, it’s the people who support you who will make or break the experience.

Look around you at this navy sea of caps and gowns. Some of these people you’ve known for a few months and others for your whole life. Our time together is finally coming to an end. No more hanging out in the parking lot during lunch. No more breakfast bagels in the quad or crashing out together over an economics grade. But some things last long after we’ve parted ways.

Our time together as a senior class will not be remembered by GPAs or Instagram followers, wins or losses. It will be remembered by your relationships — the kind of person you were to others. We’re graduating today

I believe every person is a quilt — a lived collection of everyone they’ve ever loved and everyone who’s ever loved them. We are stitched together by the love our families, friends and teachers poured into us. We may be growing up, but we will never outgrow the people who loved us before anyone knew who we would become.

Gracias a nuestros papás, ustedes son la inspiración para todo. Su sacrificio es el amor en su forma más pura: elegir nuestra felicidad por encima de la suya cada vez.

Thank you to our parents, whose sacrifices shaped every opportunity we’ve had — and especially to my mom. All I’ve ever wanted was to grow up and be just like you.

Now, together, we hold each other in this grief as we let this version of ourselves go. We aren’t shedding this part of ourselves because it is flawed, but simply because it has

approximately 50’ below the cliff edge. Santa Cruz Fire, Cal Fire, State Parks, AMR and SCPD personnel relocated from the beach up onto the cliff edge and began to set up a rope rescue system.

“Bonny Doon Death” page 19

with bigger brains and shiny new diplomas, but don’t start taking yourself too seriously. Whether you’re staying in town or moving across the world for college, keep your Day 1s close, reach out to your old teachers and, to quote Phoebe Bridgers, “Anyway, don’t be a stranger.”

In a time when our communities are being torn apart by the very institutions that claim to protect us, we cannot forget that fundamentally every one of us is far more alike than we are different.

To my extraordinary parents, mentors and friends of these last 13 years: Thank you for your endless love and support. You believed in me even when I didn’t, which was pretty much all the time. I wouldn’t be standing here without you.

Finally, I want to give a big congratulations to everyone for making it here today. It’s been an honor to grow up and graduate with you, and I wish you all the very best. Go Mariners. n

outlived its purpose. We do this so there is room for the next version to exist.

Today, I say my final goodbye, the same way so many before me have and so many after me will. At this moment, the person you know me as is just a fragment of the person I will become. We know each other only in the context of our time in this place — and soon, that context will end.

There are so many versions of us still to come: versions that fall down, versions that fall in love, versions that leave and versions that return home changed, yet the same. Maybe that’s the beautiful thing about growing up — we are still becoming while carrying with us all we have ever been.

Because isn’t it special that, out of all the places we could have been and all the people we could have become, we got to share this version of ourselves with each other? n

LOCAL SPORTS

SCCAL 2025–26

All-League Selections

Baseball

First Team

Connor Corlett — Soquel — Pitcher (12)

Dylan Hull — Soquel — Pitcher (12)

Noah Solano — Harbor — Infielder (12)

Cole McGillicuddy — Aptos — Infielder (11)

Hudson Summerrill — Soquel — Infielder (12)

Rex Thompson — Scotts Valley — Infielder (11)

Pierre Bell — Harbor — Outfielder (10)

Brady Downs — Soquel — Outfielder (12)

Cam Fusari — Santa Cruz — Outfielder (12)

Cash Moran — Soquel — Catcher (12)

Trey Sousa — Soquel — Utility/DH (12)

Second Team

Elliott Smith — Scotts Valley — Pitcher (10)

Adam Fowler — Santa Cruz — Pitcher (10)

Luke Santee — Soquel — Infielder (11)

Finn Cormier — Aptos — Infielder (11)

Bryce McDonnell — Scotts Valley — Infielder (11)

Brody Egner — SLV — Infielder (12)

Caleb Crmaylo — Santa Cruz — Outfielder (12)

Sam Whelan — Soquel — Outfielder (12)

Larrabee Mitchell — SLV — Outfielder (11)

Matteo Caltabiano — Santa Cruz — Catcher (12)

Special Awards

Player of the Year: Jake Escalante Pitchers of the Year: Joey Raffo and Luke Shoemaker

Coach of the Year: TJ Moran

Honorable Mention

Damien Espinoza — Aptos (10)

Alec Mendoza — Aptos (11)

Logan Felich — Harbor (11)

Evan Lampel — Harbor (9)

Liam Fields-Rapley — SLV (10)

Spencer Bruce — SLV (11)

Merrick Smith — Santa Cruz (9)

Merrick DaCosta — Santa Cruz (9)

Monte Jordan — Scotts Valley (11)

Dash Baker — Scotts Valley (11)

Anthony Skinner — Soquel (10)

Scotty Miller — Soquel (11)

Boys Tennis

First Team — Singles

Ben Zaretsky — Aptos (12)

Jeremy Arulanantham — Santa Cruz (11)

Tenzin Fathman — Santa Cruz (9)

Hudson Ward — Soquel (12)

“Pat Lovell Award” from page 7

The Mariners then went on to win the first Central Coast Section championship

Second Team — Singles

Stellan Wu — Santa Cruz (9)

Torin Miller — Soquel (12)

Raphael Bouchet — Scotts Valley (11)

Aditya Hannon — Scotts Valley (12)

First Team — Doubles

Kai Vargas — Santa Cruz (11)

Oscar Sapunov — Santa Cruz (10)

Ian Burchell — Santa Cruz (12)

Sam Galli — Scotts Valley (10)

Second Team — Doubles

Nate Wexler — Scotts Valley (10)

Zabel Oatey — Harbor (11)

Sawyer Amos — SLV (11)

Nico Salinas — Aptos (11)

Special Awards

MVP: Hudson Ward — Soquel (12)

Coach of the Year: Kumaran Arulanantham — Santa Cruz

All-Sportsmanship Team

George Jertberg — Aptos (10)

Lukas Novotny — Santa Cruz (9)

Everett Callendar — SLV (11)

Freddy Padilla — Scotts Valley (10)

Abraham Bachar — Harbor (11)

Elias Garcia — Soquel (12)

Boys

Golf

First Team

Tanner Brewer — SLV — Sr.

Brayden Wilson — Aptos — Fr.

Kyler Samples — Harbor — Sr.

Seamus Drees — Scotts Valley — Sr.

Riley Shank — Soquel — Soph.

Garret Dahlen — SLV — Jr.

Second Team

Andrew Roberts — Harbor — Fr.

Peter Roboloth — Soquel — Jr.

Gunther Krueger — Harbor — Soph.

Gavin Easton — Santa Cruz — Sr.

Brogan Beasley — Scotts Valley — Sr.

Gavin Doherty — Scotts Valley — Jr.

Honorable Mention

Santiago Toledo — Santa Cruz — Sr.

Fischer Howard — Santa Cruz — Soph. “SCCAL All-League” page 14

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tony Nuñez Leads Big In District 4 Supervisor Race

May Avoid Runoff with Incumbent Felipe Hernandez

By JON CHOWN

As the June 2 primary election results continue to be tabulated, Watsonville Vice Mayor Tony Nuñez holds a large lead in the District 4 supervisor race, so large he might not have to face a challenger in November.

Nuñez, facing incumbent Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and challenger Elias Gonzales, has held a steady lead ever since the first totals were released. As vote totals have been released, Nuñez has remained right around the 50% needed to avoid having a second contest in November. 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% of the 7,437 ballots that had been counted, well ahead of incumbent Felipe Hernandez, who had 31%. Gonzalez was in third with under 18% of the vote.

As of June 10, the final count released as of this report, Nuñez stood at 50.5%, Hernandez at 31% and Gonzales with 17.9%. There were 173,398 registered voters and 79,573 votes had been counted. Less than 5% had been made in person.

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.

In statewide races, a third of Santa Cruz County voters preferred Tom Steyer for governor, with 33.3% voting for him, and Xavier Becerra trailing with 32.69%. Steve Hilton, who Becerra will face in November, received just 15% of the vote in this county.

One statewide race that will be watched for in November is Insurance Commissioner. Here in Santa Cruz, Jane Kim was the preferred candidate with 36.5%. Ben Allen trailed with 28.2%. Other primary races finished just as expected. Jimmy Panetta easily won his reelection bid to represent the 19th Congressional District with about 65% of the vote. Zoe Lofgren was re-elected to represent the 18th Congressional District with about 60% of the vote. Gail Pellerin was re-elected as the State Assembly Member for the 28th District with about 80% of voters favoring her, Robert Rivas won the 27th District with 75% of the vote and Dawn Addis won the 30th District with 67% of votes cast.

In the race for Santa Cruz mayor, Ryan Coonerty was well ahead of all challengers with just under 50% of the total votes cast in his favor. It appears he will face Ami Chen Mills (20%) in a runoff.

Election officials said additional ballots, including vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and provisional ballots, will continue to be counted in the coming days, with final certification expected in July. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

One Killed in Motorcycles Crashes on Highway 9

A Martinez man was killed after he crashed his motorcycle on State Route 9 on June 7.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at approximately 12:40 p.m., officers responded to a crash on State Route 9 south of State Route 35. A 30-year-old man from Martinez was driving a grey 2023 Ducati motorcycle at an unknown speed heading north.

For reasons still under investigation, the rider went off the roadway and crashed into an embankment and a tree.

As a result of the crash, the driver sustained major injuries and was pronounced

deceased at the scene by medical personnel, despite life-saving efforts.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were factors.

Just two days later, at approximately 7:04 p.m., CHP officers responded to a another motorcycle crash on State Route 9, this one south of Sempervirens Point.

A 45-year-old man from San Jose was driving a gray 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle at an unknown speed northbound south of Sempervirens Point. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control crashed into the asphalt roadway.

“Briefs” page 26

Tony Nuñez

Watsonville Plans Full Day of Events for America’s 250th Anniversary

WATSONVILLE — The City of Watsonville will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a day of patriotic events that includes the Spirit of Watsonville Parade in downtown Watsonville and the Fire in the Sky Open House at the Watsonville Municipal Airport.

The Spirit of Watsonville Parade begins at 12:30 p.m. on Main Street. The route will run from St. Patrick’s Church at 721 Main St. to First Street. This year’s parade will again feature a flyover by the West Coast Ravens, supported by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Main Street between Freedom Boulevard

and First Street, along with nearby streets, will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City officials said drivers should expect traffic delays.

The celebration will continue at the Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way, during the annual Fire in the Sky Open House.

The event, which is usually held during Labor Day weekend, has been moved to Independence Day this year.

Since 2017, the airport has hosted the open house to help residents learn more about its role as a regional general aviation airport and the services it provides.

“From emergency response and public safety to agriculture and community outreach, the Watsonville Municipal Airport continues to serve as an important community asset, and we are excited to welcome families once again to experience it firsthand,” Airport Director Rayvon Williams said.

Activities begin with a community car show at 11 a.m. at the Specialized Helicopters hangar, 140

Aviation Way. All vehicles and car enthusiasts are welcome.

The main event opens at 4:30 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.

Visitors can see first responder aircraft, agribusiness flight departments and vintage aircraft displays. Other activities include flyovers, a patriotic parachute flag jump,

Plive music, a free Kidz Zone and local food vendors.

The evening will end with a fireworks show scheduled to begin at about 8:30 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m.

Airport Boulevard between Hangar Way and Airport Road will be closed from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. n

PG&E Upgrades Watsonville’s Electrical Grid

acific Gas and Electric is racing to keep pace with an unsatiable demand for energy that will give Watsonville a huge power boost. Last month, the utility began phase one of a $40 million project to upgrade the city’s electrical grid. PG&E spokesperson Stephanie Magallon said the company expects the demand for energy to double in the next decade. According to data from the California Public Utilities Commission, Watsonville’s electrical grid hasn’t had a major makeover since the 1970s. “Phase one is replacing the poles and the powerlines,” said Magallon. She said customers can expect planned power outages and minor traffic delays while the work is taking place by outside contractors. “So far, the project is going well,” said Jesus Muniz. His company is doing the ground work in preparation for the new power poles on Highway 152.

According to Magallon, crews will be busy replacing 159 new power poles in Watsonville and Freedom, upgrading 93 transformers, along with the Green Valley

substation. Customers will likely notice 30,000 feet of new electrical wires, along with almost 2,000 feet of new underground line. PG&E will also boost an existing 800 feet of underground electrical wires. In an effort to modernize the system, the utility will upgrade 70 protective devices on the poles that can detect and isolate exactly where an outage occurs, rather than taking an entire neighborhood off the grid to while the problem is resolved.

The electrical grid will go from four kilovolts of power to 21 kilovolts. “It’s like taking a two-lane freeway and expanding it to six lanes,” said PG&E regional manager Jeremy Howard. The bulk of the work will take place on Green Valley Road between Mesa Verde Drive and Freedom Blvd, in various parts of the College Lake area and along Highway 152 between Holohan and Carlton Roads. Crews will be working Monday through Friday, primarily during business hours.

Magallon says the upgrades will help prevent frequent power outages during heavy winter storms. She expects the work to wrap up by early 2027. Watsonville resident Vincente Martinez says he hasn’t experienced frequent outages during stormy weather but anticipates the improvements will increase his PG&E rates. “We pay a lot already but we expect it will go up,” said Martinez. According to Magallon, the California Public Utilities Commission will determine a potential rate increase but she she’s unsure of an amount. n

2015 Watsonville Fly-In

Spirit of Watsonville Parade

PG&E employees work on the Green Valley substation.

Housing Matters to Cut Capacity at Rebele Family Shelter, Recuperative Care Center Amid Funding Shortfalls

SANTA CRUZ — Housing Matters, one of Santa Cruz County’s largest providers of homelessness services, announced plans to reduce capacity at two of its key programs as it seeks to address persistent budget deficits and preserve operations for the long term.

The nonprofit said it will consolidate its Recuperative Care Center into the same building as the Rebele Family Shelter beginning in June, a move expected to save more than $1 million annually in lease costs and reduce other operating expenses.

The decision will come with a significant reduction in the number of people the programs can serve. Capacity at the Rebele Family Shelter will be cut from 28 rooms to 18 rooms, while the Recuperative Care Center will shrink from 30 beds to 20.

Housing Matters leaders described the changes as a difficult response to structural funding challenges facing homeless service providers nationwide.

“Rather than risk the closure of either program, we are reducing the capacity of both to preserve services into the future,” the organization said in a letter to supporters announcing the changes.

The most immediate impact will be felt at the Rebele Family Shelter, one of the county’s few programs dedicated specifically to families experiencing homelessness. Under the new arrangement, family shelter operations will be consolidated onto the building’s third floor, while the Recuperative Care Center — which provides short-term housing and medical support for people recovering from illness,

injury or hospitalization — will occupy the second floor.

The reduction of 10 family shelter rooms represents a loss of more than onethird of the shelter’s current capacity.

Housing Matters did not immediately indicate how many families could be affected by the change or how admissions policies might be adjusted once the transition is complete.

The nonprofit said both programs have been operating with significant budget deficits. While government funding remains the primary source of support, Housing Matters said most public grants cover only a portion of the administrative and operational costs associated with providing shelter and supportive services.

“Housing Matters” page 17

Here, your heart’s in the right place.

Your heart deserves exceptional care. At Dominican Hospital, we provide just that, with complete cardiovascular services—from diagnostics and treatments to comprehensive rehabilitation, always delivered with personalized attention and compassion. We focus on your well-being, knowing that a healthy heart supports a full life for you and those you love. Offering essential screenings to advanced procedures, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality cardiovascular care. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.

“SCCAL All-League” from page 9

Lochlin Bishoffberger — SLV — Jr.

Carson Chubb — SLV — Soph.

Cade Mosely — Harbor — Fr.

Nico Marinovic — Harbor — Sr.

Cole Christensen — Soquel — Jr.

Kyle Lambrecht — Soquel — Soph.

Jack Garvey — Aptos — Jr.

Adrian Creamer — Scotts Valley — Jr.

Hudson Spielvogel — Scotts Valley — Soph.

Zane Siechen — Scotts Valley — Sr.

Special Awards

SCCAL MVP: Nick Bjorn

Sportsmanship Award: Cash Moran

Coach of the Year: Paul Zech

Boys Volleyball

First Team

Solomon Coleman — Mt. Madonna — Junior — Setter

Lucas Kamalani — Santa Cruz — Senior — Libero

Guillermo Mazier — Santa Cruz — Junior — Middle Blocker

Grady McKee — Harbor — Senior — Middle Blocker

Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp — Mt. Madonna — Senior — OH/Opp

Matty Rayray — Santa Cruz — Junior — OH/Opp

Josh Rejfir — Harbor — Senior — OH/Opp

Second Team

David Monclus — Mt. Madonna — Junior — OH/Opp

Rocklin Paco — Harbor — Junior — Setter

Charlie Hess — Santa Cruz — Senior — OH/Opp

Keoni Raatior — Soquel — Soph. — OH/Opp

Zach Livingston Shults — SLV — Soph. — OH/Opp

Xavier Knight — SLV — Senior — Middle Blocker

Ryan Wait — Harbor — Senior — Libero

Special Awards

MVP: Cooper Lastition

Mark Brewer Award: Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp

A positive presence and role model who made an impact across the league. Coach of the Year: PK McDonald

Honorable Mention

Mt. Madonna — Hans Hagge (Sr.)

Aptos — James Lagerwey (Sr.) – Sean Mullen (Sr.)

Soquel — Thomas Obrero (Sr.) – Johnny Abbott (Jr.)

Santa Cruz — Guillermo Mazier Bittar – Nathan Monroe

Scotts Valley — Troy Thompson (Sr.) – Will Shanks (Sr.)

SLV — Zack King (Sr.) — Hunter Lallemand (Sr.)

Harbor — JJ Laughlin (Jr.) — Freddie Morgali (Sr.)

Girls Beach Volleyball

A Division

First Team

Emma Benedetti (10) & Lana Walding (10) — Soquel

Leela Whiting (9) & Haisley Flanagan (10) — Santa Cruz

Cecile Novembre (11) & Dylan Schutz (11) — Harbor

Cia Johnson (10) & Caitlin Lavelle (10) — Aptos

Hayden Smith (12) & Rylee Giesen (12) — Scotts Valley

Kenzie Smith (12) & Emily Mumford (9) — Aptos

Second Team

Lyla Vyvyan (11) & Ruby Hyatt (10) — Soquel

Chloe Schantz (10) & Maggie Redwine (11) — Santa Cruz

Kaia Harrah (10) & Lena Jordan (10) — Aptos

Eliana

(12)

Liberty Niesen (11) & Lise Corstorphine (10) —

Coco Castro (12) & Marina Tucker (12) — Harbor

B Division

First Team

Mayla Spahn (11) & Jessie Ingram (10) — MVC

Hollyn Hearne (12) & Xienna Novoa (12) — King City

Stephanie Velasquez (12) & Ella Rubbo (9) — King City

Monze Camacho (9) & Fernanda Cid (9) — King City

Gretel Martin (9) & Hope Tyler (9) — St. Abraham’s Farrin O’Hara (12) & Amelie Pan (11) — PCS

Second Team

Norah Rondia (10) & Audrey Nelson (10) — MVC

Jocelyn Jacquez (9) & Melody Sanchez (9) — King City

Kamila Lindsay (9) & Mia Sudek (10) — PCS

Sariah Braddock (9) & Ruby Brownlee (9) — St. Abraham’s

Cecilia Tannaci (11) & Lily Graney (9) — PCS

Sam Bertoldi (12) & Claire Marshall (10) — MVC

Softball

First Team

Chloe Kent — P — Scotts Valley (11)

Emma Burgueno — IF — Aptos (11)

Elie Colby — IF — SLV (10)

Hailey Leimas — IF — Soquel (9)

Ellia Dunton — IF — Santa Cruz (11)

Sofia Monroe — OF — Harbor (12)

Eliza Stevens — OF — Soquel (12)

Gwen Vaa — OF — Aptos (10)

Lanies Nunez — C — Aptos (12)

Skyler Cloyd — P/IF — SLV (9)

Second Team

Grace Purtscher — P/IF — SLV (11)

Rona Lewis — IF — Santa Cruz (11)

Natalie Murray-Skalland — IF — Scotts Valley (11)

Angeline Lopez — IF — Aptos (9)

Lorelei Warner — IF — Scotts Valley (11)

Izzy Baker — OF — Aptos (11)

Addysin Schafer — OF — Harbor (12)

Sophia Sarmiento — OF — SLV (12)

Audrey Jouglet — C — SLV (10)

Izzy Fetke — OF — Santa Cruz (11)

Sophia Kilby — OF — Soquel (9)

Special Awards

MVPs:

Kalina Healy — Aptos (11); Emma Niizawa — Soquel (11)

Pitcher of the Year: Mya Najera-White — Aptos (11)

Impact Player of the Year: Kiyomi Dunlap — Soquel (9) Coach of the Year: Phil Rojas — Aptos

Honorable Mention

Cara Allshouse — Aptos (12)

Nova Neu — Aptos (11)

Ella Jacobs — Aptos (9)

Hana Pomerantz — Harbor (10)

Mackenzie Zamora — Harbor (9)

Lean Heitman — Harbor (10)

Bailey Filice — SLV (10)

Ray Alvarez — SLV (12)

Maddy Murphy — SLV (12)

GG Padia-Espinosa — Santa Cruz (9)

Ari Bayens — Santa Cruz (9)

Tezdyn Medina-Mates — Santa Cruz (11)

Gabriella Gauthier — Scotts Valley (10)

Jillian Oing — Scotts Valley (10)

Jazzelyn Phillips — Scotts Valley (12)

Katie Niizawa — Soquel (11)

Kylie South — Soquel (10)

Ellie Howell — Soquel (10)

Russell

& Chloe Goodman (10) — Santa Cruz

Harbor

LOCAL SPORTS

‘Summer of Soccer’

Events Underway Across Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is hosting a series of soccer-themed events this summer as part of regional celebrations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The county’s activities include beach celebrations, tournaments, public art events, youth programs and official Fan Zone watch parties intended to bring together residents and visitors around the international tournament. Giveaways and prizes include World Cup tickets, PlayStation 5 consoles and other items.

“This is about more than soccer,” Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings said in a statement. “The World Cup gives us an opportunity to bring people together across cultures, generations and communities while showcasing everything that makes Santa Cruz County special, from our beaches and redwood forests to our arts, restaurants, parks and vibrant local communities.”

The centerpiece of the celebration is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk›s World Soccer Celebration. Planned activities include a June 25 FIFA-licensed watch party for the U.S.Turkey match on Main Beach, along with a June 27 professional footvolley exhibition, beach soccer, giveaways and more.

In Watsonville, the 2026 PS5 EA Sports FC 26 Tournament runs through July 18. Organizers plan to award PlayStation 5 consoles to the winning team. Watch parties,

In Watsonville, the 2026 PS5 EA Sports FC 26 Tournament runs through July 18. Organizers plan to award PlayStation 5 consoles to the winning team.

youth programs and other community events are also planned throughout South County.

Downtown Santa Cruz is also participating through a public art installation at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, where the museum›s red ball sculpture has been transformed into a giant soccer ball. The museum plans to host a series of public watch parties during the competition, including one for the July 19 World Cup final.

Additional watch parties are planned at businesses and gathering spaces throughout the county.

“Whether you are coming for a watch party, a beach event or simply to experience the energy of the World Cup, Santa Cruz County offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and community spirit,” Visit Santa Cruz County Chief Executive Officer Terence Concannon said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to showcase our region to visitors from around the world while creating incredible experiences for the people who live here.” n

Cabrillo Stage Gears Up for Sister Act On and Offstage

When people think of musical theatre, they often picture the spotlight. But some of the most important stories begin just outside of it. At Cabrillo Stage, students not only gain hands-on experience, mentorship and confidence that shape the next generation of arts leaders but are also ushered into an ever-evolving, tight-knit

community of theater professionals. For the past 45 years, this community has kept folks coming back season after season.

The Sister Act team kicked off the summer with their season tradition: an orientation potluck where newcomers and those returning for another season could meet. At the start of the orientation, Artistic Director Andrea L. Hart had participants stay standing as she counted up the number of years people had been involved with Cabrillo Stage. By the end, long-time designer, charge artist and professor Skip Epperson and percussionist Laura McShane were still standing — each of them with more than 30 Cabrillo Stage shows under their belt. These seasoned professionals become mentors to a new generation of first-timers. An excited buzz filled the room as icebreakers and delicious food were served to unite this rich community.

Natalie Silva is back for her 10th season as props master with Cabrillo Stage. Reflecting on her previous summers here, she states, “We are so lucky to have so many incredible people! It’s honestly one of the main reasons I always look forward to and feel honored to come back.”

Natalie also eagerly shared one of her favorite Cabrillo Stage traditions — a weekly barbecue potluck for everyone in the community, organized by Technical Director Marcel Tijoe. These

check-ins are a reminder that even when going gets tough, the Cabrillo Stage community is always there to hold you up.

Another familiar face, Angela Lopes, returns as the production stage manager. Lopes first joined in 2018 as a member of the stage crew for The Producers. She has continued to return and work her way up the chain to the role of production stage manager. Despite living in New York City and working Off-Broadway, she is grateful for the opportunity to return for her seventh summer. When asked why she chooses to return to Cabrillo Stage, she excitedly says, “It feels like coming home. My love for theater grew in this place, and I owe a lot of that to the people who mentored me at Cabrillo College and Cabrillo Stage.”

Working alongside Angela Lopes is Sara Iris Brown, assistant stage manager. Brown remembers her first summer with Cabrillo during the pandemic in 2021, when they hosted several outdoor musical revues and concerts. She has returned for multiple summers as an assistant stage manager. In each of these productions, Brown reminisces on the sense of community fostered among the team, stating that, “before the first and last show, the whole cast and crew get into a big circle and give shoutouts or things we are grateful for. It always warms my heart to be a part of it and reminds me what theatre is all about.”

These professionals graciously welcome new faces, including Ricardo Vega-Cruz, who joins the run crew this summer. After working on several shows with the college, Ricardo is excited to make the jump to the summer season. When asked about the most exciting part so far, he said, “I›m having a lot of fun getting to know people. Getting to work with them, and other such lovely people, is going to be hectic but awesome.”

Each of these young artists thanks Cabrillo Stage for its focus on education and exemplary community building. Ricardo credits this strong community for aiding his career development: “It feels kind of unreal that over a year ago I had no interest in the performing arts as a career path, but thanks to Cabrillo Stage and Cabrillo College›s Theatre Arts program and all the people involved by extension, I›ve really begun to develop a belonging in the performing arts.”

Angela, Sara, Ricardo and Natalie are just a few of the many stories you’ll find over at Cabrillo Stage. In these moments of uncertainty, theater reminds us of the transformative power of human connection and healing. Life for young people, recent grads and artists is uncertain enough, and Cabrillo Stage offers a bridge. A place to land. A home. Behind the scenes, they model the magic made onstage. Whenever these students leave home, they know they are always welcome back. For many, Cabrillo Stage will remain one of their homes for years to come. n

•••

Tickets range from $25 to $65. $20 student rush tickets available 15 minutes before any evening performance with valid student ID. $45 preview performance discount on July 9 for all general and premier seating. Cabrillo Stage performs at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus (6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA). Tickets are available online at cabrillostage.com.

The box office is open for phone and walk-up sales from June 18, Thursday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and one hour before each performance. Performances are July 9-Aug. 2, 2026, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. No performance on Thursday, July 16. A postshow discussion and Q&A with the creative team follows the July 12 Sunday matinee.

Photo Credits: Rocio Salvatierra Members of the cast react to design presentations during the “Sister Act” orientation.

Photo Credits: Rocio Salvatierra Sofia Rosas, who plays Sister Mary Roberts, laughs with director Rebecca Haley Clark at the orientation potluck.

Beyond the Diploma: How PVUSD Students Are Earning Recognition That Opens Doors

By DR. HEATHER CONTRERAS, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Agrowing number of Aptos High School students participate in two powerful district-wide programs, the CA State Seal of Biliteracy and the CA State Seal of Civic Engagement; both are preparing Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) students for a future without limits.

When a student walks across the stage at graduation, they carry more than a diploma. For a growing number of young people at PVUSD, that moment also marks the achievement of a prestigious, state-recognized credential that tells the world they have risen above and beyond.

These meaningful academic recognition programs are open to all PVUSD students, and both carry the potential to change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

The Seal of Biliteracy: A Language for Every Opportunity

California’s Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. In a community as richly diverse as the Pajaro Valley, where Spanish, Mixtec, and many other languages are spoken at kitchen tables and family gatherings, this program honors what our students already bring to school every day.

The Seal of Biliteracy is more than a celebration of heritage. It is a powerful signal to colleges and employers alike. Studies consistently show that bilingual professionals command higher salaries, enjoy wider career mobility, and bring demonstrable cognitive advantages to their work.

When a PVUSD graduate hands a college admissions officer or a hiring manager a transcript bearing the Seal of Biliteracy, it communicates something unmistakable: this is a person who can bridge worlds.

“Housing Matters” from page 13

The organization relies on private donations and foundation grants to make up the difference.

As Housing Matters has expanded its programs, those funding gaps have widened, according to the organization.

The consolidation is intended to save money by allowing the two programs to share services including security, facilities management and kitchen operations. Housing

Students do not need to have grown up in a bilingual household to qualify. PVUSD world language courses, spanning Spanish, French, and more, provide a rigorous pathway for any motivated student to reach the required proficiency level. The message we send is simple: every student deserves the chance to earn this recognition, and every student who earns it will carry it for the rest of their life.

The Seal of Civic Engagement: Students Who Show Up for Their Communities

The Seal of Civic Engagement recognizes graduating students who go beyond academics to actively participate in the life of their community, volunteering, advocating, leading, and serving. It reflects a truth that great educators have always known: preparing young people for the future means preparing them not just to earn a living, but to be citizens.

Students who earn the Seal of Civic Engagement demonstrate documented service and engagement with civic institutions, local government, nonprofits, schools, environmental organizations, and more. They learn to listen, to collaborate across differences, and to take initiative on issues they care about. These are exactly the skills that colleges seek in applicants and that employers look for in new hires.

For many of our students, this program provides something deeply personal as well: a sense of agency. When a young person realizes that their voice matters, that their effort can change something in their neighborhood or their school, they leave our district not just educated, but empowered.

Programs Built for Every PVUSD Student

I want to be clear about something that sometimes gets lost in the conversation about academic distinction: these programs are not reserved for students who are already thriving. They are designed for every student in our district, students at every campus, in

Matters said those savings are necessary to move both programs toward long-term financial sustainability.

Despite the reductions, Housing Matters said it remains committed to helping people move from homelessness into stable housing.

“We remain deeply committed to our mission of empowering individuals and families on their pathway from homelessness into stable housing,” the organization said.

Housing Matters did not announce any staff reductions associated with the transition. n

every grade level, in every zip code, who want to push themselves and invest in their own future.

We are actively working to ensure that every family knows these opportunities exist, that every counselor is equipped to guide students toward them, and that every student who wants to participate has a clear path to do so.

Whether a student is college-bound, career-focused, or assessing their opportunities, the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Engagement add real, lasting value to their story. They stand out on college applications. They differentiate candidates in competitive job markets. And they serve as a reminder, long after graduation, of what that student was capable of when they decided to reach a little higher.

An Invitation

If you are a PVUSD parent, guardian, or student reading this, I encourage you to reach

out to your school counselor today and ask about both programs. Ask what the requirements are, what the timeline looks like, and how you can begin. These credentials do not come without effort, but the students who earn them will tell you that the effort was worth it.

Our students live in one of the most dynamic, complex, and promising regions of California. They deserve every advantage we can give them. The Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Engagement are not just programs, they are a promise: that Pajaro Valley Unified sees the full potential in every student, and that we are committed to helping them prove it to the world. n

Dr. Heather Contreras is the Superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Engagement programs, contact your school counselor or visit the PVUSD district website.

Community Bridges Names Steven Matzie Director of Elderday Program

WATSONVILLE — Community Bridges has appointed Steven Matzie as program director of Elderday Adult Day Health Care, a community-based program that helps older adults and people with disabilities remain independent while continuing to live at home.

Matzie succeeds longtime director Lois Sones and takes over leadership of the program as Santa Cruz County faces growing demand for aging and disability services. By 2030, one in four county residents is expected to be over age 65, increasing the need for programs that support older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities.

Most recently, Matzie served as a social work care manager with the Health Projects Center’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program, where he helped older adults develop care plans and connect with community resources. During more than a decade working in aging services, he has focused on care coordination, advocacy, community outreach and support for seniors and their families.

“Steven brings the right combination of professional experience, community knowledge, advocacy, and heart to lead this essential program,” said Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino. “His background in aging services and care coordination will help Elderday continue meeting the needs of participants, families and caregivers across our region.”

Before joining Community Bridges, Matzie served as long-term care ombudsman program coordinator at

Advocacy, Inc., where he worked to protect residents’ rights and support long-term care facilities. He also held positions with Senior Network Services and Lifespan, Inc., and led the 60Plus Senior Program at The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, providing social and educational programming for LGBTQ+ older adults.

“I’m energized by the opportunity to lead Elderday at such an important moment for older adults, people with disabilities and the families who care for them,” Matzie said. “Elderday has an extraordinary team, a strong foundation and a mission that matters.”

Elderday provides adult day health care, nursing support, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, transportation, care coordination and caregiver respite services. The program allows many participants to remain safely in their homes while receiving health and social support.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Community Bridges’ older adult and access programs provided more than 207,000 senior meals, nearly 179,000 home-delivered meals, more than 14,000 days of elder care and nearly 110,000 door-to-door rides.

Sones, who guided Elderday through a major facility transition and expanded its services, said she is confident in the program’s future under Matzie’s leadership.

“Steven brings a deep understanding of aging services, advocacy and person-centered care,” Sones said. “I am grateful to see Elderday’s next chapter entrusted to someone who shares that commitment.”

Matzie holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Humboldt State University and an associate degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix. n

Reflecting on My Campaign

By Tony Nuñez

Over the course of this campaign, we had the opportunity to do something truly meaningful.

Some of the most meaningful moments of this campaign were not public events or big announcements. They were the quiet conversations on front porches, the walks with family through neighborhoods I have known my whole life, and the residents who trusted me enough to share what they love about our community and what they need from their county government.

We knocked on doors, walked neighborhoods, visited mobile home parks, talked with small business owners, stood in driveways, sat at kitchen tables, and heard directly from the people of District 4 about their hopes, frustrations, and dreams for the future of our community.

This campaign was about the conversations we had along the way. It was about the residents who opened their doors and shared their stories. It was about the voters who asked hard questions, challenged us to be better, and reminded us why this work matters. It was about the volunteers who gave up evenings and weekends because they believed in something bigger than themselves. It was about families, workers, seniors, young people, and longtime residents who reminded us every day that our community is full of pride, honesty, resilience, and a deep belief that we deserve a government that listens and delivers.

I am especially grateful for the way this

“Bonny Doon Death” from page 8

campaign brought people together. Friends, family, neighbors, former classmates, community leaders, and first-time volunteers all stepped forward to help carry this message across Watsonville, the Pajaro Valley, and South County.

We built a campaign rooted in access, opportunity, and accountability. But more than that, we built relationships. We heard about the need for health care close to home, safer roads, more affordable housing, better parks and community spaces, stronger support for small businesses, and a county government that shows up for South County.

As ballots continue to be counted and the election process moves forward, I remain deeply respectful of that process. But regardless of the final outcome, I know this: this campaign has made me more hopeful than ever about the future of our community.

No matter what happens next, my family and I are deeply grateful for the trust, encouragement, and support we received throughout this journey.

To every voter who opened their door, shared their story, asked a question, or cast a ballot: thank you. To every volunteer, donor, endorser, and supporter who took the time to believe in this campaign: thank you.

This campaign might be coming to a close, but the work of serving this community continues. This experience has only strengthened my commitment to showing up, working hard, and delivering for Watsonville, the Pajaro Valley, and South County. n

Two Santa Cruz Firefighters were lowered from the cliff edge down to the rock shelf below via the rope system. Once on the shelf, fire personnel assessed the victim and determined that he was deceased. Fire personnel then packaged the victim into a stokes basket and a hauling team raised the victim and the rescuers back up to the top off the bluff. The victim was then turned over to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office coroner. n

2026 WORLD’S SHORTEST PARADE

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our Country

From TIMES PUBLISHING GROUP, INC.

Independence Day in the United States, celebrated on July 4th, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Indepen dence in 1776.

On this day, the thirteen American colonies declared their freedom from British rule and formed a new nation — the United States of America.

Party in the Park

After the Parade, be sure to stop by Aptos Village Park for fun, food and games!

Get your groove on with The Joint Chiefs from Noon – 4 pm!

Party in the park is a post-parade community celebration! There will be games for children, fabulous food, live music and craft vendors.

Capitola Aptos Rotary will host the Beer Booth as the community comes together for another great Fourth of July celebration.

Come down to the park once our parade ends and enjoy the fun! n

A $5 donation to support the event would be appreciated.

It symbolizes the country’s founding principles of freedom, democracy, and selfgovernance, and is celebrated with fireworks, parades, patriotic music, and gatherings to honor the nation’s history and the sacrifices made for liberty.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, we also take a moment to recognize the heart of what makes our country special — our community. In our small town, we find the true meaning of freedom: neighbors looking out

Grand Marshals 2026: Seascape Golf Club

Located only a half mile away from the shores of the Pacific Ocean and framed by majestic Monterey pines and towering eucalyptus trees, Seascape Golf Club’s 6,034-yard par 71, exceedingly-playable golf course features immaculately-manicured fairways, rolling hills, and small, challenging greens.

Seascape Golf Club opened as the Aptos Beach Country Club and Lodge. Designed by Willie Locke in 1926, the course was repurposed during World War II to serve as a “victory garden” for the war effort.

The name eventually switched to Seascape Golf Club and the course has since maintained its reputation for being a fun to

play, well-conditioned course in a beautiful location.

The lodge, which was the first building built for the development, initially served as the clubhouse for the country club. Guests and potential real estate customers were accommodated upstairs above the main room.

The names Aptos Beach Country Club and Aptos-By-The-Sea were phased out in favor of the swankier name, Rio Del Mar. Over time, the name of the golf course changed from Rio Del Mar to Aptos Beach Golf Course, to Aptos Seascape Golf Course, to Seascape Golf Club in 1998.

In December 2018, the golf course was returned to local ownership and is currently celebrating 100 years of great golf. n

for one another, families growing together, and shared traditions that bring us closer.

Thank you to everyone who contributes in big and small ways — from volunteers and local workers to the friendly faces that make this place feel like home. Let’s continue to support, uplift, and celebrate one another.

Let’s honor the spirit of freedom and unity that brings us all together. Have a happy Independence Day! n

2026 President’s Message

From AUDRIES BLAKE, Board President, Aptos Chamber of Commerce; Associate Director of Community Relations, UC Santa Cruz

Aptos is a special place, steeped in a rich history. For those who live here, the sense of community and spirit of camaraderie are vibrant, foundational to what we see and experience everyday.

A small town with a big heart, this community shows its spirit at the “World’s Shortest 4th of July Parade ” This year will be its 65th year featuring floats, classic cars, and community groups where people watching on the sidelines can dance to the music, cheer with groups who are marching, and show their Aptos pride with pets and colorful costumes.

If you are from the area, or are in town to visit this beautiful area, come be a part of the fun.

Happy 4th of July, and thank you for being part of this amazing community! n

Santa Cruz County Residents Warned About Fireworks Enforcement

Santa Cruz County residents are warned to not light fireworks this Fourth of July holiday and that infractions can result in a $1,000 fine. The ban will be particularly enforced on county beaches.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report violations. Residents can use the Citizen Connect mobile app to report illegal fireworks activity, providing real-time data to law enforcement officers. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office collaborates with other agencies to monitor and respond to fireworks-related incidents, ensuring a coordinated effort to uphold safety standards.

Santa Cruz County’s regulations against fireworks are mainly to prevent wildfires. Under Chapter 7.92 of the Santa Cruz County Code, the possession, manufacture, storage,

sale, handling, and use of fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated areas. Violations of these regulations can result in misdemeanor charges and significant fines. During Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, any violation of designated offenses, including fireworks-related offenses, is subject to an enhanced fine of $1,000.

While the county enforces a general ban on fireworks, certain cities within Santa Cruz County have their own regulations. For instance, the City of Watsonville permits the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks during specific times around Independence Day, provided they are purchased from licensed vendors and used responsibly. However, these fireworks are still prohibited in unincorporated areas and on county beaches. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

UCSC Grad Marty O’Reilly’s Musical Path Leads On Summer Tour Stops at High Sierra Music Fest Before Heading to Europe

By JON CHOWN

When UC Santa Cruz alum Marty O’Reilly left the county to relocate to Sonoma about five years ago, his musical career took a new direction as well.

While he’d long been the lead man of Marty O’Reilly and The Old Soul Orchestra, he’d always had a band behind him. Now, he rarely does. And though years ago he never wanted to play solo, “I love playing solo now,” he said.

His latest project is Rhinefarm, which refers to the historic Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, established in 1858. He performed at the winery as a child, and was married to his wife there. “It’s really special to me,” he said. The songs are mostly about growing up, and raising a family. He recorded the songs at the home studio of some friends over nine months. He said the music, like the way it was recorded, has a feeling of not being rushed.

This summer he will follow his path as a solo artist around the Pacific Northwest before an interlude at the High Sierra Musical Festival and then off to Europe before returning to the United States and Canada to finish the tour.

“It was hard to break up the band, but also empowering because I had to learn how to become a more compelling solo performer,” he said. “Now, I can carry the show on my back.” That’s both figuratively and literally.

Of the entire tour, O’Reilly said he is most looking forward to the High Sierra Music Festival from July 2-5, where he performed with his band in 2019.

“It’s basically my favorite music festival,” he said. “The thing about festivals is that big festivals can bring you big acts, while small festivals bring you a real sense of community. High Sierra strikes this balance of being just big enough to bring some real cool bands and small

enough to have a sense of community around it. That’s why it’s so beloved.”

O’Reilly arrived in Santa Cruz in 2010 as a transfer student majoring in environmental studies. He eschewed the Music major, as he said it would not have fit him.

“I’m a Waldorf kid,” he said. “I felt like environmental studies was a program that would feel safe and familiar to me.”

O’Reilly said he did take some jazz and music theory classes. “I think I struggled more than anybody in the class and learned more than anybody else in the class.”

It was an unusual journey, but O’Reilly said that his environmental studies major actually led him on the path to his musical career. While applying for an internship at Natural Bridges State Beach, he met his future fiddle player Chris Lynch, and through him, the rest of his future band. Their debut album “Pray for Rain” was a big hit. Four years later they released Stereoscope.

“Then I started a family and the pandemic hit,” O’Reilly said. “It became apparent I needed to either find another job and quit doing this full time, or try to go it alone and see if I could create enough momentum by myself.”

O’Reilly said the overhead was too high to take a four-piece band on tour, so he needed to go solo. “It opens more doors,” he said. “I do about 100 shows per year. It’s really hard work. … Life is challenging, but good.”

O’Reilly will said he’ll be taking his wife and child to the High Sierra Music Festival, where he has two scheduled appearances, and will also be on hand to sit in during other performances. “There will be a little less jamming out and more song-driven stories,” O’Reilly said of his appearance at this year’s festival.

“Marty O’Reilly” page 26

Affordable Housing Project in Live Oak Gets Squeezed Changes Made Due to Requirements by Coastal Commission

By JON CHOWN

SANTA CRUZ — Housing planned for the county-owned 7th Avenue and Brommer Street property in Live Oak will be concentrated into a smaller area and kept farther from the coast under changes approved June 9 by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

The board voted to accept modifications from the California Coastal Commission that place new limits on how housing can be developed at the site, one of the county’s most important locations for future affordable housing.

Under the new requirements, any housing built at the property must be clustered into the smallest feasible footprint and can occupy no more than 3.5 contiguous acres, including parking areas, pathways and required open space. Development must be located along 7th Avenue and near existing residences on Stagg Lane, rather than closer to the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The changes are intended to balance the county’s housing goals with the need to protect coastal resources and public access, and preserve portions of the property for commercial uses and open space for the community and visitors. The smaller footprint, though, will create challenges to the project.

“Our Housing Element states 95 units of affordable housing. Are we confident that 95 units will be able to fit in that 3.5-acre space?”

asked Supervisor Monica Martinez.

County staff assured her that they would. Neighbors to the project were not as sure as voiced their displeasure during public comment.

“Ninety-five houses will not fit with cars,” said a neighborhood resident who identified herself as Jenny. Others followed. “When you put 95 units in, you’re going to put more than 100 more cars on the road. Imagine that! You can’t even get through now. What are you going to do with all that traffic?” said one man who did not identify himself.

No matter how squeezed, the project will move forward under ministerial approval. There will be no public hearings. The final project will not go before the Planning Commission nor the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Justin Cummings said the county had little choice other than to approve the changes and really had no voice in the matter. He pointed to this project, where the developer simply has to meet with community members and hear their concerns, but make no changes before staff will

almost certainly approve it. He suggested residents contact their state representatives to complain.

“It’s really unfortunate that the state is taking our control over development,” he said. “And they taking away our control over whether we can require parking. Having lived in a city with inadequate parking, I can tell you that it’s not going to be fun.”

The 7th and Brommer site has long been identified by county officials as a mixed-use opportunity area. County planning documents envision a combination of affordable housing, commercial space and a community park or open-space area on the publicly owned property.

funding, making it one of the most significant affordable housing projects currently under consideration in the county. Permit applications are already underway.

Steven Marino, speaking for Housing Works, said he thought the changes were a fair compromise.

“It will make sure the project will move forward and won’t put any grant money at risk,” he said.

No matter how squeezed, the project will move forward under ministerial approval. There will be no public hearings. The final project will not go before the Planning Commission nor the Board of Supervisors.

The property is owned by the county’s Redevelopment Successor Agency, which currently has an exclusive negotiating agreement with Community Housing Works for development of a housing project.

County officials said the proposed development has already secured more than $46 million in state disaster-relief

According to the staff report, the changes stem from the county’s broader Housing Element Rezone Program, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in April 2025. The program updated land-use designations for 38 parcels and zoning for 43 parcels throughout Santa Cruz County to help satisfy state housing requirements outlined in the county’s 2023 Housing Element.

Most of those properties are outside the Coastal Zone and did not require review by the California Coastal Commission. However, seven parcels included in the rezoning package are located within the Coastal Zone

and required state certification before the changes could take effect.

Those parcels include two at the 7th and Brommer site as well as several other properties in Live Oak and the county’s coastal area that were rezoned to support future housing development.

County staff submitted the coastal rezoning package to the Coastal Commission in September 2025. Following months of review, the commission certified the zoning changes during a public hearing on May 14, but required modifications before granting final approval.

According to the staff report, staff worked closely with Coastal Commission personnel to craft the final language. The commission’s changes focused primarily on the 7th and Brommer property because it is designated as a Coastal Priority Site, a classification that requires special attention to coastal resource protection and public access issues.

The county also determined that no additional environmental review was required because the housing-related landuse changes had already been evaluated as part of previous environmental studies connected to the county’s General Plan and Housing Element planning efforts. n

CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital Stepping Down

Health Care Facility Receives $10 million State

Grant

Watsonville Community Hospital recently announced that CEO Stephen Gray is stepping down in July.

The announcement came within days after the hospital was just awarded $10.6 million in grant money from the state, provided though the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, legislation recently championed by Sen. John Laird and quickly passed.

Gray has led the Watsonville Community Hospital since November 2023. During his tenure, WCH has made significant progress in the face of ongoing financial challenges, according to hospital leadership.

“Steve’s commitment as the hospital’s CEO

has bettered the lives of patients, staff and the larger Pajaro Valley community,” Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board Member Marcus Pimentel said. “Steve’s leadership was critical during the transition to a community-owned hospital, when we lacked systems and support. We’re grateful that Steve believed in our hospital.”

Gray managed the implementation of the hospital’s first strategic plan since public ownership. He also oversaw the Measure N general obligation bond measure, approved by voters in 2024 to provide funding to purchase, then

modernize and expand the hospital. Also under Gray’s oversight, the hospital has established primary care services on campus.

More recently, the hospital’s financial position has improved significantly, with operations now generating positive revenue and more than $10 million in emergency state funding awarded.

Assembly Bill 108, signed into law in May, provides grants to public and nonprofit hospitals that meet several criteria, including having less than 10 days of cash on hand and having more than half of their patients on

Agovernment-funded insurance programs or uninsured. The law was designed for Watsonville Community Hospital, with just one or two others that could have qualified.

An interim CEO will lead WCH beginning in July. The search for a permanent CEO will take place in Fall 2026.

Watsonville Community Hospital serves the Pajaro Valley and surrounding communities in Santa Cruz County and northern Monterey County, providing a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital is governed by the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, a local public agency whose board is elected by the community. n

County Fair Winemaking Competition Issues Call

mateur winemakers from across the Central Coast and Bay Area are invited to showcase their craft in the Santa Cruz County Fair’s annual Amateur Winemaking Competition, organizers announced.

The competition is open to home winemakers residing in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Organizers say the event offers amateur vintners an opportunity to have their wines blind tasted and evaluated by a panel of expert judges using the respected U.C. Davis System of Judging.

Entries are accepted in a variety of categories, including white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; red wines including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah; as well as rosé, sparkling, dessert and fruit wines.

Whether participants produce classic varietals or lesser-known wines, organizers encourage home winemakers to enter and receive professional feedback on their work.

Awards will include Best of Show plaques, division awards and ribbons. All entries will receive a placement ranging from Gold to Honorable Mention.

There is no fee to enter the competition. Entries must be submitted online through the Santa Cruz County Fair website. Bottle submissions will be accepted between July 1 and July 22. n Additional information, entry requirements and the 2026 Fair Entry Guide are available on the Santa Cruz County Fair website at santacruzcountyfair.com/2026-entry-guides.

Stephen Gray

County Eases ADU Laws at State’s Direction Some Lots Could Have up to Four Units

By JON CHOWN

SANTA CRUZ — Homeowners in Santa Cruz County will soon have more flexibility to build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, after county supervisors approved changes to local housing rules at their June 9 meeting.

The changes were basically forced by new state law and will allow property owners to add backyard homes, garage conversions, and other accessory units.

One of the biggest changes increases the number of ADUs allowed on some residential properties. In certain cases, a lot with a single-family home could now have up to four accessory units, including a combination of detached ADUs, converted spaces, and junior accessory dwelling units, known as JADUs. The county’s previous ordinance allowed one ADU (conversion, attached, or detached) and one JADU or up to two ADUs on a lot.

County officials said the update is due to changes in state law aimed at encouraging more housing construction.

“HCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) wants us to

Review times for ADU applications will also be shortened. County planners will now generally have 15 business days to review permit applications instead of the previous 60-day timeline required under older regulations.

Several updates are intended to help property owners avoid costly building requirements. The construction of an ADU will no longer automatically trigger fire sprinkler requirements in an existing home or force a change in building occupancy classification unless specific health and safety concerns are identified.

The ordinance also legalizes more pathways for older, unpermitted ADUs. Units built before 2020 may be approved even if they do not fully comply with local ADU standards, unless county officials determine that serious health or safety hazards exist.

change our ordinance, basically,” said County Counsel Jason Heath.

County Staff warned that if the changes were not made and HCD found the county out of compliance, it would be referred to the attorney general for action.

The ordinance also removes several restrictions that housing advocates have argued made ADUs more difficult and expensive to build. Under the new rules, detached ADUs of 800 square feet or less will no longer be required to provide an additional parking space. Front-yard setback requirements can also be reduced when necessary to allow construction of an ADU up to 800 square feet.

The county also updated height limits to match state law. In some areas near major transit routes, detached ADUs may now be built up to 18 feet tall, with an additional two feet allowed if the roof pitch matches the primary home.

Other changes make it easier to convert existing buildings into housing. Garage conversions and other conversion ADUs may include small additions for entrances and exits, and property owners with unpermitted homes may seek permits for both a primary residence and an ADU at the same time.

The ordinance removes the owner-occupancy requirement for most ADUs, meaning property owners generally will not have to live on-site in order to rent out an accessory unit. The change follows new state laws intended to expand housing availability.

Despite the easing of many regulations, the county kept protections for environmentally sensitive areas, agricultural lands, and coastal hazard zones. New language clarifies that ADUs must still comply with Coastal Act protections and objective environmental standards.

District 2 Supervisor Kimberly De Serpa mentioned that the county had received correspondence from the California Housing Defense Fund warning that the new ordinance would still not meet state law in a variety of ways. The seven-page letter outlined changes the group was demanding.

“They have indicated multiple areas that will not be lawful apparently,” she said. “I have obviously no expertise to tell if this is true or not … I read every word there and it does seem legitimate so I am wondering why we wouldn’t use that, lay it against our own and try to make amendments if necessary?”

“As staff reported, we’ve already consulted with HCD in the very drafting of this and if HCD had a problem with what we were doing, HCD would have told us that,” replied Heath. n

To Pay Off a Mortgage or Not

People often ask me if they should pay off their mortgage when they have excess cash or, instead, invest the money in the stock market.

Seeing as a mortgage is borrowed money and is an obligation to pay sometime in the future, I put the “invest in the stock market” idea to rest right away. I know some advisors might suggest using that money to invest rather than paying off a mortgage, but I am flat out against it.

Never borrow money to put in the stock market unless you can afford to lose it and losing it won’t put you in financial straits.

Just look at the standard disclaimer on many stock platforms and it says you can lose some or all of your money. The odds are you won’t lose it all but take the disclaimer at its word. Keep in mind, advisors only make money on the funds in the stock account so they could have a vested interest in getting as much money as possible. In my opinion, run far and wide from any advisor that suggests using borrowed money to buy stocks with it.

That said, some people just dislike the idea of owing money. For them, the answer is an obvious one.

For others, whether you pay off a part or all of a mortgage depends on a handful of factors and there is no hard and fast rule to answer that question. The interest rate might be the first

thing to look at. Compare the mortgage rate with the going rate of a bank account or CD. If the mortgage rate is higher than a CD, you might consider throwing some money at it.

Opportunity Cost is a term that compares what return one can get on one investment against another. For example, if a checking account pays 0 % and a savings account pays 3%, the opportunity cost pretty much dictates the obvious choice. Another example is if a rental property yields 2.5% after all your costs and a CD yields 4%, the CD is the obvious choice if one just looks at the Return on Investment (ROI). The CD makes you more money than the rental. An added consideration would be a rental has more risks than a CD. Another factor is the decision, however, might be that the house could appreciate in value while a CD will not. Another factor to consider is one that most people don’t realize. In an inflationary environment, which is pretty much the last 50 years or so here in the U.S., keeping a mortgage with a reasonable interest rate could be an inflation hedge. Since a debt amount always remains the same, if inflation is a concern, keeping a mortgage means you will be paying off that debt with cheaper dollars in the future. Inflation makes each dollar worth less while salaries and other investments will climb in price right along with inflation. This means that the mortgage —

when adjusted for inflation — will effectively diminish in real terms, making it a smaller financial burden as the years go by.

One could apply the same reasoning to student debt, a car loan or other revolving debt like a credit card. In the case of the latter two types of debt, however, car and credit card debt are usually at higher rates, making the decision to pay off those debts before paying off a lower rate mortgage an easy one.

Finally, there could be tax implications, both negative and positive, when electing to pay one debt versus another.

Those questions should be answered by a tax professional.

By MARC CUNIBERTI

Reviewing all the options as to where to deploy spare cash is a thoughtful exercise that ensures your money is working efficiently and in alignment with your long-term goals. n

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

TV Dads

$15,000

Damians Ladder has received a $15,000 general operating support grant from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to help seniors and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes through essential home repairs and modifications.

The funding will support the organization’s mission of providing low- or no-cost repairs for older adults and residents with disabilities throughout Santa Cruz County.

For many seniors, minor home issues — such as broken steps, missing grab bars or doors that no longer close properly — can threaten their ability to live independently. Damians Ladder addresses those needs through small but critical repairs designed to improve safety and accessibility.

“We are deeply grateful to Community Foundation Santa Cruz County for this generous grant,” said Ann Bennett Young, executive director of Damians Ladder. “This support goes directly to the heart of our work — making sure seniors and people with disabilities in our community can stay in the homes they love safely and with dignity.”

Kevin Heuer, director of engagement and impact for Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, said the grant reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting nonprofits during a challenging financial climate.

“The charitable funds that families have established here serve as our community’s permanent resource for strengthening the civic fabric that makes Santa Cruz County resilient,”

Heuer said. “It’s a time of fiscal uncertainty for many nonprofits, but we’re proud to provide steady, reliable funding to our trusted partners so they can continue their vital work caring for our community.”

General operating support grants allow nonprofits to cover essential expenses such as tools, materials, coordination and outreach, helping organizations continue providing services to residents in need. n •••

To learn more about Damians Ladder, request services, volunteer or donate, visit damiansladder.org or email atyourservice@ damiansladder.org.

For more information about Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, visit cfscc.org or email cfhelp@cfscc.org.

Watching The Markets So You Don’t Have To

Mercury’s Retrograde Shadow — Humanity Slows Down

“Marty O’Reilly” from page 21

High Sierra Changes Locations

Retrograde Shadow — every planet retrogrades. On June 12/13, the Earth, her kingdoms and humanity entered the shadow of the upcoming Mercury retrograde (June 29 – July 23). Every planet retrogrades. “Retrogrades” occur when the Earth passes by a planet. It looks like the planet is moving backward. This apparent “turning back” of a planet is called “retrograde.”

Before and after a retrograde occurs, there is a retrograde shadow time. It has to do with the planet’s slowing down (before the retrograde) and accelerating (after the retrograde) movements.

Before a retrograde, planets slows down. During retrograde, the planet looks to be moving backwards. After the retrograde, the planet, moving forward again, must learn to move a bit faster to reach the actual degree of retrograde. Then, the planet ‘surges forward.”

When Mercury slows down, we slow down too. Our mental abilities, pace of daily life, ability to be detailed, organized and analytical, all slow down. Firm decisions become difficult, planning, too. We begin to forget things.

All of this is natural. Because everything that occurs here on Earth has its origins in the heavens. What occurs above, occurs here, too. The sky is our classroom, our teacher, directing and guiding us. Knowing astrology helps humanity work with the energies of the heavens. Instead, knowing nothing of these things, humanity lives and sees “through a glass darkly.” When we do know astrology and apply it, heaven and humanity become friends again.

That won’t be the only change. The High Sierra Music Festival has moved from its longtime location in Quincy to the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Dave Margulies, producer of the festival, said the new location fits like a glove.

“It’s perhaps the nicest fairgrounds I’ve ever worked with. It’s a spectacular venue. We were fortunate they had an opening,” he said.

We are presently in Mercury’s pre-retrograde time, in the shadow of the upcoming retrograde. Mercury’s movements affect humanity‘s day-to-day living. Why? Mercury is our communication, commerce, interactions, human interplay. Mercury works with Gemini and Virgo –signs keeping humanity connected and interacting, bringing babies into the world, and holding the heavens together in harmony and grace.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 9)

You’re everywhere, here and there, all at once. The energies are complex - dynamic, contemplative, fiery and watery, leading to excess activities tinged with the blues. Attempt to focus in your heart. This allows all new ideas from the Mind of God, from your intuition, to filter through the question “Is this for the Goodwill of humanity and Earth’s kingdoms?” Then you will know the best course of action through these unsettled, filled with crisis and uncertain challenging times.

TAURUS (Apr 10 – May 20)

You’re often found in serious study, sorting out details, feelings, instincts, and intuitions. You seek at all times the truth and the heart of what matters. You may not know why you feel a certain way; however, you must still express to others your thoughts, timings and realities. Even if the path has been found, the past hasn’t caught up to the present/future yet. And it’s important to move forward in right timing. This is the wise way of astrology. Later, after events unfold, you understand your intuitions.

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20)

Do not be discouraged or dismayed. Remain undismayed and observing. Use your heart and intuition to assess the difference between wants, needs, and aspirations. Pleasure is often delayed until just the right time when all the parts and people come together. Be very aware of the upcoming full and new moon festivals. Love pours down during the festivals, and since you’re Ray 2 (Love/Wisdom), you’re in its direct pathway. Allow nothing to interrupt your meditations concerning these festivals. They are your Path of Return.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Anything unresolved with those close to us (especially those who have died) reappears through dreams, feelings, thoughts, emotions and memories. Attempt to reconnect with the past with love and grace and know that “Love underlies all happenings of all people and events and things at all times.” Earth is a planet where we release our sorrows and the grief we experience strengthens us. Thoughts of reconciliation are impressed upon your higher mind.

Upcoming events: Sunday, June 21, Father’s Day, Sun enters Cancer, Summer begins. It’s Summer solstice! Monday, June 29, Mercury retrogrades at 26 degrees Gemini (retrograde ‘til July 23). Later in the day is the Cancer solar festival (at the time of the full moon). The Soul’s keynote (message) for Cancer “I build a lighted house for humanity and therein dwell.” n

Read Risa’s daily writings at Risa D’Angeles FB page and https:// nightlightnews.org/daily-postings/

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Often you feel the need to navigate the emotional tides rising and falling in and out of your life. See yourself at the seashore, building a fire close to the water’s edge. Then contemplate the elements – earth, air, fire and water. When they fuse and blend, a new reality, new direction and a new awareness of life emerges. The challenge will be maintaining an inner steady course when responsibilities become overwhelming. You’re being asked to sustain many in the world through your vital, loving leadership. You are the ship as well as the ship’s captain.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Observe yourself these next weeks. You will be creative yet very practical with money and finances. Your day-to-day events, plans, connections and agendas fall into place easily and with purpose. Even if you feel a bit like running away into a state of refuge, you’ll focus instead on how to bring balance and harmony, caution and care into all situations. The weeks ahead are paradoxical with polarized realities everywhere. Stand in the middle where the light is. Light contains information. It provides you with the sustenance needed to serve and to save.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You continue to assess your state of self-identity within relationships. You ask what you are able to provide to others, especially those close to you. You also review your needs, an important assessment, in comparison to others’ needs. Sometimes realizations can be difficult, especially for Librans who want to have harmony above conflict, ease above constant change. You seek fun and play, yet also depth, meaning, closeness and above all, freedom. Maintain a quiet repose this week, listening to others, listening also to your own heartbeat. A harmony arises.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

It’s important to focus on and find ways to express your love to others, first through words and then through things shared: exercise, play, games, cross words, walks, cooking, music, dance, theatre, children, the arts. Perhaps viewing things of comfort. In all areas of expression include movement. It will sustain and stabilize any emotional upheavals you may feel. Physical discomfort may make you feel like escape is necessary. Yes, do escape in whatever way you can. Rest, ease and health these days are most important.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Use your mind and body to focus on health – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Think first of care and prevention. Add things that you really enjoy doing with others. All of these are important for a thriving and useful life. Add confidence, realize you plan intelligently and well, and when you’re truly mindful, your communication offers others strength and enthusiasm. Ponder these things during Gemini. It is a most subtle, integrative time for you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

As you tend to unusual and perhaps changeable domestic situations, applying direction for others with the necessary discipline, you come to a time when the need for freedom becomes paramount. Travel may be required. Be careful with family communication. You could become impatient and say things you later regret. You may work harder and longer than usual. Let the focus be balance, not work. Let all others around you know they are of value. Point out their values. Your task is the harmonizer.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Maintain strict limits and agendas so time, money and resources are not wasted. Discipline allows for intuition and direction to emerge. With no discipline intuition has nothing to focus upon. Pray, write down, share and call for what you need. The spiritual law is, “Ask from the heart and it will be given.” Give and give again and more will be asked of you. Both must occur. Think about your life and the goodness it provides. Goodness rules the life of a disciple.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Mars in Taurus and Uranus and Sun in Gemini these days. What and how you communicate will affect many people. Tell the truth about your experiences. People listen to stories. Let people know your real needs, inner and outer. Physical needs are as important as spiritual needs. There is most likely a challenging situation in your life now. Move toward it with grace and ponder upon it with loving will(ingness) and confident prayer. Great good will come forth. Remember this when the path becomes difficult. Comfort is in the air. Reading and reciting Psalm 23 brings comfort.

Margulies said this year’s lineup will be much like past years’, with a wide variety of music ranging from bluegrass to funk. “You can’t put us in a box. We love everything from psychedelic rock to avant jazz.”

Margulies said O’Reilly’s blend of Americana, blues, and folk fits right into the mix.

“Marty is a force of nature,” Margulies said. “He’s an amazing singer, fantastic songwriter and guitar player. He can sing with incredible power.” n

For more information on Marty O’Reilly’s tour, go to martyoreilly.com. For more information on the High Sierra Music Festival, go to highsierramusic.com.

“Briefs” from page 10

After the initial crash, the Kawasaki and the driver continued in a southeasterly direction.

The motorcycle crashed with a metal guardrail located east of northbound State Route 9, and the driver came to a rest on a dirt embankment. As a result of the crash, the driver sustained major injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital. The rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Santa Cruz METRO Adds Late-Night Service for World Cup Matches

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz METRO will add late-night Highway 17 Express service for select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Levi’s Stadium to help fans travel between Santa Cruz County and San Jose after evening games.

Additional return trips from San Jose Diridon Station will operate June 16 at 12:30 a.m. and 1:50 a.m., June 19 at 12:30 a.m., and June 22 at 12:30 a.m. Riders can connect from Diridon Station to transit services serving the stadium area.

METRO officials said the extra service is intended to provide an alternative to driving as large crowds, traffic and limited parking are expected around Levi’s Stadium during the tournament.

The Highway 17 Express serves downtown Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. Fares are $7 one way and $14 round trip.

METRO also announced that beginning June 18, select late-night Route 1 trips will start near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk before continuing to the River Front Transit Center and beginning their regular route 15 minutes later.

More information is available at https:// scmetro.org/fifa2026/.

California Insurance Commissioner Race is Set: Kim vs. Allen

By LEVI SUMAGAYSAY, CalMatters

For the first time since California insurance commissioner became an elected position, two Democrats will vie for the job in November.

The top two vote-getters in the June primary were former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Jane Kim and state Sen. Ben Allen, who received about 27% and 20% of the vote, respectively. One of them will succeed Ricardo Lara, the former Democratic lawmaker who has served two terms as insurance commissioner. Lara has presided over the Insurance Department in the past eight years, during which the state saw its deadliest and most devastating fires.

Kim or Allen will be taking on complicated, enormous challenges that have implications for local communities, people’s ability to buy homes and start businesses, and the state’s economy.

In the past few years, insurance companies stopped writing new policies or renewing old ones, especially in high-risk areas, citing increasing wildfire risk from climate change and inflation that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused homeowners to turn to the last-resort FAIR Plan, which is mandated by law to provide fire insurance. The plan, run by an alliance of insurers, has grown to more than 684,000 policies in force as of March, an increase of 152% since September 2022. It has warned about its ability to keep paying claims after major disasters.

Proposition 103, a law approved by voters in 1988, means that among many other things, the elected commissioner has the power to approve rate increases. It has kept the state’s rates from rising too much over the years — Californians’ homeowners insurance premiums have hovered around the middle of the pack nationwide — but that could change. Last year, the commissioner put in place regulations that include new factors insurers can use when setting their premiums, such as catastrophe modeling and reinsurance costs. Some companies have applied for and received approval to raise their rates, so they’re starting to write policies again.

Keeping insurance available but affordable will be the most pressing issue for either Kim or Allen, whose responsibilities will also include regulating auto, pet and some aspects of health insurance, plus workers’ compensation.

Another problem that will need plenty of attention: making sure insurance companies pay their claims in a timely manner that helps communities to rebuild. The L.A.-area fires shed a light on insurer practices that delay

and deny claims, as well as underinsurance and the lack of standards for smoke damage, which have held up recovery. Pending legislation — such as those authored by Allen, whose district was hit by the fires last year — and lawsuits will address some of those issues. Well-organized fire survivors who called for Lara’s resignation over his department’s response to their concerns will surely keep up the pressure on his successor.

Here’s a look at each candidate’s record and how she or he would approach the job, based on their interviews with CalMatters and what they have said publicly, including at candidate forums.

Jane Kim

Kim’s proposal to create “natural disaster insurance for all,” inspired by a program in New Zealand, has gotten a lot of attention. She plans to fund such a system with a portion of policyholder premiums that insurance companies would collect and divert to the state. The state would then guarantee fire and flood coverage, while insurance companies would continue to cover other risks.

Naysayers, including consumer advocates, wonder why she hasn’t released any specifics about how much capital such a fund would require. Kim told CalMatters that it would need to be studied, but that at its core her proposal would generate revenue.

Opponents of her proposal also say it’s a bad idea to shift catastrophic burden onto the state, pointing to what they say is the failure of splitting off earthquake insurance from homeowner insurance — most California homeowners now have no insurance coverage.

“We (taxpayers) already are on the hook,” Kim said. “When insurers and utilities refuse to pay, they just pass it on to us anyway. Sharing the risk is important.”

Kim also told CalMatters that an idea Merritt Farren, a Republican candidate for commissioner, proposed — that the state create a reinsurance authority to encourage insurers to write policies in the state — “may turn out to be a more efficient model.”

Among Kim’s shorter-term priorities if she wins:

• Create public dashboards to show how insurance companies are spending policyholder premiums, and their record on claims

• Expand eligibility for a program that provides low-cost insurance to drivers who make less than $38,000 a year

• Tie a company’s ability to sell auto insurance in the state to its willingness to write homeowner policies

• Make the FAIR Plan more transparent by requiring that its board members and meetings be public

• Freeze rates when policyholders file claims

The former San Francisco elected official, an attorney, touts among her accomplishments free community college for the city’s residents; the first $15 minimum wage ordinance in the state; and a tenant-protection ordinance to avoid unjust evictions. She worked as the California director for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 U.S. presidential campaign and most recently as California Director for the Working Families Party.

Kim has a long list of endorsers, including many unions such as SEIU Cali-

fornia. Besides Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna has also endorsed her.

The state senator, who will be termed out of the Legislature, wants to bring together the state, insurers, builders, local governments and firefighters to work on riskreduction strategies.

“I think that›s ultimately going to be the way that we get ourselves out of this mess,” he told CalMatters.

What he calls a comprehensive approach includes thinking about where people live and build:

“We shouldn›t be building new construction that is irresponsible in high-risk areas. We should be looking for ways to carefully and sensitively encourage people to pull back from high-risk areas.”

If he wins, Allen’s other plans include:

• Create a consumer advocate position within the insurance department, and increase staff to handle customer service

• Require insurers to explain claim denials and provide real-time reports of delays and outstanding claims after a disaster

• Increase oversight of the FAIR Plan and ensure compliance with commissioner orders

• Ban the insurance commissioner and staff from working for the industry immediately after leaving the department Allen has played up his experience as a legislator, including writing and passing bills related to holding insurance companies accountable. For example, a law he wrote requires insurers to pay 60% of policyholders’ contents coverage without a detailed inventory, and gives consumers more time to provide that inventory. He also touts writing Proposition 4, a 2024 bond measure for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and climate resilience.

Other pending bills authored by him include one requiring insurers to give homeowners 90 days notice before non-renewal, and another to penalize companies that fail to correct violations after regulatory findings.

Allen also has many endorsements, including state legislative leaders, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, unions, and the Consumer Federation of California. n

Ben Allen

Jane Kim

Ben Allen

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Wednesday June 17

TREASURE COVE AT JADE STREET PARK GRAND OPENING

1 p.m., Jade Street Park, 4400 Jade Street, Capitola Celebrate the grand opening of Treasure Cove, a new inclusive playground at Jade Street Park designed for children and families of all abilities.

Community members are invited to attend the opening ceremony and explore the park’s accessible play features and gathering spaces.

For more information, visit County Park Friends at https://www. countyparkfriends.org.

Saturday June 20

A TASTE OF THE FESTIVAL –CABRILLO FESTIVAL 2026 PREVIEW AND BENEFIT

3–5 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St., Soquel

The Cabrillo Festival preview and benefit offers an afternoon of chamber music, wine and hors d’oeuvres in support of the 2026 festival season. Friction Quartet will perform works by Vivian Fung,

Clarice Assad and Philip Glass, with composer Vivian

joining for a Q&A.

The event also includes a silent auction benefiting upcoming festival programs.

For more information, visit https://cabrillomusic.org.

COMMUNITY WRITERS OF SANTA CRUZ OPEN MIC 2:30 p.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St, Soquel Community Writers of Santa Cruz will host an open mic for prose writers and poets, along with a featured reader, at the historic Porter Memorial Library. Sign-ups begin at 2:15 p.m.

The group has been meeting quarterly for 15 years and welcomes both new and established writers to participate in this free community event.

Sunday June 21

SOLSTICE VIEWING: JOSHUA MORENO

12–3 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz

This final viewing presents the culmination of artist-inresidence Joshua Moreno’s year-long project tracing light and reflection at the decommissioned Davenport Jail. The installation features graphite wall tracings capturing shifting light patterns from the surrounding environment, highlighting Moreno’s experimental, site-specific artistic process developed over time.

Wednesday June 24

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERTS: COFFEE ZOMBIE COLLECTIVE

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Coffee Zombie Collective performs originals and quirky covers during Capitola’s Summer Twilight Concert series. The free beachside event invites residents and visitors to enjoy music, picnic dinners and sunset views from the Esplanade.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs for seating. Dogs and alcohol are prohibited. For more information, go online at https://www.santacruz.org/ upcoming-events/

Thursday June 25

Saturday June 27

FREE HYPNOTHERAPY WORKSHOP

Thurs: 4:45 p.m., Aptos Public Library conference room, 1111 Soquel Dr. Sat: 3:15 p.m., London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St, Santa Cruz

Change your mind—Change your life by learning self & auto hypnosis to solve bad habits, attitudes, anx/dep and much more.

With clinically certified behavioral specialist, Scott Spackey, CATC, RAS, CCHt, CLC Details & RSVP: Life-Mind.com • 408-430-3693

Saturday June 27

THE HEALTHY WAY 40TH ANNIVERSARY HEALTH FAIR EXTRAVAGANZA

12 p.m. – 3 p.m., The Healthy Way, 3251 Mission Dr., Santa Cruz (Near Dominican Hospital)

The Healthy Way wants to thank its many clients and the community for 40 wonderful years in Santa Cruz County! Come and enjoy lots of free, great-tasting food, cooking demonstrations, giveaways, health consults, specials on services, and much much more!

Music will be provided by KPIG radio’s live broadcast from our parking lot and meet the famous morning DJ, Ralph Anybody!

Internationally known, Santa Cruz local Dr. Christopher Hobbs will be the keynote speaker discussing The Science of Weight Loss. Health related vendors will be on hand to offer giveaways, ongoing raffle prizes and educate the public on their services.

Free admission.

www.thehealthyway.us • (831) 462-5900.

Fung

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WOODIES ON THE WHARF CAR SHOW

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz Woodies On The Wharf Car Show is the annual gathering of classic woodie vehicles on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Although the show runs 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., cars begin arriving as early as 6 a.m. to secure parking.

Free event requires no registration or entry fee. More info available at https://www.santacruzwoodies.com.

Sunday June 28

SIP FOR SECOND HARVEST

1–4 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Dr., Aptos Sip for Second Harvest is a summer fundraising event supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

Guests can enjoy wine, beer, cider, live music by the Ripatti Rose Band, and light hors d’oeuvres in a coastal setting. The event raises funds for food access and nutrition education programs serving local families in need.

THE JOINT CHIEFS

4 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

The Joint Chiefs bring their high-energy dance music to Moe’s Alley for an afternoon performance.

Known as one of the area’s top dance bands, the group will perform a mix of R&B, soul, funk and party favorites.

Doors open at 3 p.m. The show is for ages 21 and older. Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door. For tickets and information, visit moesalley.com.

Wednesday July 1

CAPITOLA SUMMER TWILIGHT CONCERTS: SPUN

6–9 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Esplanade Park, Capitola Spun brings fun rock and party music to Capitola’s waterfront during the Summer Twilight Concert series. The free weekly concerts offer a casual evening of live entertainment, beach sunsets and picnics for families and friends. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs for seating.

For more information, go online at https://www.santacruz.org/ upcoming-events/

SANTA CRUZ CIVIC AUDITORIUM BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

6–8 p.m., Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz

Explore hidden corridors, backstage spaces and production areas during a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Guides will share stories about the Art Deco landmark while explaining how concerts, festivals, expos and roller derby events are staged inside the longtime community venue. For more information, go online at https://www.santacruz.org/ upcoming-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.

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 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.

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

HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL

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.

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. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

What Socrates Can Teach Us About the Dangers of Groupthink

By DR. LORI BUTTERWORTH, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist

Astory starts circulating online. At first, it’s just a few posts. Then more people share it. It spreads through group texts, social media, and conversations at work. The message is clear, confident, and repeated often enough that it begins to feel true.

People react quickly. Opinions form. Sides are taken.

Then more information comes out. Details were missing. Some parts were inaccurate. The situation was more complex than it first appeared.

But by then, the reaction had already spread.

No one set out to get it wrong. They were doing something very human. They were aligning.

The Dangers of Groupthink Groupthink doesn’t usually look dangerous. It doesn’t announce itself. It looks like agreement. It feels like clarity. It sounds like, “Everyone knows this.”

We like to believe we think independently. But often, we rely on social influence more than we realize. We read the room. We notice what’s accepted. We adjust. Not because we lack ability, but because we’re wired to belong.

And that’s where groupthink becomes risky.

Because while it offers short-term benefits: connection, certainty, and a sense of safety, the long-term costs are far greater. It replaces critical thinking with automatic alignment. It narrows perspective. It reduces curiosity. And over time, it increases the likelihood that we will be wrong together. More importantly, it erodes something essential to mental well-being: individuality, independence, and autonomy.

This is something I care deeply about. In my work with teens and young adults, I often see how easily this shift happens. They come in unsure of their own opinions, looking outward for answers, trying to read what others think before deciding what they believe. A big part of my work is helping them reconnect with their own judgment, learning

to pause, reflect, and think for themselves, even when it feels uncomfortable

When we consistently defer to the group, we begin to lose trust in our own thinking. We outsource our judgment. We rely on consensus instead of reflection. What starts as small moments of going along can gradually shape how we think altogether.

Groupthink is an Ancient Problem

This isn’t a new problem. Over 2,000 years ago, the Sophists taught people how to persuade, win arguments, and sound convincing. Success was about influence, not truth.

In contrast, Socrates focused on understanding. Instead of trying to sound right, he asked a different question: What if we’re wrong?

That question is at the heart of critical thinking.

We see the impact of groupthink clearly in political echo chambers. People seek out information that confirms what they already believe and filter out opposing views. Perspectives narrow. Certainty increases. Disagreement begins to feel threatening.

In those environments, judgment weakens. Curiosity decreases. The ability to consider new information fades.

The cost isn’t just being misinformed. It’s losing the ability to think clearly at all.

The moment you consider questioning the group, something shifts internally. What if I’m wrong? What if I stand out? What if this changes how people see me?

Your body reacts as if there’s a real threat.

That’s why even thoughtful, capable people stay quiet.

Socrates approached this differently. He asked questions. What do you mean by that? How do we know that’s true? Is there another way to see this?

He created space between assumption and belief. That space is where independent thinking lives.

“Confidence isn’t about having the answer. It’s about being willing to question it.”

Real confidence is the ability to pause, stay curious, tolerate uncertainty, and think independently — even when it’s uncomfortable.

This matters for adults, and it matters for kids. Children learn how to think by watching us. When they see adults question and reflect, they learn that it’s safe to do the same.

Groupthink doesn’t require bad intentions.

It only requires one thing: a lack of judgment.

And while blindly going along with the group may offer the comfort of belonging in the moment, the long-term cost is far greater. Because when we stop thinking for ourselves, we don’t just risk being wrong…

We risk losing the very parts of ourselves: our individuality, independence, and autonomy, the elements that support real human flourishing and mental well-being.

Suggested Reading: “How to Think Like Socrates” by Donald Robertson. n

Lori Butterworth is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. For more information about mental health support for you or your family, contact Lori at 831-222-0052 or visit drloributterworth.com.

SCCAS Featured Pet FEATURED COLUMNIST

Cuteness by the Dozen

Putter is one of TWELVE puppies who were found with their mom in the woods in mid-May. The mother has been amazing, letting staff and volunteers help raise her puppies and now they are ready to be adopted!

The golf-themed names come from one of our incredible donors, who hosted a fundraiser at the Bayonet Black Horse golf course for the shelter in April.

The puppies are social, cute, fuzzy and will likely grow to up to be some kind of Shepherd mix since the mom looks like a Dutch Shepherd.

Please come down and meet Putter, Divot, Jack, Driver, Rory, Chip and the rest of the siblings.

We also have some adorable and sweet pitbull mixed breed puppies and beautiful kittens. Baby season is upon us!

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

Fragrance Is Out Of Sight

By TONY TOMEO

Most flowers rely on wind for dispersion of their pollen. The remainder do what they must to attract pollinators. Of these, the majority are visually appealing. They use color, form and texture. Some prefer to be more olfactorily appealing. They use fragrance. Some get creative with a combination of both tactics. They are both fragrant and colorful.

Flowers that are both fragrant and colorful are uncommon only because each tactic uses resources. Concentration of effort into one method of appeal or another is more efficient. Diversification generally occurs among flowers that must compete for pollination within a very diverse ecosystem. Otherwise, most fragrant flowers prefer selective specialization.

Consequently, most of the most fragrant flowers are not remarkably colorful. In fact, some are visually mundane. Where they mingle with more prominent bloom, the more visually evident flowers are likely to get credit for ambient aroma.

flowers. Humidity and warmth enhance the activity of most pollinators, as well as floral fragrance.

Fragrant spring bulbs, wisteria, lilac, mock orange and pink jasmine finished blooming in spring. Star jasmine, night blooming jasmine and various pittosporum should continue to bloom sporadically and fragrantly as long as the weather is warm. Sweet osmanthus and sweet box are a bit less fragrant. Gardenia, although finicky, is famously overtly fragrant!

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Star Jasmine

This jasmine is quite a star. However, this star is technically not a jasmine. Star jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, is instead related to mandevilla and oleander.

For many years, it has been one of the most popular vines for home gardens as well as large-scale landscapes. It works well either as a ground cover, or as a relatively docile climbing vine.

As ground cover, star jasmine gets about two feet deep. It will be lower and more refined with shearing, but will likely bloom less. It tries to climb shrubbery and trees, so will need exclusionary pruning. However, on a chain link fence, star jasmine works splendidly as a shorn faux hedge. It grows fast to more than 10 feet high, but can get significantly higher. The richly fragrant bloom is most profuse about now, and can continue sporadically until autumn. The inch wide and bright white flowers are shaped like stars, and hang in small clusters. After bloom, the distinctly glossy and dark green evergreen foliage is handsome alone. Individual leaves are a bit longer than two inches and a bit broader than one inch. n

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

© Statepoint Media

Although many fragrant flowers are bright white, many more are uninterestingly pallid white. Some can be difficult to find.

They are no less specialized than more colorful flowers, though. Dispersion of fragrance coincides with pollinating activity of preferable pollinators. It is no coincidence that many fragrant flowers are most fragrant in the evening or night for nocturnal pollinators who do not pursue color. Some pollinators may appreciate minor ultraviolet or infrared markings.

Also, fragrant flowers customize their fragrances for their favorite pollinators. That is why floral fragrances are so distinctive. Hummingbirds and most insects prefer rich fragrance during the day. Bats and nocturnal moths prefer sweeter fragrances of nocturnal

Lilies are both fragrant and colorful.

Star jasmine blooms with fragrant profusion.

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