Aptos Times: June 1, 2025 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Aptos High School

Valedictorians & Salutatorians

The Aptos Times is pleased to recognize the two Aptos High School valedictorians; Benjamin Baker and Zia Wang, and the three salutatorians; Sophie Cornish, Natasha Newcombe and Pax Young, for their hard work that put them at the top of their class in 2024.

The graduation ceremony is Thursday, June 5, 5 p.m. at Cabrillo College.

Here the top students share their post-graduation plans and memories of Aptos High:

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Cabrillo College: 1,599 Graduates

This year, the Cabrillo College graduating class — the 66th — is 1,599 students strong. This is among the largest graduating classes in Cabrillo’s history.

Graduates received their degrees as is customary at an in-person graduation ceremony Friday, May 30, at Carl Conely Stadium in Aptos.

Full Story page 7

SCCAL Athletes-of-the-Year

Full Story page 11

Paula

Rocha-Meza,

Aptos High Scholarship Winner

Meet Paula Rocha-Meza, winner of the Hank Garcia Junior Scholarship from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

She’s a senior at Aptos High School, setting an example for her younger sister, who is 11.

Full Story page 13

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7 Cabrillo College — 1,599 Graduates:

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Jondi Gumz

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COVER STORY

“Vals & Sals” from page 1

Valedictorians

Benjamin Baker

Parents: John and Rachelle Baker

What will you do after you graduate?

This summer I want to spend quality time with my family and friends before I have to leave in the fall for college.

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There’s also some good books and movies I haven’t had a chance to get to, so it’ll be nice to go through those over the break.

College you plan to attend?

University of California, Berkeley

Do you have a major in mind?

Cognitive science

What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?

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I was on the Aptos High varsity soccer team, played the alto saxophone in the Aptos High concert and pep band, and helped run the school’s trading card club.

What will you remember most about Aptos High?

The people are what will stick with me the most from my high school experience. I will always remember hanging out with my friends at break in the upper quad, and staying up late on calls to finish projects.

All of my teachers actually cared about me and my learning, so even though that sometimes meant extra work, I truly value their lessons and guidance.

Zia Wang

Parents: Li Jiang and Yunwen Wang

What will you do after you graduate?

Before leaving for college, I plan on spending the summer with my friends and continuing to work at my jobs.

College you plan on attending?

I will be attending UCLA.

Do you have a major in mind?

I am currently undeclared for physical sciences.

What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?

I ran cross country and track in my underclassmen years.

In my latter years, I co-founded the Aptos High Key Club and participated in Ethics Bowl.

What will you remember most about Aptos High?

I will remember all of the amazing connections I have made with staff members and peers.

Furthermore, the immense support shown to me by my wonderful friends and teachers over the years will always stay with me.

Salutatorians

Sophie Cornish

Parents: Monica and Simon Cornish

What will you do after you graduate?

I will travel with my family and spend time with friends.

College you plan to attend?

I plan to attend the University of British Columbia.

Do you have a major in mind?

International relations

What activities did you participate in at Aptos High? I ran cross country and track and field and was a part of the LEO Club throughout all of high school.

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Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti website

Michael Oppenheimer photography

Photo Credit Jondi Gumz

Salutatorians: Sophie Cornish, Natasha Newcombe and Pax Young

I also participated in the Superintendent Student Advisory for two years.

What will you remember most about Aptos High?

I will remember the friends I have made and practices in Nisene Marks with my teammates.

Natasha Newcombe

Parents: Shawn and Angela Newcombe

What will you do after you graduate?

Aptos High School has been an amazing experience that has provided me with the opportunity to get accepted into schools like UC Davis, Stanford, and Pepperdine.

College you plan to attend?

Do you have a major in mind?

After I graduate, I have decided to attend UC Davis as it is the number one vet school in the nation!

I will be majoring in animal science as I pursue my dream career as a wildlife veterinarian. I look forward to gaining vet experience over the summer and hopefully participating in study abroad programs in the near future!

What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?

At Aptos High School, I pursued student leadership in YLC and Student Senate while participating in eight different student-run clubs.

I embraced officer positions (such as the director of events and vice president) in LEO Club and Dream Volunteers where I helped facilitate community service events and encouraged student activism.

In my free time, I loved volunteering for Jacob’s Heart, Adopt a Family, AJHS Athletics, local beach cleanups, and summer camps.

I was also heavily involved in high school sports like flag football, track and field, and soccer. I was elected team captain of JV soccer and Varsity flag football and

COVER STORY

enjoyed successful league seasons with my teammates.

In track and field, my teammates and I won SCCAL four years in a row while representing AHS in championships, league finals, and CCS.

Outside of school, I played club soccer and earned my second-degree black belt at Freedom Taekwondo. I also enjoyed playing the piano, hosting bake sale fundraisers, and spending time with friends and family.

What will you remember most about Aptos High?

I will always remember the incredible sports programs, fun prom dances, and most importantly, all of the amazing friends I have made at Aptos High School!

Pax Young

Parents: Suzannah Young & Arnett Young

What will you do after you graduate?

I plan to continuing on to college to study aerospace engineering and get my PhD.

College you plan to attend?

I just officially committed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Do you have a major in mind?

Aerospace engineering

What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?

• Co-president of mock trial

• Vice president of robotics

• Team captain of ethics bowl team for speech and debate

• Community service through LEO Club and Key Club as well as independently.

What will you remember most about Aptos High?

The community and the friends I have be able to find here and the support of my teachers. n

Cover Photo Valedictorian: Banjamin Baker and Zia Wang • Credit Jondi Gumz

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate

Dear Readers, I Will Miss You!

By Jondi Gumz

For the past five years, it has been the delight of my life to be editor of Aptos Times, Capitola-Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, curating a collection of news and information your community cares about, building up the Coastal Health & Wellness magazine and working for a rare local owner, Patrice Edwards.

However, I feel I must step back to focus on my own health. I’ve been living with breast cancer since 2018, disappointed that two nodules returned despite the lumpectomy that year.

In March, the respiratory virus RSV knocked me for a loop, left me with coughing fits for which I’ve tried every remedy, in vain. When I was short of breath, I went to Dominican Hospital’s emergency department, got chest X-ray and CT scan showing the tumor spread to the liver. Fortunately Dr. Singh drained fluid from my pleural cavities, 1.7 liter total, restoring my breath. Still have the cough, which they call bronchial spasms.

I’ve chosen the alternative holistic integrative path, no radiation or chemo, healthy food choices, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, zinc, melatonin, pancreatic enzymes, PectaSol, which has given me great quality of life to spend with my grandchildren, who are now 8, 7, 3, and 2.

My son is selling his Santa Cruz Mountains home, and hopes to move his family out of state where they have friends. And I’d like to join them too. At this point, I’m looking for joy and those grandkids are just what I need!

So, if you don’t see my name, this is the explanation.

Au revoir, until we meet again. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo College: 1,599 Graduates

New Program Graduates 11 Apprentices

This year, the Cabrillo College graduating class — the 66th — is 1,599 students strong.

This is among the largest graduating classes in Cabrillo’s history.

Graduates received their degrees as is customary at an in-person graduation ceremony Friday, May 30, at Carl Conely Stadium in Aptos.

The ceremony included the first graduating class of apprentices in Cabrillo’s history.

In addition, more than 361 graduates and non-graduates will transfer to four-year universities.

This year, Cabrillo awards 1,287 A.A. degrees and 578 A.S. degrees, according to spokeswoman Kristin Fabos.

Some students graduated with more than one degree.

In addition, 365 students graduated with a unique degree offered by the California Community Colleges for transfer into the CSU system. Students who earn this degree and meet the California State University minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a CSU.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students,” said Cabrillo President and Superintendent Dr. Matt Wetstein. “Not only do we have one of the largest graduating classes in recent history, but we have our first class of graduates from Cabrillo’s Apprenticeship Program, who will enter the workforce in high-demand fields of Healthcare and Computer and Information Systems. This milestone underscores how community colleges continue to be the workforce engine of California and our nation.”

Of the 27 apprentices enrolled in Cabrillo’s Apprenticeship Program, 11 graduate this year. Two are in Computer Information Systems, and the remaining nine are Community Health Worker students.

Cabrillo graduates earned 312 certificates of achievement and 56 skills certificates.

This year’s graduates range in age from 17 (a dual-enrolled high school junior) to 79 years with an average age of 28.

In this class, 59.8% are females, 37.1% are males, and 1.5% are non-binary.

A record 330 students graduated with a 4.0 grade point average—straight As.

Another 252 students graduated with high honors (3.75-3.99 GPA), 300 with honors (3.5-3.74 GPA) and 544 with honorable mention (3.0-3.49 GPA).

A notable 31 students graduated as Honors Scholars, students who have completed all required courses for transfer to a four-year college or university, and at least 15

units of honors coursework with a GPA of 3.4 or higher.

Students are transferring widely to competitive universities which include (with information to date): Cal Poly SLO, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz, among others.

Peggy and Jack Baskin & Karl S. Pister Scholarship Recipients

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Award is given each year to a Cabrillo graduate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. This year’s recipient is Abigail L. Hinds.

The UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Karl S. Pister award is an up to $20,000 scholarship given to a Cabrillo student planning to transfer to UCSC. This year’s winner is Renee DeLisle.

The ceremony began with a processional of the Governing Board, faculty, and staff, and members of the graduating class, followed by a welcome from Vice President of Student Services Dr. Blanca Baltazar-Sabbah.

The Cabrillo Chorale, under the direction of Cheryl Anderson, sang the national anthem.

Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wetstein, Cabrillo Faculty Senate President Dr. Victoria Bañales, and Cabrillo Classified Employees Union President Tasha Sturm gave their congratulatory remarks to the class..

President of the Student Senate Mia Nachazelova and Student Trustee Cody Jarvis shared their experiences.

Travaris Harris, vice president of instruction, presented the graduating class and Cabrillo Board President Christina Cuevas conferred the degrees and certificates and recognized transfer students. n

Cabrillo College, founded in 1959 with locations in Aptos and Watsonville, offers over 100 academic and career technical education programs. It is ranked No. 1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz.

Abigail Hinds Baskin Scholarship Winner

Renee DeLisle Pister Award Winner

Closing Costs on

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Tariffs Explained

Well, I guess economic fireworks is an appropriate term for the last few months here in America. And what happens in America definitely does not stay in America.

At least in the case of what we do economically.

Operating under the belief that the U.S. has been taken advantage of for years if not decades as it pertains to imports and exports, Trump took office and immediately went about attempting to remedy the shortfalls by implementing tariffs on a variety of trade partners, goods and services.

By Marc Cuniberti

Ad nauseam, rinse and repeat.

It can turn out to be a game of chicken as to who blinks first and the person with the biggest cojones usually wins those types of contests. Meanwhile, as the game escalates to its conclusion, the consumer pays the price.

Literally.

Exports are products we sell to other countries and imports are goods and services we buy from other countries.

Tariffs are just a tax on things coming into a country from another country.

One would think country A just sells to country B for whatever the price is and be done with it.

If you don’t like the price, don’t buy. It’s not rocket science. But in the grand wisdom of the bureaucrats, and for a variety of debatable reasons, a government will put a tax on incoming (imported) goods.

Whether it be to garner more money for the government or make stuff made overseas more expensive so people will buy things made locally, the tariff money all goes to the government and not to the people. Economically speaking, tax credits to local businesses, instead of tariffs, is the better way to go and has been argued by this analyst many times over. Tariffs just make things more expensive to all concerned.

Then you get into the tit for tat tariff wars that are plaguing us now. Country A taxes country B’s products, then country B retaliates and taxes Country A’s stuff.

The goal, theoretically, is to level the playing field and bring more into balance the trade between the two countries. That’s assuming there was an imbalance in the first place. Whether it has been because of decades of bad decisions or just the natural progression of trade between economically different countries, it has been argued the playing field has been notably unbalanced for the United States for many years and that Trump is simply trying to level it to the benefit of American companies and the American consumer.

We may never know the details of such arguments and will only find out sometime later if the end result has the desired effect, which is to make life better and more affordable for the rest of us. For now however, I am of the opinion this is just another in a long line of reasons inflation is not going to go away any time soon. That, in turn means interest rates will remain elevated and the markets will continue to be turbulent, directionless and unpredictable. 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. 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

LOCALS ONLY

Sevy’s Bar & Kitchen | 7500 Old Dominion Court | Aptos, CA 95003 sevysbarandkitchen.com | (831) 688-8987 | @sevysbarandkitchen

COMMUNITY NEWS

PVUSD Students of the Year

Editor’s Note: Originally printed in May 1 issue with 2024 honorees. Here is the correct list of 2025 honorees:

On April 16, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District hosted a virtual ceremony to recognize the students of the year, one chosen from each school. Here are the honorees:

Alianza Charter School: Dylan Mota (Elementary), Jayme Russell (Secondary).

Amesti Elementary School: Anabel Hernandez

Ann Soldo Elementary School: Jayden Garcilazo Zaragoza

Aptos High School: Daniel Esqueda

Aptos Junior High School: Nyssa Fagin.

Bradley Elementary School: Arielle Piñeda

Calabasas Elementary School: Diego Ortiz

Cesar Chavez Middle School: Amairany Hernandez Delgado.

Diamond Technology Institute: Christopher Collazo

E.A. Hall Elementary School: Belina Zamudio Palmerin.

Freedom Elementary School: Bellenyce Ruiz

H.A. Hyde Elementary School: Sofia Zaragoza

Hall District Elementary School: Ariadlette Flores Mendoza

Lakeview Middle School: Carmen Lopez Zarco

Landmark Elementary School: Daniel Guerrero.

MacQuiddy Elementary School: Giovanni Mendoza.

Mar Vista Elementary School: Julianne Eskenazi

Mintie White Elementary School: David Colimote.

New School: Nancy Hernandez

Ohlone Elementary School: Ruby Saldana-Zuniga

Pacific Coast Charter School: Jenny Perez Romero

Pajaro Middle School: Sara Sosa

Pajaro Valley High School: Hilda Ghazanfari

Radcliff Elementary School: Derek Ibarra. Renaissance High School: Cynthia Garcia-Ferreyra

Rio Del Mar Elementary School: Harrison Saxton

Rolling Hills Middle School: Eduardo Alonso

Starlight Elementary School: Jacob Madrigal

Valencia Elementary School: Adelaide Nevitt

Virtual Academy: Barrie Thomas (Middle school), LiIiana Diaz-Gonzalez (High school).

WASC Adult Education: Gumaro Lopez-Santiago

Watsonville Charter School of the Arts: Bryce Ruiz.

Watsonville High School: Andrea Puente

See the ceremony at Youtube.com/@ PVUSDStreaming.

JUENEMANN

SCCAL Athletes-of-the-Year

Izzy Graff • Eli Fitchen-Young • Claire Skinner

Continuing a tradition begun in 1977, the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League announces the 2024-2025 Male & Female Athletes-of-the-Year:

This year the male athlete is Eli Fitchen-Young from Santa Cruz High School. Two females tied for the honor, three-sport athletes Izzy Graff of Aptos High and Scotts Valley High School’s Claire Skinner.

In the 48 years of this award, there have been only three previous ties (1994, 2019, and 2024). This is the second time there has been a girls tie.

Izzy Graff

Aptos

A 3-sport athlete, Izzy was also a 3-sport athlete. With Izzy was the SCCAL co-MVP in Flag Football, she was a fierce defender in soccer, and earned 4 medals at the SCCAL Track & Field Championships, including a championship in the Long Jump, and qualified for CCS in 3 events.

All 3 of Izzy’s teams were SCCAL team champs.

Izzy will continue her track & field career at Occidental College next year.

Eli Fitchen-Young

Santa Cruz

Eli is one of the most decorated runners to come-out of Santa Cruz County.

A 3-time CCS Champion in Cross Country, Eli was the D4 State Champion this year, only the 2nd male state champ ever from Santa Cruz County.

In track & field, he won 2 SCCAL titles this year and owns several school and county records.

Eli will attend Duke University next year, where he’ll continue to run.

Claire Skinner

Scotts Valley

Like Izzy, Claire was also a 3-sport athlete. Claire was the SCCAL co-MVP in Flag Football with Izzy, a 1st-team All-SCCAL

selection in basketball, and a 1st-team AllPCAL selection in lacrosse.

Her Flag Football and Basketball teams were SCCAL team champs, and the Scotts Valley lacrosse team was the only Santa Cruz County team to make the CCS playoffs. Claire will attend Azusa Pacific University next year.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel sports writers established the Santa Cruz County Male & Female Athlete-of-the-Year Award in 1976-77, in the inaugural year of the SCCAL. They discontinued the award in 2021.

In 2023, the athletic directors of the SCCAL brought back the award. Every SCCAL school has unlimited nominations, and then the SCCAL athletic directors select the winners.

Under the new criteria, the nominees must be from an SCCAL school and must be a senior. n

Izzy Graff

Claire Skinner

Community Foundation Awards 47 Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors past and present who funded $417,600 in scholarships this year, 47 students in Santa Cruz County are receiving awards for their freshman year in college.

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, with the total significantly surpassing the 2024 awards.

Over four decades, the Foundation has awarded over $2.6 million in scholarships to more than 500 students.

This year, 64% of awardees are firstgeneration college students, turning their parents’ and grandparents’ dreams of higher education into a reality.

The class of 2025 was the first to come into the post-COVID high school reality and weathered multiple climate disasters. But despite the instability they experienced, their commitment to their future never wavered.

The STEM fields were widely represented, as schools’ emphasis on math, science, and technology continued to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the hard sciences. Others heard the call to work for change through the social sciences, with numerous future government officials and immigration lawyers in the ranks. But almost

all drew strength from the desire to honor their parents’ sacrifices.

“For many of these students,” says Kevin Heuer, director of community engagement & impact at the Community Foundation, “their driving motivation is to attain a higher level of education than their parents could. Although they face new challenges as federal policy changes continue to impact higher education, STEM research, and loan repayment programs, their perseverance and the generosity of community members will help them achieve their goals.”

Paula Rocha-Meza, recipient of the Hank Garcia Jr. Scholarship, is graduating from Aptos High School and heading to San Jose State University with plans to major in Public Health. Eventually, she wants to be a health care provider for the farmworker community.

She says, “attending college seemed almost impossible unless I got some additional support. Thankfully, there are resources like FAFSA and scholarships so I can have the opportunity to get a higher education.”

Emilio Sostenes-Flores, a Burton Scholarship recipient, is graduating from Watsonville High School and enrolling at UC San Diego. He is majoring in political science with the goals of becoming an

immigration lawyer and one day holding public office to represent marginalized communities.

Emilio says, “I want to be become a congressman to represent Watsonville and people from all walks of life.”

Paying it Forward

These awards are made possible thanks to the rich history of local families contributing to young scholars’ success by giving to scholarship funds held at the Community Foundation. Donors have been inspired to give back to a school they loved, to support equitable access to opportunity, or to champion paths to education for working parents.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz County and a Watsonville High School graduate, Richard Crocker knows well the challenges some local families face in trying to achieve their educational goals.

“I worked hard to get an education and

was the first in my family to get a college degree. I struggled to go to school, commute to SJSU, work 40-50 hours a week, and raise two kids,” Richard recounts. Now, he is giving back to our community and wants to support others like him. In 2024, Richard and his wife started the Richard and Theresa Crocker Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. The award is granted to local graduating high school seniors from any Santa Cruz County high school or any Cabrillo College student in good standing that’s interested in a trade or vocational education. Richard says, “I am gratified by the motivation of the students. To see the kids work so hard and strive for great lives through education is very important to us. The students go on to improve the community and the world around them!”

“47 Scholarships” page 14

COMMUNITY NEWS

Paula Rocha-Meza, Aptos High Scholarship Winner

Meet Paula Rocha-Meza, winner of the Hank Garcia Junior Scholarship from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

She’s a senior at Aptos High School, setting an example for her younger sister, who is 11.

Aptos Times interviewed her via email.

What year did you start at Aptos High?

I started Aptos High in 2021, as a freshman after quarantine ended.

If you are in migrant education, my guess is you have attended quite a few schools before Aptos High. Can you tell our readers about where you went to school, and why you made so many changes?

Growing up my family moved between the Buena Vista Migrant Camp in Watsonville and Michoacan, Mexico. The Migrant Camp is only open temporarily, April to December. That is when the strawberry season starts and families work. Once the season ends, the camp closes and families are forced to relocate. Since things are very expensive, and obtaining housing for only a few months of the year is almost impossible, many families migrate to Mexico to save money. This caused me, and many other students in the camp, to relocate to Mexico. I went to school for half the year in Mexico up until my 8th grade year, when my mother was able to find us a permanent home for the first time.

How does it feel to always be a new student? How did you cope?

Being a new student and constantly having to start over was a challenge. When I came back to the US after being in Mexico for so long, I felt like an outcast. I felt embarrassed to explain to my friends why I had to leave, especially since growing up I wasn’t proud to be the child of farmworkers. When I went back to Mexico, I also felt like an outcast. I was not Mexican enough for the kids at school over there, and it was hard constantly having to readjust. Making friendships was challenging, as I knew I would have to leave eventually.

How did you learn about the Food What?! program? What did you do there?

At the FoodWhat program I learned so many things. The program is focused on youth-empowerment, land stewardesses, and the importance of healthy food. We worked on the farm and planted, harvested, washed/prepped, and cooked with the crops we cared for. The FoodWhat team would then give out or sell the organic crops for very affordable prices out to the community. Many of the program’s teachings are based

on indigenous teachings, such as the many medicinal plants we learned about. Furthermore, FoodWhat taught us how to be leaders. We all had specific jobs and duties for caring for the farm. Additionally, we were taken on many field trips that have allowed me and many more youth to experience things we wouldn’t have done without the program. One of them is going to a Bioneers youth conference in Berkeley, we learned all about indigenous land stewardesses and the Landback Movement. I am proud to have participated in a program that has done so much for the community. Without FoodWhat, I wouldn’t have realized just how much our community sufferers from health disparities due to the food we eat. This fueled my passion for public health, specifically being a public health nurse.

What is motivating your career choice?

I would like to obtain a career in health sciences, specifically as a Public Health nurse. I am motivated to pursue this career due the care I have for my community. Through FoodWhat I was able to learn the health disparities that the Mexican-American community, or communities of color, suffer. Personally, I have seen how my community suffers. Many of my older family members suffer from diabetes and related health conditions, something extremely common to Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Childhood obesity is also extremely common to my community.

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“47 Scholarships” from page

Yadira Melgoza is one of two students who received the award this year. Yadira is graduating from Pajaro Valley High School and will enroll in Cabrillo College’s Emergency Medical Technician program with the goal of becoming a paramedic. She was inspired by the first responders who helped her when she experienced a medical emergency.

Yadira says, “I want to be the first person to be there for someone when things get difficult for them. I want to be the helping hand that I had in my time of need.”

For 2025, there is the new Giles Family Scholarship, a four-year award given out to local students passionate about the arts, crafts, or music. The inaugural recipient is Maggie Machado, an Aptos High School senior enrolling at UC Santa Cruz. The inspired artist has had her work showcased with the Watsonville Brillante downtown mosaic project and wants to share her talents through the field of education. n

2025 Scholarships

BARBARA J. THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIP

Amber Naccari, Santa Cruz High School (Sacramento State)

Daniel Fernandez, Cabrillo College (University of Southern California)

Makenna McIntyre, Delta Charter (Cabrillo College)

Zara Duran, Soquel High School (UC Davis)

BERT AND CAROLYN POST SCHOLARSHIP

Daniel Suarez-Alonso, Ceiba College Prep (UC Davis)

Valeria Guzman-Rocha, Watsonville High School (Santa Clara University)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP

Jahiya Clark (UC Santa Cruz)

Nautica Harriott Jones (UC Santa Cruz)

Serena Barasi (UC Santa Cruz)

ERNEST V. COWELL SCHOLARSHIP

Ramon Gimeno-Herrera, Aptos High School (UC Berkeley)

GILES FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Margaret Machado, Aptos High School (UC Santa Cruz)

HANK GARCIA JR. AND FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Angelica Bayuga, St. Francis High School (Loyola University)

Carlos Vega, Pajaro Valley High School (UC Berkeley)

Isabel Piccini, Monte Vista Christian School (University of San Diego)

Mayda Juarez-Ortiz, Watsonville High School (Cabrillo College)

Paula Rocha-Meza, Aptos High School (San Jose State)

ISABEL FOWLER SEWELL SCHOLARSHIP

Angela Belmontes-Fernandez, Pajaro Valley High School (Santa Clara University)

Jaice Williamson, San Lorenzo Valley High School (Indiana University)

Jose Lopez, Watsonville High School (CSU Monterey Bay)

Joselyn Leon-Gonzalez, Pajaro Valley High School (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)

Yasmin Alvarez Tamayo, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

JOHN L. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP

Jennifer Fernandez-Zamora, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

Nelsy Cruz-Hernandez, Watsonville High School (CSU Monterey Bay

BOB AND BETSY DARROW SCHOLARSHIP

Adriana Gonzales-Vasquez, Watsonville High School (San José State University)

Alex Aparicio Hernandez, Harbor High School (San José State University) BURTON SCHOLARSHIP

Daniel Esqueda, Aptos High School (University of Southern California)

Eden Hurtado, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

Emilio Sostenes-Flores, Watsonville High School (UC San Diego)

Gabriel Lara-Hernandez, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

Janeth Marcos-Marcos, Watsonville High School (Santa Clara University)

Mariza Duran-Santiago, Pajaro Valley High School (UC Davis)

Wendy Melgoza-Zamora, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

Yasmin Salas, Watsonville High School (UC Santa Barbara)

Zaida Garcia, Watsonville High School (UC Davis)

EMMETT AND ELSIE GEISER SCHOLARSHIP

Berkeley Ashby, Aptos High School (UC San Diego)

Gamble Kellermyer, Aptos High School (San Jose State)

JUDY ANTON WOMAN OF VALOR / LUPITA LOVES TO READ PROJECT SCHOLARSHIP

Adriana Reyes (Cabrillo College)

LAURA SEGURA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Gloria Armenta (Cabrillo College)

Natasha Martinez (Cabrillo College)

LOUIS J. AND MARY ELLEN SCHULTZ SCHOLARSHIP

Tamanna Khatri, Harbor High School (UC Santa Barbara)

MATT’S CLIMB CAMP TUITION

Bradley Locatelli, Cypress Charter High School

R.H. BEEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Mariana Orountiotis-Kelly, Santa Cruz High School (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)

RICHARD AND THERESA CROCKER SCHOLARSHIP

Isela Ramirez (Cabrillo College)

Ruben Canchola-Jimenez (Cabrillo College)

Yadira Melgoza, Pajaro Valley High School (Cabrillo College)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Dylan Hermanson, Santa Cruz High School (UC Santa Cruz)

SIMUNOVICH FAMILY AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

Diego Romero-Avalos, Watsonville High School (CSU Monterey Bay)

Curves Aptos Fitness, Friendship & Community With Heart

ABy Heidi Johnston

nnette knows a thing or two about hospitality, service, health—and how to run a thriving business. A Harbor High graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from UC Davis, she’s been the fulltime franchise owner of Curves Aptos for over six successful years.

“Our goal is to empower women through a fun, fast, and effective workout, healthy living, and community support,” Annette says.

One of the unique features of Curves is its focus on women’s fitness. The program is just 30 minutes long, designed to fit any schedule, and accommodates women of all ages and fitness levels.

Member Terry T., who’s been part of Curves for more than two years, shares, “I’m now stronger than I’ve ever been— even with my orthopedic issues: foot, back, shoulder, and knees. The group encouragement and mental health benefits keep me going. My favorite shirt says: I’m Nicer After Curves.

“There’s so much stress in the world,” Annette adds. “Many of our members live alone. This is their place to relieve stress, connect with others, and feel good about themselves.”

Politics, religion, and sports are off the table—but beauty tips are fair game. Need a great hairdresser? You’ll get plenty of recommendations—and maybe a few follow-up visits just to see your new look.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the open, friendly energy. Pink-themed walls and smiling staff welcome you, but don’t let the warmth fool you—this is a hive of empowerment and motion.

Why Members Love It

Cindy D. writes: “Curves Aptos is amazing! My daughter and I joined a couple of months ago and we couldn’t be happier. My schedule is crazy, but getting in a 30-minute workout three times a week works perfectly. I leave feeling accomplished every time. The staff is so helpful and encouraging.”

MyZone Tracks Your Progress

The secret behind many members’ success is the MyZone Tracker, which helps you stay in your optimal fat-burning zone— 60–80% of your maximum heart rate.

Annette explains, “Sometimes we get complacent during workouts and our heart rate drops. The visual feedback from MyZone keeps you focused and motivated.”

Wearable in or out of the gym and compatible with Apple, Google, or Samsung devices, MyZone delivers real-time feedback, making exercise more engaging and rewarding.

“It adds a fun, community-driven layer to your fitness journey,” Annette says.

Maximize Your 30 Minutes

Curves are all about using your time wisely. The system rotates focus between upper body, lower body, and core with targeted moves, interspersed with metabolic rest stations using mats.

“The circuit routine builds confidence, strength, and consistency,” Annette says.

Trainers are always on hand to coach and motivate, so you never have to wonder what to do next.

Classes like Balance and Hip Mobility are integrated into the Curves circuit along with WOW (Workout of the Week) moves. Whether you’re doing WOW, working on mobility, or setting personal goals, the program offers flexibility and variety.

More Than a Gym — A Sisterhood

“It’s more than just a gym—it’s a sisterhood and a community,” Annette says.

She and her members regularly give back. In May, the club raised over $1,300 for

the Arukah Project, a nonprofit helping survivors of sex trafficking in Santa Cruz County. They also collected over 140 stuffed animals for Teddy Bear with Heart, supporting local first responders.

Other causes they support include Second Harvest Food Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, Breast Cancer Awareness, Teen Kitchen, and Adopt-a-Family, where they sponsor multiple families each holiday season.

Ready to Join the Movement?

Call Annette and her team at Curves Aptos and mention this article for a FREE workout session.

Whether you’re returning to fitness or starting fresh, there’s a place for you in this strong, supportive community. n

Curves Aptos, 7000 Soquel Dr, STE 1, Aptos. 831-688-2348.

Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed. & Fri. 6 am-1 pm and 3:30-6:30 pm. Thurs & Sat. 8 am-1 pm www.Curves.come/get-started www.Facebook.com/Curves-Aptos

Curves Staff 2025

Reflections on the Father-Son Relationship

By Barry and Joyce Vissell

My first thirteen years of fathering were with two daughters, Rami and Mira. So, in 1989, with the birth of our son, John-Nuriel, I was to embark on a slightly different kind of journey. Over the years people have asked, “So, Barry, how is parenting a son different for you from parenting a daughter?” Here are my reflections on one father’s spiritual journey of having a son.

First, fathering a son has given me a more direct chance to re-visit my own childhood. Yes, this happens to some extent with children of the opposite sex, but I have found it to be more powerful and direct with John-Nuri, a son.

There are times when I look at him, it feels like a window has opened to my own childhood. For example, John-Nuri has always been intensely bonded to Joyce. This is natural. She breast-fed him for the first three years of his life. Although I often felt like a primary

caregiver, sometimes it felt like I was the person who distracted him from his mother, somehow filling in the time until he could be with her next. This experience shot me back to my own early years and gave me a better understanding of my father’s feelings. He often felt left out (as I sometimes did), but he didn’t have the skills I now have. He felt rejected by me, and by the mother-son bonded unit. He coped by either withdrawing or getting angry, neither of which got him what he was needing. I now better understand his feelings of being left out.

This brings me to my second point. How does a father include himself — wedge himself between the mother and the son?

I (like perhaps many fathers) learned the hard way. I watched the tender flow of affection between Joyce and John-Nuri. It seemed his favorite pastime was clinging to his mother, getting as close as he possibly could to her.

I envied that closeness, and often tried to cuddle with him, sing him songs, hold him on my lap, talk sweetly with him. In other words, I was trying to be a good mother — I was going for the sweetness. But this was not what John-Nuri wanted from me as his father.

He would reject any attempt in this

direction, except of course when he got hurt.

Then he would accept my tender holding only if Joyce were not around. Boy did I understand how outcast my father must have felt.

“Fathers & Sons” page 18

Healing the heart. With heart.

We all have something that makes our hearts beat a little faster—a love for family, a fulfilling career, a favorite hobby. At Dominican Hospital, our cardiovascular team shares that passion, and we put it into caring for our patients every day. Our nationally recognized program offers advanced diagnostics, innovative treatment options and comprehensive rehabilitation services. From routine cardiac checkups to lifesaving procedures, we have the expertise and dedication to care for your heart—to help keep it beating strong for all the people and activities you love. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts

“Fathers & Sons” from page 17

I learned something very important in those early years of his life. I was attached to what love was supposed to look like — the tenderness and sweetness. But love comes in many different forms. When I would get down on the floor for wild “rough-housing” or silly games, my son’s eyes would light up with glee. When I chased him around the house, there was a shared joy between us. When I would throw him in the air or swing him around the living room by his feet until we were both dizzy, I began to recognize the bond of love every bit as great as what he had with his mother.

This then leads me to my final point. A son needs his father just as much as he does his mother, but often in a very different way.

As John-Nuri has grown from childhood, he looked to me more and more to learn what it is to be a man and a father. I am and have been, especially when he stopped nursing, a very important model in his life.

If I had to name one of the top qualities I modeled, it would be vulnerability. I tried my best to show him my human frailty, my fear rather than my anger, my hurt rather than my frustration, my sadness rather than my stoicism. It is an awesome and sacred responsibility.

Likewise, a father needs his son just

“Paula Rocha-Meza” from page 13

As a public health nurse, I would be motivated to help my community shift the food and lifestyle choices we hold so deeply. Through Food What I learned how healthy and organic food can shape your whole life and health. I know that giving back to my community and supporting it is one of the most important things I can do as a Public Health nurse, and I am dedicated to my mission.

What advice would you give students in the migrant education program?

I would advise students in migrant education programs to take advantage of all the opportunities you can. Thanks to the Migrant education program I was able to do so many things that have further fueled my need for education. Some examples include:

• Migrant Speech & Debate - Me and my team were able to win regional and state competitions, learn how to use our voice to create exchange, leadership, empowerment.

• EPIC Program at Cal Poly SLO - I got to stay at Cal Poly SLO for a week in one of the dorms, get a feel for the college experience, learn hands-on, make connections

• Trip to DC - I got to stay for a week in DC for free! I learned so much and visited so many museums and sites.

• Cabrillo Summer Class - I got to take a Cabrillo English class and receive college credit. The Cabrillo class was

as much as he is needed by his son. When I give my time to John-Nuri, and sometimes I feel there is nothing greater I can give to him, I am giving my time to a little boy who grew up two thirds of a century ago.

When I love my son, I love myself and let myself become a little child again. Our son is now thirty-six, enjoying his life with his wonderful husband, Isaiah. Together, they are making this world a better place through performing, healing, and the arts.

I couldn’t be more proud of my son. He is just as proud of me. And we both love saying it out loud to each other. n

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 10 books, including their most recent: A Couple of Miracles: One Couple, More Than a Few Miracles Semi-Finalist, Book of the Year, Online Book Club (available at Amazon.com), and a free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org

I would advise students in migrant education programs to take advantage of all the opportunities you can.

also specifically tailored for Migrant students. We read books about struggles we can relate to, and learned the art of writing and storytelling.

• Many more field trips: San Francisco, MakersFair

• Workshops for dancing, art, writing, etc. Furthermore, I would advise students to search for more programs out there!

I am also part of the Sueños program, which has helped me learn skills needed to get a job. The program has also helped me actually get a job at the Muzzio Mosaic Studio in Watsonville. Overall, be part of as many things as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions and take up space.

Are you the first in your family to go to college?

Yes, I am the first in my family to attend college. My mother only attended school up to 6th grade, as she had to work in the strawberry field for the rest of her childhood. If so, do you feel you have to set an example?

Definitely, I know that my sister’s journey through high school and college will be a lot smoother, as I have set an example for her to follow. n

LOCAL SPORTS

Aptos High Wins Pat Lovell Award

Congratulations to Aptos High School for winning the 2024-25 Pat Lovell Award.

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.

In 1989, Pat was hired as the Commissioner of the SCCAL, a post he held for the next 30 years. The importance and impact of Pat’s leadership as the SCCAL Commissioner cannot be overstated. He grew the SCCAL from a tiny regional league into a CCS powerhouse. He pushed for the expansion of women’s sports. He mentored hundreds of local coaches and Athletic Directors. He modeled professionalism, selflessness, and respect at all times.

In addition to serving as the SCCAL Commissioner for 30 years, Pat was also an Olympic wrestler, a collegiate all-conference football player, a football and wrestling official, and a teacher and coach. Pat is a member of the Aptos High School Sports Hall of Fame,

the Sequoia High School Sports Hall of Fame, the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame, the Cabrillo College Sports Hall of Fame, and the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Pat passed away in November 2018.

To determine the Pat Lovell Award 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 has won the award every year it has been given out. n

2024-25 Final Standings

1) Aptos - 114.5 pts.

2) Santa Cruz - 104 3) Soquel - 98.5

4) Scotts Valley - 80.5

5) Harbor - 70

6) SLV - 58.5

7) Mt. Madonna - 9

Local Track Athletes Going to State

The top 3 in the CCS finals advance to the CIF Track and Field State Championships Saturday, May 31 in Clovis.

With a kick, Scotts Valley senior Ava Decleve pushed to take first place in the 800meter finals in 2 minutes 9.56 seconds — a personal record.

Her time came close to the school record set by Ashlyn Boothby, 2:09.03.

Her finish made her eligible to run at the state championship.

Three more seniors qualified for state:

• Eli Fitchen-Young, Santa Cruz High, 3rd in the 3,200 meter in 8:57.83.

• Logan Brantley , Aptos High, who met the state at-large standard to compete in shot put. His best: 58 feet 10 inches.

• Nathaniel Aceves-Aguilar , Watsonville High, 3rd in triple jump of 46 and 4.75 feet, a personal best and school record. n

Evie Marheineke Wins Scholarship

Evie Marheineke of Santa Cruz, finished off her high school career for Archbishop Mitty Saturday at the CCS finals, racing the night of her graduation.

Although she had hoped for a better outcome individually, her team won the CCS championships for the 2nd year in a row!

Evie placed 10th with a time of 11:08 in the 3200-meter.

junior year she placed 7th overall in Division 2 at the State Meet and made the podium.

In Track and Field, Evie was a 2-time WCAL Champion in the 1600 meter and the 3200-meter. Her sophomore year, she qualified for the State Championships in the 3200meter and placed 10th in the finals.

Evie Marheineke

Here is a little snippet of her career at Archbishop Mitty HS.

Evie was a 3-time West Catholic Athletic League champion in Cross Country and a CCS champion in Cross Country and a State Championship qualifier all 4 years. Her

Evie just found out that she is the recipient of the Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarship. This summer, at the Wharf-to-Wharf Banquet, she will be awarded a $4,000 renewable scholarship over her 4 years at UCLA, where she will run cross country and track. n

Ava Decleve

Soquel Creek Water District Consumer Confidence Report Drinking

Water Met All Federal & State Standards

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Each year, Soquel Creek Water District and other water providers are required to produce and distribute a Consumer Confidence Report that provides customers with detailed information about the sources and quality of their drinking water.

The CCR summarizes testing of contaminants in drinking water during the past year and includes a comparison of the District’s water quality to standards set by the California Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Soquel Creek Water District is proud of its excellent water quality, and we’re pleased to present the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report, which demonstrates that the District’s water meets all federal and state drinking water and health standards.

The report is publicly accessible at

https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/210/ Water-Quality-Report.

Meeting Standards Via Testing & Treatment

We are committed to high water quality, which is the result of year-round operations and a comprehensive testing program that ensures public health protection.

Water samples are regularly collected from our 15 active groundwater wells within the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin, specifically from the Purisima Formation and Aromas Red Sands aquifers. Specialized treatment processes reduce naturally occurring constituents such as iron and manganese. Throughout 2024, the District conducted over 106 tests for regulated constituents, with samples analyzed by state-certified laboratories. Weekly testing for coliform bacteria at strategically placed sample stations further ensures water safety. The District has also updated its Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI), confirming

that no District or customer service lines contain lead materials.

Collaborative Team Effort

Water quality excellence is not the responsibility of a single department—it’s a District-wide team effort involving every facet of the organization:

• Administration integrates water quality priorities into strategic planning and facilitates the adoption of advanced treatment technologies.

• Engineering evaluates source water conditions and drives critical infrastructure upgrades essential for regulatory compliance.

• Water Treatment Operators oversee and are the ‘heart and soul’ of our daily operations, ensuring treatment systems function optimally.

“Consumer Confidence” page 26

Photos and Story By Heidi Johnston

Michelle and Randy Dern are the owners of Sandcastle Toys with locations in Aptos, Capitola, and soon online. Her unique collections of heirloom-quality natural toys are born from her desire to be involved in the eco-friendly movement.

“The focus is always an interest in the toys,” she says.

Michelle researches and curates local and international toy markets to stock original unduplicated merchandise. Her intent is to embody the Montessori and Waldorf models which emphasize self-directed hands-on learning.

Michelle had a long career as nurse and a midwife. Her interest in this particular philosophy led her to take Waldorf teacher training. She opened an at-home Waldorf based daycare and midwifery practice. Then she went into travel nursing and management.

She began her eco-toy business after retiring in July 2024.

Her kids went to Santa Cruz Waldorf School. Michelle has four biological children and one stepdaughter, 3 girls and 2 boys. She also has 11 grandchildren, 10 months old to age 16.

The artisan-crafted toys reflect a trend in the industry to migrate toward natural, ecofriendly materials as an alternative to plastic, metal, and aluminum constructed ones. They are durable, functional, and fun.

“The castle is like a playhouse where you can feel the craftsmanship of the wood,” she says.

The Aptos shop is located in an enchanting redwood cottage. There are kits and collectibles displayed in front of rainbow lazure painted walls at both locations. Michelle’s daughter Amber Coutts with Pete

sAndCAstle toys

Hands-On, Heirloom Quality

Metcalf were the artists using the Waldorfinspired rhythmic technique to apply colorful washes that create a luminous effect. Michelle carries many of these art supplies.

She says: ”Beeswax crayons have highly saturated colors that last a long time and work for many age groups.” School-age kids can choose from Waldorf wet on wet watercolor, sticker books, pencils, and crafts like paper and felt making and games, she says.

The explorer and the sewing themed kits are also popular. One has binoculars, a canteen, and a kid-sized journal. The other is a sewing kit in a little suitcase with embroidery yarn.

Calm uncluttered spaces are part of the environment she helps to create while fostering a child’s fascination with the natural world.

Capitola Location

At the Capitola location, a young girl looks over the merchandise. Michelle immediately offers a warm greeting and asks her which is her favorite toy.

The space is located across from Gayle’s Bakery. It’s filled with wooden gnomes

dressed in felt coats and other kid friendly curiosities. The girl’s mother joins her and explains that her birthday is coming up and she gets to choose one item. The girl says she likes the kitchen sets.

Michelle says, “Kitchen and food toys are popular.”

A mini cash-register is displayed near painted wooden items; ice cream cones, tea pots, and cupcakes populate the shop with imagination.

“Wooden teethers are a good option for the youngest kids. Children of all ages appreciate the silk blankets,” Michelle says.

All the merchandise Michelle offers align with her early expertise as a teacher and nurse. The toys let children build coordination, concentration, and independence. For example, a toy called the Leprechaun trap involves crafting a trap for the magical elf requiring creativity and motor skills.

Michelle’s eco-friendly emphasis means that if a toy were forgotten at the beach or playground, it would not harm wildlife or the environment.

For the holidays, families painted paper mache eggs to hunt instead of plastic eggs.

“It was great!” Michelle says. “We had ten plus families come out and we dyed eggs and had cupcakes.”

Look for more family friendly events in the future. n

Sandcastle Toys: Aptos location: 9099 Soquel Drive, Cottage 2 Aptos. Capitola location: 509 Bay Ave., Capitola. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm. Closed Monday. 831-900-8939. https://sandcastletoys.com available online soon.

Michelle Dern

Aptos Location in Redwood Village

Capitola Location across from Gayle’s Bakery

SEACLIFF

Excitement Builds for Cabrillo’s ‘Sweeny Todd’

Sweeny Todd, with its scintillating music and comedy and – don’t forget – murder. Director Andrea L. Hart has put together a dynamic cast and a fabulous creative design team.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with costume designer Lidia Hausenauer at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola. In the cozy atmosphere, with breakfast treats and coffee in hand, I was captivated by Lidia’s history as an artist and especially her ideas for tackling one of Broadway’s most innovative, entertaining and shocking productions.

Lidia’s artistic approach has been to costume and accessorize models for her art work, take photographs and refer to them as she begins to paint. One day it occurred to her that it might be fun to costume live

actors. After all, Lidia grew up learning from her mother who was a professional seamstress and pattern maker. Her first step was to take every theater production class offered at Cabrillo College, culminating in a costume design class taught by revered designers Maria Crush and Skip Epperson. Working alongside her mentor, Maria Crush, she learned how to create costumes and ornate head pieces that are eye-catching, dramatic and - equally important - functional for the actors who wear them. She was soon promoted to Assistant Costume Designer for the Cabrillo Stage productions of Hunchback

of Notre Dame and In The Heights and also helped design and construct costumes for the Cabrillo College production, Sponge Bob, the Musical, with its delightfully creative under sea costumes.

Lidia has done intensive historical research on the original 1867 tales of Sweeney Todd as well as the trends and fashions of 19th century England. As she steps into the role of Costume Designer for Cabrillo Stage’s production, Lidia is creating costumes that suit the characters the actors portray and enhance Director Andrea Hart’s vision. She is honored to be working with a creative

team of such high caliber and can’t wait to share this remarkable show!

Please note : This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. n •••

Sweeney Todd performs July 17 – August 10, Thurs, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. All performances are at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, CA. Tickets ranging from $25 - $60 can be purchased on line at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets The Box Office is open for phone 831-479-6154 and walk up sales Thursday -Saturday, noon to 6:00pm and 1 hour prior to each show. Special post show discussion and Q&A with the creative team immediately following the Sunday matinee on July 27, 2025.

On Broadway

Benatar and Morita

Certain tray contents

In custody

*Main character in “Shrek the Musical,” based on 2001 flick

Soreness

Wore (2 words)

Street in Anytown, USA

Burn to a crisp

Opposite of alpha

*Musical with most Tony Awards, with The

Entertain

Unrhymed Japanese poem, pl.

Opposite of hence

Milk’s favorite cookie

Zoroaster follower

A Beatle bride

Mix-up

Type of cotton

*____ Lloyd Webber

Dog command

Inference of similarity

4th letter of Hebrew alphabet

“But heard him

____ he drove out of sight...”

Pool table fabric

Altar location

*Last year’s Tony Award winner for Best Musical, with The

Santa Anna’s target

Small cave

Cocaine-producing plant, pl.

Diagnostic test

Biblical Isaac’s firstborn

Not quite an adult

Craggy peak

Tear DOWN 1. Circumstance’s partner

Lab gel

Domingo, Pavarotti and Carreras, e.g.

“Where the Wild Things Are” author

Plural of #13 Across

Social media button

Not his

*Musical with most Tony nominations

Barbara of “I Dream of Jeannie” 10. *Private box

Double helix-shaped structure 13. Emile Zola’s “J’____...!”

Photo Credit: Bari Lee

Lidia Hasenauer shares some costume concepts at the orientation for Sweeney Todd.

Saturn Leaps Out of Pisces; Splashes On Aries Fiery Beaches!

Thirty years ago, Saturn, planet of time, discipline, and structure, splashed into the ocean of Pisces and found itself in the deep waters with Neptune, Lord of refinement, religion, visions and absolutely no boundaries. In other words, Saturn almost drowned! But now Saturn has risen up out of those deep Piscean waters and splashed itself on the beaches of fiery Aries!

From water to fire — it can be a rather steamy situation ‘til Saturn finds its way in the new element of fire. So what does it mean for Saturn to be in Aries?

On Saturday, May 24th, Saturn crossed the threshold of Aries. Saturn is structures, Aries is all things new. Saturn in Aries initiates new structures, new disciplines, rules and realities for humanity. This begins a new 30-year cycle of time, with the fires of Aries assisting Saturn in its new task — bring forth new structures that unfolds the new Aquarian era.

Risa D’Angeles

Saturn (structure) will catch up with Neptune (dreamtime) and a newer refinement will take place on Earth, resonating with the sound of community. This is a collective change, and this year brings to humanity changes never seen or experienced for centuries.

Saturn will be in Aries for 2½ years (May 24, 2025 - April 14, 2028, including retrogrades back into Pisces). Aries is the wild one of the zodiac. Saturn in Aries attempts to tame Aries, calling for a maturation, a sense of responsibility (needed to help create the new culture and civilization of Aquarius).

So, both Saturn and Aries are calling all thinkers, initiators, entrepreneurs, dreamers, disciples and visionaries to step forward and begin the “new work” of the “new Aquarian era”– the new culture and civilization, the Golden Age.

ARIES

Identity. In the next several years you’ll break from the past and all things (people, ideas, beliefs, fears) that have hindered freedom, selfidentity, creativity and self-expression. You trusted others to have your interests at heart. However, you found this had its limits. An awakening is occurring, informing you to be strong and make decisions about and for yourself, and to change your image to that of being a success. A spiritual person in the world success!

TAURUS

Inner worlds. Things unaware of and habitual come to consciousness to be pondered upon and then released. All things private will be reviewed, especially beliefs about religion, spirituality and helping others. You will recognize how you feel when behind the scenes instead of being front and center initiating world realities. Anything secret, already somewhat exposed, may have more light shed upon it. Nothing’s private anymore because it’s the past. And that needs shaken up, through interesting coincidences that occur.

GEMINI

Groups. Your circle of friends (groups that surround, accept and love you), listen intently to your carefully gathered information. They begin to study what you are teaching for they are devoted to knowing the new world religion and creating all things new. However, a review beforehand is necessary so that the successes of the past can provide a foundation for what is yet to come forth. This is based on visioning, needs, and the requirements of the Aquarian Age. What are they?

CANCER

The World. There’s a feeling of deja vu, or karma and of knowing a new world is quickly approaching. There’s a review occurring with your communication and career, how you as a leader relate to friends and coworkers. You want to be free of the past. However the past hasn’t revealed all of its secrets yet. More of your talents along with how to approach your work in the world with a dedicated and fully conscious sense of serving need more self-discovery. When you appear, everyone’s liberated. Why would that be?

Saturn asks us to commit to our dreams (Pisces), to have patience (Aries fire is very impatient) and to choose to complete our tasks (Aries is unable to complete tasks, giving them to Taurus instead).

We are to have the courage to persist, focused goals, and anchor our aspirations into that which is tangible. In other words, our previous self-identity will change, we become adults, assume long-term responsibility and realize an inner spiritual strength. The time has come! And so ... Saturn in Aries will focus on...

LEO

Truth & Travel. Will you be traveling unexpectedly? Perhaps travel is already thought about and planned. Know something unexpected will occur providing you with a sense of freedom, liberation from difficult feelings, past beliefs, and that ongoing sense of limitation. Notice as you think differently, those you meet are also different. Tradition is cast to the winds as you begin to cherish and welcome the unconventional. It’s time to study something (unusual) that sets you upon a new path of endeavor.

VIRGO

Sharing. It’s practical, useful and sensible at this time to tend to money and resources with extra care as something could occur that’s unexpected (again?) especially with shared resources. Keep up with all legal deadlines and matters – taxes, loans, debt. If not taken care of, pleasure and ease could be limited and expenditures multiply. Something experimental and unusual will take place. Expect this and maintain balance each day through intentional goodwill, which leads to harmony and right relations.

LIBRA

Relationships. If interactions or relationships seem confusing or difficult, you may simply walk away thinking the situation too hard to bear. Cooperation is needed now and patience in order to understand what actions are appropriate and how to respond when everything feels limiting. Explore ways with those you love that bring about wonder instead of sameness and boredom. Explore the impossible, impractical, the unattainable and the unachievable. The outcome will be fascinating and interesting.

SCORPIO

Daily life. The habitual, regular, normal, consistent, orderly and routine in daily life, all work and relationships unexpectedly change. Anything confining will be liberated, including people, places, things, ideas and beliefs, especially what creates separations and blocks love, in your life. You might feel restless, and so a new rhythm will be sought. Alternative methods of healing — laser light, energetic medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture become useful. Eventually only the unconventional (read holistic) will make sense.

“Consumer Confidence” from page 21

• Construction & Maintenance Teams safeguard the distribution system’s integrity, swiftly addressing repairs and quality concerns.

• Water Resources Staff carefully conduct the collection of sampling and testing to ensure protocols and standards are maintained for samples sent to the lab for results.

• Customer Service Staff are the frontline for public inquiries, reinforcing trust in water quality and service delivery.

SAGITTARIUS

Creativity. More and more you find yourself thinking original and unconventional thoughts, seeking creative tasks, actions, art, interactions and out of the ordinary activities. And actually these begin to describe who you are becoming. They provide you with liberty, expansion and freedom of expression. It would be good to tell close friends and family that you’re moving into an unusual, original, perhaps eccentric period of creativeness. It’s also a time of seeking more fun and play. Unusual attractions occur, too.

CAPRICORN

Home. You’ll return to an earlier interest, work, theme concerning family and home seeing how your history and early life interface with and influence your present. Don’t be surprised if home life is somehow disrupted, if time speeds up and slows down (like the tides), if routines keep changing, if decisions are quickly called for while patience dwindles. Hold all these things within a heart-felt spirit of understanding that there’s no more normal, anywhere with anything. For all of us, this is preparation.

AQUARIUS

Communication. You think about neighborhoods from long ago to better understand that time in your life. Being in touch, reaching out in communication with friends, are part of a focus of care in your life now. When you reach out and make contact love is released. You look for and find new thinking, new realities, ideas, fields of study, new concepts that expose the future. Seeking new routines, you might dress, think, relate and express yourself differently. A new life-pattern comes forth. Read Billy and the Giant Adventure, by Jamie Oliver

PISCES

Values. You are awakening to the fact that you are of great value, something not realized before to such depth. As your thoughts of self as valuable grow and are cultivated, all that you do value will change. I have found that without a sense of self-confidence firmly established, there is less forward movement because the self doesn’t know what to choose or how to take action. This will change too. Always ask if your choice and actions are practical and for the good. Begin each day with the Will to Good, the Will to Love.

Community Engagement

Public education is a cornerstone of the District’s outreach, with presentations, school programs, and community events fostering a shared sense of stewardship. Collaborations with regional partners address broader challenges, including climate resilience, watershed protection, and groundwater recharge.

Transparency is paramount, and the District Board conducts regular public meetings where community members are encouraged to participate.

Open communication channels, including our monthly email newsletter and use of social media, ensure the community stays informed and engaged.

Safeguarding Our Community’s Water

The District’s 80 groundwater monitoring wells continuously assess basin health, providing vital data for proactive management. The Pure Water Soquel project exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, creating a new purified water source to replenish the aquifer and protect against seawater intrusion.

As environmental conditions evolve, the District remains vigilant in monitoring emerging contaminants and adapting treatment processes to meet future regulatory requirements. Ongoing investments in technology, research, and staff training position Soquel Creek Water District at the forefront of water quality management. We also continue to address California water quality priorities of hexavalent chromium and cross-connection control.

Staying Informed

The 2024 Water Quality Report documents compliance and gives customers insights into other water characteristics like sodium, hardness, and pH levels. This transparency helps customers understand more about their water while reinforcing trust in the District’s stewardship. n

For more information or questions regarding water quality, please contact our Water Quality Compliance Program Coordinator at (831) 4758500 or email carac@soquelcreekwater.org.

Educators of the Year: John Postovit, Minc Robinson Brooker

Minc Robinson Brooker, education specialist at Pajaro Valley High School, and John Postovit, teacher at Scotts Valley High School, share the 2025 Santa Cruz County Educator of the Year Award.

Their work exemplifies the values of equity, service, and excellence.

Minc Robinson Brooker has more than 30 years of experience and impact in education, including 18 years as a classroom teacher. Minc has served students and colleagues across six school districts in a wide range of roles, from paraeducator and crossing guard to union site rep and negotiator. She’s worked with organizations including NASA and Professional Tutors of America, and has been honored by NASA, the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce, and Sonoma State University for her contributions to education.

[John Postovit] contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the 2014 IB Educator of the Year for California and Nevada, 2015 California League of High Schools Educator of the Year, and 2016 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year.

At Pajaro Valley High, Minc serves as the school’s first Black Student Union advisor and helped lead its 2nd annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, joining students, colleagues, families, and community members in celebration.

In the classroom, her “Brilliant Scholars” thrive through creative, identity-affirming projects that encourage self-advocacy and discovery. Known for her warmth, humor, and love of cats, Minc builds lasting connections with students and uplifts colleagues across her campus.

Minc believes deeply in the role of teachers as connectors—between students and administrators, students and families, and students and the community. She considers it an immense honor to serve in this profession and celebrates the many educators who have supported her journey along the way.

•••

John Postovit began his teaching career in 1992 following work in the night vision goggle industry. Over the years, he has taught physics and every level of high school math, from pre-algebra to calculus and differential equations, in King City, Carmel, and Scotts Valley.

He has been a faculty member at Scotts Valley High School since 2009, where he currently teaches two levels of physics and

[Minc Robinson Brooker] believes deeply in the role of teachers as connectors ... considers it an immense honor to serve in this profession and celebrates the many educators who have supported her journey along the way.

International Baccalaureate Math Higher Level.

He also serves as the school’s IB Coordinator and WASC Accreditation Coordinator.

His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the 2014 IB Educator of the Year for California and Nevada, 2015 California League of High Schools Educator of the Year, and 2016 Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year.

•••

Other Awards

• Classified Employee of the Year: Jessica Serna Castaneda, Parent/Community Support Coordinator, Santa Cruz City Schools

• Counselor of the Year: Sylvia Alba, Counselor, Watsonville High School (Pajaro Valley USD)

• Administrator of the Year: Amy HedrickFarr, Food and Nutrition Director, Santa Cruz City Schools

• Community Partner of the Year: X Academy Dr. Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools, congratulated each of the honorees, saying they represent the heart of public education in Santa Cruz County. n

•••

To learn more about the honorees and their impact on students, visit sccoe.link/ educatorsoftheyear.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW EZ PERMIT WALK-IN HOURS

In response to community feedback, the County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development & Infrastructure launched new “EZ Permit” walk-in hours at the Building Counter on the 4th floor of 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz.

Walk-in appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 9 am. Spots are limited.

Visitors will also receive a brief feedback survey offering an opportunity to share their experience and help improve services in the future.

“Contractors and the public often come in knowing what they need and ready to go,” said CDI Director Matt Machado. “By offering walk-in availability, we’re making it easier for people to get in, get what they need, and get back to work.”

Walk-in appointments are for EZ Permits only; people can determine whether their project is eligible for an EZ Permit at bit.ly/ez-permit

Contractors must create an account first; property owners do not.

The Building section will host a weekly opportunity to address building inspection-related questions with a Senior Building Inspector on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

CAREALERT FOR LOVED ONES

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office CAREalert program aims to enhance the safety and well-being of individuals with special needs by providing law enforcement officers with critical information during emergency responses.

By registering loved ones with special needs, community members can help make information available to officers, such as specific limitations, communication preferences, and potential triggers.

This proactive approach helps to prevent misunderstandings and enables law enforcement to provide individuals with the appropriate care and support during interactions when appropriate and when this information is available.

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE SUMMER SCHEDULE

Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized professional theatre company in Santa Cruz County with local roots that go back more than 40 years, has announced their performance calendar for their 2025 Summer and Fall festival.

Tickets are at santacruzshakespeare.org.

Performances will take place July 13 through Sept. 20 in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park.

The 2025 season theme is “No One is Alone”.

Following two years of record-breaking ticket sales, the 2025 festival will include four plays in rotating repertory: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the musical Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, Pericles by William Shakespeare and George Wilkins, and “Master Harold”…and the boys by Athol Fugard.

SUMMER ITALIAN LANGUAGE

CLASSES

Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with our native Italianspeaking Instructors. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering are for you! All classes are conducted in Italian by instructors who are university qualified native speakers. These instructors provide training in all basic communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a systematic study of grammar.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

The summer session begins July 7, so register NOW to secure your spot and take advantage of the Early Bird pricing (ends June 8). Pricing & location (online & in person) varies by class; see individual class descriptions. The last day to register is July 3.

See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/classes

WORLD’S SHORTEST PARADE IN APTOS

The Aptos 4th of July Celebration is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to be part of this cherished community tradition than by becoming a sponsor or entering the parade!

Sponsorship opportunities support a beloved local event while promoting your business to thousands of attendees!

Parade entries now open.

Want to march, dance, ride, or roll in the parade? Now’s your chance!

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, sports teams, classic cars, performance groups, and community organizations are all encouraged to join in the fun.

Let your creativity shine and show your community spirit!

To become a sponsor or register your parade entry, visit aptoschamber.com or call the Aptos Chamber of Commerce at (831) 688-1467.

Let’s make this year’s Independence Day celebration the best one yet—it can’t happen without you!

GRAND JURY REPORT

The 2024-25 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury published its first report on June 2.

The report can be read at http://www.scgrandjury.org.

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

Upcoming Meetings: June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December have not yet been decided. For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

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

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

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

EL MERCADO FARMERS MARKET

3-7 p.m., 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville

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

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

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

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

Second and Fourth Tuesdays thru August TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERTS

6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Wharf Stage, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants welcome back Tuesday Night Live at the Santa Cruz Wharf. Come to the Wharf Stage every second Tuesday of the month — plus shows on the fourth Tuesdays in June, July and August — for live music and games.

SUMMER READING: COLOR OUR WORLD

Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites adults, children and their family members to sign up for the 2025 Summer Reading Program at their local library, including Aptos, Bookmobile, or www.santacruzpl.org. The theme is: Color Our World. The program begins on Sunday, June 1, and participants win prizes for reaching their goals. The last day to log reading minutes is Wednesday, July 31, and the last day to redeem prizes is Saturday, Aug. 9.

Every branch in the ten-library system and Bookmobile will host free activities for children, teens, and adults to support a love of reading.

Youth Programs and Services Manager Heather Norquist says, “I love that we have this opportunity to host special performances by magicians, puppeteers, musicians and more, and that we give children books as incentive prizes to build their home libraries. This year we are also offering a fantastic selection of arts and crafts programs.”

Adult Programs and Services Manager Jessica Goodman said, “We invite all adults to slow down and enjoy a summer filled with creative exploration and unique learning experiences. Check out our gardening workshops, film screenings, literary talks, musical performance, poetry writing, nature journaling, and textile arts demos. Get inspired to make your own mosaics, pressed flower crafts, watercolor paints, hand-bound books, and compost bins. You can even experiment with laser cutting and engraving.”

She added, “Spend some summer leisure time reading for pleasure, and you’ll earn prizes plus have a chance to win Santa Cruz Shakespeare tickets, a California State Parks annual pass, or a Monterey Bay Aquarium family membership!”

more, call 831-427-7713 or visit: www.santacruzpl.org/srp.

Check out Wharf Business pop ups, including a game and photo booth by The Booth Biz.

Every Tuesday is Local’s Tuesday: get a stamp validation from any business on the Wharf and receive 2 hours of free parking! Bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! We can’t wait to see you at this series and thank you for supporting local!

Experience concerts aboard Chardonnay Sailing – not the entire concert but a limited time as a part of the sailing experience. Attend a concert on the wharf for a chance to win a gift certificate to one of these sails!

Dates

June 10 — The Viva Santana Show (Nor Cals #1 Tribute Band)

June 24 — Extra Large

July 8 — The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin July 22 — Fish Hook

August 12 — The Joint Chiefs

August 26 — Sweet VooDoo https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ parks-recreation

Last Wednesdays of the Month

PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS

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

PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting

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

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

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

Thursdays

HAPPY HOUR

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

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

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

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

Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strolltickets-668910307737

Fridays (except First Friday of the Month)

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP

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

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

Fourth* Fridays

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley *September date is 3rd Friday

The Food Truck Friday season is rolling along in Scotts Valley. Join us at Skypark for an evening filled with flavor,

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

live music, and all the fun that makes this community tradition so special.

Free admission, and free parking at Skypark & Cavallero bus station

Special dates and times: Sept. 19 (third Friday-Start 4:30 p.m.) • Oct. 24 (Start 4:30 p.m.).

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

Raise a Glass for a Cause: On June 27, The SVEF Beer & Wine Garden will be open and pouring all evening! Every sip supports Scotts Valley public schools, with 100% of profits going directly to educational programs. Dogs on leashes are always welcome — bring the whole crew!

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

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

Saturdays SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE

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

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.

Second Sundays

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz

The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the community for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every second Sunday, this month on June 8. Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa.

Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6 Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are welcomed.

For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call (831) 423-6640.

DATED EVENTS

Wednesday June 4

Saturday June 8

RISE IN HARMONY: CONCERTINO STRINGS’ CONCERTS

11:30 a.m. (Wed) and 3 p.m. (Sat), Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, 12855 Boulder St.

The Concertino Strings’ June concerts in Boulder Creek have the theme Rise in Harmony: Music to carry you above the weighty problems of our time to a place where inspiration gives us the energy to stay strong. The 25 piece string orchestra plays at 150-year-old Boulder Creek United Methodist Church on Wednesday June 4 at 11:30 am and Saturday June 8 at 3 pm.

Leaders are Joanne Tanner of Boulder Creek and Scotts Valley resident Renata Bratt.

Robert Jackson is organ soloist and Mary Kay Wilkinson is violin soloist in the well-known Albinoni Adagio; we also play the Ninth Symphony for Strings by the 14-year-old Felix Mendelssohn; and “Where Falcons Fly” by young black composer Adrian Sims.

Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted. Concerts are an hour long and dress is casual. See concertinostrings.com for more info.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

AUTO HISTORY RETURNS TO CAPITOLA

Saturday June 14

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Capitola Esplanade (8:30 a.m. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St)

Capitola Village is set to come alive as it hosts the 18th annual Capitola Rod and Classic Custom Car Show.

This beloved event showcases a dazzling collection of classic cars, offering attendees a glimpse into automotive history—from powerful muscle cars to sophisticated roadsters.

The Car Show is presented by the Capitola Public Safety and Community Foundation, a dedicated group of local volunteers who sponsor and fund programs and initiatives to improve Santa Cruz County and Capitola public safety and community services.

The day’s excitement kicks off when participants will enjoy a police escort as they drive in procession from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, along the beautiful coastal route to Capitola Village.

Don’t miss out on this celebration of automotive artistry. Mark your calendar and join us for a day of fun, nostalgia, and community spirit at the Capitola Rod and Classic Custom Car Show! If you’re interested in participating in the show, vehicle registration is still available at https://capitolafoundation.com/vehicle-registration.

Photo: Winner of the 2024 Capitola Rod and Classic Custom Car Show.

Saturday June 7

PET ADOPTION FEES WAIVED

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Ave. | Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St.

The Santa Cruz SPCA and Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are again joining over 150 shelters across California for the second annual Adopt-a-Pet Day. Adoption fees this day will be covered by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

This statewide initiative aims to find loving homes for at least 5,000 animals in a single day. Both local shelters will offer fee-waived adoptions for animals who are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The event comes as shelters across the state see a sustained overcrowding crisis.

“Last year’s event was incredibly inspiring — our community really showed up,” said Amber Rowland, General Manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. “But the challenges remain. We’re still seeing more animals coming in than going out, and this day is an opportunity to turn that tide — hopefully for thousands of wonderful, deserving pets.”

HOLLYWOOD IN APTOS

4-6 p.m., Aptos Branch Library Betty Leonard Community Room, 7695 Soquel Dr. Aptos History Museum presents: “When Aptos was Hollywood”

Come hear stories about the filming of “The One-Way Trail”, a silent movie shot in Aptos in 1919 with scenes of Aptos village and Aptos creek, starring Edythe Sterling, a horse-riding heroine who rescues her lover from “Thundering Ames, Bad Man of the Tall Trees” — a villain as bad as his name.

The library event will feature live and recorded talks about the movie’s actors, plot lines, and settings, including village, mill pond and railroad. Recordings of industry specialist talking about the film and the era will be played.

The exhibit will be displayed at the Aptos Library for the next six months.

Sunday June 8

SIP, SAVOR, AND BID AT SECRET GARDEN SOIRÉE

2-5 p.m. Creekside at Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St, Soquel

The enchanting creek-side charm of Bargetto Winery will become the setting for a dreamy garden party like no.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping wine, savoring delicious bites, browsing a curated silent auction, and soaking in the charm of the courtyard under a beautiful springtime sky.

The Art & Wine Kickoff Party is a fundraiser supporting the 42nd annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, taking place Sept. 13 & 14, 2025, in Capitola Village.

Admission includes:

• 2025 Capitola Art & Wine Festival Glass (official tasting glass for the festival)

• Wine Tasting from 22 Festival Wineries

• Unveiling of 2025 Festival poster by Cristina Sayers

• Silent Auction with donations from Festival artists, wineries, and local businesses

• Artisan bites from ItaliaFire

• Desserts from Sugar Bakery

• Music by Tim Brady from Cement Ship

Registration: $75 until sold out at https://master. capitolachamber.com/events/details/capitola-art-wine-kickoffparty-06-08-2025-3030

Tuesday June 10

PVWMA RESILIENCE WORKSHOP

9 a.m.-Noon, Online Workshop

The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency announces the second community workshop for the Pajaro River

Watershed Resilience Program, funded as a pilot program through the California Department of Water Resources. This online workshop via Zoom offers a unique opportunity for community members to identify local vulnerabilities to climate extremes such as extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, wildfire, drought, sea level rise, and storm surge,and guide the community, including Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties, toward a more resilient future. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, learn about the resources and assets in the watershed, and provide feedback that will inform the development of resilience strategies.

To RSVP for the workshop, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/ PVWMA-River-Workshop-5-19.

For more about the Pajaro River Watershed Resilience Program and future workshops, visit pvwater.org/prwrp.

Sunday June 22

SIP FOR SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

1-4 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort’s South Bluff, Rio Del Mar Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz is presenting “Sip for Second Harvest” at Seascape Beach Resort’s South Bluff. This fundraiser features local wine tastings, live music, and hors d’oeuvres. Attendees will receive eight tastings, appetizers, and a commemorative glass.

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz is a local food bank that supports the food insecure in Santa Cruz County. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance at https:// donate.thefoodbank.org/event/sip-for-second-harvest-2025/ e675850

Saturday July 12

ART & WINE IN THE GARDEN

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

On July 12, the annual Art & Wine in the Garden event from 5:30-8 p.m. at Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, brings together artists, winemakers, chefs, and supporters in a shared mission: keeping pets and their people together when it matters most.

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

Sunday August 10

HOW TO MEDITATE

2-4 p.m., Cabrillo Campus, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (Horticulture 5001 — up on the hill)

Learn how calm mind chatter for more clarity, patience, peace & performance at Meditation: Science, Spirituality, and Practice. Explore why meditation helps and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy. Class will include specific methods to help make a meditation practice easy.

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

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

Kim Kasner Burnin’ Love Art Studio — Wood-burned pet portraits and home décor, all hand-drawn without lasers or printers.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

On Art & Golf: The Shift From Mechanics to Flow

Editor’s note: This is the 10th in a series.

Whether you’re playing golf or creating a work of art, you’re probably using some of the same techniques to find the groove.

In both disciplines, it’s often the case that we think, then we feel. We calculate, then let go. We ponder, then relinquish thought and hit the ball—or put pen to paper or brush to canvas. This game of opposites comes down to learning to live in both worlds.

But does one side of this mental tugof-war finally win the battle? Pro golfer Sam Sneed (“Slammin’ Sammmy”) used to say, “Dance with the one you brung to the dance,” meaning you can’t fix your swing during a round; trust your instincts, tools, and abilities under pressure. Ultimately, in golf or in creative work, flow—not technique—must dominate.

In fact, even though technique is what starts the creative process in motion or invites us to the dance, the dancing must be fluid. As Kimon Nicolaides tells us in The Natural Way to Draw, “You will paint well when you are able to forget that you are painting at all.”

And Sam Sneed might add, “Stop thinking and let ‘er rip.”

So, how can we be aware of the mechanics but let them go? One approach is to ignore mechanics altogether.

Author Sarah Rabkin has said that “to create from beneath the controlled, linear patterns of the conscious mind,” we should listen to Annie Dillard: “Aim for the chopping block,” or to Natalie Goldberg: “Go for the jugular.”

That’s what “freewriting” and “blastdrafting” and “automatic writing” are all about: this freewheeling attitude is designed to help us flip over to feeling and impulse instantaneously, without overthinking.

Certainly, these automatic writing practices can help us let go before we begin. For example, when singers first perform a song in rehearsals, stage director Greg Fritsch tells them to “Make a mess of it.” He’s not being sarcastic or facetious. Greg knows that most good singers have already ingrained their technical chops, so he asks them to forget technique and “go for it.

Just like what a golf pro might tell us about an approach shot over water.

In this advanced technique, mechanics are replaced by a freewheeling attitude, unencumbered by what golf instructors often call “paralysis by analysis.”

But in a more traditional approach—and more frequently used in art than in golf— mechanics can act as a stepping-stone (or a lever) to access unconscious expression.

When the flux between mechanics and flow takes over fully — causing what I call a series of “mini explosions” — the experience acts like a drug.

By Joe Ortiz

My own close observation has revealed that we go back and forth indefinitely during any single creative session: First mechanics controls the process, then the creative mind rushes in to save the day.

Portrait drawing is an excellent example: First we measure and calculate, then we draw impulsively. When this step-by-step process happens, a mental shift can occur—forcing the creative mind to be freed from restrictions. The moment the mind is forced to escape technique, it allows “flow” to arrive.

In Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Betty Edwards writes that, when put under a demanding structure, the left (logical) brain will refuse to participate, allowing the right (intuitive) brain to steal in and suggest a creative solution—a flash of insight.

What We Can Do: Any time we start a process from a prescribed prompt, form, or genre (say a sonnet form, or an ink-pen drawing), the limitation of the form can help incite a creative breakthrough: the mechanism has the potential to thrust us into the “zone.”

When the flux between mechanics and flow takes over fully—causing what I call a series of “mini explosions”—the experience acts like a drug. This heightened experience can compel artists who put their faith in mechanics as a catalyst to go back to the practice many times in any single creative session to seek out even more revelations.

And as a sign that it’s happening, the experience often arrives with a bodily sensation. As a seasoned writer once told me: “I’m humming, man. My body’s a tuning fork.”

And what would Slammin’ Sammy Sneed say?

“You know you’re dancing when you can feel the music in your bones.” n

SCCAS Featured Pet

Meet the Meme!

Meet our Pet of the week: a social butterfly of a husky — Max (A318927)! He is a 2 year old neutered male who weighs about 63 pounds!

Max is a friendly, energetic dog super-ready to get out of the shelter and into his next home. His favorite activities in his previous home were going for runs and/or walks. He lived indoors and would reliably let his guardians know when he had to go out and potty (good boy, Max!).

Max has experience coexisting nicely with kids ages 2 to 4 years old and loves playing with squeaky toys. At the Shelter, Max is increasing his social circle with other dogs through group walks and play dates, but he is increasingly frustrated with living in a shelter kennel … We’ve had some wonderful fosters give him some time in their homes, where Max has proven well-behaved and far more settled than he is here at the shelter.

Max is well matched with dogs who are ready to rumble as he enjoys a game of chase and wrestling. If you’re looking for a running buddy or a dog to inspire you to increase your step count through walks, hikes or jogging, come meet Max today!

Max’s adoption fee is sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation thanks to “Leave No One Behind fund” — designed to adopter’s eyes towards animals who have been in the Shelter’s care a little longer than average waiting for the right adopter.

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

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”)

580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

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