Aptos Times: November 1, 2025

Prepare for Lift Off!

Advanced Air Mobility to Power Local Economy

By Jon Chown

SEASIDE — Change is coming to America’s transportation system and it’s being innovated in our backyard, according to regional government and business leaders who gathered at CSU Monterey Bay on Oct. 17 for the 2025 Annual State of the Region conference. The event discussed key issues and trends shaping the local economy.

Presented by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, the conference featured legislative updates from State Assembly and Senate members, panel discussions with local industry leaders, and short expert takes on local trends.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Watsonville High Unveils Geiser Field Makeover

There was plenty of pride bubbling up on the Watsonville High School campus on Friday Oct. 17. It was a bright, sunny afternoon and the football stadium, Emmett M. Geiser Field, was shining like new and ready to be shown off. Full Story page 7

Watsonville City Plaza Project Over Budget

A presentation by city staff on the planned renovation of Watsonville City Plaza, which is over budget, and various options going forward, raised the hackles of Council Member Ari Parker at the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.

Story page 13

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5 Gourmet Grazing on the Green Raises $100,000 for Local Cancer Programs

7 Watsonville High Unveils Geiser Field Makeover: Long Awaited $5M Improvement Project Helps Reignite School Spirit, By Tad Stearn

8 Controversial Issues Policy Creates More Controversy: Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees Step Into Huge Morass, By Jon Chown

11 Motive Behind High School Stabbing Still Unknown: Watsonville PIO Says Police Unable to Interview Teen Suspects, By Jon Chown 13 Watsonville City Plaza Project Over Budget: Staff’s Suggestion to Reconsider Restoration Draws Outcry, By Jon Chown • Watsonville Council Sides With Organized Labor: Rejects City Staff’s Plan to Limit Union Requirements on Contract Bids 16 Spill the Wine 17 PG&E Answers to Customers on Local Power Outages: Frequent Unplanned Blackouts Have Plagued Several Aptos Neighborhoods, By Tad Stearn

Driver Dies as Van Plunges Off Wharf: Local Outrigger Club Saves Dog During Practice Paddle, By Jon Chown • Final Report Released on ZeroEmission Passenger Rail and Trail Project, By Jon Chown

20 Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies: Protests in Santa Cruz, Watsonville Mostly Jovial, By Jon Chown

24 Saying Goodbye In Memoriam 16 Manuel Bersamin, Community Servant, Dies at 67 Community Opinion

22

Gourmet Grazing on the Green Raises $100,000 for Local Cancer Programs

Guests spent a sunny Saturday sampling fine wine, craft beer, and gourmet food while supporting local cancer programs at the Gourmet Grazing on the Green Food, Wine & Beer Festival at Aptos Village Park on Oct. 11.

“It was a wonderful day! We welcomed over 1,000 attendees and raised over $100,000 in much-needed funds for our beneficiaries. The generosity, time, and participation of the local community — from businesses and sponsors to restaurants, wineries, breweries, artists and volunteers — helped make the event such a success, and we’re so grateful for their support,” said Keikilani McKay, event organizer.

The festival featured dozens of local restaurants, wineries, and breweries, offering guests the chance to sample gourmet food, fine wine, craft beer, and spirits while enjoying live music in a scenic park setting.

Funds raised benefit local cancer programs, including the Teen Kitchen Project, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, the Katz Cancer Resource Center, WomenCARE, and the Fellowship Program for Cancer Research at UC Santa Cruz.

The event highlighted the community’s generosity and commitment to supporting cancer care and research in the region. n

Wright Station Winery

“Air Mobility” from page 4

“The promise of what this program can do for this region, it’s mighty,” she said. “We will be a model for others to emulate.”

Companies outside the region are taking notice. Axel Radermacher, co-founder of ODYS Aviation, also spoke on the panel. His company focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, which are used for cargo and defense missions. Currently, it has a UAV that can carry 150 pounds up to 450 miles.

“We are headquartered in Long Beach, but we are looking at relocating to the region,” he told the audience.

Regional Health Care

Most every issue affecting a local resident’s pocketbook was discussed at the conference, including health care. Dr. Allen Radner of Salinas Valley Health gave a perspective on what challenges regional health care providers are facing and what’s coming next. Neither were very positive.

Radner said the United States spends more on health care than other nations, but has worse outcomes. “It shocks people to hear that the median life expectancy right now in Bangladesh is better than in Mississippi.”

He said the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill by Congress will make things worse because it will further reduce hospital reimbursements for care. Regionally, patients at hospitals are insured about 25% of the time, compared with a state average of 40%. Medi-Cal reimburses about 50% of the cost of care, while Medicare pays about 75% to 80%,

“It shocks people to hear that the median life expectancy right now in Bangladesh is better than in Mississippi.”

according to Radner. The shortfall is covered by patients with private insurance, causing rates to climb.

According to Radner, getting reimbursed, billing insurance agencies, has become such a chore that about 20% of care providers’ time and costs are put towards it. He said it also costs about $100 million for a medium-sized hospital to install a current medical records system. This, in turn, has made private practices obsolete. In the 1980s, 76% of medical practices were independent, and now 78% are contracted models. The result is fewer providers, less competition and higher prices.

Radner said even the survivability of local systems was in question, noting Watsonville Community Hospital is especially struggling financially.

“Watsonville is looking for a partner. It’s not working there,” he said.

In addition to rising costs, Radner said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was being undermined and the National Institutes of Health’s actions were “problematic.” Local hospitals, he added, are no longer protected from immigration raids.

“This is a huge issue in our region,” he said. n

— Dr. Allen Radner of Salinas Valley Health

COMMUNITY NEWS

Watsonville High Unveils

Geiser Field Makeover

Long Awaited $5M Improvement

Project Helps Reignite

By Tad Stearn

WATSONVILLE — There was plenty of pride bubbling up on the Watsonville High School campus on Friday Oct. 17. It was a bright, sunny afternoon and the football stadium, Emmett M. Geiser Field, was shining like new and ready to be shown off.

With an official-ribbon cutting ceremony at the stadium, Watsonville High officials and several local government partners were celebrating a major milestone with the completion of a $5 million-plus renovation of Geiser Field. With collaboration and support from the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, City of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, and funding from two bond measures, the stadium improvements are a project that’s been decades in the making.

School leaders are confident that the project will help revitalize the campus, energize its sports programs and restore pride in a facility that once hosted the prestigious Central Coast Section football championship in 1990. Improving safety by replacing the outdated wooden bleachers and bringing the facility into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act were also priorities.

The renovation work was completed in phases, funded by voter-approved Measure L and Measure M bonds from 2012 and 2025, respectively. Following replacement of the artificial turf and track surfaces, other upgrades included installation of new metal bleachers with a total capacity of 2,100 (1,120

School Spirit

on the home side and 980 on the visitor side), a state-of-the-art press box, ADA compliant ramps to improve accessibility, new fencing and updated bathrooms. The latest phase of work replaced the asphalt and outdoor basketball courts just north of the stadium.

A new scoreboard and LED lighting will be coming soon as finishing touches.

The ribbon-cutting celebration marked not just the debut of the new facilities, but also the unveiling of the “Roar Zone”, a designated area in the new bleachers for students to cheer on the ‘Catz and showcase their school spirit.

The project faced its share of challenges.

A 2023 flooding event and high groundwater table submerged the track under several inches of water, requiring subsurface design changes and extending the construction timeline. Despite the setbacks, the school and PVUSD pressed forward to get the work completed for the new school year.

Watsonville High’s sports program has long been a cornerstone of community identity. The school fields teams in football, soccer, basketball, track and field, and more, with the football team competing in the Pacific Coast Athletic League. While recent years have seen fluctuating success, the new facilities offer a chance to reset expectations and attract greater student participation.

“Emmett M. Geiser Field” page 8

Superintendent Heather Contreras holds the ribbon while PVUSD board member Daniel Dodge Jr. cuts it and Watsonville High Principal Joe Gregorio watches.

“Emmett M. Geiser Field” from page 7

Principal Joe Gregorio, a former Wildcatz football player, has spent many, many hours at Geiser Field. According to Gregorio, the upgraded stadium now boasts the second-largest seating capacity in Santa Cruz County, behind only Cabrillo College’s Carl Conelly Stadium.

“Every time you get something nice and new, the students feel it. And they feel the energy, the aura that comes with it, and it kind of builds upon itself, and creates this great attitude and vibe on campus,” Gregorio said.

In her ribbon-cutting remarks, Dr. Heather Contreras, PVUSD Superintendent of Schools, also noted that the high school and Geiser Field have witnessed “many generations” of sports, celebrations and graduations.

While there were many supporters and key players along the way, Principal Gregorio has previously credited Dr. Contreras,

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was just in time for the football team’s 2025 Homecoming game, where the Wildcatz faced off against the North Monterey County Condors later that night and walked away with a decisive 25-13 win. n

Controversial Issues Policy Creates More Controversy

Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees Step Into Huge Morass

By Jon Chown

After a long, heated debate, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees tabled a decision on updating its Controversial Issues policy and seemed to indicate a committee of students, educators, staff and trustees will work on a new policy.

The [Controversial Issues] policy is meant to address concerns that arise when teachers discuss topics that are controversial, which is a rapidly growing list in this day and age.

should consult with the Superintendent or designee as necessary to determine the appropriateness of the subject matter,” reads the updated policy. Opponents to the policy went on the attack, declaring it a takeover and censorship in the classroom.

The issue became even more controversial than one might expect of a Controversial Issues policy. The policy is meant to address concerns that arise when teachers discuss topics that are controversial, which is a rapidly growing list in this day and age. However, due to some avoidable errors, this storm quickly grew into a hurricane.

The policy’s legalese, which seemingly

took all decisions on controversial issues and placed them before the superintendent, stirred up things right away. “Teachers

The uproar was such that the district released a statement before the meeting explaining that it was a “routine policy update” and not about censorship.

“Controversial Issues” page 12

A view of the improvements to the Geiser Field bleachers.

Motive Behind High School Stabbing Still Unknown

Watsonville PIO Says Police Unable to Interview Teen Suspects

By Jon Chown

WATSONVILLE — Police are reportedly still investigating the motive behind a day of violence at Watsonville High School on Oct. 24 that left two students and a teacher in the hospital.

According to a host of reporting by local media, a staff member was stabbed along with two students during separate incidents. Four minors were arrested.

It started with a 16-year-old suspect attacking a 14-year-old student, injuring the student and a security guard who was trying to stop the violence. Later, three students attacked another student. Those three and the 16-year-old were all arrested for felony battery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Alejandro Chavez, public information officer for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, said staff called 911 immediately and a police sergeant was on the scene in less than two minutes.

However, since the suspects are all under 18, police are unable to interview them, according to Michelle Pulido, public information officer for the city of Watsonville.

“It gets complicated because our detectives

are not able to interview the suspects because they’re under age. It makes it very difficult for our officers,” she said.

The city and police department would release no further information on the case. Pulido said she did not know if the suspects were still in custody.

The claim that the police are unable to interview suspects under 18 appears to differ from state law. In California, due to the passage in 2020 of SB203, for suspects under 18, police are prohibited from conducting an interrogation until the minor has first consulted with an attorney. Neither the minor nor their parent can waive this right. A minor can also ask for their parent to be present during questioning, and if that request is denied, it may affect whether a court considers any statements to have been made voluntarily.

When this was pointed out, Pulido said Senate Bill 203 eliminated all interrogation of any suspect under 18 at all. However, an information bulletin released by the California Department of Justice in 2023 also clarifies that suspects under the age of 18 cannot be interrogated without first consulting a lawyer.

“In recognition of the growing body of research concluding that ‘children and adolescents are much more vulnerable to psychologically coercive interrogations and in other dealings with the police’ than adults, the bill requires that a youth 17 years of age or younger consult with legal counsel prior to a custodial interrogation, and this consultation may not be waived,” reads the bulletin. It was sent by Michael Newman, senior assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Enforcement Section. Newman is away from the office until Nov. 3 and could not be reached for comment.

While there seems to be confusion regarding the investigation, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District has been active. The school resource officer that had split time between Pajaro Valley High School and Watsonville High School has been assigned to Watsonville full-time for now.

“We are following all protocols that were in place before the incident occurred, and in addition, we now have a larger law enforcement presence, and we’re just being more vigilant,” Chavez said.

“We are following all protocols that were in place before the incident occurred, and in addition, we now have a larger law enforcement presence, and we’re just being more vigilant”

— Alejandro Chavez, public information officer, PVUSD

As per the investigation, Chavez said he also was unaware of exactly where it was, but said the school district is helping in any way it can.

“I can tell you that the school administration and PVUSD is working with law enforcement and allowing them to finish their investigation, as well as an investigation to see if protocols were followed.”

Counseling is being offered to staff and students at WHS. Chavez said many have taken advantage of it.

“We are providing support and health care to anyone in need,” he said. “We have a Wellness Center, and counseling for students and staff.” n

“Controversial Issues” from page 8

The policy was made in 2009 and the language used to update it was standard “boilerplate” language used by most other local school districts. The words “Superintendent or designee” are standard in nearly every single board policy, the statement claims.

This message was reiterated during the meeting. PVUSD staff explained that, as the head of the district, the policy placed all authority for any decisions made on the superintendent. However, in reality, those decisions would be made by others.

“In situations like this, it’s actually not the superintendent … who is making this final call; 99.999% of the time it would be somebody at the site, usually the principal,” said Claudia Monjaras, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

Bobby Pelz, a teacher at Watsonville High School, said the policy itself was the problem. He reminded the board that the policy would almost certainly exist beyond the tenure of Heather Contreras as superintendent, and could be wielded by someone else for bad purposes.

“The purpose of education has never been about neutrality,” he said. “Teach students to face the world as it is, so they can imagine the world as it should be. I’m not against guidelines, but policies like this should be written through partnership.”

Pelz, who teaches ethnic studies and English, had recently invited Omar Dieguez, an anti-pesticide activist, to speak to his class about pesticide use in local fields. The presentation was put on hold by the district. Pelz said he believes the situation led to the proposed policy update.

“The moment you assign one person the power to decide what is appropriate for the classroom, you’ve already taken a side. You’ve already decided that some knowledge is dangerous,” he said.

Board members pointed out that the issue is not so clear. If not for the policy,

teachers would be the one person to decide, and that could be bad.

“I want to make sure we have some guardrails,” said Trustee Carol Turley. “I don’t want to see somebody coming into our schools teaching facts according to RFK. I don’t want to see people who are teaching hate or talking about anti-LGBTQ. … So for me, those are some kinds of things we would want to see restricted and not come into our schools.”

Trustee Misty Navarro said that she overhead her child’s friend complain about a teacher who held a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk after his assassination, realizing that one wasn’t held on Sept. 11, or for victims of a school shooting that same day.

“I don’t want my child being indoctrinated. I feel like that is my job to do at home,” Navarro said.

After discussion, the board found that the current policy was insufficient, but the proposed policy wasn’t the solution. Board President Olivia Flores said Contreras would come back with another try. Turley said she understood that a committee would be formed. As it was not on the agenda to form a committee, no decision was made. It seems likely that a discussion to form a committee will be on a future agenda.

New Training Adds to Problem

Recent instruction from Effective School Boards, a training program contracted by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District to help its board of trustees become a more functional unit, also apparently added to the controversy.

The policy had been placed on the consent agenda, which would appear to be inappropriate for the first reading of such a hot topic. It looked suspicious and the public noticed. Many people spoke out against the placement during public comment.

“This item should have never been on the consent agenda in the first place, and the fact that it is speaks to the lengths to the district will go to disenfranchise their teachers

and grant sweeping powers to the superintendent,” said Watsonville resident Marta Buliach.

Board President Olivia Flores and others said the agenda committee decided to place the Controversial Issues Policy update on the consent agenda because of the training, which is being done in conjunction with the board’s annual self-evaluation. Among the topics the training focuses on is streamlining meetings and reducing their time. The idea is that meetings that last more than four hours lose community engagement. To shorten meetings, the training emphasizes, whatever can be put on the consent agenda should be done to save time. No more than four or five topics in a meeting should be outside of the consent agenda, according to the training.

“Part of our board training tells us that we should put everything on consent that is not required to be heard or read out loud,” Turley explained.

“The superintendent had requested it be on the agenda for discussion, but the board’s agenda-setting team moved it to the consent agenda,” said Flores, who apologized to the superintendent for not listening to her and actually making her look like a villain.

Turley said the attacks on the superintendent were a complete mischaracterization of the situation. Flores scolded fellow Trustee Gabriel Medina, though not by name, for what she described as an online campaign of bullying and lies regarding the policy and Contreras’ part in it.

“A trustee who was not involved in the agenda-setting process chose to publicly spread false accusations against our superintendent. … This is not an isolated incident. Time and again, I’ve witnessed the same trustee engage in relentless harassment and bullying,” she said.

Board’s Dysfunction Reviewed

Bickering and bullying during board meetings has been a regular feature until lately. Medina is unable to attend meetings now that he is an instructor teaching a class at

Cabrillo College on meeting nights. Meetings have often moved slowly, lasted long hours and accomplished less than hoped for.

As required by district policy, the board conducted its annual self evaluation at the Oct. 22 meeting, scoring a 0 out of 100. While the board’s problems have been documented, the score of 0 would have been unavoidable for any board.

Greg Klein, from Effective School Boards, was hired to train the board and help it conduct the evaluation. He brought 10 charts outlining behaviors and actions to focus on, rating the outcome from Red, Yellow, Green and Blue. If one item in the Red column was true, then the board scored 0 on the card. A Blue rating scored 10 points. Each chart required either Klein’s training or the board to adopt specific language or take specific acts to advance beyond a score of 0. As it was their first meeting with Klein, there appeared no possible way for the board to score anything other than a 0.

For instance, on several charts, in order for the board to improve its score it would need to have adopted policies with specific language regarding “goals and guardrails” around a variety of issues — from the superintendent’s authority, to student outcomes.

Another chart titled “Communicate Results” focused on streamlining the meetings, which have been notoriously long for this board. Some meetings have lasted for about 10 hours when closed session time is included.

“The moment you have a meeting of eight hours or longer, you’ll be in the red for 12 months. Nobody wants you here until 2 in the morning,” Klein said.

Among the ways the board can improve its score would be to have more meetings, and make them shorter with fewer topics; present the agenda for the meetings to the public seven or more days in advance of the meetings; for board members to visit schools outside of their region; and giving more time to students and celebrating their successes during meetings. n

Watsonville City Plaza Project Over Budget

Staff’s Suggestion to Reconsider Restoration Draws Outcry

By Jon Chown

WATSONVILLE — A presentation by city staff on the planned renovation of Watsonville City Plaza, which is over budget, and various options going forward, raised the hackles of Council Member Ari Parker at the Oct. 14 City Council meeting.

“There is so much I am upset with right now; I am trying to be calm,” Parker said before asking city staff for a review of the last seven years.

After an outcry by residents to save the historic plaza, the city in 2020 created a strategic and master plan with the plaza renovation at its heart. In December 2021, the city was awarded a $3.5 million grant from the state Department of Parks and Recreation to help fund the renovation. A $3.3 million Community Development Block Grant was added to that. So far, $900,000 has been spent on plans and permits.

The plan calls for a complete restoration of the historic gazebo and fountain. Electrical upgrades would be made, better drainage installed, and permeable concrete would replace the asphalt. Four full-sized art features,

one on each corner, would represent the cultures that make up Watsonville: Central and South American art on one corner, Asian art on another, Indigenous art opposite it, and European art in the final corner. Game tables and decomposed granite would be placed around the gazebo.

City staff reported at the meeting, however, that the project is $1.2 million over budget. The City Council was given three options for how the city should proceed. Option A would drop some of the extras, like the game tables and some of the permeable asphalt, and cost $6.91 million. The project would still be over $58,000 and risk further budget overruns as repairs on the gazebo got underway. Option B would leave the structural repairs to the gazebo left undone, making only cosmetic repairs to the structure. All the other extras could be done and still leave the city with a surplus of $620,000. Option C would ditch all repairs to the gazebo and cost $5.83 million, leaving a surplus of $1.02 million.

“City Plaza” page 14

Watsonville Council Sides With Organized Labor

Rejects

City Staff’s Plan to Limit Union Requirements on Contract

WATSONVILLE — Most of Watsonville’s water, sewer and road projects are running behind schedule and over budget in Watsonville, and city staff wants to change when union labor is required, but the City Council put off any decision at it’s Oct. 14 meeting and will bring the issue back for discussion on Nov. 5.

Since 2014, Watsonville has worked under a Project Labor Agreement with the Monterey/Santa Cruz Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. The agreement sets rules for wages, hiring, and union work on large city projects. But city staff say the current agreement has become too restrictive and is partly to blame for long delays and high costs.

In the past decade, several important water, sewer, and building projects have either received no bids or bids far higher than city estimates. Among the stalled or overpriced projects:

• The Corralitos Creek Water Treatment Plant, estimated at $3 million, got two bids — the lowest was $5.1 million, 71% over the estimate.

• The Miles Lane Sewer Pump Station project received no bids, even after being rebid.

Bids

• The Water Well #4 Pump Station was estimated at $3 million, but drew only one bid for $5.6 million.

• The Landfill Phase III Closure and Phase IV Opening was expected to cost $7.2 million; the only bid came in at $12.6 million, 76% above the estimate.

• The Wastewater Treatment Facility Electrical Hazard Mitigation Project was estimated at $19 million, but received one bid for $26 million.

There are other problems with the PLA. For instance, nearly all city projects now exceed $600,000, the amount that automatically triggers the PLA. Staff would like to raise that threshold to $1.5 million as the average project now costs $2.5 million. The biggest change staff recommended was to exempt water and sewer projects from the PLA.

“We don’t have problems bidding our roadway and civil projects, it’s only wastewater and water where we’re really having trouble getting at least three bids, and bids that are competitive,” said Danielle Green, assistant director of public works and utilities for the city of Watsonville.

“Unions” page 14

“City Plaza” from page 13

“So if the gazebo isn’t repaired, a lot of other things could be added back into the project,” said Buildings and Facilities Manager Bob Berry.

Parker forcefully reminded staff and her fellow council members how residents had turned up in large numbers at meeting for years in support of saving the gazebo. To now suggest not repairing it was wrong.

“This is not just an update, this is making really huge changes to what we agreed to,” she said. “The people of the city of Watsonville care about this project very much. … You’re saying give direction, well the direction was given by the public. If you’re looking to cut stuff, it’s certainly not the historical stuff. So Option C, that shouldn’t even be on there. … I could consider A.”

Council Member Jimmy Dutra mainly agreed with Parker. “I at least want the gazebo cosmetically restored,” he said, noting that there were other things planned, such as

“Unions” from page 13

SEACLIFF

the permeable asphalt, that didn’t seem as important.

Parker piled on. “We have talked about this for years and what it would cost,” she said. “The public wanted two structures, the foundation and the gazebo, to be here for hundreds of more years. I feel like this is sort of a disingenuous way to bring it to the public.”

Mayor Mario Orozco added her voice to the discussion, also in support of Option A or B, but said she wanted to hear more from the public. n

If the staff plan had been approved, it would have change how Watsonville manages its public construction projects — moving from a one-size-fits-all requirement to a more flexible system aimed at saving money and completing work faster. Staff’s idea, however, appeared dead on arrival. Several of the council members said they were union members or supported unions, and were not in favor of getting rid of the PLA, only amending it.

“My husband is an active union member. My family has been represented by the UFW for quite some time, so I understand and value what labor unions do for our community, so I couldn’t support repealing the PLA,” said Mayor Maria Orozco to applause.

Instead of changing the PLA, council members questioned the city’s bidding requirements. Current requirements follow Caltrans standards, a higher standard that most local municipalities do not follow. Green told the council that the city’s standard basically just required bidders to have completed two similar projects in the past seven years, but Mayor Mario Orozco took issue with that description.

Orozco read the city’s bidding requirements, which in pretty complicated language boiled down to the bidder needing to show two similar projects completed in the past seven years that had a budget equal or greater than the project being bid on, and five other similar projects completed in the past seven years that were half the size of the project being bid on.

“It’s very different from Santa Cruz, which simply says a bidder needs five years experience completing jobs of a similar nature, or the City of Monterey, which requires a bidder to simply have built three similar projects,” she said. “So for you to say it just requires two projects, I don’t think that’s accurate.”

Union members packed the council chambers and would clap and applaud comments they liked, and shouted at and booed council members they didn’t agree with. Casey Van Den Heuvel, a representative of the Monterey/Santa Cruz Building & Construction Trades Council, was leading the union members and actually negotiated on the terms of the new PLA with council members. Those that took a harder line, were publicly booed.

“I’m trying to come to a solution and I’m trying to negotiate with you,” said Council Member Jimmy Dutra, who tried to pin the union leader down on certain terms when union members began shouting at him.

Van Den Heuvel was clear that he did not want the PLA repealed, and added that he did not want a new PLA to have any requirement that a project needed three bids, otherwise it could be bid by a non-union contractor. He also wanted the new PLA to require the city to adopt regional standards, and drop Caltrans standards, which could affect projects’ eligibility for state grants. Council appeared to give him the upper hand in the negotiations.

“I think we can come up with very viable options that you are gonna like — or not gonna like,” he said. n

IN MEMORIAM Spill the Wine

Manuel Bersamin, Community Servant, Dies at 67

Manuel Bersamin, the first Filipino American to serve on the Watsonville City Council and a member of the Cabrillo College Governing Board, has died. He was 67.

“Cabrillo College is deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Trustee Manuel Bersamin,” Cabrillo College said in a news release.

“During his tenure, Trustee Bersamin was a passionate advocate for Cabrillo students — especially first-generation students and adult learners — a steadfast supporter of Cabrillo’s faculty and staff, and a true believer in the power of community college education.”

“He was proud to serve on the Cabrillo board and represented his district with passion and a clear eye for what is right. We will miss his presence on the board.”

Bersamin was the first Asian American and Filipino American in history to serve on the Cabrillo College Governing Board.

Bersamin served on the Watsonville City Council from 2003 to 2011, including one year as mayor. He was appointed in 2024 to fill a vacancy on the Cabrillo College Governing Board left by the resignation of Trustee Martha Victoria Vega.

“Manuel cared deeply about the role and mission of California community colleges and had the unique ability to help students pursue their dreams,” said Christina Cuevas, president of the Cabrillo Board of Trustees.

He was a graduate of the Cabrillo College Class of 1982 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine. He studied school counseling at San José State University and earned a master’s degree in higher education leadership from Stanford University, followed by postgraduate fellowship work at the University of Arizona.

“From the moment that Manuel applied to serve on the board at Cabrillo, he demonstrated a vision for helping the college focus on its services and connect with communities that are often underserved by higher education,” said Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Matt Wetstein.

“Manuel Bersamin” page 22

The Alex Lucera Band plays for the crowd at the Fourth Annual Uncork Corralitos event held by the Freedom Rotary Slub at Alladin Nursery in Corralitos on Oct. 18.

Manuel Bersamin

PG&E Answers to Customers on Local Power Outages

Frequent Unplanned

By Tad Stearn

Representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric said that repairs and improvements will prevent the cascade of power outages that parts of Santa Cruz County have experienced the past several months.

Approximately 75 people filled a conference room at Seascape Beach Resort on Oct. 24 to hear from PG&E representatives about ongoing and increasingly common power outages. Frustrated residents from Seascape, La Selva Beach Rio del Mar, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley and adjacent neighborhoods have complained of unreliable electric service for years, with outages becoming more frequent this past summer.

Jeremy Howard, Regional Senior Manager for PG&E’s South and Central Coast Region, addressed the crowd and provided an overview of the recent outages in the town-hall style setting. The meeting was organized at the behest of Santa Cruz County District 2 Supervisor Kim De Serpa, after her office received an increasing number of calls from constituents for explanation and action.

Blackouts

Have Plagued Several Aptos Neighborhoods

While the area has experienced abnormally frequent outages for years, the problem was exacerbated in June when the substation at Rob Roy Junction near Aptos High School experienced equipment problems and had to be taken offline. In response PG&E had to run power to portions of Aptos and the coast from the Green Valley substation in Watsonville — a route adding several additional miles.

“Everything was working as designed,” said

Howard. “But was it great service? No. We know that.”

To make matters worse, power coming into this subregion travels through an area of high fire risk. To combat the risk of wildfire from their equipment, PG&E has implemented “enhanced powerline safety settings” in these risk areas that are activated during the dry season. The safety settings work as a type of circuit breaker, immediately shutting

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off power when the lines come in contact with objects such as tree limbs or an unlucky critter.

Power can’t be switched back on until the problem is checked out by a field crew, which can take hours to assess and resolve.

The additional miles necessary to get power to Aptos from Watsonville makes for a more fragile system with more exposure and more chances for failure. The combination of the longer delivery distance and the hairtrigger safety settings have resulted in more frequent outages within the same general geographic areas. Over the past two months alone, the Aptos Times documented six outages in Seascape and La Selva between Aug. 20 and Oct. 9, not counting the momentary outages that did not trigger an automatic alert.

Seascape resident Linda Perkel, like nearly everyone at the meeting, has experienced these disruptions firsthand. “The biggest inconvenience for me is that’s they’re unplanned. I’ll be working and all the sudden I won’t have power,” she said.

“Power Outages” page 23

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Driver Dies as Van Plunges Off Wharf

Local Outrigger Club Saves Dog During Practice Paddle

By Jon Chown

Rob Allen, of Aptos, was warming up with the Pu Pu O Hawai’i Outrigger Club before the group’s weekly practice Sunday morning, Oct. 26, when tragedy occurred. A white minivan plunged off the Santa Cruz Wharf and quickly sank, taking the driver’s life.

At about 9:44 a.m., according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, a report of a vehicle driving off the wharf came in. Santa Cruz Fire, Central Fire, Scotts Valley Fire, the Santa Cruz Police Department and State Parks personnel all responded to the scene, recovered the driver, William Westerman, a 65-year-old resident of Scotts Valley, but he never regained consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. More than a dozen divers searched in the murky water for more than hour looking for any other victims but found none.

Allen and his canoe crew, led by Emerson Sanderson, were able to save the victim’s dog. Allen said he tried to rescue the driver but could not. He and his crew were in one canoe with another club canoe just behind. They were warming up in the harbor, stretching and getting ready for practice, when he heard a huge crashing noise. About 150 yards away, a white van was on top of the water. Allen said it had landed on its roof, and the windshield appeared to have been “blown out” by the impact.

“The vehicle was perched on top of the water for maybe eight seconds or less. It was amazing how quickly it sank,” he said. “As soon as it hit we all started paddling over to it.”

There was debris from the wharf floating in the surf. People were screaming. It was a chaotic scene. Allen said Sanderson, the steersman, took charge and instructed the crews how to respond. He spotted a dog swimming under the wharf — a white boxer, probably weighing between 35 and 40 pounds. It managed to get onto a platform, but upset sea lions forced it back into the water. Allen jumped off his boat, swam over and lifted the dog up to Sanderson, who put it in the canoe.

“People up top (on the wharf) were shouting that there were people still in the van,” Allen said. He attempted a rescue, but the van was too far down and the water too treacherous.

“I’d get down 15 feet and almost be out of breath, and it was just black; I couldn’t see anything. I was probably only a third of the way to the bottom. I kept trying for a while, but realized ‘What am I doing?’”

By that time, Allen said, emergency responders had arrived. Rescuers were diving in with wetsuits on. He took the dog ashore and handed it off to law enforcement. “He was a very good boy. He was so obedient; he didn’t run off. He let me put a leash on him and put him into the police vehicle. I felt bad for the little doggo,” Allen said.

Later, Allen and the crew received a text from the dog’s owner, apparently the victim’s partner, thanking them for the save. According to Allen, the heroes of the day were the first responders.

“I realized just how scary a job the first responders have in a marine environment,” he said. “What they’ve got to do … swim all the way down to the bottom, into the gloom and recover a person. I can’t image how hard that job would be.”

What Allen attempted, though valiant, is not recommended, said Catherine Lee of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

“If you’re not trained correctly, it is extremely dangerous,” she said.

Lee said rescue divers have extensive training for the job. In this instance, the current was very strong and the water was really dark, making the rescue effort more difficult. The van was about 30 feet down. It was upside down and the driver was inside unconscious with the windows intact. The first divers attached a line to it so the next divers would know right where to go. Groups of divers would alternate so they could recuperate a bit before diving back down.

Lee said there is video of the incident that might help the police determine what occurred and why.

“It’s an ongoing investigation,” she said. n

Final Report Released on Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project

By Jon Chown

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has released the final Project Concept Report for its Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail project, answering some key questions and leaving others unanswered.

The report, published Oct. 24, follows months of public outreach and feedback from advisory committees, agencies, stakeholders and community members. It builds on earlier studies, including the 2015 Rail Transit Feasibility Study, the 2019 Unified Corridor Investment Study and the 2021 Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis. It does not commit the RTC or local

governments to building a rail project. It just provides analysis.

“This report represents an important step forward in understanding what zero-emission passenger rail could mean for Santa Cruz County,” said RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen. “It gives our community and decision-makers the facts needed to thoughtfully consider how this system might enhance mobility, sustainability and access for all.”

The projects proposes new passenger rail service and stations on about 22 miles of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line corridor. The southern most station would be in Pajaro and the north end would be located near the Santa Cruz Wharf. It would take from 40 to 55 minutes to travel from end to end.

The project also includes the development of 12 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail

— Segments 13-20 from Rio Del Mar Boulevard through the community of La Selva Beach and the city of Watsonville — and the Capitola Trestle reach (Segment 11).

The rail line passes with one mile of nearly half of the county’s population, more than

90 parks, 40 schools and hundreds of businesses. The goal is to connect this artery to the California State Rail Network at Pajaro, as envisioned in the 2024 California State

Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Fire Department Safety tape is spread where a minivan plunged off the wharf on Oct. 26.

‘The Hypnotic Effect’ Wordsworth Riding on a Horse-drawn Carriage

By Joe Ortiz

The throbbing sound of a repetitive rhythm can produce a hypnotic effect to cause inspiring word patterns to well up from our unconscious.

Manuel-Lin Miranda listened to “looped” rhythmic recordings through his ear-buds while jogging to instigate inspiration and spontaneity in writing lines for the musical Hamilton.

Willian Wordsworth wrote poetry while

riding on a horse-drawn carriage over the cobblestone streets of London. The patterns of hoof-beat repetition created a metrical armature on which to clothe his poetic phrasing.

Rhythmic pulses can be reminiscent of the beating of drums in a primitive tribal ceremony. These aural reminders of incantation, litany, and ritual can help us escape conscious thinking — allowing new thoughts, images, and sounds to dash across the blackboard of our minds.

The opposite effect — an incomplete or partially recognizable sound or image — can also be inspiring. Often, we hear a song playing at low volume or view a painting from a distance and these faintly recognizable sensations can jolt our minds into “filling in the blanks.” Because the sounds or images are not precise, we tend to complete them with our own imaginations, projecting our own interpretations onto them.

What We Can Do?

If you’re a writer, try writing while

taking a walk, using the sound of your own “hoof beats” to create a repetitive pattern. On top of that rhythmic pulse, recite something — anything — into a recording device. Try not to “be creative” or to “come up with something.” Simply allow words to flow. Listen to your recording later and cull whatever gems you may have accessed from your unconscious.

If you’re a musician, try a technique used by Paul Simon. He plays along with an existing recording and reharmonizes it with new chord changes. He then writes a new melody on top of the new structure.

I’ve tried a variation of the Simon method to come up with a Latin-based tune titled “Put Some Money in the Jar” by running a Buena Vista Social Club song on my car radio and singing a new melody, using my own lyrics. Surprisingly, the melody turned out being vastly different than the original.

If you’re a painter, go into a museum and view paintings from a distance. Based

on the incomplete image you see, improvise vignettes of your own creation into a notebook. Do numerous sketches and do them quickly. Try not to think or calculate images, just scribble with line and value. Draw as many vignettes as you need to do in order to relinquish the thinking mode and access the unconscious zone of your own expression.

If you are none of these because you think of yourself as “not creative,” surprise yourself. Many of us love going to art galleries. So the next time you go to a gallery, a museum, or attend an art opening, bring a few pieces of paper and a pencil or marker and do the final painter’s exercise above. What you come up with might help you design a new vision of your garden or discover a novel approach for setting the dinner table for a party of guests. n

Joe Ortiz is a resident of Capitola. He would love to hear your comments and questions. Email him at joe@gocapitola.com.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies Protests in Santa Cruz, Watsonville Mostly Jovial

By Jon Chown

Organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the Oct. 18 No Kings Rally in Santa Cruz, and another 2,000-plus at the event in Watsonville. Both were part of what was probably the largest nationwide demonstration in American history as more than 2,700 events were held across the country with more than 7 million people attending.

Ross Levoy of Santa Cruz stood on a grassy slope listening to people speak at the beginning of the Santa Cruz rally before protesters would march from San Lorenzo Park to the county building and back. The park was packed with people and Levoy said the crowd was about 20 to 30% larger than the last No Kings event he attended in June.

“Believe it or not, this is my first time I’ve ever protested anything,” said the retiree who has lived in Santa Cruz for 43 years. “You can’t hide your head in the sand anymore.”

Street and waved to honking cars. Over in Watsonville, the event was mostly contained to the City Plaza, which was packed with people. Voters were being registered at one booth. At another booth, protest signs were quickly being created. Many of those in attendance were from outside of Watsonville and came to support what they see is a community in the crosshairs. Laura Milligan, from Santa Cruz, drove up from Carlsbad to participate in the Watsonville event.

“It seems like it has more impact here. This is where a lot of local families live who are in need of protection from policies that are unconstitutional,” she said.

Mary Lynne Connor of Aptos was standing not far away, holding a protest sign. Connor is retired after a 42-year career in teaching and now volunteers for a variety of causes, including feeding homeless at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen. She said she can’t stand to see the suffering as programs are cut.

“It’s very scary,” she said. “People are being pushed to the side.”

Connor’s sign, which read “I Have A Dream” with a comical image of President Trump in handcuffs being led to prison, garnered a lot of compliments from the crowd.

“That’s the best sign I’ve seen all day!” A fellow protestor exclaimed while walking by, wearing a T-shirt that said “I am Aunt Tifa.”

The mood of the protest was mostly jovial. Police presence was so minimal it wasn’t visible. Many protesters were in costume, some carried instruments and most had signs. Some of the signs had pointed messages, some were profane, many poked fun at the president and some were just funny.

“Hey

Alexa, Change the President,” “IKEA Has Better Cabinets Than Trump,” “ICE is for Soda.”

Entire families took part in the rally. George Zaferes of Aptos attended with his wife and five friends. The women in the group were dressed in banana costumes. Zaferes estimated that there were about 20 percent more people than at the No Kings rally in June.

“I’ve always been a centrist politically, but what I’m seeing in Washington is really alarming,” he said. “I am a patriot. Everyone has their reason for being out here and they’re all legitimate. What this administration is saying about these protests is different from what I’m seeing.”

Protesters could be seen in many busy places throughout the city. They lined Ocean

Alice Rockhold and Anne Marie Sorcenelli, both from Rio Del Mar, came with a group of friends to support Watsonville. For Rockhold, this is her ninth protest since January. She has protested at the Tesla dealership in Monterey, at an event in Lake Tahoe, and other spots along the way.

“No Kings” page 22

Protesters hold signs and chat together in San Lorenzo Park.

Protesters have fun in Watsonville.

COMMUNITY OPINION

A Cost-Effective Transit Vision

The Case for Personal Rapid Transit in Santa Cruz County

By Michael Saint

Although the ZEPRT (Zero Emissions Passenger Rail Trail project) study is not quite finished, it is apparent that this project is way too expensive to be supported by our county’s small population and inadequate tax base.

Grants from the state of California and especially from the federal government are definitely not guaranteed. The $4.3 billion price tag would give us decades of indebtedness and bankrupt our county.

I have always supported some form of passenger service on the rail corridor but more importantly I’ve supported a much better transportation system for all of the County of Santa Cruz, not just the rail corridor.

The most important question to ask is “What are we getting for a $4.3 billion singletrack train?” After nine years of advocating for passenger service on the rail corridor I have come to the conclusion that a train is not the answer. Here’s why:

• As noted earlier, the train is way too expensive.

“Manuel Bersamin” from page 16

“He was a champion of the underdog and a great role model for all of us,” Wetstein continued. “We’ve lost a great friend of our students.”

Before joining the Cabrillo Board of Trustees, Bersamin served for nearly two decades as director of TRIO Student Support Programs at Hartnell College, overseeing several federal Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grants that positively impacted the lives of thousands of students across the greater Monterey Bay region. His efforts helped

“No Kings” from page 20

“Our democracy is being attacked,” Rockhold said. “People are being arrested and sent to countries where they don’t even know the language.”

“The graft is unreal,” Sorcenelli said, who also mentioned the controversy around the U.S. Navy recently destroying about half a dozen different boats alleged to have been ferrying drugs out of Venezuela. “Why don’t they arrest them if they are carrying drugs?”

Mel Anderson, a 1959 graduate of Watsonville High School, stood beside the two women. He had his own agenda. “I just follow the ladies,” he said. n

• The train is dependent on grants and tax measures.

• It only provides nine stations (Watsonville to Natural Bridges).

• Time between trains is 30-to-60 minutes for only 2/3 of the day (6 am to 10 pm).

• End-to-end travel time is 45 minutes or more.

• Daily ridership is estimated at only 3,500 to 5,500.

• Even though a climate crisis is upon us, operations are not scheduled to start until 2045.

The Regional Transportation Commission has a big decision to make in the next few months. Does the RTC continue to pursue a train project by funding an EIR (Environmental Impact Report), costing $15 million, or do they make a prudent fiduciary choice and end the ZEPRT Feasibility Study and study a more affordable alternative that gives access to all Santa Cruz County citizens?

The alternative I refer to is a PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system.

“Personal Rapid Transit” page 26

advance college entry, retention and success for immigrants, children of immigrants, and students living in poverty.

Earlier in his career, he served as director of the College Assistance Migrant Program at California State University, Monterey Bay; director of the Early Academic Outreach Program at the University of California, Santa Cruz; and adjunct professor of Chicano and Latin American studies at California State University, Fresno.

Details about memorial services will be shared as they become available, in accordance with the wishes of the family. n

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Is ZEPRT Project Unfeasible?

Dear Commissioners,

I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to share a brief thought ahead of your upcoming discussion on the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) project.

When I worked at Google’s X Moonshot Factory, one of our teams invested significant time and resources developing an ambitious large-display technology made up of smaller displays. After extensive work, the team concluded that while technically feasible, the product could never be financially viable. The team reported this to management. Management made a remarkable decision — they rewarded the team for identifying failure early, gave everyone a bonus, and celebrated the outcome. Recognizing when to stop was

“Final Report” from page 18

The proposed route has created concerns up and down its length. The final report addresses some of this, but leaves the most controversial questions unanswered. In Watsonville, the rail is shifted from the center of the roadway to the north side of Walker Street, which is supposed to allow for two lanes of traffic to keep operating, while maintaining access to businesses in the industrial heart of Watsonville. That has been a concern for both residents and businesses.

A bigger controversy remains along the Capitola trail segment, where the right-ofway overlaps the Blue & Gold Mobile Home Park in Live Oak, and Castle Mobile Estates in Capitola. “Alternatives to address these constraints will be evaluated as the project continues to advance through the environmental process,” the final report reads.

The projected capital costs ($4.28 billion) and annual operating expenses ($34 to $41 million) remain the same in the final

seen not as defeat, but as responsible innovation and leadership.

The RTC now faces a similar moment of truth with ZEPRT. The data is in — escalating costs, limited ridership potential, and no sustainable funding model. Continuing down this path risks diverting scarce transportation dollars from solutions that can actually make a difference in people’s daily lives today.

It’s okay — and commendable — to recognize when a project no longer makes fiscal or practical sense. Ending ZEPRT now would demonstrate financial responsibility, integrity, and respect for the taxpayers you serve.

Thank you for your service and thoughtful consideration of this issue.

Warm regards,

URGENT CARE FOR DOGS & CATS

“Power Outages” from page 17

She said the problem is more broad than just personal inconvenience. “He (Howard) was just saying the cell towers can also go out. Nobody has land lines anymore, so it’s a safety issue. If a cell tower is out and there’s no battery backup, you can’t even call 911 if there was an emergency, and you can’t get text messages or report it.”

Fortunately, PG&E went beyond the explanation of the problem and came prepared to report on immediate solutions. Howard said that the parts and equipment needed to repair the Rob Roy substation have been delivered and installed, and the substation will be operational as of Oct. 27. PG&E is also re-routing the circuit serving the coastal areas to avoid areas of high fire risk, eliminating the need for the enhanced safety settings on this portion of the grid. This work was also

— Jack Brown, Aptos

report as they were in the draft. Unfortunately, how it would exactly be funded still does not seem to be fully determined in the final report. “A local funding source, similar to a tax measure like Measure D, would be needed to supplement federal and state funding,” it reads.

There were not many changes in the final report. It estimates that typical ridership will be 4,200 to 5,400 passengers per weekday for the year 2045, with weekend ridership lower. Annual revenues from fares were estimated at $5.1 million to $6.4 million. Additional strategies for generating revenue were also identified, including advertising at stations and on trains, transit-oriented development, electronic fare collection, and more.

Christensen said the report had not been shared publicly before Oct. 24 and emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency. The commission will receive a presentation on the findings at its December 2025 meeting and vote on whether to move forward with the project. n

scheduled to be completed by Oct. 27. Additional system upgrades are planned in 2026.

While affected residents applauded this good news, many continued to express a range of concerns such as how the outages affect their daily lives, electricity pricing, rebates and transparency in communications. Many felt as if they’d been left in the dark about the nature of the problems and the plans to address them.

As Santa Cruz County and PG&E brace for coming winter storms, all parties are hopeful that the recent projects will provide more reliability. But nothing is for certain.

“I would say winter storms are a little more of a wild card,” said Howard. “You don’t know what you’re going to get. We’ve built a system that for the most part will withstand many things that Mother Nature throws at it. But we can’t predict a eucalyptus or pine tree falling over.” n

Saying Goodbye

Galina Wells (center right) is surrounded by her coworkers and friends as they celebrate her retirement from the La Selva Beach Public Library.

Galina Wells

A Season of Gratitude For Water, Community, and the Future

November

invites us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the many blessings that flow through our lives. For many of us,

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a reminder to pause and express gratitude for the people, places, and simple things that sustain us every day.

At Soquel Creek Water District, this season of gratitude is especially meaningful. Water is essential to everything we do and everything we are. It nourishes our bodies, supports our environment, and connects our community in profound ways.

As we look back over the past year, there’s so much to be thankful for — from the dedication of our staff and Board to the ongoing support of our customers who value and protect this precious resource.

Gratitude for Progress and Perseverance

We’re deeply thankful for the progress on the Moosehead Main Replacement Project, a significant infrastructure improvement that strengthens the reliability of our water delivery system.

This project is replacing aging water mains with new, durable pipelines designed to serve our community for decades to come. While construction projects can sometimes bring temporary inconvenience, the patience and understanding of residents make all the difference.

Thank you for being our partners in progress.

Gratitude for Innovation and Sustainability

This year also brought exciting developments in our ongoing commitment to sustainability. The Pure Water Soquel Project — our community’s advanced water purification and groundwater replenishment project — continues to make remarkable strides.

Through this innovative system, we’re taking recycled water that once flowed to the ocean and transforming it into purified water that replenishes our overdrawn aquifer. This ensures a safe, reliable, and drought-resilient water supply for generations to come.

Pure Water Soquel is more than an engineering achievement; it’s a reflection of our community’s shared values. It represents innovation, environmental stewardship, and local determination. Every resident who supports water conservation, stays informed about local water issues, or participates in District programs plays a role in this success. For that, we are sincerely thankful.

Gratitude for Our Team

Behind every glass of water you drink, there’s a team of dedicated professionals who make it possible. We’re thankful for our field crews, who brave all kinds of weather to repair leaks, replace pipes, and maintain the system that brings water to your home. We’re grateful for our water quality experts, who perform thousands of tests each year to ensure that your drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards.

Our customer service representatives, engineers, conservation specialists, and administrative staff each play a vital role in ensuring the District operates smoothly and responsibly. Their teamwork, professionalism, and pride in their work exemplify what public service is all about. It’s a privilege to have such a dedicated group of people working together for the benefit of our community.

Gratitude for Our Community

We also want to extend our gratitude to you — our customers and community members — for your partnership and trust. Your actions truly make a difference.

Whether it’s installing water-efficient devices, fixing leaks, participating in conservation programs, or simply staying engaged with District news and projects, your involvement helps protect our shared groundwater basin and secure our future water supply.

We’re fortunate to live in a community that understands the importance of water and values sustainability. Your continued support allows us to plan for the future, invest in new technologies, and take bold steps to

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

protect our aquifer from seawater intrusion and address water quality standards such as hexavalent chromium and 1,2,3-TCP. Together, we’re ensuring that clean, reliable water will be available for generations to come.

A Toast to Our Shared Future

As you gather this Thanksgiving with family and friends, we invite you to raise a glass — of tap water, of course — to the people and projects that make our community thrive.

Every drop that reaches your faucet represents years of planning, collaboration, and care. It’s something truly worth being thankful for.

From all of us at Soquel Creek Water District, we wish you a joyful and waterwise Thanksgiving season. May your days be filled with gratitude, your table with abundance, and your heart with appreciation for the remarkable community we share — and the clean, dependable water that sustains it all. n

In the Woods

of #22 Down

*”____ the Woods” play and movie

Prefix for multiple

Japanese honorific

Barely got by DOWN

Singular of #1 Across

*Woodpecker’s pecker

*One lost in the

Scorpio — The World Disciple

Risa D’Angeles

In Scorpio, the world disciple comes forth. Humanity is the world disciple in potential and in actual fact. World disciples have the ability to perceive what is needed and see also what is obstructing humanity’s progressing forward onto the upward path of evolution (light), the spiritual path, the path of Light, the path of return (to the Father).

Returning to our origins (heaven), after a sojourn of eighteen million years, is humanity’s heritage. We are the Prodigal Sons and Daughters of the Father. At present, we are at the half-way mark, beginning our ascent home after 21 million years of involution (descent into matter).

Scorpio is the sign that helps humanity recognize the path of return as well as humanity’s identity as the world disciple. A daily mantram of the disciple is “Let reality govern my every thought and truth be the master of my life.” In our present world of transition, chaos and conflict, where the forces of materiality are battling the forces of light (the Arjuna experience), world disciples are called to the battle holding a light. Their battle cry, and in Scorpio there is definitely a battle, is “Freedom, Liberty & Equality” for everyone, reflecting the ideals of the Aquarian Age we are entering.

ARIES

Finances and resources, personal and with others, are highlighted. Careful attention is needed along with concentration, efficiency, economy and strength. Accomplish these day after day in a slow consistent rhythm. You may uncover more resources. So many things are hidden during Scorpio. Remember others who have much less. Share and tithe, a constant reminder to you. Tithing creates great abundance.

TAURUS

You want to move consistently into the future with new ideas and plans but there are so few who understand, few with your illumined vision, and even less with your force of will and stamina. You strive for poise during these transition times, sending prayerful requests for intelligent and financial assistance and in order to manifest into form and matter the needs of the world. Your prayers prepare the field for what is to come. Do you have a green house?

GEMINI

Deep feelings, emerging from early life at home are playing out in your present relationships. Because of this you must be careful of intentions, thoughts, actions and communication. Careful that you don’t become part of the difficulty or project onto others your wounds. Don’t hide your vulnerability either. Everyone is vulnerable which is a gift. Showing yours eases barriers limiting heart-felt communication and contact. You want love. Love comes from intentional contact.

CANCER

You may experience stress and over responsibility in your daily life as you notice constant change occurring to everyone everywhere in your life. These shifts reflect the pulse of the humanity which you are sensitive to. You need stabilization, an immediate sense of purpose and staying within the safety of home. Make changes in small ways. When viewing the big picture stand with compassion and dispassion. Children bring both blessings and hard work.

There are words to ponder upon under the light of Scorpio. They offer understanding concerning humanity’s path and they contain ideas that become ideals in the minds of humanity. “Let maya (illusion) flourish and deception rule,” — words that explain our present times. These create deep suffering. Humanity awakens, learns and changes through suffering brought about by these three. They flourish until humanity awakens.

“Warriors are we and from the battle we emerge triumphant.” These are the words from a Soul-infused disciple. Self-conquest first, then the attention swings to humanity. Disciples hold up banners with these words written in fire. Walking out into the battlefield, entering the field of service to assist, aid, support and encourage all of humanity. We do reciting the Mantram of Disciples — “We are one with our group brothers and sisters. And all that we have is theirs. May the love which is in our souls pour forth to them. May the strength that is within us lift and aid them. May the thoughts which our Soul creates reach and encourage them.” (Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, A.A. Bailey, p. 245) n

LEO

It seems you want both retreat and solitude and a sense of creative freedom. The heightened sense of feeling separated from others enhances an inner communication. You are able to be very intuitive so observe your thoughts carefully and record them. Is your daily life feeling like a transformation is about to occur? Are financial needs being served? A sudden revelation occurs which expands you into other worlds. Take us with you.

VIRGO

Relationships and interactions are most important. Small changes occur in your personal life creating big changes. Careful with communication that it is not harsh. Is there a desire to run away from home for a little while. So the seeds of the future can breaking through. You’re restless for emotional care. Moving forward seek kind companionship. Allow inner spiritual intentions to hold you. Transformation arrives for a long visit and settles itself into your daily life. Pallas Athena joins Pluto.

LIBRA

You’re called to a past life situation, a past impression that is in the present coloring your daily life. It then become a present-future one. The past holds and keeps you in order to let forgiveness liberate it. There are two choices facing you. One is criticism and judgment, the other is love. Both mean you have a take a chance. One keeps you spiritually lonely. The other opens your heart petals. Can you identify the two sides and where you’re positioned? Forgiveness is alchemical.

SCORPIO

For a while, you will experience internal changes that create your coming future. You’re anticipating change and it comes with a revelatory impact. Since you will live within this field constantly in relation to others, be aware of a need to serve them. Be aware of growing compassion and becoming, if you choose to be, a model for others. As Scorpio is the warrior of the zodiac, you’re prepared for the coming times where the death of the old finally occurs. Strength and courage and warriorship will be called for. Always the disciple is triumphant.

SAGITTARIUS

You’re restless, yet duty-bound, responsible yet rebellious, seeking security yet craving freedom, pleased yet dissatisfied and stimulated within conflicts. You’re a paradox once again. Allow contradictions to work psychologically within you. They create new insight, revelations. Don’t push them aside. They are the Harmony Through Conflict process Sag works through to bring new consciousness forth. A natural force into the future.

CAPRICORN

Do you feel pulled between self needs and responsibility to family, relationship and work? Are you seeking freedom? Are your perceived needs upsetting home, family and relationships? Are you able to communicate clearly what your needs are? Do you need new communication skills for others’ understanding. You are definitely on the “cross” of change. It’s imperative you learn how to communicate to others, both therapist and family. Learn Compassionate Communication techniques (non-violent communication study).

AQUARIUS

Some Aquarians are experiencing great work success. Some will be traveling the world soon seeking community. Both are experiencing honor and popularity, expanded social and work reputations, tending to financial responsibilities, developing new business or life plans. They’re climbing the ladder of success as they define it (some don’t), and doing more than they thought capable. And succeeding. Keep going.

PISCES

You need flexibility in great amounts as interruptions and unexpected events occur in all parts of your life, geographically and in terms of your self-identity. You cannot prepare for what will happen. You can only soothe the waters with knowledge that what occurs is redesigning your life in ways you could never have designed yourself. You’re capable, sensitive, sensible and smart. And being looked after.

{Personal Rapid Transit} is presently operating in Morgantown, West Virginia, London Heathrow Airport (14 years), South Korea (12 years), Guadalajara and Mumbai India. The most recent PRT projects are planned for San Jose, Contra Costa County, Irvine and Atlanta, Ga.

“Personal Rapid Transit” from page 22

This transit system has the ability of easing traffic volume congestion throughout the County of Santa Cruz. It is an ondemand system (no schedule necessary), 2 to 3 minute wait times, non-stop service, low infrastructure, operating and maintenance costs. It also does not depend on Federal or State grants to build or keep it running in the future.

The costs of a PRT system ranges from $10 million to $50 million per bidirectional mile depending on which type of PRT system you choose, versus the train at nearly $200 million per bidirectional mile.

I know it may sound too good to be true, but Personal Rapid Transit has been around for 50 years and has completed 200 million injury-free passenger miles.

PRT is presently operating in Morgantown, West Virginia, London Heathrow Airport (14 years), South Korea (12 years), Guadalajara and Mumbai India. The most recent PRT projects are planned for San Jose, Contra Costa County, Irvine and Atlanta, Ga.

The PRT technology is here today and ready for the transit needs of the future. Trains, although good at what they provided, are becoming obsolete and incredibly expensive. A single-track train can only provide a ridership of 3,500 to 5,500 passengers per day. A PRT is capable of 5,000 to 10,000 per hour. Yes, that’s right, per HOUR. As the PRT system expands its coverage throughout the county with possible extensions to UCSC and Cabrillo college those ridership numbers will increase.

We are living in the 21st century. All other technology is making huge leaps in efficiency and convenience. Why not adopt the incredible characteristics of a PRT system today and move us into a technologically advanced transit system?

Continuing down the path of a train on the rail corridor is short-sighted. We need a system that provides the convenience of an automobile to encourage adoption, therefore helping to decongest our streets and highways.

I strongly believe the correct PRT system is the answer. n

Micheal Saints is a resident of Aptos and a Santa Cruz PRT Member.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAPITOLA RECREATION TOURS

Register now for the Late Fall session of ***West or East Coast Swing through Capitola Recreation with Becky Adams

West Coast Swing takes place Mondays starting Nov. 3, Level 1-2 at 6:00 p.m., Level 3a at 7:15 p.m.

East Coast Swing takes place Thursdays, starting Oct. 30, Level 1 at 6:30 p.m., Level 2 at 7:30 p.m. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/capitola-recreation-ca/ catalog or call (831) 475-5935

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

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

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

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

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

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.

First Saturdays

CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP

9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park

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

Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola. This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com.

Second Saturdays

HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

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

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

No dues, fees or weigh-ins.

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

All are welcome.

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

Tuesdays

BINGO AT MCSC

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

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

Door opens at 12:15 p.m.

TUESDAY NIGHT SALSA SOCIAL

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

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

More information: www.abbottsquaremarket.com

Thursdays

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

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

HAPPY HOUR

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

Third Thursdays

SIP AND STROLL

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

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

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

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

Saturdays and Sundays

ELKHORN SLOUGH: FREE TOUR OF THE PRESERVE

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

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

WEEKLY FARMERS’ MARKETS

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

Saturday November 1

MEET & GREET WITH 2026 GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE CHAD BIANCO

2–5 p.m., Corralitos (location provided upon ticket purchase) Join fellow community members for an afternoon reception and discussion with Chad Bianco, candidate for California governor in 2026. Tickets are $25 and available at SantaCruzRepublicans. com.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ — 1 – 5 PM, Cedar St. & Church St.

A bustling market featuring certified organic produce, artisanal foods, seafood, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted, and Market Match doubles purchases (up to $10). Free entry; metered and garage parking available — free after 6 PM. Live local music and street closures add vibrant atmosphere. Full vendor list and updates at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

THURSDAYS

CAPITOLA MALL (thru Nov.) — 3:30 – 7 PM, 41st Avenue parking lot, Capitola Mall

Seasonal market featuring fresh produce, artisan goods, flowers, and prepared foods. Free entry; mall parking available. Community atmosphere and easy shopping.

FRIDAYS

WATSONVILLE (Certified) — 3 – 7 PM, Peck St & Main St.

Allyear market offering Watsonville-grown produce, seafood, dairy, flowers, hot foods, artisan goods. Free entry; metered parking available. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Vendor news via local AARP events.

SATURDAYS

WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ — 9 AM – 1 PM, Mission St Ext & Western Dr.

Yearround market offering 100% certified-organic produce, seafood, meats, flowers, prepared meals, espresso bar, and artisan goods. Free parking on site. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Often hosts pop-up breakfast events. Perfect for starting your weekend with fresh food and community energy. Full details at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

APTOS (at Cabrillo College) — 8 AM – Noon, 6500 Soquel Drive

Celebrated coastal market with over 90 vendors selling produce, sustainable seafood, artisan breads, honey, meats, flowers, and hot food. EBT/WIC accepted. Free/year-round weekend oasis for local flavors and crafts. Hosted by MontereyBayFarmers.

SCOTTS VALLEY (thru Nov.) — 9 AM – 1 PM, 5060 Scotts Valley Dr. Seasonal (May–Nov) market at Boys & Girls Club parking lot. Offers local produce, herbs, eggs, seafood, pastries, ready-to-eat food, flowers, live music & family activities. Free parking. EBT/SNAP and Market Match supported.

SUNDAYS

LIVE OAK/EASTSIDE — 9 AM – 1 PM, 15th & East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz Vibrant seaside Sunday market featuring organic produce, fresh seafood, hot food stands (Mexican, crepes, brunch), pastries, coffee, flowers. Free parking, EBT/SNAP, Market Match, and monthly family-oriented events.

WATSONVILLE FAIRGROUNDS — 9 AM – 4 PM, 2601 E Lake Ave, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Year-round market with wide selection of local produce, meats, seafood, crafts, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted. Parking onsite. Great for combining a market visit with other Fairgrounds activities.

Saturday November 1

Sunday November 2

SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY PRESENTS THE PLANETS

Sat: 7:30 p.m., Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz Sun: 2 p.m., Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville

Take a musical journey through the solar system as the Santa Cruz Symphony performs Gustav Holst’s celestial masterpiece The Planets

The symphony will be joined by guest artists and a world premiere by Benjamin Goodwin.

For tickets and details, visit santacruztickets.com or call 831420-5260.

Sunday November 2

CALLES LIBRES – DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., La Plazita, 358 Main Street, Downtown Watsonville

Watsonville’s streets will be temporarily car-free for Calles Libres, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating Día de los Muertos.

The event features music, dance, cultural performances, community art, bike rides, fitness activities, family games, and delicious local food.

All ages are welcome.

For more information, visit www.growinggreatness.org.

MI CASA ES TU CASA 2025: ROOTED IN REMEMBRANCE OPENING RECEPTION

1–3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville

Celebrate the opening of Rooted in Remembrance / Enraizados en el Recuerdo, Pajaro Valley Arts’ final exhibition at its Sudden Street gallery. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, the show honors loved ones through vibrant altars, installations, and art.

Visit pvarts.org for details.

Tuesday November 4

THE HIVE LIVE! PRESENTS POETS EMILIE LYGREN AND STEPHEN KUUSISTO

7 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave. Two acclaimed poets explore the human experience through unique lenses of nature, identity, and perception.

Emilie Lygren writes about joy, the environment, and reimagining the future, while Fulbright scholar Stephen Kuusisto brings humor and depth to navigating a sightless world.

Presented by The Hive Poetry Collective as part of its bimonthly Hive Live! series.

Admission is free, with donations welcome. Register to attend at https://hivepoetry.org/upcomingevents/. For more information, visit hivepoetry.org or contact Julia Chiapella at julia@ebold.com or (831) 227-7690.

Thursday November 6

AUTHOR TALK WITH TERRY HEALY – THE RESILIENCE MINDSET

7–8:30 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Rd.

Join author Terry Healy for an inspiring evening as he shares insights from his new book, The Resilience Mindset: How Adversity Can Strengthen Individuals, Teams, and Leaders. Drawing on his personal journey through cancer and recovery, Healy explores how attitude, focus, and teamwork can help anyone overcome life’s challenges.

Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Register at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14307951.

MOE’S ALLEY PRESENTS: OBJECT HEAVY W/ FAMILY MYSTIC Doors 7 p.m. | Show 8 p.m.,

Heavy with Portland’s funk/soul group Family Mystic.

Tickets and info available at moesalley.com or ticketweb.com.

Friday November 7

TOJO, KEHOE & GREINER IN CONCERT

7 – 9 p.m., The Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr. (In Soquel Village)

Yuji Tojo (guitar/vocals/live looping), Gary Kehoe (drumset), and Jim Greiner (percussion} will perform at the Ugly Mug Coffeehouse/Cafe.

Doors open at 6:30.

Tickets: Adv: $25, At Door: $30. Get tickets at jgreiner@ handsondrum.com or call/text: 831-239-2007

Saturday November 8

ARTIST TALK WITH AMALIA MESA-BAINES

1–3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville

Join renowned artist Amalia Mesa-Baines for an insightful talk exploring memory, heritage, and creative expression as part of Pajaro Valley Arts’ Mi Casa es Tu Casa 2025: Rooted in Remembrance exhibition.

Learn more at pvarts.org.

WINE & ROSES — ANNUAL AUCTION & FUNDRAISER

4 – 7 p.m., Crosetti Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville

The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley presents Wine & Roses, featuring unlimited bites and beverages from local vendors, a raffle for a Lake Tahoe getaway, and live auction.

Tickets: $100 single, $180 pair. More info: www.chtpv.org.

Sunday November 9

GREEN FINANCES: ALIGN YOUR MONEY WITH YOUR VALUES

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Dr.

Learn how to choose banks, credit cards, investments and retirement funds that don’t in-vest in fossil fuels, support a healthy planet and are profitable!

Brought to you by Congregational Church of Soquel and Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Cir-cle, the presentation will also touch on how to find funds that don’t invest in guns, defor-estation, private prisons, weapons, and do support fair labor and gender practices — so you can invest ethically.

Join us in person at Congregational Church, watch a simulcast on YouTube or via Zoom. Visit ccsoquel.org for more information and to download our resources sheet.

A light vegan/vegetarian lunch will be provided starting at 11 a.m. and the presentation will take place 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., followed by Q&A.

Sponsored by Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Circle, a Climate Action Group with 20+ local faith institution members and other community organizations.

For details and Zoom access, visit ccsoquel.org or call 831-4752867.

In January 2026, Temple Beth-el will host a repeat of the presentation.

MEDITATION: NUTS & BOLTS ~ WHY AND HOW TO DO IT

1–3 p.m., Location TBA

Nearly every wellness source recommends that you meditate, but few explain exactly how to do that! Join Jeff to start fresh or build on your practice.

You will explore why meditation helps, and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy to relax, and help manifest goals & desires.

Jeff Hotchkiss is the author of ‘Putting Wisdom to Work, Practical Mindfulness for Maximal Living’ 2nd Ed. Contact him at wisdom2work@gmail.com or text 831-854-7306.

Cost: $42. Register at 831-479-6331 or extension.cabrillo.edu.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MÁKKIN MAK WÁREP OPENING

Thursday November 6

6–7 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St.

Experience Mákkin Mak Wárep pop-up art exhibition, an interdisciplinary art exhibit that reconnects the descendants of the Muwekma Ohlone to their ancestral lands through language, storytelling, dance, and visual art. The installation features two large tapestries made with natural pigments from lichens harvested on the Djerassi lands, responding to Chochenyo texts written by Monica V. Arellano and Gloria E. Arellano-Gómez. Artist Kalie Granier collaborated closely with the Muwekma Ohlone community to explore identity, memory, and connection to the land.

On display through November 30 during regular museum hours: Thur.-Fri. Noon – 8 p.m. | Sat.-Sun. Noon – 6 p.m. | Mon. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For details, visit santacruzmah.org or call 831-429-1964.

Thursday November 13

POETS’ CIRCLE: THE HIVE POETRY COLLECTIVE

1 – 3 p.m., Watsonville Public Library, 4th Floor Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St. Celebrate the final Poets’ Circle of 2025 featuring Hive Poetry Collective members Farnaz Fatemi, Julie Murphy, Dion O’Reilly, Roxi Power, and Julia Chiapella. Enjoy readings, an open mic, and refreshments. The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Watsonville Public Library and hosted by poet-teacher Magdalena Montagne.

For more information, email magdamontagne@gmail.com or visit poetrycirclewithmagdalena.com.

Friday November 15

MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR: ADVENTURE PLAYLIST

7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.

The tour visits the Rio Theatre with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

This year’s Adventure Playlist features mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and athlete-driven stories.

The event supports Second Harvest Food Bank, with a portion of ticket and beer sales donated.

Mountainfilm on Tour in Santa Cruz has been hosted at the Rio Theatre since 2016. Tickets and film lineup: riotheatre.com.

Monday November 18

SOROPTIMIST CLUB MEETING

4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will review applications for the 2026 Live Your Dream Awards and begin planning its December holiday party. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.best4women.org or email sicapitola.by-the.sea@gmail.com.

Saturday November 22

AUTHOR VISIT WITH LISA CRAWFORD WATSON – WHAT WE WISHED FOR: AN ADOPTION STORY

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Rd.

Celebrate National Adoption Month with author Lisa Crawford Watson as she discusses her memoir, What We Wished For: An Adoption Story.

The book chronicles her journey adopting twin girls from foster care and the profound lessons of love, perseverance, and self-discovery that followed.

Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Register at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14307734.

Friday December 6

APTOS HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MAKERS MARKET

1 – 4 p.m., 151 Aptos Village Way, behind New Leaf Community Market Join the Aptos Chamber of Commerce for a festive afternoon celebrating the holiday season.

Enjoy local artisans offering unique gifts and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, and live music by the Soquel High Jazz Band and Aptos Local Bagpipes.

Children can take photos with Santa, and visitors can shop a variety of handmade items from jewelry, candles, and ceramics to books, clothing, and wellness products. Free and open to all.

For more information, visit www.aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467.

Thursday December 11

DECEMBER LUNCHEON WITH SUPERVISOR DE SERPA 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos The local Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a luncheon featuring Kim De Serpa, 2nd District Supervisor, as the guest speaker.

Luncheon tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members.

Reservations can be made by visiting the Chamber website: www.santacruzchamber.org.

Friday December 12

Saturday December 13

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR

11 am – 4 pm, Kathline King Building (across from Watsonville Community Hospital), Airport Blvd.

Kick off the holiday season at Silver Circle’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair!

Over twenty juried artisans will showcase handmade quilts, jewelry, ceramics, knitted items, books, and more. Meet local artists, explore handmade gifts including ceramics, quilts, jewelry, greeting cards, and professional photography, and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere with music by Jesse Martinez. Enjoy free hot cider and cookies while listening to live music by Jesse Martinez. Raffle tickets for featured artwork are $5 each, with proceeds benefiting Silver Circle, a seniors group focused on wellness. Parking and admission are free. For more information, contact Sonia Westphal at keson1@comcast.net. n

Kim De Serpa

From Backpacks to Lifelines

United Way of Santa Cruz County Has Helped for 85 years

By Yvette Lopez Brooks

Eighty-five years ago, neighbors in Santa Cruz County came together with one simple belief: When we care for each other, our community thrives. That belief is still at the heart of United Way of Santa Cruz County. From the redwoods to the ocean, we have grown into a hub that connects people, resources and hope because the challenges we face are bigger than any one person or organization.

This summer, I stood in the middle of Kaiser Permanente Arena as hundreds of volunteers packed 2,700 brand-new backpacks for students at our annual Stuff the Bus event. The energy in the room was electric as families, coaches, youth leaders and business partners all worked side by side. One student picked up her backpack and whispered, “Now I feel ready for school.” That is what United Way looks like in

action: dignity, possibility and community, all in one moment.

Stories like this happen every day through our two major initiatives: United4Youth and United4Community.

United4Youth empowers young people across the county to lead, to raise their voices and to design solutions for issues such as mental health, civic engagement and equity. Youth leaders

in Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Capitola are shaping policies and building resilience not just for themselves but for generations to come.

United4Community is our safety net. It is where our 211 Helpline shines — a free, 24/7 number that connects anyone in Santa Cruz County to food, housing, disaster relief, mental health care and much more. Last month, a mother fleeing a dangerous situation called 211. Within hours, she was connected to a safe shelter and resources to start fresh with her child. That is the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

As a former Capitola mayor, I have seen firsthand how essential partnerships are. No city, nonprofit or business can carry the load alone. But when we live united — sharing responsibility, lifting one another and investing together — we create a stronger Santa Cruz County.

This year, as we celebrate our 85th anniversary, I invite you to join us. Whether you are a longtime local or just visiting, there is a place for you in this work. Visit unitedwaysc.org to learn about volunteering, attending an event or accessing

211. Your time, your voice and your generosity truly make a difference. In the future, I will introduce you to two of our closest partners, Cradle to Career and First 5 Santa Cruz County, and the incredible ways we are teaming up to give every child the best possible start in life.

For now, I leave you with this: Every backpack, every phone call and every partnership is a reminder that we are at our best when we show up for one another. Together, we have been doing it for 85 years, and together we will keep building a future where everyone can thrive. n

Yvette Lopez Brooks is the CEO of United Way Santa Cruz County.

Yvette Lopez Brooks

SCCAS Featured Pet

Caught in the Act

Bonnie (A325483) & Clyde (A325484) showed up on the front porch of a home near Watsonville a few weeks ago, tired out from chasing cats around the neighborhood!

No one has come forward to claim them, so these pint-sized purebred Miniature Pinscher partners-in-crime are now available for adoption!

They appear to be about 4 years old, sporting smooth black & tan coats, short tails, and plenty of athletic terrier energy and mischief.

Bonnie has proven to be an escape artist: scaling or slipping under fences, and Clyde can be a bit competitive with other male dogs … so they’ll need a home (or homes) ready for their terrier vibe — able to provide close oversight and plenty of mental and physical exercise like trick-training, puzzle toys, and active games. They can be adopted as a pair or individually, and homes without cats and with dedication to regular leashed walks or jogs will be best.

Min Pins like Bonnie & Clyde tend to thrive active homes with a securely fenced yard, regular active outings, and opportunities for guided, positive-reinforcement learning — they are working, active little dogs who also like to snuggle once they’re tired out.

Our low adoption fee of $150 for adult dogs includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and a microchip.

To help new dog adopters learn the ropes of positive reinforcement training, our Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation provides a $200 training voucher to every dog adopter. This can be used with a local certified positive reinforcement trainer so you can learn fundamental training and relationship-building skills and gain insights into what motivates your new dog. n

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