Capitola Soquel Times: April 2025

Soquel Girls Soccer: A Historic Season!

11 Seniors with Heart Claim First CCS Championship

By Chloe McGillvray

I’ve been a captain on the Soquel High Girls Soccer team for the past three years. Previously it was often hard to connect the team as a group, but this year felt like a fresh start. From the very beginning, every player showed effort, commitment, and kindness.

Coach Jose has always said this team had the potential to go far, but this was the first year I truly felt it.

We started preseason with strong wins—9-0 and 6-0–boosting our confidence and giving everyone plenty of playing time. ... continues on page 4

Capitola-Soquel Chamber Community Award Winners

On March 21, the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce presented community awards to people making a difference in the community.

for Next Year’s Grand Jury

Throughout our beautiful state of California, each of our counties has its own esteemed civil grand jury. California’s civil grand jury system is a vital part of the judicial branch of the government, though it functions separately from the courts. Full Story page 5

publisher

“Champion Knights” from page 1

With that momentum, we entered the regular season with just two losses.

contributing writers

Chloe

Michael Oppenheimer

Tony Tomeo

The season had its ups and downs. Our third game was against the defending league champions, Aptos.

This match was a wake-up call—it was our first real loss, and it tested us mentally. Afterward, coaches Jose and Miguel reminded us to stay positive, and that mindset shift became key for us.

One unforgettable moment came after our first CCS win. Haily Betterman said to me: “When do I tell Jose I can’t make it to the finals because of the ID camp?” I suggested she wait, but if we made it, I told her she couldn’t miss the final. After contemplating, she ultimately chose to skip the camp.

graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin production coordinator

One of the most memorable moments on this team was our senior night. With our 11 seniors, we were able to field a full starting lineup of seniors. Though we lost, it was clear how hard everyone fought. The best part wasn’t the game—it was the ceremony afterward.

The rain forced us to move the celebration indoors, but it made the evening even more special. Every senior felt incredibly appreciated. This group of seniors was

unique. Many of them had played together for 10 years with coach Jose. That night felt like a full-circle moment for all of us, and it couldn’t have been done without all the support of our families and friends.

As the season was ending, we knew making CCS would come down to the last game. The pressure hit us. The season could’ve ended there. However, after our first game that week, we were placed second in the league and guaranteed a spot in CCS. This was exciting, but after last year’s loss in

Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Girls Soccer All-League

Special Awards

Player-of-the-Year

Anahi Macias (12) - Aptos - M

distribution

Bill Pooley, Erik Long layout

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

PHONE: (831) 688-7549

FAX: (831) 688-7551

GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com

Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com

Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com

Editor: info@cyber-times.com

Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com

Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com

Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com

Production: production@cyber-times.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement

We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

Offensive Player-of-the-Year

Isis Gonzalez (11) - Soquel - F

Defensive Player-of-the-Year

Chloe McGilvray (12) - Soquel - D

Goalkeeper-of-the-Year

Ari Flores (10) - Santa Cruz - GK

Coach-of-the-Year

Kim Lyons - SLV

First Team

Isabella Hartnett (10) - Aptos - F

Izzie Schenone (11) - Aptos - D

Alexa Castaneda (11) - Aptos - M

Athena Forbus (10) - Harbor - GK

Lia Gularte (11) - Santa Cruz - M/F

Tamar Deutsch (11) - Santa Cruz - D

Isabella Moriarty (11) - SV - F

Lia Lock (12) - SV - M

Ashlyn Brady (12) - Soquel - D

Trinity Wilson (12) - Soquel - M

Jessica Stoelting (12) - SLV - F

Second Team

Scarlett Stateler (10) - Aptos - F

Izzy Graf (12) - Aptos - D

Emilie Santiago (9) - Aptos - M

Ximena Madrigal (10) - Harbor - D

Hayden Kriege (11) - Santa Cruz - D

Savannah Henry (10) - Santa Cruz - M

Mercedes Lopez (11) - SV - D

Taylor Ericson (10) - SV - F

Arden Sallas (12) - Soquel - M

Haily Betterman (11) - Soquel - D

Naomi Sifton (12) - SLV - M

Honorable Mention

Maddie Redding (11) - Aptos - D

Gigi Zuniga (9) - Aptos - F

Evelyn Pini (11) - Aptos - GK

Ava Bibighaus (12) - Harbor - F

Chloe Simon (12) - Harbor - M

Becca Vaca (12) - Harbor - D

Maeve Golliher (12) - Santa Cruz - D

Elena McCamey (12) - Santa Cruz - M

Bella Talbot (10) - Santa Cruz - D

Jazzy Phillips (11) - SV - GK

Jordan Ericson (12) - SV - M

Dillon Fiorita (12) - SV - M

Isela Gonzalez (12) - Soquel - F

Chloe Izenstark (12) - Soquel - M

Milana Flores (10) - Soquel - D

Samantha Lyons (10) - SLV - D

Natalia Rocha (10) - SLV - M

Simone Mugnier (11) - SLV - D

the first round of CCS, we knew we might struggle, especially since we were in a higher division this year.

But we were wrong. We entered the postseason positively. The first playoff game came with its own challenges. Our leading goal scorer, Isis Tumason, suffered a serious knee injury and was out for the rest of the season.

This loss was a huge, but it also fueled the rest of the team to step up. That game marked the moment when we truly clicked as a team.

Isis was recognized with the Offensive Player of the Year award, while I had the honor of receiving Defensive Player of the Year. Although we finished second in the league, we were proud to have some of the best players on the team.

Our determination carried us all the way to the semifinals, where we played what I consider our best game of the season. The support from our parents was amazing, the stands were packed with Soquel fans. The energy from our supporters truly made a difference.

When we won, it was a historic moment for the team. The excitement was overwhelming.

One unforgettable moment came after our first CCS win. Haily Betterman said to me: “When do I tell Jose I can’t make it to the finals because of the ID camp?”

“Soquel Girls Soccer” page 14

Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz

McGillvray, Manu Koenig, Kylie Brunelli, Risa D’Angeles, Katherine A. Hansen, Joe Ortiz, Michael Reis, Doug Erickson, Erin Brockovicxh, Marc Cuniberti, Rebecca Gold Rubin,

Camisa Composti media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator

Cathe Race

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti website

Michael Oppenheimer

Volunteer for the Civil Grand Jury

By Judge Katherine A. Hansen

Throughout our beautiful state of California, each of our counties has its own esteemed civil grand jury. California’s civil grand jury system is a vital part of the judicial branch of the government, though it functions separately from the courts.

Each county’s civil grand jury operates as an independent investigative and reporting body. The grand jury is appointed with the purpose of researching and choosing areas each year to investigate within our local government. Following their private investigations, the grand jury is tasked with providing a public in-depth analysis of their findings, and any recommendations they have.

The goal of the civil grand jury is to improve the operations of local government through investigations and the issuance of written findings and recommendations based on those investigations.

Each county’s grand jury has wide latitude in deciding which topics and entities to review and investigate so that each county may consider their local priorities. Our grand jury reviews the practices and operations of our local agencies, to ensure transparency,

accountability, effective use of resources, success in delivery of goals, and alignment with government purposes.

Our county grand juries are chosen once per year. Our Santa Cruz County court will soon begin our process of reviewing applications, interviewing select candidates, and then appointing our 2025-2026 civil grand jury.

We hope you will consider applying. Serving on our civil grand jury is a tremendous opportunity to engage with other committed members of our community, to investigate focused issues in our county, and to contribute to the betterment of our county government agencies.

In recent years, our grand juries have conducted dozens of investigations, in to incredibly important areas.

In the 2023-2024 term, our civil grand jury investigated the following agencies

or topics: County local roads; county jail healthcare and reentry support; county Behavioral Health Division; county Child Protective Services; CZU fire victims four years later; inclusionary housing in the city of Santa Cruz; county personnel department; and preventing rape and domestic violence in the city of Santa Cruz.

In the 2022-2023 term, our civil grand jury reviewed: Cyber threat preparedness; the future of our local jails; housing our essential workers; the county’s behavioral health crisis; surveillance in the county; county contracts with non-profit organizations; code compliance; and county response to prior grand jury recommendations.

In the 2021-2022 term, our civil grand jury reviewed: Water conservation; Measure G; Measure S; and measures to reduce wildfire risk.

Each of our yearly grand juries have had a significant impact on our community here in Santa Cruz County. We have seen direct results from the exceptional reports and recommendations prepared by past grand juries, and our past grand jurors have seen how each of their individual voices contributed to changes and improvement to our local government. This in turn benefits each resident of our county.

We are incredibly grateful to our past grand jurors and our current grand jurors, serving us in the 2024-2025 grand jury. To each of our past and current grand jurors, thank you very much for your service, and please consider joining us again to contribute to future grand juries.

Our 2025-2026 grand jury will begin July 1, 2025. Our county’s grand jury is comprised of 19 volunteer members and 11 alternates who serve for a one-year term, with an expected time contribution of approximately 20 hours each week, though this varies depending on each investigation and report.

“Grand Jury” page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

CPUC Orders Safety Plans for Lithium Battery Storage

On March 13, in the wake of the Jan. 16 fire at the Moss Landing lithium battery storage plant, the California Public Utilities Commission posted this announcement:

The CPUC enhanced the safety of battery energy storage facilities by establishing new standards for the maintenance and operation of such facilities, and increased oversight over the emergency response action plans for the facilities, which play a crucial role in California’s transition away from fossil fuels.

The CPUC modified General Order 167, which currently provides a method to implement and enforce maintenance and operation standards for electric generating facilities, in order to add new safety standards for the maintenance and operation of battery energy storage systems, as required by Senate Bill (SB) 1383.

The CPUC also made explicit that battery storage facility owners must develop emergency response and emergency action plans, as required by SB 38.

In addition, the CPUC made other technical updates to the standards to improve safety, reliability, and effectiveness of operation and maintenance activities, such as establishing technical logbook standards for battery storage systems, and expanding requirements for emergency plans that relate to all electric generating facilities.

Battery Storage Growth

Over the past several years, the deployment of battery storage systems has grown significantly throughout California, growing from 500 megawatts (MW) in 2019 to over 13,300 MW statewide in 2024. Likewise, battery storage system technologies and

standards have also matured over time. Battery storage systems are one of the key technologies California relies on to enhance reliability and reduce dependency on polluting fossil fuel plants.

Battery storage systems soak up clean energy in the daytime when the sun is shining, store that electricity, and then export it to the grid in the evening hours when the sun is down.

In 2024, California made historic progress in clean energy deployment. The state brought more than 7,000 MW online — the largest amount in a single year in California’s history. This includes over 4,000 MW of new battery storage.

California’s current installed battery storage capacity is over 20% of California’s peak demand. The state’s projected need for battery storage capacity is estimated at 52,000 MW by 2045.

More Information

Read the 158-page order at https://docs. cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/ G000/M558/K715/558715484.pdf

Read the state’s plan for lithium battery energy storage https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ industries-and-topics/electrical-energy/ energy-storage n

Editor’s note: Three lithium battery energy storage sites are contemplated for Santa Cruz County, and the Seahawk Energy Project at 90 Minto Road in Watsonville has applied for a permit. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is not likely to consider any new ordinance to regulate such land uses until possibly April 22, and the county Zoning Administrator may review of the Minto Road project on April 25.

Assessing Federal Policy Changes

Did You Know 12% of County Education Funding is Federal?

Editor’s note: Here is a report from Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah on the local impact of federal policy changes.

•••

We are aware of rising concern about impacts to our schools from staffing cuts and reported plans to further dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

On March 15, I joined the district superintendents and other local school leaders in releasing a letter to families speaking to these issues, which are already serious — even as much remains uncertain.

For over 60 years, and until recently, the federal government has played a critical role in establishing safety nets for our most vulnerable students.

Although most of our funding comes from local and state sources, 12% of Santa Cruz County’s education funding is federal. We are closely monitoring impacts to this funding, its disbursement and administration.

By Manu Koenig

Unfortunately, some of these impacts are already taking place. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is ending the Local Food for Schools program, a $660 million nationwide initiative that subsidizes school-based breakfast and lunch programs nationwide — including here in California.

We are also deeply concerned about the closure of the majority of regional offices of the federal Office for Civil Rights, which investigates allegations of discrimination against students. More than 700 cases are pending in California alone, and it is not clear how they will be impacted.

For over 60 years, and until recently, the federal government has played a critical role in establishing safety nets for our most

vulnerable students. State leaders are closely examining these issues and we do expect that legal challenges are likely to result. We are also fortunate that California provides strong civil rights safeguards — above and beyond federal protections — and that we live in a school community that will continue to uphold every child’s right to a safe, inclusive, and equitable education.

Thank you for continuing to support our students and the values of our school community in this challenging moment, and please know we will keep educators and families informed as we learn more about additional impacts and steps to mitigate them at the state and local level. n

Federal Watch: Medicaid Spending Locally

Editor’s note: First District Supervisor Manu Koenig posted this update Feb. 24 for constituents on impacts of the Trump presidency.

With all of the big policy changes coming from the Trump Administration and the Republican Congress, it’s hard to know exactly where to look.

Perhaps the issue that has county leaders most concerned are the proposed cuts to Medicaid, known in California as Medi-Cal, that the House of Representatives is currently considering. County Administrative Officer, Carlos Palacios, explained more in this recent Lookout interview.

Currently 83,097 Santa Cruz County residents are on Medi-Cal, 31% of the County’s population. The House is

considering eligibility requirements that could kick as many as half of these people off of the program. On a statewide basis, 38% of all Californians are on Medi-Cal as shown on this map from the UC Berkeley Labor Center.

While elements like work requirements might sound good to some people, it raises the question of how hospitals, who are required to treat anyone who comes into their emergency rooms, deal with the costs of unreimbursed care?

“Local Medicaid” page 19

LOCAL SPORTS

A Fast Start for Evie

Evie Marheineke of Santa Cruz ran at the Sacramento State High School Classic March 8 at Hornet Stadium.

A senior competing for Archbishop Mitty, she ran in the 3200m and won the invitational in a time of 11:12.36. The time for second place was 11:17.63.

Alessia Carbone, a junior at Mitty, ran the 1600m in 5:44.45 for 18th place. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

No-Cost Community Chipping Window Opens

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County announces the Spring 2025 No-Cost Community Chipping Program. The program is available to Santa Cruz County residents who live in areas, defined as the Wildland Urban Interface, that have the potential for wildfire to impact their properties.

Pre-registration opens at 6 a.m. April 1 and goes through April 30. Chipping starts in May.

Residents who live in recognized FireWise neighborhoods get early bird registration with a special password from their FireWise leaders.

An informational Zoom meeting about the program took place March 18.

This program incentivizes the cleanup of flammable material and the creation of defensible space around homes in high wildfire risk areas by offering no-cost chipping for residents who trim vegetation within 100 feet of occupied structures or 10 feet on either side of a private road.

“We mostly want to clear the potentially

WINTER SPECIAL

If we paint your interior and/or exterior by April 30, 2025 we will buy the paint.

flammable material near our roads and around our houses and create space between the ground and lower tree branches called ladder fuels” explained Laurel Bard, who manages the chipping program for the RCD. “However, we want to be mindful of not over clearing or leaving bare ground, which can lead to overly dry soils in the summer and serious soil erosion in the winter.”

“Chipping” page 19

Alessia Carbone

Evie Marheineke

Location OPEN! COMMUNITY NEWS

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate

• Edibles and Fruit Trees

• 2 Acre Display & Sculpture Garden

• Gift Certifi cates • Family Owned & Operated for 30 Years

Social Security: New ID Procedures

Editor’s note: With the new federal Department of Government Efficiency claiming that dead people over the age of 100 are receiving Social Security checks, new procedures in the works for verifying identity to prevent fraud. Here is the announcement posted March 18:

The Social Security Administration is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further safeguard Social Security records and benefits against fraudulent activity.

Over the next two weeks, SSA will carefully transition to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes. Individuals seeking these services who cannot use their personal my Social Security account, which requires online identity proofing, will then need to visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person.

At the same time, the agency will expedite processing all direct deposit change requests — both in person and online — to one business day. Prior to this change, online direct deposit changes were held for 30 days.

“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” said Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security. “For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service.”

The agency’s two-week transition plan includes training frontline employees and management about the new policy and careful monitoring of policy compliance. At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing.

SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone. However, the claim cannot be completed until the individual’s identity is verified in person.

The agency therefore recommends calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction. Individuals with and without an appointment will need to prove identity before starting a transaction. Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information, can visit a local office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment.

SSA recently required nearly all agency employees, including frontline employees in all offices throughout the country, to work in the office five days a week.

This change ensures maximum staffing is available to support the stronger in-person identity proofing requirement.

SSA plans to implement the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service called Account Verification Service (AVS). AVS provides instant bank verification services to proactively and timely prevent fraud associated with direct deposit change requests.

The agency will continue to monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments, to ensure it pays the right person the right amount at the right time while at the same time safeguarding the benefits and programs it administers.

People who do not already have a “my Social Security” account can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount n

The Social Security Administration has offices in Santa Cruz at 169 Walnut Ave. and Watsonville at 180 Westgate Drive, #301. Call (800) 772-1213.

ABy Kylie Brunelli

merican Leisure Patio is a family-run business that’s been serving Santa Cruz for over 40 years. Run by the Freiberg family, mainly son Brett Freiberg, it’s a core establishment within the community.

For context, American Leisure Patio is the store on Ocean Street with the giant red Adirondack chair resting above the store entrance.

American Leisure Patio specializes in good-quality furniture that’s still low-priced. Unlike mega corporations (Ikea, Home Depot, etc.), American Leisure Patio furniture is less likely to instantly break, and it’s already assembled, which reduces the likelihood of construction error. They also do many customized operations to fulfill the visions of their clients.

The sun is the largest cause for furniture regression.

American Leisure Patio already offers durable pieces, but Brett says that if you “take care of it, it’s going to last a long time,” more than the five-year warranty American Leisure Patio offers. “If you sit on your outdoor furniture with suntan oil, and you don’t clean it, the sun will eventually bake in the oils and burn the fabric.”

AmericAn Leisure PAtio

PVC pipe is a classic material for outdoor furniture, especially in Santa Cruz because it’s both durable with coastal weather and budget-friendly. As the PVC trend gradually declined, the business expanded to accommodate a larger furniture variety.

Brett still works with his parents. He and Mrs. Freiberg curate amenities while Mr. Freiberg refurbishes old furniture. It’s better for the planet, and it gives them an edge up over competitors. It also continues the design-construction duo from the earlier Pipe-Made Furniture West era.

Notably, weather is a big factor in the outdoor furniture business world — bringing both immediate and seasonal effects. Brett says that people come shopping on hot sunny days, and not when it’s rainy or dreary.

As a result, over the course of the overcast winter, business is slow, while it booms during the summer. To accommodate the fluctuation, they double the staff during the high season. Brett remarked that they “are busy sourcing and curating furniture for the upcoming season” during the colder months.

Sun damage is a constant threat, and Brett recommends cleaning and covering furniture. He often sees properly maintained furniture last 10 to 15 years.

The company started in 1972 when his parents, Fred and Kathi, were inspired by the concept of the trendy PVC pipe furniture, and they opened a PVC pipe furniture manufacturing factory, Pipe-Made Furniture West, near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Remarkably, during COVID although they initially lost money — since the store was closed for seven weeks — business rebounded tremendously. They re-opened with the Memorial Day Sale of 2020, which was really successful.

“Business during those years increased by 50%,” Brett recalls, “because everybody was staying home. They wanted comfortable, nice outdoor environments where they felt safe.”

Although business eventually leveled out, the influx gave American Leisure Patio an increased budget for upgrades.

Right before COVID, in 2019, they upgraded their San Jose store, which was initially opened in 1980. Brett stated that it’s “beautiful over there.” It was originally created to expand the business to Silicon Valley to meet the need for quality outdoor furniture.

Since then, Brett has found many customers visit both stores because there’s sometimes “a different collection in one store than the other,” and therefore more variety.

Both stores have many trending pieces. Lately, Brett’s seen popularity with “clean, simple lines.” For instance, aluminum frames -- or even furnishings made entirely of metal.

It’s also fashionable to have moderate colors for the base pieces with pops of color in extra decorative touches. For example, a chair with a brown frame, a beige cushion, and a turquoise pillow. Brett says they sell “about 50 different colors and throw pillows” to accommodate many customer styles.

To stay up-to-date, Brett and his mom travel to Las Vegas, Chicago, and overseas every year to find the best pieces for the shop. He says, “We constantly analyze what is selling and what isn’t, so we know what to keep and when to move on.”

So when considering repairing or upgrading patio furniture, you’re in safe hands with American Leisure Patio. n

1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz • 944 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose SC: 831-423-2425 • SJ: 408-446-9350 americanleisurepatio.com

Brett Freiberg at American Leisure Patio

Pieces are curated by Brett and his mom.

Art or Soup? Boiling a Work Down to its Essence

Editor’s note: This is the eighth in an ongoing series.

Having been in the food business for more than 60 years, I see striking similarities between the creation of art and the making of soup.

The soup analogy isn’t far-fetched at all, because some of the processes are so similar. Just listing one of the primary compositional techniques of drawing, painting, and writing—condensation—makes me think of stirring a big kettle of minestrone.

Condensation can help reduce a work of art or a soup down to its essence.

For example, in drawing and painting, visual artists sometimes squint while observing a subject in order to eliminate unnecessary details. By combining and reducing elements of an image, artists can make it more visually dramatic.

Similarly, writers revise a story by reducing for efficiency and expanding for clarity. They condense passages to avoid

needless repetition; and offer new facts and anecdotes to improve clarity. In soup making we condense a broth to deepen flavor and add extra ingredients to improve texture.

Recipe instructions reveal still other similarities in technique. Just as an artist looks at an object and draws a visual representation but creates something new, we cooks might

By Joe Ortiz

follow the essential outline of a recipe yet tweak it, using our own personal touch, sensibilities, and seasonings.

What We Can Learn

In writing, altering the syntax—the order in which words and phrases are placed in a sentence—helps create a convincing narrative argument. Likewise, following a recipe requires a logical order of adding ingredients to the bowl, frying pan, or soup kettle. As Julia Child once said: “A recipe is like a story: it has a beginning, a middle, and an end.” Specifically, in writing, the task of fixing an unwieldy sentence often comes down to placing the most important phrase in a more meaningful position, usually at the end for emphasis. This also applies to cooking when an experienced cook changes the traditional sequence of adding ingredients to the preparation. As Julia might have agreed, a careful reordering of adding ingredients can boost the flavor of the finished product.

“Joe Ortiz” page 18

From baby bump, to baby in your arms.

From the time you find out you’re expecting, you dream of the first moment holding your baby. And Dominican Hospital’s Family Birth Center is here to help make that first “hello” as special as your new bundle of joy. We have a team of experts ready to guide you throughout your journey—from specially trained OB/GYN doctors and nurses, to midwives and board-certified lactation specialists. And our Level III NICU offers the highest level of maternity care in the Monterey Bay area should your baby need specialized support. Take a virtual tour of our Family Birth Center at DignityHealth.org/DominicanBirthCenter

SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES

LOCAL SPORTS

SCCAL Boys Basketball All League

Co-MVP

DeMarco Hunter - Santa Cruz - Jr. & Isaiah Ackerman - Aptos - Sr. Coach of the Year

Brian Bowyer - Aptos

First Team

Mosiah Cumberbatch - Santa Cruz - Sr.

Jacob Sanders - Scotts Valley - Sr.

Nick Tovani - Aptos - Sr.

Will Shilling - Scotts Valley - Sr.

Nico Ramirez - Soquel - Sr.

Second Team

LJ Legan - Santa Cruz - Soph.

Ryan Solorio - Aptos - Sr.

Owen Warmerdam - Aptos - Sr.

Taylor Knox - Scotts Valley - Sr.

Nolan Westphal - Soquel - Sr.

Honorable Mention

Demian Matlow - Aptos - Sr.

Diego Mejia - Aptos - Jr.

Miles Dix - Harbor - Sr.

Malik Wooden - Harbor - Soph.

Kaden Mirtz - Santa Cruz - Soph.

Guerande Houssin - Santa Cruz - Sr.

Zack Shilling - Scotts Valley - Sr.

Kit Deforest - Scotts Valley - Sr.

Noah Steiger - SLV - Sr.

Wyatt Hammelstrup - SLV - Jr.

Tanner Trowbridge - Soquel - Sr. n

SCCAL Girls Basketball All League

Co-MVP

Brooklyn Williams, Junior (#42) & Samantha

Rebbert, Junior (#10) - both Scotts Valley Coach of the Year

Stu Hurvitz - Scotts Valley

First Team

Claire Skinner - Scotts Valley - Senior (#25)

Abby Sherwood - Aptos -Junior (#30)

Hannah Shehorn - Scotts Valley - Sophomore (#0)

Kina Espinosa - Santa Cruz - Junior (#14)

Mila Conn - Santa Cruz - Sophomore (#10)

Second Team

Ana Maurer - Soquel - Senior (#24)

“Soquel Girls Soccer” from page 4

I suggested she wait, but if we made it, I told her she couldn’t miss the final. After contemplating, she ultimately chose to skip the camp.

In the final, Haily was incredible — she helped shut down the opposing team for 80 minutes and overtime then saved two penalty shots as goalie, including the one that won us the game.

Without her sacrifice, we might not have made history.

For the first round of NorCal, we were rewarded with a home game. The stands were packed with students.

I had never seen so many people at a soccer game.

We won 4-1, securing another home semifinal. This game was against a team that was supposed to be in Division 2 but got moved down. We were worried but knew it was all mental, like Jose would always say.

We fought hard and created opportunities. Unfortunately, that night marked the

Abigail Shi - Scotts Valley - Senior (#24)

Berkeley Ashby - Aptos - Senior (#44)

Nadia Delgadillo - Santa Cruz - Sophomore (#1)

Julianne Sanguinetti - Harbor - Sophomore (#1)

Honorable Mention

Lilly McGee - Aptos - Senior

Eliya Chavez - Aptos - Sophomore

Lia LaFrandt - Harbor - Frosh

Ania Sinnott - Santa Cruz - Sophomore

Brianna Fernandez - Santa Cruz - Sophomore

Amaya Guerra - Scotts Valley - Junior

Poppy Owens - SLV - Junior

Neely Pfeiffer - Soquel - Senior

Maddie Barwick - Soquel - Senior n

emotional end of Soquel’s best season ever and the careers of all 11 seniors.

This season was all about heart, sacrifice, and belief in one another. We made Soquel history.

From start to finish, there was so much growth, and I’m happy to have been a part of it. It was a season to remember for everyone. n

•••

Editor’s note: Jose Sierra, the girls’ varsity soccer coach at Soquel High School, writes: “I want to congratulate the Lady Knights for winning the school’s first ever CCS Championship. From day one we talked playing an extra game after the regular season. The girls committed themselves to train hard, unite as a team, and always stay focused. This team persevered, we faced difficulties and opposition, but they showed determination and were rewarded with a CCS championship. I’m extremely proud of this group of young ladies, they will always remember this for their rest of their lives. It’s truly humbling to be a part of this team’s accomplishment.”

Capitola-Soquel Chamber Community Award Winners

On March 21, the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce presented community awards to people making a difference in the community.

The honorees are:

Person of the Year

Joe Palandrani

Alocal business man and guardian for the Capitola community, he is recognized for his tireless efforts for R.A.C.K (Random Acts of Capitola Kindness), the Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project, and his organized support for festivals in Capitola.

The award also acknowledges his warm spirit and lifelong dedication to always helping a neighbor in need.

Community Spirit

Toni Campbell

of Friends of the Capitola Branch Library

She is a mega-supporter of the Capitola Library, from small book-sale beginnings, to her organized leadership for the Capitola Library Capital Campaign, and her commitment to the volunteer-based bookstore, Friends of the Capitola Branch Library, in Capitola Mall.

Through her determination and kindness, the public is provided with affordable resources for education—and a charming library for all to enjoy.

Educator of the Year

Nina Noorzad

has touched the hearts of local families — and inspired many little, brilliant minds.

Outstanding Youth

Jed Del Favero

Asophomore and president of his class at Soquel High School, he is a driven volunteer, and a glowing representative of integrity and kindness in our community.

You can find him volunteering during holidays, leading young Junior Guards in the summer, and simply helping those in need on his way to school — inspirational.

Business of the Year

Rodney Wartzok

Capitola Candy Company

Sponsors Needed

Contact Deborah Bredy at dpbredy@gmail.com for more information

Owner Rodney Wartzok has not only given our community delicious treats, but is an active benefactor through donations to youth and senior programs, coordinating fun, local events, and uplifting families through the “Adopt a Family” initiative.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Susan Westman

She is recognized for her countless years of service to support our families, our homes, and our way of life in the Capitola community.

Bright, spirited, dedicated—there is no shortage of attributes to describe this educator at Santa Cruz Montessori. Teachers are the crucial foundation of any community, and Nina has a proactive and caring spirit that

Her long history of giving to our community includes her time as the former City Manager, Community Development Director, chair of the Capitola Planning Commission — and the loving parent and grandmother to a family of volunteers.

Her dedication to bettering the lives of others has built the foundation of the streets and businesses we stroll through today. n

County Budget Outlook

By Jondi Gumz

With lagging revenue from local sales tax and federal disaster reimbursement and uncertainty about future federal funding as the new Trump administration seeks to downsize government to get the federal deficit under control, the one bright spot for the County of Santa Cruz budget is Measure K.

Approved by voters in March 2024 to raise the sales tax in unincorporated areas from 9% to 9.5%, the measure is expected to raise $10.1 million in 2025-26 and can be used for any county purpose.

The debt service is because in May 2024, the County borrowed $89.1 million — close to the amount of County reserves — to cover expenses from the 2020 CZU fires and 2023 storms that officials had expected to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which ran out of money and halted reimbursements.

At that time, the County had $125.3 million in unpaid claims from FEMA and Federal Highway Administration.

... county Health Services Agency is projecting a budget gap of $11 million to $17 million for 2025-26, not considering federal policy changes. The reasons: Lower reimbursement rates and restrictions on billable activities under CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) reform, new mandates such as the CARE Act for those on the schizophrenia spectrum, and low health center medical visits.

The spending plan for this year projected $7.5 million of revenue:

• $1 million for environmental and parks capital projects, with $200,000 set aside for each district;

• $1 million for homelessness services;

• $1 million to housing-related uses:

• $1 million for emergency road projects this winter;

• $3.5 million to restore the General Fund contingency budget due to the threat of climate-driven disasters.

For 2025-26 staff recommend:

• $1 million for environmental and parks

FEMA has denied $5.1 million requested by the County for COVID-19 expenses, and it’s unclear how much money might be forthcoming.

Given the magnitude and frequency of disasters in recent years, the uncertainty about future federal reimbursements, and the historic size of the 2024 debt financing that pledged most of the County’s remaining facility assets, such financing will not be an option in the future, according to county staff’s midyear budget update as of Feb. 25

Should the County find itself in another disaster, staff say, “the County will be limited in its recovery unless future debt is supported by voter-approved property tax initiative(s).”

Budget hearings are set for June 3, June 4, and June 10.

Given the constraints, the County Administrative Office directed departments not to request additional funding.

However, the county Health Services Agency is projecting a budget gap of $11 million to $17 million for 2025-26, not considering federal policy changes. The reasons: Lower reimbursement rates and restrictions on billable activities under CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) reform, new mandates such as the CARE Act for those on the schizophrenia spectrum, and low health center medical visits.

to finance planning, negotiation, and related costs. This does not include construction.

One more factor to monitor: Rising pension liabilities due to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System’s underperforming investment portfolio.

As of the most recent valuation, the County’s Unfunded Accrued Liability stands at $657.2 million.

County staff say this primarily reflects repayments to CalPERS when its investment returns fall below the actuarial discount rate. For example, during the Great Recession, the CalPERS system dropped from being overfunded at 101% in June 2007 to just 61% funded by June 2009.

The midyear budget update does allow for up to $10 million in lost federal funding

Another possible sign, and this is also due to Measure K and the debt financing:

Projected deficits for 2025-26 and 2026-27 expected to reach $23.5 million and $35.2 million, are now projected at $1.9 million and

County supervisors will see the proposed

URGENT CARE FOR DOGS & CATS

Because reimbursement rates are notably lower than those in neighboring counties, county staff say it is difficult to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining staff and contracted services.

Staff requested that Board chair (Felipe Hernandez) send a letter to the State delegation regarding the County’s low reimbursement rates for behavioral health services.

Another factor, staff say, is a reduction in Mental Health Services Act revenue— driven by a decline in the 1% tax on individuals earning over $1 million and the diversion of MHSA funds. This led behavioral health staff to prioritize statemandated entitlement services, rather than non-mandated programs.

The Health Centers Division is projecting a funding shortfall of $4 million to $7 million in the 2025-26 due to rising personnel costs and inflation. County staff say the division aims to mitigate these increased costs with improvements in clinical provider productivity.

One rare new project is to develop an alternate emergency only egress out of Lompico Valley, identified as a need after the 2018 Camp Fire destroyed the mountain town of Paradise.

The county’s Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience, with Real Property is looking at obtaining easements over an existing road and private property connecting to county roads for an evacuation route.

Up to $233,495 in funding is necessary

As for revenues, property tax is one of the most stable but the County receives only 13.4 cents from every dollar of property tax paid. This is because the amount was fixed by Proposition 13 in 1978 when the County was a low property tax county.

For 2024-25, property tax is estimated to be $85 million, which county staff says is not enough to fund current operations, facility needs, 607 miles of unincorporated area roads, and almost annual disaster response. Property tax is expected to grow by 5.23% by 2027-28 from an expected improving housing market.

Tourism is a major industry but the revenue from the Transient Occupancy Tax is highly variable. For 2025-26, it’s projected to be down $661,000, based on collections. However, Visit Santa Cruz expects growth.

Despite the challenges, the County can tout several accomplishments, and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Palacios did when he spoke March 20 to the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

These include the opening of the South County Government Center in the former West Marine headquarters in Watsonville, launch of Age Well Santa Cruz County Master Plan on Aging, a 22% reduction in those experiencing homelessness, reopening of the Sobering Center, where people under the influence of drugs or alcohol can get connected to treatment by Janus of Santa Cruz instead of being taken to jail, and establishment of the County’s first DNA laboratory. n

Carlos Palacios

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Live Oak Neighbors Question Tim Gordin Housing Proposal

By Michael Reis

Editor’s note: Santa Cruz resident Michael Reis is sharing his email to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors about a potential conflict of interest involving a five-story 63-unit housing complex proposed for 841 Capitola Road in Live Oak. Capitola-Soquel Times covered this situation in January.

I’m reaching out to you all in the hopes of getting traction on some of the technical and subjective concerns that we, as the community residents who will be directly impacted by this project, have.

I also, personally, have some concerns about a potential conflict of interest between one of the Supervisors, Mr. Manu Koenig, and Workbench’s CEO (Tim Gordin, who was appointed by Manu to the County

Commission in 2020 before resigning in 2024).

It’s worth noting that 841 Capitola Road was purchased through an LLC by Tim Gordin while he was acting as the County Commissioner in 2022.

As for our concerns, the full details can be shared (if people are interested), but the high-level summary is as follows (all of which has been shared with Manu directly on a few occasions):

• It’s remains unclear whether Workbench’s preliminary application from April 9, 2024 (PA241013) met SB330’s requirement to qualify as a builder’s remedy project

G Specifically, we have not received confirmation from the County planning office that this application met the requirement of 20% affordable units

• Workbench’s Oct. 3 revision (submitted within the 180d window from their preliminary application) was followed up with a response letter from the County

highlighting its deficiencies on Nov. 1, 2024. Workbench was required to submit their updated proposal by 1/30/2025 (90d).

G On 1/30, Workbench submitted a signed PLG-130, which is a resubmittal request form. That form lays out a process through which the applicant would be able to upload the revised documents, on the following Monday. Given that PLG-130 was submitted on 1/30, the earliest document upload appointment would’ve been on 2/3 — past the 90d deadline set by the County’s Nov. 1 letter. We have yet to receive a justification for this obvious (to us) discrepancy.

G This new revision also increased the total units from 32 to 63 (+97%), which is well above the 20% revision requirement that was added to State law via SB330 (65941.1 (d) )

• As of 2/24, when I physically reviewed the plans, Workbench was providing 33 parking spaces (inclusive of 3 ADA) for

“Joe Ortiz” from page 13

I learned this adjustment firsthand in a Louisiana Jambalaya cooking class, when the “holy trinity” of diced onion, celery, and bell pepper—a variation on the French mirepoix mixture of onion, celery, and carrot—was the third ingredient added to the preparation instead of the first, which is traditional in many dishes. Because the instructor encouraged students to add the mirepoix after the sausage was sauteed—and give it a good, strong browning to concentrate the mixture—the result helped to achieve the earthy flavor of the Jambalaya.

What Can We Do?

I think we’d all admit that creative home cooks are often compelled to give a recipe their own stylistic interpretation, the cook’s

their 63-unit development. They were requesting a waiver under CDBL (California Density Bonus Law) to reduce their required parking / unit ratio to 0.5. Normally, they would be required to provision 71 spaces (to meet CDBL, 69515(p)(1) )

G Parking provisions in the CDBL, which can be found at the State level as 69515(p) and Santa Cruz code 17.12.020 / 090, provides a mechanism (69515(p)(7) ) for the County or City to mandate a higher ratio (though not to exceed the ratio set in 69515(p)(1) ) through the results of a parking study

G Despite requests to the County project planner on several occasions, and across different email threads, no information on parking studies (nor how to request them) have been provided

G Given the reality of the parking situation that this development will impose, and given the clear and

turn of hand that can achieve unique flavors. But many of us might also agree that, in our consumption of literature, a “great read” is so much more than a listing of the facts, details, and argument. In fact, it’s the writer’s personal style that makes a story come to life. By adding, subtracting, and letting the “flavors” meld, both artist and cook fashion a unique concoction. The results may resemble the original subject (for the artist) or recipe (for the cook), but during the “cooking,” we add that unique twist, depending on how much we reduce the broth or the narrative, concentrate the flavors or meaning, or alter the order of ingredients as we place them in the kettle or on the page. n

•••

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

Tim Gordin

FEATURED COLUMNIST

obvious lack of available parking on Grey Seal, Capitola Road, 7th Ave, or the surrounding neighborhoods, a parking study must be conducted as soon as possible

• On a subjective note, while we collectively understand and support the construction of more housing, we feel that the current proposal does not fit in Live Oak

G Parking aside, a 5-story building in the heart of the residential section of Live Oak (which will raze all existing greenery on the parcel in the process) would likely be the largest structure in Live Oak

G My children spend nearly every sunny day outside playing with our neighbors on the cul-de-sac - this proposal, which seeks to use Grey Seal

“Chipping” from page 9

Woodchips are left onsite and can be placed as a ground cover at least five feet from any structures to help keep the ground moist, limit weeds and protect soil.

Having defensible space does not mean you need a ring of bare dirt surrounding your property; with proper planning, you can have a fire safe home and a beautiful landscape.

The general concept is that trees should be kept farthest from the house, shrubs can be closer, and lawns and bedding plants can be the closest. If your landscaping has a different configuration than this, you can improve defensibility by keeping larger trees limbed up and shrubs free of dead, dry material.

How

Does the Program Work?

Signups are first-come-first served, and each household must complete a two-part

“Local Medicaid” from page 8

as a through-street, will directly and severely impact the well-being of the residents, and significantly reduce the safety of the environment which our children currently enjoy

G The intersection of Capitola Road and 7th Ave is already heavily congested throughout the day. Adding 63 more units (ignoring the fact that only 33 parking spaces would be provided on the parcel) will exacerbate an already troublesome situation

We have a community meeting scheduled for April 1, where we hope to get some questions answered.

In the meantime, I hope this email finds you all well, and I look forward to working with all involved on finding a sustainable path forward, which enables the creation of reasonable housing. n

registration process to be enrolled and confirmed into the program.

Part one is an online pre-registration application to verify space is available, and part two is a chipping schedule form that is completed once your materials are stacked and ready for chipping.

A detailed map of areas served, dead lines for program applications, chipping dates and guidelines for preparing materials for chipping are posted on the RCD No-Cost Chipping Program page at https://www. rcdsantacruz.org/chipping-programs

This program is paid for in part through grants awarded to the RCD from the California Coastal Conservancy, Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, Cal Fire, and private donors. n

•••

For more information email Laurel Bard at the RCD at lbard@rcdsantacruz.org

We hope Congress will work together as intergovernmental partners to enhance the Medicaid program and ensure that states and counties can effectively serve their residents. n

Map on previous page shows 31% of Santa Cruz County’s population receives healthcare through Medicaid/Medi-Cal. Source UC Berkeley Labor Center.

The National Association of Counties, along with other local government groups, sent a letter to Congress last week expressing their significant concern over the proposed changes to Medicaid and explaining that “these reductions would jeopardize access to affordable healthcare and long-term services and place an unsustainable financial burden on states and counties, which often serve as payers of last resort.”

Early rendering of potential Capitola Starter Homes project from Workbench.

Plant your lettuce, garlic, and winter squashes in a Knox Garden box!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo College’s Journal X Student Magazine ‘Superior’

Cabrillo College’s Xinachtli Journal, a social justice literary arts magazine known as Journal X, has been ranked ‘Superior’ by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Superior means the magazine scored 82-89 points just behind those ranked First Class with 90-100 points.

Journal X, founded in 2021, is curated by English 1B students at Cabrillo College’s Watsonville Center. The magazine features poetry, stories, essays, photography, and artwork from emerging and established artists in Santa Cruz County and beyond.

A celebration takes place in May at the Watsonville Center featuring writers and artists, and the Journal is released in the summer.

Schools in 46 states and five countries nominated 422 student magazines for the 2024 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines program.

Middle schools, high schools, and higher education institutions competed.

“We are so honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Victoria Bañales, Journal X editorial director and Cabrillo College English instructor. “I am continuously amazed by our student-run Journal X Editorial Board for the time, talent, and care they put into curating each issue, and by our contributors — their talent and creativity shine in the pages of each issue.”

Dr. Bañales, the 2025-27 Watsonville Poet Laureate, will host public poetry reading events to advance the literary arts in Watsonville.

“Being part of the student editorial team for Journal X was an enriching

experience,” said Luis Blas, Cabrillo student and Journal X Editorial Board member. “Collaborating with my peers to bring together the creative voices that feature our community’s essence was so gratifying. Receiving this award showcases our dedication and passion for every step of the process.”

“I am still stoked about enrolling in English 1B at Cabrillo College — never in my life did I think I would be part of the editorial board for Journal X with Doctora Victoria Bañales,” said Cabrillo student Marisa Rameño-Amezcua, also on the Editorial Board. “Journal X is an amazing journal created by beautiful talent. The feeling of creating a journal that brings together different parts of the world, countries, cultures, backgrounds, and colors is what touched me the most!”

“I’m very grateful to be part of Xinachtli Journal (Journal X) as the magazine’s graphic designer,” said Cabrillo student Lorena Lia Mansilla. “It was a pleasure to create a layout that harmoniously combines writings, poetry, illustrations, and photographs. Each element was carefully crafted to reflect the essence of the project, blending graphics and text with typography that reinforced its message. For me, this project was a way to visually contribute to sharing our people’s stories, ensuring that aesthetics and content complement each other perfectly.” n

•••

For information about REALM, see: https:// ncte.org/awards/program-to-recognize-instudent-literary-magazines/.

Read Journal X at https://www.cabrillo.edu/ journal-x/

Rail Trail Reflects a Broader Problem

By Doug Erickson

In politics, narratives matter — but eventually, infrastructure must be poured, bridges must be built, and roads must function.

Santa Cruz County’s rail trail project was born from an appealing narrative: Combine clean transportation, climate action, and equity into a single corridor that accommodates both a new rail line and a bike-and-pedestrian trail.

A decade later, the result is an emblem of the dysfunction that fuels distrust in progressive governance — and a cautionary tale for Democrats across the country.

Back in 2012, Santa Cruz County’s Regional Transportation Commission purchased a dormant 32-mile freight rail corridor stretching from Davenport to Pajaro for $14.2 million. With help from state funds through Proposition 116 — a 1990 bond designed to support clean transportation — the RTC committed to preserving the rail line, ostensibly for future passenger service. The plan: Keep the tracks and build a trail beside them.

On paper, it sounded visionary. In practice, it’s been a slow-motion disaster.

As of 2024, only three miles of trail have been constructed. A short 0.7-mile section currently under development — from Bay Avenue to the Wharf — is costing $16 million. That’s more than five times the typical $3–4 million per mile that similar trails cost nationwide. And these are the easy segments. The more challenging terrain — through Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, and Aptos — includes steep embankments, encroaching development, coastal cliffs, and degraded infrastructure.

And then came the bridge estimate: $1 billion.

That’s not the cost for the train. That’s just to repair or replace 33 aging bridges and trestles to make the corridor safe for future rail use. This figure excludes the cost of new trains, laying new tracks, building stations and parking, installing safety features like quiet zones and crossings, or annual operating and maintenance costs.

Even before those are considered, Santa Cruz County has no agency with the technical or financial capacity to operate a passenger rail system.

Worse still, Santa Cruz’s experience with the trail so far suggests that projected costs dramatically understate the final price tag. Initial estimates for the trail in 2014 came in at $126 million. Today, the realistic figure is closer to $500 million — a 4x multiplier.

Apply that same multiplier to the train portion, and the outlook becomes staggering: the $1 billion bridge cost could balloon to $4 billion; add another billion for everything else, and Santa Cruz faces a $5 billion rail project.

This is in a county with no dedicated rail agency, no committed federal or state funding, and a local sales tax already near the 10% statutory ceiling. A major sales tax increase — requiring a state exemption — would be the only path forward, and political appetite is thin.

Still, the project remains alive, defended in the language of climate justice, transit equity, and sustainability. To challenge it is, in some circles, to challenge progressive values themselves.

That’s the problem.

The rail trail is increasingly divorced from the transportation needs it was meant to address. Highway 1 remains clogged during commute hours. The Santa Cruz Metro bus system — already underutilized and facing structural deficits — is the county’s only real transit operator. Ridership is primarily students traveling to UC Santa Cruz and commuters to San Jose via the Highway 17 Express. The proposed train, by contrast, would run just 22 miles between Santa Cruz and Watsonville — far from Silicon Valley, and even farther from where most jobs are located.

A 2015 independent study by respected transportation firm Nelson Nygaard found 32 geographic obstacles in the corridor. It also found that a continuous, wide, multiuse trail without rail would cost far less, serve more people, and be more effective in reducing car trips — particularly for short, local travel.

latest technologies and in-house

Joseph S. Kim, DDS

Another Forever Chemical You Need to Know About

We talk about PFAS chemicals a lot in this newsletter and for good reason, but today I want to discuss 1,4 dioxane, a major contaminant found in our drinking water from coast to coast.

This synthetic solvent is used in a variety of industrial and manufacturing settings and is also known as a forever chemical because it lingers in the environment and can be very difficult to remove.

Millions in the U.S. have been exposed to this chemical in their drinking water, and they have no idea. What’s worse: we have no studies about the impact of this chemical to humans that consume it.

Since the 1950s, 1,4dioxane has been used as a stabilizer in industrial solvents. U.S. production dropped dramatically after ‘90s. Even after the last several manufacturers stopped production, companies continued to import it for industrial use. Because of prior use and disposal,

it still contaminates many landfills and Superfund sites across the country.

Additionally, it’s found in many personal care products, including shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, foaming hand soap, cosmetics, deodorant, and skin lotion — and is often found in laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, and household cleaners.

Florida: Tainted Tap Water

One of our readers posted a recent story about this cancer-linked chemical causing trouble in Central Florida.

It started more than half a century ago beneath a telecommunications factory in Lake Mary, Florida, when the chemical started spreading for miles through the Floridan Aquifer and seeping into water wells serving thousands of Seminole County residents, according to reporting in the Orlando Sentinel.

Now the Florida Geological Survey has publicly verified the contamination’s fingerprint, path, and pointed to the responsible polluters.

Surprise, surprise, industrial giants are to blame! In this case, owners of the defunct factory which include General Dynamics Corp., Siemens Corp., and a company that holds financial assets of a previous factory tenant, MONI Holding LLC.

The state DEP has billed the three companies $1.4 million for the state’s recent probing into the factory pollution— investigative work the department had unsuccessfully sought to have the companies perform in 2023.

“It can safely be assumed that, from 1968 to the present, the facility has been releasing contaminants,” states a December memorandum from the top leaders of the Florida Geological Survey.

I will say this until I am blue in the face because I teach my grandchildren this lesson all the time. You must clean up after your own mess.

I’m not foolish enough to think that we don’t enjoy a certain standard of life thanks to business and industry. We need jobs and commerce, so I’m not suggesting we turn away from it all.

Businesses need to stop this dump-andrun model. They can’t destroy the water we all need to live and pretend nothing is wrong. We need purpose-driven corporations that are willing to clean up their toxic remnants and to work with communities. They already have the funds to make things right because they all employ huge legal departments to fight these environmental claims.

By Erin Brockovicxh

Huge Problem Everywhere

Of course, this chemical is not just a Florida problem. I’ve been talking about 1,4 dioxane for years. Not only is it an irritant but it is classified by numerous regulatory bodies as either a probable or known carcinogen. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers 1,4-dioxane as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. U.S. EPA calls it a “likely human carcinogen” that has been found in groundwater at sites throughout the country.

But 1,4-dioxane, like thousands of other potentially dangerous chemicals, is unregulated and has not been assigned a legal limit in drinking water.

Earlier this year, extremely high levels of 1,4-dioxane were discovered in Asheboro, North Carolina’s wastewater discharge, according to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. Initials tests revealed it at 2,200 ppb, and the city’s own testing showed it at 3,520 ppb.

No Federal Standard

These figures are up to 10,000 times above the recommended number. California, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina … and nearly every state across the country has this contaminant in their drinking water, but there is no federal standard to regulate it in tap water.

The U.S. EPA has said 0.35 parts per billion (ppb) of 1,4-dioxane in water is the amount expected to cause no more than one additional case of cancer in every million people who drink it for a lifetime. But how can communities protect themselves when most have no idea this chemical even exists?

Some states have set their own limits but just look at the differences.

• California water utilities must notify state regulators if 1,4-dioxane is detected above 1 ppb. It is recommended that consumers are notified if there are exceedances.

• Colorado’s standard for 1,4-dioxane in groundwater is 0.35 ppb.

• Connecticut’s action level for 1,4-dioxane in drinking water is 3 ppb.

• Maine’s non-enforceable drinking water guideline for 1,4-dioxane is 4 ppb.

• Massachusetts’ non-enforceable drinking water guideline for 1,4-dioxane is 0.3 ppb.

• Michigan’s clean-up standard for 1,4dioxane in groundwater is 7.2 ppb.

• Minnesota’s non-enforceable drinking water guideline for 1,4-dioxane is 1 ppb.

“PFAS” page 24

High School Photographer Mary Henderson

Welcome to the work of Soquel High School senior Mary Henderson.

Henderson, who lives near Nisene Marks, has been mixing her love of sports with her love of photography for the last two years, and plans to continue to do so at Cabrillo College.

“I got into photography from my hobbies, surfing and skating,” she said. “I really improved my skills when I started taking digital media classes and doing sports photography at my sophomore year.”

Cabrillo fans can look forward to seeing more of her work over the next two years. n

Coping with Higher Insurance Premiums

By Marc Cuniberti

With the advent of a spike in weather extremes, the cost to maneuver the change in climate has become increasingly high.

I am not here to debate the cause of such, nor would I want to. Some claim man’s use of things like fossil fuel and other pollutants are causing it. Others argue the earth naturally goes through temperature cycles, while still others say the sun is to blame.

Since no one really knows for sure what is causing the change, let’s just agree that the average temperature ranges are changing and it’s causing some humans to either lose their homes and neighborhoods to wildfires, floods or storms, while others starve to death in drought stricken areas of the globe. As a result, the earth’s inhabitants have to spend a hell of a lot more money trying to negotiate the whole mess.

Homes are being incinerated, whole neighborhoods are being wiped clean and entire towns leveled down to the gutters. Floods from soaking rain storms are flattening cities, heat waves bake one region while snow storms bury others.

The resulting costs to insurance companies is massive. Premiums are skyrocketing on all sorts of insurance as insurers are being doubly ambushed by an increase in claims and soaring inflation costs.

“PFAS” from page 22

• New Hampshire water utilities must report 1,4-dioxane at levels of 0.25 ppb and above.

• New Jersey’s groundwater quality standard is 0.4 ppb for 1,4-dioxane.

• New York set a first in the nation enforceable maximum contaminant limit of 1 ppb for 1,4 dioxane in drinking water. New York also finalized limits on levels in household cleaners and personal care products not to exceed 1 part per million.

• North Carolina’s groundwater quality and surface water supply standards for 1,4-dioxane are 3 ppb and 0.35 ppb, respectively.

Most in-home water filters, including activated carbon filters, don’t remove 1,4-dioxane effectively.

Reverse osmosis filters are better, removing a significant portion of the chemical from tap water, but still fall short.

That means that people in communities that get their drinking water from groundwater contaminated with 1,4-dioxane should urge their local utilities to install specialized technology, the only effective way to remove the chemical.

Beyond that, communities need to push for better federal oversight to stop the chemical from getting into the water supply in the first

Homeowners and others that use different types of insurance like auto or liability are all seeing insurance costs double, triple or worse. Meanwhile the climate hits keep on coming and inflation seems to rumble on driving costs ever higher.

As an insurance agency owner and agent, the stories I hear are eerily similar. Auto insurance rates are accelerating, fire insurance costs are raging upwards, liability coverage is breaking the bank and medical insurance is climbing into the realm of the ridiculous.

Add to that our day to day living expenses are continuing to rise. It seems like we are getting hit from all sides and the truth of the matter is, we are.

As my electrical bills continued to climb over the years, I undertook the “Kill a Watt” program, so named years back by PG&E. Running around my house, we unplugged all those little back converters left in the outlets by my kids long ago that were no longer used but continued to suck power.

Negotiating such an onslaught of rising living costs requires steps be taken to somehow find the pennies on the floor that will turn into dollars by cutting consumption one item at a time.

I took a look back at some of the Money Matters articles I have penned over the decades that gave cost-cutting ideas. I was thinking that if we revisit some of those suggestions I wrote about over the years, households might be able to make a dent in their expenditures.

place. We need to advocate for more science to study its impact on human lives.

In Florida, this matter became widely known thanks to local reporting, when the Sentinel published a series of stories titled “Toxic Secret.”

Our country has lost more than one-third of its newspapers since 2005, according to a 2024 Medill report. The loss of local newspapers is continuing at an alarming pace, deepening the local news crisis and further depriving people of information they need to make informed decisions.

News deserts, or counties without any locally based source of local news, are on the rise. More than half of the nation’s 3,143 counties have little to no local news.

I know there’s a lot of talk about bias in media lately, but I think it’s important to consider how local news keeps people informed about these toxic issues. Don’t forget that media can be a powerful tool in spreading awareness about pollution. Check out an article at cnet.com called “When Local Newspapers Fold, Polarization Rises” to learn more about solutions to local journalism deficits.

Unaffordable Eggs

A new report from Food & Water Watch details how Big Ag is cashing in on a crisis. Since 2022, avian influenza H5N1, or

We replaced incandescent lights with the low-voltage LED versions. We turned the heater preset point down and the AC preset temperature up. We shopped more at SaveMart, Grocery Outlet and the big box stores like Costco when we could, bringing our food bills down.

We consulted the mobile app Gas Buddy to find the lowest cost gasoline. We also subscribed to those dumb text ad permissions on the gas pumps in order to get a nickel discount. And yes we put up with the ads and then block the numbers when we can.

We ate out less often, stayed closer to home on vacations and did away with some mobile phones and TV subscriptions. We kept our phones longer, disconnected a home phone and used our mobile, looked for sales whenever we needed to buy something and kept our cars longer.

We shopped health and dental insurance

bird flu, has spread to poultry and egg hens across the country, impacting dairy herds and farmworkers as well as million-bird flocks. And while it has slightly reduced U.S. egg production, corporate greed has also played a major role in higher prices.

Egg prices have fluctuated wildly since the first infection of bird flu outbreak was detected in commercial flocks in February 2022. However, a deep dive into corporate filings and U.S. Department of Agriculture data suggests that corporations may have used the outbreak as a smokescreen for raising prices beyond what was necessary to cover any rising costs.

This research shows how egg corporation have pushed prices way higher than growing costs, leading to record profits.

Worse, factory farms, where Cal-Maine and other corporations raise up to a million or more chickens in crowded conditions, are hotbeds for disease. Under the status quo, the factory farm model could create the next pandemic.

Cal-Maine produces more than 1 in 5 of the eggs eaten in the U.S. and is the country’s leading egg producer. It owns 43 egg production facilities, which stuff an average of 1 million hens into each operation.

It’s also one of the few publicly traded egg corporations, which means some of its financial data is public.

with a vengeance and raised our deductibles and lowered our coverages on our homeowner’s policy while still maintaining what we thought was adequate coverage.

When we wanted more lavish vacations, we sat through the timeshare presentations in order to get cheap vacation packages. (Hey, it’s not illegal!)

We waited to buy new tires until winter rolled around to get a little more miles out of them and shopped oil changes and auto repair shops. The wife LOVES thrift shops so she already bought a ton of stuff at these places but that’s something else people could consider.

There is an old saying, watch your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves. In this time of rising temperatures and prices, no truer a word could be said. n •••

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

Food & Water Watch looked at the company’s reports to the Securities Exchange Commission and USDA data on egg production and bird flu, finding that despite narratives blaming bird flu shortages for price hikes, CalMaine factory farms remained free of bird flu until December 2023. In fact, during the company’s fiscal year 2023, June 2022 through May 2023, it sold 7% more eggs compared to FY 2021. That same year, its profits soared more than seven-fold.

Cal-Maine is not alone in profiting from catastrophes. Across the food system, from seeds to supermarkets, corporations are taking advantage of crises to pocket more profits. How can they get away with it? Highly concentrated industries empower them.

We need to enforce our nation’s antitrust laws to go after corporate price fixing. We also need a national ban on new and expanding factory farms, and fair wages and healthcare access for workers.

Policies like the Farm System Reform Act and the Price Gouging Prevention Act can stop rising food prices and tackle bird flu at the same time. n •••

Read the full report about unaffordable eggs at https://tinyurl.com/RottenEggOligarchy. Learn more about fighting factory farms at https://tinyurl.com/fighting-factory-farms.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Spray Days: New State Pesticide Notice System

For decades farmworker communities across California have demanded the right to know beforehand what, when, and where hazardous agricultural pesticides will be applied. They wanted to be able to take safety precautions against exposure to pesticides drifting from fields.

For years these communities have called for an online system that could warn of upcoming toxic pesticide applications.

On March 24, that system finally arrived. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation launched the new online statewide pesticide notification system called “Spray Days.”

restricted material pesticides are used in production agriculture across the state.”

The Spray Days system allows anybody with Web access to search a map of California for notices of intended pesticide applications for the following day (for fumigants, the information will be provided 48 hours in advance).

The launch took place in Shafter, near Bakersfield in the Central Valley.

The department said the system was developed over four years with extensive public engagement and called it “a first-of-its-kind statewide system that provides information before California

People can also sign up to receive notices of pending pesticide use through text or email.

The notices will be for restricted material pesticides only — the pesticides considered most hazardous by DPR. Some of these restricted pesticides can cause cancer and damage brains and lungs, among other health harms, the agency said.

Advocates were pleased.

“This is a first-in-the-world pesticide notification system,” said Californians for Pesticide Reform Co-Director Angel Garcia. “Since California uses more pesticides

than any other state, including more than 130 pesticides that are not approved in the European Union, farmworker communities have demanded a ‘heads up’ in order to take measures to reduce the risk of exposure to our loved ones. We need far better protections from the State, but this is a giant step forward toward transparency about toxic pesticide use.”

Byanka Santoyo, an organizer with the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment added: “Right here in Shafter, five years ago, our community called on the Ag Commissioner to give us advanced notice of cancer-causing fumigant applications, but he refused. We kept pushing and pushing at AB 617 meetings, at public hearings, at news conferences and protests.

Now, not just Shafter, but the whole state will have access to upcoming pesticide information.”

Santa Cruz County has 22.5 childhood cancers per 100,000 children compared to 16.3 statewide, second only to Madera County, according to National Cancer Institute data.

Locally, several schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District are located next to farm fields, and last year, the teachers’ union and the Center for Farmworker Families, filed a lawsuit in Monterey County challenging the approval of pesticide permits that they say have caused harm to the majority-Latino communities.

“Spray Days” page 30

Vacation Destinations

A Generational Change Begins — Neptune Enters Aries

“Democratic Problem” from page 21

In these past weeks we have had transits in the sky that may have made humanity feel tired and exhausted, of things not working, a feeling of being back in previous times, and overall a sense of such tiredness that we wonder what is wrong with us?

Here is what is occurring in the heavens, influencing our every moment on earth — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Our activities on Earth reflect the planetary and star movements in the heavens. That is the study of astrology.

And so, presently we have two retrogrades (Venus and Mercury), Saturn (structure) in Pisces along with Neptune (disappearing act, refinement) and soon Venus, too. In retrograde times, we don’t move forward.

Risa D’Angeles

of fogs, mists, clouds and illusions, left Pisces (water) and entered Aries (fire). Aries boldly “initiates all things new.”

With planets in Pisces we are lost in a sort of other-worldly wilderness, living behind fogs and veils and remembrances and inner realities. It is a time of retreating into hopes, wishes and dreams. We will feel better after May.

A significant shift with the planet Neptune occurred Sunday, March 30. It represents the changes we are seeing and feeling and changes yet to come. Neptune, one of Earth’s outer planets, ruler

ARIES

A new self-identity is beginning to appear through this Mercury and Venus retro. There is a deep searching within the self. Who am I? What am I doing? Where am I going? These are your questions. Prepare also for changes in light, color, sun, shadows and rhythms, changes reflected within you, too. Relationships need extra tending. We don’t want anyone to feel cold, alone, withdrawn and left out. A new path appears.

TAURUS

You will be out and about, learning new things, attending lectures, classes, gathering information. You seek freedom and a lessening of limitations and responsibilities. Always your life and its task, illuminating the minds of humanity, are serious and disciplined. It would be good to consider what would be playful for you, bring enjoyment, fun, calling forth your lightness and sense of spontaneity? Perhaps you need to swim.

GEMINI

What constitutes family to you, whether biological, friend, group (esoteric?), colleagues, etc. matters more and more. Something’s not complete with someone or maybe you need to visit to bring forth the next stage in relationship(s). Harmony’s your focus with a touch of compromise (not much). Listening to others until you understand the essential message is a parallel goal. All of this brings love forth — your task. And it is your task in the world, too. Your profession, actually.

CANCER

Make contact. These two words have a depth most don’t understand. Making contact releases Love. But it must be true, real and intentional contact. It must be from the heart, connecting heart to heart. Love released creates liberation for everyone. However, you are the one to begin this process. Do this ceaselessly, quietly, with heartfelt intention with all kingdoms. Begin in the garden. A travelogue for you would be to visit all the major gardens in the world. And to see the cherry blossoms.

Neptune’s entrance into the fires of Aries creates a generational change The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) are generational planets, meaning they influence and shape generations and once their transit is over, we are no longer what we once were. Neptune, in Pisces, for the last 14 years, has been a time of spiritual refinement, a summoning of mindfulness, inner pilgrimages into other worlds (plant medicine, exploring trauma, death, secrets, UFO’s, other dimensions, meditation, esoteric teachings), and a calling humanity to “love more.”

Neptune leaving Pisces ends a long 163-year cycle. Entering Aries, Neptune brings a subtle awakening, a new religious fervor, a new spiritual self-identity, bold new actions (Mars) and facts (Mercury) that refine humanity. The last time Neptune was in Aries was 1862-75. What was occurring in our world then? That was only a preview of what will happen now.

We will enter into what feels like a “back to the future” reality. What once was and was hidden comes to life again. This time for real. n

Read more on Facebook and at www.nightlightnews.org

LEO

There’s a sense within that you must not only create a new plan concerning finances and resources, but that a new state of values must also come forth. This state of values has to do with sharing. If there are people close to you, you may want to communicate more deeply with them, sharing your morals, ethics and principles, asking what values they hold and what values are held in common. What are your desires and aspirations for the future, based on these ideals?

VIRGO

You will want to come out of the shadows of the past and into a greater light. The light of the present/ future. Standing in shadows, perhaps in the shadow of another is a comfort for you. However, there comes a time when we each must define ourselves, recognize our own self-identity, understand how we love, what we initiate, realize that we’re capable, summon our confidence, and seek a new support system. Am I speaking to Virgo or Pisces? Both. For they are the shadow of the other.

LIBRA

Acquiring Virgo qualities day by day. This morning I saw a drawing of an angel holding out a golden sheaf of wheat. A Virgo symbol of nourishment for humanity. I thought of Libra, and what nourishes them. Relationships, beauty, friends, equilibrium, balance, love, sacrifice, art. It’s the golden art of the wheat sheaf that caught my eye and I thought Librans must get back to their art in whatever form interests them. Some paint, some have galleries, some are collectors. What is your art form so close to your heart?

SCORPIO

Do you sense restlessness, that there’s a group that belongs to you, yet somehow you can’t find it or they you? Not yet. As you both search for the other, assess your present and future goals (again). They’ve changed recently or are in the process. So many of us are on the fence, indecisive about the future. We must summon patience. Speak with those close to you. Ask for their visions and goals. Listen with understanding. Creativity is calling. What is it for you?

The official feasibility study, commissioned by the RTC, estimated just 5,500 daily train riders by 2035 — fewer than many urban bike trails currently see. Worse, the “last mile” problem would remain unresolved: Train stations would be far from homes and job centers, making multimodal commuting impractical.

In 2022, local advocates put Measure D on the ballot to realign the county’s vision: Railbank the corridor (preserving the legal right to build a train in the future) and prioritize a wide trail that could be completed now. The Democratic political establishment pushed back hard. Former Governor Jerry Brown, architect of California’s muchmaligned high-speed rail project, recorded robocalls against it. Measure D failed.

SAGITTARIUS

For several months, the perfect execution of your creative work is a priority. It always is but a new dimension has been added. Multiple thoughts flow through your mind; you’re being impressed with ideas that may become ideals and later, goals. There’s an inner enthusiasm. A new reality is beginning to appear. Do you sense the need to begin something? Share your ideas with others who love to listen. Diplomacy is paramount. Where is your home these days? What in your home brings forth comfort?

CAPRICORN

What will you do this spring and summer? Something is calling to you - someone, somewhere. A new communication seems imminent. Maybe it’s a garden deva. Maybe a field of medicinal and edible flowers need to be planted. Perhaps it’s a course of study, something you want (or need) to learn. Somewhere you want to visit, travel to, discover? There also might be something you need to say to someone somewhere far away. Something lovely your way comes (soon).

AQUARIUS

Take extra care with your money and resources. Use this time to discriminate between what is needed and what is not, what is hoped for and what is unnecessary. Order and organize what you have. Sell of give away what is no longer useful and then give more away. Giving provides us with meaning, a true sense of service. Giving liberates and allows everyone involved to move forward in their lives with happiness and hope. Give to yourself then give of yourself. With love.

PISCES

We are to do our best wherever we find ourselves. Many of us are uncertain these days, on the fence (uncomfortable) about life, unable to know where we’re going, who we are, what to do when we don’t know what to do, and how to provide our gifts when opportunities don’t seem to exist. Again, we (especially Pisces at this time) are to do our best in the places we find ourselves. Relationships need a bit of kindness, patience and compromise. A bit of surrender, too. You understand.

And yet, the money to build and operate the train will never come. Politicians privately admit as much. But rather than confront that reality — or risk alienating activist bases — they allow the performance to continue. In doing so, they provide a playbook for the very resentment that fuels MAGA politics: The perception of a progressive elite more invested in optics than outcomes, ideology than infrastructure.

This is not just a Santa Cruz story.

The same dynamic animates other Democratic strongholds — from San Francisco to New York — where costly, slow-moving projects are justified in language untethered to results. It is not enough to be on the right side of history if you’re also on the wrong side of competence.

Santa Cruz’s rail trail didn’t have to become a cautionary tale. With honest planning, realistic goals, and a commitment to delivering results, it could have become a national model. Instead, it now threatens to be another data point in the story of how good intentions, when poorly executed, drive voters to the arms of those who promise less but deliver more efficiently.

Democrats ignore this lesson at their peril. The public will not support ambitious policy agendas if they don’t believe their leaders can build a mile of trail — on time, on budget, and on purpose. n

Doug Erickson lives in Santa Cruz and has been executive director of Santa Cruz Works since 2019.

Santa Cruz’s rail trail didn’t have to become a cautionary tale. With honest planning, realistic goals, and a commitment to delivering results, it could have become a national model. Instead, it now threatens to be another data point in the story of how good intentions, when poorly executed, drive voters to the arms of those who promise less but deliver more efficiently.

Earth Day: Time to Celebrate and Protect Our Groundwater

Every April 22, people around the world come together for Earth Day, a movement dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Since its start in 1970, Earth Day has highlighted critical issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation. One essential yet often overlooked concern is groundwater protection — key to our drinking water supply, ecosystems, and even the health of our oceans.

Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater—water

stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers — sustains nearly half of the U.S. population. Unlike rivers and lakes, it remains unseen, making it easy to forget. Yet, as climate challenges intensify, safeguarding this vital resource is more crucial than ever.

For Soquel Creek Water District, groundwater is the sole source of drinking water. It also supports local creeks, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — one of the most ecologically diverse marine environments. However, coastal communities face a serious threat: seawater intrusion. As freshwater levels drop, saltwater seeps into underground aquifers, permanently contaminating drinking water sources. Without action, this can render wells unusable and create a significant water crisis.

preventing saltwater from contaminating drinking water sources.

• Providing a sustainable local supply — Rather than relying solely on rainfall, the project ensures a drought-resistant water source, ensuring a reliable supply for future generations.

• Protecting Monterey Bay — By reusing treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged into the ocean, the project reduces pollution and helps preserve marine ecosystems.

• Enhancing climate resilience — With climate change leading to unpredictable rainfall and longer droughts, the project ensures a steady supply of clean water, regardless of future weather patterns.

A Reminder to Protect Our Water

Earth Day serves as an important reminder that our planet’s resources are finite and must be managed responsibly.

Groundwater is a hidden but essential part of the environment, and it’s up to all of us to protect it.

A Sustainable Solution

To address groundwater overdraft and seawater intrusion, Soquel Creek Water District developed Pure Water Soquel (PWS) — an advanced water purification project that replenishes the aquifer, safeguards our drinking water, and reduces wastewater discharge into Monterey Bay.

Using a cutting-edge purification process, PWS treats recycled wastewater to an ultra-pure standard, ensuring it is safe for groundwater recharge. Instead of sending treated wastewater into the ocean, 25% is captured and purified, reducing pollution and creating a drought-proof water supply. PWS is currently in the startup and commissioning phase of the project. To learn more about the project visit purewatersoquel.com

Key benefits include:

• Preventing seawater intrusion — By replenishing the groundwater basin with purified water, Pure Water Soquel helps maintain a freshwater barrier,

There are steps we can take every day to contribute to groundwater sustainability: Reduce water waste — Small changes, like fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances, help preserve our water supply. Prevent pollution — Avoid using harmful chemicals that can seep into groundwater, and dispose of hazardous materials properly.

Support groundwater recharge efforts — Projects like Pure Water Soquel play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater and protecting it for future generations.

Educate and advocate — Raising awareness about groundwater issues and supporting policies that promote sustainability can help ensure long-term water security.

Commitment for the Future

This Earth Day, let’s commit to valuing and protecting our groundwater. Through innovative projects like Pure Water Soquel, we’re securing our water future while preserving the incredible ecosystems of Monterey Bay.

By recognizing the importance of groundwater and embracing sustainable solutions, we can ensure clean, reliable water for generations to come — while maintaining the natural beauty and biodiversity of our coastal environment. n

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LAUNCHPAD

JOB FAIR COMING

The 8th annual Santa Cruz Launchpad career fair and student pitch competition is returning on Wednesday, May 21, at the Coconut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz.

Last year’s event drew in over 500 job seekers, making it the place to be for employers looking to hire or build their talent pipeline. Employers from all industries with any type of opening (internships, part-time, full-time, etc.) are welcome.

The job fair portion of the event is from 5-7 p.m.

Registration is free to Santa Cruz Works partners, $250 for others, reduced rate for nonprofits.

Space is limited, and registration closes on Wednesday, April 30. Sign up at www.santacruzworks.org/sclaunchpad

SOQUEL HIGH SPRING EVENTS

April 24 — Pizza My Heart ASB Fundraiser

May 7 — Choir pop concert

May 10 — Spring music concert

May 22 — Senior awards

May 23 — Multicultural Graduation

May 30 — Graduation at 10am in stadium https://www.soquel.sccs.net/calendars

PROJECT SCOUT TAX PREP ASSISTANCE

Project Scout offers volunteer income tax assistance and tax counseling for local residents during tax season at sites throughout Santa Cruz County.

Volunteers are trained by Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board personnel. For disabled individuals unable to get to the tax sites, they have trained volunteers who can do in-home tax preparation.

Seniors get priority at all library sessions.

Income of $64,000 and below, simple returns only.

The Project Scout schedule for libraries is:

• Aptos Tuesdays 10am – 1 pm Feb. 4 thru April 15

• Capitola Wednesdays 2 – 5 pm Feb. 5 thru April 16

• Downtown Tuesdays 10am – 3 pm Feb. 4 thru April 15

• Downtown Saturdays 10am – 3 pm Feb. 1 thru April 12

Appointments are necessary for tax help and can be made by calling 831-427-7713 or by visiting the Downtown or Capitola Branch Library Information Desk. For info, call the Watsonville Office at 1-831-724-2606 or toll-free at 1-877-373-8297, or visit https://seniorscouncil.org/project-scout/

MIKE ROWE WORKS SCHOLARSHIP

For the eleventh year in a row, Mike Rowe Works Foundation is launching the next Work Ethic Scholarship Program and giving away another $2,500,000 in scholarships.

He’s looking for hardworking men and women who will keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing — people who will show up early, stay late, and bust their asses to get the job done.

It’s not for everyone, but he knows hard workers are out there.

Apply at https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

PG&E

OFFERS FREE GAS APPLIANCE SAFETY CHECKS

To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold weather months, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the gas safety checks, PG&E will re-light pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.

Free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens, are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning within the home.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard.

“This free safety program is a great way for customers to prepare for increased use of their natural gas appliances as the cold season approaches. One of our gas team members will conduct safety inspections to help ensure that gas appliances are in proper working order

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st

and also relight pilot lights,” said Joe Forline, PG&E senior vice president, gas operations.

Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by visiting www. pge.com/pilotlights. Scheduling your appointment online is free and easy and will help you avoid hold times on our customer service line.

Customers can also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments.

If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever smells the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas in or around their home or business, they should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

CABRILLO JOB & INTERNSHIP FAIRS

Two dates are set:

• Tuesday, April 22 from 4-6 pm Watsonville Center

• Wednesday, April 23 from 11 am-1 pm Aptos Campus-Upper Quad

Meet with local employers to learn about a variety of job & internship opportunities. Have your current resume reviewed and edited.

Check out the Seahawk Job Board at https://www. cabrillo.edu/career-services/jobs/ For questions, email StudentJobs @cabrillo.edu

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

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

Upcoming Meetings: April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December have not yet been decided. For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

10 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Bridge Center, 2450 17th Ave. Nancy Wainer teaches beginner bridge classes at the Santa Cruz Bridge Center.

Come and check out the world’s greatest game! First class is free. Reserve a spot via emai: NLMBRIDGE@yahoo.com.

LEADERSHIP SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Applications are now open for the 39th class of Leadership Santa Cruz County. If you are in a leadership role and want to connect with leaders in our community, learn about our

county, and hone leadership skills along the way, you can apply.

Participants must commit to 9 Fridays and a two-day retreat from August through June. There is a detailed description of the program and topics at leadershipsantacruzcounty.org/apply.

The deadline to apply is April 30. Scholarships are available.

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.

Last Wednesdays of the Month

PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting

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

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

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

Saturdays beginning April 27

SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE

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

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.

READING POEMS TOGETHER: LUNCHTIME LEARNING

Fourth Mondays Noon – 1 p.m., Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road

Come join a community of readers who meet each month at Capitola Library to hear poetry and discuss its curious powers. Participants will read poems from a selected poet and share reactions. Discussions are facilitated by three Aptos poets: Paola Bruni, Elaine Fletcher Chapman, and Jessica Cohn Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.

•••

The April 28 conversation focuses on the poems of Mary Oliver, including this snippet from her poem “The Journey”: One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice

DATED EVENTS

Thursday April 3

ANNELISE SCHINZINGER: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CAREGIVING 2 - 3:30 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd. Annelise Schinzinger, who spent three decades as a caregiver and end-of-life doula, will speak at Capitola Branch Library about her book “The Art and Science of Caregiving: Stories of Inspiring Elders with an End of Life Guidebook.” She has cultivated gentle techniques to help ground and reorient individuals during this vulnerable time. Her compassionate approach transforms what many fear into a more peaceful passage. She inspires and informs through her stories about elders, the Action Points for Caregivers that follow each story, and her thoughtful guidebook.

Gain valuable insights on how to help someone live as fully as possible during the end-phase of life, while still enjoying what is available to them.

Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event.

Friday April 4

GOOD FRIDAY PADDLE OUT

6 p.m., Capitola Beach (near the Wharf) Tradewinds Church in Soquel will host a Good Friday Paddle Out at Capitola Beach near the Wharf. In surf/Hawaiian culture, when a loved one passes away, we honor their life with a paddle out. To honor the life and sacrifice of Christ, believers are going to paddle out as one community. There will be hula, songs and baptism. All are welcome.

Tuesday April 8

CAPITOLA SOROPTIMIST CLUB MEETS

4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 4450 Capitola Rd, Suite 106 Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will meet at United Way of Santa Cruz County. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Members will be collaborating with the Watsonville Soroptimist club to plan for the April 26 **Dream It, Be It** event and the Region Conference in May. Nominations for the 2025-26 Club Officers will also be announced. For information, visit www.best4women.org, or email sicapitola. by.the.sea@gmail.com

Wednesday April 9

NANY LYNN JARVIS & SANTA CRUZ GHOST STORIES 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel The Porter Memorial Library will host its final talk in the popular Meet the Author series. Local author Nancy Lynn Jarvis, will hold a panel discussion with authors from Santa Cruz Ghost Stories, about what influenced them to write their tales and ... whether all of the ghosts in the book are real or imaginary. Jarvis is the author of the Regan McHenry Real Estate Mystery Series and the PIP Inc. Mysteries, and a former librarian at Porter Memorial Library. Coffee provided by The Ugly Mug. For information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or visit https://www.porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events.

Thursday April 10

PV CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO & JOB FAIR

4-7 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds’ Crosetti Hall, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Are you ready to Rock Your Business? The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s Business Expo and Job Fair is coming to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever, and you

Annelise Schinzinger

Nancy Lynn Jarvis

definitely need to be there. Businesses, this is where you will meet new customers and find great employees. Spaces are limited and this event sells out each year, so sign up today. This is a fun event. It’s amazing how much action can be packed into three hours. Businesses who are looking for great employees and job seekers searching for employment opportunities are sure to make outstanding connections. This is a county-wide public event and everyone is welcome. Many lasting business relationships have been formed at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo & Job Fair.

There will be a vast collection of prizes, food and fun. Admission is free!

Saturday April 12

TWO PLANT SALES!

9 a.m. –1 p.m., Cabrillo College Horticulture Center, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos

Cabrillo College’s Horticulture Department will celebrate 50 years and host the Santa Cruz County chapter of the California Native Plant Society’s spring native plant sale. Come early; there is limited parking and plants can sell out fast. Carpooling is encouraged.

Highlights of the event:

Featured Artist — Lili Arnold, Botanical Illustrator Cabrillo Ceramics Department — Unique, handcrafted treasures

Empanada Pop-Up — Fonda Felix serving up tasty bites Plants: Native Plants, Water-Wise Perennials & Shrubs, Succulents & Cacti, Organic Veggie Starts, Houseplants, Unusual Plant Collection curated by Cabrillo instructor Nicky Hughes Visit www.cruzcnps.org for more info.

SECOND SATURDAY ON THE FARM

11 a.m.–3 p.m., Santa Cruz Cunty Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Ag History Project hosts 2nd Saturday on the Farm at the Santa Cruz Cunty Fairgrounds, and the theme will be “Easter on the Farm.” Kids can join in the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt.

Admission is free and donations are gladly accepted. Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic on the lawn or at the picnic Tables.

Wednesday April 16

CARMEL WOMAN’S CLUB CELEBRATES AUTHORS

5-7 p.m., Carmel Woman’s Club, Carmel (at 9th & San Carlos)

The Carmel Woman’s Club, established in 1925, is celebrating its 100th year anniversary with special activities such as Author’s Night 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at 9th and San Carlos, Carmel. This year, the first, celebrates twelve published authors in the membership.

They are: Kathryn Gualtieri, Kathleen Ambro, Cheryl Beller, Jill Cody, Diane Danvers Simmons, Dawn Dull, Dana Schwartz, Barbara Siebenrick, Deborah Smith, Flo Speck, Kirsten Tarman, and Lisa Crawford Watson.

These authors are excited to share their stories and will be available to meet with attendees in a casual setting with refreshments provided. There will be a 45- minute panel discussion with four of the authors, moderated by Tonya Antle, program chairperson for the Carmel Woman’s Club. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday April 17

JOBY AVIATION AT APTOS CHAMBER LUNCH

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. Local business leaders and community members are invited to the April Aptos Chamber Luncheon at the Seascape Golf Club to engage with Joby Aviation —

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

LIONS, TIGERS, & MARCHES! OH MY!

Fri: 7 p.m., Henry J. Mello Center, 250 E Beach St, Watsonville. Sat: 2 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St, Santa Cruz

The Watsonville Community Band will feature acclaimed actress and vocalist Judy Norton in concert at the Henry J. Mello Center in Watsonville on Friday and Saturday at Peace United Church in Santa Cruz.

Admission is free.

The performance, entitled “Lions, Tigers, & Marches! Oh My!” will showcase Judy’s artistry as she sings songs by George Gershwin and **Over the Rainbow** by Harold Arlen. The Band will perform a wide variety of marches, Broadway show tunes, and band classics.

The young and aspiring musicians of the Watsonville Youth Band will also perform at the Mello Center’s performance.

You may not know Judy Norton’s name, but you know her face. She starred nine years in the Emmy Award winning series “The Waltons.” Since then, she has gone on to numerous television guest-starring roles in film and television while also working in stage productions in the US and Canada.

one of the most innovative companies in the aviation industry.

Attendees will learn how the company’s electric air taxi and the Joby app could shape the future of Aptos’s transportation. General admission $35, reservations required. No walk-ins. (831) 688-1467, aptoschamber.com

Wednesday April 23

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

6 p.m., Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz

This is the first recognition since Yvette Lopez Brooks became CEO.

The honorees are: Volunteer Champion Award: UPS • Community Spirit Award: K & D Landscaping • Partner of the Year Award: COE - Youth Led Leadership Alliance • Employee Campaign Manager Award: Fiona Weigant • Women in Philanthropy Award: Mari Rossi • Emerging Leader Award: Laurel Maxwell • Youth Leader of the Year Awards: Alexandra Rojas & Adrian Ramirez • Youth Champion of the Year Award: Meggie Pina

Runners are treated to a scenic tour, passing by notable landmarks including the Santa Cruz Harbor, Moran Lake, and the renowned Pleasure Point before navigating the turn-around loop through the picturesque Capitola Village. The course features oceanfront views of world-famous surf breaks, leading to the triumphant finish on the pristine shores of Cowell’s Beach.

Info: https://www.runsurferspath.com/surfers-path-half-marathon

Thursday May 1

MONTEREY BAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP: REGIONAL OUTLOOK

8 a.m.–4 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos MBEP, which turns 10 this year, hosts the 2025 Regional Economic Outlook at Seascape Golf Club. Delve into key insights and perspectives on the economic landscape of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

This year’s keynote address and economic outlook will be provided by Jon Haveman, executive director, National Economic Education Delegation and an expert on trade policy, followed by a discussion with veteran political consultant Mike Madrid based on his latest book, The Latino Century. Learn about the regional work being done across the Central Coast and Monterey Bay by: Uplift Central Coast, Regions Rise Together, and Monterey Bay Tech Hub. Additional speakers to be announced.

Registration is $119 for members, $149 early bird through April 11 at https://www.mbep.biz/events/2025-regional-economic-outlook

Saturday May 10

SECOND PITCH-IN ALL-COUNTY CLEANUP DAY

The second Pitch In Initiative plans an all-county cleanup day’s goal is to raise awareness of litter and illegal dumping. Pitch In Signs can be seen at beaches, trail heads, city and county parks, Libraries, County Office buildings, Metro stops and other locations.

They are working with schools and many non-profit partners to expand participation and help achieve their goal to Make Santa Cruz the cleanest county in the state! This is good for business, tourism, and the health and well-being of our human and wildlife communities. Check their county-hosted website pitchinsantacruz.org.

Businesses can participate by hosting a cleanup, or offering samples, discounts, two-for-one coupons or other incentives for youth-led clean ups, and to encourage clients and employees to pitch in.

Pitch In signs and window decals are available. Visit https:// pitchinsantacruz.org for more info.

The Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club presents the 19th Annual “Fly Fishing Film Tour” at 6 pm Wednesday, April 23, at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing located at 119 Madrone off River Street in Santa Cruz.

This traveling event showcases the best fly fishing films from around the world promising stunning cinematography, unforgettable stories, and the excitement of fly fishing in remote locations. Admission is $25 which includes a chance at great door prizes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For info and to purchase tickets visit: www.santacruzflyfishing.org

Wednesday April 24

UNITED WAY ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION

6:30-8:30 p.m., Dream Inn, 175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Annual Awards Celebration will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz.

This special evening will recognize the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made a lasting impact in our community through their dedication and generosity.

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and commitment that drives our mission forward. Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient Santa Cruz County for all. Tickets are $125 each at: unitedwaysc.org/awards

Sunday April 27

THE SURFERS PATH HALF MARATHON

7 a.m.-Noon, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.

The Surfers Path Half Marathon is an exhilarating 13.1mile journey from Santa Cruz to Capitola and back.

Commencing at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the event embarks on an eastward expedition along the captivating coastline.

Saturday May 17

VWS IN THE VILLAGE

7 a.m.-4 p.m., Capitola Village VDUBs in the Village, an air-cooled VW event, is planned to take place in Capitola Village.

Organizers have reserved the village for the day to accommodate over 200 vintage Volkswagens (up to 1979) to park throughout the streets of the village.

Live bands will perform on the Capitola Village beach stage.

Check out all the different VWs on display, walk on the beach, check out the restaurants, shop at the boutiques, grab something cold at the ice cream parlor, and play some games in the arcade.

• Arrive between 6:30-9am to get parked. The streets wit in the village area will be closed off to any moving vehicles by 9:45 am.

• You must register your VW to park your Volkswagen in the Capitola Village. Register for $40-$100 at https:// www.vdublicious.com/village.

• Your registration is good for “1 VW” parked in the Capitola Village.

• Walk ins and general admission — free.

• No pop-ups or canopies by your car. Chairs & umbrellas are ok. Pop-ups, chairs & umbrellas are ok on the beach. n

Jon Haveman

COMMUNITY NEWS

Central Fire Chief to Retire

Central Fire Chief Jason Nee, 50, will retire this year. He joined Central Fire in 1999. He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife of 22 years and has two children, a son in college and a daughter who is a high school senior. He also has a chocolate lab named Coco.

In an email interview, he shared highlights of his service. •••

Was there a moment you knew you wanted to get into firefighting?

What drew you to the job?

During college, my father set up a ridealong with San Jose Fire and Central Fire Santa Cruz through some acquaintances.

My first ride-along was at San Jose Fire Station 1, one of the busiest fire stations in the nation. I was amazed at the skills, knowledge and expertise that the fire crew possessed that I knew nothing about.

During my first ride-along at Central Fire Santa Cruz, I found myself holding the infant of a patient during a medical incident.

I had never held a child at that point in my life and it was clear to me that the dynamic nature of the job was enticing, and I was open to the challenge.

How has the job of firefighting changed since you started?

The fire service has become more accountable, more aware, and more professional than when I started. The fire service overall is much more aware and open to creating a healthy work environment to prevent cancer, behavioral health issues, and maintaining physical fitness.

The fire service is also providing more services than we ever have before. Many agencies in the state are providing

“Spray Days” from page 25

Advanced Life Support through the staffing of firefighter/paramedic staff. Other agencies provide ambulance transportation services. Locally, there are agencies that provide ocean rescue and technical rescue services.

What was your scariest day on the job? Ihave never thought about this question before.

I remember responding as part of statewide mutual aid to the Rim Fire near Yosemite in 2013. I had never seen a smoke column with the size and anger that smoke column had. At the time, it was the 3rd largest fire in California history, that mark has since been surpassed.

I recall responding to the Martin Fire in Bonny Doon in 2008. We drove through very dangerous situations to arrive at our assignment.

The scariest day is easily the day I was promoted to Fire Chief.

You became chief in 2022 during the Covid pandemic. How did the pandemic change your job?

Before Covid, I didn’t know much about the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). During Covid, we were forced to follow the ever-changing guidelines of CDPH on what seemed like a weekly basis.

If you recall, there was confusion everywhere you turned for guidance. The real challenge was updating policy to reflect the changing recommendations and ensuring that the communication of those changes was understood by the staff.

The job frequently transitioned from administrator to public health expert and back.

Erika Alfaro, a public health nurse in Northern California and member of Safe Ag Safe Schools, said, “We love the pesticide map-system and the opportunity to get text notices. With this information, for the first time, agricultural communities can take the proper health precautions by closing windows and doors, taking clothes off the line, and allowing the especially vulnerable — like pregnant or asthmatic individuals — to stay indoors at home, work, or school.”

Irene Gomez of Oxnard resident, a member of the Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety — Ventura County or CAPS 805, raised a remaining concern: “When my community in Nyeland Acres had the pilot notification project, our biggest issue was

Firefighting is a statistically risky profession. What can be done to make it safer? There are numerous factors that could make the career of a firefighter safer.

These include cultural acceptance of behavioral health challenges, preventative measures to minimize exposure to cancer-causing products of combustion and continuous training and development of staff to maintain a safe working environment in dangerous, challenging situations.

What do you wish local residents knew about Central Fire?

The men and women of Central Fire work very hard to provide the best service possible in a challenging, dynamic environment.

There are many issues that all local governments face, and Central Fire is not immune to the pressures of rising costs for apparatus and construction, climate change, and staffing challenges.

Despite these pressures, we continue to provide excellent service with safe and professional staff.

What would you tell somebody who was starting out in the firefighting business today?

If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.

The fire service is an honorable occupation that can create lifelong friendships and exciting opportunities, all while providing an invaluable service to the community.

There is significant purpose in the work that the fire service does, and there is no better purpose than to help your community in their time of need.

What made you decide it was time to retire?

Ihad planned on retiring on my 50th birthday, during the first 20 years of my

“You can only know pesticides are being applied within a square mile, but not whether it’s coming from behind your house, across the street, or even a mile away.”

— Irene Gomez

that you couldn’t find out exactly where the pesticides would be applied — which farm? That’s still a problem with Spray Days. You can only know pesticides are being applied within a square mile, but not whether it’s coming from behind your house, across the street, or even a mile away.”

It is possible such concerns can be

career. Once promoted to the position of Fire Chief, I realigned my wants and expectations to better align with the organization’s needs.

There is a natural lifespan to this position that has run its course. Most of my generation of employees have already left or will soon. I do not want to hinder the organization by staying too long, and prevent other motivated members from continuing to move the organization forward.

I would rather be asked to stay than asked to leave.

What will you do in your retirement? In retirement, I want to focus on my physical and mental health, as well as spend time with my family.

These dimensions of my life have been neglected due to my career path, and they deserve attention. n

addressed through the Spray Days review process, which calls for an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and the California Department of Food & Agriculture to make annual recommendations for changes, as well as a yearly public comment period. n •••

For information, see https://www.facebook. com/safeagsafeschools/ SprayDays California: https://www.cdpr. ca.gov/pesticide-use-in-california/spraydays/

Central Fire Chief Jason Nee

SCCAS Featured Pet

Goddess Among Us

Meet our Pet of the Week, Athena (#A315679) — the adorable grey tabby and white sweetheart!

Her recent foster reports: “Athena is a pretty kitty full of love for people and enthusiasm for brushies! She likes to have a little dose of play, and then quickly settles into cozy slumber into Dreamland. She is an easy cat and happy to just hang out in a soft spot near humans. Athena would make a great work from home best friend!” .

Athena is looking for an adoptive home that will keep her on a special diet due to suspect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This will require more frequent vet visits and monitoring but sweet, soulful Athena is oh so worth it.

Athena’s adoption fee has been sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation! 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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Planters Are Overrated But Functional

By Tony Tomeo

Container gardening is overrated. The endemic soil here is not so bad that nothing will grow in it. What is now suburban gardens was formerly famously productive farmland! Soil amendments make the soil more comfortable to plants with more discriminating taste. Plants that are too discriminating are probably not worth accommodating. With few exceptions, planters are unnecessary.

Plants naturally want to disperse their roots into the soil. Drought-tolerant plants disperse their roots even more extensively. That is how they find enough moisture to be drought tolerant. If deprived of such root dispersion, they are always reliant on watering. Plants prefer the insulation of soil too. Many types of planters can get uncomfortably cool in winter, and uncomfortably warm in summer.

Besides, planters clutter landscapes, and occupy space on hardscapes. Decks rot. Patios stain.

The main advantage of planters is their portability. Plants that are sensitive to frost can move to shelter before the weather gets too cool. Plants that are spectacular only while blooming can move for more prominent display during bloom. For those who have not settled into a permanent home, plants in planters are able to relocate. Planters on patios or decks can move about like furniture.

Houseplants obviously grow in planters

© Statepoint Media

because not many houses contain enough soil for them to live in. Houseplants can move about just like planters in the garden. That is helpful for those that need a better exposure for winter than they enjoy for the summer. Some might like to go into the garden during mild weather, or for a rinse in light rain. Cascading plants can hang from the ceiling.

Planters can effectively confine invasive plants as well. Montbretia is so invasive that some people will not grow it without containment. (Deadheading to prevent seed dispersion is important too.) Horseradish often grows in tubs for confinement, as well as to facilitate harvest. It is easier to dump the potting media from a planter, and separate the roots out, than to dig roots from the ground.

Pink Iceplant Lavender pink bloom in spring or early summer can be profuse in sunny situations. Individual flowers are like small daisies with yellow centers. They stay closed through most of the morning, then open by about noon. If the weather is conducive, they can be slightly fragrant. However, the evergreen foliage of pink iceplant, Oscularia deltoides, might be even more appealing than the bloom.

The plumply succulent leaves are a delightfully bluish hue of gray. With two sides and a flat upper surface, these leaves are triangular in cross section. Blunt foliar teeth provide a distinctive texture. Foliage is so dense that the relatively thin stems within are barely visible. Stems can blush with pink or purple. Bloom is better, and foliage is denser, with good exposure and occasional watering. Mature growth gets at least half a foot deep, and can eventually get a foot deep. It slowly spreads about two or three feet wide. With age, outer stems develop roots where they lay on the soil, and spread even farther. New plants grow very easily from cutting. Pink iceplant cascades nicely from pots or over stone. It contrasts handsomely with richer or darker colors of other foliage or bloom.

Some plants should always be confined.

Pink bloom is merely a bonus.