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Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point
The Wharf to Wharf will have a new starting point this year due to the Murray Street Bridge closure. The scenic six-mile race will now begin on Portola Drive, between 26th Avenue and 38th Avenue. Full Story page 9
CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans
Sniffing for Clues
Full Story page 18
Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery By Jon Chown Two dogs were happily wagging their tails in a far corner of the Historic Soquel Cemetery Friday, sniffing for signs of where lost grave sites might be located. The canines were brought by the Institute of Canine Forensics, which is working with Temple Beth El on locating lost sites within the cemetery. The temple, which owns the
property, aims to map the cemetery, ensure no potential unmarked graves are disturbed and create a walking path through it. This would improve public access and help reconnect the cemetery with the Soquel community, one of the temple’s main goals. ... continues on page 4
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Author and Activist John Robbins Dies
SOQUEL — John Robbins, a bestselling author and activist who relinquished the BaskinRobbins fortune to become a leading voice for food consciousness and sustainability, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77. Full Story page 5
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No. 7
Volume 30
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20
31
Table of Contents
7
Cover Sniffing for Clues: Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery, By Jon Chown 6 7 8 9 10 12 18 20 21 22 23
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Community News Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz Central Coast Equity actor Adam Saucedo stars in Sweeney Todd, By Mindy Pedlar County Commission to Host BESS Workshops Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point: Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change, By Jon Chown Homeless Garden Project Hosts Sustain Farm Supper July 19: Keynote Remarks by author Manjula Martin Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Plan CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans • BirchBark, Nonprofit Dedicated to People and their Pets, Names New Executive Director Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed Until April 1, 2026 • $7 million CAL FIRE grant will help restore local forests Panetta Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Monarch Butterfly • Road Work Scheduled in North County Grand Jury Releases Initial Reports: Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing, By Jon Chown Grand Jury: Change Building Permit Process: Report Urges County to Reduce Fees, Make It Quicker, Hire More People, By Jon Chown • Pregnant Mare Rescue Offers New Sponsorship Program • Heritage Hog Scholar Named • ‘The Great Scout Trash Out’ For Earth Day Supervisors Approve County Budget, By Jon Chown • Spinning 101
In Memoriam 5 John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77 15 Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 Letters to the Editor 6 Readers Thank Departing Editor Jondi Gumz 10 Before Green Goes Wrong, Let’s Get It Right. Business Profile 14 Avalon Visions, By Heidi Johnston Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 16 19 25 27 30 31
Featured Columnists Artistic Charcuterie, By Joe Ortiz Summer in Capitola, By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola Navigating California’s Water Regulations, By Rebecca Gold Rubin Why Drones Are Crucial for California’s Economic Future, By Tamara Goraya Exposed But Not Compensated: Vets Affected by Volatile Organic Compounds Need Help, By Jordan Cade Displacement Disguised as Planning: Is the RTC Targeting Seniors and LowIncome Residents?, By Cami “Clemensen” Corvin, Capitola Resident
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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
“Dog Detectives” from page 1 The two dogs showed off their skills, pawing at the ground, sniffing, lying down at spots where they smelled something, but never barking. Jospeh Kral, who brought his dog Clio, said the dogs are trained to specifically smell for bodies that have been long dead. They couldn’t be used for finding deceased victims of a recent catastrophe or crime, because that’s a whole different smell. “How she turns her head, where she sniffs, it all paints a picture,” Kral said. “At one point she turned her head and looked at me. That was a sign she smelled something there.” Clio was bred in Mississippi and has three siblings that are also owned by Canine Forensics, which is based in Woodside. Once trained, the dogs will be able to locate bodies that have been buried for 200 years or more. “We try to look for good hunting pedigrees,” Kral said. “They love their work. This is what they train and live for.” The Historic Soquel Cemetery is one of the oldest in Santa Cruz County. It was established in the 1850s. The first burial was Frank S. Noble, a 6-month old baby boy, in 1853. For more than 170 years, the cemetery has been maintained by different entities
Rose Ashford looks at a map of the burial sites at Historic Soquel Cemetery.
Joseph Kral and Adela Morris handle their dogs Clio and Zia as they search for clues in the Historic Sequel Cemetery on Friday, June 20. The dogs can sniff out where bodies where buried more than 100 years ago. and had gradually fallen into disrepair. Irvin Smith, the last individual owner of the cemetery, died in 2009. In 2016, the county took possession of the land for unpaid taxes and put it up for auction. Temple Beth El then purchased it in order to preserve the Jewish section of the cemetery. Rose Ashford, a volunteer at the cemetery and a member of Beth El, said the temple had to buy the entire property to secure the Jewish section. Since then, the temple has been working to restore the property, but it’s expensive and takes a lot of work. Numerous oak trees on the property need care, gravestones need repair and the whole property needs general maintenance. “Temple Beth El is doing what it can to preserve this cemetery,” Ashford said. Maybe the biggest task is identifying where old graves are located and who is in them. There is a large map of the property with graves marked, but nothing seems to exist at some spots that are marked. In some cases, gophers have dug up the earth
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 4 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
around a flat grave marker and have essentially buried it. “We’re trying to validate this map,” Ashford said. “It’s hard, but we’re working on it.” After about an hour, it seemed pretty clear that the dogs had found a number of old graves located in the corner of the property, even though there were few grave markers to indicate them. “We know something is going on here,” said Holly Blue Hawkins of Temple Beth El. “We don’t know what exactly, other than it’s sacred.” n ••• More information on the Historic Soquel Cemetery can be found at soquelpioneers.com. The Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association will hold its annual Pioneer Picnic on July 26 from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Pringle Grove at 5270 Pringle Lane in Soquel. For more info, call 831-818-8109. Cover Photo: Zia, a member of the Institute for Canine Forensics, sniffs out where bodies have been buried in the Historic Soquel Cemetery on June 20.
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IN MEMORIAM
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John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77
ohn Robbins, a bestselling author and activist who relinquished the BaskinRobbins fortune to become a leading voice for food consciousness and sustainability, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77. Robbins is best known for his 1987 book “Diet for a New America,” which revealed connections among diet, animal welfare, human health and the environment. Published in 1987, it sold more than a million copies and helped ignite the modern plantbased movement. But to those in Santa Cruz County, Robbins was also a neighbor who lived quietly in Soquel as an embodiment of the principles he wrote about. The Robbins family issued a statement asking for privacy and understanding: “We, the family of John Robbins, ask for privacy as we grieve our beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather. John overcame many hardships with tenacity and resilience, always learning, growing and sharing his love with the people close to him. Never did he waver from that, maintaining an attitude of gratitude, humility and curiosity until the very end of his life. His wisdom, playfulness and loving heart blessed us in immeasurable ways that will be with us for the rest of our lives. We feel blessed by his continuing presence with us, guiding us, comforting us, and we believe that one day he will greet us at our own journey’s end.” Robbins’s advocacy earned him many major awards, including the Rachel Carson Award for environmental leadership; the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award for promoting social justice and compassionate living; Peace Abbey’s “Courage of Conscience” Award, honoring moral courage in challenging mainstream norms; and Green America’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sustained commitment to ethical, sustainable food systems. Born in 1947, Robbins was the only son of Irv Robbins, co-founder of BaskinRobbins. Though he was expected to take over the family business, he chose a different path and walked away from the wealth of the ice cream empire. After a decade of living simply on an island in British Columbia with his wife, Deo, and their son, Ocean, he began writing “Diet for a New America,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction. He then moved to Soquel. Robbins’s ideas didn’t just align with Santa Cruz County values — they helped shape them. His nonprofit EarthSave
International, launched in the late 1980s, had one of its first chapters in Santa Cruz. From community potlucks to school programs promoting plant-based lunches, Robbins brought food activism into everyday life. He spoke often at local events and supported regional efforts to advance organic farming and humane animal treatment. “Santa Cruz County gave him a community that matched his heart,” said Ocean Robbins. “He found here what he wanted for the world — connection, sustainability and integrity.” Robbins’s modest home — surrounded by fruit trees and gardens — was solar-powered. With Ocean, he co-founded the Food Revolution Network, a global online hub advocating healthy, sustainable eating. In the 2000s, he continued writing influential works, including “The Food Revolution,” “Healthy at 100,” “No Happy Cows” and “The New Good Life.” His work earned numerous humanitarian and environmental awards and influenced readers worldwide. He continued to live in Soquel, writing, teaching and supporting the Food Revolution Network until shortly before his death. According to his family, he died peacefully of complications related to post-polio syndrome, a condition he had managed for many years. In his final days, he remained engaged with friends, readers and the broader community that had grown from his life’s work. “John Robbins was not only my father but also my greatest mentor, dearest friend and a boundless source of inspiration,” said Ocean Robbins. “His wisdom, courage and profound love for his family and for this world touched countless lives. Even as I grieve, I feel immense gratitude for every moment spent walking the path of life with him, for his unwavering dedication to showing us the transformative power of food and for the legacy of justice and compassion he leaves behind. Now, it is up to all of us to carry that light forward.” Robbins is survived by his wife, Deo; his son, Ocean; family member Teresa; grandchildren River and Bodhi; his daughterin-love, Phoenix; and his sisters, Erin and Marsha. Memorial information, if applicable, will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Food Revolution Alliance at foodrevolutionalliance.org, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to continuing Robbins’s mission of changing the way the world eats. n
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Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz O n Tuesday, June 17, former Times Publishing Group, Inc. editor Jondi Gumz was honored by the City of Capitola for the high-quality reporting she has provided Santa Cruz County for more than a quarter century. Here is the proclamation: ••• WHEREAS, Jondi Gumz has contributed over 26 years of exceptional journalism ¾ most notably 20+ years at the Santa Cruz Sentinel and more recently as Editor at Times Publishing Group ¾ reporting with integrity and care on topics vital to Capitola and the broader Santa Cruz County community; and
WHEREAS, her in-depth coverage has consistently illuminated critical public-interest issues ¾ ranging from affordable housing and public health programs to local government Jondi Gumz actions ¾ such as her feature on the county’s Nurse-Family Partnership initiative for low-income first-time families; and “Jondi Gumz” page 16
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers Thank Departing Editor
Will Mayall, Santa Cruz: I read your announcement with sadness, but I hope you find deep joy, healing, and love with your family and grandchildren. I’m so glad to have known you. Your reporting has been among the most important and impactful work this county has seen. You’ve informed and served this community with integrity and heart, and that truly matters. Wishing you comfort, peace, and as many moments of happiness as possible in this next chapter. Bud Colligan, Santa Cruz: It was nice to see you recently and I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing health problems. I endorse your decision to spend time with family and grandkids...highly recommended. We will miss your reporting...you have been a mainstay of Santa Cruz County reporting for many years! Thank you for all you have done to clarify public issues. Wishing you the very best now and into the future. Mick Routh, Capitola: I just read your goodbye from local reporting. You’ve been an excellent news person for the decades you’ve served the community with honest, straight forward journalism. You’ll be missed. I wish you the best in your health battles. If you tackle it with the energy you put into your stories, I’m sure you’ll come out OK. Enjoy your grandkids and retirement — you’ve earned it. Kevin Maguire, Capitola: Thanks for your passion, skills and being impartial keeping us informed, and connected. Appreciate all you have done for us, the community. Hope and pray for your health and quality time with your grandkids, full of love and laughter! Jean Wolff, Aptos: Thank you for all you have given our community, lo these many years! Sorry to hear you are moving, and life changes.
I have read your stories in the local papers for a long time, and can always tell right away it is a Jondi Gumz piece! Your heart has given a great deal to our town, and we send love back to you as you begin your next chapter. All good thoughts on your healing journey, in every way. Andy Lauderdale, Aptos: So sad to lose you from our community Jondi. We’ve been so fortunate to have you. Thank you for sharing so much of your personal story with those of us who have come to know you through your skillful journalism. Here’s hoping you and I both have many years of memories ahead with healthy happy grandchildren. Linda Kerner, Scotts Valley: I was so sorry to see your farewell article in the SV Times. I have always enjoyed the articles you’ve written and you’ve been so helpful in getting the press releases I’ve sent to you published. I am also very sorry to hear about the health challenges you’ve been dealing with - very scary! I wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter in your life and enjoy making special memories with your grandkids! Arne Croce, Aptos: Thank you for your service to the communities of Santa Cruz County. Your dedication to covering local news has made our communities stronger. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate your support for the Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows program. Good luck to you as you continue your cancer treatment and best wishes in all future endeavors. ••• Derek Timm: I read your message in the [June 15 Aptos Times] and just wanted to thank you for all your dedication to your community over the years. You have done so much! Sending you my best wishes. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Central Coast Equity actor Adam Saucedo stars in Sweeney Todd
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By Mindy Pedlar
he first time I performed in this show, I was only 20 years old,” says Equity actor Adam Saucedo, who plays the title role in Cabrillo Stage’s upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. “I fell in love with the show - and the role - but knew I would have to wait many years to be old enough and to have lived enough life to play it.” Saucedo describes Todd as a “complex and multifaceted character, with different sides to his persona. Forces within society have acted on him to create the ‘monster hiding in plain sight’. He retains a touch of humanity as he clings to the hope that he might reconnect with his beloved wife and daughter. His obsession with vengeance, however, is his undoing.” This is a bucket list role for Adam and his preparation is impressive. Before rehearsals even began, he started memorizing his songs and familiarizing himself with the musical cues, entrances, and subtleties. “The story is driven by the music,” Adam says, “so it’s important to really listen to what the other characters are singing.” Sweeney is a barber by trade so Adam watched videos on the proper way to hold and use a straight razor for shaving. He even re-watched an old 1936 movie version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street staring none other than ... Tod Slaughter. He reached out to Reg Huston, an old friend, mentor, his first voice teacher, and the actor who played Sweeney the first time Adam did the show. He was curious to hear Houston’s thoughts on his experience, his take on the character, and what he had learned. Like his mentor and predecessor, Adam Saucedo has a rich, glorious voice. His portrayal of Sweeney is well executed and nuanced. Recently as I entered the theater, they were rehearsing the song Pretty Women, Sweeney’s duet with his
Photo Credit: Bari Lee
Rehearsing is Adam J. Saucedo as Sweeney Todd.
arch enemy Judge Turpin, played by David Murphy. I was blown away by the beautiful blend and sheer power of their voices. Adam feels his personal journey and growth prepared him for this opportunity and he is ecstatic to be working with Cabrillo Stage again. Fans may remember his funny and charming portrayal of Gomez Addams in the 2017 production of The Addams Family. Come see him master this darker, deeper character that is Sweeney Todd — with a live orchestra and an extremely talented cast — the result is nothing short of magnificent. n Please note: This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. ••• Sweeney Todd performs July 17 – August 10, Thurs, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Opening night July 18 $5 off Adult and Senior Premier seating with promo code “Revenge”. All performances are at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, CA. Tickets ranging from $25 – $60 can be purchased on line at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets. The Box Office is open for phone 831-479-6154 and walk up sales Thursday -Saturday, noon to 6:00pm and 1 hour prior to each show. Special post show Q&A with the cast and creative team immediately following the Sunday matinee on July 27, 2025.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
County to Host Workshops on Battery Energy Storage Systems
www.mcsc-capitola.org
SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment is convening a series of public technical workshops to examine the role and risks of Battery Energy Storage Systems in modernizing the energy grid. The next workshops are scheduled for July 30 and August 27, from 5 — 8 p.m. in the Board Chambers of the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean Str., 5th Floor, Santa Cruz, with remote participation available via Zoom. The county commission considers BESS facilities a critical component of California’s shift away from fossil fuels, allowing excess energy — especially solar and wind — to be stored for use when renewable generation is unavailable. These systems can enhance grid stability and help utilities meet peak demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, as interest in BESS projects grows, so do community concerns about public safety, emergency response readiness, and long-term environmental impacts.
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The June 25 workshop will feature presentations on the climate change context for energy storage and the role of BESS in the regional power grid. Key speakers include Dr. Mark Jacobson, director of Stanford University’s Atmosphere/Energy Program and a leading expert on clean energy systems, and a representative from Central Coast Community Energy, which has committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. Additional experts will be be featured as part of the review.
“These workshops are a chance for the community to engage with world-class experts and better understand the opportunities and risks associated with large-scale energy storage,” said Kris Damhorst, chair of the Commission on the Environment in a press release. “As we respond to the climate crisis, it’s essential that we examine how new technologies align with our values, safety needs, and long-term environmental goals.” Subsequent workshops will explore battery technology innovations, fire prevention and emergency response, and evolving best practices. While technical in nature, the sessions are designed to be accessible to the general public. The workshops will not address land use planning, zoning decisions, or specific project proposals. Community members, environmental stakeholders, and energy professionals are encouraged to attend. n ••• To join via Zoom, visit https://santacruzcounty-us.zoomgov.com/j/1614371967.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point
Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change
T
By Jon Chown
he Wharf to Wharf will have a new starting point this year due to the Murray Street Bridge closure. The scenic six-mile race will now begin on Portola Drive, between 26th Avenue and 38th Avenue. The new course will then track southward through the east side of Santa Cruz, past Twins Lakes Church and through the Harbor neighborhoods of 7th Avenue. The third mile wraps around the harbor onto Lake Avenue and then back onto the traditional course along the ocean. The finish line is still at the corner of Cliff and Wharf Road by the Capitola Wharf. The Wharf to Wharf is run each year on the fourth Sunday in July (July 26 this year). The event was first run in 1973 and grew each year until the race had to be limited to 16,000 runners. Participants come from all over the world to take part in it and registration sells out almost instantly. The race is produced by Wharf to Wharf Inc., a nonprofit charted to promote running, health and fitness. Since its inception. Scott McConville, race director for Wharf to Wharf, has been planning the event for 15 years and said this year has been the most difficult. It’s a year-round job putting the event together and this year, about 20 different routes were considered and it took months of negotiations with all the different principalities involved before a final route was settled on. “There’s so many things to consider, starting with safety and then to the general
2018 Wharf to Wharf race start.
impact on the residential community,” McConville said. “We also have to consider the participant experience and the infrastructure needs: parking lots, restrooms — so it’s a lot. The process has been arduous.” But McConville said also he loves it. There could hardly be a more scenic site for such a race and the Wharf to Wharf Race Inc., a nonprofit, has contributed more than $6 million dollars to Santa Cruz County youth sports programs in general and the running community in particular. “I get a lot of joy out of being involved with this organization, in general,” he said. “I was around Wharf to Wharf my whole life growing up, so it’s definitely an honor.” n ••• For more information on the Wharf to Wharf, go online at wharftowharf.com.
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Keynote Remarks by author Manjula Martin
SANTA CRUZ — The Sustain Supper, a farm to table dinner, benefits the Project’s employment and training programs for individuals experiencing homelessness. The supper will be held Saturday, July 19, 4 – 7:30 p.m., on the Homeless Garden Project’s Natural Bridges organic farm, located at Delaware Ave. and Shaffer Rd. Chef Katie Reicher, of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, will prepare the gourmet meal using produce from the farm. Attendees will also enjoy a farm tour, drinks (including special wine pairings) and live music. An engaging keynote about sustainability will be given by Manjula Martin, author of The Last Fire Season. Told in luminous, perceptive prose, The Last Fire Season is a deeply incisive inquiry into what it really means — now — to live in relationship to the elements of the natural world. Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature describes Martin’s book, “This is the kind of natural history writing we need at this most crucial moment. It’s precise, granular, and lovely, but it’s also engaged, and entirely honest in grappling with change. The shifting baseline of the world around us, not the timeless beauty of the
world, is the story of our moment, and it’s rarely been better told.” Chef Katie Reicher, head chef at Greens of San Francisco is the 4th head chef of San Francisco’s landmark vegetarian restaurant, continuing a legacy of female pioneering chefs and has just released a cookbook, Seasons of Greens. Music will be courtesy of the Quail Hollow Drifters, a trio playing traditional Americana music. “Sustain Farm Supper” page 15
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Before Green Goes Wrong, Let’s Get It Right. ow much do you know about the 14-acre lithium-ion, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate), Battery Energy Storage Site, (BESS), planned for 90 Minto Rd. in Watsonville? Or the other 2 sites near Aptos High School and Dominican Hospital? The County has been noticeably quiet about their plans that will expect us all to participate in this real-time experiment without being fully informed and without our consent. It’s been almost 6 months since Vistra’s toxic battery fire at Moss Landing. What we’ve learned about lithium-ion, (LFP), batteries is that they are inherently toxic, have proven to be highly flammable, contain hazardous materials that when combusted are a real threat to people’s health and safety, and pose a dangerous risk to this ecosystem we call home. Natron is a leading manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, an alternative, nonflammable, non-explosive, safe battery energy storage solution. This alternative
H
needs to be considered for use in our County. We do not oppose battery storage, but the batteries must be SAFE. The urgency of climate must not overshadow the importance of safety. We’ve got to take the necessary time to get it right. We can’t ignore the potential risk of situating fire-prone, toxic lithium-ion, industrial-size battery storage sites in our neighborhoods. Santa Cruz County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan aims for carbon neutrality by 2045 and to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030. 3CE’s aggressive goal to be 100 percent carbon neutral by 2030 puts us on a dangerous artificial timeline which is pushing us to accept toxic lithium-ion batteries when safe alternatives exist and should be explored. This is a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point that involves huge and fundamental infrastructural changes. We must not rush this historic process. Let’s get green right with Safety we can live with. — Diane Dutton-Jones
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Plan C alifornia State Parks has released the draft Facilities Management Plan for Big Basin Redwoods State Park, nearly five years after the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed most of its infrastructure. Both a summary and the complete study can be viewed at reimaginingbigbasin.org. A public webinar is scheduled for July 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., to share plan details and invite input on the environmental review process. The updated Facilities Management Plan aims to restore access while also respecting natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park, established in 1902. It holds significant natural and cultural value. Once home to the Quiroste and Cotoni tribes, the land is culturally important to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. California State Parks Director Armando Quintero emphasized that the park’s renewal is about rebuilding, while creating a future focused on old growth forest health and inclusive public access. The plan incorporates technical evaluations and public feedback received earlier in 2024. The recovery strategy reimagines the park’s layout to reduce environmental impact and enhance visitor experiences. It includes reconstruction of campgrounds, day-use areas, transportation infrastructure, and visitor facilities, all designed to protect and highlight the park’s ancient redwood ecosystem.
The proposed plans include rebuilding a small amphitheater for park programs and events at the site of the former campfire center. Old Growth Core and Day-Use Hub The former park headquarters will be transformed into a day-use activity hub with minimal paving and structures to reduce ecological disturbance. Most parking and visitor services will be moved to the park’s edge, and the old site will be restored to native habitat. Educational signage and natural interpretation features will help visitors appreciate the old growth forest. Campgrounds on the Edge Camping will return in a reconfigured layout that avoids sensitive old growth zones. New campgrounds will be developed at Huckleberry, Lower Sky Meadow, Upper Sky Meadow, Sequoia Group Camp, and Little Basin. These will offer a variety of options, including car camping, cabins, small and large group sites, walk-in locations, and backcountry trail camps. Importantly, former campgrounds in high-sensitivity areas such as Blooms Creek, Sempervirens, and Wastahi
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The proposed Upper Sky Meadow Area will allow visitors to escape the busier areas of the park for a hike along Upper Lodge Road to the walk-in campsites.
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The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center would provide an entry to the park and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends. will be removed and restored to their natural state, protecting the old growth redwoods. Despite these changes, the total number of camping opportunities will remain similar to pre-fire levels. Saddle Mountain Welcome Center and Shuttle System A new Welcome Center will be built at Saddle Mountain, located outside the sensitive core. This will serve as the main visitor entrance, offering a visitor center, café, store, and weekend shuttle service. Visitors will park at Saddle Mountain and take a 15-minute shuttle ride into the old growth area. The shuttle will operate year-round on weekends, with potential expansion depending on demand. To further ease congestion, California State Parks will partner with Santa Cruz Metro to enhance public bus service from the Scotts Valley Transit Center and nearby areas. Little Basin Tribal and Recreational Center The Little Basin area will be transformed into a multi-use site combining public recreation and Indigenous land stewardship. Plans call for a new cultural center developed in collaboration with tribal partners. This center will support ecological restoration, traditional ceremonies, and cultural education and activities Much of the area will be restored by removing pavement and aging facilities to allow for the recovery of meadows, streams and wetlands. Group camps, cabins and tent sites will be rebuilt for public use alongside tribal uses. EIR Process A Supplemental Environmental Impact Report will be created to analyze the plan’s potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures. A Notice of Preparation has been released and the public can submit comments on the scope of the EIR through July 18. The final Facilities Management Plan, General Plan Amendment, and Supplemental EIR are expected to be released late 2025, followed by another public comment period. Although full reconstruction will take years, public access is gradually expanding. Since reopening in July 2022, the park has
welcomed more than 150,000 visitors under a limited day-use reservation system managed by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. More than 14 miles of trails and 25 miles of fire roads are currently open. However, there is no potable water available, and parking is limited, especially on weekends. A pilot shuttle program already improves weekend access, and Santa Cruz Metro buses also connect the park with Scotts Valley. Currently, camping is available only on the coastal side at Rancho del Oso, via an interim walk-in campground. Visitors must reserve day-use parking or campsites in advance via the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website. n ••• To view the project summary, webinar details, environmental review documents, and submit public comments, visit ReimaginingBigBasin. org. To make park visit or camping reservations, go to ThatsMyPark.org.
A cultural center and mixed Tribal use area is proposed at Little Basin for indigenous groups to highlight their culture.
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The proposed Sky Meadow campgrounds will be connected to other areas of the park by a shuttle system.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 13
BUSINESS PROFILE
A
Avalon Visions
By Heidi Johnston
valon Visions originally opened in 1993. Gwyneth (Gwen) Thomas and her husband have been the owners of Avalon Visions since 2007. First located in Capitola, the store was moved to the Soquel location in 2017. It has grown into Avalon Visions Center for Creative Spirituality. Gwen has had an interest in metaphysics and spirituality for as long as she can remember and has been an active practitioner since the 1990s. Gwen is a clairvoyant and clairaudient. This means she is able to perceive things beyond what the five senses reveal. She is able to use this gift to provide intuition which helps clients achieve their personal, professional and relationship goals. She holds a Certificate of Ministry, law degree, and numerous accreditations. These are a testament to her versatile nature. She will provide consultations at special events, including parties, weddings, and life celebrations. Her 2017 relocation from Capitola to a spacious vintage creekside building in Soquel gives her more space. The move added about 400 square feet. “It’s great because now we have a separate room for the Reiki and also rooms for readings,” she says. The property has an enchanting fairy garden, a wrap-around wheelchair ramp, and a 24-hour well-lit community cupboard run by volunteers. The public is welcome to visit. On the second Sunday of the month practitioners gather for the Psychic and Healing Arts Fair held at the shop. “It’s an outdoor event with vendors and open to everyone,” says Gwen.
to certain organs. The result is a personal color montage. If you visit with a group of four or more she offers $5 off each report. “It’s fun and you get to find out what your colors are,” Gwen says.
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There are classes, events, workshops and lectures. Activities range from drum making to lectures by social activists and featured local artists, such as Elizabeth Yuenfong. These are managed on MeetUp.com and change regularly.
Healing Light, Sound, and Aroma
“We are kind of a spiritual mix,” Gwen says. In one of the integrated healing sessions three methods are used: Essential Oil Aromatherapy, Magnets, and a Beam Ray Light Generator. These deliver a unique therapy that renders medicinal, religious, psychological and spiritual benefits. The combination sessions are designed to target the needs of the particular client. Her signature line of essential oils can be purchased at the store to sustain balance and harmony after the session. Readings include Tarot, Psychic, and Mediumship. These are available inperson, online or by phone. Go to Practitioners at Avalon Visions to view the biographies of the readers. Anith writes, “I have been studying Tarot and doing Readings and Consultations since 1976.” Tara has been a card reader/ Intuitive healer for over 20 years. She actively started putting her abilities to practice when she was
Gwen Thomas, co-owner 14 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
a young woman, knowing the value of helping others heal is extremely important to her to be able to offer guidance to help people on their own spiritual paths. Jen is also available to do readings and provide valuable support for clients and consultants. All are trained to use the aura camera. Located in the Aura and Chakra Station of the store, a biofeedback device interprets signals from the hands which are connected
Avalon Visions has mystical magical and practical gift wares and presents an array of beautiful items to tempt you: gorgeous candles, jewelry, stained glass, crystals, plus an ever-changing array of cards, tarot and oracle decks, clothing, books and so much more. Avalon Visions carries beautiful objects and art from many cultures and spiritual influences. “From simple to ornate, we endeavor to make gift buying an easy and exciting experience,” Gwen says.Clients can enjoy shopping at Avalon Visions by visiting the shop in person or online. “Although some of what is available in our brick-and-mortar shop will not be available on-line, many more wonderful products are now available through our website,” Gwen says. The line of essential oils, Tarot cards, crystals, clothing and spiritual artifacts can be found at https://avalonvisions.com/. Free shipping for online orders over $50 will be available as long as possible. n •••
Avalon Visions
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IN MEMORIAM
Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 M ike Rotkin, a five-time mayor of Santa Cruz and liberal icon of Santa Cruz County, died June 18 due to complications from leukemia. He was 79. Rotkin was well-known for his progressive politics. He first ran for City Council in Santa Cruz in 1979 as a socialist. He taught Marxist theory at UC Santa Cruz for more than 40 years and served on the Santa Cruz City Council six times. He had served more time as mayor of Santa Cruz than anybody else in the city’s history. He first served in 1981-1982, then from 1985-1986, 1995-1996, 2004-2005 and finally, from 2009-2010. Rotkins’ leadership shaped Santa Cruz in many ways. During his 20 years in city government, city spending on social services and programs increased from $80,000 a year in 1979 to $2 million by 2000. “Former Mayor Mike Rotkin was at the center of every important decision in Santa Cruz over the last four decades,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley in a press release. “His valued-based advocacy for those less fortunate, and for community-based policy developments are now models for current and future elected officials. Our community is so much better because of Mike’s public service; and, sadder today because of his passing.” Rotkin continued to serve his community after his final term as mayor. He was a current member of the county’s Regional Transportation Commission and volunteered for many efforts. Rotkin was also a union organizer and a board member for the Santa Cruz County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. In 2013, he was interviewed by Sarah Rabkin as part of a regional history project for UC Santa Cruz. He discussed his whole life, including the first time he was arrested at age 15 for protesting for civil rights. Throughout
“Sustain Farm Supper” from page 10 Tickets cost $195, benefit the Homeless Garden Project’s programs and are available at www.homelessgardenproject.org. To volunteer at the event, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Omar Guzman at omarg@homelessgardenproject.org. Tickets and books are also available at Homeless Garden Project’s Downtown Store, 1338 Pacific Avenue and Capitola Store, 222 Esplanade. By attending the Sustain Supper, guests will be helping to support trainees in transforming their lives and gaining the skills they need to build their home in the world. n ••• The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) provides job training, transitional employment and
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his life, he was arrested many times while protesting. Rotkin was born in New York City, grew up in Maryland and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in English literature in 1969. Before he graduated, he spent a year as a community organizer in Florida, working with minority migrant workers. It helped shaped his views on politics, though his parents were socialists as well. “This has a lot to do with who I am. I’m sure,”Rotkin told Rabkin. “My parents were community activists when I was growing up.” He came to Santa Cruz right after graduating and began working as a teaching assistant. A few years later he dipped his toes into local politics, helping to thwart development of hotels, freeway expansion and getting involved in grape boycotts. From there, his activism grew into the legacy he left behind. In honor of Mike Rotkin’s legacy, Santa Cruz lowered flags at City Hall. n
Tickets cost $195, benefit the Homeless Garden Project’s programs and are available at www.homelessgardenproject.org. support services to people who are experiencing homelessness. HGP’s vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. Programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises. In the soil of our urban farm and garden, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world. We envision a thriving and inclusive community, workforce, and local food system. Learn more at www.homelessgardenproject.org or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 15
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Artistic Charcuterie By Joe Ortiz
L
et me say right off, this is not a story about food. It’s about creativity. Because in creative work, as well as in consuming food, anything we dare to bite off, we certainly had better be willing to chew, swallow, and digest. My story starts with a joke: A traveling salesman driving through the rural South comes upon a farmhouse where he hopes to make a pitch for his goods. Driving in, he sees a pig behind a fence who’s been fitted with a splint attached to his rear end where his missing back leg should be. He drives up to the farmhouse, knocks on the door and is greeted by a lovely young woman, who shouts
into the living room, “Hey, Pa, it’s another one of those salesmen from the city who wants to sell you something.” Her father comes out and says, “We don’t need nothing today.”
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“Well, I’m sure you don’t,” the salesman says. “But I’m just curious as to why that lovely pig ...” “Ah, you city folk. You don’t realize what a wonderful pig that is,” says the farmer. “Just yesterday a fire started in the barn and that pig galloped over and nudged me toward the burning haystack so I could stomp it out.” “Well, that’s fine,” the salesman said, “But I still can’t understand why . . .”. So, the farmer quickly interrupted: “Ah, you still don’t get it. Why, just last week I was out tilling the field when my tractor ran into a ditch and tumbled on top of me, and that pig ran over, pushed with her snout to turn the tractor over, and saved my life.” “Yeah, what a wonderful pig,” said the salesman. “But what about her leg?” “Ah, you don’t get it,” the farmer said. “You can’t eat a pig like that all at once.” The punchline pops into my head every time I think about starting a new project and become flummoxed by the size of the task and my habitually overzealous ambition. It reminds me that no worthwhile project has to be created “all at once,” in one grandiose stroke of genius. Instead, anything we take on—whether it be knitting a sweater, writing a book, or building a wall—can be achieved in little increments: stitch by stitch, word by word, brick by brick. For that matter, stroke by stroke (painting), note by note (music), scene by scene (theater). If “don’t bite off what you can’t chew” is good advice, we can also turn the homily around: “Take it one bite at a time.” Some people may believe that artists have a unique superpower—the talent to create a full-blown work in one burst of spontaneity. That can happen. But it’s rare. (Although it took Voltaire only a few months to write Candide, it took Mark Twain nine years to write Huckleberry Finn.) Somethings go quickly. But others take time. Yet, either way, it would appear to help artists and writers by thinking of their process incrementally.
“Jondi Gumz” from page 6 WHEREAS, her reporting on Capitolaspecific matters, including the fate of the historic Rispin Mansion ¾ covering stories on council deliberations, demolition plans, restoration projects, and ghost-hunter midnight explorations ¾ has deepened community understanding and engagement with our city’s heritage; and WHEREAS, her distinguished work has been recognized by numerous awards, including a 2018 San Francisco Press Club Award and a 2017 Clarion Award for public relations reporting; and
If non-artists understood the “bite-bybite” mentality, it would make embarking on any project less daunting. Let’s face it, just getting started seems to keep most of us from creating some work that we think needs doing. And when we eventually do embark, knowing that we can develop our ideas in small increments would make creative life a whole lot easier. A few examples: • Louis Armstrong explained a practice method to fellow trumpeter Ruby Braff: “Come up with a small riff on your horn and, by repetition and variation, develop it into an extended solo until it becomes a perfect gem.” • Novelist John Gardner tells his students that written narrative, especially in fiction, is often composed of several different building blocks of prose: action, description, internal monologue, and dialogue. We often find these elements interspersed in good writing to create what I call “the fabric of fiction,” which can help author’s create a tapestry of narrative that Gardner calls “the fictive dream.” • Theater director Konstantin Stanislavski said that “actors develop their roles bit-by-bit.” He asked his students to think in small gestures of expression, little increments of verbal delivery and body movements drawn from their own experience to build a scene into series of emotion-filled actions. • When Leonard Bernstein saw Jimmy Webb writing a song while strumming chords on his guitar, Bernstein described his own method of writing a melody: “From one note to the next.” No matter what big task you take on, it can be built in individual strokes, phrases, scenes or stitches, taken one little bite at a time. n ••• Send your comments and questions to joe@ gocapitola.com
WHEREAS, through thoughtful, factbased, and empathetic storytelling, Jondi Gumz has fostered civic trust, empowered residents, and chronicled Capitola’s evolving story with honesty and heart; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Capitola hereby honors and thanks Jondi Gumz for her outstanding career in journalism, her steadfast commitment to serving the public interest, and her enduring contribution to the vitality of Capitola. — Joe Clarke, Mayor Signed and sealed this 17th day of June, 2025
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
CEO Palacios Announces Retirement Plans S anta Cruz County’s Executive Officer Carlos Palacios announced June 19 that he will be retiring in December. The County Board of Supervisors announced the decision by Palacios, who has served for nearly 10 years as the county’s top executive and more than three decades in local government leadership. Palacios was the first Latino CEO in county history. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Santa Cruz County,” Palacios said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together — from responding to crises to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community. None of it would have been possible without the tireless work of county staff, the partnership of community organizations, and the leadership of the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and seeing what the future holds for this remarkable county.” Palacios was appointed in 2017 after 20 years as city manager of Watsonville, where he began his career in local government in 1992, was promoted to city manager in 1996 and led the city through some challenging times, growth and controversy. The Pajaro Valley experienced flooding in 1999, 2005, 2011 and 2014. The damage from the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 continued to haunt downtown for decades, gang violence has long been a problem as well. All of this was on his plate as city manager. He was also fundamental in seeing
One of Palacios’ signature Measure U passed in 2002, which accomplishments was the creation shaped the future development of Santa Cruz County’s first-ever and boundaries of Watsonville. Strategic Plan, a communityIn 2010 he guided the annexation informed roadmap to guide of the Manabe Ow Business Park, operations and policy priorities. the 95-acre site along Highway 1 The plan was complemented north of Ohlone Parkway. by an Operational Plan and a Palacios’ ties to south county public-facing dashboard to track are reflected in the acquisition Carlos Palacios progress, earning a 2021 Caliand renovation of 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville in 2021. The new South fornia State Association of Counties Merit County Government Center brought services Award for innovation in government operations. He also instituted continuous process closer to residents in the Pajaro Valley. “Carlos was Watsonville’s city manager improvement efforts across county departwhen I served my first term as council- ments, modernizing services and increasing member. He has been one of the most transparency. Palcios also established the Office of consequential public servants in the history of Santa Cruz County,” Board of Supervisors Response, Recovery & Resilience, improving Chair Felipe Hernandez said. “He led us disaster preparedness and response efforts through some of the toughest times our com- and laying the groundwork for improving munity has ever faced — from wildfires to a community resilience to the impacts of pandemic to historic flooding — with grace, climate change. The ORRR has become a corresolve, and a deep sense of compassion. nerstone of the county’s approach to climate He was the embodiment of an exceptional adaptation and emergency management. Palacios championed the development public servant, and we will miss his wisdom, of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center counsel and leadership.” As the county’s top administrator, and the launch of Focused Intervention Palacios guided the community through mul- Teams and mobile crisis response units, tiple major disasters, including the COVID-19 marking a substantial investment in behavpandemic, the devastating CZU Lightning ioral health infrastructure. Palacios also Complex Fire, and the 2023 winter storms. He spearheaded the transformation of Watplayed a key role in mobilizing emergency sonville Community Hospital into a public response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts entity, preserving vital health care services while maintaining continuity of services and for the Pajaro Valley. In the realm of environmental protecting vulnerable populations.
stewardship, Palacios oversaw the adoption of the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, updated the General Plan with sustainability goals, and helped secure historic investments in active transportation. Under his leadership, the County is beginning work on the Coastal Rail Trail, and is implementing the vision outlined by voters in Measure Q, which created ongoing dedicated funding for the first time in County history to support clean water, wildfire risk reduction, and environmental and wildlife protection. He also served as a founding board member of 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy), helping to chart a path for the region to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. Palacios also played a key role in securing voter approval for two local sales taxes, Measures G and K, and the hotel and vacation rental tax, Measure B, to boost funding for essential public services and support neighborhood improvements. As steward of the County’s $1 billion-plus budget, he maintained a strong fiscal position through prudent reserve management and earned high credit ratings, ensuring longterm financial sustainability. With Palacios set to retire in December 2025, the Board of Supervisors will initiate a national search for the next County Executive Officer. The search process will reflect the County’s commitment to transparency, equity, and visionary leadership. n
BirchBark, Nonprofit Dedicated to People and their Pets, Names New Executive Director SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz resident Meghan French has been named executive director of BirchBark, a local nonprofit dedicated to “protecting the human-animal bond through emergency veterinary care assistance, compassionate grief support, and pet-related education.”
French has more than a decade of experience run the non-profit world and has been hired to guide BirchBark into new phase of strategic growth focused on increasing access to services across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. “Meghan’s commitment to equity, community, and compassionate care makes her the ideal leader to steward BirchBark’s mission,” said Dr. Merrianne Burtch, founder of BirchBark. “Her passion for both people and animals — paired with her ability to build strong, values-driven teams — will take this organization to the next level.” Prior to joining BirchBark, French served as Director of Development at Siena House, where she created the organization’s first comprehensive fundraising program. Now at BirchBark, French is focused on strengthening the organization’s infrastructure, expanding fundraising efforts, and growing community awareness of the foundation’s work — helping pet guardians in crisis access
18 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
lifesaving veterinary care they otherwise could not afford. “I am honored to lead an organization whose mission is rooted in compassion and connection,” French said. “BirchBark stands at the intersection of community care and animal welfare, and I’m inspired every day by the opportunity to keep families and their beloved pets together during some of life’s hardest moments.” French lives in Santa Cruz and said she is passionate about cultivating transparent, joyful, and high-trust workplace cultures. Founded in 2013, BirchBark provides financial assistance for urgent veterinary care through its flagship PetAid program, offers grief support for pet guardians navigating loss, and presents free educational webinars that empower pet families to share their happiest and healthiest lives with their pets. The organization serves as a safety net for lowincome families, ensuring that no one has to choose between financial hardship and the life of their animal companion. n
BirchBark will be holding a fundraiser on July 12 at Sierra Azul Nursery in Watsonville. The evening will bring together art enthusiasts, animal-lovers, and supporters of BirchBark for an outdoor gala celebrating creativity and compassion. Tickets are $95. ••• For more information about BirchBark and its programs, visit www.birchbarkfoundation.org.
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Summer in Capitola By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola
A
s we step into the long, sunny days of summer, Capitola is bursting with energy, color, and community spirit. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, there’s no better place to enjoy summer than right here in our beautiful beachside town. I’m thrilled to share with you a preview of all the fun, music, art, and tradition that awaits us this season. •••
Twilight Concerts on the Esplanade
Our much-loved Twilight Concert Series returns every Wednesday evening from June 18 – Aug. 27 from 6–8 p.m. at the Esplanade Bandstand. These concerts bring together
families, friends, and neighbors for evenings filled with music, dancing, and ocean breezes. From reggae and funk to classic rock and soul, we’ve got something for everyone. Some local highlights include Broken English (June 18), Extra Large (July 9), and The Joint Chiefs Band (July 23). So grab your beach blanket and your dancing shoes—it’s time to celebrate summer, Capitola-style.
August 3 & 17) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to find handmade treasures and support our talented local makers.
Boogie on the Wharf
Capitola Beach Festival 2025
Mark your calendars for Sept. 27 and 28 as the Capitola Beach Festival makes its exciting return! Born from the spirit of the beloved Begonia Festival, this event continues to honor community, creativity, and fun. Classic favorites like the Sand Sculpture Contest, Horseshoe Tournament, Rowboat Races, and the Lighted Nautical Parade are back. This year also brings new additions, including a Cornhole Competition, Paddle Board Race, Scavenger Hunt, and the Little Wharf 3-Miler Fun Run. Best of all, most events are free for everyone to enjoy. We’re especially excited to announce something truly spectacular — a Drone Light Show will close the weekend festivities with a high-tech, breathtaking display in the sky
right after the Nautical Parade. It’s a first for Capitola and not to be missed! Want to get involved? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, sponsor, or even build a float for the parade. Visit capitolabeachfestival.com or email mbbythesea@ aol.com for more information. And don’t forget to follow the festival on Instagram at @capitolabeachfestival to stay updated on sign-ups, events, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Capitola Makers Market
A creative evolution of our beloved Art at the Beach, the Capitola Makers Market brings local artisans to the forefront. Stroll through Esplanade Park and the Capitola Wharf on select Sundays (June 22, July 20,
Get ready to dance at Boogie on the Wharf! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to move and have fun, this event is for you. Join our dance instructors on Aug. 3, Sept. 7, and Sept. 21 from 2 – 4 p.m. for good music, great moves, and even better vibes — right on the Capitola Wharf.
Dueling Pianos
Music meets comedy with Dueling Pianos on July 12 and Aug. 8. This familyfriendly event at the Esplanade promises sing-alongs, laughter, and a good time for all. Don’t be shy — submit your favorite song and cheer on your favorite pianist!
Food Truck Fridays
Join us at Monterey Park for Food Truck Fridays on July 25, July 27, and Aug. 8 from 4:30–7:30 p.m. This is a great way to sample delicious food, enjoy live entertainment, and soak in a laid-back summer evening with your neighbors. “Capitola Summer” page 21
Advanced cancer care for you. And near you. Cancer can be an overwhelming diagnosis. It calls for all-encompassing care—from loved ones who step up, to providers who collaborate, to innovative treatments that make all the difference. Dominican Hospital’s nationally recognized program is built on that approach, offering comprehensive services—from advanced diagnosis and procedures through supportive care and recovery—to provide care that’s personalized to your needs. And all provided with the guidance of our patient navigators who will surround you with a healing sense of confidence and purpose. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanCancerCare.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 19
COMMUNITY NEWS
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed Until April 1, 2026 SANTA CRUZ — The reopening of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground has been delayed until April 1, 2026. The California Department of Parks and Recreation made the announcement last week. The park had been scheduled to reopen Aug. 1 after renovations had been made, but supply chain disruptions have pushed back the completion of essential infrastructure upgrades, including accessibility features. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our visitors as we improve the park’s facilities” said Santa Cruz District 2 Superintendent Scott Sipes. “We truly value the opportunity
to provide quality camping opportunities for visitors to make memories and enjoy our beautiful parks and are disheartened to share these continued impacts to camping at Henry Cowell this season. We hope visitors will return next season and enjoy the upgraded, accessible facilities that will make this campground welcoming to all.” The campground is seasonal, operating from April 1 through Oct. 31 annually. Due to the current project timeline, the campground is now scheduled to reopen April 1, 2026, for the start of the camping season. The project was initially scheduled during the non-operational period, with an anticipated completion
date prior to the April 1, 2025, opening to minimize impacts to recreational opportunities. State Parks previously canceled reservations from April 1-July 31 due to unforeseen delays caused in large part by supply chain challenges. This additional delay reflects continued issues with procuring critical supplies. Should the campground reopen earlier than anticipated, guests will be notified by email with an opportunity to book new reservations. For assistance with cancellations or refunds, visitors are encouraged to contact the ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center at 1-800-444-7275. Additionally, guests can explore alternative camping options and plan future trips at ReserveCalifornia. com. Henry Cowell Redwoods SP is implementing significant upgrades to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and improve the visitor experience. These upgrades include:
The campground is seasonal, operating from April 1 through Oct. 31 annually. ... The project was initially scheduled during the non-operational period, with an anticipated completion date prior to the April 1, 2025, opening to minimize impacts to recreational opportunities. • Restroom and Shower Buildings • ADA-compliant fixtures, spacing and door widths • Safety grab bars and supports • Upgraded ADA-compliant toilets • Updated signage and lever-style door handles. • Campfire Center • ADA-compliant pathways for improved accessibility • Installation of accessible seating • Upgraded drinking fountain n
$7 million CAL FIRE grant will help restore local forests
SANTA CRUZ — The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County has secured a $7 million Forest Health Grant from CAL FIRE for projects designed to improve the health of forests on both public and private lands in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The work will take place on 830 acres of high-priority landscapes that will form a “ring” around populated areas in Santa Cruz County, covering a broad geographic area, from the northern coastal regions of the county, through the City of Santa Cruz, across the San Lorenzo Valley’s rare Sandhills habitat, and up into the higher elevations of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Treatments range from continuing post-fire reforestation and invasive species removal to thinning encroaching conifers and conducting prescribed burns — all designed to reduce hazardous fuels, restore native habitats, and build landscapescale resilience to wildfires. “This project is about creating a connected, resilient 20 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
landscape,” said Lisa Lurie, executive director of the RCD. “By working across property lines and jurisdictions, we can make a lasting impact on forest health, biodiversity, and community safety in the face of increasing wildfire threats. This award reflects the RCD’s long-standing role in uniting people and resources to protect our region’s land, water, and wildlife. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve when communities come together.” This partnership represents a diverse group of stewards and landowners where the projects are taking place, including the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, California State Parks, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch, and the City of Santa Cruz Parks Department. “This grant will enable us to continue active forest management in the unique sandhills ecosystem, protecting both the rare biotic resources and the surrounding human communities,” said Matthew Timmer, director of land stewardship at the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.
These projects will be implemented over the next several years and aim to serve as a model for integrated, landscapescale forest resilience. Building on past work and local residents’ own actions — like planting natives, clearing brush, chipping debris, and hardening homes. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Panetta Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Monarch Butterfly MONTEREY — United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and reintroduced two major initiatives to safeguard pollinator populations and promote ecosystem health: the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act of 2025 and a bipartisan resolution recognizing June 16–22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week. Since the 1980s, the population of the western monarch has plummeted by over 99%, with only 9,119 butterflies recorded across 256 sites during the 2024 overwintering season. Despite community efforts, threats from climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss continue to push this iconic species toward extinction. “Recently, the populations of our pollinators, including our western monarch butterfly, are decreasing dramatically, which could threaten our environment and agriculture,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the MONARCH Act and our Pollinator Week Resolution which would restore critical habitat, invest in sciencebased conservation, and raise awareness of the importance of these essential species.
“Capitola Summer” from page 19
New Music Sundays
Come hear the stars of tomorrow at New Music Sundays, a showcase for emerging local talent. These concerts at Esplanade Park Bandstand are set for July 20 and August 13 from 3:00–5:00 PM, and are perfect for a relaxed Sunday by the sea.
Movies at the Beach
Round out your summer with free family movie nights under the stars. Bring takeout from your favorite Capitola restaurant, a cozy blanket, and enjoy two classic movies by the ocean. We’re showing “Honey, I Shrunk the
Protecting pollinators is a matter of environmental responsibility and agricultural resilience, and I’m committed to ensuring we do our part to save these species so central to the history and character of our home.” The MONARCH Act, co-led by Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would provide $125 million over five years to support the restoration and protection of western monarch butterfly habitat and to
implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan. The MONARCH Act is endorsed by leading environmental and conservation organizations including the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, and the Center for Biological Diversity. n
Road Work Scheduled in North County
SANTA CRUZ — County crews began a new round of patch paving work in North County on June 23 and work will continue until late August. The remaining schedule includes: • Bear Creek Rd. – Deerwood Drive, June 30–July 11 • Mountain Charlie Rd. – Summit Road to Glenwood Dr., July 14–25 • Empire Grade Rd. – Near Quarry Bend Rd. to PM 13.3, July 28–Aug. 8 • Bonny Doon Rd. – PM 1.25 to Pine Flat Rd., Aug. 11–18 • Smith Grade Rd. – Empire Grade Road to Bonny Doon Rd., Aug. 19–22 Crews will work weekdays only from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic control measures in place to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. Each summer, road crews focus on nine weeks of dedicated patch paving in each region: Mid-, South-, and NorthCounty. While paving teams target specific road segments, additional crews continue essential roadside work such as mowing, ditch clearing, and striping. All work is part of the county’s annual Road Maintenance Program and is funded by the Highway Users Tax Account, commonly known as the Gas Tax. n
Kids” on August 22 and “The Garfield Movie” on September 12. Movies begin at dusk, but come early to grab a good spot. ••• This summer, Capitola truly comes alive. Our events are a celebration of everything that makes our community special—our creativity, our togetherness, and our love for this incredible town. Whether you’re dancing at the Esplanade, paddling in a race, or volunteering at the festival, there’s a place for everyone to take part. To stay up to date on all city events, visit www.cityofcapitola.org. I look forward to seeing you out and about this summer— enjoy every sunny moment! n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grand Jury Releases Initial Reports
Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing
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By Jon Chown
he 2024–25 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury has been releasing its findings, spaced out over several weeks, with the first three reports addressing the county’s action on the climate crisis; actions taken in response to the 2022–23 Grand Jury findings; and the Watsonville Police Department’s use of handcuffs. Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury is a one-year, 19-member panel of citizens that acts as an independent watchdog over all local government operations. It reviews alleged misconduct, waste, abuse or fraud and issues a final public report with recommendations. The grand jury process is mandated by California’s 1849 Constitution and was adopted in every county after statehood. Any eligible citizen can apply; 30 are chosen, and the final 19 are picked at random from those 30.
Little Action on Climate
The first report, Climate Action Demands Outreach: County staff alone cannot meet our County’s climate goals, reviews Santa Cruz County’s efforts to reach specific climate goals set by Sacramento. The report is critical of the county’s outreach efforts. “The County has responded with proposed written actions … but making a meaningful dent in those goals requires citizen cooperation. The County has conducted minimal to no outreach to the community and has failed to achieve widespread citizen engagement in the effort to mitigate climate change,” the report states. In 2022, the county updated its Climate Action Plan in response to legislation passed in Sacramento, collectively known as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, or CAAP. The CAAP notes that tailpipe emissions account for nearly 65% of the state’s
greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing these is key. That is done by increasing the use of public transportation for long commutes and walking or bicycling for short trips. The grand jury investigated the county’s attempts to persuade the public to use more buses or walk and bike. Members visited public events, such as the Santa Cruz County Fair and the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, as well as formal county meetings where climate change action was on the agenda. They were not impressed. Two agencies are primarily responsible for the county’s climate response. One is the Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, which is tasked with breaking down strategies into action items, monitoring progress across departments and reporting to the Board of Supervisors. The second is the Commission on the Environment, which meets six times a year and reports to the supervisors. The grand jury noted that with tailpipe emissions accounting for more than half of all greenhouse gas emissions, the only way to meet the county’s CAAP goals is to significantly reduce those emissions — and that means convincing the public to make real changes. Low-cost methods of outreach might include: • Public service announcements on TV or radio • Fact sheets on the County’s official Facebook page and social media • Flyers included in mailed utility or property tax bills • A booth at the County Fair • Leafleting at tourist events “‘Everybody knows’ drunk driving is dangerous, yet we still mount campaigns to raise awareness. ‘Everybody knows’ that
22 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
wood houses burn down in fires, yet fire departments still develop websites about fire-wise landscaping. And ‘everybody knows’ that gasoline-fueled cars emit pollutants. Unfortunately, to date, the County has no public campaign to directly address this largest pollutant source in the county,” the report concludes. Among the findings: It was not clearly defined which agency was responsible for outreach, and the staff coordinating CAAPrelated efforts did not believe it was part of their role. The grand jury recommended the Board of Supervisors assign an office to lead public outreach, and that the public be informed any time money or staff time is spent on climate-related efforts.
Keeping Commitments
The second report, Honoring Commitments to the Public, examined local government responses to the 2022–23 Grand Jury’s recommendations and found that, overall, commitments have been kept. Of the 25 recommendations made in 2022–23, 22 were addressed adequately, two are in progress and one will not be implemented due to cost. For example, the 2022–23 report noted the county had no cybersecurity plan. The Board of Supervisors approved one in March 2024. Several cities, including Santa Cruz and Watsonville, also acted on cybersecurity recommendations. Another report that year addressed the safety of inmates with mental illness at the county jail. Its recommendations were largely followed. The Blaine Street Women’s Facility, which houses nonviolent inmates, was reopened, and the Public Defender’s Office received more funding for anti-recidivism
programs. However, the Sheriff’s Office did not commission a study to determine the most effective use of the county’s three jails, as recommended. Although the county issued a request for proposals, it decided the cost was too high. All of the jury’s recommendations in its report Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health were followed. In its report Code Compliance Division — Out of Compliance, all recommendations were either followed or are in progress. That includes a recommendation that “policies and procedures manuals for the Planning Department and Code Compliance Department should be completely reviewed, updated … and digitized” by 2023. According to the report, that task is still in progress and won’t be completed until 2026. The jury concluded that the county had made “outstanding” progress. “When the agencies accept the recommendations, follow through and meet their expressed commitments, our community benefits from increased government transparency and accountability,” the report states.
Watsonville Policing Criticized
The third report, Handcuffing and Transport: Can Watsonville Police Reduce Trauma?, is critical of the Watsonville Police Department’s higher-than-average rate of using handcuffs during arrests and transport. “Being handcuffed and taken to the police station, especially for a minor infraction, is a traumatic event,” the report states. The issue, according to the report, is that handcuffing causes unnecessary trauma, erodes trust in the police and increases fear during routine traffic stops. Yet the only safe way to transport a person in a police car is typically to handcuff them. The report acknowledges that Watsonville’s higher crime rate — including robberies and gang shootings — puts officers on heightened alert, which can lead to more aggressive decisions about restraints. Still, the jury found that Watsonville police overuse handcuffing and transport misdemeanor violators at a much higher rate than other departments. Watsonville also conducts more breath tests at police headquarters rather than in the field, leading to more transports. The jury also noted that Watsonville police officers tend to have less experience, likely due to lower pay, and could benefit from more training in de-escalation techniques. It recommended raising salaries to help retain experienced officers. “Implementing these suggestions could lead to fewer trips to the police station and greatly reduce the trauma suffered by both the detainees and members of the community,” the report states. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grand Jury: Change Building Permit Process
Report Urges County to Reduce Fees, Make It Quicker, Hire More People
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By Jon Chown
he Santa Cruz County Grand Jury is urging the Board of Supervisors to modify the rules for building permits, consider reducing fees, streamline the process, and hire an ombudsman to help the public navigate the system. The building permit process in Santa Cruz County has long been a source of frustration for residents and was previously examined by county grand juries in 2002–03 and 2012–13. Building permits were also reviewed in the 2023–24 CZU fire rebuild report. A building project may involve a few regulations or many—such as soils reports, fire road access, water diversion, or environmental habitat considerations. The Grand Jury interviewed architects, civil engineers and contractors who have worked extensively in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere. It also spoke with homeowner applicants and county staff involved in permitting. The focus was on the “complexity, costs and extended time frames associated with the permitting process,” according to the report. One of its main conclusions is that while the county’s shift to an online permitting system has standardized some steps and improved processing speed, it has made the process difficult for those who use the system infrequently. It is “finicky about formatting” and rejects submissions for minor issues such as incorrect date formats or the use of dashes. As
a result, most homeowners must rely on experts to complete the process, which increases costs. To make matters worse, “experts” aren’t easy to find in Santa Cruz County. According to the report, many professionals avoid the area because the county’s building permit process is so onerous. The process is so detailed and intricate that it drives up costs. For instance, the report notes a contractor building a new home on 50 acres with no neighbors in sight was required by the county to install soundproofing in the home, which would
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Pregnant Mare Rescue Offers New Sponsorship Program regnant Mare Rescue is launching a new program where people can be more involved in the individual care of a horse and sponsor it. At Pregnant Mare Rescue, each horse has been rescued from an uncertain future and given a second chance. Sponsorship will provide hay, medical support and sanctuary for the horse. Those who sponsor will receive photos, updates and even personalized videos, depending on the sponsorship level, which starts at $10. More on the horses and sponsorship can be found at www.beyondliberty.org. ••• Heritage Hog Scholar Named amuel Garcia, a member of Watsonville Ag History 4H club, is the 2025 recipient of the $3,000 Heritage Hog Scholarship, awarded by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. “Samuel has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising and exhibiting livestock, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations as he continues to pursue Samuel Garcia his goals,” a press release announcing the award stated. As part of the scholarship, Garcia will raise this year’s Heritage Hog, generously
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donated by Country Hills Feed, and present it at the Santa Cruz County Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Sept. 13. ••• ‘The Great Scout Trash Out’ For Earth Day n April 27, Scouting America, in partnership with Clean California, Caltrans District 5, Pitch In Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz County Parks, took action to beautify local recreational spaces by removing litter from Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel and the Capitola-Soquel Baseball Complex during the 2nd annual Great Scout Trash Out, an event to celebrate Earth Day. Together, Scouts and volunteers collected over 10 bags of trash, improving the environment for families, athletes, and nature lovers in the Santa Cruz community.
have cost at least $60,000. The contractor eventually secured an exemption, but the time spent doing so still cost money. The Grand Jury also noted that the county’s complexities compound an already problematic state system. All building, planning and construction in California is governed by the California Building Code, which is verbose, complicated and weighty, the report states. “The Code — Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2 — in print form has 1,720 pages and weighs 80 pounds. Every three years, the code is updated and revised by the state.” Given such a system, the report says the county should try to make things easier. One option is reducing the need for permits. In many counties and cities — including Watsonville and San Jose — no permit is required to replace a window, but one is required in Santa Cruz County. EZ Permits are used for certain repairs and minor remodels. These permits do not require applicants to submit drawings and can be approved online instantly. The Grand Jury recommends switching more standard permits to EZ Permits and more EZ Permits to permit-free projects. “Both moves will save applicants money and time, as well as free up the permit staff to review more complex projects,” the report states. “Building Permits” page 24
SUN, SAND & SOMETHING NEW
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“Briefs” page 24
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Supervisors Approve County Budget
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By Jon Chown
mammoth meeting on June 10 saw the approval of Santa Cruz County’s budget for fiscal year 2025-26: a $1.24 billion blueprint that may have to undergo major alterations midway through. According to the county leaders, the budget supports critical county services, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. “This budget balances investment and responsibility,” said County Executive Officer Carlos Palacios. “We are advancing core priorities and protecting essential services, even as we navigate significant funding risks from the state and federal levels.” Among the budget highlights is nearly $3.5 million in new funding for road and infrastructure improvements; completion of
the new Children’s Crisis Center and 32-bed Behavioral Health Bridge Housing facility to support unhoused individuals; and expanded 24/7 mobile crisis response teams ensuring rapid, community-based interventions. It also includes funding for Juvenile Hall renovations and programs to keep the youth connected to family, school, and supportive services. The budget also funds the continued expansion of services at the South County Government Center in Watsonville. Through some maneuvering, the board also managed to avoid some big cuts to the health agency — for now. Supervisors agreed to take $500,000 from planned road repairs and other areas of the budget and use the money to keep the county’s lab and radiology services
Spinning 101
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Saturday, July 26 • 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aromas Grange, 361 Rosa Ave.
oin Aromas Hills Artisans at the at the Aromas Grange for a fun and creative morning exploring the world of wool. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to make your own spindle, spin yarn, and weave it into a unique keepsake. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and enjoy the magic of fiber arts! A fee of $75 pays for all materials you need. n Presented by Aromas Hills Artisans
“Building Permits” from page 23 Possibly the most intriguing recommendation is hiring an ombudsman — “a dedicated staff member who is the liaison between the public and staff to explain and resolve any conflicts and assist people through the permit process.” The role would also need to be publicized “so that applicants know whom to address when they have concerns.”
“Briefs” from page 23 The cleanup effort highlights the Scouts’ commitment to service and environmental stewardship while reinforcing the power of collaboration among local organizations. Scouts proudly took part in the effort, receiving heartfelt thanks from members of the baseball and park community. The event serves as a reminder that small actions can create a big impact, and organizers encourage community members to continue their efforts to keep local parks clean and enjoyable for all. To learn more or get involved in future events, visit www. BeAScout.org to find a local Scouting America unit near you. ••• Chuck and Ramona Allen Honored by Scouts huck and Ramona Allen of Watsonville will be honored at this year’s Skillicorn BBQ on Aug. 20 with the “Friend of Scouting” Award. For over six decades, the Skillicorn BBQ has been a cornerstone of support for local Scouting in the Pajaro Valley. What began over 60 years ago as an annual gathering of men at Crosetti Ranch to raise funds for local Boy Scout troops quickly outgrew the space. The event, named after its second home at
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Additional hires are needed but will be difficult to find. “Chronic understaffing in the county’s Environmental Health Department was often cited by interviewees as the reason for delays in permitting,” the report says. “Environmental Health is responsible for a host of needs, notably reviewing, approving and issuing septic systems and wells permits. A shortage of environmental
24 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
operating for three months. Most of that money will go to staff, keeping eight people employed who will keep the doors open and patients served. But it’s just for three months, and due to evolving fiscal conditions — including delayed federal disaster reimbursements and pending actions on the State and federal budget — county leaders cautioned that a mid-cycle review may be necessary and more cuts might be coming. For instance, changes in federal HUD eligibility requirements or Medical funding would also affect the county’s budget. In some circumstances, the numbers could go up or down by complete happenstance, like the Probation Department’s budget numbers. In February, county Assistant Chief Probation Officer Valerie Thompson estimated the county would save $300,000 by establishing a juvenile camp program in Felton. But now in June, that number is just $160,000. “We had an unanticipated youth committed to Sonoma County and that had an unanticipated cost estimated to be $140,000,”
Through some maneuvering, the board also managed to avoid some big cuts to the health agency — for now. Supervisors agreed to take $500,000 from planned road repairs and other areas of the budget and use the money to keep the county’s lab and radiology services operating for three months. Most of that money will go to staff, keeping eight people employed who will keep the doors open and patients served. explained Justin Nunes, fiscal officer for Probation. “The point I’ll make is that … it’s a very fluid number.” The budget passed by unanimous vote. n
Skillicorn Ranch, eventually became the cherished family gathering we know today, held annually at the Padres Hall in Corralitios. Chuck and Ramona Allen have been serving the region for decades as Realtors, as well as volunteers and financial supporters of numerous local nonprofit organizations. The Skillicorn BBQ is a vital fundraiser for the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, directly benefiting the Scouting America programs in our area. This includes Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring across Santa Cruz County. Through the incredible generosity of attendees, the BBQ has enabled countless local Scouts to participate in leadership programs and has provided over $600,000 in Campership Awards, ensuring deserving youth can experience the transformative power of Scout Summer Camp and Cub Scout Day Camp. More than just a fundraiser, the Skillicorn BBQ is a beloved annual tradition, a chance to connect with friends, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate community. It’s also a special occasion to honor the newest Eagle Scouts in the District and recognize the esteemed “Friend of Scouting” Award recipient. The event, scheduled Aug. 20, begins at 5 p.m. at Padres Hall, located at 35 Browns Valley Road in Corralitos. n
health specialists is a statewide problem not easily overcome. Most counties are not able to fully staff environmental health positions and thus have to rely on trainees.” Other recommendations include establishing a walk-up front desk service to assist homeowners, non-building professionals and small contractors in navigating the permit process; developing
a public education campaign about different permit types to reduce illegal builds; reconvening the Building and Fire Code Appeals Board to adjudicate permit disputes quickly, publicly and with less cost; and directing relevant departments to review state code parameters that allow for county adjustments to building permit fees and identify the least-cost, least-delay alternatives. n
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Navigating California’s Water Regulations By Rebecca Gold Rubin
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alifornia’s public water systems operate in one of the most regulated water environments in the nation. These regulations are aimed at ensuring public health, environmental protection, and sustainable water supply management. From protecting drinking water quality to planning for droughts, water systems must comply with an evolving landscape of local, state, and federal requirements. Here’s a look at some of the most important regulatory programs that water districts, such as Soquel Creek Water District, must follow:
Cross-Connection Control
State Updated Requirements in 2024 Cross-Connection means any actual or potential connection between the District’s potable water distribution system and an auxiliary water supply, a pipe or piping system, plumbing fixture, appliance, container, receptacle, vessel or other devices that may allow for contaminated water, fluids, or other substance, other than the water supplied by the District, to enter any part of the District’s water distribution system. A few examples of cross-connections are a water service connected to a landscape irrigation system, a closed-loop fire sprinkler system, or a property with a private well. Normally, drinking water flows one way into your property. However, unprotected cross-connections could allow contaminated
water on your property to backflow—or reverse flow—into the drinking water system. Backflow negatively impacts your property’s water quality and poses a risk to the drinking water system and public health. The District recently was required to revise its Cross Connection Control (CCC) Policy to align with the State’s updated regulations which took effect July 1, 2024. The District’s draft revised CCC Policy has been submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board for their review and approval. You can learn more on our website at soquelcreekwater.org/315/ Prevent-Backflow.
variable climate and frequent drought cycles. Key components of a UWMP include: • Detailed Water Supply and Demand Forecasts • Drought Risk Assessment and Water Shortage Contingency Planning • Demand Management Measures • Recycled Water Use • Climate Change and Long-Term Reliability • Coordination with Other Agencies The District is currently preparing the 2025 UWMP which is due to the State July 1, 2026.
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
CA’s New Water Quality Regulation Chromium-6 is a naturally occurring metallic element that forms from the weathering of rocks and sediments in the groundwater basin that contain chromium-3. Over the past decade, California has set, repealed, and re-evaluated a maximum contaminant level (MCL) specifically for chromium-6. The state set a new MCL of 10 parts per billion effective October 1, 2024, making it the strictest regulation in the United States. “Regulations” page 26
Fourth of July
Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP)
Planning for a Resilient Future (2025-2045) UWMPs are foundational planning documents required under the California Urban Water Management Planning Act for suppliers who provide water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supply more than 3,000 acre-feet of water per year. They must be updated every five years and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources. UWMPs are critical tools that guide long-term resource planning and inform local, regional, and state decision-making. Their primary purpose is to ensure that water agencies have evaluated and planned for future water supply reliability, especially in light of California’s increasingly
ACROSS
1. Croat, e.g. 5. Reverential respect mixed with wonder 8. Island near Java 12. From where to eternity? 13. *”Land of the ____” 14. Rowed 15. Diabolical 16. Mideast bigwig 17. Unleashes 18. *Star-spangled banner (2 words) 20. Type of ski lift 21. *Day before Independence Day 22. Quilting party
23. Sherlock Holmes’ confidant 26. Formal dinner 30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. Sextet plus one 34. Cancel 35. Holey confection 37. Electric swimmer 38. Frame job 39. Comparison word 40. Type of deodorant 42. Skater’s field 43. *Like “America the Beautiful” skies 45. Covered with a ceiling 47. Tennis do-over 48. Surfer’s stops 50. Not guilty, e.g. 52. *Yankee Doodle’s feather
55. *”To Freedom!”, e.g. 56. Tel ____, Israel 57. BÈBÈ’s mother 59. Pseudonym 60. *Cup at a picnic 61. Do like exhaust pipe 62. Late George Wendt on “Cheers” 63. Give it a go 64. *Betsy of #18 Acrossrelated fame
DOWN
1. “He said, ____ said” 2. Russian left 3. Pomegranate seed 4. South African grasslands 5. Knight’s protection 6. Odd and unusual 7. Like ghostly howls
36. *Personification of the 8. *July 4th culinary U.S. (2 words) tradition 38. Show contempt 9. ____ 51 in Nevada 40. Decompose 10. Lecherous look 41. In eighth, book format 11. Dog tags 13. Felidae family member 44. “The Second Coming” poet 14. As a rule 46. Chemical cousin 19. Casper, e.g. 48. Relish 22. Cricket club 49. In an unfriendly manner 23. Measurement 50. Horseback sport 24. Hello, to Mr. 51. Bear’s hang-out Hand 52. Sail holder 25. Opposite of atonal 26. *Philadelphia’s Liberty 53. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” captain ____ 27. “____ death do us part” 54. Part of an eye 28. Draw out a conclusion 55. Sun kiss 58. “The Extra-Terrestrial”29. Drank too much inspired toys 32. Lowly laborer 33. What lintel and mantel © Statepoint Media have in common
Answers on 31 »
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Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology Esoteric Astrology • July 2025 • By Risa D’Angeles
A
bove the doors of the Mystery Temple is an axiom which reads, “Know Thyself.” There comes a time when we seek to know about ourselves, about the world we live in and about the heavens above. We become seekers, and each seeker becomes curious and comes to knowledge in their own timing and in their own particular way. During the summertime, under Cancer Sun and Jupiter, Archangel Uriel calls seekers to forests and meadow to study and to learn. We study the signs in the heavens (astrology) and learn how each sign communicates (everyone is different), each sign’s task and purpose. Then we begin to know ourselves. And when we know more about ourselves (and others), we cultivate a wisdom, and then we begin to love (ourselves and others) more and more. Astrology helps us find our place in the world, it builds the lower mind to reach up to the higher mind, & eventually it reaches the place where we can gaze at our Soul. And see that our Soul is gazing back at us. And then we have a companion forever & ever. And Love happens.
ARIES
Study is uninteresting at first to Aries, busy with initiating new adventures. Aries needs to start things, always be first, not get too deep, and use their quick, sharp mind for mental bravery and sports metaphors. In class, before the teacher completes a question, notice the first-hand waving is Aries. Later in life this very same Aries will become the brilliant wit, philosopher extraordinaire and the one who synthesizes and anchors (Ray 7) vast information.
TAURUS
Knowing ourselves through the study of astrology (signs in the heavens, the language of God, as God Geometrizes), we gather information that leads to knowledge (of self). With Sun and Jupiter in Cancer (high intelligence), that knowledge of self begins to nurture and nourish each of us. Knowledge, enough of it, leads us to wisdom. And then love follows. Upcoming events in July. In July three planets turn retrograde - Neptune (other worlds), Saturn (structure, time) and Mercury (communication, thinking) retrograde. The United States 249th birthday is Friday, July 4th. Mercury retrogrades July 18 (15 degrees Leo), ‘til August 11 (4 degrees Leo). A time to recognize our gifts and talents. We study and review the astrological signs (their function, purpose, reasons to be) several times each year. At the beginning of a new year and then again midyear, in summertime when the living is easy, under the sign of Cancer, which is the sign of remembering. And Leo, the sign of cultivating our talents and gift and offering them to the world (Aquarius). n
LEO
This is the professor in training, the actor, director, dramatist, the power leader, the one with the will and stamina because they’re in direct contact with the heart of the Sun. Creativity is essential. They display themselves, their creations, and their personality in order to be recognized and appreciated. Praise helps them grow, and they can’t evolve without it. In a classroom, they are the shadow teacher. Someday they’ll own their own institute, academy, or church and lead with both heart and mind.
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
These are the professors on sabbatical even when they’re teaching. Education is something they find while traveling, carrying mail, opening a publishing house, or being free to eat in every restaurant in the world. They love food and are hidden epicureans. Always optimistic, they glide over details better than a Gemini. In the classroom these are the students who seek the “why” of everything. Sags are the “rider on the white horse.” Their life is an actual pilgrimage. They unveil the eyes of Lady justice.
CAPRICORN
This is the rational and serious student always looking ahead, climbing the corporate ladder in order to break the glass ceiling. They study for hours, slowly but surely constructing their brilliant yet practical initiate minds. Capricorn is a realist, disciplined and purposeful, logically working towards goals. One day, like a tired goat, they fall off the Himalayas, land in the middle of a Gemini Festival of Humanity, and find spirituality. Capricorns have the keys to the kingdom. Watch them carefully and befriend them. Sometimes they are lonely on those drafty mountaintops.
They don’t talk much and can’t take pop quizzes or write long paragraphs. They’re deep thinkers and one never knows if, and when, they’ll answer questions or be ready to do a class project. They gather information and when older, have more money and real estate than the rest of us, saving all they have for the seventh generation. Ask them about real estate and gold. They illuminate the world for us. They hold our personalities in their heart which forms them into a golden chalice.
This is the librarian, the detailer, the weaver, the draper, the one who takes all of Gemini’s unrelated facts and sets them in alphabetical order and creates a card catalogue on-line. Virgos are hidden behind pursed lips and almost closed eyes since they research everything in minutest detail. They really need to run and play more instead of focusing all of their time on details, percentages, and efficiency. They never give all of themselves away. They hide the Soul.
GEMINI
LIBRA
They come from the future so hardly anyone understands them. They learn differently from everyone, put things off until the last moment, and anything dull (like yesterday) bores them. Their inventiveness is extraordinary, but they need complete freedom, time, and space for brilliance to find them. Speed and movement help them think. They make unusual artists and love things glass-like, filled with fire. Their minds function more like lightning than regular brain cells. They’re our waters of life poured forth for thirsty humanity. They love humanity.
SCORPIO
Well, here we are at the end, which is the way Pisces often feels in the classroom and in the world. This is a complex and perplexed sign since they often don’t know why they’re on Earth. Classrooms stifle them, assignments and deadlines aren’t understood, and time is mysterious. When given care and explanations they assemble themselves somewhat and begin to work. They learn intuitively and need everything to relate to everything else. When asked a question they know the spiritual side of a subject, which is actually the essence of the inquiry. Well-constructed shoes keep them steady and safe.
They talk, talk, talk and charm us out of responsibilities. They know a lot about everything, are deep but don’t have time to share it. They’re not supposed to. They’re supposed to make us curious enough so that we go deeper, not them. They read everything from milk cartons to small bits of paper. They’re very curious and do seven things at once. They present dual realities so we can choose. They can’t. They are humorous, deflect being known and underneath is a heart of love.
CANCER
Communication comes more easily to you with Mercury in Cancer. It is most important now to listen to your intuition, which is asking you what nurtures and nourishes you. Mercury, the messenger, brings forth the Art of Living, also harmony and beauty. What in your life has harmony and beauty? What in your life and environment needs harmony and beauty? Is there a wound or hurt occurring? A separation somewhere? Something you don’t understand and it’s limiting you? Warm golden turmeric drink will help.
Daily & Weekly Updates
These are the ones whose task is to walk into a situation and create chaos. The ultimate Libran brings forth harmony and balance, but only after destroying the harmony that existed in the first place. Learning for Libra is about who’s having a relationship with whom and how does it relate to them. In a group they lead by understanding how everything connects. The optimum learning environment for Librans contains fragrance, flowers, calm colors, art objects, order and beauty. They are the best relationship. They are to be the harmonizers. The student in the back of the classroom in black or deep purple, wearing sunglasses and never talks or shares is a Scorpio. Their eyes penetrate matter to its core, they know all the answers but they tell no one. They work alone, make excellent surgeons, and have a depth of knowledge matched only by Pisces. Not liking to be the center of attention we never ask them questions. They don’t like anyone knowing their business. They make good detectives and often open and teach in Mystery (Wisdom) Schools. •••
AQUARIUS
PISCES
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“Regulations” from page 25 Currently, CA is the only state in our nation with a dedicated MCL specific to chromium-6. Only three of our groundwater wells require treatment to meet the new standard and the District has already completed the environmental review and a pilot test using Reduction Coagulation Filtration technology to remove chromium 6. Design of a new treatment plant is currently underway and construction will begin in April 2026. Your tap water is still safe to drink. For more information, visit soquelcreekwater.org/705/ Water-Quality-FAQs. Water Quality Testing and Compliance: Comprehensive and Continuous Water agencies are required to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, enforced by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water. Routine water quality monitoring includes: • Primary standards (health-related) such as lead, nitrates, arsenic, and PFAS • Secondary standards (aesthetic) for taste, odor, and color • Unregulated contaminant monitoring to detect emerging threats • Compliance with public notification requirements in the event of exceedances We publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) yearly. You can read the 2024 CCR on our website at soquelcreekwater.org/210/Water-Quality-Report
Groundwater Management
Mandated to be Sustainable by 2040 The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires groundwaterdependent basins to develop and implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, in which we are a founding member, is responsible for updating and implementing the GSP in Mid-County. The GSP was approved by the state in June 2021 and the state requires our region’s basin to be sustainable by 2040. You can read it here: midcountygroundwater.org/ sustainability-plan While California’s regulatory framework is undeniably complex, it plays a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring the longterm sustainability of our water resources. For water districts like ours, compliance with state mandates is not optional—it’s a legal responsibility that comes with significant operational activities and financial cost. Meeting these regulations requires ongoing investments in infrastructure, monitoring, treatment technologies, and staffing. We take this obligation seriously. From ensuring robust treatment and monitoring to protecting against seawater contamination, we are committed to meeting the state’s rigorous standards. These regulations aren’t just rules—they shape how we serve our community today and into the future. n ••• Rebecca Gold Rubin is the public outreach coordinator for the Soquel Creek Water District.
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Why Drones Are Crucial for California’s Economic Future By Tamara Goraya MARINA — California’s Central Coast and the broader statewide economy stand at the brink of a technological transformation driven by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These innovations, once the stuff of science fiction, are rapidly becoming cornerstones of a modern economic ecosystem — creating high-skill jobs, accelerating economic growth, boosting regional resilience, and securing America’s position as a global leader in aviation. Drones are already revolutionizing key sectors, including infrastructure inspection, emergency response, package delivery, and precision agriculture. In a state like California — home to rich agricultural valleys, sprawling urban areas, and rugged terrain — these technologies provide unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and speed. Acting upon this opportunity is one of the key conclusions identified by Uplift Central Coast Coalition/California Jobs First and the Regions Rise Together initiative — both convened by MBEP. Imagine a future where drones deliver medical supplies to rural hospitals, monitor wildfire conditions in real time, or inspect bridges and power lines without risking human life. That future isn’t speculative; it’s beginning to unfold now. However, to fully realize the economic promise of UAS and AAM, we must establish a robust domestic industrial base and facilitate their safe and seamless integration into the National Airspace System. This isn’t just about efficiency. It’s a national security and economic imperative. The administration’s recent executive order underscores this urgency. It calls for scaling UAS operations, accelerating rulemaking for beyond visual line of
sight (BVLOS) flights, deploying AI tools to streamline waiver applications, and launching pilot programs for eVTOL aircraft. For California — a state at the forefront of both aviation and technological innovation — this is an unprecedented opportunity to lead. Why does this matter for California’s economy and, specifically, the Monterey Bay region? First, UAS and AAM development creates a high-tech manufacturing and software ecosystem that offers good-paying jobs, ranging from aerospace engineering to drone-based agricultural and infrastructure inspection services. Investing in these sectors diversifies California’s economy beyond traditional tech and entertainment, enabling rural and suburban communities to share in the innovation economy. Second, building and securing domestic drone production reduces our reliance on foreign-made systems, particularly from adversarial nations. Just as America has sought to repatriate semiconductor and battery manufacturing, the drone industry
will also be anchored at home. Strengthening supply chains for critical drone components ensures that California remains competitive and that our technology isn’t subject to foreign manipulation or cybersecurity risks. Third, drones and AAM can address longstanding inequities in transportation, healthcare access, and infrastructure development. In areas where traditional road systems are inadequate, these aerial systems can deliver goods, connect isolated communities, and provide new modes of mobility. For underserved populations of California’s Central Coast, this is not just a convenience — it is a lifeline. The federal government’s plan to support test ranges, enable advanced pilot programs like the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, and prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones is also a call to action for local governments and industries. Public-private partnerships will be key. Local agencies should collaborate with research institutions and private companies to propose and implement pilot programs that address local needs. These efforts can showcase scalable models for
cargo delivery, emergency medical response, and rural access — aligned with California’s climate, workforce, and innovation goals. Moreover, California must push for equitable regulatory frameworks that allow small businesses, start-ups, and community-based organizations to participate in this aerial revolution. The same drone technology used for defense applications must also be adapted to support climate resilience, farmworker safety, and disaster relief — priorities deeply relevant to our state. This is why MBEP co-founded the Monterey Bay Tech Hub alongside UC Santa Cruz and DART. This initiative goes beyond aviation; it is about transformation. Drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies represent a significant leap in our economic infrastructure, similar to the impact that railroads, highways, and broadband had in the past. By investing in this emerging field, California can establish resilient, future-oriented industries that embody its core values: innovation, sustainability, equity, and security. Additionally, investing in AAM at this early stage allows California the opportunity to shape industry standards in a manner that ensures the technology is used equitably, benefiting all people. The skies above us are no longer just a pathway for commercial jets and satellites. They represent a new frontier of mobility, poised to deliver public benefits and economic vitality. California has the talent, the urgency, and the public mission to lead this charge. Now is the time to act. n ••• Tahra Goraya is President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR make more room for everyone, trucks will be parked in the lot in front of the rec building. That means more room for lines, more room for dancing, and space to COUNTY FAIR AMATEUR WINEMAKING COMPETITION lay out your picnic blankets Entries due by July 23 and chairs. Make the most For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st The Santa Cruz County Fair Amateur Winemaking of this wide-open setup! Department is holding their annual Raise a Glass for a Cause: winemaking competition and all home Tuesdays PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS On June 27, The SVEF Beer winemakers from Santa Cruz and & Wine Garden will be open 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting EL MERCADO FARMERS MARKET surrounding counties are invited to and pouring all evening! Every sip supports Scotts Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and 3-7 p.m., 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville enter. Valley public schools, with 100% of profits going Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting El Mercado is a weekly farmers’ market promoting access Whether you make Pinot Noir, directly to educational programs. to fresh produce and wellness resources for Pajaro Valley a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Dogs on leashes are always welcome — bring the caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions families. a lesser-known variety, this is your whole crew! to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, Due to construction at Ramsay Park, El Mercado has opportunity to have your wines blind tasted and evaluated We’re so excited to see familiar faces and new friends challenges, and ideas. by a panel of judges who will provide valuable feedback. moved to 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville (in the lot behind Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents as we keep the season rolling. Watsonville Health Center). All entries will be assigned placement from Gold to Follow @foodtrucksagogo on Instagram & Facebook More details Open through October, El Mercado features fresh produce, can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific Honorable Mention and ribbons will be awarded. at: foodtrucksagogo.com ready-to-eat foods, local artisans and monthly family events. mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with Enter online at santacruzcountyfair.com/2025-entry-guides. others facing similar challenges. El Mercado also offers health screenings, vaccine clinics, and Bottle submissions can be dropped off between July 1 – July 23. Saturdays Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, There is no fee to enter. See the 2025 Entry Guide for more info. community resources in partnership with local nonprofits. SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE Funding for El Mercado was made possible by a grant from the depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each April 27-May 25 online: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. CAL FIRE IS HIRING session. See https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12190276 for details SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced in For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ Second and Fourth Tuesdays thru August June that the California Department of Forestry and Fire parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794 First Saturdays TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERTS Protection (CAL FIRE) has launched a new recruitment CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP 6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Wharf Stage, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz website, JoinCALFIRE.com. This website serves as a Thursdays 9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, one-stop destination for individuals eager to build a HAPPY HOUR Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants welcome back Tuesday meaningful career with one of the nation’s premier fire 5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Night Live at the and emergency response agencies. California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic Park. Santa Cruz Wharf. JoinCALFIRE.com gives applicants information about happy hour every week. Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated Come to the the department’s diverse career paths: firefighting and to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve Wharf Stage every natural resource management, defensible space, aviation, the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational second Tuesday of Third Thursdays communications, human resources, land use planning, activities of Capitola. the month — plus SIP AND STROLL information technology, administrative support and more. 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email shows on the CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over Dominion Court, Aptos KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com. fourth Tuesdays in June, July and August — for live the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for music and games. and 600 seasonal positions annually. Second Saturdays a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell Check out Wharf Business pop ups, including a game Visit JoinCALFIRE.com for more information their works. and photo booth by The Booth Biz. HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY Every Tuesday is Local’s Tuesday: get a stamp validation Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE SUMMER SCHEDULE tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. from any business on the Wharf and receive 2 hours of Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strollDisplay every second Saturday. Admission is free. professional theatre free parking! Bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! company in Santa We can’t wait to see you at this series and thank you for tickets-668910307737 Second Sundays supporting local! Cruz County with Fridays (except First Friday of the Month) Experience concerts aboard Chardonnay Sailing – not SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST local roots that go back more than 40 years, has 8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, announced their performance calendar for their 2025 the entire concert but a limited time as a part of the sailing LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP experience. Attend a concert on the wharf for a chance to 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Santa Cruz Summer and Fall festival. win a gift certificate to one of these sails! Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the comTickets are at santacruzshakespeare.org. Dates library. munity for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every Performances will take place July 13 through Sept. 20 June 24 — Extra Large Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710. second Sunday, this month on June 8. in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) in Santa Cruz’s July 8 — The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, DeLaveaga Park. Fourth* Fridays July 22 — Fish Hook hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa. The 2025 season theme is “No One is Alone”. August 12 — The Joint Chiefs FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6 Following two years of record-breaking ticket sales, the August 26 — Sweet VooDoo Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are 5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley 2025 festival will include four plays in rotating repertory: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ *September date is 3rd Friday welcomed. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the parks-recreation For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call The Food Truck Friday season is rolling along in Scotts musical Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Valley. Join us at Skypark for an evening filled with flavor, (831) 423-6640. Lapine, Pericles by William Shakespeare and George Wilkins, Last Wednesdays of the Month live music, and all the fun that makes this community and “Master Harold” … and the boys by Athol Fugard. PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS tradition so special. DATED EVENTS COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS Free admission, and free parking at Skypark & Cavallero 6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. Friday July 4 bus station The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Special dates and times: Sept. 19 (third Friday-Start at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly FIRECRACKER RUN 4:30 p.m.) • Oct. 24 (Start 4:30 p.m.). meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville. 8 a.m. – noon, Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz New Setup, More Space: To help protect the park and The 40th Annual Firecracker Run takes place Friday, July Upcoming Meetings: June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December 4, starting in Harvey West Park. The race have not yet been decided. consists of a 10K, 5K and a Kid’s 1K For agendas, posted 10 days early, see santacruzcountyfair.com Fun Run. Runners on the 10K will AN EVENING WITH JANE WIEDLIN OF THE GO-GO’S be treated to the challenging “Thrill Thursday July 17 of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before ONGOING EVENTS 6:30-10 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz topping out on the Spring Trail that Mondays Join Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s for an intimate in-conversation with the winds through the beautiful meadow BRIDGE CLUB Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, followed by Wiedlin performing with a next to UCSC before dropping down into 10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 handpicked ‘Super Group’ of Santa Cruz musicians, and a DJ dance party the neighborhoods then returning to Harvey West Park. The Aptos Branch Library hosts Bridge Club sessions on after that. 5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained comMondays (except holidays). Tickets are $38 GA and $53 for VIP. More information at www.EventSantaCruz.com. pletely in the Harvey West Business Park Area. The 5K course Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible. Everyone ends up Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Jane Wiedlin • Philadelphia Bourse 1988 back in Harvey West Park for music and awards. This year’s Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. race beneficiary is For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Restaurant in San Francisco, will prepare the gourmet meal using produce from the farm. Attendees will also enjoy a farm tour, drinks (including special wine pairings) and live music, courtesy of the Quail Hollow Drifters, a trio playing traditional Americana music. An engaging keynote about sustainability will be given by Manjula Martin, author of “The Last Fire Season,” a deeply incisive inquiry into what it really means to live in relationship to the elements of the natural world. Tickets cost $195, benefit the Homeless Garden Project’s programs and are available at www.homelessgardenproject.org.
For more information or sign up, visit Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run. The Firecracker run is organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruz FIrecracker10Kand5K
Sunday July 6 NORCAL CRUSHER CUP 8 a.m. check in, DeLaveaga Park, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz Repack Racing presents the 2025 NorCal Crusher Cup on the trails in DeLaveaga Park. This race, for middle schoolers through adults, features a course with a great mix of fast hardpack with sections of more technical roots and rocks. The Delaveaga Park Crusher Cup will feature RDIF timing, Medals for the top 3 finishers in each class, prize money, and food trucks. For more information or to register visit https://crushercup.com/ crusher-%233-delaveaga. HOLY GHOST PARADE Begins at 9:30 a.m., Cedar St. and Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz The 97th Annual Holy Ghost Parade will start at the corner of Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue and go by Holy Cross Church, around mass at 10:30 a.m. The procession concludes at the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall (C.P.D.E.S.), where everyone will be served a traditional Portuguese sopas meal, followed by a bazaar, auction, music and dancing. For more information and to RSVP, go online at https://www. santacruzportuguesehall.org.
Tuesday July 8 CAPITOLA SOROPTIMIST CLUB 4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will hold its Club meeting, which is free and open to the public. Club members will present and vote on fund-raising activities for the new 2025-26 fiscal year and select leaders for the Club’s four pillars including membership, fund-raising, programs and public awareness. Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. For more information, visit the website at www.best4women.org.
Sunday August 10
BIKE PURCHASE INCENTIVE PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS COUNTY-WIDE GO BIKE! PROGRAM AIMS TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO BIKE COMMUTING Applications for the GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program are now being accepted. GO Santa Cruz County, a program of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) that encourages commuters to seek alternative transportation, aims to encourage people to switch from driving to biking by providing equitable and affordable access to clean transportation options. GO BIKE! provides eligible applicants with vouchers ranging from $300 - $1,200. Incentives include $300 for a traditional (non-electric) bike, $800 for a standard e-bike, $1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike and a subsidized annual BCycle membership ($245 value). Vouchers are redeemed at the time of sale and purchase price will be reduced by the amount of the voucher. Learn more and apply at: gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike. To receive the voucher, applicants must complete a bicycle safety training facilitated online by local nonprofit Ecology Action. The safety training addresses the need for e-bike users to know the rules of the road and feel confident riding around town. HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide! Santa Cruz’s booming craft beverage scene will also be heavily represented by breweries and cideries new and old. There will also be a wide array of foods from BBQ, Tacos, Brick oven pizza, and many vegetarian options. There will be classic cars to admire scattered about the Beer, Cider, merchandise vendors and two music stages. Join the festivities once and you will always want to return. So bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food, over 60 beers and ciders to taste and so much more! Visit https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-event/hop-n-barleybeer-festival/ for more info.
refreshments and exploring one of Santa Cruz’s newest community spaces. The Live Oak Community Center offers a comfortable, centrally located space now available for club meetings, trainings, community classes, and more. Come see how this versatile venue can support your next gathering! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the vital role our parks and libraries play in enriching our community. Cost: $10 Chamber Members | $20 Non-Members
Thursday July 17 WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos Speaker Morgan Lukina, Managing Broker at David Lyng Real Estate, through honest reflection and real-world experience, will explore the moment she knew her business needed a shift, the steps she took to reimagine her direction, and how she balanced risk with stability. The event will also be supporting the United Way Stuff the Bus Campaign. Attendees are encouraged to bring needed school supplies, make a monetary donation or bring a gift card. School supplies needed include pencil sharpeners, pocket calculators, yellow highlighters, backpacks (no red or blue), colored pencils (12 count), Crayons (8 or 24 count), 2-inch 3-ring binders, 3-ring wide-ruled binder paper, 12-inch rulers and more.
HOW TO MEDITATE 2-4 p.m., Cabrillo Campus, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (Horticulture 5001 — up on the hill) Learn how calm mind chatter for more clarity, patience, peace & performance at Meditation: Science, Spirituality, and Practice. Explore why meditation helps and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy. Class will include specific methods to help make a meditation practice easy. Instructor Jeff Hotchkiss is the author of ‘Putting Wisdom to Work, Practical Mindfulness for Maximal Living’ 2nd Ed. Cost: $38. Register at 831-479-6331 or extension. cabrillo.edu. For more information or to stay informed about future classes — including free How to Meditate gatherings — send an email to: wisdom2work@gmail.com or text 831-854-7306.
Wednesday August 20
SKILLICORN BBQ Begins 5 p.m., Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road, Corralitios Chuck and Ramona Allen of Watsonville will be honored at this year’s Skillicorn BBQ with the “Friend of Scouting” Award. For over six decades, the Skillicorn BBQ has been a cornerstone of support for local Scouting in the Pajaro Valley. What began over 60 years ago as an annual gathering of men at Crosetti Ranch to raise funds for local Boy Scout troops quickly outgrew the space. The event, named after its second home at Skillicorn Ranch, eventually became the cherished family gathering we know today, held annually at the Padres Hall. The Skillicorn BBQ is a vital fundraiser for the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, directly benefiting the Scouting America programs in our area. This includes Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring across Santa Cruz County.
Friday September 13
WCH FOUNDATION TWILIGHT TAPESTRY GALA 5:30-9:30 p.m., Watsonville Civic Plaza Building Rooftop, 260 Rodriguez St. The Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation will be hosting its Second Annual Twilight Tapestry Gala — an Wednesday July 16 Saturday July 12 evening of celebration and community support — on the rooftop of the Watsonville Civic Plaza SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIAL ART & WINE IN THE GARDEN Building. 1-2 p.m., Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel 5:30 – 8 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Lake This signature fundraising event The Porter Memorial Library is holding its summer ice Ave, Watsonville brings together community leaders, Every day, BirchBark helps families facing devastating cream social and story time event for hospital supporters, and local preschool and primary youngsters. choices by providing urgent financial assistance for residents in support of high-quality, There will be books, songs, puppets, and life-saving veterinary care — sustainable healthcare for the Pajaro a craft with storytellers Jeanne Jorgensen and grief support when the worst Valley and surrounding areas. and Juli McDermott. The July topic is happens. Gala Highlights include live and silent auctions and a ocean fish. On July 12, the annual Art dinner hosted by Fire4Hire Catering: For more information, contact the library at 831-475-3326 or & Wine in the Garden event Tickets are available now through the Foundation’s Saturday July 19 visit https://www.porterlibrary.org/upcoming-events. from 5:30-8 p.m. at Sierra Azul Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twilightKim Kasner Burnin’ Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E SUSTAIN FARM SUPPER tapestry-gala-tickets-1315213181029?aff=oddtdtcreator. Love Art Studio — EVENING NETWORKING MIXER Lake Ave, Watsonville, brings 4-7:30 p.m., Homeless Garden Project’s Farm, Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz Early purchase is encouraged, as the event is expected Wood-burned pet together artists, winemakers, 5-7 p.m., Live Oak Community Center (next to Simpkins Swim Homeless Garden Project hosts the Sustain Supper, a farm to sell out. portraits and home décor, chefs, and supporters in a Center), 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz to table dinner, which benefits the Project’s employment Sponsorship opportunities are also available and provide vital all hand-drawn without The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an shared mission: keeping pets and training programs for individuals experiencing support for the Foundation’s ongoing healthcare initiatives. All prolasers or printers. and their people together when evening networking mixer to celebrate Parks & Recreation homelessness. ceeds from the Twilight Tapestry Gala will benefit the Watsonville it matters most. month at the Live Oak Community Center. The supper will be held on the Homeless Garden ProjCommunity Hospital Foundation, helping ensure the long-term Tickets are $95 and can be found at www.birchbarkfoundation. Mingle with local professionals, community leaders, ect’s Natural Bridges organic farm, located at Delaware sustainability and excellence of local healthcare services. n org/birchbark-events-collection/2025/7/12/art-and-wine. and park and library supporters while enjoying light Ave. and Shaffer Rd. Chef Katie Reicher, of Greens
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 29
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Exposed But Not Compensated
Vets Affected by Volatile Organic Compounds Need Help
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By Jordan Cade
olatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that evaporate easily from solids or liquids and are commonly found in military-grade degreasers, aviation fuels, and weaponcleaning agents used across U.S. defense operations. Research shows that VOCs can play a central role in the development of cancers and endocrine disruptions. Presently, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates more than Jordan Cade 200 VOCs through the Clean Air Act, all of which have known, documented toxic effects. Despite the well-known effects of these substances on human health, the PACT Act 2022 does not include VOCs on the list of toxic agents for which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides compensation. Notably, more than 20 diseases are recognized here in conjunction with toxic exposure, many of which are also caused by VOCs. This creates a paradoxical situation where a veteran exposed to VA-recognised chemicals receives compensation, while another veteran exposed to VOCs and developing the same condition does not. In the latter case, this veteran needs to undergo an extensive process to prove causality, collect data on exposure and link it to their diagnosed illness, often without the benefit of clear documentation or acknowledgment from military records.
Why VOCs Are Not Yet Listed Under the PACT Act
The VA has a complicated process for recognizing toxic agents for which compensation is provided. One of the first steps here is a systematic evaluation of the existing scientific literature on a specific toxic compound. The same procedure is used for expanding the list of presumed diseases under the PACT Act, where this evaluation is concentrated on evidence linking a specific toxic agent with a disease. Notably, VOCs are not one single
compound, but rather hundreds of compounds for which research is significantly scattered. At the moment, consistent data is available for trichloroethylene (TCE), where epidemiological studies, as well as research using animal models and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, demonstrate that TCE has carcinogenic effects and can also impact multiple organs. Subsequently, until more comprehensive data is available for other VOCs, these will probably remain unrecognized by the Act. Another issue here is the dose-dependent effect of VOCs. There is sufficient data to demonstrate that VOCs produce toxic effects in a dose-dependent manner, meaning that the more these substances are inhaled, the more likely it is for adverse health outcomes to occur. The Department of Defense has no current system in place to document VOCs exposure. This means that demonstrating a clear exposure history becomes virtually impossible for most veterans, especially those deployed in combat zones or working
30 / July 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
in high-risk maintenance roles where VOCs were routinely used. Moreover, without records and documentation of exposure, VOCs are also problematic to be introduced as presumptive. Nevertheless, considering that the VA’s mission is to provide equitable care and support for all veterans impacted by servicerelated exposures, the department should work towards prioritizing better documentation of VOC exposure and systematically reviewing existing literature to identify compounds with sufficient evidence of harm.
VOCs Exposure in California Veterans
VOCs exposure is particularly common in Air Force bases because of the routine use of industrial solvents, degreasers, and jet fuels in aircraft maintenance, fueling operations, and equipment cleaning. In California, George Air Force Base, March Air Force Base, and Travis Air Force Base are all EPA superfund sites because of contamination with various toxic chemicals, including VOCs.
California has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, counting almost 1,300,000 people. In 2023, 1.337 of these veterans lived in Santa Cruz, a county with proximity to former and active military installations. Veterans from this region who served at bases with known VOCs contamination now face significant challenges when seeking recognition and compensation for health issues tied to VOC exposure. This PACT Act omission reflects a broader systemic oversight, where the fragmented nature of VOC research and lack of exposure documentation allow a known hazard to persist without institutional accountability and without compensation for those who were exposed in the line of duty. n ••• Jordan Cade is a lawyer and advocate for civil justice working at the Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., a Birmingham-based firm dedicated to representing clients in environmental and toxic exposure cases.
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SCCAS Featured Pet
Displacement Disguised as Planning
Is the RTC Targeting Seniors and Low-Income Residents?
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The Old General
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uddy (A321317) is a neutered male, brown and white Horse and Quarter Horse and arrived at the Santa Cruz shelter on May 21. The staff think he’s around 20 years old. Buddy was brought to the shelter after his owner passed away when family members could not take over his care. Buddy has not been ridden in quite a few years, but previously did some roping work. He was most recently kept on a 1.5-acre pasture with access to a pen and barn stall with no other horses or pets. He is a bit shy of new people and his new situation. We’re hoping to find Buddy a stable home as a companion, where he’ll be managed with patience and plenty of love. ••• 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
By Cami “Clemensen” Corvin, Capitola Resident
n Santa Cruz County, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is moving forward with rail and trail planning, but at what cost? A growing number of residents believe the RTC is engaging in selective, inequitable enforcement of land use rules, targeting vulnerable communities while sparing more powerful ones. Case in point: Castle Mobile Estates (CME) in Capitola is a senior and low-income community that has been in existence since 1971, with approval from HUD, the County, and the City. Residents, many of whom are elderly and live on fixed incomes, received threatening letters in 2024 from the RTC, claiming their homes “encroach” on the rail corridor and must be removed or altered by June 30, 2025. Failure to comply would result in RTC performing the removals themselves and billing residents for the associated costs. This threat came after RTC finally completed a boundary survey in 2023, 11 years after purchasing the corridor in 2012. At the time of purchase, RTC’s own title report acknowledged encroachments. They did nothing for over a decade. Now, with no offered funding, no HUD variances, and no public planning relief, the burden is being shifted to elderly homeowners who’ve lived peacefully for decades. RTC claims only five homes are affected. That’s misleading. In truth, at least 16 homes in CME and a similar number at Blue & Gold Mobile Home Park are expected to face significant impacts, with costs running into millions of dollars. So, what’s the difference between these homes? Low-income seniors own them.
Compare that to Capitola Beach Villas, an upscale condominium complex on 41st Avenue that also encroaches on RTC property. This was confirmed through a recent Public Records Act request. This double standard is indefensible. If enforcement is truly about clearing space for a future rail or trail, why are only senior mobile home residents being threatened, while wealthy condo owners are left alone? Legal experts representing Castle Mobile Estates have pushed back, citing the 1877 deed, prescriptive use, boundary estoppel, and numerous other defenses, as well as the RTC’s prolonged inaction, as evidence that these homes have a right to remain. Yet RTC continues to press forward, putting elderly residents at risk of displacement and financial ruin. It’s time to call this what it is: selective enforcement that disproportionately impacts seniors and low-income residents. At best, this is negligence. At worst, it borders on institutional discrimination and Elder Abuse. Public infrastructure planning must be equitable, transparent and humane. No community should be sacrificed quietly in the name of progress, especially not when others are spared for no reason other than socioeconomic status. We must demand better from our regional agencies. The RTC’s approach to “solving” encroachment must be consistent, compassionate and legally defensible — not based on the size of someone’s bank account or the age of their roof. Santa Cruz cannot afford a rail or trail built on displacement. n
Fourth of July © Statepoint Media
Castle Mobile Estates www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / July 2025 / 31
Capitola & Soquel BY THE NUMBERS May 2025 MLS Data
21
1.95m median sale price
new listings
17
median days on market
101% list price received
10
homes sold
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