Digging for Treasure City Hails Promise of New Playground
By Jon Chown
Local leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of Treasure Cove, Capitola’s first universally accessible playground, on Oct. 28.
Treasure Cove will feature a marine and shoreline theme with specialized equipment, including a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, cozy domes, sensory play structures and climbing zones, ensuring children of all ages and abilities can play together side by side.
The project was made possible through a partnership between the City of Capitola and County Park Friends, which led an 18-month capital campaign that raised more than $1 million in private donations. ... continues on page 4
Final Report Released on Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has released the final Project Concept Report for its Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail project, answering some key questions and leaving others unanswered.
Full Story page 5
Story page 21
Thousands
Attend No Kings Rallies
Organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the Oct. 18 No Kings Rally in Santa Cruz, and another 2,000-plus at the event in Watsonville. Full Story page 8
Digging for Treasure: City Hails Promise of New Playground, By Jon Chown
Community News
5 Final Report Released on Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project, By Jon Chown
6 Housing Matters Showcases Progress on Harvey West Studios in Santa Cruz
7 Welcome to Capitola!
8 Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies: Protests in Santa Cruz, Watsonville Mostly Jovial, By Jon Chown
9 Prepare for Lift Off!: Advanced Air Mobility to Power Local Economy, By Jon Chown
10 Arrest Made in Alleged Road Rage Incident, By Jon Chown
14 County Releases Final Report on Aging Plan: Survey Highlights Strengths, Challenges, and Next Steps for Aging Well in Santa Cruz County, By Jon Chown
19 Councilmember and Resident End Dispute: Orbach and Magquire Apologize to Each Other, By Jon Chown
20 Aptos Chamber Celebrates Holiday Season with Tree Lighting & Makers Market • New County Program to Alert Property Owners to Fraud • Housing Matters to End Day Services Program • New Principal Appointed at Soquel Elementary
21 Driver Dies as Van Plunges Off Wharf: Local Outrigger Club Saves Dog During Practice Paddle, By Jon Chown • California State Parks Offers Free Veterans Day Admission to Military Families • Community Bridges WIC Remains Open During Potential Federal Government Shutdown
22 Ribbon Cutting for New Brighton’s New Track on Nov. 6 • Santa Cruz Symphony to Perform ‘The Planets’ at Civic and Mello • 42nd Annual Wine & Roses Fundraiser Returns to Watsonville
23 Capitola Beach Festival Brings Joy, Community, and Visitors to the Village • State Parks Launches Multimedia Exhibit at Santa Cruz Mission
27 Council Opts for Caution on Pathway: Authorizes $20,000 to Study Erosion Issue Before Big Spend, By Jon Chown
Local History
18 Campo Del Mar Porcelain: A Colorful Capitola History, By Deborah Osterberg
Is ZEPRT
24 A Cost-Effective Transit Vision: The Case for Personal Rapid Transit in Santa Cruz County, By Michael Saint
Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Scorpio — The World Disciple, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists
12 Dealing With Continual Housing Needs, By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola
12 All that Glitters, By Marc Cuniberti
13 ‘The Hypnotic Effect’: Wordsworth Riding on a Horse-drawn Carriage, By Joe Ortiz
24 From Backpacks to Lifelines: United Way of Santa Cruz County Has Helped for 85 years, By Yvette Lopez Brooks
25 A Season of Gratitude: For Water, Community, and the Future, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 The Secret Ingredient for Kids’ Mental Health: Sleep, By Dr. Lori Buttewworth
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“Over 1,500 donors contributed to Treasure Cove. Their generosity has brought us to this moment,” said lead community fundraising volunteer Dan Haifley.
“It’s a great project,” said Mayor Joe Clarke. “Treasure Cove represents the very best of Capitola.”
The City of Capitola provided $475,000 in initial funding for outreach and design; additional funding came from a $3.2 million Community Development Block Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Together, these resources not only fully funded Treasure Cove Playground but also enabled the city to invest in broader improvements at Jade Street Park, including new restrooms, improved pedestrian access and enhanced connections to the Jade Street Community Center.
“What I’ve realized is that when you have playgrounds that are inclusive, it means a lot to the parents and a lot to the children who then can be a part of something that is foundational for what we stand for,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). “It gives you that sense of belonging.”
The Capitola City Council awarded construction contracts for Jade Street Park, the Treasure Cove Playground and the renovation of the bathrooms at the park at its Oct. 23 meeting.
The council voted to award the $2.4 million Treasure Cove Playground project to SSB Construction Inc. and the $484,000 Jade Street Park Restroom Renovation Project to CWS Construction Group Inc.
The approvals followed the council’s [June 2024] decision to finalize construction plans for the playground, restroom and
community center patio improvements and to advertise the projects for bids.
Bids for the playground were opened Aug. 21. Of the four bids received, two were ruled nonresponsive because of incomplete or inconsistent CDBG documentation. SSB Construction Inc. was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder at $2,446,238.
The restroom renovation was bid in September, with bids opened Oct. 14. All three were responsive and met CDBG requirements, with CWS Construction Group Inc. submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid at $484,000. n
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Congressman Jimmy Panetta remarks on the importance of the playground with Capitola Mayor Joe Clark beside him. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Treasure Cove on Oct. 28.
Final Report Released on Zero-Emission Passenger Rail and Trail Project
By Jon Chown
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has released the final Project Concept Report for its Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail project, answering some key questions and leaving others unanswered.
The report, published Oct. 24, follows months of public outreach and feedback from advisory committees, agencies, stakeholders and community members. It builds on earlier studies, including the 2015 Rail Transit Feasibility Study, the 2019 Unified Corridor Investment Study and the 2021 Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis. It does not commit the RTC or local governments to building a rail project. It just provides analysis.
“This report represents an important step forward in understanding what zeroemission passenger rail could mean for Santa Cruz County,” said RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen. “It gives our community and decision-makers the facts needed to thoughtfully consider how this system might enhance mobility, sustainability and access for all.”
The projects proposes new passenger rail service and stations on about 22 miles of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line corridor. The southern most station would be in Pajaro and the north end would be located near the Santa Cruz Wharf. It would take from 40 to 55 minutes to travel from end to end.
The project also includes the development of 12 miles of the Coastal Rail Trail — Segments 13-20 from Rio Del Mar Boulevard through the community of La Selva Beach and the city of Watsonville — and the Capitola Trestle reach (Segment 11).
The rail line passes with one mile of nearly half of the county’s population, more than 90 parks, 40 schools and hundreds of businesses. The goal is to connect this artery to the California State Rail Network at Pajaro, as envisioned in the 2024 California State Rail Plan.
The proposed route has created concerns up and down its length. The final report addresses some of this, but leaves the most controversial questions unanswered. In Watsonville, the rail is shifted from the center of the roadway to the north side of Walker Street, which is supposed to allow for two lanes of traffic to keep operating, while maintaining access to businesses in the industrial heart of Watsonville. That has been a concern for both residents and businesses.
A bigger controversy remains along the Capitola trail segment, where the right-ofway overlaps the Blue & Gold Mobile Home Park in Live Oak, and Castle Mobile Estates in Capitola. “Alternatives to address these constraints will be evaluated as the project continues to advance through the environmental process,” the final report reads.
“Final Report” page 15
Housing Matters Showcases Progress on Harvey West Studios in Santa Cruz
SANTA CRUZ — Community leaders and development partners took a tour of the construction site of Harvey West Studios on Tuesday as Housing Matters celebrated its progress on a 120-unit permanent supportive housing project set to open in 2026.
When complete, the five-story complex will provide studio apartments integrated into the Housing Matters campus on Coral Street. The project will combine housing with on-site medical and behavioral health care and case management services designed to support long-term housing stability.
The $66 million project, located at 119 Coral St., is being developed in partnership with Bogard Construction and David Baker Architects. When completed, it will be the largest permanent supportive housing development of its kind in Santa Cruz County.
“This project recognizes that housing is a powerful foundation from which to build health — physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally,” Housing Matters said in a statement. “Harvey West Studios will offer the stability that is so needed in the community.”
Construction features include an allelectric design with energy-efficient systems, landscaped gathering areas and a rooftop deck to encourage community connection among residents and staff.
The tour culminated on the rooftop. Housing Matters CEO Phil Kramer said the community space on the rooftop would be named after Claudia Brown, former board president of Housing Matters who died in 2020.
Funding for Harvey West Studios comes from a coalition of public, private and nonprofit partners. Century Housing is leading a $32.4 million construction loan in partnership with the Housing Accelerator Fund. UnitedHealth Group, the project’s
largest private-sector investor, contributed $15 million.
Other funding sources include:
• A $9.3 million construction-to-permanent loan from the Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund
• $11 million in state and federal earmarks, including $8 million from the State of California and $3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• $8.9 million raised by Housing Matters through its capital campaign
• Support from the state’s No Place Like Home and Multifamily Housing programs
• Grants from the Central California Alliance for Health’s Medi-Cal Capacity program
• Project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz Tuesday’s hard hat tour and briefing will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the construction site, with remarks and panoramic views from the fifth-floor terrace.
Among those taking part in the tour were Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz; UnitedHealthcare of California CEO Steve Cain; MidPen Housing Senior Vice President Joanna Carman; and Housing Accelerator Fund Chief Investment Officer Jan Lindenthal-Cox. Housing Matters, based in Santa Cruz, partners with individuals and families to transition from homelessness into permanent housing. The nonprofit offers case management, interim shelter and supportive housing and shares its campus with the county’s Homeless Persons Health Project and Dientes Community Dental Clinic. n
More information about Harvey West Studios is available at housingmatterssc.org/ harvey-west-studios.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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Coconut Thai Cuisine owners Nuni Saiboh Poytress (left) and Kae Bailes hold the ribbon on either side of head chef Aek Boonrat as he cuts the ribbon to start the grand opening event Friday, Oct. 24.
Coconut Thai Cuisine can be found in the Brown Ranch Marketplace next to Jamba Juice 3555 Clares St. Ste. RR.
From left: Nuni Saiboh Poytress, Aek Boonrat, Kae Bailes and chef Ray Nantakarn celebrate after the ribbon cutting.
Friends and family celebrate with owners Kae Bailes (from right) and Nuni Saiboh Poytress as the grand opening celebration begins.
A look at the inside of Coconut Thai Cuisine
Thousands Attend No Kings Rallies Protests in Santa Cruz, Watsonville Mostly Jovial
By Jon Chown
Organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the Oct. 18 No Kings Rally in Santa Cruz, and another 2,000-plus at the event in Watsonville. Both were part of what was probably the largest nationwide demonstration in American history as more than 2,700 events were held across the country with more than 7 million people attending.
Ross Levoy of Santa Cruz stood on a grassy slope listening to people speak at the beginning of the Santa Cruz rally before protesters would march from San Lorenzo Park to the county building and back. The park was packed with people and Levoy said the crowd was about 20 to 30% larger than the last No Kings event he attended in June.
“Believe it or not, this is my first time I’ve ever protested anything,” said the retiree who has lived in Santa Cruz for 43 years. “You can’t hide your head in the sand anymore.”
Mary Lynne Connor of Aptos was standing not far away, holding a protest sign. Connor is retired after a 42-year career in teaching and now volunteers for a variety
of causes, including feeding homeless at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen. She said she can’t stand to see the suffering as programs are cut.
“It’s very scary,” she said. “People are being pushed to the side.”
Connor’s sign, which read “I Have A Dream” with a comical image of President Trump in handcuffs being led to prison, garnered a lot of compliments from the crowd.
“That’s the best sign I’ve seen all day!” A fellow protestor exclaimed while walking by, wearing a T-shirt that said “I am Aunt Tifa.”
The mood of the protest was mostly jovial. Police presence was so minimal it wasn’t visible. Many protesters were in costume, some carried instruments and most had signs. Some of the signs had pointed messages, some were profane, many poked fun at the president and some were just funny.
“Hey Alexa, Change the President,” “IKEA Has Better Cabinets Than Trump,” “ICE is for Soda.”
Entire families took part in the rally. George Zaferes of Aptos attended with his wife and five friends. The women in the group were dressed in banana costumes. Zaferes estimated that there were about 20 percent more people than at the No Kings rally in June.
“I’ve always been a centrist politically, but what I’m seeing in Washington is really alarming,” he said. “I am a patriot. Everyone has their reason for being out here and they’re all legitimate. What this administration is saying about these protests is different from what I’m seeing.”
Protesters could be seen in many busy places throughout the city. They lined Ocean
Street and waved to honking cars. Over in Watsonville, the event was mostly contained to the City Plaza, which was packed with people. Voters were being registered at one booth. At another booth, protest signs were quickly being created. Many of those in attendance were from outside of Watsonville and came to support what they see is a community in the crosshairs. Laura Milligan, from Santa Cruz, drove up from Carlsbad to participate in the Watsonville event.
“It seems like it has more impact here. This is where a lot of local families live who are in need of protection from policies that are unconstitutional,” she said.
Alice Rockhold and Anne Marie Sorcenelli, both from Rio Del Mar, came with a group of friends to support Watsonville. For Rockhold, this is her ninth protest since January. She has protested at the Tesla dealership in Monterey, at an event in Lake Tahoe, and other spots along the way.
“No Kings” page 19
Protesters hold signs and chat together in San Lorenzo Park.
Protesters have fun in Watsonville.
Prepare for Lift Off! Advanced Air Mobility to Power Local Economy
By Jon Chown
SEASIDE — Change is coming to America’s transportation system and it’s being innovated in our backyard, according to regional government and business leaders who gathered at CSU Monterey Bay on Oct. 17 for the 2025 Annual State of the Region conference. The event discussed key issues and trends shaping the local economy.
Presented by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, the conference featured legislative updates from State Assembly and Senate members, panel discussions with local industry leaders, and short expert takes on local trends. One recurring topic was the region’s rise and leadership in what was termed advanced air mobility technology.
developing the Jet Age. This is the Jetson Age.”
Tuchen said she brought representatives from 23 federal agencies to the region in June of 2023 to look at what was happening locally and since that time activity has increased. She said legislation will be released after the current shutdown ends regarding AAM, including the national definition of what the industry is.
“This industry is maturing and it’s here now,” said Sarasina Tuchen, senior scientist at the U.S. Department of Transportation, while leading an industry panel on the subject. Tuchen said AAM consists of at least two new aircraft types, as well as companies creating automation systems for existing aircraft. There is new infrastructure development and more. “It’s a rapidly new sector. It’s not a single technology; it’s a collection of technologies.”
Tuchen explained that the nation’s transportation system hasn’t changed much since
President Eisenhower created the national highway system in the 1950s, but major change is coming soon. “This is a thunderbolt to the system,” she said. “This is a generational shift. For the past 60 years we were
Holidays Ahead
“The way the act is written will keep America as a leader in innovation. We are going to build smarter and better infrastructure and connect suburban and rural communities across the country,” she said. And it will all start here. The two national companies leading the way are both located in the region: Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Archer is headquartered in San Jose and tests its aircraft at Salinas Municipal Airport. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal officer, said the company started with 75 employees in 2018 and now has about 1,500.
“Air Mobility” page 15
The Joby facility at the Marina Municipal Airport.
Arrest Made in Alleged Road Rage Incident
By Jon Chown
A56-year-old resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains was arrested and charged with a number of crimes on Oct. 22 after allegedly trying to run another car off the road in Scotts Valley.
According to social media post by the Scotts Valley Police Department, in the late afternoon, a female driver called 9-1-1, reportedly in a frantic state, and reported that a male driver was trying to run her off the road. She had stopped for a coyote that was in the road and the man apparently thought she had “brakechecked” him. He then got out of his car, approached her side door, and began threatening to kill her.
NEST RESTAURANT
She drove away in fear for her life, but he pursued her with his vehicle going across a double yellow into opposing traffic to run her off the road. She provided a full description of the man, his vehicle and a partial plate and was advised to pull over for a “speedy response” from the department.
The male suspect fled the area, but was intercepted by officers who saw him pull into the parking lot of a local liquor store. He was given a field sobriety test and failed, with a breathalyzer revealing his blood alcohol percentage to be three times beyond the legal limit.
“He displayed continued aggression throughout the contact, using vile and inappropriate language putting on full
“He displayed continued aggression throughout the contact, using vile and inappropriate language putting on full display the same threatening conduct that he had exhibited towards the female driver. He was subsequently provided with a time out in County Jail.”
— Scotts Valley Police Department
display the same threatening conduct that he had exhibited towards the female driver. He was subsequently provided with a time out in County Jail,” said the post.
David Shane Evans, who lives in the unincorporated area of Scotts Valley, was charged with DUI; DUI while on probation for DUI; and threatening a crime with intent to terrorize. The last charge could result in a three-year prison sentence.
Scotts Valley Chief of Police Steve Walpole said the department is able to respond very quickly to events like this and it didn’t take long for officers to find him.
“We are pretty pro-active on our local streets,” he said. n
A patrol car’s dash camera records David Shane Evans failing a field sobriety test. Evans was arrested and charged with DUI and terrorist threats in an alleged road rage incident.
Dealing With Continual Housing Needs
Here in Capitola, the City has taken all the steps required to remain in compliance with California’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA. For those who may not be familiar with the term, RHNA is a state law that requires each region — and the cities and counties within it — to plan for a specific number of new housing units over an eight-year period.
On the surface, this goal sounds simple enough. But in practice, it has been a complex, expensive, and often frustrating process for cities like Capitola. We are being asked to overhaul long-standing land use and zoning codes through a consultant-driven process that is costly both in dollars and in staff time. Because Capitola has no undeveloped open space left, this means repurposing existing land, buildings, and even businesses for additional housing.
The challenge doesn’t end there. Many of the new state housing laws also remove traditional safeguards such as Environmental Impact Reports, traffic studies, and parking requirements. These reviews have historically allowed cities and their residents to evaluate how new developments would affect local neighborhoods. Without them, we are left with unanswered questions about how the influx of new residents from proposed housing projects will affect our police, fire, emergency services, roads, and schools.
At a recent City Council meeting, several residents voiced their concerns about Capitola’s RHNA rezoning plans. Their question was straightforward: Why do we have to do this? The honest, and somewhat disheartening, answer is that these mandates come from the State of California. Local governments, including ours, have little choice but to comply.
The frustration many residents feel is not unique to Capitola. Across the state, cities such as Huntington Beach, Berkeley, and Murrieta have raised similar concerns, especially with California Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) and its expansion, SB 423. These laws significantly reduce local control over development decisions by creating a “ministerial,” or by-right, approval process. This means that if a city has not met its state housing goals, developers can bypass traditional public hearings and environmental reviews, leaving locally elected officials and community members with little say in the process.
While SB 35 does include some criteria that projects must meet, it exempts many from a full review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Critics argue that this fast-tracked system can weaken a city’s ability to address issues like traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. Another concern is that developers, once given streamlined approvals, have up to four years to obtain construction permits. This creates the potential for projects to be treated as “entitlements” to be sold later, rather than as urgently needed housing.
The impact of these mandates can already be seen in neighboring communities. Recently, in Scotts Valley, a large office building once home to the technology company Seagate was demolished. The city’s mayor at the time expressed frustration that the decision was largely out of local control, driven instead by state housing requirements.
As mayor, I share in the concern that
By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola
this “one-size-fits-all” approach does not account for the unique character and limitations of smaller communities like Capitola. While we all agree that addressing California’s housing crisis is important, we must also acknowledge that the solution cannot come at the expense of local voices, thoughtful planning, and the preservation of community character.
So where do we go from here? First, we need to remain engaged and informed as a community. Residents should continue asking questions and sharing their concerns with City Council and staff — we are here to listen. Second, we need to work together to advocate for change at the state level. Contacting our
All
Gelected representatives — our State Senators and Assemblymembers — is one of the most effective ways we can make our voices heard. It is critical that they understand how these laws are affecting communities like ours.
Lastly, while we comply with state mandates, we will also continue to do everything in our power to preserve what makes Capitola such a special place. Our city’s charm, history, and community spirit are worth protecting. Growth and change are inevitable, but it is our responsibility to ensure they happen in a way that strengthens, rather than undermines, the fabric of our town.
Together, we can push for housing solutions that balance state goals with local needs — solutions that provide affordability and opportunity while respecting the unique character of Capitola. n
that Glitters
By Marc Cuniberti
old is golden right now. Seems like only a few short weeks ago that I penned an article revolving around the price action of both gold and silver.
My, how time flies when you’re having a good time, and gold and silver prices are definitely partying it up.
Up over a thousand dollars an ounce in just a handful of weeks, gold is reaching new heights seemingly every day. The price increases of both metals hit high gear in the last 6 weeks or so and only time will tell if the meteoric rise continues or takes a breather and corrects a bit.
On October 17th, prices finally took a break and backed off of their relentless rise.
Silver mirrored gold rise and its price finally broke through its January, 1980 high of $50/oz. Doing the quick math, it took silver 45 years to recover where it was way back then. Half a century!
Why now are both metals soaring you ask?
There are many theories and some cold hard truths as well.
Rising prices are brought about by the simple fact that there are more buyers than sellers of the available supply. It is true that a dwindling supply can also cause price spikes, but in the grand scheme of things, this is not the case at this particular point in time with gold and silver.
The gold market is not very large compared to many other markets. At gold’s current price, the total gold market sits at around 1.2 trillion. For comparison, the U.S. stock market tops the 62 trillion-dollar mark while the global stock market is valued at about 127 trillion.
Meanwhile, the silver market sits at about 3 trillion.
So who is buying all this silver and gold and driving prices into the stratosphere?
The rumor mill points a possible finger at central banks of the world.
Central banks are the banks of entire countries. They control the currency of each of their respective nations with the exception of the countries that use the Euro. The Euro is controlled by the European central bank which encompasses 20 countries.
Needless to say, if central banks are scooping up gold and silver, it can supercharge the markets of either metal due to the sheer size of their bankrolls.
“Gold” page 16
Watching The Markets So You Don’t Have To
‘The Hypnotic Effect’ Wordsworth Riding on a Horse-drawn Carriage
By Joe Ortiz
The throbbing sound of a repetitive rhythm can produce a hypnotic effect to cause inspiring word patterns to well up from our unconscious.
Manuel-Lin Miranda listened to “looped” rhythmic recordings through his ear-buds while jogging to instigate inspiration and spontaneity in writing lines for the musical Hamilton.
Willian Wordsworth wrote poetry while
riding on a horse-drawn carriage over the cobblestone streets of London. The patterns of hoof-beat repetition created a metrical armature on which to clothe his poetic phrasing.
Rhythmic pulses can be reminiscent of the beating of drums in a primitive tribal ceremony. These aural reminders of incantation, litany, and ritual can help us escape conscious thinking — allowing new thoughts, images, and sounds to dash across the blackboard of our minds.
The opposite effect — an incomplete or partially recognizable sound or image — can also be inspiring. Often, we hear a song playing at low volume or view a painting from a distance and these faintly recognizable sensations can jolt our minds into “filling in the blanks.” Because the sounds or images are not precise, we tend to complete them with our own imaginations, projecting our own interpretations onto them.
What We Can Do?
If you’re a writer, try writing while
taking a walk, using the sound of your own “hoof beats” to create a repetitive pattern. On top of that rhythmic pulse, recite something — anything — into a recording device. Try not to “be creative” or to “come up with something.” Simply allow words to flow. Listen to your recording later and cull whatever gems you may have accessed from your unconscious.
If you’re a musician, try a technique used by Paul Simon. He plays along with an existing recording and reharmonizes it with new chord changes. He then writes a new melody on top of the new structure.
I’ve tried a variation of the Simon method to come up with a Latin-based tune titled “Put Some Money in the Jar” by running a Buena Vista Social Club song on my car radio and singing a new melody, using my own lyrics. Surprisingly, the melody turned out being vastly different than the original.
If you’re a painter, go into a museum and view paintings from a distance. Based
on the incomplete image you see, improvise vignettes of your own creation into a notebook. Do numerous sketches and do them quickly. Try not to think or calculate images, just scribble with line and value. Draw as many vignettes as you need to do in order to relinquish the thinking mode and access the unconscious zone of your own expression.
If you are none of these because you think of yourself as “not creative,” surprise yourself. Many of us love going to art galleries. So the next time you go to a gallery, a museum, or attend an art opening, bring a few pieces of paper and a pencil or marker and do the final painter’s exercise above. What you come up with might help you design a new vision of your garden or discover a novel approach for setting the dinner table for a party of guests. n
Joe Ortiz is a resident of Capitola. He would love to hear your comments and questions. Email him at joe@gocapitola.com.
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County Releases Final Report on Aging Plan
Survey Highlights Strengths, Challenges, and Next Steps for Aging Well in Santa Cruz County
By Jon Chown
The County of Santa Cruz has released its final Community Needs Assessment report, the result of an 18-month effort to better understand what it means to age well in the county.
The report is part of the Age Well Santa Cruz County initiative, which will help shape the county’s local Master Plan for Aging, a long-term blueprint to support healthy aging for all residents.
The survey, launched Jan. 8, 2024, by the County Human Services Department, aimed to collect feedback about the experiences, needs, and challenges of older adults. It was developed through
a countywide partnership among local leaders, community-based organizations and residents themselves. The work aligns with the statewide California Master Plan for Aging, helping guide age-friendly policies and priorities for years to come.
More than 3,200 residents age 40 and older had participated by the time the survey closed on March 31, 2024. Preliminary data was released in September 2024, and the final report was published in August. It offers a comprehensive look at what older adults in Santa Cruz County experience day to day.
The county partnered with Clarity Social Research Group to design and run the survey. A steering committee of older adults, caregivers, and advocates guided every stage of the project, focusing on outreach to ensure all communities were heard.
Flyers were posted at libraries, health clinics, and senior centers. Surveys were distributed at emergency shelters, mobile home parks, and community events. One member went door-to-door in senior mobile home parks, while another collected surveys in Spanish in Watsonville to capture the voices of the Latino community. Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered and picked up surveys from homebound seniors, and local media helped spread the word.
The widespread effort was an attempt to have the full diversity of Santa Cruz
County represented, including lowincome residents, people with disabilities, and those who speak only Spanish.
Santa Cruz County is home to more than 72,000 residents over age 59, making up about 26% of the population. That share is expected to reach 30% by 2030. Respondents ranged in age from 40 to over 90 and represented every region of the county, from Watsonville to Boulder Creek. The survey asked about key areas that affect quality of life, including housing, transportation, health care, safety and community connection. It also explored issues such as affordability, caregiving and disaster preparedness.
Good Overall, But the Struggles Are Real
Many older residents described a generally positive experience living in Santa Cruz County. They reported good overall health, strong community ties, and appreciation for local resources such as libraries, volunteer opportunities and access to nature. Most respondents said they have reliable transportation and can get where they need to go, often driving themselves or relying on family and friends.
However, seniors over age 75 and those with disabilities or lower incomes that have to rely on public reported that it can be difficult to figure out how to use it, and it’s inconvenient even if you do.
A majority of residents said they feel connected enough to their neighbors to ask for help in an emergency. Many also expressed interest in learning more about aging resources and end-of-life planning, with 44% saying they want more information to help them plan ahead.
Older adults in Santa Cruz County also report better health than the national average, but gaps remain.
“Age Well” page 16
“Air
Joby is headquartered in Santa Cruz, where it employs about 1,000 people. Bonny Simi, president of operations, said the company employs another 650 people at its manufacturing and testing facility at the Marina Municipal Airport in Marina, and has more than 2,500 local employees in total. Most of them have come through the company’s training program, with no background in aviation.
“This is truly the center of AAM, and we are employing lots of people in the community,” Simi said. “We went out into the community and found people that were auto mechanics, butchers, seamstresses, and we created training programs.”
According to Simi, the success rate of the trainees was higher than the people with previous aviation experience who were hired from outside the community.
“Be proud. This is an amazing region. We are changing the world right here,” she said. Archer will be the air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and Lentell said the company is also working with local agricultural firms on possible uses for the technology. He said the plan for air taxis has met resistance from communities concerned about safety and noise, comparing it to the public’s hesitance toward self-driving taxis.
“We have to emphasize these are safe and have low noise. … This technology can bring great change and opportunity,” he said.
Simi echoed those sentiments. “Imagine if you could get to the Bay Area from here in 15 to 20 minutes? And what if you could get it underneath the cost of an Uber, about $125?”
Simi said Joby operates aircraft nearly every day at the Marina Municipal Airport and the public should come see what is happening.
“The aircraft are unbelievably quiet,” she said. “This allows us to get into communities.”
Lavera Alexander, chief growth officer for the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, said Santa Cruz and Monterey County is the only region in the state that has received state funding for AAM development. Regional airports are going to be equipped to handle AAM, including charging stations being built.
“The promise of what this program can do for this region, it’s mighty,” she said. “We will be a model for others to emulate.”
Companies outside the region are taking notice. Axel Radermacher, co-founder of ODYS Aviation, also spoke on the panel. His company focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, which are used for cargo and defense missions. Currently, it has a UAV that can carry 150 pounds up to 450 miles.
“We are headquartered in Long Beach,
but we are looking at relocating to the region,” he told the audience.
Regional Health Care
Most every issue affecting a local resident’s pocketbook was discussed at the conference, including health care. Dr. Allen Radner of Salinas Valley Health gave a perspective on what challenges regional health care providers are facing and what’s coming next. Neither were very positive.
Radner said the United States spends more on health care than other nations, but has worse outcomes. “It shocks people to hear that the median life expectancy right now in Bangladesh is better than in Mississippi.”
He said the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill by Congress will make things worse because it will further reduce hospital reimbursements for care. Regionally, patients at hospitals are insured about 25% of the time, compared with a state average of 40%. Medi-Cal reimburses about 50% of the cost of care, while Medicare pays about 75% to 80%, according to Radner. The shortfall is covered by patients with private insurance, causing rates to climb.
According to Radner, getting reimbursed, billing insurance agencies, has become such a chore that about 20% of care providers’ time and costs are put towards it. He said it also costs about $100 million for a medium-sized hospital to install a current medical records system. This, in turn, has made private practices obsolete. In the 1980s, 76% of medical practices were independent, and now 78% are contracted models. The result is fewer providers, less competition and higher prices.
Radner said even the survivability of local systems was in question, noting Watsonville Community Hospital is especially struggling financially.
“Watsonville is looking for a partner. It’s not working there,” he said.
In addition to rising costs, Radner said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was being undermined and the National Institutes of Health’s actions were “problematic.” Local hospitals, he added, are no longer protected from immigration raids.
“This is a huge issue in our region,” he said. n
“Final Report” from page 5
The projected capital costs ($4.28 billion) and annual operating expenses ($34 to $41 million) remain the same in the final report as they were in the draft. Unfortunately, how it would exactly be funded still does not seem to be fully determined in the final report. “A local funding source, similar to a tax measure like Measure D, would be needed to supplement federal and state funding,” it reads.
There were not many changes in the final report. It estimates that typical ridership will be 4,200 to 5,400 passengers per weekday for the year 2045, with weekend ridership lower. Annual revenues from fares were estimated at $5.1 million to $6.4 million. Additional strategies for generating revenue were also identified, including advertising at stations and on trains, transit-oriented development, electronic fare collection, and more.
Christensen said the report had not been shared publicly before Oct. 24 and emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency. The commission will receive a presentation on the findings at its December 2025 meeting and vote on whether to move forward with the project. n
A Joby aircraft prepares to land at Monterey Regional Airport.
Inspiring Lifelong Learning Since 1964
Book a Tour to Learn More About a Montessori Education
Extended Hours and Flexible Tuition Avaialble Ages 18 months to 14 years
“Gold” from page 12
Keep in mind, central banks can print up as much money as needed or desired. Even if the number of central banks buying the metals are few in number, the fact that they can print up as much money as they want makes a central bank a powerful force.
Even one central bank buying gold could drive the price higher. The more central banks that start to accumulate the metal, the faster the price rises.
Whereas an individual investor buying spree would certainly move the metals, a central bank buying spree has the possibility of fueling an inferno of price rises.
Why would the central banks of the world want gold or silver or both?
Simply put, gold and silver cannot be printed up willy-nilly like paper money.
Since the beginning of time, gold has been the money of kings. It is often called the only “real” money. It cannot be manufactured at will like paper dollars can. Its store of value has withstood the tincture of time over many thousands of years and it long standing store of value has never been duplicated nor questioned. Keep in mind also that the more
paper dollars are printed, the more they lose their value. And conversely, when paper currencies lose their value, gold goes up in price in those very same currencies.
And since central banks everywhere have been printing up paper dollars for decades, gold’s price has been steadily climbing in response.
Now that gold is on the menu for central banks, the race to print up paper currencies to buy gold is on.
It’s not rocket science.
Its economic science. Print paper and buy more gold. And the more they do it, the higher the gold and silver prices may go.
As always, what goes up can go down, so caveat emptor is the warning of the day.
“Watching the markets so you don’t have to.” n
This article expresses the opinion of Marc Cuniberti and is not meant as investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, nor represents the opinion of any bank, investment firm or RIA, nor this media outlet, its staff, members or underwriters. Mr. Cuniberti holds a B.A. in Economics with honors, 1979, and California Insurance License #0L34249 His insurance agency is BAP INC. insurance services. Email: news@moneymanagementradio.com
“Age Well” from page 14 People with disabilities, those who live alone, and people with low incomes or an unstable housing situation have a far more difficult time finding affordable health care. This theme, of the survey being mostly positive, except for low-income or residents with specific needs, ran throughout the report. Among the top concerns from residents were: : Many respondents worry about staying in the county as they age due to the high cost of living. This concern is strongest among younger residents, people with disabilities, and those with lower incomes. About 40% said they are unsure if they can stay in their homes long-term, and nearly 25% reported relying on free groceries in the
: Finding doctors or specialists who accept Medicare is difficult. About 25% of respondents said they had to travel outside the county for needed care in the past three months.
: Younger adults (ages 40 to 59) and caregivers reported higher rates of anxiety and depression. Many said mental health care is hard to access, especially affordable options.
: Caregiving responsibilities are widespread and stressful. More than 33% respondents over age 60 said they regularly care for someone with a disability, memory loss or serious illness. Those who care for both children and aging relatives reported the highest stress levels and said affordable respite
: Nearly half of older adults—45% of those 60 and over— said they do not feel well prepared for an
emergency. While many feel comfortable asking neighbors for help, others want stronger community connections and better access to emergency information.
• Isolation and Loneliness: About 20% of seniors reported feeling lonely or isolated at least some of the time. Younger adults also reported higher levels of loneliness and said they would like more opportunities to connect with others.
• Abuse, Neglect and Financial Scams: While only 3% of respondents said they had experienced abuse or neglect, experts believe many cases go unreported. Seven percent of seniors said they had been victims of a financial scam, highlighting the need for continued education and prevention.
The final report is to provide a guide for local policymaking. In a press release, County Executive Officer Carlos Palacios said the data will guide the next steps of the Master Plan for Aging, shaping programs, partnerships and investments to improve quality of life for older adults.
“Looking at the data culminating from the survey results, we are not surprised to see that respondents struggling the most financially are also those facing the greatest barriers to healthy aging,” Palacios said.
“Given the growing state and federal challenges the county and local nonprofits are facing, it is especially imperative that we are flexible, creative and innovative in our approach as we collaboratively develop effective strategies and partnerships to promote healthy aging.” n
The full Community Needs Assessment report is available through the Age Well Santa Cruz County initiative at santacruzhumanservices.org/ AdultLongTermCare/AgeWellSantaCruzCounty.
Campo Del Mar Porcelain: A Colorful Capitola History
By Deborah Osterberg
Campo Del Mar was a porcelain manufacturing business founded in Capitola in August 1945 by Waldemar F. Dietrich. Originally from Oregon, Dietrich was a mining engineer and metallurgist who once taught at Stanford University. He’d worked as a caster and mold maker since the age of nine, continuing in the tradition of his father and grandfather.
The Campo Del Mar factory on Capitola Avenue was one of the few firms in the U.S. devoted to making high-grade porcelains glazed in color. Dietrich was assisted at his small factory by J.R. McKinnie who served as his production manager. It was Dietrich’s wife Grace who coined the company name. Grace said that Campo del Mar meant “site by the sea” and she came up with it after perusing a Spanish dictionary at the Santa Cruz Public Library.
Campo del Mar produced quite fine, vividly colored porcelain. Most other pottery firms turned out white or ivory porcelain, which was a much easier process. After Dietrich molded an item into shape, it was fired to vitrification, which developed it to a white translucent body. Then he finished with various colors and re-fired. He used
a gas heated kiln at a temperature of about 1200 degrees for vitrification and about 1950 degrees for the gloss fire.
Though Dietrich originally experimented with about 30 colors, he eventually decided to limit production to a select twelve shades.
in New Jersey and later at McClelland Field in Sacramento. She also contributed to the development of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow fighter plane; the first warplane designed specifically as a night fighter. After her supervisory work at the Capitola Campo del Mar factory, she worked for several years with Vetterle and Reinelt, a long-time flower nursery on Capitola Road, best known for their tuberous begonias.
Another Campo Del Mar employee was Mary Botti. Born near Capitola, as a young girl she worked for Vetterle and Reinelt. She was quite a busy lady - an award-winning member of the American Fuchsia Society and in 1948 she conducted an experimental plot for the Spreckels Sugar Company of Salinas.
•••
Dietrich noted that one of his most popular products was the ”… after-dinner demi tasse assembly sets in three color combinations. The assembly … consists of a cup, saucer, serving plate, cordial glass, individual ash tray, one-package cigarette box, match holder, and snack dish. This assembly is made in chartreuse, green, black and grey, mauve and dusty pink.”
The factory on Capitola Avenue produced porcelain after-dinner coffee sets, vases, flower arrangement bowls, ash trays, etc. The clay was imported from the eastern U.S. (Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida) and Ontario, Canada. In a 1946 Santa Cruz Sentinel interview, Dietrich stressed that his high-grade, translucent porcelain ”… products are not for mass production, and practically every piece of work is turned out in octagonal or rectagonal shape so it cannot be duplicated by mass production by anyone else after he has spent time and money designing it.”
At any one time, Campo Del Mar employed about sixteen women who cast the high-grade porcelain. Mrs. Evora E. Shaver served as supervisor of glazing and Mrs. Luise Mable Beha oversaw casting and finishing. Other employees were listed as Mrs. Frances June Howes, Mary Botti, Peggie S. McCabe, Mary Lynne Godfrey, Dama Beatrice Haskett, Dorothy Vogt, Jessie G. Rehdorf, Blanche Allison Williams, Verna Ella Lane, Mary A. Mastel, Mrs. Dora Matoush, Julie Wessenberg, and Midred Lorayne Cash.
Here are further stories of two of these women:
Kansas native Evora Shaver, arrived in California from Wyoming in the 1940s. After her husband deserted the family, she became a single working mother. Once a schoolteacher, she went on to take government radar training at the University of Wyoming. During World War II she taught servicemen radar operation and installation
But this isn’t all this pretty dark-eyed young woman [Mary Botti] does. She gets up at 6 o’clock every morning, and at 7 o’clock she is at the Campo Del Mar Pottery where she assists W.F. Diedrich in his work until 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
Mary has made her own set of dishes which are lovely in soft tones of blue and yellow. Many of her lovely plants are in pottery containers which she has made, with soft green glazed surfaces.
— Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 9, 1948
The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported in 1946 that there were only two retail outlets for Campo Del Mar pottery in Santa Cruz County: Irvin M. Smith in Santa Cruz and Ford’s Department Store in Watsonville.
“Campo Del Mar” page 22
Evora Shaver, Campo del Mar supervisor of glazing. This photo courtesy of Susan Rossi, who recently donated nearly 30 pieces of her grandmother’s Campo del Mar porcelain to the museum.
Councilmember and Resident End Dispute
Orbach and Magquire Apologize to Each Other
CBy Jon Chown
apitola City Councilmember Melinda Orbach and Capitola resident Kevin Maguire apologized to each other during the Oct. 9 City Council meeting, seemingly ending a bitter dispute between the two that was creating a further divide in the community as well.
The row between the two began in April. Leading up to an April 17 council meeting, Maguire was distributing flyers urging neighbors to speak against a proposed trail route along Park Avenue.
While distributing the flyers, Maguire said he spoke Louis Cannarozzi and asked if he knew Orbach and could pass a flyer to her. Orbach says he asked Cannarozzi where she lived, which she interpreted as a threat.
Orbach then accused Maguire of this threatening behavior in the April 17 meeting.
Maguire said her accusations were slander and a code-of-conduct hearing was held in September by the council, but his complaint was dismissed. Maguire had also threatened a civil lawsuit.
At the Oct. 9 meeting, Orbach said that her husband Matt Orbach had talked to Maguire and his wife privately, which led to a meeting between the two couples, with Capitola Police Chief Sarah Ryan mediating. As a result, the two couples were better able to see each others’ viewpoints.
“By getting the conversion off the internet … we were able to communicate on a more human level,” Orbach said.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Is ZEPRT Project Unfeasible?
Dear Commissioners, I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to share a brief thought ahead of your upcoming discussion on the Zero Emission Passenger Rail and Trail (ZEPRT) project.
When I worked at Google’s X Moonshot Factory, one of our teams invested significant time and resources developing an ambitious large-display technology made up of smaller displays. After extensive work, the team concluded that while technically feasible, the product could never be financially viable. The team reported this to management. Management made a remarkable decision — they rewarded the team for identifying failure early, gave everyone a bonus, and celebrated the outcome. Recognizing when to stop was
“No Kings” from page 8
“Our democracy is being attacked,” Rockhold said. “People are being arrested and sent to countries where they don’t even know the language.”
“The graft is unreal,” Sorcenelli said, who also mentioned the controversy around the U.S. Navy recently destroying about half a dozen different boats alleged to have been ferrying drugs out of Venezuela. “Why don’t they arrest them if they are carrying drugs?”
Mel Anderson, a 1959 graduate of Watsonville High School, stood beside the two women. He had his own agenda. “I just follow the ladies,” he said. n
seen not as defeat, but as responsible innovation and leadership.
The RTC now faces a similar moment of truth with ZEPRT. The data is in — escalating costs, limited ridership potential, and no sustainable funding model. Continuing down this path risks diverting scarce transportation dollars from solutions that can actually make a difference in people’s daily lives today.
It’s okay — and commendable — to recognize when a project no longer makes fiscal or practical sense. Ending ZEPRT now would demonstrate financial responsibility, integrity, and respect for the taxpayers you serve.
Thank you for your service and thoughtful consideration of this issue.
Warm regards,
— Jack Brown, Aptos
Maguire was the first to publicly apologize, taking advantage of public comment. He said he dropped his claim and would not pursue it any further. Maguire asked everyone to take a breath.
“We listened, we connected the dots and understand each other,” he said. “I’m sorry for any stress or fear my actions could have caused. … And I forgive her for everything on all sides. Life is too short to be bitter. … You don’t have to agree with someone to listen and respect them.”
Orbach responded by apologizing for
any stress or harm her comments caused and asked her supporters to stop contributing to any narrative that Maguire meant her harm. Said the first step towards lasting solutions is to get know our neighbors. “We are all coming at these problems from different angles, but we are in this together.”
The City Council rejected the Park Avenue route proposal at the April 15 meeting. Other questions regarding the Rail Trail still remain, with the funding gap being the primary issue. n
GOT ROOF PROBLEMS?
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Aptos Chamber Celebrates Holiday Season with Tree Lighting & Makers Market
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce
will host its Holiday Tree Lighting & Makers Market on Friday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 151 Aptos Village Way, behind the New Leaf Community Market. The festive, family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Visitors can enjoy live music from the Soquel High Jazz Band and Aptos Local Bagpipes, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and take photos with Santa. The market features more than 20 local artisans offering a wide array of handmade gifts and crafts, including jewelry, candles, ceramics, books, clothing, and wellness products.
Participating vendors include Acton Academy Santa Cruz, Cosmic Opals, Dragonfly Jewelry, Honey Do Gardens, Luxie Jewelry, Paradise Flame Candles, and many others.
The event provides a chance for the community to celebrate the holiday season together, shop local, and support small businesses. Organizers encourage families to attend and enjoy the festive atmosphere, live performances, and unique artisan offerings.
For more information, or to inquire about vendor or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467.
•••
New County Program to Alert Property Owners to Fraud
The Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office announced the launch of Fraud Notify, a new service that helps protect property owners from potential real estate fraud. The free, easy-to-use program allows anyone to sign up to receive an email alert whenever a document is recorded in their name. These alerts give property owners an early warning if a fraudulent or unauthorized document — such as a deed or lien — is recorded.
“Real estate fraud can have devastating consequences, and it often goes undetected until significant damage has been done,” said Sheri Thomas, County AssessorRecorder. “Fraud Notify empowers residents to monitor their property records and take quick action if something doesn’t look right.”
“With the launch of “Fraud Notify,” the Recorder’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are taking a proactive step to protect our community from real estate scams that can cost residents their homes and life savings. This tool empowers homeowners with timely information and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding property ownership through awareness, prevention, and accountability. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to the investigation and prosecution of real estate scams and fraud,” said District Attorney Jeff Rosell.
To sign up, visit https://www. recorder.santacruzcountyca.gov/ and click
on Fraud Notify to register. The process takes just a few minutes and provides ongoing protection at no cost.
•••
Housing Matters to End Day Services Program
SANTA CRUZ — Housing Matters will close its public Day Services program at its Coral Street campus at the end of March 2026, the nonprofit announced this week.
The decision, approved by the organization’s board of directors, comes as Housing Matters transitions the campus to include a supportive housing development. The move is intended to create a calmer, more focused environment for interim shelter guests and Harvey West Studios residents, according to the announcement.
Day Services, which have long provided access to showers, mail, and other resources for unhoused residents, will no longer be open to the public after the closure. The Hygiene Bay and The Nook will continue to serve current shelter guests and residents, while mailroom services and the Welcome Area will close to outside visitors.
Housing Matters said it is working with the City and County of Santa Cruz to find a sustainable way to continue offering daytime services for people experiencing homelessness.
“Our responsibility is to stay focused on the strategies that are proven to end homelessness: interim shelter and supportive housing,” the board said in a statement.
The organization’s Safety Kiosk will remain open to the public for urgent needs, including emergency response, Narcan distribution and case management referrals.
For more information, visit housingmatterssc.org.
New Principal Appointed at Soquel Elementary
SOQUEL — The Soquel Union Elementary School District has appointed veteran educator Ms. Birchall as the new principal of Soquel Elementary School, bringing more than two decades of teaching and leadership experience to the role.
Birchall has spent much of her career in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, serving as a teacher, math instructional coach and school leader. Most recently, she was assistant principal at New Brighton Middle School within the Soquel Union district.
A collaborative leader, Birchall said she believes “the best decisions come from working together as a school community.”
She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from San José State University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, Fresno.
“Briefs” page 22
Driver Dies as Van Plunges Off Wharf Local Outrigger Club Saves Dog During Practice Paddle
By Jon Chown
Rob Allen, of Aptos, was warming up with the Pu Pu O Hawai’i Outrigger Club before the group’s weekly practice Sunday morning, Oct. 26, when tragedy occurred. A white minivan plunged off the Santa Cruz Wharf and quickly sank, taking the driver’s life.
At about 9:44 a.m., according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, a report of a vehicle driving off the wharf came in. Santa Cruz Fire, Central Fire, Scotts Valley Fire, the Santa Cruz Police Department and State Parks personnel all responded to the scene, recovered the driver, William Westerman, a 65-year-old resident of Scotts Valley, but he never regained consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. More than a dozen divers searched in the murky water for more than hour looking for any other victims but found none.
Allen and his canoe crew, led by Emerson Sanderson, were able to save the victim’s dog. Allen said he tried to rescue the driver but could not. He and his crew were in one canoe with another club canoe just behind. They were warming up in the harbor, stretching and getting ready for practice, when he heard a huge crashing noise. About 150 yards away, a white van was on top of the water. Allen said it had landed on its roof, and the windshield appeared to have been “blown out” by the impact.
“The vehicle was perched on top of the water for maybe eight seconds or less. It was amazing how quickly it sank,” he said. “As soon as it hit we all started paddling over to it.”
There was debris from the wharf floating in the surf. People were screaming. It was a chaotic scene. Allen said Sanderson, the steersman, took charge and instructed the crews how to respond. He spotted a dog swimming under the wharf — a white boxer, probably weighing between 35 and 40 pounds. It managed to get onto a platform, but upset sea lions forced it back into the water. Allen jumped off his boat, swam over and lifted the dog up to Sanderson, who put it in the canoe.
California State Parks is inviting U.S. service members and their families to enjoy free admission to 142 state parks across the state on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
“California State Parks is proud to provide free access to veterans who have stood watch and protected our country,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We invite you to find rest, healing and connection within California’s most beautiful and cherished natural treasures.”
While federal government shutdowns have affected access and services at national parks, California’s state park system — the largest in the nation — will operate as usual, welcoming veterans and military families. Participating locations include state historic parks such as Sutter’s Fort and Colonel Allensworth, state beaches including Carlsbad and
“People up top (on the wharf) were shouting that there were people still in the van,” Allen said. He attempted a rescue, but the van was too far down and the water too treacherous.
“I’d get down 15 feet and almost be out of breath, and it was just black; I couldn’t see anything. I was probably only a third of the way to the bottom. I kept trying for a while, but realized ‘What am I doing?’”
By that time, Allen said, emergency responders had arrived. Rescuers were diving in with wetsuits on. He took the dog ashore and handed it off to law enforcement. “He was a very good boy. He was so obedient; he didn’t run off. He let me put a leash on him and put him into the police vehicle. I felt bad for the little doggo,” Allen said.
Later, Allen and the crew received a text from the dog’s owner, apparently the victim’s partner, thanking them for the save. According to Allen, the heroes of the day were the first responders.
“I realized just how scary a job the first responders have in a marine environment,” he said. “What they’ve got to do … swim all the way down to the bottom, into the gloom and recover a person. I can’t image how hard that job would be.”
What Allen attempted, though valiant, is not recommended, said Catherine Lee of the Santa Cruz Police Department.
“If you’re not trained correctly, it is extremely dangerous,” she said.
Lee said rescue divers have extensive training for the job. In this instance, the current was very strong and the water was really dark, making the rescue effort more difficult. The van was about 30 feet down. It was upside down and the driver was inside unconscious with the windows intact. The first divers attached a line to it so the next divers would know right where to go. Groups of divers would alternate so they could recuperate a bit before diving back down.
Lee said there is video of the incident that might help the police determine what occurred and why.
“It’s an ongoing investigation,” she said. n
Half Moon Bay, state vehicular recreation areas like Hungry Valley and Carnegie, and natural reserves including Tule Elk and Armstrong Redwoods.
Veterans, active duty, and reserve personnel can receive free admission by presenting a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct.
Parks that specifically honor military history and veterans also will be open for free, including Angel Island State Park, William B. Ide Adobe, Fort Tejon, Sutter’s Fort, and Colonel Allensworth.
A complete list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2025.
•••
Community Bridges WIC Remains Open During Potential Federal Government Shutdown
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
funded and operational ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.
While some federal nutrition programs— such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or pauses in benefits starting November 1, WIC participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption. All scheduled appointments will proceed as normal, and participants can continue to use their WIC cards for healthy food purchases.
“Families depend on WIC to ensure their children have the nutrition they need to thrive,” said Dana Wagner, Community Bridges WIC Program Senior Program Director. “We want to reassure our participants that WIC is open and ready to serve, even during this uncertain time.”
Community Bridges WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support,
healthy foods, and referrals to community resources for low-income families with young children and pregnant or postpartum women. Serving approximately 550 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants, and 3,800 children under five each month, WIC provides essential nutrition, education, and breastfeeding support to help families build a healthy foundation for their children’s growth and development.
WIC participants are encouraged to keep their appointments and reach out with any questions or concerns about their benefits.
WIC
and Hours
California State Parks Offers Free Veterans Day Admission to Military Families
Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Fire Department Safety tape is spread where a minivan plunged off the wharf on Oct. 26.
“Briefs” from page 20
Over the years, she has served as activities director, student council advisor, GATE liaison, math department chair and data team lead.
Outside the classroom, Birchall has been deeply involved in local athletics, coaching softball at Santa Cruz High School and in Carmel Valley, as well as middle school soccer and youth baseball in Capitola Soquel Little League. Her experience as a strength and conditioning coach informs her focus on student wellness, safe movement and team building.
Coming from a family of educators — including a great uncle who served more than 20 years as superintendent of Modesto City Schools — Birchall said she values mentorship and service. She also founded the River Birchall Foundation and serves on the Tim Brauch Foundation board, which supports youth in skateboarding and the arts.
“I look forward to partnering with students, families and staff to ensure an outstanding experience at Soquel Elementary,” Birchall said.
Superintendent Scott Turnbull said the district is pleased to have Birchall leading the school.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Birchall as the new principal of Soquel Elementary,” Turnbull said. “Her dedication to collaboration and student success will continue to strengthen our school community.”
Ribbon Cutting for New Brighton’s New Track on Nov. 6
CAPITOLA — The Soquel Union Elementary School District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the opening of a new turf track and field at New Brighton Middle School, 250 Washburn Ave.
“Campo Del Mar” from page 18
“Following on the heels of Scheherazade, our rousing first concert, The Planets will bring another familiar and beloved program to our schedule. Artistic Director Daniel Stewart pulls every bit of magic from the orchestra, highlighting their impressive talents.”
— Gary Reece, executive director, Santa Cruz Symphony
The event marks what district officials are calling “a new era” for the school’s athletic and physical education programs. The new facility was funded through Measure C, a bond measure approved by local voters in 2016, along with state matching funds, allowing the district to invest nearly $5 million in the project.
“We are thrilled for all our students, as well as for New Brighton’s award-winning physical education team,” Superintendent Scott Turnbull said in a statement.
The new track and field, described as state-of-the-art, provides a safe, modern surface for student athletes and physical education classes.
Community members are invited to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating the completion of the project.
For more information, contact Superintendent Scott Turnbull at sturnbull@ suesd.org.
•••
Santa Cruz Symphony to Perform
T‘The Planets’ at Civic and Mello
he Santa Cruz Symphony will take audiences on an imaginative journey through the solar system with its performance of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, and Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Mello Center in Watsonville.
Written between 1914 and 1916, Holst’s celebrated symphonic suite portrays each planet’s astrological character — not its physical form — through music. Mars rumbles with the chaos of war, Venus soothes with peace and beauty, Jupiter bursts with
Despite that the fine porcelain was also available at several “swank” shops in San Francisco, Carmel, and New York, Dietrich was not anxious to increase his
joy, and Neptune drifts mysteriously into the unknown.
“Following on the heels of Scheherazade, our rousing first concert, The Planets will bring another familiar and beloved program to our schedule,” said Gary Reece, the Symphony’s executive director. “Artistic Director Daniel Stewart pulls every bit of magic from the orchestra, highlighting their impressive talents.”
The program will also feature two additional works.
Opening the concert is the world premiere of Voices, written and performed by Benjamin Goodwin, a 19-year-old Santa Cruz native and student at Oberlin Conservatory. Goodwin, who began composing while attending local schools, was mentored by Stewart and previously co-directed the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music’s Youth Ensemble program. Voices marks his first professional orchestral premiere.
Canadian violist Emad Zolfaghari will perform Paul Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher (The Swan Turner), one of the most renowned viola concertos. The composition draws on medieval German folk tunes and showcases virtuosic technical skill. Zolfaghari, a student at the Curtis Institute of Music, has won multiple international competitions, including the Irving M. Klein International String Competition.
The Symphony’s 68th season will also include Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a holiday pops concert in December, a moviethemed pops concert in June, four recitals, and a March performance of Amadeus in collaboration with Santa Cruz Shakespeare.
retail output because the demand for his product was already strong, and he felt there were “… not enough persons interested in such high-grade, non-mass-produced ware to warrant letting any more contracts in this vicinity.”
Unfortunately, the story of Campo del Mar porcelain was one that burned brightly but briefly. Mr. & Mrs. Dietrich sold the business in 1952 after he was appointed to a position with the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Washington D.C.
We at the Capitola Historical Museum are proud to have a sizeable collection of this colorful period of Capitola history. In the past we have exhibited pieces from this unique collection and plan to continue including Campo del Mar porcelain in some of our future exhibitions. Last year former Museum Board President Emmy Mitchell-Lynn and Youth Museum Board Representative Juliette Thompson volunteered with the Museum Curator in a project to rehouse the collection pieces
“This promises to be a truly special season for the Symphony,” Reece said. “Every concert will feature a beloved orchestral centerpiece, and our pops concerts continue to be audience favorites.” Tickets are available by calling 831-4205260 or visiting santacruztickets.com
42nd Annual Wine & Roses Fundraiser Returns to Watsonville WATSONVILLE
— The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley is set to host the 42nd Annual Wine & Roses fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Crosetti Hall at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. This longstanding event celebrates local wines, craft beers, hors d’oeuvres, and the region’s renowned roses, all while raising funds to support health and wellness programs in the Pajaro Valley.
Over the years, Wine & Roses has become one of the more revered local fundraising events, drawing over 400 attendees annually. The event features tastings from distinguished vintners, local breweries, and celebrated restaurants, offering an allinclusive experience for guests. The silent auction showcases unique items, including double magnums from local wineries, international trips, and exclusive experiences. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Community Health Trust’s initiatives, which focus on the prevention and management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Funds raised also support the development of the upcoming wellness center, Centro de Bienestar, located in downtown Watsonville. This center aims to centralize resources and strengthen efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and improve overall quality of life.
Tickets are available for $100 per individual or $180 per pair. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pvhealthtrust.org. n
using museum quality storage products to ensure their long-term preservation.
The admission free Capitola Historical Museum, located at 410 Capitola Avenue, is open every Friday through Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. through the end of December. If you have any questions, you may call the museum at 831-464-0322. n
•••
You may view a 360degree view of Campo del Mar porcelain on the Capitola Historical Museum website at this QR link:
Capitola Beach Festival Brings Joy, Community, and Visitors to the Village
Capitola’s Beach Festival returned Sept. 27–28, drawing thousands of visitors to the village for a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and community celebration.
The festival capped two days of fun with the city’s first-ever Drone Spectacular,
a breathtaking aerial display that left spectators in awe.
“We’re doing a lot of positive things here in Capitola, and September 27 and 28th was a shining example of that,” said Mary Beth Cahalen, president of the Capitola Beach Festival. “The festival brought people of all ages together to celebrate everything that makes our little village so special.”
The weekend offered a variety of activities along the beach and throughout the village. The Sand Sculpture Competition was a particular highlight. “It was amazing to see families and friends collaborating on these incredible creations,” Cahalen said. “The kids were laughing, learning, and letting their creativity shine. It was pure joy on the shoreline.”
Over 150 children participated in handson art activities, and more than 300 attendees explored the village during a lively scavenger hunt.
“Beach Festival” page 31
State Parks Launches Multimedia Exhibit at Santa Cruz Mission
California State Parks will open a new multimedia exhibit, People Who Lived Here , at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park on Sunday, Nov. 2, offering visitors an immersive look at mission-era life through the personal stories of individuals who lived at the site. The exhibit launch coincides with Native American Heritage Month, highlighting the experiences of Indigenous peoples connected to the mission system.
The event begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 2 p.m., with guided tours continuing through 4 p.m. Visitors who cannot attend in person can access tours virtually via the Virtual Adventurer App starting Nov. 2. Admission is free, but space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
People Who Lived Here combines audio recordings, artistic renderings, and historical research to present the lives of Isidro Sauset, Lorenzo Asisara, Maria Buena, Petra Nicanor and Clementina Montero. These individuals lived and worked at the Santa Cruz Mission and witnessed firsthand the social, cultural and personal impacts of mission life. The exhibit offers a layered narrative that includes both the difficult realities of the mission system and moments of resilience, insight, and human connection.
The project was co-created with contemporary Native American community
members whose ancestors experienced California’s mission system. The development process, which took more than three years, was guided by research from historian Dr. Martin Rizzo-Martinez and involved careful collaboration between State Parks staff and tribal representatives.
The exhibit is part of State Parks’ broader Reexamining Our Past Initiative, aimed at identifying and improving interpretive
programs that do not fully reflect California’s diverse history. By offering an audio-based format, visitors can choose the level of engagement that suits them, ensuring that the historical content, including its more challenging aspects, is presented thoughtfully and respectfully.
People Who Lived Here allows visitors to experience history in multiple ways: as a walking tour through the historic park or
remotely through the Virtual Adventurer App. The exhibit provides a rare opportunity to connect directly with the stories and perspectives of those who shaped California’s early history, providing a richer understanding of the Santa Cruz Mission and the broader Native American experience. n
Photo Credit: James Stanton
The Capitola Historical Museum’s entry in the Lighted Boat Parade floats into the lagoon.
Photo Credit: Thomas Bookins
The sand sculpture grand prize winning team, led by Martin Bond, creates the their “Snapping Selfies” entry.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is located at 144 School St., Santa Cruz.
From Backpacks to Lifelines
United Way of Santa Cruz County Has Helped for 85 years
By Yvette Lopez Brooks
Eighty-five years ago, neighbors in Santa Cruz County came together with one simple belief: When we care for each other, our community thrives. That belief is still at the heart of United Way of Santa Cruz County. From the redwoods to the ocean, we have grown into a hub that connects people, resources and hope because the challenges we face are bigger than any one person or organization.
This summer, I stood in the middle of Kaiser Permanente Arena as hundreds of volunteers packed 2,700 brand-new backpacks for students at our annual Stuff the Bus event. The energy in the room was electric as families, coaches, youth leaders and business partners all worked side by side. One student picked up her backpack and whispered, “Now I feel ready for school.” That is what United Way looks like in action: dignity, possibility and community, all in one moment.
Stories like this happen every day
through our two major initiatives: United4Youth and United4Community.
United4Youth empowers young people across the county to lead, to raise their voices and to design solutions for issues such as mental health, civic engagement and equity. Youth leaders in Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Capitola are shaping policies and building resilience not just for themselves but for generations to come.
United4Community is our safety net. It is where our 211 Helpline shines — a free, 24/7 number that connects anyone in Santa Cruz County to food, housing, disaster relief, mental health care and much more. Last month, a mother fleeing a dangerous situation called 211. Within hours, she was connected to a safe shelter and resources to start fresh with her child. That is the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
As a former Capitola mayor, I have seen firsthand how essential partnerships are. No city, nonprofit or business can carry the load alone. But when we live united — sharing responsibility, lifting one another and investing together — we create a stronger Santa Cruz County.
This year, as we celebrate our 85th anniversary, I invite you to join us. Whether you are a longtime local or just visiting, there is a place for you in this work. Visit unitedwaysc. org to learn about volunteering, attending an event or accessing 211. Your time, your voice and your generosity truly make a difference.
In the future, I will introduce you to two of our closest partners, Cradle to Career and First 5 Santa Cruz County, and the incredible ways we are teaming up
to give every child the best possible start in life.
For now, I leave you with this: Every backpack, every phone call and every partnership is a reminder that we are at our best when we show up for one another. Together, we have been doing it for 85 years, and together we will keep building a future where everyone can thrive. n •••
A Cost-Effective Transit Vision
The Case for Personal Rapid Transit in Santa Cruz County
By Michael Saint
Although the ZEPRT (Zero Emissions Passenger Rail Trail project) study is not quite finished, it is apparent that this project is way too expensive to be supported by our county’s small population and inadequate tax base.
Grants from the state of California and especially from the federal government are definitely not guaranteed. The $4.3 billion price tag would give us decades of indebtedness and bankrupt our county.
The most important question to ask is “What are we getting for a $4.3 billion singletrack train?” After nine years of advocating for passenger service on the rail corridor I have come to the conclusion that a train is not the answer. Here’s why:
• As noted earlier, the train is way too expensive.
I have always supported some form of passenger service on the rail corridor but more importantly I’ve supported a much better transportation system for all of the County of Santa Cruz, not just the rail corridor.
• The train is dependent on grants and tax measures.
• It only provides nine stations (Watsonville to Natural Bridges).
• Time between trains is 30-to-60 minutes for only 2/3 of the day (6 am to 10 pm).
• End-to-end travel time is 45 minutes or more.
• Daily ridership is estimated at only 3,500 to 5,500.
• Even though a climate crisis is upon us, operations are not scheduled to start until 2045.
The Regional Transportation Commission has a big decision to make in the next few months. Does the RTC continue to pursue a train project by funding an EIR (Environmental Impact Report), costing $15 million, or do they make a prudent fiduciary choice and end the ZEPRT Feasibility Study and study a more affordable alternative that gives access to all Santa Cruz County citizens?
The alternative I refer to is a PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system.
“Personal Rapid Transit” page 26
Yvette Lopez Brooks is the CEO of United Way Santa Cruz County.
Yvette Lopez Brooks
A Season of Gratitude For Water, Community, and the Future
November invites us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the many blessings that flow through our lives. For many of us, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a reminder to pause and express gratitude for the people, places, and simple things that sustain us every day.
At Soquel Creek Water District, this season of gratitude is especially meaningful. Water is essential to everything we do and everything we are. It nourishes our bodies, supports our environment, and connects our community in profound ways.
As we look back over the past year, there’s so much to be thankful for — from the dedication of our staff and Board to the ongoing support of our customers who value and protect this precious resource.
Gratitude for Progress and Perseverance
We’re deeply thankful for the progress on the Moosehead Main Replacement Project, a significant infrastructure improvement that strengthens the reliability of our water delivery system.
This project is replacing aging water mains with new, durable pipelines designed to serve our community for decades to come. While construction projects can sometimes bring temporary inconvenience, the patience and understanding of residents make all the difference.
Thank you for being our partners in progress.
Gratitude for Innovation and Sustainability
This year also brought exciting developments in our ongoing commitment to sustainability. The Pure Water Soquel Project — our community’s advanced water purification and groundwater replenishment project — continues to make remarkable strides.
Through this innovative system, we’re taking recycled water that once flowed to the ocean and transforming it into purified water that replenishes our overdrawn aquifer. This ensures a safe, reliable, and drought-resilient water supply for generations to come.
Pure Water Soquel is more than an engineering achievement; it’s a reflection of our community’s shared values. It represents innovation, environmental stewardship, and
local determination. Every resident who supports water conservation, stays informed about local water issues, or participates in District programs plays a role in this success. For that, we are sincerely thankful.
Gratitude for Our Team
Behind every glass of water you drink, there’s a team of dedicated professionals who make it possible. We’re thankful for our field crews, who brave all kinds of weather to repair leaks, replace pipes, and maintain the system that brings water to your home.
We’re grateful for our water quality experts, who perform thousands of tests each year to ensure that your drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards.
Our customer service representatives, engineers, conservation specialists, and administrative staff each play a vital role in ensuring the District operates smoothly and responsibly. Their teamwork, professionalism, and pride in their work exemplify what public service is all about. It’s a privilege to have such a dedicated group of people working together for the benefit of our community.
Gratitude for Our Community
We also want to extend our gratitude to you — our customers and community members — for your partnership and trust. Your actions truly make a difference.
Whether it’s installing water-efficient devices, fixing leaks, participating in conservation programs, or simply staying engaged with District news and projects, your involvement helps protect our shared groundwater basin and secure our future water supply.
We’re fortunate to live in a community that understands the importance of water and values sustainability. Your continued support allows us to plan for the future, invest in new technologies, and take bold steps to protect our aquifer from seawater intrusion and address water quality standards such as hexavalent chromium and 1,2,3-TCP.
Together, we’re ensuring that clean, reliable water will be available for generations to come.
A Toast to Our Shared Future
By Rebecca Gold Rubin
As you gather this Thanksgiving with family and friends, we invite you to raise a glass — of tap water, of course — to the people and projects that make our community thrive. Every drop that reaches your faucet represents years of planning, collaboration, and care. It’s something truly worth being thankful for.
From all of us at Soquel Creek Water District, we wish you a joyful and waterwise Thanksgiving season. May your days
be filled with gratitude, your table with abundance, and your heart with appreciation for the remarkable community we share — and the clean, dependable water that sustains it all. n
In the Woods
behind the bush 13. Bébé’s mother 14. *Age units in the woods 15. Rum cake 16. Placido Domingo’s solo, e.g. 17. Concluded
*”Into the Woods” star
Time frame
Right-hand page
1920s art style
Cause of wheezing 42. Like The Hot Chili Peppers
____ God we ____,” on U.S. currency
Some vipers
Clairvoyant’s gift
Prefix for multiple
Japanese honorific
Barely got by
1. Singular of #1 Across
*Woodpecker’s pecker
*One lost in the woods
Posture
Boy Scout’s badge
“Fear
Scorpio — The World Disciple
In Scorpio, the world disciple comes forth. Humanity is the world disciple in potential and in actual fact. World disciples have the ability to perceive what is needed and see also what is obstructing humanity’s progressing forward onto the upward path of evolution (light), the spiritual path, the path of Light, the path of return (to the Father).
Returning to our origins (heaven), after a sojourn of eighteen million years, is humanity’s heritage. We are the Prodigal Sons and Daughters of the Father. At present, we are at the half-way mark, beginning our ascent home after 21 million years of involution (descent into matter).
Scorpio is the sign that helps humanity recognize the path of return as well as humanity’s identity as the world disciple. A daily mantram of the disciple is “Let reality govern my every thought and truth be the master of my life.” In our present world of transition, chaos and conflict, where the forces of materiality are battling the forces of light (the Arjuna experience), world disciples are called to the battle holding a light. Their battle cry, and in Scorpio there is definitely a battle, is “Freedom, Liberty & Equality” for everyone, reflecting the ideals of the Aquarian Age we are entering.
ARIES
Finances and resources, personal and with others, are highlighted. Careful attention is needed along with concentration, efficiency, economy and strength. Accomplish these day after day in a slow consistent rhythm. You may uncover more resources. So many things are hidden during Scorpio. Remember others who have much less. Share and tithe, a constant reminder to you. Tithing creates great abundance.
TAURUS
You want to move consistently into the future with new ideas and plans but there are so few who understand, few with your illumined vision, and even less with your force of will and stamina. You strive for poise during these transition times, sending prayerful requests for intelligent and financial assistance and in order to manifest into form and matter the needs of the world. Your prayers prepare the field for what is to come. Do you have a green house?
GEMINI
Deep feelings, emerging from early life at home are playing out in your present relationships. Because of this you must be careful of intentions, thoughts, actions and communication. Careful that you don’t become part of the difficulty or project onto others your wounds. Don’t hide your vulnerability either. Everyone is vulnerable which is a gift. Showing yours eases barriers limiting heart-felt communication and contact. You want love. Love comes from intentional contact.
CANCER
You may experience stress and over responsibility in your daily life as you notice constant change occurring to everyone everywhere in your life. These shifts reflect the pulse of the humanity which you are sensitive to. You need stabilization, an immediate sense of purpose and staying within the safety of home. Make changes in small ways. When viewing the big picture stand with compassion and dispassion. Children bring both blessings and hard work.
There are words to ponder upon under the light of Scorpio. They offer understanding concerning humanity’s path and they contain ideas that become ideals in the minds of humanity. “Let maya (illusion) flourish and deception rule,” — words that explain our present times. These create deep suffering. Humanity awakens, learns and changes through suffering brought about by these three. They flourish until humanity awakens.
“Warriors are we and from the battle we emerge triumphant.” These are the words from a Soul-infused disciple. Self-conquest first, then the attention swings to humanity. Disciples hold up banners with these words written in fire. Walking out into the battlefield, entering the field of service to assist, aid, support and encourage all of humanity. We do reciting the Mantram of Disciples — “We are one with our group brothers and sisters. And all that we have is theirs. May the love which is in our souls pour forth to them. May the strength that is within us lift and aid them. May the thoughts which our Soul creates reach and encourage them.” (Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, A.A. Bailey, p. 245) n
LEO
It seems you want both retreat and solitude and a sense of creative freedom. The heightened sense of feeling separated from others enhances an inner communication. You are able to be very intuitive so observe your thoughts carefully and record them. Is your daily life feeling like a transformation is about to occur? Are financial needs being served? A sudden revelation occurs which expands you into other worlds. Take us with you.
VIRGO
Relationships and interactions are most important. Small changes occur in your personal life creating big changes. Careful with communication that it is not harsh. Is there a desire to run away from home for a little while. So the seeds of the future can breaking through. You’re restless for emotional care. Moving forward seek kind companionship. Allow inner spiritual intentions to hold you. Transformation arrives for a long visit and settles itself into your daily life. Pallas Athena joins Pluto.
LIBRA
You’re called to a past life situation, a past impression that is in the present coloring your daily life. It then become a present-future one. The past holds and keeps you in order to let forgiveness liberate it. There are two choices facing you. One is criticism and judgment, the other is love. Both mean you have a take a chance. One keeps you spiritually lonely. The other opens your heart petals. Can you identify the two sides and where you’re positioned? Forgiveness is alchemical.
SCORPIO
For a while, you will experience internal changes that create your coming future. You’re anticipating change and it comes with a revelatory impact. Since you will live within this field constantly in relation to others, be aware of a need to serve them. Be aware of growing compassion and becoming, if you choose to be, a model for others. As Scorpio is the warrior of the zodiac, you’re prepared for the coming times where the death of the old finally occurs. Strength and courage and warriorship will be called for. Always the disciple is triumphant.
SAGITTARIUS
You’re restless, yet duty-bound, responsible yet rebellious, seeking security yet craving freedom, pleased yet dissatisfied and stimulated within conflicts. You’re a paradox once again. Allow contradictions to work psychologically within you. They create new insight, revelations. Don’t push them aside. They are the Harmony Through Conflict process Sag works through to bring new consciousness forth. A natural force into the future.
CAPRICORN
Do you feel pulled between self needs and responsibility to family, relationship and work? Are you seeking freedom? Are your perceived needs upsetting home, family and relationships? Are you able to communicate clearly what your needs are? Do you need new communication skills for others’ understanding. You are definitely on the “cross” of change. It’s imperative you learn how to communicate to others, both therapist and family. Learn Compassionate Communication techniques (non-violent communication study).
AQUARIUS
Some Aquarians are experiencing great work success. Some will be traveling the world soon seeking community. Both are experiencing honor and popularity, expanded social and work reputations, tending to financial responsibilities, developing new business or life plans. They’re climbing the ladder of success as they define it (some don’t), and doing more than they thought capable. And succeeding. Keep going.
PISCES
You need flexibility in great amounts as interruptions and unexpected events occur in all parts of your life, geographically and in terms of your self-identity. You cannot prepare for what will happen. You can only soothe the waters with knowledge that what occurs is redesigning your life in ways you could never have designed yourself. You’re capable, sensitive, sensible and smart. And being looked after.
{Personal Rapid Transit} is presently operating in Morgantown, West Virginia, London Heathrow Airport (14 years), South Korea (12 years), Guadalajara and Mumbai India. The most recent PRT projects are planned for San Jose, Contra Costa County, Irvine and Atlanta, Ga.
“Personal Rapid Transit” from page 24
This transit system has the ability of easing traffic volume congestion throughout the County of Santa Cruz. It is an ondemand system (no schedule necessary), 2 to 3 minute wait times, non-stop service, low infrastructure, operating and maintenance costs. It also does not depend on Federal or State grants to build or keep it running in the future.
The costs of a PRT system ranges from $10 million to $50 million per bidirectional mile depending on which type of PRT system you choose, versus the train at nearly $200 million per bidirectional mile.
I know it may sound too good to be true, but Personal Rapid Transit has been around for 50 years and has completed 200 million injury-free passenger miles.
PRT is presently operating in Morgantown, West Virginia, London Heathrow Airport (14 years), South Korea (12 years), Guadalajara and Mumbai India. The most recent PRT projects are planned for San Jose, Contra Costa County, Irvine and Atlanta, Ga.
The PRT technology is here today and ready for the transit needs of the future. Trains, although good at what they provided, are becoming obsolete and incredibly expensive. A single-track train can only provide a ridership of 3,500 to 5,500 passengers per day. A PRT is capable of 5,000 to 10,000 per hour. Yes, that’s right, per HOUR. As the PRT system expands its coverage throughout the county with possible extensions to UCSC and Cabrillo college those ridership numbers will increase.
We are living in the 21st century. All other technology is making huge leaps in efficiency and convenience. Why not adopt the incredible characteristics of a PRT system today and move us into a technologically advanced transit system?
Continuing down the path of a train on the rail corridor is short-sighted. We need a system that provides the convenience of an automobile to encourage adoption, therefore helping to decongest our streets and highways.
I strongly believe the correct PRT system is the answer. n
Micheal Saints is a resident of Aptos and a Santa Cruz PRT Member.
Council Opts for Caution on Pathway Authorizes $20,000 to Study Erosion Issue Before Big Spend
By Jon Chown
Depot Hill Bluff is eroding by about 3 to 8 inches per year, and the Capitola City Council voted at its Oct. 23 meeting to find $20,000 in the budget to further study how the bluff could be preserved for hopefully 10 years. City staff had recommended the council take a more aggressive approach, but budget concerns prompted the more limited move.
Staff presented a report commissioned from Pacific Crest Engineering — a hazards and risk assessment of the bluff and pathway between Central and Oakland avenues. The report included bluff surveying, historic photo analysis, geological mapping and projections of bluff retreat timelines. Pacific Crest recommended relocating the path as far inland as possible, designing a proper grading and drainage plan, and avoiding the concentration or discharge of stormwater near the bluff edge. These steps could extend the life of the relocated pathway by about 10 years but would not eliminate long-term erosion risks.
However, the report called for between $400,000 and $700,000 for repairs. City Council members couldn’t stomach that.
“$700,000 is a lot of money,” said Council Member Melinda Orbach. “I don’t know that we have it.”
Orbach pointed out that the erosion wasn’t something that could be entirely prevented, and perhaps the city needs to be resigned to losing it. The roadway was first closed to vehicles in the 1980s, and a pathway for pedestrians was created. Since that time, it has been repeatedly closed for repairs as the base of the bluff is slowly worn away and it retreats inland. A proposed seawall was denied by state and local agencies decades ago. In 2005, the City Council voted to maintain an 8-foot walkway on the bluff.
In the past 10 years, the pathway has often been adjusted due to storm damage and bluff failures. Big winter storms over the past few years have accelerated the bluff’s retreat
and have damaged the pathway and storm drain systems. In February, severe storms caused further bluff failure between Saxon and Oakland avenues, resulting in partial collapse of the relocated path. Emergency work was done to restore drainage, but the path remains compromised.
On April 10, the City Council directed staff to work with a community steering committee and return in six months with updated options and cost estimates. That’s when Pacific Crest Engineering was retained.
A citizens committee was also formed to study the problem, led by Depot Hill homeowner Paul Estey. The committee estimated that maybe 200 to 300 pedestrians per day walk the bluff, including a lot of tourists. The committee considered several options, including a seawall, and concluded that the path should be moved inland 10 feet and a netting retention system created. The entire project would cost just $130,000 if they got volunteer labor from Random Acts of Capitola Kindness. It would give the path at least five years of life.
Most speakers during public comment wanted the bluff trail saved. “It’s almost like a park up there,” said Connie Welch, a Depot Hill resident. “It would be a real
to not spend money preserving it.”
The council directed city staff to spend the $20,000 on an initial study to determine the exact scope of the project, how much it would cost, and whether volunteer labor could be used.
“We’re starting with a smaller chunk, and we’ll see where this goes. This is just the first step,” said Mayor Joe Clarke. n
shame
Photo illustration by the city of Capitola
The erosion of the bluff will eventually affect homes. A seawall
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CAPITOLA RECREATION TOURS
Register now for the Late Fall session of ***West or East Coast Swing through Capitola Recreation with Becky Adams
West Coast Swing takes place Mondays starting Nov. 3, Level 1-2 at 6:00 p.m., Level 3a at 7:15 p.m.
East Coast Swing takes place Thursdays, starting Oct. 30, Level 1 at 6:30 p.m., Level 2 at 7:30 p.m. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/capitola-recreation-ca/ catalog or call (831) 475-5935
ONGOING EVENTS
Mondays
BRIDGE CLUB
10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
The Aptos Branch Library hosts Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).
Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Fridays (except First Friday of the Month)
LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP
10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.
Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.
First Saturdays
CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP
9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park
Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Park.
Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola. This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com.
Second Saturdays
HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
7 p.m., Congregational Church Preschool Meeting Room, 4951 Soquel Ave., Soquel
Overeaters Anonymous welcomes any type of eating disorder or problems with food.
No dues, fees or weigh-ins.
Meetings take place at Congregational Church in the preschool meeting room.
All are welcome.
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) has meetings daily both in-person and on-line in Santa Cruz County at santacruzoa.org
Tuesdays
BINGO AT MCSC
1-3 p.m., Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola (behind the Party Store)
Hot Dogs, Chili and snacks available for purchase courtesy of our Snack Shack. A lot of fun for all and a possible big win!
Door opens at 12:15 p.m.
TUESDAY NIGHT SALSA SOCIAL
7 – 10 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz
Join a midweek salsa social at Abbott Square Market with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata. Free and open to all skill levels—just bring energy and dancing shoes.
More information: www.abbottsquaremarket.com
Thursdays
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING
7:15-9:15 p.m., Peace United Church 900 High St, Santa Cruz. Beginners welcome, partners not required. $10 each. First class free. Come dance!
HAPPY HOUR
5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic happy hour every week.
Third Thursdays
SIP AND STROLL
6-9 p.m. (check-in 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos
Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works.
Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. Details of this and more Sevy’s events at www.sevysbarand kitchen.com/events
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free.
Saturdays and Sundays
ELKHORN SLOUGH: FREE TOUR OF THE PRESERVE
10 a.m. | 11 a.m., Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville
Docent-led tours offer visitors a guided introduction to Elkhorn Slough’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and tidal
WEEKLY FARMERS’ MARKETS
WEDNESDAYS
wetlands. Each walk is tailored to participants’ interests and abilities, creating an engaging, educational experience. Space is limited, and tours are first-come, first-served. Guests can sign up at the Visitor Center front desk or call ahead the same morning at (831) 728-2822 for availability.
Second Sundays
SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz
The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the community for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every second Sunday, this month on June 8.
Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa.
Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6
Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are welcomed.
For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call (831) 423-6640.
DATED EVENTS
Saturday November 1
MEET & GREET WITH 2026 GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE CHAD BIANCO
2–5 p.m., Corralitos (location provided upon ticket purchase) Join fellow community members for an afternoon reception and discussion with Chad Bianco, candidate for California governor in 2026. Tickets are $25 and available at SantaCruzRepublicans. com.
DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ — 1 – 5 PM, Cedar St. & Church St.
A bustling market featuring certified organic produce, artisanal foods, seafood, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted, and Market Match doubles purchases (up to $10). Free entry; metered and garage parking available — free after 6 PM. Live local music and street closures add vibrant atmosphere. Full vendor list and updates at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.
THURSDAYS
CAPITOLA MALL (thru Nov.) — 3:30 – 7 PM, 41st Avenue parking lot, Capitola Mall
Seasonal market featuring fresh produce, artisan goods, flowers, and prepared foods. Free entry; mall parking available. Community atmosphere and easy shopping.
FRIDAYS
WATSONVILLE (Certified) — 3 – 7 PM, Peck St & Main St.
Allyear market offering Watsonville-grown produce, seafood, dairy, flowers, hot foods, artisan goods. Free entry; metered parking available. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Vendor news via local AARP events.
SATURDAYS
WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ — 9 AM – 1 PM, Mission St Ext & Western Dr.
Yearround market offering 100% certified-organic produce, seafood, meats, flowers, prepared meals, espresso bar, and artisan goods. Free parking on site. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Often hosts pop-up breakfast events. Perfect for starting your weekend with fresh food and community energy. Full details at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.
APTOS (at Cabrillo College) — 8 AM – Noon, 6500 Soquel Drive Celebrated coastal market with over 90 vendors selling produce, sustainable seafood, artisan breads, honey, meats, flowers, and hot food. EBT/WIC accepted. Free/year-round weekend oasis for local flavors and crafts. Hosted by MontereyBayFarmers.
SCOTTS VALLEY (thru Nov.) — 9 AM – 1 PM, 5060 Scotts Valley Dr.
Seasonal (May–Nov) market at Boys & Girls Club parking lot. Offers local produce, herbs, eggs, seafood, pastries, ready-to-eat food, flowers, live music & family activities. Free parking. EBT/SNAP and Market Match supported.
SUNDAYS
LIVE OAK/EASTSIDE — 9 AM – 1 PM, 15th & East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
Vibrant seaside Sunday market featuring organic produce, fresh seafood, hot food stands (Mexican, crepes, brunch), pastries, coffee, flowers. Free parking, EBT/SNAP, Market Match, and monthly family-oriented events.
WATSONVILLE FAIRGROUNDS — 9 AM – 4 PM, 2601 E Lake Ave, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Year-round market with wide selection of local produce, meats, seafood, crafts, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted. Parking onsite. Great for combining a market visit with other Fairgrounds activities.
Saturday November 1
Sunday November 2
SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY PRESENTS THE PLANETS
Sat: 7:30 p.m., Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz Sun: 2 p.m., Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville
Take a musical journey through the solar system as the Santa Cruz Symphony performs Gustav Holst’s celestial masterpiece The Planets
The symphony will be joined by guest artists and a world premiere by Benjamin Goodwin.
For tickets and details, visit santacruztickets.com or call 831420-5260.
Sunday November 2
CALLES LIBRES – DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., La Plazita, 358 Main Street, Downtown Watsonville
Watsonville’s streets will be temporarily car-free for Calles Libres, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating Día de los Muertos.
The event features music, dance, cultural performances, community art, bike rides, fitness activities, family games, and delicious local food.
All ages are welcome.
For more information, visit www.growinggreatness.org.
MI CASA ES TU CASA 2025: ROOTED IN REMEMBRANCE OPENING RECEPTION
1–3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville
Celebrate the opening of Rooted in Remembrance / Enraizados en el Recuerdo, Pajaro Valley Arts’ final exhibition at its Sudden Street gallery. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, the show honors loved ones through vibrant altars, installations, and art.
Visit pvarts.org for details.
Tuesday November 4
THE HIVE LIVE! PRESENTS POETS EMILIE LYGREN AND STEPHEN KUUSISTO
7 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave. Two acclaimed poets explore the human experience through unique lenses of nature, identity, and perception.
Emilie Lygren writes about joy, the environment, and reimagining the future, while Fulbright scholar Stephen Kuusisto brings humor and depth to navigating a sightless world.
Presented by The Hive Poetry Collective as part of its bimonthly Hive Live! series.
Admission is free, with donations welcome. Register to attend at https://hivepoetry.org/upcomingevents/.
For more information, visit hivepoetry.org or contact Julia Chiapella at julia@ebold.com or (831) 227-7690.
Thursday November 6
AUTHOR TALK WITH TERRY HEALY – THE RESILIENCE MINDSET
7–8:30 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Rd.
Join author Terry Healy for an inspiring evening as he shares insights from his new book, The Resilience Mindset: How Adversity Can Strengthen Individuals, Teams, and Leaders.
Drawing on his personal journey through cancer and recovery, Healy explores how attitude, focus, and teamwork can help anyone overcome life’s challenges. Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Register at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14307951.
MOE’S ALLEY PRESENTS: OBJECT HEAVY W/ FAMILY MYSTIC Doors 7 p.m. | Show 8 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
Experience Humboldt County soul sensation Object Heavy with Portland’s funk/soul group Family Mystic. Tickets and info available at moesalley.com or ticketweb.com.
Friday November 7
TOJO, KEHOE & GREINER IN CONCERT
7 – 9 p.m., The Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr. (In Soquel Village)
Yuji Tojo (guitar/vocals/live looping), Gary Kehoe (drumset), and Jim Greiner (percussion} will perform at the Ugly Mug Coffeehouse/Cafe.
Doors open at 6:30.
Tickets: Adv: $25, At Door: $30. Get tickets at jgreiner@ handsondrum.com or call/text: 831-239-2007
Saturday November 8
ARTIST TALK WITH AMALIA MESA-BAINES
1–3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville
Join renowned artist Amalia Mesa-Baines for an insightful talk exploring memory, heritage, and creative expression as part of Pajaro Valley Arts’ Mi Casa es Tu Casa 2025: Rooted in Remembrance exhibition.
Learn more at pvarts.org.
WINE & ROSES — ANNUAL AUCTION & FUNDRAISER
4 – 7 p.m., Crosetti Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville
The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley presents Wine & Roses, featuring unlimited bites and beverages from local vendors, a raffle for a Lake Tahoe getaway, and live auction.
Tickets: $100 single, $180 pair. More info: www.chtpv.org.
Sunday November 9
GREEN FINANCES: ALIGN YOUR MONEY WITH YOUR VALUES
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Dr.
Learn how to choose banks, credit cards, investments and retirement funds that don’t in-vest in fossil fuels, support a healthy planet and are profitable!
Brought to you by Congregational Church of Soquel and Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Cir-cle, the presentation will also touch on how to find funds that don’t invest in guns, defor-estation, private prisons, weapons, and do support fair labor and gender practices — so you can invest ethically.
Join us in person at Congregational Church, watch a simulcast on YouTube or via Zoom. Visit ccsoquel.org for more information and to download our resources sheet.
A light vegan/vegetarian lunch will be provided starting at 11 a.m. and the presentation will take place 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., followed by Q&A.
Sponsored by Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Circle, a Climate Action Group with 20+ local faith institution members and other community organizations.
For details and Zoom access, visit ccsoquel.org or call 831-4752867.
In January 2026, Temple Beth-el will host a repeat of the presentation.
MEDITATION: NUTS & BOLTS ~ WHY AND HOW TO DO IT
1–3 p.m., Location TBA
Nearly every wellness source recommends that you meditate, but few explain exactly how to do that! Join Jeff to start fresh or build on your practice.
You will explore why meditation helps, and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy to relax, and help manifest goals & desires.
Jeff Hotchkiss is the author of ‘Putting Wisdom to Work, Practical Mindfulness for Maximal Living’ 2nd Ed. Contact him at wisdom2work@gmail.com or text 831-854-7306.
Cost: $42. Register at 831-479-6331 or extension.cabrillo.edu.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MÁKKIN MAK WÁREP OPENING
Thursday November 6
6–7 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. Experience Mákkin Mak Wárep pop-up art exhibition, an interdisciplinary art exhibit that reconnects the descendants of the Muwekma Ohlone to their ancestral lands through language, storytelling, dance, and visual art. The installation features two large tapestries made with natural pigments from lichens harvested on the Djerassi lands, responding to Chochenyo texts written by Monica V. Arellano and Gloria E. Arellano-Gómez. Artist Kalie Granier collaborated closely with the Muwekma Ohlone community to explore identity, memory, and connection to the land.
On display through November 30 during regular museum hours: Thur.-Fri. Noon – 8 p.m. | Sat.-Sun. Noon – 6 p.m. | Mon. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For details, visit santacruzmah.org or call 831-429-1964.
Thursday November 13
POETS’ CIRCLE: THE HIVE POETRY COLLECTIVE
1 – 3 p.m., Watsonville Public Library, 4th Floor Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main St.
Celebrate the final Poets’ Circle of 2025 featuring Hive Poetry Collective members Farnaz Fatemi, Julie Murphy, Dion O’Reilly, Roxi Power, and Julia Chiapella. Enjoy readings, an open mic, and refreshments.
The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Watsonville Public Library and hosted by poet-teacher Magdalena Montagne.
For more information, email magdamontagne@gmail.com or visit poetrycirclewithmagdalena.com.
Friday November 15
MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR: ADVENTURE PLAYLIST
7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.
The tour visits the Rio Theatre with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.
This year’s Adventure Playlist features mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and athlete-driven stories.
The event supports Second Harvest Food Bank, with a portion of ticket and beer sales donated.
Mountainfilm on Tour in Santa Cruz has been hosted at the Rio Theatre since 2016. Tickets and film lineup: riotheatre.com.
Monday November 18
SOROPTIMIST CLUB MEETING
4 p.m., United Way of Santa Cruz County, 4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106, Capitola
Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will review applications for the 2026 Live Your Dream Awards and begin planning its December holiday party. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.best4women.org or email sicapitola.by-the.sea@gmail.com.
Saturday November 22
AUTHOR VISIT WITH LISA CRAWFORD WATSON – WHAT WE WISHED FOR: AN ADOPTION STORY
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Rd.
Celebrate National Adoption Month with author Lisa Crawford Watson as she discusses her memoir, What We Wished For: An Adoption Story.
The book chronicles her journey adopting twin girls from foster care and the profound lessons of love, perseverance, and self-discovery that followed. Registration is recommended; walk-ins are welcome. Register at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14307734.
Friday December 6
APTOS HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MAKERS MARKET
1 – 4 p.m., 151 Aptos Village Way, behind New Leaf Community Market Join the Aptos Chamber of Commerce for a festive afternoon celebrating the holiday season. Enjoy local artisans offering unique gifts and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, and live music by the Soquel High Jazz Band and Aptos Local Bagpipes.
Children can take photos with Santa, and visitors can shop a variety of handmade items from jewelry, candles, and ceramics to books, clothing, and wellness products. Free and open to all.
For more information, visit www.aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467.
Thursday December 11
DECEMBER LUNCHEON WITH SUPERVISOR DE SERPA 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos The local Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a luncheon featuring Kim De Serpa, 2nd District Supervisor, as the guest speaker.
Luncheon tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members.
Reservations can be made by visiting the Chamber website: www.santacruzchamber.org.
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR
11 am – 4 pm, Kathline King Building (across from Watsonville Community Hospital), Airport Blvd.
Kick off the holiday season at Silver Circle’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair!
Over twenty juried artisans will showcase handmade quilts, jewelry, ceramics, knitted items, books, and more. Meet local artists, explore handmade gifts including ceramics, quilts, jewelry, greeting cards, and professional photography, and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere with music by Jesse Martinez. Enjoy free hot cider and cookies while listening to live music by Jesse Martinez. Raffle tickets for featured artwork are $5 each, with proceeds benefiting Silver Circle, a seniors group focused on wellness. Parking and admission are free.
For more information, contact Sonia Westphal at keson1@comcast.net. n
Kim De Serpa
The Secret Ingredient for Kids’ Mental Health: Sleep
Think about the last time you pulled a late-nighter. Maybe, like me, you stayed up working, binge-watching a show, or just couldn’t turn off your brain. How’d you feel the next day?
Now imagine that feeling stretched over days, weeks, or even years. That’s what far too many children and teens are experience, and the consequences of insufficient sleep go far beyond morning crankiness.
Kids’ brains are developing at lightning speed. Deep sleep consolidates learning, regulates mood, and strengthens the immune system. Without enough sleep, kids face higher risks of anxiety, depression, behavior problems, obesity, and weaker academic performance. It makes sense, we know how it feels to be sleep deprived.
Kids Need More Sleep Than Adults Realize
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep specialist at Stanford and author of How to Sleep: The New Science-Based Solutions for Sleeping Through the Night, says it plainly: “Sleep is not optional.
Sleep is essential for growth, learning, and emotional regulation. A child who is
sleep-deprived is not just tired, they’re impaired.”
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
• Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
• School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours per night
• Teenagers (13–18 years): 8–10 hours per night
Yet most kids fall short. The CDC reports that nearly 60% of middle schoolers and over 70% of high school students don’t get enough sleep on school nights.
Teens are especially at risk. Their circadian rhythms naturally shift during puberty, which means they don’t feel sleepy until later at night. Yet for years, middle and high schools forced teens to wake up long before their brains were ready. That mismatch between biology and policy has contributed to widespread sleep deprivation.
California’s Law on School Start Times
Recognizing this problem, in 2022, California passed Senate Bill 328, the first statewide law in the nation requiring later school start times for public middle schools (8:00 a.m.) and high schools (8:30 a.m.).
JOSE GONZALEZ LANDSCAPING
By Dr. Lori Buttewworth
Still too early, but it’s a start. Research predicts these later start times give teens 30–60 more minutes of sleep per night and has the potential to reduce depression and anxiety, improve academic performance, and even lower the risk of car accidents among young drivers.
But what about the elementary school kids?
The Weekend Catch-Up
Myth
I’ve worked with many teens who insist they can make up for lost sleep on the weekend. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. While an extra hour or two may help a little, chronic sleep debt changes the brain and body in ways that can’t be undone by sleeping in on weekends.
In fact, it can actually make things worse by shifting the body clock, creating a “social jet lag” effect that makes Monday mornings even harder. Consistency, going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day, is far more effective than the occasional sleep binge.
Here are some simple ways families can protect kids’ sleep:
• Treat sleep like nutrition. Talk about it as a health need, not an optional extra.
• Keep consistent bedtimes and wake times. Even on weekends, this helps anchor the body’s clock.
• Turn off screens at least an hour before bed. Blue light tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
• Create a calming routine. Reading, dim lights, or a warm bath signal the body that it’s time to rest.
• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Sodas, energy drinks, and even chocolate can disrupt sleep.
• Be a role model. Kids notice when adults stay up too late scrolling or working. So, the next time you say, “I’ll sleep on it,” you’re adhering to the science of sleep, giving your brain a chance to relax, regulate, and regenerate before making a decision. n
•••
Lori Butterworth, PsyD, MEd, is a psychologist and founder of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. She can be reached at lori@ccamh.org or 831-222-0052.
SCCAS Featured Pet
Caught in the Act
Bonnie (A325483) & Clyde (A325484) showed up on the front porch of a home near Watsonville a few weeks ago, tired out from chasing cats around the neighborhood!
No one has come forward to claim them, so these pint-sized purebred Miniature Pinscher partners-in-crime are now available for adoption!
They appear to be about 4 years old, sporting smooth black & tan coats, short tails, and plenty of athletic terrier energy and mischief.
Bonnie has proven to be an escape artist: scaling or slipping under fences, and Clyde can be a bit competitive with other male dogs … so they’ll need a home (or homes) ready for their terrier vibe — able to provide close oversight and plenty of mental and physical exercise like trick-training, puzzle toys, and active games. They can be adopted as a pair or individually, and homes without cats and with dedication to regular leashed walks or jogs will be best.
Min Pins like Bonnie & Clyde tend to thrive active homes with a securely fenced yard, regular active outings, and opportunities for guided, positive-reinforcement learning — they are working, active little dogs who also like to snuggle once they’re tired out.
Our low adoption fee of $150 for adult dogs includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and a microchip.
To help new dog adopters learn the ropes of positive reinforcement training, our Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation provides a $200 training voucher to every dog adopter. This can be used with a local certified positive reinforcement trainer so you can learn fundamental training and relationship-building skills and gain insights into what motivates your new dog. n
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events. All adoptions are first come, first served.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”)
580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon) Website: www.scanimalshelter.org
SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us
“Beach Festival” from page 23
“Seeing people discover hidden gems in our village and connect with our history was one of the best parts of the weekend,” Cahalen said.
Other activities included cornhole games, paddleboard races, rowboat competitions, chalk art, and horseshoes. “The energy was contagious,” Cahalen said. “Everyone — young and old — was laughing, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. It reminded me why we do this festival every year.”
As evening fell, the village transformed into a “City of Lights”. The nautical parade featured illuminated barges floating down Soquel Creek, each creatively decorated. The festival’s first drone show then lit up the sky in a coordinated aerial display. “This drone show was something we had been dreaming about for two years,” Cahalen said. “Watching it come together and seeing the crowd’s excitement was unforgettable.”
In the Woods
© Statepoint Media
The festival continued on Sunday with a Fishing Derby, more paddleboard races, and additional family-oriented events. “Sunday brought the weekend together beautifully,” Cahalen said. “It felt like the spirit of Capitola was alive everywhere — on the beach, on the water, and in the village.”
Cahalen also reflected on the community impact and support behind the festival. “Events like this don’t happen without sponsors, volunteers, and community members stepping up,” she said. “Capitola has been through a lot, and this festival felt truly healing. Seeing our village filled with joy and laughter reminded me how resilient and connected our community is.”
The festival also brought a boost to local
businesses. “It was heartening to see shops bustling, restaurants full, and families discovering the village,” Cahalen said. “This is what community support looks like, and it’s exactly what we hoped to achieve.”
“Capitola is a happening place!” Cahalen said. “We hope the community continues to join us in the sun and sand, helping make this a village where people of all ages can thrive, grow, and celebrate together.”
Volunteer Laurie Hill praised Cahalen’s leadership, saying, “She alone has inspired this small group of volunteers to carry on this great Capitola community festival tradition.” n
Photo Credit: Laurie Hill
Capitola City Manager Jamie Goldstein was the winner of the short course SUP (stand up paddle).
Photo Credit: Thomas Bookins Tucker Carlson holds his trophies for winning the fishing derby.
