Capitola Soquel Times: June 2022

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June 2022 • Vol 27 No. 6

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RFK Jr. Rally Vs. Censorship

Hundreds came to Menlo Park, the home of Facebook, to join a rally by Children’s Health Defense, in which founder, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a law professor for 35 years, said he was barred from the Facebook appeals process without explanation.

Full Story page 11

Special Delivery for Julia Full Story page 4

Capitola Summer Fun Returns!

Soquel High Valedictorians The Capitola-Soquel Times is pleased to recognize the 15 Soquel High School valedictorians and five salutatorians for all of their hard work.

Each of the valedictorians got all A’s every semester for four years — even during the pandemic, when schools

By Sam Storey

were closed and teachers switched to online learning.

Each salutatorian got only one B in four years.

Maya Rhee-Pizano is the No. 1 overall ranked student at Soquel High, with a 4.5 grade-point average, earning the superintendent’s award. ... continues on page 5

Capitola is celebrating the return of summer with the return of the Wednesday nights Twilight Concerts series and other fun events.

Full Story page 18

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2 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 6

Volume 27

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21

27

Table of Contents

7

Cover Soquel High Valedictorians

6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 17 20 23 24 26 27

Community News New Name for Willowbrook Park Ukrainian Pianist to Perform Benefit Concert County Offers ‘Test to Treat’ Sites, By Jondi Gumz Where to Drop Off Your Ballot • Cabrillo Stage Presents A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story: ‘Grease’, By Mindy Pedlar RFK Jr Rally Vs. Censorship, By Jondi Gumz Fifth Graders Create Garden to Learn, By Carissa Lemos, principal, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary Santa Cruz County Jobs Mid-County Senior Center Bingo, By Teresa Hidalgo Dance Memorial Day: Lest We Forget, By Edita McQuary CASA: New Advocates Educators of the Year 2022 Mission Again Welcomes School Field Trips CJC Receives Achievement Award CASA of Santa Cruz County Turns 30, By June Smith

SMILES NEVER GET OLD. 831-684-2700

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Gemini’s Tasks & Essential Nature, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists Special Delivery for Julia, By Joe Ortiz Will Capitola Voters Be Asked to OK Tax?, By Jondi Gumz Capitola Summer Fun Returns!, By Sam Storey, Mayor, City of Capitola Streets Might Benefit From Shade, By Tony Tomeo Homemade Baby Formula Previewing the County Budget, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 25 The Future of Water is Being Built Now!: Pure Water Soquel Construction Update, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 Wildfire Prep, Help with ADUs & County Commission Openings,

By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District 4 10 18 21 22 24

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Say Hello to Amelia!

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Mindy Pedlar, Carissa Lemos, Teresa Hidalgo Dance, Edita McQuary, June Smith, Risa D’Angeles, Joe Ortiz, Sam Storey, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Manu Koenig layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin photography Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine Cathe Race

office coordinator

distribution Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2022. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

Special Delivery for Julia

By Joe Ortiz

W

hat would it feel like to get on an airplane with the paranoid sensation that you are a smuggler transporting contraband? Try bringing sourdough starters to Julia Child’s house for a video shoot.

What seemed like an easy mission at first, quickly became a morbid fear that my unlabeled jars of pasty mixtures would be critically “inspected” by TSA agents, who might not know a mother dough from a facial lotion.

A week before the trip, I lay awake every night, worrying about whether my concoctions would bubble up and ooze out of their containers in the overhead compartment—microorganisms on their way to Cambridge to entertain Julia coming alive on a 747, running wild in the aisles.

The humor and absurdity of the thought helped me relax.

Yet, my mind ran away with me. No, actually, I was freaked! I feared the TSA inspectors would confiscate my luggage and haul me off the flight in handcuffs just for trying to smuggle through a few active yeast cells for making peasant country bread.

Would the agents suspect my goopy mixtures as some sort of catalyst for an explosive?

I’ll admit I was working myself into my own self-imposed paranoia, supercharged by the gravity of my “momentous undertaking.” And I’ll also admit I’ve been given to exaggerating the significance of bread’s contribution to human existence.

Could this be the tragic flaw of any craftsperson or artist? Hubris on the scale of a modern-day Don Quixote, tilting, not with a lance to fight windmills but with a

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Joe Ortiz with Julia Child

teaspoon or chopstick to stir and nurture an elixir to save the world?

Or can it simply be the artisan baker’s occupational hazard of inhaling too many fumes?

From what I understand, TSA inspectors are prone to question anything suspicious: What evil motive lurks in the mind of a person who would carry a jar of microorganisms on a flight?

Chemical warfare came to mind. Or a guarded caution about an unknown substance: “Explain this to me, mister! You’re bringing a wet, slimy paste across country to do what? Make a peasant country “boule.” And for who? Julia? Sure. What the hell’s a boule anyway, smart alec? And who’s this Julia? A code name for some spy cell? Some covert operation?”

Oh, no, I think. Julia and her husband were both CIA before she became a celebrity chef. Spies!! What am I getting myself into?

“Unfasten your seatbelt, wise guy,” the TSA agent tells me in my fantasy shakedown. “Stand up, put your hands behind your head and exit the plane.”

These were the thoughts that ran through my mind several nights before my flight to Cambridge.

Plans Change few months earlier, my wife Gayle and I were in Scotland for the Open golf tournament when I got a call from our bakery: “Julia Child just called, and she wants to talk to you about changing your presentation next week.”

A

“Julia Child” page 7

Good Shepherd Catholic School is accepting applications for Fall of 2022 2727 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 Phone: 831-476-4000 • www.gsschool.org

COVER STORY “Soquel High” from page 1 Joining her as valedictorian are: Laura Bennett, Ciara Cantlen, Eva Claussen, Audrey Finch, Adonay Gonzalez, Nicolas Graessle, Alyson Kosek, Danika Marlatt, Kyra Phelan, Lily Sonnenblick, Edita Stein, Ruby Storey, Alexandra Weiss and Max Cote.

The salutatorians are: Serena Crane, Tyler Holden, Rolando Mayoral Peralta, Sierra Long, and Maya McCain.

At the awards night May 25, some received scholarships; others received departmental honors and/or the California Seal of Biliteracy.

The Capitola-Soquel Times asked valedictorians to share what they enjoyed about Soquel High, how Covid affected their experience and their future plans.

Their answers follow.

•••

I

Nicholas Graessle

will be attending UCLA in the fall. I will be majoring in biology on the premed track.

At Soquel, I was the varsity water polo team captain, varsity volleyball team captain, president of the doctors of tomorrow club, president of the Red Cross club, president of hype club, and Associated Student Body vice president.

Covid was extremely harmful and destructive to the strong connections of the legendary Soquel community, but as soon as we returned to in-person instruction that Soquel family reunited.

I love the community at Soquel. From Link Crew to Homecoming to MultiCultural graduation, Soquel is so unique and special to all of its students.

Parents: Molly and Brett Graessle

I

Alyson Kosek

will attend the University of British Columbia in the faculty of Science in the fall. I plan on majoring in computer science.

I have been involved in the girls tennis team for four years, Bring Change to Mind club as the treasurer and vice president for the past four years, and National Honors Society.

Covid has made it harder to want to continue pushing myself academically.

Being isolated from my friends and peers just made it difficult to overcome the hardships as I no longer had the same strong support system as I had previously.

I enjoyed the welcoming community that was built during my time at Soquel.

Parents: Kristen and Bradley Kosek.

I

Danika Marlatt

will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. As of now, my major is biology but I would love to explore the Human and Organizational Development

Cover Photo: Soquel High School Valedictorians Front row (from left): Alyson Kosek, Laura Bennett, Nicholas Graessle, Danika Marlatt, Alexandra Weiss.

Middle row (from left): Edith Stein, Kyra Phelan, Maya Rhee-Pizano, Ruby Storey, Adonay Gonzalez.

Back row (from left): Ciara Cantlen, Audrey Finch, Max Cote, Eva Claussen.

ARTISTIC ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

JON NORDGREN

A A NEW NEW ELECTRIFYING ELECTRIFYING PRODUCTION PRODUCTION WORTH WORTH THE THE WAIT! WAIT!

Not pictured: Lily Sonnenblick

major. It is a combination of leadership, communication, and business.

At Soquel High, I was involved in sports, clubs, and leadership. I played softball all 4 years, volleyball for 2, and tennis for 2. In terms of clubs, I held positions and was a member of Women in Science, Interact, Link Crew, Soquel UKnighted (National Coalition Building Institute), Hype, Doctors of Tomorrow, and Biology. I also was class vice president freshman and sophomore year, Associated Student Body Vice President junior year, and Associated Student Body President senior year.

The social component of high school is just as important as academics. I derive a great deal of my motivation from those around me so not being able to physically see my friends and teachers made me lose some of the enjoyment of school.

I had to be creative in adjusting to online learning and underwent many trials and errors. It was difficult to say the least but once we returned back to school, there was definitely a palpable sense of appreciation across my entire school. If I gained one thing from the pandemic, it was to appreciate the small things.

I enjoyed all of the long-standing traditions at Soquel High. Homecoming week, Mr. SHS (male pageant show), and musical chairs every Friday are just a few. Soquel’s spirit is unmatched. Some of my fondest high school memories are screaming in the bleachers for my friends out on the field, court, or pool. Also, I enjoyed all of the connections I made with my peers!

Parents: Monica and Eric Marlatt

I

Maya Rhee-Pizano

will attend UCLA in the fall to study physiological sciences on the pre-med track.

At Soquel High, I was the president of the National Honor Society, a member of Doctors of Tomorrow, and Women in Science.

I played varsity volleyball all four years at Soquel High and our team won the Central Coast Section this year.

Parents: Summer Rhee-Pizano and Eddie Rhee-Pizano.

“Valedictorians” page 6

JUNE JUNE 23 23 -- JULY JULY 10, 10, 2022 2022 BOOK MUSIC & LYRICS BY

JIM JACOBS & WARREN CASEY

DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY

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MUSICAL DIRECTION BY

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LEONARD LEONARD BERNSTEIN BERNSTEIN

OPTIMISM, OPTIMISM, INNOCENCE INNOCENCE AND AND THE THE UNEXPECTED UNEXPECTED LESSONS LESSONS OF OF LIFE LIFE MUSIC BY

LYRICS from LEONARD BERNSTEIN Book adapted

BY RICHARD WILBUR Voltaire by HUGH WHEELER MUSI C AL DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY GARY JOHN LA ROSA DIRECTION BY CHERYL ANDERSON

JULY JULY 21 21 -- AUGUST AUGUST 14, 14, 2022 2022

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Name for Willowbrook Park O n May 23, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to rename Willowbrook County Park after Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of the duty on June 6, 2020.

Willowbrook County Park in Honor of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller is in Aptos, and was frequented

by Gutzwiller and his family, who live in the area. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Santa Cruz County Parks Department and County Park Friends are working with the community to raise funding for significant park renovations in Gutzwiller’s memory. Although more than $250,000 has already been raised, park funding goals have yet to be met.

“The park will provide a place for his family, friends and our broader community to come reflect and share in the beauty of

this special place. It’s a park that held deep meaning to Damon and his family and now we are reimagining the park in a way that’s befitting of his honor,” Supervisor Zach Friend said.

“Damon’s dedication and love for this county was clear to anyone who worked with him, far before his tragic death forever cemented his selfless commitment,” said Sgt. Steve Ryan, close friend and co-worker of Sgt. Gutzwiller. “It is my hope that those who visit this park will see his name and be reminded of the commitment and sacrifice Damon made, while thinking fondly of my friend and brother.”

County Parks recently completed updates to the sports courts area. Additional updates include a new, more inclusive play area with new play surfacing, the construction and installation

of a memorial seating area on the south side of the pedestrian walkway bridge, park entry enhancements and a new flagpole. n “Valedictorians” from page 5

I

Lily Sonnenblick

I

Ruby Storey

will be studying history at Oxford University.

I was Model UN President, a member of Politics club, and a peer tutor at Soquel.

While Covid did present hardships for everyone, I felt that most teachers did their utmost to give us all an excellent learning experience on zoom.

I really appreciated the opportunity to take part in Model UN conferences, collaborating with students from all around California on solutions to international issues.

I also especially enjoyed the English and history classes I got to take while at Soquel.

Parents: Rachel and Richard Sonnenblick ’m attending the University of Washington, Seattle in the fall. My planned major is English.

••• For information or to learn more about opportunities to participate in this project visit www.countyparkfriends.org/willowbrook.

At Soquel, I was in the varsity band, mock trial, and the varsity girls tennis team — all for 4 years. I’ve been part of the film club and the sustainable fashion club.

Covid affected me in the same way it did for others. At first, I felt pretty disconnected from school and friends. But I got used to it after a while.

The thing I enjoyed most about Soquel is being with my friends for the past 4 years.

Especially this last year, I feel like the senior class has felt a lot more unified and friendly.

Through everything I’ve done at Soquel High, I’ve always had my friends and that’s the most important part of school for me.

Parents: Helen Ewan-Storey and Sam Storey. n

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Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or need groceries for the whole week, New Leaf Community Markets has everything you need for the perfect day. Stop by your neighborhood New Leaf to stock up on local favorites.

10% of profits go back to the community 6 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ukrainian Pianist to Perform Benefit Concert L ocal residents have the opportunity to hear Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko perform in a benefit concert for Ukraine 4 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High St., Santa Cruz.

The program: Frederic Chopin: Four Ballades and works by Ukrainian composers Boris Lyatoshinsky and Valentin Silverstrov.

Presenters are the Distinguished Artists Series, Peace United Church and Novo Ukraine, a nonprofit providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine, serving meals, delivering medicine and medical equipment and evacuating refugees.

Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Khristenko gave his first piano solo recital in Kharkiv Philharmonic Hall at age 11 – and he has since captivated audiences on four continents.

He studied with Vera Gornostaeva in the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and with Sergei Babayan in the Cleveland Institute of Music.

He has been called a “poet of piano” with his emotional intensity.

As a concert pianist, Khristenko

“Julia Child” from page 4 “Uh, Oh!” I told Gayle, “I have to call her. And now.” When you hear from Julia, you pick up the phone and dial.

Once I got Julia on the phone, I told her I was in Scotland and she said, “Are you fishing for salmon?”

I had to chuckle. When a foodie responds to an arbitrary comment about any subject under the sun, they often bring the conversation back to food!

Having been selected for Julia’s PBS TV show, Baking with Julia months before, I had originally committed to demonstrating bread sculpture, or pain fantasie.

But Julia, in her endearing bulldog determination, must have decided she wanted more drama. She asked me to demonstrate sourdough instead. At first, I panicked.

But let me say right here, when Julia wants you to take a detour, you simply agree–no questions asked. You do it wholeheartedly because she’s Julia. And she’s so darn nice.

People always ask, “What was she like?” Well, I’ve never met a more sincere person. I often tell people, “She makes you feel like you’re the most important person on earth.” Always willing to find out who you are and what makes you tick. And if what makes you tick happens to be food, it places you squarely on her “team.”

received prizes at 30+ international piano competitions including Cleveland International Piano Competition, Maria Canals International Piano Competition and Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.

He has appeared as a piano soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Phoenix, Puerto Rico and Richmond Symphonies, National Orchestra of Belgium, Bilbao, Madrid and Tenerife Symphony Orchestras, Liege Royal Philharmonic, and Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. His performance highlights include solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, Vienna Konzerthaus, and Palais de Beaux-Arts in Brussels.

He is a Steinway artist.

He moved to the United States in 2008; most of his family still resides in Kharkiv.

He is a co-founder of KharkivMusicFest as well as music director of Nova Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra in Kharkiv. In 2020 he founded Rethink Classical, digital initiative for classical music and arts as well as Rethink Piano Academy, a mentoring initiative for young pianists.

In just four years, KharkivMusicFest presented performances of the world’s top musicians as well as outreach

concerts, painted pianos on streets, Festival Orchestra, a classical music forum, and Children’s Orchestra.

The event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and most of its program was presented in the spring 2021. This year’s event, planned for the end of March, replaced due to the attack by Russia with one concert in the subway shelter by only five musicians that stayed in Kharkiv. This year KharkivMusicFest was featured by Washington Post and ABC News, among others.

With the Nova Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, Stanislav conducted works of 40 composers in its first three seasons. In 2018-2019, Nova Sinfonietta ArtConnect project brought together musicians from Odesa, Lviv, and Kyiv chamber orchestras for alongside performances.

Nova Sinfoneittta orchestra musicians started a Children’s Orchestra initiative but activities were interrupted by the pandemic in 2020.

At this moment, most of the musicians have left Kharkiv to find shelter all over Europe. n Tickets are $100 at: www.distinguished artists.org.

Having been selected for Julia’s PBS TV show, Baking with Julia months before, I had originally committed to demonstrating bread sculpture, or pain fantasie. But Julia, in her endearing bulldog determination, must have decided she wanted more drama.

Stored Overhead nce on the plane, ready to take off, the starters were safe and secure in the overhead. Because the show’s producers tell you to bring three of everything in case there’s a mishap, I carefully prepared three little jars and secured them in a small portable cooler.

The moment we were airborne, my anticipation of the announcement to be made upon landing–“please be careful when opening the overhead compartment because the contents may have shifted during the flight”–took on an entirely different meaning.

But none of my worst fears came true. I must have checked the jars in the overhead a half dozen times, pretending

O

I was looking for a pencil. So, my three precious starters arrived intact.

Settling Down nce I got to Cambridge, the anguish subsided. The starters began to behave predictably after giving them a feeding in my hotel room sink. Like finicky kids on a difficult flight, they settled down to normal after they’d been given a little nourishment and kindness.

I even felt safe when, the day before the shoot, I was relegated to the basement for prep. Down there I felt secure among Paul’s equipment and his nerdy penchant for outlining with a black sharpie exactly where each tool should be hung on a peg board. And I missed a party that night while coaxing my mixtures to maturity.

O

Stanislav Khristenko

But I didn’t care. Feeling confident in my preparation far outweighed any desire I may have had to enjoy a dinner party.

And the next day’s shoot went according to plan.

The most amazing revelation of the entire experience, though, wasn’t the perfectly professional execution of the production or that Julia deserved her fame because of her graciously allowing younger cooks and bakers to showcase their talents, but at that moment during the shoot when her assistant walked by to say that her book, Mastering the Art had just gone into its 97th printing. Yes, 97th!

It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.

And, by the way, the bread turned out wonderfully on the first try. And Julia—tall as she is amenable—didn’t even have to stoop down to grab me around my neck, cradle my head in the crook of her arm, and offer me an affectionate noogie on the scalp as my just reward. n ••• Joe Ortiz, author of “The Village Baker,” wrote and produced a musical inspired by bread and created a musical based on his family story, Escaping Queens, that was a hit at Cabrillo Stage.

He and his wife Gayle received the 2016 Gail Rich Award for contributions to the arts in Santa Cruz County. Contact him at joe@gocapitola.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Offers ‘Test to Treat’ Sites

By Jondi Gumz

W

ith the highly contagious coronavirus Omicron subvariants pushing cases in Santa Cruz County up to 1,715 then down to 1,557, Santa Cruz County is now offering “Test to Treat,“ including at the three OptumServe testing sites, which are available to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status.

“As we continue to experience swells in cases, those who are at risk for serious illness should check with their healthcare provider to see if they are eligible for COVID-19 treatments,” said Dr. Cal Gordon, deputy Santa Cruz County health officer. “We are hopeful that as more people learn about the new oral medications, they won’t delay in seeking care if they test positive.”

To make an appointment, go to ihi. care, and enter your ZIP code to get the closest location.

Test to Treat sites allow individuals to get tested, be seen by a provider, and receive a prescription for antiviral pills.

People who are insured can also contact their healthcare provider to see if they are eligible for treatment. Health officials say early treatments may reduce severe illness and hospitalization of people testing positive for COVID-19.

Statewide, Covid test positivity is 6.6.% — and it’s 5.4% among Santa Cruz County students, according to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which has provided 501,100 tests.

The map posted by the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention shows most counties at low transmission but northward from Santa Cruz County to the Oregon border is a region of medium transmission.

For those who test positive and are at risk of severe illness, the CDC recommends asking your doctor for a prescription for Paxlovid, pills developed by Pfizer for higher risk individuals age 12 or older.

The FDA granted emergency use authorization in December, and Paxlovid is now available at local CVS and RiteAid stores.

Another product given federal emergency use authorization is Lafgevrio, produced

by Merck.

On May 17, the FDA announced kids age 5 through 11 are eligible for a PfizerBioNTech booster shot five months after the first. The goal is to prevent severe case among children this age.

So far, the new subvariants are very easy to spread but do not seem as dangerous as Delta.

There are more people hospitalized —

1,900 in California, double form where it was but ICU Admissions were rising much more slowly and the number of deaths per day is trending down instead Santa Cruz County has 15 people hospitalized with Covid but none in intensive care.

With 51,000 county residents having had the infection, natural immunity may be a factor.

Parents of children under 5 seeking a vaccine are still waiting because the Food and Drug Administration has not authorized a Covid vaccine for their age group.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates almost 60 percent of the populace — including 76% percent of children — have had Omicron or another coronavirus variant.

California Parents United, founded

by Carmel attorney Tracy Henderson, contends the State Department of Public Health guidance for schools is non-binding because the agency did not follow the rule-making process required by the Administrative Procedures Act. If a child is refused in-pers0n instruction, Henderson advises filing a tort claim. Details at https://www.califor-

niaparentsunited.org/call2action

New Signs of Normal abrillo College in Aptos brought back in-person graduation May 20 outdoors at the football stadium. In-person graduation ceremonies are planned June 2 for Aptos Junior High, 11 a.m., and Aptos High, 4 p.m. the same day, both at Cabrillo’s football stadium.

Capitola‘s Classic Car Show returns June 11-12 in Capitola Village, and Capitola’s Twilight Concerts began June 15.

The Aptos Chamber bringing back the World’s Shortest Parade at 10 a.m. July 4.

The theme is “team spirit.” The chamber also is seeking vendors for the party in the Aptos Village Park, which will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, craft booths, and food.

The Felton Remembers parade returns at 10 a.m. May 28 followed by the Covered Bridge Festival. Starting June 16, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings back live music Thursdays on the Colonnade with Friday night movies starting June 17.

The city of Scotts Valley is seeking help to host its Independence Day parade a day early, Sunday, July 3, with a fireworks celebration that night.

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8 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Proposed Laws alifornia lawmakers face a May 27 deadline to pass legislation; 10 bills deal with Covid-19 but five have been shelved or pulled.

Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids, headed by Amy Bohn in Newbury Park, which filed six lawsuits against vaccine mandates, is watching to see if these measures come back in a budget trailer bill in May — which avoids public hearings. The group is tracking these Covid-19 bills that remain active. They include: SB 866: To allow children 12 and older to get Covid vaccines without parental consent. Passed by Senate, awaiting action in Assembly.

AB 1419: To prohibit the representative of a minor from inspecting the minor’s patient record when the records relate to medical care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy. This bill goes with SB 866.

SB 1184: To authorize a health care provider or plan to disclose your child’s medical information to a school-linked services coordinator without parent consent.

Senate may discuss next week. Senate vote may be next week.

SB 1479: To mandate Covid testing plans at schools.

AB 1797: To create a state immunization tracking system and give schools and other entities access to all vaccine records..

AB 2098: To classify a physician or surgeon disseminating or promoting misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19 as unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline. This is supported

by Sen. Richard Pan, a physician, and opposed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

To track bills, see https://leginfo.

C

legislature.ca.gov

With SB 871 pulled by the author, Gov. Newsom is delaying plans to mandate Covid vaccine for school children until July 2023.

Hospitalizations ospitalizations from Omicron had peaked in January, then plummeted and have been rising albeit slowly.

The state Department of Public Health reports test positivity, 23% in January, has ticked up from 1.7% to 6.6% and hospitalizations — 20,000 in January —dropped to 950 before rising to 1,900.

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Santa Cruz County reports 1,715 active cases, with 15 hospitalizations, none in intensive care. One Covid death was reported in the past two weeks, bringing the total to 262. That person was 85 or older, with other medical conditions.

A new study by Dr. Audra Inness in the American Journal of Medicine reviewed more than 1,000 abstracts on restricting hospital visitors during the pandemic and found the policy’s connection to COVID-19 transmission was poorly studied.

New workplace rules adopted in California require unnvaccinated and vaccinated workers to be treated the same; no mask mandate for te unvaccinated.

Requirements to disinfect surfaces were removed. Requirements for partitions and physical distancing were replaced by requirements for better ventilation.

Employees testing positive can return to work masked five days later.

Omicron has a shorter incubation period then the early coronavirus variants.

Airline Mask Policy f you’re flying Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, or United, masks are optional. Masks may be required at airports.

For airlines elsewhere, check h t t p s : / / w w w. a f a r. c o m / m a g a z i n e / which-airlines-require-masks Airline masks became optional in the U.S. after a federal judge in Florida on April 18 voided the mask mandate ordered by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for airlines, trains and buses on Feb. 3, 2021.

The Justice Department appealed at the CDC’s request but the agency did not ask for a stay, which would have reinstated the mandate.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled in favor of Health Freedom Defense Fund and airline travelers Ana Carolina Daza and Sarah Pope, who claimed the CDC failed to provide a 30-day comment public period required for new regulations.

Mizzell provided a 59-page explanation, based on the Public Health Services Act of 1944, which specifies sanitation as a measure that could be necessary to prevent disease from spreading, but has no definition of sanitation.

“Wearing a mask cleans nothing,” the judge wrote. “At most it traps virus droplets. But it neither ‘sanitizes’ the person wearing the mask nor ‘sanitizes’ the conveyance.”

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“COVID Update” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

Where to Drop Off Your Ballot B allots have already been mailed to Santa Cruz County voters for the June 7 election, and the Elections Department has set up 24-hour drop boxes at the following locations: • Aptos — Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive.

• Aptos — Cabrillo College parking lot R by stadium, 3732 Cabrillo College Dr. • Aptos — Polo Grounds near the dog park, 2255 Huntington Drive • Ben Lomond — Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9 • Boulder Creek — Community Church, 12465 Highway 9 • Capitola — 420 Capitola Ave. in the City Hall parking lot • Capitola — Mall parking lot, 1855 41st Ave., near Capitola Rd entrance • Capitola — Library, 2005 Wharf Road • Corralitos — Community Center - 35 Browns Valley Road • Felton — Covered Bridge Park parking lot, Mt. Hermon and Graham Hill Road • Los Gatos — Summit Store, 24197 Summit Road

• Santa Cruz — 701 Ocean St. in front of the County Government Center • Santa Cruz — 212 Church St. in the public parking lot #16 • Santa Cruz — UCSC Quarry Plaza • Scotts Valley — 1 Civic Center Drive in the City Hall parking lot • Watsonville — 316 Rodriguez St in municipal public parking lot 14 • Watsonville — County Health Center parking lot, 1432 Freedom Blvd.

Other options include: • Return your ballot in person before and including Election Day at the County Elections Office or any of the City Clerks’ offices.

• Return it to a voter service center, open Saturday, May 28, to Tuesday, June 7.

• Mail it so it is received on time — ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 14 will be considered received on time. n ••• Information: https://www.votescount.us/ Home/Elections/June2022CaliforniaPrimaryElection/BallotDropBoxes.aspx

Cabrillo Stage Presents A Fresh Take on a Familiar Story: ‘Grease’

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By Mindy Pedlar

assie Nordgren directs and choreo- artistic director of Center REP in Walnut graphs Cabrillo Stage’s summer Creek,” she explained. “He is wonderfully production of Grease. She comes quirky and creative. I was brought in to from a very musical family. Not only choreograph transitions on David Ives’ adapare her father and uncles musicians, her tation of The Liar. Under Michael’s direction, mother owns and operates an acclaimed I got to choreograph these wildly fun scene changes that turned the cast into rock stars dance academy near Oakland.

Cassie took her first official dance class using ‘60s French pop songs, all while moving pieces of scenery. To receive an at age 3, but she began giving “Outstanding Choreography” recitals at home as soon as she nomination by Theatre Bay Area could walk. for my work on the transitions in In Cassie’s words, “Dance that play was just the cherry on has been a part of my life for as top of an extremely rewarding long as I can remember. I think experience. “ I first realized my love of storyCassie also is an accomtelling on stage in 7th grade when plished director in the process of I was cast as Clara in The NutCassie Nordgren obtaining a master’s degree in cracker. It was my first time being on stage for more than a 3-minute song, and I directing from Baylor University.

In describing her artistic vision for LOVED it. I am not sure if I fully recognized Clara’s character arc at that point in my theat- Grease, Cassie says, “There are two big ideas rical journey, but I remember enjoying being guiding this production. The first is nostalgia.

Most people don’t know this, but the script a character as much as dancing a character.”

When asked which choreography of Grease actually starts at a high school award has been most meaningful, she reunion with Miss Lynch, Eugene, and Patty replied that it’s more about the project than welcoming everyone and reminiscing about the years gone by. It’s a weak framing device, the award.

“I have twice had the opportunity to but I have chosen not to cut it because I think collaborate with Michael Butler, the former it is a great reminder that this show is looking

back in time, at an era when life was simple and music was rockin.’ There are some things that the characters do or say in this show that we as humans living in 2022 wouldn’t do or say today. The second idea is acceptance.

Universally, that is what high school is about, right? Learning to accept yourself and doing crazy things so others will accept you.

“Grease” page 12

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 9

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Will Capitola Voters Be Asked to OK Tax?

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By Jondi Gumz

hould Capitola ask voters to approve an empty home tax or raise the sales tax to fund city operations?

In April, the City Council asked Gene Bregman & Associates to poll voters. He interviewed 168 voters.

Bregman presented the findings at the council meeting via Zoom on May 26 after Capitola-Soquel Times went to press.

The results were made public Tuesday.

The summary charts show: 71% say Capitola is doing an excellent job compared to 79% in 2016.

50% say Capitola is doing an excellent/ good job managing its budget compared to 58% in 2014.

53% said need for more affordable housing is the top issue, followed by

“COVID Update” from page 8 The government interprets “sanitation” to mean “applying of measures for preserving and promoting public health.” The judge disagreed, writing that historically, public health has been regulated at the state level, and the 1944 law has no clear language that Congress intended the CDC to take over.

The CDC did not allow public comment although the Administrative Procedures Act requires agencies provide a 30-day comment period on new rules.

The CDC did not explain mask exemptions for people eating, drinking or taking medication or for children under age 2. By not explaining, the CDC action was arbitrary and capricious, the judge ruled.

The CDC did not conduct a study to generate scientific evidence that wearing cloth masks slows spread on an airplane.

Santa Cruz County, which updates its dashboard on Monday and Thursday, reports 1,715 active cases, on the rise but down from the peak of 10,000.

Omicron Less Deadly he Omicron variants are less deadly than the Delta variant, which raged in 2021.

Santa Cruz County reported 37 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

One statistic is similar: 79% to 81% of those who died had pre-existing conditions.

Why do people fear Omnicron?

They may have a pre-existing condition (diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure).

Half of Americans do, so they are at higher risk for severe Covid illness.

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The slides [showing poll results] I saw are difficult to interpret. need to maintain beaches, 41%, and road conditions, 24%, maintaining police, 38% 60% say Capitola has a great or some need for more money; compared to 55% in 2016.

The slides I saw are difficult to interpret. A slender majority favored a second home tax of $6,000 or $4,000, but opposition increased after hearing more information.

A second home tax earmarked for roads and affordable housing had a slender majority of support but it was

hard to tell if the tax would be $3,000 or $1,500.

Raising the sales tax from 9% to 9.5% for improve streets and roads got a 38% yes.

The city manager says there is an Aug. 12 deadline to get a tax measure on the November ballot. So this will likely come up in June and July.

The city manager estimates a second home tax could generate $2 million a year & a quarter-cent sales tax could generate $1 million a year.

How many second homes in Capitola?

So are people 85 and older.

California reports 83.5% of residents age 5 and up have had at least one shot.

On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 91% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 83% fully vaccinated.

Soquel Elementary Cases he Soquel Union Elementary School District reports 79 active student cases and 8 active staff cases in May. Soquel Elementary reports 30 student cases and 4 staff cases. Main Street Elementary reports 26 student cases and 1 staff case.

Santa Cruz Gardens reports 16 student cases and 1 staff case. New Brighton Middle reports 7 student cases and 2 staff cases.

Adverse Effects Database n a 2022 report in the Journal of American Medical Association online, Dr. Matthew Oster of the CDC reported the government’s VAERS database received 1,991 reports of myocarditis after one dose of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine and 1,626 met the CDC’s definition for probable or confirmed myocarditis.

Oster’s conclusion: “The risk of myocarditis after receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines was increased across multiple age and sex strata and was highest after the second vaccination dose in adolescent males and young men. This risk should be considered.”

Public health officials say the scientific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but some are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021. They point to the U.S. government database, https://vaers.hhs.gov/, where

health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine.

The reporting site was created after Congress passed a law in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law allowing him to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company. This protection lasts until 2024.

The VAERS database lists reports of injuries after a vaccine, but there’s been no follow-up study to evaluate if the injury was cuased by a vaccine.

Renz Law, representing military whistleblowers, sued the federal government to lift the vaccine mandate for military personnel and appeals for passage of legislation repealing immunity for vaccine manufacturers.

“If vaccines are truly safe and effective no one should oppose this,” the lawsuit reads.

After mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were mandated for the military in 2021, cases of heart attack, pulmonary embolism, cancers, and myocarditis spiked dramatically, according to the Defense Military Epidemiological Database queries by the whistleblowers.

The Department of Defense’s response was that a glitch in the database affected the data from 2016-2020.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which can lead to clots, a stroke or heart attack.

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10 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

That information has not been made available, but I hope it will be.

How many of the second-home owners vote in Capitola?

That information has not been made available, but I hope it will be.

The city finance department posts reports on sales tax revenue quarterly on its website.

To view online council meetings, generally the second and fourth Thursday, go to: https://www.cityofcapitola.org/ meetings?&field_microsite_tid=All&field_ microsite_tid_1=24 n ••• What questions do you have about a tax on second homes in Capitola or a higher sales tax in Capitola? Email editor Jondi Gumz at info@ cyber-times.com and this could be part of our follow-up report in July.

Testing he Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and families at: Cabrillo College, Aptos, Parking Lot K, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See: https://tinyurl.com/get-testedsanta-cruz.

Booster shots: https://myturn.ca.gov/ Vaccine providers: www.santacruz health.org/coronavirusvaccine.

Local information: www.santacruz health.org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n •••

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Total COVID cases: 1,557

••• COVID Deaths: 262 As of May 26 Age 85 and older: 113 • 75-84: 61 • 65-74: 46 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 212 •No: 50 Race White 150 • Latinx 89 • Asian 16 Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 135 • Women: 127 Location At facility for aged: 116 Not at a facility: 146

RFK Jr Rally Vs. Censorship

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COMMUNITY NEWS

By Jondi Gumz

undreds of people came to Menlo Park, the home of Facebook (now Meta) to join a May 19 rally by Children’s Health Defense, in which CHD founder, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a law professor for 35 years, said he was barred from the Facebook appeals process without explanation.

The case is still in court.

Those attending included Kathleen Lynch of Seacliff, Marilyn Garrett of Aptos

and Keith McHenry of Santa Cruz, founder of Food Not Bombs.

Speakers included: Brianne Dressen, co-chair of react19. org, which is pushing for treatment of vaccine-injured individuals. A healthy preschool teacher and mom of two before she volunteered for AstraZenecea’s Covid vaccine, she now uses a wheelchair.

“My life is not misinformation,” she said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks to the crowd during a rally fighting online censorship in Menlo Park, home of Meta (parent company of Facebook).

Pastor Bob McCoy, Calvary Chapel Church in Thousand Oaks. He had no qualms about vaccines until his grandson was injured after a vaccine.

Denise Aguilar and Tara Thornton, founders of Freedom-Angels.org, who are challenging the system and recommending resources to homeschooling parents. Thornton said, “Never let your voice be silenced.”

Neil Mammen of Calvary Chapel San Jose said “every Black life matters” and “The truth will come out.”

Brian Hooker, PhD, who has a 24-year-old son with autism, posted his own research on Facebook, which got the attention of Facebook fact-checkers. “I am in Facebook jail,” he said. “Science is not to be worshipped — It is to be questioned.”

Kevin Jenkins, founder of the Freedom Travel Alliance and CEO of the Urban Global Health Alliance, asked for a moment of silence for all those vaccineinjured. “Call a loved one,” he added. “Tell them hope has arrived.”

Naomi Wolf, an author and journalist, is having researchers vet thousands of

pages of documents vaccine-maker Pfizer did not want to release for 55 years and printing these reports o at dailyclout.io, a site she founded.

Kennedy Jr., author of the book, “The Real Anthony Fauci,” commended Brianne Dressen for creating a community for 19,000 people injured by vaccines.

He admitted he is not always right.

“If we get it wrong, we’ll admit we made a mistake,” he said.

“Americans ought to be able to criticize their government,” he added. “A free flow of information is fertilizer to democracy.” n To view a recording of the rally, see https://live.childrenshealthdefense.org/ menlo-ca-a-rally-to-stop-censorship

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fifth Graders Create Garden to Learn

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DISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING AT

By Carissa Lemos, principal, Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary

he once-underutilized 4,000-square foot entrance to Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School is now a community garden designed and created by fifth grade students and showcased to the community in May. In 2022, the school launched the SAGE Program (Science And Garden Emphasis) to increase students’ inquiry-based learning, understanding of nutrition, environmental stewardship, and connection to nature.

The fifth grade students were asked how they could help students learn about and connect with science and nature.

They took the lead in dreaming up the SAGE Garden, envisioning a thriving outdoor learning space for students and the community to learn about plants, connect with nature and each other.

They worked together to create a plan including researching and mapping out different zones of plants, figuring out the budget, designing a buddy bench, creating the garden design, and helping to raise funding from grants, local nurseries, and donors to make it happen.

Parker, one of the students, said “By the end of our research, you can see how much we learned about budgeting, the needs of individual plants, the types of materials that would be long lasting and affordable for this project, and true collaboration. We even learned some serious math skills!”

“Grease” from page 9

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Of course, the power of Grease is that the music is accepting of everyone at any age. Under those two umbrellas, there is a lot to play with and a lot of fun to be had, especially with our amazingly talented cast.”

The choreography will be original (though you might recognize a bit of the hand-jive). Cassie guarantees that this production will have the same song and dance numbers you love, but also offer plenty of surprises. She wants the audience to feel

The garden was a passion project for fifth grade teacher Brian Boyce, who got full support from fellow fifth grade teacher Aaron Reisman.

Over several Saturdays this spring, students organized garden workdays with over 75 teachers, students, and their families. The students led teams that put nearly 100 plants in the ground within each garden zone: Natives, drought tolerant, sensory, and edible plant zones.

Most if not all of the plants came via donations from Central Home Supply, Graniterock, Suncrest, Dig Gardens, San Lorenzo Lumber, The Garden Company, Mountain Feed and Farm Supply, Alladin Nursery, Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden., and a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation, Students and families across all grade levels worked together to build a buddy bench, spread mulch, and lay down gravel pathways.

A n o t h e r student, Ella, said “Our fifth grade legacy project is our way of giving back to the learning community that has helped nurture us just as we will all nurture these plants we plant together.”

Silas, another fifth grader, said, “We envision this legacy project being built on by future fifth graders! This is just the beginning for this community project.”

Jarixa said, “After our entire audio tour was created, we realized we wanted to translate each plant description into Spanish.

Me and several other fifth graders who are both nostalgic and inspired by this fresh take on a familiar story.

Grease runs Thursday through Sunday, June 23, through July 10 at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. Tickets may be purchased individually or at a discounted rate for the season, which includes Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.

Tickets are currently available online at cabrillostage.com. The Box Office opens for phone and walk-in sales Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. beginning June 3. n

COMMUNITY NEWS bilingual volunteered to create audio tracks in Spanish.

We felt this would be a great way to be more inclusive.

This was overwhelming for me and my team because it was hard to learn how to say some of the words in the essays we had to read. Me and my team had to practice our pronunciation a lot for each essay we recorded. Our team did a good job on this important part of the project.”

Each year fifth graders will help take care of the garden and add their own ideas to continue building this new outdoor creative learning space.

Volunteers, district staff and neighbors will pitch in over the summer.to keep this garden at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School alive. n ••• Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary, at 8005 Winkle Ave., Santa Cruz, is part of the Soquel Union School District. For information, see ww.scg.suesd.org.

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Santa Cruz County Jobs Report posted May 20

Information 600 0 April unemployment 4.5% Trade/ 16,200 Down 100 April 2022 Change from transportation/utilities a year ago

Farm 4,700 Down 1,100 Leisure 12,800 Up 1,700 & hospitality Nonfarm 100,900 Up 4,200 Total 105,600 Up 3,100 Government 22,500 Up 1,400 Labor force 133,600 Up 1% Manufacturing 7,600 Up 300 Employed* 127,600 Up 6% Other services 4,700 Up 300 Unemployed 6,100 Down 44% Private education 17,500 Up 200 & health Count is on the 12 of the month *Includes commuting to jobs outside Professional/ 10,800 Up 200 business services county Source: California Employment DevelConstruction 4,900 Up 100 opment Department Financial 3,300 Up 100

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mid-County Senior Center Bingo

By Teresa Hidalgo Dance

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ho has never played bingo? If you’re a senior, you most likely already have. To us, bingo is more than a game though the possibility of winning a prize is one of its draws.

“Bingo gets seniors out of their home for a happy reason, not another medical appointment,” said 82-year old Karen. “It’s a time to smile and forget your problems.”

The members of the Mid-County Senior Center in Capitola are your typical happy bingo-playing set. Though not exactly like the gambling crowds of Las Vegas or on cruise ships, the bingo players at Mid-County Senior Center enjoy all the bells and whistles that liven up a game that doesn’t require skill, only plenty of luck.

On the day I came to play, long-time bingo aficionado Bill was carrying what looked like a small version of a medical bag, the kind toted by doctors on house calls during the horse-and-buggy era.

On the sloping sides of Bill’s black bag were six pouches, each containing a colored dauber. They are akin to

Nancy Predelli and Vicky Howell mark their cards during Bingo at Mid-County Senior Center. envelope-moisteners with a porous top through which dyed liquid seeps out to mark the numbers on one’s card.

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Daubers were available at the receptionist’s table but most of the forty or so seniors at the bingo game that day had their own.

What I found remarkable about the wet and sloppy daubers was that the colored liquid did not seep through the thin game card onto the face of the card underneath.

Also inside Bill’s bingo bag was a small noise-making machine that he says he will use if he ever wins. The pocket-size pink contraption had buttons that you tap on to make the sounds of drums, whistles, entire orchestras, and even passing gas.

During the course of the two-hour session, winners around the room used their noise machines to play a variety of sounds from an airplane taking off to a disconsolate fog horn. But a fancy noise machine was not necessary to have fun.

Some simply used New Year’s Eve noisemakers. And whenever the number “22” was called, everyone tooted the number two like a choo-choo train.

“I came here not to win but to be entertained,” said one bingo denizen. This carefree attitude brings out the playful spirit of the seniors. Bill, for example, wouldn’t give me his name. Everytime I asked his name, he gave me a different one — Rudolph or Jose Jimenez. I finally found out his name when others called out to him.

The absence of competition encourages camaraderie among the players. “Senior bingo is slow and people help each other,” said Karen. “If you hit bingo, others are happy for you.” Even the words of those who didn’t hit bingo are said good-naturedly: “They didn’t give us a chance.”

Or “I must have picked the wrong card.”

When I entered the bingo hall, volunteers knew right away I was a newbie and led me to Susan, an old-timer who has been coming to the bingo games for the past 10 years. She immediately took me under her wing. She was a serious player, having bought the initial pack of cards for $10 and a second one for $8, both to be played simultaneously. She patiently showed me the different bingo combinations such as the “wild number,” “picture frame,” “9-pack,” or “6-pack.”

Susan never thought she’d enjoy bingo so much. Playing bingo with her father at the senior center was more of a duty for her until they stopped going after he showed signs of Alzheimer’s. Susan found herself missing the game and the first chance she could, she returned to the bingo hall. She’s been coming ever since.

The woman who called out the numbers at the bingo game sounded as good as any professional bingo caller in Las Vegas. Her crisp syllables and authoritative tone, stating with finality, “We have bingo,” or “That game is closed” seemed in deference to those who took the game seriously, despite the fun culture around it.

Food was also another draw for the games at MidCounty Senior Center.

Hotdog in a bun is a staple along with chips, soda, and coffee. The day I played, the kitchen also served chili con carne. It only cost a dollar. Every food item, but the two dollar hotdogs, only cost a dollar! At my seat, I had further treats. Someone had laid out salty pretzels on a paper towel in the middle of the table and I helped myself generously to them.

“Bingo is a party that welcomes you without an invitation,” Karen observed.

“Tuesday afternoons (when the games are held 1-3 p.m.) become special.”

“I can see how happy it makes the seniors, whether new to the game or not,” she added, “When you leave, you say, ‘Ok, see you next week.’” n The Mid-County Senior Center is located at 829 Bay Ave., Capitola, behind the Woodworm Party store. It’s open to the public and to play bingo, participants must be at least 18 years of age.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Memorial Day: Lest We Forget

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By Edita McQuary

oday many people think Memorial Day is just another day off work and another shopping day.

But to some of us, especially those of us born in World War W II war-torn Europe and lucky to be naturalized American citizens, it means a lot more.

We remember the bravery of those young men and women who accepted the call to save almost all of Europe by doing away with a ruthless dictator who had killed millions of people. We see films of D-Day and thousands of young Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders storming the beaches of Normandy, France, and so many losing their lives in the attempt!

We think about how families in America were doing their part to help win the war and how the people of this country pulled together to support their armed forces’ efforts.

I was recently surprised to find online the draft registration form that my fatherin-law, at the time 39 years old, had filled out. Imagine — a man, the sole support of three young children and a wife who did not work outside the home having to register for the draft! Fortunately, he did not have to serve but I’m sure he would have done his duty if he had been called up. That was the way things were done in those days.

Since then, there have been many more wars and many lives lost. It is good to take a moment to remember and thank in our hearts all who sacrificed their lives so we can have freedom and live in peace. n

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This memorial, at the intersection of Freedom Boulevard and Highway 1, was erected by the Santa Cruz Chapter D.A.R. Christmas 1923 in memory of the sons and daughters of Santa Cruz County who perished in the 1914-1918 World War.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 17

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Capitola Summer Fun Returns!

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By Sam Storey, Mayor, City of Capitola

apitola is celebrating the return of summer with the return of the Wednesday nights Twilight Concerts series and other fun events.

For the last two summers due to the pandemic the Twilight Concerts have been canceled, curtailed, and zoomed. Now that large outdoor gatherings are safe again the

Sasha’s Money (from left): Mike Kelly, Randy Solomon, Michelle ‘Sasha’ Kraft, Bill McBride, and John McCullough.

Twilight Concerts are scheduled to return on June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning with the band Sasha’s Money.

Each Wednesday night thereafter until Aug. 31, the bands performing will be, in order: Extra Large, John Michael Band, Mike Hammar & The Nails, The Joint Chiefs Band, Live Again, Santa Cruz Latin Collective, Billy Martini Show, Jive Machine, Dirty Cello, B-Movie Kings, and, ending on Aug. 31 with the Digbeats.

Come out to see, hear, and dance to your favorite band playing your favorite genre of music whether it be blues, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, salsa & latin, or classic rock.

The bands perform at the Capitola Village Esplanade Park bandstand and the admission is free.

The Twilight Concerts would not be possible without the generous donations from our sponsors: Green Waste Recovery, Devcon Construction, Capitola Mall, Lanai

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Financial Solutions, Capitola Beach Suites, Steve & Dianne Pereira, Marriott Fairfield Inn, and Best Western. Thanks to all the sponsors for making the Twilight Concerts possible.

It’s such a beautiful setting on the Monterey Bay to attend an outdoor concert, to enjoy the scenery, and to feel the sounds.

Bring a blanket and picnic on the beach or enjoy one of the fine dining establishments in Capitola Village. Even though it’s summer, bring a jacket because the fog may embrace you.

In addition to the Twilight Concerts there will be Sunday Art at the Beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 26, July 10, July 31, and Aug. 14. On these select Sundays, there will be booths with quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media from local artists. If you arrive early, you may be serenaded by the impromptu ukulele players.

“Summer Fun” page 20

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASA: New Advocates

O

n May 19, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Timothy Schmal swore in 13 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care.

All 13 had completed CASA’s 35-hour training program.

CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advocates who are matched one Jaheidi Reyes on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the

20 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

entire time they have a case open with the court.

As officers of the court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

There is a great need for bilingual and

male volunteers, however, people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are encouraged to learn more. n For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, call Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer

From Left: Asia Hwan, Michele Helene Mckee, Alexandra M Beltran, staff member Puiyee Tse, Meghan Reilly, trainer Roxy Greenspan, Rhonda Lynne Carvalho, staff member Karen Silva, trainer Jenny Hundemer, Pia Dori Morabia, Pushya Faith Wahl, Barbara Durham Park-Lee, Victoria Louise Granger-Jones, Cynthia Kent-Mills, Helene R Weil, Renee Aplustill, and Judge Timothy Schmal

“Summer Fun” from page 18 Later in the summer, there will be family-friendly Friday night Movies at the Beach featuring Jungle Cruise on Aug. 26 and Sing 2 on Sept. 2. The movie times will be at dusk.

Also, during the summer, the Capitola Recreation Department is sponsoring Food Trucks at Monterey Park on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 17, July 15, August 19, and Sept. 16. These are family-friendly events featuring some of Santa Cruz County’s best food trucks, as well as, a beer garden for the adults. Catch up with your neighbors while having food and drink in an outdoor setting.

These events take a lot of work from City staff and volunteers. The Twilight Concerts and the Sunday Art at the Beach are brought to you by the volunteers from the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission.

The Capitola Art & Cultural Commission advises the City Council about allocation of public funds for the support and encouragement of existing and new programs in the arts; acquires works of art; initiates, sponsors, and directs special programs that enhance the cultural climate

of the City; and implements Capitola’s Art & Cultural Master Plan.

There are nine members of the commission. Each serves a maximum of three, two-year terms. The commission is composed of one City Council member; one Planning Commissioner; one artist or arts organization representative member; one arts professional member and five “at-large” members. Appointments are made by the City Council following recommendation by the current commission members.

We are thankful for all the Art & Cultural Commission volunteers and the city staff that work to make Capitola a more beautiful, inspiring, and enjoyable place to live and visit.

Many of the wonderful events that are sponsored by the Art & Cultural Commission are only successful because of the volunteers and donors. If you would like to be an Art & Cultural Commission volunteer or donor go to the City of Capitola’s website or call 475-7300. Enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer! n ••• Sam Storey is mayor of Capitola. Contact him at samforcapitola@yahoo.com

FEATURED COLUMNIST

S U M M E R & FA L L R E G I S T R AT I O N

Streets Might Benefit From Shade S

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By Tony Tomeo

hade has become less of a priority for modern urban gardens than it still is for older and more spacious suburban gardens.

Significantly less sunlight reaches the ground of such confined gardens among taller and shadier homes and fences. Even where shade might be desirable, space for shade trees might be minimal. Streets are the primary exception.

Streets, and associated curbs and sidewalks, are generally the sunniest situations within modern urban neighborhoods.

They collect and radiate ambient heat that warms nearby homes and gardens, even if the weather is already unpleasantly warm.

Cars that park on pavement without shade are vulnerable to the most heat, which accelerates weathering.

It is an unfortunate waste. Sunshine that is useless and undesirable on streets would be useful within gardens. Although sunlight is not transferable from one situation to another, it might be partially abatable with shade. Streets are certainly no place for gardening; but the space above them may have potential to accommodate the canopies of shade trees.

Street trees are simply trees that flank streets and other roadways. Most are shady. A few are merely visually appealing.

They may inhabit parkstrips, treewells or gardens that are adjacent to sidewalks.

Many municipalities prescribe street trees for most of their streets. Conforming street trees are standard accessories for streets within new residential tracts.

Proportion is important for street trees.

Of course, street trees must be appropriate to their particular applications.

They must get tall enough for clearance above the largest of vehicles that use the roadways below. For commercial districts, some must also stay above storefront signs. Contrarily, a few street trees must stay below aerial utilities. Street lamps, high or low, require clearance as well.

Size and form are not the only considerations. Roots of street trees must be complaisant with infrastructure. Mess should be as minimal as practical. The most complaisant street trees might stay too small to attain adequate clearance or provide much shade. The most visually appealing might be too messy. Selection of appropriate street trees necessitates significant research regarding every potential option.

••• Hopbush ohnny jump up and jumping cholla have no more than amusing names in common with hopbush, Dodonea viscosa. Neither a dangerous cactus nor a docile annual, hopbush is an elegantly upright and evergreen shrub.

It is very popular for both informal and formally shorn Hopbush makes a nice small hedging.

With tree. pruning, it can become a small tree with handsomely furrowed bark.

Hopbush has potential to get about as tall as a two story house, particularly with pruning for tree form. Conversely, with only occasional pruning for hedge form, it is just as happy to stay just six feet tall.

Trees with single and straight trunks fit nicely into narrow spaces. Trees with a few irregular trunks that lean outwardly are more sculptural for larger areas.

The narrow evergreen leaves are about two or three inches long, with light bronzy color. ‘Purpurea’ has purplish bronze color, but does not grow as vigorously.

Most hopbush are female, and generate interestingly papery seed. Bloom and seed production are variable though, and some specimens become male. Roots should be complaisant with concrete. n Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com

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Homemade Baby Formula M oms switching to formula were left high and dry when Abbott, which has about 40% of the market, closed its plant after two babies who drank formula made there died.

For those who are ready to make it yourself, the Weston A. Price Foundation, founded by Sally Fallon, offers this recipe.

Homemade Raw Milk-Based Formula Ingredients to Make 36 Ounces 2 cups of whole fat raw milk, from pasture-fed cows ¼ cup of home made liquid whey 4 tablespoons of Lactose ¼ teaspoon Bifidobacterium infantis 2 tablespoons of good quality cream (can be pasteurized but NOT ultra pasteurized, or UHT) ½ teaspoon of high vitamin cod liver oil (or 1 teaspoon of regular cod liver oil) ¼ teaspoon of high vitamin butter oil (optional) 1 teaspoon of unrefined sunflower oil 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons of coconut oil 2 teaspoons of Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes 2 teaspoons of gelatin 1 7/8 cups of filtered water ¼ teaspoon of acerola powder Note: You may omit the yeast and the gelatin if baby demonstrates sensitivities.

••• Resources Podcast of Sally Fallon Morell explain why she needed an alternative to commercial

formula: https://www.westonaprice.org/ podcast/255-homemade-baby-formula/ Step by step recipe on page 602 of “Nourishing Traditions,” a cookbook by Sally Fallon Morell and Dr. Mary Enig: h t t p s : / / n e w t re n d s p u b l i s h i n g . c o m / nourishing-traditions/ The Nourishing Traditions book of Baby and Childcare by Sally Fallon and Dr. Thomas Cowan: https://newtrendspublishing. com/the-nourishing-traditions-bookof-baby-child-care/ Radiant life kit with all the ingredients for the formula: https://www.radiantlifecatalog. com/product/nourishing-traditions-kithomemade-baby-formula/baby-child-care

Share A Recipe!

D

o you have a recipe that is a family favorite? Or maybe one from your childhood you would like to share? The Capitola Soquel Times will be publishing one recipe each issue from a community member.

Feel free to add a little history to the recipe if you want (approximately 75 words). Every issue we will randomly choose a recipe to publish.

Find your favorite and send it to cathe@cyber-times.com today!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Educators of the Year 2022

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n May 19, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education honored the recipients of the 2022 Santa Cruz County Educator of the Year Award, which is awarded to staff who exemplify educational excellence and embody the values of the school community. They are: Teacher of the Year: Janet Stahl, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School.

She joined the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District in 2004, where she has taught grades K-2 and Recovery Reading and helped spearhead making San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports school.

Stahl started her teaching career in the winter of 1988 with Modesto City Schools. She taught what was then called Sheltered English classes for 1-3 grades, was a Success For All reading teacher and team taught a full inclusion Sheltered English and Special Day Class at a year round school. She developed a passion for teaching beginning readers and writers, creating a professional lending library and after school reading clubs for students.

Her favorite day of the year is the Santa Cruz County Reading Association Student Authors’ Fair where she has the pleasure and delight of interviewing young authors and listening to them read their work. Stahl is retiring this year.

Classified Employee of the Year: Patty Freedman, Alternative Education, Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Highlands).

Freedman is a project specialist at the Santa Cruz Office of Education’s San Lorenzo Valley Community School. She has lived in Santa Cruz County for the past 47 years with her husband and three children.

She joined the Santa Cruz COE in 2002 after working with SLVUSD as an instructional aide at Redwood Elementary School.

“I love the students, their families, our community in the San Lorenzo Valley and I am so grateful to have spent the last

Janet Stahl

Daisy Nuñez

Patty Freedman

Dr. Jessica Kiernan

Heather Norquist

20 years working in Alternative Education,” Freedman said.

Counselor of the Year: Daisy Nuñez, socio-emotional counselor at Watsonville High School, her alma mater, and an adjunct counselor at Hartnell College.

A first-generation Mexican-American raised by migrant farm working parents, Nuñez has worked in education for 14 years, striving to promote and contribute to a diverse environment that welcomes individuals of different social, gender, and cultural backgrounds.

She is a hopeologist and follows the philosophy that students are able to move toward healing and can achieve tremendous success when they are supported, heard and validated.

She has a bachelor’s degree in global economics from UC Santa Cruz, a master’s degree in education from San Jose State University, and a certification in thanatology (death, dying and bereavement) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

Administrator of the Year: Dr. Jessica Kiernan, assistant superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District A loving mother, partner, daughter, and friend, she began her career in education in 1999. As a classroom teacher, she quickly saw the institutional inequity her students faced. No students from her middle school had ever gone on to honors level courses in high school.

Within three years, 36 of her students were prepared for and enrolled in honors-level courses. As an assistant principal, she found the same themes existed, so she organized a core of teachers to begin an AVID program, which within only three years became AVID certified schoolwide.

In her principalship, she found a new challenge in a different socio-demographic community. High test scores were easy to achieve, but building a whole-child mindset became the new charge. With nearly 40 staff, she traveled the country year after year seeking the best and next practices.

As a director and then as an assistant superintendent of education, she continued to engage in the quiet, yet focused path of understanding and truth-finding.

Bringing together collaborative forces, speaking truths, seeking experts, and forging relationships have helped Jessica and her district to grow.

She is humbled daily by the work of the great friends and colleagues with whom she works and shares this quest.

Community Partner of the Year: Heather Norquist, manager for Youth Programs and Services at Santa Cruz Public Libraries Norquist is recipient of this inaugural award. She works with a team of librarians to provide access to books and other library resources in a variety of formats, early literacy programming, support for academics, STEAM programs, the Summer Reading Program, and opportunities for creative expression and community involvement to the youth in our community and their parents, caregivers and teachers.

She has worked in Youth Services for 25 years, and was responsible for instituting the library’s K12 outreach, offering Lunch@theLibrary popup programming at school food distribution sites. Heather attended Live Oak Elementary and has lived here most of her life.

In her free time, Norquist enjoys singing with jazz combos and taking walks with her dog. n ••• A selection committee chose these honorees from 74 nominations using the California Standards and criteria such as ability to create a passion for learning, high expectations for all students commitment to the community they serve Honorees receive a plaque and their names will be engraved in the Educators of the Year perpetual plaque hanging in the foyer of the County Office of Education

[Janet Stahl’s] favorite day of the year is the Santa Cruz County Reading Association Student Authors’ Fair where she has the pleasure and delight of interviewing young authors and listening to them read their work.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 23

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Mission Again Welcomes School Field Trips

n spring of 2012, with a looming state budget shortfall, the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park was one of hundreds of state parks across California slated for closure before Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks stepped in to co-manage and fund park operations.

Ten years later, the Friends are celebrating — and welcoming back postCovid in-person school field trips at www. thatsmypark.org/visit/field-trips “Taking a leadership role in operating the Mission was a pivotal moment for Friends and our decades-long partnership with State Parks,” said Bonny Hawley, executive director of Friends. “We are proud of the work we’ve done to raise awareness about the Mission, support improvements and build community understanding of the park’s complex history.”

Built between 1822 and 1824 by local Ohlonean and Yokuts Indians, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is home to

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Learn more: Santa Cruz Mission SHP (ca.gov).

The Mission was secularized in 1834.

After decades of private ownership, the adobe was sold to the State of California, restored and opened to the public in 1991.

Friends funds interpretation services and a part of park operations, and runs the Mission ParkStore. Friends, with State Parks remodeled the patio, opened new interpretive exhibits, renovated outdoor cooking facilities, floor replacement,

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Previewing the County Budget

R

ecently, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the proposed budget. The budget is adopted in June for the following fiscal year. This year’s proposed $1.033 billion budget reflects the communities’ priorities based on the adopted Strategic Plan and the twoyear Operational Plan.

Key Highlights he Proposed 2022-23 Budget recommends more investments in public safety, parks and more including: • Providing investments in Sheriff staffing resources • Transitioning to a fully staffed Public Defenders Office • Providing resources for the District Attorney to address case backlogs • Additional funding for improvements at Willowbrook Park in Aptos as well as other parks in the district • Expanding broadband to help bridge the digital divide • Implementing the new Community Development and Infrastructure Department, which combines Public Works with Planning to better serve residents and incorporate the Unified Permitting Center • Continuing progress towards the summer 2023 opening of the new

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one of the oldest buildings in Santa Cruz County. The park’s signature adobe is the only remaining structure from Mission Santa Cruz, founded in 1791.

The Mission was built on the traditional lands of the Uypi people, and many Californian Native American tribes and families were impacted by it. Park staff have consulted with the local Native community to listen to and support their needs, and interpretation at the Mission has been updated in collaboration with the

garden restoration and new hours of operation to serve thousands of local school children.

Friends has worked hard to put the Mission “on the map” for visitors, through events and special programs, including the wildly successful Mole and Mariachi Festival, concerts, a fashion show, First Friday art shows, Movies at the Mission, Tacos on the Terrace, translation of State Parks materials to Spanish, use of the Mission for private events, and the publication of The Mission Santa Cruz Mystery by Melanie J Mayer, which is online at www. thatsmypark.org/products/the missionsantacruzmystery/. n ••• The Mission is one of just four adobe buildings left in Santa Cruz County and is the only building of its kind preserved as a museum in the state. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is at 144 School St., Santa Cruz, and open daily Thursday through Monday.

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

South County Service Center (formerly West Marine) And much more ...

New Budget Website n an effort to provide transparency to the budget process and increase the accessibility and usability of budget information, the County a new online, interactive portal for the budget. It is a really informative (and easy to use) tool for viewing and engaging with the County’s budget.

Previously, the County relied on separate and manual systems and countless spreadsheet and publishing tools to develop the budget. As you can imagine, the over 600 page document took quite the amount of paper to produce for County and community viewing. The new website will improve our environmental impact and also provide easy access for the community to learn more about where your money is spent.

The new website explains how County is financed, how services are delivered and how they connect to our strategic plan. By exploring the site, our community can see a direct connection between department budgets and our strategic and operational objectives.

The online budget can be found at this link: https://santacruzcounty.us/Vision SantaCruz/Budget.aspx

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24 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Additionally, you can find the budget site by visiting the main County website www.santacruzcounty.us and you will see a link on the home page. The County Administrative Officer has also created a “Budget in Brief” within the Proposed 2022-23 Budget website that includes an overview of the budget.

Reserves he Board of Supervisors adopted a policy a few years ago that requires a minimum reserve of 7 percent of General Fund revenues — which equates to a little over $46 million for the coming year.

Reserves are essential to maintain services during economic insecurity or natural disasters. Additionally, reserves help the County borrow at better interest rates for larger capital needs. The County holds a AAA bond rating.

Economic Outlook hile many indicators show that many segments of the economy have returned to their pre-pandemic levels, inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence and other challenges put gains

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over the last year in jeopardy. Across our county, the reduced labor force and escalating housing prices create the potential for increased unemployment impacting employers and consumer spending.

While the State has a one-time record surplus, at this point it’s unclear how those funds will be allocated and what will be provided to our County for either capital or service-related needs. County staff are estimating an over $9 million budget gap with concerns that a percentage of the necessary expenses incurred during the COVID and CZU fire-related response may not be reimbursed

by FEMA. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30, 2022, the County of Santa Cruz is expected to incur $130,094,356 in community response and recovery for COVID-19 pandemic programs. FEMA representatives have signaled they may recommend against reimbursement of certain COVID-19 pandemic response costs, leaving the County General Fund at risk for $17 million to $19 million — creating a shortfall.

“County Budget” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

The Future of Water is Being Built Now! Pure Water Soquel Construction Update

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

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onstruction is underway on the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project—and every day of work brings the community one step closer to a drought-proof, sustainable water supply.

Pure Water Soquel will put recycled water through multiple, rigorous, proven treatment processes, purifying it to drinking water standards.

That purified water will then be used to replenish the overdrafted Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin, raising the level of the groundwater to create a barrier against further seawater contamination of the water supply, and providing a significant, sustainable supplemental source of water.

This basin is the District’s sole source of water for its customers, and is also used by the City of Santa Cruz, Central Water District, other small mutual water pumpers, and thousands of private well owners.

The key components being built as part of Pure Water Soquel are: three Seawater Intrusion Prevention (SWIP) wells; treatment facilities at two locations, and a conveyance pipeline system to transport water between the treatment facilities and SWIP wells.

Additionally, the project includes construction of nine new monitoring wells at various locations, to expand and enhance the District’s ability to carefully observe and analyze groundwater levels and water quality.

SWIP Wells arlier this year, a major milestone was reached when the third and final SWIP well was drilled.

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Earthwork and excavation for underground utilities and site preparation at the Advanced Water Purification Center located on Chanticleer Ave.

These three wells, ranging from approximately 510 to 870 feet deep, are where the purified recycled water will be stored underground to replenish the overdrafted groundwater basin.

Facilities t the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility, wastewater currently goes through treatment to make it suitable for disposal into the ocean.

New facilities being built there will take 25% of the water being discharged into the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary and will recycle it for beneficial reuse.

Construction of the new facilities started in late 2021.

To date, work has included concrete slab foundations, trenching, and pipeline installation.

The centerpiece of Pure Water Soquel is the new Advanced Water Purification Center, where the water will be purified to drinking water standards. Located at the corner of Chanticleer Avenue and Soquel Avenue in the Live Oak area, construction of this facility got underway in December 2021 and is expected to be completed by late 2023.

At this new facility, a state-of-the-art, multi-step advanced water purification process—including pre-treatment, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation—will produce ultra-clean, purified water. Work taking place this spring includes concrete slab foundations and trenching for underground utilities and piping.

Conveyance Pipeline In May 2021 construction began on eight miles of pipeline that are being installed under numerous streets from the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility to the Advanced Water Purification Center, and then to the three SWIP wells in Capitola and Aptos.

So far, four miles of pipeline have been installed on various streets in Santa Cruz, Soquel, Aptos, and unincorporated Santa Cruz County. This work—expected to continue through 2022—is being done

with multiple crews in multiple sites, so construction may be seen in several locations.

The construction of the conveyance work is the most visible and potentially impactful to the public — motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are advised to use extra caution when in the vicinity of pipeline construction. n

••• We apologize for any temporary inconvenience as we build for the future of our water supply. The future of our water supply and sustainability of the Santa Cruz Mid-County basin is getting closer and closer! For more details about these and other District construction projects, please visit www.soquelcreekwater. org/284/Projects-in-Your-Neighborhood

Stephen King

A

ACROSS

1. Mauritania’s neighbor 5. Arrest 8. Daughter of Zeus and Hera 12. Like fist of some rulers 13. Containing limestone 14. *”Misery” Oscar winner 15. Gulf War missile 16. Throat-clearing sound 17. Earp of the Wild West 18. *’58 Plymouth Fury in a Stephen King novel 20. Hole punchers 21. G in SAG 22. Lennon’s wife 23. Napoleon’s hat

26. Old tree description 30. Ryder Cup team 31. Forecastle, for short 34. Ruptured 35. Harangues 37. Tiny guitar 38. East side of Jersey 39. Brussels’ org.

40. Genie, alt. sp.

42. Soak through 43. Autumnal zodiac sign 45. Stomach sores 47. Basketball hoop 48. Down Under marsupial 50. Ginger-flavored cookie 52. *”It” clown 56. Nary a soul 57. Larger-than-life 58. Like some rumors 59. Smart _____, pl.

60. Pilaf grain 61. Close in proximity 62. *”The Green ____” 63. Don’t waste 64. RisquÈ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. Bibliographical abbr.

(2 words) 10. Risky business, pl.

11. “Is” in Paris 13. Hispanic American 14. Boss, in Swahili DOWN 19. Rides the waves Catchall abbr.

22. Buck St. Louis tourist 23. “Auld Lang Syne” poet attraction 24. *”Children of the Displeasure on one’s Corn” cult leader face Chroner Rainbow color 25. Subsection of a poem Root of nihilism 26. “Rhinestone Cowboy” Set right singer *”Stand ____ ____,” 27. Kind of change film based on “The 28. Mistake Body” 29. Oceanic trenches *”Rita ____ and 32. *Rabid Saint Bernard the Shawshank in Stephen King book Redemption” 33. Mogul rider

36. *Nicholson in “The Shining” 38. Foolish 40. Not bright 41. Subtlety 44. Plumber’s concern, pl.

46. Crying like crow 48. Type of cap, pl.

49. Chilled (2 words) 50. Same as solos 51. Yuletide 52. Paddington Bear’s homeland 53. Beginning of a story?

54. Grand ____ 55. *Like a Stephen King story 56. “Platoon” setting © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 25

Gemini’s Tasks & Essential Nature Esoteric Astrology • June 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles

G

emini, the third sign, the third gate, the 3rd Labour of Hercules, is an air sign. Air signs are intelligent, whimsical, imaginative and very charming. Gemini is a mutable sign (also Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces), indicating they are adaptable, philosophical, curious & inquisitive.

The light of Gemini flows through Mercury (the communicator), so communication is most important to Geminis. Presently Mercury is retrograde which turns thoughts inward. When we look at the sign and symbols of Gemini we see two brothers or sisters, the twins, two columns (Masonry), signifying the two poles of duality.

Geminis think about this and that, here and there.

They have two sides, two minds, two realities occurring at the same time, all the time. Geminis present different parts of themselves depending upon the need, where they are and who they are with. Both sides of Gemini are different, interesting and compelling.

Tasks Geminis have two tasks — to present duality (the two of everything, two faces) to everyone & to love everyone. The last is a deep secret It’s hard to hold a Gemini’s attention. They are here, ARIES

You’re everywhere all at once. The energies are dynamic, contemplative, fiery and watery, leading to excess activities tinged with the blues. Attempt to focus in your heart. This allows all new ideas, to filter through the question “Is this for the Goodwill of myself, humanity, the Earth?” Then you will know the best course of action through these unsettled and challenging times.

TAURUS

there, everywhere, like a butterfly in a meadow. This flower, that flower, ALL the flowers become their destination.

Gather/Disperse/Share — Gemini has a third task which is to gather information from here, there, everywhere & then offer it to the world. That is their job description. That’s why Geminis are so curious. They thirst for knowledge, for all that is new.

Gemini Professions Geminis often become writers, comedians, influencers, speakers, communicators working in media (they are very funny and charming). Skillful with their hands, they can be gardeners, chefs, painters, potters, accountants. They need personal contact (the “other”) to bring their creativity forth.

Role The opposite sign of Gemini is Sagittarius — their shadow, their muse, their other half, their completion. Gemini receives the light of Love from the blue star Sirius and from a secret star (Ray star 2) in the Big Dipper. Love is, for Gemini, their deepest and essential narrative, play, duty, engagement, role and life story. n

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Often you feel the need to navigate the emotional tides washing in and out of your life. See yourself at the seashore, building a fire close to the water’s edge. Then contemplate the elements — earth, air, fire and water. When they join, a new reality, new direction and a new awareness of life emerges.

The challenge will be maintaining an inner steady course when responsibilities become overwhelming. You’re being asked to sustain the many in the world through your leadership. You are the ship as well as the ship’s captain.

Use your mind and body to focus on health. Think care and prevention. Add things that you really enjoy doing with others. All of this is important. Add a dash of confidence. Realize you plan intelligently and well, and when you’re truly mindful, your communication offers others strength and enthusiasm.

Ponder these things during the time of Gemini’s festivals. This is a most subtle integrative time for you.

You’re often found in serious study, sorting out details, feelings, instincts, and intuitions. You seek VIRGO at all times the truth. You may not know why Observe yourself these next weeks. You will be unusual yet you feel a certain way - however you must still practical and creative with money and finances, express to others whether the timing is right, day-to-day events, plans, connections and if the path has been found. The past hasn’t caught up to the agendas. Even if you feel like you want to run present/future yet, and to move forward without right timing away, you’ll focus on how to bring balance and is unwise. Later, after events unfold, you understand your harmony, caution and care into all situations. The weeks ahead intuitions. are paradoxical with polarized realities everywhere. Stand in the middle where the light is. Light contains information. It GEMINI provides you with sustenance.

Do not be discouraged. Use your heart and intuition to assess your wants, needs, and aspirations.

LIBRA Pleasure is often delayed until just the right You continue to assess what you’re able to provide to others, time when all the parts and people come especially those close to you. You also review together. Be very aware of the upcoming your needs, an important assessment. Somefull and new moon festivals. Love pours down during the times realizations can be difficult especially for festivals, and since you’re Ray 2 (Love/Wisdom), you’re Librans who want to have harmony above conin its direct pathway. Allow nothing to interrupt your flict, ease above constant change. You seek depth, meaning, meditations concerning these festivals. They are your Path closeness and freedom. Maintain an inner silence this week, of Return. listening to others, to your own heartbeat. A harmony arises.

CANCER

Anything unresolved with those close to us (especially those who have died) reappears through dreams, feelings, thoughts, emotions and memories. Attempt to reconnect with love and grace and know that “Love underlies all happenings of all things at all times”. Earth is a planet where we release our sorrows and the grief strengthens us. Thoughts of reconciliation are impressed upon your mind.

CAPRICORN

As you tend to the usual domestic situations and apply the necessary discipline you also feel the need for freedom and change and perhaps travel.

Be careful with family communication. You or others could become impatient and say things you later regret. You may work harder and longer than usual.

Let the focus be balance, not work. Let all others around you know they are of value. Point out their values. Remain in the garden. Plant rose bushes. Save their seeds.

AQUARIUS

Maintain strict limits and agendas so time and money are not wasted. Discipline allows creativity and intuition to emerge. With no discipline intuition has nothing to focus upon. Pray and call for what you need. Ask and it will be given. The angels hear all that you say and set about helping you gain what is essential to your life and comfort.

Give and more will be asked of you. Both must occur. Think about your life and the goodness it provides. This focus on goodness is to guide your life.

SCORPIO

PISCES

Find ways to express your love of others, not necessarily through words but through shared exercise, play, walks, food, music, dance. Perhaps buying a new couch or bed. In all areas of expression include movement. It will sustain and stabilize any emotional upheavals you may feel. Physical discomfort may make you feel like escape is necessary. Yes, do escape in whatever way you can. Rest, ease and health these days are most important.

•••

What and how you communicate will affect many people. Tell the truth about your experiences. Let people know your needs, inner and outer. There is most likely a challenging situation in your life now. Move within it with grace and apply to it prayers and a loving will(ingness). Great good will come forth.

Remember this when the path becomes difficult. The need for comfort is in the air. Psalm 23 brings one comfort. Also, read Jeremiah 29:11...plans for the future.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

CJC Receives Achievement Award

T

he Santa Cruz Couny Criminal Justice Council has received a 2022 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in recognize of a regional effort examining cross-jurisdictional policing practices throughout the county.

Each year, NACo recognizes innovation in county government programs throughout the U.S. The award recognized a groundbreaking open and transparent review of local policing practices, led by the CJC, examining critical issues such as use of force, technology, implicit bias training, addressing behavioral health issues and more. The independent review was conducted by Applied Survey Research and examined policing practices in five local jurisdictions.

“These are national issues that inform ongoing debates about interactions between public safety personnel and the communities they serve,” Supervisor Zach Friend said.

“Here in Santa Cruz County, we approached these topics with a willingness to look in the mirror and see where we are succeeding and where we might need improvement, and we are grateful NACo recognized this unique approach.”

“This award is a testament to our community’s leadership and commitment to working collaboratively with local government and law enforcement to address community concerns to increase trust, accountability, and transparency,” Santa Cruz City Councilmember Justin Cummings said.

The CJC is comprised of local elected officials, the head of each local police agency, the District Attorney and Chief Probation Officer, the Public Defender, the County Superintendent of Schools, the President of Cabrillo College, the Superior Court, the County Behavioral Health Director and local non-profit leaders.

A 2022 CJC report will examine frontline law enforcement and behavioral health services including policies, procedures, training and calls. n For more, visit https://santacruzcjc.org “County Budget” from page 24 For example, while we expect most of the CZU fire debris removal claims to be accepted, we will only be reimbursed for 75% from FEMA for debris removal.

Additional information on the national, regional and local economic outlook is provided on the budget website, including in the Budget in Brief document. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback on this or any other County issue.

Please call me at 454-2200 with any questions or comments.

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASA of Santa Cruz County Turns 30

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special celebration to honor Court Appointed Special Advocates is planned for Saturday, June 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at Aptos Village Park, featuring food, drinks, music, dancing, and games. For 30 years, the staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to insure that children and youth who have been abused or neglected can have a voice in Dependency Court.

CASA Executive Director Lynne Petrovic says that plans are underway to expand their work to youth on probation.

“Currently, we serve those newly placed through our Juvenile Justice Pilot Project, a research project we are undertaking with California CASA to study the effects of pairing court-appointed Advocates with this vulnerable population. Starting in July, the Juvenile Court Judge will be able to assign Advocates to youth outside of the pilot project. We are eager to work with these partners in probation so that these youth can be offered an Advocate, and we can serve more youth in our community. We continue to improve services by signing an agreement with Encompass Community Services’ Head Start Program to ensure that children in foster care receive free early education services. These services are essential to supporting the children to overcome any negative effects of the trauma they have experienced and to thrive in school.”

The CASA House continues to be full of activity.

Petrovic says, “It’s a privilege to offer families a safe space. In addition to our youth playing, reading, and baking cookies, their parents and resource families also use the house. For example, parents have connected with their child’s Advocate for the first time to learn about CASA. A resource family has come with an infant’s Advocate to attend court over Zoom from their library. It’s a privilege to offer families a safe space at the CASA House.”

In an ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and to include diverse perspectives in decisionmaking they have brought on two new staff who are committed to these DEI values.

Karen Silva, the new program assistant, joined CASA because as she states, “CASA gave me a voice as a youth when I didn’t have one and I want to do the same for others.” Judy Russell, a part-time events coordinator, was also welcomed.

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The CASA house serves as a meeting place for families and Advocates.

Due to the Omicron coronavirus variant, the annual “For the Love of Children” luncheon was canceled, but supporters stepped up to replenish the Children’s Fund, which includes the scholarship and independent fund for older youth.

Santa Cruz resident and former Advocate Charmaine Kelly is especially looking forward to the celebration party.

As a child in the foster care system, she spent 16 years in two different homes and has intimate knowledge of what it means to be separated from her birth family.

“As an adult, I wanted to join an organization where I could volunteer my time to children and youth who were going through an experience not so dissimilar to mine,” she said. “I outreached to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County, went through the training with an inspirational group of people, and was sworn in as a CASA in 2009.

I became a CASA to a 13-year-old girl and for the four years that followed I stood by her side through many changes in her life. I spoke on her behalf in court, assisted in the multiple moves to different foster homes, while it was not the norm, I was able to hold her educational rights, though not all Advocates are required to do so, and helped navigate what was new at the time, such as the AB 12 (Extended Foster Care Program and Benefits,) to continue with a supportive structure until she turned 21. The experience left me forever changed in a positive way, one that I will always cherish.” n ••• CASA of Santa Cruz County, 813 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA 95076.

831-761-2956. https://casaofsantacruz.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS SUMMER SCHOOL Soquel middle and high school students are eligible for summer school through Santa Cruz City Schools.

Classes will be at Harbor High School, 300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz.

There will be electives, credit recovery, and a Math Bridge for incoming freshmen. With all courses available in both morning and afternoon sessions, students can combine courses or fill a full day with electives. Register to secure s spot!

Morning Block: 9-11:30 am (Breakfast at 8:30-9 am) Afternoon Block: Noon - 2:30 pm (Lunch 11:30-noon) Lunch & breakfast will be provided to all students free of charge.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/soquel-summer-school (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnErGdKo8v_uFxxBVkupSZB5lzHWtxucNHoiopmEgqQoi89Q/viewform) For question see https://sccs.net/parents___students/ summer_learning (3 underscores in the middle) or email principal ErinAsamoto@scccs.net

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by June 17

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Watsonville High: Class of 1960 Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m.

Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd ••• Soquel High: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz.

“A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 If you have questions, email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail. com.

••• CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Watsonville High Class of 1981 Bridge Club: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. — Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m.

Everyone is welcomed, from beginners to social players.

Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, Make new friends and sharpen your mind. (Only May 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

16 & 23) The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion.

In-Person Tech Help: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon — Are you stuck with a technology question? Tech savvy staff Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither. at the Capitola Library would For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official like to help you troubleshoot Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. your issue with a 30-minute (or ••• less) appointment.

Harbor High: Class of 1972 Preschool Storytime: Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m.

Tuesdays, 11-11:45 a.m.

Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz — Join us outside on the For information, call 408-568-0302. deck to read stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes. There will be an art & craft project to pick up and complete at home. (Not VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR APTOS JULY 4 EVENTS The Aptos Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers May 31) to assist with the Party in the Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Homework Help: Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. — Bring your assignments to a free drop-in Homework Help sessions. Aptos Village Park after the World’s Shortest Parade.

To register as a vendor, go to https://tinyurl.com/ Through grade 12. Call 831.427.7713 for more wsp-volunteer2022 information. (Only first three weeks) (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ Aptos-Capitola Chess Club: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwX174-TwY9oAYCX7bJfnRZRr1_ p.m. — Come and play chess, one of the world’s uKcnxgWM0J3oxUYxmnvPw/viewform) oldest and most popular The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July, games, against other kids!

The theme is Team Spirit. To register to participate, go One-hour meetings include to https://tinyurl.com/wsp-team-spirit 15 minutes of instruction by (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp chess master Dana MackQLScE1CAbMW9Sr5WzTDEJEspT5FS7g8EVIGFlhtXH enzie. For ages 6 to 18. (Not s1S2N_i8jQ/viewform) May 3, 31) To sponsor, call the chamber at 831-688-1467.

Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. — is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL RETURNS years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, Artichoke Festival 2022 has announced a star-studded and songs are a fun way for your child to learn. lineup of talented chefs for its popular Chef Demo R.E.A.D.: Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., R.E.A.D. is series at the 62nd annual festival Saturday and one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for Sunday, June 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and 12 (10 a.m.–5 readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are p.m.) at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in California credentialed teachers. Wednesdays from Monterey.

3 to 5 p.m. Sessions are 25 minutes long. (Not May This year’s theme is “The Heart of the Harvest.”

25) Confirmed demo chefs: Sascha Lyon (executive chef, Afterschool STEAM: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Montrio in Monterey), Kevin Fisher (executive sous chef, — Learn how to survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Sea Root at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa); Ages 8 to 18. Space is limited to 18 on a first-come Luis Osorio (executive chef, Rio Grill in Carmel; Ivan basis. No advance registration. (Not May 25) Guadarrama (culinary team at Tarpy’s in Monterey); Tony STEAM Projects: Fridays, 2-4 p.m. — Every week a Baker (proprietor Baker’s Bacon) and Hondo Hernandez new project idea to build or explore. Projects will include (Showoff California Craft BBQ, Salinas).

Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and Tickets are on sale through 4 p.m. June 12 at exploration of the environment. www.artichokefestival.org/tickets. Tickets cost $15 28 / June 2022 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

general admission; $10 for seniors and military (senior 62-plus or military personnel with ID); $5 for children 6-12; and $30 for an early bird family pack good for two adults and two children for one day. A processing fee will be added. Refunds are not available.

By purchasing a ticket, the guest acknowledges they are responsible for their own health and safety.

All guests will be required to comply with current CDC, California Department of Public Health and Monterey County public health guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccination, pre-entry negative tests, and social distancing.

Clear bag policy will be in place, with clear bags available for sale on the website store or at admissions gates.

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM June 1 — July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant.

The goal is to prevent summer learning loss.

With the Aptos branch demolished and reconstruction to follow, Aptos residents must look for activities in La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special dates includes: June 10: Book bag decorating, 2-4 p.m. Capitola.

June 11: Summer Reading launch, Capitola, noon to 4 p.m.

June 15: Meet Delrita the Elephant, virtually, 1-2 p.m.

June 18: Jungle James Animal Adventures, La Selva Beach, 3-4 p.m.

June 28: Seed Balls, La Selva Beach, 2:30-4 p.m.

July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 p.m.

There are incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor exploration, and creative expression while practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

The Library’s extensive collections along with lists of recommended books for all ages, make it easy to find reading materials of interest.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Adults who sign up by June 17 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

The drawing will take place the week of June 21.

Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood

sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame.

More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays CAPITOLA LIBRARY BRIDGE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

No meetings on Monday holidays: May 30 (Memorial Day), June 20 (Juneteenth), and July 4 (Fourth of July).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist.

Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

VOICE CLASS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S. 11 a.m.-Noon, Online Class This class will harness the benefits of targeted specific activities to improve vocal clarity.

Jocelyn Lagier, speech language pathologist, will teach via. Class is limited to 20 students living in Santa Cruz County.

The second of two four-week sessions begins June 7. Cost: $30 per session (balance of fees sponsored

by EASE PD).

For registration info and to join, contact Risa at risa@nextstagesantacruz.com or Julie at jglorraine3848@sbcglobal.com First Tuesdays of the Month UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. arboretum.ucsc.edu

DATED EVENTS Wednesday June 1

SANTA CRUZ JOB FAIR 5-6 p.m. / 6:30-8 p.m., UC Santa Cruz’s Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn Santa Cruz Works hosts the largest community job fair on the central coast at UC Santa Cruz’s Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn.

More than 15 companies will participate, seeking to fill hundreds of jobs ranging from engineering, marketing, sales, customer success, product management, etc.

Even if you do not plan to hire for 3-6 months, this event provides exposure to the community and a rich pipeline of candidates.

Free to Santa Cruz Works partner employers / a $250 donation is requested from all other participants.

Application and more details at: https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/launchpad-2022-rmfm9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR A business pitch competition with $40,000 in prizes will take place from 1-5 p.m. with finalists pitching between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

Parking is available in lots surrounding the UCSC Cowell Hay Barn. Free parking after 5 p.m.

Registration and vaccinations required. Food & beverage will be provided.

The Classic Car Show is one of the Foundation’s major fundraisers, with the money used to sponsor and fund efforts to improve public safety and community services.

Recipients have included the Capitola Police Department, the Capitola Volunteers in Police Service program, the Neighborhood Watch Program, Capitola Lifeguard Program, the Annual National Night Out event, Herb Ross Award, the Fallen Officers Association, and Operation Surf for wounded veterans.

For more info, visit https://capitolacarshow.com/

Saturday June 4 Sunday June 5 REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE RETURNS 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (Gates open 10 a.m.), Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton The Valley Women’s Club of Santa Lorenzo Valley is bringing back the Redwood Moun-tain Faire music festival fundraiser and arts & crafts fair for local nonprofits.

Saturday: Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, B Side Players, Wolf Jett featuring special guest Marty O’Reilly, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, Space Heater, The Inciters, Alex Lucero and the Live Again Band, Buffalo Blues Trio, Anthony Arya Band, and Raue.

Sunday: Midnight North, Moonalice, The Coffis Brothers, The Carolyn Sills Combo, The China Cats, Smoked Out Soul, Sambada, Sharon Allen and The Dusty Boots, Birches Bend, and Quinn Becker and the Spacemen.

Plus there will be children’s activities, a bounce house, face painting, locally-made arts & crafts, food, wines from Santa Cruz Mountains wineries and beers and ales from local mi-crobreweries.

Tickets are available at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2022-redwood-mountain-fairetickets-290960228877. Coast is $30 per day for adults, $20 for teens 13-17 and seniors 65+.

Dis-counts for two-day ticket. Kids 12 and under free with parent/guardian.

Parking is $15 online or $20 cash the day of. No coolers or pets; service dogs only.

Sunday June 5 RELEASE OF 2018 LA VITA AT BARGETTO WINERY 3-5 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St, Soquel Bargetto Winery will host a party celebrating the 2018 LA VITA release in its creekside courtyard in Soquel.

This release of LA VITA (“life” in Italian) is produced from a blend of 46% Refosco, 28% Dolcetto and 26% Refosc, Santa Cruz Mountains varietals grown in the Regan Estate Vineyards.

This handcrafted wine was aged for two- and one-half years in oak barrels and then aged for an additional one year in the bottle. The 2018 harvest yielded just 4,884 bottles. With 40% of the vintage pre-sold, a limited number of bottles remain for sale. The price is $60.

Each year LA VITA is released with a brand new wine label that showcases “wine in art.” The 2018 vintage LA VITA honors Zelie Alice, Parisian artist, and her aptly named painting “A Sip of Tuscan Sun,” with the new label unveiled at this event.

Each year, part of the proceeds from the sale of LA VITA goes to a local nonprofit. Housing Matters is the 2018 beneficiary. Grey Bears will receive the grant from last year.

John Bargetto, director of winemaking, says “LA VITA wine is our finest effort in winemaking, starting from growing these unique grapes, to producing the wine, to designing the art-series label. Each year the wine gets richer and more complex. The wine series has won numerous gold medals and the 2006 won “Best Italian Blend in California” award. We are very pleased to be able to, in a formal way, give back some of the proceeds to the Santa Cruz community, which has been so supportive of Bargetto Winery during our past 89 vintages.”

The LA VITA release party is set for Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at Bargetto Winery. The release

Tuesday June 14 CAPITOLA SOROPTIMIST CLUB MEETING 4 p.m., Michael’s on Main, 2591 S. Main St., Soquel Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea’s meetings are free and open to the public.

Club members will prepare for installation of 2022-23 officers, make committee assign-ments, hear region conference reports and begin to schedule staffing of the rental booth at this summer’s Santa Cruz Shakespeare festival.

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that pro-vides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve eco-nomic empowerment.

For information, see www.best4women.org.

JAPANESE CULTURAL FAIR Saturday June 4

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mission Plaza Park, 103 Emmett St., SC The 34th Annual Japanese Cultural Fair at Mission Plaza Park is an opportunity for the community to increase awareness and understanding of Japanese culture.

The goal is to improve mutual understanding among neighbors of the Pacific Rim and enrich the community of Santa Cruz County.

This is a celebration of Japanese music, traditional folk dance, food and arts and crafts. The fair opens with a performance by the Watsonville Taiko Group and closes with the e internationally renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo.

The Zen Center, half a block away, will have demonstrations on ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremony, bonsai and kimono workshops.

This event is family-oriented. Admission is free. Parking is free at Santa Cruz County Building parking lot— with a shuttle every 20 minutes.

To volunteer see www.jcfsantacruz.org party features the unveiling of the new LA VITA label, tasting of the new wine, live music and light appetizers.

Tickets are limited to 50 wine club members and 50 of the general public.

Wine lovers can visit the winery on the Monday following the event to taste the new wine.

Friday June 24 CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY 6-9 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St, Soquel Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard will host the Capitola Art & Wine Kickoff Party and Auction, a fundraiser in support of the 39th annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, which takes place the second weekend in September.

Attendees can enjoy appetizers while sipping fine wines from Festival wineries. Bid on fabulous silent auction items featuring art pieces donated by Festival artists, and gift baskets from local businesses.

All attendees 21+ will receive the official 2022 Capitola Art & Wine Festival glass for wine tasting.

Tickets: $45 in advance; $55 at the door (if available).

Saturday June 25

Saturday June 11 Sunday June 12

BOOK SALE FOR LIBRARY ACTIVITIES 10 a.m. Sat / Noon Sun – 3 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive Friends of the Aptos Library will offer a book sale at the Aptos Grange.

Saturday June 11 “Since the Aptos Library has been closed we have GARDEN TOUR been unable to hold our monthly book sales now for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Various Locations many months,” said Denise Ward of the Friends. “We UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz hope to attract our regular customers, plus the public at Counties will host its 20th garden tour, featuring 10 large to this book sale.”

Santa Cruz gardens, showing ways to be water-wise Proceeds support library programs such as Summer Reading and create pollinator-friendly habitats. and Our Community Reads.

This self-guided tour weaves from Live Oak through Aptos; from suburban homesteads and peaceful CAPITOLA ROD & CUSTOM CLASSIC CAR SHOW sanctuaries designed for rest and reflection, to a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat./ -3 p.m. Sun, Capitola Village tropical oasis for friends and family to gather.

The Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show returns Get inspired by the variety of ways these this summer to Capitola Village. gardeners have managed water use, including the You’ll see dozens of shiny, colorful, and curvy old use of drought-tolerant plants, water-catchment, cars. and greywater systems, while cultivating bountiful The cars will cruise from the Santa Cruz Beach and nature-friendly environments.

Boardwalk to Tickets are priced per person at $30 for advance Capitola starting at purchase and $35 day of the tour. Each ticket includes 8:30 a.m. immediate access to two bonus pre-recorded garden Parking meters tour videos. will be enforced. Parking is available in the lot behind This event is sponsored by the Soquel Creek Water City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. Dogs are not allowed on District, City of Santa Cruz, and Shemeika Fox, Realtor. Capitola beaches.

To learn more about the tour and to purchase tickets, go to The Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Founmbmg.ucanr.edu dation has put on the Capitola Classic Car Show since 2005.

WOODIES ON THE WHARF 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

After a two-year hiatus, the 26th Annual Woodies on the Wharf, with the 5th Annual Na-tional Woodie Club, will take place.

It began in 1994, when Santa Cruz Woodies was a fledgling chapter of the National Wood-ie Club. Many club members had participated in events with their woodies at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

This year’s event features Woodies on the Wharf merchandise sales, music by Classified Sound, and a raffle offering 100s of prizes donated from local businesses including surf-boards and an E-bike cruiser with ninety percent of proceeds donated to local charities.

There will be a surfboard-shaping demonstration by Bob Pearson of Pearson Arrow Surf-boards, food at Wharf restaurants, shopping, and recreation opportunities at Wharf busi-nesses.

The sendoff Woodie Parade of 200 cars begins at 3:30 p.m. after the awards ceremony. Plus you can expect beautiful views from the Wharf.

Wharf parking: Extremely limited! Bike Santa Cruz County will run a free Bike Valet & attendees are encouraged to park off site and walk or bike to the Wharf!

Want more Woodies? Stroll on West Cliff Drive Sunday morning June 26 at 9 a.m. to see Sophia’s cruise — a large caravan of Woodies heads past the Lighthouse then loops back past the Boardwalk to say goodbye, Santa Cruz. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Wildfire Prep, Help with ADUs & County Commission Openings

By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

I

was pleased to recognize May 7, 2022, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day with a formal Board of Supervisors’ proclamation.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is recognized throughout the United States and Canada on the first Saturday in May, and is a national campaign that encourages residents to come together to raise awareness, take action, and reduce their community’s wildfire risk.

This year’s Wildfire Community Preparedness Day featured a focus on what residents can do on and around their homes to help protect against the threat of wildfires. Implementing practices such as protective fuel breaks, defensible space, and home hardening are proven and effective tools we in the community can undertake to be better prepared for wildfires.

On this Wildfire Community Preparedness Day we are also proud to recognize the progress our community has made thus far to organize and come together in these efforts.

Since its formation in 2016, the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz has played a critical role in educating Santa Cruz County residents about the value of wildfire protection and prevention programs and encouraging communities across the County, located in the Wildland-Urban interface, to take the steps necessary to reduce their wildfire risk and obtain Firewise USA recognition.

Over these last few years, 27 communities across the County of Santa Cruz have participated in the Firewise USA process and have now obtained their Firewise USA recognition. This progress is laudable, and we encourage more communities to organize and come together to become Firewise!

••• ADU Program Improved: Less Fees, More Help ccessory Dwelling Units are an important tool we have for increasing the housing stock in our community.

Unfortunately, many property owners in the County have found building ADUs to be either too expensive or the process too complicated. In an effort to improve the process, and increase the number of these housing units, the Board of Supervisors recently approved improvements to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive program.

Among the most notable changes approved is an extension of the permit fee waiver program for ADUs up to 750 square feet. Previously, fee waivers were only available for ADUs up to 640 square feet. This change makes the ADU Fee Waiver program

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consistent with the size threshold for impact fee waivers.

To help property owners with the process itself, the Board accepted staff recommendations to adopt a Technical Assistance program. The Technical Assistance program includes outreach and education both to the general public as well as directly to interested homeowners who wish to develop an ADU. Homeowners would have to meet eligibility criteria to join the TA program, as described here, in order to focus the program on those properties most feasible and reasonable for ADU development, and on affordability criteria to enable the program to target less-resourced homeowners and homeowners willing to create deed-restricted ADUs that would be offered at affordable rents. Affordability criteria also allows the program to be funded with special Housing Funds, the Affordable Housing Impact Fee fund, rather than the County General Fund.

The Technical Assistance program will include the following services: • Feasibility assessment of the property, review of local codes • Coordination and guidance with all aspects of ADU planning and construction: design, cost estimating, contracting, insurance, budgeting, and financing • Support with permit applications and permitting process

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• Construction management • Landlord training and tenant matchmaking The Board’s vote to approve the improved ADU Incentives program is indicative of our support for the continuing and increased construction of these generally affordable-by-design housing units.

You can learn more about getting started with an ADU on our County ADU website.

••• Apply for a County Commission! ounty Commissions offer a great opportunity to get involved in local government. The First District has current openings on the following Commissions: 1) Commission on Disabilities (scccod.net) 2) Fish & Wildlife Advisory Commission (scceh.org) 3) Seniors Commission (sccseniors.org) To apply, visit https://sccounty01. co.santa-cruz.ca.us/bds/comms/Commissions Form/Commissions Form.aspx ••• Want to talk to us?

Come to our office at the Sheriff Center (5200 Soquel ave) for Office Hours with Supervisor Koenig, the first Wednesday of every month (except July 2022) from 1 pm to 3 pm. Or give us a call anytime, (831) 454-2200 or email first.district@santacruzcounty.us. n ••• Manu Koenig is the First District Supervisor of Santa Cruz County.

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Say Hello to Amelia!

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melia is a 7-month-old cat looking for her furever home! Initially she came to the shelter as a very shy bean but has really come out of her shell.

Amelia loves playing with her ribbon and getting head scratches. She’s so sweet and such a cuddle bug and she’s looking for an adopter to snuggle up with her.

Any kids in the home should be cat savvy. All family members will need to meet Amelia at the shelter prior to adoption. She may be able to live with another cat with slow introduction and management. A mellow dog may be a fit as well.

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / June 2022 / 31

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