Scotts Valley Times: April 2022

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April 2022 • Vol 25 No. 4

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Expect Fireworks (With Your Help)

By Donna Lind Scotts Valley is looking forward to the return of the many special events and activities the community has enjoyed prior to the past two years.

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Urinetown (The Musical)

On Stage at Scotts Valley High School • April 15 thru May 1

Scotts Valley High School presents “Urinetown (The Musical).” The 2001 satirical comedy musical, featuring music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics

by Greg Kotis, is directed by Kendra Kannegaard and Kay Labbe.

The show features a talented group of singers, dancers, actors and tech that work together seamlessly to create the world and story of Urinetown.

Themes include climate change, corporate greed and political corruption. ... continues on page 4

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Reflections on Two Years of Pandemic

By Willa Reed We all remember those initial feelings of mere annoyance toward staying inside for what we thought was a temporary quarantine. As the lockdown dragged on, slightly longer and then slightly longer each time ...

Full Story page 8

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Cover Urinetown (The Musical): On Stage at Scotts Valley High School | April 15 thru May 1

No. 4

Volume 25

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Table of Contents

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5 7 9 15

17 18 19

Community News HP Buys Poly (Formerly Plantronics) • Samantha Sweeden on a Mission Not as Deadly Due to Error: Employer Vaccine Mandate Shelved, By Jondi Gumz Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive: More than 5 Million Meals!

Cal Fire CZU Chief Welcomes Volunteers, By Jondi Gumz • United in Solidarity: Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Plans Festival May 21, By Stephanie Barron Lu Grand Jury Seeks Volunteers: Deadline To Apply: 3 p.m. April 29 Santa Cruz County Bank Named Business of the Year 2022 Artist of the Year: Annie Morhauser

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14 11 Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala: Friday, May 6. 2022, Tickets on Sale Now! • Man of the Year: Rogelio Guzman • Woman of the Year: Kristin Ard “aka Kard” 12 Business of the Year: Kalani Day Spa • Organization of the Year: Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force 13 Educator of the Year: Kathy Petersen • Youth of the Year: Jeremy Kain 14 Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Phil Neuman • Scotts Valley Hilton Multi-Chamber Mixer: April 28 • Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy Celebrates 15 Years: Anniversary Ribbon Cutting – April 21 Business Profile 16 The Skylight Place: Getting the Job Done Right, By June Smith Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Star Gates of Spring Have Opened, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21 Featured Columnists Expect Fireworks on July 3 (With Your Help), By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley 8 Reflections on Two Years of Pandemic, By Willa Reed 23 Cashew Cream Cake, By Wendy Ballen 6

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Girls Trip!

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Stephanie Barron Lu, June Smith, Risa D’Angeles, Donna Lind, Willa Reed, Wendy Ballen

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

“Urinetown, from page 1” In a dystopian future, a terrible water shortage caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

Authors Hollmann and Kotis were influenced by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, who wrote Three Penny Opera in 1928.

Brecht said, “Art is not a mirror with which to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”

Despite the serious themes, some have called the show “outrageously ridiculous and funny.”

The cast includes: Gage Herendeen as Officer Lockstock, Nox Ervin as Ms. Pennywise, Ryan Lansdowne as Bobby Strong, Ian McHatton as Hot Blades Harry, Sydney Peterson as Little Becky and Jaden Fenn as Little Sally.

The show takes place at Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Drive.

Show dates are: 7 p.m. Friday, April 15; 2 and 7 p.m.

Saturday April 16; 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 21-April 23; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24; 7 p.m. Friday, April 29; 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

G e n e r a l admission is $15; students and seniors, $12.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.showtix4u. com or at the door the night of musical. n •••

Gage Herendeen as Officer Lockstock

Cover Photo: Nox Ervin as Ms. Pennywise, Ryan Lansdowne as Bobby Strong, Ian McHatton as Hot Blades Harry, Sydney Peterson as Little Becky and Jaden Fenn as Little Sally.

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

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COMMUNITY NEWS

HP Buys Poly (Formerly Plantronics) O n March 28, HP Inc. of Palo Alto announced an agreement to acquire Poly (formerly Plantronics), the Santa Cruz-based maker of workplace collaboration solutions, for $40 per share.

The deal implies a value of $3.3 billion, inclusive of Poly’s net debt.

Poly is a leader in video conferencing solutions, cameras, headsets, voice and software. In 2021, the company had 431 employees, down from 664 in 2011.

“The rise of the hybrid office creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the way work gets done,” said Enrique Lores, president and CEO of HP. “Combining HP and Poly creates a leading portfolio of hybrid work solutions across large and growing markets. Poly’s strong technology, complementary go-to-market, and talented team will help to drive longterm profitable growth as we continue building a stronger HP.” Dave Shull, Poly CEO and president, added: “I am thrilled about the opportunity this represents for Poly, our employees, partners and customers. The combination gives us an opportunity to dramatically scale, reaching new markets and channels, supercharging our innovation with a likeminded partner.’

He added, “This transaction offers compelling and certain value for our shareholders and speaks to the hard work done by our teams to become a recognized leader in helping businesses everywhere meet the challenges of a generational disruption in the way people work.”

With the rise of hybrid work in the pandemic, 75% of office workers are investing to improve their home setups.

Traditional office spaces are being reconfigured to support hybrid work and collaboration, with a focus on meeting room solutions. Currently, there are more than 90 million rooms, of which less than 10% have video capability. As a result, the office meeting room solutions segment is expected to triple by 2024.

Cloud platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are playing an important role in innovating for hybrid work.

“HP Buys Poly” page 10

Samantha Sweeden on a Mission

R

etired Cal Fire engineer and paramedic Samantha Sweeden of Bella Vita Mobile Detailing in Scotts Valley is leading a team of half a dozen certified automotive detailers to Pollock Pines in El Dorado County to clean and revitalize two fire trucks for the El Dorado Fire Protection District. The trip is April 2-3.

Sweeden recently received multiple detailing certifications from famed “Detailer of Air Force One” master detailer Renny Doyle with Detailing Success in Big Bear Lake. The certifications include advanced dual certifications from the International Detailing Association and a Detailing Business, Paint Correction, Headlight Repair, and Ceramic Coatings certification from Doyle. She also interned with Doyle.

Those certifications qualify her for a coveted spot on Doyle’s 2022 Air Force One Detailing Team, which will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Sweeden graduated from the Butte

Samantha Sweeden

Fire Academy and worked for Cal Fire in El Dorado County for nearly 20 years.

She is a rarity — women make up only 14% of the automotive detailing industry nationwide. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 5

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Expect Fireworks on July 3 (With Your Help)

By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

S

cotts Valley is looking forward to the return of the many special events and activities the community has enjoyed prior to the past two years.

When the pandemic hit, Scotts Valley was forced to close the Parks and Recreation Division and also the various programs and events. As we work to bring back local programs and activities, there is enthusiasm and much work to be done.

In recognizing Earth Day, Scotts Valley is hosting a Community Park Clean Up Day April 23 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

We’re planning a fun family morning of community service while we give our parks some love! Signup on EventBrite. com for the project you want to help with: • Mac Dorsa Park: Gazebo Repaint with Mayor Donna Lind: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-daymac-dorsa-tickets-293409123587 • Linear Park: Weed Clearing with Vice Mayor Jim Reed: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-daylinear-park-tickets-293469032777 • Skypark: Tree Planting & Fence Repair with Councilmembers Derek Timm & Randy Johnson: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-dayskypark-tickets-292662069127 One of the Community activities that

Equestrians carry the U.S. flag and the California flag. we’re working to bring back is the Scotts Valley 4th of July Fireworks Celebration & Parade. This wonderful family event was founded by the Scotts Valley Park Advocates over 25 years ago.

Preparation traditionally began a year in advance. Due to the pandemic, the Fireworks celebration had been canceled the past two years. We’re excited to bring this favorite family event back for 2022!

Initially, there was uncertainty the Fireworks celebration could be returned.

No preparation was possible until two months ago.

Photo Credit: Donna Lind

A challenge was the Scotts Valley Park Advocates who’d provided the Fireworks Celebration, disbanded in the past two years. It’s hoped that a new Park Advocates nonprofit can be reformed.

Although this can’t happen for this year’s celebration, if you are interested in becoming a part of the SV Park Advocates, please contact me. It’s a great opportunity to support local parks & recreation and be part of the future!

“Fireworks” page 10

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Not as Deadly Due to Error

Employer Vaccine Mandate Shelved

O

By Jondi Gumz

n March 18, the federal Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention reported an error in its Covid-19 mortality data, removing 72,277 deaths, including 416 children.

The correction cut the CDC’s estimate of deaths in children by 24% to 1,341 as of March 18.

After The Guardian, based in London, reported on mortality rates for children, the CDC corrected a “coding logic error” that incorrectly added more than 72,000 Covid deaths of all ages to its data tracker.

The agency noted the change in a footnote, not explaining how the error occurred or answering a question on how long coding error was in effect, the Guardian reported.

A source familiar with the issue told The Guardian the problem came out of two questions, one asking if a person died “from illness/complications of illness,” and then asking for the date of death. If the answer was no or unknown, but the date of death was provided, the system assumed that if the “no” or “unknown” answer was in error, and switched the answer to “yes.”

Hospitalizations from the easily spread but less deadly Omicron variant peaked in January and have plummeted nationwide, in California and locally. See the federal Center for Disease Control map showing most counties green for low transmission except for high transmission in northern Montana.

Two years after the coronavirus pandemic began, the state Department of Public Health reports hospitalizations down from 20,000 at the peak of the Omicron surge in January to 1,270, and test positivity, 23% in January, now 1.6%.

In Santa Cruz County, only five people are hospitalized for Covid, including two in intensive care.

Employee Mandate n March 29, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) said she would hold Assembly Bill 1993, which would have required employees and independent contractors, public and private, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to keep their job.

She cited opposition from public safety unions (highway patrol, firefighters and correctional offices) and improved pandemic conditions.

In January, Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids, based in Newbury Park, filed a lawsuit with Officer Jonathan Wiese, Fire Capt. Justus Norgood, and Police Capt.

Manuel Del Toro, filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego, seeking relief from the vaccine mandate for first responders and city

O

employees, calling it unconstitutional.

The group is tracking 10 Covid-19 bills proposed by California lawmakers. Besides AB 1993, they include: SB 871: To end a personal belief exemption in the state’s student vaccine mandate.

SB 866: To allow children 12 and older to get COVID vaccines without parental consent.

SB 920: To authorize a medical board to inspect a doctor’s office and records without patient consent.

SB 1464: To require law enforcement officers to enforce public health orders.

SB 1479: To mandate Covid testing plans at schools.

SB 1390: To prohibit a social media platform from amplifying harmful content such as misinformation or disinformation.

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.

AB 1793: To allow school officials to easily via access to a state immunization database.

AB 2098: To classify a physician or surgeon disseminating or promoting misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19 as unprofessional conduct and grounds for disciplinary action. This is supported by Sen. Richard Pan, a physician, and opposed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

To track these bills, see https://

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

On March 30, Dr. Pamela Popper posted updates on lawsuits challenging the state of Ohio’s emergency declaration, which was lifted last June, and a similar case in Hawaii which is pending and against the state of Washington for three children injured by the mask mandate, and a case against the federal Health and Human Services agency, challenging use of the PCR test.

The group is defending doctors in Washington State, Ohio, and Maine attacked by state medical boards for prescribing early treatment drugs for Covid and speaking out about Covid vaccines. Updates are at

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Reflections on Two Years of Pandemic

By Willa Reed

W

e all remember those initial constant adjustments that characterized feelings of mere annoyance the pandemic, and the importance of unity: toward staying inside for what “My wish is that people would be more we thought was a temporary quarantine. accepting of current life circumstances As the lockdown dragged on, and work better together, rather than against each other.” slightly longer and then slightly Scotts Valley Mayor Donna longer each time an emergency Lind believes that, despite the alert pinged on our phones, we setbacks, COVID has had some watched what appeared to be positive effects on the coman apocalypse take root in our munity as a result of individual lives (toilet paper shortages, introspection. “COVID has gloves and masks everywhere). helped me develop a different We slowly watched as people Willa Reed sense of purpose, being able to lost jobs, experiences, and loved ones, these losses becoming higher and encourage and be a shoulder for those that are hurting,” she said. higher with each passing day.

The desire to help others through I remember the days of Facetime calls with my friends, trying to reassure them such a difficult time was a common theme that this would all be over soon (and trying among community members.

Gail Pellerin, former Santa Cruz not to cry in frustration myself). I’ll never forget the night when I found out that my County Clerk and a candidate for state senior year would be online. Life changed Assembly, remembers when she was the so quickly, so drastically, and in a fashion only County Clerk’s office open in the state that was so out of my control that I wanted who was issuing marriage licenses and performing weddings as the pandemic to scream.

Two years later, the pandemic is still was in full swing.

“I was so honored to be able to be there present, though not raging. The storm has quieted for the most part, and we sub- for so many couples seeking some semsequently find ourselves in the position blance of normal in a global pandemic,” to process and reflect upon a multi-year Pellerin recalled.

Danny Reber, executive director international crisis. Despite the pain and struggle of the past two years, there are of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Comlessons to be learned, lessons that can merce, reflected on how local businesses empower us to redefine a more intercon- gave back to the community during COVID, even while they were suffering nected, mindful notion of normal.

The pandemic affected lives every- themselves.

“What’s special about our community where, internationally, nationally, and locally. Scotts Valley community leaders is that people came together during the were kind enough to share their COVID pandemic and fires in a way we had never experiences, and how the pandemic has seen before,” Reber said;.

He recalled how Bruno’s Bar and Grill shaped them and our town as a whole.

We never realized how much we served $10,000 worth of food to the Moose needed interaction in person until it was Lodge during the CZU fires, or how locally owned Togo’s restaurants refused to lay stripped from us so suddenly.

“COVID reinforced my opinion off employees, despite the drastic drop in that technology has its limits and people business.

Instead of letting trauma divide need to be around others for society to function,” said Scotts Valley Police Chief us, our community united in the face of Steve Walpole Jr. “A video chat with hardship.

COVID has forced us all to change the friends and family is fine, but you miss out on something when you aren’t in the same fundamental ways we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Through grit, space with them.”

I certainly remember the happy tears unity, and self-reflection, we stand two that were shed at hugging my grandma for years strong from COVID, and can take the first time in a year after the vaccine came pride in and glean hope from the more to fruition. It’s safe to say we’re all glad to welcoming, positive community forming see Zoom take a back burner as face-to-face before us. n ••• communication becomes normal again.

Willa Reed, who grew up in Scotts Valley, Scotts Valley School District Superintendent Tanya Krause reflected on the is a freshman at UCLA.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Second Harvest Holiday Food Drive

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

More than 5 Million Meals!

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acing a second year of pandemic upheaval, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County surpassed its goal of raising enough money during its Holiday Food & Fund Drive to deliver 5 million meals to those in need.

On March 3, its first in-person indoor event in more than two years, the 50-year-old food bank announced that the community raised the equivalent of 5,025,166 healthy meals.

The campaign ran from Nov. 4, 2021, to Jan. 15, aiming to meet a need for food that had doubled in the pandemic from 55,000 to 110,000 people a month.

Each dollar helps Second Harvest deliver four meals.

Recognized local businesses include Martinelli’s, Fleet Feet, SUP Shack., Santa Cruz County Bank and Universal Audio.

S. Martinelli & Co., which makes the Gold Medal apple juice in Watsonville, made a company record-setting donation: Nearly 87,000 meals.

“I’m extremely proud of the Martinelli’s team for embracing this campaign and setting a donation record,” said Gun Ruder, president and CEO of S. Martinelli & Co. “We are committed to doing all that we can to provide nourishment to those who need it most.”

The company sponsors the eyecatching Second Harvest trucks that deliver food to its partners.

Throughout the year, Martinelli’s donates its award-winning juices and sparkling ciders, which are 100% juice made from U.S. grown fresh apples without added sweeteners or chemical preservatives.

“The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County relies on the generous and ongoing support of our corporate partners, like Martinelli’s,” said Richelle Noroyan, corporate and community relations director, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

Big Step anta Cruz County Bank won the Big Step Award, collecting the equivalent of 32,060 healthy meals — an increase of 12,000 over the prior year, thanks to the generosity of its customers, employees, and Board of Directors.

“We’ve been acutely aware of the extraordinary need for support, heightened and amplified by the pandemic,” said Krista Snelling, Santa Cruz County Bank president and CEO. “We’re so grateful to be part of this hugely successful campaign to fight food insecurity. Our entire community stepped up!”

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Residential Repaints & Custom Homes Homeowners Associations Property Managers Willy Elliott-McCrea, Second Harvest Food Bank CEO center, with Jill Uppal, Universal Audio’s director of human resources and Sandeep Gupta, Universal Audio’s COO. In Scotts Valley, Universal Audio, employees of the award-winning professional recording hardware and software company, raised $7,891 for meals — and the company matched that amount for a total donation of $15,782.

At Fleet Feet Aptos, Aubrey Curl, the operating partner, said the running store raised more than $4,000 by sponsoring the 9th annual Run for Pie, a 5K race on Thanksgiving.

In 2020, when the Lighted Boat Parade was cancelled, Trudie Ransom, owner of the SUP Shack, hosted the Santa SUP at the Santa Cruz Harbor, attracting 60 people in perfect weather and raising $2,000 for Second Harvest.

In 2021, Ransom upped her efforts, hosting the 10th annual Harbor Witches Paddle, aiming to raise $1,000 for Second Harvest. More than 30 people showed up in their witch’s finest and paddled around the harbor.

“For an hour, all you could hear was swished of the paddleboards and cackling of crazy witches,” she said.

For the Santa SUP in December, 20 people came despite cooler weather, raising $1,000 for Second Harvest.

Many smaller organizations were vital to the fundraiser -- and local institutions delivered in a major way.

Twin Lakes Church in Aptos created the “Acts of Kindness” initiative, assisting neighbors with hundreds of projects, and raising more than $300,000, enough for 1.2 million meals.

“5 Million Meals” page 17

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“HP Buys Poly” from page 5 Eric Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom added, “Highest quality audio and video has become an essential component of work across every industry, whether in an office, at home, or on the go. Bringing the Poly and HP offerings together will unlock new opportunities to partner with Zoom and turn any space into a hub for dynamic video collaboration.”

Poly is expected to drive growth and scale of HP’s peripherals and workforce solutions businesses. Peripherals represent a $110 billion segment opportunity growing 9% annually, driven by the need for more immersive experiences. Workforce solutions represent a $120 billion segment opportunity growing 8% annually, as companies invest in digital services to set up, manage, and secure more distributed IT ecosystems.

HP expects to realize substantial revenue synergies in peripherals as well as meeting room and workforce solutions, projecting $500 million of revenue synergies by 2025

“Fireworks” from page 6 Hearing from residents, City leaders felt it important to bring back this special family event. With the loss of both the Advocates and Parks & Recreation staffing, community support is even more important including community organizations, volunteers and sponsors.

When planning began earlier this year, many venders were unavailable on the 4th of July. The decision was made to host the Fireworks Celebration and parade this year on Sunday, July 3.

Scotts Valley lost many employees during the pandemic. Although the City is actively rebuilding, it will take time to replenish staffing. It was thought there isn’t enough staff to organize and present both the Fireworks Celebration and the Parade & Flyover.

Having taken the lead last year to provide the 4th of July parade, I offered to step forward with the support of fellow council members to organize the parade & flyover.

This decision was made trusting that the many community members who helped last year would be there for support again this year. So far, the response has been very positive.

As we plan for the Fireworks Celebration, we’re excited to have some great bands performing including “The Joint Chiefs” & “The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin.” The Scotts Valley Parents’ Club stepped forward to assist with coordinating vender booths and fun youth activities. Eugene Bustichi, of the Santa Cruz Moose Lodge, volunteered to provide a delicious BBQ dinner that previously has been provided by the Park Advocates and Scotts Valley Market/Crown Services & Catering.

As always, Scotts Valley Fire and

HP also expects the transaction to improve Poly’s operating margins by six percentage points from current levels by 2025, driven by scale efficiencies across supply chain, manufacturing and overhead.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of calendar 2022, subject to Poly stockholder approval, required regulatory clearances, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. HP will finance the all-cash transaction through balance sheet cash and new debt.

Meanwhile, dozen of employees in Santa Cruz–based Looker’s support team, known as the Department of Customer Love, are being laid off as owner Google Cloud plans to rely on outsourced labor through contractors from Infosys, an IT staffing firm based in India, according to a report in TechBrew.

Google acquired Looker, founded in 2012 by Lloyd Tabb, for $2.6 billion in 2020 before the pandemic hit. n

Scotts Valley Police are working together to ensure a safe event. Details on the Fireworks Celebration will be available as we move forward.

The annual 4th of July parade will also take place Sunday July 3 to coordinate with staffing for the Fireworks Celebration.

Parade entry forms will be posted on the City’s website, social media pages and the Scotts Valley 4th of July Celebration Facebook page.

The parade will again be on Scotts Valley Drive beginning at 3 p.m., including a spectacular flyover coordinated with the start of the parade.

As excited as we are to return the Independence Fireworks Celebration and Parade, this is only possible with community support. As mentioned, these events have been provided in the past by the Advocates with staff support from Parks & Recreation. This year, the City has contracted with a part-time Event Coordinator, Jen Karno, will rely on volunteers where City staff helped in the past.

If you are interested being a sponsor or volunteering, please reach out. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and opportunities as well as a variety of volunteer opportunities for both the parade Sunday afternoon and the Fireworks festivities Sunday afternoon/evening.

If you are interested in participating, contact: Donna Lind (dlindslind@gmail. com – parade) or Jen Karno (jenkarno@ gmail.com – fireworks festivities). n ••• Donna Lind is the mayor of Scotts Valley.

Reach her at dlindslind@earthlink.net or call 831-438-4187.

Cover Photo: Fireworks celebrate Independence Day. • Photo Credit: Malcom Hsiu

Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala

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Friday, May 6. 2022 • Tickets on Sale Now!

ave the date for Friday, May 6th for this inperson event at Roaring Camp Railroads Bret Harte Hall. The space is a 6,000 square foot rustic barn with wrought-iron chandeliers, twinkle lights, and decorations to compliment this year’s theme: an “Evening with the Stars”.

Through massive doors, the indoor space opens to a covered outdoor reception area and a beautiful meadow. The evening of celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner catered by Bruno’s Bar & Grill, desserts by the Hot Pink Box Dessert Company, and dancing until 10 p.m.

R

Rogelio Guzman

ogelio Guzman, co-owner of Bruno’s Bar and Grill has greatly supported Scotts Valley residents, particularly during the past two extremely difficult years.

At the start of the Covid Pandemic, Guzman cooked and provided meals at no charge for those who were laid off or struggling.

During the CZU August Lightning Complex fires, he donated food to the Moose Lodge to help feed evacuees. Further, Bruno’s Bar and Grill provided free meals twice a month for those who lost their homes in the fires, feeding upwards of 150 people per month.

When he sees a need in the community, he and his wife and business partner Joanne try to step up and help whenever they can. From providing their staff and space for family memorial

Thursday April 21st

5:30-7 pm 15 Year Red Ribbon Cutting Celebration

There will also be live music with James Durbin, many raffle items, and a brief live auction conducted by Chamber Ambassador and Auctioneer Kevin Anderson.

Opportunities to showcase your business by becoming a sponsor are available now!

Contact Executive Director, Danny Reber at dreber@scottsvalleychamber.com or 831-588-9392.

Tickets to attend the gala can be purchased via the Chamber’s website scottsvalleychamber.com.

Man of the Year

services, supporting our schools, nonprofits, cancer survivors, or others in need, his generosity is far and wide.

Guzman says he is grateful for the support of the community and the kindness given to his hard-working, lovable staff. He looks forward to the continual recovery of Scotts Valley businesses and hopes that residents will “continue to support one another as a community.”

Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy 5004 Scotts Valley Drive

Thursday April 28th

5:30-7 pm MultiChamber Networking Mixer Hilton Scotts Valley (Tentative) 6001 La Madrona Drive

Friday May 6th

Woman of the Year

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Kristin Ard “aka Kard”

ard has dedicated most of her life to serving her community both personally and as Recreation Division Manager for the City of Scotts Valley, where she has worked for the last 34 years.

Kard’s determination, ability and persistence to empower the people and groups she worked with allowed for the success of many programs, events and park developments, including two very

Calendar of Upcoming Community Events

popular school-Age Recreation Programs for children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Kard has worked with volunteers on the Senior Center Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, ADA Committee, Arts Commission, Scotts Valley Advocates and the Scotts Valley Chamber Board.

By working together and with their support, Kard has accomplished many extraordinary projects. Here are a few of her favorites: • ADA Committee — a very successful adaptive swim program in the City’s pool!

• Advocates — Bringing a safe and family fun July 4th Celebration for over 25 years, Movie in the Park and annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

“Woman of the Year” page 13

5-10 pm Community Awards Gala

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton

Thursday May 19th

5:30-7:30 pm Grand Opening Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

MADabolic The Hangar, 262 Mt. Hermon Road Suite #101

Thursday June 17th

5:30-7:30 pm Grand Opening Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Faultline Brewing Company The Hangar, Mt. Hermon Road

Sat August 20th Sun August 21st

22nd Annual Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Sky Park 361 Kings Village Road

Get Your Business Listing in the Annual Directory – Join the Chamber Today!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 11

Scotts Valley Chamber News

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Business of the Year

Kalani Day Spa

alani Day Spa first opened in Scotts Valley as Exhale Day Spa in 2017.

“Kalani”, which means “Heaven” in the Hawaiian language, was created as a place of healing, wellness, and beauty for all ages.

The team at Kalani Day Spa sees the community as family, “Ohana” in Hawaiian.

Kim Pursley

A Kalani client once described the Spa as having “Small Town Charm with Big City Services.”

Kalani provides amazing programs to support the community. Healing Heroes gives special discounts and services to first responders, healthcare providers, and current/retired military.

Kalani’s Tender Touch program is for seniors in our community providing discounts on services and one complimentary hand treatment each month.

Kalani also offers programs for tweens and teens to help boost confidence and learn good skin care hygiene.

Kim Pursley, the spa’s founder and owner is on the Scotts Valley Chamber Board of Directors and Scotts Valley’s Economic Recovery Task Force. As a company, Kalani has participated in many local events from the Halloween Treasure Hunt to Scotts Valley Love to the Holiday Passport event, which Kim initiated in 2020 to coincide with Shop Small Saturday.

In addition, Kalani generously contributes spa services to local schools and non-profits, holds an annual food drive, and participates in Scotts Valley’s 4th of July parade.

Organization of the Year

Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force

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t the beginning of the Pandemic, the Chamber, the City and local business owners immediately came together to form the Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force.

Members from the City included Derek Timm (Coucilmember), Randy Johnson (Councilmember), Tina Friend (former City Manager), and Casey Estorga (City staff).

Members from the Chamber included Danny Reber (Executive Director), Angela Marshall (Operations Manager), Susan O’Connor Fraser (Tam Communications), Greg Wimp (owner, Togos), Jeanette Larkin (Board President), Victor Alejandro (Board member), Joanne Guzman (owner, Bruno’s Bar & Grill), and Kim Pursley (owner, Kalani Day Spa).

The Task Force met regularly since the start of the pandemic and through the CZU Fires, providing vital guidance and aide to our local business during this time of need.

Here is a list of the Task Force’s Accomplishments: • Offered assistance to ALL Scotts Valley Businesses, whether they were Chamber members or not • Joined the County Economic Recovery Council • Created an maintained the City’s official “Essential Business List” early in the pandemic to let the community know which businesses were open • Offered “reopening kits” to business free of charge, which included masks, hand sanitizer, and signage • Provided up to date information to businesses as far as closures, reopenings, and restrictions related to the pandemic

• Provided ongoing support to businesses to help secure available funds such as PPP, grants and loans • Hosted multiple COVID-safe shop local events including the Halloween Treasure Hunt, Holiday Open House Passport Day, #ScottsValleyLove, and Shop Small Saturday • Hosted a series of webinars to assist businesses with marketing during times of recession • Provided direct outreach to businesses in need, including surveys • Partnered with Tam Communications to create business profile videos free of charge for Chamber members • Promoted a Shop Local Campaign, which included social media, newspaper, radio, banners on SV Drive and Mt. Hermon Road, and television commercials on KSBW • Provided real-time support and up to date social media updates for businesses and community members as well as businesses evacuated and/or affected by the CZU Fires and assisted with FEMA applications • Organized the “Stayin’ Alive Virtual Community Awards Gala”

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Scotts Valley Chamber News Educator of the Year

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Kathy Petersen

fter earning her B.S. in Human Resources from San Francisco State, Kathy Petersen entered into the corporate world as a technical recruiter.

Understanding her passion was in the classroom, she quickly moved to become an educator. For over 20 years, Kathy has excelled as a teacher in the Pajaro Valley, Happy Valley and most recently, Scotts Valley school districts.

Throughout her career, Kathy’s mission has been to support all students to reach their potential. She has worked with students in all of the elementary grades and says that there is magic happening at each grade.

Kathy takes the initiative to continually hone her craft, seeking out professional development to support student achievement and their love of learning.

As the Elementary Teacher on Special Assignment, Kathy has supported the district during the pandemic. From researching best practices and technology tools to support educators in teaching students during distance and hybrid

Youth of the Year

Jeremy Kain

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eremy Kain set a National Record in the Mile Run at age 12 in 4:36.8, which beat the previous record of 4:43 by :06 seconds (The record still stands today).

He was a standout athlete in baseball and soccer, before he started running cross country and track and field. He was awarded the “Leadership Award” from Scotts Valley Middle School.

He has been a standout athlete at Scotts Valley High School in both Cross-Country and Track and Field. He now holds the SVHS Course Records for Woodward Park, Pinto Lake and Crystal Springs in Cross Country and also the SVHS Records in Boys 800 Meters, 1600 Meters, Mile Run, 3200 Meters and

learning, establishing a TK-5th grade Independent Study program, taking the lead on the intervention program for two elementary schools, to collaborating with the County Office of Education, Kathy has demonstrated her dedication in helping the educational community.

“Woman of the Year” from page 11 • Arts Commission — open art walk for all to see and vote on their favorite piece of art!

• Parks and Recreation Commission — a huge pickleball program, community garden which now has a

the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) in Track and Field.

He also hosted his own running camp at Vine Hill elementary school throughout his senior year. Jeremy is a Full IB Student with a 4.5 GPA and will attend Duke University in the Fall. Jeremy will run both Cross-Country and Track at Duke.

waitlist and the City’s gem, Glenwood Open Space Reserve!

• Senior Center Board — a robust center filled with a variety of activities and gatherings/celebrations!

• Scotts Valley Chamber — an incredibly popular and successful Art & Wine Festival with her focus on logistics! > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Life is for living.

Let’s partner to help you make every single moment matter.

Life is for living. Let's partner to help you make every single moment matter. www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 13

MKT-5894K-A-A1

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Scotts Valley Chamber News Chamber Ambassador of the Year

Phil Neuman

hil Neuman is CEO of Cyber Ascend Technologies, a locally owned Information Technology firm operating from its headquarters in Scotts Valley, California. CyAs Tech reflects Phil’s commitment to service and to the local community, as it is fully geared to support Santa Cruz County’s business builders with technology on their upward path to success.

After earning his Computer Science degree from Cal Poly SLO, Phil grew his IT skills within The Santa Cruz Operation. He increased his IT and business-building expertise directing IT departments at Fortune 500 companies and dot com startups until the entrepreneurial bug bit him

in 2001, forming what would eventually become CyAs Tech.

A big believer in the importance of community involvement, Phil has served as a volunteer firefighter and board member with Bonny Doon Fire & Rescue.

He’s enjoyed board member and ambassador roles with Scotts Valley’s Chamber of Commerce since 2017 and is a graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County Class 34.

He’s a member of the Santa Cruz Business Builders BNI group, and active with Twin Lakes Church.

Phil resides in Scotts Valley. His wife and son are part of CyAs, supporting Phil’s vision for strengthening community through better tech.

Scotts Valley Hilton Multi-Chamber Mixer: April 28

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oin us on April 28th from 5:30-7pm for a county-wide Multi-Chamber Networking Mixer and renovation launch party ribbon cutting ceremony at the Scotts Valley Hilton.

Participating Chambers include the Scotts Valley Chamber, San Lorenzo Valley Chamber, Capitola-Soquel Chamber, This event is free of charge and newly curated restaurant, new enerAptos Chamber, and the Pajaro open to the community. gized meeting and a reminder that Chamber.

Come and enjoy the Hilton’s hospitality is alive and well!

Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy Celebrates 15 Years Anniversary Ribbon Cutting — April 21

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elebrate with us on April 21 from 5:30-7pm to acknowledge Master Salisbury’s 15th year of Academy Ownership at Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy, located at 5004 Scotts Valley Drive.

Join us for refreshments, snack and some exciting board-breaking!

This event is free of charge and open to the community.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Cal Fire CZU Chief Welcomes Volunteers

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By Jondi Gumz

al Fire CZU Chief Nate Armstrong, who is new in that post, welcomes volunteers.

“We always need more volunteers!” he told the Times via email. “To be totally honest, they’re getting to be harder and harder to keep just due to life’s demands but we always appreciate the help with recruiting however we can.

Volunteers in training.

Santa Cruz County Fire Battalion Chief Jed Wilson explains who can volunteer, where, and everything in between.

How many volunteers do you have now?

How does that compare with pre-pandemic?

We have a roster of 75 volunteer firefighters within the county. These numbers have been consistent year to year, we are always looking for new volunteers and are striving for a goal of around 100 volunteers.

What is the motivation for your volunteers?

The motivation of the volunteer covers a wide spectrum. Many are there to give back to the community which they are a part of, live in, while others are using it as a building block for a career in the Fire Service.

Sometimes after visiting a training, some find that it’s not the opportunity for them, but there are many other opportunities offered within the communities to volunteer.

These included, but are not limited to Fire Wise Programs, Fire Safe Counsels and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

The Fire Academy lineup, which will go through 330 hours of instruction. section. We recommend that if someone is How much training is required?

The medical portion is 40 hours of interested in becoming a volunteer that they instruction, and the Fire Academy is cur- visit their local county fire station and attend a training to get a feel for the opportunity. rently around 330 hours of instruction.

Is there a deadline to sign up?

When does that training take place?

Volunteers’ recruitment is a year-round For the Fire Academy it takes place on weekends and on Wednesday evenings. process, with an Academy being held Once completed with the Academy, vol- annually around January through April.

This Academy is conducted jointly unteer trainings are held two weekday with a majority of the other fire agencies evenings and a Saturday every month. within Santa Cruz County.

Is there a form that people use to sign up?

This provides the volunteers an opporInformation on becoming a volunteer can be found on our website, www.santa- tunity for a wider range of instruction and cruzcountyfire.com/, the process can be working with agencies they will work with found within the volunteer opportunities on future incidents. n

United in Solidarity: Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Plans Festival May 21

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By Stephanie Barron Lu

he weekend of March 19-20, Asian American & Pacific Islander residents and allies across our diverse Santa Cruz County community hosted a vigil and a community healing event.

The vigil, organized by Shizue Shikuma, Kitty, Aimee and Takashi Mizuno, took place in front of the Watsonville Plaza on Saturday, March 19. Twenty people came out in the rain to support the vigil with homemade signs and tribute items for a community altar.

On Sunday, March 20, the Asian American & Pacific Islander community gathered at Wagner’s Grove in Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz.

Fifty people, including local leaders, Asian Student Union leaders, friends, families and allies attended and spoke at the event.

The purpose was to recognize those who have been affected by anti-Asian hate in this last year, and to commemorate the victims of Atlanta in March 2021.

Lead organizers Akiko Minami and

Stephanie Barron Lu shared that the values of the event were to promote safety, belonging, significance and community connection.

Local artist and photographer Lucien Kubo created a community altar and the were crafts for the children and resource tables, with the day ending in healing circles.

These events brought the community together in mourning, and also in solidarity.

Census data tells us there are upwards of 14,000 Asian identified community members in our county.

Asian American & Pacific Islander residents are organizing the AAPI Heritage Festival for Saturday, May 21.

Currently there are 168+ Asian American and Pacific Islanders across Santa Cruz County who are a part of a private group on Facebook, Asian Americans in the Santa Cruz Area, and more are encouraged to join. n For more about the festival, see aapisc.org/ festival.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 15

BUSINESS PROFILE

The Skylight Place

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By June Smith

f, like most of us, you have been working from home during the pandemic, has your family noticed the need for a renovation? If so, who should you call? The Skylight Place, that’s who!

The Skylight Place is a full-service one-stop glass shop. Insured, licensed & bonded, they offer residential and commercial glass repair, shower doors, skylights, window screens. and window replacement. Their mantra … “We Cut Glass, Not Quality.”

The business was founded by Rick Burger, assisted by son Paul Eastman, who says, “The pandemic has actually increased our business. When the shutdown first started, we were really slow, but a few weeks after, we noticed an increase in business, with everyone working from home. Suddenly fixing up the house was now the priority instead of taking vacations. We have hired four new employees since Covid started, and yeah, we did take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program loan. It really helped us make up the losses we had when the pandemic started.”

“Supply chains are a constant issue,” Burger adds. “My lead times for windows are now anywhere from eight to 28 weeks, while before Covid they were from two to eight weeks.”

Often, his manufacturers are not shipping for the complete job.

“With the cost of materials and inflation on the rise I see it might be more challenging for many homeowners to do home improvements but at some point, it has to level out,” he says.

Servicing Santa Cruz County since 1971, The Skylight Place offers prompt, reliable service, priding themselves on expert installation and getting the job done right the first time. When you visit their shop on Capitola Road you will be greeted

“With the cost of materials and inflation on the rise I see it might be more challenging for many homeowners to do home improvements but at some point, it has to level out.”

— Rick Burger, Founder

Getting the Job Done Right

Courtney Barrett is pleased with her bathroom mirrors.

by Butter, the resident Malti-Poo, who when escorting you out, easily entices you to take him home.

The shop features major brands, including Cardinal shower enclosures, Velux skylights, Marvin windows and doors, Western Windows Systems, All Weather Architectural Aluminum, and the highly regarded Milgard windows and doors. The owners say they are proud the Milgard company approached them to feature their products.

A commercial property served several years ago was the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites on 41st Avenue in Capitola. More recently, they have provided entry doors for Dignity Health in Watsonville and shower doors for Googleplex, the corporate Google headquarters in Mountain View.

Matt Slatter, president, Slatter Construction Inc, says,” We love The Skylight

16 / April 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Place and have worked with them for decades on projects for the Boardwalk, Palo Alto Medical, New Leaf Market, and dozens of others. We started working with them when my dad was president in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I took over in 2020 after my brother passed away and we still continue a great working relationship with them.”

During a bathroom remodel, Courtney Barrett and her husband Michael of Santa Cruz contacted The Skylight Place. She hadn’t found mirrors she liked to fit the space, and Michael suggested the shop as he had purchased mirrors there for his gym in the past.

She found the staff to be helpful, asking which thickness she wanted and explaining that thicker mirrors have a truer reflection. She chose the 1/4-inch thickness and is very pleased with them.

Another local couple, Elizabeth Charlton and Jim Furlong had the Skylight team install mirrors on two entire walls when turning their extra upstairs bedroom into a gym.

Furlong said, “The guys pulled up with the mirrors on glass racks and carried them up with giant suction cup handles.

They installed them all with perfect measurements, added trim, and today they are a main feature in Elizabeth’s ‘She Room’ which she uses for her Zumba practice.”

They have referred the business many times over the years. n ••• The Skylight Place • 4850 Capitola Road, Capitola • 831-476-2023 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-4 Online estimates and onsite service available: http://www.skylightplace.com/ Credit cards accepted

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Jury Seeks Volunteers

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Deadline To Apply: 3 p.m. April 29

he Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking volunteers to become members of the Civil Grand

Jury.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Friday, April 29.

The Civil Grand Jury is a historic institution and serves an important role in the community. Serving on the Civil Grand Jury offers county residents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the local community.

The 19 members of the Civil Grand Jury are an independent body empowered to investigate the operations of city and county governments as well as other taxsupported agencies and special districts.

They also respond to citizen complaints about government issues.

Candidates must be United States citizens, at least 18 years, have a working

“5 Million Meals” from page 9 UCSC Record C Santa Cruz shattered its previous records, raising the equivalent of 376,099 meals for Second Harvest, winning the President’s Cup award, presented to the public institution that raises the most.

UCSC’s Staff Advisory Board runs the campus food drive.

Second Harvest named Nathan McCall, chairman of UCSC’s Staff Advisory Board and manager of HR Business Information Services, as one of its three Coordinators of the Year, describing him as “engaged, enthusiastic, and with an attention to detail that made UCSC’s food drive a great success.”

A generous donation from former Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor David Kliger, who retired in 2010, and his wife Rachel Kliger, put the campus over the top.

In 2020, UCSC raised about $39,000 in its holiday food drive. In 2021, UCSC initially raised a little more, $39,090.

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knowledge of the English language, and have lived in the county for at least one year.

The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking a volunteer pool that represents the ethnic and cultural diversity of communities within the county.

All qualified citizens are invited to apply to the Superior Court for consideration.

Two informational meetings via Zoom noon April 19 and 5 p.m. April 21 will provide information about becoming a member of the grand jury. The links will be posted on http://www.santacruzcourt.org/. Or visit the courthouse in Santa Cruz or Watsonville to pick up an application.

For questions, email the Superior Court Jury Commissioner’s Office at jury. information@santacruzcourt.org.

“But then, the Kliger family came in and gave a $35,000 gift and then another $20,000 gift on top of that,’’ McCall told the campus news report. “It was just incredible… Everything was almost the same and then there was this massively generous gift,” McCall said.

Kliger explained the gifts this way: Tikkun olam, a concept in Judaism that means repair the world and the need to address food insecurity first before tackling other problems.

Swishes for Dishes he Santa Cruz Warriors teamed up with Kaiser Permanente and The Athletes’ Corner on Swishes for Dishes, raising 50,280 meals for Second Harvest when the G League moved to Orlando for Covid safety in 2020-21.

How? Santa Cruz donated 30 meals per point the Warriors scored during the season in Orlando. With a goal of 50,000 meals, the Sea Dubs surpassed that target and scored 1,676 points, totaling 50,280 meals for the Santa Cruz community. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 17

Star Gates of Spring Have Opened

Esoteric Astrology • April 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles

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he Star Gates of Spring, of Aries, have opened! Spring has arrived!

Spring equinox (Sun at the equator at zero degrees Aries) begins the new spiritual/solar year. In Aries, “all things new” begin. New life emerges in our Northern Hemisphere. Aries is the “fire of the mind”, bringing forth new ideas that become new ideals within humanity. Aries is “electric green fire”, the fire in lightning storms usually experienced in Spring.

All throughout Spring, the Solar Angel streams into Earth a fresh impulse of life and the Plan for the coming new year. And at the Full moon during Aries (April 16, the day before Easter), the Forces of Restoration and the Spirit of Resurrection flow into the Earth. These forces offer humanity a new “livingness” by restoring our moral, ethical and psychological health. Their “presence” supports the new Aquarian culture & civilization and the new Spiritual Materialism (Sharing Society) to emerge. They offer a new hope and vision for the new world to unfold.

Archangel Raphael (the Christian name for Mercury or Hermes), the Healing Angel, begins to preside over the Earth at the equinox, bringing ARIES

So often your compassion and sympathy are so well hidden it’s thought perhaps you don’t possess these virtues. You do, but it takes tremendous effort to bring these forth and as spring unfolds, they will begin to unfold more and more. No longer can you draw the curtain on spiritual realities. No longer will we think you don’t have tender feelings. No longer can you push these away, believing they interfere with daily life. They are actually guideposts, talismans, amulets and protective lucky charms. And lifesaving.

TAURUS

It is important to begin to assess your hopes, wishes and goals, all that is needed for the new era and the coming times. As you do, others will be reaching out to you from friends, family and groups asking for your professional sense and for direction. Nurturing and strengthening the ties within your group is a task needed at this time. Your work is valuable to the intelligent understanding of the times. The groups you interact with need nurturing, too. Can you assume that outward loving mantle of care? The color is all shades of blue.

GEMINI

There’s a continued assessment and questioning as to what your purpose and work may be in and for the world. And a wondering about how you’re recognized. Soon there will be a new vitality and invigoration concerning your work and how you see your potential coming forth. Make a list of all the things you can do. Then list all that you hope to do and how you want to serve others. These lists will allow you to see a theme that creates greater self-identity. How do you want to be remembered? And what do you idealize?

CANCER

Before graduating from my Master’s program in Psychology, I wrote a white paper on altruism.

That word (altruism) has since then been part of my life. It appears now in the most unexpected times and place. I suggest you write a short paper on altruism, too, because it is part of and responsible for creating new philosophical ideas, attitudes and visions in your life from now on. No matter whether you travel or not, your mind is traveling far distances. Soon to the Wesak Valley when the great yearly ritual with the Buddha takes place. We will see you there.

healing and protection. He carries the Caduceus, staff of Mercury. It is written that each evening, Raphael gathers up all of humanity’s requests for healing, carrying them to heaven where he presents them before the throne of God. Here they are transformed into fragrant blossoms, which are then borne down to Earth by Raphael’s (Mercury’s) serving Angels. The flowers, scattered about where there is pain and sorrow, bring solace, care, beauty & comfort to those in need.

Nature responding to the pathway & light of the sun. A faint blush of unfolding green can be seen (etherically). The daffodils are almost over. The tulips are growing an inch a day, reaching up to the Sun. Pisces (water) offers the past year to Aries (fire). We are now in the water/fire mysteries. The Sun moves northward now, from the equinox to the Tropic of Cancer And so also are the new/moon seeds — all gathered in the heart center, which is our equator.

Spring is here. We are in the garden everyday now.

LEO

You will be thinking of accomplishing new creative projects, designs, forms, ideas and new endeavors, bringing forth new challenges, and new ways of utilizing your resources. Notice that your intuition and perception are very strong at this time. If you tune in quietly, you’ll know who is thinking about you and who loves you. You will tune into the Hierarchy, always seeking willing workers in the fields of earth. Concern about resources continues. However, soon this concern will fade away. Did you expect something that didn’t occur?

VIRGO

It’s good to develop the skills of diplomacy, like an international ambassador. This skill helps re-define relationships and you can share your Mercury’s ability to communicate with a silver tongue. Everyone significantly needs kind and wise communication, especially in these polarizing times. Everyone feels a lack of support. Begin to support others and all that you give is returned. Be truly gracious. Don’t put on an act or act in a way that you think you should. Learn how to be authentically gracious. It has to do with coming from the heart of the matter.

LIBRA

In between all your artistic endeavors, there will come a time to get down to business, to begin to be practical about every hour of the day and to establish routines that will handle the detail of a great change that is occurring in your life and in the lives of all of humanity. Attempt to work with enthusiasm, summon efficiency and organization, ask for assistance (from humans and angels) when needed, eliminate everything not useful and make health and well-being your priority. Along with gathering more knowledge and beauty, which is Libra’s task. Beauty is the hidden path go God.

SAGITTARIUS

Are you paying attention to what your feelings and intuitions are telling you? Are you assessing what signifies peace, safety and security for you?

Are you stirring up activities at home, leaving home, seeking home, or needing a home? Did you finally “go” home for some important reason? What are your support systems? Everything that leads to re-organization is going on or will be going on. Family is involved, too. You are their support, their foundation, their scaffold. You are the pillar, like in Masonry, holding up the temple.

CAPRICORN

You are feeling hopeful concerning creative endeavors, your family, children, loved ones and intimates and this optimism will continue to grow in promise and potential. At times there is a need to be highly creative to offset too much work. Capricorns are workers, always climbing the ladder. You sometimes dream things so different and unusual, it takes time for them to manifest. When feeling confused, learn to express your feelings in a neutral tone. Ask everyone to listen. Listening is an artform.

You can help them learn. Will you be traveling soon?

AQUARIUS

Ease in public and social situations may be felt this week. You are seeing a new identity in the world. Tend carefully and with detail to daily life tasks.

When you are at ease with yourself a rapport with others develops spontaneously. Walk around the neighborhood, stroll down the middle of town, connect with others, tend to bills and monetary responsibilities, assess your environments, be alert, be gracious and communicative. And realize with gratitude all that you value surrounds you. And all that is around you, loves you.

PISCES

Something seems to have come to an end. After long years of work, you sense the need for either stopping You need some ease and some just-for-fun endeavors. You need the work you have been doing, or changing it. I things to be playful, lighthearted, humorous, think you need a long rest. Over time you may good natured and spirited. You also need somerecreate, look and express yourself differently. thing or someone calling forth your creative gifts. Only when creativity is involved are you You always want to present your authentic self. It’s important truly pleased. Always you think of the impact your presence for you to be strong and kind, to seek understanding and and your work have on the world. This allows you to be brave harmony with others and for your actions to be understood and bold and always rebuilding your self-identity, courage and and not misinterpreted. Often you dream your way through life, confidence. You’ll express yourself this week and the next and learning self-confidence through self-realization. Be brave in the next and the next, throughout this entire new spiritual year. these endeavors.

••• SCORPIO

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / April 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS Santa Cruz County Bank Named Business of the Year

S

anta Cruz County Bank was named Business of the Year by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, alongside 1st Capital Bank, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.

All four financial institutions were recognized for supporting the local community by securing Payroll Protection Program loans during the pandemic.

Of the $857 million in PPP loans secured, Santa Cruz County Bank processed 4,204 PPP loan applications totaling $573.7 million, saving approximately 50,000 jobs and ensuring businesses were able to keep their doors open and their employees on the payroll.

The bank extended resources beyond its business clients to support the entire community facing the economic challenges brought forth by the pandemic.

For round one alone, Santa Cruz County Bank funded over 1,600 PPP loans, while across the country, the average number of PPP loans processed per bank was 222.

Santa Cruz County Bank continues to work with businesses by processing PPP forgiveness applications.

Krista Snelling, president and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank, said, “Thank you to the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce for this meaningful recognition. As a community bank, we felt a responsibility to do whatever it took to help our customers and community.

We jumped in feet first on the Paycheck Protection Program, and I give full credit to our amazing employees from all departments who worked around the clock, nights and weekends, to accomplish this Herculean task.

This is community banking at its best, caring for and supporting our business community and our neighbors. It is a great pleasure to share this award with our fellow community bank partners: 1st Capital Bank, Bay Federal Credit Union, and Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. We’re in good company, doing good, impactful work.”

Santa Cruz County Bank was also honored as Business of the Year in 2018 by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.

Santa Cruz County Bank has branches in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties, with plans to open a Salinas branch in late 2022. n

From left: Chris Maffia, Jon Sisk, Doug Fischer,Angelo DeBernardo, Craig French, Krista Snelling, John Burroughs, Brent Dunton, and William J. Hansen.

COMMUNITY NEWS

2022 Artist of the Year: Annie Morhauser T he 2022 Artist of the Year is Annie Morhauser, founder of Annieglass, a highly successful line of glass tableware and sculpture sold worldwide.

Handcrafting her glassware in Santa Cruz County since 1983, she developed her company to become one of the largest and most successful American glass studios.

By combining skills as a designer, artisan, and businesswoman, Morhauser has built a highly regarded brand and has been featured in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, Scotland, and the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. She has won numerous design awards and patents.

Annieglass can be purchased in the finest stores, and is collected by chefs, celebrities, bridal couples and many loyal local customers.

Next year, she will celebrate 40 years of creating sculptural glassware with her skilled team of artisans.

For 36 years, the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission has presented the award to a local artist for outstanding achievement in performing, visual, or literary arts and who has made a substantial contribution to the cultural enrichment of Santa Cruz County.

She has accomplished something rare: Crossing over into the commercial world while tenaciously retaining her fine art approach.

Her downtown Santa Cruz store was one of the first to reopen after the 1989 earthquake, despite the destruction of more than four tons of glass in her studio.

The Annieglass studio, originally 400 square feet in the Old Sash Mill in Santa Cruz, is now a manufacturing facility of more than 16,000 square feet at 310 Harvest Drive in Watsonville. Tours of the factory are available on Saturdays.

Twice each year a new collection is introduced. Annieglass has invigorated the ancient craft of glassmaking with new technology and original design.

Morhauser came to Santa Cruz in 1977.

She learned glassblowing at the College of San Mateo and San Francisco State University before receiving a scholarship to the glass program as a student of Marvin Lipofsky at the California College of Arts and Crafts, now called the California College of the Arts. She serves there now as an advisor, donor and board trustee.

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Who am I?

Annie Morhauser signs her works in her Watsonville studio.

In 2017, Annie launched The Craftbar with her daughter Ava Reinhold, hosting workshops in arts and crafts, which functions as a community beacon. The Annieglass retail store and website offers all of the Annieglass collections as well the work by other well-known and local craft artists.

Over 400 nonprofits annually receive cash and in-kind donations, including Jacob’s Heart, Girls Inc., Digital Nest, Planned Parenthood of Mar Monte, Salud Para La Gente, Watsonville Film Festival, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Museum of Art and History. Over 40 scholarships have been awarded to students in need.

Annie’s son, Taylor Reinhold, follows in the family footsteps of art and community service. He recently directed the Sea Walls Santa Cruz murals.

A free “Profile Performance” will take place in fall 2022. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the location and format of the performance will be determined at a later date. Check the Parks Department website in summer 2022. n ••• For more info, including how to nominate an artist for the award, visit www.scparks.com.

ACROSS

1. Campus military org.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. 1968 hit “Harper Valley ____” 11. Turkish honorific 12. *I captained the Millennium Falcon in “Star Wars” 13. Inlet in Greenland 15. Map out 16. Pharaoh’s symbol 17. Austin Powers and Shrek to Mike Myers 18. *I developed the theory of relativity 20. Sailor’s hail 21. Lyric poem 22. Solar System center 23. Portable stairs

26. *I am Sgt. George Baker’s inept comic strip character 30. Mine deposit 31. Shape 34. Fairy tale cannibal 35. Feline sneakers 37. Lawyer group 38. *I have a coiled shell and eyes on stalks 39. Very dark black 40. Free from obstruction 42. ____ Aviv 43. Most buffoonish 45. Rest or hydration for common cold, e.g 47. Hot springs resort 48. “...he found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked ____” 50. Japanese stringed instrument 52. *I am a runaway slave, an abolitionist, and a best-selling author 55. Email destination

9. *I used to host a sports show with Mike Golic 10. Commercials 12. Buddhist’s enlightenment 13. Sham 14. *I am a WWE Champion, an actor, and my nickname is geology-related 19. Vision correctors, DOWN colloquially Do like Drake 22. Greek letters on Eye up and down campus Bangkok native 23. *My résumé includes Like preserved Fly Girl and “American peaches, sometimes Idol” judge Sharpened 24. CuraÁao neighbor Like Huck Finn’s dad, 25. Evil one e.g.

26. Fence board *Some people call me 27. Popular gemstone the Rocket Man 28. Shed tears *I starred as Pam in 29. *I am an American the “Meet the Parents” who became Princess movies of Monaco

56. Jasmine of “Aladdin,” e.g.

57. Food fish 59. Silly 60. Self-cleaning appliance 61. Ad staple 62. O in IOU 63. P in m.p.g.

64. Affirmative, colloquially 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

32. Harangue 33. Network with an eye 36. *My TV role became synonymous with a hair style 38. Perform at the bee 40. Canada’s neighbor 41. Beginning 44. Strong adhesive 46. Contemptibly small 48. Dry white Italian wine 49. Radio receiver 50. Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will ____” 51. Piercing woodwind 52. Water quantity 53. Loafer, e.g.

54. Adventure story 55. United Nations labor agency 58. Homer’s catchword © Statepoint Media

Answers on 23 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 19

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOLY WEEK April 10-17 Christians commemorate this week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday when many biblical prophesies were fulfilled. Jesus came to earth to save humanity by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. By defeating death sacrificially for us, He made a way for our salvation.

Second and Fourth Sunday TEEN ZINE CLUB Noon-1:30 p.m., Felton Branch Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St. Do you know a teen looking for a fun DIY project? Is If weather is inclement, performances will be creativity their thing? Do they love art, writing, crafts, rescheduled to Sunday April 17 or 24; ticket holders will design, fashion, and music? be contacted.

The Felton Branch Library offers the Teen Zine Tickets are: General, $20, MAH member, $12, at www.

Club — a safe place to work on a small circulating, santacruzmah.org/btg self-published media project that shows their original work or a compilation of their favorite text, info, images ‘THIS IS NOW’ TRI-GALLERY EXPOSITION and more.

The Santa Cruz Visual Arts Network sponsors a Teen Zine Club meets in the community room of the Felton tri-gallery exhibition, “this is now” through April 10, Branch Library. This program is free and open to the public. featuring nearly 400 original works of art in all media from 150+ artists throughout Santa Cruz County.

DATED EVENTS The three galleries, all in Santa Cruz, are: R.Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission St., formerly Wrigley’s, Tuesdays and Wednesday April 6 Thursdays 1-4 p.m., Curated by the Sea, 703 Front St., VOLUNTEER VISITORS Q&A Tuesday through Saturday 12-4 p.m., and Radius, 1050 12:30 p.m., Online Seminar River St. Unit 127, Wednesday through Sunday 12-5 Join this virtual Q&A via Zoom with Forbes Ellis, director Soquel artist Michele Hausman is showing After Harvest (12x16) along with 2 more vineyard paintings of volunteer services, at Hospice of Santa Cruz County to learn about this volunteer opportunity. at R Blitzer.

Volunteer Visitors provide companionship to For an appointment, call Rob at 831-458-1217. hospice patients in their homes or in the care PROPERTY TAXES DUE SUNDAY APRIL 10 facilities where they live. As a willing listener, This is the deadline to pay the second installment a hand holder, and supportive presence, these of Santa Cruz County property taxes. Taxes become special volunteers are vital members of the delinquent after this date, adding a 10 percent hospice team. penalty.

Volunteer Visitors may also provide caregivers with See https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Departments/TaxCollector/ much needed respite. Other duties include simple GeneralInformationAboutPropertyTaxes/PropertyTaxesThe snack preparation, running errands, and other practical SimpleStory.aspx tasks.

Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAoceChqD0jHdPp1lT6pOfmlDQhHGHVs1Ch ONGOING EVENTS

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by April 20

CZU FIRE WORKSHOPS Nonprofit United Policyholders is offering free workshops in April for people affected by the 2020 and 2021 California wildfires.

Survivor to Survivor Forums: Tues., April 5, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 19, 7 p.m. Connect with trained volunteers with experience navigating recovery after PASSOVER wildfire.

April 15-23 Register: www.uphelp.org/events Passover (Pesach in Hebrew), one of the most beloved holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the exodus Post-Wildfire Rebuild Financing: Wed., April 27, 4 p.m. of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It begins at sundown This webinar will cover rebuild financing, loan and mortgage decisions, fund control/contractor payments and quality on April 15 and lasts through sundown on April 23. control best practices.

HOUSING FOR HEALTH PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS SOUGHT Register: www.uphelp.org/apr27 The former Homeless Action Partnership, Santa Cruz County’s federally-designated continuum of care, has been COUNTY REZONING MEETINGS renamed the Housing for Health Partnership — H4HP for Santa Cruz County is revising its general plan for short — and three of the 15 seats on the policy board are the first time in 25 years, planning for a projected open to community members. One seat is reserved for population in the unincorporated area of 141,645, up someone with lived experience with homelessness. from 133,493.

The new name aligns with the Housing for Health The plan is branded as the Sustainability Update. It Division, which works under Santa Cruz County’s calls for encouraging higher density development in Human Services Agency and serves as the lead activity centers and along corridors where transporpartnership agency. tation improvements are planned The Policy Board, responsible for high-level planning, To view the draft document and meeting dates, see decision-making and system oversight, delegates https://sustainability-update-sccgis.opendata.arcgis.com/ operational responsibilities to operational committees A recording of an introductory meeting in March is at: and working groups. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6sYSHL26-U. The 15 board members represent constituencies with Three online meetings, each from 6:30-8 p.m., are significant experience or resources to address homelessness. on the calendar: Partner members include UCSC Assistant Dean of Transportation (April 5), Meeting link: https://tinyurl.

Students Mariah Lyons, Central California Alliance for com/3mjuu6yp Health CEO Stephanie Sonnenshine, and Community Agriculture, Environmental Resources, and Public Foundation of Santa Cruz CEO Susan True.

Facilities (April 12), Meeting link: https://tinyurl.

To apply to be a member or learn more, visit www.housingcom/4c2jn377 forhealthpartnership.org.

Code Modernization and Map Amendments (April 20), Meeting link: https://tinyurl.com/3az68esp SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Residents can provide feedback via the survey: Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/23f5a28279e241a groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse bbec66d8d42e6770b. support group. The goals are to empower through a healing BEYOND THE GRAVE process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

Friday and Saturday, April 15-16 & 22-23 You are not alone. You are not to blame.

More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org 6-7 p.m., Saturdays 1-2 p.m., Evergreen Cemetery, 261 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz CALLING ALL ARTISTS The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History announces its Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola, behind Woodworm popular Beyond the Grave series, ticketed performances The Mid County Senior Center is looking for artists to be at the historic Evergreen Cemetery returns. a part of their May Day sale on May 1. If you are interThis year, the MAH teamed up with local concert ested in a booth, email Cindy at MCSC4TREASUER@ producer Indexical to present Madi McGain, Mikhail GMAIL. COM for details.

Johnson, Departure Duo, Angel Dominguez, and Aja Bond, the same program on both weekends.

CAREER MONTH AT CABRILLO The artists were invited to create a new program that In April, Cabrillo College will host virtual and in-person highlights the cemetery as a place of connection to the past, and a vibrant source of new life in the present. career fairs featuring local employers. Students from McGain explores the idea of Evergreen Cemetery Cabrillo and job seekers from the general public are as a silent place, with minimal sonic accompaniment. invited to attend. Each career fair is 90 minutes.

Departure Duo will perform Evil’s Peak by composer Dates and times: Johnson, exploring the equalizing force of death in the April 6: Entrepreneurship & Business and Creative context of the colonization of Jamaica and integration of Arts & Design 3:30-5 p.m. (Virtual) church and state.

April 13: In person Career Fair open to all, 10:30 Dominguez, a Santa Cruz poet of Mayan descent, a.m.-1 p.m. reads from their new book Desgraciado, in which they April 14: Global & Human Studies, 3:30-5 p.m. communicate through letters with a Spanish conquis(Virtual) tador who tried to eradicate the Yucatan language April 20: STEM 3:30-5 p.m. (Virtual) — while building a memorial/monument to their April 28: Health & Public Service, 5:00-6:30 p.m. grandfather out of stone. Bond closes with a meditation (Virtual) For questions, contact Courtney Cogan cocogan@cabrillo.edu on dirt, decomposition, and ways in which the bodies of the living return to the earth to nourish new life. or Desha Staley-Raatior destaley@cabrillo.edu .

20 / April 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Mondays SCOTTS VALLEY ROTARY WEEKLY MEETING 12:15 p.m., Online Zoom Obtain Zoom link from President Patrizia Materassi at (831) 334-2383.

Thursday April 7

‘FIGHTING FOR HOUSING’ AUTHOR TO SPEAK 6:30-8 p.m., Online and Santa Cruz Public Libraries, downtown branch, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz Public Libraries, with the Homeless Garden Project, announce the kickoff for the Book to Fourth Wednesday of the Month Action program, featuring Conor Dougherty, author of EXCHANGE CLUB OF SCOTTS VALLEY MEETING “Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America,” and 5-6 p.m., Malone’s, 4402 Scotts Valley Dr. Santa Cruz author Jonathan Franzen talking about the Exchange Club of Scotts Valley meets at Malone’s in factors driving homelessness in America.

Scotts Valley. Next meeting: March 23.

In-person attendees will be able to write questions Information: victor.alejandro.usa@gmail.com for the authors. The event is free and registration is required via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/housingconv FELTON LIBRARY FRIENDS MEETING Through the Book to Action project, Santa Cruz 4:30-6 p.m., Community Room, Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St. Public Libraries is providing copies of “Golden Felton Library Friends meet once a month in the Gates: Fighting for Housing in America” to in-person Community Room. attendees free of charge while supplies last.

The glass wall can be opened for lots of fresh air This Book to Action program is supported by when the weather is nicer. the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services Next meeting: April 27, and will feature the new under the provisions of the Library Services and director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Yolande Wilburn.

Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Thursdays SCOTTS VALLEY FOOD PANTRY Saturday April 9 5:30 p.m., 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley EASTER ON THE FARM St. Philip the Apostle Episcopal Church hosts Pip’s 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Pantry Food Bank with Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Agricultural History Project, at the Santa Cruz Fresh produce and pantry staples are available.

County Fairgrounds is hosting the annual “Easter On The Farm.”

Third Thursday Each Month Egg hunts start at 11:15 a.m. and will be every hour PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM in four separate age groups: From 3 and under up to 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting 12 years old. Times are 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support and 2:15 pm.

Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated Activities for children and adults include: Arts & crafts, by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third hayrides, tractor driving, face painting and a photo op Thursday of each month. with the Easter Bunny!

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

This event is free! Donations appreciated.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday April 14

Wednesday May 4 thru Saturday May 7

SLVWD SEEKING BOARD APPLICANTS Due 3 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley Water District, 13060 Highway 9, Boulder Creek The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is soliciting applicants to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors created by the resignation of Lois Henry. The seat will go to election in November 2022 for a new 4-year term.

Applications are due by 3 p.m. and can be turned in at the SLVWD office or online at https://www.slvwd. com/home/news/board-directors-notice-vacancy.

For questions, contact the District Secretary: hhossack@ slvwd.com or (831) 430-4636

LUNAFEST: BENEFIT FOR WOMENCARE 7 p.m. Wed., Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz Friends of WomenCARE announce the LUNAFEST Film Festival in person at the Del Mar Theatre, with virtual screening available May 5-7.

This program of short films aims to inspire with stories that champion women and gender nonconforming individuals, highlighting their aspirations, accomplishments, resilience, strength and connection.

Proceeds go to WomenCARE, which provides a safe haven where women with any type of cancer find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.

Last year’s event raised $14,000. Organizers expect this year’s event will sell out.

Tickets are $20 at https://www.lunafest.org/ screenings/hybrid-friends-womancare-santa-cruzca-050422 This year’s films include:

Saturday April 16 Sunday April 17 EGGSTRAORDINARY EGG HUNT Hop aboard Roaring Camp’s Forest Train for an Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and April 17 in Felton. Upon arrival atop Bear Mountain, children can hunt for eggs, candies and special prizes; the Easter Bunny will be there, too. Other activities include gold panning, games and crafts.

Trains depart at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $44.95 for adults, $29.95 for children 2-12 years; children under 2 ride for free.

Reservations recommended. To book tickets, visit https:// www.roaringcamp.com/

Monday April 18 CZU REBUILDING MEETINGS: PERMITTING, TAX & WATER ISSUES 6-7:30 p.m., Boulder Creek Fire District, 13230 Highway 9 Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson will host an in-person District 5 Town Hall on Rebuilding and Recovery with an update on the County’s rebuild permitting dashboard, as well as water projects in the San Lorenzo Valley.

Representatives will be available to answer questions after the presentations.

The meeting will be at the Boulder Creek Fire District office.

SPRING DANCE FESTIVAL AT EASTRIDGE CENTER Saturday April 23 • Sunday April 24

How to Be at Home: By Andrea Dorfman. Coping with isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Close Ties to Home Country: By Akanksha Cruczynski.

An immigrant dog walker connects with the wealthy pets she cares for.

Generation Impact: The Coder: By Samantha Knowles.

A 13-year-old girl designs and builds an app to help kids stay connected to their incarcerated parents.

Proof of Loss: By Katherine Fisher. After fire takes their home, a father and daughter must find a way to salvage what remains: each other.

When You Clean a Stranger’s Home: By Sharon Arteaga. A first-generation high school student describes what she and her mom learn about people when cleaning their homes.

Between the Lines: Liz at Large: By Abi Cole. Frustrated with lack of diversity in The New Yorker cartoons, an artist submits her illustrations, becoming the first Black falconclub.org or make check payable to SVHS Falcon Club woman cartoonist. and mail to 715 Tabor Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.

Wearable Tracy: By Emily McAllister. A Bronx woman’s Questions: kweaversv@gmail.com or 831-905-0544. social experiment connects her with fellow New Yorkers who might otherwise remain strangers.

Sunday May 1 To the Future With Love: By Shalleece Haas & MULTICULTURAL FAIR Hunter “Pixel” Jimenez. An animated self-portrait of a nonbinary trans teen caught between the expectations of Noon-3 p.m., Vine Hill School, 151 Vine Hill School Road, his Guatemalan immigrant family and his dreams of living Scotts Valley The Scotts Valley Unified School District is happily ever after with his long-distance boyfriend.

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Eastridge Center Mall, 2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose (off Capitol Expressway and Tully Road) The Spring Dance Festival, featuring local dance companies, is presented by sjDANCEco at Eastridge Center Mall,.

The event celebrates National Dance Week (April 15-24 and includes free dance classes at 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 5 p.m. both days on the main level of the mall.

Flying Colors Dance & Fitness of Hollister will present a new work by choreographers Amy Redmond Waran and Hilary Sharp titled “Villains,” set to music inspired by classic evil-doers: Cruella DeVille, Captain Hook, The Evil Queen from Snow White, and Maleficent on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

Performing Sunday are: DanceCenterBestDanceCrew of Ben Lomond, at 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Ballet Rep of Boulder Creek, 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Shakti Bhakti (Classical Indian dance) of Santa Cruz, noon, and Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center of Santa Cruz, 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. All performance times are approximate. https://www.sjdanceco.org Photo: DBDC, Ben Lomond

Wednesday April 27

MEET YOLANDE WILBURN 4 p.m., Felton Branch Library Community Room, 6121 Gushee St. Meet Yolande Wilburn, the dynamic new director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, at a gathering hosted by Felton Library Friends in the Felton Branch community room.

Wednesday April 20 She will talk briefly about her early days as director TEEN JOB FAIR and the things that the system is working toward, then 2-5 p.m., Laurel Park, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz answer your questions. She brings a wealth of expeLooking for talent as summer approaches?

The Access2Employment Teen Job Fair, sponsored by rience in urban, rural, and academic library settings.

Wilburn believes that libraries are not just community Santa Cruz Employment Access, will take place outside hubs for education and information. at Laurel Park.

“They also connect people-providing a haven for This event is free for employers and job seekers. Employers youth, and helping people stay engaged in the digital can call Amanda Ares at 831-420-5437 to register. world and connected through homebound, social, and business services,” she said. “Libraries help comSunday April 24 munities develop their identity by working closely with DINING FOR PARKINSON’S diverse groups to understand the needs and aspira10 a.m.-8 p.m., Erik’s DeliCafé, 102 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, tions, providing enhanced quality of life.”

1475 41st Ave, Capitola, and 1664 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz Erik’s DeliCafé in Aptos, Capitola and Santa Cruz will Friday April 29 host the second “Dine for a Day” for the Santa Cruz SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH GOLF FUNDRAISER County Parkinson’s Group.

9 a..m check-in, Noon tee-time for first group, DeLaveaga Dine in-store, online for delivery, curbside, or pick-up Golf Course, 401 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz and part of your purchase will benefit the Santa Cruz County Parkinson’s Group, a project of nonprofit EASEPD. The Scotts Valley High School Falcon Club, a 501c3 nonprofit, will host the 20th Annual Golf Tournament to During the pandemic, most of the group’s classes support SVHS sports programs on Friday, April 29, at and meetings needed to pivot quickly to Zoom. Thanks DeLaveaga Golf Course. to donations and efforts of the all-volunteer group, The tournament will be a Best Ball Scramble format. most classes and support programs continued and Cost is $160 per person and includes a round of golf, membership grew. golf cart, box lunch and dinner.

The Parkinson’s Foundation provides a free Hospital There will be prizes for “closest to the pin” and Safety Kit to protect, prepare, and empower people with “longest drive,” contests for men and women, and Parkinson’s while hospitalized. awards, plus “Hole in One” for a new car.

Order at https://www.parkinson.org or call: 800-473-4636.

Put together a foursome and register online at www.

sponsoring is a Multicultural Fair at Vine Hill School.

There will be art, music, food trucks, and crafts celebrating diversity from around the world.

SVUSD families and community members are invited to attend.

Wednesday May 4 Thursday May 5 NEST FLIGHT Virtual Conference NEST Flight will be a 2-day virtual experience, in time for graduation season. This annual conference is geared toward young professionals, recent grads and current students in high school or college. If you are 17 to 24 and exploring your options for the future, this conference is for you.

Hosted by Digital NEST and founder Jacob Martinez, this event features 20 inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, powerful panel discussions and one of a kind networking opportunities — crafted to help students propel their careers, no matter where you are in your job exploration.

Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings is keynote speaker. Emcee is Amber Gonzalez-Vargas, senior program manager at Latino Community Foundation, which has invested $17 million in 150 grassroots Latino-led nonprofits.

Registration: $20. See https://www.nestflight.org/

To the Future, With Love

Friday May 20

REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Online Seminar MBEP’s 8th Annual Regional Economic Outlook will feature Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics, LLC. Widely considered to be one of the nation’s leading economists, Dr. Thornberg is an expert in revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy, and labor and real estate markets.

Beacon Economics is a leading independent research and consulting firm dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and objectively-based economic analysis to public and private sector clients in California and across the United States.

Tickets are $29. Register at https://tinyurl.com/MBEP-REO2022-register n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 21

“COVID Update” from page 7 Signs of Normalcy ayak.com reports the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Mexico and Slovankia are open to visitors — with no Covid-19 restrictions.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams lifted the vaccine mandate for performers and professional athletes, allowing Kyrie Irving, a top player for the Brooklyn Nets, on the court even though he opted out of Covid vaccination.

Santa Cruz County closed the vaccination site at Felton Community Hall March 9 after giving 2,000 vaccinations and referred residents to the newly opened Santa Cruz Community Health office in Ben Lomond. On March 27, the county closed the vaccine clinic at the old Watsonville City Hall, where 20,000 vaccinations were given.

A new Omicron variant called BA.2 “appears to be about 50% more transmissible than the original omicron strain BA.1, according to UC Davis Health. “Preliminary data suggests omicron BA.1 causes the same severity of disease and symptoms, but it’s affecting younger people more.”

Two Years anta Cruz County, which updates its dashboard on Monday and Thursday, has 419 active cases, down from 10,000 at the peak, and three more deaths, bringing the total to 259.

Underlying conditions were a factor in 19 of the 20 most recent local deaths during the peak of the highly contagious and thought-to-be-mild Omicron variant.

The latest deaths were people 65 and older, two with underlying conditions. The county website lists vaccination status in death as “yes” or “no.”

The most COVID fatalities in the county occurred in January 2021, when vaccines were not available and 22 people died in one week.

County supervisors have chosen five board members for the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Project, the local consortium awarded the bid by a bankruptcy judge to buy Watsonville Community Hospital, which has 620 employees and shares the treatment of Covid-19 patients with Dominican Hospital.

They five are Marcus Pimental, John Friel, Jasmine Najera, Tony Nunez and Dr. Katie Gabriel-Cox. Pimental and Najera must run for re-election in November.

The Pajaro Valley Health Care District Project aims to raise $16.5 million to buy Watsonville Community Hospital and fund the first-year operations under the new ownership. Watsonville based Driscoll’s is matching all donations up to $1.75 million until May 1.

If $1.75 million is raised from the community, it results in $3.5 million. To donate, see https://www.pvhdp.org/ Scotts Valley Schools cotts Valley schools, which is on spring break April 4-8, report only 2 active student cases and zero staff cases in April.

Vine Hill Elementary has one student case. So does Scotts Valley Middle School.

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“We have the lowest positivity rate yet since the beginning of 2022,” Superintendent Tanya Kraus reported to parents on March 30.

Rather than ask staff to distribute Covid test kits the day before students return, the superintendent is asking families to tests at home. Kraus hopes case rates will remain low, allowing end-of-the-year student activities to take place.

Test positivity for the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which reports testing for public schools, is .91 percent, lower than the state.

The state’s guidance to schools and childcare facilities: After March 11, masks are not required but are strongly recommended.

“All community members have a right to make different choices with regard to recommended masking, and it is imperative that we respect personal choice and treat each other with respect and kindness,” posted Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, with Inspire Diagnostic, has provided 398,900 tests.

Cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropping to 97 on March 30. The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, is down to .91%.

Pfizer & Moderna arents anxious to have shots for their younger children under 5 are still waiting for Pfizer and BioNTech to gather data on whether a third dose is effective.

Pfizer initially applied for emergency use authorization for young children for two doses.

Pfizer stock peaked at $61 in December, fell in March to $46 and has been trading at $52 to $55.

On March 23, vaccine-maker Moderna reported positive results — no severe cases, hospitalizations, or deaths — in two clinical trials for children under 6 — and said it would ask the Food and Drug Administration to authorize its Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use authorization for those children.

In the trial, Covid cases decreased 43.7% for kids 6 to 23 months, and 37.5% for kids 2 to 6. At the outset, the FDA called for vaccines to cut infection by at least 50%.

Moderna stock peaked in November at $368, then fell to $128 in March and rose to stabilize at $179.

Mary Holland, president and general counsel of Children’s Health Defense, contends there is no COVID emergency for children under 5 years old.

Children have a 99.995% recovery rate, and a body of medical literature indicates that “almost zero” healthy children under 5 have died from COVID, according to Holland, citing studies in Germany, England and Wales.

Myocarditis Risk 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.

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

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.”

The CDC looked at its data in February: Of 164 million total doses of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine given to those 18 years and older, there were 359 reports of myocarditis to VAERS in the seven days post-vaccination meeting CDC definition.

Most patients were hospitalized, and 69% recovered.

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.

After Covid arrived, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law that allows the HHS secretary to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company, according to a report by CNBC. This lowers the cost of immunizations, and the protection lasts until 2024.

Fourth Shot? n March 13, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said fully vaccinated people will need a fourth shot this year.

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“The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths,” he said. “It’s not that good against infections.”

Fully vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Covid-19 coronavirus.

For Omicron, the dominant variant, a booster shot is needed. Booster shots are 90 percent effective against preventing Omicron hospitalizations, according to the federal Centers of Disease Control.

California reports 83.9% of residents age 5 and up have had at least one shot.

On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 90.4% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 82.1% fully vaccinated.

On April 1, California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Dr. Tomás Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health and state public health officer, announced that people 50 and older are eligible for a second mRNA booster shot from Moderna or Pfizer. Kids 12 and older are eligible for the Pfizer booster and those 18 years and older with moderate and severe immune-suppression are eligible for a Moderna booster.

This is the recommendation of the 18-member Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on which Tomas sits.

Omicron Less Deadly micron is deadly than Delta, which raged in 2021. Santa Cruz County reports 259 Covid deaths, up from 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron was confirmed on Dec. 16 and 17.

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.

So are people 85 and older.

Some people who got Covid experience “long Covid,” with fatigue and brain fog months afterward. A 2022 study in the journal Cell by researchers following more than 200 patients found many acute Covid patients had low cortisol, which could be addressed.

Testing he Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and families at these locations: 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 Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, Monday to Friday 10 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, 2 to 5 p.m.

Directions for rapid response antigen tests are at https:// drive.google.com/file/d/1U8AdsSyH14sDvrjD6T25krhvOFR FsuXs/view For test options: https://tinyurl.com/get-tested-santa-cruz.

Based on federal recommendations, the state shortened the isolation time for those testing positive from 10 days to five days.

Schedule booster shots at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or by asking your local doctor and pharmacies. For local vaccine providers, visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirusvaccine.

For help scheduling an appointment, call the Community Bridges Helpline at 831-219-8607 or 831-440-3556 (English, Spanish, Mixteco and Triqui).

For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus or call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n ••• Total COVID cases: 419 ••• COVID Deaths: 259 As of March 31 Age 85 and older: 110 • 75-84: 61 • 65-74: 46 • 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 45-54: 10 • 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 209 • No: 50 Race White 147 • Latinx 89 • Asian 16 • Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 133 • Women: 126 Location At facility for aged: 115 • Not at a facility: 144

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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ook at all these chickens! Helen, Ruth, Greta, Frances, Jean, Peggy, Cheryl, Doris, Elaine, Cynthia, Marie, Lois, and Gail have been at our shelter for quite some time and are looking for their forever homes.

Whether you’re looking for some livestock or some farm fresh eggs straight from your yard the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has some ready to be adopted.

If you’re in the market for some chickens — adopt, don’t shop!

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

Who am I? © Statepoint Media

By Wendy Ballen

originally discovered this recipe on a website called My New Roots by Sarah Britton. It looked wonderful so I tried it out, and it was!!

I was raised by two wonderful bakers, my mother Jeanne and my Aunt Maxine. There was never a shortage of cookies and cakes in our house. Birthday cakes were wonderfully embellished with M & M’s and chocolate chips!

As a young adult, I became more interested in eating healthy, so instead of baking with white flour, white sugar, and Crisco like my mentors, I learned how to bake with healthier, natural ingredients.

From 1980-1984, I worked as a baker at Staff of Life in Santa Cruz. I specialized in wedding cakes and developed a few cookies and treats still sold there today. Just graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Art, I also had two Cake Art Shows at the Louden Nelson Center in 1982 and 1983.

I have made this raw, dairyless cheesecake dozens and dozens of times and have embellished it many different ways. It’s always been a big hit with friends and family!

It takes some patience and effort, but I guarantee it’s worth it!

Dairyless Cashew Cream Cake

Ingredients Crust 1 /2 cup raw almonds (pecan or walnuts will also work) 1 /2 cup soft Medjool dates (or dried apricots) ¼ tsp. sea salt Filling 2 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 5 hours or overnight Juice of 1 lemon I tsp. vanilla 1 /3 cup coconut oil 1 /3 cup honey 1 /2 cup raspberries (frozen and thawed raspberries work best) 1 oz. melted dark chocolate Garnishes Raspberry Sauce: 1-10 oz. bag of frozen raspberries, thawed.

Honey (sweeten to taste) Chocolate sauce: 1 bar of your favorite chocolate Fresh raspberries Directions First, put nuts and dates or apricots in a food processor with sea salt and pulse to chop until they are well processed but still a little bit coarse. The crust mixture should hold together if you squeeze a little with your fingers. Pour the crust into a 7” spring-form pan and press down firmly until the crust is evenly distributed.

Next, combine the honey and coconut oil

in a small saucepan. Use medium low heat until they are liquified.

Then drain the soaked cashews. In the most powerful food processor/blender you own, (a Vitamix works best) place the cashew, honey-coconut oil mix, lemon juice, and vanilla, and blend on high until very smooth. If you have a Vitamix, use the tamper tool to help mix the ingredients. This takes a few minutes to get smooth.

After that, pour about 1/3 of the mixture into a small bowl. Add 2 oz. of melted chocolate and blend it thoroughly. With a spatula, transfer the chocolate cashew cream onto the crust and smooth with the spatula.

Take another third of the remaining vanilla cashew cream out and carefully add it on top of the chocolate layer.

Add 1/2 cup of thawed raspberries to the remaining filling and blend on high until smooth. Pour on top the vanilla layer of filling and smooth it out.

Cover the spring-form pan with a piece of Saran Wrap. Place a piece of foil over the top and seal it well. Place in the freezer until solid.

Raspberry Sauce Put the bag of thawed raspberries in a blender and blend until smooth.

I like to pour the blended berries into a fine mesh wire strainer and press with a wooden spoon to remove the seeds. It’s not necessary but makes a very smooth sauce. This mixture will be a little tart, so add honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.

Chocolate Sauce Break up a 3 oz. chocolate bar and place it in a heatproof bowl. Bring about an inch of water to a simmer in a saucepan. Set the heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir the chocolate until melted. Make sure not to get any water into the chocolate mixture.

To serve, remove from freezer 30 minutes prior to eating. Run a smooth, sharp knife around the edges before opening up the springform pan. With the spring-form bottom intact, transfer the cake to a serving dish.

Garnishing Drizzle some of the chocolate sauce over the top of the cake in an interesting pattern. Take the fresh raspberries and dip the bottom of each one in chocolate, and place them around the edge of the pie.

Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges.

Serves about 12-14 people, as it is very rich.

Pour some of the raspberry sauce on the plate. Gently transfer a wedge of the cake onto the sauce. Feel free to add more of the chocolate sauce. Enjoy! n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / April 2022 / 23