Scotts Valley Times: August 2023

Welcome Back, Girl Scouts

Cover

Welcome Back, Girl Scouts

Community News

4 Introducing Redwood Rx

5 Perfect Harmony

6 Ukrainian Art in the Park, By Jondi Gumz

7 New Tool Against Opioid Overdoses, By Jondi Gumz • Deadline on Opioid Funds Input: August 4

8 Girl Scout Day Camp

9 Where Are the Workers?: Report: 5,000 County Residents Moved Out of State, By Jondi Gumz

15 Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7,

16 SB 14 Human Trafficking Bill Advances • Spotlight Awards

18 CZU Dashboard • Jobs in Santa Cruz County

19 Goodbye Calibri, Hello Aptos

23 Carpenters Local Union #505 Offers Job Training • NorCal Carpenters: Women for Construction

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter •

11 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Returns to Skypark

12 We Love Our Volunteers and Couldn’t Do It Without You! • Music at Skypark Returns for Last Sunday in August and September

13 The Iconic Aunt LaLi’s Ice Cream Truck and Food Trucks A Go Go Changes Hands

14 Fringe Salon Expands its Roster of Talent with the Addition of Stellar Stylists Amber and Bonni! • Save the Date: Valley Churches United 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Venus (Evening Star) Retrogrades — Time for Review, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment –

Featured Columnists

10 Scotts Valley Rebuilding City Services, By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

17 What’s Preventing Mental Health Providers Like Me from Helping Kids with Autism, By Dr. Hanna Rue

22 Coming in September: Third-Party Plan Check, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Looking for Lots of Love

831-359-4670

Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Jack Dilles, Hanna Rue, Bruce McPherson

Introducing Redwood Rx

Mountain Parks Foundation announces the launch of Redwood Rx, which provides nature-based guided programs at Henry Cowell, Fall Creek, and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks.

Redwood Rx is designed to inspire participants to interact with nature and experience first-hand the positive impacts on their health and wellness.

Redwood Rx programs are led by experienced instructors who offer a variety of health and wellness opportunities to:

• Manage stress

• Lower social isolation

• Regulate blood pressure

• Promote mindfulness

• Alleviate depression

• Reduce anxiety

• Boost immunity

• Have fun!

Programs are offered for all ages and abilities, and are accessible to people from all backgrounds.

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 ©2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

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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

August 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Besides the health benefits, Redwood Rx aims to foster a sense of community and connection to nature. Participants can learn about the natural world and to connect with others who share their love of nature.

Events include:

Aug. 11: Yoga in the Redwoods, 10-11 a.m. Class 1 of 4. Fee $20 each or $60 for 4. Henry Cowell Picnic area 1.

Aug. 18: Yoga in the Redwoods, 10-11 a.m. Class 2 of 4

Aug. 25: Yoga in the Redwoods, 10-11 a.m. Class 3 of 4

Aug. 25: Walk Strong Through Life Transitions, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Henry Cowell day use area. $55.

Sept. 1: Yoga in the Redwoods, 10-11 a.m. Class 4 of 4

Sept. 10: Family Yoga, 10-11 a.m. Henry

Cowell picnic area 1. Adults, $15, child, $7.

Sept. 14: Nature-Based Mindfulness Mini-Retreat, Fall Creek, 3-6 p.m. $40.

Sept. 26: A Moment in Time at Big Basin, 10 a.m. to noon, Big Basin. $35.

Oct. 4: Naturally Creative: Writing in Partnership with Nature. 2-5 p.m. Fall Creek. $40

Oct. 7: Men’s Nature Retreat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Basin, $175.

Oct. 22: Drawing New Relationships with Nature, Henry Cowell day use area, 9 a.m. to noon. $40

Oct. 26: Sunset Yoga, 5-7 p.m. Henry Cowell campground. $35. n

•••

Advanced registration is required, space is limited. Register at https://www.mountain parks.org/redwood-rx/classes

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website

photography

Perfect Harmony

Brynda Oldemeyer, Patricia Adams, and Sunni Goodreau, the Chappell Hill Sisters, delight participants in the 50th annual Wharf to Wharf Race July 23.

If you missed it, no worries — you can still sign up for the Little 3-Miler Sept. 23.

This downhill coastal family-friendly fun run/ walk leaves the East Cliff Village Shopping Center at 8 a.m.

Water will be at the end of the course; if you need water during the race, bring your own. No pets or strollers.

The early-bird fee is $44. Sign up at https:// wharftowharf.com/ little-wharf-3-miler/

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Ukrainian Art in the Park

By Jondi Gumz

Anew festival, Ukrainian Art in the Park, noon to 6 p.m Saturday, Aug. 26, two days after the Independence Day of Ukraine, at the Esplanade Park with art, music and “steppe” dance.

The spark for this event is Natalia Aandewiel, an accomplished young artist who with her family fled their home in Ukraine when Russia began its assault in February 2022. Now her family is in America, safe from the war, thanks to a couple who lives in Mount Hermon.

Natalia shared her story with Scotts Valley Times.

She has an impressive collection of paintings created here: Capitola Village, Capitola Wharf (before the storm broke it), ocean scenes of Pleasure Point and West Cliff Drive, and the trails at Fall Creek.

Now 27, she was identified as gifted in art at age 10.

She attended a special school where three days were devoted to art instruction, and three days to other subjects.

She was able to bring only one work of art with her-- one that hangs prominently in her current home in Aptos. This depicts Ukrainian Steppe, three couples clearly engaged in joyful movement.

Her family lived in Ivano-Frankivsk, near Kyiv.

Natalia said her family has no relatives in the U.S. but she had met Peter and Janet Payne at a three-day Christian conference in Germany in 2014. Peter had retired from the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and he and Janet started the Institute for Credible Christianity, traveling to Europe to help students follow Jesus.

Natalia gave the Paynes one of her watercolors and kept in touch for two years.

That communication had paused when out of the blue, four months before the war, she got an email asking: How are you doing?

Janet had found her website http:// www.nataliaaandewiel.com with her email and reconnected.

“It’s all God’s grace and care for us,” Natalia said.

When the Russians attacked, Natalia thought it would last a week. Her family stayed with friends. The war did not end, and the family escaped to Poland.

Janet called: “If you need a place, come to us.”

Natalia said, “We feel such love from them.”

“Natalia Aandewiel” page 8

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Natalia Aandewiel with a painting she made in Ukraine.

New Tool Against Opioid Overdoses

By Jondi Gumz

In 2021, Contra Costa County reported a pilot project for paramedics to provide buprenorphine — medication for addiction treatment — to patients in withdrawal from opioid use saved more lives.

The pilot project was the first in the nation, and now this new service is available in Santa Cruz County, which has seen opioid overdoses spike upward.

Dr. David Ghilarducci, Santa Cruz County EMS Medical Director and Deputy Health Officer, instigated this initiative in the fall of 2022.

“I felt we needed to be proactive in addressing widespread addiction,” he said via email to Aptos Times. “We frequently treat persons either in overdose or in withdrawal. While we have great tools (Narcan) to reverse overdoses when they happen, we, heretofore, had little to offer for those in withdrawal and wishing to break their cycle of addiction.”

He added, “EMS cannot be everywhere all the time and ultimately I feel we have a role in preventing the next overdose. This is an opportunity for our paramedics to start the recovery process in the first minutes of a crisis.”

In Santa Cruz County, accidental drug overdose deaths have increased from 32 in 2017 to 95 in 2021 and 98 in 2022 with 66 so far this year.

Suspected overdoses have jumped from 14 to 40 per month in 2020 to 32 to 86 per month in 2022.

On July 13, Santa Cruz County Emergency Medical Services launched the

program, which Ghilarduci said is “heavily supported” by Dr. Gail Newel and Dr. Lisa Hernandez in their role as county health officer.

Ghilarducci explained that Contra Costa County started the program under a rarely used state EMS process called “trial study” which requires study parameters, data collection and ethics board oversight and approval from the State EMS Commission.

“The Santa Cruz EMS agency is minimally staffed and a trial study was not feasible,” he added.

Based on the positive responses from Contra Costa County, Ghilarducci and colleagues successfully lobbied the EMSA in September to allow this to be done under “local optional scope of practice,” which requires a special application but is less onerous than a trial study.

Along with Monterey and San Benito counties, Santa Cruz County applied in December and got approval shortly thereafter.

The remaining months were spent on logistics, grant funding and training. One unexpected delay was due to a challenge of obtaining the large startup quantities of Buprenorphine from the pharmaceutical suppliers.

“Overdose Prevention” page 9

Deadline on Opioid Funds Input: August

4

The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is gathering community feedback on how to best use the opioid settlement funds to treat and reduce the impacts of the opioid crisis locally. The County of Santa Cruz and cities in the county will receive an estimated $26 million over the next 18 years. The initial deadline to complete this survey at bit.ly/OSF_SCZ is Friday, Aug. 4. RDA Consulting was selected to assist with this process and help facilitate inperson and virtual townhall meetings in English and Spanish.

Girl Scout Day Camp

“Natalia Aandewiel” from page 6

They were embraced by Peter’s brother John and his wife Modelle, who for years led Medical Ambassadors International, and their son Josh and his wife Sarean.

Natalia’s family includes her mother, Olga Ziniak, an obstetrician-gynecologist in her homeland, her father Vasyl, an engineer who started the Ukrainian Helpline, sister Yeva, who is 12, and brother Sava, who is 8.

Vasyl initially could not join them in Poland because of the Ukrainian requirement that all men stay and fight the Russians.

But he is here now.

The family has been in the U.S. for one year and four months, surviving one of the worst winter rainstorms ever.

They were living in a house on Glenwood when the storm topped trees which trapped them temporarily.

“We’ve moved six times already,” Natalia said.

Natalia’s siblings did not speak Engllsh when they first arrived — “now they speak better than me,” Natalia said.

John and Modelle introduced them to Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, and the family discovered Twin Lakes School, which provided a scholarship.

The school had an opening in second grade for Sava, but no opening in sixth grade for Yeva.

Miraculously, a seat became available, and brother and sister attended Twin Lakes together.

Last year, Natalia heard about the Capitola Plein Air Festival last November — she loves to paint outdoor scenes outside — and she connected with Laurie Hill, who runs the festival.

“Natalia lit up my heart when I met her and her family,” Hill said.

Their conversations led to Hill proposing Ukrainian Art in the Park to the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission, which readily agreed to the new cultural event.

Natalia connected her with Ukrainian artists and the nonprofit Ukrainian Steppe.

Arts commissioner Mary Beth Cahalen is coordinating music and dance at the event.

Two weeks ago, Natalia and her family moved into a home near Cabrillo College. They are discovering places like Caroline’s and the Cabrillo Farmer’s Market.

Both Natalia and her father have cancer.

Her father’s diagnosis enabled him to come to the U.S. for medical treatment, and he spent Christmas, reunited with his family.

Natalia was diagnosed with lymphoma in January. She has finished all 12 chemotherapy treatments.

She feels fortunate to be alive.

She knows others her age who were killed in the war and others who lost arms or legs.

Whether her family will ever be able to return, no one knows.

Still, she has her painting of the Ukrainian dancers — ”it makes me feel like home.” n

•••

Ukrainian Art in the Park Sunday Aug. 26 • Noon to 6 p.m.

Esplanade Park, Capitola • Free

Presented by Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission

Art by: Natalia Aandewiel, Lyna Couture clothing by Halyna, Leon Okun, who studied at St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, Kassandra Struk, Lyudmina Kirrilova, Mykola Kulish wood art, Yeva Ziniak dance, macaroons from Sugar Bakery, Ukrainian Steppe, which offers min-tutorials on YouTube, and the local chapter of the Ukrainian National Women League of America

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Natalia Aandewiel holds her painting of Fall Creek.

Where Are the Workers? Report: 5,000 County Residents Moved Out of State

By Jondi Gumz

The Santa Cruz County economy has added 9,100 jobs in the past five years, but between 2020 and 2021, about 5,000 people – most under 65 – moved out of California, shrinking the labor pool.

Almost all the job growth involved the highest-paying sector-- Defense, Aerospace, Transportation, and Manufacturing where annual earnings average $142,000 – think Joby Aviation in Santa Cruz -- but the county has a larger proportion of lower skilled and lower paying jobs than statewide.

These are four data points in the 2023 State of the Workforce Report.

The 36-page report, written by BW Research for the Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board, does not provide specific demographics of those who left.

It speculates the likely reason is housing costs.

Four in ten residents are renters, and 45% of renters in Northern Santa Cruz County spend 35% or more of their income on housing. Financial guru Dave Ramsey, who can be heard on KSCO Radio, recommends spending no more than 25% of take-home pay on housing.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported in June that Santa Cruz County is the most expensive place in the U.S. to rent — clearly a problem for workers.

Jimmy Legg, director of sales and marketing at the Scotts Valley Hilton, cited the high cost of housing as a reason it’s challenging to hire qualified staff. He believes tax breaks and other incentives could help to lure corporations back into the travel market.

“Workers” page 19

“Overdose

Prevention” from page 7

“We had to spend some time with this bureaucracy explaining the purpose and a justification for the quantities,” Ghilarducci said. “This was a very new concept for them.”

Dealers selling on Snapchat and Instagram mix fentanyl, which is inexpensive, into drugs such as Xanax or hydrocodone and buyers who order online usually have no idea they are risking their lives.

For an overdose, Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication, but it does not address the underlying craving for opioids.

Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings and, along with methadone, is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, reducing overdose fatalities.

A 2010 study in the UK found buprenorphine patients had lower death rates than methadone patients.

Paramedics now can administer buprenorphine to patients in opioid withdrawal while taking them to a hospital to be connected to long-term treatment programs.

Providing this medication as soon as possible not only relieves withdrawal symptoms but makes successful recovery from addiction more likely, according to Santa Cruz County officials.

“We are excited that paramedics will have the training and tools necessary to administer buprenorphine in the field,” said Greg Benson, Santa Cruz County EMS senior health services manager. “By proactively addressing opioid dependence as early as possible, even during a 911 response, we can save lives and connect individuals with addiction to the resources they need to achieve lasting recovery.”

One advantage is patients can get buprenorphine from any healthcare provider and do not have to go to special methadone clinics, according to a 2023 report by Dr. Rachna Kumar, and buprenorphine is easier to taper.

For years, the prescription of buprenorphine was heavily regulated, which prevented emergency responders from being able to administer it.

In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, which relaxed federal regulations to grant more medical professionals the ability to prescribe this treatment.

The CARESTAR Foundation funded the project in California, providing a proof of concept so that other EMS agencies and health systems roll out similar efforts.

San Francisco began the new service on March 31.

An 18-month investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle found many of

the street dealers come from a povertystricken village in Honduras to make money to provide for their families. The city reported 53 people arrested for dealing drugs declined the offer of drug treatment. n

•••

If you or someone you know is interested in treatment services for addiction, contact your medical provider. If you do not have a

medical provider, call the Santa Cruz County Substance Use Disorder Services at (800) 9522335 or SAMHSA’s National 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

For treatment options see www.santacruz health.org/RecoveryWave/MedicationAssisted Treatment.aspx?page11402=1&size11402=12 and www.santacruzhealth.org/RecoveryWave/ ResidentialTreatment.aspx?page11404=1& size11404=12

Scotts Valley Rebuilding City Services

By Jack Dilles, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

The Fiscal Year 2023-24 city budget includes cautious revenue assumptions as we continue to face inflation and economic uncertainty.

The last year has been marked with rebuilding and resilience as we fully emerge from the global pandemic, while experiencing ongoing economic aftershocks. In the last few months, Zero Motorcycle laid off 25% of its workforce in Scotts Valley, Salesforce pulled out of its multimilliondollar contract with 1440 Multiversity and Giro/Bell announced it is closing its Scotts Valley office this fall. These losses will impact our tax base and workforce. On the positive side, we welcomed Ambient Photonics and the relocation of Poly, Inc. to Scotts Valley.

The City also endured major storms earlier this year, disrupting business activity, damaging roads, derailing our Public Works maintenance routine, and requiring staff to take swift action to keep the wastewater system from failing. The recovery efforts are still taking resources

away from regular maintenance work and our essential Capital Improvement Plan. Despite the challenges and economic uncertainty, our organization has been

rebuilding, thanks to voter approval of Measure Z in March 2020. Last year, Measure Z accounted for $4.6 million of the City’s revenue, allowing us to hire key staff and shore up the Police Department to 90% staffing. Measure Z revenues are expected to remain flat this year.

Our efforts to rebuild the City’s infrastructure and organizational capacity have seen wins and setbacks. We made great strides in updating the City’s technology this year, including significant improvements to planning, building, maintenance and financial systems. The new city website is more user friendly, informative, and encourages civic engagement. Despite a challenging and competitive labor market, we have been successful in hiring and retaining several key staff members. In calendar year 2022, we hired 19 new employees.

Budget Highlights

• Overall revenue is projected to be $32 million, including $14 million in taxes.

• The budget allocates resources of $28 million for operating expenditures and an ambitious $14.8 million for capital projects, totaling $43 million.

• The Public Works operating budget totals $8.8 million and the Police operating budget totals $6.5 million.

• This budget includes spending accumulated fund balance of $5 million from the General Fund and $3 million from designated CIP funds. The budget also prioritizes borrowing $4 million to finance critical wastewater CIP projects.

• Three new staff include a Wastewater Lab Manager, Chief Building Official, and Accounting Assistant.

• The Economic Development budget focuses on investments to prepare the Town Center for development. Activities also include completing the General Plan Update and Housing Element.

• The city will receive up to $189,000 as the final payment, from a state grant to fund a Police School Resources Officer and related costs, for reducing use of tobacco products among school-age children.

• A $1.4 million grant will provide for the replacement of the Vine Hill childcare facility with a new modular building.

• $750,000 in Congressional community project funding will replace playground equipment at Skypark.

• Four emergency road repair projects are prioritized for Bean Creek Road, Green Hills Road, Granite Creek Road and Scotts Valley Drive.

The City Council reserves funds for operations and capital projects. Having a healthy reserve is particularly important for Scotts Valley because of the volatility of our revenue sources. Nonetheless, the General Fund is expected to draw down reserves totaling $5.3 million this year as expenses outpace revenues for ongoing core services and one-time capital improvement projects, leaving an ending fund balance of $3.7 million, or 19% of operating expenses.

Long Range Planning

WhileMeasure Z stopped the immediate fiscal crisis the City faced in 2020, the city’s financial picture is still unsustainable over the next ten years. The city will need additional revenue to meet community expectations for street conditions, park amenities, recreation programming, and modernization of facilities.

To help us understand these needs, Public Works has initiated the Parks Master Plan, Recreation Strategic Plan, Pavement Condition Assessment and Facility Assessment. With this information, the city will decide where to invest its limited funds, and how to raise additional revenue to support a thriving city.

The city is on an upward trajectory as we rebuild, amid a renewed optimism and commitment to what our small city can become. n

•••

I am grateful to the entire city team for their leadership and contributions to the budget. I also thank the City Manager for composing a proactive Budget Message, on which the content of this article is based.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Vista Outdoor, led by former Fox Racing president Jeff McGuane, is closing the Bell/Giro facility in Scotts Valley as of Sept. 1 and consolidating staff at the Fox Racing headquarters in Irvine. Vista Outdoor bought Fox Racing last year for $540 million.

Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Returns to Skypark

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of our signature summer event, The Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival. It will take place in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. The premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone!

The festival is a two-day event and is annually held on the third weekend in August; Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festival goers can purchase their tasting kits early to receive significant savings offered online only. The presale tickets will end the day before the festival on Friday, August, 18th at 5pm. To take advantage of the discounts and to buy tickets and avoid the lines at the festival, visit the festival website at svartfestival.com.

Pre-sale tasting kits can be picked up at the will-call window.

There will be over 100 fabulous artists and you can view the growing list on the festival website at svartfestival.com

The area’s most prestigious wineries include: 37th Parallel Wines, Aptos Vineyard, Armitage Wines, Bargetto Winery, Hallcrest Vineyards, Integrity Wines, Inversion Wines, Kissed by an Angel Wines, Saison Winery, Sones Cellars, Doon to Earth, Wargin Wines and Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery.

The award-winning micro-breweries include: Highway 1 Brewing Company, Humble Sea Brewing Co., Discretion Brewing, Faultline Brewing Company, Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, Anzani Cider, La Cantina Brewing Co., Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, Buena Vista Brewing Co., and Unreal Brewing Company.

There will be culinary creations

from Aroma Concessions, Aunt LaLi’s Treats, Big Bite, California Corn, Epoch Eats, Indonesian Satay PANA, Steve’s Shave Ice, Taquizas Gabriel, Cracked Cookies, Three Waves Coffee, Gourmet Faire, River Dogs of Boulder Creek, Browned Butter Babe Co., India Gourmet Inc., Main Street Food Concessions, Cuevas Express, and S&B.

The festival also includes a car show, Cops ‘n Rodders, on Saturday, which benefits the Scotts Valley Police Department, and on Sunday the popular Dog Day Sunday returns with contests including: pet tricks, best costume, look-a-like contest, best pooch smooch, smallest dog, largest dog, best voice (sing, talk, bark), and fastest fetch. There will also be a police K-9 demonstration. The Dog activities are on Sunday, but dogs are welcome all weekend.

This year’s live music entertainment schedule is as follows:

Saturday, August 19

10:00 am – Bobbie Ward’s Performance Vocal

12:00 pm – Michael Gaither and His New Best Friends

1:30 pm – Beach Cowboys of Santa Cruz

4:00 pm – The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin

Sunday, August 20

10:00 am – Scotts Valley Schools Talent show

11:15 am – Academy of Dance Competition and Performance Teams

1:00 pm – Lyin’ I’s (Eagles tribute band)

3:00 pm – The Joint Chiefs

*Between Performances – Cirque, Tumble, and Cheer

We Love Our Volunteers and Couldn’t Do It Without You!

Hello Past & Future Volunteers!

Volunteer shifts will begin early on Friday, August 18 to help

with the event set up, such as tents, signage, tables, chairs. Specifically, checking in the festival artists and wineries and assisting

them on to the field. We also need a team of volunteers to help on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 during the main event. This is also a great way for teenagers to earn community service hours!

Volunteers Shifts include the following areas:

• Festival set up (Friday)

• Meet and greet festival goers, hand out programs

• Check ID’s and & Drink Bracelets

• Artist assistants

• Parking Lot assistance

• Kid Zone

• Cops N’ Rodder’s Car Show (Saturday only)

• Doggy Day (Sunday only)

• Tear Down (Sunday afternoon)

All volunteers will receive:

• Festival T-Shirt

• Food and Drinks during your shift

• Volunteers over 21 will receive a festival glass and drink ticket

• Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation Party!

Let us know if you’d like to be a part of this year’s Festival by registering at svartfestival. com.

Music at Skypark Returns for Last Sunday in August and September

The free community-wide outdoor “Music at Skypark” concert series returns for its 14th season on the last Sundays of August and September (Aug. 27 and Sept. 24) at Skypark in Scotts Valley.

The Aug. 27 concert day starts with a Vintage Motorcycle Show from 10 – 12 noon. Wolf Jett (folk, blues, Southern Americana) plays 1:30 to 3, followed by headliner SambaDa (samba, raggae, funk) from 3:30 to 5:00. These bands both promise upbeat danceable music.

The Sept. 24 concert features Elisabeth Carlisle Band (folk, blues, Swedish touches) from 12 to 1, Arena (classic 70’s and 80’s arena hits)

from 1:30 to 3:00, and headliner The Joint Chiefs (funk, jazz, classic R&B) from 3:30 to 5:00. It wouldn’t be Music at Skypark without The Joint Chiefs, who have played Music at Skypark for 13 years now, the most of any band.

The all-volunteer Kiwanis Club of Scotts Valley will once again put on these concerts and dedicate all profits to the music programs at local schools (concert profits over the years now top $175,000). Kiwanis and local businesses will offer food, wine, beer and other concessions for sale.

“Music at Skypark” page 14

Celebrating 42 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 - 2023

$5500/mo 4BR/2.5BA 2-story Home on Twin Pines in Scotts Valley. Pet okay. 2-car garage.................. AVAIL NOW

$5000/mo 4BR/3.5BA 3-story Solar Townhome on Blue Bonnet in Scotts Valley. W/D. Garage AVAIL NOW

$4950/mo 4BR/3.5BA 3-story Solar Townhome in The Grove in N. Scotts Valley on Skyforest Way. W/D. Garage. Small pet ok. Great commute location. AVAIL NOW

$4900/mo 3BR/2BA Updated Home w/garage on El Camino in N. Scotts Valley. W/D. No pets. AVAIL NOW

$4000/mo 3BR/1.5BA Home in Mt. Hermon on Madrone Ave. Single level, Pet negotiable. AVAIL NOW

$3850/mo 3BR/1.5BA 2-story Apartment in a duplex at 115 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz. Back unit. Laundry hookups. Fresh paint and new flooring. No pets. Co-signers welcome. AVAIL NOW

$3750/mo 1BR/1.5BA Unique Retreat Home w/custom office on Alba Rd in Ben Lomond. Lots of space to garden, have chickens and/or bees. Pet friendly! AVAIL NOW

$3000/mo 3BR/1BA Updated Cottage on Redwood Ave. in downtown Boulder Creek. Large covered porch. No pets. No laundry onsite. AVAIL NOW

$2400/mo 1BR/1BA Updated Apartment on Towhee in Bonnydoon. Utilities included. W/D. No pets. AVAIL NOW

WATER USE EFFICIENCY REBATES

High-Efficiency Toilets Up to $125 per toilet

Spray Irrigation $0.50 per sqft

Smart/Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Up to $100

Pool Cover Up to 50% of the cost

Pressure Regulators $100

Lawn Replacement $2 per sqft

Rainwater Catchment $0.25 per gallon of container capacity

Apply for rebates through WaterSmart, a free online platform that helps you manage water use!

The Iconic Aunt LaLi’s Ice Cream Truck and Food Trucks A Go Go Changes Hands

LaLi Kates, founder of both Food Trucks A Go Go & Aunt LaLi’s Treats, a leader in the food truck industry, is thrilled to announce the successful sale of the businesses to Josh Swart. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for all involved parties and presents exciting opportunities for future growth and development.

Josh brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision, aligning perfectly with the core values and mission that Aunt LaLi’s Treats & Food Trucks A Go Go have created and upheld since their inception.

There will be a seamless transition and a continued commitment to our

Communities and vendors, maintaining collaborations, connections and excellence. The business names will remain the same for the foreseeable future, providing continuity to all of our partners. Keep a look out for Josh as he starts making the rounds!

Josh’s background is in developing purchasing strategy, building the original Google micro kitchens, running the Scotts Valley Little League Snack Shack and generally bringing joy and fun wherever he goes. Josh is the perfect one to run both businesses and prepare them for growth!

Josh’s family, his wife of 18 years, Teresa, and their sons Riley, 13 and Cruz, 11, will be a key part of the new venture as Chief Ice Cream Tasters and community advocates! They live in Scotts Valley and have deep roots in the area, with involvement at the local schools, the Scotts Valley Little League, Hot Rods at the Beach and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County. “I am so excited to jump into this exceptional business that LaLi created and established. This is the perfect moment for me to get back to business after spending the last 13 years running our household and raising our little boys. Our family eagerly looks forward to building on the legacy established and continuing to serve this community we know and love so much. Cheers to sweetness and celebration in the days and years to come!”

LaLi founded Aunt

Treats 19 years ago and Food Trucks A Go Go eight years ago. “I am beyond thrilled for Josh to acquire and grow these businesses,”

commented LaLi. “This sale represents an exciting new chapter for us all and we look forward to a bright and prosperous future!”

LaLi’s

Josh Swart and his wife Teresa and sons Riley and Cruz.

Josh Swart at the window of Aunt Lali’s Treats.

Fringe Salon Expands its Roster of Talent with the Addition of Stellar Stylists Amber and Bonni!

Hey there, Fringe Salon fans! Boy, do we have some far-out news to share with you. We’re jumping

with joy as we introduce our newest additions to the team: the incredible stylists, Amber Brack and Bonni Bullock. These talented ladies are about to take our salon experience to a whole new level, and we can’t wait for you to meet them!

Let’s start with Amber, the creative force who’s ready to blow your mind. Her artistic approach to hairstyling is out of this world. Ambers’s ability to transform hair into jaw-dropping works of art will leave you speechless, she specializes in cuts, curly and thick hair, color correction, and blonding. From creating stunning personalized looks to boosting your confidence, she’s got the skills to make it happen. Trust us, you’ll leave her chair feeling like a million bucks!

Now, let’s talk about Bonni, a seasoned pro in the hair game. With over a decade of experience under her belt, she’s a total rockstar when it comes to all things hair. Bonni’s all about making you feel like the true hair superstar you are; she specializes

in precision cutting and tape in hair extensions. But it’s not just her incredible talent that makes her special—it’s her infectious energy and warm personality. Prepare yourself for a salon experience that feels like catching up with an old friend!

We couldn’t be more excited to have these two stylists on board, and we know you’re going to love them as much as we do. At Fringe Salon, we’re all about pushing boundaries and staying on top of the latest trends. With Amber and Bonni in the mix, we’re taking it to a whole new level of fabulousness.

Amber and Bonni can’t wait to meet you and make your hair dreams a reality. They believe in the power of personalized consultations, making you feel comfortable, and bringing out your unique beauty. Trust us, they’ll have you feeling like the best version of yourself in no time.

September

Valley Churches United is proud to announce its 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala to be held on September 22nd at Roaring Camp’s Bret Harte Hall. Join us as we celebrate forty years of serving our community. Come and hear our stories and learn more about an organization that provides vital services and “bridges the gap” for those in need during times of crisis.

Appetizers and a delicious buffet will be provided by Bruno’s Bar & Grill. The festivities will also include a raffle, auction, local beer and wine, and live music by the Joint Chiefs.

IN addition, there will be presentations of the Angel of the Year awards, as we recognize outstanding community leaders

“Music at Skypark” from page 12

Volunteer opportunities and sponsorships are available. Visit www.svkiwanis. org for details or contact Mike Stewart at (831) 334-8899 or Jim Melehan at jimbofx@ msn.com.

“Music at Skypark continues to be the main source of funding for our District’s

and volunteers in our community who give back and serve.

Information for tickets and sponsorships will be posted soon at vcum.org

music program,” remarked Beth Hollenbeck, the former music director of Scotts Valley Unified School District. “On behalf of our students, staff and administration please know how deeply grateful we are for your support of this growing program. It’s no wonder the NAMM Foundation repeatedly awards Scotts Valley the ‘Best Community for Music Education’!”

Ready to book an appointment? Head over to our website at www.fringesalonsv.com

Bonni Bullock

Amber Brack

Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7

By Jondi Gumz

When Cabrillo College trustees meet at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Horticulture Center in Aptos, a vote is expected on the controversial proposal to change the name of the college.

This was the timetable laid out by the trustees’ name change subcommittee.

But, at the last public forum on the matter, a Zoom meeting July 19, participants begged them to reconsider.

Sharon, a student, pointed out the name change has been a 3-year process, mostly during Covid restrictions on gatherings, and speeded up at the end.

The 5 finalist names were only released June 28, when most students were off-campus.

The Aug. 7 vote is before the fall semester begins.

Sharon said she didn’t object to changing the college name, which recognizes explorer and shipbuilder Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who became a wealthy slaveholder in the New World — just the timetable.

Vivian Simon said a lot of people do not like the 5 finalist names — Aptos College, Cajastaca College, Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, Seacliff College.

Those 5 were chosen from 350 viable names out of 1,500 survey responses by a 23-member task force chosen to represent the community.

State law gives the seven-member elected Cabrillo College board of trustees the authority to pick the name.

Earleen, another Zoom attendee, called for a vote of the people.

“This should not be a vote of seven people,” she said. “Nobody I know is in favor of this.”

College President Matthew Wetstein pointed out elections cost money.

Earleen’s response: “If you put out a request for money, you would get the money.”

Martin Garcia, Cabrillo professor who lives in Watsonville, had a different perspective of Cabrillo: “He was a murderer, a sex trafficker ... it’s very personalized for so many of us.”

He called the name change “a genuine opportunity to empower community members and inspire self-esteem of our students,” adding, “indignities continue today.”

Faculty member John Govsky pointed out faculty, students and staff presented a petition to

“I think it’s time to move through this process,” he said.

Peggy Flynn said, “The process really impressed me.”

She said there is a tendency to not pay attention until a critical time.

One of the Zoom attendees was Felix Robles, a member of the name change task force, which will meet July 28, discuss the feedback on the 5 finalists and make a recommendation to trustees.

“I’ve read every single article,” he said. “I’m not the only one.”

Wetstein said one possibility is to vote for a name change — and make it conditional on raising the funds to cover the expenses.

Previously he had said no college funds would be spent on the name change, funds would be raised privately.

For those wondering if compromise is possible, Santa Cruz resident John Fay offered this idea: The Spanish and Portuguese name Cabrillo is derived from the Portuguese word for oak trees, so repudiate Juan Cabrillo and use the name Cabrillo to refer to the oak trees in the area. The coast live oak was an important food source for the Ohlone tribe who lived in this area, and coast live oak and canyon oak are an important part of our environment today. Use the name Cabrillo College to pay homage to the indigenous people and the local ecosystem. n

trustees seeking a name change three years ago.

SB 14 Human Trafficking Bill Advances

Did you know the sex trafficking of minors is not considered a serious crime in California?

Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has made it her mission to change that.

Her bill SB 14 would make the crime a strike under the Three Strikes law, protecting the young from these perpetrators.

The bill has support from district attorneys, law enforcement, nonprofits and municipal and county officials but it hit a roadblock in July due to a 2-0 vote in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Six Democrats did not vote.

Supporters pressed to have the entire Assembly vote on SB14, bypassing the Public Safety Committee, but Democrats declined.

In a rare move, the new Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, called for an emergency Public Safety Committee hearing to reconsider the bill where it passed July 13 with unanimous support.

Grove said SB 14 was carefully crafted to meet concerns of previous legislative efforts. It received unanimous support in the State Senate where it passed 40-0.

“This is a bill with strong bipartisan support, and protecting victims of child sex trafficking should not be a partisan issue, ” said Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), the bill author and champion of this issue. “ However, the battle is not over— SB 14 must still go through the Assembly Appropriations Committee when legislators return from Summer recess. I believe most Assembly Democrats want to vote for this bill if they are given a chance, and I am hopeful we can succeed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. I urge every Californian to stay engaged until the bill is signed into law.”

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will hear SB14 in mid to late August.

Former victims of trafficking, their families, advocates, and law enforcement are demanding action be taken against traffickers.

“Bipartisan outrage has finally forced Democrats to act,” said Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin). “This is a victory for regular Californians, but it doesn’t excuse Democrats’ repeated votes to kill commonsense legislation, including my AB 229, to hold traffickers accountable.”

When the bill was first rejected by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, Democrats in that committee received extreme backlash from local, state and national figures who questioned why those on the committee would reject a measure that had received unanimous support up to that point.

“In the end, my Democrat colleagues in the Assembly Public Safety Committee did the right thing and passed SB 14 that will make sure repeat offenders of child sex trafficking are held accountable,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “If it were not for the extraordinary pushback from figures around the state and nation, I fear the Democrats’ one-party rule and some of their radical ideologies would have prevailed. I’m grateful for the efforts of Senator Grove who has been a fearless leader on this issue

and to my Senate Democrat colleagues who saw the need for this measure.”

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) said, “The choice here is clear: child sex traffickers or victims. Anyone who fails to support SB 14 is choosing the traffickers.”

“A child’s vulnerability is not meant to be a profitable transaction. I’m proud I was able to witness this bill passing the legislature today and hope that this will save children’s lives,” says Dominique Brown, human trafficking victim, who watched in the Assembly gallery. n •••

For information on SB 14, see https://sr12. senate.ca.gov/sb14

To view stories of survivors and advocates, see https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=26KVCcIGxCY

Spotlight Awards

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department announces an exhibition for the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2023 Spotlight Awards, which recognize individuals who have achieved a high degree of excellence and creativity in their work, but have not received widespread acknowledgment of their talent.

This year’s recipients: Kevin Painchaud (photojournalist), Heejin Lee (mixed-media artist), Augie Escobedo (painter/muralist), Nikia Chaney (writer/poet), and Madeline Aliah (writer/poet).

Each will show their work on the 5th floor of the County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from Aug. 1 through Oct. 20.

A First Friday opening

reception will be 5-7 p.m. Aug. 4. This annual award recognizes younger artists as well as those who discovering their artistic voice later in life. Spotlight awardees must live in Santa Cruz County. n

Art by Heejin Lee

What’s Preventing Mental Health Providers Like Me from Helping Kids with Autism

By Dr. Hanna Rue

Autism is more prevalent than ever, according to data recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, it’s growing harder for children with autism to access the mental health care they need.

Fifteen million Americans could lose Medicaid now that the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, including many children with autism who have come to rely on Medicaid for care.

State leaders must do everything they can to make sure that kids with autism continue to have access to the care they need.

There is no cure for autism, but certain therapies can help children with

autism communicate, socialize, and improve their quality of life. Those therapies are the heart of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the gold-standard therapy for autism.

I work with kids with autism as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I’ve witnessed ABA help nonverbal children talk for the first time.

I’ve seen children learn how to express their frustration and communicate their joy because of ABA.

But there aren’t enough of us to meet the growing demand for ABA.

Between 2010 and 2020, demand for ABA services grew over 4,000%. Yet in 2021, more than half of all counties in the United States didn’t have a single BCBA. Some 300 of those counties don’t even border a county that has a BCBA.

Because of this shortage of providers, those of us in the field are stretched thin.

The average workday for a BCBA is 12 hours. Long hours contribute to burnout. Turnover rates exceed 30% annually.

But it’s not just providers who struggle. For children who lose coverage or change providers, lengthy waitlists make finding a new BCBA difficult.

Wait times for care can be weeks, months, or years, depending on where a family lives. If a child is forced to pause ABA therapy, the result can be months of lost progress -— or even a regression in behavior.

Commercial insurers, meanwhile, are erecting barriers between kids and mental and behavioral health services. When children lose access to ABA, they are at risk for losing skills they may never regain, jeopardizing their best chance to become independent adults.

State leaders must ensure that insurers don’t arbitrarily limit coverage

of ABA by creating improper guidelines, restricting beneficiaries to narrow provider networks, or imposing administrative burdens on providers who should be focused on patients.

If insurers limit how many hours or days of ABA therapy are reimbursable, families will struggle to get the care their children need.

Many of those at risk of losing coverage for ABA routinely face inequity in our healthcare system. State leaders must ensure that the end of continuous Medicaid coverage does not also mark the end of robust access to effective mental health care for tens of thousands of kids with autism. n

•••

Dr. Hanna Rue is chief clinical officer at LEARN Behavioral, and holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. See LearnBehavioral.com.

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

Hanna Rue

Venus (Evening Star) Retrogrades — Time for Review

On the day Sun entered Leo (Saturday, July 22), Venus turned stationary retrograde at 28 degrees Leo. Venus will be retrograde ‘til Sept 3rd, stationing direct at 12 degrees Leo, remaining in its retrograde shadow ‘til October 7. Venus retrogrades every eighteen months (last Venus retro was December 19, 2020 – January 29, 2021 in Capricorn).

Each time Venus retrogrades, we are called to assess and reassess what we value, are we of value, whom do we value, our financial picture, and our relationships. It is NOT a time to launch new businesses, make major plans, begin new relationships, get married, shift financial plans, buy large equipment or make major investments.

Venus retrograde is a time for pondering and reflecting upon the beauty, love and intelligence in our lives. Also upon the matters of the heart. What During Venus retrograde the quality of things (people, events, relationships) is not well understood. If parties occur in Venus retrograde, the outcome can be unexpected. Be aware that past friends and/or lovers may suddenly appear, past relationship issues arise to be sorted out.

ARIES

Although you’re considered rather wild, there are traditional, stable, responsible and detailed aspects of yourself and these help you to be successful in the outer world. Few if any, except astrologers, may know this inner reality about you. Those qualities will now be internalized so you can truly assess your personal value and self-worth. You know it’s not how much money you have. It’s more about knowing the self, perseverance, reliability and being steadfast in challenges and adversity.

TAURUS

Your patience and deliberateness are how you assess anything new, moving step-by-step thinking everything through with attentive loving care. You’re a visionary, continually developing an illumined mind, influenced by the Pleiades, Aldebaran and Alcyone (stars in the Pleiades). You bring forth the wisdom of the Buddha. When faced with a monetary challenge, you’re quick, deliberate and instinctive. What is best unto the 7th generation, you ask? These are your gifts. Ponder them with a partner and with care as Venus retrogrades.

GEMINI

It’s most important that your work in the world aligns with your values and a proper sense of self. Gemini is a complex sign of duality. Here and there, then not there! You have a fluid mind; all information must be filtered through your emotional field. Therefore that field (astral) must be clear, pure, with no judgments, criticisms or opinions. This purity of mind must be cultivated. You’re the sign of hidden treasures few are aware of. Security for you isn’t money or wealth. It’s emotional ethics and who and what you love.

CANCER

There’s a challenge now for you to emerge from under your protective watery Cancer shell, begin to develop a sense of adventure, step beyond comfort and tend to things more on the edge, on the fringes of what’s acceptable, on the borderland of the cultural. What would that be for you? Build your sense of charisma (obedience of the heart) with others. It furthers self-expression and creativity, things you deeply seek. Above everything else, you must also have fun. What is fun for you?

In terms of Leo, sign of royalty, we will consider romance, the artist, the lover, new styles, fashion, beauty, etc. In Hollywood, we have the film “Barbie” (not suggested) & the return of Carrie Bradshaw (Sex & the City) in “And Just Like That” (old icons appearing once again). What do we think of all of this?

Venus is retrograde for 40 days and 40 nights (like Lent). It is a time of review. As Venus will retro in Leo, everyone will assess their relationship with creativity, fun, fulfillment and pleasure. Venus in Leo can bring drama to relationships, even a bit of scandal! Secrets can be revealed.

Venus has been the bright star (planet) we see in the evening sky. Venus as the evening star is also called Hesperus (Greek). Hesperus has a brother called Phosphorus, Venus as the morning star. Both were born of the dawn goddess, their mother, Eos. Hesperus is Venus in the night and Phosphorus is Venus in the morning. Hesperus and the word Vesper are the same (evening, supper, star, west). Phosphorus is sometimes called Lucifer (Latin), the bearer of light. In Hebrew, Venus is called “Helel” (bright shiny one). n

LEO

Most Leos are charming. Some are hidden. But all are rather fascinating and magnetic - an important quality to understand because it attracts others to you. When fully aware of this you will either be kind and compassionate or you will create fear in others if your innate power does not also include equal love. In their hearts what are people seeking when encountering you? Light, intelligence, vitality, discipline, direction, guidance and above all your ability and willingness to Love. Do you have (understand) these virtues?

VIRGO

Within your excellent abilities and gifts of order, organization, ideas and ideals, you also seek to be of service and to offer diplomacy in all interactions. All Virgos are also learning tact and refinement, how to relate with Goodwill which creates Right Relations with all the kingdoms. These are part of the new laws and principles of the Aquarian era, Are you aware of them? It is good to know these are the seeds planted within all Virgos leading later to the art of cooperation and conciliation through negotiation. You are learning through Mercury how to be a Libra.

LIBRA

The kind smile on your lips and in your eyes invites others to talk about themselves, share their joys and sorrows, seek to be friends with you. Libra on the Soul level creates Right Relations, fairness, justice, openness and kindness. If you are not yet within this expanded Soul reality, visualize yourself stepping into it. The results will shift fear and vulnerability around money resources to knowledge that you will always have what is needed. Any boundaries you have created to protect yourself will become less critical and more loving. Are you preparing for a long journey? A pilgrimage?

SCORPIO

Are you aware that whatever you do, think and say often challenges others. It’s just the Scorpio way. These challenges are your tasks. As you ceaselessly transform and regenerate, you also ask (silently demand) this of others. Because your life has such intensity, you must schedule consistent times for rest and retreat – times to gather strength, and rediscover inner meaning and purpose. Vision is found here, too. Only a few know, through your daily little deaths and rebirths, that you are also prophetic, far-seeing and a visionary.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

CZU Dashboard

In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Wildfire destroyed 911 homes. Here is how many have been rebuilt.

3rd District Building complete: 22 • Permits issued/ready: 71 • Initial application submitted: 2 • Initial routing: 2 • Resubmittal routing: 2 • Fees not paid: 2 5th District Building complete: 14 • Permits issued/ ready: 105 • Initial application submitted: 2 • Initial routing: 1 • Resubmittal routing: 6 • Fees not paid: 1 www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireRecovery/Recovery PermitCenter/RecoveryPermitCenter Dashboard.aspx •••

SAGITTARIUS

Although you usually view life with optimism and a broad hopeful vision and because you’re an imaginative thinker who sees signs and reads oracles in every situation, you also have a sense of being duty bound, responsible, traditional and conservative. Most aren’t aware of this as it hides behind your ever-present enthusiasm. Therefore, working under rules and regulations, you have a very serious side. This you must begin to value. It is your discipline and from it comes your inner intuitive wisdom. You know more than you say.

CAPRICORN

You exhibit great self-control, discipline, structure and reserve, often playing the role of the eldest child, parent, teacher and wise one. Traditions are therefore most important. You not only honor and follow them but you also create them. But there are other valuable parts to you – being imaginative, innovative and inventive. Through these you enter the future, making you quite different than most. Many times people can’t quite figure out who you are with your abilities to change quickly, adapt to any situation and to offer everyone the freedom to be (you and me).

AQUARIUS

It is important to acknowledge that you, like the planet Uranus, are distinctly different than most. Aquarius streams through Uranus and influences your way of thinking. Do you know Uranus is tipped on its side, its atmosphere is arranged in layers of clouds, its magnetic-tail is twisted into a long corkscrew, its magnetic field’s source is unknown, it’s blue/green, has a moon, many rings and satellites, seventh planet from the Sun and 3rd largest planet in the solar system? This unusual planet rules your entire life. Value your differentness. It’s unique, like none other and beloved.

PISCES

The two signs most misunderstood are Scorpio and Pisces. Often the fish is seen as wandering about, a bit too idealistic for most and too sensitive for everyone else. In the outer world Pisces can seem lost and dreamy and confused. But there is more to the last sign of the zodiac. You are also very brave and courageous when someone is in danger. You are independent and always recognize others’ innate gifts, which you see while others cannot. When you are spontaneous a light permeates the air. When you are sad you fall into despair. Pisces always seeks freedom. Pisces is protected by Neptune’s waters and Pluto’s power.

month • *Includes commuters out of the county • Source: California Employment Development Department Unemployment in Santa Cruz County at 5.3% is down from May, when it was 5.8% and up from a year ago, when it was 4.2%.

The rains in March took a toll on the ag sector, with 500 jobs lost, compared to a year ago, and layoffs from tech jobs in Silicon Valley.

Private education and health services led in job gains, adding 1,000.

Leisure and hospitality added 600.

The labor force at 135,000 grew, as is typical after graduation. The number of unemployed was down from May but up from a year ago, prior to the flooding disaster.

Telecare, which operates the county’s psychiatric facility, is recruiting a psychiatric emergency clinician offering $39.85 to $58.58 per hour, according to Ineeded.com.

McCollum Family Chiropractic in Capitola is recruiting a chiropractor offering $60,000 to $100,00 a year. Trader Joe’s in Capitola seeks crew, paying $18-$20 per hour.

In Aptos, Venus Pie Trap is offering $18-$22 per hour for a part-time pizza maker. Anytime Fitness is recruiting a sales manager, $20-$35 per hour. New Community Markets Aptos is hiring cashiers, paying $17 to $21.75 per hour. Seacliff Inn is recruiting a front desk agent paying from $18 per hour.

During the pandemic in 2020, unemployment hovered around 17% due to state restrictions. n

Goodbye , Hello

By Jondi Gumz

When I open up my Microsoft Word program, the default choice is Calibri.

But as of July 13, Microsoft is replacing it with “Aptos.”

Interestingly, this new font was initially named Bierstadt.

The creation of Steve Matteson, this sans serif font was designed to “express simplicity and rationality in a highly readable form.”

Matteson, 58, is a typeface designer who graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.

The name Bierstadt was named for one of Colorado’s 14,065-foot peaks; or perhaps it was named for German-American painter Albert Bierstadt, who painted sweeping landscapes of the American West.

Bierstadt also is a borough of the city of Wiesbaden in Germany.

Aptos — or Bierstadt — topped Grandview, Skeena, Seaford, and Tenorite, which were in the running.

“Workers” from page 9 Working From Home

Wherepeople work is changing. Between 2017 and 2021, the share of workers working from home increased by 91% in North County and 44% in South County.

This shift — driven by the Covid-19 pandemic — likely reflects the new normal. The report sees a need for programs to train workers in construction trades, buildings, electrical, operating engineers, construction management, and for flood control, and recycling and solid waste projects, which each expect $10 million more than four years ago.

The City of Santa Cruz plans to invest $650 million in its water system, which will require qualified workers. To meet that need, Water Department Director Rosemary Menard has partnered with adult education centers to create career apprenticeship programs.

Cabrillo College provides 42% of apprentice programs locally, and unions provide 39%.

Associated Builders and Contractors offers a pre-apprenticeship program for private contractors, which has been helpful for Bernards Construction of San Jose, a member of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.

More than 2,000 jobs are expected in building and transportation as the city of Santa Cruz carries out its 2022 Climate

But Bierstadt can be translated as “beer town,” and some felt it wouldn’t be taken seriously.

So why Aptos?

Apparently Matteson lived in Mountain View during the 1990s and early 2000s, which gave him the opportunity to drive over the hill and decompress.

Aptos was one of his favorite places because he could spend time in the redwoods at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and walk in the sand at Seacliff State Beach, all in one day’s visit.

Personally, I still like the serif Times New Roman.

Let’s hear from Aptosians.

Action Plan calling for EV charging, building electrification, microgrids, and renewable energy.

A retirement boom may be on the horizon, as 35% of the workforce is 55 and up, and 16% are 65 and up.

South County has a younger population with a higher percentage of Hispanic and Latino residents, and 30% of those over 24 years old have not completed high school.

Santa Cruz County saw deeper job losses during the height of the pandemic and the 2021 recovery was slower compared to state and national trends.

However, employment growth in 2022 was 9% compared to 4% for California and 3% for the the U.S.

The county’s 2023 unemployment rate is 6.7%, higher than California, 4.8%. and the U.S., 3.9%

The labor force participation rate, 59%, lags California’s 60%. n

To read the complete report see https://workforcescc.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/07/Santa-Cruz-State-of-theWorkforce-2023-Final-Rev-3.pdf

John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce: “We think the new Aptos font is wonderful. Aptos will be famous around the world thanks to Microsoft. The designer was lucky to have spent time here and obviously enjoyed it.”

County Supervisor Zach Friend: “It’s

remarkable to see the outsized influence a community of our size can have. Just reflecting on the last few months — whether it’s national coverage for our local July 4th parade, international recognition from this new Microsoft font, or a visit from the President of the United States, the reality is our community is special and connects with people in ways that makes them want to tell the world about it.” n

According to Microsoft, the new Aptos font will soon be available for use in other applications.

Finish the Lyrics

ACROSS

1. *”Back in ____ I hit the sack”

6. Lavatory, abbr.

9. Arctic floater

13. Revered Hindu

14. Three, to Caesar

15. Poison ampules, e.g.

16. Neckwear option

17. *”Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman, giving ____ your love to just one man”

18. Most populous country

19. *”It’s going down, I’m yelling ____”

21. *”Sugarpie honeybunch, you know that I ___ ____

23. Act on IOU

24. Spanish sparkling wine

25. Mel ____, Giant Hall-ofFamer

28. Garbage in, garbage out, acr.

30. *”If everybody had an ocean ____ the U.S.A., then everybody’d be surfing”

35. Less than average tide

37. All’s opposite

39. ____, Wind & Fire

40. Gas station brand

41. Bottom-ranking employee

43. *”The future’s not ours to see, que ____”

44. ____ Coffee, whisky drink

46. African river

47. Part of a sweatshirt, sometimes

48. ____-____-tat, drum roll sound

50. Please get back to me, acr.

52. 007, for one

53. Impulse

55. Consume food

57. *”I’m going to ____, I’m gonna mess around”

61. *”And I will ____ love you”

64. Do penance

65. Melvin Purvis’ org.

67. High school balls

69. Goes with shaker

70. Cardinal, color

71. Lock horns

72. Eurasian duck

73. Pop-ups, e.g.

74. Earp of the Wild West

DOWN

1. Undergarment

2. Catalog

3. Fungal spore sacs

4. “____ at the bit”

5. Soldier’s knapsack

6. Pinocchio, e.g.

7. Be unwell

8. Pancho’s last name

9. Like certain print

10. *”Here’s a story of a lovely ____”

11. Assortment

12. Genesis twin

15. Fast and lively, in music

20. Giving a once-over

22. Spermatozoa counterparts

24. Reassert

25. *”Believe it or not, I’m walking ____ ____”

26. Sailor’s cry: “____ firma!”

27. Like an implied agreement

29. *”You’re here, there’s nothing I fear, and I know that my heart will __ __”

31. Possible allergy symptom

32. Black and white treats

33. Leather razor sharpener

34. *”Will the real Slim ____ please stand up”

36. Well-mannered Emily

38. Adult elvers

42. Live it up

45. Mooring rope

49. Though, shortened

51. Another name for papaw

54. Below, prefix

56. Be a slowpoke

Jellies’ seeded cousins

A-bomb particle

Sheltered nook

Was aware of

Gives a hand

Lotus position discipline

Censor’s target

*”I’m friends with the monster that’s under my ____”

Salon offering

Cabrillo College provides 42% of apprentice programs locally, and unions provide 39%.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCOTTS VALLEY SCHOOLS

Aug. 10: First Day of school

Aug. 30: SVMS Back to school night, 6 p.m.

Sept. 6: SVHS Back to school night, 6 p.m.

LOCH LOMOND RECREATION AREA

Loch Lomond Recreation Area, which is owned by the city of Santa Cruz, is open.

The area offers hiking, boating, and fishing, and this year monthly talks.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in August, closing at 6 p.m. from Labor Day to the second weekend of October.

Vehicle entry fee: $8.

Upcoming Seminars

Aug. 19, 10-noon: Cultural history of the San Lorenzo Valley with historian Lisa Robinson and archeologist Mark Hylkema.

Sept. 16, 10 am-noon: Fire ecology with forester Steve Butler

Oct. 7, 9 to 11 am: Fall birding with ornithologist Jeff Smith

Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Call (831) 335-7424 to make a reservation, or sign-up at the park store on the day of the event.

Info: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/citydepartments/water/watershed/loch-lomond-recreation

FAIR ENTRY DEADLINES

From LEGOs to livestock … poultry to poetry, it’s time to enter your animal, vegetable, hobby, invention, or collection into the 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair! The complete Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is now available at santacruzcountyfair.com.

Or pick up a Guide at local libraries, feed stores, and the Fair office located on East Lake Avenue (Highway 152) in Watsonville.

Most online entry deadlines including livestock are Thursday, Aug. 24, but the poultry deadline is Aug. 5. Please check the Entry Guide to confirm the deadline. There are so many exciting divisions … AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, Photography, Floriculture, Home Arts, and Innovation … to name a few! Call the Fair office with any questions 831-724-5671.

SOROPTIMISTS AT SC SHAKESPEARE

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will be renting cushions, beach chairs and blankets on cold nights at all 50 of the Santa Cruz Shakespeare shows in the Audrey Stanley Grove in Delaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz.

Potential members or others interested in learning more about the Club’s work and activities are invited to visit the rental booth and talk to a member.

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fund-raiser and a portion is shared with Santa Cruz Shakespeare. For information, see www.best4women.org,

This year’s season: The Book of Will, Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear.

The shows run through Aug. 27.

For the schedule, see www.santacruzshakepeare.org

POETRY IN THE PARK

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department announces the return of Poetry in the Park, featuring Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima, live music and a poetry-themed afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Dates are:

Aug. 6 at Brommer Street Park, 1451 30th Ave, Santa Cruz. Poets Aideed Medina, David Sullivan, and Dion O’Reilly

Nov. 5 at Brommer Street Park, Poets to be announced

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Brommer Street County Park is located at 1451 30th Ave, Santa Cruz.

Presented by County Parks and Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima.

MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSION

We want to hear from the community!  Santa Cruz County is seeking public comment by Aug. 17 on its plan to train and recruit peer support specialists to address mental health needs in the community.

Will this improve overall workforce recruitment and decrease the number of vacant positions in Behavioral Health crisis care services?

Read the plan at https://tinyurl.com/schealth-mental-plan. Leave comments at https://tinyurl.com/schealth-mentalcomment or call 831-763-8203

STUDENT LOAN UPDATE

Starting September 1, 2023, interest on federal student loans will once again begin accruing after the Covid-19 pause ends. Payments on those loans will resume in October.

The new Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE Plan, will cut down the amount borrowers have to make on monthly payments by half — to just 5% of their disposable income, down from 10%. This new SAVE plan will replace the existing Revised Pay As You Earn, or REPAYE, plan and “will go into effect this summer,” according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Go to studentaid.gov to update your contact information so you won’t miss billing statements.

To find out your loan servicer, visit your account dashboard at studentaid.gov and scroll down to the “My Loan Servicers” section.

You might look into opening a high-yield savings account with no monthly fees or minimum deposits to make your payments.

FEMA EXTENDS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP

Renters and homeowners in 14 counties including Santa Cruz and Monterey impacted by the February and March storms and flooding now have until Sept.

1 to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

President Biden declared the federal disaster April

3. It covers damage caused by severe winter storms,

straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides between Feb. 21 and July 10.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide disaster assistance for eligible costs of home repairs, rental assistance for temporary housing, essential personal property, disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral expenses, transportation and childcare.

There are three ways to apply for FEMA: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy. Residents are not obligated to take out a loan if they are approved, but a failure to return the application may disqualify them from possible FEMA assistance.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

Santa Cruz

Aug. 3: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Aug. 5: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County, 930 17th Ave.

Scotts Valley

Aug. 9: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive.

Watsonville

Aug. 15: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St..

SIMPKINS POOL EVENTS

Various times, Simpkins Pool, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Simpkins Pool will host a free swim on Labor Day, Sept. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cohost the 6th Annual Parks & Rex “Pool Party” FUNdraiser on Aug. 21, noon – 4 pm, at the Simpkins Family Swim Center. Pre-register @scparks.com to guarantee your spot!

Price: $5/child, $15/adult (18+) free for kids under 3 years and all dogs

Event Day price: $10/child, $20/adult Info: scparks.com

CHIPPING REIMBURSEMENT: APPLY NOW

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County is offering neighborhoods with 8 or more participating households a reimbursement of chipping costs related to the creation of defensible space for wildfire preparedness. The program, which opened Aug. 1, is available to county residents who live in areas — defined as “Wildland Urban Interface” areas — that may potentially be impacted by wildfire. Oct. 31 is the last day to submit reimbursement forms.

A neighborhood representative should sign up to reserve funds at rcdsantacruz.org/chipping. The program is first-come-first-served.

Intense storms this past winter season resulted in a large amount of blow down and debris in defensible space zones across the county. This program incentivizes the creation of defensible space around homes and private roads in high wildfire risk areas by offering communities with a minimum of eight participating households up to $250 per property and $80/500 linear feet of road. Each property must clear vegetation within 100 feet of occupied structures or 10 feet on either side of a private road that could contribute to the ignition or spread of wildfires.

Funding is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program and the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County.

For information email chipping@rcdsantacruz.org or call Laurel Bard at (831) 205-4486

August 2023 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

REIMAGINE BIG BASIN

On July 22, Big Basin Redwoods State Park marked one year of welcoming visitors back following the closure from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

This past year, more than 28,000 people visited, using a day-use reservation system. A temporary visitor center is now open, and 4 miles of trails and 18 miles of fire road are accessible. Camping returned with an interim walk-in campground at Rancho Del Oso, the coastal side of the park.

California State Parks is now kicking off the process to plan rebuilding permanent facilities with an online survey for the public at www.reimaginingbigbasin.org. As of July 17, the Horse Camp at Rancho del Oso is open for walk-in non-equestrian camping. The campground will be reinstated as a horse camp once equestrian trails are restored.

Trails restored and opened this year include the first mile of Sunset Trail, 1 mile of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from Gazos Creek Road to North Escape Road, the Meteor Trail, and the first mile of North Escape Road.

The number of reservations through the online system has increased and a limited number of parking spaces are offered without a reservation. Santa Cruz Metro reaches the park on summer weekends, but visitation is high, and access is guaranteed only with an online reservation or by taking the bus.

Reservations for day-use parking are $8 each ($6 day-use parking fee and $2 reservation fee).

MATH CIRCLE RETURNS

The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly math meeting for students in grades 5-8 who really love math.

The 2023-24 session starts Oct. 7; registration takes place in September.

Each week students will meet with mathematical professionals in an informal setting to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics.

The instructors are mathematicians, scientists and engineers who use math every day and many have their PhD in math. Math Circles are interactive and focus on problem solving.

The topics covered are not normally included in the standard classroom curriculum.

Meetings are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 7-Nov. 18 at Cabrillo College Building 300; parking is in Garage A, top level, Aptos.

The fee is $150; scholarships available. See http:// www.xacademy.org/

Learn more at National Association of Math Circles website, https://web.archive.org/web/20190127081938/http://www. mathcircles.org/what-is-a-math-circle/

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5.

Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Ongoing thru August 31

‘AFTER THE STORM’ COMMUNITY WALL

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Santa Cruz County Government Building, 701 Ocean St.

The San Lorenzo Valley Museum has organized an exhibit of original artwork from local artists with the theme “After the Storm,” focusing on the Santa Cruz Mountains, at Santa Cruz County government building.

The exhibit includes photos, paintings, drawings, mixed media and needlework.

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

The free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands, local eats, local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts June 2 and runs through to Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands:

Aug. 4: The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie

Aug. 11: Santa Cruda w/opener Yaya’s Kitchen

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

Aug. 25: Cowboy’s After Dark w/opener Corrina & Rick

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

Details: https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtownfridays-summer-block-party-2023/

DATED EVENTS

Friday August 4 thru Sunday August 6

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Fri. 5-9 p.m. / Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. / Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Ramsay Park, 231 Union Street, Watsonville Kickoff excitement begins with a carnival & music by Harpin Jonny and the Groovehounds, 5-9 p.m.

The festival resumes with a carnival, a pie-eating contest and live entertainment Saturday Aug. 5 from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday Aug 6 from 11 am to 7 pm.

The 2nd annual Strawberry Jam 1k/5k Fun Run/

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Walk will be Saturday Aug 5, starting and finishing at Ramsay Park in Watsonville with some of the course through the Watsonville Slough system.

Enry fee is $30 for the 5K and $10 for kids 1K. The Strawberry Jam is being presented by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services and The Rotary Club of Freedom. Enter at https://www.active.com/watsonville-ca/running/ distance-running-races/strawberry-jam-1k-and5k-fun-run-and-walk-2023

www.cityofwatsonville.org/1117/Watsonville-Strawberry-Festival

Wednesday August 9

VETERAN BENEFITS APPLICATION DEADLINE

The PACT Act made it law that military veterans no longer need to prove their illnesses were caused by toxic exposures suffered in the military to get VA coverage. Although there is no hard deadline for PACT Act benefits, most veterans who apply for PACT Act-related benefits, or who submit their “Intent to File” by Aug. 9 will have their benefits backdated to Aug. 10, 2022. This could mean thousands of dollars in backdated disability compensation for vets who submit their applications on time.

For information, see https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pactact-and-your-va-benefits/

Saturday August 12

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

2 p.m., Scotts Valley Theatre, 251b Kings Village Road

Mark your calendar & come see Watsonville Community Band’s 76th Anniversary Concert!

The show will be conducted by Brad Gronroos and performed at the Scotts Valley Theatre, next to the library. Tickets are free!

FREE HEARING/VISION TESTING AND MIDSUMMER MARKET

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club will provide free vision and hearing testing in the brand new mobile unit at the entrance to Aptos Village Park until 3 p.m.

The Lions can provide applications for assistance for those who need glasses but cannot afford them.

The Lions MidSummer Market will also be in the Park, with many vendors selling plants, tools, automobile memorabilia, jewelry and wooden toys. The Aptos High Leos will be selling BBQ tri-tip sandwiches.

Admission is free. Vendor space is $35 with limited spaces still available.

For information about the Market, please call Barbara

NEXTSTAGE MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday August 13

2 p.m., Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola

5 p.m., Corralitos Cultural Center, 127 Hames Road

All are invited to attend the musical extravaganza, Summer’s End, featuring folk songs, jazz, Celtic and Americana music, hosted by NextStage Productions. There will be a two performances, first at the Mid County Senior Center and later at Corralitos Cultural Center.

Highlighting the concerts will be four groups: Three of a Kind, Key of Three, Friends and Neighbors, and Siamsa.

These concerts will be a benefit for NextStage Productions, which provides professional entertainment and outreach to the community.

Suggested donation is $20 at the door.

For information visit https://www.nextstagesantacruz.org/ or call 831 688-4337.

DOLORES HUERTA TO SPEAK AT ‘HARVESTING EQUITY’

Saturday August 12

3:30 p.m., Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville

Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta will speak at a fundraiser, “Harvesting Equity,” at the Henry J. Mello Center.

Huerta has spent decades championing the rights of farmworkers, women and the LGBTQ+ community. She’ll be joined onstage by local activists Mireya Gómez-Contreras, co-leader of Esperanza Community Farms, which delivers organic produce to 100 local families, and Ann López, PhD, executive director of the Center for Farmworker Families, as they discuss cultivating sustainable communities through organic farming and economic justice. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit these two nonprofits.

Sponsors are: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. with appetizers by local chefs and will be followed by a dance performance by the Watsonville-based children’s group Estrellas de Esperanza. Huerta will begin speaking at 4 p.m.

For tickets: https://bit.ly/46oMP1R

831-688-3356. For further information about the free vision and hearing testing, call Becky 831-685-2915.

Sunday August 13

FERRAGOSTO BBQ & BOCCE

1-4 p.m., DeLaveaga Park’s George Washington Picnic Area, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz

Come celebrate Ferragosto with Dante Society amici (friends). Enjoy an afternoon of Italian BBQ with Italian sausage sandwiches, salad, dessert, wine and other beverages, music, friends, and a fun bocce tournament under the beautiful redwoods at DeLaveaga Park.

Cost: Dante members * $20 per person; nonmembers $25 For tickets: bit.ly/dante-ferragosto

Monday August 14

AUTHOR TALK

7 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Lauren J.A. Bear for a reading and signing of her highly-anticipated novel Medusa’s Sisters.

Curious about mortals and their lives, Medusa and her sisters Stheno and Euryale entered the human world in search of a place to belong, yet quickly found themselves at the perilous center of a dangerous Olympian rivalry and learned—too late—that a god’s love is a violent one. Monsters, but not monstrous, Stheno and Euryale will step into the light for the first time to tell the story of how all three sisters lived and were changed by each other, as they struggle against the inherent conflict between sisterhood and individuality, myth and truth, vengeance and peace.

Lauren J. A. Bear was raised in Long Beach. After studying English at UCLA and education at Loyola Marymount, she taught middle-school humanities for over a decade. She is a teaching fellow for the Holocaust Center for Humanity and lives in Seattle with her husband and three young children.

Wednesday August 16

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE: SCHOOL OF ROCK

3 p.m., Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St.

The Felton Public Library is hosting its Monthly Matinee Movie, this month showing “School of Rock.” Bring your own snacks.

Family Movie Matinee happens every 3rd Wednesday of the month and is absolutely free!

Saturday August 19

AGAPE DANCE OPEN HOUSE

1:30-4:30 p.m., 218E Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley Agape Dance Academy will host an Open House and offering free trials classes.

Classes will be for Absolute Beginning Adults, Petites (ages 3-6) and Graded ballet classes (ages 7 & up). Register at https://agapedance.wufoo.com/forms/ m1a7d7au1mau2mr/

Solo performances by pre-professional dancers will occur between trial classes followed by a Q & A session about the academy.

New student registration discounts and uniform give aways will be available for new enrollments at the open house.

Thursday August 24

ALL CHAMBER MIXER

5-7 p.m., Specialized Aviation, 150 Aviation Way, Watsonville Specialized Aviation will host the all-chamber mixer, featuring all six Chambers of Commerce in Santa Cruz County.

See the great event space at Specialized Aviation for your next big event. There will be discounted helicopter rides, appetizers, beer, wine and raffle prizes.

Admission is free, RSVP appreciated at https://web. santacruzchamber.org/events/All-Chamber-Mixer-SpecializedAviation-5370/details

Saturday August 26

DRAWN2ART GRAND OPENING

2-5 p.m., 19C in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, 140 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos

Drawn2Art Studios, which teaches students realistic drawing and painting skills, will host a grand opening at its new Aptos location in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center near Wonderland Toys.

The owner is Rachael Cartright, daughter of the founders Ed and Sher Warren.

Sign up for a free introductory art class and a chance to win a month of free classes! Games, prizes -& light refreshments while supplies last.  Family and friends are welcome!

Phone: (831) 661-5652. Email: Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios. com Website: www.Drawn2ArtStudios.com/Aptos n

Photo: Key of Three performers from left Kathryn Adkins, Nancy Voodg, Claire Paul. Not pictured: Jerry Paul on keyboard.

Lauren J.A. Bear

Coming in September: Third-Party Plan Check

Santa Cruz County recently received some unsettling, although not surprising, news that we are the most expensive rental housing market in the United States.

In rankings compiled by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the Santa Cruz-Watsonville market topped even San Francisco, San Jose, Salinas and Santa Barbara when comparing area income to the average cost of renting a two-bedroom unit.

As a fourth-generation Santa Cruzan, I describe this news as not surprising because, while there are other factors that influence the cost of housing in our County – notably having low wages compared to the adjacent Silicon Valley — we have historically failed to produce new supply to meet demand, until recently.

While we largely met our last Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target of 1,314 new units set by the state in 2015, it will be a huge challenge to meet the next round, which is more than 350% higher at 4,634 new units.

RHNA is the number of units assigned to each County and City by the state based on population growth patterns and other factors. Combined with the County’s next Housing Element, the RHNA numbers represent a plan to ensure we have identified appropriate locations where housing may be built, with the expectation that roughly half of the units will be built for very low, low- and moderate-income residents.

The state-required Housing Element identifies where housing can be built to align with zoning and environmental regulations, as well as the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

Key considerations are the availability of water, energy and transportation resources, density of the surrounding neighborhoods, and the characteristics of the area that would accommodate appropriately sized housing.

That brings me to the biggest part of the Fifth District, the San Lorenzo Valley. The Housing Element does not change existing zoning in SLV. The basic one acre-one house zoning remains throughout most of the Fifth District’s rural areas as does the existing mixeduse zoning for housing and commercial use within some parts of the SLV town centers. Single-family home residents will retain the right to remodel or expand, including adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or tiny home, if they meet environmental, fire road access, set back and building code standards.

As many already know, the most significant barriers to building in the Valley are the cost of installing or updating onsite waste-water treatment systems (septic) and ensuring the road to the property meets fire access standards.

State standards regulating onsite wastewater systems and fire access roads have been tightened in recent years because of the proximity of many homes to waterways, the condition of soils in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the fire danger ratings. These requirements also will not be affected by the Housing Element, and it is important to note the County does not have the authority to lower these state standards.

The Housing Element identifies opportunities for housing mostly within the existing urban services lines, or areas

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

in the County where density already exists along transit corridors.

The Housing Element has been posted to the County’s website and is undergoing a 90-day review period by the state Department of Housing and Community Development that ends Oct. 23. Learn more at the County’s Housing Element homepage at https://tinyurl. com/5n74rxn9.

Lastly, in an effort to streamline permitting for proposed housing projects, the Board of Supervisors on June 27 approved a request by me and Supervisor Manu Koenig to establish a Third-Party Plan Check program that will give property owners the option to submit plans for review to an approved consultant rather than County staff exclusively. We brought the idea forward largely to address a shortage of staff in the Planning Division, which as of last month had an average processing

time of 107 days for a remodeling permit and 197 days for an ADU.

The Community Development and Infrastructure Department, which includes the Planning Division, will have 90 days to develop the program, including creating an application form, an approved list of Third-Party Service Providers, and any necessary amendments to the County Code and Unified Fee Schedule. Once launched, all eligible permit applicants will be notified of their right to utilize independent plancheck services.

We hope these initiatives by the County will help us meaningfully address both the cost and availability of rental units, as well as the general supply of affordable housing in the community. n •••

As always, if my office can be of assistance, please contact us at fifth.district@santacruz county.us or 831-454-2200.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Carpenters Local Union #505 Offers Job Training

Carpenters Local Union #505 offers job training – and is hiring.

There also is a 10-hour OSHA class over two days.

Looking for Lots of Love

Warren initially came to the Shelter as an owner surrender back in 2022. He was quickly adopted out but then returned because he was not the right fit for his adoptive family. We learned a ton about him so that we could help to find him a better fit in the future.

Warren is looking to be someone’s shadow. He is an energetic playful guy that really does not like being left alone. In his previous home, he would bark and destroy some household items- he really wants to remind people that life is not about material things and they should just live in the moment! He has been out with volunteers for walks around town and always delights new people with his big personality and wagging tail!

Warren has lived successfully with a cat in his first adoptive home as well as two dogs — a GSD mix and a cattle dog. In his second home, he lived with a dog and did well. Warren has some big feelings about strange dogs behind barriers and on leash but with a slow introduction and some positive reinforcement-based training, does well meeting dogs out in the world. Warren is VERY food motivated which will help with training — but he also needs help with portion control!

Warren lived with young children in his first home and did well. If you are looking for a constant companion, WFH buddy, or a new walking pal — come to the Shelter to meet Warren today. Warren has been at the Shelter for 53 days. Let’s make today the last one!

If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian. ganley@santacruzcounty.us

•••

Right now we are having an adoption special — for animals who have been in our care for 25 days or more the adoption fee is only $25 (plus $29 for license for dogs)! We have so many animals who have been in our care for a long time — we want them to find their new homes ASAP so this special adoption promotion will last through this Friday July 28th. Warren is one of our longer stay dogs so come on down to SCCAS, meet Warren and take him home for a $25 adoption fee!

•••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

The union is looking for a skilled and experienced professionals for these positions: Drywall / lather instructor, insulator and fireproofing instructor, and carpenter instructor.

For information, email stownsend@ ctcnc.org.

Safety training takes place Saturday, Sept. 16, for UBC members in good standing.

Eight-hour classes cover rough terrain forklift operation, industrial forklifts, and boom lifts/scissor lifts.

Deepen your understanding of the US Constitution and labor law by taking a new course, “101 Constitution: US Government and Labor Law.” Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.

The Construction Site Safety Specialist Certificate Program requires completion of online classes.

Select your classes to be put on the wait list to be notified when they become available. n

For more info: https://www.ctcnc.org/

NorCal Carpenters: Women for Construction

NorCal Carpenters Union hosts a Women in Construction: Leveling the Field, Recruiting Women career event Friday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 18640 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill.

Careers include: Carpenters, acoustical installers, drywall/lathers, hardwood floor layers, insulators, millmen, cabinet-makers, millwrights, modular systems installer, pile driver, scaffold erectors.

Hands on activities

• Union contractors

• Lunch provided

• Raffle prizes

FYI: Those wearing tank tops, shorts, cut off pants, and open-toe shoes are not permitted to participate in hands-on exercises.

RSVP: Email morganhilldo5@ctcnc. org or call (408) 778-1552. n

For more information, visit ctcnc.org