Scotts Valley Times: April 2024

New Skypark Tot Lot

On

Day, kids got to enjoy the long-awaited new tot

The project, shepherded by the city of Scotts Valley with support from the nonprofit Community Advocates, provides inclusivity and accessibility, thanks to a rubber surface replacing sand, a yellow glider that accommodates wheelchairs and a tuneful and easy-to-reach marimba.

Willowbrook Park Memorial Complete

Shifting from tragedy to reflection, friends, coworkers, and family gathered March 14 at Willowbrook County Park for the unveiling of the memorial area in honor of Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller.

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Funding for the inclusive playground equipment came from Prop. 68.

The project has been on the drawing board since 2021. With the sun shining on March 21, moms and kids were out in force to experience the new playground equipment, the slides, the climbers, the swings, the gears and the glider. n

I believe that envy is one of the seven deadly sins and any decent person should avoid that sentiment at all costs. But when I look at and experience the downtowns of all the other cities in the county, a little bit of jealousy seeps in.

Full Story page 4

Cover

New Skypark Tot Lot is a Lot of Fun

Community News

5 Postal Crime: Arrests for Letter Carrier Robbery Up 73% • Local Family

Drama: ‘White Sky, Falling Dragon’ to be Staged April 19-May 5, By Jondi Gumz

6 Monk of Mokha Book Cover Winners

7 Indigenous Stewardship: Amah Mutsun Land Trust Partners with State Parks, By Mohini Narasimhan

10 Willowbrook Park Memorial Complete: A Symbol of Love: Remembering Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, By Forrest Revere

18 Meals on Wheels Community Champions

19 Highway 1 Overpass Construction for 14 Months • WomenCare Virtual Fundraiser

23 Highway 17 Plan for the Future: Caltrans Online Community Meeting on April 3 • March 5 Election Update

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14

11 Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala Early Bird Pricing Available through April 12 • SV Economic Development Committee Launches 2024 Business Survey

12 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Announces 2024 Band Lineup • Express Employment Professionals Snags 2024 Best of Staffing® Client 5-Year Diamond Award for Top-Notch Service

13 Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair — May 4th: Sponsorships Needed

14 Member Spotlight: Bruno’s Bar & Grill • Rotary Awards and Scholarships Ceremony: April 22 • March Ribbon Cuttings

Letters to the editor

4 Let Them Build!

6 Our Community Reads: Another Successful

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Patrice Edwards editor

Jondi Gumz contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, Mohini Narasimhan, Forrest Revere, Teresa Hidalgo Dance, Jennifer Wang, Risa D’Angeles, Randy Johnson, Bruce McPherson layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin production coordinator

Camisa Composti media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Erik Long

FEATURED COLUMNIST

On the Outside Looking In

Ibelieve that envy is one of the seven deadly sins and any decent person should avoid that sentiment at all costs.

But when I look at and experience the downtowns of all the other cities in the county, a little bit of jealousy seeps in. Take the City Plaza in Watsonville, for example. Its one-and-a-half acres fosters the Strawberry Festival, 4th of July parades, Music in the Plaza.

All this, because as a gathering place, it draws people and builds a sense of community. Downtown Santa Cruz has it all, with shopping and an unmistakable vibe that keeps you coming back for more. Capitola’s Esplanade is a compact little playground where you can paddleboard, shop, dine and munch at Gayle’s Bakery for hours on end. And then there’s Scotts Valley’s Town Center. Oops. Did I mention we don’t have one? Dang.

Scotts Valley is a great little city. It has fine schools. It is a safe place to live and raise a family. People in our city know their neighbors and the sense of community is fantastic. In my time on the council, staff and colleagues have accomplished a lot. We have a beautiful library, a performing arts center, wonderful parks, a community center, 1440 Multiversity Retreat Center and many other qualities that make us proud of our city.

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and online commerce leaves you with a frustrating string of setbacks.

But if I am honest, the lack of a Town Center has plagued us, and for me has been a personal disappointment.

In the center of our town sits about 16 acres of raw land, half of which, surprisingly, is owned by the City of Santa Cruz. Throughout the years, a parade of developers have swept through, promising, proposing, even pandering and posturing. It hasn’t gone well.

And the sum of good intentions and careful planning added to lagging economies

Not a good place to be. It reminds me of my junior year in college when I had a pretty stellar scholastic semester: English “A”; Roman History “A”; Economics “B+”: Philosophy “B” and Statistics “D” (and I think even that was an act of mercy).

I think it’s human that we focus on our disappointments instead of our accomplishments, as I did with statistics and here I am writing about a town center that hasn’t been built.

But hope springs eternal.

How do you overcome envy and pride?

Well with some of the Seven Heavenly Virtues of course: Humility, gratitude, patience and diligence. (Lots of patience).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Let Them Build!

In Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson’s column published in the Scotts Valley Times in the February 2024 edition, there seems to be some confusion as to why Scotts Valley finds its local control under state scrutiny.

In this response I argue that this scrutiny is due to many cities — including Scotts Valley — having an atrocious track record on getting affordable housing built and stabilizing market prices.

In looking back at data from previous housing elements, it seems that in the last 21 years only 69 below market rate homes have been built — that’s about 3 homes per year. Given that track record, it’s difficult to believe Scotts Valley will meet its regional housing needs goal of accommodating 803

below market rate units during the next 8 years.

Also, back when Randy Johnson took office in 1996, the median home price was about $240,000. Today the median home price is about $1.4 million, or a 583% increase.

Randy Johnson and other council members have used a parade of excuses to justify their failures to foster an affordable housing market. They frequently complain about state intervention, using fear, uncertainty and doubt such as when mentioning a state auditor report that mentions errors in methodology.

What they don’t mention is that those errors likely could have swayed the number of needed homes even higher. They also blame the state for taking away

It’s been mentioned before, but prospects are improving in our quest to build a town center. We are putting in the work. We are securing some federal grants that have to be finalized. The number of residential units is mandated to be high, thereby helping offset the risk of building compatible retail. We have interested companies that see potential in the site and within a few months, we will test the market and gauge how real their commitment is.

Our intent is to share plans and dreams with our public and hope that brighter days are ahead as we traverse this unique, unpredictable opportunity. n

•••

Contact Randy Johnson at rlj12@comcast. net.

redevelopment funds which perhaps is an admission that the City can’t do much without state intervention anyways. Meanwhile, statewide housing reforms such as ADU streamlining have been so successful that ADU permits increased 334% in 6 years and now account for 20% of new housing units produced statewide.

When given the freedom to plan for affordable housing in a way the city sees fit through a regional planning process, the city proposes wildly unrealistic plans. Does anyone seriously believe a private market housing developer is going to tear down the CineLux to build a project with 383 housing units of which 50% would be below market rate?

Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti

Michael Oppenheimer website photography

By Randy Johnson, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

Photo Credit: Randy Johnson

The empty space at Skypark which the Scotts Valley Town Center could fill.

Postal Crime Arrests for Letter Carrier Robbery Up 73% Local Family Drama

On March 12, the U.S Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service gave an update on Project Safe Delivery, an initiative begun 10 months ago to protect postal employees and secure the nation’s mail and packages in wake of a crime wave.

Since May 2023, the Postal Inspection Service has made 1,200+ arrests nationwide for robberies of letter carrier and mail theft.

“We have been unrelenting in our pursuit of criminals who target postal employees and the U.S. Mail. The efforts of our postal inspectors and law enforcement partners have yielded positive results,” said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. “We are not done. Ensuring the well-being of our letter carriers and all postal employees remains of the utmost importance. We will continue to make major investments to secure the postal network while directing the full weight of our law enforcement resources to protecting our employees and the mail.”

In February, USPIS completed a second law enforcement surge in San Francisco as a part of this nationwide effort.

DeJoy called for increased prosecution and strong sentences for those who carry out postal crimes, saying, “Our nation’s letter carriers deserve to go to work without fear of harm from a robbery or attack. Letter carriers are hardworking, federal civil servants who deliver an essential service to communities across America. An attack on a letter carrier, or any postal employee, is also an attack on the very community they serve. Individuals who attack postal employees should be vigorously prosecuted and, if convicted, should receive penalties from the courts that reflect the seriousness of their crimes. The courts must take postal crimes seriously, and the criminals who perpetrate them must be held fully accountable under the law.”

Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale said San Francisco, Chicago, and several locations in Ohio were targeted for law enforcement.

Arrests Up 73%

The 1,200+ arrests for letter carrier robberies and mail thefts by the Postal Inspection Service is up 73% compared to the same time period in the prior fiscal year.

Over the last five months, reported robberies of letter carriers have decreased by 19% and complaints for mail theft are down 34%.

Law enforcement surges are planned for 2024 in other cities.

Each surge leverages partnerships, including with the Department of Justice,

Postmaster General: 30 Days for Stealing Mail at Gunpoint Unacceptable

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy released the following statement regarding a 30-day sentence for a criminal involved in the armed robbery of a Postal Service letter carrier in San Francisco:

“It is simply unacceptable that a criminal was sentenced to a mere 30-days for threatening a letter carrier at gunpoint and stealing his personal possessions, as well as both the public’s mail and packages. This sends a concerning message of encouragement to our nation’s criminals and a message of disregard to our loyal public servants, who deserve better protection and reassurance that the law will take crimes against them seriously. America’s postal workers are entitled to feel protected as they go about their public service mission, and at a minimum should be able to take solace in knowing that the law protects them against crime as they perform their duties, and that any such crimes will be taken seriously by the courts.”

Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, other federal agencies, and local law enforcement.

Initial surges have resulted in more than 20 arrests, more than 950 investigative actions, including the execution of arrest warrants, search warrants, and other court-authorized law enforcement activities, and more than 400 prevention activities, including presentations to postal employees on employee safety and mail theft prevention.

Secure Collection Boxes

Since the launch of Project Safe Delivery, USPS, with USPIS, has invested in the physical security of its mail receptacles and is hardening blue collection boxes, making access to their contents more difficult for criminals in all 50 states.

Since May 2023, tens of thousands of hardened blue boxes and electronic locking mechanisms have been and will be strategically deployed in high postal crime areas, the USPS said. T

his includes 15,000 hardened blue boxes, with another 8,500 ordered to be installed, and 28,000 electronic locking mechanisms installed in mail receptacles.

What You Can Do U.S. Postal Service said customers can take steps to protect their mail and their letter carriers:

“Postal Crime” page 6

‘White Sky, Falling Dragon’ to be Staged April 19-May

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ABy Jondi Gumz

ptos High alum Steve “Spike” Wong is 71, an age when a lot of people retire, but this is a story he had to tell — it’s heartfelt and dramatic.

After a lifetime of teaching, including two years at Aptos High, he was vacationing in Barcelona when he had a vision about his father and grandpa having a conversation.

Spike was close to his grandparents, having lived with them when he was 3 to 4 in Lincoln Street in Watsonville.

He began typing out this stage play on his cell phone.

“It just came out,” he said.

The story is about his father Ernest, who as a young Cantonese man in Watsonville fell in love and then was called to be a bombardier in World War II.

He was 19.

His bride-to-be, Alice, was 17.

During the war, he sent her letter after letter.

She saved every single one.

When she died in 2014, Spike found those letters and read them all.

Ernest came home from the war as a U.S. Army Air Force captain, having served his country, but he struggled to be an American in a traditional Chinese home.

In the play, the captain brings home a tragedy that occurred on his last mission.

Somehow the past holds the key to his future.

Spike said while he was thinking of the ending, he thought his grandfather would “save the day,” but instead his grandmother “took over.”

The play, “White Sky, Falling Dragon,” which got its premiere with an all-Asian cast in Mountain View in 2022, was embraced by his family, wife Debbie, and their son and daughter who saw it.

“They were completely and utterly blown away,” he said.

The audience was moved as well.

One woman, an immigrant from Chile, told him, “The story on that stage is my story.”

Now local audiences, his former students from 23 years of teaching at Watsonville High, his Aptos High classmates,

his former neighbors when he lived in Aptos Seascape, his current neighbors in Soquel, and friends of his daughter who lives in Seacliff have an opportunity to see this drama close to home.

It will be staged April 19 through May 5 at Actor’s Theatre, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz --with the original 2022 cast.

This will bring together actors from Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz.

One of them is Spike himself, who takes the role of “Pop.”

Could a film be next?

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are: $35, seniors/students $32 at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35410/ production/1173181

In case you wonder how Spike got that name, it happened when he was 18.

He and his friends were going to a ShaNaNa concert.

He got the idea to go as a bowling team, wearing shirts with their names on the back.

He got sequins and glue, and made a big “S” on his when he realized Steve was a dorky name.

Out came “Spike” and that’s been his nickname ever since. n

Louis DeJoy

Actress Cynthia Dear as Ma

Steve “Spike” Wong as Pop

Actress YinYin Liow as May

Actor Winston Wang as Ernest

Captain Ernest Wong

Our Community Reads: Another Successful Season

Hello dear friends of Our Community Reads!

The 2024 Season of Our Community Reads, our most successful to date, has come to a close.

We thank all of you members of the community who attended, as well as the sponsors who contributed resources to bring you such a variety of interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining events. To share your comments or suggestions, please click this link and complete a very short survey.

We’ve enjoyed collaborating with the Friends of the Libraries of Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Felton, and Scotts Valley to bring

you a variety of events based on the book The Monk of Mokha, by Dave Eggers.

If you are interested in joining our planning group, or wish to participate in the Voting Party to select the book for the 2025 Season, please contact us at: friendsoftheaptoslibrary@fscpl.org

Meantime, stay up to date with Our

Community Reads! And, do show us your support for the continued success of this program where all events are free and open to the public.

Donate here to support Our Community Reads and keep it vibrant in the future! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for being a supporter of Our Community Reads and of the Santa Cruz County Public Libraries.

We hope that you will join us again for our next season! n

— Friends of the Capitola Branch Library Friends of the Scotts Valley Library Felton Library Friends

Monk of Mokha Book Cover Winners

As part of the 2024 Our Community Reads, co-sponsored by Friends of Scotts Valley Library, students in graphic design classes taught by Kyle Filippini at Scotts Valley High School redesigned the cover for “The Monk of Mokha” and entered a competition judged by the staff of Bookshop Santa Cruz. Scotts Valley High School Winners (from left)

1. Zicheng Zeng

2. Lukas Bloom

3. Mason McGregor Students at Aptos High also competed. For a slideshow of the book cover entries, got to www.friendsofaptos library.org/ art-exhibit-2024.html n

“Letters” from page 4

This 50% rate far exceeds the city’s own 15% inclusionary rate. No existing pipeline project comes close to achieving that level of affordability with nearly all sticking to the 15% rate. And yet most rezoning projects the city purports will happen are at the 50% rate.

Now, we are supposedly faced with a real-life developer who wants to build a 200-unit builder’s remedy project. It’s unclear whether this project would be sited on any of the sites the City selected in its housing element site inventory. However, what is clear is that if the project were built, it would have to include 40 affordable

“Postal Crime” from page 5

• Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox. Reduce the chance of being victimized by simply removing your mail from your mailbox every day.

• Deposit outgoing mail at secure locations, including inside your local Post Office or at your place of business, or hand it directly to a letter carrier.

• Sign up for Informed Delivery and get daily digest emails that preview your

units. That would be about 58% of the total affordable homes built in the city in 20 years.

It’s time for the Scotts Valley City Council to realize that their track record proves they have done nothing to help if not intentionally obstructed the development of affordable housing. The City Council should let the builder’s remedy project happen. It’s time for someone with a realistic plan to create affordable housing to actually do it.

— Evan Siroky,

Scotts Valley, founder of Santa Cruz Yes in My Back Yard •••

Shout Out

If you are a Trustee and/or Executor for someone’s estate, I highly recommend

mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.

• Become involved and engaged in your neighborhood via neighborhood watches and local social media groups to spread awareness and share information.

• Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious,

Robert Slawinski Auctioneer to help with liquidating all your treasures.

Rob and Theresa made what could have been a difficult time almost non stressful. It was like one-stop shopping.

Rob and Theresa set up and ran an estate sale. They took anything left to the donation organization of my choice. They put the more valuable items up for auction, including an RV. They cleaned, coordinated inspections, held open houses and sold the home.

Rob and Theresa have a wealth of knowledge and countless contacts in their areas of expertise. They are easy to work with and are great communicators. They lifted a great weight off my shoulders. n

— Joan Winquist

or you see someone following your carrier, call 911.

Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455.

Individuals are encouraged to report allegations of Postal Service employee misconduct, including attempts to corrupt a Postal Service employee, to the USPS OIG at 1-888-877-7644 or www.uspsoig.gov. n

Indigenous Stewardship

Amah Mutsun Land Trust Partners with State Parks

By Mohini Narasimhan

On a sunny afternoon in Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve, 225 acres within Ano Nuevo State Park, a group gathers to hear Valentin Lopez, chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, and Rob Cuthrell, director of native plant stewardship for the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, introduce them to the land they stand on.

This group represents district superintendents, tribal affairs liaisons, and memorandum of understanding specialists from California Department of Parks and Recreation districts across California.

As many other State Parks districts are at long last entering into partnerships with tribal communities, many of which through Memoranda of Understanding signings, these district superintendents sought an existing partnership to learn from. Brought together by Parks California, a nonprofit partner of State Parks, the group was gathered that day to hear about the remarkable and longstanding partnership between the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Amah Mutsun Land Trust, and State Parks.

Quiroste Valley is a sacred and historic site of the Quiroste Tribe.

Since 2007, AMLT has been working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to research the relationships between Indigenous people and the Quiroste Valley landscape. Due to the presence of significant archeological, historical and ethnobiological resources in the valley, the land was designated as a cultural preserve in 2008, and since then State Parks has been working collaboratively with AMLT to protect and steward cultural and natural resources.

Today, the landscape of Quiroste Valley looks much different than it did when Indigenous people tended it. State Parks had managed the land as a wilderness area, and much of the former open coastal prairies are now overtaken by coyote brush shrubland and Douglas fir forest. Restoring this land to a thriving coastal prairie and a place where Tribal members can harvest plant resources has become a flagship project of the partnership between AMLT and State Parks.

Beginning summer 2015, AMLT Native Stewards, AMLT staff, and State Parks employees worked together to reduce the number of encroaching Douglas firs, poison hemlock plants, and other selected invasive species.

The initial contracts to work in Quiroste Valley arose from Año Nuevo State Park’s General Management Plan, a land management document that formalized the designation of Quiroste Valley as a cultural preserve. Written in consultation with the Tribe, this general plan is the first in California to include co-management language, stating that State Parks would work with Indigenous peoples to steward the land within the park’s boundaries.

However, the true success of the partnership was ultimately rooted in the relationship and in the trust. The Tribe and AMLT have experienced that building this trust takes many steps and takes time.

From the archeology research beginning in 2006, to vegetation management in 2015, to now experimental plant propagation, trust has been built and continues to build through every meeting, conversation, and project together.

It is strengthened by the many instances of pursuing shared funding, of reaffirming a shared goal to restore Mother Earth, and of course, by spending many hours together on the land.

Alexii Sigona, Tribal member and chair of the AMLT Lands Committee, reflected how “State Parks folks were working really hard alongside us, rolling up their sleeves and putting in sweat.”

“Amah Mutsun” page 8

Valentin Lopez, chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and AMLT board president, with State Parks archeologist Michael Grone and Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer, July 2022. Photo credit Pete McBride.

“Amah Mutsun” from page 7

When considering the factors that strengthened the partnership, Michael Grone, senior state archaeologist for State Parks, explained: “It really came down to the strength of the individual relationships. I don’t think this partnership was formed by two groups that didn’t really know each other. It wasn’t a partnership formed over Zoom or email. People were working side by side together on the land and getting to know each other as individuals for many years, and that’s a very important part of partnership building.”

The partnership between AMLT and State Parks was bolstered through support from additional partners, including the San Mateo Resource Conservation District and Parks California. In 2020, Parks CA partnered with AMLT to provide flexible funding through their Career Pathways Grant Program.

The Tribe, due to three waves of colonization and forced displacement from their ancestral territory, largely lives in diaspora across California and elsewhere. This creates many, layered barriers to Tribal members returning to do stewardship work in their lands, such as having to travel long distances.

Parks CA is able to support the Tribe in this area through their Career Pathways Program, and provides critical gap funding for costs such as transportation, food, additional trainings, and program administration that would not usually be covered in work contracts.

This partnership was ultimately formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, signed between Parks Director Armando Quintero and Chairman Lopez in 2020.

While the MOU does not return land to the Tribe, or grant land rights in perpetuity, it is an important step that formalizes and

protects the Tribe’s access to land in their territory.

This is especially important for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, which is not federally recognized and is not granted legal land rights to their sacred lands. Entering into a relationship with State Parks, an agency that owns and has historically restricted access to their ancestral land, was a brave and difficult decision for the Tribe.

Chairman Valentin Lopez spoke of the Tribal Council’s decision to form a partnership with State Parks: “Our directive from Creator to take care of Mother Earth is absolute; it was clear, we needed to access our territory to return Indigenous stewardship and to do that, we needed to trust.”

Through trusting, taking brave steps, and creating new partnership models, the Amah Mutsun are lighting the way for ancestral land return. n

•••

Mohini Narasimhan is development and communications manager for Amah Mutsun Land Trust. For more information, subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.amahmutsunlandtrust.org/subscribe/

Staff from State Parks Monterey and Northern Buttes districts, State Parks headquarters, and Parks CA during a site visit to Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve, where they learn about the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s relationship with State Parks.

AMLT Native Stewards and State Parks staff use chainsaws to reduce Douglas firs in Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve in July 2018. Photo credit Jeanette Acosta.

Amah Mutsun Tribal Band members, AMLT staff, State Parks staff, and Parks CA staff joined together in February 2024 to share learnings and discuss ways to further partnership between State Parks agencies and tribal communities.

Willowbrook Park Memorial Complete

A Symbol of Love: Remembering Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller

By Forrest Revere

Shifting from tragedy to reflection, friends, coworkers, and family gathered March 14 at Willowbrook County Park for the unveiling of the memorial area in honor of Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller.

The new memorial area includes a brick and concrete reflection area, flagpole, plaque and inscriptions eternalizing Gutzwiller’s sacrifice. As a lasting tribute to Sgt. Gutzwiller, his boots and those of his family have been embedded at the memorial to serve as a cherished sanctuary for solace and reflection.

“This park, and this memorial, helps us write a new chapter. One that combines community love and remembrance with the happiness that only a park and outdoor spaces can bring,” Supervisor Zach Friend said. “Damon’s presence is strong at Willowbrook and now we have elements that join to honor his memory and bring the same joy to the community that he brought to life.”

This event commemorated the third, and final, phase of park enhancements which comes on the heels of the sport court renovations and playground improvements welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

OWork began in 2022 as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who dedicated 14 years in service to the Santa Cruz community and the Sheriff’s Office. He grew up in Santa Cruz County and owned his first home in the Willowbrook neighborhood, often playing in the park with his beloved dog, Shasta.

The Fatal Call

n June 6, 2020, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller was 38 when he responded to a call that ended his life.

He was in Ben Lomond with other deputies investigating a suspicious van with guns and explosives when Steven Carrillo, 32, a former Air Force sergeant fired, killing Gutzwiller and injuring two deputies.

In 2022, Carrillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

On May 29, 2020, in Oakland, Carrillo fatally shot Protective Services Officer Dave Patrick Underwood and wounded a second officer, firing an AR-style rifle from a van driven by Robert Alvin Justus Jr., 34, of Millbrae. In 2022, Carrillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office Northern District, Carrillo admitted he “aligned himself with an anti-government ideology and wanted to carry out violent acts against federal law enforcement.”

Serene walking paths beckon for leisurely strolls, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said, “County Parks is very grateful to be able to provide a place that will become an everlasting dedication for Damon and his memory. The impact of his sacrifice is demonstrated by the hard work and dedication our community put forth to make it happen. It is an honor to have such beautiful upgrades and especially the seating area, which provides such a powerful place of reflection.”

County Deputy Sheriff’s Association were present and stood in continued support to Gutzwiller’s family.

Ethan Rumrill, DSA president, said “This memorial is more than simply a reminder of the sacrifice paid by Damon the day he was killed, and the sacrifices of his family, friends, colleagues and this community every day since. It is a place of reflection and appreciation for all that Damon lived for and how much he still means to this community today. We are extremely grateful to all the individuals and organizations that have helped design, fund, and build this beautiful space in Damon’s honor.”

Faviola Del Real, widow of Sgt. Gutzwiller and mother of their two children, expressed her heartfelt sentiments, saying, “I hope that they can come here at different stages in their life and think about him and make good memories.”

Gratitude was extended to the donors, whose generosity was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

The park renovations and memorial area were made possible by numerous community donations including the Santa Cruz County Deputy Association who provided their largest donation in the organization’s history. Many members of the Santa Cruz

Special recognition was expressed to Tom Ralston of Ralston Concrete, Steve Sutherland of SSA Landscape Architects and K&D Landscaping for their invaluable contributions. Project support was provided by County Park Friends, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the office of Supervisor Zach Friend, and County Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services.

It is through their collective dedication and generosity that Willowbrook Park stands as a symbol of remembrance, unity, and enduring love. n

Faviola Del Real, widow of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, walks to the memorial at Willowbrook Park with their two children.

Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala

Early Bird Pricing Available through April 12

Join us on Friday, May 10th as we celebrate the leaders in our Community at Roaring Camp Railroads Bret Harte Hall. The space is a 6,000 square foot rustic barn with wrought-iron chandeliers, twinkling lights, and decorations. Through massive doors, the indoor space opens to a covered outdoor reception area and a beautiful meadow.

The evening of celebration will begin at 5:00 pm with a cocktail hour serving appetizers and a full no-host full bar with wines from Kissed by and Angel Wines and beers on tap from Steel Bonnet Brewing. Dinner will be catered by Bruno’s Bar & Grill. Cheryl Rebottaro will be returning again as this year’s Master of Ceremonies. There will be raffle items, and a brief live auction conducted by Chamber Ambassador and Auctioneer Kevin Anderson. n

List of Awards:

• Alvin Scarborough Man of the Year

• Annette Marcum Woman of the Year

• Business of the Year

• Educator of the Year

• Youth of the Year

• Organization of the Year

• Chamber Ambassador of the Year

for more information.

SV Economic Development Committee Launches 2024 Business Survey

The Scotts Valley Economic Development Committee (formerly the Economic Recovery Task Force) is a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Scotts Valley.

During the Pandemic and the CZU Fires, this Committee rose to meet those challenges, providing vital assistance and information, including signage, reopening kits, grant & loan assistance, as well as informational webinars.

Now, the committee is looking at the road ahead and wants to continue making a tangible difference in helping our local businesses.

To that end, the committee wants to “take the temperature” of the current business climate, and for this they need your help!

Beginning April 2nd, The Economic Development Committee will launch its 2024 business survey which will be found at scottsvalleychamber.com.

It is the Committee’s hope that the information gathered

These efforts helped several businesses survive these difficult times, and the committee was even recognized as Organization of the Year for its efforts.

in this survey will serve as “roadmap” in the year to come as the Committee sets its future goals. n

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Announces 2024 Band Lineup

The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Band Lineup for the 2024 Scotts Valley Art Wine and Beer Festival, which will be held August 17th and 18th.

We would like to give special thanks to Festival Entertainment Chair, Joe Bac, for locking in and organizing our great entertainment, year after year.

Saturday Lineup

• Fishhook

• The Shady Rest Band

• The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin

Sunday Linup

• Lyin’ I’s (Eagles Tribute Band)

• The Joint Chiefs

For more information on this year’s Festival, go to svartfestival.com.

Express Employment Professionals has once again been recognized for its superior client service with ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Client five-year Diamond Award.

On average, clients of winning agencies are 60% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Winners who earned the Diamond Award distinction have won the Best of Staffing Award for at least five years in a row, consistently earning

industry-leading satisfaction scores from their clients.

“Receiving this milestone award is a culmination of more than 40 years of dedication to connecting reputable companies with quality employees,”

Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said.

“Through our servant-led model, businesses can leave the recruiting and HR responsibilities to our employment experts and focus on investing in communities across the globe. We are

$2000/mo

grateful for this recognition and its testament to the fulfillment of our mission.”

Express received satisfaction scores of nine or 10 out of 10 from 72.7% of their clients, significantly higher than the industry’s average of 52%.

“Recognition in the local market is oxygen for our business. Santa Cruz County has unique staffing needs and challenges. We’re a group of dedicated locals, and we’re extremely happy to be supporting the community we love.” Said Kim Phillips Nakatani, franchise owner of the Santa Cruz Express franchise office.

Express is committed to the vision of helping as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.

The Santa Cruz County Express office is located at 9000 Soquel Avenue, Suite 102 in Santa Cruz. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit expresspros. com/santacruzca, or call 831-462-1202

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair — May 4th Sponsorships Needed

The Scotts Valley Educational Foundation invites the Community to join them for the 3rd Annual Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair.

The Festival will be held on Saturday May 4th, from 10:30am - 3:30pm.

The Multicultural Fair is a nonprofit FREE family-friendly festival, hosted jointly by SVUSD, the city of Scotts Valley, and community members.

This event is powered by the hard work of volunteers, with common goals of broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity present in Scotts Valley, as well as building community connections, especially for our youth.

Please consider a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to help cover the significant costs of this event, which include free admission for all, over 30 interactive booths, professional stage performances, and the many logistics needed to successfully carry out an event of this size.

All children attending receive passports; they are encouraged to visit each booth to learn, participate in craft projects, and get their passports stamped. Last year, there were over 1000 attendees, and more are anticipated this year.

Donation Categories:

BRONZE: up to $99

SILVER: $100-499

GOLD: $500-999

PLATINUM: $1000 and up Donations are acknowledged on the event website, and at the event.

Please indicate what name(s) or business should be listed on the donor acknowledgement.

THREE OPTIONS FOR DONATION

(through nonprofit partner organization Scotts Valley Educational Foundation –SVEF): Must indicate donation is for the Multicultural Fair (MCF).

1) Preferred Method: Send a Venmo donation to SVEF (@SVEducational Foundation). Indicate “For MCF” in the Venmo comments.

2) PayPal donation link on the SVEF

website (svef.net) Indicate “For MCF” in the PayPal comments.

3) Send a check payable to “SVEF” to:

SVEF, 5610 Scotts Valley Drive Ste. B #173, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Indicate “For MCF” in check comments. For more information about this event, please visit:scottsvalleymcf.com

For questions, email: scottsvalleymcf@ gmail.com

Member Spotlight: Bruno’s Bar & Grill

Bruno’s Bar and Grill is the premier event space rental destination in Scotts Valley. With four unique areas to choose from upstairs, let them help you create an event to remember for years to come.

They specialize in hosting events. From intimate gatherings to large parties with affordable rates, beautiful spaces and fullservice catering, their fully equipped venue, and dedicated team will make your event a success.

The Loft, Bruno’s recently redesigned banquet room, offers a blank canvas for you to create your ideal party or special occasion. With beautiful Chiavari chairs, white linens,

Tand affordable rental prices, you can be sure that your event will be perfect from start to finish.

Cloud 9, Bruno’s Bar & Grill’s exclusive rooftop deck is the perfect place to dine outdoors. Each seating area includes a fire table for a cozy atmosphere.

With a seven-foot rain fountain and

dazzling lighted tree, there’s nothing else like it in Santa Cruz County! Open weekly from Wednesday –Saturday, dine outside in their unique urban oasis.

The Jim Sports Lounge is a casual space with barrel bar-height tables, 6 large screen TVs and games for playing pool, shooting hoops, ping pong, or cornhole.

Open weekly from Wednesday – Saturday, The Jim Sports Lounge is also available for private events.

Newly added to their unique options, Bruno’s Bar & Grill invites you to discover The Vault, the hidden gem upstairs in the heart of Bruno’s Bar and Grill. Step into the intimate cocktail bar with a speakeasy parlor vibe and enjoy their craft cocktails and unique mood lighting. Their newly redesigned intimate cocktail bar is open weekly WednesdaySunday and available for private rental for intimate events and celebrations that will allow for a personalized experience like no other.

Rotary Awards and Scholarships Ceremony: April 22

he Rotary Club of Scotts Valley is pleased to announce the upcoming Scotts Valley Students Awards and Scholarships Ceremony. This has been the club’s signature project for the last 30 plus years.

The ceremony will be on April 22, 2024. The program will provide six higher education scholarships for high school seniors and 41 awards to Scotts Valley Middle and High School students for academic achievement, community support, and arts excellence.

The program is funded by an endowment fund from past

fundraisers, current club fundraisers like the Tri-tip BBQ, the management of the Kids Zone at the Art Wine and Beer Festival, concerts, plus, donations from our community. Scotts Valley Rotary is very thankful to their donors, and they are invited to come to the Ceremony to see their dollars at work. It is incredible to see the impact these awards have on the students. Over the years, we see them grow, trust themselves, and feel proud of their achievements.

Bay Federal Credit Union is the pillar behind this event. President and CEO, Carrie Birkhofer, and Board and Executive Engagement Manager, Susan Riddle, have been the organizers of the program for over 20 years. They attend to all details behind the scenes to ensure the event honors our local families year after year. The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley appreciates their dedication!

The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley is open to the public, and they invite you to be a guest at a meeting. On Monday, April 15th, their Rotary meeting featured speaker is Tanya Krause, Superintendent of the Scotts Valley Unified School District. The topic will be the impact of COVID on Student’s

March

Ribbon Cuttings

If you’d like to volunteer or to participate in these and other Rotary of Scotts Valley events, please contact Co-Presidents Patrizia Materassi or Marc Winquist at (831) 334-2383, and (831) 345-8766 respectively. Also, for great networking, leadership development, and service visit their club, district, and international pages respectively at: facebook.com/ ScottsValleyRotary, RotaryDistrict5170.org, Rotary.org/en/

Academic and Social Learning. A Zoom link is also available; please reach out to Rotary via the telephone numbers below for more information.

about-rotary.

Congratulations to Dr. Cori Phinn and Her Team on Their Beautiful New Location!

Congratulations to Apple homes & The Encore at 4104 on their Official Grand Opening!

State Fentanyl Task Force Not Yet Funded

By Jondi Gumz

In October, SB 19 introduced by Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), a retired firefighter/ paramedic, was signed into law, establishing a 21-member Anti Fentanyl Task Force.

The goal: Bring together stakeholders from law enforcement, health care, education, and treatment to make recommendations for best practices in the fight against fentanyl, which is a top cause of death for young Californians. The first meeting was to be before June 1.

The task, to co-chaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer, has yet to be funded.

“Fentanyl has deadly consequences,” said Seyarto, a retired battalion chief for Los Angeles County whose fire service career spanned 35 years. “If we can arrive at a balanced approach using strategies from the different organizations and agencies on the frontlines of the crisis, we have a chance at saving countless lives. We need to address both the supply and demand side, with education and effective law enforcement policies.”

In 2016, then-State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said in response to a spike of fentanyl overdoes in Sacramento County, “These overdoses and deaths are

Stragic reminders that unless you receive a drug at a pharmacy, you shouldn’t take it.”

Despite campaigns saying “one pill can kill,” and “don’t use alone,” more people are dying, often after going online to buy a drug for anxiety or stress and getting a product tainted with deadly fentanyl.

In 2020, California reported nearly 4,000 deaths related to fentanyl overdose.

In 2021, fentanyl overdose became the leading cause of death of Americans aged 18 to 45.

In Santa Cruz County, fentanyl deaths have jumped from 2 in 2018 to 65 in 2022 and 78 in 2023 through August.

“Fentanyl” page 17

anta Cruz County homeowners who are considered low income can apply to receive up to $50,000 of ReCoverCA Owner-Occupied Wildfire Mitigation Retrofit funds for defensible space and/or home hardening needs on their property. Grant award priority will be based on household income levels.

The maximum income level is $132,100 for a family of 4, $118,900 for a family of 3 and $105,700 for a family of 2, and $92,500 for a family of one. These are considered moderate income.

Homeowners do not need to have been impacted by the 2020 CZU fire to qualify.

Top priority projects are: Pea gravel under home and decks, fire-resistant skirting around home and ember resistant skirting around decks, fire retardant paint on decks, stump grinding, hazardous tree removal and defensive space landscaping.

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The ReCoverCA program uses a project management firm and subcontractors who will perform all the work. There is no reimbursement for already completed work.

The ReCoverCA program uses a project management firm and subcontractors who will perform all the work. There is no reimbursement funds for already completed work.

Eligible single-family homeowners in federally declared disaster areas such as the CZU wildfire can apply for a grant of up to $500,000 to rebuild a damaged home. Homes must be currently permitted and permissible for the zoning area or local development standards. Visit www.sccltrg.org for information, eligibility requirements and links to program application and resources. n

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To apply, see: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/ grants-and-funding/recoverca

By Teresa Hidalgo Dance

The Skylight Place is as much a fixture of Santa Cruz as it is in the thousands of homes and offices where the specialty screen and glass shop has provided glass repair, shower doors, skylights, window screens, and window replacement for the past 53 years. Locals know the Skylight is the place to go for their remodeling needs, what with its fully-trained installers reputed for “doing the job right the first time.”

That’s been Darrell Clark’s vision for the Skylight since founding it in 1971. Today, the stepson of his business partner, Rick Burger, is the shop’s general manager. As such for the past five years, Paul Eastman has so adhered to Clark’s vision that in 2018 he was recognized as one of the nation’s most promising remodeling professionals by Pro Remodeler magazine in its Forty Under 40 awards program.

“These are the minds that will take remodeling into an era of new professionalism and efficiency,” wrote the respected trade journal. “Learn from their insights and remember their names.”

Eastman first began working at the Skylight when he was 14, making window screens. At the time, the shop also installed windows and shower doors. He revealed that the company’s expansion into its current plethora of products and services was the result of something simple, the expressed needs of their customers.

“People would request things like, ‘do you do this with windows?’ or ‘would you put windows in?’’’ Eastman recounted. “We gradually went to repairing windows and from there, to installing windows, all because of a request. Shower doors and skylight installation? All of that was because somebody had asked us ‘can you do this for me?’’’

The SkylighT Place

Brightening Lives with Each Remodeling Job

Eastman is especially proud of how his company outdid itself in meeting one particular customer demand.

“We’re best at shower doors,” revealed Eastman. “As requested, we provide full installation service. Customers think it’s beautiful when we finish.”

Response to the finished job is of such pure delight that some customers pay bonuses.

Pleasing customers with outstanding professionalism is a forte of the Skylight.

“Since working at 15 years of age, I’ve always been in some type of customer interaction role,” said Kock. “At Skylight, I get to talk to people about baseball, racing, family events, aside from the business they came in for.”

On the business side of the relationship, customers benefit from Kock’s expertise, a result of on-the-job and formal training since coming onboard the Skylight seven years ago.

The work ethic of its employees explains a lot about the Skylight’s success. It’s a work ethic that translates to loyalty–not just because of barbecue socials or good job benefits–but also because the employees appreciate the work environment.

Take, for instance, two long-timers at the Skylight–lead installers Sushil Joshi, who joined the company 30 years ago, and Gerry Donoghue, a satisfied employee for the past 22 years.

“They’re good people to work for,” described Donoghue. “We don’t have some boss screaming at you.”

“For the construction industry, we’re probably one of the best at this,” said Eastman. “We show up when we say we are going to show up. When we say we are going to do something, we do it. That’s not a very common practice in the construction industry.”

Customer service is friendly and competent from the first phone call. Consider Skylight’s systems manager, Stacey Kock. Responsible for consulting with the homeowners and contractors, he cares about building good relationships.

Instead, workers at the Skylight have bosses who make considerate concessions like allowing them to take a break so they can pick up their kids from school, which was the case for Donoghue.

The Skylight Place may be up to its elbows in glass and tile but it is oriented towards its customers and employees. Can Santa Cruz ask for more in a full-service remodeling specialist representing what is good about living here? n

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The Skylight Place is at 4850 Capitola Road, Capitola. Website: https://skylightplace. com/ Call 831-476-2023. Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stacey Kock

The showroom contains an array of choices for customers.

Paul Eastman

Alfred Navarro

Visionary who Laid Foundation to Train Organic Farmers ~1946 -2024

By Jennifer Wang

With deepest sorrow and love, I want to let you know that my beloved husband, Alfred Navarro, went to rest in peace on Feb. 9, 2024, at Stanford Hospital after battling heart-related health issues for over two years. Alfred was 77 years old. He lived in Scotts Valley.

Alfred was a handsome gentleman who achieved many things in life. After earning his master’s degree from the University of Southern California, he taught himself computers during the early 1980s Alfred became a marketing veteran within the computer industry. He helped Novell’s early growth by developing and leading a more than 100-person marketing and distributing organization in the East Coast from the start by himself. Alfred also helped the growth of Sun Microsystems, and two other high-tech startups. He made a prototype of a smartphone before smartphones became popular. Later in his life, he was very interested in AI and its applications.

~

Coast Counties Development Corp., a nonprofit economic and community development corporation operating in the tri-county area. As founding board members of this organization, Manny and Alice Santana saw in Alfred a visionary with great energy, ideas, and a commitment to social change.

Alfred provided technical assistance and resources to the then newly established Cooperativa Campesina, a strawberry cooperative comprising 30 families — all formerly farmworkers. The success of that venture led to the purchase of a 100-acre farm in the Salinas Valley dedicated to teaching low-income families and individuals how to farm independently.

A lover of sports, Alfred was a wrestling champion at Tracy High School. His remarkable wrestling skills won him the All-American status when he attended Fresno State. Alfred also loved architecture, landscaping, and home improvement. He had a love for classical music, he played the oboe, and enjoyed many concerts.

Alfred cared about society. He came to the Central Coast as a young man. From 1968 through 1976, he was the executive director of Central

“Fentanyl” from page 15

The majority of fentanyl fatalities have been white, more than double the deaths of Latinos.

There have been so many deaths in 2023 to investigate, Santa Cruz County Coroner Stephany Fiore has a backlog. She asked county supervisors to approve hiring additional staff and they did approve that request.

The farmland that CCCDC purchased in Salinas all those years ago is today the home of Agricultural and LandBased Training Association (ALBA). That nonprofit organization carries on the work of educating tri-county residents with limited-resources in business, agronomy, and hands-on skills as independent farmers. Alfred promoted equality and humanity; he supported programs that nurtured society.

Alfred’s strong, intelligent, and caring soul is greatly appreciated by those who loved him. His life will be celebrated, and he will be forever in our hearts!

Alfred is survived by his sons, Aaron Navarro, Abraham Navarro, Manuel Navarro; his brother Robert Navarro; and myself, his wife Jennifer Wang. n

In March, an opening for a full-time sheriff’s coroner investigator I was posted, offering $20 to $28 per hour, $7,098 per month, plus health insurance and dental benefits.

The position requires a year of experience and completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Coroner’s Death Investigation Course and PC 832 Arrest Course, within 12 months of appointment. n

Steven Farmer

Ismael Perez

Daniel Sheehan

Deborah Graham

Suzanne

Linda

Mercury Retrogrades & the Path of the Eclipse

We begin the month of April with Mercury stationing retrograde in the Aries. Eight days later, on April 8, is the total solar eclipse. It is a most potent two events, both occurring in fiery Aries. A total solar eclipse signifies something deeply essential to/in our lives comes to an end, its purpose and work complete. Total eclipses occur during new moon times and this eclipse occurs at the new moon,19 degrees Aries.

The path of the eclipse goes over much of the United States. Total solar eclipses especially bring change and transformation, invite introspection; they carry an aura and wave of unpredictability that sweeps through our lives. Eclipses are connected to the nodes (past karma and present/ future dharma). They guide us back to our destined path.

perspectives. In Aries, our horizons are broadened about ourselves. Mercury retrograde is an in-between time, a time to catch up, a time of observing and planning.

Mercury retrograde often offer us an adventure, interesting and promising. We look back and gather what was good and we bring it to the present future. It’s a time of exploration, new possibilities to consider, a time of experimentation and perhaps when old flames again appear on our doorsteps.

Mercury retrogrades from 27 to 16 degrees Aries, April 8 to April 25. Mercury retrograde is about returning to, contemplation upon and reconsidering who are were in the past. Aries is also the major sign of self-identity.

Mercury retrograde in Aries allows us to reimagine our lives. It may feel like a very fast retrograde time, for Aries is swift, fiery and impatient. Retrogrades broaden our horizons, awaken us to new

ARIES

Subtle yet important shifts will be occurring in your life and on inner levels. You may feel as if you’re on a boat rocking to-and-fro wondering where you’re being taken and why. Attempt to anchor yourself within whatever spiritual reality calls to you while also reaching out to friends for support and reaching well into the future with hope. No one is prepared for the future that’s to come. But you will be one of those asked to help bring it forth. You initiate new realities. You can and you will. For now, simply observe.

TAURUS

New and different ways of living are being shown to you and they challenge your previously conservative (a good way to live for you) ways. There will be new goals offered to you also, and at first you will say “no” which allows you adequate time to ponder and to think. Then you will, after deep contemplation, come around to realizing these are good ideas you need to pursue. Take your time. There is no pressure. When you decide something you will move quickly forward. You continue to create the Art of Living.

GEMINI

Sometimes we express our identity by creating conflict, by rebelling, questioning or challenging authority. We do this sometimes with irony or humor. When we are observing of our behaviors, we learn about ourselves, defining who we are (or don’t want to be). Feelings of limitation propels you to make certain changes that lead to more freedom. Act within correct timing (astrology) and observe if new opportunities suddenly appear. Events may occur that surprise or shock. After assessing the old ways, a new direction suddenly appears!

CANCER

It’s important you consciously choose to have a continuously open and spacious mind (Mantram: “My mind is flexible, adaptable and open at all times” recited over and over) to absorb the new possibilities coming your way. These will change your worldviews. Events will inform you that your previous way of thinking was a bit askew. Allow your thinking to be adjusted toward the truth and no longer based on opinions and judgment. This will be a large step in a new truthful state of awareness and consciousness.

Don’t be upset when plans and schedules seem jumbled, appointments are missed, and if issues that were simmering simply explode! It’s all part of the action that happens in retrogrades. This one, though, may be more fiery, more dynamic and dramatic than at other times due to Aries ruler, Mars, an impulsive, hasty and warring brother. Take note of communication. Are the words a reaction or a response, impatient and sharp? Communication during retrograde times is often difficult and at times, impossible to comprehend.

Mercury retro in Aries brings to light hidden aspects of ourselves, new identities, unresolved issues and hopes, wishes and dreams we are finally able to recognize. n

LEO

For some Leos, new relationships, friendships and partnerships will be available. For others, having property and money in common becomes either unavailable or overwhelmingly too much responsibility. Other Leos will experience deep psychological behavioral changes. For all Leos past needs have shifted to new needs and unexpected situations at first may feel both intense and fated. They are. And through it all, your new identity is created and your new creativity displays these words — “I Am That.”

VIRGO

It seems certain mental and emotional (perhaps also spiritual) changes must be made in terms of relationships. This does not signify a fault or a mistake. It signifies new stages of growth. You may unexpectedly embark upon an unusual (not necessarily stable) relationship. Although not advisable, you’ll learn through its instability. We learn through our interactions. Daily strategies will need to shift. Conflicts arising alert you that past patterns of relating won’t work anymore. The new ones will either be created by you, by others, or simply appear in a blink of an eye. Life is so surprising!

LIBRA

Should anyone or anything make excessive demands upon you, should they choose a different path and expect you to follow, should there be extreme responsibilities professionally, or anything too binding or restrictive, you will, after a time, break free in order to ease the tension created. You will escape in order to find your own way, and you will seek your own path that allows for your own chosen health and happiness. Your entire life may feel like it’s being revolutionized. This takes time, slow time, over time. Your heart remains steadfast.

SCORPIO

Life could feel a bit more alive, vital and exciting. Are relationships undergoing a new level of assessment? They may be durable but you find you can’t have expectations. It could be that children are in your life or a very creative enterprise has presented itself. With both (children and creativity) you see the need to be more attentive, kind, caring, innovative, in the present. Assuming different experimental approaches will help you redefine and then refine your abilities. More understanding follows. Study Montessori.

Meals on Wheels Community Champions

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, participated in Community Champions Week March 18-22 to raise awareness of services addressing isolation, food insecurity, and poverty among older adults.

During the week, local elected officials accompanied meal deliveries and assisted at senior dining sites in Santa Cruz County. Participating this year:

• Yvette Brooks, Vice Mayor, Capitola

• Casey Clark, Watsonville City Council

SAGITTARIUS

Your relationships to family, parents, home, the past are the most important focuses of your life now. There is a release occurring and a reform within the family and you are the one whose task it is to bring the past to the present. On outer levels you feel unsettled no matter what you’re doing. You must accept and cultivate flexibility. Whatever you have not been able to look at will emerge and silently gaze at you. Embrace this. The deepest level of your being is shifting to new heights. Hold onto your parachute.

CAPRICORN

It is important to listen to and observe your communication and how it affects others. Be clear, truthful, kind and caring. You must also know that the tempo of your life has increased and this means an added need for rest, vitamins, water, green things including nature and the sun each day to stabilize your vitality. Be kind to those slower, younger, more vulnerable than you. The quality of a disciple is how they care for those in need. So many look to you for guidance and care. All that you do serves others. Take care of yourself first.

AQUARIUS

Have your finances begun to withstand changes and is your economic and material situation not what it was before? This is occurring, or will occur, for everyone, but it seems to have begun with you. You will find that through this, your values also change. You already know to be natural, spontaneous, ecological, organic, biodynamic and these are only the beginning. The next steps for Aquarians are two: astrology and community. One leads to the other. Read Agriculture by Rudolf Steiner.

PISCES

You may be considering acting, feeling and participating with others in ways different from your usual behavior It could be a response to a sorrow or loss. Or a seeking of freedom. Some may see it as rebellion on the personality level. Should this behavior continue, you must then heed the message that perhaps certain changes in your life are overdue. Limitations, sorrow, sadness, grief, loss often appear to help us develop a new state of awareness, new powers of observation, inner discipline, self-identity, contemplation, and a new plan for life. What might you be dreaming of?

• Jack Dilles, City Councilman, Scotts Valley

• Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 2

• Ramon Gomez, from the office of Felipe Hernandez, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 4

• Manu Koenig, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 1.

This initiative, spearheaded by Meals on Wheels America, aims to shed light on the vital role of nutrition and human connection in the lives of older adults, who are growing in numbers in Santa Cruz County.

In Santa Cruz County, 65% of the nearly 1,600 seniors served by Meals on Wheels every day are living below the poverty line. And 53% live alone, 58% are at high nutritional risk, 54% are disabled, and 14% speak only Spanish.

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County delivers ready-to-eat meals at seniors’ homes, offers wellness checks and facilitates access to health resources. n

Scotts Valley Council member Donna Lind help serve a meal at Highlands Park Senior Center.

Highway 1 Overpass Construction for 14 Months

The next step in the $79 million Highway 1 project to add bus and shoulder on auxiliary lanes is demolition and reconstruction of the Capitola Avenue overpass with bike lanes and sidewalks, starting in March.

As of March 11, the Capitola Avenue overcrossing will be inaccessible for 14 months during preparations for demolition with detours via Bay Avenue/Porter Avenue and Park Avenue.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7, Highway 1 will be completely closed for the demolition, starting at 7 p.m. Saturday and reopening at 7 p.m. Sunday. Traffic will be detoured to Bay Avenue/ Porter Street and Park Avenue and Soquel Drive.

This 24-hour closure is needed so crews can complete the demolition and haul debris away.

Message and directional signs will be posted.

These scheduled work dates, which come before an earlier than usual Good Friday and Easter, depend on weather.

Updates are to be provided in case of inclement weather.

The contractor, Granite Construction of Watsonville, expected to finish the project in 2026.

One more component of the project: Build a bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing on Highway 1 at Mar Vista Drive in Aptos. The start date has not been announced.

The new Capitola Avenue overcrossing, expected to open in the summer/ fall of 2025, will have bike lanes and sidewalks for use by people on foot or bicycle to access schools, parks, beaches, and businesses.

Another component is construction of a pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing on Highway 1 near Chanticleer Avenue in MidCounty. That project is well underway, with the frame already in place.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, which has championed this project, believes that promoting the use of alternative transportation modes will increase transportation system capacity and reliability.

The RTC is leading completion of this project in partnership with Caltrans, the County of Santa Cruz, City of Capitola, and the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District.

The project is funded by 2016 Measure D funds and RTC discretionary funds that used to complete prep work necessary to ready the project for construction.

Construction is being led by Caltrans and is fully funded through a combination of Measure D and Senate Bill 1 Solutions to Congested Corridors and Local Partnership Program grant funds. n

For updated project information, see: https:// sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/hwy1/ bayporter-statepark/.

WomenCare Virtual Fundraiser

WomenCare announces the second Reno to the Redwoods Epic Challenge.

This is a 3-month virtual challenge you can do from anywhere and help raise $10,000 for WomenCare, the Santa Cruz nonprofit that supports women diagnosed with cancer.

Virtually take the 300-mile route from Reno, Nevada around Lake Tahoe, through the mountains and valleys to the Redwoods in Santa Cruz.

Or take the 180-mile route from Reno to the River (San Joaquin River in Stockton!.

plus access to Live Map Tracking of your progress.

You will be able to see your progress along the route as you enter your mileage. And you can see where your fellow challengers are.

You can use whatever exercise you prefer (run, bike, swim, walk, row, other, or a combination) to complete the challenge, further your fitness, and raise money for WomenCare.

All challengers receive a limited edition Move Out Against Cancer, Reno to the Redwoods T-Shirt, a complimentary decal,

Finish the Lyrics

Go as few as 2-3 miles per day. Add all your activity miles together. If you keep track of all the miles from steps you take on a normal day, be sure to add this. Those steps add up! You can set your goal to move as few as 20 miles per week or challenge yourself to cover as many as you can.

Registration begins April 1, and the challenge begins April 15. Register by May 1 to get the T-shirt.

A mid-challenge walk for local participants will start June 3, location to be announced.

Challenge ends July 15, and July 22 is the last date to log miles. n

To register, visit renototheredwoods.com

Stag

30. Tartans

35. “I’m ____ you!”

37. Commies

39. Monocot’s alternative

40. Road’s edge

41. Living room centerpiece?

43. Prefix meaning “left”

44. Deadly snake

46. Sasquatch’s cousin

47. Court petitioner

48. Blood infection

50. Indian flatbread

52. Opposite of post-

53. Sound of impact

55. *Duran Duran: “Her name is ____, and she dances on the sand”

57. *The Beatles: “Take a sad song and make it ____”

60. *Elvis: “We’re caught in a trap, I can’t ____ ____”

64. Relating to a mode

65. Scrooge’s exclamation

67. Memory failure

68. Bouquet thrower

69. Number of candles on a cake

70. Musketeers’ weapons

71. Picnic invaders

72. “Just kidding!”

73. Did, archaic

DOWN

1. *The Go-Go’s: “They got the ____”

2. 100,000, in India

3. Cameron Diaz’ Fiona, e.g.

4. Hula dancer’s hello

5. These are held to be true

6. Miners’ passage

7. *Tainted Love: “Once ran to you, now I ____”

8. “Lord of the Flies” shell

9. Like the other side of the pillow?

10. Certain kind of exam

11. Not his

12. Antiquated

15. Protection from a sword

20. To death, in French (2 words)

22. ____ B vaccine

24. Manna from heaven

25. *Bon Jovi: “Tommy used to work on the ____”

26. Habituate

27. Spaghetti ____

29. *Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____”

31. Pains

32. Frost over (2 words)

33. Capital of Delaware

34. *Tennessee Ernie Ford: “I owe my soul to the company ____”

36. Geishas’ sashes

38. “____ ____ good example”

42. Royal topper

45. ____-tattle

49. Pronoun

51. Refused to act, archaic

54. City-related

56. Giraffe’s striped-legged cousin

57. *Bruce Springsteen: “Tramps like us, baby we were ____ to run”

58. Change a manuscript

59. Small amounts

60. Make sharper

61. Newspaper piece

62. Applications

63. Midterm, e.g.

64. Wharton degree, acr.

66. Back then

©

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROPERTY TAXES DUE

The second installment of 2023-2024 property tax bills is due April 10.

Bills are available to view and pay on the Santa Cruz County Treasurer-Tax Collector website at https://www. santacruzcountyca.gov/Departments/TaxCollector.aspx

Online, residents can view their bill, make payments, see if they have any delinquent property taxes, or learn about senior/disabled persons exemptions, and property tax postponements. Residents can pay property taxes online by E-Check at no cost, or by using debit/credit cards, where service charges apply.

Payments made or postmarked after April 10 will be assessed as a late penalty.

If you plan to mail a check, make sure your envelope has a U.S. Post Office postmark on or before the due date to avoid late penalties.

If bills have not been paid yet, the County recommends obtaining a hand-stamped postmark at the U.S. Post Office as proof of timely payment.

POETRY CONTEST

Submission deadline: April 15

The Verse of the Valley Poetry Contest, hosted by Scotts Valley Recreation & Scotts Valley Art Commission, invites participation from students and adults in the Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley school districts and communities.

Participants can compete in categories ranging from 1st-12th grade to adults.

Winners, one from each school in both districts per category (1st-3rd, 4-5th, middle & high school) will have their poems featured in a published book and be invited to read them May 2 at the Arts Commission meeting. Enter at https://bit.ly/svpoetrycontest

FARMERS’ MARKET REOPENS IN MAY

The Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market will open May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays through Nov. 23, its third year at the Joe and Linda Alberti Clubhouse/SV Boys and Girls Club, 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

Enjoy all that is seasonal, grown regionally and a pleasure for the senses. This year, a bigger FoodShed Project Series with four events celebrating the seasons. On those dates, the Santa Cruz Public Library runs a market hunt with prizes and can check out books on the spot. Live music and face painting, photobooth, bicycle blender and art table are 9-a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

2024 FoodShed Dates

May 4: Opener/ Free Strawberry Shortcake

Grab your bags, your kids, your sweetie, your neighbor and head to the opening day at the Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market. Pick up some FREE strawberry short cake.

July 20: Summer Sweets

Visit local farms and try at least five foods you have never tasted before. Join a FREE salsa-making workshop (10-11am) with Mountain Feed & Farm Supply. Taste it and then pick up everything you need to make it at home.

August 24: Pepper Par-tay

Prizes, peaches and a FREE fer-mented hot sauce workshop with Mountain Feed (10-11am).

November 9: Foodie Fruity Wreath Making

At no cost to you, make and walk away with a seasonal wreath decked out with dried fruit, flowers and foraged greenery. Get into the hunt, face painting, art making and prize winning too!

The Felton Farmers Market opens May 7 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of St. John’s Church, 120 Russell Ave., Felton.

HABITAT SEEKS CEO

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is searching for a CEO to succeed Satish Rishi, who will retire July 31 after four-and-a-half years.

Board Chair Doug Yount, who will head the search, said, “Satish has expanded our impact over the past four years, increasing the number of homes we build each year and serving way more deserving low-income families. His

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com by April 15

extensive fiscal background has put HfHMB in a strong position moving forward.”

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is seeking a leader with a record of organizational leadership and community engagement, preferably in both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Habitat’s strategic plan calls for more affordable home building, active volunteer engagement, ReStore sales, and fundraising with significant expansion into Monterey County in the next three years. Apply at https://www.habitatmontereybay.com/ceosearch

NURSING MOTHERS: FREE HELP

Reva Raina Snyder shares that Nursing Mothers Counsel offers free breastfeeding support and education with classes, in-home, telephone and zoom or FaceTime. Plus breast pump rentals and supplies.

Information: Nursingmothers.org or call 831-688-3954.

OPPORTUNITY GRANT MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Opportunity Grant Scholarships are awarded yearly to highly motivated young students whose families are financially unable to provide private music lessons.

Applications are due May 15, for scholarships in the 2024-2025 school year. Applications are at the Santa Cruz County Music Teachers’ Association website: https:// sccmtac.org/scholarships/#grants

Students can study piano, voice, string (violin, viola), and wind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet) with distinguished teachers. Lessons for other string and wind instruments are subject to teachers’ availability, so students should apply if interested.

Students must be enrolled in a Santa Cruz County school or be home-schooled residents in grades 2-12 during the ensuing school year. Students should have access to a practice instrument and transportation to weekly lessons. The application includes a brief financial statement. Families are responsible for a small co-payment and educational materials, $25 per year. To apply, see https://sccmtac.org/scholarships/#grants. To donate, email OpportunityGrants@sccmtac.org.

REDWOOD RX REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join us for nature-based wellness experiences in our parks. Experience Health and Wellness with Redwood Rx! Redwood Rx Registration is OPEN and events are filling up! Check out our programs for 2024 and secure your spot now!

Thank you for your support of our parks. Register at https://www.mountainparks.org/redwood-rx/classes

ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL QUILT CHALLENGE

The Artichoke Festival invites quilting enthusiasts and fabric artists to participate in the 6th Annual Quilt Challenge June 8-9 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

The Quilt Challenge now features four competitive categories: Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice plus Best Artichoke and Best Use of Fabric. The prizes:

• Judge’s Choice: Cash prizes of $250, $150, and $75 for the top three places.

• People’s Choice: Beautiful ribbons for the winners.

• Best Artichoke: A special category celebrating the most creative use of the artichoke theme.

• Best Use of Fabric: Recognizing outstanding creativity in fabric use and application.

Participants are encouraged to pick up a packet containing the competition rules, an entry form, and a piece of required fabric. All entries must depict at least one artichoke on the front and adhere to specified dimensions and labeling requirements.

Quilts must be received by May 31.

For more information, visit https://artichokefestival.org/ entertainment-events/quilt-challenge/

MAH 2024 EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is pleased to announce its exhibition program for 2024, which includes solo and group shows, collaborative partnerships, and the return of its biennial, countywide multi-arts festival.

Highlights from the season include: the return of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship showcase; a retrospective of renowned landscape painter Richard Mayhew; a group exhibition about Filipino migration and labor in the Pajaro Valley presented with UC Santa Cruz; an exploration of photographic media with Ansel Adams, Norman Locks, Karolina Karlic, Shelby Graham, Binh Danh, and Edgar Cruz; a touring exhibition of works by contemporary Black artists including Ed Clark, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Tavares Strachan, among others; CommonGround, a 10-day festival of outdoor art and performance hosted across the county; and an in-gallery, immersive Afrospeculative experience featuring Bay Area muralists Timothy B, Zoe Boston, and Shogun Shido.

MAH is located at 705 Front St. in Santa Cruz.

APRIL IS COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH

Collective consciousness is the set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.

It does not refer to the specifically moral conscience, but to a shared understanding of social norms.

Founded by Simon and Rebecca Parkes, Connecting Consciousness is an international organization expanding with a presence on every continent.

Goals are to create networks through spiritual groups, share knowledge through research and debate, encouraging questions leading to the establishment of truth. To learn more see https://www.simonparkes.org/

THINK BIG AI CONTEST FOR STUDENTS

High school and college students in Santa Cruz County are invited to use the power of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance your creative expression.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is hosting a contest for students in grades 8 and up.

The theme is: “How Artificial Intelligence Changes Our World and Our Future.” You can submit anything that shows off how AI impacts different parts of your life.

Craft something original using AI as your brush, pen, coder, literary writer or melody maker. Imagine and:

• Create images that capture your dreams, make a statement, or more

• Compose music that captures your own individual style

• Co-author novels and short stories where characters write their own destinies

• Craft poems that dance between human and machine emotion

Have you thought about how you can use AI to address a current social issue ? This challenge is your golden ticket to unleashing your creative genius!

Top projects will be announced at the ThinkBig! AI & Me event 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, April 11, hosted by Santa Cruz Works at Cruzio in Santa Cruz and DigitalNest in Watsonville.

Submission deadline is 4 p.m. April 2.

Applicants must complete and submit the Design Proposal Document, detailing their concept, use of AI tools, and reflections on the process.

Applicants must Submit Design Proposal and Project digitally through the Contest Form at https://tinyurl.com/ think-big-ai-propose.

All projects must be school appropriate, same expectations as a project for your teacher or principal. Register your entry at https://cs.santacruzcoe.org/events/thinkbig-series/thinkbigspring24

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet each month in 2024 except September and November.

Remaining dates are April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 3.

There is no meeting in September or November.

Meetings typically begin at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville.

For agendas, posted 10 days in advance, see santacruzcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS

April 19 thru May 5

“WHITE SKY, FALLING DRAGON”

Center Stage 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz

“White Sky, Falling Dragon,” a co-production from Soaring Dragon Endeavors & Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, will be staged at Center Stage.

The show is written and directed by Steve “Spike” Wong, of Soquel.

Inspired by Spike’s father, Captain Ernest Wong, USAAF, the play tells the story of a young ChineseAmerican man’s return to small town Watsonville in 1944 after his World War II service as a bombardier.

This production, which features an all-Asian cast in primary roles, offers a rare opportunity to experience a largely untold story of the heroic contributions of ChineseAmericans, and a dramatic telling of the aftermath of war.

With its focus on Chinese-American culture, immigration, and military service during wartime, the play is a unique blend of drama and comedy and a moving tribute to the complexities of what it means to come home.

The show got raves at its premiere in Mountain View in 2022. General admission: $35; senior/student: $32. Tickets at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35410/production/1173181

For more info about the play, go to: https://soaringdragon.net

Ongoing thru May 12

RICHARD MAYHEW: INNER TERRAIN

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St.

A rare and timely exhibition of the artwork of Soquel artist Richard Mayhew (b. 1924) at the Museum of Art & History, feature works that speak to American arts, culture, and history. He calls his landscapes “moodscapes” as an introspective excavation of the terrain of his mind. This exhibition — guest curated by Shelby Graham and Kajahl — is presented with support from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz County Bank.

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

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

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

WALKING ADVENTURE GROUP

9:30-11:30 a.m., Various locations

Walking Adventure Group, offered by city of Santa Cruz Recreation, offers weekly coordinated walks at locations around the county.

Join this group of active seniors for a weekly walking adventure. Walks can be canceled by inclement weather:

Tuesdays: Smell the Roses

Thursday: Walking Adventure Group

To register visit www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/ city-departments/parks-recreation/senior-programs For more information call 831-420-5180 or e-mail WalkingAdventureGroup@gmail.com.

First Wednesdays

SONS IN RETIREMENT

Ernest Wong

Time TBD, Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz SIR (Sons In Retirement) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical public benefit organization of senior men. The organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of its members through social events while making friends.

The Twin Valleys, Santa Cruz Branch welcomes new members and meets the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Ray Disperati at 831-588-8876 for information.

Last Thursdays of the Month

CARS ON THE COURSE

6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

Love cars? Seascape Golf Club will host “Cars on the Course” through October.

All cars are welcome (but not sideshows).

Second and Fourth Saturdays

SOQUEL HOMESTEADERS MARKETS: NEW HOME, NEW DAY

11 a.m.-3 p.m., 2505 and 2525 South Main St. parking lots

Soquel Homesteaders Markets in in a new location and on a new day and time starting April 13 and active through Dec. 14.

The markets will be in the parking lots across from Soquel business’s Beer 30, Sunny Side Produce, Buzzo Wood Fired Pizza, and Carpo’s.

The Soquel Homesteaders Markets, organized by Jill Troderman of Holistic Family Nutrition, supports vendors of all good things, with a focus on promoting quality, natural, organic, and sustainable foods and products.

There will be vendors of locally grown produce, cottage industry foods, local meats, cheeses, ferments, natural products, homesteaders’ wares, arts and crafts, honey, candles, sweet treats, coffee and tea, health and wellness products, services, and practitioners, healers, spiritual endeavors, nonprofits, schools, plants, flowers, seeds and herbs, jewelry, green living and up-cycled garage sale items.

The Markets will include live music, food trucks, a gleaner’s table with free local produce, and a seed share/seed bank. There will also be homesteading classes from 12 - 1 p.m. Find “Soquel Homesteaders Markets” on Facebook.

Third Sundays of the Month

ANTIQUE FAIR & FLEA MARKET

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive Clark’s Auction presents a monthly Antique Fair & Flea Market on the third Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, starting March 17.

Admission tickets are $8 at https://www.eventeny.com/ events/ticket/?id=9559&action=ticket&action_ticket=14707

Earlybird tickets are $15 to get in at 7 a.m.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday March 30

WATERCOLOR JOURNALING WORKSHOP

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aromas Community Grange, 361 Rose Ave. Graphic designer Gay Kraeger and her daughter artist Elyse Fairweather will teach you ways to draw, watercolor and design to create your own illustrated journal at Aromas Community Grange.

Your first journal will be provided. You can bring your own watercolors.

Fee: $115 per person. Sign up with Linda Bjornson@att.net or 831-291-6719.

Saturday March 30

Sunday March 31

EGGSTRAORDINARY EGG HUNT AT ROARMING CAMP

Times below, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton

Hop aboard Roaring Camp’s Forest Train for an Eggstraordinary Egg Hunt at Roaring Camp.

Upon arrival atop Bear Mountain, children can hunt for eggs, candies and special prizes; the Easter Bunny will be there, too.

RIGHT LIVELIHOOD CONFERENCE

Tuesday April 23 thru Saturday April 27

Main Event: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, Merrill College, 641 Merrill Rd, Santa Cruz

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CABRILLO CAREER FAIR

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos Cabrillo College will host a Career Fair with more than 55 employers offering jobs & intern-ships. Employers can register in advance: https://forms.gle/ nFFtdwYDN6dySc4f6. Walk-ins are welcome.

UC Santa Cruz will host a conference to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Right Livelihood Center and inaugurate UCSC’s new role as Global Secretariat of the Right Livelihood College Network.

The main event features three speakers (from right):

Phyllis Omido — dubbed the “Erin Brockovich of East Africa” – is a Kenyan environmental activist leading the battle for the health of the Owino

Uhuru community that has suffered lead poisoning ever since a battery smelting plant began operating in their village. Her use of litigation, advocacy, and media engagement has set vital legal precedents, affirming people’s right to a clean and healthy environment and the state’s responsibility to safeguard it.

Juan Pablo Orrego — a Chilean musician and environmentalist working for decades to preserve the Biobío River, one of South America’s most spectacular and ecologically significant rivers. The campaign is a symbol of the environmental and social struggle which is ongoing, connecting the dots between energy policy, environment, indigenous people’s rights, monopolies, and the neo-liberal development goals of the establishment.

Fernando Leiva — professor of Latin American and Latino studies at UCSC. He is researching strategies that multinational extractivist corporations deploy to overcome community resistance, focusing on Chile’s Atacama region. He also studies economic elites in the Americas and the political economy of Latin American capitalism.

Attendees include 13 students from the Global Campus of Human Rights, a network of 100+ universities, and the Right Livelihood College, which has campuses in Nigeria, India, Thailand, Chile, Argentina, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. Admission is free. Register at https://rightlivelihood.ucsc.edu/conference

Other activities include gold panning, games and crafts. Trains depart at 10:30 am, 12, 1:30 pm. and 3 pm. Tickets are $44.95 for adults, $29.95 for children (2-12 years); children under 2 ride for free. Reservations recommended. For infor and tickets, go to https://www.roaringcamp.com/events.

Tuesday April 2

PG&E AND AT&T IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT

6 p.m., Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Kings Village Shopping Center, 230 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley Nancy Macy from the Valley Women’s Club will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County upstairs at Bruno’s Bar and Grill. Topics will include how PG&E’s and AT&T’s quests for profit are negatively impacting our local environment. Macy will discuss actions community members can take to advocate for related pending legislation and support decisions under consideration by the Board of Supervisors to protect and improve the quality of our local environment. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. Arrive at 6 p.m. to write “Get Out the Vote” postcards for Nevada residents. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Sunday April 7

GOPHERS, BIRDS, AND DEER - OH MY!

10 am – Noon, Quail Hollow County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties will host a free session on spring pest management at Quail Hollow County Park. Learn strategies to help control gophers, deer, and birds.

Gophers, deer, and birds can do significant damage in a short period of time and early spring is a time to focus on the most active vertebrate pests. Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process you can use to solve pest problems in your garden while minimizing risks to people and the environment.

There will be a hands-on demonstration on how to find gopher runs and set traps. We will cover the basic steps of IPM which help you identify the pest and its impact, and learn various control options to find the least toxic approach. Visit mbmg.ucanr.edu for information and to register.

PICTURE THIS: REIMAGINING HOME

5 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

The nonprofit Housing Matters will host “Picture This: Reimagining Home and Belonging” to launch the Community Conversations series in the Sequoia Ballroom at Hotel Paradox. People with lived experience of homelessness will share their insights.

Headliners include:

New York Times best-selling author, educator and politician Julie Lythcott-Haims, member of the Palo Alto City Council. Her 2017 memoir, Real American, chronicled her experience of being Black and biracial in white spaces.

Thomas Sage Pederson, a Santa Cruz-based musician, composer, podcaster and community organizer known for his “Speak For Change” interview podcast.

Abi Mustapha, Housing Matters artist-in-residence, said, “The audience can expect to learn something new and possibly sit with some discomfort about how many of us have benefited from the historical systems of oppression leading to homelessness.”

Mer Stafford, chief impact officer at Housing Matters, said, “We must imagine the community that we wish to have and then join together to make it so.”

The event begins with a reception featuring live music, a cash bar and light snacks. Speakers will begin at 6 p.m. For the complete speaker list, see https://housingmatterssc.org/event/picture-this/

General admission tickets are $30/person at https:// housingmatterssc.org/event/picture-this/

A small number of tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds benefit Housing Matters, which helps stably house hundreds of people in Santa Cruz County each year.

Wednesday April 10

YOUTH POET LAUREATE CELEBRATION

6 p.m., Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Santa Cruz County poet laureate, with Urban Word, will hold a celebration to announce the Santa Cruz County youth poet laureate winner at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

The finalists are Madeline Aliah (Cypress High School), Simon Ellefson (San Lorenzo Valley High School), Sylvi Kayser (Aptos High School), Dina Lusztig (Pacific Collegiate School) and Gregory Souza (San Lorenzo Valley High School).

Finalists will have opportunities to read and support their peers along with the Youth Poet Laureate — to nurture a community of young poets. All finalists receive a $100 cash honorarium with the Youth Poet Laureate receiving $500. All finalists will receive a gift card donated by Two Birds Books in Pleasure Point.

The April 10 event is free. Reserve a seat at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/inaugural-santa-cruz-county-youth-poetlaureate-celebration-tickets-765867489277

Cabrillo career fairs are free for employers to participate in. Contact studentjobs@cabrillo.edu if you’re interested in participating in a recruitment event. Employers are also invited to schedule an information session about their company, discuss the hiring process, and conduct on campus interviews with our students.

To schedule an information session or interview email studentjobs@cabrillo.edu.

Saturday April 13

STATE OF THE SAN LORENZO RIVER SYMPOSIUM

8:30 am – 12:30 pm, Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9 The symposium takes place at Felton Community Hall, with a tour of the Fall Creek fish ladder to follow. Learn from local experts about the science, history, and policies related to the San Lorenzo River watershed.

Presenting at the event:

Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley • San Lorenzo Valley Museum • City of Santa Cruz • County of Santa Cruz • Environmental Science Associates • Coastal Watershed Council • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services • Water Ways Consulting, Inc. • San Lorenzo Valley Water District

This free event is cohosted by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, the County of Santa Cruz, the Coastal Watershed Council, the Resource Conservation District, and the San Lorenzo Valley Water District. A tour of the Fall Creek fish ladder will follow from 1:30-2 pm. Attendees are encouraged to walk to the Fall Creek fish ladder tour from Felton Community Hall. Van shuttles will be provided for those needing transportation.

Use street parking on Kirby and Gushee Streets. Please do not park in front of the businesses on Highway 9 or in the parking lot in front of Verutti’s Liquors. The parking lot across Kirby Street is for the pizza parlor’s patrons. Cars parked in these lots by people attending functions at the Hall may be towed.

Saturday April 27

VIRTUAL DUCKY DERBY

With the outbreak of Shigella — which causes diarrhea — at Harvey West Park, the City of Santa Cruz has requested that Omega Nu not hold a public event. County officials are working to contain the outbreak, which is predominately among unhoused people as the bacteria is spread when people prepare food and do not wash hands.

For this reason, the 34th Annual Ducky Derby will not be held at Harvey West Park Friendship Garden on Saturday, April 27. Instead, there will be VIRTUAL races to win prizes while supporting Omega Nu’s charitable projects such as scholarships and teacher support.

Because of state regulations, Omega Nu cannot process duck purchases online. If you would like to purchase a duck using a credit card, reach out to your Omega Nu contact or email omeganusc@gmail.com.

Last year, support of sponsors made it possible to give back $189,000 to the community. A complete list of last year’s prize winners is at https://www. duckyderbysantacruz.org/dd-winners

Saturday March 30

MOUNTAIN LION TALK

1-2 p.m., Felton Library, 6191 Gushee St. Biologist Zara McDonald with the Bay Area Puma Project and wildlife ecologist Alys Granados with Felidae Conservation Fund will discuss their research on occupancy, persistence and health in mountain lion populations at Felton Library.

They will also discuss conflict mitigation techniques. n

Farnaz Fatemi

COLUMNIST

Water Outlook Improves, but Slide Closes Mountain Charlie Road

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

As we head into spring and anticipate a drop in precipitation for the next six months or more, we are beginning the dry part of the year on a good note related to the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin shared between Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley.

In February, the Santa Margarita Groundwater Management Agency –which is consists of representatives from San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Scotts Valley Water District and the County – approved the Ground water Sustainability Plan annual report for 2023.

When combined with implementation strategies for sustainability, the good rain year lowered extraction from the basin to 2,361 acre feet of water com pared to the long-term average of 3,686 acre feet. (An acre foot of water is approximately 326,000 gallons of water.)

That represents a 36% reduction over the long-term average and a 4% reduction from 2022.

In fact, groundwater extraction levels for 2023 were the lowest since reliable record-keeping began in 1985. Groundwater storage is also running high. While our long-term average is nearly 900 acre feet down, we saw nearly 10,000 acre feet

to the positive in 2023.

All of this is healthy news for our watershed. I am so pleased our local water agencies have worked well with the County, private pumpers, and stakeholder cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley to achieve sustainability for our groundwater basin.

Yet, other aspects of life in the mountains remain challenging due to climate and other environmental issues.

On Feb. 29, a portion of Mountain Charlie Road collapsed, affecting 100 residents, and the road is closed indefinitely at the site, as the result of an active landslide near the Summit.

County Public Works staff are monitoring the land movement but have no timeline for repair or reopening the road until a more detailed investigation of the site can take place and alternatives for repair evaluated.

My office has scheduled virtual meetings with affected households and Public Works staff to address questions about the timeline for repair.

Another topic of concern in District 5’s mountainous areas has been AT&T’s application to the California Public Utilities Commission related to what is called the company’s Carrier of Last Resort requirements to provide landline services. During a community meeting Feb. 28 in Felton, AT&T heard from dozens of residents concerned that maps associated with the application indicated parts of the San Lorenzo Valley and other rural areas in the County could be served by other providers of traditional telephone landlines, which are critical in areas with unreliable wireless services and frequent power outages.

I oppose AT&T’s application and my office will follow up to find out if portions of District 5 could be removed from the proposal.

I also want to encourage community members to see if they are eligible for increased incentives offered by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District to exchange wood-burning stoves for improved models as well as landscape equipment for models that are zero-emissions.

Residents can qualify for between $2,500 and $10,000 in rebates for upgrading stoves and apply for up to $2,000 in the process of exchanging up to one piece of landscaping equipment.

Commercial landscapers can apply for up to $15,000 related to the exchange of up to 10 pieces of equipment. Learn more at www.mbard.org/grants-incentives.

Lastly, with various boards and commissions, our County has numerous

avenues for engagement on vital issues like climate, housing, land use, gender equity, racial justice, historic preservation and accessibility. Most commission and advisory board members are eligible to receive a $75 stipend for each public meeting attended.

The County is eager to broaden representation and is working to foster inclusivity and diversity in our advisory bodies. In that regard, the County is actively seeking participation from renters, Hispanic/Latino community members, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. n

•••

Considering my retirement at the end of this term, my office will not pursue making new appointments, but applications received from District 5 will be passed along to the next supervisor. Learn more about County advisory bodies and how to apply at https://tinyurl.com/2fmaxz75.

SCCAS Featured Pet Highway 17 Plan for the Future

Not Just a Place to Ski

Aspen (#A308851) is the SCCAS marshmallow king!

Though he may have arrived here a little lost, he has discovered that this place isn’t so bad. Aspen has made best friends with the incredibly kind Shelter staff who have showered him with love and treats — which he loves. But we all know that Aspen is destined for an amazing forever home since he is an amazing cat!

He is a playful and affectionate cat, ready to bring joy and purrs into a loving home. Imagine warm snuggles on your lap, playful chases around the house, and enough cuddles to melt your heart (bonus points if there are feathery toys involved!).

Don’t be fooled by his initial shy demeanor — he is a softie at heart. Think fluffy clouds, sunshine smiles, and a purr that rivals a happy tractor.

If you’re looking for a furry friend to brighten your life, come down to the shelter and meet me! I promise you won’t be disappointed. n

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events.

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. 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

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

Caltrans Online Community Meeting on April 3

You may have noticed disruptions on Highway 17 as you try to reach your destination.

Caltrans is developing a Highway 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan from Highway 1 in Santa Cruz County to the I-280/I-880 interchange in San Jose in Santa Clara County.

The plan seeks to advance the goals of the California Transportation Plan 2050 and Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure, which is required to show the path to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, collaborate with the public to establish a collective vision, and prioritize project opportunities that align with assessing physical climate risk and safety improvements that reduce fatalities and severe injuries.

One of the key objectives is to collaboratively develop corridor goals and performance measures, which will be used to evaluate adaptation options for Highway 17

to ensure it can withstand future climate change impacts.

Caltrans will host a virtual community meeting about Highway 17’s future 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday April 3, via Zoom. There will be time for the public to ask questions and provide feedback on the goals, objectives, and performance measures. n Zoom

https://hdrinc.zoom.us/j/93636105180

Webinar ID: 936 3610 5180

Phone: +1 (408) 638-0968

March 5 Election Update

Supervisor, 1st District Candidate Total

Manu Koenig 9,229 (52.37%)

Lani Faulkner 8,291 (47.04%)

Supervisor, 2nd District

Candidate Total

Kristen Brown 5,297 (32.75%)

Kim De Serpa 4,081 (25.23%)

David Schwartz 3,270 (20.22%)

Bruce Jaffe 2,781 (17,20%)

Tony Crane 669 (4.14%)

Supervisor, 5th District

Candidate Total

Monica Martinez 7,834 (46.44%)

Christopher Bradford 3,615 (21.43%)

Tom Decker 3,356 (19.90%)

Theresa Ann Bond 1,970 (11.68%)

K – Santa Cruz County Sales & Use Tax Increase

Majority to pass

Vote Total

Yes 41,497 (54.60%)

No 34,510 (45.40%)

Bold = Win or Runoff

N – Pajaro Valley Health Care District 30-Year Bond 2/3 to pass

Vote Total Monterey County

Yes 9,891 (68.51%) 706 (64.42%)

No 4,546 (31.49%) 390 (35.58%)

For state offices, the top two vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of party preference or whether one candidate receives a majority of all votes cast in the primary election.

Here are the Santa Cruz County results as of 5 p.m. Mar 22 at www.votescount.us

State Assembly 28th District

Gail Pellerin DEM 31,066 79.72%

Liz Lawler REP 7,750 19.89%

Total Votes 38,968

State Assembly 29th District

Robert Rivas DEM 7,343 73.92%

J W Paine REP 2,258 25.75%

Total Votes 9,934

State Assembly 30th District

Dawn Addis DEM 20,023 78.33%

Dalila Epperson REP 5,438 21.27%

Total Votes 25,570

State Senate District 17th District

John Laird DEM 58,317 77.50%

Tony Virrueta REP 9,356 13.30%

Eric Tao REP 5,179 6.88%

Michael Oxford LIB 1,589 2.11%

Total Votes 75,251

U.S. Congress 18th District

Zoe Lofgren DEM 4,212 53.14%

Peter D 2,059 25.98%

Hernandez REP

Charlene Concepción 1,182 14.91%

Nijmeh DEM

Lawrence Milan DEM 261 3.29%

Luele N Kifle DEM 185 2.33%

Total Votes 7,926

U.S. Congress 19th District

Jimmy Panetta DEM 51,282 74.95%

Jason Michael 11,390 16.65%

Anderson REP

Sean Dougherty GRN 5,575 8.15%

Total Votes 68,418