SCMB Volume 10 issue 4

On the Water Front

Bull by the Horns

NEW! page 3

Baby Season

Self Made in the Mountains

page 6

page 11

Volume 10: Issue: 4

www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net

April-May 2021

Safety of the Forest Not Just the Trees

Are the Santa Cruz Mountains getting the short end of the stick?

by Wendy Sigmund & Lori Suzanne Holetz Trees are being removed in great numbers here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some are felled by private companies like Anvil, some by property owners and some by the utility company Pacific Gas & Electricity, PG&E. There are local *************ECRWSSEDDM**************** Postal Customer Boulder Creek CA 95006

April-May 2021

residents who are claiming PG&E is felling trees without property owner’s permission and leaving the trees and slash where they fall for the owners to clean up on their own.

PG&E, has been given a mandate to improve its wildland fire danger record. The California Public Utilities Commission, CPUC, along with the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board are supposed to hold the utility company accountable. They created the Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement (EOE), which lays out a process

for holding PG&E accountable for greatly reducing the fire danger PG&E has caused in the past. The consequences for not achieving the board’s goal are that they could revoke PG&E’s license and arrange for a takeover.

The CPUCs EOE identifies specific events that will trigger six enforcement steps of increasing operational oversight. Those six steps are: Enhanced Reporting Commission Oversight of Management and Operations Appointment of Independent Third-Party Monitor

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Photos by SLV Steve

Appointment of a Chief Restructuring Officer Appointment of a Receiver Review of PG&E’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Resolution M- 4852 of the CPUCs Corrective Action Plan for EOE was approved and goes into effect with the first report due to CPUC

by May 5, 2021. This already appropriately places PG&E into Step 1 of the EOE process due to a triggering event. PG&E wrote on their website that the stockholders should not be concerned because they are addressing the issues and

Page 1

Letter from the Publisher

Safety of Forest Continued

Happy spring! I love the mountains in spring. Blossoms are blooming, the hills are covered with green, the smells in the air of jasmine and fresh rain. Dew covers the mountain on our splendid mountain mornings.

Remember last spring? All the same things were happening but the world seemed so uncertain.

The pandemic was new, the administration was uncertain, businesses were in trouble, closing, some for good. The paper itself faced challenges from various sources. Even with these things we had no idea how much worse it was going to get with the shooting of the sheriff and the fires. Now with all those challenges behind us, I feel a renewed sense of hope.

Perhaps it is my own sense of caution. Hope is a concept that we hold close but can be taken away so quickly.

We are emerging as a bear awakening from its hibernation. Feeling the warmth of spring draws us all out into the world again. I wonder, can it be that easy? Can we just emerge and leave the past behind? I truly hope so.

Still there is that hesitation. Things could so easily turn. In my most humble opinion we should consider advancing with caution and remember the safety protocols.

can then be moved back down the tiered Steps. An audit in 2020 by the Wildfire Safety Division has shown that PG&E did not sufficiently prioritize its EOE based on risk. Step 1 triggers a requirement for PG&E to submit a Corrective Action Plan for approval, reporting on 13 measures identified in Resolution M-4852 by May 5th 2021, and every 90 days thereafter. PG&E will be required to explain how they will prioritize the highest risk power lines in its Enhanced Vegetation Management (EVM) program in 2021, provide accurate reporting to the Commission where they are performing work and must keep the Commission apprised of any changes. The goal is to hold PG&E accountable and responsible for operations. The Commission calls for public transparency, the opportunity for the public to be invited, view, participate and comment on all the steps in these decisions.

All corrective action plan reports will be made publicly available.

Specific details of each step can be found at www.cpuc.ca.gov PG&E has done some work on vegetation but the Commission says not enough and not in a good time frame. CPUC Resolutions WSD-002, WSD-003 require PG&E to use a system of risk prioritization for all wildfire mitigation including decisions concerning

where to target its EVM work. The Utility completed less than 5% of that EVM work; less than 92 miles of the top 20 highest risk circuits, of the 1800 total miles completed.

Instead, PG&E’s lower risk circuits received the utilities greatest focus in 2020, the opposite of the desired result.

Here in the Santa Cruz Mountains we see it through a slightly different lens. The trees are allegedly being cut on private property.

They have cut the trees which would be viable for new growth according to some property owners. Looking into this issue we spoke with one PG&E employee who says that cutting trees is expensive so PG&E is not going to randomly take trees without a good reason. There are arborists who are on site and determining if a particular tree is viable or not.

The tree could fall and hit power lines or structures. They (PG&E) do not want to spend money if it is not necessary. Cutting trees their arborists say need to come down, is necessary. Usually the company cuts the tree and takes away the slash. It is a service they provide to keep communities safe and keep the power on. If there is a problem then there is a number residents can call to make sure they do not remove trees the landowner does not want them to. That number is 800-PGE-5000.

“PG&E disagrees with the characterization that our tree removal work is illegal. We understand the County, agencies and community concerns regarding this emergency hazard tree removal work and are committed to continuing to address these items with all stakeholders while prioritizing public safety, prompt restoration of electric service and environmental stewardship.” PG&E spokeswoman Mayra Tostado said in an emailed statement to Dale Kaser of the Sacramento Bee. During a meeting held virtually many callers were upset that the strategy to keep our areas safe from wildfires was to remove trees. Many argue that there would not be a problem with the trees if PG&E would improve its infrastructure. Updating transformer boxes and using isolated power lines is a better solution.

“It’s been a longstanding problem with PG&E, instead of doing the responsible thing and investing in their infrastructure, they want to just do vegetation management,” said Assemblyman Mark Stone as reported in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Please use the phone number and website to keep informed regarding the future of the safety of the forest, especially our trees.

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April-May 2021

On the Water Front

by Mark Dolson The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) and the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District are the only two SLV-wide governmental bodies with elected officials and regular public meetings. It’s in the interest of all valley residents to stay abreast of ongoing developments on both these fronts, but my focus in this column is on our local water supply and watershed.

In March and April, the SLVWD Board held five separate meetings and dealt with a wide range of significant local issues. The topic that attracted the most public attention was the suggestion that it might make sense for the SLVWD to consolidate with the Scotts Valley Water District; the Board decided in early March to defer any further consideration of this possibility until the two District Managers provide the Board, in May, with a very preliminary fact-finding report that more clearly identifies some of the associated benefits and drawbacks.

On the financial front, the Board approved a $15 million, 20-year loan at a very attractive 2.4% interest rate. The funds will be used to replenish the District’s cash reserves, to pay for fire-related infrastructure repairs (since FEMA will likely reimburse only 75% of the estimated $20 million repair cost), and to pay for previously-deferred infrastructure improvement. The Board also received multiple up-

SLV History

dates on the FY2021-2023 Budget, currently under development and due for Board approval in June.

This budget will likely include funding for a much-needed, new, high-level assistant to the District Manager and for a rate study which will be needed to support the District’s plan to impose a fiveyear, $10 per month, fire-recovery surcharge in order to cover the remaining 25% of the total repair cost.

The Board agreed to extend the District’s contract with The Buzz PR on a month-to-month basis as the District continues to grapple with the challenge of improving its communication with its customers.

On the one hand, the District is still struggling to get ratepayers to sign up for automated bill-paying (which saves the District money) and to contact the District directly when they experience water problems (rather than turning first to social media). On the other hand, the District needs the entire community to better understand the various issues that it is contending with so that public input (e.g., at Board meetings and in elections) is as well-informed as possible.

Lastly, the Board made good progress on issues relating to its own effective operation. It approved a set of revisions to the Board Policy Manual, and it coped with the sudden resignation of Director Tina To (elected to the Board this past November) by soliciting public applications (due April 28th) to fill the newly vacant seat.

The Columbian Printing Press

by Lisa Robinson The Columbian Press, pictured here, was invented around 1813

by George Clymer and patented in 1817. It was one of the first iron printing presses and had many advantages. As written in 1817: “First, the powers of said press is a combination of levers, which produce power almost ad infinitum.

Secondly, it is composed entirely of cast and wrought iron … it will produce impressions far superior to that produced on the common Presses, with scarce any labor to the pressman; and a sheet of the largest size is printable at one movement.”

The press was highly ornate: “It has perched on top a cast iron eagle with spreading wings; also it is decorated with artistic dragons or griffins.” But the ornamentation was not just for show, it was functional. The eagle for example, is the counterbalance weight, which can be adjusted by sliding it along the highly decorated counterbalance lever.

Clymer gave the manufacturing rights to Tomas Barnet of South Carolina in 1817 and moved to London to open a manufacturing operation. The business changed hands multiple times and the Columbian press was continued to be manufactured into the twentieth century.

the Smithsonian and the London Science Museum. The press pictured here is in the Albert Sperisen Library of the Book Club of California, in San Francisco. How it made its way there is uncertain, but where it came from is known.

This particular Columbian Printing Press was used in the offices of the Mountain Echo newspaper in Boulder Creek. It was manufactured by D. & J. Grieg, Edeinburg [Edinburgh], Scotland. We know that in 1934, it was owned

by Frederick W. Sears who had a commercial printing operation at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Church Street, in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Sentinel described it as a “blue eagle machine” and notes that it was brought to Boulder Creek by Mountain Echo editor Winfield Scott Rodgers from San Francisco, where it had been used in the offices of the weekly newspaper The Enterprise.

Frederick Sears passed away in 1948, and in 1950 the Book Club of California published George Clymer and the Columbian Press

by Jacob Kainen. By 1967, the press was on exhibition in the Book Club’s library.

Today, examples of the press can be found in the collections of many esteemed institutions such as

April-May 2021

www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net

Page 3

Taking the Bull by the horns we go out into nature we need to do it in a way that is not damaging it, and destroying what makes it “natural”. Nocturnal owls for example very rarely open their eyes during the day, if you get a shot of them doing so it should be because you are lucky, not because you are interfering with wildlife. Taking photos of animals that are stressed because of humans is not true “nature” in its natural state.

Baby Season

by Kevin Foster With baby season here again and an abundance of rescues of youngsters, sometimes with human interaction animal rescues, it is good to realize that humans will unknowingly cause mothers to abandon their young.

Here are some good tips: Ethical wildlife interaction and photography. A highly debated subject, but easily explained, I think it is fantastic when people want to experience local wildlife. I hope it inspires people to want to preserve it. With that said, when

So, if you are going to enjoy local wildlife, here are some signs to look for to know if your actions are unethical and that you should consider making adjustments in future interactions: - If it is a nocturnal animal, are it’s eyes open because you are there, too close, or interacting with it?

- Is the animal displaying a defensive, territorial, or stressed response? (Puffed up, making themselves skinny to try to blend into their surroundings, pacing, “grimacing”, flying/fleeing from its location, leaving its prey, or being aggressive)?

- If you were not there, would this animal be acting the same way in its current environment?

- Is your presence stopping this animal from continuing with the rest of it’s day - are you alerting it’s prey, or in the way of it hunting?

- How many people are there?

Are you crowding or drawing too much attention to the animal or yourself?

- Are you too close? If any of the above are occuring the answer is yes! Or, something else you are doing is also stressing the animal out.

If any of these apply to you, but you still want to be able to enjoy local wildlife, what can you do?

- Realise that sleeping and nonstressed animals are just as adorable, and people will like your photos of them just as much if not more.

- Try to experience this animal at a different time of day when they may be more active? (While still being at a respectable distance).

- Understand that some animals are more sensitive than others, and spend more time enjoying wildlife that is easier to experience, and be careful when you do see something sensitive.

Mountain Mama

Rain Water Harvesting Living off grid is very rewarding.

It takes a lot of effort but depending on your priorities, what is it that motivates you to want to live off grid? Is it the small carbon footprint; or is it the ability to literally weather a storm if the power goes out; is it a pure and simple way to raise your family? Or is it something else?

Whatever your motivation is, the first couple steps of building or maintaining your property lay in handling the basics. There is no greater basic need than water.

Here in the Santa Cruz Mountains water is a very big issue. This is because here we are on our own water system and watershed. We share the watershed with a couple communities but we do not have to purchase water from any other communities. That makes us so very lucky.

What is the best way to get water off the grid?

This question takes some consideration. It depends on your land.

For many off-gridders here in the mountains we have large water tanks which companies like Jim Walters come up with large water trucks and fill. If there is not an immediate water source that is

Page 4

your only option. It works well for many families.

The second option is a water well.

Having a well is a blessing for sure. The problem is the cost to dig one is very high. However the benefits can last generations if you continuously care for it well.

I didn’t mean to make the pun but there it is. The well is an age old means of getting your water.

The well is dug very deep, then a pump is installed. Something to consider though is the pump is run on electricity. To be off grid means you are not hooked up to the electric grid so you must use a generator to turn on the pump. Easy enough except to run the generator you need gasoline. You are still in need of a town run to fill your gas tanks to fill your generator and so on. The only way around I have found is to modify your generator to me able to burn some sort of homemade fuel. That is a whole other subject that I will cover later after I break in my still.

Saving the best for last, at least in my opinion, is setting up a rain harvesting system. The rain brings water all over your land and it is free. Every structure on your land has a roof and probably a gutter. It is fairly simple to have the wa-

ter run off your roof, down your gutter and into a collection barrel at the end. Remember in doing this we are using the water before it heads into the watershed so it is not like we are taking it away. It is like borrowing the water for a little while.

There are of course some things to consider in collecting rainwater.

If you collect it off your roof you must be careful what the water is picking up running over your roof. If your roof is covered in tar shingles then that will go into the water. If you are starting from scratch on your buildings consider using a metal roof, problem solved. Also, you will most likely have outbuildings: sheds, chicken coop and maybe a barn. Consider the metal roof for these structures.

For example the chicken coop can be roofed with corrugated metal material and fill a small rain barrel.

Raise the barrell up a bit, put in a spout and depending on the size, you can gather enough water to keep your chickens well hydrated.

Then consider the potting shed or tool shed. Using the same method you can harvest enough water to keep your garden watered all summer.

Now the bad news. It is actually illegal to collect water and use it in your house. This is a trickly law.

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- Look at your gear, if you are trying to photograph sensitive species you need very long lenses and a very high resolution camera.

- If you can’t afford or don’t want this expensive gear consider the following ways you can enjoy these species at an ethical distance: *Digiscoping, you can take photos with your cell phone through a spotting scope if you have one *Look at these animals through binoculars or your scope if you can’t get a photo without stressing the animals out *Try not cropping your photo as much to include more of the habitat, so you do not need to get so close *Make your photo stand out by doing a more artistic shot that is easier to do at a distance than a maximum detail photo.

If you see a mother with her babies, keep a good distance. While some mothers will defend their young ferociously, others will flee for self-preservation. We can all coexist with the wonderful wildlife in the world by enjoying them from a respectable distance.

This all helps wild animals in their struggle to maintain healthy populations in a world where their grasslands and forests are diminishing.

The reason behind it is to keep people safe, But how safe do you need your toilet water to be? The rules state that you can not run harvested water through your taps into your kitchen or your bathroom. I think the water feeding your septic may be a gray area.

Ha, another pun. But being off grid you will likely have a composting toilet anyway so problem solved also. , There are other issues like what the bird leaves on top of your roof to consider. For chickens and gardens not such an issue but there are ways to filter the water.

You can use home made methods to clean your water. A system of moss can collect any pieces of debris and if you’re really worried you can run your water through charcoal. This will filter out the bacteria. You can build the system based on your own level of concern.

Whichever method you use, be sure and spend some time in the day getting dirty. Put your hands in the dirt, plant or pull weeds.

Just enjoy this beautiful season.

Be sure and check out the website and facebook pages for SC Mountain Mama or contact me with any questions at scmountainmama@ gmail.com.

April-May 2021

Healthy Tidbits

SLV Crime Blotter

together like this in the future for other medical advances.

I found out that Corona viruses have been studied for many years!

The groundwork was already laid out, and the MERS 2012 research was paramount to this virus being understood. The viral sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) was already uncovered in January of 2020, just 10 days after the first reported pneumonia case in Wuhan. After that, researchers mobilized to share their data; funding came from many different sources and multiple institutions; from private to government, international facilities, to global alliance foundations.

The Hope in the

Potential of Vaccines

by Marcey Klein, BS, NC I personally was very skeptical of the most recent vaccines that have come out during this pandemic, until I started to do some research.

What I have found has given me inspiration and hope in the potential of what we can do when we work together.

The whole world supported each other on this, shared scientific information, research, and funding, and now we have not just one, but 3 effective and clean vaccinations in less than a year. It is truly miraculous. Science has overcome all odds, and I hope we can work

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (information to make specific proteins) that cause a person’s cells to code for parts of the corona virus in the cell’s cytoplasm. These cells then introduce an inactivated form of the SARS-CoV-2 to the body which then helps to equip our immune systems to combat the virus in the future. Since the genetic material is developed to break down quickly and not to stick around, it has to be kept in a very cold environment. That’s what I like most about it, no preservatives.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine uses a disabled virus called an adenovirus to make the SARS-2 spike protein, which then triggers an immune response. The immune

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system will store this information and use it if it does come in contact with the virus in the future. This vaccine also does not contain preservatives. With the pause in the J&J vaccine, we will continue to watch future progress with care.

These vaccinations so far, have all been shown to have impressive effectiveness under clinical trials.

Another tribute to science and our medical field.

If you choose to receive the vaccine, I think it’s important to make sure your body is not out of balance. Make sure to support your sleep, digestion, liver health, hydration, and decrease your inflammation if you want to lessen your side effects. Take turmeric for liver health, inflammation support, nettle tea and greens to help alkalize and nourish, and citrus fruits for hydration and liver support. Rub arnica on the vaccine spot, because your arm is likely to be very sore otherwise!

Over consumption of alcohol will slow down your liver detox and acidify your body, so I would advise against drinking the day before or the day after you get your vaccine. The same goes for refined sugars and sodas that contain high fructose corn syrup. Now is a good time to stay healthy, get sunshine, movement, and fresh air; continue to practice social distancing and wearing of masks. Hopefully, this will all be over soon, and we will be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We will all have a lot to be thankful for as we will really be able to appreciate things much more having been without for so long.

04/08/2021 06:49 : Officer was dispatched for a threats detail, the threats did not meet the criteria for a crime. Numerous previous calls regarding this RP and neighbor.

Both parties were contacted via landline and had different sides to the incident. Report taken for documentation.

04/08/2021 16:05 A female called and reported a physical altercation between her and her boyfriend who left prior to officer arrival.

Warrant requested. BOULDER CREEK 04/09/2021 13:57 Unknown suspect broke window to parked vehicle and stole items. Suspect then attempted to use a stolen debit card in Soquel. Unable to locate surveillance for the transaction.

BONNY DOON 04/09/2021 18:30 Officer contacted a subject with a misdemeanor warrant. Subject was cited and released from the scene. 6100 BLK HIGHWAY 9, FELTON 04/09/2021 21:52 The subject was in possession of drugs and paraphernalia. She was cited and released.

BOULDER CREEK 04/09/2021 23:44 Deputies were dispatched to a domestic dispute with physical violence reported.

When Deputies investigated these claims were not able to be substantiated. BEN LOMOND, 04/10/2021 12:00 Unknown subject pried open mailbox. Unknown what/if any mail was taken.18300 BLK BEAR CREEK RD, BOULDER CREEK

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One Tribe Spirit as well. There are several things to consider this year, as we head once again into a drought, with many hot dry days of months ahead.

There appears a trend of people getting rid of things. Having been through the horrific fires of the past few years, what is important and what is not has begun to become noticeably clear. Often, the assessment process is overwhelming….. where to begin?

Personally, I enjoy the task of Spring cleaning. Things stored in the house during the winter, go back outside, the house feeling lighter already. The yards raked and cleared of debris brought down by the winter winds and storms, as keeping that 50-100 feet of defensible space is critical, I now see.

Spring’s Sprung ~ The Incredible Lightness of Cleaning feeling more free with each day.

The wildflowers are popping, long sleeping flower bulbs awaken and begin to peek out, the yellows and purples always seem to be the first to show.

by Lori Suzanne Holetz The long dark days of Winter have gone for this year. Springtime is here in celebration, in so many ways. It is a time of lightening.

Off go the heavy coats as we begin to dawn lightweight clothing,

Continuing this theme of lightening up, it is Spring cleaning time

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Inside the house, I employ the “one drawer a day” method. It is my daily goal to sort and clean out one drawer/cupboard a day. Inevitably once going, I will do more, maybe 2, 3 or 4 drawers, shelves, cupboards, or closets. By the end of a week, it is astonishing how much has been done, and how much has been gotten rid of. I take a carload to the Abbot’s nearly every week, glad for the newly acquired space inside my home; determined not to fill it up again.

Much less to worry about, peeling these “monkeys off my back”.

During the sorting this year, first and foremost in my method is to determine what is really important to save. With the passing of older family members, I had become the repository of many boxes of other’s lives and mementos, going back nearly 100 years, I had literally four houses of stuff in one.

And, although “antiques” and “vintage” items are sometimes cool, most times, they are of another time and space that is not mine.

I ritualistically burn those letters, faded photos and news clippings, honoring the ashes, spreading them with love and care back into

the arms of the loving Mother Earth with respect for the lives lived. They are still a part of my mom, my dad, my ancestors, so they are spread with gratitude for the lives recorded therein. Ashes to ashes, it all goes.

I realized I had stored so much, even from my own earlier days.

Vowing to never leave the amount of stuff my folks did, for my own children to clean up upon my final departure, I set to sorting with this in mind. Simultaneously, I decided what I needed to truly save, and these items are tagged, numbered, ordered, and ready to roll upon a moment’s notice, in case of future necessary evac. Having a forethought, putting things in priority, gives me a modicum of control over possible impending threats from climate change. This process of purge has taken me over a year, but the time spent in preparation helps me be at ease and peace of mind. I looked at last year’s evacuation as a “dress rehearsal” where I discovered just how very unprepared we were. I vowed, never again.

There is a noticeable trend among the younger generation these days, of a reassessment of material things. They simply do not want stuff, especially if it has nothing to do with their own lives or is not functionable. Tiny houses are becoming very popular, and hooray for the lighter impact upon the land. Use it or lose it, I now say.

Having boxes of stuff that are not playing an active part in my life simply have to go!

So go for it…. Dump the junk. My secret is, there is nothing quite like sunrise at the Dump; and there certainly are no lines! And as the light of the Sun dawns on the new day, up over that transfer station ridge, I drive home lighter of heart, soul and spirit…. and certainly the back of the truck, as I wave hello and goodbye to Ms. Cindy on my way out.

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General: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. ©2021 ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; FL EF0001121; LA F1639, F1640, F1643, F1654, F1655; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 7535P2, 7561P2, 7562P10, 7563P7, 7565P1, 7566P9, 7564P4; NY 12000305615; PA 090797 DF-CD-NP-Q121

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April-May 2021

The Joyous Kitchen out pasta to uniform length. If you don’t want to take the time or are intimidated by the thought (it’s really easy--you cannot knead it too much and you can make it in the food processor as well as the stand mixer; just remember to let it rest at least 30 minutes wrapped in cling film and roll it out very very thinly) you can also easily get fresh made pasta at the supermarket. If that doesn’t fit into your budget try to go for a fancier hollow extruded noodle, such as cellentani or campanelle; something that can absorb a lovely cream sauce into its crevices.

This Creamy Vegetarian Pasta is Perfect for All the Lovely Asparagus in Season

by Joy Gordon Stewart Twenty years ago now I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Postrio, Wolfgang Puck’s San Francisco restaurant. It still gives me shivers to recall how delicious his wild mushroom ravioli with pencil asparagus and morel mushrooms in a lemon cream sauce was. For two decades I have been dreaming of this bright fresh sauce, with tender handmade pasta, accompanied by the chewy, earthy morels and equally tender and lightly herbaceous baby asparagus. For the 12th issue of the magazine, I wanted to do something special. I chose a theme that is near and dear to my heart: the Farmer’s Market.

Some of my favorite meals have involved a few high quality ingredients allowed to shine through a simple preparation. I’ve asked my contributors to share dishes that

are inspired by a particularly fresh and lovely vegetable. This month that vegetable is asparagus. It is a lovely vegetable,fresh, and slightly herbaceous with just a hint of grit and bitterness and absolutely redolent of new spring growth.

That is why it is the perfect main ingredient for our Farmer’s Market theme. Although I haven’t gone to nearly as much effort as the dish that inspired this recipe, I have none-the-less used what approximate the same flavors and ingredients. I made my own pasta, using this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. I used all semolina, but next time I’ll go 50/50 with AP flour, as it was slightly gritty. I rolled it out by hand, thin enough that I could see light through it and cut it using a measuring spoon handle as a width guide. Check out the post I linked for some great pictures on how to easily cut rolled

How long to cook the asparagus will depend upon how thin the stalks are. If you can find pencil or baby asparagus, which are very thin, you will not need more than a minute. The thicker the stalks the longer they will need to cook.

Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms & Pencil Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce Serves 4 10 ounces assorted mushrooms, chopped 10 ounces pencil asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1” pieces 12 ounces fresh pappardelle pasta (or other wide noodle) 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup wine 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, chopped Zest of 1 lemon Salt Pepper

Method: Put up a large pot of heavily salted boiling water. Boil the pasta in the salted water for around 7 minutes (if your pasta is store bought, cook it for the length of time indicated on the package). While the pasta is boiling, melt butter and combine with olive oil in a heavy bottomed pan. With a small pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper, saute onions over medium heat until they begin to soften.

Add mushrooms and cook until the liquid from the mushrooms has just evaporated (5-7 minutes).

If you can only find very wide asparagus (about the width of a wooden cooking spoon handle), they will need up to five minutes to saute with the mushrooms, so add them early (the goal is for both to be cooked according to your preference at the same time); if they are thinner, they will need to be added later.

Once the asparagus is cooked and the mushroom liquid has dissolved, add the wine to deglaze.

Scrape the lovely caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Scoop out the veggies and set aside. Add cream and lemon zest to the pan and turn the heat down to low.

For 5 minutes, barely simmer the cream. Meanwhile, the pasta will have finished cooking. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water. Add veggies to the cream sauce and then mix sauce with pasta. Add 1/3 cup pasta water as you mix, to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Serve garnished with minced Italian parsley.

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Mr. Astrology . May 2021 In May 2018, the revolutionary and groundbreaking planet Uranus transited from the cardinal fire sign of Aries, where it had been since 2010, to the fixed earth sign of Taurus, where it will reside until 2026. While in Aries, Uranus created a specific focus on the self, compelling us to evolve and to discover new innovative ways of living and being. While in Taurus, Uranus will bring a spotlight on ourselves in relation to our resources, possessions, and finances; those things that we need to stabilize, ground, and support us in the material world.

Aries March 21-April 20 Mercury enters your 3rd house of communication on the 3rd. People may want to rely on you for counsel because of your upbeat and encouraging demeanor. On the 25th your ruling planet Mars squares off with the Sun. Out of the blue you are uncertain about what to count on from someone else and what it is that they require from you.

Taurus April 21-May 21 The Moon enters your 1st house of self on the 11th. Rededicating yourself to achieving your fitness goals will pay off over the next year! You want to make a positive impact in another’s life. On the 12th your ruling planet sensuous Venus teams up with Neptune. You’re prepared to generously provide something significant for the aid of another.

Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 3rd your ruling planet Mercury squares off with Jupiter. Discussions about a mutual undertaking leave you feeling dissatisfied. People may have the best of intentions, but that won’t stop them from over-promising! Venus enters your 1st house of self on the 8th, imparting a pleasurable sense of camaraderie and graciousness to all your social activities.

all that is innovative, unique, and cutting edge.

Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 Mercury teams up with your ruling planet Neptune on the 6th. Ideas arrive like a bolt from the blue!

Be open to receiving glimpses of insight! On the 26th the Moon illuminates your 10th house of career and public standing. If you sense that you’ve been submerged in focusing on minutiae, change your perspective to a larger world view.

Uranus is the planet of revolutionary changes, and Taurus is the sign that represents the physical world, our bodies, the earth, animals, food, money, and how we assign value to the things that support and sustain us. Previous Uranus transits of Taurus occurred in 1934-1941, and before that, 1850-1859. The period 1850-1859 featured a new expansion of the Industrial Revolution, innovative technological changes, new materials such as steel and iron, and utilization of new energy sources such as coal and oil. The transit of 1934-1941 was marked by WWII and the Great Depression following the Stock Market Crash of 1929, with accompanying themes of scarcity and abundance, and security versus freedom.

The 2018-2026 Uranus transit of Taurus gives rise to possibilities such as the restructure of businesses, banks, and political institutions to a more equitable ideal, the growth of cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and robotics, and increasing consciousness in regards to humans and our relationship to the environment. Have a great month, and always remember: keep looking to the stars!

Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 20th the Sun enters your 12th house of solitude. Some think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes, it is letting go. Your ruling planet the Moon lights up your 6th house of health and service on the 26th. Success depends on previous preparation, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Leo July 22-Aug. 22 On the 3rd your ruling planet the Sun squares off with Saturn. If you’re burdened by too much responsibility don’t hesitate to enlist your friends to come to your aid.

Try not to be overly critical of yourself. Also on the 3rd, Mercury races into your 11th house of community. Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.

Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 On the 8th Venus enters your 10th house of career. It’s time to take a business partnership to the next stage. Your ruling planet Mercury forms a beneficial configuration with Saturn on the 12th. A colleague could endorse your efforts and put you in line for promising long-term opportunities.

Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Mercury enters your 9th house of journeys and higher learning on the 3rd. When I walk along with two others, at least from one I will be able to learn. On the 6th your ruling planet Venus is in a harmonious arrangement with Pluto. Your emotions are passionate, but not in a disagreeable or unpleasant way.

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Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 On the 11th the Moon enters your 7th house of partnership. What we don’t bring into the light, grows in the dark. Venus is in a difficult alignment with your ruling planet Pluto on the 30th. Others seem to be contending for power. Be as truthful as possible to prevent complications in the future. You realize appearances can be misleading.

Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 5th Uranus creates an advantageous angle with your ruling planet Jupiter. You’re full of enthusiasm and energy. Impediments seem to just miraculously vanish! Venus enters your 7th house of creativity on the 8th. Be prepared for increased love, passion and excitement in your life!

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Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mercury harmonizes with your ruling planet Saturn on the 12th. Concrete results and accomplishments are what satisfy you during this transit. On the 20th the Sun enters your 6th house of health and service, indicating an advantageous time to go in for a checkup.

Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 11th Venus graces your 5th house on the 8th. You are especially adept at smoothing over any ruffled feathers during this influence. Mars joins forces with your ruling planet unconventional Uranus. Your desires tend towards

Page 8

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April-May 2021

Event Calendar: April-May 2021 COMMUNITY EVENTS APRIL 24 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM OMEGA NU’S 31ST ANNUAL DUCKY DERBY UCSC - This year’s online Ducky Derby is the second “virtual” event. 1156 High street`Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | 818-540-8908 www.duckyderbysantacruz.org

APRIL 25 1:00 PM Celebrating Earth Day: with the San Lorenzo Valley Museum Discovering Nature at the Belardi Gallery with iNaturalist - Join us at the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery for a socially distanced event on the weekend of Earth Day 2021.

10:00AM-5:00PM SCM Makers Market The 8th Annual Spring SCM Makers Market in Felton! Located at 6134 Highway 9 in downtown FELTON (across from Rite Aid) at the Mountain Community Resources Lot. FREE ADMISSION! Come on out and shop local with 30 local makers and artists! Live music by Patti Maxine + Friends and support our local non-profit Mountain Community Resources! Sponsored by Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin. www.scmmakersmarket.com

MAY 2 11:00AM-4:00PM Shop Local at the NEW Westside Marketplace!

1st Sundays at the Wrigley! Featuring LOCAL art, handmade & vintage shopping + Food trucks & pop-ups and LIVE MUSIC...all outdoors at the Old Wrigley Parking Lot on Mission. FREE admission! FREE & Easy Parking!

Friendly leashed pups are welcome!

LIVE MUSIC by Anthony Arya & AJ Lee with Chad Bowen from 1-4pm! Presented by your friends at SCM Makers Market & Food Trucks A Go Go. SPONSORED by Cruz Into Wellness. www.scmmakersmarket.com

MAY 15-16 10:00 AM - MAY 16 3:00 PM GOAT HILL FAIR: UNIQUE ANTIQUE AND ARTISAN FAIR - Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 E. Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076 United States 831*724-5671 www.goathillfair.com If you have a love for vintage ~ styling your home with old-style objects, wearing vintage jewelry & clothing, and collecting unique art and objects then this is somewhere you need to visit!

MAY 22

SUNDAY MAY 9

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 25TH ANNUAL VINTNERS’ FESTIVAL Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains Santa Cruz Mountain wineries are welcoming wine lovers through their doors for the 25th Annual Vintners’ Festival in May. Vintners’ Festival is a weekend of wine discovery featuring more than 30 wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, including some that aren’t typically open to the public. 917-268-4690 winesofthesantacruzmountains.com

Dennis Dove at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

FRIDAY APRIL 23

SUNDAY MAY 16

Big Bad Wolf at the Brookdale Lodge - 6:008:30PM

SATURDAY APRIL 24

Santa Cruda at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM Pacific Roots: Album Release Show (Fully Seated Show) Doors & Dinner service start at 5:00pm Show at 7:00pm Felton Music Hall

SUNDAY APRIL 25 Matt Masih at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:00-4:00PM Alex Lucero (Dinner & Show - No Cover) Doors 4pm Show 5:30 pm - Felton Music Hall

THURSDAY APRIL 29 Papiba & Friends at Felton Music Hall Doors 4:00PM Show 6PM

Ben Lomond Band at the Brookdale Lodge 6:00-8:30PM Marty O’Reilly Night w/ Joe Kaplow (Fully Seated Show) Felton Music Hall

SATURDAY MAY 1

John Michael at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

FRIDAY MAY 21 Cruz Control at the Brookdale Lodge - 6:00-8:30 PM

SATURDAY MAY 22 Santa Cruda at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

SUNDAY MAY 23 Wine Woman & Wrong at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:00-4:00PM

FRIDAY MAY 28 6-8:30 Shotgun Suitor at the Brookdale Lodge 1:004:00PM

SATURDAY MAY 29

FRIDAY APRIL 30

Ted Welty at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

3:00 PM - 9:00 PM ROARING CAMP: “OZOMATLI”

Groovy Judy at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

April-May 2021

SATURDAY MAY 15 Banjerdan at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

SUNDAY MAY 2

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ MAKERS MARKET - Downtown Santa Cruz: Pacific Ave. between Cathcart St & Lincoln St 1100 Block Pacific Ave Santa Cruz, 95060 United States 831-246-0926 scmmakersmarket.com

Vinny Johnson at the Brookdale Lodge - 6:008:30PM

LIVE MUSIC

MAY 15

MAY 16

FRIDAY MAY 14

Sugar by the Pound at the Brookdale Lodge 1:00-4:00PM

What a Place to Live As the gentle breezes brushed across my face, I took my guitar pick and strummed down, causing an echo of melody throughout the valley.

I looked down into town and saw the parade storming though and the umbrella of red balloons surrounding them.

“Man what a place to live” I said to myself as I started to see thick grey clouds roll in.

-Anonymous

SATURDAY MAY 8 Eric Winders at the Brookdale Lodge - 1:004:00PM

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BC Recreation & Park Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks District Hallie Greene 13333 Middleton Ave Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-4144

- SCM Bulletin Staff Publisher: Wendy Sigmund-Mountain Publishing, LLC Editor: Lori Suzanne Holetz Layout: Bree Karpavage Contributors: Robert Arne, Dee Ash, Mark Dolsom, Kevin Foster, Lori Suzanne Holetz, Taylor Kimble , Marcey Klein, Marybeth McLaughlin, Lisa Robinson, MJ Stearns, Joy Stewart Photographers: Steve Kuehl , Chucke Walkden The Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin 6265 Hwy 9 Felton CA 95018 831-508-0033 | scmbulletin@gmail.com | wendy.mountainpublishing@gmail.com www.santacruzmountainbulletin.net www.facebook.com/santacruzmountainbulletin Mountain Publishing mountainpublishing.net info@mountainpublishing.net Subscription Info: 1 Year for $50.00. FREE locally.

The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin (SCM Bulletin). SCM Bulletin is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement. Written permission from the publisher of the SCM Bulletin is required to reprint this issue of the SCM Bulletin in part or in whole.

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April-May 2021

Self Made in The Mountains

Mountain Max Fitness

by Dee Ash When Stephen Forester and Mink Anthea Perez opened Mountain Maxx Fitness in Boulder Creek, California in September of 2019, they never dreamed of what challenges awaited them. To bring fitness to the San Lorenzo Valley was a dream this U.S. Army veteran and his partner had for a long time. Stephen, who runs a youth basketball camp, had spent months renovating a leased building just south of downtown.

Mink and Stephen poured their life savings, heart, and souls into this dream. Everything was going well, the community greeted them warmly and people were eager to join, as having a local gym would mean not traveling far from home to get a good workout.

Six months later everything came crashing down. On March 18th, Santa Cruz County announced the lockdown of all non-essential business. That meant for the Forester-Perez family, things were about to get really challenging. Mink had been the financial rock for the family since the gym opened. She ran several small shops online catering to high end pre-owned fashion.

With everything closed, Mink was no longer able to source products for her resale business. With the gym closed, that meant this family had no income. Through social media, Mink put out a call to the community and asked them to donate any gently used clothing or jewelry, so that she could continue to keep her online shops open and support her growing family. She was able to get just enough donations to keep the family afloat, but barely.

Fast forward to August 2020, Mountain Maxx Fitness was still closed and Mink’s online business was struggling as she had all but run out of things to sell online.

Things were about to get worse.

On August 18th, the entire town of Boulder Creek was evacuated due to a large wildfire (CZU Lightning Complex). The rest of the San Lorenzo Valley evacuated just days later. Grabbing their children and just a few belongings, the Forester-Perez family headed out.

Everything they worked so hard for might not be there when they came back. Their evacuation lasted for three months, only returning to their mountain home in late November.

Between the loss of income from the pandemic and now the fire, things were looking dire. Mink, a former thrift store owner, had an idea. She decided to really push her online business on Poshmark (@minkanthea) and pull the family out of this financial nightmare.

With hard work and determination, Mink said to Stephen, “Build your dream and let me worry about the bills and household expenses”. Mink pushed up her sleeves and went to work. Combining yard sales, thrift stores, and the local marketplace, Mink acquired enough inventory to start generating some real income. With a family to raise and rent to pay, this was no easy task. Mink turned to the community for help again, and help they did. People started donating their gently used clothing for Mink to sell online. Stephen and Mink started to see a light at the end of what had been a very dark tunnel.

Greeting 2021 with a fresh outlook, Stephen is offering one on one personal training sessions, youth basketball camp, and is planning a grand reopening of Mountain Maxx Fitness on June 1st 2021.

Mink is pushing her online business and now offers online consignment services. She still accepts donations of gently used quality, modern and vintage fashion for all ages and sizes.

With continuous hard work, determination, and community support, this family is an amazing example of what it means to be “Self Made in the Mountains”.

April-May 2021

www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net

Governor Newsom Takes Action to Respond to Drought Conditions Regional state of emergency proclaimed for Russian River Watershed to protect communities and reduce environmental impacts UKIAH – With much of the West experiencing drought conditions and California squarely in a second consecutive dry year, Governor Gavin Newsom today directed state agencies to take immediate action to bolster drought resilience and prepare for impacts on communities, businesses and ecosystems if dry conditions extend to a third year.

In addition, the Governor proclaimed a regional drought emergency for the Russian River watershed in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, where reservoirs are at record lows following two critically dry years and accelerated action may be needed to protect public health, safety and the environment.

“California is facing the familiar reality of drought conditions, and we know the importance of acting early to anticipate and mitigate the most severe impacts where possible,” Governor Newsom said. “Climate change is intensifying both the frequency and the severity of dry periods. This ‘new normal’ gives urgency to building drought resilience in regions across the state and preparing for what may be a prolonged drought at our doorstep.”

With an extremely low Lake Mendocino as a backdrop, the Governor today announced that he is directing state agencies to work with regional and local governments – including groundwater sustainability agencies – to identify watersheds, communities, public water systems and ecosystems that may require coordinated state and local actions to address drought impacts and protect people, natural resources and economic activity.

To encourage Californians to reduce water use and conserve supplies in case drought conditions continue next year, the proclamation also directs state agencies to partner with local water suppliers to promote conservation tips and messages through the Save Our Water campaign. The campaign and website were critical resources for Californians during the 20122016 drought and remain a trusted information source on using water wisely.

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Lot 9 West Road, Boulder Creek

Wickert Road $470,000

11 Acres Boulder Creek

$199,000

• • • •

• Sunny. Views. Close to town.

• Surveyed. SLV Water Avail.

• Soils reports completed.

Located in Huckleberry Woods estates ”Will serve water” letter from SLVWD Southern Exposure, PG&E at street Easy paved access, walk to downtown

Two Bar Road

235 Fossil Lane $450,000

1.028 Acres

$1,400,000

4.9 acres Boulder Creek

67 Acres Boulder Creek

• Rebuild your own dream • Lovely views and good privacy • Well, paved road access

• Supremely private. So much flat usable land too!

• Easy paved road access. Sunny.

• Well including water tanks.

• TP zoning including Harvest Plan.

Ramble Road

25555 Hutchinson Road

$429,000

$129,000

11 Acres Boulder Creek

• • • •

• Views, Sun, Privacy • Well water, greenhouse • Lovely camp-like setting

2.8 acres Los Gatos

Southwest facing. PG&E on site.

Septic feasibility study completed.

Good amount of privacy.

Private paved road access

View more properties at: www.santacruzmountainrealestate.com

OVER 100 MODELS ON DISPLAY!

FINANCING AVAILABLE

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM

Large selection of indoor fireplaces, gas, wood, electric and pellet. Outdoor lifestyle including BBQ’s, furniture, kitchens, pizza ovens and firepits.

510 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062

woodstoveandsun.com

831-425-5123

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Spring Sale! May 14-29, 2021

www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net

April-May 2021