The Housing Crisis
Jailed for being a Midwife
Mountian Road Repairs
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Volume 10: Issue: 8
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August-September 2021
Events Are Back...Are We Ready?
by Wendy Sigmund The open date for California was June 15, 2021. At that point, things could begin to return to normal or at least normal-ish. Restaurants and bars opened to a more full capacity, amusement parks were opening, and events were allowed to commence. Though events did not happen immediately because it takes a while to plan and get permits, they are here now. The question is are we ready? The Santa Cruz Mountain Classic Car Show took place at the Historic Brookdale Lodge. The CZU Remembrance event was held there a couple weeks later. The Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival took place last weekend and brought very large crowds. All *************ECRWSSEDDM**************** Postal Customer Boulder Creek CA 95006 Felton CA 95018, Ben Lomond CA 95005
August-September 2021
of this while California is at 68% vaccination. That number may grow due to the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine or it could stay the same because some people just don’t want vaccines. The CDC says we are safe if we observe safety protocols. That is: use a mask, wash your hands and observe a social distance of 3 feet. (It used to be 6 feet.) Is that an accurate statement? Is that what we need to do to stop the spread of the virus or is it the vaccine or is it both? Schools are open now and already there are 180,000 new COVID cases in the last week nationwide, according to the New York Times. Also, it is not yet the flu season which is when we witnessed such a spike last year. These are just questions. They are not meant to make anyone upset and this writer and this paper will not presume to answer any of Continued page 2
Classic Car Show at the Brookdale Lodge in August. Photo by SLV Steve
An Open Letter to All Members of the San Lorenzo Valley Community Dear SLV Community Members, There are severe problems with the recent proposal for a “San Lorenzo Valley Community Council” that may well undermine the very community involvement it wants to provide. As a group of concerned San Lorenzo Valley residents, we are urging our neighbors to not support the proposal as presented in the Press Banner and the SLV Post, discussed on social media, and detailed in a letter to the SLV County Supervisor from the proponent’s Steering Committee. The Council would require a costly extra layer of government that would become politically charged if implemented as described. Proponents fail to recognize the likelihood that the Council would place a filter between SLV individuals or organizations and the government
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officials and agencies they want to influence or get help from. There are many types of advisory councils throughout the county. They are valuable and function well. Each has a specific focus for a specific need and are volunteer driven. Many serve non-profits and educational institutions. Thus, they can provide in-depth analyses about a chosen concern. However, none of them is an elected, quasi-governmental body, as proposed by the Steering Committee. Nor do they require funding by the County. California Government Code (31010) does allow a Board of Supervisors to create and maintain a “Municipal Advisory Council.” The proposal letter from the Steering Committee quotes from that Code but broadens the scope of an advisory council significantly, by Continued page 11
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Events... Continued
Eshoo Announces $2 Million Grant to Repair Damaged Santa Cruz Mountain Roads
them. Can anyone, with any certainty, answer? This is all new territory, isn’t it? A living experiment in action. The spread may not be the only issue. We saw what shutting down did to our kids who’s mental health was affected by isolation from online learning. We also saw what Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival 2021 the shut down did to the economy. Many businesses shut down never Facebook and YouTube. These are to re-open. This led to increased not the most trustworthy sources, poverty in our county and our however they are a place where country. The events happening conversations can happen. in our mountains are complying with state and local regulations That is where the old fashioned to provide safety measures for newspaper can play a role. They the population. These are busican’t shut down freedom of speech ness and fund raising endeavours or freedom of the press like they which organizers were also greatcan block topics on a social mely impacted by during the shut dia platform. Knowing who the down. The public seems to want “they” are, is a step but not in the events, the regulations are in place, scope of this article. and the businesses need to recover, so what is the answer? So let us have a real conversation about if we are ready to open back One observation is that the conver- up. Please send your letters and sation and the questions get shut comments to scmbulletin@gmail. down fairly quickly. Have you com or let’s do it the old fashioned tried to look for these answers? way. Mail a letter to 6265 Hwy 9 If there is any information that is Felton CA 95018. not a glowing review of the vaccine they get taken down from Stay safe!
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August 20, 2021
said Rep. Eshoo.
SANTA CRUZ, C.A. – U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) announced a $2 million FEMA grant allocated to Santa Cruz County to repair damage on the Old Santa Cruz Highway. This grant is intended to repair many of the roads in the Santa Cruz mountains that remain in disrepair after record-breaking storms devastated the area in 2017.
This award provides $1,987,067.16 in federal funding to Santa Cruz County/Public Works as a result of FEMA-DR-4308-CA, (California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Mudslides). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
“The storms in 2017 overwhelmed county public works and as a result, far too many roads have remained unusable four years later. I’m proud to announce that with these funds, significant and long-overdue repairs will be made possible, easing travel through the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains,”
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the state, and it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the state’s review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.
Congratulations Captain Robert Stowell on a retirement well earned. We will miss your calm leadership, and ever willingness to teach our new firefighters. Capt Stowell was instrumental on many strike teams, putting in hard work, and always making sure the crew had what they needed. Everyone that worked with him has a ‘Bob’ story that brings a smile, and a chuckle. Twenty-Two years of responding when the pager goes off, to help whomever needed it, Zayante Fire, and the Community at large. Thank you, Captain Stowell! ~ Zayante Fire Protection District
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August-September 2021
SLV History Jailed For Being a Midwife by Lisa Robinson Until 1917, non-medical home birthing with midwives was legal in California. Then the State decided to require that midwives be graduates of an approved school of midwifery, but California had no such schools. Between 1917 and 1949, the only midwives to receive California midwifery certificates were graduates of foreign training; mostly in Japan, the UK, and Italy. During WWII, Japanese midwives were interned and the number of home births plummeted. During the 1960s, and the rise of the hippie movement, women began to question medicalized hospital delivery. Here in the haven of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many were seeking alternative, more natural, and more meaningful lifestyles, women began to take ownership of their bodies. They turned to each other to deliver their babies and the modern lay midwifery movement was born. In 1968, Diane Skamser and her husband John delivered their baby, Dabe, at home in Brookdale. In the Santa Cruz Mountains, Diane soon became the go-to person for the young, pregnant, well-educated community of women looking for alternative birthing experiences. By the time new Ben Lomond resident Raven Lang met her, Diane had already attended 16 home births. Raven, a new mother herself,
was fascinated by the experience of home birth - an experience so different from her own Stanford Hospital delivery in 1968. Raven began attending home births, and realized that midwifery was her calling. In 1971, Raven, along with Kate Bowland and Linda Walker, established the Birth Center on Escalona Drive in Santa Cruz. Here the midwives provided prenatal and postpartum care, and birth classes. They attended around 20-30 home births per month. Around 1972, Celeste Phillips, a nurse educator at Dominican Hospital learned about the “underground” lay midwives and visited the Birth Center. Celeste recalls: “At the Birth Center I saw more pregnant women in the living room than we had patients coming to Dominican Hospital.” On March 25, 1972, a Birth Seminar organized by Raven was held in the dome at 1000 Alba Road, Ben Lomond. Celeste brought obstetrician Dr. Joseph Anzalone and several nurses. Celeste asked: “What do you think of this?” There were pictures of women giving birth in different positions. There was a woman on the floor of an art studio on her hands and knees giving birth. He responded: “Anatomically it makes it makes total sense” In 1974, Birth Center client Terry Johnson of Ben Lomond called for midwives to come to her home because she was in labor. Kate
was concerned; Terry had missed prenatal visits, had not turned in blood work, and now was in labor too early. Linda Bennett and trainee Jeannine Walker went to her home. It turned out Johnson was an undercover operative. The two midwives were arrested. Then the Santa Cruz Birth Center was “busted.” As the surreal raid was happening, Kate had the presence of mind to call a radio station. During her arrest, she was being interviewed live. Kate, joined Linda, and Jeannine in the Santa Cruz jail. The three midwives were charged with practicing medicine without a license. They argued in court that assisting at a birth does not constitute the practice of medicine since childbirth is not a disease. In 1976, the California Supreme Court handed down the Bowland Decision, which resulted in lay midwifery being defined by case law as an illegal practice of medicine. To learn what happened next, visit Birth Happens, a new exhibition at the Faye G. Belardi Gallery of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum in Felton. Midwifery Standards After 1949, the last midwives’ licenses lapsed and no more were issued. Between 1968 and 1974, nurse midwives sent eleven bills to the legislature so they could
August-September 2021
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become legal. Their argument was “license us because otherwise you will have these lay midwives out there.” In 1974, the Nurse Midwifery Practice Act was passed which required midwives to have a nursing degree. The California Nurse Midwives Association (CNMA) was born and worked to develop professional standards. Some of the lay midwives, like Kate, obtained nursing degrees so they could be legitimized. Meanwhile the lay midwives, who had formed the California Association of Midwives (CAM) in 1978 (now called California Association of Licensed Midwives) submitted their own bills to the legislature to legalize lay midwifery. They created certification to legitimize their renegade profession. In 1990, the Wall Street Journal called the midwives “brazen” for daring to develop their own certification process and CAM’s “Brazen Woman Award” was born. In 1993, the CAM backed Licensed Midwifery Practice Act passed, allowing lay midwives, now called direct entry midwives, to practice via a midwifery license. As of 2021, there are two paths to becoming a legal midwife in California: Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Licensed Midwife (LM). The midwifery standards of care are equal.
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Taking the Bull by the horns Drought Impact On Wildlife Communities by Kevin Foster While the lack of rain the past few years has had a negative impact on all of us. It’s had a far worse impact on wild plant and wildlife communities. Most of us don’t realize how much a drought can stress the natural world, for instance plants bear less fruit and seeds and foliage. One study shows that biologists have found the acorn from the native oak is much smaller during drought. Acorns are a staple food for everything from wood ducks, Whitetail deer, small mammals and songbirds. It’s been really hard on one group of plants that biologists call Forbs. Forbs include a wide range of herbaceous, broad-leaved plants, such as wildflowers, legumes and a host of others most folks refer to simply as weeds. Yet it’s safe to say that forbs are probably the most underrated food plants for wildlife. They are critical to the diets of deer, rabbits and even wild pollinators. When conditions are extremely dry, forbs produce fewer stems, flowers and seeds; they are a fantastic source of protein for animals
that graze on them. Studies have shown that during a drought, the stems and leaves are less palatable and nutritious. This can affect grazers in many ways, such as causing females to produce less milk for their young. As a result, during drought years the females often raise fewer young. This year, countless forbs have withered and even died before they flowered. Others did not produce blossoms. This translates into less pollen and nectar. The low number of butterflies recorded on many butterfly counts in the past years could be a reflection of drought’s impact on these great sources of nectar. Our migrating feathered friends are also impacted by the drought. 96% of terrestrial birds eat insects, during the drought this means less food for nesting adults which impacts populations so the birds produce less fledglings. Along with the migrating birds that depend on berries, fruits, and seeds. During their migration they need rest and fuel to reach their destinations which will impact their journey tremendously. Obviously, drought affects the
availability of water. When water is scarce, animals have to travel greater distances to find it. This makes them more vulnerable to predators. In the case of nesting birds, this means they are forced to spend more time away from their young, increasing the odds their nests will be discovered by predators. As small pools and wetlands dry up, amphibians, fish and other aquatic organisms either disappear or suffer population losses. Many of the flying insects eaten by swallows, chimney swifts, bats and other aerial predators are raised in these habitats. When these insects are in short supply, the animals that eat them also suffer.
- Use liberal amounts of mulch around the plants in your gardens. This will help your garden soil retain precious moisture.
While there is little that homeowners can do to offset the negative impacts of drought across a broad landscape, we can affect conditions in our own backyards. Here are a few simple ways you can help the wild plants and animals living in your yard survive a drought:
- Keep feeders stocked with a variety of foods, such as seeds and suet (white millet and black oil sunflower seeds are the best).
- Provide a source of water. Anything from a shallow pan to a birdbath will suffice, but put at least one water source on the ground for animals that cannot reach a birdbath on a pedestal.
- Plant a variety of native plants to produce pollen and nectar, seeds, berries, and fruit over as much of the year as possible. Include native trees, shrubs and other plants that will benefit migratory birds, butterflies and pollinators passing through our yards in late summer and fall. Incorporate native food plants into your yard. Plants native to your area are often better able to survive drought than ornamentals. Native plants also can produce up to four times more insects.
As wildlife habitat continues to disappear or become degraded, our yards are becoming more important to our wild plant and animal neighbors. This is the case regardless of the weather, but the significance of your yard to wildlife can be even more critical during times of drought.
THE MOUNTAINEAR The Housing Crisis
by MJ Stearns & MaryBeth McLaughlin California is in the midst of a housing crisis of historic proportions. This housing shortage is driven by local policies that limit the supply of housing. In recent years, the legislature has passed significant reforms to housing law to curtail the policies. These laws support the production and availability of housing affordable to families at all income levels. The California Association Of Realtors founded Californians for Homeownership, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works to address California’s housing crisis by fighting unlawful policies and practices that limit access to housing. Californians for Homeownership educates Realtors, property owners, and other Californians about their rights to develop housing and to buy, sell, and rent existing housing. It also works to educate local governments about their legal obligations. When education is not enough, it uses litigation to enforce these important rights. How Californians for Homeownership is Working to Solve the Crisis
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1. Challenging cities that Illegally deny housing development permits Californians for Homeownership supports zoning-compliant projects and sues cities when they reject them. 2. Fighting CEQA abuse (California Environmental Quality Act) Californians for Homeownership fights this abuse by interviewing in CEQA lawsuits brought by anti-housing groups. 3. Ending unlawful fees and charges Californians for Homeownership reviews local fees and works to reduce them through the threat of litigation. 4. Stopping illegal rental restrictions Californians for Homeownership monitors proposals for local rental restrictions statewide, and fights against unlawful proposals. 5. Supporting the legislature’s work through amicus briefs Californians for Homeownership helps defend these state housing laws through amicus briefs at every level of California’s court system. Berkeley: In 2018, the city of Berkeley rejected a 50%-affordable 260unit apartment project in violation of major California Association of Realtors supported housing laws.
After they filed amicus briefs in the trial and appellate courts, the Court of Appeal issued a major pro-housing decision that will lead to the construction of this much-needed project. San Mateo: In 2020, a Superior Court Judge held that a major state housing law, the Housing Accountability Act, was unconstitutional. This decision would allow cities to reject housing projects without any objective justification. Californians for Homeownership filed an amicus brief in defense of this critically important law. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are one of California’s major tools for addressing the housing crisis. Often called “in-law units”, ADUs are additional self-contained units alongside existing or proposed homes, built to modern building codes. Under California Association of Realtors supported state laws passed in 2019, most single-family
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homeowners are now eligible to develop at least one ADU up to 1,000 square feet, and multifamily property owners can develop multiple new units. Adding Units to Multifamily Properties The following types of residential units can be added to multifamily buildings, with no local limits: New units within the existing non-living space of a building (storage rooms, basements, garages, etc), with one new internal unit allowed for every four existing units. Two new detached homes on the lot, with 4-foot side/rear setbacks, up to 16 feet in height. Information courtesy of Californians for Homeownership.
August-September 2021
Healthy Tidbits
Top 10 Cancer Fighting Foods by Marcey Klein BS, CNC Give your body a natural defense system to optimize your cellular and intracellular health. Now is the time to start; our bodies can detect and immobilize cancer cells given the right tools and environment. So without further ado, here are the top 10 cancer fighting foods and nutrients that I have found to be helpful. 1. Turmeric: Taken in concentrated doses can cause cell death to occur in the cancer cell, shut down the driving force in inflammation, and decrease tumor growth. A medicinal amount is a teaspoon of turmeric a day, can be ingested in the form of curry, Golden Milk or taken in pill form. 2. Cruciferous Vegetables: High in sulfur, a necessary substance to help support the liver detoxify, especially helpful in detoxifying harmful estrogens correlated with a higher risk of cancer growth. Broccoli sprouts contain thousands of times the amount of this detoxifying substance, so if one is battling cancer, it would be wise to take this in supplement form, or include large amounts in the diet.
3. Green Tea: Contains polyphenols, which are super cancer fighting antioxidants. They help induce cancer cell death, and have been shown to inhibit cancer growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis (Shankar, 08) 4. Berries: the darker the better. Contains a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent DNA damage and helps promote cell death to cancer cells. 5. Citrus fruits: Are high in limonene, a cancer fighting substance that inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. The vitamin C in citrus also helps to strengthen our collagen, helping to prevent cancer cells from spreading in our bodies. 6. Mushrooms: Especially reishi, shitake, maitake, oyster, and cordyceps. Mushrooms help stimulate our natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages, important immune components to help fight cancer. They also help to counter the side effects of chemo, and help the chemo to work better. 7. Carotene Rich foods: These include red, yellow, orange, and dark green veggies, like carrots,
squash, pumpkin, kale, sweet potatoes, peppers, mangos, apricots, peaches, persimmons, and cantaloupes. Carotenes are powerful anticancer agents, correlated with lowered cancer risk the higher the intake. 8. Asparagus: Helps to increase the most powerful antioxidant in the body, glutathione. Glutathione helps to lower carcinogens and boost detoxification. Low levels of this antioxidant have been correlated with greater oxidative stress in the body, leaving us more susceptible to DNA and cellular damage. 9. Miso: Contains a phytonutrient called Genistein, that helps inhibit angiogenesis, the blood supply to the tumor. Miso can also protect the body when undergoing chemo and radiation.
radicals, reduce inflammation, and reduce tumor activity. They have also been shown to reduce breast and colon cancer risk, and being naturally high in fiber, they can help with regularity and remove toxins. I like to include a heaping tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in my smoothies for these benefits. Eating healthy can be fun, exciting, and has the side benefit of optimizing our health. We want our internal environment to be a place where cancer cells cannot thrive. Visit Kerry or me at Wild Roots Market if you have any questions on health and supplements. In the meantime, take care, and be well!
10. Flaxseeds: Contain lignans, an antioxidant that helps to flush out excess estrogen, squelch free
August-September 2021
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One Tribe Spirit Back To School… Do You Know Who Your Kids Are? - An Excerpt from “A Journey of Heart and Mind” by Lori Suzanne Holetz There has been talk within the last twenty years or so about the “Indigo” children. There have been some wonderful books written about them and I highly recommend that every parent and teacher read “The Indigo Children” by Lee Carroll & Jan Tober. We are just now realizing these children, but we are a hundred years late. The “Indigo Children” started coming in at the time of the turn of the twentieth century, 1900s. That was when the Industrial Revolution began and we started building machines of mass creation and unfortunately, destruction. This was the dawn of the “Golden Age”, and we saw great minds come of age like Tesla, Einstein, Edison, Bell and the Wright brothers. These “Indigos” were the next step up in human evolution and were coming up with all kinds of new revolutionary ideas in efforts to “turn wheels of the times” hopefully steering towards the “light”. But the battles between good and evil raged on in many aspects of life over war and profit.
We continued through time and about 1950, when we were deeply entrenched in creating massive warring factions, the “Amethyst” children arrived and again were another step up the evolutionary ladder. Evolution was speeding up, to counter the darker forces that were rising up on the planet. The purple “flower power” children came in and created a tide of peace and love, scattering and planting their “seeds” of these visions deeply in the rawness of the times. They sang and danced, jumped up and down and hollered for a better way, to get back to the Earth and all Her beautiful little “flowers” in loving fashion. But corrupt governments stomped all over the pretty flowers, with plans to continue to “bomb the hell out of ‘em”! Things continue along and war after war ensues as we arrive at the turn of the new millennium. Things that should have happened ten years ago did not, and now we are “behind the times” being pushed to the brink of our own possible extinction. We are still not seeing what is happening on the grand scale.
So here come the “Crystalline” or “Rainbow” children. Once again, they are the next step up the evolutionary ladder. They are brighter, smarter, and instinctually brilliant, often very gifted with a talent or several. We are just getting around to calling them the “Indigo Children” but we have evolved way past that. What does “Indigo”, “Amethyst” and “Crystalline” mean? It means that these spirits or souls are resonating with a higher and higher vibrational frequency. They are resonating with the upper three chakras of the human body… they are becoming “enlightened” and the faster they become enlightened with higher frequencies, the faster they evolve, their minds and hearts open to receive all of Spirit’s messages and signs. Everything is accelerating, for everyone! This is why things are so intense at this period in time. We are in an accelerated time dimension, and we are, in response to this, having to catch up and learn our life lessons very rapidly for our own subsequent enlightenment. This is happening, it is real, and no one will escape this. There is a vast spiritual wave that has been beginning to move across the planet, it is speeding up
and it will hit everyone. Hopefully, it will awaken everyone fast enough to outrun the current continuing destruction. The Crystalline children are here, and they are literally angelic spirits; I have seen their auras with spiritual wings. They have big eyes; windows into their beautiful, radiant souls… see them! They already know things before they are taught. They often will have an extraordinary talent, often at a very young age. These children are amazing and come in with an inner wisdom that we need to recognize and honor. They are the leaders of the future; and we need to let them lead. The best way to parent these kids is to keep them within a safe “bubble”, but to give them a wide birth and run behind them, following them to their ultimate passions and interests. They will always succeed when given free choice to go towards what they feel driven to accomplish. We just need to keep them safe, as we’ve much to learn from them as they rebuild new systems that will better serve the Earth and all her children, sustainably. The crises of the times are calling for “all Angels to be on deck”, and they are rushing in. Watch and learn, from these Crystalline gems as they’ve much to teach us.
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August-September 2021
The Joyous Kitchen
On the Water Front San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board Meeting Summary (August 5, 2021) by Mark Dolson
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn/Corn on the Cob) by Joy Stewart Here’s the thing about the way Mexican street vendors prepare the corn on the cob they sell in their carts: it may be one of the world’s most delicious foods! Sweet corn becomes even sweeter when buttered and roasted on the grill; the cobs are then slathered with mayonnaise, drizzled with salty firm cotija cheese crumbles and dusted with cayenne powder. The sweet corn plays off of the rich mayonnaise and the heat from the cayenne as well as the briny cheese serves to heighten its richness. I like to sprinkle mine with bright, herbaceous cilantro leaves and often drizzle a little lime juice on them. This also works quite nicely as a rich salad, if you cut the corn off of the cob after roasting. We ate this with a homemade version of Mexican rice, a garlicky salad of gem lettuce, heirloom grape tomatoes and marinated grilled carne asada. Dessert was my grilled peaches over vanilla bean ice cream with a honey, clove & orange cognac sauce.
1 Teaspoon cayenne powder, for sprinkling (optional) 3 sprigs cilantro, minced (optional) 4 lime wedges Method: - Butter corn and place it on a hot grill, right next to the hottest part. Cover grill and allow to cook for 5 minutes. - Turn corn and cover. Cook for another 5 minutes. - Continue to turn and recover every 5 minutes until the corn looks cooked (about 25 - 30 minutes) and has started to caramelize all over. - Remove corn from grill and allow to cool enough to handle. - When the corn is still warm, cover it all over in a thin layer of mayonnaise (it is easiest to do this by holding the corn ear vertically to apply the mayonnaise). - Sprinkle with crumbled cotija and minced cilantro.
Ingredients: 4 ears corn, shucked 1 Tablespoon butter, softened 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise 3 ounces cotija, crumbled
13136 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek
Fire Recovery Surcharge Approved The August 5th Board Meeting for the SLVWD was devoted almost entirely to public review and final Board deliberation concerning the District’s proposed 5-year fire-recovery surcharge of $10 per month (for most customers). Roughly three dozen members of the public attended the meeting (via Zoom), and all but a handful provided input. District Manager Rick Rogers opened the discussion with a 20-minute overview of the CZU fire damage and the motivation for the surcharge. His presentation is now available online at: https://www.slvwd.com/sites/g/ files/vyhlif1176/f/uploads/san_ lorenzo_valley_water_district_ czu_lightning_complex_fire_8-52021.pdf Public comment was predominantly in favor of the surcharge. Not all speakers were audible, but roughly 18 out of 28 urged the District to proceed immediately with the surcharge. Some of them praised the District for its work over the past year and worried about the harm that would be done by preventing the District from adequately funding its ongoing responsibilities. Some also noted that nobody welcomes higher prices but that the District does have a Ratepayer Assistance Program to reduce the burden on low-income ratepayers. A majority of the remaining speakers appreciated the informative presentation but still felt unprepared to support a surcharge at this time. They wanted to understand exactly what the consequences would be if the District failed to enact the surcharge, and they also suggested that it was too soon to make a decision. Some simply wanted another month to become better informed whereas others wanted the District to wait
until it had more precise estimates of its total costs. Some of these speakers expressed concern about increasing the cost burden on ratepayers, and some also worried that the surcharge would become permanent. During the subsequent Board deliberation, several of the Directors sought to clarify misunderstandings that were apparent in some of the public objections to the surcharge. The District had already provided the required 45-day public review period; the Board had already taken great care to ensure that this would be a time-limited surcharge to be applied exclusively to fire-recovery expenses; the District was already certain that these expenses would total multiple millions of dollars even after all conceivable reimbursements from FEMA and other sources. President Mahood explained that half of the District’s recently-obtained $15 million loan was intended to be used for long-deferred maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. In the absence of the fire-recovery surcharge, the District would be forced to give these up. The Board also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to promoting maximal operating efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but most Board members saw this as a separate issue. Director Fultz disagreed, insisting that the District could tolerate a lower surcharge in conjunction with a hard limit on increases in operating expenses. In the end, the District received 547 protests. Since this was far fewer than the 3866 protests that would have been required under Proposition 218 to block the surcharge, the District did not undertake the cumbersome process of formally reviewing and validating the submitted protests. The Board ultimately voted 4-1 to enact the surcharge with Director Fultz opposing. The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM on September 2nd.
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Mr. Astrology - September Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 12:21 PM (PDT) is the fall equinox, also called the autumnal equinox. There are two equinoxes every year in March and September when the angle of the Earth’s axis is oriented neither away from nor in the direction of the sun. On this day the sun’s rays shine directly on the equator. The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun crosses over the celestial equator from north to south. At this time of the year, day and night hours are evenly balanced. It also signifies the first day of autumn, or fall, in the Gregorian calendar. Aries March 21-April 20 On the 2nd your ruling planet, assertive Mars faces off with nebulous Neptune. Impressions are hazy and fleeting during this influence. The Moon enters your 6th house of health and service on the 6th. The emphasis is on health, fitness, and feelings of objectivity when it comes to managing the details of your life that confer to you feelings of competency and productivity. Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet gracious Venus is in a harmonious alignment with lucky Jupiter on the 6th, suggesting the possibility of taking a love relationship to the next level! On the 10th Venus enters your 8th house of creativity. Be prepared for increased love, passion and excitement! Your love life picks up speed! Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 22nd your ruling planet, communicative Mercury, squares off with Pluto. Conflicts may arise as to who the originator of an opinion was. The sun enters your 5th house of creativity on the 22nd. You are more open to taking risks in order to find that special someone whom you can love wholeheartedly! Cancer June 21-July 21 Your ruling planet the moon enters your 3rd house of communications on the 6th. Now would be a good time to explore further education and development of new skills. On the 22nd the sun lights up your 4th house of home and family! For the next four weeks, family exchanges feel beneficial and illuminating. Leo July 22-Aug. 22 Your ruling planet, the Sun, faces off with Neptune on the 14th. Try to avoid seeing life solely through rose-colored glasses during this alignment. Mental Mercury enters your 3rd house of communications on August 30th. Conversations can stimulate new plans! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your ruling planet, communicative Mercury, teams up with Saturn on the 4th. You can muscle through any test and emerge triumphant! On the 19th Venus enters your 3rd house of communications. Artistic pursuits and socializing are emphasized under this influence.
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Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 23rd your ruling planet, gracious Venus, faces off with unconventional Uranus. During this time, you desire to experience all that is new and exceptional, however bear in mind taking other peoples’ feelings and views into consideration as you do. The sun enters your 1st house of self on the 22nd. If you can grace those calling out for your attention, it is certain to be an extraordinary day! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 Venus enters your 1st house of self on the 10th, imparting a pleasurable sense of camaraderie and graciousness to all your social activities. On the 22nd Mercury is in an advantageous arrangement with serious Saturn. If you concentrate, nothing can interfere with your achievements! Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 6th Venus creates a harmonious configuration with your ruling planet Jupiter. Sociability and cheerfulness characterize this alignment. You are good-natured and your emotions are expansive. The sun enters your 11th house of community on the 22nd, making it an excellent day for entertainment and recreation! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mars enters your 10th house of career and public standing on the 14th. Others seem to be especially opinionated. It is best to reserve judgment for the time being. On the 14th the Sun squares off with your ruling planet 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. Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 6th the Moon enters your 8th house of shared resources, strengthening your intuition and making it easy for you to read between the lines. Gracious Venus faces off with your ruling planet, unconventional Uranus on the 23rd. Utilize practicality when implementing new visions. Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 The moon enters your 1st house of self on the 20th. As is your desire, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny! On the 2nd Mars is in a stressful arrangement with your ruling planet Neptune. Out of the blue you are uncertain about what to count on from someone else and what it is that they require from you. Equinox means equal day and night. At this time, the theme of balance is significant. The autumnal equinox signifies the abundance after the summer growing season. Reaping the harvest, gathering together and celebrating are the rewards for labor performed and time spent. This is an occasion to relax and to take pleasure from life at its most fruitful. While the first day of spring signifies a time of rebirth, the first day of autumn indicates the reappearance of conditions that encourage slowing down, preservation, reflection, and preparation for the future. Have a great month, and always remember: keep looking to the stars!
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August-September 2021
Event Calendar: September 2021 Friday August 27 Fireside Friday Big Basin Vineyards An evening of food, music, and fine wines. There is nothing that compares to the magic of sunset in the vineyards. Dan Frechette, El Rey Leon Estate Winery, 830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek.
Friday September 3 First Friday in the Mountains! 4:00-9:00 pm Participating venues include the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center at 9341 Mill St. in Ben Lomond, featuring a group show titled, “All Mixed Up” and Crooked Beauty Maker’s Place and Art Space at 6225 Hwy 9 in Felton, featuring local Boulder Creek artist Jennifer Hennig. Visit firstfridaysantacruz.com for the full details on these venues and more!
Sunday September 5 Guided Hike Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock 10:00 am Hike one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area! This moderate 5.15-mile loop has 1,190 feet of elevation gain and amazing panoramic views. This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to balance, step onto and scramble over rocks. Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet at the Kirkwood Entrance and parking lot, near the office. Rain cancels. Free event. The vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation and California State Parks. The Westside Marketplace 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Old Wrigley Parking Lot, 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 1st Sundays at the Wrigley...it’s the Westside Marketplace! 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 and FREE & Easy Parking! Friendly leashed pups are welcome! LIVE MUSIC by Ancestree from 2-5pm! Presented by your friends at SCM Makers Market & Food Trucks A Go Go and sponsored by New Leaf Markets. www.scmmakersmarket.com
Monday September 6 Little Rangers Program 6:00 am - 10:00 am Families are invited to play games, listen to stories and songs, and learn about nature! Activities and games vary from week to week, but always cover a topic relevant to Natural Bridges State Beach. 3- to 6-year-olds, pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks. as.me. Meet at the side porch of the visitor center. Parent or caregiver is required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-0871. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Saturday September 11 Boulder Creek Flea Market 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Stop by the junction park and find some treasures at 13264 Middleton Ave, Boulder Creek. Hosted by the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District.
Saturday September 18 Santa Cruz Mountain SOL 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday The event returns to beautiful Roaring Camp Meadows! Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ben Harper, Rising Appalachia, The California Honeydrops, Dumpstaphunk, Jerry’s Middle Finger, Matt Hartle & friends. Great food, local vendors, lots of great entertainment, and super fun. How can we ask for more? 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton. santacruzmountainsol.com
San Lorenzo Valley’s 35th Annual River & Road Clean Up 9:00 AM – 12:00 pm Help keep our rivers, creeks, roadsides, forests, and bay clean! The Valley Women’s Club will be holding the 35th annual River & Road Clean Up on Sept. 18th (from 9 to noon), in conjunction with Save Our Shores. Volunteers needed! Bags, latex gloves, snacks, and info provided. The event ends at 12 noon. If you cannot make it, give us ideas on places to go to find trash. Truck drivers are needed too! REGISTER ONLINE or, register in-person on 9/18 at one of our four locations: Felton (Covered Bridge Park), Ben Lomond (on Hwy near Tyrolean Inn), Boulder Creek (behind the “Village Wash & Dry” laundromat), Lompico (Meet at the Community Center) Email Nancy or call/text 831-345-1555 to share information. A Celebration of Castle Rock 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Join us as we celebrate how far our little patch of the Santa Cruz Mountains skyline has come! In collaboration with the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation (PCRF), we will be sharing the history, flora and fauna, and some past and future challenges of this beautiful park. Afterwards, you’re invited to join our PCRF board meeting from 1 pm to 3 pm, open to anyone who is interested. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 291-8273. Event made possible by Portola and Castle Rock Foundation and California State Parks.
Saturday September 25 Valley Women’s Club Annual Meeting 11:30 am- 2:30 pm Sharing Silver Linings. Outdoor luncheon at Henry Cowell State Park. Do not miss this terrific event! Meet the Valley Women’s Club board members, learn about the work of each of the committees concerning important topics like PG&E’s impact on our forest, women’s issues, the educational committee and meet your local representatives. 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton.
SLV Crime Blotter 08/03/2021 08:30 CENTRAL AVE BOULDER CREEK, RP called to report that the neighbor is spraying water on property damaging restaurant equipment.
the area of the park. She was later transported to the hospital by AMR. Warrant requested.
08/04/2021 08:47 BEAR CREEK RD BOULDER CREEK A trailer-mounted generator was stolen.
08/05/2021 19:19 FELTON, The subject had multiple warrants for his arrest and was on probation for failing to register as a sex offender. He was transported and booked in the county jail.
08/04/2021 13:00 KINGS CREEK RD BOULDER CREEK Subject jumped a fence into RPs yard and stole a pellet gun then fled through the yard and damaged the fence as he fled.
08/06/2021 01:00 BROOKDALE Suspect was arrested for trespassing, after he failed to vacate his camp, despite being repeatedly warned over the last few months.
08/04/2021 14:24 ANCIENT OAKS WAY BOULDER CREEK A subject pushed his girlfriend onto a bed and ripped her phone out of her hand.
08/06/2021 02:52 WILLOWBROOK DR BEN LOMOND Incident report to document a disturbance between two patients at Willowbrook Assisted Living, during which minor damage to facility property occurred. No criminal charges are being sought.
08/05/2021 13:53 HARTMAN CREEK RD BOULDER CREEK, This report documents an investigation of a possible violation of a court-ordered civil restraining order between two neighbors in Boulder Creek. 08/05/2021 15:30 MILL ST BEN LOMOND The subject dropped controlled substances in
August-September 2021
08/06/2021 11:23 HIGHWAY 9 FELTON, This report documents a vandalism in which a subject destroyed glass to a residence in Felton. The subject was caught on video footage and determined to be an autistic 17- year old. The father of the child has agreed to pay for the
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damages. 08/06/2021 19:49 FELTON Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with no rear plate. The driver provided the officer with a plate that came back as stolen. The plate was collected and the item was later booked into Sheriff’s Office Property. 08/07/2021 12:00 CENTRAL AVE BOULDER CREEK, A male subject was contacted who had a non-releasable felony warrant. The subject was arrested and transported to the County Jail. 08/10/2021 23:27 FELTON A male suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct. 08/15/2021 22:27 BEN LOMOND Suspect was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell and was found to be in violation of parole. 08/17/2021 00:48 SCOTTS VALLEY Suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct due to alcohol and found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle. She was released on $5000 bail.
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- 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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August-September 2021
Open Letter to the Community... Cont. including the entire list of possible concerns. The proposal reads like a description of a City Council – a political layer with elections and demands for public funds (presumably for staff to maintain agendas, minutes, public notice and reporting). Does the County have the staff and funds for that? After Covid-19 and the CZU Fire, that’s highly unlikely. There are better ways to use staff and funds to amplify response to local public and personal needs. Counties are set up with one Supervisor per District. Is the problem that the Supervisor and staff don’t know what SLV problems, issues and concerns are? We don’t think so. Isn’t the problem that, with Covid-reduced staffing, it has been a challenge to respond to every concern, especially when adding on a major wildfire? The County currently has limited resources to share among the five Districts. Does this mean that the 5th District Supervisors haven’t recognized the needs and dreams of this community, and worked successfully to get funding, including grants, for the needs and dreams specific to the SLV? No, it doesn’t. Most recently, for example, our new Felton Library’s Discovery Park is a County Park that was otherwise unattainable. The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District’s Bear Creek Community Center (and pool) was acquired only with County support. A $10 million carve-out for the SLV in the Measure D transportation Plan is serving us all, as is the establishment of the State’s largest Community-Choice Energy Agency that provides climate-friendly electric power at a lower cost. The innovative Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience is helping CZU fire victims now, while assuring our community is preparing for inevitable future disasters, to
August-September 2021
respond during emergencies and assist with recovery. Obviously, representing both Scotts Valley and the SLV does not inevitably cause the 5th District Supervisor to fail to address SLV resident’s concerns, as stated in one article. What about protecting health and safety? In the past year, the Supervisor’s Office obtained unanimous approval from the entire Board of Supervisors to demand legal accountability from the California Public Utilities Commission for the personally devastating, environmentally destructive, and property-value damaging atrocities that it committed after the CZU fire. PG&E illegally cleared many thousands of burned but recovering trees of every species, causing immeasurable personal trauma, delaying recovery of the forests, accelerating climate change, exacerbating erosion threatening mudslides, and degrading vital sources of water supply. PG&E has thus further delayed recovery throughout the CZU fire zone – and is being held accountable. No other fire-damaged county has taken that step, to stand up to PG&E. Community members like you and us, working with the Supervisor, need to continue that fight and others. The Valley Press piece, introducing the SLV Community Advisory Board idea, stated that the Board of Forestry’s Fire Safe emergency vehicle access regulations, designed to restrict building homes in forested areas, provided a good example of how “underrepresented communities” are left behind in discussions. That is, in fact, wrong. The SLV was not left behind; being well represented, our CZU Fire victims will not be prevented from rebuilding due to far more strict vehicle access regulations. They will be able to rebuild because SLV
Supervisor McPherson not only wrote a letter, but he arranged testimony to the Board of Forestry. He personally testified, along with Planning’s Assistant Director, Paia Levine, and Analyst for the innovative Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, David Reid. They challenged the proposal as harmful to established rural communities like the SLV. As a result, CZU Fire victims can rebuild. There are many questions that add to our concern. The most worrisome: Do we need another election campaign in the Valley? With costs increasing, and the potential for political rancor and division, can an effective Council be assured? Whether elected or appointed, what responsibility does the Board of Supervisors have in doing whatever the Council wants? If a 7-member Advisory Council votes 4 to 3 on a particularly contentious issue, can it claim to represent the community to the Board? Can your personal ideas, concerns, and complaints be addressed this way? Won’t there be significant potential for political bias impacting decisions? Will this improve the ability of the Supervisor to meet the community’s needs or demands? Much of the Steering Committee’s social media and radio conversations, and print media articles, have expressed the need for adequate representation and response – and the importance of public participation. We agree. There is a crucial need for community involvement to stimulate government action. However, along with the primary issue of adding another expensive layer between us and our County government is the question of the rationale for an Advisory Council with such an all-encompassing range of concerns, with significant political power holding the possibility of impropriety. Arguments for the Council suggested that our Supervisor’s Office does not
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represent the individuals of the SLV, and that it has little influence in regional or state matters. We can honestly report that this is not true – now or in the past – having worked closely with local Supervisors over many years. This is evident in the key ways things have improved over the years, as delineated above. It is undeniable that there are enormous amounts of work to be done, with Covid’s additional impacts worsening everything, especially the already tremendously frustrating stumbling blocks to rebuilding from the Fire, and slowing things down for so many, and thwarting timely results. Introducing a lengthy and time-consuming Board of Supervisors’ process for the creation of the type of advisory council proposed, and the campaigns and elections that would follow, can only worsen the situation. We urge our friends and neighbors in the San Lorenzo Valley to reject the “SLV Community Advisory Council,” as proposed, to remain involved and speak out, so the problems facing us now – and those future problems that arise – can be resolved with greater efficiency, as solutions are identified and then implemented. Respectfully Yours, Les Gardner (Felton), Ann Thryft (Boulder Creek), Ron Sekkel (Ben Lomond), Leslie Steiner (Felton), Bob Gliner (Boulder Creek), Jeannette Larson (Boulder Creek), Renee Shepherd (Felton), Coco Raner-Walter (Ben Lomond), Linda Moore (Boulder Creek), Robin Musitelli (Ben Lomond), Susan St. John (Boulder Creek), Nancy Macy (Boulder Creek), Kristen Sandel (Ben Lomond), Jim Mosher (Felton), Jen Parks (Boulder Creek), Bob Locatelli (Boulder Creek), Cindy Shepherd (Ben Lomond), Michele Mosher (Felton), Judi Sherman (Ben Lomond)
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