On the Waterfront
Mountain Mama
One Tribe Spirit
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Volume 11: Issue: 2
Democratic Party Unites in Opposition to Greenway Initiative The NO WAY Greenway campaign today announced four leading Democratic organizations in Santa Cruz County are uniting in opposition to the deceptive Greenway initiative, led by the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party, the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County, the Mid County Democratic Club and the College Democrats at UC Santa Cruz. “The Santa Cruz County Democratic Party emphatically opposes the Greenway initiative,” said Andrew Goldenkranz, chair of the
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NO WAY GREENWAY
Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee. “We need more transportation options that help people, not fewer. We need more transit options for working
Gone But Never Forgotten also nicknamed Einstein for his appearance. Residents throughout the years always noticed Chuck walking the streets and Highway nine in his reflective vest; everywhere he would go he would keep the streets clean on his journey, collecting trash and recyclables and stopping to talk to everyone that crossed his path with a smile and a hello.
by Kevin Foster There are times in life where you meet someone or see someone constantly that leaves a huge impact; in the San Lorenzo Valley that would be Chuck Sh-Veev *************ECRWSSEDDM**************** Postal Customer Boulder Creek CA 95006 Felton CA 95018, Ben Lomond CA 95005
February-March 2022
Chuck started his journey August 10, 1940. He was born and grew up in New York and Fort Lee, New Jersey. He later became a college professor teaching philosophy at the University of Hawaii. Chuck was one of the most interesting people you could talk to and a great personal friend of mine. I was blessed to be his neighbor on Brimblecomb Road for many many years. His knowledge and outlook on life was like no other, even through his rough patches in life. Continued page 2
people, not fewer. The railbanking concept is a deceptive mask for what it really is: pulling up the rail line and selling it to the highest bidder with no expectation of replacement with rail.” “Greenway isn’t actually green. Sure, the Greenway initiative might result in a tree-lined linear park, but it would also derail any possibility of bringing zero-emissions transit to Santa Cruz County, and thus condemn us to continued reliance on cars,” said Rae Hill, vice president of the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County. “Climate change demands we take real action NOW. Parks are nice, but if we don’t start drastically cutting emissions now, no amount of parks will be able to offset emissions.” “The Mid County Democrat-
February-March 2022
ic Club joins fellow Democrats throughout Santa Cruz County in condemning the terrible and deceptive Greenway initiative, which is designed to create confusion and kills the Coastal Rail Trail that’s under construction today,” said Barry Scott, chair of the Mid County Democratic Club. Opposition to the Greenway initiative is growing quickly throughout Santa Cruz County. A partial list of endorsers includes: the Sierra Club; Santa Cruz Climate Action Network; Youth for Climate Justice; Equity Transit; Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah; Watsonville City Councilmember Lowell Hurst; Santa Cruz City Councilmembers Justin Cummings, Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson and Donna Meyers; Cabrillo College Trustees Christina Cuevas, Felipe Hernandez and Adam Spickler; Santa Cruz County Board of Education Trustee Bruce Van Allen; Santa Cruz City Schools Trustee Deb Tracy-Proulx; and Bill Monning, California State Senate (ret.) Majority Leader Emeritus. To learn more about NO WAY Greenway (FPPC # 1442272), visit www.nowaygreenway.org or find updates on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Reps. Eshoo, Lieu, Jayapal, and Clarke Urge IRS to Halt Plan to Use Facial Recognition Technology Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (DCA), Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-CA), Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig urging the IRS to halt its plan to employ facial recognition technology and consult with a wide variety of stakeholders before deciding on an alternative.
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This summer, the IRS plans to require anyone seeking to access their records on the IRS website to provide images of their driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport and take a live video of their face so ID.me, a private contractor, can confirm their identity. The Members cite concerns related to cybersecurity, accuracy and bias issues, Continued page 7
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letter from the publisher
Gone But Never Forgotten - Continued
Dear Mountain Friends, Here we go. Mask mandates are lifted. We don’t know for how long though. Remember the lifting of the mandate is the government letting go of control; leaving the decision in the hands of the individual. I kind of like that. I have never been one who enjoys being told what to do. The question now is what will you do? Are you going to stop wearing it inside, in public settings, when you’re outside or not at all. The pandemic is not gone. It may never be. I hate saying that. I long for the days when person to person interaction was not a risk factor. But here is where we are. What are you going to do? To mask or not to mask, that is the question. There is another question looming. Will the conflict with Russia and the Ukraine touch us here in California? In the Santa Cruz Mountains? I was speaking about it to some friends over the weekend. I got the impression they were feeling overwhelmed and just happy we are not in a current crisis as in the last two years. They did not want to discuss the possibility of a war in Eastern Europe, much less how it may or may not affect us here in the mountains. I get that. We have been through so much. It is time to set down the worry of what might come next. It is time to enjoy the changing of the seasons, enjoy being with our friends and families and taking a moment for ourselves. Self care people. Do it, do it now and often. Whether it is a walk in nature, a glass of wine or cup of tea with friends, a massage or just a long bubble bath. Just take time for yourself and let the worries not be in the forefront of your mind. The world is a crazy place and it does not seem to be getting less so anytime soon…. so try not to dwell on what might come. Enjoy the moment. With Kind Regards, Wendy Sigmund, Publisher of the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin
Chuck moved from Boulder Creek to Paradise, California before the Paradise fire. He shared with me the day of the fire; he was sleeping and his neighbor came in and woke him up. The fire was so close he didn’t have time to grab any of his belongings or his most prized possessions, his work as a philosophy professor and his papers. He said he got out on the road and was walking trying to find an escape with fire surrounding him and a patrol officer stopped and picked him up and took him to safety. Shortly after the fire he was in a shelter and I drove up to pick him up and get him out of the shelter for a little bit while he was trying to find a new place to call home. What amazed me was his positive outlook no matter what life threw at him. Chuck ended up relocating to Clemson, South Carolina where he rented from a good friend, Marguerite Kirsch. Of course Chuck made many wonderful friends there such as Elaine Faithful and Kathy Wing, who would go on long walks and hikes with him. Chuck loved to spend many hours at the library where he would enjoy walking the college campus in Clemson.
On the night of December 21 at 8 pm, Chuck was crossing the street and was struck by a truck. Chuck had some previous injuries throughout life that prevented him from turning his head very far to the left or right. On that night he went to cross the road and the driver of the vehicle reported that Chuck crossed into the road and he didn’t have time to stop fast enough. He called 911 immediately and Chuck was taken to ICU for several weeks with three discs and his spine that were severely damaged and they had to repair. Upon release from ICU he went into hospice care in Anderson where many additional complications could not be overcome. Chuck passed away Thursday 2-17-2022 at midnight. His nephew Bill Funk, his brother Harlan Funk, along with his very good friends Elaine Faithful, Kathy Wing and Marguerite Kirsch were all there for him constantly during his battles the last two months. No one I have ever met has made such an impact on an entire community; from those that never met Chuck, and just see him walking down the road, along with those that were blessed to be able to cross his path, chat for a bit and become friends. Whether you called him Chuck or whether you called him Einstein, you were extremely blessed to know the impact he made on thousands of people in the San Lorenzo Valley. He left smiles on everyone’s face whether they knew him or not, just by seeing him. In Boulder Creek and the San Lorenzo Valley, Chuck is an icon and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Chuck!
- SCM Bulletin contributors Publisher: Wendy Sigmund-Mountain Publishing, LLC Editor: Lori Suzanne Holetz Contributors: Robert Arne, Mark Dolson, Kevin Foster, Lori Suzanne Holetz, Marcey Klein, Marybeth McLaughlin, Lisa Robinson, MJ Stearns, Joy Stewart Photographers: Steve Kuehl , Chucke Walkden Layout: Bree Karpavage The Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin 6265 Hwy 9 - Felton CA 95018 831-508-0033 | scmbulletin@gmail.com | wendy.mountainpublishing@gmail.com www.santacruzmountainbulletin.net | @santacruzmountainbulletin mountainpublishing.net | info@mountainpublishing.net
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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February-March 2022
SLV History Celebrating Valley Newspapers
by Lisa Robinson In celebration of the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin’s tenth anniversary, let us continue our look back at some of the other newspapers that have, in the past, reported on local Valley news. After the death of the Mountain Echo newspaper, it would be over a decade before another was born. In 1932, Alvah Root Mckinney, publisher, editor, printer, and pressman, who went by the name Mac, founded a “great evening luminary” the Valley Echo - Published in the valley of the San Lorenzo among the Redwoods. Mac was a seasoned printer, having worked for the Santa Cruz News. His new paper was printed in Boulder Creek on a hand-fed
around sixteen months later Mac printed his final edition. In 1938, he founded the Pacific Democrat but shortly thereafter his Mission Street establishment and all of the equipment was destroyed by fire. He eventually settled in Scotts Valley where until his death in 1953, he published a Scotts Valley community newspaper. In 1937, the San Lorenzo Valley Journal was established. This weekly “folksy” newspaper was printed in Boulder Creek, and edited and published by former San Francisco newspaperman, Reed Hayes. It ran for six years, changing its name to the Santa Cruz County Journal in 1943, shortly after which, citing the challenging wartime business environment, Hayes took his equipment to Vallejo to start a new paper under the name Vallejo Standard.
two-revolution Campbell printing press. The press was described as having more “temperamental notions than a movie star.” “It groaned and grunted, and balked and stuttered …” But Mac was its master. There were steps on the press to give the pressman extra height to feed the paper. Mac however was tall, according to reports, seven feet tall, and he could stand “flat-footed” on the floor. “He would pick up two seven-column forms, one under each arm, load up the old Campbell, say some mystic words under his breath and the old Campbell would walk just like nobody’s business.”
In 1945, Roland Pori and then his brother Carlo published the San Lorenzo Valley Press; it was however printed in Santa Cruz. In 1946, it was acquired by Albert Branson who continued its publication until 1949. It was then acquired by Everett Holman who changed the publication name to the San Lorenzo Valley Sun and sold it in 1950 to John Pletchet who continued publication until his retirement in 1957. Next edition we will share the story of Brookdale’s Penny Press “cantankerous” editor Thomas McHugh - “Adjectives were made for him.”
The paper was short-lived and
Governor Newsom Unveils SMARTER Plan Charting California’s Path Forward on Nation-Leading Pandemic Response by Andy Slavitt Building on lessons learned over the past two years and the state’s commitment to equity, the SMARTER Plan focuses on continued readiness, awareness and flexibility to guide California’s pandemic response California has implemented the most robust vaccination and testing programs in the country, maintaining one of the lowest death rates among large states. FONTANA – As California emerges from the Omicron surge, Governor Gavin Newsom today unveiled the state’s SMARTER Plan, the next phase of California’s pandemic response. Building on lessons learned over the past two years and the state’s ongoing commitment to equity, the SMARTER Plan will guide California’s strategic approach to managing COVID-19 while moving the state’s recovery forward. Emphasizing continued readiness, awareness and flexibility, the Plan will ensure California can maintain its focus on communities that continue to be disproportionately impacted, and stay prepared to swiftly and effectively respond to emerging COVID-19 variants and changing conditions. “As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, the state is better equipped than ever to protect Californians from COVID-19 with smart strategies that save lives and advance our ongoing recovery,” said Governor Newsom, who will outline the Plan today at a state-operated warehouse in Fontana storing personal protective Continued page 4
February-March 2022
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SMARTER Plan - Cont.
The Joyous Kitchen the bottom and sides. When the butter is sizzling, add a full soup ladle full of batter into the pan toward the center. Swirl gently to spread the batter to the outer edges of the pan. Cook until starting to brown, 1 - 2 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1 2 minutes. Set aside on a plate and repeat with remaining batter until it is used up. For the sauce suzette:
by Joy Stewart
batter is used)
4 Tablespoons butter 4 Tablespoons sugar Zest of 1/2 orange Juice of 1 orange 2 Tablespoons cointreau or grand marnier 1 Tablespoons cognac 1 pinch salt
Need I say more? Well, ok I should probably also mention that crepes suzette is a dish with an orange-y caramel sauce. Right now everyone is looking for chocolate-y dishes to make for their Valentine. As I started planning my cocoa dish I thought about how well orange goes with chocolate and hit upon the idea of making chocolate crepes with an orange sauce.
For the crepes:
Method
3/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon AP Flour 2 eggs 1 cup milk 2 Tablespoons butter, melted and cooled 3 Tablespoons powdered baking chocolate 1 Tablespoon super fine caster sugar
Melt butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan over low heat.
Method
Add fresh orange juice. Stir to incorporate. Serve over chocolate crepes and finish with some good quality chocolate, grated.
Chocolate. Crepe. Suzette.
If you’ve never formed crepes before they do take a little practice. Ladle the batter in the center, then swirl gently in a circular motion to spread the batter outward. If you can get this technique down you can create perfectly thin crepes with delicate edges. In no time at all you’ll be turning out professional looking crepes. A crepe pan isn’t absolutely necessary, but it is a big help. If you don’t have one a frying pan will do; the lighter the pan the better. Chocolate Crêpes Suzette Makes 6 crepes (if every drop of
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Whisk eggs, then add milk. Whisk together, then add flour and incorporate.
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Add liquor and ignite. Alcohol will burn off, allowing sugar to finish caramelizing.
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Set aside for at least 1/2 hour. Meanwhile, make the sauce (see recipe below).
Shots- Vaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness. Under the Plan, California will maintain capacity to administer at least 200,000 vaccines per day on top of existing pharmacy and provider infrastructure. Masks- Properly worn masks with good filtration help slow the spread of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses. The state will maintain a stockpile of 75 million high quality masks and the capability to distribute them as needed.
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When the batter has sat for 30 minutes, heat a light frying pan and add enough butter to cover
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The SMARTER Plan’s core pillars and preparedness metrics focus on lifesaving public health measures and strategies the state has successfully used to slow the spread and protect Californians. Recognizing that each variant brings with it unique characteristics relative to the specific conditions in our neighborhoods and communities, the Plan preserves needed flexibility and ensures the state has the resources and capabilities in place to tackle the COVID-19 challenges that lie ahead:
Add chocolate powder and sugar and whisk in. Lastly, whisk butter.
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equipment. “Building on proven tools – rooted in science and data – that have been honed over the past two years, we’re keeping our guard up with a focus on continued readiness, awareness and flexibility to adapt to the evolving pandemic. As we have throughout the pandemic, the state will continue applying the lessons we’ve learned about the virus to keep California moving forward.”
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February-March 2022
Awareness- We will continue to stay aware of how COVID-19 is spreading and evolving variants, communicate clearly how people should protect themselves, and coordinate our state and local government response. California will maintain capability to promote vaccination, masking and other mitigation measures in all 58 counties and support engagement with at least 150 community-based organizations. Readiness- COVID-19 isn’t going away and we need to be ready with the tools, resources and supplies that will allow us to quickly respond to protect public health and to keep the health care system well prepared. The state will maintain wastewater surveillance in all regions and enhance respiratory surveillance in the health care system while continuing to sequence at least 10 percent of positive COVID-19 test specimens. The state will also maintain the ability to add 3,000 clinical staff within 2-3 weeks of need and across various health care facility types. Testing- Getting the right type of tests – PCR or antigen – to where they are needed most. Testing will help California minimize the spread of COVID-19. California will maintain commercial and local public health capacity statewide to perform at least 500,000 tests per day – a combination of PCR and antigen. Education- California will continue to work to keep schools open and children safely in classrooms for in-person instruction. The state will expand by 25 percent schoolbased vaccination sites supported by the state to increase vaccination rates as eligibility expands. Rx- Evolving and improving treatments will become increasingly available and critical as a tool to save lives. The state will maximize orders for the most clinically effective therapeutic available through federal partnerships, ensuring allocations of effective therapeutics are ordered within 48-hours.
Healthy Tidbits Heart Healthy Love by Marcey Klein BS, NC February is the wonderful month of love. And our hearts deserve the best in this category, as our hearts are so giving, and such hard workers, beating 100,000 times per day, pumping 1.5 gallons of blood per minute through 60,000 miles of blood vessels! (as noted in Healthy Times) A fun way to strengthen our hearts is to enjoy flavonoid rich foods such as Organic Red wine, dark fair trade chocolate, deep red raspberries, pomegranates, and beets. Flavonoid rich foods help strengthen our vascular systems, and can help bring down our blood pressure. Some other great foods for heart health are red cabbage which are high in anthocyanins, helping to support healthy cholesterol levels, strawberries which are also high in anthocyanins helping with blood pressure and elasticity of blood vessels, and cherries which are high in potassium and polyphenols, helping lower the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Some heart healthy supplements are magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, Hawthorn berry, L carnitine, Omega 3’s, D-Ribose, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Co Q10, D-Ribose, and L-carnitine all help with energy metabolism in the heart, as vitamin C works to repair the arteries. Hawthorn berry is a heart adaptogen, and magnesium can support blood pressure along with Omega 3’s. I also like all antioxidants, as they help repair and bring down inflammation caused by free radical damage. The B vitamins are important in cellular metabolism, cognition, and to break down the inflammatory toxic byproducts of protein synthesis called homocysteine that can raise the risk of heart disease. Vitamin D and K2 work together to make sure calcium gets placed in our bones and not in our arteries or soft tissues.
It’s important to decrease our stress levels by loving ourselves, learning from our mistakes, and giving ourselves and other people a break. Being more flexible is one of the keys to lowering our stress. Research shows that laughing too can lower stress hormones, decrease inflammation in the arteries, and can raise our good HDL cholesterol. It’s time also to give up refined carbohydrates, sodas, excess alcohol, and cigarettes. All of these place an extra burden on our bodies by acidifying our blood, resulting in our bodies having to pull much needed minerals from our bones and teeth to buffer the acidity. Dental hygiene is also important since research suggests that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also raise our risk of heart disease. Teas are wonderful this time of
year, and green tea has been linked to lower rates of angina and heart attacks. They’re also full of antioxidants. Other wonderful teas for the heart that are full of heart healthy antioxidants are pomegranate, blueberries, hibiscus, and ginger. Another great way to incorporate heart healthy nutrients in our diet are through spices. Cinnamon, clove, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, and turmeric are anti-inflammatory and heart healthy. Garlic is also a great addition as it supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It’s fun to stay healthy and to take care of yourself. Your body and heart will love you for it!
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Mountain Mama
Growing A Garden With What You Throw Away Is a food shortage coming? There are many people talking about the possibility of a food shortage. This is simply a theory. However, it does fall into the category of my beginning prepared and self sufficient. Even if it is not a serious crisis or event which causes us to have trouble obtaining food, it is just fun to see what you can do. Practice your skills. Green Onions AKA Scallions Here is one of the easiest ways to grow green onions, which are fast growing and delicious. Some people call them scallions. Whatever you call them they are super easy to grow and add a nice flavor or almost any dish. When you buy green onions from the market they have the white bulb onion with some roots and a long green stalk. When you use the onions in the recipe you cut off the ends and throw them away.
Don’t do that. Simply place the white bulb onion in water, submerging the roots. Leave them on the window sill until the green stalks reach about three inches then place them in soil. You can plant them in a pot or a raised bed or even the ground. You can keep them in the window sill and cut a couple inches off as needed. During the summer months I simply take the cut off ends of the onion and place them right in the growing pot. They just start growing. Easy peasy. One other thing; if you don’t get to them they will reach a couple of feet in height, then a beautiful bulb flower will emerge. I love to use them in flower arrangements or just let them go to seed so there are more and more green onions. There is no messing this one up. Potatoes How many times have you reached into the bag or bin to grab potatoes for dinner to find them sprouting eyes. Usually I will cut that part off and toss it into the compost. Not anymore. When the potatoes are sprouting all you have to do is cut them in half and place the half with the eyes or both halves in the ground. Bury the potatoes with an inch of soil and wait to see what happens. Here is a nifty trick I just learned. Take
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two large flower pots that fit inside each other. Cut out large windows in one and place it inside the other. Fill the inside with solid. Place two potatoes cut in half on top. Cover with an inch of soil and water. Leave in a sunny spot. In a month pull out the inside pot and look through the windows, you will see bunches of potatoes. Pull them out and replace the pot. Repeat every time you want potatoes for dinner. Start a second and third system every month so your yield will be constant. You see, we will never run out of food if we start preparing now. Why and how did I figure this out? My main, most fun, hobby is to lay out everything I buy at the grocery store and ask myself what I could have made at home. The original goal was to reduce the plastic packaging I brought home. Living off grid means taking away your trash. I found the majority of trash I was removing from my property was just plastic; water, juice, milk jugs and plastic bags. I started using the plastic bottles as mini greenhouses. I’ll show you this later. But then I started to look at the items I was putting in the compost. I found that just about any item with roots would grow with encouragement. Free sustainable food source I was just tossing out. Think about all the items that sprout in your crisper. Do you toss it? Well next time put it in the dirt in a sunny spot, keep watering and see what happens. I would love to know what you come up with. Please email me at scmountainmama@gmail.com and/or follow me and add a comment at @scmountainmama on instagram and facebook. Thanks for reading my column.
SGMWA Board Meeting Recap: January 2022 New Board Chair Selected Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SGMWA) held a board meeting Wednesday, Jan. 27, using a hybrid (in-person and remote) format. At the meeting, the Board of Directors elected a new board chair and vice chair. Gail Mahood, a San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) board member, was selected as chair. Chris Perri, a Scotts Valley Water District board member who previously served as chair of SMGWA, was chosen as vice chair. Jack Dilles, a representative from the City of Scotts Valley was re-elected as the secretary and the board welcomed Jayme Ackemann, a new representative from SLVWD. A key responsibility of the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency is to develop, adopt and submit a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin (Basin), as required by California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The GSP was adopted at the Board’s November meeting and has been submitted to the state Department of Water Resources for review and approval. The final GSP will guide long-term management of the groundwater basin to ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for community needs and the environment. The plan provides the basis for ongoing management of the Basin by SMGWA to achieve sustainability in a 20-year planning horizon and maintain sustainability over a Continued page 8
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February-March 2022
Facial Recognition Technology - Cont. and the lack of transparency in the IRS’s contract with ID.me and the company itself. Dear Commissioner Rettig: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plays a crucial role in helping Americans understand their tax responsibilities and enforcing the law with integrity and fairness for all. We write to you with great concern regarding the IRS’s plan to employ face recognition software requiring millions of Americans to have their face scanned by a private contractor. Any government agency operating a face recognition technology system – or contracting with a third party – creates potential risks of privacy violations and abuse. We urge the IRS to halt this plan and consult with a wide variety of stakeholders before deciding on an alternative. This summer, the IRS plans to require anyone seeking to access their records on its agency website to provide sensitive biometric data to ID.me, a private contractor. Specifically, Americans will have to upload images of their driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport and then take a live video of their face with a computer or smartphone so ID.me can confirm their identity. Despite this new IRS policy not being a universal requirement for several months, it is already required for individuals who do not have IRS login credentials and want to access online tools. These new biometric requirements will be necessary for accessing a wide array of vital tools the IRS provides, including confirming a payment, using the
Child Tax Credit Update Portal, and accessing a tax transcript. To be clear, Americans will not have the option of providing their biometric data to a private contractor as an alternative way to access the IRS website. They will be compelled to do so. The decision by the IRS raises several alarming issues. First, Americans will be forced to put sensitive data into a biometric database, which is a prime target for cyberattacks. In 2019, a cyberattack on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) subcontractor exposed the face images and license plates of thousands of U.S. travelers. The subcontractor cyberattack and ensuing fallout was significant, but the cybersecurity risk with the IRS’s plan is far greater: millions of Americans use the IRS website annually for a variety of vital functions, and, as a result, each of them will be forced to trust a private contractor with some of their most sensitive data. Aside from the cybersecurity risk, the accuracy and bias issues of face recognition systems disproportionately impact people of color. ID.me has stated that the use of their technology promotes “access, equity and inclusion,” but even oneto-one face recognition algorithms – where a facial image is compared only with an image of the same face – has been shown to exhibit significant racial bias. A 2019 National Institute of Standards and Technology study showed that one-to-one matching algorithms “saw higher rates of false positives for Asian and African American faces” compared to white faces –
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often by a factor of 10 to 100 times. ID.me’s CEO has stated that the company runs internal tests on its software and has found no signs of racial or gender bias, but none of those tests have been made available to the public or even reviewed by external researchers. Already, ID.me’s face recognition technology has reportedly failed to identify Americans attempting to access government services. In addition to those it fails to identify, the new login system discriminates against those unable to afford reliable broadband and the required video capabilities, which may result in less Americans filing for the earned income tax credit. We are also concerned about the lack of transparency in both the IRS’s contract with ID.me and ID.me itself. The company had repeatedly stated, including in a press release just weeks ago, that ID.me does not use one-to-many face recognition, which compares a facial image to a mass database of other facial images and is more privacy invasive and prone to error. Yet, in the same month, ID.me’s CEO then publicly stated that his company does, in fact, use one-to-many face recognition technology. Furthermore, the IRS’s Privacy Impact Assessment neglects to mention ID.me is even using this technology on Americans. Given these issues, it is simply wrong to compel millions of Americans to place trust in this new protocol. In addition to halting these planned changes, we also request that the IRS provide the following information: Why does the IRS’s Privacy Impact Assessment, as required by the E-Government Act, not compre-
hensively disclose what technology ID.me will be using? Was IRS not aware ID.me would be using one-to-many face recognition technology while conducting its assessment? What review process did the IRS undergo to ensure the mass database ID.me will be operating does not pose a data breach risk to millions of Americans? What, if any, information regarding fraud or other identity-related issues has the IRS publicly shown to prove that this technology must be required for all Americans? Given the privacy and cybersecurity risk, were any other alternatives identified? Millions of Americans either do not have access to reliable broadband or smartphones and computers. How are they expected to access vital IRS resources? Has the IRS publicly disclosed an alternative plan for individuals unable to comply? Given the risks that face recognition technology poses to women and people of color, what processes or steps has the IRS taken to ensure these communities will not face greater difficulty accessing the IRS website? Prior to agreeing to this login change, did the IRS consult with any stakeholders in the civil rights and civil liberties communities? What guardrails are in place to ensure that ID.me is prevented from disseminating or otherwise using the biometric data it collects for any purpose other than the IRS login system?
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On the Water Front Progress on Pipeline Replacement by Mark Dolson The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) was hit hard by the Covid Omicron variant with nearly half the District’s thirty-some employees, including District Manager Rick Rogers, becoming infected. The District remained fully operational, but some strategic initiatives were slowed, and the January 13th Board meeting was canceled (as was the January 6th meeting, due to an unrelated technical glitch). The Board returned to normal with efficient and uncontroversial meetings on January 20st and February 3rd. One notable theme over the course of both meetings involved the many accomplishments of the engineering team under the leadership of District Engineer Josh Wolff, who joined SLVWD in 2021. The Board approved a newly developed (and very detailed and thorough) set of Standard Specifications that are expected to be used by Designers, Homeowners, and Contractors to ensure that all new construction and/or rehabilitation of facilities comply with current Codes and District requirements. The Board was also pleased with the quality and expanded range of responses to recent District requests for bids on major construction projects. The Board
unanimously approved contracts for its Glen Arbor Pipeline project ($320,500 for construction services and $61,850 for construction management to replace a leaking 6-inch water main crossing the Glen Arbor bridge at CA-9), its Brookdale Pipeline Viaduct project ($160,000 to reroute some pipeline in response to a Caltrans project), and its ambitious Alta Via Pipeline project ($2,107,470 for construction services and $192,185 for construction management to replace and reroute fire-damaged main pipelines which will now run parallel to Highway 9 from Brookdale almost into Boulder Creek). The Board also unanimously approved various pieces of more routine business (e.g., updating its Board Policy Manual, a new and improved onboarding procedure for new Board and public committee members, etc.). In addition, the District deserves special recognition for its continuing success in obtaining State grants to assist it in coping with fire-related and Covid-related challenges. In particular, the District has received State funding for assisting in the payment of Covid-related pastdue accounts; the District has been reaching out directly to customers to work with them on resolving these situations.
Caltrain Electrification Event Last week, I joined local officials in the Bay Area to celebrate the installation of the last of 3,092 electrical foundations to electrify Caltrains, completing the construction of the infrastructure for an electric railway. Electrification modernizes this 150-year-old railroad, improving local air quality by 97 percent, offering faster service, and carrying the equivalent of 5 ½ freeway lanes of traffic every hour. This is the world-class, modern, and climate-friendly electric transit system that our innovative region deserves. - Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
The next regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM on February 17th (still via Zoom).
SGMWA Board Meeting Recap: Continued 50-year implementation horizon, as specified by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. With the GSP finalized and submitted to the state, the Agency is considering changes that better support the goals and objectives in the next 5-year period, including how to staff the Agency. Since its inception, SGMWA has been operated under a shared staffing model by member agencies. In November, the board formed an ad-hoc Agency Organizational Structure Committee that debriefed the board on their activities in the
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last two months. At its January meeting, the Board authorized the committee to move forward with the collaborative approach for administrative and planning services. The board also reviewed and accepted the annual financial report for fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The February SMGWA board will be on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. To learn more about the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency and upcoming events, visit our website at www.smgwa.org.
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February-March 2022
Event Calendar: MARCH 2022 Saturday February 26 Clam Chowder Cook-Off Two Day Event. Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 41st Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston and Manhattan Clam Chowder, and you can help pick a winner each day. Tasting kit proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation. Practical Activism Conference 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. Our day-long, student-led conference aims to further local and global change in our community by representing diverse perspectives on a variety of social justice issues, and providing hands-on tools to make practical change. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about many social-justice related topics in student-organized workshops and special-sessions. This year’s PAC takes on special salience given the recent naming of College Ten as John R. Lewis College. UCSC College Nine And College Ten Multipurpose Room 615 College Nine Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
Sunday, February 27 Burleigh Murray Ranch Walk 10:00 am. Join state park docents on a leisurely 2.5-mile, 2-hour hike. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century. Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet in the parking lot. Free event. For more information, call (650) 7268814. Event made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks. Surfer’s Path 10K & 5K 7:00 am registration, 8:00 am start tim Welcome to the Surfer’s Path 10k & 5k. This event covers a portion of the epic Surfer’s Path Half Marathon course. The distance is reduced but the scenery remains breathtaking! Participants are treated to beachfront and bluff views of the Monterey Bay along the majestic Santa Cruz County coastline. You travel the Surfer’s Path, passing many of the world’s most famous surf breaks. There is plenty of surf music and celebration at the finish area located in the heart of Capitola Village. Grab some friends and take part in this event and make memories
in this picture postcard setting. Surfs Up! The Start Line is located on 41st Ave near the intersection of Portola Drive at 816 41st Ave Santa Cruz
Friday March 4 First Friday Santa Cruz 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Every First Friday Evening from 5pm-9pm at various locations in Santa Cruz County. Plan your First Friday night and visit participating venues in Downtown, the Tannery Arts Center, Midtown, Westside, Eastside, Felton, and Ben Lomond! Get out and support the arts! Find the full listing of participating artists and venues + all of the details on our website, firstfridaysantacruz.com Various locations in Santa Cruz County. firstfridaysantacruz.com
Sunday MARCH 6 11am-5pm. Join us at the Westside Marketplace on Sunday, March 6! Bring your fave peeps and shop amongst the one-of-a-kind creations from our 30+ artists/makers/vintage – all while getting your food truck fix on! Live music from 12:30-3:30pm with Cement Ship! All this is happening at the Old Wrigley Parking Lot in Santa Cruz, 2801 Mission Street. Look for the solar panels and the pump track! Now featuring Vintage Row! FREE admission! FREE & Easy Parking! Friendly leashed pups are welcome! Presented by your friends at SCM Makers Market & Food Trucks A Go Go. www.scmmakersmarket.com
Saturday March 12 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Jump in and make a splash with this family-friendly fundraiser benefiting local Special Olympics athletes! Register to participate and enjoy a day at the beach with music, a raffle, a costume contest and more! Rio Del Mar State Beach. 925-944-8801 www.PlungeCA.com
Sunday March 20 Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. EVERY THIRD SUNDAY! Come on out for some fresh air and crafty goodness! This market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods! You can find some of your favorite Santa Cruz makers here AND brand new makers...the variety of work at the
market is AMAZING! Located on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets near New Leaf and alongside so many amazing downtown restaurants. Friendly leashed pups are welcome! www.scmmakersmakert.com for info.
Saturday March 26 Reptile Event 11:00 am - 5:00 pm - Two day Event. Meet and learn about many different species of animals from all over the world, and get your photo taken with one at our photo booth! Enjoy expo pricing on all available animals and in-store discounts! Chat with vendors local to the bay about their animals and products. 533 Seabright Avenue Santa Cruz Boardwalk Fun Run 6:30 am – 12:00 pm. Lace up your shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Sunday March 27 Santa Cruz Symphony: The Orchestra Swings! 2:00 am – 4:00 pm. Join Master of Ceremonies Omari Tau, conductor Daniel Stewart, the Santa Cruz Symphony, the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, and more as they show you how the orchestra swings. Ticket Prices Adult: $19.50 ($15 + service charge), Child 3-17: $13.50 ($10 + service charge), Babies 2 & under free if held on lap. Seating is General Admission. This concert is appropriate for children of all ages. Civic Auditorium 307 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA
Save the Date Saturday, April 16 @ 11:00 am - 3:30 pm Roaring Camp Railroads: Eggstraordinary Easter Weekend: The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. After riding either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train, your kids will have a blast participating in Easter activities in Town. Roaring Camp Railroads 831-335-4484 www.roaringcamp.com Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send information to scbulletin@gmail. com, subject line calendar.
SLV Crime Blotter 02/01/2022 12:33 FELTON, CA Vandalism occurred where the victim does not want prosecution.
02/05/2022 16:23 GRAHAM HILL RD FELTON, CA Officer responded to the report of vandalism. During the course of the investigation, they found out the subject had two active warrants and was on probation. A probation search revealed the suspect was in possession of drug paraphernalia.
02/06/2022 16:15 BOULDER CREEK, CA Coroner report. INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION FOLLOW UP
02/05/2022 00:12 FELTON, CA A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for a traffic violation and the driver was found to be suspended. CHP contacted to conduct a DUI investigation and cited the subject for violating his DUI probation as well as driving while suspended. They then towed the vehicle.
02/05/2022 17:55 DAVENPORT, CA A victim reported that their parked vehicle had been burglarized.
02/06/2022 22:27 BEN LOMOND, CA A deceased subject was found by a family member.
02/05/2022 14:33 FELTON, CA Suspect cited for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Patrol follow up.
02/06/2022 07:56 SCOTTS VALLEY, CA Two adult brothers with mental health history had an altercation.
02/04/2022 09:46 WESTWOOD RD FELTON, Natural death INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION FOLLOW UP
February-March 2022
02/06/2022 01:08 SCOTTS VALLEY, CA A driver was found to have a suspended license with prior convictions for driving while suspended.
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02/06/2022 19:21 SCOTTS VALLEY, CA (VI) reported an email from (S) that violated a Domestic Violence Protective Order
02/07/2022 08:17 BOULDER CREEK, CA Reportable death. 02/07/2022 16:37 BEN LOMOND, CA Report documents an incident at school. 02/09/2022 00:40 DAVIDSON WAY BOULDER CREEK, CA A burglary occurred.
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- Support Local Business Computer & Cell Repair
Andrew Savoy Computer and cell phone repair, broken screens or broken computers are my specialties 831-278-2210
Event Planning
Financial Services
Pest Control Mountain Home Pest Control
Bayview Residential Brokerage Paula Ruth Smith Loan Originator/Sr. Processor 650.529.4702 paula@bayres.net bayviewresidential. com DRE# is 02047332 and NMLS# is 1703342
Termites & General Pests Botanical Alternatives Available FREE Competitive Bids 831-338-0888
Weddings, parties, and events. Contact Wendy Sigmund beneaththeredwoods @gmail.com
Mobile Help MobileHelp, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-831-534-3008
If you can dream it, we can make it! Call for a free quote.
Tree Service
Sunderland Tree Service (831) 338-2197
Tree Service
The Honey Bucket Man
Stellar Tree Care
831-335-1393
Ron Easley
Complete Septic Services
thehoneybucketman.com
Dental Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
831-241-3036
Septic Service
Kunz Valley Trash Recycling & Hauling Weekly, Bi-weekly & Monthly Pick-ups www.kunzvalleytrash.com kunzvalleytrash@ hughes.net 831-338-9050
Handyman Matthew Sigmund Handyman & Custom Woodworking
Trash & Recycling
831-227-5414
Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877621-0147 www. dental50plus.com/ santacruz #6258
Mountain Community Resources
Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-855-566-0504
valleywomansclub.org
Portable Oxygen
Building Design
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit!
Azure Building Design PO Box 811 Felton CA 95018 www.Drafting-Room.cpm
Call 866-531-0150
Plumbing
6124 Hwy 9 Felton 831-688-8840
Spa Services
Spa Santangelo Private Day Spa ~ Breathe ~ Relax ~ Enjoy Book relaxing spa treatments alone or with loved ones. 831-331-8006 (text) spasantangelo.com Page 10
Publish Your Book
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Valley Women’s Club
Apollo Drain & Rotto Service 831-338-3203
DIRECTV
PO Box 574 Ben Lomond CA
Serving the Santa Cruz Mountain Community after the CZU Fire of 2020 Cell 831-291-0707 Cell 408-455-2866
BC Recreation & Park Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks District Hallie Greene 13333 Middleton Ave Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-4144
Blueprints & Permits Randy Hudson Designs
Switch and Save! $49.99/month. Select All-Included Package. 155 Channels. 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Premium movie channels, FREE for 3 mos! Call
RandyHudsonDesigns.com
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831-345-0750
Expert drafting, Additons, Remodels New Construction You name it. Extensive local experience.
February-March 2022
One Tribe Spirit
How Serious Are You About Those Resolutions? Do it for Those You Love, and the Love of Yourself Five years ago this month, I had breast cancer. It goes without saying, it was a wake-up call. I was very lucky, it was found fairly early, was contained, and removed via a quick surgery. But life going forward would be very different. Thus began my life makeover. January and it’s “new resolutions” seemed to be the perfect time to start. I studied books and articles and found that the biggest impact we can have on our health and well-being, is through our food, water, and aerobic exercise. Maybe with the beginning of the new year, you made those resolutions again, to be better about taking care of yourself. Every month, here in the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin, our writers, Healthy Tidbits’ Marcey Klein and Joyous Kitchen’s Joy Stewart, highlight amazingly delicious and nutritious foods. It is a great place to start. We all hear about keeping hydrated, and yes, this is critical for all bodily functioning at it’s best. But the type of water is even more important. Most of what we eat creates an acidic internal environment. Dis-ease, bacteria, fungus,
February-March 2022
and viruses thrive in an acid environment. So drinking water that is alkaline is best. This will help keep the body in a pH balance of 7, or better yet, 8-9 alkaline. This has helped me tremendously to feel better in so many ways. And cancer can not grow in an alkaline environment. I recommend a copper water bottle. You’ve heard it a million times… “You are what you eat”. So true. Next in my revamped diet comes my food intake. I am fortunate to be able to buy all organic foods, without pesticides and chemicals, with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. There is a clean, toxin free alternative to all foods… it’s a matter of choice. Pesticide, herbicide, and chemical laden foods will never be in your health’s best interest. The extreme increase of processing and preservation of our packaged foods is in direct relation to the extreme rise in conditions of disease across the board. For five years now, I have been vigilant with my diet and so far, it has paid off. I was lucky, many are not. But it is never too late to make changes that will be notice-
able very quickly. I can drink my super juice, packed with 30 different fruits, vegetables, and superfood supplements, and by the next morning, I notice that my skin is smoother, softer, and glowing with radiance. It can be a lot of work, so I’ll make my vat of superjuice and freeze it in half gallon jugs that will last a couple months. A quick 4 oz glass in a smoothie with additional fresh fruit, protein, collagen and superfood powders and I’m covered for the day. My energy level is amazing, and I feel great that I’m doing my best to make sure my cancer does not return. When we focus on our nutrition, which includes all of our senses, we will be fighting any and all health dis-eases and dis-orders. We can become nourished through listening to beautiful music, dancing, exercise, and movement, visually taking in the beauty of the natural world, basking in the sunshine, going for walks in our beautiful mountains and smelling the flowers along the way. If it sounds cliché, it is, because it is true. When we realize that we can be sustained in optimum health through all our senses, we will
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soon find we are much happier in general, more completely satisfied. And let’s face it, we live to be satisfied, as it seems to be our measure of personal success. If you are serious about your outlook and really want to make changes, you can text me with your email address and I will send you my “Anti-Cancer, Anti-Aging Grocery List” free. My list is the culmination of year’s of research and was created to help my own kids focus on the best foods to invest in for long term vitality, optimum health, and well-being. Happy new resolutions, and may you be blessed with the thrill of a dis-ease free life, life-long. It is possible! Text email to 415-444-6505 or onetribespirit@gmail.com
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2932 Granite Creek Road
345 San Vicente Terrace $299,000
Bonny Doon, .6 acre
• Adjacent to San Vicente Preserve A Hikers Paradise • Pre CZU fire 3bd/3ba 2077SF Farmhouse w/ detached Garage, come rebuild. • Well. Paved road.
$1,135,000
LD
SO
• • • •
3 Bed / 2 Bath 1521SF 2 stories Soaring ceilings, open floor plan Bonus detached office/guest rm 2 car garage, large fenced yard
113 Oak Street
Ramble Road
$389,000
Sold Price $1,280,000
$99,000
11 Acres Boulder Creek
Brookdale
• Views, sun, privacy • Well water, greenhouse • Lovely camp-like setting
• • • •
0 Jim’s Road
111 Aspen Lane
$145,000 • • • •
2 Parcels totalling 14,027 SF Lot. Great neighborhood. Original home was approx 1180 SF. Come rebuild your own home.
$174,000
Ben Lomond
Boulder Creek
• Features a double lot • Amazing opportunity! • Previous house approx. 1054 sqft with detached garage • Semicircular driveway • Use of the local swimming pool
1+ acre, easy access Prolific spring water Existing PG&E Service Gorgeous redwood trees
View more properties at: www.santacruzmountainrealestate.com
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February-March 2022