Welcome Faelan, our new astrologer
The Joyous Kitchen page 4
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
July-August 2022
Kunz Trash is being forced to close!
Kunz Trash has been denied its county contract beginning August 1, 2022. Kunz Trash is a valuable service to our mountain communities. Greenwaste is the county trash service but Kunz Trash is the alternative to residents who live on private roads. Historically Greenwaste will not travel on private roads, a representative told the Bulletin. Instead they have cluster setups which still could be miles away from the residents’ homes. Matt Machado County Chief Administrative Officer says this is not correct. He says that Greenwate is trying to find a way to service all residents. In an interview with Kunz owner Jack Kunz, he said his contract payments got behind but the county is not providing assistance to the small business owner or an extension to give him time to pay the $100,000 bill the county presented to him. Instead they are denying a way out for this vital small business. The
CZU Lightening Complex Fire took its toll on Kunz, as did COVID. In addition Jack and his wife have had health issues which has not helped the situation. Many residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains live on private roads. The road is not maintained by the county, instead small road associations maintain the roads themselves. It is
Court Issues Ruling on CEQA Challenge on Highway 1 Tier I EIR
*************ECRWSSEDDM**************** Postal Customer Boulder Creek CA 95006 Felton CA 95018, Ben Lomond CA 95005
July-August 2022
page 2
page 3
Volume 11: Issue: 7
By Wendy Sigmund
SLV History
On July 13, 2022, the Superior Court of California issued a ruling on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenge by the Campaign for Sustainable Transportation against Caltrans for the Highway 1 Tier I/Tier II Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Assessment (EIR/ EA). The EIR/EA was certified in January of 2019 and included a programmatic-level “Tier I” analysis for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes project and a project-level “Tier II” analysis for auxiliary lanes and the bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer Avenue project along Highway 1 in Santa Cruz County. The CEQA challenge was denied in part and successful in part. The court rejected the majority of the Campaign for Sustainable
well known that these roads can be steep and narrow making it impossible for the large Greenwaste trucks to traverse. As an alternative to the large Greenwaste company, Jack Kunz’s trucks are able to traverse the mountain roads and provide the vital trash pick up service. In addition to the politics of the county’s trash pick up company,
closing this small business down will cause a loss of jobs. 350 to 400 residents rely on Kunz to collect their trash. If this service is not provided the options become small and difficult. The residents will have to take their trash to the dump. That is not always easy to do. Some are elderly, disabled or
Continued page 4
“The CZU Fire In Their Own Words” “The CZU Fire In Their Own Words - Fighting Fires, Losing Homes, and Rebuilding Community” is a new powerful and moving 90-minute film produced by Mountain Community Theater, created and directed by Peter Gelblum. In the spring of 2021, in response to the August 2020 CZU Fires, we interviewed people who fought the fires and people who lost their homes about their experiences, which many of us shared - evacuating, losing homes and possessions, struggling with insurance companies, and getting support from the community. Using only the words from those interviews, we created a script, cast actors to play the interviewees, and used
Continued page 5
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Continued page 4
Page 1
SLV History Lion Hunters by Lisa Robinson In Santa Cruz County, as in most of California, mountain lions are apex predators. As with the smaller bob-cats and other predatory animals such as coyote, mountain lions were seen by early western settlers as a threat – a threat to game, to livestock, pets, and humans. In October 1907, the first bounty program was initiated in California with $20 per animal offered as a reward for their killing, though in Santa Cruz County only four such bounties were awarded between 1907 and 1945. In 1907, federal hunters were sent to the national forests to assist with the killings. In 1922, California became the only state to employ an official “State Lion Hunter.” Jay Bruce became renowned for his tracking, and killing of mountain lions. To track them he used some of the same techniques used today by the Santa Cruz Cougar Project – dogs and trees. In 1930, state lion hunter Jay Bruce was called to Boulder Creek to investigate “considerable depredation,” however he left a few days later, unable to locate the animal. Bruce returned in February of the following year. After an hour inspecting the area, he declared “wan’t no lion.” But twenty goats and sheep had recently been lost, so the “Locatelli boys,” Frank and Ernest, investigated. The Sentinel reported: “The mountain lion on Ben Lomond mountain has been killed. But he proved to be a pack of [four] wild dogs instead.”
In 1932, the Sentinel offices were visited by a 160-pound lion, the property of cameraman Sidney Snow. Snow had spent the last few years filming Bruce, and the resulting movie, “Cougar,” was to be screened at the new theater in Santa Cruz at which Bruce, Snow, and the “beautiful beast” would be making an appearance. Two weeks later at a screening in Modesto the “beautiful beast” attacked and badly injured an 18-year-old usherette. In 1946, Bruce arrived in Santa Cruz to investigate the potential lion killing of a deer in the Quail Hollow. The lion turned out to be two coyotes and it was concluded that the very last mountain lion killed in the county was killed by Bruce in June 1923. He stated that if a pair had been left then “ranchers and deer hunters would kill several every year.” Over the next decades, there would be many sightings, none substantiated. In 1963, the Senator Fred Farr, D-Carmel, sponsored a bill to abolish the state bounties paid on mountain lions, fearing that they would become extinct and citing abuses and fraud in the system. It was overwhelmingly approved.
used if an animal, that was perceived to be a threat, needed to be relocated. Today, mountain lions are legally classified as a “specially protected species.” In July 2019, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the Fish and Game Commission to list mountain lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act within Southern California and along the central coast. In April 2020, the Commission found that this was indeed warranted.
provide a source of foods for other creatures; mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, etc. Nutrients from the carcass, enrich the soil and so too the native plants. Mountain lions strengthen our ecological landscape. Stop by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s gallery in Felton to see the exhibition Categorically Cats and pick up an informative free brochure on California Mountain Lions, while supplies last.
When a mountain lion kills a deer or other animal, the remains
In 1972, California mountain lions could no longer legally be killed for sport and in 1990 Proposition 117, a bill to permanently ban the hunting of mountain lions “unless for protection of life, livestock or other property,” was passed by voters. The bill also provided for mountain lion habitat restoration. In 2013, the bill was amended to require that non-lethal methods be
- 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: Laura Testa-Reyes 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 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.
Page 2
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
July-August 2022
Astrology With Faelan Shiva - August 2022 Our month starts us off in the Sun Sign of Leo, the Queen or King who loves to express themselves. This is an excellent time to find ways to enjoy the radiance of the sun, the hot days that drive us to cool water, and to tap into the spirit of play! We have a full Moon in 19° Aquarius on August 11th, 6:35pm local time (PDT). A full Moon occurs the moment the Moon directly opposes the Sun illuminating two different energies. The general tone of the month is set by Leo, exploring our self expression, typically enjoying the attention of others, and perhaps feeling a little self-centered. Some focus on our own needs and delights is important for our health and rejuvenation. But the moon is illuminating something different in our inner world, the energy of ideals, common goals, community, the betterment of humanity at large. This energetic pull between those energies invites us to celebrate ourselves and look at how we might use our renewed energy and abundance toward uplifting our friends, communities and allies. Aug 27th we have a new Moon in 4° of Virgo at 1:16am local time (PDT). Note with that early morning time, you will likely be feeling it on the 26th! Moon and Sun are conjunct, asking us to turn inward and plant the seeds for the next moon cycle. How can we be of service to ourselves and others? How can we improve our skills? Perhaps this moon cycle asks you to seek a mentor, or to become one. Leo July 22 - Aug 22 The beginning of the month is your time to shine! Travel and/ or boldly submitting your ideals and philosophies are supported. The middle of the month brings a challenge in your close one on one relationships. Watch out for emotionally isolating yourself and focus on doing the work to bring your natural charm and warmth to this challenge. The rewards will be long-lasting! Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Your usual attention to detail has merged with your ability to clearly communicate your style of problem solving. This might be a great time for you to teach your unique approach to the skills and tasks you have mastered over time. Toward the end of the month you may find yourself feeling unusually brave and chatty in social situations, have fun! And whether you are an August or September Virgo, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 You may find yourself in the mood to be both brave and vunerable in sharing some of your more meaningful art to a wider audience. Opening your inner world may be a balm of healing to others. The middle of the month will likely have you feeling warm and romantically playful. Wouldn’t surprise me if you found someone wonderful to share that with! Passion abounds. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 22 An important growth opportunity lies in transforming your pent up agitation into a meaningful exchange with a close partner. If that is a business relationship, a financial investment may be in order. If it is an intimate partner, take it to the bedroom. A best friend? Adventure time! There is a time and place for responsibility. For now, try to let go of controlling thoughts and go enjoy the pleasures of life! Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 Your usual optimism is enhanced by courage in play, self pression and your personal ideals. Expect good fortune in bold risks in the first of the month. Mid month holds an opportunity in playful romance. It is a good time to make art about your philosophical musings. Travel is supported!
Pisces Feb 20 - March 20 Chances are you are feeling quite comfortable in your own skin, wonderful! Watch out for being too critical or unrealistic about your significant partnerships. Use your skills in compassion to truly hear the other person’s point of view. Mid month holds an opportunity to put your spiritual and/or artistic skills on display in service of others. Likely a dreamy configuration for you! Aries March 21-April 20 Your usual brave identity may be feeling larger than life this month. You may find yourself inspired to take big risks, awesome! Do try and add a little level-headedness in there. Toward the middle of the month you may be at conflict with a desire for making grounded financial choices and a passion for delight, play and self expression. Taurus April 21-May 21 The month starts out with a sudden burst of courage to embrace being truly yourself. You may find yourself having realizations and new perspectives in how you see yourself. The middle of the month has you shifting your focus to expressing your aesthetic at home as the King or Queen of your castle. An excellent time to focus on art inspired by your inner world. Gemini May 22 - June 20 On the first of the month your mind is runing full speed ahead, alight with new ideas and perceptions looking for a balance between curious play and disciplined inventiveness. Within a few days your thoughts turn inward, looking for new ways to put your skills to use and become a craftsperson in your personal space and private world. Cancer June 21 - July 21 The first week of this month brings some uncomfortable and possibly confusing challenges between you and your close personal relationships. This is an opportunity to heal an old wound, and the Goddess of Love is on your side! Around mid month, focus on claiming a victory in finances and your public work.
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 Your steadfast practical manner serves you well in being a mature and independent resource. You know what you value, and are strong in your ideals. In the beginning of the month, expect messages and ideas from the unknown. Mid month there is a radiant warmth inviting you to open up and look deeper into the mystery. Get curious! Aquarius Jan. 21 - Feb 19 You may be feeling passionate about defending your freedom to be yourself at home. Watch out for a looming intensity in your emotional state, and a bit of a fixed mindset. Look to the moon to soften your intensity, and to help you understand the deeper matters at hand. Mid month offers an invitation to surrender yourself to joy and trust in partnership. Likely just the medicine that is needed!
July-August 2022
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Page 3
The Joyous Kitchen Reuben Style Beer Poached Brats By Joy Stewart
When a friend suggested we make homemade sauerkraut I eagerly agreed. It came out exceptionally tasty, with more personality than the store bought stuff. Unlike the canned sauerkraut, homemade sauerkraut contains loads of beneficial probiotics. More than that, it has been inspiring me to cook some especially lovely sausage based meals of late. Recently I was inspired to try my bratwurst “reuben” style and it was my favorite experiment yet! Some of you might be wondering what a “Reuben” is. It is a sour and sweet, salty sandwich style which is usually served with roast beef, pastrami or brisket as the protein. I have had a marvelous version with tempeh, so the sandwich style is very versatile. It always includes sauerkraut, thousand island dressing (what I refer to as sauce below) and warm, gooey Swiss cheese. It also includes such variations as mustard and sauteed onions. It is a fabulous, complex combination that delivers tart, salty, sweet, rich and fatty all in a single bite. These can be made with hotdogs,
or even be made vegetarian with soy hotdogs (just poach in water). Try it out, especially if you are planning to grill tonight.
“Reuben” Style Bratwurst Yield 5 servings
Ingredients For the sausage & poaching liquid: • 1 lb pork bratwurst (should be about 5 per pkg) • 10 oz IPA or darker beer • 1/2 onion, sliced • 1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped • 1 Tablespoon butter • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce: • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise • 1 Tablespoon ketchup • 1/2 Tablespoon dill pickle relish
Toppings & extras:
over indirect heat for 3 - 5 minutes.
• 5 buns or small rolls
Flip and cover with cheese, then cover with a baking dish so the cheese gets properly melted while the other side browns. If you like to toast your buns/rolls, put them on the grill over indirect heat while the sausages brown, another 3 - 5 minutes (watch them carefully because they burn quickly).
• Homemade sauerkraut (store bought is a fine substitute) • ~3 oz sliced Swiss cheese
Method In a pan over medium heat, bring the beer to a low boil with onions, garlic and butter. Add sausages, cover and reduce to a summer. Poach for about 14 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, cover and set in the fridge. Remove sausages and onions from liquid. Drain pan and pat sausages dry. If you are going to grill the sausages* brush them with oil. Allow them to brown on one side
Remove sausages and rolls/buns from the grill and serve sausages in buns/rolls. Pile with onions (from the poaching liquid), sauerkraut and sauce. I served mine with baked seasoned fries and steamed peas. *You can pan fry the sausages in the olive oil for ~ 5 minutes per side, and you can also use the same process for melting the cheese.
Kunz Trash- Continued simply do not own a pickup with tie downs as the dump requires. So what is the likely outcome of the loss of this service: trash does not leave the mountain. If we take a moment to consider the implications of the closing of this business could be to our community we will see there are three areas of concern. They all stem from trash not leaving the mountain. If residents can not remove the trash from their property they have a couple terrible options. It is plausible that they might want to burn their trash. The fire danger of this option is so great we can only hope they will not do that. The other option is for them to bury it. That is a terrible option as well considering we live on a watershed. What we put in the ground can contaminate the water supply or do great harm to the environment through leaching, animals being poisoned and a host of other concerns. We have all seen some inconsiderate, to say the least, people who dump their trash in reveens. Only last week did we stop to see the view up on Jameson to find someone had dumped their trash down the canyon. It would be terrible if this practice persists and gets worse. Matt Machado says he has been asking Kunz Trash to comply with multi-level issues, not just the mon-
Page 4
ey. Machado continued, “Greenwaste is already looking to make the transition by providing small truck services.” The issue of small private roads is the large Greenwaste truck can not get up there. They are afraid of damaging the road and turnaround space. In the past Greenwate had a policy of not traveling on private roads which they are addressing. However, a plan had not yet been solidified. “Today Greenwate operation managers are looking at some of the roads in question.” Machado says that he is unsure of the price difference between Kunz Trash and Greenwaste but he believes it will be comparable. He did also say that the fears of residents burning or burying trash is not new and even Kunz trash was not able to service all homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains and areas of San Mateo. Santa Cruz County board of Supervisors, Bruce McPherson, says the issue is more about multiple levels of compliance and confirmed it is not just about the money owed to the county. He continued by saying he wished this had been addressed earlier and he will contact Jack Kunz immediately, but feels it is too late to correct this course. The Greenwate option may be believed to be the only option for valley residents. People choosing to contract with a county agency
instead of a small private one may be closing. But is there a way for the people to speak and have an impact? Jack believes so. He is asking community members to send our supervisors and other county officials a letter or email. Here is the contact information. Email all five Supervisors at the same time at BoardOfSupervisors@ santacruzcounty.us County Director of Public Works Matt Machado, Matt.Machado@santacruzcounty.us 831-454-2160 & County Chief Ad-
ministrator Officer Carlos Palacios, Carlos.Palacios@santacruzcounty.us 831-454-2100 You might be able to make a difference. Please try to help keep this small business in the business of serving our wonderful community.
CZU Fire- Continued both the characters’ family photographs and images donated by several generous local photographers, including Shmuel Thaler and Steve Kuehl aka SLV Steve, to create this film. The film is a document of that extraordinary time and a gift from MCT to the community. Both screenings we’ve had to date (Boulder Creek and Zayante) have been packed and very well-received, and have generated large donations for the fire departments and fire victims. We have four more screenings scheduled: • August 1, 7:30 pm - Scotts Valley CineLux
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
• August 5, 9:00 pm, outside – Felix Kulpa Gallery, Santa Cruz (accompanying an exhibit featuring artists impacted by the fire) • August 7, 1:00 pm - Park Hall, Ben Lomond • August 16, 7:30 pm - Del Mar Theater, Santa Cruz We hope you’ll join us and other community members at one of the screenings. The director and others associated with the film will be there to answer questions. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10.
July-August 2022
Healthy Tidbits
The Power of Positive Thinking by Marcey Klein BS, NC
Someone can have their nutrition dialed in, their supplementation program above board, their workout and body care regime scheduled in regularly, but can be sabotaging it all with a negative thought life. “What’s that got to do with it!” you may exclaim, well, a lot. Negative, worrisome thoughts lead to stress, stress can manifest itself as tightness and pain in the
body, and stress wreaks havoc on our organ systems. Negative thoughts can also lead to depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and lowered immunity. Grumbling, complaining, and a critical spirit manifest itself from a negative thought life, and this leads to a lower quality and lack luster life in general. The first step is realizing the importance of a positive and grateful attitude.
Being positive gives us energy, it changes the chemistry in our brains, it helps create new connections in our neurons, and changes our lives! The next step is taking control of our thought life instead of it taking control of us. For me, becoming aware of how much I did complain to myself about everything really opened my eyes. It’s time to replace our negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of saying I’m running late all the time and there’s too many things to get done, it’s not fair, you can say, I’m so grateful I have a job where it’s ok to be a few minutes late, and I’m so grateful that I have many things to do because that means I have a home. We need to check ourselves before our thoughts run rampant, and doing it first thing in the morning will help us get on the right tract. When you wake up, say thank you, I’m so happy to be alive, I love my life, and it’s going to be a good day. Another thing I am trying to do, since I’m a type A personality and it’s in me to rush and be impatient, is when I sense this kind of stress coming on is to say “gentle, gentle, easy does it.” Sometimes we have to talk to ourselves, even out loud to change a situation. It’s a blessing in disguise when we experience physical symptoms when we stress, because this means we can’t stress like we used to anymore, and we need to chill out and relax. Breath deep breaths through your
nose, smile, and laugh at yourself. Make sure to work out to release those endorphins, and hot magnesium baths with lavender help too. Holy Basil tea is wonderful at getting rid of excess cortisol, and the herb Ashwaghanda helps us relax as well. L-Theanine is one of my favorite supplements to take for relaxation, as it’s an amino acid with calming effects on our neurotransmitters. We have a lot of wonderful formulas that work well to support your body during times of stress, so be sure to come into Wild Roots if you would like to learn more about what we can offer.
Highway 1- Continued Transportation’s claims. The ruling, which addresses the programmatic-level “Tier I” analysis for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes along Highway 1, orders Caltrans to recirculate a focused draft EIR for public review and comment addressing three topics: • The Tier I HOV lane project baseline year being 2035, • Updates to the Tier I project description, and
as it relates to the Tier I HOV project Caltrans and RTC will be taking steps toward addressing the court’s order and plan to recirculate the analysis for the three focused topics in the coming months. Caltrans and RTC look forward to improving the analysis and gaining valuable input from the public through the focused recirculation process.
• Health effects for Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)
13136 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek Local Artists Crystals Goddesses Magickal Tools Mermaids & Fairies Dragons & Skulls Tarot & Books Handcrafting Natural Soaps, Oils, Candles &
Potions since 1999
www.AirandFire.com 831-338-7567 July-August 2022
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Page 5
MountainEar Should You Hire A Professional Organizer Or Do It Yourself? By: MJ Stearns ROOM Real Estate Is your home a disaster? Is your closet so crammed that you can’t find pants and shoes that match? If you’re like many people, you have so much stuff that you can’t control it. So you just throw up your hands and let it accumulate. Well, it might be time to call in a professional organizer. These specialists can help clear out and clean up junky garages, stuffed closets, dirty living spaces and even your computer’s hard drive. A lot of people ask me if it’s really worth hiring a professional organizer or if you’re better off doing it yourself. Both are valuable options, but either way you should understand the specific steps and strategies to having a more organized home, making little changes gradually to simplify life at home. Well at first glance having someone do things for you can certainly seem better than doing it yourself. And most people are confident that they can tackle their organization projects on their own.
But when those projects get overwhelming and you stall out, it’s time to consider hiring a professional. Professional organizers can work with you to decide what you want to keep, and to identify where unwanted items will go. They will, in many cases, facilitate the disposal, donation or sale of belongings a client wants to part with. They also
work with clients to determine what the functions of their spaces should be, and to set up those spaces in ways that can be easily maintained. But there are things to consider before you hire someone. How do you know, once the service is complete, you are going to be satisfied or if you are even going to be able to maintain organization beyond a week, a month or a year from now? Now here’s the thing. If you really, really want to make changes to the way you live in your home, you need to start living your life a little differently.
Page 6
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
You should be able to manage your “stuff” and understand what it really takes to start enjoying the benefits of home organization. Learn what it takes to get organized from the inside-out and discover the basic and simple rules of home organization so you can enjoy more time, more space and a better, happier life at home. Then, even if later down the road you decide to hire someone to help you, you will be more knowledgable, you will understand the process more and — combined with a few changes — you will be living in an organized home before you know it.
July-August 2022
Taking the Bull by the horns
Decrease of Racoon Population and Distemper By Kevin Foster Most people in our Santa Cruz mountains have noticed the decrease in raccoon populations. For the last several years distemper has been running rampant through our state. Wildlife centers across the state get calls about raccoons and skunks acting drunk or staggering. With the most common sign, pus or discharge around their eyes, and oily looking fur (as seen in the photo). Distemper is also often confused for rabies. Rabies and canine distemper are not the same. Both are generally fatal viral diseases but distemper attacks various bodily systems like the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, while rabies affects the brain and nervous systems. They both affect the spinal cord and have shown symptoms of spinal cord lesions, but their complete list of symptoms are substantially different. For the safety of other wildlife and pets that aren’t fully vaccinated, it’s always wise to call animal control or your local SPCA. Distemper can be transmitted through two animals sharing the same food or water bowl. Wildlife finding a deceased animal that has passed from distemper and feeding on it will cause spread. And animals coughing or sneezing near one another can transmit through an airborne transfer.
Since the first major outbreak years ago, wildlife centers across the state have now started administering the distemper vaccine in rescued babies before they are released. Being that it is a canine virus, the baby raccoons get a series of two shots two weeks apart prior to their release back in the wild to try to prevent continued uprisings in wildlife. Skunks and raccoons are not the only ones to be susceptible to contracting the canine distemper virus. It has been found in domestic and wild dog species, coyotes, foxes, wolves, ferrets, skunks, raccoons, species of large wildcats, and pinnipeds. Domestic cats can also contract the virus, however, infection appears to be mostly asymptomatic. Some of the other signs of distemper are mangy looking coats. Their paws become hard and they appear to be walking as if on hot coals. So if you’ve called to have a wild animal possibly removed from your property disinfecting is quite easy. Most household disinfectants including bleach and water can sterilize the area. And the virus does not live long in the environment. There is no known cure for distemper only preventative care and once a wild animal has contracted distemper, the only humane solution is euthanasia. Rabies is spread through exposure to the saliva of
an infected animal, and distemper is generally passed through inhalation of the virus but also can spread through contact with bodily fluids or droppings of the animal that has been infected. Historically distemper was usually spread from dogs to other forms of wildlife that have come into contact with it, or vice versa but the presence of the virus has become so rampant that it’s increasingly being spread from raccoon to raccoon within their natural habitat. Some diseases have even brought some wildlife species almost to the
point of extinction. So the best way for us to fight this disease is to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Puppies are most susceptible so it’s super important that they be kept contained until their full set of shots are received. This month I thought it was a good topic due to the fact that so many people are reporting that they rarely see raccoons anymore. The lovable and also hated trash pandas are fighting a battle right now; this is why we don’t see them as often as we used to.
On the Water Front Expanded Review of Cross-Country Pipeline Replacement Options by Mark Dolson
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) Board has met twice since my last report. There was a regularly scheduled meeting on June 16th and a special meeting on June 29th. The regularly scheduled July 7th meeting was cancelled at the last minute due to a fairly widespread power outage which could have prevented members of the public from attending. The big topic at the June 16th meeting was further examination
of the District’s options for replacing the five miles of cross-country pipeline (connecting surface water sources on the side of Ben
July-August 2022
Lomond Mountain to the District’s treatment plant) destroyed in the August 2020 CZU Fire. The Constructability Study completed this past spring by the consulting firm of Freyer & Laureta surprised the District with its conclusion that the replacement pipeline would cost around $60 million. (A significant but as-yet undetermined portion of this would be paid by FEMA.) This new pipeline would be mostly buried and would require construction of an expensive and environmentally disruptive supporting “bench” ranging between eight and fourteen feet in width. Board and Staff agreed that, due to the scope of this project, it would be responsible to obtain a second assessment from an independent team of local technical experts from Haro, Kasunich, and Associates (HKA). In the course of the
ensuing discussions, a new middle-ground option was identified, and an assessment of this option (with a much narrower bench) was included in the HKA contract. The District is still planning to promote extensive public review before making any final decision, but there was unanimous agreement that the public would expect some potential middle-ground option to have been explored as part of the District’s due diligence. The Board therefore unanimously approved a contract not to exceed $57,875 with HKA. The June 29th meeting was convened for the sole purpose of moving forward with a newly awarded $1.1 million grant from the Califor-
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
nia Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), funded through the 2022 Proposition 1 Watershed Restoration Grant & Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program. This funding will partially offset the roughly $2 million cost of the District’s state-mandated Fall Creek Fish Ladder. This project has been under development for a number of years and has recently moved into the active construction phase. The next regular Board of Directors meeting will be at 6:30 PM on July 21st (still via Zoom).
Page 7
Sharon Dean
Scotts Valley Branch Library Grand Reopening
June 22, 1947 - December 12, 2021
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL), in partnership with the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library, are excited to announce the grand reopening of the remodeled Scotts Valley Branch Library. The Grand Reopening Celebration takes place from 10a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 6th, at the Scotts Valley Branch Library, located at 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley. We said goodbye and celebrated the life of Sharon Dean Saturday June 18, 2022 at Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove. Sharon was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, aunt and friend.
son-in-law Andrew Savoy, her four grandchildren: Tyler Goedeck, Kara Savoy, Tristan Dean and Lucile Savoy, and hundreds of wonderful friends she spent her life carefully loving.
Everyone who was lucky enough to have her in their life, even for a short while, loved her. She was the most fun person, always the life of the party.
Sharon loved to paint. She made so many wonderful landscapes. Beautiful paintings of places she had been or wanted to go. She also made thousands of bead strands which she shared with everyone.
Sharon was an entertainer. She helped her husband Bobby Dean with his comedy career, then they embarked on a Karaoke and dancing beach party in Myrtle Beach. She brought all the kids in the audience stuffed animals, every night. She made hundreds of children happy. Sharon is survived by her adoring husband, Bobby Dean, two devoted daughters Autumn Savoy and Wendy Sigmund, her
Page 8
Opening day festivities begin with special guest speakers followed by refreshments at the Cafe, generously hosted by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library until 2:00 p.m. Children can enjoy Storytime with Librarian Kari, participate
in making crafts, and be dazzled by teenage Magician James Chan. Enjoy live music with local favorites Tim Brady of Cement Ship from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room and relax under an umbrella on the patio. “We are thrilled to invite the Scotts Valley community back to the Library,” Said Library Director Wilburn. “With the seismic upgrades, new roof, HVAC system, community room enclosure, and overall refresh, I am excited to see residents come together to read, learn and collaborate!” All ages are invited to join us for the widely anticipated opening of the Scotts Valley Branch Library.
This amazing woman traveled the world. She spent over a year living on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Nothing could keep her out of the ocean, except the possibility of a large fish being nearby, only then would she opt for the shore. Sharon will be missed by all who knew her and never forgotten by all who loved her.
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
July-August 2022
Community Calendar July-August 2022 Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, 7:00 pm9:30 pm
SURVIVOR SURF CITY: A MERMAID ODYSSEY An original rock musical by Janinne Chadwick. For over 40 years, LPRT has the reputation of alternative children’s musical theater at its best! This year the LPRT mashup features over twenty musical numbers and a cast of children ages 8 – 14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop, rap, and classic rock hits. This year a variety of sea creatures, singing harpies and sirens, surfers, secret agents posing as Dream Inn employees, as well as undersea gods and goddesses will do their best to honor the beloved weirdness of Santa Cruz and the San Lorenzo Valley with a dash of the familiar and a twist of ancient Greece. Park Hall Community Center 9400 Mill Street Ben Lomond, CA
Tuesday, August 2
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BOULDER CREEK
National Night Out is an opportunity for community members in towns and cities across the nation to get to know their local law enforcement and firefighting professionals. The Boulder Creek Business Association supports this event in Historic Downtown Boulder Creek every year.
Friday, August 5
FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Every First Friday Evening 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! 831-425-1234 Various locations in Santa Cruz County firstfridaysantacruz.com
Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7
27TH ANNUAL WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 11:00 am- 6:00 pm
Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment! The Watsonville Strawberry Festival traces its roots to the Watsonville Strawberry Dessert Festival that was founded in 1994 to help downtown Watsonville recover from the Loma Prieta earthquake. Downtown Watsonville CA 831 768-3240 www.cityofwatsonville. org
Your friends and family are invited. Please bring water and wear comfortable, loose clothing. Tunics supplied. Kindly follow COVID guidelines, and please stay home if feeling any symptoms or have concerns over possible exposure. Thank you! $40 for workshop participants Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA
Saturday, August 13
Saturday, August 20 Sunday August 21
KBCZ Music Fest 2022 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm Join us at Junction Park in Boulder Creek for this free event and bring your floaties! Great bands, music and food! Junction Park Swimming Hole
Thursday, August 18
CZU REMEMBRANCE GATHERING, BROOKDALE LODGE
Sunday, August 21
ISADORA DUNCAN DANCE WORKSHOP 2:00 pm–5:00 pm A Salon Performance by Master Teacher Lois Flood and Connie DeNault will follow at 5:00 PM.
SCOTTS VALLEY: ART, WINE AND BEER FESTIVAL Skypark 361 Kings Village Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066 United States 831-438-3251 www.svartfestival.com
Save the Date September 14, 2022 September 18, 2022
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 E. Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 831-724-5671 www.santacruzcountyfair.com
The Mystery of the Dancing Shoes By Lori Suzanne Holetz Spotted on the corner of 10th & Carmel Streets in Santa Cruz by community member, Wendy Vogelgesang, a display of about 45 pairs of ballet toe shoes showed up with a sign attached saying “All Free”. I’m certain it was a most odd thing to find along the street. Having been a ballerina myself for 25 years, I was very puzzled by the fact that they looked nearly
new, with very little wear, ribbons bound properly with the extra elastics sewn onto the heels. They clearly came from a seasoned dancer. At the current cost of about $99 a pair, this became even more curious. To quote Wendy’s Facebook post, “Is there a prima ballerina in my neighborhood?”.
CALL BY JUNE 30
This oddity reminds one of the old 1812 German fairytale by Brothers Grimm, “The Twelve Dancing
to schedule your FREE in-home consultation
844-670-5825 BOGO 40% OFF Call for details
July-August 2022
Photo by Wendy Vogelgesang Princesses”. Locked into their room at night, the princesses escape and dance their way through the night, only to leave worn shoes outside their door to be found in the morning, along with the mystery of what was occurring under the cover of night’s darkness.
Where the ballet shoes came from, who they came from, and why they are nearly new remains a rather romantic mystery. Who knows? It certainly leaves one imagining the most wonderful of magical fairytales, and has “piqued” interest…. En pointe!
Letter from the Publisher
Dear Mountain Friends,
er, always.
I want to thank all of you for your continued support. There is a lot to be said about loyalty in a small town. We support each other in happy times and in trying times. I know many of you are still experiencing trying times. Many are not back home after the fire. Many of you are experiencing COVID even with full vaccination. Many have lost jobs and loved ones in the last couple of years.
Please reach out if you are feeling down about the present state of things. I know I have been. I have had loss and stress and uncertainty. But I know you are all there for me, as a wonderful community, since I came to these mountains many years ago. Since I started this paper over 10 years ago, our community has stood with me through thick and thin. I want to do the same for you.
But here is the thing, even when we don’t see each other, we know we are still here. I want all of you to remember that when you feel sad or lonely. These are trying times and we will not forget we are a community, we stand togeth-
I thank you. I applaud you for your resilience. And my family and I are always here for you.
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Much love to you all, my mountain friends, until we meet again! Wendy Sigmund
Page 9
- Support Local Business Drafting
Financial Services
Pest Control Mountain Home Pest Control
Drafting-Room. com Plans, Permits, Code Enforcement (831) 291-0707. Ben Lomond info@Azure BuildingDesign.com
Event Planning
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
831-278-1613 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
Matthew Sigmund Handyman & Custom Woodworking
If you can dream it, we can make it! Call for a free quote. 831-241-3036
Septic Service
Tree Service
Advanced Arbor Care All phases, Affordable and fully insured. Emergency response is available. 831-566-6659
Tree Service
The Honey Bucket Man
831-335-1393
Ron Easley
thehoneybucketman.com
Dental Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
Stellar Tree Care
Complete Septic Services
Kunz Valley Trash Recycling & Hauling Weekly, Bi-weekly & Monthly Pick-ups www.kunzvalleytrash.com kunzvalleytrash@ hughes.net 831-338-9050
Handyman Weddings, parties, and events. Contact Wendy Sigmund
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
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Valley Women’s Club
Apollo Drain & Rotto Service 831-338-3203
DIRECTV 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 1-855-686-9802
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 Expert drafting, Additons, Remodels New Construction You name it. Extensive local experience. RandyHudsonDesigns.com
831-345-0750
July-August 2022
One Tribe Spirit
The Sunshine Is Here, Let It Shine In On You! By Lori Suzanne Holetz “Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, yeah Make you wanna move your dancing feet now” ~ Bob Marley Summer is here and we all know the wonderful feeling of lightheartedness after being outside on a beautiful sunshiny day. There is an exhilaration after spending some time at the beach where everything is bathed in sunshine, and we are bombarded with negative ocean ions. Everything, absolutely everything NEEDS the sun in order to thrive! However, humans are the only species on the planet that now believes the sun is bad for us. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yet we are sold on the need to slather on all kinds of dangerous chemicals to block these precious rays from touching us… and don’t forget those designer sunglasses that will ultimately weaken and create vulnerability with our eyes. There are some important rules that need to be applied when enjoying that daily dose of brilliant light…. The Father, the SUN, that Holy Spirit!
long an exposure. UVA has been shown to lower blood pressure, increases blood flow and increases heart rate in healthy humans. The magnitude of these effects was sufficient to be of cardiovascular benefit and possibly to reduce the risk of stroke. The key is not to avoid the sun, but to work with it smartly. In his article titled Sunlight Cures, Fake Light Kills, Dr. Leland Stillman cites the body’s need for Vitamin D and production of melatonin as necessary in the prevention of and protection from melanomas. He further states that “Low Vitamin D levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing melanomas.” Furthermore, he says “the paradox of melanoma is that they often occur in skin that never sees the sun.” Additionally, Dr. Stillman references one study that found “Sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanomas. Persons who used sunscreens did not have a decreased risk of malignant melanoma. Instead, a significantly elevated odds ratio for developing malignant melanoma after regular sunscreen use was found. Those
The Sun is nature’s most important signal and the main mechanism that helps our bodies keep track of time, and it largely shapes our circadian rhythm. The Sun is nature’s most important signal and the main mechanism that helps our bodies keep track of time, and it largely shapes our circadian rhythm (the natural internal sleep/wake cycle, responding to and regulated by the environment every 24 hours). And this triggers the release of endorphins, endocannabinoids, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin; all part of the signaling that modulates metabolism, immunity, and physiology in general. Low levels of these critical inherent hormones and chemical processes are what lead to dis-ease like melanomas. Sunlight floods us with two major types of wavelengths, UVA and UVB. UVA is the waxing sun from sunrise to 10 a.m., and again after 4 p.m. until sunset and produces red and infrared light. UVB is the midday sun, much stronger and intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and produces ultraviolet light, which is our main source of Vitamin D. UVA sunlight penetrates the skin more deeply, where UVB are shorter wavelengths that darken the skin, produce vitamin D, but can ultimately cause a burn with too
July-August 2022
Covid virus does not like sunshine. So get out there in the beautiful bright light, soak up a bit of sun-
shine with sensibility and enjoy that incredible lightness of being…. enlightened, sunny side up!
who used sunscreen increased their risk of melanoma. What we are sure of is that we are not sure if anyone should be using sunscreen.” A more traditional means of limiting overexposure to the sun such as wearing a hat and adequate clothing, and the avoidance of prolonged sunbathing may be more effective than the reliance on chemical sunscreens. As far as those sunglasses go….. Researchers found that those with higher sunlight exposure during the day had significantly higher levels of macular pigment, which prevents age-related vision loss. Exposure to sunlight is a key factor behind good eye health. In conclusion, research data remains unclear, but it has been found that less sun equals more disease. A smart relationship with sunshine includes brief times of exposure of both UVA and UVB sunlight, minus the sunscreen and sunglasses. Extended exposure should include the use of a hat and appropriate clothing coverage and above all else, avoidance of sunburn. It is also known that the
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
Page 11
Lot 25 Logan‘s Lair
$249,000 • • • •
111 Aspen Lane $174,000
Boulder Creek, 4.50 Acres
Tiny House built by a previous owner Well is in. Power is at the street Fenced in flat area overlooking the Creek Private ridgetop setting like getting two properties for the price of one.
• Features a double lot • Amazing opportunity! • Previous house approx. 1054 sqft with detached garage • Semicircular driveway • Use of the local swimming pool
Lot 1 Hubbard Gultch
$185,000
Boulder Creek
11837 Clear Creek Road
Ben Lomond, 6.11 acres
$129,000
Brookdale
• Quiet, private getaway is conveniently located near downtown Ben Lomond • Theres a storage Tuff shed to store your garden tools. • There are no visible neighbors
• Rebuild this cozy cabin. • 4bd/2ba 1235SF overlooking yr round creek • Magical Setting • City Water, PG&E, Paved Road
265 Sweetwater Lane
Lot 12 Wickert Road
$349,000 • • • •
Ben Lomond, 1.18 Acres
$699,000
Amazing opportunity to rebuild. Phase 2 signed off by county. Existing septic system. SLV Water. Previous home 3bd/2ba 2096F w/ Garage
Boulder Creek, 16.03 acres
• Lots of open usable land
• Large converted barn can be a studio, workshop, or storage. • Only 35 minutes from Los Gatos
View more properties at: www.santacruzmountainrealestate.com
Page 12
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
July-August 2022