50Up Lifestyle Magazine 2026 Santa Cruz

STILL ROCKING

Greybeards and goddesses: Santa Cruz County’s 50+ rock stars

EDITOR’S NOTE

2026 SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz may not be as young as it once was, but it’s certainly young at heart. Fill in the blanks as you want, but these days 70 is the new…40? 50? 30? 16?

Go out to, say, rock shows and yeah, you’ll see plenty of grey hair or no hair, but take a look back and think, were my parents this cool? Did they take me to see heavy metal or punk bands? Did they get up on stage and rock out to rooms full of people dancing?

Hannah Jay Pierce, a musician herself in 50-plus rock band, interviewed others like her. There were enough older rock musicians to fill a book, let alone an article. Jaime Mcfaden writes about something often ignored: men’s mental health and Richard Stockton has two important tips for staying young and healthy, some by our favorite 93-yearold marathon runner and former city councilperson.

PS: No matter how I age, I still feel 16. What about you?

BRAD KAVA | EDITOR

CONTENTS

KEEP ON ROCKING

Santa Cruz bands defy age limits. P6

KEEP YOUR HEAD

A female health practitioner focuses on men’s mental health. P10

OUCH

What hurts worse, the dentist or the bill? P12

CREW

PUBLISHER

Dan Pulcrano

EDITOR

Brad Kava

CONTRIBUTORS

Richard Stockton

Danielle Ratliff

Hannah Jay Pierce

Jaime Mcfaden

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tarmo Hannula

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES

Cindy Couling

CREATIVE SERVICES

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Deb Fisher

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

Zk Bradley

WATCH YOUR STEP

Katherine Beiers shows what’s still possible. P16

A GUIDE TO 50+ RESOURCES IN SANTA CRUZ

From activities to local services, find everything you need. P18

ASSISTANT EDITORIAL

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Haley Tweedell

EDITORIAL DESIGNER

Haley Tweedell

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Meyer

Jackie Mujica

Elena Razgonov

Rowdy Tompkins

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Debra Whizin

ADVERTISING REPS

Lisa Buckley

Kate Kauffman

Sue Lamothe

Danielle Ratliff

ACCOUNTING

Aurene Pokorny

OFFICE MANAGER

Danielle Ratliff

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Shannen Craig

COVER DESIGNER

Haley Tweedell

COVER PHOTO

Charlie Whitmer

NEVER TOO OLD V R OO LD

They may have been playing for decades, but local musicians never give up the dream BY HANNAH JAY PIERCE

It’s 7:45 on a Friday night at the Crow’s Nest in Santa Cruz, and Sweet Voodoo is on fire. Veda Ozelle, 57, grabs her cordless mic and snakes through the crowd in white platform boots, shaking her mane of auburn hair, stopping to kiss the cheek of a friend and trade dance moves with a fan.

“Veda brings so much energy,” says Bill Duran, of Santa Cruz. She makes the effort to connect to the audience, and they love her for it.”

I ask Bill if he had imagined himself dancing at a bar in blue velvet pants at 67 when he was a kid, and he said, “I had no concept of what I would be. Both my dad and my grandfather died young, so I had no role models for growing older.”

He gives me a wicked grin and adds,“Honestly, I’m not a very good old person. I’m not sitting in a rocking chair. I’m going to shows!” He and his friend,

Jackie Shelley, 47, of Morgan Hill, are up and down all night, taking breaks between songs to sip at their mudslides and canoodle.

About an hour into the evening, Karen Kefauver, of Santa Cruz, walks into the bar, a radiant smile on her face.

“What’s different for me now, going out on the town at 56, is I wear comfortable shoes, bring earplugs, and go home at break time for the band. Not always, though! If [Veda] can entertain for hours in sequins and platform heels, I can stay up past 10pm and wear my party shoes!”

A woman in black lace beelines past my table towards the dancefloor. Georg Kluzniok, 66, whispers, “She’s 72. People–women–get encouraged by her. Inspired, even.”

He should know. Georg is Veda’s husband. He’s been to a lot of shows and borne witness to the magical powers

of Santa Cruz County’s outsized 50+ music scene.

Julie Horner, Editor and Publisher of the San Lorenzo Valley Post (and a crackerjack musician herself), probably has a better sense of what’s going on in Santa Cruz County than anyone. Since the pandemic ended, she’s been publishing a roundup of live events in the county, which, for the weekend of June 12, included about 100 shows. Running through those listings like silver streaks in a head of black hair are the names of Santa Cruz County’s elder rock stars, “greybeards,” as Julie calls them.

“It’s gorgeous, really, and it says something about this county. You can get old in Santa Cruz and not feel like an old person.”

Andy Fuhrman, local musician and host of KSQD’s Brooklynbilly Music Mashup show, has been gigging in Santa Cruz

« 6 since 1971. According to Andy, the same cast of characters has been entertaining fans for decades. “Club names have changed, but a lot of the same people are still playing: Ken Kraft, Bob O’Neill, ‘Harpin' Johnny Troutner, Patty Maxine, Ginny Mitchell, Dale Ockerman.”

Veda didn’t begin performing in bands until well into her middle age, after a fateful trip to a karaoke bar convinced a friend of hers to invite her into his band. Her journey onto center stage has meant facing fears and finding her voice. “I feel grateful to be doing this in midlife because I have more maturity and less ego than I would've when I was younger.”

Sweet Voodoo’s bassist, Leslie Heinrichs, 54, describes a similar journey. Leslie grew up in the church and played piano in a worship band. “When I divorced in 2015, I said goodbye to that, and took six weeks of bass lessons. After the fifth or sixth week, the teacher said, ‘You know, there's an all-female Journey band that needs a bass player, and I think you should play in it.’ I was terrified.”

Both women described the extra discipline it takes to be a midlife woman in rock, crediting many weekly hours of music practice, as well as healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness practices for their longevity onstage. Veda says, “Some women are like, 'How do you crawl across the stage at… how old are you?’”

Says Heinrichs: “I love being in this band with Veda because she dresses up and she has fun, and it gives me the freedom to

dress up as well, and tap into our sexuality. But also, I practice a lot because I have felt over the last 10 years that I have to doubleprove something. I'm not just a pretty girl playing bass. I can actually play."

Performing in midlife isn’t about perfection, though. Veda says, “In the first year I was like, I need to be perfect. Perfect singing. Look a certain way. But after a while I realized I was making mistakes vocally, 'cause none of us is perfect. And people were just loving on us anyway, and they were feeling the vibes and feeling the joy.”

Cheryl Hensen, who sings with several local bands, including the B-Movie Kings and BayBop, credits Santa Cruz’s vibrant ukulele scene with connecting her to other musicians. “At the weekly uke gatherings on the beach, people who love to harmonize seek each other out. Eventually, friends started to invite me to sing with their bands.”

After a brief stint in Grass Valley, Cheryl found herself drawn back to Santa Cruz, largely because of the music community. “There is nothing anywhere like our local music scene. We know each other so well, and we support each other. Bandmates become like siblings who actually get along.”

Leslie Heinrichs agrees that there’s something special about Santa Cruz. “I’ve played in Dallas, I've played in Austin. This has been by far my favorite place to play, as far as support.”

As the frontwoman of another Santa

GET DOWN Veda Ozelle, 57, in platform shoes and sequins giving it her all. Never too old to rock’n’roll.

PHOTO: SWEETVOODOO.NET

Cruz band, Local Honey, I resonated with all the experiences Veda, Leslie, and Cheryl described: hustling for gigs, scrambling to keep up with social media accounts, growing as a singer and budding guitarist, connecting with fans (who are the heartbeat of the Santa Cruz music scene, after all), rocking out at my friends’ shows. Like Sweet Voodoo, we aren’t purely a nostalgia act, though most of our repertoire comes from the ‘70s and ‘80s. We push ourselves to learn new songs, bend genres, and surprise our audience.

I don’t remember my parents and grandparents rocking out at gigs on Friday nights. We are a new generation, redefining what it means to grow older, finding our way and inspiring younger generations.

Back in April, Local Honey played a private party, a 40th birthday celebration for a man who was a student in my bandmate Sher Gentry’s third-grade music class. Now he’s coming to our shows with his kids, and Local Honey is proud to be their favorite band. Next month, we’ll be playing at a party for another friend, who’s turning 80.

Whatever I thought it meant to be a rockstar when I was a kid, I know differently now.

Hannah Jay Pierce, 59, is a freelance writer and the second youngest member of Local Honey Band (localhoney.band). Her forthcoming novel, The Perfect Bomb, is about a midlife woman who sings in a neighborhood band.

DON’T OVERLOOK MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Steps you should take right away for males in your family

BY JAIME MCFADEN

AS TIME PASSES Don’t forget the organ that’s not so obvious: the brain. Men’s mental health affects the rest of the body. Paddle out for mental health July 11. PHOTO: PICS FIVE SHUTTERSTOCK

Summer is here, and you know what that means. School is out; vacations have begun; and the rhythm of life shifts. For many of us, it's the season we look forward to all year.

It’s also the time to focus on Men's Mental Health Awareness, which is celebrated in June but worth considering year-round. As someone who lost a beloved family member last year to mental health struggles, I want to take every opportunity to shed light on something that too often remains in the dark.

Men's mental health is often called a "silent epidemic" because statistically and historically, men are far less likely to speak openly about what they're experiencing. More than 6 million men struggle with depression each year, and men die by suicide nearly four times more

often than women. It's time we challenge the stigma, start more conversations, and come together to be part of the change.

As a mom raising a son, I have never felt more compelled to lean into the challenges many men face and help create safe spaces where both men and women feel supported, seen, and heard.

Losing my uncle Sammy, a man who was the sunshine in everyone's day, who appeared to have everything together on the outside while carrying so much on the inside: was a heartbreaking reminder that many men are not OK. At his funeral, someone shared a statistic with me that has stayed in my heart ever since: many men will only receive flowers at their funeral.

That realization hit hard. Much deeper than the flowers.

This summer, I'm bringing together our village community for a special paddle out and circle in Capitola July 11 at 9am on Capitola Beach to honor those we love who have struggled with mental health, remember those we've lost, and create space for meaningful connection and conversation.

I would love for you to join us.

Alongside the gathering, I wanted to share a few local resources and people doing incredible work in our community.

Maria, owner of Pretty Petals Arrangements, believes deeply that men deserve to feel appreciated and celebrated too. She and I have talked about how meaningful it can be to receive flowers: not because of the flowers themselves, but because of what they represent: love, gratitude, acknowledgment, and care.

BEST PHARMACY

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Whether you require a unique dosage form, are allergic to specific ingredients, or seek a medication unavailable in standard forms or strengths, we have you covered.

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Trust our expert pharmacists to mix, combine or alter ingredients with precision and care, ensuring you receive medications that fit you like a glove.

1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in collaboration with Santa Cruz Functional Medicine Vitamin Shot Clinic

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We proudly carry the following supplement brands:

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• Integrative Therapeutics

• Douglas Laboratories

• Biotics Research

• Designs for Health

« 10 Maybe this is your reminder to send flowers to a man you love.

I've started asking men what their favorite flower is, and it's been fascinating how many have an answer, and how many admit they would genuinely love to receive them.

Pretty Petals Arrangements will be partnering with us for the event and helping us spread awareness around men's mental health.

The team at Capitola Beach Company helped organize a paddle out for my uncle last year, and I witnessed firsthand the healing power of being in the ocean together. Whether through surfing, paddling, or simply spending time near the water, movement and nature are powerful tools for mental wellness.

If you or someone you know has ever wanted to get into the water, Matt and Jill at the shop are wonderful resources for lessons, rentals, and support.

Sam Kabert, Emotional Fitness Trainer + Speaker is also a local entrepreneur who runs a powerful breathwork community and advocates for emotional fitness, especially for men. He has openly shared parts of his own journey and is passionate about helping others heal through breathwork and mindfulness practices.

Last but not least, Brittani Bolke, a transformation coach and Reiki Healer, will be joining us as well. Through her work, she helps people feel seen, heard, and supported while honoring the emotions that make us human. iambrittanib@gmail.com

One thing I've learned is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Sometimes the most profound shifts begin with a single moment. One conversation. One invitation. One reminder that you are not alone.

As we move through this summer, I hope you'll take a moment to check in on the men in your life. Call your strong friend. Ask your husband how he's really doing. Create space for your son, brother, father, or colleague to share openly.

You never know what someone may be carrying underneath it all.

And sometimes, feeling seen can change everything. May we remember we are all divinely connected this summer and support one another.

Jaime McFaden is a #1 best selling author of "Waves of Self-Care: It Takes a Village”, and an International self-care specialist. Find her at jaimemcfaden.com

THE $5,000 TOOTH

How I discovered Santa Cruz’s hidden dental system BY RICHARD STOCKTON

A LEG? As we get older our teeth have more problems and cost more

However, there are some ways to make it more affordable.

Thinking about heading south of the border to get your teeth fixed? When a dentist told me I needed $5,000 worth of crowns, I discovered California's hidden dental system. Then I discovered something else: finding a Denti-Cal dentist in Santa Cruz County may be harder than qualifying for Denti-Cal itself. I’m not broke, I’m having an out-of-money experience.

First, I have wonderful news: if I keep my income as low as it is, Medi-Cal will pay for my dental care with a zero-dollar co-pay. This freelance writing racket is starting to pay off. I was beginning to despair that I could even take care of my teeth. Why teeth aren’t covered by Medicare is a mystery to me, Medicare pays for medical help for everything from trichomonads to gonads, but somehow teeth are not included in the program’s life-saving embrace. Medicare’s view that teeth are luxury bones seems very Texas to me. I wonder

how many Santa Cruz County dentists actually accept Denti-Cal patients?

I had not been to a dentist in years, but now I’m going because my comedy career is on fire; I played the Truckee KOA and a woman got so turned on by my act she threw her teeth onstage. With my pocket full of loose change, I go to my wife’s dentist, Dr. Holycare (satire is the last refuge of truth). He X-rays my mouth for $300 and tells me that while I don’t have any cavities, he wants to give me three crowns that will cost me out-of-pocket slightly over $5,000. $5,000 is more than my 2009 Prius is worth. $5,000 is perilously close to what I made in standup comedy last year if you count the loose change I found in the seats. Dr. HolyScare informs me that the $300 X-rays of my teeth “need to stay in the office for treatment efficiency”. I did leave with a consent form for three crowns that would require a $5,000 retainer.

I’ve always been kind of crazy about

TOOTHY Here’s what’s going on in your mouth, a tooth model.

PHOTO: ARI_ACHMAD RIZAL SHUTTERSTOCK

taking care of my teeth; I floss twice a day and avoid sugar like its meth. But, after getting Dr. HolyScared, I get so stressed about the possibility of cracking a tooth that I stop eating hard food. Suddenly every bite becomes a risk assessment; I understand that man cannot live on bread alone, frequently there must be a nut, but almonds seem downright reckless. I have a dream where I confront an attacker, “Get any closer and I will gum ya!”

Then I hear about Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid. They have a program called Medi-Cal Dental. I apply, get accepted and with MediCal Dental I get tiny filing in a wisdom tooth, for zero out-of-pocket charge. My dentist wanted to give me three crowns on molars, but Medi-Cal denied the three crowns, saying my teeth are worn down and cracked, but not broken, and they will have to crack before California will pay for their repair. I go through the

entire appeal process with a judge, it takes six months, and I may have thrown my shoulder out from patting myself on the back - “I could have been a lawyer!” I hit it off with Judge Matsui, we share our teeth grinding stories and for a brief moment the hearing becomes a support group for people who grind their teeth in their sleep. We exchange mouth-guard recommendations. But in the end the judge agrees with Medi-Cal Dental that the attrition and cracks on my back teeth do not warrant Medi-Cal funded crowns. For the present, I can chew with no pain and have an uneasy assurance that when one of the molars does shatter, I may be able to get it fixed without selling my car or moving to France.

Cuts to Medicaid in the Big Beautiful Bill have led to cuts to Medi-Cal Dental. At the same moment state leaders are debating changes to Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Dental, millions of Californians depend on this hidden system. In Santa

Cruz County we are lucky to have Dientes Community Dental Care, a Santa Cruz County nonprofit dental organization that provides comprehensive dental care primarily to Medi-Cal patients and uninsured low-income residents. It has been operating since 1992 and is one of the largest providers of Denti-Cal services in the county.

So, how many Santa Cruz County dentists actually accept Denti-Cal patients? A 2022 oral health needs assessment commissioned by Dientes found: “The 13 dentists in Santa Cruz County listed on the state website as current Medi-Cal dental providers represent 6% of county dentists.” Startling number. A later summary reported: Of roughly 82,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Santa Cruz County, only about 31,000 (38%) were able to obtain dental care, meaning roughly 75% of adult Medi-Cal recipients were unable to receive dental care.

Dientes itself says: “We are one of very few dental providers in the county serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries.” What do they offer? Dientes Community Dental Care is a nonprofit network of dental clinics in Santa Cruz County whose mission is to provide affordable dental care to low-income children, adults, and seniors. Serving Medi-Cal and uninsured patients through multiple clinics in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, Dientes has become one of the county's primary safety-net dental providers. According to Dientes, they serve Medi-Cal and uninsured patients of all ages and are the only provider in the community for some specialized services available to lowincome patients, including dentures, oral surgery, and certain root canal services.

To join Medi-Cal, eligibility rules change frequently enough that I hesitate to print exact income limits, but if you're curious, check out the state's eligibility website. You may be surprised. Filling out Benefitscal.com was easier than I thought and if you are low income and you might need medical, dental, or psychological care, please check out Medi-Cal to see if you qualify. Californians can verify eligibility through the MyMedi-Cal portal, or by contacting local Medi-Cal offices.

Medi-Cal's position is straightforward: my teeth are damaged but still functional. The good news, they qualify for the same maintenance schedule as California's highways. If you are low income and have dental issues, check out Medi-Cal Dental while it is still there.

DON’T FALL

Sage advice from a 93-year-old hiker

BY RICHARD STOCKTON

Iremember the first time Ben Rice told us Katherine Beiers was going with us on a hike. “Really Ben? She’s how old?

Will she be alright?”

Ben laughs. “Gentlemen, on the trail, she will kick your ass.”

What Katherine Beiers does kick is the notion that age must lead to a loss of independence. It is always a special hike when she joins us and Katherine and I were hiking side by side on a trail in Nisene Marks State Park, she was clacking along with her trekking poles, when I wished her a happy 93rd birthday. I might have emphasized the number a little too loudly; I tend to project my hearing challenge onto others. She threw her head back and laughed.

“Yes! Ninety-third!”

“So, Katherine, what do I have to do to live as long as you?”

She stopped, looked me in the eye and said, “Don’t fall down.”

That's it. Not creatine supplement. Not keto diet. Not red-light therapy. Don't fall down.

I’ve never arrived at a positive outcome by falling, but at 77, I do have peripheral neuropathy of the feet and I wobble and weave. Close my eyes, or get really tired, or get really stoned, and my balance makes me arguably dangerous to others. One hour of yoga at night is the

only thing that lets me put my pants on in the morning while standing.

When coastal trail walking, I’m considerably safer heading north, where my lurchiness (remember the Addams Family?) can at worst land me in some poison oak on the land side of the trail, rather than experimenting with overthe-cliff free flight.

What do we want over 70? I mean, besides immortality. (“Maybe AI can come up with something!”) As we get older, mortality may lose its sting, but man, the decline sucks. What we can demand of ourselves is independence.

I’m here to offer a prescription for independence, tuning up our legs with walking. Any kind of walking is good, yes, even on pavement. My father stopped exercising in his 70s, fell out of bed and broke his hip. Men in their 70s report that walking five miles a day makes them sleep soundly for 7 hours and wake up with an erection. That’s why I walk five miles a day, to keep from rolling out of bed.

WALKING ON DIRT VERSUS CEMENT

After the four ages of man, Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Iron, we have arrived at the Concrete Age. We have gone from Save the Earth to Pave the Earth. Walking anywhere is a good thing, but in suburbia, we walk over cement in manufactured gardens where nature is purged of its

DOWN

wildness. If you have extreme balance issues, the uniformity can be good; let’s remember Katherine’s Golden Rule: don’t fall down. Any kind of walking offers cardiovascular benefits, but Alicia Filley, a physical therapist who helps train clients for outdoor excursions, says uneven terrain does more to strengthen the leg and core muscles, which in turn boosts balance and stability.

I hike on uneven terrain because my balance is bad. Put my feet on the earth and I can feel it heal me from head to toe. Walking in sand feels like a skeletal massage. On a natural environment, everything’s uneven, with every step you take, your foot has to adjust to a new inclination or declination. Walking on uneven natural ground, your entire body is moving. Every root, rock, slope, and uneven patch of dirt requires small adjustments from your feet, ankles, calves, thighs, hips, and core muscles. The trail is a gym disguised as recreation. Santa Cruz movement guru Laurie Broderick-Burr schools me that when climbing an incline, you bend into the mountain and power with your ass, hamstrings, glutes and adductors. The gluteus medius and minimus, located deeper in the hip, work to pull the leg sideways away from the body and help control the position of the pelvis. A decline works the glutes, front thigh, back calf, outer side calf and the front of the shin. Hiking poles or even a single staff can give you an upper-body workout.

EXERCISE WITH HIGH CAUTION

Three years ago, I hurt my knees by daily running, and I tried to get out of it by pushing even harder. Instead of ice and rest, I did more squats and wound up on crutches for four months. So, my fellow septenarians, take the rest day. Use trekking poles or a staff. Slow down. The goal isn't to dominate the trail; the goal is to come back tomorrow.

At 77, how high I can jump or how fast I can run or how far I can hike are faded memories. What matters now is simpler. Can I walk five miles? Can I climb the hill? How is my balance today? To Katherine Beiers, the path to a longer life is simple. Put one foot in front of the other. Do it again tomorrow. That’s how you don’t fall down.

SENIOR GUIDE

LIVING FACILITIES

There are many types of senior housing options, ranging from residential facilities and assisted living homes to independent living and retirement communities. Learn more about the differences and search for options near you at eldercare.gov (800-677-1116) or seniorfacilityfinder.com.

ALEXANDRIA VICTORIA

226 Morrissey Blvd., Santa Cruz, 429-9137, alexandriavictoria.com

DOMINICAN OAKS

3400 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, 462-6257, dominicanoaks.com

LA POSADA

609 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, 429-9230, laposadaretirementcommunity.com

THE MAPLE HOUSE I & II

410 Pennsylvania Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-6347, themaplehouse.com

2000 Brommer St., Santa Cruz, 476-6366, themaplehouse.com

OAK TREE VILLA

100 Lockewood Lane, Scotts Valley, 205-7363, brookdaleliving.com

PACIFIC COAST MANOR

1935 Wharf Rd., Capitola, 476-0770, paccoastmanor.com

PARADISE VILLA

2177 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-1380, paradisevillaassistedliving.com

SUNSHINE VILLA

80 Front St., Santa Cruz, 291-4672, sunshinevillaseniorliving.com

TWIN LAKES MANOR

777 Volz Lane, Santa Cruz, 477-1100, twinlakesmanorseniorcare.com

VALLEY HAVEN

2266 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 818-8372, valleyhavencare.com

VALLEY HEIGHTS

925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 722-4884, valleyheights.com

WESTWIND MEMORY CARE

160 Jewell St., Santa Cruz, 854-9346, westwindmemorycare.com

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

ACADEMY OF MARTIAL & INTERNAL ARTS

1570 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 475-1429, reelingsilk.com

AWAKENING CHI

1060 River St., Ste. 111,Santa Cruz, 334-7757, awakeningchi.org

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU 831-325-3057

BRIDGE OF HOPE

P.O. Box 576, Soquel, 464-2362, bridgeofhopefoundation.org

CHAIR YOGA WITH SUZI

Grey Bears, 27 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, suzimahleryoga.com

CITY OF CAPITOLA RECREATION DEPARTMENT

4400 Jade St., Capitola, 475-5935, cityofcapitola.org/recreation

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

323 Church St., Santa Cruz, 420-5270, cityofsantacruz.com

DOMINICAN HOSPITAL’S PERSONAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-7709, dominicanhospital.org

DOWNTOWN SENIOR CENTER AT LONDON NELSON

301 Center St., Santa Cruz, 420-6180, cityofsantacruz.com/seniors

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz, 423-1935, lenzarts.com

MARKET ST. THEATER AND SENIOR CENTER

222 Market St, Santa Cruz, 423-6640, marketstreettheater.org

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

PARKS DEPARTMENT

979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 454-7901, parks.santacruzcountyca.gov

SCOTTS VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

370 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, 438-8666, scottsvalley.gov/569/Senior-Center

SIMPKINS FAMILY

SWIM CENTER

979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 454-7960, parks.santacruzcountyca.gov

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Multiple Locations, 479-6000, bayfed.com

CANDACE EBERT & CO.

749 37th Ave., Santa Cruz, 316-1106, candaceebert.com

EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS

Multiple locations, edwardjones.com.

MAIN STREET REALTORS

2567 Main St., Soquel, 462-4000, mainstrealtors.com.

Ohana Wealth Management 2901 Park Ave, Suite B1, Soquel, 216-5519, ohanawealthmanagement.net

PACIFIC INLAND FINANCIAL INC.

5161 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 475-2600, pacificinland.com

PAMELA MORGAN, LDA 421-1234, Paralegalpam.com

RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA 476-2960, rpeasantacruz.org

SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

324 Front St., Santa Cruz, 425-7708, scccu.org

TERRY BALLANTYNE BREZSNY/SERENO GROUP

REAL ESTATE

720 Front St., Santa Cruz, 588-8485, brezsnyassociates.com

FOOD AND NUTRITION

AGRI-CULTURE

141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, 722-6622, agri-culture.us

GREY BEARS

2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-1055, greybears.org

CARNATION CAFE SENIOR LUNCH AT LOUDEN NELSON

COMMUNITY CENTER

301 Center St., Santa Cruz, 427-0901, cityofsantacruz.com

CINDY’S CELEBRATIONS, INC.

320 Carrera Circle, Aptos, 479-7509

COMMUNITY BRIDGES

ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

519 Main St., Watsonville, 688-8840, communitybridges.org

HIGHLANDS SENIOR DINING CENTER AT THE SENIOR CENTER OF SAN LORENZO VALLEY

8500 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 336-8900, highlandsparkseniorcenter.org

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1020 Emeline Ave. Bldg. B, Santa Cruz; 18 W. Beach St., Watsonville, 888-421-8080, santacruzhumanservices.org

LA MANZANA COMMUNITY RESOURCES

521 Main St. Ste. Y, Watsonville, 724-2997, communitybridges.org/lmcr

LIVE OAK FAMILY RESOURCES

1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 476-7284, communitybridges.org/locr

MEALS ON WHEELS FOR SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Contact Community Bridges for meal times, locations and dropoff information: 464-3180, communitybridges.org/mealsonwheels

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY RESOURCES

6134 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-6600, communitybridges.org/mcr

ONE SOURCE COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

104 Whispering Pines Dr., Unit 105, Scotts Valley, 535-6864, onescrx.com

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

800 Ohlone Parkway., Watsonville, 722-7110, Food hotline: 662-0991 thefoodbank.org

SCOTTS VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley, 438-8666, scottsvalley.gov/569/Senior-Center

PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE FOR FUTURE GENER ATIONS

Your legacy can ensure the lands you love will be protected forever. All that is needed is a few simple sentences in your will or trust.

To include the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County in your legacy, please use the following language:

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, a California non-prof it corporation, with Business address of 911 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95050

Our taxpayer identif ication number is 94-2431856.

Together, we are preserving the natural beauty of our county for years to come.

WATSONVILLE

SENIOR CENTER

114 E. 5th St., Watsonville, 722-1333, watsonville.gov

HEALTHCARE

& HEALTH RESOURCES

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, 454-4170, santacruzhealth.org

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT)

1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, 454-4101, santacruzhumanservices.org

AIMÉE GOULD SHUNNEY, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Doctor. 740 Front St. #130, Santa Cruz, 465-9088, drshunney.com

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE CARE CENTER AT ELDERDAY

100 Pioneer St. Ste. C, Santa Cruz, 458-3481, communitybridges.org

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

GREAT WEST REGION

90 New Montgomery St. Ste. 710, San Francisco. 888-391-9389 ext.13, arthritis.org

CABRILLO COLLEGE STROKE & DISABILITY LEARNING CENTER

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 477-3300, cabrillo.edu/stroke-disability-learning-center

CAMILLE ELLIS, CERTIFIED LIFE COACH 246-1038, yourcoachcamille.com

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH

1600 Green Hills Rd. Ste. 101, Scotts Valley, 430-5500, thealliance.health

COASTAL VITALITY MD 2112-A Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, 400-5665, coastalvitalitymd.com

DIABETES HEALTH CENTER

85 Nielson St. Ste. 201, Watsonville, 726-4267, pvhealthtrust.org

DOMINICAN HOSPITAL

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-7700, dominicanhospital.org

EYECARE AMERICA SENIORS

EYE CARE PROGRAM (877) 887-6327, eyecareamerica.org

GOLDEN STATE

ORTHOPEDIC & SPINE

4140 Jade St. Room 100, Capitola, 475-4024, goldenstateortho.com

HARBOR HEALTH

4450 Capitola Rd. Ste. 105, Capitola, 325-0202, Harborhealthcenter.com

HEALTH PROJECTS CENTER

9000 Soquel Ave. Ste. 103, Santa Cruz, 459-6639, hpcn.org

HEARING AID HELPLINE

(734) 522-7200 ext. 2, ihsinfo.org

HEARTS & HANDS, POST

ACUTE CARE & REHAB CENTER

2990 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-9000, heartsnhands.us

HOMELESS HEALTH PROJECT

115-A Coral St., Santa Cruz, 454-2080, santacruzhealth.org

HORSNYDER PHARMACY

1226-A Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-1400, horsnyderpharmacy.com

HOSPICE OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, 430-3000, hospicesantacruz.org

KATZ CANCER

RESOURCE CENTER AT DOMINICAN HOSPITAL

3150 Mission Drive Fl. 1, Santa Cruz, CA, 462-7770, dignityhealth.org

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

111 W St John St, San Jose, 800-955-4572, lls.org

MEDI-CAL

1020 Emeline Avenue, Building B, Santa Cruz, 888-421-8080, benefitscal.com

MEDICARE

800- 633-4227, medicare.gov

MENTAL HEALTH CLIENT

ACTION NETWORK

1051 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, 469-0462, mhcan.org

NEW BRIGHTON DENTAL

824 Bay Ave. #30, Capitola, 464-4222, newbrightondental.com

OPTIMAGE HEALTH INC.

930 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 421-0197, optimagehealth.com

REJUVENATE MEDI SPA

1595 38th Ave, Capitola, rejuvenatemedi-spa.com

SANTA CRUZ AIDS PROJECT

716 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 427-3900, encompasscs.org/santa_cruz_aids_ project_english

SANTA CRUZ CORE FITNESS AND REHAB

317 Potrero St., Ste. C, Santa Cruz, 425-9500, santacruzcore.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

3150 Mission Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-7770, scprostate.org

SANTA CRUZ LIGHT THERAPY

540 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 387-9401, santacruzlighttherapy.com

SANTA CRUZ

PARKINSON’S COMMUNITY 708-2906, easepd.org

SANTA CRUZ VET CENTER

1350 41st Ave. Ste. 102, Capitola, 464-4575, santacruzhumanservices.org, va.gov

SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES

64 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 661-0700, seniorbenefits.care

SUTTER MATERNITY & SURGERY

CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ

2900 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 477-2200, sutterhealth.org/smscsc

VISTA CENTER FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

3315B Mission Drive, Santa Cruz, 458-9766, vistacenter.org

WATSONVILLE

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

75 Nielson St., Watsonville, 724-4741, watsonvillehospital.com

WATSONVILLE PHARMACY

1433 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 728-1818, watsonvillerx.com

WESTSIDE PHARMACY

MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND GIFTS

1401 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 423-7175. westsidepharmacyrx.com

WOMENCARE

2901 Park Ave. Ste. 1A, Soquel, 457-2273, womencaresantacruz.org

BAY AVENUE SENIOR APARTMENTS

750 Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-6435, firstcommunityhousing.org

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY OF THE CENTRAL COAST

104 Walnut Ave. Ste. 208, Santa Cruz, 423-9444; 11 Alexander St. Ste. D, Watsonville, 728-9970 (24-hour multi-lingual crisis line), fsa-cc.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, MY HOUSE MY HOME

108 Magnolia St., Santa Cruz, 469-4663, habitatmontereybay.org

HOUSING MATTERS

115-A Coral St., Santa Cruz, 458-6020, santacruzhsc.org

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

2160 41st Ave., Capitola, CA, 454-9455, hacosantacruz.org

MOBILE HOME COMMISSION

701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 454-2772, sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/mhc/ index.html

MOBILE HOME OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE (800) 952-8356, hcd.ca.gov

MONARCH SERVICES

1685 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 425-4030; 233 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, 722-4532, (888) 900-4232 (crisis line), monarchscc.org

THE SHELTER PROJECT OF THE COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD

406 Main St. Suite 207, Watsonville, 763-2147, cabinc.org

IN-HOME SERVICES

CARE FROM THE HEART HOME SERVICES

4769 Soquel Dr., Soquel, 476-8316, carefromtheheart.net

COMFORCARE HOME CARE

100 Doyle St. Ste. F, Santa Cruz, 920-4929, comforcare.com

COMPANION FOR LIFE / LIFELINE PROJECT

234 Santa Cruz Ave., Aptos, 688-0400, seniorscouncil.org

DAMIAN'S LADDER

200-1376, damiansladder.org

SUTTER CARE AT HOME

2880 Soquel Ave. Ste. 10, Santa Cruz, 477-2600, sutterhealth.org/scah

VISITING ANGELS

5274 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 430-0616, visitingangels.com/centralcoast

LEGAL SERVICES

SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES OF SANTA CRUZ AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES 460-6878 seniorlegal.org

MEMORIAL SERVICES

SEA SPIRIT MEMORIAL

$

$

Grey Bears, a vibrant, nonprofit, is transform its mid-county campus. The new building will modernize and expand the Healthy Food Program, creating a welcoming space for nourishment and social connection for Santa Cruz County ’s growing senior population now and for decades to come

The projec t includes a state-of-the-ar t commercial kitchen, dignified indoor food pantr y market, dedicated space for communal meals and social gatherings, and more space to streamline food recover y and storage.

DOMINICAN HOME HEALTH

2045 40th Ave. Ste. A, Capitola, 465-7988, dominicanhospital.org

FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS

2901 Park Ave. Ste. C3, Soquel, 4803990, fshomecare.com

HELPING HANDS SENIOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

427-5070, scvolunteercenter.com/ programs/elderly-disabled/helping_hands

HEARTLAND HOSPICE

824 Bay Ave. Ste. 40, Capitola, 476-2158, heartlandhospice.com

HOSPICE OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, 430-3000, hospicesantacruz.org

IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICES (IHSS) PUBLIC AUTHORITY

1400 Emeline Ave. Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, 454-4101; 12 W. Beach St., Watsonville, 763-8800, santacruzhumanservices.org

LIFESPAN CARE

WELL-BEING PROGRAM

600 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, 469-4900, lifespancare.com

SAFE AT HOME SENIOR CARE

3335 Soquel Dr., Suite A, Soquel, 462-3500, safeathomeseniorcare.com

333 Lake Ave., Suite H, Santa Cruz, 336-2244, seaspiritmemorial.com

VOLUNTEERING

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

740 Front St., Ste 155, Santa Cruz, 464-8691, santacruzmentor.org

CASA

813 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 761-2956, casaofsantacruz.org

DOMINICAN HOSPITAL

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-7964, dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/ dominican

GREY BEARS

2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 479-1055, greybears.org

PEACE OF MIND DOG RESCUE

615 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, 718-9122, peaceofminddogrescue.org

SENIORS COUNCIL OF SANTA CRUZ AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES

234 Santa Cruz Ave., Aptos, 688-0400, seniorscouncil.org

SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE

Ever y dollar donated up to $500,000 will be doubled by a match from the 1440 Foundation. greybears.org/capital-campaign/

SENIORS HELPING SENIORS

117 Camino Ramon, San Jose, 515-8747, santacruzgilroyshs.com

SENIOR NETWORK SERVICES REGISTRY

1777-A Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz, 462-1433, seniornetworkservices.org

104 Walnut Ave. Ste. 208, Santa Cruz, 423-9444, fsa-cc.org

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY’S RETIRED

SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 771-9272, scvolunteercenter.org/programs/rsvp.

Sea Spirit Memorial made a difficult time in our lives feel effortless and peaceful. From start to finish, the process was seamless, and the crew was kind, compassionate, and gentle in spirit. The setup was beautiful, and they handled everything with care, making the experience completely stress-free for our family. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a meaningful experience that will make their loved one smile down on them from heaven. I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future when needed.

”

Sea Spirit Memorial specializes in personalized ocean memorials, offering private full-body burials and ash scatterings aboard a dedicated 50' motor yacht from Santa Cruz, CA.

We provide a serene and intimate experience for up to 38 passengers, ensuring comfort and security with various packages available. Operating exclusively for memorial services in the Monterey Bay, our compassionate team supports families with diverse preferences, from simple ash scatterings to full-service ceremonies with catering and floral arrangements

We are committed to creating a dignified farewell, guiding you through every step with exceptional customer service. Trust Sea Spirit Memorial to honor your loved one’s legacy with grace and respect.

Honoring those we’ve lost while serving the needs of us left behind