Aptos Times: August 1, 2023

$50

Five Goats Slaughtered

Permit Issued for Mountain Lion

State officials have posted signs about mountain lion safety at Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos after five purebred Boer goats were found slaughtered on private property near the state park.

The attack took place the night of Saturday, July 15, and the bodies were discovered the next morning.

The goats that were killed were valuable, prized for their meat. ... continues on page 4

National Dance Champions!

When dancers from Pacific Arts Complex went to the Kids Artistic Revue nationals in Anaheim, they won three coveted individual titles and huge trophies, two of the group dancers were named Grand National Champions, and the studio won the Elite Studio of Excellence Award, for having the most high scores in the Elite category.

Full Story page 5

Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7 Full Story page 7

Watsonville Hospital Reaching Out

Watsonville Community Hospital leaders want to hear what community members want from their hospital — and about 30 people showed up July 20 at Watsonville High School to share their two cents.

Full Story page 6

“Puma attack” from page 1

The immature young male can fetch $1,200 and the doe $600.

Mountain lions are a specially protected species in California.

Zach Friend

layout

Michael Oppenheimer graphic artists

Michael Oppenheimer

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

Living with Mountain Lions Safety First

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has a page on its website devoted to mountain lions and how humans can co-exist with them. Here is their advice.

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

PHONE: (831) 688-7549

FAX: (831) 688-7551

GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com

Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com

Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com

Editor: info@cyber-times.com

Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com

Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com

Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com

Production: production@cyber-times.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com

mission statement

We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

They cannot be hunted, and it is unlawful to take, injure, possess or transport a mountain lion without a permit from the state Department of Fish & Wildlife.

In this situation, Fish & Wildlife issued a non-lethal depredation permit for this mountain lion which allows non-lethal hazing, according to spokesman Ken Paglia.

Mountain lions have been protected since 1990, when California voters approved Proposition 117, the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990.

This proposition passed with a 52.4% yes vote.

The measure also created the Habitat Conservation Fund and appropriated $30 million a year to the fund until 2020.

The proposition allows the killing of a mountain lion if it is perceived to be an imminent threat to public health or safety, damages livestock or other property, or is attacking people. In 1994, for example, 131 mountain lions were killed after they threatened public safety or damaged property or livestock.

The Legislature put Proposition 197 on the ballot in 1996 to repeal the mountain lion’s protected status, and have Fish & Wildlife manage the population.

Supporters in the Legislature said the lion population had grown so fast they have outgrown their food supply, killing livestock worth millions of dollars and preying on pets and attacking humans near populated areas.

Opponents said the measure would allow trophy hunting of mountain lions and 58% of Californians voted no.

Mountain lions typically pose little threat to humans, and generally avoid any human interaction. A person is one thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. People who live in mountain lion habitat can take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a mountain lion.

•••

Living With Mountain Lions

• Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion’s main food source.

• Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.

• Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.

• Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.

• Always remember — Mountain lions are wild animals and their behavior may be unpredictable (like any wildlife).

Mountain Lion Encounters

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Do not hike, bike, or jog at dawn, dusk, or at night.

• Stay alert on trails. Keep a close watch on small children and off leash pets.

• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.

• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger.

• Do not crouch down or bend over.

•••

See: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion/FAQ#562331251how-do-i-live-and-recreate-safely-in-areas-with-mountain-lions

Mountain lions are plentiful in North America, but they are secretive so estimating the population is a challenge.

In California, state Fish & Wildlife official have identified about 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions living in the state.

Colorado, which is forested with lots of elk to eat, has up to 7,000 mountain lions.

By one estimate, a mountain lion can eat 48 deer a year, about one per week.

The Nisene meadow used to be full of deer but now they are rarely seen,

according to residents who assume they’ve become meals for mountain lions.

The Santa Cruz Puma Project is a partnership between UC Santa Cruz and the California Department of Fish and Game begun in 2008 to track and collect data to better understand their habitat and their behavior. n

•••

Scientists welcome information about mountain lion sightings and fresh kills. See https://www.santacruzpumas.org/contact/

National Dance Champions!

When dancers from Pacific Arts Complex went to the Kids Artistic Revue nationals in Anaheim, they won three coveted individual titles and huge trophies, two of the group dancers were named Grand National Champions, and the studio won the Elite Studio of Excellence Award, for having the most high scores in the Elite category.

Co-owners/team drectors Tisha Nusbaum and Leslie Johnson were thrilled.

“After two weeks of intensive rehearsals we knew we were heading in feeling strong and confident, but we’re blown away by the awards they received,” they said. “These kids are driven, talented, and best of all they are kind. We are just so proud of every single one of them and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!”

There was a lot of competition. Dancers from more than 75 studios were in attendance.

Ella L’Heureux of Santa Cruz was crowned Elite Miss Dance, with her routine, “Lost Love,” beating over 100 other regional title winners.

Mariska Goldstein of Corralitos, who performed a routine to “New York New

York,” was named Elite Miss Teen Dance, with first runner-up going to Eliana Klein of Santa Cruz.

These dancers took 1st and 2nd overall in Elite Teen Solos, and Mariska won 1st

overall Elite Teen Duo with her partner Bella Garvey of Aptos. Elite is the top category.

Twelve soloists from Pacific Arts Complex took high point awards in the

fiercely competitive categories of Elite Teens and Elite Seniors, and soloists of all levels placed in the top 20.

As they competed in groups, they consistently placed in the top 10 and took 1st overall in multiple categories and age ranges. Other honors included Best Choreography, Judges Choice, and National Studio of the Year.

Six of Pacific Arts Complex’s group dances received some of the highest scores of the competition, which earned them spots in the Grand Finals Showcase at the end of the week.

Participating in the Elite National Grand Champion team: Aptos High grads Harlyn Cavanaugh, Abby Danish, Milana Work; Dani Delgadillo and Lili Rigor (Aptos High dance team assistants); Aptos High students Bella Garvey, Juliana Alvarez, Mia Trujillo, Amelia Valoroso and Natalie Perez; and girls from around Santa Cruz County, Mariska Goldstein, Ella L’Heureux, Makayla Mountain, Smaranda Proca, Savannah Waltrip, and Acacia Ziai.

“Dance Champs” page 7

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

Watsonville Community Hospital Reaching Out

Watsonville Community Hospital leaders want to hear what community members want from their hospital — and about 30 people showed up July 20 at Watsonville High School to share their two cents.

This is a huge change from the years of for-profit out-of-town corporate ownership.

It’s because the hospital operation is now owned by the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, a special district that extends from Aptos and Corralitos to Watsonville and Pajaro, with a board elected by district voters.

The ownership change was precipitated by bankruptcy but instead of closing, as many bankrupt hospitals have, supporters raised $64 million to buy the hospital operations from Halsen Healthcare and keep it open.

However, the hospital property at 75 Nielson St. is still owned by Medical Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust based in Alabama, which owns

102 general hospitals in the U.S. and 202 worldwide. The purchase price in 2019 was $40 million.

The money raised went to:

• Legal fees: $6 million.

• Pre-sale hospital deficit: $$15 million.

• Acquiring hospital operations: $34 million.

• Working capital for new ownership: $9.3 million.

Matko Vranjes, the interim CEO since April 11, has deep roots in the community. He came to work at the hospital in 1991.

The hospital lost $22 million in 2021 but is doing better than expected financially.

“Things are turning around,” Vranjes said, citing renegotiation of health insurance contracts that pay Watsonville Community Hospital parity with other hospitals.

The hospital is now eligible for state funding — it wasn’t before — and is using its nonprofit status to save money on purchases.

New initiatives include a cath lab for

Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7

When Cabrillo College trustees meet at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Horticulture Center in Aptos, a vote is expected on the controversial proposal to change the name of the college.

This was the timetable laid out by the trustees’ name change subcommittee.

But, at the last public forum on the matter, a Zoom meeting July 19, participants begged them to reconsider.

Sharon, a student, pointed out the name change has been a 3-year process, mostly during Covid restrictions on gatherings, and speeded up at the end.

The 5 finalist names were only released June 28, when most students were off-campus.

The Aug. 7 vote is before the beginning of the fall semester.

Sharon said she didn’t object to changing the college name, which recognizes explorer and shipbuilder Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who became a wealthy slaveholder in the New World — just the timetable.

Vivian Simon said a lot of people do

not like the 5 finalist names — Aptos College, Cajastaca College, Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, Seacliff College.

Those 5 were chosen from 350 viable names out of 1,500 survey responses by a 23-member task force chosen to represent the community.

State law gives the seven-member elected Cabrillo College board of trustees the authority to pick the name.

Earleen, another Zoom attendee, called for a vote of the people.

“This should not be a vote of seven people,” she said. “Nobody I know is in favor of this.”

College President Matthew Wetstein pointed out elections cost money.

Earleen’s response: “If you put out a request for money, you would get the money.”

Martin Garcia, Cabrillo professor

who lives in Watsonville, had a different perspective of Cabrillo: “He was a murderer, a sex trafficker ... it’s very personalized for so many of us.”

He called the name change “a genuine opportunity to empower community members and inspire self-esteem of our students,” adding, “indignities continue today.”

Faculty member John Govsky pointed out faculty, students and staff presented a petition to trustees seeking a name change three years ago.

“I think it’s time to move through this process,” he said.

Peggy Flynn said, “The process really impressed me.”

She said there is a tendency to not pay attention until a critical time.

One of the Zoom attendees was Felix Robles, a member of the name change task force, which will meet July 28, discuss the

feedback on the 5 finalists and make a recommendation to trustees.

“I’ve read every single article,” he said. “I’m not the only one.”

Wetstein said one possibility is to vote for a name change — and make it conditional on raising the funds to cover the expenses.

Previously he had said no college funds would be spent on the name change, funds would be raised privately.

For those wondering if compromise is possible, Santa Cruz resident John Fay offered this idea: The Spanish and Portuguese name Cabrillo is derived from the Portuguese word for oak trees, so repudiate Juan Cabrillo and use the name Cabrillo to refer to the oak trees in the area.

The coast live oak was an important food source for the Ohlone tribe who lived in this area, and coast live oak and canyon oak are an important part of our environment today. Use the name Cabrillo College to pay homage to the indigenous people and the local ecosystem. n

“Dance Champs” from page 5

Participating in the Primary National Grand Champion team: Aubrey Casillas, Damaris Castaneda, Kalleigh Estrada, Addison Forbes, Lenna Jordan, Kaisa

Palmquist, Gabriela Penick and Jordan Wright.

Pacific Arts Complex taps into dance teachers in Aptos, with instruction by Tanee Taylor, Aptos High dance team codirector, Alexis Valoroso, Aptos High dance

team co-director and Aptos High graduate, and Cassie Block, Aptos Junior High dance team director.

They, along with Nusbaum and Johnson, coached the two groups that won Grand National Championships, the Primary team and the Elite team.

The competition bodes well for Aptos Jr High and High School dance as about a

dozen dancers are on the 2023-24 school dance teams.

Pacific Arts Complex has two locations, one in midtown Santa Cruz and the other in Watsonville by the airport, and is a vendor for Ocean Grove Charter School in Santa Cruz. n

Season 12 starts Sept. 5. For more info, email to pacificartscomplex@gmail.com.

Why Did State Housing Demands Double?

Editor’s note: On March 17, 2022, acting State Auditor Michael Tilden, CPA, wrote the governor and legislative leaders pointing out flaws in the process used by the state housing agency to estimate future housing needs in regions across California. Local officials are required to follow the Regional Housing Needs Assessment to meet these needs, or forfeit opportunities for state funds, and officials in Capitola and Scotts Valley have asked why state housing demands from the Association of Monterey Bay Governments had doubled from 2018. The 2022 audit provides the answer: The housing agency “does not ensure that its needs assessments are accurate and adequately supported,” the auditor wrote, and thus housing demands can be overstated. Ben Metcalf was the director of HCD from 2016 to 2019; he was succeeded by Gustavo Velasquez.

To read the complete 51-page audit, see https://www.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/ 2021-125.pdf

Here is a summary: •••

The Legislature recognizes that the availability of housing is of vital statewide importance and that the State and local governments have a responsibility to facilitate the development of adequate housing.

State law requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to conduct assessments to determine the housing needs (needs assessments) throughout regions in the State.

The needs assessments rely on projections of future population and households developed by the Department of Finance (Finance).

HCD is required to consider certain factors identified in state law and then can adjust the needs assessments for any of the factors.

For example, it makes an adjustment to achieve a healthy vacancy rate in the housing market and an adjustment to reduce the number of overcrowded households.

Regions use the needs assessments to plan for additional housing to accommodate population growth and address future housing needs.

Vacancy Rate Unsupported

HCD does not have a formal review process for the data it uses to determine its needs assessments. As a result, the needs assessments for two of three regions we reviewed (Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Amador) included errors.

One data error reduced a region’s

needs assessment by nearly 2,500 housing units.

HCD also did not demonstrate that it adequately considered certain factors when creating the needs assessments of the three regions we reviewed.

For one of those factors, the healthy vacancy rate, HCD did not perform a formal analysis to adequately support its assumptions.

State law specifies that the minimum vacancy rate for a healthy rental housing market is 5%, but the law does not define the healthy vacancy rate for owned housing, allowing HCD to make that determination.

HCD used a 5% healthy vacancy rate for the combined rental and ownership markets for two of the councils of governments’ assessments we reviewed.

HCD calculated the vacancy rate adjustment by subtracting the region’s overall vacancy rate from the 5% healthy vacancy rate. Based on that rate, the vacancy rate adjustment for the Santa Barbara Association resulted in an increase of more than 4,000 housing units to the overall housing needs.

HCD made a vacancy rate adjustment to increase Sacramento’s needs assessment by more than 22,700 units.

Even a 1% difference—higher or lower—can make a significant difference in the needs assessment.

For example, if HCD had used a 1% higher healthy vacancy rate target, the adjustment would have increased to 5,600 housing units. Therefore, it is important that the rate that HCD uses is adequately supported.

HCD stated that in 2018, for the current round of needs assessments, it began evaluating vacancy rates across the total number of homes available, a change from its previous approach of separating the rental and ownership markets.

HCD stated that it changed its approach to reflect the fact that some owned housing becomes rental housing over time. Conversely, a development may be rented for an initial period and then sold to owners after a condominium conversion. However, the vacancy rates of the two categories are significantly different—ownership vacancy was much lower than rental vacancy over

the past 15 years. In 2020, it was 4% for rented housing and below 2% for owned housing. We are concerned that HCD has not completed a formal analysis to support its claim that a single healthy vacancy rate was appropriate.

HCD used a 4% healthy vacancy rate to perform the adjustment for Amador County, explaining that it used a lower rate for rural areas because they have a higher proportion of owned housing compared to rental housing and the ownership market typically has less turnover.

When HCD does not develop a strong analysis with clear justification for its assumptions, especially those that have significant impact on the size of its final assessments, it risks making adjustments that are not reflective of a region’s true housing needs.

HCD’s insufficient oversight of its process and the lack of adequate documentation supporting the healthy vacancy rate risks eroding public confidence in HCD’s ability to address the State’s housing needs.

Household Projections Problem

Finance’s projections of the statewide future population are reasonably accurate, but it did not sufficiently support its projections of the number of future households.

To calculate the household projections, Finance identifies rates at which it expects individuals in different age groups to form new households and applies those rates to its population projections.

Slight changes to household formation rates, which directly increase or decrease the number of projected households, can change HCD’s needs assessments by thousands of units.

For example, if HCD’s needs assessment for the Santa Barbara Association used household formation rates 1% lower, the region’s needs assessment would decrease by 4,350 fewer units of housing.

Although Finance worked with HCD to solicit some advice from experts when it established these rates, it did not conduct a formal study or receive clear recommendations to support them. These discussions do not constitute a thorough analysis.

As a result, Finance cannot ensure

that it is providing the most appropriate information for HCD to include in its needs assessment process.

Finance stated that it intends to reevaluate its assumptions related to household growth after it reviews 2020 Census data when those data become available later this year.

In one lawsuit, the Orange County Council of Governments, sued HCD, alleging that HCD failed to use the appropriate population forecast, failed to appropriately evaluate household overcrowding and cost burden rates, and used unreasonable vacancy rates. In the other lawsuit, several interested individuals and two nonprofits filed a lawsuit alleging that HCD failed to consider data regarding the relationship between jobs and housing in its assessment for the Association of Bay Area Governments, which covers the San Francisco Bay Area.

Recommendations

To Legislature

To provide HCD additional clarity and guidance in conducting its vacancy rate adjustments, the Legislature should amend state law to clarify whether HCD should continue to use a healthy vacancy rate that includes both rental and owned housing or whether it should determine and use separate healthy vacancy rates for owned housing and rental housing.

To HCD

To ensure that its needs assessments are accurate and do not contain unnecessary errors, by June 2022 HCD should institute a process to ensure that its staff performs multiple reviews of data in its assessments.

To demonstrate that its needs assessments are complete and address all relevant factors, by September 2022 HCD should establish a formal process to document its consideration of all factors required by state law in its needs assessments.

To ensure that it adequately supports the vacancy rate adjustments it makes to needs assessments, by February 2023 HCD should perform a formal analysis of healthy vacancy rates and historical trends to inform those adjustments.

To Finance

To ensure that the household formation rates that it provides HCD are appropriate, Finance should, by February 2023, conduct a comprehensive review of its assumptions about the household formation rates it uses in projections, and it should document that review.

Agency Comments

HCD and Finance agreed with our recommendations and plan to implement them over the next year. n

State law requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to conduct assessments to determine the housing needs ... throughout regions in the State.

SB 14 Human Trafficking Bill Advances

Did you know the sex trafficking of minors is not considered a serious crime in California?

Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has made it her mission to change that.

Her bill SB 14 would make the crime a strike under the Three Strikes law, protecting the young from these perpetrators.

The bill has support from district attorneys, law enforcement, nonprofits and municipal and county officials but it hit a roadblock in July due to a 2-0 vote in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Six Democrats did not vote. Supporters pressed to have the entire Assembly vote on SB14, bypassing the Public Safety Committee, but Democrats declined.

In a rare move, the new Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, called for an emergency Public Safety Committee hearing to reconsider the bill where it passed July 13 with unanimous support.

Grove said SB 14 was carefully crafted to meet concerns of previous legislative efforts. It received unanimous support in the State Senate where it passed 40-0.

“This is a bill with strong bipartisan support, and protecting victims of child sex trafficking should not be a partisan

issue, ” said Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), the bill author and champion of this issue. “ However, the battle is not over—SB 14 must still go through the Assembly Appropriations Committee when legislators return from Summer recess.

I believe most Assembly Democrats want to vote for this bill if they are given a chance, and I am hopeful we can succeed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. I urge every Californian to stay engaged until the bill is signed into law.”

votes to kill common-sense legislation, including my AB 229, to hold traffickers accountable.”

When the bill was first rejected by the Assembly Public Safety Committee, Democrats in that committee received extreme backlash from local, state and national figures who questioned why those on the committee would reject a measure that had received unanimous support up to that point.

“Bipartisan outrage has finally forced Democrats to act. This is a victory for regular Californians, but it doesn’t excuse Democrats’ repeated votes to kill common-sense legislation, including my AB 229, to hold traffickers accountable.”

— Joe Patterson, Assemblyman (R-Rocklin)

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will hear SB14 in mid to late August.

Former victims of trafficking, their families, advocates, and law enforcement are demanding action be taken against traffickers.

“Bipartisan outrage has finally forced Democrats to act,” said Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin). “This is a victory for regular Californians, but it doesn’t excuse Democrats’ repeated

“In the end, my Democrat colleagues in the Assembly Public Safety Committee did the right thing and passed SB 14 that will make sure repeat offenders of child sex trafficking are held accountable,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego).

“If it were not for the extraordinary

pushback from figures around the state and nation, I fear the Democrats’ oneparty rule and some of their radical ideologies would have prevailed. I’m grateful for the efforts of Senator Grove who has been a fearless leader on this issue and to my Senate Democrat colleagues who saw the need for this measure.”

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) said, “The choice here is clear: child sex traffickers or victims. Anyone who fails to support SB 14 is choosing the traffickers.”

“A child’s vulnerability is not meant to be a profitable transaction. I’m proud I was able to witness this bill passing the legislature today and hope that this will save children’s lives,” says Dominique Brown, human trafficking victim, who watched in the Assembly gallery. n

•••

For information on SB 14, see https://sr12. senate.ca.gov/sb14

To view stories of survivors and advocates, see https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=26KVCcIGxCY

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

“WCH” from page 6

Rebuild Trust

The top priority chosen by many:

Rebuild trust with the community.

Some suggested adding new services such as orthopedic surgery and oncology.

The table where I sat focused on prevention and education.

Most doctors know little about nutrition because that topic gets short shrift in the four years of medical school.

Yet knowledge of nutrition is essential to being healthy and new research is uncovering new facts all the time.

Such as the low-fat diet popular in the 1980s actually resulted in more purchased foods containing more sugar, which is not healthy.

Such as seed oils — canola, corn, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and rice bran — are highly processed and contain Omega-6 fatty acids, not the Omega-3 healthy fat that can help prevent heart disease and may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Your diet could be out of balance.

You may not be eating enough minerals — vital to your body — if the soil in which your fruits and vegetables are grown are depleted by industrial agriculture practices, as a 1997 study found.

What if Watsonville Community Hospital hired doctors who have studied nutrition?

What if Watsonville Community Hospital focused on integrative oncology? Evidence-based mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle changes alongside conventional cancer treatments.

What if Watsonville Community Hospital partnered with a nonprofit to offer cooking classes or start an organic garden?

These are ways to attract new people. n

•••

For more information, see https://pvhcd. org/ Editor’s note: Watsonville Community Hospital plans an event for Intentional Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 to remember those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends. Watch for details.

Wilder Associates Inc.

Property Management Specialists 662-0291

Kumon Math & Reading Center

Learning for the Long Run 508-8200

Village Liquors

For All Your Beverage Needs 688-5691

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

More Zest for Life

688-8077

Epicenter Cycling

Trek Bicycles for All Types of Riders

662-8100

Dentistry for Animals

Dr. Judy Force, DVM 768-7148

CQENS

International Inhalation Market

www.cqens.com

Goodbye , Hello

When I open up my Microsoft Word program, the default choice is Calibri.

But as of July 13, Microsoft is replacing it with “Aptos.”

Interestingly, this new font was initially named Bierstadt.

The creation of Steve Matteson, this sans serif font was designed to “express simplicity and rationality in a highly readable form.”

Matteson, 58, is a typeface designer who graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.

The name Bierstadt was named for one of Colorado’s 14,065-foot peaks; or perhaps it was named for German-American painter Albert Bierstadt, who painted sweeping landscapes of the American West.

Bierstadt also is a borough of the city of Wiesbaden in Germany.

Aptos — or Bierstadt — topped Grandview, Skeena, Seaford, and Tenorite, which were in the running.

But Bierstadt can be translated as “beer town,” and some felt it wouldn’t be taken seriously.

So why Aptos?

Apparently Matteson lived in Mountain View during the 1990s and early 2000s, which gave him the

opportunity to drive over the hill and decompress.

Aptos was one of his favorite places because he could spend time in the redwoods at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and walk in the sand at Seacliff State Beach, all in one day’s visit.

Personally, I still like the serif Times New Roman.

Let’s hear from Aptosians.

John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce: “We think the new Aptos

font is wonderful. Aptos will be famous around the world thanks to Microsoft. The designer was lucky to have spent time here and obviously enjoyed it.”

County Supervisor Zach Friend: “It’s remarkable to see the outsized influence a community of our size can have. Just reflecting on the last few months — whether it’s national coverage for our local July 4th parade, international recognition from this new Microsoft font, or a visit from the President of the United States, the reality is our community is special and connects with people in ways that makes them want to tell the world about it.” n •••

According to Microsoft, the new Aptos font will soon be available for use in other applications.

Pajaro Valley Ag Land Repurposing

The California Department of Conservation is awarding $8.89 million to the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency and its partners to fund development of a multi-benefit agricultural land repurposing plan.

The plan will be developed by a committee of community members and will identify and prioritize land repurposing opportunities and outline strategies for projects to sustain water resources, agricultural viability, and wetland restoration in the Pajaro Valley.

The process is expected to be collaborative, inclusive, and modeled after other successful planning efforts.

PV Water’s partners include: the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, UC Santa Cruz, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville Wetlands Watch, the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, and the Nature Conservancy. The City of Watsonville and the Amah Mutsun Land Trust are collaborators with PV Water and partners on this project.

The grant also provides funding to support up to five multi-benefit agricultural land repurposing projects designed to achieve sustainable groundwater resources, flood risk reduction, environmental restoration, and community access.

The projects are the College Lake water supply project (under construction), the recharge net metering/

stormwater basin incentive program (led by RCD and UCSC), Land Trust (restoring the least productive ag acreage to estuarine wetland habitats, to preserve prime ag lands, in partnership with Watsonville Wetlands Watch), the Salsipuedes Creek confluence project (led by the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Authority), and the Watsonville Slough System recharge and recovery projects (in design phase).

The goal is to repurpose marginalized agricultural lands to achieve groundwater sustainability, protect prime agricultural lands, protect and

restore wetland habitat, reduce flood risk, protect humans and human infrastructure.

“This funding from the Department of Conservation will advance critical planning and projects to sustain groundwater, reduce flood risk, and restore habitat while sustaining our local agricultural economy. It builds on decades of partnerships to help our community and natural resources be more resilient to the extremes of a changing climate,” said Lisa Lurie, executive director of the RCD of Santa Cruz County.

“We must protect our best farmland

while solving our water supply challenges and keep this valley in production,” said Bryan Largay, conservation director for the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Dr. Andrew Fisher Ph.D. at UCSC said, “The UCSC team will be especially focused on opportunities to enhance groundwater recharge and improve water quality, and we look forward to helping with additional project and learning from partners and community members.”

PV Water General Manager Brian Lockwood, said, “Strengthening partnerships with local organizations who are also working to achieve sustainable resources, each with its own specialty, is an excellent way to help protect our community’s resources. We look forward to this excellent opportunity and we are grateful for the support from the Department of Conservation. This is a win-win for the Pajaro Valley.” n

The grant also provides funding to support up to five multi-benefit agricultural land repurposing projects designed to achieve sustainable groundwater resources, flood risk reduction, environmental restoration, and community access.

It’s a Pink, Pink World

Experts in matters of the heart.

At Dominican Hospital, we combine advanced cardiology services with personalized care. And when it comes to managing mitral valve disease, we’re a beat ahead. Our specially trained team of cardiac experts offers advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. Watch our video series to learn more about mitral valve disease at DignityHealth.org/DSCMitralValve.

Great Summer Savings

Buy

door from Aptos Glass, and have us install it, and we will upgrade the door to have a pet door insert for your furry family member compliments of Aptos Glass & Ideal Windows, Inc.

Come by our showroom to discuss your project in detail and view samples from our large collection!

carrie@aptosglass.com

402 Trout Gulch Road Aptos, CA 95003

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, Saturday by appointment only.

New Tool Against Opioid Overdoses

In 2021, Contra Costa County reported a pilot project for paramedics to provide buprenorphine — medication for addiction treatment — to patients in withdrawal from opioid use saved more lives.

The pilot project was the first in the nation, and now this new service is available in Santa Cruz County, which has seen opioid overdoses spike upward.

Dr. David Ghilarducci, Santa Cruz County EMS Medical Director and Deputy Health Officer, instigated this initiative in the fall of 2022.

Proud partnership with:

“I felt we needed to be proactive in addressing widespread addiction,” he said via email to Aptos Times. “We frequently treat persons either in overdose or in withdrawal. While we have great tools (Narcan) to reverse overdoses when they happen, we, heretofore, had little to offer for those in withdrawal and wishing to break their cycle of addiction.”

He added, “EMS cannot be everywhere all the time and ultimately I feel we have a role in preventing the next overdose. This is an opportunity for our paramedics to start the recovery process in the first minutes of a crisis.”

In Santa Cruz County, accidental drug overdose deaths have increased from 32 in 2017 to 95 in 2021 and 98 in 2022 with 66 so far this year.

Suspected overdoses have jumped from 14 to 40 per month in 2020 to 32 to 86 per month in 2022.

On July 13, Santa Cruz County Emergency Medical Services launched the program, which Ghilarduci said is “heavily supported” by Dr. Gail Newel and Dr. Lisa Hernandez in their role as county health officer.

“Every day, our EMS providers encounter patients suffering from opioid use disorder, either in overdose or in the throes of withdrawal,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Santa Cruz County Health Officer. “Many of these community members do not have access to

traditional medical care and often their only encounter with healthcare professionals is through EMS.”

Ghilarducci explained that Contra Costa County started the program under a rarely used state EMS process called “trial study” which requires study parameters, data collection and ethics board oversight and approval from the State EMS Commission.

“The Santa Cruz EMS agency is minimally staffed and a trial study was not feasible,” he added.

Based on the positive responses from Contra Costa County, Ghilarducci and colleagues successfully lobbied the EMSA in September to allow this to be done under “local optional scope of practice,” which requires a special application but is less onerous than a trial study.

Along with Monterey and San Benito counties, Santa Cruz County applied in December and got approval shortly thereafter.

The remaining months were spent on logistics, grant funding and training. One unexpected delay was due to a challenge of obtaining the large startup quantities of Buprenorphine from the pharmaceutical suppliers.

“We had to spend some time with this bureaucracy explaining the purpose and a justification for the quantities,” Ghilarducci said. “This was a very new concept for them.”

Dealers selling on Snapchat and Instagram mix fentanyl, which is inexpensive, into drugs such as Xanax or hydrocodone and buyers who order online usually have no idea they are risking their lives.

“Overdose Prevention” page 25

What’s Preventing Mental Health Providers Like Me from Helping Kids with Autism

Autism is more prevalent than ever, according to data recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, it’s growing harder for children with autism to access the mental health care they need.

Fifteen million Americans could lose Medicaid now that the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, including many children with autism who have come to rely on Medicaid for care.

State leaders must do everything they can to make sure that kids with autism continue to have access to the care they need.

There is no cure for autism, but certain therapies can help children with autism communicate, socialize, and improve their quality of life. Those therapies are the heart of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the gold-standard therapy for autism.

I work with kids with autism as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I’ve witnessed ABA help nonverbal children talk for the first time.

I’ve seen children learn how to express their frustration and communicate their joy because of ABA.

But there aren’t enough of us to meet the growing demand for ABA.

Between 2010 and 2020, demand for ABA services grew over 4,000%. Yet in 2021, more than half of all counties in the United States didn’t

have a single BCBA. Some 300 of those counties don’t even border a county that has a BCBA.

Because of this shortage of providers, those of us in the field are stretched thin. The average workday for a BCBA is 12 hours. Long hours contribute to burnout. Turnover rates exceed 30% annually.

But it’s not just providers who struggle. For children who lose coverage or change providers, lengthy waitlists make finding a new BCBA difficult.

Wait times for care can be weeks, months, or years, depending on where a family lives. If a child is forced to pause ABA therapy, the result can be months of lost progress -— or even a regression in behavior.

“Help Kids With Autism” page 25

New PVUSD Administrators

Pajaro Valley Unified School District has announced their new administrators, as approved by the Board of Trustees June 28 and July 12.

Renaissance High School: Todd Wilson, principal. He started his educational career at Rolling Hills Middle School as a language arts social studies teacher. He has worked at Lakeview as a PE teacher and most recently at PV High as an assistant principal. He has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Fresno State and a master’s in educational administration from Concordia University.

“New PVUSD Admin” page 16

Murry Schekman Returns to PVUSD

Murry Schekman, who spent many years with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District before retiring in 2015, is the new interim superintendent to succeed Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, who now heads Stockton Unified.

On July 12, the Pajaro Valley school board approved a contract for Schekman, which runs through June, 2024.

Schekman, 70, lives in Watsonville.

He’s been teaching students in counseling at San Jose State University since 2004, full time for seven years.

The district will pay him $1,000 a day with health benefits, a $300 vehicle stipend and a $100 cell phone stipend. Leadership Associates of Glendora will be paid $26,500 to search for candidates for the permanent position.

Chief Business Official Clint Rucker has been acting superintendent since Rodriguez left June 30.

At PVUSD, Schekman’s last post from 2010 to 2015 was assistant superintendent of secondary Instruction.

Schekman attended San Jose State University, thinking of journalism or becoming a lawyer, then graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1975.

A job in special education in San Jose his sophomore year inspired him to pursue a teaching career.

When jobs were hard to find, he started

as a long-term math substitute at Watsonville High, then taught social studies at Marello Prep, a private high school in Santa Cruz. Next was a stint in North Monterey County High School, where the principal, Walt Holmes, became his mentor and convinced him leadership was in his future.

He became assistant principal at E.A. Hall Middle School, handling discipline, before becoming assistant principal at Watsonville High.

His first principalship was at Bayside Middle School in San Mateo where students spoke 36 different languages.

He went back to E. A. Hall Middle School before he got the offer to become principal at the new Everett Alvarez High School opening in Salinas. Next he worked at alternative programs in Salinas before returning to Watsonville High as principal from 2006 to 2010.

“My history of ADHD really helped me as a principal,” he told interviewers with Your Future is Our Business, where he has been on the board. “I wanted to visit every classroom.”

In that interview, Schekman urged listeners to become teachers.

“Teaching is a 100% collaborative industry,” he said. “If you’re interested in teaching, let me talk you into it. If you’re bilingual, you will get a job. It’s extremely fulfilling.” n

Dear Families and Community, Iwish to take this opportunity to introduce myself to our Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Educational Community. My name is Murry Schekman and I’m honored to serve as Interim Superintendent. I will be in this position as the district pursues a search for the permanent superintendent.

I began as a teacher at Watsonville High School way back when! I was an assistant principal at EA Hall and Watsonville High and served as the principal of each of the schools at one point. I had the privilege of opening a new high school, Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas, which just graduated its 25th class!

I served as the Assistant Superintendent in charge of Secondary Ed here at

PVUSD and left in 2015 to begin teaching full-time in the San Jose State University Counselor Ed Department. Eight years later, this opportunity to come back and lead my community’s district was compelling!

My three kids all went through the PVUSD graduating from WHS. My wife worked in the district for 30 years and we still live in the community. Some of you already know me for I may have been your Assistant Principal or Principal at EA Hall and/or Watsonville High School. Indeed, some of you were in my office as students and now you are parents with a family! This is our home and I’m excited to serve again in the PVUSD.

“Letter from Schekman” page 16

“New PVUSD Admin” from page 14

He also has an administrative credential, a single subject PE credential, and a multiple subject credential. A graduate of Watsonville High, he has spent his entire career in PVUSD schools.

Pajaro Valley High School: Daniel Andrus, principal. He started his career as an English and Spanish teacher at Paso Robles High School and has been an assistant principal, director and high dchool principal.

He has a bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education with a Spanish teaching minor from Brigham Young University as well as a master’s in education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

He also holds an administrative services credential, a bilingual authorization in Spanish, and a single subject teaching credential in both English and world languages.

Pajaro Valley High School: Dalila Hernandez, assistant principal. She has been an administrator since 2005. She has served as an assistant principal, summer school principal and dean of students.

She has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with bilingual education emphasis, a single subject credential in Spanish, a master’s in education, and an administrative credential, all from CSU Stanislaus. Landmark Elementary: Roisin (Ro-sheen) Vivo, principal. She started her career

in 2002, when she worked with junior college students in Sinaloa, Mexico at the Instituto Tecnológico de Los Mochis.

Since 2005 she has been part of PVUSD working in roles such as classroom teacher, New Teacher Project mentor, summer school principal and academic coordinator at Rio Del Mar.

From 2018 to 2020, she was with the Santa Cruz Silicon New Teacher Project. She has a bachelor’s degree in history and languages, a master’s in education, and a multiple subject teaching credential with a BCLAD, all from UC Santa Cruz.

She also has an administrative credential from CSU Monterey Bay. Special Education: Louise Burnside, program director. She has been working with students since 2003.

She has been an alternative programs teacher, a special education teacher, a County Office of Education coordinator of special aervices, a program director and most recently an assistant principal at Leland High School.

She has a bachelor’s degree in geography from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland as well as a UK teachers license from Goldsmith’s College in London England.

She obtained her special education credential through the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and has a master’s of education and an administrative credential from National University. n

“Letter from Schekman” from page 15

As the Interim Superintendent of our school district. I want to express my deep commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for all our students. I would like to recognize the exceptional work done by our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators who have worked diligently to get us through the pandemic to this point today.

During my tenure as Interim Superintendent, my primary focus will be on fostering collaboration, communication, and transparency within our community. It is essential that we continue to build upon the strong partnerships between our schools, families, and the wider community to ensure the best possible educational experience for our students.

But I ask that parents play some sort of leadership role at the school site or in our district. It could be in a classroom, on your School Site Council or supporting extracurricular activities at the school. There are many opportunities.

I hope to focus on student achievement. Career Technical Education is also an important part of my agenda as well as our district’s budget.

The district has been an innovative leader in many ways in our county and our state.

I am committed to providing a wellrounded education that not only equips our students with academic knowledge but also nurtures their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

I am eager to hear from each and every one of you — students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members. Your feedback, ideas, and concerns are invaluable as we shape the future of our district together. I encourage you to reach out to me with your thoughts and suggestions.

Thank you for your warm welcome, and I look forward to serving our community as the Interim Superintendent.

Capitola Library Chess Tournament Winners

The annual Youth Chess Tournament at the Capitola Branch Library on July 1 provided a place for 50 budding chess enthusiasts to showcase their skills and engage in friendly competition.

Organized by the Santa Cruz Public Library, the tournament brought together young players to test their strategic acumen and sportsmanship

The tournament featured a competitive yet friendly format, ensuring that participants could challenge themselves against players of similar age and experience levels. With multiple rounds consisting of one-on-one chess games, the tournament offered an intellectually stimulating environment for players to demonstrate their mastery of the game. n

The winners are:

Ages 10 and Under

1: Forrest Pilch

2: Phineas Lee

3: Tor Jensen, Cody Sampson, Marco Lari, and Micah Pilch

Ages 11 and Above

1: Ptolemy Lee

2: Ethan Burson

3: Angel Castro and Mario Lari

The Capitola branch library hosts the Aptos-Capitola Youth Chess Club, which meets Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

County Mental Health

I’massuming you were the main editor for the thorough review in your July 1 issue of the recent report by the Grand Jury regarding mental health programs and staffing in Santa Cruz County.

As a retired Clinical Psychologist

who, along with many of my colleagues, has known for years about these problems in our community, I was happy to see this article in your paper. Thank you for the work you and your staff do to shed light on these and other important matters.

Chipping Reimbursement: Apply Now

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County is offering neighborhoods with 8 or more participating households a reimbursement of chipping costs related to the creation of defensible space for wildfire preparedness. The program is available to county residents who live in areas -- defined as “Wildland Urban Interface” areas -- that may potentially be impacted by wildfire. Program dates are as follows:

• July 25: Application opens for FireWise USA Communities.

• Aug. 1: Application opens for all other eligible neighborhoods.

• Oct. 31: Last day to submit reimbursement forms.

A neighborhood representative should sign up to reserve funds at rcdsantacruz.org/chipping. The program is first-come-first-served.

Intense storms this past winter season resulted in a large amount of blow down and debris in defensible space zones across the county. This program incentivizes the creation of defensible space around homes and private roads in high wildfire risk areas by offering communities with a minimum of eight participating households up to $250 per property and $80/500 linear feet of road. Each property must clear vegetation within 100 feet of occupied structures or 10 feet on either side of a private road that could contribute to the ignition or spread of wildfires.

“Now more than ever we need to be diligent about the landscape immediately next to our homes and roads,” explained Matt Abernathy, senior program specialist for the RCD’s Forest Health team.

“We hope that by offsetting some of the cost more people will be able to reduce

wildfire risk around their properties and neighborhoods.”

Establishing and maintaining defensible space around your home and outbuildings, before the fire-prone late summer and early fall, is imperative to avoid major damage to your property when wildfire strikes.

Defensible space is the buffer you create between buildings and the vegetation that surrounds them to prevent structures from catching fire, either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Creating ample buffer zones increases the chances of your home surviving a fire on its own, and gives firefighters a safer location from which to defend your home.

Fire crews are more likely to prioritize defending your property if you have taken steps to limit fuel loads around your buildings.

Having defensible space does not mean you must have bare dirt surrounding your property; with proper planning, you can have a fire safe home and a beautiful landscape. Trees should be kept farthest from the house, shrubs can be closer, and lawns and bedding plants can be the closest. If your landscaping has a different configuration, you can improve defensibility by keeping larger trees limbed up and shrubs free of dead, dry material.

Funding for this program is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program and the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County. n

•••

For info email chipping@rcdsantacruz.org or call Laurel Bard at (831) 205-4486

Panetta: Ease Farm Estate Tax Burden

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), along with Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), has reintroduced the bipartisan Preserving Family Farms Act. The legislation would help familyowned farms continue operations after a family member has passed by easing the burden of the estate tax.

The Section 2032A Special Use Valuation is a tool to help farm and ranch families preserve their businesses and manage their estate tax liability. The provision allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than what it would be worth if it were sold for development. However, current tax law has not kept pace with the skyrocketing value of cropland.

The Preserving Family Farms Act would increase the amount of farmland that can be valued for farming operations rather than development value. This would protect family-owned farmland by assessing estate taxes on the actual value of their businesses that they, in many cases, have spent decades cultivating.

“Outdated provisions in our tax laws are punishing family farms and causing them to split up or sell the land upon which they have spent generations working and building up,” said Panetta.

Panetta authored and introduced the bill in the 117th Congress, but the

legislation stalled in the Ways and Means Committee.

“The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau would like to thank Congressman Jimmy Panetta for reintroducing the Preserving Family Farms Act. This act is an important step to protect and preserve farmland by ensuring agricultural

land remains affordable for future generations,” said Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau President Dennis Webb.

The bill was applauded by Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Todd Wilkinson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president, Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau president, Billy Gatlin, California Cattlemen’s Association executive vice president, and Monterey County Cattlemen’s Association president Mason Mallory and Monterey County Farm Bureau President Norm Groot.

“Land prices are escalating at an exponential rate far and above the economic return of a multi-generational family’s agricultural operation’s ability to plan and save to pay estate taxes,” said Scott Violini, fourth generation Central Coast Cattle producer. “We are seeing far too many families divided and ranches dispersed to others that have no agricultural interests in the land or the environment. Family farms drive the economy, we feed the world, and this legislation will help keep it that way.” n

Trees Naturally Dominate Gardens

Trees are generally the most significant living components within a home garden. Even treeless gardens benefit from nearby trees. Some old redwoods contain more wood than the homes that they shade. Some old oaks inhabited their gardens centuries before their gardens did. With few exceptions, nothing in a garden is as big or permanent as a tree.

Japanese maples, citrus trees and other small trees can be among the exceptions. They might be smaller than some of the shrubbery they share their gardens with. Papayas and other herbaceous trees can also be exceptions. Some live for only a few brief years. The definition of what a tree is can be vague. Variable interpretations complicate this matter.

A tree is a woody perennial plant with a single tall trunk and branches. However, banana trees develop several unbranched herbaceous trunks. Palms and tree ferns are neither woody nor branched. Arboriform yuccas are no woodier than palms. Many trees develop many trunks. Banyans use roots as trunks. This definition does not even describe ‘tall’.

Ultimately, the characteristics of a tree are more important than its definition. Shade trees near homes should be deciduous to let warm sunshine through in winter. Evergreens are better for obscuring unwanted scenery throughout the year. Evergreens are messier than most deciduous vegetation though. Their shedding is not so limited to distinct seasons.

Fruit trees are some of the most misunderstood inhabitants of home gardens. Not many grow big enough to function as shade trees. Fruit is difficult to harvest

from those that do. Almost all require intensive and specialized pruning and maintenance. Few get it. Most eventually succumb to neglect. Citrus and avocados are some of the least demanding.

Palms, whether or not they qualify as a type of tree, are also misunderstood. They lack branches, so are not conducive to pruning away from utility cables. Their single terminal buds grow only upward. Removal is the only option for palms that encroach too closely to high voltage cables. Even the best palms need grooming from professional arborists. Most quickly grow beyond reach from the ground or even a ladder, and are dangerous to climb.

Colorado Blue Spruce

Most trees behave very differently in cultivation than in the wild. Colorado blue spruce, Picea pungens, is naturally a grand tree. It slowly but surely grows almost a hundred feet tall in the Rocky Mountains. Locally, if not competing with taller trees, it rarely gets as tall as thirty feet. Mild winter weather does not stimulate much more than necessary growth.

Furthermore, most home garden

Colorado blue spruce are densely compact cultivars. Most are plumply conical. A few are quite rounded or globular. They function more as big shrubbery than trees. They are less conducive to major pruning than shrubbery though. Removal of low limbs for clearance compromises their strict but naturally elegant form.

Foliar color is as appealing as form and foliar texture. Obviously, Colorado blue spruce should be blue. Some are a bit more silvery or grayish. Trees that grow from seed tend to be greener and a bit less dense than cultivars. Such seedlings are sometimes available online. The stiff and prickly needles of Colorado blue spruce are only about an inch long. n

Where Are the Workers?

Report: 5,000 County Residents Moved Out of State

The Santa Cruz County economy has added 9,100 jobs in the past five years, but between 2020 and 2021, about 5,000 people – most under 65 – moved out of California, shrinking the labor pool.

Almost all the job growth involved the highest-paying sector-- Defense, Aerospace, Transportation, and Manufacturing where annual earnings average $142,000 – think Joby Aviation in Santa Cruz -- but the county has a larger proportion of lower skilled and lower paying jobs than statewide.

These are four data points in the 2023 State of the Workforce Report.

The 36-page report, written by BW Research for the Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board, does not provide specific demographics of those who left. It speculates the likely reason is housing costs.

Four in ten residents are renters, and

45% of renters in Northern Santa Cruz County spend 35% or more of their income on housing. Financial guru Dave Ramsey, who can be heard on KSCO Radio, recommends spending no more than 25% of take-home pay on housing.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported in June that Santa Cruz County is the most expensive place in the U.S. to rent — clearly a problem for workers.

Jimmy Legg, director of sales and marketing at the Scotts Valley Hilton, cited the

high cost of housing as a reason it’s challenging to hire qualified staff. He believes tax breaks and other incentives could help to lure corporations back into the travel market.

Working From Home Where people work is changing. Between 2017 and 2021, the share of workers working from home increased by 91% in North County and 44% in South County.

This shift — driven by the Covid-19 pandemic — likely reflects the new normal.

The report sees a need for programs to train workers in construction trades, buildings, electrical, operating engineers, construction management, and for flood control, and recycling and solid waste projects, which each expect $10 million more than four years ago.

“Workers” page 23

Carpenters Union Offers Training

Carpenters Local Union #505 offers job training – and is hiring.

The union is looking for a skilled and experienced professionals for these positions: Drywall / lather instructor, insulator and fireproofing instructor, and carpenter instructor. For information, email stownsend@ctcnc.org.

Safety training takes place Saturday, Sept. 16, for UBC members in good standing.

Eight-hour classes cover rough terrain forklift operation, industrial forklifts, and boom lifts/scissor lifts.

There also is a 10-hour OSHA class over two days.

Deepen your understanding of the US Constitution and labor law by taking a new course, “101 Constitution: US Government and Labor Law.” Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.

The Construction Site Safety Specialist Certificate Program requires completion of online classes. Select your classes to be put on the wait list to be notified when they become available. n

For information on all these classes see https://www.ctcnc.org/

NorCal Carpenters: Women for Construction

NorCal Carpenters Union hosts a Women in Construction: Leveling the Field, Recruiting Women career event Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 18640 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill. Careers include: Carpenters, acoustical installers, drywall/lathers, hardwood floor layers, insulators, millmen, cabinet-makers, millwrights, modular systems installer, pile driver, scaffold erectors.

Jobs in Santa Cruz County

7,100 Up 25%

rate 5.3% 4.2% Count is on the 12th of the month

*Includes commuters out of the county

Source: California Employment Development Department •••

Unemployment in Santa Cruz County at 5.3% is down from May, when it was 5.8% and up from a year ago, when it was 4.2%.

The rains in March took a toll on the ag sector, with 500 jobs lost, compared to a year ago, and layoffs from tech jobs in Silicon Valley.

Private education and health services led in job gains, adding 1,000.

Leisure and hospitality added 600.

The labor force at 135,000 grew, as is typical after graduation. The number of unemployed was down from May but

up from a year ago, prior to the flooding disaster.

Telecare, which operates the county’s psychiatric facility, is recruiting a psychiatric emergency clinician offering $39.85 to $58.58 per hour, according to Ineeded.com.

McCollum Family Chiropractic in Capitola is recruiting a chiropractor offering $60,000 to $100,00 a year. Trader Joe’s in Capitola seeks crew, paying $18-$20 per hour.

Hands on activities

• Union contractors

• Lunch provided

• Raffle prizes

FYI: Those wearing tank tops, shorts, cut off pants, and open-toe shoes are not permitted to participate in hands-on exercises.

RSVP: Email morganhilldo5@ctcnc. org or call (408) 778-1552. n

For more information, visit ctcnc.org

In Aptos, Venus Pie Trap is offering $18-$22 per hour for a part-time pizza maker. Anytime Fitness is recruiting a sales manager, $20-$35 per hour. New Community Markets Aptos is hiring cashiers, paying $17 to $21.75 per hour. Seacliff Inn is recruiting a front desk agent paying from $18 per hour. During the pandemic in 2020, unemployment hovered around 17% due to state restrictions. n

“Workers”

The City of Santa Cruz plans to invest $650 million in its water system, which will require qualified workers. To meet that need, Water Department Director Rosemary Menard has partnered with adult education centers to create career apprenticeship programs.

Cabrillo College provides 42% of apprentice programs locally, and unions provide 39%.

Associated Builders and Contractors offers a pre-apprenticeship program for private contractors, which has been helpful for Bernards Construction of San Jose, a member of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.

More than 2,000 jobs are expected in building and transportation as the city of Santa Cruz carries out its 2022 Climate Action Plan calling for EV charging, building electrification, microgrids, and renewable energy.

A retirement boom may be on the

horizon, as 35% of the workforce is 55 and up, and 16% are 65 and up.

South County has a younger population with a higher percentage of Hispanic and Latino residents, and 30% of those over 24 years old have not completed high school.

Santa Cruz County saw deeper job losses during the height of the pandemic and the 2021 recovery was slower compared to state and national trends.

However, employment growth in 2022 was 9% compared to 4% for California and 3% for the the U.S.

The county’s 2023 unemployment rate is 6.7%, higher than California, 4.8%. and the U.S., 3.9%

The labor force participation rate, 59%, lags California’s 60%. n

•••

To read the complete report see https://workforcescc.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/07/Santa-Cruz-State-of-theWorkforce-2023-Final-Rev-3.pdf

from page 22

A Fix for Airport Delay Rage

If the click of the public announcement system in the boarding area is all it takes to make your heart skip a beat, maybe you’re susceptible to this summer’s travel epidemic: Delay rage.

Have you felt it? A recent survey by TripIt of air travelers found that more than a third (36%) had experienced a delay of an hour or more, and 10% had a flight canceled.

Evidence of delay rage seems to be everywhere. It’s passengers tackling agents, destroying ticket counters, and tussling with employees. It seems as if a fight could break out before every flight — and sometimes, it does.

“Air travel these days can stir up a storm of emotions,” says Logan Jones, a New York psychologist. “The frustration of a disrupted schedule, the anxiety of a missed connection, the dread of an endless wait — these can combine to ignite flames of anger in all of us.”

Fortunately, there’s a fix for delay rage. You need to understand your rights as a passenger. (Your airline might claim you have none, but that’s wrong.) There are a few coping mechanisms you can use. But also, there’s a bigger fix that could help address the most vexing flight delays.

What Are Your Passenger Rights?

The problem: If an airline delays your domestic flight, it owes you practically nothing.

There’s no requirement that an airline keep to its timetable in the United States. For longer delays, the airline must offer a full refund or it can rebook you on a future flight. But if you want compensation for your delay, or if you want the airline to book you on another airline, you’re probably out of luck. And passengers find that infuriating.

And that brings me to the most important advice for anyone who wants to avoid delay rage this summer: Know before you go.

“Familiarize yourself with your rights as an airline passenger and review the airline’s compensation policy for canceled flights,” advises Bob Bacheler, managing director of a medical transport service.

One of the best resources for your rights in case of a delay caused by something that is within the airline’s control is the Department of Transportation’s airline customer service dashboard.

For flights to or from Europe, you may be eligible for additional compensation under EC 261, the European airline consumer protections. I have more information on your consumer rights in my free guide to canceled or delayed flights.

But in-the-know passengers always turn to their airline’s contract of carriage, the legal agreement between them and the airline. It describes, in painstaking legalese, what the airline will do in the event of a delay. Airlines usually differentiate between a delay caused by something within their control, like a mechanical problem, and an event outside of their control, like weather.

If the delay is caused by an outside event, the airline doesn’t have to offer you overnight accommodations, meal vouchers or transportation to your hotel — and often it doesn’t.

How to Cope

You don’t have to be a victim of delay rage. Here’s what psychologists recommend:

• Take a deep breath — Anger and aggression are normal, says Bruce

Friedman, an associate professor in the department of psychology at Virginia Tech. “The best thing to do first then is to elicit the opposite response—relaxation,” he says. You remember what your mother told you about counting to 10? It works in this situation. Take some time before you react.

• Get real — Thomas Plante, a psychology professor at Santa Clara University, says you should take inventory of the situation. “We all have to have more reasonable expectations about our flying experience,” he says. If there’s a weather delay, you probably should not expect to reach your destination for a while. Reframing your expectations can help.

• Put the delay into perspective — “Simply stopping to remind ourselves that though this is a difficulty, it is not the end of the world, and it might be no one’s fault,” says Gail Sahar, a professor of psychology at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., whose area of research includes the psychology of blame. Most importantly, don’t lash out at airline employees. They are just the

messenger. If you start screaming at them, you may be arrested or banned for life from flying that airline. Handling a Delay

Instead of getting mad like everyone else this summer, there are steps you can take to get to your destination.

First, don’t wait for someone to solve the problem for you.

“As soon as you find out about the cancellation, get in line at the customer service desk or reach out to them over the phone,” advises Pallavi Sadekar, head of operations at VisitorGuard. com. At the same time, try contacting the airline through social media or on its app. The sooner you let an airline know that you’re waiting to get to your destination, the better your chances of getting rebooked on a new flight.

Also, get creative.That’s the advice of Karen Villano, a gate agent for a major airline. “Always try to go standby on another flight,” she advises. (Pro tip: Ask to “be protected” on an alternate flight.) “You might get on, especially if it is due to weather. Many other travelers may not make it to the hub, and flights go out with empty seats.”

“Airport Rage” page 26

FEMA Extends Deadline to Sign Up

Renters and homeowners in 14 counties including Santa Cruz and Monterey impacted by the February and March storms and flooding now have until Sept. 1 to sign up for federal disaster assistance.

The new deadline will provide more time for survivors living in remote areas as well as for residents in counties recently designated for federal disaster assistance.

President Biden declared the federal disaster April 3. It covers damage caused by

“Help Kids With Autism” from page 14

Commercial insurers, meanwhile, are erecting barriers between kids and mental and behavioral health services. When children lose access to ABA, they are at risk for losing skills they may never regain, jeopardizing their best chance to become independent adults.

State leaders must ensure that insurers don’t arbitrarily limit coverage of ABA by creating improper guidelines, restricting beneficiaries to narrow provider networks,

severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides between Feb. 21 and July 10.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide disaster assistance for eligible costs of home repairs, rental assistance for temporary housing, essential personal property, disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral expenses, transportation and childcare.

There are three ways to apply for FEMA:

or imposing administrative burdens on providers who should be focused on patients.

If insurers limit how many hours or days of ABA therapy are reimbursable, families will struggle to get the care their children need.

Many of those at risk of losing coverage for ABA routinely face inequity in our healthcare system. State leaders must ensure that the end of continuous Medicaid coverage does not also mark the end of robust access to effective mental health care for tens of thousands of kids with autism. n

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA at 800-6213362. Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged

personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy. Residents are not obligated to take out a loan if they are approved, but a failure to return the application may disqualify them from possible FEMA assistance.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. n

Finish the Lyrics

“Overdose Prevention” from page 12

For an overdose, Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication, but it does not address the underlying craving for opioids.

Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings and, along with methadone, is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, reducing overdose fatalities.

A 2010 study in the UK found buprenorphine patients had lower death rates than methadone patients.

Paramedics now can administer buprenorphine to patients in opioid withdrawal while taking them to a hospital to be connected to long-term treatment programs.

Providing this medication as soon as possible not only relieves withdrawal symptoms but makes successful recovery from addiction more likely, according to Santa Cruz County officials.

“We are excited that paramedics will have the training and tools necessary to administer buprenorphine in the field,” said Greg Benson, Santa Cruz County EMS senior health services manager. “By proactively addressing opioid dependence as early as possible, even during a 911 response, we can save lives and connect individuals with addiction to the resources they need to achieve lasting recovery.”

One advantage is patients can get buprenorphine from any healthcare provider and do not have to go to special methadone clinics, according to a 2023

report by Dr. Rachna Kumar, and buprenorphine is easier to taper.

For years, the prescription of buprenorphine was heavily regulated, which prevented emergency responders from being able to administer it.

In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, which relaxed federal regulations to grant more medical professionals the ability to prescribe this treatment.

The CARESTAR Foundation funded the project in California, providing a proof of concept so that other EMS agencies and health systems roll out similar efforts.

San Francisco began the new service on March 31.

An 18-month investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle found many of the street dealers come from a poverty-stricken village in Honduras to make money to provide for their families. The city reported 53 people arrested for dealing drugs declined the offer of drug treatment. n

If you or someone you know is interested in treatment services for addiction, contact your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider, call the Santa Cruz County Substance Use Disorder Services at (800) 9522335 or SAMHSA’s National 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

For treatment options see www.santacruz health.org/RecoveryWave/MedicationAssisted Treatment.aspx?page11402=1&size11402=12 and www. santacruzhealth.org/RecoveryWave/ResidentialTreatment. aspx?page11404=1& size11404=12

a woman, giving ____ your love to just one man”

18. Most populous country

19. *”It’s going down, I’m yelling ____”

21. *”Sugarpie honeybunch, you know that I ___ ____

23. Act on IOU

24. Spanish sparkling wine

25. Mel ____, Giant Hall-ofFamer

28. Garbage in, garbage out, acr.

30. *”If everybody had an ocean ____ the U.S.A., then everybody’d be surfing”

35. Less than average tide

37. All’s opposite

39. ____, Wind & Fire

40. Gas station brand

41. Bottom-ranking employee

43. *”The future’s not ours to see, que ____”

44. ____ Coffee, whisky drink

46. African river

47. Part of a sweatshirt, sometimes

48. ____-____-tat, drum roll sound

50. Please get back to me, acr.

52. 007, for one

53. Impulse

55. Consume food

57. *”I’m going to ____, I’m gonna mess around”

61. *”And I will ____ love you”

64. Do penance

65. Melvin Purvis’ org.

67. High school balls

69. Goes with shaker

70. Cardinal, color

71. Lock horns

72. Eurasian duck

73. Pop-ups, e.g.

74. Earp of the Wild West

DOWN

1. Undergarment

2. Catalog

3. Fungal spore sacs

4. “____ at the bit”

5. Soldier’s knapsack

6. Pinocchio, e.g.

7. Be unwell

8. Pancho’s last name

9. Like certain print

10. *”Here’s a story of a lovely ____”

11. Assortment

12. Genesis twin

15. Fast and lively, in music

20. Giving a once-over

22. Spermatozoa counterparts

24. Reassert

25. *”Believe it or not, I’m walking ____ ____”

26. Sailor’s cry: “____ firma!”

27. Like an implied agreement

29. *”You’re here, there’s nothing I fear, and I know that my heart will __ __”

31. Possible allergy symptom

32. Black and white treats

33. Leather razor sharpener

34. *”Will the real Slim

____ please stand up”

36. Well-mannered Emily

38. Adult elvers

42. Live it up

45. Mooring rope

49. Though, shortened

51. Another name for papaw

54. Below, prefix

56. Be a slowpoke

57. Jellies’ seeded cousins

58. A-bomb particle

59. Sheltered nook 60. Was aware of

Venus (Evening Star) Retrogrades — Time for Review

On the day Sun entered Leo (Saturday, July 22), Venus turned stationary retrograde at 28 degrees Leo. Venus will be retrograde ‘til Sept 3rd, stationing direct at 12 degrees Leo, remaining in its retrograde shadow ‘til October 7. Venus retrogrades every eighteen months (last Venus retro was December 19, 2020 – January 29, 2021 in Capricorn).

Each time Venus retrogrades, we are called to assess and reassess what we value, are we of value, whom do we value, our financial picture, and our relationships. It is NOT a time to launch new businesses, make major plans, begin new relationships, get married, shift financial plans, buy large equipment or make major investments.

Venus retrograde is a time for pondering and reflecting upon the beauty, love and intelligence in our lives. Also upon the matters of the heart. What During Venus retrograde the quality of things (people, events, relationships) is not well understood. If parties occur in Venus retrograde, the outcome can be unexpected. Be aware that past friends and/or lovers may suddenly appear, past relationship issues arise to be sorted out. In

ARIES

Although you’re considered rather wild, there are traditional, stable, responsible and detailed aspects of yourself and these help you to be successful in the outer world. Few if any, except astrologers, may know this inner reality about you. Those qualities will now be internalized so you can truly assess your personal value and self-worth. You know it’s not how much money you have. It’s more about knowing the self, perseverance, reliability and being steadfast in challenges and adversity.

TAURUS

Your patience and deliberateness are how you assess anything new, moving step-by-step thinking everything through with attentive loving care. You’re a visionary, continually developing an illumined mind, influenced by the Pleiades, Aldebaran and Alcyone (stars in the Pleiades). You bring forth the wisdom of the Buddha. When faced with a monetary challenge, you’re quick, deliberate and instinctive. What is best unto the 7th generation, you ask? These are your gifts. Ponder them with a partner and with care as Venus retrogrades.

GEMINI

It’s most important that your work in the world aligns with your values and a proper sense of self. Gemini is a complex sign of duality. Here and there, then not there! You have a fluid mind; all information must be filtered through your emotional field. Therefore that field (astral) must be clear, pure, with no judgments, criticisms or opinions. This purity of mind must be cultivated. You’re the sign of hidden treasures few are aware of. Security for you isn’t money or wealth. It’s emotional ethics and who and what you love.

CANCER

There’s a challenge now for you to emerge from under your protective watery Cancer shell, begin to develop a sense of adventure, step beyond comfort and tend to things more on the edge, on the fringes of what’s acceptable, on the borderland of the cultural. What would that be for you? Build your sense of charisma (obedience of the heart) with others. It furthers self-expression and creativity, things you deeply seek. Above everything else, you must also have fun. What is fun for you?

terms of Leo, sign of royalty, we will consider romance, the artist, the lover, new styles, fashion, beauty, etc. In Hollywood, we have the film “Barbie” (not suggested) & the return of Carrie Bradshaw (Sex & the City) in “And Just Like That” (old icons appearing once again). What do we think of all of this?

Venus is retrograde for 40 days and 40 nights (like Lent). It is a time of review. As Venus will retro in Leo, everyone will assess their relationship with creativity, fun, fulfillment and pleasure. Venus in Leo can bring drama to relationships, even a bit of scandal! Secrets can be revealed.

Venus has been the bright star (planet) we see in the evening sky. Venus as the evening star is also called Hesperus (Greek). Hesperus has a brother called Phosphorus, Venus as the morning star. Both were born of the dawn goddess, their mother, Eos. Hesperus is Venus in the night and Phosphorus is Venus in the morning. Hesperus and the word Vesper are the same (evening, supper, star, west). Phosphorus is sometimes called Lucifer (Latin), the bearer of light. In Hebrew, Venus is called “Helel” (bright shiny one). n

LEO

Most Leos are charming. Some are hidden. But all are rather fascinating and magnetic - an important quality to understand because it attracts others to you. When fully aware of this you will either be kind and compassionate or you will create fear in others if your innate power does not also include equal love. In their hearts what are people seeking when encountering you? Light, intelligence, vitality, discipline, direction, guidance and above all your ability and willingness to Love. Do you have (understand) these virtues?

VIRGO

Within your excellent abilities and gifts of order, organization, ideas and ideals, you also seek to be of service and to offer diplomacy in all interactions. All Virgos are also learning tact and refinement, how to relate with Goodwill which creates Right Relations with all the kingdoms. These are part of the new laws and principles of the Aquarian era, Are you aware of them? It is good to know these are the seeds planted within all Virgos leading later to the art of cooperation and conciliation through negotiation. You are learning through Mercury how to be a Libra.

LIBRA

The kind smile on your lips and in your eyes invites others to talk about themselves, share their joys and sorrows, seek to be friends with you. Libra on the Soul level creates Right Relations, fairness, justice, openness and kindness. If you are not yet within this expanded Soul reality, visualize yourself stepping into it. The results will shift fear and vulnerability around money resources to knowledge that you will always have what is needed. Any boundaries you have created to protect yourself will become less critical and more loving. Are you preparing for a long journey? A pilgrimage?

SCORPIO

Are you aware that whatever you do, think and say often challenges others. It’s just the Scorpio way. These challenges are your tasks. As you ceaselessly transform and regenerate, you also ask (silently demand) this of others. Because your life has such intensity, you must schedule consistent times for rest and retreat – times to gather strength, and rediscover inner meaning and purpose. Vision is found here, too. Only a few know, through your daily little deaths and rebirths, that you are also prophetic, far-seeing and a visionary.

SAGITTARIUS

Although you usually view life with optimism and a broad hopeful vision and because you’re an imaginative thinker who sees signs and reads oracles in every situation, you also have a sense of being duty bound, responsible, traditional and conservative. Most aren’t aware of this as it hides behind your ever-present enthusiasm. Therefore, working under rules and regulations, you have a very serious side. This you must begin to value. It is your discipline and from it comes your inner intuitive wisdom. You know more than you say.

CAPRICORN

You exhibit great self-control, discipline, structure and reserve, often playing the role of the eldest child, parent, teacher and wise one. Traditions are therefore most important. You not only honor and follow them but you also create them. But there are other valuable parts to you – being imaginative, innovative and inventive. Through these you enter the future, making you quite different than most. Many times people can’t quite figure out who you are with your abilities to change quickly, adapt to any situation and to offer everyone the freedom to be (you and me).

AQUARIUS

It is important to acknowledge that you, like the planet Uranus, are distinctly different than most. Aquarius streams through Uranus and influences your way of thinking. Do you know Uranus is tipped on its side, its atmosphere is arranged in layers of clouds, its magnetic-tail is twisted into a long corkscrew, its magnetic field’s source is unknown, it’s blue/green, has a moon, many rings and satellites, seventh planet from the Sun and 3rd largest planet in the solar system? This unusual planet rules your entire life. Value your differentness. It’s unique, like none other and beloved.

PISCES

The two signs most misunderstood are Scorpio and Pisces. Often the fish is seen as wandering about, a bit too idealistic for most and too sensitive for everyone else. In the outer world Pisces can seem lost and dreamy and confused. But there is more to the last sign of the zodiac. You are also very brave and courageous when someone is in danger. You are independent and always recognize others’ innate gifts, which you see while others cannot. When you are spontaneous a light permeates the air. When you are sad you fall into despair. Pisces always seeks freedom. Pisces is protected by Neptune’s waters and Pluto’s power.

“Airport Rage” from page 24

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you booked through an online travel agency like Expedia, call the company and ask for help. If you bought your tickets through a human travel advisor, you have an ally on your side who can help you get through a delay. And don’t leave home without travel insurance this summer. If you have coverage, you can get reimbursed for your hotel and other expenses related to your delay.

What’s the Fix?

You probably expect me to say that being level-headed and polite is the cure for delay rage. It helps, but it won’t fix it.

Airline passengers have been polite enough, thank you very much. They gritted their teeth during the pandemic while airlines canceled flights, pocketed billions of taxpayer dollars and then tried to keep the money passengers spent on tickets. Now airlines are serving up another summer filled with delays and substandard service.

The solution is to send a firm message to airlines that experience one delay after another: No more.

“Rage will only subside when passengers are treated decently,” says William McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.

He says it’s time for the government to regulate customer service in a meaningful way, which could include European-style requirements to compensate passengers for delays.

He makes a valid point. Maybe you can’t get even with an airline at the ticket counter. But you can at the ballot box, by voting for representatives who will finally hold airlines accountable. n

•••

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can email him at chris@elliott.org.

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

“Rage will only subside when passengers are treated decently.”

— William McGee Senior fellow for aviation, American Economic Liberties Project

Spotlight Awards

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department announces an exhibition for the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2023 Spotlight Awards, which recognize individuals who have achieved a high degree of excellence and creativity in their work, but have not received widespread acknowledgment of their talent.

This year’s recipients: Kevin Painchaud (photojournalist), Heejin Lee (mixed-media artist), Augie Escobedo

(painter/muralist), Nikia Chaney (writer/ poet), and Madeline Aliah (writer/poet).

Each will show their work on the 5th floor of the County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from Aug. 1 through Oct. 20.

A First Friday opening reception will be 5-7 p.m. Aug. 4. This annual award recognizes younger artists as well as those who discovering their artistic voice later in life. Spotlight awardees must live in Santa Cruz County. n

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PVUSD BACK TO SCHOOL

Teacher Professional Development: Aug. 10-11

First Day for Students: Aug 15

FAIR ENTRY DEADLINES

From LEGOs to livestock … poultry to poetry, it’s time to enter your animal, vegetable, hobby, invention, or collection into the 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair!

The complete Exhibitor’s Entry Guide is now available at santacruzcountyfair.com.

Or pick up a Guide at local libraries, feed stores, and the Fair office located on East Lake Avenue (Highway 152) in Watsonville.

Most online entry deadlines including livestock are Thursday, Aug. 24, but the poultry deadline is Aug. 5. Please check the Entry Guide to confirm the deadline. There are so many exciting divisions … AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, Photography, Floriculture, Home Arts, and Innovation … to name a few! Call the Fair office with any questions 831-724-5671.

SOROPTIMISTS AT SC SHAKESPEARE

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will be renting cushions, beach chairs and blankets on cold nights at all 50 of the Santa Cruz Shakespeare shows in the Audrey Stanley Grove in Delaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz. Potential members or others interested in learning more about the Club’s work and activities are invited to visit the rental booth and talk to a member.

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fund-raiser and a portion is shared with Santa Cruz Shakespeare. For information, see www.best4women.org, This year’s season: The Book of Will, Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear.

The shows run through Aug. 27. For the schedule, see www.santacruzshakepeare.org

SOQUEL CREEK WATER VACANCY

The deadline is 5 p.m. July 31 to apply for the vacancy on the Soquel Creek Water District board created by the resignation of Bruce Daniels, who had served since 2000. He had a term ending in 2024.

The board will interview applicants on Aug. 8 and 9. Interviews will be open to the public.

The last time this occurred was in 2016 when Rick Meyer died. The board interviewed a number of applicants and selected Rachel Lather, who remains on the board.

In 2003, Thomas LaHue was appointed, and he remains on the board.

Human resources director Traci Hart told the board that they had to decide within 60 days on how to fill the vacancy, or the County Board of Supervisors could decide how to proceed. Manager Ron Duncan said past elections cost $60,000 to $70,000.

Any appointee will have the advantage of being the incumbent.

Information at https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/669/2023Board-Vacancy

SIMPKINS POOL EVENTS

Various times, Simpkins Pool, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Simpkins Pool will host a free swim on Labor Day, Sept. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, July 29, Simpkins Pool will host a free family fun day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, bounce houses, and food trucks.

Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cohost the 6th Annual Parks & Rex “Pool Party” FUNdraiser on Aug. 21, noon – 4 pm, at the Simpkins Family Swim

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Center. Pre-register @scparks.com to guarantee your spot!

Price: $5/child, $15/adult (18+) free for kids under 3 years and all dogs

Event Day price: $10/child, $20/adult

Info: scparks.com

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

Santa Cruz County Parks presents free familyfriendly movie nights under the stars this summer and fall.

Family Movie Nights is a series of free outdoor movie events. Movies begin at dusk. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol, please. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy! The

dates:

Aug. 11: Lego Batman Movie @ Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5. Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz

VETART POP 2 PEACE ARTS CAFÉ

In conjunction with First Friday Santa Cruz Aug. 4, come in the afternoon to Cooper Street in Santa Cruz (near Abbott Square and the Museum of Art & History) for the VetArt Pop 2 Peace Arts Café. This event showcases local Santa Cruz veteran visual and spoken word artists, as well as those of other veteran communities in California.

Co-hosts are local nonprofits Vets for Vets, founded by Dean Kaufman, and Up 2 Peace, founded by Perry Spencer, alongside San Diego-based nonprofit VetArt, which for the last four years has been facilitating veteran organized pop-up arts cafes throughout California with the goal to “increase veterans’ mental health through deep art engagement.”

Event are sponsored by California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.

The afternoon begins at 2:30 p.m. with a drum circle led by internationally renowned percussionist Arthur Hull, who is returning early from a trip to China to participate, and the Village Circles Community. This will be a family-friendly experience.

Next: Spoken word (poetry spoken aloud) and KZSC DJ Selecta 7 playing Irie reggae tunes.

The day is offered to collectively — that includes you! — increase healing for our veterans and their communities.

Remember, “we are all veterans of war. Some just closer to the action.”

For more information: vets4vetssantacruz.org, up2peace.org and VetArt.org.

County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

The free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands, local eats, local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts June 2 and runs through to Sept. 29. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show. Bands:

Aug. 4: The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie

Aug. 11: Santa Cruda w/opener Yaya’s Kitchen

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

Aug. 25: Cowboy’s After Dark w/opener Corrina & Rick

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

Details: https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtownfridays-summer-block-party-2023/

DATED EVENTS

Saturday July 29

ANNIEGLASS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

1-4 p.m., 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville Annie Morhauser, the 2022 Artist of the Year chosen by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission, will host a celebration to mark 40 years in business at 310 Harvest Drive. There will be tours and a viewing of “Resilience: The Story of Annieglass by filmmakers Joel Hersch and Michael Daniel.

SOQUEL PIONEERS PICNIC

11:30 a.m., Pringle Grove, North Main Street north of Pringle Lane. The 85th Annual Soquel Pioneer picnic will be at Pringle Grove.

The fun starts with music by Open Heartstrings. There will be historical photos, a raffle, a live auction, and meeting other Soquelites, oldtimers and newcomers. Suggested donation $5. Bring your own picnic lunch. If you wish to wear a mask, feel free to do so. Thomas Sutfin is the featured speaker, sharing his knowledge of the history of Monterey Bay Redwood Co. and current events in the Soquel Demonstration State Forest. He is a Licensed Professional Forester with almost 20 years experience as forest manager in the Soquel Demonstration State Forest. Information: 818-8109 or www.soquelpioneers.com

END HUMAN TRAFFICKING FORUM

1-3:30 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women is hosting, along with co-sponsors the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County and Soroptimist International of Capitola, a free public forum to “End Human Trafficking” at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

Featured speakers are Kenny Besk, who has spent 16 years in law enforcement and has worked on human trafficking issues locally and in Thailand, and Michael Mahan, Santa Cruz County assistant district attorney, who handles sexual assault, human trafficking and homicide cases. They will outline the hidden and invisible ways young people are recruited by human traffickers. Parents, teachers, school counselors, and social workers will be given tools to help prevent youth from being recruited.

August 1st 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

BOOKS & BREWS LA SELVA BEACH SUMMER FAIR

Saturday August 5

10 a.m.-4 p.m., La Selva Beach Clubhouse Florido Avenue lawn and La Selva Beach Community Church, 26 Florido Ave.

The Books & Brews La Selva Beach Summer Fair will take place during construction this summer!

Even though remodeling has closed the La Selva Beach Clubhouse, the Summer Fair will take place on the Clubhouse’s Florido Avenue lawn and at the next door La Selva Beach Community Church.

More than 40 arts and crafts booths on the lawn and church parking lot will sell handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, bags, ceramics, garden art, specialty foods, books and more. The church courtyard will be filled with books from the Friends of the La Selva Beach Library Used Book Sale.

The La Selva CERT Bake Sale will take over the church kitchen to sell homemade baked goods and hot drinks — all proceeds benefit the local Community Emergency Response Team. Win vendor-donated goods in the prize raffle. Raffle proceeds benefit the Library’s Teen Program.

Kick back and enjoy live music on the lawn. Sip on a local microbrew. Enjoy a delicious snack, lunch or early dinner from local pizza pop-up Jayne Dough Pizza, serving wood-fired sourdough crust slices.

The event is sponsored by the La Selva Beach Improvement Association and Friends of the La Selva Beach Library. For information: booksandbrewsLSB@gmail.com

While working as a narcotics detective, Besk learned about human trafficking and left law enforcement to work with the Zoe International Foundation in Thailand to combat online human trafficking for several years. Mahan has trained multiple agencies and district attorney staff about domestic violence and human trafficking cases, and has successfully completed dozens of jury trials to verdict.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For information, call AAUWSC at (831) 239-2184.

PAJARO VALLEY CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

4-8:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 Lake Ave., Watsonville

The 61st Pajaro Valley Chamber Annual Awards Dinner and Auction at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

The event honors those who have made the Pajaro Valley a true “Hometown USA” and the best place to live. This year’s honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement: Guy George

Man of the Year: Dana Sales

Woman of the Year: Trina Coffman-Gomez

Business of the Year: El Vaquero Winery

Organization of the Year: Casa de la Cultura Center

Event of the Year: Fairgrounds Foundation Crab Feed

Tickets are $100 at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/61st-annual-awards-dinner-the-pajaro-valleyhometown-usa-tickets-624389936107

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS CHALLENGE

This year the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club brings a new focus to our Mountain Challenge — combining love of local cycling with the challenge of tackling climate change by donating a portion of the ride’s proceeds to Ecology Action and the Resilient Central Coast campaign. Registration for routes that range from 36 to 125 miles is $65-90. Registration is free for 24-mile morning or afternoon family low-stress ride. See https://www.bikereg.com/santa-cruz-mountainschallenge-2023

Saturday July 29

Sunday July 30

THE DOONART ANNUAL STUDIO TOUR

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Various Locations

Artists in the Santa Cruz Mountains and in the village of Davenport open their studios to the public.

Hidden within the majestic redwood forests of Bonny Doon and on the Pacific Coast in the historic village of Davenport you will discover the wonderful

art created in this quiet and inspiring environment. For more details and a list of the participating artists, visit http://www.doonarttour.com/index.html

Tuesday August 1

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Three locations and times

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office will host a National Night Out for the community at 3 locations:

• Canterbury Apartments, 151 Canterbury Drive, Aptos, 6-8 p.m.

• Mesa Village Park, 790 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, 4-7:30 p.m.

• Boulder Creek Fire District, 13230 Central Ave., Boulder Creek, 5-8 p.m.

This is the 40th year of National Night Out, which typically gives kids a chance to meet deputies, sit in a law enforcement cruiser, and watch a K-9 demonstration.

Friday August 4 thru Sunday August 6

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Fri. 5-9 p.m. / Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. / Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Ramsay Park, 231 Union Street, Watsonville Kickoff excitement begins with a carnival & music by Harpin Jonny and the Groovehounds, 5-9 p.m.

The festival resumes with a carnival, a pie-eating contest and live entertainment Saturday Aug. 5 from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday Aug 6 from 11 am to 7 pm.

The 2nd annual Strawberry Jam 1k/5k Fun Run/ Walk will be Saturday Aug 5, starting and finishing at Ramsay Park in Watsonville with some of the course through the Watsonville Slough system.

Enry fee is $30 for the 5K and $10 for kids 1K. The Strawberry Jam is being presented by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services and The Rotary Club of Freedom. Enter at https://www.active.com/watsonville-ca/running/ distance-running-races/strawberry-jam-1k-and5k-fun-run-and-walk-2023

www.cityofwatsonville.org/1117/Watsonville-StrawberryFestival

Saturday August 12

MIDSUMMER LIONS MARKET

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. The Midsummer Lions Market will be at Aptos Village Park – do your Christmas shopping early.

There will be art, toys, jewelry, plants, knits, new clothing, pottery, collectibles, glassware and auto and sports memorabilia — plus free eye and hearing tests.

Music by ukulele duo. Free lessons. Drawing every hour on the hour.

Aptos High Leos will sell JD’s barbecued tri-tip sandwiches, drinks & snacks. Benefits local Lions charities.

Vendors wanted; call 831-688-3356.

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

2 p.m., Scotts Valley Theatre, 251b Kings Village Road Mark your calendar & come see Watsonville Community Band’s 76th Anniversary Concert!

The show will be conducted by Brad Gronroos and performed at the Scotts Valley Theatre, next to the library.

Tickets are free!

Sunday August 13

FERRAGOSTO BBQ & BOCCE

1-4 p.m., DeLaveaga Park’s George Washington Picnic Area, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz Come celebrate Ferragosto with Dante Society amici (friends).

Enjoy an afternoon of Italian BBQ with Italian sausage sandwiches, salad, dessert, wine and other beverages, music, friends, and a fun bocce tournament under the beautiful redwoods at DeLaveaga Park.

Cost: Dante members * $20 per person; nonmembers $25

For tickets: bit.ly/dante-ferragosto

Monday August 14 thru Wednesday August 16

AUTOMOBILIA INTERNATIONAL EXPO

10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Wed. 4 p.m.), Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside

The largest automobilia show in America has expanded to three days at the Embassy Suites main ballroom in Seaside. Automobilia, Monterey’s 19th annual International Expo, takes place during Car Week.

Fans can peruse vintage car posters, photographs, rallye plates, badges and pins, hood ornaments, signs, original art, display items, scale models, literature and books, signed items, and postcards.

Admission is $20, wristband good for either one, two or all three days.  The event and silent auction benefits the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center. Free parking.

For information, visit www.automobiliamonterey.com.

Saturday August 26

DRAWN2ART GRAND OPENING

2-5 p.m., 19C in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, 140 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos

Drawn2Art Studios, which teaches students realistic drawing and painting skills, will host a grand opening at its new Aptos location in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center near Wonderland Toys.

The owner is Rachael Cartright, daughter of the founders Ed and Sher Warren.

Sign up for a free introductory art class and a chance to win a month of free classes! Games, prizes -& light refreshments while supplies last.  Family and friends are welcome! Phone: (831) 661-5652. Email: Aptos@Drawn2ArtStudios. com Website: www.Drawn2ArtStudios.com/Aptos n

National Support for County Challenges

Our recent winter storms highlighted the need for continued federal advocacy for our local and regional issues. One of the most effective ways our County’s voice is elevated in Washington, DC is through the National Association of Counties (NACo).

What is the National Association of Counties (NACo?)

The National Association of Counties (NACo) serves as the primary advocacy organization for counties.

They advocate county priorities in federal policymaking and allow for information sharing of model county policies and practices to optimize taxpayer resources and provide cost savings.

NACo is a non-partisan organization and as such is well-received when advocating on behalf of county needs at the federal level.

Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to be appointed to two key NACo committees to help advocate for Santa Cruz County’s needs at the federal level: the NACO Board of Directors, which serves as the primary voice on county policy priorities to our federal partners including the Administration and Congress — and the Telecommunications and Technology Committee, which focuses on all matters pertaining to telecommunications and technology policy, including rural broadband, cable services, e-governance and more.

What issues has Santa Cruz County sought NACo help with?

Atthe recent NACo Annual Conference, on behalf of Santa Cruz County I presented two resolutions for consideration for support.

There is an extensive process for resolution consideration throughout the year and at the Annual Conference the resolutions are considered by relevant committees and the NACo membership.

If adopted as policy resolutions by NACo, these issues will be advocated for by NACo and member counties at the federal level.

This broad-based support allows for issues that impact Santa Cruz County to be heard by the Administration and members of Congress in ways that they wouldn’t normally if it were just our County reaching out.

The first resolution, approved unanimously by NACo, dealt with how federally-funded water infrastructure projects are prioritized and funded. Locally, this pertains to the Pajaro River project.

As has been covered extensively in the last few months, the federal process for funding projects like the Pajaro River puts lower-income communities (and more rural communities) at a disadvantage.

Specifically, the process for conducting cost-benefit analyses for flood control projects does not properly acknowledge the value of agricultural land or socioeconomic factors. This resolution works to advocate for a quantitative indexed value to life-safety, agricultural land value and the impacts of crop flooding, protection of low-income communities and environmental benefits to determine the benefit of federal investments in flood control projects.

We have successfully advocated for this before and have seen movement at the federal level as a result — including it playing a part in us advocating for funding for the Pajaro River project.

While this helps us locally it also helps even the playing field for other similarlysituated communities across the country that are experiencing the same issue — a lower-prioritization of funding for Army Corps projects because how benefits are currently calculated.

The second resolution, also approved unanimously, pertains to how stormdamaged roads are repaired and reimbursed after federally-declared disasters. Spe

cifically, the resolution looks to amend current law governing the use of Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief funds, which do not allow enough time for counties with projects to repair roads damaged in federally declared disasters to advance to the construction stage.

After federal-declared disasters, it is common for Congress to provide emergency funding to federal agencies to address damages in communities impacted by the events.

The FHWA at the Department of Transportation has an Emergency Relief Fund that is funded by Congress to assist with severe road damages (such as our storm damages in 2016/2017 and this past winter).

Current federal law governing this funding requires that projects must be in construction by the end of the second year following the disaster occurrence.

However, the process of bringing a road repair project into the construction stage is time-consuming for a number of reasons: right-of-way acquisition and construction easements, scoping with FHWA, backlogs from previous emergencies, litigation, environmental review and permitting requirements, limitation on contractor availability in smaller communities, to name a few.

As a result, it is a common occurrence that recipients this type of assistance need more than two years to bring a project to construction and request extensions. These extensions can be denied — even if the reasons for the delay are completely out of local government’s hands. This resolution

In addition to these formal resolutions, the County has been receiving extensive NACo support for FEMA reimbursements associated with the CZU fires and now the more recent storms.

There are often delays (and denials) in FEMA reimbursements that cause significant budgetary pressure to local communities and we are no exception. NACo has been working with our office on ways to expedite the approvals and reimbursements. n

•••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend

SCCAS Featured Pet

Looking for Lots of Love

Warren initially came to the Shelter as an owner surrender back in 2022. He was quickly adopted out but then returned because he was not the right fit for his adoptive family. We learned a ton about him so that we could help to find him a better fit in the future.

Warren is looking to be someone’s shadow. He is an energetic playful guy that really does not like being left alone. In his previous home, he would bark and destroy some household items- he really wants to remind people that life is not about material things and they should just live in the moment! He has been out with volunteers for walks around town and always delights new people with his big personality and wagging tail!

Warren has lived successfully with a cat in his first adoptive home as well as two dogs — a GSD mix and a cattle dog. In his second home, he lived with a dog and did well. Warren has some big feelings about strange dogs behind barriers and on leash but with a slow introduction and some positive reinforcement-based training, does well meeting dogs out in the world. Warren is VERY food motivated which will help with training — but he also needs help with portion control!

Warren lived with young children in his first home and did well. If you are looking for a constant companion, WFH buddy, or a new walking pal — come to the Shelter to meet Warren today. Warren has been at the Shelter for 53 days. Let’s make today the last one!

If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian. ganley@santacruzcounty.us

•••

Right now we are having an adoption special — for animals who have been in our care for 25 days or more the adoption fee is only $25 (plus $29 for license for dogs)! We have so many animals who have been in our care for a long time — we want them to find their new homes ASAP so this special adoption promotion will last through this Friday July 28th. Warren is one of our longer stay dogs so come on down to SCCAS, meet Warren and take him home for a $25 adoption fee!

•••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Website: www.scanimalshelter.org

SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us