Capitola Soquel Times: December 2025

Bronze Sealife Enhance Capitola Wharf

By Laurie Hill and Jon Chown

Missing Utah Woman Found Safe

Few details have been released, but missing Utah woman Danielle Staley is safe. It was the 35-year-old woman’s firsttime visiting Santa Cruz County. She disappeared after a late-night bonfire near Rio Del Mar Beach on Nov. 6.

Table of Contents

Community News

6 County Agencies Scramble to Feed Hungry: Nutritional Assistance Programs Available Countywide, By Jon Chown

7 Missing Utah Woman Found Safe: Contacts Sheriff’s Office After Two-Week Search, By Jon Chown

9 San Lorenzo Valley Woman Missing: Search Ongoing for 73-year-old Jeanne Burke, By Jon Chown

10 Cabrillo Seeks Applicants for Area V Trustee Seat

14 BESS Ordinance Delayed: Supervisors Will Vote on Revision Jan. 13, By Jon Chown • Capitola to Auction Off Old Police Vehicle: Two New Cruisers Joined Fleet in February

17 County Lowers Tax for Cannabis Lounges: Supervisors Split on Changes With 3-2 Vote, By Jon Chown

18 Supervisors Approve Speed Bumps for Dover Drive Between Soquel and Howe in Live Oak, By Jon Chown

19 Local Leaders Vow to Oppose Federal Offshore Drilling Plan

20 All Kids Play 2025 Campaign Aims to Expand Park Access • Santa Cruz County Urges Families to Stop Using Recalled Infant Formula Linked to Botulism

22 Dominican Hospital Celebrates New Mobile Clinic, By Jon Chown

24 Homeless Garden Project Honors New Leaf Community Markets • Capitola Village to Host Full Day of Holiday Cheer on December 6

27 Honoring Our Veterans: Santa Cruz County Remembers with Parades, Ceremonies, By Jon Chown

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Advent — a Pause, a Sacred Stillness Awaiting the Arrival of the Light, By Risa D’Angeles Capitola / Soquel Events • Page 26 Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists

8 Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary People at Second Harvest, By Erica Padilla Chavez

11 A Mayor’s Holiday Message, By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola

15 Jean-Jacques Rousseau: On the Artist Learning to Use Himself, By Joe Ortiz

16 Rethinking The Santa Cruz County METRO, By Jim Rummonds

23 Into the Holidays We Carefully Tread, By Marc Cuniberti

25 2025: A Remarkable Year of Milestones, Momentum, and Community Partnership, By Rachél Lather, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

30 What Can We Do About Kids and Social Media?, By Dr. Lori Butterworth

31 Winter Bloom Might Be Scarce, By Tony Tomeo

publisher

Jon

Laurie Hill,

contributing writers

Michael Oppenheimer, Ward Austin

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 ©2025. 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

“Bronze Wharf” from page 1

You can follow, count, or even make rubbings of them as you walk the entire length of the wharf. Like a scavenger

hunt, these realistic creatures lead you to spotting scopes, seating areas, and signage where you can match a sea creature to its miniature on the educational panels.

Monaghan owns the Bronze Works

Foundry and teaches sculpture at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College. His large octopus sculpture adorns the Santa Cruz Wharf. “It’s great to know people will get to see the pieces, get to know Monterey Bay better, and see its beauty,” he said.

The Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project Team commissioned Monaghan, who was assisted by Raissa Boysen for the project, as part of the artful enhancements funded by public donations. CWEP, a small team of volunteers, raised more than $480,000 for needed topside amenities.

After hiring Monaghan, he and CWEP members discussed the scope of the project and narrowed down which sea life would be featured. Monaghan said the group wanted good educational examples, looking for animals that were endangered or had a story to tell. “There’s such a range of sea life in Monterey Bay, but we had to pick.”

He said it took nearly a week to install all the sculptures, which was a bit of a process because they had to be ADA compliant. But that gave him more time to meet people on the wharf, make friends, and hear from the public about their impressions. Literally hundreds of thousands of people will view Monaghan’s art every year — a fact not lost on him.

“It was a really wonderful experience just putting the pieces in and interacting with the public,” he said. “I definitely got a sense of the impact they had on people and their appreciation for them.”

CWEP members are elated with the outcome.

“The bronze elements of our CWEP wharf improvements are some of the most meaningful because they are instructional and can also be used artistically. I’m really excited about a future art project where participants will take rubbings of the creatures,” said Gayle Ortiz of CWEP.

JOIN US FOR LUNCH & DINNER OPEN DAILY 11AM - CLOSE DINNER BEGINS AT 5PM HAPPY HOUR

A formal dedication ceremony will be held early next year.

“It was definitely a real pleasure working with the City Council and the CWEP committee,” Monaghan said. “And it was a real pleasure getting to meet all the people in Capitola — the merchants out there, shout out to Myron who rents the boats, the wharf staff out there — really great.” n

County Agencies Scramble to Feed Hungry Nutritional Assistance Programs Available

By Jon Chown

TCountywide

he shutdown is long over, but non-profit agencies, as well as local governments, are still scrambling to feed a growing need in the community. A suspension and reduction of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the shutdown, combined with increased restrictions going forward, has led to increased reports of food insecurity.

SNAP is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but states and local agencies handle eligibility and distribution. In California, the program is called CalFresh. Monthly benefits are provided through EBT cards to low-income households.

On Nov. 1, CalFresh benefits were delayed for many recipients due to the federal shutdown. That left about 33,000 Santa Cruz County residents who rely on the program facing hunger. Three days later, the county Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local emergency, and the county announced it was donating $500,000 to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s emergency food distribution efforts. In addition, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education pledged an additional $250,000; the cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville each pledged $100,000; and the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County put another $100,000 in the pot.

“The collective response by our local governments and philanthropic partners is a demonstration of our local commitment to ensuring no one in our county goes hungry,”

Second Harvest CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez said in response to the donation. “Only by working together can we weather this challenging time. We should all feel proud of our county’s response to this unprecedented situation.”

In Capitola, a food pantry is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. at Bay Avenue Senior Apartments. In Soquel, the Tradewinds Church has a food distribution every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

One of the non-profits addressing the needs in Santa Cruz County is Community Bridges. Established in 1977, it runs nutritional assistance programs for children and adults. One of its biggest operations is Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to the homes of elderly people. It serves a free lunch to seniors at sites in Watsonville, Live Oak, Santa Cruz, and Ben Lomond. It also distributes food in Santa Cruz and Felton twice a month.

Tony Nunez, communications director

for Community Bridges, said the problems really began in January. DOGE caused some disruptions, then immigration-related actions and fears caused some problems for food deliveries. Things got worse, he said, when Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill in early summer. The shutdown, he said, exacerbated everything.

“All of these things were kind of what we imagined would be a challenging time for people in the community who were supported by the government safety net,” he said.

“We knew we had to be resilient.”

Nunez said he expects 2026 to be even more challenging. “So we’re trying to prepare. We will continue our baseline services that will be more essential heading into next year.” n

Available Nutritional Resources

COMMUNITY NEWS

Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary People at Second Harvest

By Erica Padilla Chavez

Right now, many of our neighbors are wondering how they’ll put food on the table as challenging economic conditions continue to deepen. Families across Santa Cruz County are being squeezed by rising prices, lay-off’s, high housing costs, and reduced access to safety net resources they’ve relied on in the past. More and more people, many who have never needed help before, are at our doorstep.

At Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, we are seeing the effects firsthand. Calls for help are rising. Our partner agencies, from local food pantries to school sites to community organizations, are reporting longer lines and increased urgency. These aren’t abstract statistics. These are our neighbors: working parents juggling multiple jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, families recovering from recent economic disruptions, and young people struggling to afford basic necessities.

These are not ordinary times. Month after month, families are being stretched thinner. And as we enter what is traditionally our busiest season, from November through February, the need has grown beyond anything we’ve seen in recent years.

We are working hard to meet this extraordinary demand. Our team is increasing distributions of fresh produce and pantry staples, securing emergency supplies, and

working closely with community partners to make sure no family slips through the cracks. But as committed as we are, we cannot do this alone.

Our food bank was already navigating significant pressure before the current economic challenges intensified. Federal food shipments that once supplemented our shelves have been inconsistent. Meanwhile, the cost of food, fuel, labor, and transportation continues to rise. At the same time, demand for food assistance is increasing, creating a widening gap between what people need and the resources available to meet that need.

And yet, in the midst of these difficulties, something extraordinary continues to stand out: the resilience, generosity, and compassion of the people of Santa Cruz County.

That is why we say: Extraordinary times call for extraordinary people.

Extraordinary people are not only those leading large-scale initiatives. They are the volunteers who sort apples and pack produce boxes on weekday mornings. They are the local farmers and fisheries who donate fresh, nutritious food even as they shoulder their own challenges. They are the donors who give what they can, even when their own budgets feel tight.

“Second Harvest” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

San Lorenzo Valley Woman Missing Search Ongoing for 73-year-old Jeanne Burke

ABy Jon Chown

massive search is underway for San Lorenzo Valley woman Jeanne Burke, who apparently walked away from her home on Nov. 18 and has been missing ever since.

Authorities are asking all residents in the Smith Grade, Moore Ranch Road and surrounding areas to look around their property, search inside outbuildings, and review any camera footage you might have for clues.

Sgt. Ryan Farotte of the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office said Burke, 73, is considered high risk because she wasn’t wearing adequate clothing to be outside overnight, and she has medical concerns. He could not share what those concerns are due to law restricting the sharing of private health information.

What we know is that on Nov. 18, Burke was reported missing by a friend of hers. She was reported later seen walking near the Quail Hallow Quarry in Felton around 3 p.m. She was last seen wearing a red and black plaid jacket, black pants, one pink sandal, and one black sandal. Burke is 5 feet tall, medium build, with long grey hair, blue eyes, and wears eyeglasses.

Sgt. Farotte said Search and Rescue continues to follow leads. There are about

100 members from various counties currently searching. Burke was reportedly seen on Nov. 19 at about 4:30 p.m. in the area of Moore Ranch Road.

If you have seen Burke or know where she is, please contact Santa Cruz County Sheriffs dispatch at 831-471-1121. n

“Danielle Staley” from page 7

“I probably talked to her at least four times a week, and we text other days… She’s in communication with us. She’s not trying to disappear from her family,” Miller told KSL-TV. “You know, if she has gone missing, I feel that she would have done everything in her power to get a call out to one of us to let us know that she was OK.”

Apparently, she was wrong. More than two weeks after being reported missing, Staley contacted the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office to tell them she was safe.

On Nov. 23, the sheriff’s office issued a press release at 8:09 a.m. announcing she was found. She has since been in touch with her family, according to the sheriff’s office.

The family is asking for privacy. n

SPECIALIZING IN Residential Repaints & Custom Homes

Homeowners Associations

Property Managers

WINTER SPECIAL

If we paint your interior and/or exterior by December 31, 2025 we will buy the paint.

Cabrillo Seeks Applicants for Area V Trustee Seat

Cabrillo College is inviting eligible residents to apply to fill a vacancy on its Board of Trustees representing Area V, which covers the city of Watsonville and surrounding parts of Santa Cruz County. Candidates must live and be registered to vote in Trustee Area V, and submit a statement of interest and completed application by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The seat became vacant following the death of Trustee Manuel Bersamin, a longtime advocate for community college access and student success. The Board of Trustees approved the provisional appointment process at its Nov. 3 meeting.

“Manuel cared deeply about the role and mission of California community colleges and had the unique ability to help students pursue their dreams,” said Christina Cuevas, president of the Cabrillo Board of Trustees. “He was proud to serve on the Cabrillo board and represented his district with passion and a clear eye for what is right. We will miss his presence on the board.”

Applicants should be available for interviews and selection at the Governing

Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6:15 p.m. The selected candidate will begin serving immediately, take part in training on Dec. 2, and participate in Superintendent/President finalist interviews on Dec. 3 and 4. The provisional trustee will serve until the next regular election in 2026. Applications are available from Ronnette Smithcamp, executive assistant to the superintendent/president, at rosmithc@cabrillo.edu, or in person at the Superintendent/President’s Office, Student Activities Center West, Room 204, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Interested residents can verify their eligibility through the Santa Cruz County Office of Elections at (831) 454-2060. For additional information, call the Cabrillo Superintendent/President’s Office at (831) 479-6302.

Founded in 1959, Cabrillo College serves Santa Cruz County with campuses

“Second Harvest” from page 8

And they are the partner agencies — nonprofits, schools, faith communities, neighborhood pantries —working beside us every day to make sure food reaches everyone who needs it.

Their commitment is the backbone of our work. Without them, this communitywide effort simply wouldn’t be possible.

Today, we are asking our community to join us once again. Every dollar donated helps provide three healthy meals. Every hour volunteered directly supports a family who might otherwise go without. Every shared message brings in more helping hands during a time when the need is great.

And right now, that help matters more than ever.

Economic pressures aren’t letting up. Families who were barely getting by are now finding themselves in crisis. Food banks across California are responding to increased demand, and here at home, we are committed to ensuring that healthy food is accessible to everyone who needs it.

This is a moment for us to rise together.

When our neighbors face hunger, Santa Cruz

in Aptos and Watsonville. The college offers more than 100 academic and career-technical programs and is ranked No. 1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz.

While Cabrillo College does not specify the time commitment required of trustees, the Community College League of California estimates that most community college trustees spend three to six hours per week on board responsibilities, with additional time required for officers. n

County steps forward, not because it is easy, but because it reflects who we are.

Acts of generosity don’t just put food on a table. They offer stability. They offer dignity. They offer hope. The impact of your action today will ripple outward - supporting families, strengthening communities, and reminding people that they are not alone.

To those already helping: thank you. To our farmers, partners, donors, and volunteers: your commitment is felt every single day, and your contributions make this work possible. And to those just learning about the growing need, we invite you to join us.

Our Holiday Fund & Food Drive runs through January 15, and your participation, whether by donating, volunteering, or organizing a fundraiser, will make an immediate and meaningful difference for families across Santa Cruz County.

Please visit thefoodbank.org to learn how you can help.

Because when extraordinary people come together in extraordinary times, no one in Santa Cruz County has to face hunger alone. n

•••

Erica Padilla Chavez is the CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A Mayor’s Holiday Message

By Joe Clarke, Mayor, City of Capitola

As we enter this special time of year, I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes to each and every member of Capitola and our surrounding community.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, another cherished tradition, or simply enjoy the spirit of the season, this is a moment for all of us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and places that make Capitola such a remarkable home.

The holidays offer a reminder of what truly matters: the health and safety of our families, the strength of our neighborhoods, and the kindness we show to one another. My hope for every household in Capitola is that this season brings peace, joy, and moments of true connection.

As we gather with loved ones — sharing meals, stories, and traditions — I encourage everyone to look out for one another, especially those who may be facing challenges. A simple act of kindness can go further than we imagine.

This time of year also invites us to look ahead with optimism. As we approach the New Year, I am filled with hope for a bright and prosperous future for Capitola.

We have many opportunities before us — from regaining local control over our city and state’s planning decisions to working collaboratively with the County on projects that benefit residents across the region.

One such opportunity is the long-awaited progress on a County-approved Trail or Railand-Trail plan, which would allow Capitola to utilize the trestle in a way that truly serves the public good.

These initiatives reflect our shared goal of shaping a community that grows responsibly while honoring our unique character.

I also encourage everyone to participate in the holiday events and activities happening throughout our city.

Our tree lighting ceremonies, craft fairs, caroling performances, and other seasonal gatherings are more than just festive traditions — they are opportunities to strengthen

serve Joy, not Stress

the sense of belonging that defines Capitola. These events remind us that community spirit shines brightest when we come together.

As Mayor, one of the greatest privileges I have is witnessing the generosity and dedication of our residents. This year, as in years past, Capitola has been lifted by people and organizations who continually work to make our city better. I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to a few who exemplify the best of our community spirit.

The Capitola Wharf Enhancement Project (CWEP), led by an extraordinary group of community-minded residents, raised over $500,000 to improve fixtures on our wharf as it was rebuilt—an incredible demonstration of local pride and commitment.

The Friends of County Parks contributed an astounding $1,000,000 toward the development of Treasure Cove Park at Jade Street, ensuring this new space will meet the needs of all who visit, regardless of age or ability. Their work reflects a vision of inclusivity that strengthens the fabric of our city.

“Holiday Message” page 12

“Holiday Message” from page 11

Our neighbors at RACK — Random Acts of Capitola’s Kindness — continue to show what true community looks like. From building fences at our Senior Center, to assisting residents dealing with eroding cliffs, to fundraising for Jacob’s Heart, their acts of compassion remind us that kindness is one of Capitola’s greatest renewable resources.

Capitola Public Safety and Community Service Foundation. An organization dedicated for the public purpose of assisting the Capitola Police Department and its community partners. To enhance public safety through the promotion of communityoriented policing and problem solving programs, crime reduction initiatives, community outreach and education.

I would also like to acknowledge Capitola Cares, a new nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those who live and work here. Their mission and early efforts are already making a meaningful difference, and I look forward to supporting their continued impact.

And recently, I was deeply moved by a simple but powerful gesture: Pastor Rene from Twin Lakes Church reached out to

“Nutritional Resources” from page 6

CAPITOLA

Bay Avenue Senior Apartments – Food Pantry 750 Bay Avenue, Building 4 Tuesday, 10–11 a.m.

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 25, Dec. 9 Open while supplies last

FELTON

Mountain Community Resources – Food Distribution 6134 Highway 9 Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

SANTA CRUZ

Grey Bears – Food Distribution 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Saturday, 10–11 a.m. Open only to older adults/seniors (55+). Program features: grocery/client choice, home delivery service, pre-packed boxes/ bags. Items offered: fruits & vegetables, shelf-stable/non-perishable goods.

Nueva Vista Community Resources (Community Bridges) – Food Distribution 711 E. Cliff Dr. Wednesday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17

SOQUEL

Tradewinds Church – Food Distribution 4525 Soquel Dr.

Wednesday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 10

WATSONVILLE

Second Harvest Emergency Response Community – Food Distributions

• EA Hall Middle School, 201 Brewington Ave. –Saturday, Nov. 15: 9–11 a.m.

• Santa Cruz County Beach Boardwalk – Monday, Nov. 17: 4–7 p.m.

• 2601 E. Lake Ave. – Thursday, Nov. 20: 4–8 p.m.

ask whether the church could pray for Capitola. I was touched by his thoughtfulness and requested prayers for the health, happiness, and well-being of all who call our community home—especially during these difficult times. His kindness reminded me that compassion transcends differences and inspires unity.

These are just a few of the many examples of neighbors helping neighbors, of community members stepping up for the greater good. Capitola has never lacked people with big hearts and generous spirits, and I am grateful every day to serve a city where so many are committed to uplifting others.

As we embrace the holiday season and prepare to welcome a new year, let us continue supporting one another, celebrating together, and keeping the spirit of kindness alive—during the holidays and throughout the year ahead.

From my family to yours, I wish all our friends and neighbors a joyful holiday season and a healthy, safe, and hopeful New Year. May peace, love, and goodwill fill every home in Capitola.

Warmest regards, Joe Clarke, Mayor of Capitola n

Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes – Food Distribution

150 Second St.

Monday–Friday, 9–11:30 a.m., 1–3 p.m.

Salvation Army Watsonville Corps

– Food Distribution / Soup Kitchen 214 Union St., Watsonville Food Distribution: Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Hot/Cold Meal Program: Sunday–Saturday, 5–6 p.m. Open while supplies last Radcliff Elementary School – Food Distribution 550 Rodriguez St. Friday, 2:30–3:30 p.m., 4th Friday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 23 Open while supplies last Watsonville Senior Center – Food Distribution 114 E. Fifth St.

Thursday, 10–11 a.m., 3rd Thursday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 15 Open while supplies last Casa del Alfarero – Food Distribution 113 E. Front St.

Wednesday, 3–4 p.m., 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17 Open while supplies last All Saints Cristo Rey Episcopal Church – Food Pantry 437 Roger Ave.

Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month – Upcoming: Nov. 27, Dec. 25, Jan. 22 Freedom Elementary School – Food Distribution / Food Pantry 25 Holly Dr.

Tuesday, 1:30–2:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13 Friday, 1–3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 5–6 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 10 Open while supplies last

Salud Para La Gente – Food Distribution

45 Nielson St.

Thursday, 5:30–6:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month

Upcoming: Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 18 Open while supplies last

Holy Eucharist Church – Food Distribution 527 Corralitos Rd.

Thursday, 4–5 p.m., 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month Upcoming: Nov. 13, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 Open while supplies last n

BESS Ordinance Delayed Supervisors Will Vote on Revision Jan. 13

SBy Jon Chown

anta Cruz County Supervisors opted to not approve an ordinance on battery energy storage systems on Nov. 18, instead deciding to send the ordinance back to staff for improvements. They will vote again on Jan. 13.

Battery energy storage systems allow solar and wind energy to be stored and used later — helping stabilize the electrical grid, lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new ordinance will guide how and where these systems can be built in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. Named the Energy Storage Combining District Ordinance, it defines eligible sites, safety and environmental requirements, application procedures, and oversight responsibilities. It includes environmental review to assess potential risks, public review and hearings for proposed projects, and mandates regular updates on safety research and technology improvements.

However, the ordinance was viewed to not adequately address issues concerning ingress and egress during emergencies, requiring skilled labor, water runoff during a fire, soil and water analysis and other issues. For these reasons, the board delayed approval.

The decision to delay a final vote was not made easily. New Leaf Energy is proposing to develop a 200-megawatt BESS project on 14 acres that would connect to the PG&E substation on Minto Road. If a county ordinance is not in place soon, New Leaf could seek approval from the state, bypassing local control. Due to the passage of AB 205, sponsored by Sen. John Laird, if local regulations are not in place, developers can apply directly to the state. Representatives from New Leaf Energy have consistently said they will do so if a local ordinance is delayed.

With this in mind, supervisors wrestled with an ordinance that much of the public, and many supervisors, saw as too weak, but far better than nothing at all. During the discussion on Nov. 18, Supervisor Kim De Serpa (District 2) presented several improvements she had in mind, including requiring certified electricians be hired.

“I’ve done some research and can see that many of the fires happened due to improperly installed batteries,” she said. However, she added that she was prepared “to hold my nose and vote ‘yes’” due to the timeline.

“Hopefully, if we need to make some changes we can expedite those because I really want to retain local control,” she said.

The proposed Minto Road project would

consist of about 300 containers, each with 40 batteries inside, that would be placed several feet apart. Each would have its own fire-suppression system. A rubber bladder would be placed underneath the entire site to prevent any liquids from leaking into College Lake. Once the permits are in place, the project would likely be sold to PG&E or another entity to build and operate.

Dave Martone, speaking on behalf of the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District, the fire agency with jurisdiction over the proposed site, urged the supervisors to adopt the ordinance on Nov. 18.

“Without a Santa Cruz County ordinance in place, our community will be subject to the decisions of state agencies, resulting in a significant loss of local control,” he said.

“This is particularly concerning should this potentially hazardous facility move forward. The ability to regulate and respond at the local level is crucial.”

Many others urged the board to adopt the ordinance as it was on Nov. 18, including former supervisor Bruce McPherson and Casey Van Den Heuvel, vice president of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council. However, there were also quite a few people asking the supervisors to slow down and improve the ordinance.

Corralitos resident Karrell Reader, who doesn’t live far from the proposed site on Minto Road, presented a range of issues the ordinance still needed to address, the first being protecting sites from vandalism or sabotage.

“I think we ned to put something down about making that site hardened,” she said, pointing out that all it would take is one angry, mentally unstable person to do a lot of damage. Other issues she had concerned water runoff, and how the soil, water and air would be tested for pollution.

Some wanted it to basically ban the technology all together. However, if local regulation is deemed too strict, AB205 allows the California Energy Commission to override local rules due to “public convenience and necessity.”

“It’s clear that if you make efforts to outlaw sites like the one we’re looking at on Mento Road with a local ordinance, the local terms will just be circumvented through the state process,” said Supervisor Manu Koenig of District 1.

After hours of discussion on the ordinance, the supervisors voted to send it back for revision. Due to the timeline, it was later announced that a vote on the revised ordinance was set for Jan. 13. n

Capitola to Auction Off Old Police Vehicle: Two New Cruisers Joined Fleet in February

After two new Dodge Chargers joined the Capitola Police Department’s patrol fleet at the beginning of the year, the city is preparing to auction off one of its aging vehicles at the end of the year. The department announced in February that the Chargers were rolling out on city streets after months of preparation involving the city’s fleet manager, mechanics, administrative staff and patrol officers who tested the cars before deployment. The new vehicles are part of an ongoing effort to modernize the fleet, which also includes Ford Explorers and BMW motorcycles.

One of those Explorers — Vehicle #161, a 2016 model — will be leaving the fleet as the City Council on Nov. 13 approved a resolution declaring it as surplus and authorizing its sale at public auction. The SUV logged 95,662 miles and was deemed non-operational due to mechanical issues.

Under the city’s Administrative Policy III-8, surplus property originally purchased for more than $1,000 must be sold through a public auction or sealed bid unless another public agency expresses a need for it. City staff determined the Explorer was no longer viable for law enforcement use and recommended it be sent to auction.

Capitola officials have not yet announced the auction date, but once scheduled, the vehicle will be offered to the public along with other surplus items typically managed by the city’s Public Works Department. Such auctions, conducted periodically, often draw interest from residents, mechanics and secondhand dealers looking for inexpensive vehicles that can be repaired or parted out.

The department’s two new Chargers replace patrol cars approaching a decade of service — which is a typical lifespan for police vehicles because they endure daily use and are driven hard. n

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

On the Artist Learning to Use Himself

Jean-Jacques Rousseau is often quoted as saying artists have to learn to “know themselves sufficiently” in order to achieve a state of spontaneity that will reveal their innermost selves. My illustration intends to show a modern version of Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man. While Leonardo’s classic drawing depicts the perfect man, my rendering displays what Rousseau’s more realistic vision might express: an imperfect man or woman as seen with awkward mechanical appendages that may be regarded as strengths rather than limitations.

By discovering how to use the shortcomings of one’s mind, body, and emotions, artists can learn to manipulate their own unique qualities to best convey their personal creative message. Our own foibles, strengths, and tendencies then become the tools of our expression.

In fact, Rousseau also said that by learning to explain another’s thinker’s contribution to the world of ideas in a convincing manner, it would help artists and writers learn to express their own ideas as well. When artists know full well their own limitations and strive to express them honestly, the results can achieve a new resonance with one’s audience.

Indeed, a full understanding of one’s habits, pitfalls, and how we react in certain situations — rather than perceived as shortcomings — can be turned into the uniqueness of our personal message. As Moshe Feldenkrais wrote in The Potent

By Joe Ortiz

Self – A Guide to Spontaneity, “The use we make of ourselves is the best we can muster with the means at our command at that moment.”

For beginning artists, understanding and accepting one’s imperfections takes the risk of failure out of the equation — making it easier to embark.

What We Can Learn: Heroic Self-Control

In The Creative Mind and Method, authors Jack and Thatcher Summerfield wrote: “There is a kind of heroic selfcontrol which all the artists possess. . . [W]hatever is truly creative must come out of the experience of the creator . . . not something he gets second hand. This is what makes it valid. This is artistic honesty.” Most probably, AI wouldn’t be able to achieve this authenticity.

How could it? Unless it were to consume, process, and regurgitate all our writings, emails, texts, phone conversations — and go so far as to invent those very thoughts we have yet to experience and express.

Needless to say, if artists practice objective self-observation, they can trust the images and ideas that come from a particular work as truly their own creation. Our pitfalls, then, are courageously revealed through the veil of our own vulnerability.

And the newly rendered Vitruvian Man (or woman), then becomes a unique, subjective, and authentically-personal expression. Truly our own. n

Reader response: I’d love to hear your comments and questions. Email me at joe@gocapitola.com.

Healing the heart. With heart.

We all have something that makes our hearts beat a little faster—a love for family, a fulfilling career, a favorite hobby. At Dominican Hospital, our cardiovascular team shares that passion, and we put it into caring for our patients every day. Our nationally recognized program offers advanced diagnostics, innovative treatment options and comprehensive rehabilitation services. From routine cardiac checkups to lifesaving procedures, we have the expertise and dedication to care for your heart—to help keep it beating strong for all the people and activities you love. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.

Rethinking The Santa Cruz County METRO

By Jim Rummonds

Everyone knows the old adage: “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” It comes to mind when we look at the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. Despite a large service area, ridership remains thin and the finances even thinner. If you’ve ever watched buses go by mostly empty, you see it.

Would METRO exist if it had to survive on basic supply-and-demand? If not, why does it exist? Are there better options that serve both taxpayers and riders? In theory, transit reduces emissions by moving many people with one vehicle. Underused buses, however, are neither green nor frugal.

The Money

In FY 2024, METRO spent about $62.25 million to operate and made $9.2 million in operating revenue. The $53 million gap is covered by sales taxes, grants, and other subsidies from taxpayers. Public transit is expensive, but a deficit that large should force us to ask whether our model matches our geography and demand.

In many parts of the county, on-demand service (think Uber/Lyft or a county-contracted microtransit fleet) could deliver more

rides per dollar with better coverage and shorter waits, especially where ridership is chronically low.

A big slice of funding comes from Measure D, the half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2016. In FY 2023/24, METRO received about $4.3 million from Measure D, plus additional state and federal grants for zero-emission buses and transit-oriented housing. Laudable goals, but they don’t fix ridership, cost per ride, or route mismatch. We should distinguish between good intentions (cleaner fleets, new buildings) and effective transportation (people actually using the service).

Who’s on the Bus?

Ridership ticked up about 7% in Q4 FY 2024 over the prior year, but it remains roughly 28% below pre-pandemic levels.

The Highway 17 Express was down about 52% compared to the same quarter in 2019. Building a countywide system around lowutilization routes is a recipe for red ink.

METRO’s “Reimagine Santa Cruz METRO” aims to boost ridership 35% over five years with more frequency, simpler routes, and greener buses. The operative word here is reimagine. If frequency is paired with route redesign, demand-responsive service, and performance metrics (e.g., cost per passenger, riders per service hour), then we’re talking reform. If not, it’s a slogan.

Mass transit is often invoked for equity and environmental reasons—and those matter. But a system that few use fails the very communities it’s supposed to serve. Politicians can win headlines with new buses and ribbon cuttings; riders win when service is reliable, affordable and convenient.

The Uber/Microtransit Alternative

On-demand models flip the script from one-size-fits-all to right-size-for-this-trip. Instead of forcing riders to fit fixed routes and rigid schedules, you meet them where they are.

A county could contract with ride-hail

companies or operate its own microtransit (think EV vans or shuttles) that pool rides to lower cost per trip. Phone apps could be used and coverage could focus on first/last-mile gaps and low-density areas. Fares could be tied to equity discounts without the overhead of empty buses.

Transparent metrics (cost per passenger, average wait time, on-time pickup, emissions per trip) could be published so the public can judge performance.

This isn’t theory, Cities from Arlington, TX (Via), to West Sacramento (microtransit), to Summit, NJ (rideshare in lieu of new parking) have shown that targeted, ondemand service can reduce costs and increase satisfaction where fixed-route isn’t a fit.

We don’t have to blow up what works. A sane plan would protect high-performing corridors and convert chronically lowridership routes to on-demand microtransit. Deploy EVs first where utilization is strong, then scale as charging and duty cycles match real-world needs. Tie all grants and capital purchases to clear ridership and cost-per-ride outcomes.

The Bottom Line

The gap between $62.25 million in operating costs and $9.2 million in operating revenue isn’t a rounding error. If we avert our eyes from that discrepancy, we’ll keep taxing more to transport fewer. Voters should expect quarterly dashboards: ridership by route, load factor, cost per passenger, subsidy per trip, and on-time performance.

If a route misses targets for several quarters, change it. If a microtransit zone beats fixed-route performance, scale it up. Accountability isn’t anti-transit; it is protransit done well.

There is no shortage of demand for public money. There is a shortage of discipline in how we deploy it. In a county with steep hills, dispersed neighborhoods, and variable demand, a hybrid network—fixed routes where they truly pencil out, ondemand everywhere else—will move more people, spend fewer dollars, and better meet environmental goals.

If METRO’s ridership remains too low to justify the expense and emissions of running large buses on fixed routes, then flexible alternatives—Uber-style partnerships, county-run microtransit, shared EV fleets—shouldn’t be taboo. They should be the plan.

This is an issue hiding in plain sight. The facts are knowable; the math is public. As Jefferson might put it: If a people in a democracy expect to be ignorant and still have a fiscally responsible government, they expect what never was and never will be.

Let’s match our means to our needs, our routes to our riders, and our ideals to what actually works. n

County Lowers Tax for Cannabis Lounges

Supervisors Split on Changes With 3-2 Vote

By Jon Chown

Santa Cruz County supervisors approved changes to the county’s cannabis tax code at their Nov. 18 board meeting that clear the way for cannabis consumption lounges and exempts non-cannabis goods from the county’s cannabis business tax.

The Board of Supervisors adopted the amendments to Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 4.06 after more than a year of discussion, community meetings and ordinance revisions led by the county’s Cannabis Licensing Office.

Under the newly approved tax changes, the county will exempt “ancillary goods” from being taxed extra at cannabis dispensaries. That means items such as pipes or rolling papers will be taxed at the normal 9.5% rate.

The bigger change is that cannabis lounges will be treated as a separate business type with a tax rate of just 1 percent. County staff said the changes are not expected to significantly affect tax revenue. Non-cannabis goods account for less than 2 percent of sales at existing retailers, and cannabis lounge sales are not projected to meaningfully alter total cannabis business tax collections.

Bryce Beryesssa, owner of Treehouse Dispensary, said the changes would be a big help as his businesses struggle to pay the taxes and stay open.

“For us, especially as we’re talking about allowing dispensaries to potentially have lounge operations and participate in commerce in other ways than just cannabis sales, this will be a big boon for us and allow us to kind of diversify,” he said.

The board has authority to set cannabis tax rates between 0 and 10 percent. Fifth District Supervisor Monica Martinez questioned the low rate and said it incentivized

cannabis use onsite, which could create safety problems. Meanwhile, the county is facing a budget crisis, and it could use the tax money.

“We’re asking our departments to tighten budgets, delay projects and do more with less. In that context, I think it’s fair to ask why we would exempt or lower taxes for any industry,” She said.

Manu Koenig (District 1) countered that the county has such a punitive tax system for cannabis that it is driving consumers to the black market and forcing legal businesses to file bankruptcy. “This is just to try to level the playing field a little bit,” he said.

Third District Supervisor Justin Cummings, and Fourth District Supervisor Felipe Hernandez both agreed with Koenig. “What incentive is there for people to go to these businesses if they wind up paying more than they would on the black market?” Cummings asked.

Hernandez pointed out that the county is a friend to agriculture and cannabis is an agricultural product. He also said the county is not taxing other agricultural commodities in the same way. For instance, apple farms and berry farms are not taxed extra if customers pick the fruit themselves.

“If there is special treatment, it’s that we’re taxing them more than everybody else in the business,” he said.

After some discussion, the board split 3-2, with Second District Supervisor Kimberley De Serpa joining Martinez in dissent.

The board’s action concludes a process that began in November 2023, when supervisors directed the Cannabis Licensing Office to gather public feedback on potential updates to local cannabis rules, including onsite consumption. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Supervisors Approve Speed Bumps for Dover Drive Between Soquel and Howe in Live Oak

By Jon Chown

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recently approved the installation of two new road bumps along Dover Drive between Soquel Drive and Howe Street, following a call from the community to slow traffic in the neighborhood.

Four speed bumps had been initially proposed, but after review by the county’s Department of Public Works, the plan was revised to include two. Each bump will be 4 inches high with a 2-inch taper, designed to slow traffic while minimizing disruption for vehicles. The installation will also include pavement markings, warning signs, and an advisory speed limit of 15 mph.

Residents of Dover Drive spearheaded the request under the county’s 2007 Policy for Placing Physical Speed Control, which requires support from at least 50% of residents in the affected areas. The petition received 13 signatures from households in the primary area — Dover Drive between Soquel Drive and Howe Street — and 105 signatures from the secondary area, resulting in

a 60% approval rate, exceeding the threshold required for board action.

In addition to neighborhood support, the Soquel Union Elementary School District backed the project in a letter to the county’s Department of Public Works. “The safety and well-being of our community members, especially those traveling in and around this area, are of the utmost importance to us,” wrote Alison Warner, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. “We believe that the implementation of these speed bumps will positively impact our community by encouraging safer driving behavior and promoting a more peaceful and secure environment for all.”

However, the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County cautioned that speed bumps can impede emergency response times. In a letter to county officials, the district said it did not take a formal position on the matter but noted that “speed bumps delay response times and damage trucks and equipment.” The letter added that “fire

Inspiring Lifelong Learning Since 1964

Book a Tour to Learn More About a Montessori Education Extended Hours and Flexible Tuition Avaialble Ages 18 months to 14 years

apparatus,” which can weigh up to 70,000 pounds, “are designed for rapid response, but are not built to endure repeated abrupt impacts.”

The total project cost is estimated at $16,272. Residents will contribute $8,136, or half of the total, under the county’s unified fee schedule. The remaining cost will be covered by County Service Area 9, which funds local road maintenance and safety improvements. Supervisors also approved a

resolution accepting and appropriating the $8,136 in unanticipated revenue from residents to help fund the work.

County officials said the project supports Santa Cruz County’s Equity Framework and Operational Plan for Comprehensive Health and Safety, aimed at improving neighborhood safety and infrastructure.

Construction is expected to begin once scheduling and final preparations are completed by the Department of Public Works. n

Local Leaders Vow to Oppose Federal Offshore Drilling Plan

The U.S. Department of the Interior released its formal Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program in November, setting up six potential offshore lease sales along the California coast between 2027 and 2032. The proposal immediately drew opposition from Santa Cruz County officials, who said they intend to push for California’s removal from the plan.

The federal proposal outlines three lease sales off Southern California in 2027, 2029 and 2030; two off Central California in 2027 and 2029; and one sale off Northern California in 2029. The agency must now open a 60-day public comment period before the plan can be finalized.

California has not seen new federal offshore oil and gas leasing in decades. State and local officials have historically opposed new drilling, citing the state’s long-standing coastal protections and concerns about potential impacts on fisheries, marine life and tourism.

Supporters of the federal plan, including some energy-industry groups, say expanded

leasing is needed to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign oil.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings condemned the plan’s release.

“It is sickening to learn that the Trump administration has relaunched the outer continental shelf oil and gas leasing program, but not surprising,” Cummings said. “This is why we have been building a local government coalition to fight back

against these efforts and fight back we will.”

The coalition — which traces its origins to a similar local-government coordination effort formed in 1980 — now includes Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Marin and Santa Cruz counties, along with the City of Santa Cruz. Additional cities and counties are expected to consider resolutions in the coming weeks.

Supervisor Kim De Serpa, who joined Cummings in opposing the federal plan, said she expects support from local governments across the state.

“We are standing shoulder to shoulder to fight against the administration’s plan to drill for oil off the entire coast of California,” De Serpa said. “I feel certain that supervisors in Central Coast counties and throughout California will stand together to protect our coastal waters, support our state and federal representatives, and stop this action. We continue to insist on protection of our coastlines and waters, our tourism industry and fisheries, and our marine mammals and all creatures in our Pacific Ocean.”

Interior officials have not indicated whether the agency plans to hold in-person public hearings, which have been standard in past leasing cycles. The draft plan could be revised after the public comment period concludes.

A coalition website is expected to provide updates and links for residents wishing to submit comments on the federal proposal during the upcoming review window. n

2026 Spring Semester

Classes begin January 26, 2026

All Kids Play 2025 Campaign Aims to Expand Park Access

County Park Friends, the nonprofit partner of Santa Cruz County Parks, has launched its All Kids Play 2025 campaign with an ambitious goal to raise $100,000 by the end of December. The campaign supports scholarships and park improvements that make it possible for local youth to enjoy healthy, active, and enriching experiences outdoors.

Every child in Santa Cruz County deserves the chance to learn to swim, join a sports camp, or explore nature through park programs — but many

families cannot afford the fees. Through All Kids Play scholarships, County Park Friends ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation.

Last year, community donations helped connect 1,111 youth to County Parks programs and fund 383 full scholarships for activities such as swim lessons, pool guards, sports camps and nature programs. Demand continues to grow, with applications exceeding available funding each year.

County Parks Friends efforts were recently highlighted in Capitola, where

Santa Cruz County Urges Families to Stop Using Recalled Infant Formula Linked to Botulism

Santa Cruz County Public Health is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using certain lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula after reports linked the product to cases of infant botulism.

The voluntary recall, announced by the manufacturer and monitored by state and federal agencies, affects two batches of the formula distributed to nearly 400 stores across 37 California counties. Local investigators confirmed that recalled cans were sold at Target and Whole Foods stores in Santa Cruz County.

“County Environmental Health investigations indicated that the recalled product was sold in the community, therefore we are urging families to check their pantries to confirm they do not have this potentially contaminated product,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Santa Cruz County Health Officer.

As of Nov. 11, no cases of infant botulism have been reported in Santa Cruz County, officials said.

The recall applies to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula with the following batch information:

Lot 206VABP/Batch 251261P2, Use by: Dec. 1, 2026

Lot 206VABP/Batch 251131P2, Use by: Dec. 1, 2026

The batch code is printed on the bottom of the can, and the Universal Product Code (UPC) is 85004496800.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause muscle weakness, poor feeding, and difficulty breathing. “If not treated quickly, botulism can be fatal,” Hernandez said. “Caregivers should contact their healthcare provider if their baby shows any symptoms.”

Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using recalled formula immediately, clean any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with it, and watch for symptoms, which can take several weeks to appear. These may include constipation, poor feeding, weak cry, or loss of head control.

Those whose infants have consumed the recalled product should keep the packaging and lot number for reporting and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms appear.

Healthcare providers who suspect a case of infant botulism are urged to contact the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for consultation, available 24 hours a day. Suspected cases must also be reported to the California Department of Public Health. n

For more information, visit www.cdph.ca.gov or contact Santa Cruz County Public Health.

COMMUNITY NEWS

the group has partnered with the city to modernize Treasure Cove playground at Jade Street Park and make it accessible to more children.

Treasure Cove will feature a marine and shoreline theme with specialized equipment, including a wheelchairaccessible merry-go-round, cozy domes, sensory play structures and climbing zones, ensuring children of all ages and abilities can play together side by side.

An 18-month capital campaign led by County Park Friends raised more than $1 million in private donations. Contributions came from individual community members, service organizations, foundations and local businesses through a wide variety of creative fundraisers.

“Over 1,500 donors contributed to Treasure Cove. Their generosity has brought us to this moment,” said lead community fundraising volunteer Dan Haifley at a groundbreaking event for the project held in October.

The City of Capitola provided $475,000 in initial funding for outreach and design; additional funding came from a $3.2 million Community Development Block Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“What I’ve realized is that when you have playgrounds that are inclusive, it means a lot to the parents and a lot to the children who then can be a part of something that is

foundational for what we stand for,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). “It gives you that sense of belonging.” n

To contribute or learn more, visit countyparkfriends.org. Every dollar raised stays right here in Santa Cruz County, building stronger kids, families, and communities through recreation, confidence, and connection.

SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES

Dominican Hospital Celebrates New Mobile Clinic

By Jon Chown

Dominican Hospital held a ribboncutting ceremony for its new Mobile Wellness Clinic on Nov. 7.

The mobile clinic, which is basically an RV designed to provide medical care, is a key part of the hospital’s outreach to local residents who struggle to afford health care, said nurse practitioner Erin O’Connor, manager of the clinic.

“The vast majority of our patients are the working poor. They make too much to qualify for Medi-Cal but can’t afford insurance,” she said. “We are the last safety net for many, and we see everyone without cost.”

The need in Santa Cruz County is what inspired Sister Michaella Siplak to launch the Mobile Wellness Clinic out of Dignity Health’s Dominican Hospital in 2011. It serves about 2,500 patients annually, providing low-cost treatment, education and referrals to more services.

O’Connor said the clinic is able to screen for cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and more. It helps people manage chronic disease and also screens people for food insecurity. The clinic makes routine visits to Davenport, Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Pajaro, while also working with other health programs and entities to assist them. For instance, it collaborates with the Community Action Board to provide health care to farmworkers.

The new all-electric clinic has two exam rooms and a central reception area. O’Connor said having electricity will be really helpful, allowing physicians and patients in a quiet setting “without the hum and roar of a diesel generator.”

“I can finally retire my amplified stethoscope,” she said.

The new RV also has a bathroom, which O’Connor said will allow the clinic to post

up nearly anywhere, whereas before there needed to be a bathroom close by.

The campaign to raise the $2.145 million needed for the clinic began in 2023.

“It’s community support that fuels this mobile wellness clinic,” said Anthony Pagliaro, director of philanthropy at Dignity Health. n

Into the Holidays We Carefully Tread

Down we go and up we go. More economic news hits the wires.

Packaging box sales are down. Everything comes in a box don’t you know. (Yahoo Finance). Freight shipments plunge also from Yahoo Finance.

Signs are popping up everywhere that things are getting more obvious as to the damage inflation is causing.

Meanwhile artificial intelligence stocks hit the roof then that roof turned into a ceiling and last week near week’s end those very same stocks plummeted.

Meanwhile the government reopens as the Democrats capitulate, although it is not for certain who was really at fault, so says the newswires.

Who knows what, or who, really caused all the budget hub bub. But as I penned last week, it’s all about the money. It’s always about the money, so likely Washington, and both political parties, were to blame.

So the question becomes what will the holiday season bring as it pertains to holiday sales. With inflation still burning up prices and both UPS and FEDX having about 10% of their planes grounded because of the horrific crash of a UPS transport jet two weeks back that killed 14 unfortunates, its anyone’s guess how the consumer and the companies that sell to them will negotiate the upcoming season. My guess is not well.

I said the same thing last year but never did see those lagging 2024 holiday sales posted much of anywhere. Good sales numbers they shout from the rooftops. Bad ones are swept under the news rug and one has to dig deep to get them.

Yes, they can continue to go higher still. Much higher than one might think. But those rocket ships usually flame out and crash and burn, bringing down investor money with it.

An advisor I know bought DocuSign during the CoVid shutdown period, and

Anyway, back to the stock market.

With many of the artificial intelligence (AI) stocks charts looking like one of Elon Musk’s rocket launches, it’s difficult, at least for me, to buy much of anything lately. I am talking about stocks of course.

Take a look at the charts of many of AI stocks like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Palantir (PLTR) or Nvidia (NVDA) and note the almost vertical climb in their stock price over the last year or so.

An advisor I know, in fact many advisors I know, tell me not to worry, and that the markets will continue to rise including those vaulted AI stocks.

Sometimes I wonder what they teach these guys in advisor class. Certainly not what a stock bubble looks like when displayed in a chart.

Note to advisors: Vertical lines that look like rocket ships blasting off are bad.

the advisor said “how low could it go?’ and kept holding it. I told him look to where it started its rise (about $50.) and that’s where it could end back up. He laughed and said no way was going back to $50. He was kind of right. It didn’t end up at $50. It went below $20.

The lesson here is the gravy train of mania stocks that experience these sort of ballistic increases are, in my opinion, acci dents waiting to happen.

Sure, some people make a lot of money, but some also lose their shirts when they crater.

When people ask me about the stock market now, I have to say I have my doubts that some of these stocks won’t end in some horrific pull back that will shock investors.

Sure, stocks can go a lot higher than anyone expects. And that anyone is me from time to time. But I just can’t chase the tiger by the tale in good faith.

People do chase these ballistic stocks in a moment of greed. They have a FOMO moment, (FEAR OF MISSING OUT) and

no, I didn’t make that one up. It’s a real stock term.

But those vertical stock charts in some

By Marc Cuniberti

economy, may play out in a nasty sort of way, draining investor portfolios in the process. I could be wrong. I never think I am 100% right, which is part of what I’ve learned in my 50 odd years of doing this stock thing.

But many times throughout history those darn rising vertical lines turn tail and vertically go the other way. And like investor icon Warren Buffett’s two investing rules say:

Rule 1: Don’t lose money.

Rule 2: Don’t forget rule 1. Anything can happen, and some of it may not be so good.

Caveat emptor. n

This article expresses the opinion of Marc Cuniberti and is not meant as investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, nor represents the opinion of any bank, investment firm or RIA, nor this media outlet, its staff, members or underwriters. Mr. Cuniberti holds a B.A. in Economics with honors, 1979, and California Insurance License #0L34249 His insurance agency is BAP INC. insurance services.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Homeless Garden Project Honors New Leaf Community Markets

The Homeless Garden Project has named New Leaf Community Markets its inaugural Employer Partner of the Year, recognizing the grocery company’s strong commitment to hiring graduates of the program and helping people move out of homelessness through steady, meaningful employment.

The award was presented before an audience of more than 250 supporters and community leaders during the nonprofit’s annual Fall Sustain Farm Supper, held at its 3.5-acre organic farm on the west side of Santa Cruz.

Founded in 1990, the Homeless Garden Project (HGP) provides job training, transitional employment and support services for people experiencing homelessness.

Its trainees work on the farm and in HGP’s social enterprises, developing skills that prepare them for long-term employment and housing stability.

Employer partners are an essential part of that process, said Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn.

They volunteer their time to conduct mock interviews, serve on employer panels and — most importantly — hire program graduates who are ready to re-enter the workforce.

“Having employers come out to the

“The recognition of

farm and meet our trainees is powerful,” Ganzhorn said. “They see firsthand the motivation and readiness of our participants — and that builds real confidence to hire.”

In 2025, New Leaf Community Markets hired five HGP participants in rapid succession, allowing those trainees to graduate early and opening spaces for new enrollees. The hires reflect what HGP leaders describe as a “model partnership,” in which employers actively create on-ramps to opportunity for people overcoming barriers to employment.

“The Homeless Garden Project empowers people to gain control of their lives and move out of homelessness,” said New Leaf founder Scott Roseman. “It’s great to employ someone who’s faced challenges, but it’s extraordinary when that person becomes an essential part of your business’s success—and that’s exactly what we’ve experienced with HGP graduates.”

HGP’s network of employer partners includes The Garden Company, the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, Housing Matters, Janus of Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Warriors. Each plays a role in helping graduates transition from HGP’s paid training

New Leaf as our first Employer Partner of the Year celebrates what’s possible when businesses and nonprofits work together. It shows that local employers can make a direct, lasting impact on reducing homelessness in our community.”

— Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director, Homeless Garden Project

program to permanent employment in the community.

Beyond job placement, the Homeless Garden Project’s programs combine handson work experience with wraparound support, case management and education. Participants cultivate organic produce for HGP’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and for sale through its retail store, which also features a line of valueadded products made by trainees.

According to the organization, 95% of HGP graduates over the past decade have secured employment, and 88% have found stable housing—results that underscore the

program’s focus on empowerment through work and community.

“The recognition of New Leaf as our first Employer Partner of the Year celebrates what’s possible when businesses and nonprofits work together,” Ganzhorn said. “It shows that local employers can make a direct, lasting impact on reducing homelessness in our community.” n

More information about the Homeless Garden Project and its Employer Partner Network is available at homelessgardenproject. org/employer-partner-network or by contacting jobs@homelessgardenproject.org.

Capitola Village to Host Full Day of Holiday Cheer on December 6

Capitola Village will celebrate the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a full day of festive events, including a cookie walk, palm tree lighting, community caroling, parade, late-night shopping, and evening SantaCon festivities. The day begins with the Capitola Village Holiday Cookie Walk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a family-friendly activity where participants can fill a box with holiday cookies from local shops. Attendees bring their registration to Capitola Candy Cafe to receive boxes, then visit participating businesses. Tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or at Capitola Candy Cafe. Past participants have included El Toro Bravo, Margaritaville, Pete’s Fish House, Capitola Wine Bar, Mr. Toots, Vanity By the Sea, Capitola Paws, Oceania, Art Inspired, Craft Gallery, Out West Boutique, Studio About Her, Kickback, Sea Level, Euphoria, Castagnola, Capitola Reef, Sweet Asylum, Hot Feet, and Boba Bay. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy free instant photos at the Trike-a-Pose mobile photo booth at Esplanade Park. At 5:30 p.m., the community will gather for the palm tree lighting ceremony with appearances by the mayor and Santa.

Hot chocolate and cookies are provided by Shadowbrook and Gayles. Community caroling begins at 6 p.m., with song booklets provided and a singer leading attendees on a stroll through the Esplanade and Capitola Avenue, spreading holiday cheer. The VW Christmas Parade will pass through the village at 7 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy “Holiday Nights: Capitola After Hours,” a village-wide late-night shopping event running until 8 p.m.

Local boutiques will offer exclusive deals, warm beverages, and a festive atmosphere for visitors to browse gifts, artisan items, and stocking stuffers under twinkling holiday lights.

The evening concludes with Capitola SantaCon 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., a festive pub crawl for adults 21 and older. The event starts at Katalina’s Boutique and continues through Zelda’s, Sand Bar, Bay Bar & Grill, and Britannia Arms, featuring holiday-themed cocktails, karaoke, and festive attire. SantaCon is free to attend, with no tickets or registration required. Participants are encouraged to celebrate responsibly.

Free three-hour parking is available in Capitola from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day.

The full schedule of events makes Dec. 6 a day of Christmas and holiday cheer in Capitola, offering something for families, shoppers, and festive revelers alike. n

For more information, residents and visitors can check the Capitola Village events website and visit www.santacon.info/ Capitola-CA/.

2025: A Remarkable Year of Milestones, Momentum, and Community Partnership

By Rachél Lather, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

As we prepare to welcome a new year, I’ve been reflecting on just how transformative 2025 has been for Soquel Creek Water District, our customers, and our regional partners. At the start of the year, I shared that 2025 would be pivotal — and with the year nearly behind us, that prediction has certainly proven true.

A Historic Achievement

Without question, the most exciting milestones of 2025 revolved around the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. After more than a decade of analysis, planning, funding, and construction, the District is embarking on fulfilling its long-standing commitment to secure a new, safe, and reliable water source for our customers.

neighboring water providers, and state and federal partners. We also partnered with the City of Santa Cruz to expand our beloved Water Education Assembly program this year.

The Assembly program provides lessons about water conservation, pollution prevention, protecting watersheds, and the hydrologic cycle through unique, crowd-pleasing stage shows.

Proactive Water Quality Management

This achievement represents much more than an engineering and environmental success — it’s a community success. It reflects years of thoughtful public engagement, collaboration with local and regional partners, and the support and patience of our customers. Pure Water Soquel is completing the startup and commissioning, and we are excited to be on the cusp of replenishing the groundwater basin, protecting it from seawater intrusion, and strengthening long-term water reliability for generations ahead.

This year, we were honored to be recognized as the 2025 Organization of the Year by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce and medium-size Agency of the Year by California WateReuse Association.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

This year also reminded us just how important strong partnerships are. As noted earlier this year, delivering Pure Water Soquel required more interagency collaboration than any project in our history. In 2025, we carried that spirit forward.

We continued to work closely with the Mid-County Groundwater Agency,

The Assembly program provides lessons about water

Alongside our water supply achievements, the District continued leading the way in water quality stewardship. This year included significant progress on addressing California’s new hexavalent chromium (chrome-6) regulations, including public outreach, pilot testing, and advancing the design for a treatment system for three wells in the Seascape area. Through all these efforts, one thing has remained constant: your drinking water has remained safe, and we have kept our community fully informed at every step.

Renewed Focus on Core Services

Even as we achieved major project milestones, our day-to-day mission never changed. In 2025, the District continued:

• Maintaining and upgrading critical water infrastructure

• Proactively managing groundwater resources

• Delivering clean drinking water efficiently and reliably

• Supporting customers with conservation tools and programs

• Using technology and data to enhance system performance

Whether the year brought heavy winter rains or long dry spells, our community continued to shine in its commitment to using water wisely.

Looking Ahead With Confidence

At the beginning of 2025, I shared that Soquel Creek Water District had evolved from being solely a water purveyor into a water purification and groundwater replenishment agency. Now, after a year of major accomplishments and important lessons learned, that expanded role feels more real — and more hopeful — than ever.

As we move into 2026, we carry forward a profound sense of momentum, responsibility, and gratitude. We will

remain nimble, collaborative, and forwardthinking as we continue planning for long-term water reliability in a changing climate.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, and community members. Through droughts, construction impacts, and major regional challenges, you have remained engaged, supportive, and resilient. The progress we celebrate today belongs to all of us.

Happy New Year and thank you for continuing to do your part as we proudly continue to do ours.

Ms. Lather has been on the Board of Directors since 2016, became President of the Board in 2020, and is serving again as President through 2025. She is a resident of Aptos and a retired civil engineer with more than 40 years of experience. Ms. Lather also serves on the Santa Cruz County Local Agency Formation Commission.

Nursery Rhymes

Sacha Cohen’s middle name

Render speechless

Medley

Apathetic

Not tanned

Nearly

Bird’s groomer

It’s open to interpretation

#57

do your ears

(3 words)

Advent — a Pause, a Sacred Stillness Awaiting the Arrival of the Light

Esoteric Astrology • December 2025 •

By Risa D’Angeles

And so the last month of the year, December, has begun. The Sun is now in the sign of the Archer (Sagittarius), Mercury is moving forward in Scorpio, and Advent, the four-week festival of preparation for the new light of Winter Solstice, began last Sunday, November 30th.

We have upcoming festivals, all reflecting the mysteries hidden in the message of the heavens — a full moon Sagittarius festival December 4th; St. Nicholas Feast Day December 6th; the Immaculate Conception of Mary December 8th; Mercury re-enters Sagittarius December 12th; the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe December 13th, and Hanukkah, Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown, Sunday, December 14th.

The days of Advent (light kindled in the darkness) always in the hopeful sign of Sagittarius. Advent — days in December dedicated to preparing for the new light of the new year (Winter Solstice).

In terms of light, every Sunday, households around the world light candles set in the circle of an Advent (evergreens) wreath. There are four candles on the wreath (3 violet colored, 1 pink). Each candle represents a week and a kingdom — mineral, plant, animal and human. The

ARIES

With four lights in the heavens retrograde, it’s possible you will review many things from the past that affect you deeply –a person, resource, marriage, an intimacy, a friend. Observe, feel and review this loss and then turn it around towards gratitude. Make it a gift, a power received, something of great value to you. Review present desires and aspirations. Learn the difference between the two. Ask everyone what they value in you. You learn new realities about yourself.

TAURUS

You will see the need to ponder upon new, very different, more kind and inclusive ways of communicating. You will realize that you must listen now with curiosity, asking penetrating questions (instead of solving problems) when others speak. With deep listening, great insights occur for both speaker and listener. Search for ways also to have more trust. Then you can reveal the sterling truths about yourself without fear of retaliation. Transparency purifies the emotional body.

GEMINI

Care for your health in all ways, from morning ‘til night. Make this your priority. Begin by being in the sun and fresh air morning and evening. Then continue with morning exercise before breaking the night’s fast. Move onto green smoothies (almond milk, kale, lemon, beets, parsley, apple, pear, spirulina). Make cilantro pesto. Eat an avocado a day. Something, both dissolving and refining, occurs within. Seek to understand a partner’s sorrows. Listen and observe. Maintain quiet. Pray.

CANCER

You consider what in the past brought you joy, what helped you be creative, and what you used to be enthusiastic (filled with God) about. You will see how you’ve become more than you thought you would be. Non-verbal ways of expressing yourself seem more appropriate now. Spend most time in gardens, museums, places with art, creativity and beauty. Explore all of nature. Explore what it means to be your natural self.

significance of this is that all of earth’s kingdoms await the new solstice light. This week, the first week of Advent, the mineral kingdom candle is lit. The 2nd week the plant kingdom, the 3rd week animal, and the 4th, the human kingdom is recognized.

Advent is Latin for “adventus” which means “something will soon arrive!” referring to Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn (Tropic of Capricorn). After three days of quiet, the Sun begins to turn northward. The dark half of the year ends and we enter once again (each year) into the light half of the year.

In these weeks we also prepare for two most important festivals of light; — Hanukkah (festival and miracle of Light, December 14) and Christmas (birth of the holy child, symbol for the Light of the World, December 25th). These two festivals signify two different developmental stages of thought, knowledge and wisdom within humanity. Both offer the light of hope, and fulfil a promise — that within the darkness (of matter) is a glimmer of light. Advent is a time of stillness, a pause, awaiting the “arrival” (advent) of the new season (winter) with its the new rhythms. Life and light harmonize in the hearts of humanity. n

LEO

You may see family and friends from the past, perhaps from childhood. Family may seek to include you in celebrations, attempting to relive their past and offering traditions, which you have set aside. You remember younger years, when you were free and wandering, when the light you lived under came only from the sky, sun and stars. You sense impressions from the past seeking new interpretations. Plant blue morning glories inside the home and outside, too.

VIRGO

Over and over the same thoughts and ideas circulate through your mind. You want to discover all aspects of a puzzle, attempting to put all the pieces together. Thoughts come to mind but there’s an inability to articulate many of them. In this unusual retrograde silence, your eyes see more than ever before. It’s as if your senses shifted. As one sings, the other doesn’t. Seek to understand everyone’s truths. Let them stand equally with your truths. There is nothing higher than the truth.

LIBRA

When you look around at your living, working and garden environments, you realize you’ve come to love and appreciate and value all of them. Each offers a specific orderliness that you need. They calm and soothe your spirit and provide your life with a daily purpose and context. They relieve anxiety, provide stability. You realize these have been within you all along, since birth. This ability to see reality and your own strength and beauty has occurred within. Have gratitude for the past. It built your present/future. You have been loved all along.

SCORPIO

Over the next several weeks and a bit beyond you assess your self-image and ways of thinking and feeling. The reality is not what others think of you but what you think of and truly recognize as yourself. And then you begin to create a new image. No longer an outer persona, but one more in depth is presented to the world. You no longer need to veil, arm or protect a self-image that’s no longer real. You become more and more authentic. There’s nothing to lose, nothing to gain. You’re the Buddha on the road, collecting sadness and sorrows of those you encounter, placing them in your sack.

SAGITTARIUS

Sorrows and sadness from the past seek to be replaced with a new state of joy and gladness. All thoughts begin to be clothed in the light of compassion. There’s no longer the question of why. There’s only the feeling of goodness, that life’s precious and beautiful and paradox is acceptable. You will walk to a door in the next several weeks. You will open that door and then shut it behind you. You will see a mountain with an ascending light. You glimpse scenes from your life ahead. Have good sturdy shoes. It’s the Path to the snowy mountains hiding the land of Shamballa.

CAPRICORN

This retrograde time has quite an intense storyline. You have accomplished much in the past months. Within events that have come to a close, be aware of new insights, understandings and revelations appearing subtly. All previous experiences, especially sadness, coalesce into new states of knowledge. An old friend makes contact; strange twists and turns of relationships begin to ease. Defeat becomes triumph. Speak your mind with truth about your experiences. Someone cries. You comfort them. Others adapt to you. Frustration turns to opportunity. Art finally calls.

AQUARIUS

You don’t allow any glamorous nonsense to be in your life and environments. You only want practicality. Because everything seems to be changing every moment. This will continue. You will seek stability wherever you find it. New revelations occur. New thinking. You are inventive. Use all of these in your work then present them to the world. Allow others to respond (or not). You seek collaboration. You know your path. It’s always the surprising unusual view. Community calls. You create it.

PISCES

Up till now you’ve had hopes, dreams and wishes of what you want in your future. All of these you wish to share with others. These may change in the coming months. You will accept where you are and the situations you’re in. An old dilemma becomes a great Truth. A philosophy is differently interpreted and you cherish it like a golden apple, a golden I Ching coin. Old friends drop away seeking a different path. Your work expands. You build within the crystal square. A triangle of a village appears complete with trees.

CAPITOLA / SOQUEL EVENTS

Saturday December 6

SOQUEL VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

6-8 p.m., Soquel Village

Celebrate the 3rd annual Soquel Village Christmas Tree Lighting with caroling, early evening shopping, tasty snacks, and a visit from Santa.

Enjoy festive cheer in the heart of the village. For more information, check local Soquel Village event listings or contact the organizers.

VOLUNTEER: MONTHLY VILLAGE CLEAN UP

9 – 10 a.m., Capitola Village Esplanade, Join the monthly Village Clean Up at Capitola Village Esplanade and help keep the area beautiful. Volunteers use garbage pickers and biodegradable bags to collect trash.

Furry friends are welcome!

For more information, visit https://capitolavillage.com or contact the organizers.

CAPITOLA VILLAGE HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK

11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Capitola Village Esplanade, Capitola, CA

Take a stroll through historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores.

This family-friendly event runs through the heart of the business day.

Tickets are $20. For more information and registration details, visit https://capitolavillage.com.

CAPITOLA HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: PALM TREE LIGHTING, CAROLING AND MORE 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Esplanade Park & Capitola Village Celebrate the holidays in Capitola Village with palm tree lighting, community caroling, and late-night shopping. Enjoy free photos, hot chocolate, and cookies, and join the VW Christmas Parade at 7 p.m.

For details and schedule updates, visit https://capitolavillage. com.

Monday December 8

WEST COAST SWING SERIES

7:30–8:30 p.m., Capitola Recreation, 4510 Jade St. Final session of this West Coast Swing series. Build your foundation for intermediate dancing in a fun, supportive environment.

Price $74–$94; senior and local discounts available. For information, call 831-475-5935.

Thursday December 18 thru Sunday January 4

FLYNN CREEK CIRCUS: THE BRIDGE

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Flynn Creek Circus, Big Top Tent at Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave.

Experience The Bridge, an original, family-friendly circus show by Flynn Creek Circus, featuring acrobatics, comedy, and captivating characters inspired by Nordic legend.

All tables are $10 off opening night, and there are multiple shows with special pricing, plus a series of Adults Only performances. Beer, wine, and concessions are available.

Free parking on site. For tickets and more details, visit https://www.flynncreekcircus.com/2025-tickets/. n

Honoring Our Veterans Santa Cruz County Remembers with Parades, Ceremonies

BBy Jon Chown

uzz Gray was out early on Veterans Day, preparing to walk from Natural Bridges State Beach to the Britannia Arms in Capitola.

Gray started the organization Journey for Change nine years ago and every year leads a march to raise awareness of the link between veterans and suicide.

The 81-year-old served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967.

“People ask me what was the worst part about Vietnam. I tell them it was coming home,” he said. “We weren’t very popular. We didn’t talk about it. People didn’t like us.”

Thankfully, Gray said, those attitudes have mostly changed. “I think people now realize that you don’t have to like the war, but you don’t take it out on the warrior.”

Events honoring veterans occurred throughout the county on Nov. 11. At the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building, a ceremony was held from 11 a.m. to noon featuring remarks by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. A moment of silence was held at the War Memorial outside the Vets Hall afterward. Gray’s march was the first event of the day, with veterans and their supporters lining up at 8:30 a.m. to begin the march.

“It’s a really beautiful walk, and it’s a good way to get some younger veterans out here. There’s no boundary between ages among veterans,” Gray said. “It’s just a lot easier for veterans to talk to other veterans.”

Jose Becerra of Watsonville served in the Navy from 2012 to 2016 on board the USS Ronald Reagan and USS George Washington. He said he was there to show support for his fellow veterans.

“Veterans are like a community, so I’m here to show support for my community,” he said.

It was Becerra’s fifth year participating in the march. The first year was a march from Watsonville to Santa Cruz, 22 miles over two days. The distance was an ode to a 2013 study by the VA that found that 22 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day.

Gray said the first march, nine years

ago, went from Santa Cruz to Sacramento. It took two weeks. Gray’s journey through life landed him in Vietnam during the war. He was a teenager when he first arrived.

“We were all teenagers. We were just kids, doing what they asked us to do,” he said. But when he got back home, people didn’t seem to see it that way. He originally arrived in town in 1969 to attend UC Santa Cruz on the G.I. Bill. President Nixon had just announced the invasion of Cambodia, and the whole campus shut down due to protests.

“I just kind of hid out. The whole time I was in college I didn’t tell anybody who I was,” he said. “I had a hard time becoming a civilian. I just didn’t know how to interact in the world.”

Gray’s experience was wholly different from that of Guy George, who served in the Navy during the Korean War. George was in Watsonville Tuesday morning for the march from St. Patrick’s Church to Veterans Hall. The route would take them down Main Street and right through the heart of town. Local residents, mostly students from Moreland Notre Dame Elementary, lined Main Street to see the parade, waving American flags.

The parade ended with a ceremony that honored veterans from all branches of service. It’s an annual tradition in Watsonville, though the turnout has slowly been dwindling. Twenty years ago there were World War II veterans in the parade, and even members of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese American soldiers in World War II who were recruited out of internment camps. The 442nd is the most decorated unit in U.S. combat history and many members settled in Watsonville after the war.

During the ceremony, Tom Graves, author of “Twice Heroes: America’s Nisei Veterans of WWII” spoke about regiment’s legacy and their sacrifice. “It was an honor meeting and telling the stories of these amazing Nisei veterans,” he said.

The eldest veteran in attendance appeared to be George, 94, who had served

“My experience coming home was great!” he said, with far more energy than one might expect from a 94-year-old man.

“It was so close to World War II and people had a lot of respect for Korean War vets. I could hitchhike and always get a ride. It was great to come back home. It was something special.” n

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

The Aptos Branch Library hosts Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

7 p.m., Congregational Church Preschool Meeting Room, 4951 Soquel Ave., Soquel

Overeaters Anonymous welcomes any type of eating disorder or problems with food. No dues, fees or weigh-ins.

Meetings take place at Congregational Church in the preschool meeting room.

All are welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) has meetings daily both in-person and on-line in Santa Cruz County at santacruzoa.org

Tuesdays

BINGO AT MCSC

1-3 p.m., Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola (behind the Party Store)

TUESDAY NIGHT SALSA SOCIAL

Hot Dogs, Chili and snacks available for purchase courtesy of our Snack Shack. A lot of fun for all and a possible big win! Door opens at 12:15 p.m.

7 – 10 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz Join a midweek salsa social at Abbott Square Market with salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata. Free and open to all skill levels—just bring energy and dancing shoes.

More information: www.abbottsquaremarket.com

Thursdays

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

7:15-9:15 p.m., Peace United Church 900 High St, Santa Cruz. Beginners welcome, partners not required. $10 each. First class free. Come dance!

HAPPY HOUR

5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic happy hour every week.

Third Thursdays SIP AND STROLL

6-9 p.m. (check-in 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos

Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell their works.

Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. Details of this and more Sevy’s events at www.sevysbarand kitchen.com/events

Fridays (except First Friday of the Month)

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP

10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library.   Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.

First Saturdays

CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP

9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park

Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Park.

Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational activities of Capitola.

This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com.

Second Saturdays

HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way

Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free.

Saturdays and Sundays

ELKHORN SLOUGH: FREE TOUR OF THE PRESERVE

10 a.m. | 11 a.m., Elkhorn Slough Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville

Docent-led tours offer visitors a guided introduction to Elkhorn Slough’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and tidal wetlands.

Each walk is tailored to participants’ interests and abilities, creating an engaging, educational experience.

Space is limited, and tours are first-come, firstserved.

Guests can sign up at the Visitor Center front desk or call ahead the same morning at (831) 728-2822 for availability.

Second Sundays

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz

The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the

WEEKLY FARMERS’ MARKETS

WEDNESDAYS

community for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every second Sunday, this month on June 8.

Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa. Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6 Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are welcomed. For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call (831) 423-6640.

DATED EVENTS

Wednesday December 3

MOE’S ALLEY AND KPIG PRESENT ANA POPOVIC W/ ANTHONY ARYA

Doors 6 p.m. | Show 7 p.m., The Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Blues guitarist and singer Ana Popovic takes the stage with special guest Anthony Arya. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of show, and all ages are welcome.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www. riotheatre.com/events-2/2025/12/03/anapopovic.

Thursday December 4

FULL MOON HIKE AT QUAIL HOLLOW

6 – 8:30 p.m., Quail Hollow Ranch County Park 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton

Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight.

On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Meet with your guide outside the ranch house before heading out.

For ages 8 & up. (Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

Space is limited for this free activity. Register in advance by calling 831-454-7901.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ — 1 – 5 PM, Cedar St. & Church St.

A bustling market featuring certified organic produce, artisanal foods, seafood, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted, and Market Match doubles purchases (up to $10). Free entry; metered and garage parking available — free after 6 PM. Live local music and street closures add vibrant atmosphere. Full vendor list and updates at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

FRIDAYS

WATSONVILLE (Certified) — 3 – 7 PM, Peck St & Main St.

Allyear market offering Watsonville-grown produce, seafood, dairy, flowers, hot foods, artisan goods. Free entry; metered parking available. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Vendor news via local AARP events.

SATURDAYS

WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ — 9 AM – 1 PM, Mission St Ext & Western Dr.

Yearround market offering 100% certified-organic produce, seafood, meats, flowers, prepared meals, espresso bar, and artisan goods. Free parking on site. EBT/SNAP + Market Match. Often hosts pop-up breakfast events. Perfect for starting your weekend with fresh food and community energy. Full details at santacruzfarmersmarket.org.

APTOS (at Cabrillo College) — 8 AM – Noon, 6500 Soquel Drive

Celebrated coastal market with over 90 vendors selling produce, sustainable seafood, artisan breads, honey, meats, flowers, and hot food. EBT/WIC accepted. Free/year-round weekend oasis for local flavors and crafts. Hosted by MontereyBayFarmers.

SUNDAYS

LIVE OAK/EASTSIDE — 9 AM – 1 PM, 15th & East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz Vibrant seaside Sunday market featuring organic produce, fresh seafood, hot food stands (Mexican, crepes, brunch), pastries, coffee, flowers. Free parking, EBT/SNAP, Market Match, and monthly family-oriented events.

WATSONVILLE FAIRGROUNDS — 9 AM – 4 PM, 2601 E Lake Ave, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Year-round market with wide selection of local produce, meats, seafood, crafts, and prepared foods. EBT/SNAP accepted. Parking onsite. Great for combining a market visit with other Fairgrounds activities.

28 / December 2025 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Friday December 5

SOQUEL ELEMENTARY WINTER BOUTIQUE

3 – 7 p.m., Soquel Elementary School, 2700 Porter St.

This event is free and open to the public. Food Truck onsite, 30+ vendors , Live holiday music by a local student band

Event hosted by Soquel Elementary Home & School Club

Contact: winterboutique2025@gmail.com for more information

Friday December 5

Saturday December 6

48TH ANNUAL HERITAGE HOLIDAY CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR

Noon–9 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Browse three bustling buildings filled with handmade crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys, and more, many from longtime crafters.

Enjoy crowd-favorite foods in the Holiday Kitchens, then stroll through Sparky’s Holiday Lights starting at 5:30 p.m. For information and tickets, visit the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation at https://fairgrounds-foundation.org.

Saturday December 6

APTOS HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MAKERS MARKET

1 – 4 p.m., 151 Aptos Village Way, behind New Leaf Community Market

Join the Aptos Chamber of Commerce for a festive afternoon celebrating the holiday season.

Enjoy local artisans offering unique gifts and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, and live music by the Soquel High Jazz Band and Aptos Local Bagpipes.

Children can take photos with Santa, and visitors can shop a variety of handmade items from jewelry, candles, and ceramics to books, clothing, and wellness products.

Free and open to all.

For more information, visit www.aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467.

WATSONVILLE HOLIDAY FACTORY SALE

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., El Pájaro CDC Kitchen Incubator, 412 East Riverside Drive (and participating locations throughout the Pajaro Valley)

Shop local and discover products made, grown, and crafted in the Pajaro Valley at this festive community shopping event.

Start your day at the El Pájaro CDC Kitchen Incubator’s Winter Market, then explore participating businesses across Watsonville for holiday gifts, décor, and treats.

Presented by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and El Pájaro CDC. For more information, visit pajarovalleychamber.com.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY PARADE

10 a.m. – Noon, Pacific Avenue (Between Water and Locust Streets), Santa Cruz

The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration.

One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time. The man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the family or participate!

The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street.

The Holiday Parade is Rain or Shine!

FREE DOCUMENTARY: JACK HAS A PLAN

2 – 5:30 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz

A screening of the documentary about Jack’s decision to stop treatment for a recurring brain tumor, followed by a panel discussion.

For information, call 831-454-8467.

WINDHAM HILL WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

7 p.m., Café Kuumbwa, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

Celebrate the winter solstice with Barbara Higbie, featuring Vicki Randle and Mia Pixley, in an evening of jazz and festive music.

Doors and dinner open at 6 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit www.kuumbwajazz.org or call the box office at (831) 427-2227.

HOLIDAY BAKE SALE

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 223 Church Street, Santa Cruz

Stop by the annual Holiday Bake Sale at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church for a variety of delicious homemade treats.

Enjoy festive goodies while supporting the church community.

For more information, visit https://www.propheteliassc.org or call (831) 429-6500.

FROST FEST

12 – 5 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St.

A festive pop-up market featuring local artisans and jewelers with ceramics, jewelry, crochet, paintings, stained glass, hot sauce, and more.

Support local creativity and find unique holiday gifts. More information at santacruzmah.org.

Saturday December 6

Sunday December 7

ANNUAL PARKSTORE HOLIDAY SALE

10 a.m.–4 p.m., Various locations in Santa Cruz County

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks host their annual Holiday Sale at four local state parks and beaches.

Shoppers can enjoy 20% off gifts like local artwork, jewelry, books, maps, educational toys and more, with members receiving 30% off.

Locations:

• Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St., Santa Cruz

• Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Dr., Aptos

• Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd., Santa Cruz Proceeds support local parks and beaches. For more information, visit santacruzstateparks.org.

Sunday December 7

ESPRESSIVO ORCHESTRA SERVES UP

FOOD, WINE, AND FASCINATING MUSIC!

2 p.m., German Cultural Center Santa Cruz, 230 Plymouth Street

Join Espressivo, Santa Cruz’s self-styled “small intense orchestra,” as it ushers in the festive season on Sunday, December 7 with a concert, a silent auction, and a tempting array of snacks and drinks.

The event is a benefit concert for Espressivo, Santa

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Thursday December 4 thru Tuesday December 24

Wed. – Sat. 7 p.m. | Sat. matinee 2 p.m., Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building, 846 Front St.

Following a sold-out 2024 run, this holiday tradition returns with a music-filled adaptation of the classic tale.

Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz.

Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carolstars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning favorites Julie James, Charlotte Munson and Andrea Sweeney Blanco. Luke Shepherd provides music direction for the production.

Tickets range from $33 to $69. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://santacruzshakespeare.org or call the seasonal box office at 831-460-6399.

Cruz’s self-styled “small intense orchestra,” which has entertained and enlightened audiences with its eclectic musical offerings since 2015.

Local professional musicians have volunteered their time to create a characteristically adventurous program of chamber music, including rarely performed works by England’s Gordon Jacob, the Parisian Francois Devienne, and America’s own Amy Beach.

Tickets: General admission $40; students $10; available at the door or at www.espressorch.org.

SJSU ALUMNI HOLIDAY BRUNCH/FUNDRAISER Noon, Seascape Golf Course Banquet Facility, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

Join the SJSU Santa Cruz Area Chapter for its annual holiday brunch and scholarship fundraiser.

Enjoy appetizers, a silent auction, brunch starting at 1 p.m., and hear from SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and guest speaker Angelo DeBernardo Jr. Meet scholarship recipients and support future students.

For more information and registration, visit www.sjsualumnisantacruz.org or contact Marilyn Radisch at mradisch47@gmail. com or 408-806-2588.

Tuesday December 9

NEWCOMERS LUNCHEON & ENTERTAINMENT

11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m., Back Nine Bar and Grill, 555 Highway 17, Pasatiempo Exit, Santa Cruz

Enjoy a lively performance by the Barbershop Quartet “Santa Cruzin,” celebrating the rich tradition of 19thcentury barbershop music.

In-person luncheon, $35 (checks only).

For details, visit www.newcomersscc.com or email PresidentNewcomers50@gmail.com.

Thursday December 11

MIKE STERN BAND

9 p.m., Café Kuumbwa, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

Experience one of jazz guitar’s greats, Mike Stern,

Friday December 12

thru Sunday December 14

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND WINTER CONCERT

Fri. 7 p.m., Henry Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville Sat. 2 p.m., The Landing (formerly Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center), 251 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley. Sun. 3 p.m., Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz The Watsonville Community Band presents its 78th Winter Concert: Coastal Cheer and Mountain Merriment! Conducted by Jesse Leyva, the concert plays over three days throughout the county. Friday’s Watsonville performance features the WCB Youth Band, and Saturday’s Scotts Valley performance hosts the Scotts Valley Middle School Band and guest conductor Lacey Coenen.

All performances are free and open to the public. Full details of the performance can be found at https://watsonvilleband.org/assets/wcbperformcalendar.pdf.

Saturday December 13

Sunday December 14

FREE FAMILY MOVIES

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Del Mar Theater, 1124 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz The Downtown Association and Landmark Theaters present Free Family Movies!

Enjoy the holiday classic “Elf” starring Will Ferrell, streamed for free at the Del Mar Theater.

Seating is first come, first served. No advance tickets are required.

Visit https://downtownsantacruz.com/do/free-family-movies for more details.

Sunday December 14

SECOND SUNDAY HOLIDAY MARKET

1 – 4 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St, Santa Cruz

Visit the Second Sunday Holiday Market at Abbott Square for unique gifts and festive cheer.

performing with Dennis Chambers, Bob Franceschini, Janek Gwizdala, and Leni Stern.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m..

For tickets, pricing, and more details on this all-ages performance, visit www.kuumbwajazz.org or call the box office at (831) 427-2227.

DECEMBER LUNCHEON WITH SUPERVISOR DE SERPA

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos

The local Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a luncheon featuring Kim De Serpa, 2nd District Supervisor, as the guest speaker. Luncheon tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Reservations can be made by visiting the Chamber website: www.santacruzchamber.org.

Friday December 12

Saturday December 13

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR

11 am – 4 pm, Kathline King Building (across from Watsonville Community Hospital), Airport Blvd.

Kick off the holiday season at Silver Circle’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair!

Over twenty juried artisans will showcase handmade quilts, jewelry, ceramics, knitted items, books, and more.

Meet local artists, explore handmade gifts including ceramics, quilts, jewelry, greeting cards, and professional photography, and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere with music by Jesse Martinez.

Enjoy free hot cider and cookies while listening to live music by Jesse Martinez. Raffle tickets for featured artwork are $5 each, with proceeds benefiting Silver Circle, a seniors group focused on wellness. Parking and admission are free. For more information, contact Sonia Westphal at keson1@comcast.net.

Support local artists while enjoying the holiday spirit in a vibrant market setting.

For more information, visit www.abbottsquaremarket.com or contact the organizers directly.

Saturday December 20

Sunday December 21

THE NUTCRACKER – SANTA CRUZ DANCE THEATER

1:30 – 4:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with Santa Cruz Dance Theater, featuring Lucien Postlewaite of Pacific Northwest Ballet in the lead role.

Directed by Conrad Useldinger, the production includes professional guest artists and students from Agape Dance Academy.

For tickets and more information, visit SantaCruzDanceTheater. org.

Sunday December 21

DOGGIE HOLIDAY PHOTO SHOOT

Noon – 3 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St, Santa Cruz

Bring your furry friend to Abbott Square for a festive Doggie Holiday Photo Shoot!

Enjoy food and drinks while your pup is styled for a fun, cute, or funny holiday photo.

Participation is free; tips are appreciated. For more information, visit www.abbottsquaremarket.com.

Wednesday December 31

MOE’S ALLEY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW

Doors: 7:30 p.m. | Show 8:30 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live performances from Jive Machine, Floratura, and Coffee Zombie Collective. Enjoy the show and hang around for the countdown and a champagne toast. Dress to impress.

Tickets are $35.46.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit moesalley.com or call 831.479.1854. n

What Can We Do About Kids and Social Media?

By Dr. Lori Butterworth

Back in 1975, I was a typical 12-yearold. After school, my brothers and I played outside until dark. After dinner and homework, if I wanted to call a friend, I would use the phone on the wall in the kitchen within earshot of everyone, often including my younger brother, listening on the phone extension in our mother’s room. Our television choices included family shows on one of the three networks: ABC, NBC, and CBS.

The daily life of a typical 12-year-old today stands in stark contrast to my experience. Forty-some-odd years of biological evolution is minuscule compared to the social, cultural, and technological evolution that has happened since my friends and I ran around our neighborhood without a parent or phone in sight.

Today, kids are facing an unprecedented crisis in their mental health that has left parents wringing their hands about what to do.

Contrary to popular belief, the youth mental health crisis didn’t start with COVID. There was a 134% increase in adolescent anxiety between 2010 and 2018 and a 188% increase in emergency room visits for nonsuicidal self-harm in girls between 2010 and 2020.

These alarming trajectories were well

on their way before our kids faced nearly two years of COVID-19 isolation. What happened? Social media.

What do we do?

If you haven’t yet had the chance to read Jonathan Haight’s latest book, The Anxious Generation, I recommend you grab it as quickly as possible. In it, Haight makes the strongest case yet for the damage social media is having on our kids. He describes the disastrous cultural shift from play-based childhood to phonebased childhood and how parents have become irrationally fearful of stranger danger in the real world while handing our kids a device that opens them up to predators worldwide.

Recently, I asked a mother why she wouldn’t let her 11-year-old daughter walk the two blocks from school to my office for therapy. Like so many other parents, she shared her fear of someone “kidnapping” her daughter. I asked if she knew how long her daughter would have to stand alone on a street corner before, statistically speaking, she’d be kidnapped by a stranger: 750,000 years! The irony is her daughter has a smartphone.

I’ve heard people say that the genie is out of the bottle, and there’s nothing we can do about kids and social media. I disagree.

Let’s consider the primary function of social media. For most kids, social media is a way to connect with friends, and social connection is a healthy, necessary developmental activity. So taking away your child’s phone while “everyone else” has one, isn’t the answer.

Australia just passed a law banning social media before age 16. Florida recently passed a similar law. But it will take more than government restrictions to move kids away from their phone and back into real-life socialization.

It’s going to take collective action. Imagine if parents across Santa Cruz County banded together in playgroups, neighborhoods, and schools to reduce screen time and increase free, independent time.

Haight suggests four new norms for groups of parents to agree to:

1) No smartphones before high school

2) No social media before age 16

3) No phones in schools

4) More independent, unsupervised play

Even better, more and more adolescents are deciding to give up social media themselves. In my therapy practice, three of my teen patients have made the choice to turn off their social media accounts.

Others have had their social media accounts removed by their parents. When

this happens, I remind parents to replace the loss of social media with more real-world freedom and unsupervised time with their friends.

Without exception, each adolescent without social media has reported improved mental health. One shared, “I have to admit, I feel calmer now.”

Here are some resources that can help:

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haight

• LetGrow.org provides free resources for helping kids get off their phones and play. Be sure to download the Let Grow Project and Independence Kit.

• At the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel, we host free Parent Drop-In sessions on the last Wednesday of every month on Zoom and in-person parent discussion sessions about how parents can work together to improve youth mental health. Learn more at ccamh.org. n

Lori Butterworth, PsyD, MEd, is psychologist and the founder of the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. She can be reached at lori@ccamh.org or 831-222-0052.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Soft As …

Angel Soft (A326414) is a very handsome, affectionate, super soft young cat with a wonderful purr and sweet disposition.

Angel arrived with two siblings — one has been adopted, but Angel Soft and brother Charmin are still waiting. Although not required to be adopted together, they’ve been nicely sharing a space and enjoy one anothers’ company, so they could be adopted together as an almost-matched set; Angel all white with soft yellow eyes and Charmin with just a few spots of grey and darker orange-yellow eyes.

Angel Soft and his brother aren’t even 6 months old, but they’ve already been neutered — which is actually PERFECT!

Cats and dogs reach maturity much faster than humans do, so a mother cats’ first litter matures quickly, and her daughters are likely to have at least one litter themselves in that same year, or possibly even two. You can have a population explosion before you know it.

Angel Soft and Charmin came from just that situation: a property where folks started seeing one cat around, and then, within just a few months, they spotted the kittens running around! They caught, tamed and brought the kittens to us so they could also be fixed and chipped before heading out into new homes.

Angel Soft will do best as an indoor-only cat in his next home — as a light-colored cat he is at a higher risk for being spotted by a predator like a coyote, bobcat or even a bird of prey during active hunting hours. n •••

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events. All adoptions are first come, first served.

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. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”)

580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon)

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

Nursery Rhymes

© Statepoint Media

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Winter Bloom Might Be Scarce

By Tony Tomeo

Oregon gardens get to display superior peony bloom for spring and summer. That is one of several advantages of winter chill. Some plant species appreciate a bit more chill than they can get here. It enhances their performance. However, chill also limits winter bloom. Not many plants want to bloom while the weather is cool, and pollinators are less active.

That is one of several advantages of mild winter weather. It allows flowers that bloom for autumn to bloom a bit later. It allows a few of the flowers that bloom for spring to bloom a bit earlier. There is not much time between the last flowers of autumn and the first flowers of spring. Winter bloom is not as important here as where winters are longer and chillier.

Even if less important here, reliable winter bloom might be a bit more challenging. Some plants that bloom for winter in other climates might be hesitant to bloom for winter locally. After all, they prefer to bloom while the weather is cool. Mild chill might be unsatisfactory. Cool season annuals are unpredictable, but are likely the most reliable for winter bloom.

Of the popular cool season annuals, cyclamen is actually perennial. If not removed at the end of its season, it goes dormant for summer, and regenerates for subsequent winters. It does not bloom as profusely as it originally did, but adds color to mixed small perennials or ground covers that do not bloom for winter. Some types of primrose are also perennial.

A few perennials bloom sporadically and randomly throughout the year, including winter. African daisy and euryops daisy typically do not bloom as much as they do during warm weather, but can. Euryops daisy may actually bloom best during winter. Bird

of Paradise flowers mature so slowly that those that begin during autumn might finish through winter.

Witch hazel, daphne, heather, mahonia and winter jasmine bloom for winter, but perhaps not as impressively as for other climates. Some camellia bloom abundantly while others bloom sporadically. Bergenia may bloom later here than for other climates. Forsythia and some spring bulbs, especially daffodil, bloom so early that they seem to bloom for winter. •••

Sweet Box

Floral fragrance is likely the primary asset of sweet box, **Sarcococca ruscifolia**. However, the splendidly glossy and evergreen foliage is as appealing as that of any of the various boxwoods. It is darker and richer green, with orderly arrangement on nimble and arching stems. Individual leaves are small but larger than boxwood leaves, and with pointier tips.

Sweet box blooms during winter, with deliciously fragrant but tiny pale white flowers that are not much to see. They are unlikely to get credit for their impressive fragrance without close investigation for its source. Vigorous plants may produce a few rich maroon berries that contrast delightfully with the rich green foliage. Cut stems work well with cut flowers.

Because it is naturally an understory species, sweet box not only tolerates partial shade, but actually prefers it. Harsh exposure fades its foliage. The dense foliage on wiry stems adapts to low hedging. It is better with alternating cane pruning to remove old stems and promote fresh basal growth. Overgrown specimens respond quite favorably to coppicing. They grow to three feet high.

•••

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

15.5