Capitola Soquel Times: August 2023

Ukrainian Art in the Park

Capitola has something to look forward to: A new festival, Ukrainian Art in the Park, noon to 6 p.m Saturday, Aug. 26, two days after the Independence Day of Ukraine, at the Esplanade Park with art, music and “steppe” dance. The spark for this event is Natalia Aandewiel, an

accomplished young artist who with her family fled their home in Ukraine when Russia began its assault in February 2022. Now her family is in America, safe from the war, thanks to a couple who lives in Mount Hermon. ... continues on page 4

Gold Medal Junior Guards

Capitola Junior Guards claimed first-place medals in eight events at the California Surf Lifesaving Association’s regional championships July 21 in Newport Beach. Full Story page 5

Joe Ortiz and a Sicilian Omen Full Story page 7

Playground Fundraising

County Parks Friends has launched a public-private campaign to raise $1 million for a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park in partnership with the City of Capitola.

Full Story page 12

Cover Ukrainian Art in the Park, By Jondi Gumz

Community News

5 Gold Medal Junior Guards

6 50th Wharf to Wharf Race: What Memories!, Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

8 St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrives at St. Joseph’s, By June Smith

10 Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7, By Jondi Gumz • Assembly Member Gail Pellerin Chairs Elections Committee • CZU Dashboard • Jobs in Santa Cruz County

11 Chipping Reimbursement: Apply Now

12 Playground Fundraising Begins: Aug. 31 Deadline to Propose a Name

14 New Tool Against Opioid Overdoses,

15 Quick: Write a Story in 5 Minutes — What?,

17 What’s Preventing Mental Health Providers Like Me from Helping Kids with Autism, By Dr. Hanna Rue

20 Capitola Library Chess Tournament Winners

21 It’s a Pink, Pink World, Photo Credit: Brooke Valentine

22 Where Are the Workers?: Report: 5,000 County Residents Moved Out of State, By Jondi Gumz

23 Carpenters Local Union #505 Offers Job Training • NorCal Carpenters: Women for Construction

25 Goodbye Calibri, Hello Aptos • FEMA Extends Deadline to Sign Up

27 Spotlight Awards

California News

23 SB 14 Human Trafficking Bill Advances

24 Why Did State Housing Demands Double?

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Venus (Evening Star) Retrogrades — Time for Review, By Risa D’Angeles

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment –

Featured Columnists

7 Cooked Water & a Sicilian Omen, By Joe Ortiz

12 Support Capitola’s Jade Street Park Universally Accessible Playground, By Yvette Lopez Brooks, Mariah Roberts, Tricia Wiltshire, and Dan Haifley

16 A Fix for Airport Delay Rage, By Christopher Elliott

19 Trees Naturally Dominate Gardens, 30 National Support for County Challenges, Second District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Looking for Lots of Love

Jondi Gumz

COVER STORY

“Ukrainian Art” from page 1

Natalia shared her story with Capitola-Soquel Times.

contributing writers

Jondi Gumz, June Smith, Keith Gudger, Hanna Rue, Risa D’Angeles, Joe Ortiz, Yvette Lopez Brooks, Mariah Roberts, Tricia Wiltshire, Dan Haifley, Christopher Elliott, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend

layout

She has an impressive collection of paintings created here: Capitola Village, Capitola Wharf (before the storm broke it), ocean scenes of Pleasure Point and West Cliff Drive, and the trails at Fall Creek.

Now 27, she was identified as gifted in art at age 10.

Michael Oppenheimer

Michael Oppenheimer

graphic artists

She attended a special school where three days were devoted to art instruction, and three days to other subjects.

She was able to bring only one work of art with her-- one that hangs prominently in her current home in Aptos. This depicts Ukrainian Steppe, three couples clearly engaged in joyful movement.

production coordinator

Camisa Composti

media consultants

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine

office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

Her family lived in Ivano-Frankivsk, near Kyiv.

Natalia said her family has no relatives in the U.S. but she had met Peter and Janet Payne at a three-day Christian conference in Germany in 2014. Peter had retired from the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and he and Janet started the Institute for Credible Christianity, traveling to Europe to help students follow Jesus.

Natalia gave the Paynes one of her watercolors and kept in touch for two years.

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That communication had paused when out of the blue, four months before the war, she got an email asking: How are you doing?

Janet had found her website http:// www.nataliaaandewiel.com with her email and reconnected.

“It’s all God’s grace and care for us,” Natalia said.

When the Russians attacked, Natalia thought it would last a week.

Her family stayed with friends.

The war did not end, and the family escaped to Poland.

Janet called: “If you need a place, come to us.”

Natalia said, “We feel such love from them.”

They were embraced by Peter’s brother John and his wife Modelle, who for years led Medical Ambassadors International, and their son Josh and his wife Sarean.

Natalia’s family includes her mother, Olga Ziniak, an obstetrician-gynecologist in her homeland, her father Vasyl, an engineer who started the Ukrainian Helpline, sister Yeva, who is 12, and brother Sava, who is 8.

Vasyl initially could not join them in Poland because of the Ukrainian requirement that all men stay and fight the Russians.

But he is here now.

The family has been in the U.S. for one year and four months, surviving one of the worst winter rainstorms ever.

They were living in a house on Glenwood when the storm topped trees which trapped them temporarily.

“We’ve moved six times already,” Natalia said.

Natalia’s siblings did not speak Engllsh when they first arrived — “now they speak better than me,” Natalia said.

John and Modelle introduced them to Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, and the family discovered Twin Lakes School, which provided a scholarship.

The school had an opening in second grade for Sava, but no opening in sixth grade for Yeva.

“Natalia Aandewiel” page 9

Gold Medal Junior Guards

Capitola Junior Guards claimed firstplace medals in eight events at the California Surf Lifesaving Association’s regional championships July 21 in Newport Beach.

Cheryl Brightfield won two gold medals, one individually and one teaming with Waverly Brooks.

London Lorber also claimed two gold medals, one individually and one as a team with Lillian Gills and Nika Giorgianni.

Livija Erhardt, Lana Walding and Haven Halter teamed up to win gold.

Emma Ingram earned a solo gold.

Ryan Walding won an individual gold, and Martin Cruz and Jack Davis teamed up for gold.

Gold medal winners earn the right to go on to the national championships Aug. 9 in Virginia Beach.

Capitola competitors also earned second or third place in nine events.

Local rival Santa Cruz brought home 13 first-place medals and placed second or third in 23 events.

Sae Ackerstein led the team with three gold medals in individual events.

Hillary Dixon, whose has two children in Junior Guards and put together a list of the top 3 local winners, said she “was blown away with how many kids were on the list!! It was an incredible showing for both teams.” n

2. Lucy Clow - Santa Cruz Distance Swim

2. Malia Cooper - Santa Cruz

Board Rescue Team

1. Cheryl Brightfield, Waverly Brooks - Capitola

2. Sae Ackerstein, Malia Cooper - Santa Cruz “Junior Lifeguard Competition” page 9

Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight

50th Wharf to Wharf

Race: What Memories!

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

What’s the last thing you expect from your iPhone camera? To have your battery die when you’re taking photos!

It happened to me July 23, the day of the 50th Wharf To Wharf Race.

What an amazing sight!

Watching 16,000 people line up on Beach Street by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The cool weather made it perfect for running six miles.

Or walking.

Some people dress up.

The man dressed in stars and stripes.

The couple wearing shark hats.

The women dressed as black-andyellow-bumble bees.

Families walk together with their youngsters.

I saw one man toting his toddler standing in a Piggyback Rider on his back.

Volunteers helped participants stay hydrated with strategically located water stations.

And there were plenty of restrooms. Note to organizers: More receptables are needed at the first hydration stop so people don’t drop their water cups in the street. People who live along the route are basically unable to exit their driveway during the race but some take advantage of it, coming out to cheer the runners on. What’s so special about this race is the musical entertainment all along the route. Before my camera died, I snapped a few shots.

Enjoy! n

Cooked Water & a Sicilian Omen

Previous episode: Dad loves the Dodgers but bets against them. “That’s a curse,” Freddie warns. “It’s like betting against your family.” •••

After Dad said, “You back there, Joey?” I crept out from behind the curtain with my leather cuttings and my scissors in hand.

“We got a big bet going,” Dad said, with some bravado. “But don’t tell Mommie.” Why was he telling me if he didn’t want me to squeal?

“Ya father’s a pretty fart smella, Joey,” Dad joked. But he was serious, too. He always told his friends that I was a “pretty fart smella.”

“But a smart man doesn’t bet with his heart,” he’d say. “I want the Dodgers so bad, but if I bet for them, I know they’ll lose. It’s no sweat off me because I refused the ten dollas Freddie offered me for my pride. But we got most of the money for the doctor.”

Since Dad seemed to be talking to himself, I just kept on cutting my leather pieces.

“Joey, I swear, it’s an intellectual insight from outta nowhere.” The word “intellectual” might not seem like Dad. But it was. “In-te-lec-tu-al.” It clicked off Dad’s tongue just like all the other fancy words he used.

That afternoon Mom made Aqua Cotto. “Cooked Water?” It didn’t make sense. Except that water played a big part in our lives. Everywhere I turned, water haunted me.

Water, Dad said, was the magic ingredient in fixing the scar on Eddie’s shoes. It certainly was what led to his end. Whenever I thought about how Eddie had disappeared, it suffocated me. I had nightmares about the torrential river of kids at the Silvercup Bakery. I felt like I was drowning; I’d wake up sweating, unable to breathe.

Water surrounded me. The night Dad breathed life into me was the same night Dr. Boccardi prescribed aglio et olio instead of aspirin. Mom said to make the creamy sauce you had to finish the pasta off with a ladle of water. The aqua cotto was no different, water being the main ingredient.

As was Mom’s habit, she made the entire meal early so she could sit down and enjoy it, too. It also allowed everything to come to room temperature so all the flavors could meld.

Early in the day, Mom fried up some onions and mushrooms in some olive oil until they were dark brown. Then she put the leftover onion skins, some mushroom stems, and zucchini trimmings in another pot and covered them with the water. She cooked it down until she had a rich vegetable broth. Then she strained the broth and poured it into the sauté mixture along with some tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. This was a thick, dark soup, as shady as one of Dad’s deals. As murky as the East River current where Eddie was last seen.

Mom also made verdura, or broccolini in lemon and garlic sauce. She poached some broccoli until it was tender. Then she made a separate mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Later she would pour the lemon juice mixture over the greens just before serving.

Mom had made up some chicken cutlets that afternoon, too. She put the boned chicken breasts between two pieces of wax paper and pounded them thin, then coated them, first with flour, then with beaten egg, then with seasoned breadcrumbs. She fried them in a little oil until they were golden brown.

As was Mom’s habit, she made the entire meal early so she could sit down and enjoy it, too. It also allowed everything to come to room temperature so all the flavors could meld.

Later that day, the playoff game between the Bums and the Giants came on the radio. Everywhere you went, people were glued to the play-by-play broadcast by Mel Allen, the voice that made baseball come to life. Dad was sweating, pacing around the shop, chain-smoking cigarettes, and throwing empty cigarette packages everywhere.

Things looked bad for Dad because the Dodgers seemed to have the game won. I’m only guessing he had bet on the Giants because of what he had told me earlier that morning. Finally, in the bottom of the ninth, Bobby Thompson came to bat.

And when he hit the home run, Mel Allen went wild and so did Dad.

Instead of pacing, now Dad was running in circles, his head and hands gesturing toward heaven. “Twenty bucks,” he yelled at the top of his lungs. “Twenty bucks!”

The Giants had won the game in their last at bat and Dad had won the bet. The people who were in the shop at the time couldn’t believe Dad’s reaction to his beloved Dodgers losing. They knew he hated the Giants. But they also knew he was unpredictable.

When we sat down to dinner later that night, Dad said “Everything’s peachy, Nonnie. I got the money fa Joey’s doctor bill.”

“Where’d it come from?”

But Dad ignored her. “What’s fa dinner?” he asked.

“Aqua Cotto,” I said proudly.

“Ah, cooked water,” Dad said with that snarl of his. “Whenever I think of cooked water I always think of Eddie — that dirty little Irishman, decked out in his linen suit — going down in style.”

“HERMAN!!”

“What, Nonnie? Eddie was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I don’t care about Eddie. I want to know how you got the money for the doctor bill.”

“So what else is fa dinner?” Dad said.

“Herman?”

“Aqua Cotto’s not a meal, Nonnie.” “We got cutlets and verdura,” Mom said. “It didn’t cost much. Who knows when we’ll see the money for the doctor bill.”

“Ma,” I chimed in. “Today, Dad . . . “ “Shut up, Joey,” Dad said. He reached over for some stale bread and broke it up into his bowl. I remembered what Dad told me; the money was from gambling. And Mom was already starting to boil over because she knew about the playoff game. But maybe she just let it go because she knew the bill would finally get paid. The loud knock at the door would change all that. n

Verdura

Serves 4 as a side dish

4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fruity olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (back then we didn’t know nothing from balsamic vinegar, so for authenticity use red wine vinegar.)

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ to ½ cup water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

2 bunches (6 to 8 cups) broccolini

Mince and mash the garlic into a paste. (If you don’t have a can of tomatoes on hand for mashing, you can use the side of a knife.). Place the garlic in a cup along with the oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Add the water to the mixture, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, poaching the broccoli to desired doneness. While still hot, place the broccolini in a serving bowl, pour the sauce over the top. And serve immediately.

Joe Ortiz Memoir: Episodes & Recipes

Joe Ortiz’s memoir, Pastina — My Father’s Misfortune, My Mother’s Good Soup, became the framework for the musical Escaping Queens, which ran at Cabrillo Stage in 2012 and 2013. Since 2022, the Capitola Soquel Times is the exclusive publication of various episodes from the book — including a recipe that helps shape each installment. You may have read one of the pieces in the Times a few months ago entitled, “Pastina, Food for the Soul — The Night Freddie the Bookie Showed Up with the Gun.”

The idea of weaving anecdotes about food with an ongoing narrative came to Joe after reading Heartburn by Nora Ephron.

“Using recipe descriptions to help tell a story seemed the perfect way to weave the angst of a father’s chaotic life with the salvation of a mother’s cooking,” Ortiz explains. “For me, the soothing aromas and descriptions of my mom’s food became the salve to assuage my father’s abusive actions, and the ironic humor of it all helped to dull the pain.” n

St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrives at St. Joseph’s

Founded in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a worldwide Catholic lay organization following Christ’s call to serve the poor, the suffering, and the deprived.

The National Council of the United States supports local conferences and councils and represents them among the global Society’s membership. Today, the National Council provides resources, training, and spiritual formation for nearly 90,000 Vincentians in 4,500 conferences and councils across the country.

Here in Santa Cruz County, SVDP’s three Conferences are based at St. Joseph’s, Capitola, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Santa Cruz, and San Agustin in Scotts Valley. They are funded by donations from individual parishioners, staffed by volunteers, and all monies go to direct service. Conferences assist primarily with food and financial assistance also providing funds to those suffering from other hardships, such as the victims of the recent Pajaro Valley flood. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul seeks to find pathways out of poverty for the full flourishing of every person.

St. Joseph’s Conference serves those residing in Capitola, Soquel, and Pleasure Point. A pantry in the lower parking lot is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering bags of non-perishable foods. There is also a NeedLine (831423-0878) which people can call to request assistance with rent, utilities, and medical bills. Home visits are made following these requests and approved payments go directly to the payees, such as landlords or doctors. Inquiries about The Society of St. Vincent de Paul may also be left on the NeedLine.

Susan Cabrera, president of the Conference at St. Joseph’s, explains, “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s founders established three essential elements for

their group: to grow and develop spiritually, to be friends to those in need and to each other, and to provide service to the community.”

Vincentian Fred Wheeler who has been with the pantry for many years and is also Conference treasurer says, “Donations of money and food are received

from very caring individuals in our community and additional grocery items are purchased by Vincentian Brian Fox. During Covid, we modified our pantry services and placed pre-packaged bags on tables outdoors to avoid close contact with others. We’re very proud and blessed to be a part of SVDP.”

Another primary activity is the Home Visit where members go in partners to meet with those in need. Vincentians Iris Rooney, Ann Sydes, and others have conducted visits for many years. Rooney says, “We meet at people’s homes, in their cars, and sometimes in parks to discuss their situations. We offer financial assistance, a compassionate ear, friendship, and prayer if they desire. Covid set so many people back. As we know, working people often live from paycheck to paycheck and some never had jobs to go back to. Even with the limited help we offer, people have so much gratitude.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

also purchases bus passes each month working with the local Association of Faith Communities.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul believes the beauty of gifts given freely to friends is that they are given unconditionally with nothing expected in return. St. Vincent de Paul taught, “God does not consider the outcome of the good work undertaken but the charity that accompanied it.”

It is not the gift, but the friendship and love that is most celebrated. When Vincentians hand out food at the pantry or give assistance through home visits, they do so with joy and without judgment.

Every interaction is an opportunity to remind the neighbor that God has not abandoned them; to bring them the gift of love—the love of God. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers an opportunity to serve God and make ourselves instruments of His boundless love.

“Junior Lifeguard Competition” from page 5

Board Race

1. Sae Ackerstein - Santa Cruz

2. Cheryl Brightfield - Capitola

“Surf” Swim Team

2. Malia Cooper, Lucy Clow, Sae Ackerstein - Santa Cruz

3. Cheryl Brightfield, Sydney Walsh, Waverly Brooks - Capitola

Rescue Race Team

2. Sae Ackerstein , Lucy Clow , Malia Cooper , Casey Rodger - Santa Cruz

Surf Ski

1. Sae Ackerstein - Santa Cruz

Ironwoman

1. Sae Ackerstein - Santa Cruz

14-15

“Surf” Swim Team

2. Zoe Pochet, Natalia Orozco, Ava Storm - Santa Cruz

3. Addie Lorber, Mariella Guevara, Marria Talavera - Capitola

Paddle Relay

1. Finley Dobkin, Zoe Pochet, Julianne

Sanguinetti - Santa Cruz

Run-Swim-Run

3. Mariella Guevara - Capitola

Beach Flags

1. Emma Ingram - Capitola

Board Race

1. Finley Dobkin - Santa Cruz

Run Relay

2. Hayden Mandell, Zoe Pochet, Healey Skelton, Liliana Gingery - Santa Cruz

Rescue Race Team

2. Hayden Mandell, Zoe Pochet, Ava Storm, Liliana Gingery - Santa Cruz

12-13

Distance Swim

2. Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

3. Hayes Pizzica - Capitola

Board Rescue

2. Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

Rescue Race Team

Grady Cloyd, James Holmlund, Jack

Run Relay

1. Caetano Dawson, Bo Goldstein, Darioush Johnson, Finn Mitchell - Santa Cruz

Rescue Race Team

Board Race

3. Haven Halter - Capitola

Distance Run

3. Isla Roake - Santa Cruz

Run Relay Team

2. Grady Cloyd, Ila Dawson, Joy Roberts, Harper Ryono - Santa Cruz

Paddle Board Relay Team

1. Livija Erhardt, Lana Walding, Haven Halter - Capitola

3. Isla Cooper, Ila Dawson, Harper Ryono - Santa Cruz

9-11

Paddle Board Relay

1. London Lorber, Lillian Gills, Nika Giorgianni - Capitola

2. Alaia Cerdas, Nava Garaway, Isla Ryono - Santa Cruz

Board Race

1. London Lorber – Capitola •••

Boys

U19

McNulty, Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz Run - Swim - Run

2. Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

3. Jack McNulty -Santa Cruz

Surf Ski

3. Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

Ironman

2. Kees Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

14-15

Distance Swim

2. Nico Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz Board Race

1. Ryder Walding - Capitola

2. Drake Harper - Santa Cruz

Beach Flags

1. Bo Goldstein - Santa Cruz

3. Darioush Johnson - Santa Cruz Run - Swim - Run

1. Nico Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

“Surf” Swim Team

1. Nico Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

Paddle Relay

1. Drake Harper, Jude Holmlund, Lucas Neushul, Nico Van Der Meer - Santa Cruz

12-13

Rescue Race Team

1. Martin Cruz, Jack Davis - Capitola Run - Swim - Run

3. Martin Cruz – Capitola

9-11 Beach Flags

2. Zander Brown – Capitola

•••

Cover Photo: Girls B Paddle Team

First Place: from left, Haven Halter, Livija Erhardt, Lana Walding

•••

“Natalia Aandewiel” from page 4

Miraculously, a seat became available, and brother and sister attended Twin Lakes together.

Last year, Natalia heard about the Capitola Plein Air Festival last November — she loves to paint outdoor scenes outside — and she connected with Laurie Hill, who runs the festival.

“Natalia lit up my heart when I met her and her family,” Hill said.

Their conversations led to Hill proposing Ukrainian Art in the Park to the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission, which readily agreed to the new cultural event.

Natalia connected her with Ukrainian artists and the nonprofit Ukrainian Steppe.

Arts commissioner Mary Beth Cahalen is coordinating music and dance at the event.

Two weeks ago, Natalia and her family moved into a home near Cabrillo College. They are discovering places like

Distance Run

Eli FItchen-Young, Kees Van Der Meer, Jack McNulty - Santa Cruz

Caroline’s and the Cabrillo Farmer’s Market.

Both Natalia and her father have cancer.

Her father’s diagnosis enabled him to come to the U.S. for medical treatment, and he spent Christmas, reunited with his family.

Natalia was diagnosed with lymphoma in January. She has finished all 12 chemotherapy treatments.

She feels fortunate to be alive.

She knows others her age who were killed in the war and others who lost arms or legs.

Whether her family will ever be able to return, no one knows.

Still, she has her painting of the Ukrainian dancers — ”it makes me feel like home.” n

•••

Photos: Natalia Aandewiel with a painting she made in Ukraine and one she

1. Caetano Dawson, Drake Harper, Angelo Sanguinetti - Santa Cruz

2. Ryder Walding, Nathan Wishler, Cane Mitchell - Capitola

made in Capitola Village. • Photos Credit: Jondi Gumz

•••

Ukrainian Art in the Park Sunday Aug. 26 • Noon to 6 p.m.

Esplanade Park, Capitola • Free

Presented by

Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission

Art by: Natalia Aandewiel, Lyna

Collage (clockwise from left): Boys Rescue Relay B First Place: from left, Jack Davis and Martin Cruz• Paddle Board Race First Place: Ryder Walding • Boys A Paddle Team winners: Santa Cruz, 1st: Caetano Dawson, Drake Harper, Angelo Sanguinetti and Capitola 2nd: Ryder Walding, Nathan Wishler, Cane Mitchell • Starting line of U19 Men’s Paddle Race • Cheryl Brightfield and Waverly Brooks, gold in board rescue team.

Couture clothing by Halyna, Leon Okun, who studied at St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, Kassandra Struk, Lyudmina Kirrilova, Mykola Kulish wood art, Yeva Ziniak dance, macaroons from Sugar Bakery, Ukrainian Steppe, which offers min-tutorials on YouTube, and the local chapter of the Ukrainian National Women League of America

Cabrillo Name Change Vote Expected Aug. 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vivian Simon said a lot of people do not like the 5 finalist names — Aptos College, Cajastaca College, Costa Vista College, Santa Cruz Coast College, Seacliff College.

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

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

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

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

College President Matthew Wetstein pointed out elections cost money.

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

Martin Garcia, Cabrillo professor

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Assembly Member Gail Pellerin Chairs Elections Committee

voting system integrity and enhance the accuracy of our voter rolls.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 finalists and make a recommendation to trustees.

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

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

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

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

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

State

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, the Santa Cruz County clerk for 27 years, is the new chair of the Assembly Elections Committee.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas announced her appointment in July.

“With her 27 years of experience as a county clerk, Assemblymember Pellerin is well prepared to improve the accessibility of our elections while ensuring they remain secure and fair,” Rivas said.

Pellerin, 61, in her first term, succeeds Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, 31, a criminal justice researcher with a master’s degree from UCLA representing South Central Los Angeles, who was appointed majority leader.

“I’m honored to have the confidence of the Speaker and continue to work to ensure that California is the gold standard for secure, accurate, transparent and accessible elections,” Pellerin said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the work to improve the voter experience, ensure

Pellerin’s 28th District includes Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Los Gatos and San Jose. She was president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials from 2010 to 2012 and co-chaired the Secretary of State’s Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee.

•••

CZU Dashboard

InAugust 2020, the CZU Lightning Wildfire destroyed 911 homes. Here is how many have been rebuilt.

3rd District

Building complete: 22

Permits issued/ready: 71

Initial application submitted: 2

Initial routing: 2

Resubmittal routing: 2

Fees not paid: 2

5th District Building complete: 14

Permits issued/ready: 105

Initial application submitted: 2

Initial routing: 1

Resubmittal routing: 6

Fees not paid: 1

See: www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireRecovery/ RecoveryPermitCenter/RecoveryPermitCenter Dashboard.aspx

5.3% 4.2%

Count is on the 12th of the month • *Includes commuters out of the county • Source: California Employment Development Department

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

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

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

Leisure and hospitality added 600.

The labor force at 135,000 grew, as is typical after graduation. The number of unemployed was down from May but up from a year ago, prior to the flooding disaster.

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

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

In Aptos, Venus Pie Trap is offering $18-$22 per hour for a part-time pizza maker. Anytime Fitness is recruiting a sales manager, $20-$35 per hour. New Community Markets Aptos is hiring cashiers, paying $17 to $21.75 per hour. Seacliff Inn is recruiting a front desk agent paying from $18 per hour.

During the pandemic in 2020, unemployment hovered around 17% due to state restrictions. n

Chipping Reimbursement: Apply Now

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

• July 25: Application opens for FireWise USA Communities.

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

• Oct. 31: Last day to submit reimbursement forms. A neighborhood representative should sign up to reserve funds at rcdsantacruz.org/chipping. The program is first-come-first-served.

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

“Now more than ever we need to be diligent about the landscape immediately next to our homes and roads,”

explained Matt Abernathy, senior program specialist for the RCD’s Forest Health team. “We hope that by offsetting some of the cost more people will be able to reduce wildfire risk around their properties and neighborhoods.”

Establishing and maintaining defensible space

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts in matters of the heart.

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

Playground Fundraising Begins

Aug. 31 Deadline to Propose a Name

County Parks Friends has launched a public-private campaign to raise $1 million for a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park in partnership with the City of Capitola.

The city has plans to fund the balance of the estimated $1.79 million project.

Universally accessible playgrounds are designed so children of all abilities can play with their friends and families without encountering barriers to play found at most typical playgrounds.

Verde Design of Santa Clara, which specializes in recreation projects, has planned a marine and shoreline themed playground to replace the one that was installed in 1999 and updated in 2007 next to the Capitola Community Center.

The community is invited to submit name ideas for the playground by Aug. 31, with a name decision to be made by Capitola City Council in early fall. Fundraising efforts are expected to run through January 2025.

“This wonderful, new playground will allow children of all abilities to play side by side, so none are excluded,” said City Councilmember Yvette Lopez Brooks, who pushed the project during her term as mayor.

“The city sought and received public input on the park’s design, and now we will seek community support to make it a reality.”

Separately, the city is investing in

a community center renovation project, which includes a remodel of the center and upgrades to the surrounding area, which sits on land that belongs to the Soquel Union School District.

The Capitola City Council was inspired to build a universally accessible playground after seeing the success of LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, the county’s first fully-inclusive playground, which opened in Live Oak in 2020.

“LEO’s Haven is immensely popular and heavily used, speaking to the great need and desire for inclusive play,” said Tricia Wiltshire, founder of LEO’s Haven and campaign manager for the Jade Street Park Playground. “Jade Street is a perfect spot for a new, universally accessible playground. County Park Friends is excited to support the needs of children and their families in our community.”

One out of every ten children and two out of every ten individuals in the general population have a disability which translates to thousands of community members who benefit from access to universally accessible playgrounds. Other than LEO’s Haven, other universally accessible playgrounds are over an hour away in Salinas, Morgan Hill and San Jose. The City of Watsonville has plans to build an inclusive playground at Ramsey Park.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

“Ever since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, communities have worked hard to make common spaces safer and more physically navigable for all. A great example of this is the universal playground planned for Jade Street Park,” said Dan Haifley, a volunteer fundraiser. He and his wife, Rebecca, have an adult daughter, Julia, who has disabilities and used to live across the street from the playground site. “This playground will allow children of all abilities to experience the joy of play, in the same setting, together.” n

For information, to submit a name or contribute, visit https://www.countyparkfriends. org/jadestpark.html

Support Capitola’s Jade Street Park Universally Accessible Playground

Every child deserves a safe place to play, where they feel they belong.

A place where they can experience the breeze on their face while swinging securely through the air, laugh with their friends as they chase each other on foot or on wheels, and giggle as they zoom down a slide into their caregiver’s arms.

This includes a boy with Down’s Syndrome, a girl in a wheelchair who is sight- and cognitively-impaired, or a child with autism.

This vision of creating a playground specifically designed to allow every child access to a fundamental right of childhood: The right to play, has inspired the City of Capitola to join forces with County Park Friends to create a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park.

Earlier this year, the City engaged

playground designer Verde Design to work with the community to create plans for a custom playground with a marine and shoreline theme. The design will provide an engaging play space for children of all abilities to have fun with their friends, neighbors, classmates, and new acquaintances.

The playground will include different zones of play with inclusive play equipment that will appeal to all who visit

by providing opportunities for physical exercise, sensory stimulation, and social connection. The playground will also have rubberized surfacing throughout. The community is invited to submit a name for the playground by Aug. 31. A communitybased committee will forward a shortlist to the Capitola City Council for official name selection in early fall.

“Jade Street Park” page 18

New Tool Against Opioid Overdoses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For an overdose, Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication, but it does not address the underlying craving for opioids. Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings and, along with methadone, is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, reducing overdose fatalities.

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

“Overdose Prevention” page 15

Quick: Write a Story in 5 Minutes — What?

The Writer’s Workshop at the Capitola Branch Library just wrapped up 6 sessions. Led by Joe Ortiz, local author, painter and baker, a dozen writers got together to share their work, get feedback, and work together on getting published. Joe brought in many great resources each session to help us be better writers.

The title’s exercise is based on Joe’s pamphlet “Chekhov’s Notebook - The Art & Craft of the Five-Minute Story.” Most participants shared their quickly written story - and even had them recorded. You can watch those stories being read here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NuwHsXgKASw

As participant John said: “Coming to (the workshop) gave me the opportunity to observe ‘real writers’ and it inspired me to take a risk.”

Donna added: “I’ve been inspired to wake up in the morning and look out the window and write what I see.”

Joe’s material included discussions about how we write, how music and art are like and influence our writing, and tales about trying to get work published.

The group quickly gelled into being very supportive and helpful. This is an eclectic group — writing everything from memoirs to fantasy, science fiction, and commentary. Readings were limited to 3 pages so we had time to read multiple pieces and give feedback.

As Steve, one of the published writers said: “It was writers being editors and editors being writers.”

Even Joe the leader got a lot out of the sessions: “It’s so much better to have people respond to writing (than just reading).” n

•••

We will continue to meet monthly on the 3rd Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road. Join us! https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/10918377

“Overdose Prevention” from page 14

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

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

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

One advantage is patients can get buprenorphine from any healthcare provider and do not have to go to special methadone clinics, according to a 2023 report by Dr. Rachna Kumar, and buprenorphine is easier to taper.

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

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

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

San Francisco began the new service on March 31.

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

•••

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

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

A Fix for Airport Delay Rage

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

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

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

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

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

What Are Your Passenger Rights?

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

There’s no requirement that an airline keep to its timetable in the United

States. For longer delays, the airline must offer a full refund or it can rebook you on a future flight. But if you want compensation for your delay, or if you want the airline to book you on another airline, you’re probably out of luck. And passengers find that infuriating.

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

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

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

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

But in-the-know passengers always turn to their airline’s contract of carriage, the legal agreement between them and the airline. It describes, in painstaking legalese, what the airline will do

in the event of a delay. Airlines usually differentiate between a delay caused by something within their control, like a mechanical problem, and an event outside of their control, like weather. If the delay is caused by an outside event, the airline doesn’t have to offer you overnight accommodations, meal vouchers or transportation to your hotel — and often it doesn’t.

How to Cope

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

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

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

“Airport Rage” page 27

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

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

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

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

There is no cure for autism, but certain therapies can help children with

autism communicate, socialize, and improve their quality of life. Those therapies are the heart of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the gold-standard therapy for autism.

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

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

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

Between 2010 and 2020, demand for ABA services grew over 4,000%. Yet in 2021, more than half of all counties in the United States didn’t have a single BCBA. Some 300 of those counties don’t even border a county that has a BCBA.

Because of this shortage of providers, those of us in the field are stretched thin.

The average workday for a BCBA is 12 hours. Long hours contribute to burnout. Turnover rates exceed 30% annually.

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

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

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

State leaders must ensure that insurers don’t arbitrarily limit coverage

of ABA by creating improper guidelines, restricting beneficiaries to narrow provider networks, or imposing administrative burdens on providers who should be focused on patients.

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

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

Dr. Hanna Rue is chief clinical officer at LEARN Behavioral, and holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. See LearnBehavioral.com.

grill & chill

CORRECTION

“Jade Street Park” from page 12

The effort to design, fundraise, and build a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park was inspired by the tremendous success of a community-led effort to create LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park in Live Oak in 2020. It has become one of the most popular and heavily used playgrounds in the county. This is not surprising since one out of every ten children have a disability, as do two out of every ten individuals in the general population. Universally designed playgrounds clearly show that when public spaces are designed with all abilities in mind, thousands of children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers benefit.

While the benefits for all who visit and play at universally accessible playgrounds is tremendous, these inclusively designed spaces are still not the norm in parks. The other handful of universally designed playgrounds within two hours of Capitola are in Morgan Hill, Salinas, San Jose, and soon in Watsonville as plans are in place to build a playground at Ramsey Park.

Families will travel for miles to visit these playgrounds to access play and social connection for their children. This

reality has compelled the Capitola City Council, staff, and community members to transform the decades-old playground at Jade Street Park into a universally accessible one.

County Park Friends will work to raise $1 million for the playground from the community in small and large gifts. The city will fund the balance of the estimated $1.79 million project. It is also planning to upgrade the community center and surrounding park, which sits on land that is leased from the Soquel Union Elementary School District. People of all ages use the outdoor areas for basketball, tennis, soccer, and other activities while the community center has hosted classes and events for years.

The Jade Street Universal Playground fundraising campaign begins this month. To learn more, nominate a name, or contribute, please visit https://www. countyparkfriends.org/jadestpark. Please help us make this dream a reality. Thank you. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Trees Naturally Dominate Gardens

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

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

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

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

Fruit trees are some of the most misunderstood inhabitants of home gardens. Not many grow big enough to function as shade trees. Fruit is difficult to harvest from those that do. Almost all require intensive and specialized pruning and maintenance. Few get it. Most eventually succumb to neglect.

Citrus and avocados are some of the least demanding.

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

••• Colorado Blue Spruce

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

Furthermore, most home garden Colorado blue spruce are densely compact

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

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

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. com.

Capitola Library Chess Tournament Winners

The annual Youth Chess Tournament at the Capitola Branch Library on July

1 provided a place for 50 budding chess enthusiasts to showcase their skills and engage in friendly competition.

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

The tournament featured a competitive

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

The winners are:

Ages 10 and Under

1: Forrest Pilch

2: Phineas Lee

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

Ages 11 and Above

1: Ptolemy Lee

2: Ethan Burson

3: Angel Castro and Mario Lari

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

County

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

As

Mental Health

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

a retired Clinical Psychologist

It’s a Pink, Pink World

Where Are the Workers? Report: 5,000 County Residents Moved Out of State

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

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

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

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

It speculates the likely reason is housing costs.

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

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

Jimmy Legg, director of sales and marketing at the Scotts Valley Hilton, cited the high cost of housing as a reason it’s challenging to hire qualified staff. He believes tax breaks and other incentives could help to lure corporations back into the travel market.

Working From Home

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

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

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

“Workers” page 26

SB 14 Human Trafficking Bill Advances

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

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

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

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

Six Democrats did not vote.

Supporters pressed to have the entire Assembly vote on SB14, bypassing the Public Safety Committee, but Democrats declined.

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

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

“This is a bill with strong bipartisan support, and protecting victims of child sex trafficking should not be a partisan issue, ” said Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), the bill author and champion of this issue. “ However, the battle is not over—SB 14 must still go through the Assembly Appropriations Committee when legislators return from Summer recess. I believe most Assembly Democrats want to vote for this bill if they are given a chance, and I am hopeful we can succeed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. I urge every Californian to stay engaged until the bill is signed into law.”

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

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

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

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

“In the end, my Democrat colleagues in the Assembly Public Safety Committee did the right thing and passed SB 14 that will make sure repeat offenders of child sex trafficking are

held accountable,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego).

“If it were not for the extraordinary pushback from figures around the state and nation, I fear the Democrats’ oneparty rule and some of their radical ideologies would have prevailed. I’m grateful for the efforts of Senator Grove who has been a fearless leader on this issue and to my Senate Democrat colleagues who saw the need for this measure.”

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

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

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

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

Carpenters Local Union #505 Offers Job Training

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

The union is looking for a skilled and experienced professionals for these positions: Drywall / lather instructor, insulator and fireproofing instructor, and carpenter instructor.

For information, email stownsend@ ctcnc.org.

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

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

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

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

The Construction Site Safety Specialist

NorCal Carpenters: Women for Construction

NorCal Carpenters Union hosts a Women in Construction: Leveling the Field, Recruiting Women career event Friday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 18640 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill.

Careers include: Carpenters, acoustical installers, drywall/lathers, hardwood floor layers, insulators, millmen, cabinet-makers, millwrights, modular systems installer, pile driver, scaffold erectors.

Hands on activities

• Union contractors

• Lunch provided

• Raffle prizes

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

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

For more information, visit ctcnc.org

Certificate Program requires completion of online classes. Select your classes to be put on the

wait list to be notified when they become available. n

For more info: https://www.ctcnc.org/

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

Joe Patterson, Assemblyman (R-Rocklin)

Why Did State Housing Demands Double?

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

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

Here is a summary: •••

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vacancy Rate Unsupported

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

One data error reduced a region’s

needs assessment by nearly 2,500 housing units.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Household Projections Problem

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

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

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

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

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

As a result, Finance cannot ensure

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

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

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

Recommendations

To Legislature

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

To HCD

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

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

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

To Finance

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

Agency Comments

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

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

Goodbye , Hello

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

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

Interestingly, this new font was initially named Bierstadt.

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

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

The name Bierstadt was named for one of Colorado’s 14,065-foot peaks; or perhaps it was named for German-American painter

Albert Bierstadt, who painted sweeping landscapes of the American West.

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

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

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

FEMA Extends Deadline to Sign Up

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

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

President Biden declared the federal disaster April 3. It covers damage caused by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides between Feb. 21 and July 10.

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

There are three ways to apply for FEMA: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/ watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can

be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy.

Residents are not obligated to take out a loan if they are approved, but a failure to return the application may disqualify them from possible FEMA assistance. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. n

So why Aptos?

Apparently Matteson lived in Mountain View during the 1990s and early 2000s, which gave him the opportunity to drive over the hill and decompress. Aptos was one of his favorite places because he could spend time in the red-

woods at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and walk in the sand at Seacliff State Beach, all in one day’s visit.

Personally, I still like the serif Times New Roman.

Let’s hear from Aptosians.

John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce: “We think the new Aptos font is wonderful. Aptos will be famous around the world thanks to Microsoft. The designer was lucky to have spent time here and obviously enjoyed it.”

“Aptos” page 27

Finish the Lyrics

ACROSS

1. *”Back in ____ I hit the sack”

6. Lavatory, abbr.

9. Arctic floater

13. Revered Hindu

14. Three, to Caesar

15. Poison ampules, e.g.

16. Neckwear option

17. *”Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman, giving ____ your love to just one man”

18. Most populous country

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

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

23. Act on IOU

24. Spanish sparkling wine

25. Mel ____, Giant Hall-of-Famer

28. Garbage in, garbage out, acr.

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

35. Less than average tide

37. All’s opposite

39. ____, Wind & Fire

40. Gas station brand

41. Bottom-ranking employee

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

44. ____ Coffee, whisky drink

46. African river

47. Part of a sweatshirt, sometimes

48. ____-____-tat, drum roll sound

50. Please get back to me, acr.

52. 007, for one

53. Impulse

55. Consume food

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

61. *”And I will ____ love you”

64. Do penance

65. Melvin Purvis’ org.

67. High school balls

69. Goes with shaker

70. Cardinal, color

71. Lock horns

72. Eurasian duck

73. Pop-ups, e.g.

74. Earp of the Wild West

DOWN

1. Undergarment

2. Catalog

3. Fungal spore sacs

4. “____ at the bit”

5. Soldier’s knapsack

6. Pinocchio, e.g.

7. Be unwell

8. Pancho’s last name

9. Like certain print

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

11. Assortment

12. Genesis twin

15. Fast and lively, in music

20. Giving a once-over

22. Spermatozoa counterparts

24. Reassert

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

26. Sailor’s cry: “____ firma!”

27. Like an implied agreement

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

31. Possible allergy symptom

32. Black and white treats

33. Leather razor sharpener

34. *”Will the real Slim

____ please stand up”

36. Well-mannered Emily

38. Adult elvers

42. Live it up

45. Mooring rope

49. Though, shortened

51. Another name for papaw

54. Below, prefix

Be a slowpoke

Jellies’ seeded cousins

A-bomb particle

Sheltered nook

Was aware of

Gives a hand

Lotus position discipline

Censor’s target

*”I’m friends with the monster that’s under my ____”

Salon offering

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

Venus (Evening Star) Retrogrades — Time for Review

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

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

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

ARIES

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

TAURUS

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

GEMINI

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

CANCER

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

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

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

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

LEO

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

VIRGO

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

LIBRA

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

SCORPIO

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

SAGITTARIUS

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

CAPRICORN

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

AQUARIUS

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

PISCES

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

“Workers” from page 22

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

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

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

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

A retirement boom may be on the horizon, as 35% of the workforce is 55 and up, and 16% are 65 and up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spotlight Awards

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

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

“Airport Rage” from page 16

Chaney (writer/poet), and Madeline Aliah (writer/poet).

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

A First Friday opening reception will be 5-7 p.m. Aug.

4. This annual award recognizes younger artists as well as those who discovering their artistic voice later in life. Spotlight awardees must live in Santa Cruz County. n

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

Most importantly, don’t lash out at airline employees. They are just the messenger. If you start screaming at them, you may be arrested or banned for life from flying that airline.

Handling a Delay

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

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

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

Also, get creative.That’s the advice of Karen Villano, a gate agent for a major airline. “Always try to go standby on another flight,” she advises. (Pro tip: Ask

“Aptos” from page 25

County Supervisor Zach Friend: “It’s remarkable to see the outsized influence a community of our size can have. Just reflecting on the last few months — whether it’s national coverage for our local July 4th parade, international recognition from this new Microsoft font, or

to “be protected” on an alternate flight.) “You might get on, especially if it is due to weather. Many other travelers may not make it to the hub, and flights go out with empty seats.”

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you booked through an online travel agency like Expedia, call the company and ask for help. If you bought your tickets through a human travel advisor, you have an ally on your side who can help you get through a delay.

And don’t leave home without travel insurance this summer. If you have coverage, you can get reimbursed for your hotel and other expenses related to your delay.

What’s the Fix?

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

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

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

“Rage will only subside when passengers are treated decently,” says

a visit from the President of the United States, the reality is our community is special and connects with people in ways that makes them want to tell the world about it.” n

•••

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

William McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at the American Economic Liberties Project.

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

He makes a valid point. Maybe you can’t get even with an airline at the ticket counter. But you can at the ballot box,

by voting for representatives who will finally hold airlines accountable. n

•••

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

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS CAPITOLA’S FIRST PADDLEBOARD EVENT

On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Capitola Beach Festival will hold its first Paddleboard Event.

This is a spectator friendly, 2-mile open class prone and SUP paddleboard race from Hooper’s Beach (the west side of the Capitola Wharf) along the coast to New Brighton Beach and back. There will also be a short course race for kids (10 and under) from Hooper’s Beach around the Wharf and back. All participants will receive a 1st Annual Paddleboard Race T-Shirt.

Duke Brouwer, Paddleboard Race emcee, said “Capitola has a very rich history in paddleboard competition! From the iconic Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race which brought world-class paddlers to Capitola Beach from as far away as Australia & South Africa, to the annual unofficial Pier 2 Pier Race that runs from the Santa Cruz Wharf to the Capitola Wharf on the Saturday before the Wharf to Wharf 10k to the championship pedigree that the Capitola Junior LIfeguards have developed in their JG sprint paddlers who’ve dominated USLA Regionals for decades! I am excited to see everyone back out on the water competing together and enjoying the beauty that you can only find in Capitola!”

Sign up on Eventbrite to join the competition. There is a fee.

Proceeds cover costs and a donation to the Capitola Junior Guards.

Pre-race meeting at 7:30 am with an 8 am race start.

EN PLAIN AIR DEADLINE IS TUESDAY

The Capitola Art & Cultural Commission invites artists to apply to participate in the 8th annual Capitola Plein Air juried competition, exhibition.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Artists will paint en plein air all around Capitola Oct. 30–Nov. 4, and compete for the blue ribbon on Sunday, Nov. 5.

To apply, artists (18 and older) submit 2 or 3 images online to www.OnlineJuriedShows.com

The entry fee is $50. If you need help entering your images or are unable to, please contact onlinejuriedshows@gmail.com or 888-666-1351

The registration process is juried, and artists work will be reviewed. Space is limited to a maximum of 40 artists. Not all entrants will be invited to attend. Artists will be notified of acceptance by August 14.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Aug. 18, Sept. 15, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Monterey Avenue Park

FAIR ENTRY DEADLINES

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

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

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

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

IMPROVE YOUR COUNTY

Have an idea for a way to help improve your County? County Supervisor Manu Koenig is asking constituents for suggestions. Use the form at https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/government/ boardofsupervisors/district1.aspx to share your proposed ordinance.

CAPITOLA LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Third Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m.: Hugo award winning movies. Aug. 20: Princess Bride (Rated PG) Sept 17: Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (Rated PG)

Sunday July 2, 2-4 p.m.: Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) — SCPL young adult advisory group, For ages 12-18.

SOROPTIMISTS AT SC SHAKESPEARE

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

Proceeds from the booth are the Club’s major fund-raiser and a portion is shared with Santa Cruz Shakespeare. For information, see www.best4women.org,

This year’s season: The Book of Will, Taming of the Shrew, and King Lear.

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

POETRY IN THE PARK

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department announces the return of Poetry in the Park, featuring Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima, live music and a poetry-themed afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Dates are:

Aug. 6 at Brommer Street Park, 1451 30th Ave, Santa Cruz. Poets Aideed Medina, David Sullivan, and Dion O’Reilly

Oct. 8 at Mesa Village Park, 790 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville. Poets Bob Gomez (Watsonville Poet Laureate) and Magdalena Montagne

Nov. 5 at Brommer Street Park, Poets to be announced Mesa Village Park is located at 790 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville. Brommer Street County Park is located at 1451 30th Ave, Santa Cruz. Presented by County Parks and Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatima …

SOQUEL CREEK WATER VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEXTSTAGE MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday August 13

2 p.m., Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola

5 p.m., Corralitos Cultural Center, 127 Hames Road

All are invited to attend the musical extravaganza, Summer’s End, featuring folk songs, jazz, Celtic and Americana music, hosted by NextStage Productions. There will be a two performances, first at the Mid County Senior Center and later at Corralitos Cultural Center.

Highlighting the concerts will be four groups: Three of a Kind, Key of Three, Friends and Neighbors, and Siamsa.

These concerts will be a benefit for NextStage Productions, which provides professional entertainment and outreach to the community.

Suggested donation is $20 at the door.

For information visit https://www.nextstagesantacruz.org/ or call 831 688-4337.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

Santa Cruz

Aug. 3: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St.

Aug. 5: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County, 930 17th Ave.

Scotts Valley

Aug. 9: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive.

Watsonville

Aug. 15: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St..

SIMPKINS POOL EVENTS

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

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

Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cohost the 6th Annual Parks & Rex “Pool Party” FUNdraiser on Aug. 21, noon – 4 pm, at the Simpkins Family Swim Center. Pre-register @scparks.com to guarantee your spot!

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

Event Day price: $10/child, $20/adult Info: scparks.com

ART AT THE BEACH IN CAPITOLA

Enjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists.

The remaining dates for 2023 are: July 30 and Aug. 13. This family-friendly event presented by the Capitola Arts & Cultural Commission, is free and open to the public. https://www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-3

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

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

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

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

IRIS SALES

Monterey Bay Iris Society plans three sales in Aptos: Saturday Aug. 5, Deer Park Shopping Center — 9 a.m. til sold out

Saturday Aug. 12 and 19, Cabrillo College Farmer’s Market — 8 a.m. til sold out Popular items sell out quickly.

MATH CIRCLE RETURNS

The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly math meeting for students in grades 5-8 who really love math.

The 2023-24 session starts Oct. 7; registration takes place in September.

Each week students will meet with mathematical professionals in an informal setting to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics.

The instructors are mathematicians, scientists and engineers who use math every day and many have their PhD in math. Math Circles are interactive and focus on problem solving.

The topics covered are not normally included in the standard classroom curriculum.

Meetings are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon Oct.

7-Nov. 18 at Cabrillo College Building 300; parking is in Garage A, top level, Aptos.

The fee is $150; scholarships available. See http:// www.xacademy.org/

Learn more at National Association of Math Circles website, https://web.archive.org/web/20190127081938/http://www. mathcircles.org/what-is-a-math-circle/

COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS

1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

Here are the remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023. Each meeting takes place on a Tuesday: Aug. 22, Oct. 24, and Dec. 5. Meetings also take place on Zoom. For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays BRIDGE CLUB

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

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

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Wednesdays thru Aug. 30

CAPITOLA TWIIGHT CONCERTS

6 p.m., Esplanade Bandstand, Capitola Village

The Capitola Twiight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months.

All concerts take place at the Esplanade bandstand. These free events are made possible by sponsors.

August 2 – Delta Wires • August 9 – Extra Large • August 16 – Billy Martini Show • August 23 –Everyday People • August 30 – Digbeats

Learn more about the bands at: www.jivemachine.com • www. dirtycello.com • www.tsunami-rocks.com • www.alexluceroband.com • www.reverbnation.com/ribsysnickel • www.thejointchiefsband.com • www.pacificrootsmusic. com • www.deltawires.com • www.extra-large.net • www. billymartini70s.com • www.everydaypeopletheband.com

Fridays

FREE MOVIES AT CAPITOLA BEACH

Movies begin at dusk. All movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring seating.

Low back chairs and blankets are recommended. Considering bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. No alcohol or dogs on the beach.

August 25: Super Mario Brother

September 1: Lyle Lyle Crocodile

Fridays thru Sept. 29

MIDTOWN

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY IS BACK!

5 to 8:30ish p.m., 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Celebrate the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists –Live Music – Vendors

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

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

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

Aug. 18: Mak Nova

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

Sept. 1: The Joint Chiefs

Sept. 8: Locomotive Breath

VETART POP 2 PEACE ARTS CAFÉ

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

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

Event are sponsored by California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. The afternoon begins at 2:30 p.m. with a drum circle led by internationally renowned percussionist Arthur Hull, who is returning early from a trip to China to participate, and the Village Circles Community. This will be a family-friendly experience.

Next: Spoken word (poetry spoken aloud) and KZSC DJ Selecta 7 playing Irie reggae tunes. The day is offered to collectively — that includes you! — increase healing for our veterans and their communities.

Remember, “we are all veterans of war. Some just closer to the action.” For more information: vets4vetssantacruz.org, up2peace.org and VetArt.org.

Sept. 15: Funkranomicon

Sept. 22: AC Myles

Sept. 29: The Expendables

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

DATED EVENTS

Tuesday August 1

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

5-7 p.m., Jade Street Park, 4400 Jade St, Capitola

The Capitola Police Department hosts National Night Out at Jade Street Park. This traditional event features free BBQ, a meet and greet with the Chief and other police officers, with fun and games for all.

National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, helping make our neighborhoods safer while growing community. This year, Capitola Police Department will be joined by staff from the Central Fire District and American Medical Response.

National Night Out is a great opportunity to bring neighbors and public safety organizations together in a relaxed and positive environment.

Tuesday August 1

SCOTTS VALLEY SCHOOL FUNDING MEETING

6:30 p.m., Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Kings Village, Scotts Valley Michael Shulman, SVUSD Board President and Tanya Krause, SVUSD Superintendent, will be the guest speakers for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County. Shulman and Krause will discuss Scotts Valley school funding challenges and the Governing Board’s decision whether to bring voters a measure this fall to renew the parcel tax (enacted in 2018) that expires next year. Effective with the August meeting, the club will meet in person once again upstairs at Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Kings Village. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Friday August 4 thru Sunday August 6

WATSONVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

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

contest and live entertainment Saturday Aug. 5 from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday Aug 6 from 11 am to 7 pm.

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

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

www.cityofwatsonville.org/1117/Watsonville-StrawberryFestival

Saturday August 12

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

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

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

FREE HEARING/VISION TESTING AND MIDSUMMER MARKET

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club will provide free vision and hearing testing in the brand new mobile unit at the entrance to Aptos Village Park until 3 p.m. The Lions can provide applications for assistance for those who need glasses but cannot afford them. The Lions MidSummer Market will also be in the Park, with many vendors selling plants, tools, automobile memorabilia, jewelry and wooden toys. The Aptos High Leos will be selling BBQ tri-tip sandwiches. Admission is free.

Vendor space is $35 with limited spaces still available. For information about the Market, please call Barbara 831-688-3356.

For further information about the free vision and hearing testing, call Becky 831-685-2915.

Sunday August 13

FERRAGOSTO BBQ & BOCCE

1-4 p.m., DeLaveaga Park’s George Washington Picnic Area, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz

Come celebrate Ferragosto with Dante Society amici (friends). Enjoy an afternoon of Italian BBQ with Italian sausage sandwiches, salad, dessert, wine and other beverages, music, friends, and a fun bocce tournament under the beautiful redwoods at DeLaveaga Park.

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

For tickets: bit.ly/dante-ferragosto

‘OUT OF THE FIRE’ OPENING RECEPTION

2-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St, Watsonville Pajaro Valley Arts presents “Out of the Fire” Aug. 9 thru Sept. 24 with an opening reception on the show’s first Sunday. This multi-media exhibit, curated by Susana Arias and Judy Stabile, explores artwork that uses fire as a transformative tool in the making of the work.

Monday August 14

AUTHOR TALK

7 p.m., Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes Lauren J.A. Bear for a reading and signing of her highly-anticipated novel Medusa’s Sisters.

National Support for County Challenges

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

What is the National Association of Counties (NACo?)

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

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

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

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

What issues has Santa Cruz County sought NACo help with?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue).

I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend

SCCAS Featured Pet

“Calendar” from page 29

One reviewer called it “a must-read for Greek mythology fans seeking new depth in their tales.” Curious about mortals and their lives, Medusa and her sisters Stheno and Euryale entered the human world in search of a place to belong, yet quickly found themselves at the perilous center of a dangerous Olympian rivalry and learned—too late—that a god’s love is a violent one.

Looking for Lots of Love

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

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

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

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

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

•••

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

•••

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

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

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

Monsters, but not monstrous, Stheno and Euryale will step into the light for the first time to tell the story of how all three sisters lived and were changed by each other, as they struggle against the inherent conflict between sisterhood and individuality, myth and truth, vengeance and peace.

Lauren J. A. Bear was raised in Long Beach. After studying English at UCLA and education at Loyola Marymount, she taught middle-school humanities for over a decade. She is a teaching fellow for the Holocaust Center for Humanity and lives in Seattle with her husband and three young children.

Saturday August 19

WINE BEER & ART WALK

1-5 p.m., Downtown Watsonville

The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture present the 4th Annual Wine, Beer and Art Walk in historic downtown Watsonville.

This event is a great way for locals and people from out of town to experience great local wines, craft

beers, delicious food and artwork made by talented local artists.

This event is extremely popular and sells out each year.

Early Bird Ticket Price: $40 (Tickets will increase to $45 two weeks before the event.)

Thursday August 24

ALL CHAMBER MIXER

5-7 p.m., Specialized Aviation, 150 Aviation Way, Watsonville Specialized Aviation will host the all-chamber mixer, featuring all six Chambers of Commerce in Santa Cruz County.

See the great event space at Specialized Aviation for your next big event. There will be discounted helicopter rides, appetizers, beer, wine and raffle prizes.

Admission is free, RSVP appreciated at https://web. santacruzchamber.org/events/All-Chamber-MixerSpecialized-Aviation-5370/details

Saturday August 26

DRAWN2ART GRAND OPENING

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

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

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

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