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Henry Cowell Campground Reopening Delayed Full Story page 6
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Central Coast Equity actor stars in Cabrillo’s Sweeney Todd By Mindy Pedlar “The first time I performed in this show, I was only 20 years old,” says Equity actor Adam Saucedo, who plays the title role in Cabrillo Stage’s upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. “I fell in love with the show - and the role - but knew I would have to wait many years to be old enough and to have lived enough life to play it.”
Saucedo describes Todd as a “complex and multifaceted character, with different sides to his persona. Forces within society have acted on him to create the ‘monster hiding in plain sight’. He retains a touch of humanity as he clings to the hope that he might reconnect with his beloved wife and daughter. His obsession with vengeance, however, is his undoing.” ... continues on page 4
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Plan
California State Parks has released the draft Facilities Management Plan for Big Basin Redwoods State Park, nearly five years after the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed most of its infrastructure. Full Story page 4
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Volume 28 No. 7
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Table of Contents
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Cover Central Coast Equity actor stars in Cabrillo’s Sweeney Todd, By Mindy Pedlar
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Community News Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Plan Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed Until April 1, 2026, By Jon Chown Local Band Headed to Famed Music Festival, By Jon Chown • Scotts Valley Woman Training at Navy Aviation School Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz Sniffing for Clues: Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery, By Jon Chown Spotlight Artists: Katie Simpson, Priscilla Martinez, Kara Saiki Supervisors Approve Cell Tower Over Residents’ Objections, By Jon Chown Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point: Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change, By Jon Chown • Road Work Scheduled in North County Grand Jury Releases Initial Reports: Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing, By Jon Chown
Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14 11 38 New Artists Coming to the 2025 Scotts Valley Art, Wine, & Beer Festival, By Cheyanne Donald, Artists Chairperson • Calendar of Upcoming Community Events 12 County Participates in Annual Special Olympics NorCal Law Enforcement Torch Run 13 New Members Spotlight: The Movement Lab and Packs of Paws 14 Local Business The Perfumers Apprentice Wins International Award • Congratulations to West Coast Community Bank (formerly Santa Cruz County Bank) on the Official Ribbon Cutting for their Scotts Valley Branch!
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Letters to the Editor Readers Thank Departing Editor
In Memoriam 16 Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 • John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77
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Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21 SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – The Old General
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Plan C alifornia State Parks has released the draft Facilities Management Plan for Big Basin Redwoods State Park, nearly five years after the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed most of its infrastructure. Both a summary and the complete study can be viewed at reimaginingbigbasin.org. A public webinar is scheduled for July 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., to share plan details and invite input on the environmental review process. The updated Facilities Management Plan aims to restore access while also respecting natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park, established in 1902.
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Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment
A cultural center and mixed Tribal use area is proposed at Little Basin for indigenous groups to highlight their culture.
It holds significant natural and cultural value. Once home to the Quiroste and Cotoni tribes, the land is culturally important to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. California State Parks Director Armando Quintero emphasized that the park’s renewal is about rebuilding, while creating a future focused on old growth forest health and inclusive public access. The plan incorporates technical evaluations and public feedback received earlier in 2024. The recovery strategy reimagines the park’s layout to reduce environmental impact and enhance visitor experiences. It includes reconstruction of campgrounds, day-use areas, transportation infrastructure, and visitor facilities, all designed to protect and highlight the park’s ancient redwood ecosystem. Old Growth Core and Day-Use Hub The former park headquarters will be transformed into a day-use activity hub with minimal paving and structures to reduce ecological disturbance. Most parking and visitor services will be moved to the park’s edge, and the old site will be restored to native habitat. Educational signage and natural interpretation features will help visitors appreciate the old growth forest. Campgrounds on the Edge Camping will return in a reconfigured layout that avoids sensitive old growth
The proposed plans include rebuilding a small amphitheater for park programs and events at the site of the former campfire center. zones. New campgrounds will be developed at Huckleberry, Lower Sky Meadow, Upper Sky Meadow, Sequoia Group Camp, and Little Basin. These will offer a variety of options, including car camping, cabins, small and large group sites, walk-in locations, and backcountry trail camps. Importantly, former campgrounds in high-sensitivity areas such as Blooms Creek, Sempervirens, and Wastahi will be removed and restored to their natural state, protecting the old growth redwoods. Despite these changes, the total number of camping opportunities will remain similar to pre-fire levels. Saddle Mountain Welcome Center and Shuttle System A new Welcome Center will be built at Saddle Mountain, located outside the sensitive core. This will serve as the main visitor
COVER STORY “Sweeny Todd” from page 1 This is a bucket list role for Adam and his preparation is impressive. Before rehearsals even began, he started memorizing his songs and familiarizing himself with the musical cues, entrances, and subtleties. “The story is driven by the music,” Adam says, “so it’s important to really listen to what the other characters are singing.” Sweeney is a barber by trade so Adam watched videos on the proper way to hold and use a straight razor for shaving. He even re-watched an old 1936 movie version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street starring none other than ... Tod Slaughter. He reached out to Reg Huston, an old friend, mentor, his first voice teacher, and the actor who played Sweeney the first time Adam did the show. He was curious to hear Houston’s thoughts on his experience, his take on the character, and what he had learned. Like his mentor and predecessor, Adam Saucedo has a rich, glorious voice. His portrayal of Sweeney is well executed and nuanced. Recently as I entered the theater,
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Photo Credit: Bari Lee
Rehearsing is Adam J. Saucedo as Sweeney Todd.
they were rehearsing the song Pretty Women, Sweeney’s duet with his arch enemy Judge Turpin, played by David Murphy. I was blown away by the beautiful blend and sheer power of their voices. Adam feels his personal journey and
growth prepared him for this opportunity and he is ecstatic to be working with Cabrillo Stage again. Fans may remember his funny and charming portrayal of Gomez Addams in the 2017 production of The Addams Family. Come see him master this darker, deeper character that is Sweeney Todd — with a live orchestra and an extremely talented cast — the result is nothing short of magnificent. n Please note: This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. ••• Sweeney Todd performs July 17 – August 10, Thurs, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Opening night July 18 $5 off Adult and Senior Premier seating with promo code “Revenge”. All performances are at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, CA. Tickets ranging from $25 – $60 can be purchased on line at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets. The Box Office is open for phone 831-4796154 and walk up sales Thursday -Saturday, noon to 6:00pm and 1 hour prior to each show. Special post show Q&A with the cast and creative team immediately following the Sunday matinee on July 27, 2025.
COMMUNITY NEWS entrance, offering a visitor center, café, store, and weekend shuttle service. Visitors will park at Saddle Mountain and take a 15-minute shuttle ride into the old growth area. The shuttle will operate year-round on weekends, with potential expansion depending on demand. To further ease congestion, California State Parks will partner with Santa Cruz Metro to enhance public bus service from the Scotts Valley Transit Center and nearby areas. Little Basin Tribal and Recreational Center The Little Basin area will be transformed into a multi-use site combining public recreation and Indigenous land stewardship. Plans call for a new cultural center developed in collaboration with tribal partners. This center will support ecological restoration, traditional ceremonies, and cultural education and activities Much of the area will be restored by removing pavement and aging facilities to allow for the recovery of meadows, streams and wetlands. Group camps, cabins and tent sites will be rebuilt for public use alongside tribal uses. EIR Process A Supplemental Environmental Impact Report will be created to analyze the plan’s potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures. A Notice of Preparation has been released and the public can submit comments on the scope of the EIR through July 18. The final Facilities Management Plan, General Plan Amendment, and Supplemental EIR are expected to be released late 2025, followed by another public comment period. Although full reconstruction will take years, public access is gradually expanding. Since reopening in July 2022, the park has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors under a limited day-use reservation system managed by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. More than 14 miles of trails and 25 miles of fire roads are currently open. However, there is no potable water available, and parking is limited, especially on weekends.
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The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center would provide an entry to the park and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends.
SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES Founded by Bill Weber in 2000 The proposed Sky Meadow campgrounds will be connected to other areas of the park by a shuttle system. A pilot shuttle program already improves weekend access, and Santa Cruz Metro buses also connect the park with Scotts Valley. Currently, camping is available only on the coastal side at Rancho del Oso, via an interim walk-in campground. Visitors must reserve day-use parking or campsites in advance via the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website. n ••• To view the project summary, webinar details, environmental review documents, and submit public comments, visit ReimaginingBigBasin.org. To make park visit or camping reservations, go to ThatsMyPark.org.
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The proposed Upper Sky Meadow Area will allow visitors to escape the busier areas of the park for a hike along Upper Lodge Road to the walk-in campsites.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground Reopening Delayed Until April 1, 2026 By Jon Chown
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SANTA CRUZ — Tariffs have raised the cost of building materials and that has delayed the reopening of the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground until April 1, 2026 and it’s affecting businesses surrounding the park. The California Department of Parks and Recreation made the announcement last week. The park had been scheduled to reopen Aug. 1 after renovations had been made, but supply chain disruptions have pushed back the completion of essential infrastructure upgrades, including accessibility features. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all our visitors as we improve the park’s facilities” said Santa Cruz District 2 Superintendent Scott Sipes. “We truly value the opportunity to provide quality camping opportunities for visitors to make memories and enjoy our beautiful parks and are disheartened to share these continued impacts to camping at Henry Cowell this season. We hope visitors will return next season and enjoy the upgraded, accessible facilities that will make this campground welcoming to all.” The park is undergoing significant upgrades to ensure compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as to improve the overall visitor experience. The upgrades include restroom and shower buildings, ADA-compliant fixtures, updated signage and lever-style door handles, a new campfire center, ADA-compliant pathways and more. While an Aug. 1 reopening would still have made the summer season pretty short, it would still have been a season. Some local businesses make a substantial amount of their yearly income during the season. Cozy Firewood, located on Graham Hill Road, supplies bundles of firewood to Henry Cowell. Owner Graciela Dena said it amounts to about 50 percent of the company’s business during the summer season. “Henry Cowell” page 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Local Band Headed to Famed Music Festival
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en Lomond natives Jamie and Kellen Coffis, who lead the five-piece Coffis Brothers band, are heading to the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy this Fourth of July weekend. While they’ve attended before, this will be their first time performing. “We’re really excited for HSMF. It’s our first time playing the festival, but a few of us attended in 2012,” said Kellen Coffis. People from Santa Cruz County should come to High Sierra not only for the incredible lineup of 55 acts but also for all the additional things that make High Sierra the ultimate, intimate camping and music festival. Our one of a kind collaborative artist playshops, the acoustic in-the-round Troubadour Sessions, our Family Village complete with a professional childcare program called the Rockin’ Nannies, our daily parades, our Grizzly Radio program which allows people to relax at the camp and listen on the radio to the music happening on four stages and the amazing community of music lovers who make High Sierra what it is. “People of Santa Cruz should come to High Sierra, not only the for incredible lineup, but for all the additional things that
Coffis Brothers
make it the ultimate, intimate camping and music festival,” said Dave Margulies, coowner and producer of the festival. “It’s an amazing community of music lovers who make High Sierra what it is.” High Sierra, started in 1991, is one of the longest-running festivals in the country — possibly the longest that heavily features rock music. Dozens of artists perform over four days on five stages. Some have termed it “summer camp for music lovers.” This year, more than 50 artists will perform, including bluegrass superstar Molly Tuttle and rising guitar phenom Grace Bowers. “Coffis Brothers” page 18
Scotts Valley Woman Training at Navy Aviation School PENSACOLA, Fla. — Scotts Valley foundation in technical training, character High grad Heather Patterson is serving in development and professional leadership to the U.S. Navy amongst sailors, Marines prepare Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and guardsmen at Naval Aviation Schools and partner nation officers and enlisted Command who are developing the skills students to be combat quality aviation professionals. needed to be a combat-ready NASC is comprised of aviation professional. four schoolhouses: Aviation Patterson graduated in Training School (ATS), 2020 and joined the Navy Aviation Enlisted Aircrew eight months ago. Today, Training (AEATS), Aviation she is an ensign and student Rescue Swimmer School at NASC. (ARSS) and Aviation Water “Both of my parents Survival School (AWS), with served in the Navy,” Pattraining on topics such as aviterson said. “My dad flew ation, aircrew duties, survival, P-3s and my mom was an air and water rescue procedures. traffic controller.” “I’m proud of passing Patterson said her the water survival school,” upbringing has helped her in Heather Patterson Patterson said. “I want to the Navy. “I grew up in a small town, so learning thank my brothers, Brandon and Austin, for to work closely with others made a big dif- leading the way for me. They both set the bar really high. I also want to thank my friend, ference,” Patterson said. Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Ella DeBord, for always being there for me. Florida, NASC provides an educational She inspired me to reach for my dreams.” n
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Capitola Honors Former Times Publishing Editor Jondi Gumz O n Tuesday, June 17, former Times Publishing Group, Inc. editor Jondi Gumz was honored by the City of Capitola for the high-quality reporting she has provided Santa Cruz County for more than a quarter century. Here is the proclamation: ••• WHEREAS, Jondi Gumz has contributed over 26 years of exceptional journalism ¾ most notably 20+ years at the Santa Cruz Sentinel and more recently as Editor at Times Publishing Group ¾ reporting with integrity and care on topics vital to Capitola and the broader Santa Cruz County community; and
WHEREAS, her in-depth coverage has consistently illuminated critical public-interest issues ¾ ranging from affordable housing and public health programs to local government actions Jondi Gumz ¾ such as her feature on the county’s Nurse-Family Partnership initiative for lowincome first-time families; and “Jondi Gumz” page 15
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers Thank Departing Editor Will Mayall, Santa Cruz: I read your announcement with sadness, but I hope you find deep joy, healing, and love with your family and grandchildren. I’m so glad to have known you. Your reporting has been among the most important and impactful work this county has seen. You’ve informed and served this community with integrity and heart, and that truly matters. Wishing you comfort, peace, and as many moments of happiness as possible in this next chapter. Bud Colligan, Santa Cruz: It was nice to see you recently and I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing health problems. I endorse your decision to spend time with family and grandkids...highly recommended. We will miss your reporting...you have been a mainstay of Santa Cruz County reporting for many years! Thank you for all you have done to clarify public issues. Wishing you the very best now and into the future. Mick Routh, Capitola: I just read your goodbye from local reporting. You’ve been an excellent news person for the decades you’ve served the community with honest, straight forward journalism. You’ll be missed. I wish you the best in your health battles. If you tackle it with the energy you put into your stories, I’m sure you’ll come out OK. Enjoy your grandkids and retirement — you’ve earned it. Kevin Maguire, Capitola: Thanks for your passion, skills and being impartial keeping us informed, and connected. Appreciate all you have done for us, the community. Hope and pray for your health and quality time with your grandkids, full of love and laughter! Jean Wolff, Aptos: Thank you for all you have given our community, lo these many years! Sorry to hear you are moving, and life changes.
I have read your stories in the local papers for a long time, and can always tell right away it is a Jondi Gumz piece! Your heart has given a great deal to our town, and we send love back to you as you begin your next chapter. All good thoughts on your healing journey, in every way. Andy Lauderdale, Aptos: So sad to lose you from our community Jondi. We’ve been so fortunate to have you. Thank you for sharing so much of your personal story with those of us who have come to know you through your skillful journalism. Here’s hoping you and I both have many years of memories ahead with healthy happy grandchildren. Linda Kerner, Scotts Valley: I was so sorry to see your farewell article in the SV Times. I have always enjoyed the articles you’ve written and you’ve been so helpful in getting the press releases I’ve sent to you published. I am also very sorry to hear about the health challenges you’ve been dealing with - very scary! I wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter in your life and enjoy making special memories with your grandkids! Arne Croce, Aptos: Thank you for your service to the communities of Santa Cruz County. Your dedication to covering local news has made our communities stronger. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate your support for the Cabrillo College Local Government Fellows program. Good luck to you as you continue your cancer treatment and best wishes in all future endeavors. ••• Derek Timm: I read your message in the [June 15 Aptos Times] and just wanted to thank you for all your dedication to your community over the years. You have done so much! Sending you my best wishes. n
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Sniffing for Clues
Dogs Used To Investigate Old Grave Sites at Soquel Cemetery By Jon Chown SOQUEL — Two dogs were happily wagging their tails in a far corner of the Historic Soquel Cemetery Friday, sniffing for signs of where lost grave sites might be located. The canines were brought by the Institute of Canine Forensics, which is working with Temple Beth El on locating lost sites within the cemetery. The temple, which owns the property, aims to map the cemetery, ensure no potential unmarked graves are disturbed and create a walking path through it. This would improve public access and help reconnect the cemetery with the Soquel community, one of the temple’s main goals. The two dogs showed off their skills, pawing at the ground, sniffing, lying down at spots where they smelled something, but never barking. Jospeh Kral, who brought his dog Clio, said the dogs are trained to specifically smell for bodies that have been
Rose Ashford looks at a map of the burial sites at Historic Soquel Cemetery.
long dead. They couldn’t be used for finding deceased victims of a recent catastrophe or crime, because that’s a whole different smell. “How she turns her head, where she sniffs, it all paints a picture,” Kral said. “At one point she turned her head and looked at me. That was a sign she smelled something there.” Clio was bred in Mississippi and has three siblings that are also owned by Canine Forensics, which is based in Woodside. Once trained, the dogs will be able to locate bodies that have been buried for 200 years or more. “We try to look for good hunting pedigrees,” Kral said. “They love their work. This is what they train and live for.” The Historic Soquel Cemetery is one of the oldest in Santa Cruz County. It was established in the 1850s. The first burial was Frank S. Noble, a 6-month old baby boy, in 1853. For more than 170 years, the cemetery has been maintained by different entities and had gradually fallen into disrepair. Irvin Smith, the last individual owner of the cemetery, died in 2009. In 2016, the county took possession of the land for unpaid taxes and put it up for auction. Temple Beth El then purchased it in order to preserve the Jewish section of the cemetery. Rose Ashford, a volunteer at the cemetery and a member of Beth El, said the temple had to buy the entire property to secure the Jewish section. Since then, the temple has been working to restore the property, but it’s expensive and takes a lot of work. Numerous oak trees on the property need care, gravestones need repair and the whole property needs general maintenance.
Joseph Kral and Adela Morris handle their dogs Clio and Zia as they search for clues in the Historic Sequel Cemetery on Friday, June 20. The dogs can sniff out where bodies where buried more than 100 years ago. “Temple Beth El is doing what it can to graves located in the corner of the property, even though there were few grave markers to preserve this cemetery,” Ashford said. Maybe the biggest task is identifying indicate them. “We know something is going on here,” where old graves are located and who is in them. There is a large map of the property said Holly Blue Hawkins of Temple Beth El. with graves marked, but nothing seems “We don’t know what exactly, other than it’s to exist at some spots that are marked. In sacred.” n ••• some cases, gophers have dug up the earth More information on the Historic Soquel around a flat grave marker and have essenCemetery can be found at soquelpioneers.com. The tially buried it. “We’re trying to validate this map,” Ashford Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association will hold its annual Pioneer Picnic on July 26 from 11:30 to said. “It’s hard, but we’re working on it.” After about an hour, it seemed pretty 2:30 p.m. at Pringle Grove at 5270 Pringle Lane in clear that the dogs had found a number of old Soquel. For more info, call 831-818-8109.
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Zia, a member of the Institute for Canine Forensics, sniffs out where bodies have been buried in the Historic Soquel Cemetery on June 20.
38 New Artists Coming to the 2025 Scotts Valley Art, Wine, & Beer Festival Saturday August 16 • Sunday August 17 By Cheyanne Donald, Artists Chairperson
W
e are so excited about the vendors for this year’s Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival! Every year the artist jury committee diligently searches through hundreds of applications looking for just the right mix for the festival. Bringing together local favorites and returning artists that we know you can’t wait to see. Boutique Laboratory Guitars As we welcome back that special group that brings you into picked for this festival, we are proud the festival, we also want to make to welcome 38 new artists into our a point of highlighting this year’s mix! Please welcome: artists that are new to the festival. • My True Bella It is an honor to jury so many • Mystic Woods Creations talented individuals, and to add • Timms Made them to our vendor alumni. We • Cristina Sayers Artwork strive to keep this festival fresh and • In My Hands new, and still give you a balance of • Skavenge Art the festival you know and love. • Sofieczech So, this year, out of 130 artists
Jennifer Peart Art
Holly Waldie Art
• Love Mom • Mom’s Garden Jewelry • Elizabeth Ngo Design • Brick Lab • Jennifer Peart Art • Claus Enevoldsen Art • Holly Waldie Artistry • Gwennie Girl Design • Mountain Medusa Designs • Bay and Laurel • The Desert Marigold • Really Boss Apparel • Wavehaven Glass • Anzhelika Art Glass • Brilliant Stones • Mae Feral • Boutique Laboratory Guitars • Hand Crafted by Jerry & Darleen • Solstice Foods • Megen Gabrielle Jewelry • Miwahands • Nara Pilgrim Wood • Millbillies LLC • Loma Pottery • Road Trippin’ Creative Infusions • Original Sin Jewelry Design • Demby • Tanline Designs Jewelry • Altar Ceramics • Little Creek Pottery • Dana Schettler Pottery ••• Learn more about all 2025 participating artist by going to: svartfestival.com/artists Follow us on social media to see highlights, vendor spotlights, and even a preview of our new layout! @svartwinebeerfestival | facebook. com/ScottsValleyArtWineBeerFestival
Happy Fourth of July!
Calendar of Upcoming Community Events Saturday August 16 Sunday August 17
10 am-6 pm (5 pm Sun) — Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
Bay & Laurel
Thursday September 18 5:30-7 p.m. – Mixer & Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Kalani Day Spa 245 Mt Hermon Rd, Ste D, Scotts Valley
Saturday September 20 Time TBA — Stringed Instrument Roadshow
Claus Enevoldson Art
Scotts Valley Community Center 360 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley
Saturday September 27
Noon – 10 Year Anniversary & Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Skavenge Art
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company 20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley
Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 11
Scotts Valley Chamber News
County Participates in Annual Special Olympics NorCal Law Enforcement Torch Run S anta Cruz County Law Enforcement raised funds and awareness for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) by participating in the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run on Thursday, June 26. Their leg ran from Natural Bridges State Park to the Dream Inn. The Torch Run features more than 3,500 law enforcement personnel from hundreds of local agencies carrying the Special Olympics torch, the Flame of Hope, throughout Northern California. The Torch Run will culminate at the annual Summer Games, which was held this year June 27-29 at Santa Clara University. Summer Games is the largest local Special Olympics NorCal event, bringing together more than 1,000 athletes and coaches from 20+ counties to compete in multiple sports. The Northern California Torch Run began in 1996 and has raised more than $20 million for Special Olympics through the run itself, plus multiple other fundraisers throughout the year. Learn more at www.sonc.org. n
••• Special Olympics Northern California is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, education, leadership, and health programs. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for more than 31,000 participants. On school campuses, Special Olympics NorCal impacts more than 182,000 school-aged students by promoting inclusion through the Unified Champion Schools Program. SONC is also committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through health programs and leadership training. More information may be found by visiting www.sonc. org and on Facebook/X/TikTok@SONorCal and Instagram@SpecialOlympicsNCA. Or contact Retired Lieutenant John Hohmann 831-252-4187. Photos from 2024 Special Olympics NorCal Law Enforcement Torch Run in Scotts Valley. Courtesy of the Scotts Valley Chamber.
Celebrating 44 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 – 2025 $4800/mo Charming 3BR/2BA Vintage 2-story Home in Brookdale with modern upgrades. Located at 11260 Hwy 9. Large bonus loft on top level. Addt’l bonus office/gym. FP in living room. W/D incl. Fenced yard. Pet negotiable. ..................................................................................................................................... AVAIL NOW $3850/mo 3BR/1BA Single-Level Home at 14650 Two Bar Rd #7 in Boulder Creek. Updated kitchen. Laundry hook-ups. Creekside deck. Parking for 2 vehicles max. 1 cat OK. Summer Move-In Special. ........................ AVAIL NOW $2300/mo Serene 2BA/1BA Duplex downstairs unit in SC Mountains: 50 Old Orchard Road in Los Gatos. Large kitchen. W/D hookups in large laundry room. Garden. Patio. Great commute location. .............................. AVAIL NOW $1700/mo Large Studio Apartment at 14650 Two Bar Rd #3 in Boulder Creek. New interior paint. New luxury vinyl plank flooring. Walk-in closet. No laundry onsite. 1 cat OK. Summer Move-In Special. ........................ AVAIL NOW $1500/mo Peaceful end-unit Studio Apartment at 14650 Two Bar Road #6 in Boulder Creek. Good lighting. 1 cat OK. No laundry. Small Creekside patio. Summer Move-In Special. ................................................... AVAIL NOW
12 / July 2025 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
WATER EFFICIENCY SEASON
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Use water efficiently by watering your yard no more than twice a week. Please water before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Learn More: www.svwd.org
Scotts Valley Chamber News New Members Spotlight
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The Movement Lab
he Movement Lab, started and owned by three exercise professionals — Dan Melton, Dr. Matt Davis, and Jon Schroeder — is focused on keeping people active and healthy. Dan Melton and Dr. Matt Davis have been working together for five years. Previously, they would send clients back and forth when Dan was the fitness director and trainer at Enterprise Sports Club and Matt was clinic director at Precision Physical Therapy in Scotts Valley. Jon recently started working with Dan and Matt in the past few years and is a welcome addition. Back in early 2024, Dr. Matt Davis left his role at Precision, and started Santa Cruz Mobile PT, which recently won the Reader’s Choice Award from the Santa Cruz Sentinel for being the best Physical Therapist in Santa Cruz County for 2024.
Earlier this year, the team decided to pull the trigger on a brick and mortar location at 16 Victor Square, Suite F, Scotts Valley, California. Jon has a passion for sports training, and both Dr. Matt Davis and Dan Melton have an interest in helping endurance athletes at all levels. Dan is finishing up his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at San Jose State University and is involved in their VO2 max testing program. This partnership of business acumen and personal experience at The Movement Lab positions them in a unique space, where insights into movement patterns, training programs, testing results, can inform the individual of best steps to move forward for exercise and healthy daily living. To learn more about The Movement Lab and their offerings visit their website at www. themovementlabsv.com.
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Packs of Paws
he Scott’s Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Packs of Paws as a new member! Packs of Paws, owned and operated by Morgan Taylor Achondo, specializes in pack hikes and canine adventures! Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range are hundreds of trails and within those same mountains are hundreds of pups longing for adventure! It is with that idea in mind that Packs of Paws was born! Services include dogs being picked up from their home beginning in the early afternoon, they are then transported to a different array of dog friendly trails. From Henry Cowell to Bonny Doon and beyond, dogs find themselves immersed in adventure and friendship! These pups are discovering a sense of comradery as they navigate meadows, rivers, fallen logs, peaked summits and more, all while being accompanied by a multitude of other dogs at their side! The Santa Cruz Mountains house miles of unique and diverse trail systems, from open meadows, towering redwoods, to rocky peaks these dogs are exploring it all! The socialization and physical activity leave these dogs feeling fulfilled psychologically, emotionally, and physically, making for a happy home pup! Packs of Paws is proud to be
serving the Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Felton, Ben Lomond areas and remains dedicated and driven on their mission of getting all tails on trails!
Celebrating 40 Years in Business Anniversary Sale Jewelery: 30-40% Valid July 2025
245 Mt. Hermon Rd. Suite Y, Scotts Valley greenejewelrydesign.com (831)438-1844
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 13
Scotts Valley Chamber News
Local Business The Perfumers Apprentice Wins International Award L inda Andrews, the founder of the The Perfumers Apprentice, headquartered right here in Scotts Valley, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious “Art and Olfaction Contribution to Scent Award”. On May 29 the Art and Olfaction Awards celebrated the finalists and announced the winners at a festive celebration in Los Angeles. A program of The Institute for Art and Olfaction — a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Los Angeles, CA — the awards present a highly competitive and highly selective arbiter of excellence in perfumery. Raising interest and awareness for active independent, artisan and experimental perfumers from all countries, our hope is that by shining a spotlight on perfumery’s most outstanding creators, we will help generate support for independent perfumery, as a whole. The 11th awards took place in the context of Scent Week. A nine-day celebration of perfumery in Los Angeles, Scent Week featured an eclectic array of programming, including the 6th Experimental Scent Summit at Institute for Contemporary Art LA (ICALA), and the return of Scent Fair LA at Craft Contemporary. The 11th Art and Olfaction Awards took place at Cicada Club, an art deco jewel in downtown Los Angeles. The ceremony was enlivened with music by Mariachi Tierra Mia, and welcomed 200 guests in a friendly, bohemian, community-oriented event that was steeped in laughter and joy. The Perfumer’s Apprentice began in 2004, as a little shop in a Santa Cruz loft. It was a place where people could learn about perfumery and chemistry through workshops and classes, and experiment with a myriad of fragrance ingredients. From that cozy beginning they’ve grown organically into an informative and dependable online source for premium aromatic ingredients such as John Steele Company’s famous selection of natural essential oils, absolutes, and attars. About The Perfumer’s Apprentice They are currently offering perfumery Classes, where their students create their own custom scents with the help of their
Perfumers. For those who can’t make it all the way to their California location, they also offer a great selection of Educational Kits that are a fantastic way to begin or supplement your own fragrance blending. In 2009, they founded The Flavor Apprentice, whose aim is to supply premium food flavoring to culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. Today they have more than 250 flavors, allowing their consumers to experiment and improve their recipes and make them more savory, sweet, and complex. They created The Flavor Apprentice in order to create a clear separation between their food safe flavoring and their perfuming products. All of their goods are organized by the same staff members, and you may order any combination of flavors and perfume items. Their goal is to enable perfumers and flavorist’s of all levels to learn about and experience truly professional components. Let them help you on your journey into the world of personal scent and flavor creation. Explore their Perfumer’s Corner for great informational articles and education!
Congratulations to West Coast Community Bank (formerly Santa Cruz County Bank) on the . Official Ribbon Cutting for their Scotts Valley Branch!
Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter
Photo Credit: Alondra Castilla, for the Art and Olfaction Awards
Linda Andrews, founder of The Perfumers Apprentice, accepts the Contribution to Scent Culture Award, as Alex Wiltschko (Founder Osmo) and Saskia Wilson-Brown (founder, Art and Olfaction Awards) look on.
14 / July 2025 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
CALL FOR SPECIAL RATES 831.688.7549
Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce 360 King’s Village Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066
COMMUNITY NEWS
Spotlight Artists: Katie Simpson, Priscilla Martinez, Kara Saiki T he Santa Cruz County Parks Department has announced the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2025 Spotlight Award recipients: Katie Simpson of Aptos, (mixed-media paintings), Priscilla Martinez of Watsonville, (mixedmedia paintings & digital graphic design), and Kara Saiki of Scotts Valley, (papier-mâché masks). The artists’ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Government Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, through Oct. 14 with a First Friday opening reception on Aug. 1 from 5-7 p.m. See firstfridaysantacruz.com/ events. Kara Saiki is a young, ambitious, local artist who has been interested in art from an extremely young age. Over the past two years, Kara has channeled most of her creative work towards the theater, creating stage props, painting set pieces, and even creating costumes. Although she works in a variety of mediums such as painting, sketching, and digital art, one particular medium has allowed Kara to bring her artwork to life in three dimensions: papier-mâché. This unique and dynamic method brings together aspects of various mediums, which allows her to create everything from delicate objects to ferocious creatures using nothing but scrap materials, flour, glue, and paint. Kara hopes to continue to work in theater, however, she will definitely continue to explore new projects and mediums in her free time. Katie Simpson is an artist, nature enthusiast and educator from Aptos, with an MFA in studio art from the City College of New York, CUNY, and a BA in drawing,
“Jondi Gumz” from page 8 WHEREAS, her reporting on Capitolaspecific matters, including the fate of the historic Rispin Mansion ¾ covering stories on council deliberations, demolition plans, restoration projects, and ghost-hunter midnight explorations ¾ has deepened community understanding and engagement with our city’s heritage; and WHEREAS, her distinguished work has been recognized by numerous awards, including a 2018 San Francisco Press Club Award and a 2017 Clarion Award for public relations reporting; and
Art by Kara Saiki
painting and printmaking from Portland State University. Katie’s primary artistic focus is acrylicmixed media paintings that combine drawing, painting, printmaking, and other media — and her work circles in on nature in various ways. She shows regionally and is often part of Open Studios. Katie is currently arts education manager at ArtsCouncil Santa Cruz County, and has been teaching with the Arts Council since 2019, as a Spectra artist and with Mariposa Arts. She loves teaching art to people regardless of age, as art helps us all reach our awesomeness. She has taught drawing, painting, printmaking, paper arts, mixed media painting, and bookbinding to students ranging from kindergarten to college level. Katie digs fostering fun creative community connections. She is super excited about art and nature, and she is ready to get everyone else excited too. “Spotlight Artists” page 23
WHEREAS, through thoughtful, factbased, and empathetic storytelling, Jondi Gumz has fostered civic trust, empowered residents, and chronicled Capitola’s evolving story with honesty and heart; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Capitola hereby honors and thanks Jondi Gumz for her outstanding career in journalism, her steadfast commitment to serving the public interest, and her enduring contribution to the vitality of Capitola. — Joe Clarke, Mayor Signed and sealed this 17th day of June, 2025
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 15
IN MEMORIAM
Santa Cruz Liberal Icon Dies at 79 M ike Rotkin, a five-time mayor of Santa Cruz and liberal icon of Santa Cruz County, died June 18 due to complications from leukemia. He was 79. Rotkin was well-known for his progressive politics. He first ran for City Council in Santa Cruz in 1979 as a socialist. He taught Marxist theory at UC Santa Cruz for more than 40 years and served on the Santa Cruz City Council six times. He had served more time as mayor of Santa Cruz than anybody else in the city’s history. He first served in 1981-1982, then from 19851986, 1995-1996, 2004-2005 and finally, from 2009-2010. Rotkins’ leadership shaped Santa Cruz in many ways. During his 20 years in city government, city spending on social services
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current member of the county’s and programs increased from Regional Transportation Com$80,000 a year in 1979 to $2 mission and volunteered for million by 2000. many efforts. Rotkin was also “Former Mayor Mike a union organizer and a board Rotkin was at the center of every member for the Santa Cruz important decision in Santa Cruz County chapter of the American over the last four decades,” said Civil Liberties Union. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley In 2013, he was interviewed in a press release. “His valuedby Sarah Rabkin as part of a based advocacy for those less regional history project for UC fortunate, and for communityMike Rotkin Santa Cruz. He discussed his based policy developments are now models for current and future elected whole life, including the first time he was officials. Our community is so much better arrested at age 15 for protesting for civil because of Mike’s public service; and, sadder rights. Throughout his life, he was arrested many times while protesting. today because of his passing.” Rotkin was born in New York City, grew Rotkin continued to serve his community after his final term as mayor. He was a up in Maryland and graduated from Cornell
University with a degree in English literature in 1969. Before he graduated, he spent a year as a community organizer in Florida, working with minority migrant workers. It helped shaped his views on politics, though his parents were socialists as well. “This has a lot to do with who I am. I’m sure,”Rotkin told Rabkin. “My parents were community activists when I was growing up.” He came to Santa Cruz right after graduating and began working as a teaching assistant. A few years later he dipped his toes into local politics, helping to thwart development of hotels, freeway expansion and getting involved in grape boycotts. From there, his activism grew into the legacy he left behind. In honor of Mike Rotkin’s legacy, Santa Cruz lowered flags at City Hall. n
John Robbins, Author and Activist, Dies at 77
ohn Robbins, a bestselling author and activist who relinquished the BaskinRobbins fortune to become a leading voice for food consciousness and sustainability, died June 11 at his home in Soquel. He was 77.
Robbins is best known for his 1987 book “Diet for a New America,” which revealed connections among diet, animal welfare, human health and the environment. Published in 1987, it sold more than a million copies and helped ignite the modern
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plant-based movement. But to those in Santa Cruz County, Robbins was also a neighbor who lived quietly in Soquel as an embodiment of the principles he wrote about. The Robbins family issued a statement asking for privacy and understanding: “We, the family of John Robbins, ask for privacy as we grieve our beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather. John overcame many hardships with tenacity and resilience, always learning, growing and sharing his love with the people close to him. Never did he waver from that, maintaining an attitude of gratitude, humility and curiosity until the very end of his life. His wisdom, playfulness and loving heart blessed us in immeasurable ways that will be with us for the rest of our lives. We feel blessed by his continuing presence with us, guiding us, comforting us, and we believe that one day he will greet us at our own journey’s end.” Robbins’s advocacy earned him many major awards, including the Rachel Carson Award for environmental leadership; the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award for promoting social justice and compassionate living; Peace Abbey’s “Courage of Conscience” Award, honoring moral courage in challenging mainstream norms; and Green America’s Lifetime Achievement Award for sustained commitment to ethical, sustainable food systems. Born in 1947, Robbins was the only son of Irv Robbins, co-founder of BaskinRobbins. Though he was expected to take over the family business, he chose a different path and walked away from the wealth of the ice cream empire. After a decade of living simply on an island in British Columbia with his wife, Deo, and their son, Ocean, he began
writing “Diet for a New America,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction. He then moved to Soquel. Robbins’s ideas didn’t just align with Santa Cruz County values — they helped shape them. His nonprofit EarthSave International, launched in the late 1980s, had one of its first chapters in Santa Cruz. From community potlucks to school programs promoting plant-based lunches, Robbins brought food activism into everyday life. He spoke often at local events and supported regional efforts to advance organic farming and humane animal treatment. “Santa Cruz County gave him a community that matched his heart,” said Ocean Robbins. “He found here what he wanted for the world — connection, sustainability and integrity.” Robbins’s modest home — surrounded by fruit trees and gardens — was solarpowered. With Ocean, he co-founded the Food Revolution Network, a global online hub advocating healthy, sustainable eating. In the 2000s, he continued writing influential works, including “The Food Revolution,” “Healthy at 100,” “No Happy Cows” and “The New Good Life.” His work earned numerous humanitarian and environmental awards and influenced readers worldwide. He continued to live in Soquel, writing, teaching and supporting the Food Revolution Network until shortly before his death. According to his family, he died peacefully of complications related to post-polio syndrome, a condition he had managed for many years. In his final days, he remained engaged with friends, readers and the broader community that had grown from his life’s work. “John Robbins” page 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Supervisors Approve Cell Tower Over Residents’ Objections
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By Jon Chown
anta Cruz County Supervisors voted June 20 to approve a 151-foot cellphone tower proposed by AT&T in Bonny Doon. It will be the tallest cell tower allowed in a Santa Cruz County neighborhood. The original proposal was to construct a 151-foot-tall tower camouflaged as a monopine tree at 186 Summit Drive, that includes nine panel antennas. After the community objected, the tower was passed without the camouflage, due to concerns about plastic. The tower is extremely controversial and was first considered in 2023. In February, the Planning Commission denied the project, based on the idea that there was no coverage gap, and that a existing cell tower on Patrick Road could be improved. Many Bonny Doon residents are against the new cell tower. They say it’s not necessary, will damage the environment because it contains microplastics, and will be an eyesore that reduces property values. AT&T’s proponents argued that it’s not only necessary to fill a coverage gap, but it would be unlawful for the county to reject it. Travis Brooks, an attorney with Miller Starr Regalia, representing CTI Towers, which owns the property the tower would be placed on, told the supervisors on
Tuesday that “Even if the county could find a reason to reject the project, under federal law, it could not do so,” he said, pointing to the federal Communications Act of 1996. Santa Cruz land use attorney Gary Patton, representing Bonny Doon residents, differed. “Certainly, after what you’ve just heard, it would seem like there is no argument against this, but indeed there is,” Patton said. He led a well-organized rebuttal to the tower. Bonny Doon’s experts claimed there was not a real gap in coverage and that AT&T was actually breaking the law by providing bad data. “The problem here is that a 150-foot tower doesn’t belong in a residential neighborhood. That’s the problem,” said Rodney Cahill, who lives next door to the proposed tower site. Central to the debate is the map used to show coverage. According to AT&T, it’s cellular reception map shows a coverage gap and only a new tower would fill it. Local residents, however, say there is no coverage gap and point out that AT&T’s own marketing maps show full coverage in the region. In fact, AT&T had come to the Board of Supervisors early last year to request withdrawing its land lines in the
Santa Cruz Mountains because they were costly to maintain, and that no there were coverage gaps in cell phone service. That request was denied. Many Bonny Doon residents showed up to speak and were relegated just one minute each. Many held signs reading “Please, Oh Please! No Fake Trees!” The neighbors say they have spent more than $80,000 to stop this tower. Some argued that an existing tower at 125 Patrick Road should be expanded. Matthew Kaufman, who owns the 125 Patrick Road property, rebutted that argument. He explained that his tower was damaged in the CZU fire, and he has not been able to get the permits to repair it properly. “While I believe our tower is superior, I do agree with AT&T and fully support their tower. Even if AT&T wanted to use our tower, they would face the same problems,” he said. Justin Cummings, pointed out AT&T’s
varying storylines, including when they said there was full coverage just last year, and that they said Kauffman had denied them the use of his tower, which was not true. “Based on that, I think we need to consider who we support today,” he said, while also questioning the CEQA process. “Residents have brought bags of this plastic that has fallen off these towers,” he said. “I can’t believe there is no potential for this to break down into microplastics…. We should not be supporting that.” Cummings moved to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial, but his motion did not get a second. Immediately after that failed, Supervisor Manu Koenig asked if the county could just approve the tower if it were to be made out of metal and painted green, as if the plastic issue was the main problem. “Cell Tower” page 18
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 17
Summer Study — Knowing Ourselves Through Astrology Esoteric Astrology • July 2025 • By Risa D’Angeles
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bove the doors of the Mystery Temple is an axiom which reads, “Know Thyself.” There comes a time when we seek to know about ourselves, about the world we live in and about the heavens above. We become seekers, and each seeker becomes curious and comes to knowledge in their own timing and in their own particular way. During the summertime, under Cancer Sun and Jupiter, Archangel Uriel calls seekers to forests and meadow to study and to learn. We study the signs in the heavens (astrology) and learn how each sign communicates (everyone is different), each sign’s task and purpose. Then we begin to know ourselves. And when we know more about ourselves (and others), we cultivate a wisdom, and then we begin to love (ourselves and others) more and more. Astrology helps us find our place in the world, it builds the lower mind to reach up to the higher mind, & eventually it reaches the place where we can gaze at our Soul. And see that our Soul is gazing back at us. And then we have a companion forever & ever. And Love happens.
ARIES
Study is uninteresting at first to Aries, busy with initiating new adventures. Aries needs to start things, always be first, not get too deep, and use their quick, sharp mind for mental bravery and sports metaphors. In class, before the teacher completes a question, notice the first-hand waving is Aries. Later in life this very same Aries will become the brilliant wit, philosopher extraordinaire and the one who synthesizes and anchors (Ray 7) vast information.
TAURUS
Knowing ourselves through the study of astrology (signs in the heavens, the language of God, as God Geometrizes), we gather information that leads to knowledge (of self). With Sun and Jupiter in Cancer (high intelligence), that knowledge of self begins to nurture and nourish each of us. Knowledge, enough of it, leads us to wisdom. And then love follows. Upcoming events in July. In July three planets turn retrograde - Neptune (other worlds), Saturn (structure, time) and Mercury (communication, thinking) retrograde. The United States 249th birthday is Friday, July 4th. Mercury retrogrades July 18 (15 degrees Leo), ‘til August 11 (4 degrees Leo). A time to recognize our gifts and talents. We study and review the astrological signs (their function, purpose, reasons to be) several times each year. At the beginning of a new year and then again midyear, in summertime when the living is easy, under the sign of Cancer, which is the sign of remembering. And Leo, the sign of cultivating our talents and gift and offering them to the world (Aquarius). n
LEO
This is the professor in training, the actor, director, dramatist, the power leader, the one with the will and stamina because they’re in direct contact with the heart of the Sun. Creativity is essential. They display themselves, their creations, and their personality in order to be recognized and appreciated. Praise helps them grow, and they can’t evolve without it. In a classroom, they are the shadow teacher. Someday they’ll own their own institute, academy, or church and lead with both heart and mind.
VIRGO
They don’t talk much and can’t take pop quizzes or write long paragraphs. They’re deep thinkers and one never knows if, and when, they’ll answer questions or be ready to do a class project. They gather information and when older, have more money and real estate than the rest of us, saving all they have for the seventh generation. Ask them about real estate and gold. They illuminate the world for us. They hold our personalities in their heart which forms them into a golden chalice.
This is the librarian, the detailer, the weaver, the draper, the one who takes all of Gemini’s unrelated facts and sets them in alphabetical order and creates a card catalogue on-line. Virgos are hidden behind pursed lips and almost closed eyes since they research everything in minutest detail. They really need to run and play more instead of focusing all of their time on details, percentages, and efficiency. They never give all of themselves away. They hide the Soul.
GEMINI
LIBRA
They talk, talk, talk and charm us out of responsibilities. They know a lot about everything, are deep but don’t have time to share it. They’re not supposed to. They’re supposed to make us curious enough so that we go deeper, not them. They read everything from milk cartons to small bits of paper. They’re very curious and do seven things at once. They present dual realities so we can choose. They can’t. They are humorous, deflect being known and underneath is a heart of love.
CANCER
Communication comes more easily to you with Mercury in Cancer. It is most important now to listen to your intuition, which is asking you what nurtures and nourishes you. Mercury, the messenger, brings forth the Art of Living, also harmony and beauty. What in your life has harmony and beauty? What in your life and environment needs harmony and beauty? Is there a wound or hurt occurring? A separation somewhere? Something you don’t understand and it’s limiting you? Warm golden turmeric drink will help.
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These are the ones whose task is to walk into a situation and create chaos. The ultimate Libran brings forth harmony and balance, but only after destroying the harmony that existed in the first place. Learning for Libra is about who’s having a relationship with whom and how does it relate to them. In a group they lead by understanding how everything connects. The optimum learning environment for Librans contains fragrance, flowers, calm colors, art objects, order and beauty. They are the best relationship. They are to be the harmonizers.
SCORPIO
The student in the back of the classroom in black or deep purple, wearing sunglasses and never talks or shares is a Scorpio. Their eyes penetrate matter to its core, they know all the answers but they tell no one. They work alone, make excellent surgeons, and have a depth of knowledge matched only by Pisces. Not liking to be the center of attention we never ask them questions. They don’t like anyone knowing their business. They make good detectives and often open and teach in Mystery (Wisdom) Schools. •••
SAGITTARIUS
These are the professors on sabbatical even when they’re teaching. Education is something they find while traveling, carrying mail, opening a publishing house, or being free to eat in every restaurant in the world. They love food and are hidden epicureans. Always optimistic, they glide over details better than a Gemini. In the classroom these are the students who seek the “why” of everything. Sags are the “rider on the white horse.” Their life is an actual pilgrimage. They unveil the eyes of Lady justice.
CAPRICORN
This is the rational and serious student always looking ahead, climbing the corporate ladder in order to break the glass ceiling. They study for hours, slowly but surely constructing their brilliant yet practical initiate minds. Capricorn is a realist, disciplined and purposeful, logically working towards goals. One day, like a tired goat, they fall off the Himalayas, land in the middle of a Gemini Festival of Humanity, and find spirituality. Capricorns have the keys to the kingdom. Watch them carefully and befriend them. Sometimes they are lonely on those drafty mountaintops.
AQUARIUS
They come from the future so hardly anyone understands them. They learn differently from everyone, put things off until the last moment, and anything dull (like yesterday) bores them. Their inventiveness is extraordinary, but they need complete freedom, time, and space for brilliance to find them. Speed and movement help them think. They make unusual artists and love things glass-like, filled with fire. Their minds function more like lightning than regular brain cells. They’re our waters of life poured forth for thirsty humanity. They love humanity.
PISCES
Well, here we are at the end, which is the way Pisces often feels in the classroom and in the world. This is a complex and perplexed sign since they often don’t know why they’re on Earth. Classrooms stifle them, assignments and deadlines aren’t understood, and time is mysterious. When given care and explanations they assemble themselves somewhat and begin to work. They learn intuitively and need everything to relate to everything else. When asked a question they know the spiritual side of a subject, which is actually the essence of the inquiry. Well-constructed shoes keep them steady and safe.
@risagoodwill • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com
18 / July 2025 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
“Coffis Brothers” from page 7 Basically, if you like Americana, blues, folk rock, bluegrass, funk, Afrobeat, jazz, or electronica, you can find it at HSMF. “The music runs most of the day and night, with camps hosting bands as well. Not only do bands perform their regular sets, but it’s quite common for them to mix together. “Playshops” feature special sets of members from many different bands performing a classic album or following a theme. One of this year’s playshops will feature the music of Lucinda Williams. Besides the music, there are parades, child care, a Family Village, and a lot of other quirky fun. For instance, at sunrise, people of all stripes can be found playing kickball, where drinks are served at second base, or third — or both — and you might see somebody dressed as Abraham Lincoln in the outfield. “A few months ago, a friend of mine told me I’ve gotta make a kickball game so I’m ready for it. Three of us in the band are lifelong soccer players, and there’s probably nothing I enjoy outside of music more than playing soccer, so I feel like I need to make an appearance at kickball. The sunrise element may prohibit some of us from participating, but I hope The Coffis Brothers leave a mark on the kickball field this year,” Kellen said. High Sierra starts July 3 and runs through July 6. Tickets for all four days are $413.51 after fees, and single-day tickets range from $82 to $109. “We’re expecting a whirlwind of a few days at the festival,” Kellen Coffis said. “We know a lot of the artists playing; we have many friends who attend the festival, and we’re from Santa Cruz, so we’re ready for the quirkiness.” Margulies said he is expecting a great show from the Coffis Brothers, maybe the most inspired set of their lives. “I think they’ll come away from the weekend proclaiming that High Sierra was the greatest music festival experience they’ve ever had.” n ••• For more information on the High Sierra Music Festival, go to www.highsierramusic.com.
“Cell Tower” from page 17 “If this was a question of kids vs. suits, I’d vote kids all day long,” he said, but said he was concerned about federal law. “If we were just to reject this tower, the county will be in a lawsuit and based on my understanding of the law, the tower will be built in the same place.” Moncia Martinez (District 5) seconded that motion, telling disappointed residents “I listened intently, and I heard every single one of your concerns.” “We need to represent the people,” Cummings pleaded to his fellow supervisors before the vote. “Let the courts decide.” The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Cummings against. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Wharf to Wharf Changes Starting Point Murray Street Bridge Closure Forces Route Change
T
By Jon Chown
he Wharf to Wharf will have a new starting point this year due to the Murray Street Bridge closure. The scenic six-mile race will now begin on Portola Drive, between 26th Avenue and 38th Avenue. The new course will then track southward through the east side of Santa Cruz, past Twins Lakes Church and through the Harbor neighborhoods of 7th Avenue. The third mile wraps around the harbor onto Lake Avenue and then back onto the traditional course along the ocean. The finish line is still at the corner of Cliff and Wharf Road by the Capitola Wharf. The Wharf to Wharf is run each year on the fourth Sunday in July (July 26 this year). The event was first run in 1973 and grew each year until the race had to be limited to 16,000 runners. Participants come from all over the world to take part in it and registration sells out almost instantly. The race is produced by Wharf to Wharf Inc., a nonprofit charted to promote running, health and fitness. Since its inception. Scott McConville, race director for Wharf to Wharf, has been planning the event for
15 years and said this year has been the most difficult. It’s a year-round job putting the event together and this year, about 20 different routes were considered and it took months of negotiations with all the different principalities involved before a final route was settled on. “There’s so many things to consider, starting with safety and then to the general impact on the residential community,” McConville said. “We also have to consider the participant experience and the infrastructure needs: parking lots, restrooms — so it’s a lot. The process has been arduous.” But McConville said also he loves it. There could hardly be a more scenic site for such a race and the Wharf to Wharf Race Inc., a nonprofit, has contributed more than $6 million dollars to Santa Cruz County youth sports programs in general and the running community in particular. “I get a lot of joy out of being involved with this organization, in general,” he said. “I was around Wharf to Wharf my whole life growing up, so it’s definitely an honor.” n ••• For more information on the Wharf to Wharf, go online at wharftowharf.com.
2013 Wharf to Wharf race.
Fourth of July
Road Work Scheduled in North County SANTA CRUZ — County crews began a new round of patch paving work in North County on June 23 and work will continue until late August. The remaining schedule includes: • Bear Creek Rd. – Deerwood Drive, June 30–July 11 • Mountain Charlie Rd. – Summit Road to Glenwood Dr., July 14–25 • Empire Grade Rd. – Near Quarry Bend Rd. to PM 13.3, July 28–Aug. 8 • Bonny Doon Rd. – PM 1.25 to Pine Flat Rd., Aug. 11–18 • Smith Grade Rd. – Empire Grade Road to Bonny Doon Rd., Aug. 19–22 Crews will work weekdays only from
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic control measures in place to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. Each summer, road crews focus on nine weeks of dedicated patch paving in each region: Mid-, South-, and North-County. While paving teams target specific road segments, additional crews continue essential roadside work such as mowing, ditch clearing, and striping. All work is part of the county’s annual Road Maintenance Program and is funded by the Highway Users Tax Account, commonly known as the Gas Tax. n
Bear Creek Road at Deerwood Drive
ACROSS
1. Croat, e.g. 5. Reverential respect mixed with wonder 8. Island near Java 12. From where to eternity? 13. *”Land of the ____” 14. Rowed 15. Diabolical 16. Mideast bigwig 17. Unleashes 18. *Star-spangled banner (2 words) 20. Type of ski lift 21. *Day before Independence Day 22. Quilting party
23. Sherlock Holmes’ confidant 26. Formal dinner 30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. Sextet plus one 34. Cancel 35. Holey confection 37. Electric swimmer 38. Frame job 39. Comparison word 40. Type of deodorant 42. Skater’s field 43. *Like “America the Beautiful” skies 45. Covered with a ceiling 47. Tennis do-over 48. Surfer’s stops 50. Not guilty, e.g. 52. *Yankee Doodle’s feather
55. *”To Freedom!”, e.g. 56. Tel ____, Israel 57. BÈBÈ’s mother 59. Pseudonym 60. *Cup at a picnic 61. Do like exhaust pipe 62. Late George Wendt on “Cheers” 63. Give it a go 64. *Betsy of #18 Acrossrelated fame
DOWN
1. “He said, ____ said” 2. Russian left 3. Pomegranate seed 4. South African grasslands 5. Knight’s protection 6. Odd and unusual 7. Like ghostly howls
36. *Personification of the 8. *July 4th culinary U.S. (2 words) tradition 38. Show contempt 9. ____ 51 in Nevada 40. Decompose 10. Lecherous look 41. In eighth, book format 11. Dog tags 13. Felidae family member 44. “The Second Coming” poet 14. As a rule 46. Chemical cousin 19. Casper, e.g. 48. Relish 22. Cricket club 49. In an unfriendly manner 23. Measurement 50. Horseback sport 24. Hello, to Mr. 51. Bear’s hang-out Hand 52. Sail holder 25. Opposite of atonal 26. *Philadelphia’s Liberty 53. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” captain ____ 27. “____ death do us part” 54. Part of an eye 28. Draw out a conclusion 55. Sun kiss 58. “The Extra-Terrestrial”29. Drank too much inspired toys 32. Lowly laborer 33. What lintel and mantel © Statepoint Media have in common
Answers on 23 »
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 19
COMMUNITY CALENDAR make more room for everyone, trucks will be parked in the lot in front of the rec building. That means more room for lines, more room for dancing, and space to COUNTY FAIR AMATEUR WINEMAKING COMPETITION lay out your picnic blankets Entries due by July 23 For beginning of the month, due the 15th • For mid-month, due the 1st and chairs. Make the most The Santa Cruz County Fair Amateur Winemaking of this wide-open setup! Department is holding their annual Raise a Glass for a Cause: winemaking competition and all home Tuesdays PARENT/CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS On June 27, The SVEF Beer winemakers from Santa Cruz and & Wine Garden will be open 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Meeting EL MERCADO FARMERS MARKET surrounding counties are invited to and pouring all evening! Every sip supports Scotts Dr. Ramona Friedman of the Center for Child and 3-7 p.m., 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville enter. Valley public schools, with 100% of profits going Adolescent Mental Health in Soquel will be hosting El Mercado is a weekly farmers’ market promoting access Whether you make Pinot Noir, directly to educational programs. to fresh produce and wellness resources for Pajaro Valley a free Parent Drop-in Zoom session. Parents and Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Dogs on leashes are always welcome — bring the caregivers are invited to log on and ask questions families. a lesser-known variety, this is your whole crew! to Dr. Friedman about youth mental health issues, Due to construction at Ramsay Park, El Mercado has opportunity to have your wines blind tasted and evaluated We’re so excited to see familiar faces and new friends challenges, and ideas. by a panel of judges who will provide valuable feedback. moved to 61 Crestview Drive, Watsonville (in the lot behind Parent Drop-Ins are free, 1-hour sessions where parents as we keep the season rolling. Watsonville Health Center). All entries will be assigned placement from Gold to Follow @foodtrucksagogo on Instagram & Facebook More details Open through October, El Mercado features fresh produce, can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific Honorable Mention and ribbons will be awarded. at: foodtrucksagogo.com ready-to-eat foods, local artisans and monthly family events. mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with Enter online at santacruzcountyfair.com/2025-entry-guides. others facing similar challenges. El Mercado also offers health screenings, vaccine clinics, and Bottle submissions can be dropped off between July 1 – July 23. Saturdays Clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, There is no fee to enter. See the 2025 Entry Guide for more info. community resources in partnership with local nonprofits. SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE Funding for El Mercado was made possible by a grant from the depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and medication, experienced youth mental health experts, host each April 27-May 25 online: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. CAL FIRE IS HIRING session. See https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12190276 for details SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced in For more info, visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/ Second and Fourth Tuesdays thru August June that the California Department of Forestry and Fire parent-drop-in-soquel-ca/247794 First Saturdays TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERTS Protection (CAL FIRE) has launched a new recruitment CAPITOLA BEACH CLEANUP 6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Wharf Stage, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz website, JoinCALFIRE.com. This website serves as a Thursdays 9-10 a.m., Esplanade Park The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, one-stop destination for individuals eager to build a HAPPY HOUR Help preserve and maintain the coastal beauty of and the Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants welcome back Tuesday meaningful career with one of the nation’s premier fire 5-7 p.m., California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos Capitola. Join a beach cleanup every month at Esplanade Night Live at the and emergency response agencies. California Coffee in Redwood Village hosts an open mic Park. Santa Cruz Wharf. JoinCALFIRE.com gives applicants information about happy hour every week. Keep Capitola Salty is a grassroots movement dedicated Come to the the department’s diverse career paths: firefighting and to responsible efforts helping to maintain and preserve Wharf Stage every natural resource management, defensible space, aviation, the environment, scenic beauty and coastal recreational second Tuesday of Third Thursdays communications, human resources, land use planning, activities of Capitola. the month — plus SIP AND STROLL information technology, administrative support and more. 6-9 p.m. (check-in starts at 5 p.m.), Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old This movement is always looking for volunteers. Email shows on the CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over Dominion Court, Aptos KeepCapitolaSalty@gmail.com. fourth Tuesdays in June, July and August — for live the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time Come to the Seacliff Inn: Tapestry Collection by Hilton, for music and games. and 600 seasonal positions annually. Second Saturdays a Sip & Stroll event where local artists to show and sell Check out Wharf Business pop ups, including a game Visit JoinCALFIRE.com for more information their works. and photo booth by The Booth Biz. HISTORICAL AIRCRAFT DISPLAY Every Tuesday is Local’s Tuesday: get a stamp validation Wines are 30% off, and the featured winery will offer 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Watsonville Municipal Airport, 100 Aviation Way SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE SUMMER SCHEDULE tastings of three varietals for $10 per person. from any business on the Wharf and receive 2 hours of Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Santa Cruz Shakespeare, a nationally recognized Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine30-sip-strollDisplay every second Saturday. Admission is free. professional theatre free parking! Bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! company in Santa We can’t wait to see you at this series and thank you for tickets-668910307737 Second Sundays supporting local! Cruz County with Fridays (except First Friday of the Month) Experience concerts aboard Chardonnay Sailing – not SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST local roots that go back more than 40 years, has 8:30-11 a.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, announced their performance calendar for their 2025 the entire concert but a limited time as a part of the sailing LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY BRIDGE GROUP experience. Attend a concert on the wharf for a chance to 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Santa Cruz Summer and Fall festival. win a gift certificate to one of these sails! Come for bridge from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach The Market Street Senior Center warmly invites the comTickets are at santacruzshakespeare.org. Dates library. munity for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast every Performances will take place July 13 through Sept. 20 June 24 — Extra Large Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710. second Sunday, this month on June 8. in the Audrey Stanley Grove (The Grove) in Santa Cruz’s July 8 — The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin Indulge in a delicious array of scrambled eggs, sausage, DeLaveaga Park. Fourth* Fridays July 22 — Fish Hook hash browns, pancakes, coffee, tea or cocoa. The 2025 season theme is “No One is Alone”. August 12 — The Joint Chiefs FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Donation: Adults, $12; children, $6 Following two years of record-breaking ticket sales, the August 26 — Sweet VooDoo Inside seating is available, and To-Go orders are 5-8 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley 2025 festival will include four plays in rotating repertory: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ *September date is 3rd Friday welcomed. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the parks-recreation For information, visit www.marketstreetseniorcenter.org or call The Food Truck Friday season is rolling along in Scotts musical Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Valley. Join us at Skypark for an evening filled with flavor, (831) 423-6640. Lapine, Pericles by William Shakespeare and George Wilkins, Last Wednesdays of the Month live music, and all the fun that makes this community and “Master Harold” … and the boys by Athol Fugard. PV HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS tradition so special. DATED EVENTS COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS Free admission, and free parking at Skypark & Cavallero 6 p.m., Watsonville Community Hospital, 85 Nielson St. Friday July 4 bus station The Santa Cruz County Fair Board will meet most months Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, which oversees Special dates and times: Sept. 19 (third Friday-Start at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Heritage Building Watsonville Community Hospital, is holding monthly FIRECRACKER RUN 4:30 p.m.) • Oct. 24 (Start 4:30 p.m.). meetings on the last Wednesday of each month through at the fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Blvd., Watsonville. 8 a.m. – noon, Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St, Santa Cruz New Setup, More Space: To help protect the park and The 40th Annual Firecracker Run takes place Friday, July Upcoming Meetings: June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, and Oct. 2024, except Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 due to the holidays. 28; none in September. Dates in November and December 4, starting in Harvey West Park. The race have not yet been decided. consists of a 10K, 5K and a Kid’s 1K For agendas, posted 10 days early, see santacruzcountyfair.com Fun Run. Runners on the 10K will AN EVENING WITH JANE WIEDLIN OF THE GO-GO’S be treated to the challenging “Thrill Thursday July 17 of the Hill” in Pogonip Park before ONGOING EVENTS 6:30-10 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz topping out on the Spring Trail that Mondays Join Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s for an intimate in-conversation with the winds through the beautiful meadow BRIDGE CLUB Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, followed by Wiedlin performing with a next to UCSC before dropping down into 10:30 a.m.-Noon, 7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 handpicked ‘Super Group’ of Santa Cruz musicians, and a DJ dance party the neighborhoods then returning to Harvey West Park. The Aptos Branch Library hosts Bridge Club sessions on after that. 5K Runners will face a flat and fast course contained comMondays (except holidays). Tickets are $38 GA and $53 for VIP. More information at www.EventSantaCruz.com. pletely in the Harvey West Business Park Area. The 5K course Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County is stroller, ADA and wheelchair accessible. Everyone ends up Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Jane Wiedlin • Philadelphia Bourse 1988 back in Harvey West Park for music and awards. This year’s Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. race beneficiary is For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
20 / July 2025 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? E-mail info (no PDFs please) to info@cyber-times.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FAMILY FUN DAY 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road Celebrate Parks Month with a free event with booths, games, music, food and more.
For more information or sign up, visit Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run. The Firecracker run is organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruz FIrecracker10Kand5K
Saturday July 22
Scotts Valley 4th of July Boys & Girls Club, 5060 Scotts Valley Drive Enjoy the parade and flyover at 11 a.m. and have a ball at the Boys & Girls Club. There will be a Kid’s Zone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a post-parade party featuring live music by Anthony Arya & Band, a former contestant on “The Voice.” There will also be bounce houses, a beer garden and more.
MOUNTAIN GRASS UNIT AT FELTON MUSIC HALL 8 p.m., Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9 Bluegrass band Mountain Grass Unit, from Birmingham, Alabama, will perform at the Felton Music Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17. Hold onto your seats tight because these four young men can really play.
Sunday August 10
Sunday July 6 NORCAL CRUSHER CUP 8 a.m. check in, DeLaveaga Park, 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz Repack Racing presents the 2025 NorCal Crusher Cup on the trails in DeLaveaga Park. This race, for middle schoolers through adults, features a course with a great mix of fast hardpack with sections of more technical roots and rocks. The Delaveaga Park Crusher Cup will feature RDIF timing, Medals for the top 3 finishers in each class, prize money, and food trucks. For more information or to register visit https://crushercup.com/ crusher-%233-delaveaga. HOLY GHOST PARADE Begins at 9:30 a.m., Cedar St. and Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz The 97th Annual Holy Ghost Parade will start at the corner of Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue and go by Holy Cross Church, around mass at 10:30 a.m. The procession concludes at the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall (C.P.D.E.S.), where everyone will be served a traditional Portuguese sopas meal, followed by a bazaar, auction, music and dancing. For more information and to RSVP, go online at https://www. santacruzportuguesehall.org.
BIKE PURCHASE INCENTIVE PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS COUNTY-WIDE GO BIKE! PROGRAM AIMS TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO BIKE COMMUTING Applications for the GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program are now being accepted. GO Santa Cruz County, a program of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) that encourages commuters to seek alternative transportation, aims to encourage people to switch from driving to biking by providing equitable and affordable access to clean transportation options. GO BIKE! provides eligible applicants with vouchers ranging from $300 - $1,200. Incentives include $300 for a traditional (non-electric) bike, $800 for a standard e-bike, $1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike and a subsidized annual BCycle membership ($245 value). Vouchers are redeemed at the time of sale and purchase price will be reduced by the amount of the voucher. Learn more and apply at: gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike. To receive the voucher, applicants must complete a bicycle safety training facilitated online by local nonprofit Ecology Action. The safety training addresses the need for e-bike users to know the rules of the road and feel confident riding around town.
Santa Cruz’s booming craft beverage scene will also be heavily represented by breweries and cideries new and old. There will also be a wide array of foods from BBQ, Tacos, Brick oven pizza, and many vegetarian options. There will be classic cars to admire scattered about the Beer, Cider, merchandise vendors and two music stages. Friday July 11 Join the festivities once and you will always want to MASON JENNINGS AT FELTON MUSIC HALL return. So bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food, over 60 beers and ciders to taste 8 p.m. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9 Minneapolis songwriter Mason Jennings performs at the and so much more! Felton Music Hall. Tickets are $24. Doors open at 7 p.m. Visit https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-event/hop-n-barleybeer-festival/ for more info.
real-world experience, will explore the moment she knew her business needed a shift, the steps she took to reimagine her direction, and how she balanced risk with stability. The event will also be supporting the United Way Stuff the Bus Campaign. Attendees are encouraged to bring needed school supplies, make a monetary donation or bring a gift card. School supplies needed include pencil sharpeners, pocket calculators, yellow highlighters, backpacks (no red or blue), colored pencils (12 count), Crayons (8 or 24 count), 2-inch 3-ring binders, 3-ring wide-ruled binder paper, 12-inch rulers and more.
HOW TO MEDITATE 2-4 p.m., Cabrillo Campus, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (Horticulture 5001 — up on the hill) Learn how calm mind chatter for more clarity, patience, peace & performance at Meditation: Science, Spirituality, and Practice. Explore why meditation helps and how to employ this practical mindfulness strategy. Class will include specific methods to help make a meditation practice easy. Instructor Jeff Hotchkiss is the author of ‘Putting Wisdom to Work, Practical Mindfulness for Maximal Living’ 2nd Ed. Cost: $38. Register at 831-479-6331 or extension. cabrillo.edu. For more information or to stay informed about future classes — including free How to Meditate gatherings — send an email to: wisdom2work@gmail.com or text 831-854-7306.
Saturday August 17 Sunday August 18 SCOTTS VALLEY ART WINE AND BEER FESTIVAL 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 361 Kings Village Road Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, wine, and more! Don’t miss this summer favorite with free admission in Scotts Valley!
Wednesday August 20
SKILLICORN BBQ Begins 5 p.m., Padres Hall, 35 Browns Valley Road, Corralitios Chuck and Ramona Allen of Watsonville will be honored at this year’s Skillicorn BBQ with the “Friend of Scouting” Award. Saturday July 12 Wednesday July 16 Saturday July 19 For over six decades, the Skillicorn BBQ has been a ART & WINE IN THE GARDEN cornerstone of support for local Scouting in the Pajaro EVENING NETWORKING MIXER SUSTAIN FARM SUPPER 5:30 – 8 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Lake 5-7 p.m., Live Oak Community Center (next to Simpkins Swim 4-7:30 p.m., Homeless Garden Project’s Farm, Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz Valley. What began over 60 years ago as an annual Ave, Watsonville gathering of men at Crosetti Ranch to raise funds for Homeless Garden Project hosts the Sustain Supper, a Every day, BirchBark helps families facing devastating Center), 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz local Boy Scout troops quickly outgrew the space. The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an farm to table dinner, which choices by providing urgent The event, named after its second home at Skillicorn evening networking mixer to celebrate Parks & Recreation benefits the Project’s financial assistance for lifeRanch, eventually became the cherished family month at the Live Oak Community Center. employment and training saving veterinary care — and gathering we know today, held annually at the Padres Mingle with local professionals, community leaders, programs for individuals grief support when the worst Hall. and park and library supporters while enjoying light experiencing homelessness. happens. The Skillicorn BBQ is a vital fundraiser for the refreshments and exploring one of Santa Cruz’s newest The supper will be held on the Homeless Garden On July 12, the annual Art Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, directly benefiting community spaces. Project’s Natural Bridges organic farm, located at & Wine in the Garden event Kim Kasner Burnin’ The Live Oak Community Center offers a comfortable, Delaware Ave. and Shaffer Rd. Chef Katie Reicher, of the Scouting America programs in our area. This from 5:30-8 p.m. at Sierra Azul Love Art Studio — centrally located space now available for club meetings, Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, will prepare the includes Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Nursery and Gardens, 2660 E Wood-burned pet Exploring across Santa Cruz County. trainings, community classes, and more. Come see how gourmet meal using produce from the farm. Lake Ave, Watsonville, brings portraits and home this versatile venue can support your next gathering! Attendees will also enjoy a farm tour, drinks together artists, winemakers, décor, all hand-drawn Sunday August 24 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and (including special wine pairings) and live music, chefs, and supporters in a without lasers or celebrate the vital role our parks and libraries play in courtesy of the Quail Hollow Drifters, a trio playing MUSIC AT SKYPARK shared mission: keeping pets enriching our community. traditional Americana music. An engaging keynote and their people together when it matters most. 1:30-6 p.m. 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley about sustainability will be given by Manjula Martin, Tickets are $95 and can be found at www.birchbarkfoundation. Cost: $10 Chamber Members | $20 Non-Members The “Music at Skypark” concert series in Scotts Valley author of “The Last Fire Season,” a deeply incisive org/birchbark-events-collection/2025/7/12/art-and-wine. returns for its 14th season on the last Sundays of August Thursday July 17 inquiry into what it really means to live in relationship and September! to the elements of the natural world. WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL Kiwanis and local businesses will offer food, wine, beer 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos Tickets cost $195, benefit the Homeless Garden Project’s and other concessions for sale. programs and are available at www.homelessgarden Fishhook plays from 1:30-3 p.m., followed by Extra This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating Speaker Morgan Lukina, Managing Broker at David project.org. Large from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. n Lyng Real Estate, through honest reflection and fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide!
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grand Jury Releases Initial Reports
Targets Climate Action, Past Commitments, and Policing
T
By Jon Chown
he 2024–25 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury has been releasing its findings, spaced out over several weeks, with the first three reports addressing the county’s action on the climate crisis; actions taken in response to the 2022–23 Grand Jury findings; and the Watsonville Police Department’s use of handcuffs. Santa Cruz County’s civil grand jury is a one-year, 19-member panel of citizens that acts as an independent watchdog over all local government operations. It reviews alleged misconduct, waste, abuse or fraud and issues a final public report with recommendations. The grand jury process is mandated by California’s 1849 Constitution and was adopted in every county after statehood. Any eligible citizen can apply; 30 are chosen, and the final 19 are picked at random from those 30.
Little Action on Climate
The first report, Climate Action Demands Outreach: County staff alone cannot meet our County’s climate goals, reviews Santa Cruz County’s efforts to reach specific climate goals set by Sacramento. The report is critical of the county’s outreach efforts. “The County has responded with proposed written actions … but making a meaningful dent in those goals requires citizen cooperation. The County has conducted minimal to no outreach to the community and has failed to achieve widespread citizen engagement in the effort to mitigate climate change,” the report states. In 2022, the county updated its Climate Action Plan in response to legislation passed in Sacramento, collectively known as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, or CAAP. The CAAP notes that tailpipe emissions account for nearly 65% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing these is key. That is done by increasing the use of public transportation for long commutes and walking or bicycling for short trips. The grand jury investigated the county’s attempts to persuade the public to use more buses or walk and bike. Members visited public events, such as the Santa Cruz County Fair and the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, as well as formal county meetings where climate
change action was on the agenda. They were not impressed. Two agencies are primarily responsible for the county’s climate response. One is the Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, which is tasked with breaking down strategies into action items, monitoring progress across departments and reporting to the Board of Supervisors. The second is the Commission on the Environment, which meets six times a year and reports to the supervisors. The grand jury noted that with tailpipe emissions accounting for more than half of all greenhouse gas emissions, the only way to meet the county’s CAAP goals is to significantly reduce those emissions — and that means convincing the public to make real changes. Low-cost methods of outreach might include: • Public service announcements on TV or radio • Fact sheets on the County’s official Facebook page and social media • Flyers included in mailed utility or property tax bills • A booth at the County Fair • Leafleting at tourist events “‘Everybody knows’ drunk driving is dangerous, yet we still mount campaigns to raise awareness. ‘Everybody knows’ that wood houses burn down in fires, yet fire departments still develop websites about fire-wise landscaping. And ‘everybody knows’ that gasoline-fueled cars emit pollutants. Unfortunately, to date, the County has no public campaign to directly address this largest pollutant source in the county,” the report concludes. Among the findings: It was not clearly defined which agency was responsible for outreach, and the staff coordinating CAAPrelated efforts did not believe it was part of
22 / July 2025 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
their role. The grand jury recommended the Board of Supervisors assign an office to lead public outreach, and that the public be informed any time money or staff time is spent on climate-related efforts.
Keeping Commitments
The second report, Honoring Commitments to the Public, examined local government responses to the 2022–23 Grand Jury’s recommendations and found that, overall, commitments have been kept. Of the 25 recommendations made in 2022–23, 22 were addressed adequately, two are in progress and one will not be implemented due to cost. For example, the 2022–23 report noted the county had no cybersecurity plan. The Board of Supervisors approved one in March 2024. Several cities, including Santa Cruz and Watsonville, also acted on cybersecurity recommendations. Another report that year addressed the safety of inmates with mental illness at the county jail. Its recommendations were largely followed. The Blaine Street Women’s Facility, which houses nonviolent inmates, was reopened, and the Public Defender’s Office received more funding for anti-recidivism programs. However, the Sheriff’s Office did not commission a study to determine the most effective use of the county’s three jails, as recommended. Although the county issued a request for proposals, it decided the cost was too high. All of the jury’s recommendations in its report Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health were followed. In its report Code Compliance Division — Out of Compliance, all recommendations were either followed or are in progress. That includes a recommendation that “policies and procedures manuals for the Planning Department and
Code Compliance Department should be completely reviewed, updated … and digitized” by 2023. According to the report, that task is still in progress and won’t be completed until 2026. The jury concluded that the county had made “outstanding” progress. “When the agencies accept the recommendations, follow through and meet their expressed commitments, our community benefits from increased government transparency and accountability,” the report states.
Watsonville Policing Criticized
The third report, Handcuffing and Transport: Can Watsonville Police Reduce Trauma?, is critical of the Watsonville Police Department’s higher-than-average rate of using handcuffs during arrests and transport. “Being handcuffed and taken to the police station, especially for a minor infraction, is a traumatic event,” the report states. The issue, according to the report, is that handcuffing causes unnecessary trauma, erodes trust in the police and increases fear during routine traffic stops. Yet the only safe way to transport a person in a police car is typically to handcuff them. The report acknowledges that Watsonville’s higher crime rate — including robberies and gang shootings — puts officers on heightened alert, which can lead to more aggressive decisions about restraints. Still, the jury found that Watsonville police overuse handcuffing and transport misdemeanor violators at a much higher rate than other departments. Watsonville also conducts more breath tests at police headquarters rather than in the field, leading to more transports. The jury also noted that Watsonville police officers tend to have less experience, likely due to lower pay, and could benefit from more training in de-escalation techniques. It recommended raising salaries to help retain experienced officers. “Implementing these suggestions could lead to fewer trips to the police station and greatly reduce the trauma suffered by both the detainees and members of the community,” the report states. n
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SCCAS Featured Pet
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Art by Katie Simpson
Art by Priscilla Martinez
The Old General
uddy (A321317) is a neutered male, brown and white Horse and Quarter Horse and arrived at the Santa Cruz shelter on May 21. The staff think he’s around 20 years old. Buddy was brought to the shelter after his owner passed away when family members could not take over his care. Buddy has not been ridden in quite a few years, but previously did some roping work. He was most recently kept on a 1.5-acre pasture with access to a pen and barn stall with no other horses or pets. He is a bit shy of new people and his new situation. We’re hoping to find Buddy a stable home as a companion, where he’ll be managed with patience and plenty of love. ••• The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events. All adoptions are first come, first served. ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 • Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Arrive before 4 p.m. for “meet and greet”) 580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, 95076 • Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. – noon; 1–5 p.m. (Closed Sun/Mon) Website: www.scanimalshelter.org SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us
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Priscilla Martinez is a Latina artist and illustrator, born and raised in Watsonville. She began painting murals as a senior at Watsonville High. After graduation, her passion for the arts brought her to Cabrillo College, where she took art classes while also working full-time. Over the years, she has developed as a professional artist and has produced a recognized body of work in Watsonville. She created the official Watsonville Strawberry Festival Poster for seven consecutive years, as well as numerous posters and murals for local merchants, service organizations, schools and public agencies. In 2018, her design was selected for Monterey County’s first Official Government Flag. Additionally, she has shown her work
at Pajaro Valley Art Gallery and created art for two utility boxes on Main Street in Watsonville. Priscilla’s work is inspired by her culture, community, music, and the beauty of the land around her. She often uses bright bold colors and illustrations in the style of Mexican traditions to integrate in her art pieces. Her goal is to create pieces that are attractive, captivating, and tell a story. Through the Spotlight Award, the County Arts Commission publicly recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work, but who have not received widespread acknowledgment of their talent. This annual award recognizes younger artists as well as those who are discovering their artistic voice later in life. n For info, visit parks.santacruzcountyca.gov.
“Spotlight Artists” from page 15
“Henry Cowell” from page 6 “There are no other avenues to replace that income,” she said. “We just have to wait until the winter season.” The campground is seasonal, operating from April 1 through Oct. 31 annually. Due to the current project timeline, the campground is now scheduled to reopen April 1, 2026, for the start of the camping season. The project was initially scheduled during the non-operational period, with an anticipated completion date prior to the April 1, 2025, opening to minimize impacts to recreational opportunities. State Parks previously canceled reservations from April 1-July 31 due to delays caused, in large part, by supply chain challenges. Not all local businesses are suffering, though. The closure might actually bring
“John Robbins” from page 16
Fourth of July © Statepoint Media
“John Robbins was not only my father but also my greatest mentor, dearest friend and a boundless source of inspiration,” said Ocean Robbins. “His wisdom, courage and profound love for his family and for this world touched countless lives. Even as I grieve, I feel immense gratitude for every moment spent walking the path of life with him, for his unwavering dedication to showing us the transformative power of food and for the legacy of justice and compassion
more business to the RV parks and private campgrounds that surround the park. Kirsten Barney, office receptionist at Smithwoods RV Park, located right near the entrance to Henry Cowell, said the park had gotten quite a few people calling them looking for openings. “We have a had little extra traffic from it,” Barney said. “We’ve gotten quite a few people coming in, so it may have helped a little for people who haven’t heard of our park before.” n ••• The Parks Department says that should the campground reopen earlier than anticipated, guests will be notified by email with an opportunity to book new reservations. For assistance with cancellations or refunds, visitors are encouraged to contact the ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center at 1-800-444-7275.
he leaves behind. Now, it is up to all of us to carry that light forward.” Robbins is survived by his wife, Deo; his son, Ocean; family member Teresa; grandchildren River and Bodhi; his daughterin-love, Phoenix; and his sisters, Erin and Marsha. Memorial information, if applicable, will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Food Revolution Alliance at foodrevolutionalliance.org, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to continuing Robbins’s mission of changing the way the world eats. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / July 2025 / 23
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